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City Supporting Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
4/4/2008

City Council will consider at Monday's legislative meeting a resolution to endorse and urge funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).

The newly instituted federal program provides states, counties, and municipalities with funds to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

“This program promises to enable the country’s transition to sustainable development practices, which are increasingly necessary due to rising costs, the depletion of natural resources, and global climate change,” said Mayor Matt Ryan. “The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant recognizes that municipalities are uniquely positioned to adopt such practices, as cities and towns have the most direct impact on communities’ approach to energy use. I applaud our federal officials and Democratic leadership for authorizing this block grant, and now urge them to infuse it with the funds that will help us enjoy greater economic stability and preserve our natural resources.”

Congress created the EECBG by passing the Energy Independence Act in the fall of 2007. Eligible activities include the financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, education on energy efficiency and conservation, grants for non-profits to conduct energy efficiency retrofits, and the development and implementation of building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency.

Mayor Ryan has prioritized sustainable development as a key municipal concern through several measures. Last spring, he made it a central component of the Binghamton PACT Initiative and signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. Since then, he has allocated resources to a dedicated position.

“I have been saying for many months that sustainable development practices are increasingly important for cities’ fiscal health and quality of life,” said Mayor Ryan. “To effectively adopt such practices, communities must be smart, proactive, and innovative, and I want Binghamton to be at the front of the pack.”

The City of Binghamton would utilize the EECBG to further aid the development and implementation of local energy efficiency and conservation strategies. The City currently is in the early stages of creating a sustainable development plan, and EECBG funds could well accelerate and strengthen the effort.

“Energy conservation benefits businesses, homeowners, and the community at large, and the EECBG promises to enable Binghamton to expand this positive impact locally and globally,” said Amelia LaDolce, the City’s Sustainable Development Planner. “The program should increase our ability to combat climate change, distinguish Binghamton as a leader in sustainable development, and reduce the energy costs that burden residents.”

The Energy Independence Act authorizes up to $2 billion for the EECBG over five fiscal years (2008-2012). However, the fund allocations depend on the congressional appropriations process.

The program already has the backing of many in Congress, including Representative Maurice Hinchey, whose support for sustainable development also includes securing funds for The Solar Energy Consortium in Kingston, NY.

“I welcome the City of Binghamton's interest and support for Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program,” said Hinchey. “This important new federal program was created by Congress last year to encourage cities like Binghamton to conserve energy and save money. It's a priority for me to see it fully funded this year and I look forward to bringing these important federal dollars back to Binghamton. This program complements the work we're doing to make New York a national and international leader in solar energy research and development through The Solar Energy Consortium.”

The EECBG also enjoys the support of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which listed the program as its top priority in its 10-point plan, “Strong Cities, Strong Families for Strong America.”

“This Block Grant creates a partnership between the federal, state and local governments to jumpstart programs throughout the United States that will encourage energy efficiency and energy independence,” Conference of Mayors President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer said in a recent press statement. “And while this is a tremendous victory, we are not yet done. Now we need Congress to fully fund this program.”

The EECBG will be administered by the Department of Energy, and have funding distribution guidelines similar to those of the Community Development Block Grant. Click here for a FAQ sheet about this new program.

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