Biden Administration Awards Over $17 Million to Support Community Clean Energy Projects

The U.S. Energy Department has announced the tenth tranche of award beneficiaries through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, or EECBG, program.  The program will allocate over $17.7 million to 61 local and territorial governments to enhance energy efficiency, lower climate pollution, and reduce overall energy usage.

The program, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, intends to finance an extensive array of decarbonization and energy efficiency projects that will reduce energy usage, lower emissions, and further energy related efficiency targets. The program got its first funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The EECGB program identifies that climate resolutions are not standard in nature and can be community or state specific, as a result the program provides local communities and territories with the knowledge, skillset and tools to enhance accessibility to clean energy and improve energy resilience through public led initiatives.

The award recipients will engage in a suite of activities including, creating net-zero building roadmaps, and launching residential energy efficiency rebate programs in underprivileged communities. Activities also include expanding pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, bringing up-to-date road and structure lighting with LED technology, enhancing recycling programs, procure electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure for municipal fleets.

The program application deadline for state and local governments to apply has closed, while eligible tribal governments have until May 31, 2025, to apply.