Monday, July 27, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District announced that Nevada is one of four states receiving funding today for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Nevada is getting $13.8 million to fund a series of clean energy initiatives. 

“When it comes to a clean energy economy, Nevada has the potential to be a leader in the West by combining energy efficiency with our abundant renewable energy sources,” Congresswoman Titus said.  “The funding through the recovery act will help us take the next steps to create clean energy jobs that cannot be outsourced, put people back to work, and help aid in our economic recovery.”

Nevada will use the recovery funds for the creation of a new revolving loan fund, building retrofits, and transportation upgrades among other clean energy initiatives.  The revolving loan fund will support community-scale and utility-scale renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and conservation projects, and energy saving performance contracting throughout the state.  This financial mechanism will create a sustainable program that will provide loans for years to come, helping Nevada promote energy independence while protecting the state’s environment.

Nevada also plans to implement energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings and K-12 schools across the state.  Funds will be invested in LED lighting, lighting control, window performance technologies, and renewable energy technologies to reduce energy costs and consumption in these buildings.  Nevada will also use its funds to create an energy efficient traffic signals and street lights program.  This program forms a partnership among the Nevada State Energy Office, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Commissions, and the Nevada Department of Public Safety, to install energy-efficient LED traffic signals and street lights throughout the state, giving priority to high accident rate intersections.  This funding will significantly reduce energy consumption and improve safety through greater visibility.  Funding will also be provided for the adoption and implementation of the 2009 Residential and Commercial Building Codes.

The Department of Energy is sending more than $54 million to Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.  The $13,885,600 for Nevada represents 40 percent of the state’s total funding authorized for the State Energy Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The initial 10 percent of total funding was previously available to support planning activities and the remaining 50 percent of funds will be released once the state meets reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the recovery act.  After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Nevada will receive more than $17 million in additional funding, for a total of nearly $35 million.

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Tags: economy, energy, Recovery and Reinvestment Act