Sen. Carper Tours Kent County’s Energy Efficiency Projects

On July 5, 2011, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) toured Kent County communities to view more than $614,000 in energy efficiency projects that were funded by the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

Through this grant, 11 communities in Kent County were awarded funds to help improve energy efficiency in transportation, building and other sectors, reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs. Sen. Carper made stops at Harrington’s Parks and Recreation Building to view improved HVAC, new windows and upgraded lighting, Bowers Beach Fire Department to view new LED lighting, Camden Town Hall and Camden-Wyoming Fire Department to discuss improvement plans and Leipsic Town Hall to see new windows, insulation, heating and lighting upgrades.

“Due to tighter budget constraints, communities in Delaware and across the country need to look at every possible source to save money,” said Sen. Carper. “One great way to save money – and help the environment – is to reduce energy use. By implementing these simple, but effective, energy-saving ideas these communities in Kent County are making a smart investment for the future,” said Sen. Carper. “Over the next few years, these towns will see a return on that investment and continue to save money and help the environment – a win-win situation for Delaware communities. As we search for ways to reduce our federal deficit and curb federal spending, it’s my hope that the federal government can learn from these energy efficiency projects in Kent County and move forward with efforts to save taxpayer money by reducing federal energy consumption.”

In May, Sen. Carper introduced legislation to save taxpayer money by reducing federal agencies’ energy use. The Reducing Federal Energy Dollars Act of 2011 would implement a comprehensive package of proposals to strengthen federal energy management efforts by encouraging and supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in federal facilities. This bill would help the federal government follow energy efficiency project models set by local governments.

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