Funding to improve U.S. energy efficiency

WASHINGTON, June 1 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced plans Monday to provide $256 million to support energy efficiency improvements in major industries.

Chu said the funding, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be targeted at reducing the energy consumption of America's manufacturing and information technology industries, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

"Supporting the development of the latest industrial technologies plays an important role in helping U.S. industry to lead the world in energy efficiency and productivity," said Chu. "Working together with American manufacturing and IT industries, we will be able to create new jobs, reduce industrial energy use and limit damaging greenhouse gas emissions."