Federal Stimulus Package Benefits New England’s Environment, Economy: CLF Applauds Emphasis on Energy, Infrastructure and Habitat Protection

Boston, MA (Feb. 13 ) – The pending passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a much-needed economic boost to New England’s communities and helps to solve vital environmental challenges facing the region. The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) hailed several important provisions of the economic stimulus bill that serve a double benefit of creating jobs and economic benefits while increasing energy efficiency, restoring rivers and wildlife habitat, and reducing pollution in our air and water.

“Several of the most promising portions of the economic stimulus bill will provide jobs as well as promote clean air, water, and energy efficiency right here in New England ,” said Bill Coleman, Interim President of CLF. “This is further evidence that a healthy environment and economic prosperity can and should go hand in hand. It is heartening to see various set-asides for green infrastructure, energy and water efficiency, and environmental innovation. The funding for energy efficiency could be transformative if applied correctly and CLF looks forward to working with state and federal agencies to help make sure that happens.”

CLF highlighted the solutions that will benefit New England ’s economy and environment:

Priority: Dramatically expand existing state and federal programs with massive federal investments in energy efficiency measures that typically return $2 to $4 in savings for every $1 spent and provide direct incentives to customers to become more efficient.

Solution: The Act provides for $3.2 Billion in Energy Efficiency Community Block Grants to fund local efforts, $5 Billion for Low Income Weatherization and $3.1 Billion to State Energy Offices for direct spending on efficiency and related efforts and provides taxpayers with direct tax credits for making efficiency improvements in their homes. This appears to be one of the largest investments in energy efficiency ever made in human history. It can be an important first step in building the green jobs our communities need and making the transformation to meet our climate goals that science demands of us.

Priority: Encourage development of new zero-emissions renewable energy projects like wind and solar by reforming and extending Federal Production Tax Credits and provide funds for a build-out of the “smart grid” needed to integrate large scale wind and solar power, plug-in hybrid electric cars and efficiency measures that slash our need for fossil fuel fired power plants and the fuel that feeds those plants.

Solution: The Tax Credit provisions in the Act provide the renewable energy industry with much-needed financial stability. The Act also supplies a massive infusion of much-needed funding for a new infrastructure allowing us to build a cleaner and more efficient future. Industry estimates that these investments will create over 200,000 jobs. It will accelerate the shift to the cleaner power sources and smarter energy use that our climate crisis demands.

Priority: Improve and expand public transportation services – including intercity, commuter and light rail – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide people the opportunity to drive less, and support more livable communities and sustainable economic development.

Solution: The bill provides much needed funds for the improvement and expansion of high-speed rail ($8 billion), including the Northeast Corridor, and for transit ($8.4 billion). These investments will begin the process of building a more balanced, less polluting transportation system that strengthens communities and reduces dependence on oil. The upcoming reauthorization of the nation’s transportation law – SAFETEA-LU – will be essential to building upon these important investments and developing a truly balanced and intermodal transportation system for New England and the nation.

Priority: Repair crumbling water supply and wastewater infrastructure with modern, efficient, low impact development infrastructure to assure clean, safe water for future generations.

Solution: The bill includes $4 billion for Clean Water Act pollution controls and $2 billion for Safe Drinking Water programs. Fifty percent of the money is in grants rather than low interest loans. For the first time ever under these existing programs, 20 percent of the funds must be spent for water efficiency, green infrastructure, and other environmentally innovative projects. To be funded, projects must be on the state priority lists for each state, so there is immediate work to be done to assure that the right projects are funded.

Priority: Increase support for community-based partnerships to restore coastal and stream habitat.

Solution: An increase of $230 million for “shovel-ready” restoration projects will create immediate job opportunities for heavy equipment operators and help to restore river and saltwater marsh habitat and promote ecosystem restoration and long-term economic benefits for fisheries.

Contact:
Caitlin Inglehart: CLF Web and Publications Manager, (617) 850-1755
Seth Kaplan (Energy) 617.350.0090
Chris Kilian (Water) 802.223.5992
Tom Irwin (Transit) 603.225.3060
Sean Cosgrove (Oceans) 202.421.3585

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England . CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island and Vermont .