Onorato Applauds $8.1 Million in Federal Funds for Energy Efficiency Projects

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato this week thanked U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis for $8.1 million from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program, which will fund energy efficiency and conservation projects in Allegheny County.

 

The grant is part of $3.2 billion announced today for U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Native American tribes to improve energy efficiency and reduce total energy use. The program is funded by President Obama’s American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.

 

“During the past few years, Southwestern Pennsylvania has become a leader in sustainable development, green technology and environmental stewardship,” said Onorato. “We will certainly put this new funding to good use to further improve energy efficiency in Allegheny County, while also creating jobs.”

 

Secretary Chu and Secretary Solis made the announcement during a tour of CCAC’s West Hills Center, chosen due to its successful workforce training and development programs.

 

“New sustainable technologies and practices require ‘green’ workforce training and development,” added Onorato. “Working with the Community College of Allegheny County and our other educational institutions, we’re building our regional workforce to meet these emerging needs. The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act will create even more green-collar jobs, and we’re bolstering our training programs to meet the demand.”

 

During the visit, the County Executive shared two examples of the County’s successful energy-saving projects. Earlier this month, the County replaced more than 805 incandescent light fixtures at the County Jail with high-efficiency LED lights, which consume 83 percent less energy and will save taxpayers $178,000 this year. The LED fixtures are manufactured by Appalachian Lighting Systems in Ellwood City, Pa., and 75 percent of the fixture components are produced in the U.S.

 

Last summer, Onorato unveiled the largest solar thermal array in Western Pennsylvania at the Ross Hill Senior Residence in Ross Twp. This new solar water system replaced a natural gas heating system, reducing carbon emissions by 38 tons annually and saving residents $10,000 in energy costs annually.

 

For more information on the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program.