Department of Energy Awards More Than $48 Million to Michigan and Iowa for Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded more than $16 million to Iowa and $32 million to Michigan in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded more than $16 million to Iowa and $32 million to Michigan in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Under DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Recovery Act appropriated $3.1 billion to the SEP, giving priority to achieving energy independence while helping to stimulate local economies.
With $16 million, Iowa plans to expand the Building Energy Smart Iowa Program under the Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI). The program is focused on increasing energy efficiency. Iowa’s plan provides for workforce training and public information projects, with the goal of increasing the state’s capacity for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. Iowa plans to make grants of up to $100,000 to public, private and non-profit entities for energy training across the state.
With $32 million, Michigan plans to focus its SEP funding on four overarching, three-year goals: reducing energy consumption in public buildings by 20 percent by 2012, establishing green communities, creating markets for renewable energy systems, and creating sustainable jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. These goals are designed to stimulate local and state economies and create jobs. Recovery Act funds will be administered by Michigan's Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
Additionally, initial Recovery Act funds will be devoted to implementing energy efficiency in the private sector. The state will work with two major utilities to conduct onsite energy audits in 500 homes and businesses. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth will partner with the electric utilities and Michigan's Weatherization Program to gather and analyze data on energy conservation measures in buildings and energy efficiency in homes.
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