Stay Informed
Department of Energy Resources Guide Helps Connect Tribal Communities With Funding Opportunities
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.
Federal Energy and Water Management Awards Winners Lead the Way in Reducing Waste
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.
Over $104 Million in Funding Available to Advance Net-Zero Projects at Federal Facilities
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.
Efficiency Upgrades Can Reduce Energy Demand in Buildings By 38%
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.
Invest in Efficiency Before Focusing on Renewable Energy
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.
New Policies Empower Tribal Nations To Become More Energy Secure
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.
The Inflation Reduction Act Spotlights the Need to Better Support Tribal Communities in Response to Climate Change
President Biden’s climate change law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), set aside $720 million in funding for tribal governments to improve energy efficiency and develop more resilient energy strategies. This funding, alongside other resources provided by IRA programs, strengthens tribal governments and helps reduce the widespread energy poverty present in their communities. Head to Legal Planet to get additional information on IRA provisions.
Energy Efficiency Helps Communities Become Climate Resilient
To mitigate the impact of extreme heat, flooding, and other weather-related incidents, the Department of Energy (DOE) encourages investment in energy-efficient technology to improve climate resilience. The DOE helps communities become safer, more equitable, and economically stronger by providing resources through its Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Learn more on DOE’s website.
Fellowship Program Supports Career Development in the Clean-Energy Industry
Local and Tribal governments participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program can get an extra hand completing their project by hosting a Clean Energy Fellow. The Community Energy Fellowship is providing 25–35 recent graduates and mid-career clean energy professionals with job opportunities. Learn more about hosting a Fellow on DOE’s website.
New Alliance Connects Tribal Communities with Solar Construction Firms That Prioritize Cultural Preservation
To reduce the barriers tribes face implementing renewable energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy was formed to recruit solar construction firms that undergo traditional cultural preservation training. With a total of $20 billion in federal loans available to tribes taking on energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s work will help tribes accelerate solar deployment. Read the full article from pv magazine to learn more.
Additional Resources
Stay Informed
Additional Resources
Department of Energy Resources Guide Helps Connect Tribal Communities With Funding Opportunities
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.
Federal Energy and Water Management Awards Winners Lead the Way in Reducing Waste
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.
Over $104 Million in Funding Available to Advance Net-Zero Projects at Federal Facilities
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.
Efficiency Upgrades Can Reduce Energy Demand in Buildings By 38%
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.
Invest in Efficiency Before Focusing on Renewable Energy
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.
New Policies Empower Tribal Nations To Become More Energy Secure
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.
The Inflation Reduction Act Spotlights the Need to Better Support Tribal Communities in Response to Climate Change
President Biden’s climate change law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), set aside $720 million in funding for tribal governments to improve energy efficiency and develop more resilient energy strategies. This funding, alongside other resources provided by IRA programs, strengthens tribal governments and helps reduce the widespread energy poverty present in their communities. Head to Legal Planet to get additional information on IRA provisions.
Energy Efficiency Helps Communities Become Climate Resilient
To mitigate the impact of extreme heat, flooding, and other weather-related incidents, the Department of Energy (DOE) encourages investment in energy-efficient technology to improve climate resilience. The DOE helps communities become safer, more equitable, and economically stronger by providing resources through its Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Learn more on DOE’s website.
Fellowship Program Supports Career Development in the Clean-Energy Industry
Local and Tribal governments participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program can get an extra hand completing their project by hosting a Clean Energy Fellow. The Community Energy Fellowship is providing 25–35 recent graduates and mid-career clean energy professionals with job opportunities. Learn more about hosting a Fellow on DOE’s website.
New Alliance Connects Tribal Communities with Solar Construction Firms That Prioritize Cultural Preservation
To reduce the barriers tribes face implementing renewable energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy was formed to recruit solar construction firms that undergo traditional cultural preservation training. With a total of $20 billion in federal loans available to tribes taking on energy projects, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy’s work will help tribes accelerate solar deployment. Read the full article from pv magazine to learn more.
