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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that the State of Indiana will receive $27,448,400 in stimulus funds from the State Energy Program (SEP) to create green jobs, improve energy efficiency, and expand renewable energy.
“The State Energy Program addresses two critical issues: job creation and the energy crisis,” said Visclosky. “As the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, I worked hard to ensure the program’s inclusion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds will help Northwest Indiana and the state create much-needed jobs as we improve our energy efficiency, deploy new renewable energy sources, and combat the energy crisis head on.”
Indiana will utilize its SEP Recovery funding to implement several energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state with a focus on saving and creating jobs, quickly completing projects, positive environmental impacts, measurable energy efficiency savings, and diversifying statewide energy sources. The funding will support a competitive loan program to promote energy efficiency in the commercial, industrial, and manufacturing sectors in the state for the implementation of energy efficient technologies such as lighting, controls and sensors, insulation, and appliances. Additionally, funds may be used to support training programs and public energy outreach and education campaigns that will provide information to consumers on the importance of energy conservation as well as tips on how to reduce their energy consumption.
The SEP is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. SEP distributes grants to the states so they can develop cost-shared energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that meet their unique energy needs and are consistent with national energy goals. Consistent with the goal of the Recovery Act, SEP Recovery funding is intended to support efforts that save energy, create or retain jobs, increase energy generation from renewable resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A DOE study anticipates that the $3.1 billion in nationwide SEP funding from the Recovery Act will save government, businesses, and consumers $22.3 billion and 3,400 trillion Btu. |
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