EPA gives Bellingham $350,000 grant for climate change project
BELLINGHAM – The city has received a $350,000 federal grant for a project to reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy use.
The money comes from the Environmental Protection Agency through its new Climate Showcase Communities program. Bellingham is among the first cities in the nation to be awarded such a grant – becoming one out of 25 to receive the money from a pool of 450 applicants, according to a city news release.
EPA wants grant money spent on initiatives to help the planet by helping to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change.
The city will use the money to partner with organizations for outreach and education for the Community Energy Challenge project, which is a three-year effort in Whatcom County to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills for homeowners and small businesses while creating jobs.
The challenge is collaboration with Sustainable Connections, Opportunity Council, Puget Sound Energy and RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.
The countywide project started this year. It has a number of pieces that include:
- Providing energy audits to 1,800 residences and 150 businesses to reduce use of electricity and natural gas. The goal is for homeowners to cut the amount of energy their homes use by up to 30 percent, and up to 15 percent for businesses.
Read the rest of the article here:http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/03/03/1319018/epa-gives-bellingham-350000-grant.html
LEARN MORE
• Details about the Community Energy Challenge program is available online at communityenergychallenge.org.
• Alex Ramel, energy and policy manager with Sustainable Connections, will talk about the challenge at 7 p.m. March 10 in the upstairs classroom at the RE Store, 2309 Meridian St. in Bellingham. The event is part of the monthly meeting of the Bellingham chapter of Solar Washington.
Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.
