Maryland Announces $52.2 Million to Improve Energy Efficiency

Block Grants to Support Job Creation, Lower Energy Bills, and Increase Energy Independence

Annapolis, Maryland (March 27) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that Maryland will receive an additional $52.2 million, which will be distributed to communities across the state for energy efficiency and conservation projects.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, funded by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will provide grants for projects that reduce total energy use, reduce green house gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency statewide. Today’s announcement adds to an existing federal investment of $113 million in Maryland weatherization and energy funding from the ARRA.

“The Block Grants for Maryland will provide our cities and communities greater tools with which to control their energy future,” noted Governor Martin O’Malley. “This investment in energy solutions for our State will be an additional catalyst for strengthening our economy, creating new green-collar jobs for our workers and helping communities and residents lower their energy bills. Maryland will continue to lead by example as we take the steps necessary to be Smart, Green and Growing in our energy strategies.”

In accordance with the Department of Energy (DOE), the funding will support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. Other activities eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, renewable energy installations on government buildings, more efficient traffic signals, and many others.

“Maryland is well-positioned with a multitude of ‘shovel ready’ energy projects, and we are committed to ensuring that these funds quickly get into the hands of local city, town and community leaders who best know how to put this investment to work for Marylanders,” remarked Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Director Malcolm Woolf. “The EmPOWERing Clean Communities Grants Program, which is managed by the MEA, already provides funding to local governments, community groups and non-profit organizations to facilitate projects that increase the energy efficiency and/or the use of renewable energy. These new funds from the ARRA will help us reach more Marylanders than ever before to lower their bills and invest in clean, renewable energy.”

MEA will work with the U.S. Department of Energy and local cities and towns to maximize these funds with regards to jobs created, energy saved and renewable energy added to the grid.