Neil's Notebook More Hawaii energy projects receive federal economic recovery funding
September 24, 2009
The U.S. Energy and Agriculture departments have announced that Hawaii will be receiving funding to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while helping to fuel the nation's economic recovery.
The announcements were made September 24, 2009 through the following two news releases from the respective departments:
Obama Administration Delivers More than $106 Million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects in nine States, including Hawaii
Washington, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that more than $106 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to nine states to support energy efficiency and conservation activities. Under DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states will implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally.
“This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level,” said Secretary Chu. “It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have - energy efficiency and conservation - which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals.”
States receiving funding today include: Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.
Today’s awards to the State Energy Offices will be used to support state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties. At least 60 percent of each state’s award will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct EECBG awards from the Department of Energy. The EECBG Program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and provides formula grants to states, cities, counties, territories and federally-recognized Indian tribes nationwide to implement energy efficiency projects locally.
Projects eligible for support include the development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.
Hawaii's funding Hawaii is receiving $9,593,500 today. The state will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to enhance energy efficiency in the buildings sector and deploy renewable energy technologies in state buildings. Projects funded with today's award will lead to substantial energy and cost savings, increase Hawaii's energy security, and reduce fossil fuel emissions, while creating green jobs statewide.
Specifically, Hawaii will focus on bringing the state's existing building portfolio up to Energy Star standards. The Energy Star buildings program, established by EPA, tracks buildings’ energy efficiency performance and energy use per sq. foot against a national standard. Buildings are recognized as meeting Energy Star standards if they are in the top 25 percent of building performance. Nationally the buildings sector accounts for approximately 70 percent of energy use, so the state expects this effort will substantially reduce its energy consumption. Recovery Act funding will also be used to install photovoltaic solar energy systems on state office buildings in downtown Honolulu.
Oversight of the program Transparency and accountability are important priorities for the EECBG program and all Recovery Act projects. All grantees have specific measures they must take before spending the full amount of awarded funding, such as ensuring oversight and transparency, submitting a conservation strategy to the Department of Energy, and complying with environmental regulations.
Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and tribal level, while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies. Communities will be required to report regularly to DOE on the progress they have made toward successfully completing projects and reaching program goals.
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AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES $62.5 MILLION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOANS AND GRANTS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the department is providing $62.5 million in loans and grants for 705 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 45 states and Puerto Rico under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), an important initiative to help rebuild and revitalize rural America.
“President Obama and I are committed to helping rural businesses become more energy efficient – it’s good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for the workers and customers who depend on the goods and services these businesses provide,” Vilsack said. “While the REAP grants will continue to provide an important jump start to a clean, renewable energy future, Congress must act to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to create the green jobs our economy needs and get our nation on the path to being truly energy independent.”
Three Hawaii businesses are among the recipients:
Dean Wilhelm dba Kapunawaiola – $19,395
Hirako Farms, Inc. – $18,375
Kona Natural Soap Company, LLC – $7,538
Renewable energy funding from USDA has helped many rural businesses. For example, Meadowbrook Acres Inc. of Milton, Vt., used a $4,148 USDA grant to install a reverse osmosis system in fall 2007. The system has been operating well and has already saved Meadowbrook 3,884 gallons of fuel oil while producing 1,011 gallons of maple syrup. A reverse osmosis system takes water out of the maple sap, which reduces boiling time during the syrup production.
For this round of funding, USDA has selected Michael Satterstrom, in Cottage Grove, Ore., for a $13,380 grant to install a solar photovoltaic system at his farm. The system will generate 8,400 kilowatts of electricity and reduce the farm’s energy usage by nearly 60 percent annually.
In Newton, Kan., WK Real Estate LLC has been selected for a $3,670 grant to install new energy efficient lighting. This project highlights the fact that replacing existing lighting with energy efficient lighting is one of the easiest measures businesses can take to reduce their utility bills. Rural Development’s grant will enable WK Real Estate to lower its electric bill by more than 50 percent.
REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html. Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.
