Press Release
☷DOE Announces Over $20 Million to 32 States and Local Communities Addressing Place Based Energy Needs
U.S. Department of Energy ( By Press Release office)
Jan 20,2024
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President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is providing funding to support transportation upgrades , affordable home energy retrofits , and public electrification projects in 24 local governments , 5 states , the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community , the U . S . Virgin Islands , and the District of Columbia . The U . S . Department of Energy has announced $20 . 5 million in funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant ( EECBG ) Program . Secretary of Energy Jennifer M . Granholm announced the funding at the U . S . Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington , D . C . This program aims to bring federal funding directly to local communities , helping them access energy efficiency upgrades such as electric vehicle chargers , weatherization , and affordable solar panels . The funding supports local governments and tribal nations in planning for a clean energy future and building resilient communities . The recipients of the funding will use it for various projects , including electric bicycle incentive programs , free home solarization for low - income families , municipal fleet electrification , waste management strategies , and building energy audits . For example , Raleigh , NC will focus on sustainable transportation through activities such as an electric bicycle incentive program and the installation of EV chargers for the municipal fleet . Shelby County and the City of Memphis , TN will work together to integrate sustainability into operations and programming at the Memphis Zoo and advance the Memphis Area Climate Action Plan . This includes installing rooftop solar on zoo buildings , expanding community outreach and clean energy education programs , and developing a waste characterization study and solid waste master plan for the city and county . Palmdale , CA is going to launch two initiatives to bring electric vehicles and clean energy to the community . The Your Ride is EPIC Program will give out wall - mounted plug - in EV chargers to eligible households . Once the funds run out , the chargers won ' t be available anymore . The city will also create a plan to make their municipal fleet emissions - free by 2035 and install a microgrid at the maintenance yard . In Michigan , the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ( KBIC ) will hire a consultant to update their energy plan and set goals to reduce energy use and emissions . The consultant will work with tribal leadership and community representatives to create a plan that matches their clean energy goals . Miami - Dade County , FL is teaming up with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to provide solar power to 44 low - to - moderate income family homes . Each household will get a 5kW solar system at no cost and will see savings on their electric bills . Minnesota will use the funding to support energy efficiency programs in local governments , businesses , and homes . Small towns can get grants to create climate plans and do energy audits on municipal buildings . Commercial property owners can access loans for clean energy projects with the help of a revolving loan fund . Low - to - moderate income households can get reduced interest rates on loans for energy efficiency upgrades . This funding is part of the EECBG Program and there is over $431 million available to states , local governments , Tribes , territories , and the District of Columbia to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use . The program also helps out the Biden - Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative by giving support to eligible governments . This support allows them to direct 40% of the benefits from EECBG Program - funded programs and projects to disadvantaged communities that are often left behind in the clean energy transition . Other awards that were announced today include grants for various counties and cities in different states . The deadline for local governments and Tribes to submit applications is April 30 , 2024 . They can apply for traditional grants or vouchers for equipment rebates or technical assistance . DOE offers technical assistance to help reduce application barriers and support project implementation . They also provide resources like trainings and project ideas to help grantees . Eligible entities can also apply to host a DOE - sponsored Community Energy Fellow in their community . Formula grant applications are open until April 30 , 2024 and awards will be given on a rolling basis . Check out the DOE webpage for more information on the EECBG Program and how to apply .
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