Feds give $850K for state energy policies

WASHINGTON, July 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Energy will provide $850,000 this fiscal year to support the enactment of energy policies at the state level, an official said Sunday.

Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner said the money will go to support the National Governors Association's work to help develop and deploy cleaner sources of energy to power America's vehicles, homes and workplaces more efficiently.

"Today's announcement furthers the unprecedented energy cooperation between DOE and the nation's governors as we work together to advance clean, reliable and affordable supplies of energy," Karsner said in a statement.

He said states play a "critical role in adopting and implementing energy policies that address the serious challenge of global climate change while enhancing our economic growth and increased energy security."

The funding will be used to, among other things, provide technical support for development of state energy policies and to show officials how to use state assets to boost advanced energy technologies, a news release said. Funds will also be used to teach states how to become more resilient during energy supply disruptions.