Biden Administration Awards $18.5 Million for Energy Efficiency Projects In Four States And 20 Local Governments

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $18.5 million in grants to four states and 20 local governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, “These investments from the EECBG Program put state and local governments in the driver’s seat to reduce emissions, increase climate resiliency, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

This latest round of funding marks the seventh tranche of formula awards under the EECBG Program, which has provided nearly $150 million to 175 communities since October 2023. Overall, the program allocates more than $430 million in formula grant funding to 2,708 states, territories, local governments, and Tribes, supporting activities across 14 eligible categories of clean energy projects.

Governments receiving awards this month plan to use the funds for various initiatives, including energy assessments, efficiency upgrades, solar panel installations, climate and energy planning, recycling programs, and building electrification campaigns.

Highlighted Projects:

• California: The Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge (LGBDC) will support public and private building decarbonization, prioritizing projects that benefit households burdened by climate pollution. (Award: $4,522,300)
• Cobb County, GA: Funds will support a Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) facility, a Sustainability Action Plan, and upgrades to public EV chargers. (Award: $557,290)
• Dane County, WI: A building electrification campaign will assist disadvantaged communities in accessing energy efficiency incentives and training for the local workforce. (Award: $266,890)
• New Hampshire: The Municipal Solar Grant Program will provide competitive grants to small towns for solar projects, prioritizing disadvantaged municipalities. (Award: $1,641,260)
• Pennsylvania: The MORE Program will offer grants and loans for energy efficiency projects, targeting financially distressed local governments. (Award: $3,021,720)
• Philadelphia, PA: Initiatives include a Cool Roofs Program, workforce development in building decarbonization, public education on energy efficiency, and energy management enhancements for schools. (Award: $1,316,810)
• Prince George’s County, MD: A residential rooftop solar incentive program and energy assessments for county buildings will advance the county’s Climate Action Plan. (Award: $681,220)
• San Antonio, TX: Initiatives include e-bike rebates for low-income residents, an Energy Master Plan for the airport, and EV charger installations in disadvantaged communities. (Award: $1,220,460)

Other local governments receiving awards include Arlington County, VA; City of Arlington, TX; City of Beaumont, TX; Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK; Frederick County, MD; City of Grand Rapids, MI; City of Manchester, NH; City of Marlborough, MA; City of Miramar, FL; Montgomery County, PA; New Castle County, DE; Somerset County, ME; City of Sun Prairie, WI; City of Tampa, FL; Tarrant County, TX; and the State of Utah.

The EECBG Program application deadlines are October 31, 2024, for local governments and May 31, 2025, for Tribes. More information is available on the EECBG Program website.