Energy Dept. sees nearly $2 billion boost under White House plan

The White House fiscal year 2011 budget plan spares the Energy Department from President Obama’s proposed discretionary spending freeze and instead calls for a $2 billion increase for the agency.

The plan would provide $28.4 billion for DoE, up from $26.4 billion in fiscal year 2010 spending, according to a White House summary of the DoE budget plan. (Update: The Energy Department's own documents released later on Monday list fiscal year 2010 spending at $26.6 billion, so the total increase would be $1.8 billion, not $2 billion).

The proposal includes a $113 million boost for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, which would be funded at $2.4 billion under the White House plan.

Other increases include a boost of $550 million for nuclear nonproliferation programs and a boost of $750 million for securing and extending the life of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile, The White House said.

Obama has proposed a three-year freeze on many non-defense spending programs. But he’s not calling for an across-the-board cut, rather a mix of reductions and increases.

The proposed DoE boost drew a cheer from Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.).

“This Budget Request is a powerful statement of the priority that President Obama is giving to energy, technological competitiveness and nuclear weapons security imperatives, despite the tough fiscal environment we find ourselves in,” said Bingaman, who also applauded an increase in basic energy science research.

“On most major programs in the department, the President’s budget request basically gets it right.  I hope that this request attracts vigorous support from everyone who cares deeply about securing our nation’s energy future, boosting our economic growth and combating nuclear nonproliferation,” he added.

This post was updated at 4:07 p.m.