WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and Congressman Mark Critz today applauded the $4,100,018 in federal funding that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in Fayette County. The funding is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“This funding is great news for Fayette County and is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly America,” said Senator Casey. “With this support, communities can focus on what they can do to reduce their energy use and create good jobs for Pennsylvanians that will help increase energy efficiency.”
“I am pleased to see stimulus funding for clean energy programs going to Fayette County,” said Senator Specter. “Reducing energy use and encouraging energy efficiency will make for a more economically viable and environmentally friendly Commonwealth.”
“Improving energy efficiency reduces energy consumption and costs,” said Critz. “This federal grant will help our families and businesses save money, and is important for economic development in Fayette County.”
The goals of the grant are to significantly and permanently reduce energy consumption across multiple sectors in Fayette County; to provide opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Fayette County residents to enter energy efficiency careers paying family-sustaining, economy-stimulating wages and to demonstrate a replicable strategy for energy efficiency and conservation with a strong network of partners.
The funding is available through DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. EECBG grants provide funds for projects in local communities to help them improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions and create green jobs locally.
###
