September 21, 2010

Status Report: The Department of Energy's State Energy Program Formula Grants Awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), the Department of Energy's (Department) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) received $3.1 billion to be distributed through the State Energy Program (SEP) to stimulate the economy by creating and preserving jobs while increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Under the authorizing legislation for the SEP, the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia (states) had a degree of flexibility to design and implement programs that met their specific energy needs and goals. In response to a Department solicitation, the states prepared plans summarizing energy related programs and projects planned for the SEP Recovery Act funds. After reviewing those plans, EERE awarded Recovery Act funding to the states for approved projects consistent with the goals of the program. The $3.1 billion awarded through the Recovery Act was a dramatic increase over the $25 million appropriated for this Program in Fiscal Year 2009.

Topic: Financial Assistance