U.S. Federal Stimulus Gives Bay Area $34M Toward Green Energy Efforts-

The Bay Area of San Francisco is among many counties in the U.S. which has been approved by the Department of Energy (DOE) to collect federal stimulus dollars for development in renewable energy programs. The city of San Francisco was given the largest portion, with over $7 million going toward renewables; while Oakland will receive about $4 million and San Jose, being slightly larger in population, will receive $8.8 million. Each city and county will be left to decide where the funds will be distributed, as the energy efficiency and conservation block energy grants can be used for any purpose pertaining to the reduction of total energy use and fossil fuel emissions or improvements in alternative energy efficiency. Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez) publicized the news in a press release recently, stating, “This is the latest shot in the arm for our communities struggling to climb out of the recession. Investing in energy efficiency will create jobs here at home…. and the recovery act is a critical investment in this effort. This investment will allow our cities to reduce their energy use and cut down on their fossil fuel emissions, and will help us create and sustain good-paying green jobs in the Bay Area.” The cash is coming at an excellent time when jobs and local economy are at an all time low; especially for the county of Los Angeles who will receive over $50 million. Much more cash is expected to be available for finance of renewable energy projects through the DOE, as well as federal and state resources.