Funding opportunities and environmental justice assessments



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March 14, 2024

*EPIC updates about funding, community engagement*

The Washington State Department of Commerce Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) unit has updates and upcoming engagement opportunities.

In February, EPIC launched two solicitations: Tribal Clean Energy and Community Decarbonization grants. A third round of funding for clean energy projects is expected to open in late spring. More information on each opportunity can be found in this email and at Clean Energy Grant Programs. [ [link removed] ]

EPIC also initiated a public comment period for an Environmental Justice (EJ) Assessment related to the funding opportunities. More information about how to comment on the EJ Assessment is in this email.?

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Tribal Clean Energy Grants

Approximately $16 million is available exclusively for federally recognized tribes and tribes? contracted service providers to support the planning, design and construction of clean energy projects that promote sovereignty, advance resiliency and contribute to Washington?s decarbonization goals. *Applications are accepted* on an ongoing basis. To be considered for the first review period, applications must be submitted before noon on March 29. Visit Clean Energy Grant Programs [ [link removed] ] to learn more.

Community Decarbonization Grants ? available in Spanish

Approximately $67 million is available to support planning, design and construction of clean energy projects that will improve health, resiliency and economic outcomes for communities that face inequitable risk from energy burden, pollution and other environmental factors. Applications are now open and will be accepted until noon Pacific Time on April 5.

Applicants must demonstrate that projects benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations by improving environmental health conditions, reducing energy inequities, or strengthening community resiliency.

Access the Community Decarbonization Grants Request for Applications in Spanish here [ [link removed] ].

If you need additional language services, please email [email protected] with your request.

Subvenciones comunitarias para la descarbonizaci?n ? Disponibles en espa?ol

Aproximadamente $67 millones est?n disponibles para apoyar la planificaci?n, el dise?o y la construcci?n de proyectos de energ?a limpia que mejorar?n la salud, la resiliencia y los resultados econ?micos de las comunidades que enfrentan riesgos desiguales por la carga energ?tica, la contaminaci?n y otros factores ambientales. Las solicitudes ya est?n abiertas y se aceptar?n hasta el 5 de abril de 2024 a las 12:00 p.?m. (mediod?a), hora del Pac?fico.

Los solicitantes deber?n demostrar que los proyectos benefician a las comunidades sobrecargadas y a las poblaciones vulnerables al mejorar las condiciones de salud ambiental, reducir las desigualdades energ?ticas o fortalecer la resiliencia de la comunidad.

Acceda a la solicitud de subvenciones comunitarias para la descarbonizaci?n en espa?ol aqu? [ [link removed] ].

Si necesita servicios ling??sticos adicionales, env?e un correo electr?nico a [email protected] con su solicitud.

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General solicitation for clean energy projects

Additional funding will be available to support planning, design and construction of clean energy projects through a general round, which will be open to eligible project types and applicants for all funding areas.

Please join this session to learn more and provide feedback on the upcoming solicitation. This session is not required to apply for funding. Prospective applicants who provide feedback in this opportunity will not be given any advantage.


* *2-3 p.m. Pacific Time Wednesday, March 20*
* Register in advance on Zoom [ [link removed] ]
* *Habr? interpretaci?n en espa?ol disponible en esta sesi?n.*
* **Spanish interpretation will be available at this session.**

Visit our website [ [link removed] ]to learn more.

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Reminder: Environmental Justice Assessment on 2023-25 renewable energy programs open for public comment

Last week, Commerce opened a public comment period for a draft Environmental Justice Assessment (EJA), per HEAL Act [ [link removed] ] requirements, regarding potential impacts of five new 2023-25 budget provisos. These provisos will be packaged into the three consolidated clean energy grant solicitations outlined on the EPIC [ [link removed] ] website. The purpose of this public comment period is to provide an opportunity to review and comment on our draft Environmental Justice Assessment [ [link removed] ].

*How to provide feedback: Commerce is accepting public comments now through April 6, 2024*.

Attend a virtual feedback opportunity or comment in writing:


* *Submit comments in writing ? *Comments must be submitted by 10 a.m. Pacific time April 6
* *New**: *Complete a survey by April 6 Our survey is a quick and easy way to provide feedback for this EJ Assessment as well as future assessments.? The survey is available online [ [link removed] ].
* *Or: *Email comments to [email protected] <[email protected]> using the subject line: ?Environmental Justice Assessment Comments?


* *Virtual Feedback Session* ?* 10-11 a.m. *March 27 ?* *Interested parties are invited to participate via Zoom. This isn?t a Q&A session, but a chance for attendees to provide direct feedback on the Environmental Justice Assessment. Questions about the Assessment or any of the three grant solicitations will not be answered in this session. Spanish interpretation will be available at this session.
* Habr? interpretaci?n en espa?ol disponible en esta sesi?n.
* To request accommodations, contact Zachary Clayton <[email protected]> at least 10 business days before the meeting, if possible.
* Register for the for virtual comment session [ [link removed] ].

Feedback gathered won?t necessarily alter the initial launch of the Community Decarbonization and Tribal Clean Energy grant programs, but may be used to inform future solicitations. All comments are subject to public disclosure pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW.






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