Senator Burris Announces Recovery Act Funding for Illinois State Energy Program

Funds to be Used for Energy Efficiency Projects and the Creation of Green Jobs

October 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senator Roland W. Burris today announced that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Department of Energy’s State Energy Program have been allocated to Illinois.

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The Department of Energy announced today that an additional $50 million is going to Illinois, which has now received a total of $101 million through the State Energy Program to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state, while spurring the creation of green jobs and the reduction of carbon pollution.

Illinois will improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy projects by directing this Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency retrofits and the biofuels industry. The state will provide grants to support new biomass and manufacturing capacity or retrofits to existing facilities that will help reduce operating expenses and the environmental impact of biofuels manufacturing.

Additionally, Illinois will use this funding to provide grants to various entities such as public buildings, schools, and industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency in new and current buildings, facilities, equipment, and processes. These grants will fund a variety of projects including investments in energy efficient lighting, cooling, traffic signals, boilers, and furnaces.

Senator Burris and the Democratic-led Congress passed the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act that was signed into law by President Obama in February.

“I am pleased that vital Recovery Act funds are being directed to Illinois for these important projects.” said Senator Burris. “These funds will ensure that our facilities are energy efficient and will spark the creation of much needed green jobs throughout Illinois.”

The Recovery Act directed $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program to promote energy efficiency, clean energy deployment, and to support recovery in local economies. States will use these awards at both the state and local levels to create green jobs and address state energy priorities.

Source: Senator Roland W. Burris