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July 7, 2010
The SEP is the only federally funded, state-based program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy that provides resources directly to states for energy efficiency and renewable energy. ARRA directed $3.1 billion to the SEP in February 2009; this funding is leveraged by state and private funds. The goals established for the SEP under ARRA are to (1) increase energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and consumption for consumers, businesses and government; (2) reduce reliance on imported energy; (3) improve the reliability of electricity and fuel supply and the delivery of energy services; and (4) reduce the impacts of energy production and use on the environment.
On July 7, 2010, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing on how state governments have used funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to expand the State Energy Program (SEP). State officials discussed how ARRA dollars have helped them create local jobs, fund innovative energy programs, and reduce energy bills for consumers.