Whitehouse: Rhode Island to Receive Over $10 Million in Federal Recovery Act Funds to Improve Energy Efficiency

September 15, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. - Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation today announced over $10 million in federal funding for Rhode Island to improve energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and create local clean energy jobs. The funding is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program established earlier this year by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which the delegation supported. To date, the State of Rhode Island has received over $31.6 million in energy funding under ARRA.

"This funding will help spur economic growth, create green jobs, and encourage the use of more energy efficient equipment that is better for the environment and will save Rhode Islanders money in the long run," said Reed.

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"A new clean energy economy beckons us - but we must invest today to create the jobs and build the infrastructure we'll need to reach it," said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "Investing in energy efficiency and conservation is one of the quickest and most cost effective ways to put people back to work and lower their energy bills at the same time."

"I am pleased that this federal funding will support our economic recovery by creating jobs and saving Rhode Islanders money. As a state with aging buildings, Rhode Island will see significant economic and environmental benefits for years to come," said Kennedy.

"Energy efficiency funding is a win-win for our state. We're creating jobs through programs that will provide cost savings to consumers while making vast improvements to health of our environment," said Langevin.

The following funds have been awarded:

•$9,593,500 - State of Rhode Island: Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
•$660,550 - City of Pawtucket

These funds can be used for a variety of programs, including energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

Source: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse