Energy

FEDERAL GRANTS BOOST STATE'S ABILITY TO BECOME ENERGY EFFICIENT

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Technology Assessment Division, Energy Section has been awarded three competitive grants totaling $345,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE). The DNR submitted proposals and competed for these limited federal funds along with other state agencies from across the country. These new grants will be used by the Energy Section to continue promoting and fostering energy efficiency in the state. After the USDOE evaluated and selected the best proposals, DNR was awarded a Rebuilding Louisiana grant, Industries of the Future grant, and a Model Energy Code grant.

The Rebuilding Louisiana program is a unique initiative designed to introduce energy efficient technologies in the redevelopment of economically-depressed areas. Energy efficient lighting, dedicated green zones, planned transportation, urban revitalization, and increased commercial activity are planned for select areas of the state. Educational programs and workshops will be scheduled as part of the initiative. Once underway, Louisiana will become an official U.S. Department of Energy Rebuild America partner focused on planned development in the revitalization process of economically-depressed locations, particularly in the larger metropolitan areas. (Federal funding $89,000).

Continuing Louisiana's efforts in Energy Efficient Building Codes, the Model Energy Code program is designed to lay the groundwork and build support for the inclusion of energy provisions in Louisiana's residential building code with the impending automatic adoption of the IBC Standard Building Code. Several workshops will take place aimed at educating builders and policy makers on the program. Because energy codes provide a practical way to conserve energy, save money, and protect the environment, programs like this one enhance the quality of life for those in Louisiana by helping protect the environment and create a more efficient method of energy consumption. (Federal funding $129,000).

With the Industries of the Future grant, Louisiana businesses will have opportunities to receive technical assistance and support through a series of workshops, conferences, the Internet, and the establishment of a toll free number. As a result, industries in the state will benefit by use of new energy efficient technologies and by emissions reduction of toxic greenhouse gases. This program will unite industry representatives, government officials, economic development groups, and environmental organizations into a task force to address the problems facing Louisiana's major industries. (Federal funding $127,00).

Editors: For more information on these Energy topics, please contact the DNR Energy Section, Paula Ridgeway or Anthony Cross at (504) 342-1298.