By Debra DeHaney-Howard
November 22, 2010

Piscataway (NJ) Mayor Brian C. Wahler recently joined with New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. and other officials to celebrate progress in installing solar panels to power the city's Department of Public Works building. The project was made possible by a direct formula grant provided to the city through the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which was first funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"Thanks to Senator Menendez and Congressmen Pallone, cities across New Jersey are in the process of implementing energy efficiency and climate initiatives. Because of their leadership, we're here today installing solar panels on this building which will contribute toward saving almost 25 percent of the operating costs of the building, with a projected savings of $61,000 a year," Wahler said. Menendez, who is the original sponsor of the EECBG program, championed this initiative during debate on the 2007 energy law; Pallone, a senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, helped secure approval of the EECBG program in the House.

At the October 26 event, Wahler spoke of the importance of the EEECB program, pointing out how solar and other energy projects are being initiated in towns and cities like Piscataway throughout the nation because of energy block grant dollars. He also urged Congress to "push the Obama administration" to continue energy block grant funding in next year's federal budget to fund "similar projects throughout the country."

Piscataway received more than $525,000 in energy block grant funding under ARRA, directing most of the funds to investments in solar panels. The initial phase of this project, scheduled for completion this month, involves the installation of rooftop solar panels on its Department of Public Works building, with solar installations planned for other municipal buildings by June 2011.

During his remarks, Menendez recognized U.S. Conference of Mayors Board Members Elizabeth (NJ) Mayor Chris Bollwage and Wahler for their work on the energy block grant. "These mayors [Wahler and Bollwage] were at the forefront of promoting with the Conference of Mayors this concept that, if we give resources to communities, they can be part of a movement to transform our energy needs to renewable resources that can save money for local taxpayers, save energy so we're polluting less, and reduce dependence on foreign oil."

Pallone commended Wahler for his leadership on the solar panel project. "The mayor is always out front in trying to save the taxpayers money. He's always looking for new ways and innovative ways to do things that create jobs and make real difference for his citizens. We need to do more of these types of initiatives. It's a win-win situation on so many levels," he said.

While this is the first solar project for Piscataway, the city has been moving forward with other green initiatives, such as installing energy efficient lights in its buildings, converting a majority of its traffic signals to LEDs, and installing energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in its municipal buildings. "We're working on all fronts to produce energy conservation," Wahler said, adding that, "we understand how important it is to look for ways to reduce soaring energy costs in the municipality, and installing solar panels is one way that will help to achieve that goal."