On May 29, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the allocation of $12.1 million to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in three states and 14 local governments. This funding is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to lowering energy costs and increasing energy resilience for communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to the President’s agenda, federal funding is going directly to state and local governments to help lessen the energy burdens felt across the nation and generate cleaner, cheaper power while creating a healthier environment for all.”
This announcement marks the sixth tranche of formula awards granted under the EECBG Program since its inception in October 2023. To date, over $130.5 million has been awarded to 151 communities out of a total program budget exceeding $430 million.
The newly announced funds will be used for various initiatives including energy assessments at community centers, climate action plans, e-bike purchase vouchers, solar incentive programs for low- and moderate-income households, among others. These efforts align with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which aims to direct 40 percent of certain federal investments' benefits towards disadvantaged communities.
Specific projects include:
- Buffalo, NY: A resilience hub development program involving an energy assessment and net-zero building retrofit on the Delavan-Grider Community Center ($293,740).
- Green Bay, WI: Hiring an Outreach and Engagement Specialist for an electrification campaign targeting residents, small businesses, non-profits, and Tribal members ($159,610).
- Madison, WI: Developing a web system for implementing the city’s Building Energy Savings Program ($291,340).
- Pierce County, WA: Updating an energy compliance plan and retrofitting Sprinker Recreation Center ($497,770).
- San Diego County, CA: Launching pilot programs for solar panel installations on low-income homes and an Electric Cooktop Loaner Program ($526,750).
- San Francisco, CA: Electrifying up to 100 buildings in underserved communities in partnership with BayREN ($796,610).
- Virginia: Sub-granting funds to small rural governments and launching a marketing program on home electrification incentives ($2,646,050).
Additional awards were given to Clark County (NV), Dakota County (NE), Elk Grove (CA), Evansville (IN), Fayetteville (NC), Oak Creek (WI), Palm Desert (CA), Sarasota County (FL), New Jersey State Government (NJ), Tennessee State Government (TN).
The DOE also introduced the Community Energy Fellowship Program which places recent graduates in eligible localities to support EECBG projects.
The application deadlines are October 31, 2024 for local governments and May 31, 2025 for Tribes. More information can be found on the EECBG Program website.
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