Friday, June 18, 2010

Recovery Act weatherizing produces jobs


Forget what you may have heard. Stimulus funds are producing jobs.

At least that's the message from the U.S. Department of Energy today as it trumpets accomplishments in its weatherization program. Five states -- New Hampshire, New Mexico, Montana, Minnesota, and Utah -- completed at least 30 percent of the work in homes targeted in their weatherization programs.

Idaho, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington met the Recovery Act milestone last month, the agency said. California has had difficulty getting its weatherization program launched and may get some help from the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, depending upon the outcome of a recent grant.

"The weatherization program under the Recovery Act is creating opportunities nationwide — opportunities for energy savings and job growth. These states are helping to lead the way toward a stronger economic future with a sound foundation in clean energy," said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, in a statement.

DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households save energy and money by improving their energy efficiency. Local community action agencies or nonprofit organizations provide whole-home weatherization services under the program, including conducting an energy audit in the home to identify the most cost-effective improvements. Solutions range from installing additional insulation and weatherstripping, sealing windows and doors, caulking cracks in the building and replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems.

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to improving our region's quality of life by increasing its production and use of clean and alternative energy. The SJVCEO works with cities and counties and public and private organizations to demonstrate the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the eight-county region of the San Joaquin Valley.
Illustration courtesy Doityourself.com.

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