Washington - Included in the landmark Energy Bill that was signed into law this week is a program to make America's cities more energy efficient. Senator Bob Menendez's (D-NJ) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants program for cities was included in the bill, and it will establish a grant program that will provide cities with $10 billion in grants for projects that will foster more efficient use of energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
"Cities have taken the lead in combating climate change and now Congress has rewarded that leadership with a $10 billion grant program," said Senator Menendez. "With oil and natural gas prices sky high, with sea levels rising and weather becoming more extreme, this program is a key part of solving our energy security, energy affordability, and environmental challenges."
"On behalf of the nation's mayors, I want to thank my Senator Bob Menendez for championing our Energy and Efficiency Block Grant for cities that was included as part of the energy legislation signed by the President today. Because of the leadership of Senator Menendez, city leaders will now be able to accelerate their local efforts to make our cities, which is where so many millions of Americans reside today, more energy independent and climate friendly," said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer.
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