(AP) - The U.S. Department of Energy has approved $13.9 million in federal stimulus funds for energy projects in Nevada, Gov. Jim Gibbons said Tuesday.
Gibbons said the funding will help Nevada invest its future.
"Virtually every segment of Nevada's population will benefit by putting people back to work and funding both short-term and long-term investments in Nevada's energy future, especially renewable energy and energy efficiency ... conservation projects and programs," Gibbons said in a written statement.
The approved amount represents 40 percent of the $34.7 million authorized for Nevada's State Energy Program under the federal stimulus package, the governor's office said.
The first 10 percent of the total funding sought was allocated for staffing and program planning, the governor said, adding that the remaining funds will be released in two phases once required reporting and oversight measures are implemented.
A bill sought by Gibbons and approved by the 2009 Legislature encourages renewable energy development, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and requires state buildings to adopt energy and water efficiency standards.
The measure, SB395, also requires that at least 25 percent of electricity sold to consumers by energy companies be from renewable sources by 2025, and makes it easier for renewable energy companies to come to Nevada by allowing more utility companies to sidestep part of a lengthy permitting process.
Gibbons says the federal stimulus money will be used to meet those goals.