Nelson: Stimulus Bill Sends Millions To Nebraska For Energy

Press Release

Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson said today that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is sending more than $72 million to Nebraska today for renewable energy, energy efficiency and weatherization improvements as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"These crucial funds Nebraska receives today will help stimulate our economy and address our long term energy needs and energy security," said Senator Nelson. "This grant will allow low-income families to save on their energy bills and for renewable energy projects to advance."

The Department of Energy today is sending $30,910,000 to Nebraska for its State Energy Program work in Nebraska. Nebraska will receive another $41,644,458 for the Weatherization Assistance Program, Nelson said.

The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to reduce energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32 percent and overall energy bills by $350 per year, according to the Department of Energy. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.

The State Energy Program (SEP) provides grants to the states to design and carry out their own renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
Funding from the State Energy Program goes to state energy offices in all states and U.S. territories. SEP projects are managed by state energy offices. DOE provides quick turn-around technical assistance to state and local officials to help them with their renewable energy and energy efficiency programs through the Technical Assistance 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 to go 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 for more information.

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