While President Obama struggles to get approval for climate change legislation, the federal government continues to fund energy-efficiency projects using cash from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In a statement this week, the US Department of Energy (DoE) announced $38m for Alaska, Kansas, Utah and West Virginia to improve energy use, reduce carbon pollution and create local green jobs.
Specifically, the funding will be used for projects such as energy-efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programmes and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.
"This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level," said Secretary Chu.
"It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have - energy efficiency and conservation - which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation's long-term clean energy and climate goals."
Although the funding for the states comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, it is being channeled through the DoE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) programme.
The Recover Act was signed into law by President Obama on 17 February 2009 and is designed to help kick-start the US economy following the impact of the banking and credit crisis.
According to the DoE, energy efficiency is especially important in states such as Alaska, as cold temperatures require high electricity and heating costs.
"[Alaska] has more than 180 villages that are only accessible by water or air and have to operate independent, standalone electric grids," the department states.
The chances of a completely successful deal on global warming at the Copenhagen Talks next month looked less hopeful this week when Democratic leaders in the US Congress ruled out passing a climate change law before the UN conference kicks off in December.
Senate leaders ordered a five-week pause to review the costs of the legislation, according to reports in the Guardian.
Landmark ruling strengthens Obama's hand as he tries to force through climate change bill 20 Apr 2009
Lisa Murkowski pledges to use obscure measure in attempt to strip powers from the Environmental Protection Agency 22 Jan 2010
Senate delay means no bill likely before Copenhagen 04 Nov 2009
Move met with opposition from Baucus and Inhofe 28 Oct 2009
BP America, Caterpillar and Conoco end support; opponents claim climate law is dead in the water 17 Feb 2010
Head of World Business Council for Sustainable Development warns poor communication between politicians and private sector is blocking the development of effective green policies 16 Mar 2010
Council to pioneer city-wide smart grid system capable of monitoring energy, water and waste data 16 Mar 2010
Pentland Firth projects vastly exceed expectations with plans to provide energy for three-quarters of a million homes 16 Mar 2010
More news
Andrew Williams casts his eye over some of the most popular green driving aids on the market 16 Mar 2010
From hydropower hot spots to record-breaking Texan winds, we run down the top stories from the past week 12 Mar 2010
Few debates cast the UK's business and political community in such an unedifying light as the never-ending row over skills.... 12 Mar 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
