FEINGOLD BACKS PROGRAM TO HELP COMMUNITIES TAKE
ON ENERGY CHALLENGES
Wisconsin Mayors Also Voice Support for New Grant Program Helping
Communities
March 21, 2008
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is supporting an
effort to fully fund a new grant program to help local communities put
in place energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Feingold is
part of a bipartisan group of senators pushing for full funding of the
new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which helps
local communities implement their strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions,
reduce total energy use, and improve energy efficiency. In a letter
to senate appropriators, the senators called the grant program exactly
what local officials throughout the U.S. have been urging Congress to
embrace.
“Our country desperately needs to find ways to address climate
change and our dependence on oil,” Feingold said. “This
program is a big help to communities trying to take on these great challenges
we face as a nation. Congress should support them in their efforts to
improve energy efficiency and pursue renewable energy sources.”
“This program gives local government the opportunity and flexibility
to achieve real gains in energy efficiency, enhanced conservation strategies,
and the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and total energy use that
can be replicated through best practices throughout the country. The
City of Green Bay has seen proven success in these areas through our
Sustainable Greater Green Bay Task Force, and funding through the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will bring a tremendous additional
return on investment,” said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.
"Senator Feingold's plan is good for the environment and good
for the bottom line," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "Becoming
more energy efficient will reduce our reliance on foreign oil, while
also reducing energy costs at a time of tight budgets. Full funding
of this program will enable our community to significantly expand its
efforts to become more efficient and sustainable."
During debate of the comprehensive 2007 energy bill, Feingold worked
to improve the new program to ensure it supports environmentally sustainable
solutions and maximizes benefits for local and regional communities.
The grants provided by the program can be used for a variety of purposes
as determined by local officials more familiar with the energy needs
of their communities. Possible uses include developing and implementing
efficient energy and conservation strategies, conserving energy used
in transportation, updating building codes, and installing renewable
energy technology on or in government facilities. The program is results-oriented,
with recipients reporting each year on their energy efficiency gains.
As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Feingold has been a strong
supporter of efforts to fully fund programs to increase energy efficiency
and promote renewable energy. Feingold has also supported extending
clean energy tax incentives as a way to encourage the growth of “green
jobs.” Last month, Feingold was part of an effort to fully fund
this program as part of the Green Collar Job Initiative to support renewable
energy and advanced technology policies.
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