President's Top Environmental Advisors Holding Media Event in Charlottesville Tomorrow to Tout Cville's Clean Energy Financing Program

from the office of Rep. Tom Perriello:

Obama Administration Officials to Join Rep. Perriello in Showcasing Charlottesville Energy Efficiency Program

Charlottesville, VA—As part of his efforts to make the 5th District a national model for the clean energy economy, Congressman Tom Perriello will be joined by Nancy Sutley and Van Jones of the White House Council on Environmental Quality in Charlottesville on Tuesday to demonstrate the development of an innovative revolving loan program for energy efficiency upgrades.

Through the program, which is in development, the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle would be able to lend funds from federal and other grant sources to area residents to make their homes more energy efficient. The loans would be paid back from the energy savings that are generated by the efficiency upgrades. The federal funds would also be used to train area workers in retrofitting and energy efficiency upgrading at the local community college. Those newly skilled workers can seek employment with the local companies participating in the program. Through this innovative program, Charlottesville and Albemarle are trying to unleash the potential of clean energy jobs by not just training people for them, but by helping to create a market that will employ those who have been trained.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. Nancy Sutley, the Council's Chair, serves as the principal environmental policy adviser to the President. Van Jones, Special Advisor for Green Jobs at the Council, is the founder of Green For All, a national organization that promotes an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty, and the author of the 2008 New York Times best-seller, The Green Collar Economy.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23, at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Home of Ms. Ingrid Feggans (resident whose home will be weatherized through program), 503 Brown Street, Charlottesville, VA

WHO:
Congressman Tom Perriello (VA-5th)
Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
Van Jones, Special Advisor for Green Jobs, White House Council on Environmental Quality
Mayor Dave Norris, City of Charlottesville
David Slutzky, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Albemarle County
Bill Shelton, Director of Virginia's Department of Housing and Community Development
Area resident whose home will be weatherized
Area resident to be trained in weatherization job

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