Portland, OR – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $20 million grant for the City of Portland to provide loans for energy efficiency renovations to residential and commercial buildings within the Portland metro region and communities throughout Oregon. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement about the announcement:
“I am so proud of Oregon’s leadership in building a clean energy future. Today’s announcement by Vice President Biden and Secretary Chu is a testament to that effort.
“Now, homeowners and commercial building owners throughout Portland and communities across the state will have access to low-interest loans to make renovations that save energy. This award will simultaneously create jobs in the construction industry which needs them badly, support a growing clean energy sector and put more money in the pockets of families and businesses – it’s a job creation trifecta.
“The concept of using energy efficiency renovation loans to help create jobs is something piloted here in Oregon. I have been a supporter of the Clean Energy Works program from the beginning and am pleased that Recovery Act funding will enable the program to further impact families and businesses in Oregon. This program is really a model for how we can create jobs in communities across the state and nation. With the legislation I have introduced – Home Star, Building Star and the Rural Energy Savings Program – the model developed here in Oregon will be expanded nationwide.
“Again, I commend the great work of the City of Portland and its partners with the State of Oregon and look forward to the great benefits that this award will have on our economy and community.”
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