Pennsylvania Receives $38.8 Million For State Energy Projects

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 the Rendell Administration announced this week.

"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," Gov. 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 this week 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 passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.

The funding will be distributed among seven program areas: sustainable business recovery -- through the PA 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.

Energy-focused Recovery Act money was first awarded in March when $3.7 million was provided to five shovel-ready projects through the PA Energy Development Authority.

These projects will generate green energy, help conserve and use energy more efficiently, put people to work and create business opportunities for others.

To learn more, visit the Energy Independence webpage.