FREDERICK, MD – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner today announced that DOE will award a total of $642,000 to Maryland to improve energy efficiency throughout the state.  This funding, from DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), is part of a $34.6 million nationwide announcement made by Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman earlier today.

“Grants announced today can help homeowners, businesses and government save money while maximizing energy efficiency,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said.  “Through research and entrepreneurship, American businesses, large and small, can significantly contribute to our nation’s energy and economic security through the development and use alternative sources of energy.”

Assistant Secretary Karsner made the announcement while kicking off the Energy Efficient Car Showcase in Frederick, Maryland, with Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6^th) to promote President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI).  During the visit, Assistant Secretary Karsner highlighted ways industry and government can contribute to the success of the AEI and promote America’s economic vitality through continued emphasis on research, development and deployment of new technologies.  The AEI provides a significant increase in clean energy research at DOE and seeks to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.  By reducing our dependence on foreign oil, the AEI aims to diversify our nation’s energy mix, ultimately changing the way we power our cars, homes and businesses.  Cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and biodiesel engines all show great promise in breaking our addiction to oil.  For more information on the AEI, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/stateoftheunion/2006/energy/.

While in Frederick, Assistant Secretary Karsner also touted the nation’s strong economy, underscored by new unemployment figures released today.  75,000 jobs were created nationwide last month and the unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest since July 2001.  Assistant Secretary Karsner 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.  

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 Secretary Samuel Bodman toured the University of Connecticut’s Global Fuel Cell Center with Rep. Rob Simmons (CT-2^nd) to highlight hydrogen as a fuel source for the future.  He later toured DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, to meet with DOE National Science Bowl® students, and to discuss the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), including the important role of science and education. 

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-29^th).  And 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. 

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940