Tom Cochran Energy Efficiency Supportt-
Jul 11 2887 89:19:44 Via Fax ->
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563 589 8898 Mayor Buol Page 881 Of 882
THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS
1G2U E'er ~~. NOR"['I3WEST
VGASF[lNG7~ON, U.C. 2000G
TELEPHONE (202)193-7330
FAX (2~-') 293-352
C1RL: vw.w.usmyora~~~g
MEMORANDUM
Tp: 1'he Mayor
~I~, Gocts.~--
FR01Vi: Tom Cochran
Executive Dizector
SUBJECT: Full House to Act on "Energy Efficiency Block Grant"
DATE: 3uly 11, 2007
The'U. S_ House of Representatives will soon begin floor debate - as early as next week - on
energy legislation that includes aConference-supported Energy Efficiency I3lock Grant program..
X am writing to urge you to contact your House members to stxonbly urge them to support
this important legislation, which includes this $10 billiom block grant program to he)p
cities, counties and states in their effort to improve energy cft3ciency and curb greenhouse
gas emissions. Ta facilitate communication with your Douse delegation, I have provided a
sample letter (see below) on the legislation.
Thanks to the leadership of Representative Albert Wynn (1VID) and others, Members of the
House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by John Dingell (Ml], voted 33-23 to include
this block grant program in the Committee's energy package. To view the language, please go to
__ :!/ever mmerce.hvuse_ ov/cm a mt s/FC0627 7M 12 7 OQ1x i_ df
Modeled after the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, this initiative
allocates formula fiends to cities of 50,000 and more, counties of 200,000 and more and all states
to serve non-formula cities and counties. Seventy percent of available fitnds will go to formula
cities and counties, with 30 percent of the remaining amrount reserved to the states. There is no
state and local matchizlg requirement. It provides flexibility to use funds fvr the development
and annual implementation of locally-determined strategies to improve energy efficieney_
Initially, the pro~am provides one-time planning grants to local and state govcmments to assist
in the development of energy efficiency and conservation strategies-
'Plus block grant initiative is a top lea dative priority in the Mayors' 10-Point Plan: Strom
Cities, Strong Families for a Strong America, as set forth by Conference President Trenton
Mayor Douglas 14i_ Palmer.
Please email any cozrespondence to Assistant Executive Directors Debra DeHaney-Howard at
ddehanev~usmavors.ozQ or Judy Sheahan at isheahanCa,,,,-usmavo~rs.ora. or you may call them at
202-293-7330.
Elul 11 2987 89:29;21 Via Fax
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July 11, 2007
Dear Representative:
-> 563 589 8898 Mayor Buol Page 882 Of 982
It is my understanding that the House of Representative will begin floor debate on
energy legislation in the coming w~~• 1 am writing to ask for your support for the
Efficiency Block Grant which is included in the energy bill reported out of
Energy
the House Energy and Commerce committee on June 27.
The Mayors of this nation believe that the creation of an Energy Efficiency Block
Grant is a key element of a successful national, comprehensive energy efficiency and
energy independence paekage_
Cities around the nation are implementing innovative practices on energy efficiency,
conservation, energy alternatives, and reducing greenhouse g~ enussions. However,
much more could be done with additional resources to help launch and/or replicate
these programs across the nation.
The Energy Efftcieney Block Grant is modeled after the vets' successful Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which gives money directly to cities,
counties, and states. It would require communities that receive funds to develop an
Energy Efficiency Strategy approved by the Energy Secretary. Activities that would
be eligible under this program include: encouraging energy efficiency and
conservation programs in commercial, residential, and municipal buildings;
conducting energy audits for businesses and residences; creating financial incentive
programs for energy efficiency retrofits; and promoting guidelines that encourage
energy efficient development.
As Congress debates what should be done to reduce our energy consumption and
increase energy efficiency, cities have proven that they are in an ideal position to
implement local solutions that will have a national impact.
Please support the Energy Efficiency Block Grant during House action on this
legislation. Thank You for your consideration.
Suicerely,