The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the first 22 communities for a clean-energy program to reduce air pollution, increase energy resilience, lower utility costs and energy burdens and provide long-term jobs and economic opportunities, a March 29 news release said.
The program is called the Communities Local Energy Action Program, according to the release.
"The president committed to making a historic investment in our clean energy future and environmental justice," Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "With today's Communities LEAP announcement, we will use the power of the federal government, DOE's National Labs and other experts to help our communities develop clear, actionable plans to reimagine their energy future and protect the health and safety of all residents."
According to the DOE release, selected communities will be Alachua County, Fla.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Birmingham (North Birmingham), Ala.; Columbia, S.C.; Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Oregon, Washington and Idaho; Duluth, Minn.; Hennepin County, Minn.; Highland Park, Mich.; Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Jackson County, Ill.; Kern County, Calif.; Lawrence, Mass.; Louisville, Ky.; Mingo and Logan Counties, West Virginia; Minneapolis, Minn.; New Orleans, La.; Pembroke Township and Hopkins Park, Ill.; Pittsburgh (Hill District), Pa.; Questa, N.M.; Richmond, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; and Seattle (Beacon Hill), Wash.
“Communities across the country must be able to take advantage of these historic investments in clean energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and clean transportation. Technical assistance programs like Communities LEAP will help ensure these communities are prepared for the many funding opportunities available from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as we transition to a clean energy economy,” White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said in the news release.
“Tribal communities must be included in the urgent fight to combat the climate crisis through innovative strategies that protect health, generate jobs and reduce utility expenses," Sen. Rob Wyden (D-OR) said. "I’m gratified the Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission has secured this federal investment for its members in Oregon and the Northwest.”
“The federal investment announced today will help drive new economic opportunities and support new and good-paying jobs in coal communities in West Virginia," said Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "As always, I will continue to advocate for policies and funding that will revitalize communities across the Mountain State and ensure they have the tools they need to build a brighter future.”
“In the last decade, the village of Questa has become a gateway community to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and helped local, clean energy-powered businesses like Taos Bakes grow their manufacturing base," said Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM). "I'm excited to welcome this major investment to help Questa plan for future growth and continue its momentum as a leader in the clean energy economy."
“The technical assistance provided through this DOE program will help these community organizations led by El Centro de la Raza convert homes from oil furnaces to electric heat pumps, expand weatherization services and ensure that every community member, regardless of language or culture barriers, is reached," said Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). "It is crucial that the federal government prioritizes support for low-income communities and communities of color to make the clean energy transition.”
