Isaac Edwards, a senior staff member of Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who is a member of the committee, said a measure was pushed in 2005 requiring the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a study in introducing alternative sources of energy within island communities.
With the passage of the $787 billion American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2008, more popularly known as the stimulus law, introducing alternative energy in small communities will be given more attention and assistance.
“We want to create an island energy team that will come and provide an assessment and technical assistance among islands,” said Edwards.
Edwards and Allen Stayman, the committee’s senior staffer in-charge of insular affairs, along with CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan met with the the CNMI Energy Steering Committee yesterday afternoon.
The CNMI Energy Division’s grant application totaling $18.651 million has been approved.
Of the amount, $7.52 million is allocated for government building retrofits to reduce energy consumption in dilapidated public offices and buildings.
Public schools will get $6.5 million to install renewable energy sources.
“Funds cover the materials and installation of wind turbines, solar panels and re-enforcement structures [typhoon resistant installations] at Saipan Southern High School and at nine other schools,” according to a report from the CNMI Energy Steering Committee.
Additionally, six more employees will be hired for the Energy Division to conduct energy audit and promote programs such as Energy Star and the newly adopted tropical energy code through outreach and education.
More than $1 million in stimulus grants is allocated for this project.
Some $3.4 million is also earmarked that will promote the use of energy and clean technologies in the CNMI.
There were no specific projects listed for this project yet.
Stayman said part of their visit is to get more information on how stimulus grants are moving to help rebuild the CNMI’s economy.
The CNMI stands to receive up to $130 million in stimulus grants.
“The committee has the responsibility for U.S. relations with the territories and we try to get out here on a regular basis to keep up to date on developments. It’s also an opportunity for Isaac [Edwards] here to be introduced and get oriented to these island issues,” said Stayman.
Edwards, who visited Saipan for the first time this week, said his personal insights about issues facing the Northern Marianas will help him bring accurate information to Washington, D.C.
