Clean Energy News

Athens, GA--Environment Georgia, Mayor Heidi Davison and green business leaders gathered at city hall today to release a new Environment Georgia report, Green and Shovel Ready. The report highlights the forward looking ‘green shovel ready’ proposals of three Georgia cities that will put people to work and build green infrastructure using funds from the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“President Obama’s economic recovery plan put nearly 80 billion dollars towards recharging our economy by investing in solar, wind, more efficient homes and public transit, now Athens is showing Georgia how you put those dollars to work,” said Jennette Gayer, Policy Advocate with Environment Georgia. “The cities green and shovel ready recovery plans will put people to work creating a city that relies on cleaner, cooler and cheaper energy and transit solutions.”

With an eye towards bringing green jobs to Athens, cutting energy bills, saving tax payer’s money and decreasing reliance on polluting fossil fuels Athens has crafted several proposals for green recovery dollars. Proposals include:

-Adding solar photovoltaic and solar hot water infrastructure to city and county buildings.

-Expanding and enhancing Athens Transit System (ATS).

-Upgrading ATS and Athens-Clarke County fleet vehicle engines to be cleaner burning.

Georgia will have roughly $149 million to spend on grants and loans that increase energy efficiency and renewables use compared to $700,000 in 2008. The state will also get $130.1 million for its Weatherization Assistance Program which increases the efficiency of house for low income residents. In 2008 the weatherization program received $2.1 million.

“We applaud Athens for setting an example for the rest of Georgia’s cities and counties and showing all of us how we can put people to work building a better energy and transportation future for Georgia,” said Gayer.

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Environment Georgia is a statewide citizen funded environmental group that works for clean air, clean water and green spaces.

Green-and-Shovel-Ready.pdf