U.S. funds weatherization in 15 states

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Energy says it will provide more than $453 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization programs in 15 states.

The funds are designed to assist the states achieve the goal of weatherizing more than 165,000 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating green jobs across the country.

Department Secretary Steven Chu made the funding announcement Thursday while helping weatherize a home in Columbus, Ohio, with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

The 15 states are California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.