Governor Peter Shumlin recently rolled out a plan in Vermont to make state buildings more energy efficient with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and annual energy usage by at least 5 percent with an investment of $8 million.
The state currently spends about $14 million a year on energy bills. The money will be issued through a loan fund, which will then be repaid and reinvested into other projects over a 10-year period.
"We believe that energy is a great place to invest in energy improvements and renewable energy. This will have a return to taxpayers and create jobs without taking from any other programs," said Beth Pearce, D-Vt. Treasurer.
Many state buildings are currently undergoing construction to meet the new standards.