Capacity-building planning grants for energy conservation projects for local governments.



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jan. 29, 2024

*Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)*

*Capacity-building planning grants for energy conservation projects for local governments*

Washington will pass through $2,046,501 in federal formula funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG [ [link removed] ]) to cities and counties ineligible for direct allocations from the federal Department of Energy.? In alignment with both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?s [ [link removed] ] (BIL) Justice 40 [ [link removed] ] and Washington?s HEAL Act [ [link removed] ] priorities, cities and counties demonstrating the highest levels of need, as shown on the DOE?s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJEST [ [link removed] ]), will receive priority in scoring.

*Primary objectives of this pilot program:*


* Advancing our state energy strategy, equity, and policy goals, and expediting delivery of these funds to local governments.
* Capacity-building for the smaller cities and counties that are not eligible for direct federal EECBG funding.

An online Question-and-Answer session will be offered shortly after the applications are opened.? The application process will be streamlined and technical assistance with the applications will be available.?

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*How to Apply*

Applications are expected to open the week of February 19, 2024 and close on April 1, 2024. Additional program details will be posted in late January 2024.

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*Eligibility*

Eligible applicants will be smaller cities, counties or tribal governments that did not qualify for?direct EECBG allocations [ [link removed] ]?from the federal government. Three types of planning projects that are eligible for this program include:


* Communities that work with consultants to develop plans and strategies for energy efficiency and conservation. This includes financing, purchasing, and installing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation and associated infrastructure.
* Energy audits that are conducted on commercial and residential buildings.
* Public education programs developed to build public awareness and energy-saving actions.

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*Qualifications*

* Applicants must be city or county governments that did not qualify for direct EECBG allocations [ [link removed] ] from the federal government.
* Eligible applicant cities or counties will contain one or more census tracts designated as "Disadvantaged" using the DOE?s CEJEST tool. The planning project will include meaningful benefits for one or more communities.?
* Where these tracts are also ranked "highly impacted" on Washington's Environmental Health Disparities Map, they will be given additional priority.
* City or county partnerships, as with one or more non-profits, utilities, or businesses, are welcome.
* Projects will be ranked based on their potential environmental benefits.

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*Match Funding is not required*

The jurisdiction is not expected to contribute any funds of its own.? These grants will fund planning activities only and reporting requirements will be minimal.? Upon completion of the proposed planning project, Commerce will work with grantees to suggest applicable funding sources for implementation. Projects must be completed within 18 months of grant contracting.

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*Questions?*

Contact Kristen Kalbrener. <[email protected]>

Please check the EECBG? [ [link removed] ]website often for updates.






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