Green Stimulus

What's green in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009? The Sierra Club Allegheny Group compiled a list of funding for sustainable projects and initiatives.

• $4.5 billion for the repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency using green technology
• $11 billion for smart-grid related activities, including work to modernize the electric grid
• $6.3 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants
• $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program
• $2.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy research
• $2 billion in grant funding for the manufacturing of advanced battery systems and components and vehicle batteries that are produced in the United States.
• $6 billion for new loan guarantees aimed at standard renewable projects such as wind or solar projects and for electricity transmission projects.
• $1 billion for energy efficiency programs including alternative fuel trucks and buses, transportation charging infrastructure, and smart and energy efficient appliances.
• $8.4 billion for investments in public transportation.
• $9.3 billion for investments in rail transportation, including Amtrak, High Speed and Intercity Rail.
• $4 billion to the public housing capital fund to enable local public housing agencies to address a $32 billion backlog in capital needs — especially those improving energy efficiency.
• $250 million is included for energy retrofitting and green investments in HUD-assisted housing projects.
• $6 billion is directed towards environmental cleanup of former weapon production and energy research sites.
• $6 billion for local clean and drinking water infrastructure improvements.
• $1.2 billion for EPA’s nationwide environmental cleanup programs, including Superfund.
• $1 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation to provide clean, reliable drinking water to rural areas and to ensure adequate water supply to western localities impacted by drought.
• $1.38 billion to support $3.8 billion in loans and grants for needed water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.
• $650 million for US Forest Service Capital Improvement and Maintenance to be used for road maintenance and decommissioning, deferred maintenance work, abandoned mine clean up, and other related critical habitat, forest improvement, and watershed enhancement projects.