$3.2 Billion Stimulus Program Opens Energy Department Funds To Schools

Washington, April 15 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a $3.2 billion stimulus program for state and municipal energy efficiency and conservation, which can help fund improvements to school buildings.

Unlike federal stimulus dollars explicitly allocated for education — and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides billions — school districts and schools aren't guaranteed a cut of these funds. Nonetheless, by working with state and local governments, education officials may be able to access grants designed to help reduce fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner, reduce total energy use and improve energy efficiency in construction and transportation.