SOCM members are closely tracking the politics behind an allotment of some federal funds that can be put to good use in our region. Tennessee is eligible to receive an allotment of at least 28 million dollars in the form of Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB) which are funds allocated to finance qualified energy conservation projects in the state. The State Energy Office is responsible for the administration of these funds.

Can you think of ways these funds can be put to good use in your community? Do you want to see Tennessee take advantage of the opportunity to increase renewable energy production in low income and rural communities? We cannot afford to miss the chance to influence how these dollars are spent in our region. More and more in this difficult economy, it is the communities that need the most support that are left out of important decisions such as these.

Please take the time to read about QECBs and educate yourself about these funds. It is entirely possible that if the state doesn't hear from us, these dollars will either go untouched or they will be used on commercial and public sector buildings, without any sustainable benefit to our neighborhoods and communities. SOCM members want to see this money spent to increase access to energy efficiency projects in low income communities across the state.

Take a few minutes to let Governor Haslam know that SOCM wants to see these bonds taken advantage of and put to good use.  

Click here to send your message, and send this out to your networks.  These bonds are currently under the radar, and we have an excellent opportunity to be heard. You can also call Gov. Haslam's office at (615) 741-2001.