From our colleague Christina Asavareungchai:

Today, the Department of Energy announced more than $54 million in Recovery Act funding to four states under its State Energy Program ("SEP"). Here is how the funds will be used in Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin:

Nevada will use its SEP funds to create a revolving loan fund, which will help finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Nevada will also perform energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings and schools, in addition to installing more energy-efficient street and traffic lights statewide. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Nevada will receive additional funds of over $17 million, for a total of almost $35 million.

Vermont will use its SEP funds to establish programs that advance energy efficiency across multiple sectors. Specifically, Rhode Island will support businesses and homes in their effort to reduce energy consumption, in addition to updating the state’s building energy codes. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Rhode Island will receive additional funds of nearly $12 million, for a total of almost $24 million.

Wisconsin will use its SEP funds to help improve the energy efficiency of existing industrial facilities, in addition to investing in businesses that manufacture clean energy technologies and components. The state will also offer loans to a broad audience. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Wisconsin will receive additional funds of nearly $28 million, for a total of over $55 million.

Rhode Island will use its SEP funds to offer financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the public, private, and residential sectors, in addition to facilitating the installation of thermal solar renewable energy systems in low-income households. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Vermont will receive additional funds of nearly $11 million, for a total of almost $22 million.