In August 2009, the City of Salem received notice of a $1.5M award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The EECBG Program aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy consumption, and create jobs. It also requires communities to develop an Energy Strategy to meet these objectives. 

Salem’s Strategy was developed with feedback received from residents and businesses at a December 2009 forum, Vision 2020 work groups, and a Task Force of representatives from community organizations. The Strategy was presented to City Council for their acceptance on September 13, 2010.