Federal Government Accelerates Green Energy with Financial Assistance for Local Projects

The federal government continues to implement plans that will lead our country towards a greener future. Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded over $17 million to 61 local and territorial governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs.

Empowering Local Communities Through Clean Energy Investments

The EECBG Program, managed by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs, empowers communities to pursue diverse clean energy goals. Since its inception, the program has reached 294 communities, supporting projects that reduce climate pollution and advance energy resilience.

Examples of these initiatives include:

• Livermore, CA, where EECBG funds were used to create an off-grid solar-powered EV charger that doubles as emergency lighting.
• DuPage County, IL, which implemented energy-efficient lighting upgrades to reduce consumption by 50% and conducted workforce analyses to support clean energy jobs.

Diverse Applications of Federal Funding

Local governments across the country are utilizing these grants in innovative ways to address their unique energy needs:

1. Atlanta, GA: Awarded $528,330, the city will focus on energy retrofits and certifications by retrofitting its least energy-efficient municipal buildings, including fire stations and wellness centers, with energy-efficient technologies. The city aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 by creating a standardized data collection platform for municipal building energy use.
2. Detroit, MI: With a $582,030 grant, Detroit will implement an energy benchmarking program to assist property owners in tracking and reducing energy use and launch a benchmarking program to help affordable housing owners and community organizations monitor and manage energy and water use. The city will hire energy professionals to lead renewable energy and building management projects.
3. Birmingham, AL: Using $252,880 in funding, the city plans to establish its first clean energy apprenticeship program, targeting workforce development by providing high school students with training in sheet metalworking and air quality certifications.
4. Greenville County, SC: By using the $393,510 reward, city council is replacing outdated dual-stream recycling containers with efficient single-stream receptacles, cutting carbon emissions by over 150 metric tons annually.
5. Pinal County, AZ: With their $273,780 funding, the city will increase access to EV charging stations in rural communities by installing pay-as-you-go infrastructure in line with the state’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan.

Broad Impacts on Energy Efficiency

The EECBG program’s contributions extend beyond municipal facilities. In Largo, FL, the city has replaced aging EV chargers, upgraded library lighting to reduce energy use by 35%, and educated residents on energy-saving practices. Similarly, Indianapolis, IN, is piloting energy management systems and providing hands-on training for municipal building audits, ensuring sustainable practices for years to come.

Federal Backing Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a cornerstone of the Biden Administration’s plans, allocates significant funding for renewable energy projects. This investment underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and fostering economic growth. Many of these projects also align with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of federal investments’ benefits to underprivileged populations by targeting disadvantaged communities.

For instance, Contra Costa, CA, is transitioning home-based childcare facilities from natural gas to electric appliances, improving both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. These efforts reduce emissions and support local economies by creating jobs in clean energy.

Pioneering Energy Solutions Through Collaboration

Local governments are leveraging EECBG funds to develop cutting-edge energy solutions. Milwaukee, WI, for example, is using a virtual emissions forecasting dashboard to meet its net-zero goals and employing energy-saving contracts to implement LED lighting and EV charging infrastructure upgrades. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City, OK, is hosting a design competition to promote energy-efficient, resilient housing incorporating solar and EV-ready features.

A Greener Path Forward

Programs like the EECBG and funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to advancing green energy. By supporting energy efficiency for local governments, the administration is enabling communities to adopt clean energy technologies tailored to their unique needs.

Click here to read the full press report, originally published November 14, 2024, by the U.S. Department of Energy.