The Department of Energy (DOE) announced the first recovery funds to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects would be granted to Michigan and Iowa.
Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Michigan will receive $32 million for four overarching, three-year goals: reducing energy consumption in public buildings by 20% by 2012, establish green communities, create markets for renewable energy systems, and create sustainable jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors.
The state also will work with two major utilities to conduct onsite energy audits in 500 homes and businesses.
Iowa will receive $16 million to expand the Building Energy Smart Iowa Program under the Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI). 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.
The funding announcements represents 40% of each state’s total under the State Energy Program. The initial 10% of total funding was available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50% of funds will be released when states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.
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