South Jersey to get $7.2M for energy efficiency improvements

Today, Congressman Andrews announced $7.2 million in new Department of Energy funding for South Jersey energy efficiency improvements. Congressman Andrews' announcement follows this morning's White House press conference where Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu's described plans to invest $3.2 billion in energy efficiency and conservation projects in U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Native American tribes.  The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, funded by President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency nationwide.

Among the counties being awarded this funding, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties are expected to receive $3,051,700, $2,046,700, and $2,155,400 respectively. While this initiative is necessary to limit our country's dependence on foreign oil and address increasing environmental concerns, the potential for job generation is perhaps the most significant aspect given the current tight job market. As our country faces its highest unemployment rate in 25 years, this funding provides county and local governments with a necessary boost to preserve and generate thousands of jobs. There will be an immediate demand to hire skilled workers and engineers to create and implement new methods of energy-saving technology. Additionally, these investments will provide taxpayers with much-needed relief, as the funding is geared to develop more cost effective and promising methods of meeting our communities' energy needs.

Congressman Andrews continues to support legislation like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that provides the assistance needed to respond to our region's energy needs while putting Americans back to work and setting our economy back on the course of long-term growth.

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