U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Department of Energy has awarded a total of $3,516,700 to Orange County in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This money will help finance upgrades to buildings that will increase energy efficiency, reduce energy usage and costs, create local jobs and lower carbon pollution.
“There is nothing better than boosting the clean energy sector and creating jobs for New Yorkers all in one fell swoop,” said Schumer. “Programs like these are sensible and smart. They put our federal dollars into projects that help us use energy effectively and reduce pollution, all while putting people back to work in these tough economic times.”
“Investing in energy efficiency projects is smart and responsible. It saves taxpayer money, reduces pollution, and cuts dependence on foreign oil,” said Schumer. “While Americans are struggling to make ends meet and energy prices and pollution continue to soar, funding clean energy projects makes sense for Orange County and all of New York State.”
“As always, we appreciate the extraordinary efforts from Senator Schumer and the rest of our Congressional Delegation with help in obtaining these funds to assist in our efforts to increase efficiency throughout our County facilities” – County Executive Diana
The EECBG program will provide grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency in local communities and nationwide. Activities eligible for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.
Funding for the EECBG Program under the Recovery Act totals $3.2 billion, of which approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states, and Indian tribes nationwide. In addition, more than $400 million will be delivered through competitive grants.