U.S. Department of Energy Approves 16 State Energy Spending Plans as Part of Stimulus...

U.S. Department of Energy Approves 16 State Energy Spending Plans as Part of
Stimulus Push, Long-Range Investment

-- $508 Million for Those 16 States Now

-- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Stimulus Projects

-- 39 More State, Territory Energy Program Plans Under Review by DOE

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30 /USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy has
approved 16 State Energy Program spending plans authorized as part of the
federal economic stimulus package signed into law in February. With the
approval of these plans, 16 of the nation's State Energy Offices are receiving
$508 million, representing 50% of full program funding. Remaining funding
will come as states implement their programs and deliver results.

The 16 state plans approved so far include: Arizona, California, Connecticut,
Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire,
North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and Washington.

DOE continues to review State Energy Program spending plans from 39 other
states and U.S. territories. Action on the plans is expected by the end of
July.

These energy stimulus plans fulfill state obligations under the federal State
Energy Program, one of a number of stimulus-funded programs operated by the 56
State and Territory Energy Offices. Total stimulus funding for the State
Energy Program is $3.1 billion.

The State Energy Program is a key part of the Obama Administration's national
strategy to support green job growth, while making an historic investment in
economically viable clean energy projects.

"This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help put
Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," said DOE
Secretary Steven Chu. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state
and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while
insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."

To learn more about funding plans and programs in each state, contact specific
State Energy Offices. A complete list of State Energy Offices is accessible
at http://naseo.org/members/states.

The National Association of State Energy Officials, based in Alexandria, VA,
represents the State and Territory Energy Offices. NASEO members, typically
designated by governors, are leading state efforts to direct, invest and
manage energy spending to maximize energy savings, private sector cost-share,
and economic benefits, including jobs. The energy offices manage more than $3
billion of state funds annually in addition to the federal stimulus funding.

Other federal energy spending under the stimulus plan includes $3.2 billion
for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which is
directed to about 1,700 cities, counties, local governments and states, and
510 tribes; $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps
low-income people reduce their energy bills by making homes more energy
efficient; $4.4 billion for utilities and others involved in development of a
national "smart grid" for electricity transmission, delivery and use; and $300
million for Energy Star appliance rebates to consumers.

About NASEO

NASEO members lead America's State and Territory Energy Offices, which build
on the unique resources of their states and regions to advance key energy
goals, including:

-- Improving energy efficiency in homes, commercial buildings, industry
and
agriculture;
-- Opening markets for renewable energy, such as solar, wind, geothermal
and biofuels;
-- Promoting sound residential, commercial and institutional energy
building codes;
-- Transforming transportation by advancing biofuels, plug-in hybrids and
other alternative fuels and vehicles;
-- Delivering cost-effective and verifiable greenhouse gas emissions
savings;
-- Developing and testing creative clean energy financing mechanisms
(such
as revolving loan funds), policies and market transformation programs;
-- Supporting state research institution innovation of cutting-edge
energy
technologies; and
-- Enhancing energy assurance and energy emergency preparedness.

The State Energy Program has proven effective at both reducing energy
consumption and attracting state and private capital investment. According to
a 2005 report by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, each $1 of SEP federal
funds is associated with annual savings of 1.03 million source BTUs and a cost
savings of $7.22. Also, each $1 of SEP federal funds is typically leveraged
by $10.71 of state and private funds, making the federal money go much
further.

Public and private-sector energy organizations are welcome to join NASEO as
affiliate members. For more information, visit www.NASEO.org.

For more information contact:
Cary Brazeman, 310-205-3590
cary@thecorporatestoryteller.com

SOURCE National Association of State Energy Officials

Cary Brazeman, +1-310-205-3590, cary@thecorporatestoryteller.com