$2.8 Million in ARRA Funding For Energy Efficiency Programs In Newark

Funding, distributed through program created by Menendez, will support Newark’s comprehensive Climate Prosperity Initiative

October 16, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker today announced $2,836,300 for the City of Newark through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which Senator Menendez created in Congress in 2007. The funding will bolster the city’s successful Climate Prosperity Initiative.

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This energy efficiency program will distribute a total of $73 million to New Jersey cities, towns and counties with federal funding made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It supports municipal energy-saving initiatives and improves energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors.

“New Jersey’s largest city has helped lead the state in cutting energy costs, reducing energy consumption and creating jobs through energy efficiency,” said Senator Menendez. “This is the type of activity that not only helps spur an economic recovery but also lays the foundation for economic security in the 21st Century. An energy efficient city is one that saves taxpayers money and helps clean the air we breathe. That is where Newark is headed, and I am proud to have created this program to support local governments these efforts.”

“Every day Newark is becoming a ‘greener and cleaner’ model of urban transformation, and thanks to the leadership of Senator Menendez and further support received through this Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, Newark will harness the opportunities within the climate change challenge and expand its Climate Prosperity Initiative,” said Mayor Booker. “The funds will be used to realize financial and environmental savings which will support the long term sustainability of our city and our nation. Specifically, Newark will create a Climate Prosperity Plan to strategically guide our City wide carbon reduction efforts; as well as retrofit municipal buildings and install energy efficient building management technologies. A portion of the funding will be used to connect residents and businesses to available energy efficiency cost savings programs and support the greening of our neighborhoods.”

Buildings account for over 60% of the City’s carbon footprint, and making them more energy efficient will create green jobs, lead to long term savings and support our local economy.

The City has already partnered with the NJ Clean Energy Program, its public utility PSE&G, its local weatherization providers and faith based organizations. Working with partners, the City has distributed over 11,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs along with information connecting residents to assistance; held fairs with on-site weatherization eligibility screening; and increased publicity about available cost saving assistance programs. The City and partners are also conducting targeted outreach to the commercial sector.

Source: Senator Robert Menendez