Energy Programs of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act injected approximately $840 billion into the U.S. economy to provide both short-term economic stimulus and longer term technological advancement and infrastructure development. One of the primary recipients of stimulus funds in the United States and elsewhere around the world was the energy sector. This analysis reviews states' experiences with Recovery Act energy programs, and highlights the perceived challenges and accomplishments that state officials encountered with these programs. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted with state officials involved in Recovery Act implementation, the analysis focuses on the following main themes: compliance difficulties, spending preparedness, degree and quality of federal guidance, timing, efficiency, and perceptions of success and lasting benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]