Governor Corzine Announces Release of $14.4 Million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds

Grants will be used to lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution and create green jobs

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy through its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, has released $14.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to New Jersey. The State will use the funds to implement programs and projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, expand renewable energy generation, decrease energy use, and improve energy efficiency at the state and local level. 

 "Through these ARRA funds, New Jersey will be making major investments in energy efficiency and conservation as well as expanding renewable generation," said Governor Corzine. "Energy infrastructure projects such as these will enhance our economy, generate ‘green' jobs, and create a more secure energy future for our state and our citizens." 

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will administer the funding and will pass along more than seventy percent to cities and counties that were not eligible for direct EECBG block grants. Local governments will be able to use these subgrants to cover the cost of improving the energy efficiency of existing municipal buildings. 

"The Governor, by obtaining these funds, is investing in programs and initiatives that are benefitting New Jersey," said Congressman Rush Holt, who worked to ensure that the Recovery Bill included sufficient funding for energy research and efficiency programs. "This funding will support the state's Energy Master Plan, providing counties and townships to become more energy efficient and create new clean energy jobs. This is a significant investment, and I know these funds will be used effectively." 

New Jersey will also use its EECBG funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at state facilities. These projects were selected after a competitive process and announced in August of this year.  Awards were made based on several criteria, including potential savings in energy costs, amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, number of jobs to be created, and ability to commit funds in a timely manner. The work at state facilities is expected to create over 200 green jobs. 

These Recovery Act-funded activities directly support the policies set forth by New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act and Governor's Corzine's Energy Master Plan, which includes a goal to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020 and increase the amount of renewable energy to 30 percent of energy consumption by 2020. 

 "With the groundwork laid by Governor Corzine's comprehensive Energy Master Plan, New Jersey is ready to use these federal funds to quickly to create jobs for our residents and expand our renewable energy and energy efficiency," said Jeanne M. Fox, President of the Board of Public Utilities. "These projects will save taxpayers money, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of our environment." 

In addition to New Jersey, states receiving funding include: Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

For a full list of awards to date, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website at www.eecbg.energy.gov. For additional information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.recovery.gov or the state's recovery website at www.nj.gov/recovery/ 

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