Moore Announces Recovery Act Project To Promote Wind Energy Research In Milwaukee

Press Release

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) today announced that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been selected as one of 28 recipients of Recovery Act funding for new wind energy projects. The university will receive $422,266 to build and test a system of energy storage and power conversion for wind turbines. The goal of this project is to extend the operating life of the turbines, provide higher power efficiency, and improve the quality of output energy.

"Developing reliable wind energy here in Milwaukee will help move America toward a cleaner energy future," Congresswoman Moore said. "While America already leads the world in wind energy capacity, we must continue to actively support research and development so that we stay on the cutting edge. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a perfect place for the study of wind technology to take root, and I am proud that our own institution has been chosen as one of 28 recipients of Recovery Act funding for this very purpose."

"This is incredible support for UWM researchers who are working to improve renewable energy technologies in Wisconsin and worldwide," said Michael R. Lovell, Dean of the UWM College of Engineering and Applied Science. "We very much appreciate the key work Congresswoman Moore has done to facilitate technological advancements and help further connect UWM with important public and private research partners."

In addition to these Department of Energy Recovery Act funds for Milwaukee, Wisconsin will also be receiving $5,399,857 in Recovery Act funding for Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebates. The rebate program is intended to encourage consumers to purchase new ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.
The ENERGY STAR program, a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, identifies the most energy efficient products for consumers. The federally-funded rebates offered through the Recovery Act will reduce the cost of these appliances and promote energy-efficiency.

This funding will be awarded directly to the state using a formula outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Each state will then be required to submit a plan that specifies which ENERGY STAR appliance categories will be included in their rebate program, the rebate level for each product type, how the rebates will be processed, and their plan for recycling old appliances. The initial application expressing a state's intent to participate in the program is due by August 15, 2009, and a full application must be submitted by October 15, 2009.

Rebates may be focused on heating and cooling equipment; appliances and water heaters, as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential. Other appliance categories that states may choose to make eligible for rebates include central air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators and water heaters.

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