O US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of more than US$ 31 million in clean energy investments, through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), to 19 state governments and local communities across the North- American. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, this program, managed by DOE's Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), aims to drive clean energy and infrastructure improvements in Puerto Rican states, local governments, and municipalities.
The EECBG Program makes more than US$430 million in formula grant funding available to more than 2,700 states, territories, local governments, and tribes across the country. The 19 beneficiaries announced today make up the second tranche of funding, following the revelation of 16 beneficiaries in October. Recipients have the flexibility to choose from 14 categories of eligible activities for a variety of clean energy projects and programs. The program requires states to subgrant at least 60% of funds to local governments not eligible for a direct DOE grant.
The US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, highlighted the equitable transition to clean energy at the national level, empowering states and local governments to implement ambitious plans to transform their communities. This record funding aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation efforts across the country, aligning with President Joe Biden's goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.
Among the states covered, Massachusetts will launch a grant program to train local community governments in clean energy and decarbonization planning. In the state of Michigan, the Bryant Community Center will be transformed into a net-zero resilience center. In the state of Georgia, a competitive subsidy program will be created, while Puerto Rico will focus on installing solar public lighting and energy audits in public buildings.
In addition to those mentioned, another 15 states and municipalities will receive financial incentives to drive local energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to award funding as it receives applications through April 30, 2024, seeking to simplify the process through a newly launched portal for voucher applications. This effort aims to reduce administrative burden and accelerate the implementation of projects across the country.
