Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation Announces Six Energy-Saving Grants Awarded by U.S. Department of Energy to Colorado

DENVER--Aug. 2, 20046, 2004--The Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) received six State Energy Program Special Projects grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Colorado's project partners (sub-grantees) will receive a total of $652,790 in federal funding, which is $222,158 more than was received in 2003. The six winning grants, which will be administered by OEMC, are for the following programs:

-- Alternative Fuels/Clean Cities:

-- Denver Metro Clean Cities Coalition Support

-- Colorado Springs Clean Cities Coalition Support

-- Big Clean Trucks/Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchase

-- Blue Sun Biodiesel: Bring Biodiesel to Colorado Fleets

-- Rebuild America and OEMC: Energy Smart by Design

-- Codes: E-Star/ Codes & Standards

Four of the six grants promote alternative, clean and efficient fuels under the Alternative Fuels and Clean Cities Programs. DOE will fund two Clean Cities Coalition Support projects with $20,000 each; Big Clean Trucks will receive $200,000; and Blue Sun Biodiesel will receive $224,162 to promote biodiesel to fleet cars. Rebuild Colorado will receive $130,000 to support energy efficient building design. E-Star Colorado will receive $58,628 in funding for a Codes & Standards project. Additionally, all the grant partners will provide matching funds for the projects.

"Colorado receives many benefits from the SEP Special Projects. They promote energy-efficient buildings that potentially save thousands of dollars for taxpayers. Many of the projects promote cleaner burning, more efficient fuels, as well as renewables such as biodiesel, which is produced in Colorado," said Rick Grice, OEMC director. "Further, the projects help protect Colorado's environment, diversify our energy fuels, increase our energy security, and provide protection against rising fuel prices."

The SEP Special Projects are awarded yearly on a competitive basis to support energy efficiency, renewable energy and distributed energy projects. States submit proposals in response to DOE's solicitation identifying how specific technologies could be implemented in their region of the country. DOE selects the projects that best meet national energy goals.

OEMC and the project partners must go through a final negotiation process prior to contract execution. Project work is expected to commence in October of 2004. Information on the projects will be accessible at OEMC's website at www.state.co.us/oemc.

About Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and

Conservation (OEMC)

As the lead state agency on energy efficiency and conservation issues, OEMC serves the people of Colorado through demonstration and education of viable, real-world solutions to the problem of reducing our reliance on foreign energy. OEMC serves as a statewide advocate of energy efficiency through its programs and partnerships that benefit Colorado's economic and natural environment. OEMC receives federal funding, including U.S. Department of Energy, but no Colorado state tax dollars to support its activities. Contact OEMC at www.state.co.us/oemc or call toll-free, 800-632-6662.