Congressman Cohen Announces More than $7 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Memphis and Shelby Coun
“These monies will fund projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency nationwide,” said Congressman Cohen. “Most importantly, this will continue to create and save jobs in the 9th District. I was proud to support and vote for the recovery bill, and I’m thankful that the Obama Administration continues to work hard to put our money to work quickly creating new jobs, greening our cities and lifting us from this economic morass.”
The funding will support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. Other activities eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, projects to reduce and capture methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy efficient traffic signals and street lights, deployment of Combined Heat and Power and district heating and cooling systems, and others.
“These investments will save taxpayer dollars and create jobs in communities around the country,” said Vice President Joe Biden in a statement. “Local leaders will have the flexibility in how they put these resources to work – but we will hold them accountable for making the investments quickly and wisely to spur the local economy and cut energy use.”
To ensure accountability, the Department of Energy will provide guidance to and require grant recipients to report on the number of jobs created or retained, energy saved, renewable energy capacity installed, greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and funds leveraged. Funding is based on a formula that accounts for population and energy use.
“The Block Grants are a major investment in energy solutions that will strengthen America’s economy and create jobs at the local level,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. “The funding will be used for the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have – energy efficiency and conservation – which can be deployed immediately. The grants also empower local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation’s long term clean energy and climate goals.”
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265