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Inslee announces $24.3 million for Washington State energy programs

June 24, 2009

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) today announced $24.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Washington State Energy Program.  The money came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which Inslee voted for on February 13, 2009.

“This money will support state energy programs, like those that help families and businesses around Washington state weatherize homes and buildings to save money on energy bills,” said Inslee, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  “Energy investments reap big rewards. I’m pleased to see the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act working as I had hoped for we wrote the bill.”

According to the Department of Energy, Washington will use Recovery Act funding to implement two major programs:

• The Community-Wide Urban Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Program, which will enhance financial and technical assistance programs by directing municipal, state, and federal funds, as well as electric and gas utility funding, toward greater energy efficiency improvements and home weatherization efforts
• The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Program Fund

These two programs, along with several more to promote clean energy policy and energy assessments in the agricultural sector, will result in significant job creation and energy savings across the state. 

With today's announcement, Washington state has now have received 50 percent of its total Recovery Act State Energy Program (SEP) funding. The initial 10% of total funding was previously available to support planning activities; the remaining 50% of funds will be released once Washington state meets the reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.   In the end, Washington state will receive a total of over $60 million for state energy programs.