The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $12.62 million to 35 state, local, and tribal governments to support clean energy projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. The funding is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program under the Investing in America agenda.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced this latest round of awards, which will benefit 32 local governments, two states, and one tribe. These funds are intended to enhance energy efficiency, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy consumption. The program is funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs.
"Through the investments from the EECBG Program, the Biden-Harris Administration is equipping local communities with the resources to lead our nation’s clean energy transition," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "These contributions are not just about cutting emissions – they’re about creating a healthier, more resilient country for all future generations to come."
Since its inception in October 2023, the EECBG Program has distributed nearly $162 million across 210 communities through eight tranches of formula awards.
The grants will be used for various initiatives including energy assessments for low-income households, installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, purchase of alternative fuel vehicles for municipal use, solarization campaigns, and improvements in bicycle infrastructure.
This program supports the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative that aims to ensure 40 percent of federal climate and clean energy investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities.
One notable milestone this month was an equipment voucher award made to Livermore, CA for purchasing two solar-powered EV chargers for public use. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on August 30 at Livermore Civic Center Library as part of DOE’s “Resiliency Month.”
Examples of how specific grantees plan to utilize their funds include:
- Arizona: Projects include creating a centralized digital resource for rebates and technical assistance; increasing energy efficiency in government buildings; sub-granting funds for municipal clean energy projects.
- Athens-Clarke County, GA: Establishing an Appliance Assistance Initiative targeting income-qualified homeowners.
- Babylon, NY: Supporting home energy efficiency upgrades focused on low-income communities.
- Charlotte, NC: Launching a Solarize Campaign focusing on education and installation support.
- Charlottesville, VA: Conducting free residential energy audits in partnership with a nonprofit.
- Livermore, CA: Installing dual-plug solar-powered EV chargers with battery storage.
- Missoula, MT: Launching a Building Electrification Campaign including drafting new building codes.
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation: Funding Certified Energy Manager trainings.
- Tempe, AZ: Initiating an energy efficiency pilot program in mobile home parks.
- Wichita KS: Conducting stormwater pump station assessments and weatherizing homes for low-income residents.
Other recipients include cities such as Albuquerque NM ($512,750), Baltimore MD ($549,550), Fresno CA ($494,390), Knoxville TN ($239 ,720), Oakland CA ($405 ,710), among others.
DOE provides extensive technical assistance through Blueprints—guides for implementing high-impact clean energy projects—and Blueprint Cohorts that offer insights from industry experts.
The next application deadlines are October 31 ,2024 for eligible local governments and May 31 ,2025 for Tribes. For more information visit the EECBG Program website.