Editor's Note: The following was written by the staff of Congresswoman Susanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach.
(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) commented on the announcement by President Obama and the U.S. Department of Energy that Florida will receive more than $300 million for energy efficiency grants and weatherization as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Florida is poised to be a leader in America's alternative energy economy and these investments will help create new green jobs across the state," Kosmas said. "Renewed innovation through energy efficiency programs will allow Florida to lay the foundation for long-term economic stability."
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida will receive $126,089,000 for the State Energy Program and $175,984,474 for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills. To learn more about the State Energy Program, click here: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program/ .
The Weatherization Assistance Program allows low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient, reducing heating bills by an average of 32% and overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year. It allows an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level - or about $44,000 a year for a family of four. More information about this program can be found here: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/about.cfm.