Governor announces Climate Change Grant Program

Governor announces Climate Change Grant Program
Funds will help towns reduce energy use, save money and promote green jobs
MONTPELIER (November 20, 2008) Governor Jim Douglas today unveiled the Vermont Community Climate Change Grant Program, which will make $360,000 available to local communities for improving energy efficiency, saving tax dollars and strengthening local economies.
"Among the key recommendations of my Commission on Climate Change was the call to expand Vermont's efficiency efforts," Douglas said. "We've always had a tradition of coming up with some of the best solutions at the local level and I believe we need to foster that innovation and entrepreneurial spirit."
The funding for this initiative comes from the first installment of Vermont's $1.8 million, five-year settlement payout against American Electric Power Corp., the nation's largest operator of coal-fired power plants.
Vermont currently has 60 town energy committees or comparable local volunteer groups helping their communities improve efficiency and promote renewable and low-carbon energy choices.
"I know that Vermont municipalities and taxpayers are eager to reduce energy costs and minimize the impact of rising costs on property taxes."
The Agency of Natural Resources will administer the grant program. Up to $12,000 will be awarded for projects and local communities will be required to provide a 10 percent match.
For more information and to download an application, visit the agency website at:
http://www.anr.state.vt.us/air/Planning/htm/ClimateChange.htm, or call 802-241-3840.
Background:
Vermont and seven other states (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island) and 13 citizen groups first sued American Electric Power Corp. in 1999 under the federal Clean Air Act.
American Electric Power Corp. is the nation's largest operator of coal-burning power plants. The settlement ended eight years of litigation in which the company admitted no wrongdoing.
The settlement will apply to AEP's entire system east of the Mississippi River, which consists of 16 plants with 46 electric generating units, located in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. The release of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides contributes to the formation of ozone and acid rain in Vermont.
Vermont will receive five installments, each for approximately $360,000. In future years, the money will be used to fund programs that improve Vermont's air quality, public health and the environment.
Under a joint project with Vermont, New York has agreed to dedicate $500,000 of its 2009 share of the settlement to be spent on a fish and habitat restoration project for Lake Champlain.
AEP must pay $60 million for projects designed to mitigate the effects of many years of excess pollution from its plants. In addition, AEP will have to pay a $15 million civil penalty to the United States.
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