Members of Congressional Delegation Announce $20 Million in Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grants for Arkansas

Press Release

Members of Congressional Delegation Announce $20 Million in Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grants for Arkansas

Federal Funds Provided by Economic Recovery Bill

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced Arkansas will receive $20,117,400 for energy efficiency and conservation projects through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The funds were made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will provide formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency statewide.

"Reducing our dependence on foreign oil and investing in green energy projects is critical to making our nation stronger. With these funds, Arkansas will be able to play a significant role in transitioning to a new energy economy. These funds are exactly the kind of priorities the economic recovery bill should provide, and I am proud they are making their way to our state to strengthen our communities," said Lincoln.

"Investments in energy efficient technologies will save Arkansans money as well as create new green collar jobs" said Pryor. "These funds are another example of how the economic recovery package will help us regain our economic footing and pave the way forward for long-term growth and sustainability."

"By reducing our dependence on foreign oil and increasing our energy efficiency, we save money and make our country more secure," said Berry. "Also, by investing in more alternative and renewable sources of energy, we create jobs and strengthen our economy, which is a win-win for everyone."

"Emphasizing a community-based approach to help the nation meet its conservation and energy goals is a great investment towards making our country more independent and secure," said Snyder. "Perhaps incrementally in Arkansas, with large and small communities doing their part, we can all move forward to improve energy efficiency and conservation across this great land."

"Making our country more energy independent is both a national security and economic issue," said Ross. "We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil by making our nation more energy efficient and by investing in alternative and renewable sources of energy. I am proud to help announce these public investments in Arkansas because they will create green, sustainable jobs in the short term and help save money in the long term."

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