The federal Department of Energy awarded the City of Santa Clarita more than $1.5 million in funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The funding will be used to help pay for energy efficient repairs, incentives and upgrades citywide.

The City will utilize funding to retrofit lights on City bridges and public places and create a local green incentive grant program for energy efficiency retrofits and solar installations. Funding will also partially cover the cost of the Newhall Library’s green energy efficiency aspects, and implement a volume-based trash rate, allowing residents with less waste to pay lower collection rates.

“The City of Santa Clarita is committed to environmental awareness and sustainability, and received the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding because of its continued green efforts,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Funding will help the City further reduce emissions and energy costs, as well as encourage residents to adopt greener practices.”