Obama Administration Awards nearly $17 Million for Oregon’s State Energy Program

Funding Will Speed Adoption of Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies for Oregon

In advance of the House vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, the President weighed in heavily for passage. Photo: White House, Pete Souza

(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $16.8 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Oregon.

Under DOE’s State Energy Program, Oregon proposed a statewide plan that prioritizes energy savings, creates or retains jobs, increases the use of renewable energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," said Secretary Chu. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."

"Oregon has been a national leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy development. These Recovery Act funds help us to continue making these important investments," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "This funding has the potential to have a profound impact on communities across our state and allow Oregon to further develop a clean energy economy."

Secretary Chu today announced a total of more than $96 million for State Energy Programs in 4 states: Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia. Each of the states is receiving 40 percent of their total State Energy Program (SEP) funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

With today's announcement, Oregon will now have received 50 percent of its total Recovery Act SEP funding. The initial 10% of total funding was previously available to support planning activities; the remaining 50% of funds will be released once it meets reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $21 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $42 million.

Oregon will use funding from the Recovery Act to fund energy efficiency improvements, develop renewable energy resources, and ensure environmental protections through the established State Energy Program. The state will focus on public buildings to most effectively use its existing expertise and programs, while also providing an opportunity for government to take a leadership role in demonstrating innovations in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

Under the Recovery Act, DOE expanded the types of activities eligible for State Energy Program funding, which include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act appropriated $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program to help achieve national energy independence goals and promote local economic recovery. States use these grants at the state and local level to create green jobs, address state energy priorities, and adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Transparency and accountability are important priorities for SEP and all Recovery Act projects. Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and national level, while emphasizing with states the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.