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February 10, 2009
On February 10, the Senate voted 61-37 in favor of economic stimulus legislation that includes critical investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, and mass transit projects. Among the energy-related provisions are:
One provision passed by the House but eliminated by the Senate was the funding of $14 billion for school design, construction, modernization and repair, with specific provisions relating to high-performance green schools. This investment is estimated to create nearly 400,000 jobs in the design and construction industries, while also improving learning environments and lowering schools’ energy costs. EESI and dozens of other organizations sent a letter to Congressional leadership on February 10 expressing support for this funding.
A House/Senate conference committee is now working to reconcile the two bills. That conference report must then be approved by both the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature. The goal is to send the bill to the White House by Presidents' Day.