Washington - The Energy Efficiency Block Grants program, which provides federal funding to cities, towns and counties for projects and programs to reduce energy usage, is getting another boost through a provision attached to the Senate budget resolution by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The provision signals support for continued funding of the energy efficiency program, which Menendez created in 2007 and supports energy-saving initiatives and improved energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors.

"The more we assist our hometowns in energy efficiency projects, the more we can create jobs, reduce energy costs, cut down on emissions and relieve local budgets," said Menendez. "Supporting this program has been a priority of mine since I authored the law that created it in 2007, and it can be an important part of our economic recovery."

The Senate budget resolution passed last night. Recently, the Department of Energy doled out $3.2 billion to local governments nationwide in block grants funded through the economic recovery package.

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