In 2008, Clinton School student J.D. Lowery’s Capstone project resulted in a partnership between the State of Arkansas and the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) which made Arkansas the first U.S. state to become involved with the foundation’s work.
Until this partnership, CCI’s model was – and is to this day – primarily focused on building in major cities through the C40 initiative. However, his efforts to include a unique program developed by Martha Jane Murray in Wynne, Arkansas allowed the foundation’s work on a concept that expands access to energy efficiency savings to rural settings and individuals in addition to large metropolitan areas and building owners.
Lowery currently works on energy issues with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and is an active Clinton School alumnus.
This week, he accompanied Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to the Clinton Global Initiative America conference in Chicago where the Governor spoke about the HEAL AR (Home Energy Affordability Loan) program. This innovative Arkansas-based program utilizes employee payroll deductions through employer-based revolving loans funds that allow employees to finance energy-efficiency upgrades of their homes.
The employee revolving loan funds are populated through energy savings from upgrades to the company’s facility. It creates a new employee fringe benefit, creates jobs for energy auditors and contractors, increases employee disposal income and saves energy.
President Clinton has it on his list of 14 ways to put America back to work featured in Newsweek. Governor Beebe and the Arkansas Energy Office were early leaders in funding the program through the CCI partnership with the state.
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