Press Release: Secretary Bodman Announces $34.6 Million to Fund State Energy Efficiency Priorities Across the Country & Touts Strong Economic Growth

STORRS, CT - Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will award a total of $34.6 million to states, five territories and the District of Columbia to improve energy efficiency throughout the nation. The funding, from DOE's State Energy Program (SEP), can provide significant savings for consumers, businesses and states to increase energy efficiency of homes and buildings.

"One of the biggest sources of energy we have in this country is the energy that we currently waste. By investing in energy efficient technologies government, businesses, and homeowners can conserve energy and save money," Secretary Bodman said.

Secretary Bodman made the announcement after touring the University of Connecticut's Global Fuel Cell Center to highlight hydrogen as a fuel source for the future with Rep. Rob Simmons (CT-2nd). As part his Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI), President Bush requested $289 million, in FY 2007, for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative - a $1.2 billion effort to accelerate the development of hydrogen fuel cells and affordable hydrogen-powered cars.

Later today, Secretary Bodman will tour DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, to discuss the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) and the importance of the role of science and education. Brookhaven is one of ten DOE Office of Science laboratories. As part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, President Bush has set a course for doubling the government funding in the physical sciences to ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come.

After touring the laboratory, Secretary Bodman will meet with students from John F. Kennedy and Bellport Middle Schools, competitors in DOE's National Science Bowl®, as well as with local students who participate in Brookhaven's Office of Educational Programs (OEP). OEP is designed to engage students in educational events and research opportunities with the Brookhaven Laboratory, a program also supported by the American Competitiveness Initiative.

Secretary Bodman also touted the 75,000 jobs created nationwide last month and the positive impacts research and development of new technologies will have on strengthening America's energy and economic security. The unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest since July 2001. Secretary Bodman discussed positive impacts research and development of new technologies will have on strengthening America's energy and economic security. The economy has created 5.3 million jobs since August 2003, and about 2 million of those were created over the past 12 months. America has experienced five straight years of growth in productivity, and per capita personal income continues to rise. These figures indicate that the American economy is strong by almost any measure.

"We have the strongest economy on earth and the energy sector provides the fuel for it to expand," Secretary Bodman said. "Under the President's leadership we are working to strengthen our energy mix and expand our scientific might to remain the world's economic leader."

Secretary Bodman highlighted ways industry, government and educational institutions can contribute to the success of the Advanced Energy Initiative and the American Competitiveness Initiative through continued emphasis on research and development of new technologies. Together, these initiatives will continue to increase America's economic vitality through the development of alternative energy sources and will provide our next generation of scientists and researchers with the educational foundation necessary to compete in the 21st century.

As part of a broader effort to highlight the Bush Administration's economic and energy initiatives a number of DOE principals participated in events around the country. DOE Under Secretary David Garman toured and offered remarks at the General Motors Advanced Technologies Facilities in Honeoye Falls, New York, with Rep. Randy Kuhl (NY-29th). DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen Harbert toured and highlighted the opening of PNM's Solar Generating Station - a new solar photovoltaic plant - outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. And Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner kicked off the Energy Efficient Car Showcase with Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6th) in Frederick, Maryland, to promote President Bush's AEI.

Please find below the SEP grant awards to states, territories, and the District of Columbia:

State & FY 2006 Distribution

Alabama	$543,000
Alaska	264,000
Arizona	500,000
Arkansas	424,000
California	2,269,000
Colorado	540,000
Connecticut	514,000
Delaware	236,000
District of Columbia	223,000
Florida	1,193,000
Georgia	769,000
Hawaii	246,000
Idaho	274,000
Illinois	1,456,000
Indiana	837,000
Iowa	494,000
Kansas	442,000
Kentucky	567,000
Louisiana	657,000
Maine	314,000
Maryland	642,000
Massachusetts	786,000
Michigan	1,229,000
Minnesota	745,000
Mississippi	400,000
Missouri	688,000
Montana	257,000
Nebraska	338,000
Nevada	294,000
New Hampshire	294,000
New Jersey	1,005,000
New Mexico	314,000
New York	2,014,000
North Carolina	787,000
North Dakota	246,000
Ohio	1,370,000
Oklahoma	491,000
Oregon	450,000
Pennsylvania	1,394,000
Rhode Island	272,000
South Carolina	486,000
South Dakota	238,000
Tennessee	660,000
Texas	1,984,000
Utah	344,000
Vermont	238,000
Virginia	774,000
Washington	620,000
West Virginia	383,000
Wisconsin	773,000
Wyoming	228,000
American Samoa	170,000
Guam	177,000
Northern Marianas	170,000
Puerto Rico	433,000
Virgin Islands	184,000