Rendell announces federal recovery funds for state energy plan

Investments to fuel wind, solar, biogas and other sustainable energy projects HARRISBURG — Governor Edward G. Rendell recently announced that Pennsylvania has received $38.8 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for innovative, job-creating energy projects in every corner of the state. “We want to increase opportunities to generate more renewable and alternative energy, reduce energy use through conservation and efficiency, and create thousands of jobs and competitive advantages for businesses,” Governor Rendell said. “This federal money will enable us to fund more projects consistent with the goals of our diverse state energy plan.” Overall, Pennsylvania anticipates receiving $455 million in Recovery Act funding for energy related initiatives. The funding announced today is part of the $99.6 million Pennsylvania will receive under the Recovery Act’s State Energy Program. The funding will be part of the state’s 2009-2010 budget, and will not be available for distribution until the budget is passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor. The budget is now four weeks overdue. The funding will be distributed among seven program areas: sustainable business recovery — through the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, wind energy, sustainable heat and power, solar energy, biogas, green development loans, and geothermal buildings. The Department of Environmental Protection expects to issue grant opportunity guidelines shortly.