FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                            CONTACT: Keith Maley/ Kaelan Richards
October 26, 2009                                                                                           (202) 224-2633      
 
 Washington, D.C. – Senator Paul G. Kirk, Jr., Senator John F. Kerry and Congressman Barney Frank announced today that a $799,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant through the Department of Energy has been awarded to the City of Newton. The grant will fund improvements in energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and create green jobs.
 
“The challenge of climate change is one of the most important issues of our generation,” said Senator Paul G. Kirk, Jr. “I commend the City of Newton for its leadership on this issue and its commitment to improving the environment, creating new jobs, and helping to lead the Commonwealth to a more sustainable future.”
 
“Saving energy means saving money.  This investment will help Newton join the effort to combat global climate change while creating clean energy jobs and putting people to work,” said Senator Kerry.
 
"I applaud the city of Newton for its efforts to improve energy efficiency.  These grants, made under the stimulus bill, not only are good for the environment, they also provide a needed boost to our economy," said Congressman Frank.
 
Newton was one of 2,300 cities and counties nationally to receive grants totaling $2.7 Billion through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, please visit http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/.