Energy efficiency advocates press state for speedy action on new programs

clipped from www.worldofrenewables.com When U.S. Department of Energy weatherization czar Gil Sperling spoke this week at Portland State University, a sense of excitement about Oregon's leadership role in energy conservation infused the room. Sperling told state energy bureaucrats and business people Tuesday that within 30 days the federal Department of Energy would be soliciting competitive bids for four or five grants of $80 million to $100 million each. The grants would go to communities that demonstrate an innovative approach to large scale home weatherization efforts, and pair public and private funding. Oregon, he said, is in a competitive position to capture one of those grants, based on the strength of new local and state programs to retrofit homes and businesses. "I'm looking for Oregon to be a leader in programs that address the obstacles to how to leverage private dollars," he said.