Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Announces $475 Million Investment to Support Clean Energy Solutions on Current and Former Mine Land
U.S. Department of Energy ( By Press Release office)
Mar 23,2024
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President Biden ' s Investing in America Agenda is providing funding for five projects in mining communities across the nation to support local economies and accelerate affordable , clean energy solutions . The U . S . Department of Energy is allocating up to $475 million for projects in Arizona , Kentucky , Nevada , Pennsylvania , and West Virginia . These projects , made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , will promote diverse , locally - driven clean energy initiatives that can be replicated in other mining communities . The goal is to create new economic opportunities and expand workforce partnerships in areas that have historically powered the nation . This announcement aligns with President Biden ' s commitment to building a clean energy future that benefits all communities . U . S . Secretary of Energy Jennifer M . Granholm emphasized the importance of deploying clean energy solutions on former mine land to support job creation and economic development in regions impacted by changes in the energy industry . The projects will also advance energy and environmental justice , ensuring that clean energy benefits directly reach affected communities . The selected projects include various clean energy technologies , such as solar , microgrids , and geothermal systems , with a focus on revitalizing former coal mines in Appalachia and promoting net - zero mining operations in the West . These projects are set to bring in over 3 , 000 well - paying construction and operations jobs . The selected projects include: utilizing geothermal energy at copper mines in Arizona , converting coal mine land into a hydroelectric facility in Kentucky , developing solar projects at gold mines in Nevada , and repurposing coal mining land for a large solar project in Pennsylvania . These projects aim to support clean energy initiatives , create jobs , and boost local economies . Mineral Basin Solar Power , a subsidiary of Swift Current Energy , plans to contribute $200 , 000 per year to Goshen and Girard townships for community improvements . They also aim to collaborate with local education and workforce organizations to boost economic mobility and create well - paying jobs . In West Virginia , a project called Coal - to - Solar intends to repurpose two former coal mines for a solar PV system that can power thousands of homes . This initiative will not only provide clean energy but also revitalize the local workforce and support the growing clean energy economy . By developing clean energy projects on mine land , we can minimize environmental impacts and create economic opportunities . The Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mine Land is working towards decarbonizing mining operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions . At the same time , replicating clean energy technologies like these on other mines , both current and former , will help create more jobs and opportunities for the local community for years to come . You can find more information about the selected projects here . The DOE is dedicated to making sure that mining and traditional energy - producing communities in America benefit from the transition to clean energy . This means supporting local workers , promoting environmental and energy justice , and getting the community involved through comprehensive Community Benefits Plans . Two of the selectees have already signed agreements with local labor unions , while the others are looking into or planning to develop project labor agreements to ensure that skilled and diverse workers can complete the projects on time . This program is also in line with President Biden ' s Justice40 Initiative , which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that have been neglected and burdened by pollution . According to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool ( CEJST ) , four of the selected projects in Arizona , Nevada , Kentucky , and West Virginia will benefit disadvantaged communities , and one project in Pennsylvania is located near a disadvantaged community . To keep things transparent and involve the community , OCED will be holding a series of virtual briefings to provide information about the selected projects , OCED ' s approach to clean energy demonstrations , and opportunities for community engagement . You can learn more about these engagement opportunities and register to attend here . It ' s important to note that being selected for award negotiations does not guarantee funding from the DOE . Before any funding is issued , there will be a negotiation process , and the DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time . If awarded , OCED will evaluate these projects in phases , with "go/no - go" decision points where the DOE will review and assess the progress of implementation , including community benefits . OCED is responsible for managing the CEML program and providing project management oversight for the selected projects . To learn more about how OCED is supporting the Biden - Harris Administration ' s approach to addressing the climate crisis and delivering a clean and fair energy future for all Americans , click here . ### .
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