Update

Summary of Energy and Environmental Provisions of the Federal Stimulus Legislation

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" ("ARRA") and the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009" ("ARRTA").

The ARRA and the ARRTA contain provisions for stimulating various components of the nation’s economy.  We describe the energy and environmental provisions below.  The full text of the legislation, including non-energy and non-environmental provisions, is available here.

ENERGY

Appropriations

A. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Title IV of the ARRA allocates $16.8 billion to the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") for certain programs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. First, $3.2 billion is allocated to energy efficiency and conservation block grants" under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as amended ("EISA"), which provides block grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes. Second, $5 billion is allocated to the Weatherization Assistance Program of the Energy Conservation and Production Act. Third, $3.1 billion is allocated to the State Energy Program of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Fourth, $2 billion is allocated to grants for the manufacturing of advanced batteries and components pursuant to guidelines to be promulgated by the Secretary of Energy. These grants will be used to fund manufacturers of advanced battery systems and vehicle batteries that are produced in the United States, including advanced lithium ion batteries, hybrid electrical systems, component manufacturers, and software designers.

To read the entire update, please click here.