The U.S. Department of Energy has announced more than $26.9 million in funding to support clean energy projects in 37 state, local, and tribal governments. The grants are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aimed at upgrading public infrastructure and deploying cleaner, more affordable power while enhancing energy resilience.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized the importance of energy-efficient upgrades, stating, "Energy efficient upgrades are a surefire way to bring down costs and shore up resiliency for communities across the nation."
The grants, allocated through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, will support various initiatives to reduce energy use, curb fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of achieving a net-zero economy by 2050.
Among the recipients of the latest round of awards are Buncombe County, NC, which plans to enhance resiliency by installing battery storage systems at county facilities; Chicago, IL, which will undertake activities to advance clean energy goals and benefit disadvantaged communities; and Colorado, which will sub-grant funds to support clean energy projects in small and rural local governments.
Houston, TX, Kentucky, King County, WA, and the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians, CA, are also among the entities receiving grants to implement clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives that contribute to climate resilience and reduce energy burdens.
The grants will support a range of projects, including EV charging infrastructure, e-bike incentive programs, energy audits, efficiency retrofits for low-income communities, and more.
The EECBG Program aims to assist eligible governments in directing benefits to disadvantaged communities and supporting the clean energy transition. The program provides funding for activities in 14 eligible categories of clean energy projects and programs.
Entities have the option to apply for traditional grants or vouchers for equipment rebates or technical assistance. The application deadline for eligible local governments has been extended to October 31, 2024, while Tribes have until May 31, 2025, to apply.
The EECBG Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has provided over $430 million in formula grant funding to support clean energy projects across the country. Formula awards are announced on a monthly basis, with more information available on the program's website.
