DEP Announces Small Business Energy Efficiency, Pollution Prevention Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced the award of $454,000 in pollution prevention and energy efficiency grants to 81 businesses under the Small Business Advantage Program.

 

“In these difficult financial times, it is easy for businesses to focus only on the short term,” said Gov. Rendell. “Pennsylvania is committed to helping small businesses that are wisely investing in their long-term competitiveness.

 

“Energy prices are lower today because the global economic downturn has reduced demand. However, we can expect the economic cycle to eventually return to growth at home and in China, India and other developing countries.

 

“The world has a limited supply of easily accessible fuels, so we know rising demand will once again drive energy prices higher. Businesses that invest in energy efficiency and cutting waste today will be better positioned to manage costs in the future.

 

“Many Pennsylvania businesses are also preparing for significant increases in the price of electricity when rate caps end statewide two years from now,” said the Governor. “Helping small businesses through this difficult transition will protect an important cornerstone of the state’s economy.”

 

The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides a 50 percent match of up to $7,500 for equipment or processes that reduce energy use, promote pollution prevention and increase profitability. The program has invested almost $4.9 million in 928 businesses across the state since Governor Rendell launched it in 2004.

 

“Pennsylvania is investing in its future by supporting businesses that purchase energy-efficient equipment to drive down their energy consumption and generate clean energy that meets their demands and yields excess power that can be sold back to the grid,” said acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. “By reducing energy consumption, we conserve our natural resources, reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, and prevent pollution. Investing in energy efficiency is investing in a clean and prosperous future.”

 

Small businesses in Pennsylvania can find other sources of financial and technical assistance through the DEP's Small Business Assistance Program.

 

For example, the Pollution Prevention Assistance Account provides loans of up to $100,000 at 2 percent interest for projects that reduce waste, pollution or energy use. Environmental assistance services are available through the Small Business Ombudsman and its partner organizations.

 

Assistance finding energy saving and pollution prevention opportunities is also available through the Environmental Management Assistance Program administered by the Small Business Development Centers.

 

A list of grants awarded is available online.