As part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today (June 28) a new round of funding, totaling $18.5 million, for clean energy projects across 24 states and local governments.
This funding, allocated through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, is part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
These grants will empower state and local governments to enhance energy efficiency, cut down climate pollution, and lower energy consumption.
Empowering Local Governments for a Clean Energy Future
“No one understands the energy improvement needs of their communities better than state and local governments,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting these efforts towards a cleaner energy future for all.”
The EECBG Program investments allow state and local governments to lead in reducing emissions, increasing climate resilience, and strengthening communities for future generations.
Continued Commitment with Seventh Round of Awards
This latest tranche marks the seventh round of formula awards under the EECBG Program. Since the initial awards in October 2023, nearly $150 million has been distributed to 175 communities. The program offers more than $430 million in funding to 2,708 states, territories, local governments, and Tribes.
Participants can select from 14 eligible categories of clean energy projects to meet their objectives. Additionally, the program supports the President’s Justice40 Initiative, aiming to deliver 40% of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Diverse Projects to Drive Energy Improvements
Recipients will use the funds for various projects, such as conducting energy assessments and efficiency upgrades in community centers and schools, installing solar panels on municipal buildings, developing climate and energy plans, and promoting local recycling.
These initiatives are tailored to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting communities nationwide.
State-Specific Initiatives: California and Georgia
California will spearhead statewide building decarbonization through the Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge (LGBDC), focusing on reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The challenge supports local governments in planning and implementing diverse decarbonization projects, prioritizing overburdened households. (Award amount: $4,522,300)
Cobb County, GA, plans to construct a Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) to enhance environmental health. The county will also develop a Sustainability Action Plan and replace outdated public electric vehicle chargers with efficient models, adding solar-powered charging stations to their fleet. (Award amount: $557,290)
Community-Based Energy Initiatives: Wisconsin and New Hampshire
Dane County, WI, will launch a building electrification campaign to assist disadvantaged communities in accessing energy efficiency incentives. The initiative includes funding and training staff at community organizations to guide residents through state and federal incentives for home electrification. (Award amount: $266,890)
New Hampshire will establish the Municipal Solar Grant Program, offering competitive grants to small towns for solar projects. The program aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower operating costs for municipal facilities, prioritizing disadvantaged municipalities. (Award amount: $1,641,260)
Energy Efficiency Programs: Pennsylvania and Texas
Pennsylvania will introduce the Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) Program to help local governments access capital for clean energy projects. The program includes direct grants and loans for energy assessments, project design, and capital-intensive retrofits. (Award amount: $3,021,720)
San Antonio, TX, will improve transportation energy efficiency by providing e-bike rebates, developing an Energy Master Plan for the airport, and installing EV chargers in disadvantaged communities. (Award amount: $1,220,460)
Additional Awards and Technical Assistance
Other awards include funding for cities like Arlington, TX ($369,400), and Tampa, FL ($413,280), among others. The DOE offers extensive technical assistance for EECBG Program grants, including Blueprints and Blueprint Cohorts, providing guides and workshops to maximize project impact.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will lead the next phase of Blueprint Cohorts, offering training and support to grantees.
Application Deadlines and More Information
The EECBG Program application deadlines are October 31, 2024, for local governments and May 31, 2025, for Tribes. Eligible entities can apply for traditional grants or vouchers for equipment rebates and technical assistance. For more information, visit the EECBG Program website.