WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senator Menendez (D-NJ), author of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) and member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $5,928,600 to eight New Jersey local governments under the program.   The EECBG program, funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provides cities, towns and counties with resources to create green jobs, help communities improve their energy efficiency, conserve energy and lower global warming pollution. Of the  $3.2 billion of funding for the program, New Jersey is eligible to receive a total of $73 million. The $5,928,600 announced today will be distributed to the following local governments: Monmouth County - $4,225,800Township of Old Bridge - $580,300Township of Irvington - $501,000Bergen County - $250,000 (due to receive a total of $7,380,500)Linden - $166,800Township of Willingboro -$144,700East Orange - $30,000 (due to receive a total of $604,300)Union City - $30,000 (due to receive a total of $554,900)  “These investments are key components of our economic recovery and economic security in the 21st Century,” said Menendez.  “By supporting our local governments as they cut down on energy usage, we create jobs, reduce costs, provide local budget relief and help clean the air we breathe. We have heard from mayors and county officials from around the state using these funds to weatherize public buildings, invest in energy efficient lighting, conduct energy audits, and even install solar panels. Transforming our economy from one dependent on dirty fossil fuels to renewable energy and conservation requires every locality to pitch in and do its part.  I hope that this program and these resources will help us reach a future when thinking and acting green becomes second nature.” The program provides municipalities and counties with the resources to support energy-saving initiatives and improve energy efficiency in transportation, buildings and other sectors. Approximately $2.7 billion  of the total $3.2 billion in funds will be awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states, and Indian tribes nationwide.  An additional $400 million will be  distributed through competitive grants, which will be awarded through a future Funding Opportunity Announcement.                                                                                                                                             ###