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July 10, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska will receive more than $12 million to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funds represent 40% of the total $30 million Nebraska will receive as part of the Energy Department’s State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“Making this investment will help the economy of Nebraska,” said Nelson. “These stimulus funds will not only create jobs, but will also help create clean renewable energy that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help the country to become energy independent.”
According to the Energy Department, Nebraska will implement several programs using Recovery Act SEP funding to improve energy efficiency and advance renewable energy within the state. The Nebraska State Energy Program will reduce energy consumption, increase energy security and create jobs through incentives for energy efficiency measures in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, and by providing consumer information on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Programs for the commercial and industrial sector will target large energy users and provide financial assistance through low-interest loans. The state will also increase energy efficiency in residential and commercial sectors by updating and enforcing building energy codes and expanding energy efficiency training.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive the remaining 50% of funding, or $15 million, for a total of over $30 million for the entire program. Nebraska has already received the initial 10% of funding, roughly $3 million, to support planning activities for the project.
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.
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