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California has received $4.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance statewide building decarbonization efforts. This is part of an $18.5 million allocation across states and local governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The grant supports the Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge, aiming to reduce California’s building-related greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency initiatives statewide. 

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Thirteen Tribal Nations received funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program. This funding will help these communities complete clean energy projects and improve climate resiliency. Tribes with clean energy goals are encouraged to connect with the Office of Energy to find financial and technical assistance opportunities. Learn more on their website. 

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The Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings Rule mandates that all new federal building construction or major renovations achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The rule works in tandem with Executive Order 14057 and the other Federal Sustainability Plan actions. Read the full article on FacilitiesNet to get more details. 

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The Biden-Harris Administration and Department of Energy (DOE) created the Tribal Nations and Native Communities Resources Guide to highlight federal funding opportunities for Tribal governments. This guide can help these communities learn about and navigate relevant energy efficiency programs, such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Visit DOE’s website to access the guide. 

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The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards recognize successful projects at federal properties that resulted in a noteworthy improvement in energy and water efficiency. Learn more about these projects and programs that cut energy and water waste on the Department of Energy’s website. 

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Community-based organizations and Tribal Nations can receive funding through the Clean Energy Access (CEA) Grant Account to help facilitate clean energy programs. CEA Grant Account funding can be used to develop equity initiatives and clean energy access opportunities that complement other California Public Utilities Commission programs. Learn more on the California Grants Portal. 

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The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $104 million in funding for energy-efficient projects at federal facilities through the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) program. The projects that receive AFFECT funding will help achieve greenhouse gas emissions reduction and other energy-related goals set by President Biden’s December 2021 Executive Order. 

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A report from the World Economic Forum and PwC states that completing energy savings and efficiency projects can help buildings reduce energy consumption by as much as 38%. Over time, as the cost savings from actions taken to lessen the amount of energy that facilities need to operate add up, these efforts will pay for themselves. Learn more about this report in an article from Smart Cities Dive. 

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Reducing your facility’s energy usage will make investing in energy easier and more affordable in the future. According to an article from Facility Executive, the payback period on solar panels and other renewable energy technology will be longer if efforts are not taken to optimize energy systems for cost savings and efficiency first. 

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With their environmental and cultural values front of mind, Tribal Nations are working with the federal government to overcome barriers that prevent progress towards independent energy development. A recent provision in the Inflation Reduction Act allows Tribes to take advantage of federal tax credits for energy projects for the first time. Read the article by Resources to learn how Tribes are moving forward. 

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