Bipartisan Bill Aims to Reauthorize Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

Strategic Insights -

Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton and several colleagues have introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), which provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments to reduce fossil fuel emissions and conserve energy. The bill aims to fully fund the program for the next five years, promoting energy-efficient infrastructure and clean energy projects. The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bipartisan bill to reauthorize the EECBG program aims to provide state, local, and tribal governments with grants to reduce fossil fuel emissions and conserve energy.
  • The bill reauthorizes and fully funds the program for the next five years, allowing for a total investment of up to $10 billion over that period.
  • The EECBG program represents the largest nationwide direct investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at the community level in U.S. history.
  • According to the Department of Energy, for every EECBG dollar spent, program participants received approximately $1.76 in bill savings over the lifetime of the measures installed.
  • The bill includes modifications to promote clean energy sources and diversify local energy supplies, allowing grant recipients to use funds on infrastructure for alternative fuels.
  • The legislation has earned support from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, both of which endorse the reauthorization of the EECBG program.

Statistics:

  • Up to $10 billion in funding over five years to support state, local, and tribal governments in reducing fossil fuel emissions and conserving energy.
  • The EECBG program has a return on investment of approximately $1.76 in bill savings for every dollar spent, based on Department of Energy data.
  • The bill aims to promote energy-efficient infrastructure and community-level clean energy projects.
  • The program has seen a total investment of up to $2 billion a year over a five-year period from 2008 through 2012, and was later funded under the Obama Administration.

Sources:

  • Office of Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton
  • Joint letter of support from U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities
  • Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
  • Department of Energy