The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the latest recipients of awards from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This round will distribute $16.9 million to 22 local governments and the state of New York to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use.
Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by the DOE's Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), the EECBG Program aims to support a variety of energy efficiency and decarbonization projects across communities in the United States.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to increasing access to clean energy and boosting energy resilience through community-led initiatives,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The investments from the EECBG Program are increasing renewable energy capacity, prioritizing environmental justice initiatives, and accelerating the deployment of energy efficiency projects at the local level.”
This announcement marks the ninth tranche of formula awards granted under this program since October 2023. To date, nearly $180 million has been awarded to 233 communities through this initiative. Eligible entities include 1,878 local governments, 774 Tribes, five territories, Washington D.C., and all 50 states.
Grantees will use these funds for various projects such as supporting low-income households with energy assessments and upgrades, conducting electrification studies for municipal facilities, purchasing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, installing solar arrays with battery storage systems, leveraging Energy Savings Performance Contracts among others.
Some specific projects include:
- Bayamón, PR will install a roof-mounted solar array on its police headquarters along with a battery storage system as part of its “Sustainable Security” project.
- Columbus, OH will provide free comprehensive energy audits to nonprofits that offer health and human services to disadvantaged communities.
- Miami, FL will advance its Miami Forever Carbon Neutral Plan by purchasing EVs for its municipal fleet and installing EV chargers.
- Navajo County, AZ plans to weatherize a county-owned historical building by upgrading window units.
- New York City will pursue several activities aimed at achieving net zero emissions goals including hiring a policy advisor for decarbonization projects.
- Pueblo, CO purchased two solar-powered EV charging stations for public use.
- Whittier, CA will develop a Municipal Operations Energy Plan focusing on carbon-free energy use.
Additional awardees include cities such as Beavercreek (OH), Chelmsford (MA), Diamond Bar (CA), Hempstead (NY), Pittsburgh (PA), Portland (OR), Richmond (VA), Thousand Oaks (CA); counties like Bexar County (TX), Camden County (NJ), El Paso County (CO), Palm Beach County (FL), Prince William County (VA); Travis County(TX); as well as the state of New York.
The EECBG Program supports President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which aims for 40 percent of federal climate investment benefits to flow into disadvantaged communities.
Eligible local governments have until October 31st while Tribes have until May 31st next year to apply either traditional grants or vouchers under this program. For more information about applications visit DOE's EECBG Program website.
