WASHINGTON (March 12, 2009) – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) applauded the Administration’s announcement today that the State of Maryland will receive $113 million in weatherization and energy efficiency funding – including $61,441,745 for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $51,772,000 for the State Energy Program. This is part of a nationwide investment announced today of nearly $8 billion under the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“This funding represents a significant investment that will benefit the Weatherization and Energy Efficiency programs in the State of Maryland and nationwide,” stated Rep. Hoyer. “Investments like these will help our economy by putting people back to work, lowering energy costs for consumers, and placing our country on the path to energy independence.”
The funding allocated through the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program will support weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, which will pay for itself many times over. In addition, it allows low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient, reducing heating bills by an average of 32% and overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year.
The State Energy Program funding is available for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency programs, including rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; as well as other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.
“This energy efficiency funding for states will put Americans to work doing work that needs doing,” Vice President Biden said. “It represents an important investment in making America energy independent, creating a clean energy economy and growing the 21st Century jobs that can’t be outsourced.”
“Even as we seize the enormous potential of clean energy sources like wind and solar, the American recovery and Reinvestment Act makes a major investment in energy efficiency, which is the most cost effective route to energy independence,” Energy Secretary Chu said.
Source: Rep. Hoyer's Office