Stay Informed
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.
$4.6 Billion in Grants Unveiled to Reduce Climate Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new grant competition will fund state, local, and Tribal programs and policies that support environmental justice, advance clean-energy solutions, and tackle climate pollution. By funding measures that bring economic and health benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants competition will also advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. Visit EPA’s website to get more details.
Federal Facilities Adapting Operational Strategies In Response To Changing Work Models
Improving energy efficiency and creating environments that staff feel more comfortable in are two ways government entities are updating the operational strategies of their facilities. In an interview with FacilitiesNet, two commercial real estate experts discuss some of the changes they’ve observed and how facility managers are dealing with them.
Projects to Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Federal Buildings Funded Through Grant Program
Nineteen federal projects will receive over $28 million in funding under the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) grant program. These projects are projected to save $22.7 million in annual energy costs. The AFFECT grant program plays a key role in achieving net-zero emissions from federal buildings by 2045. Visit the Department of Energy’s website to learn how this impacts the Biden Administration’s Federal Sustainability Plan.
New Tax Credits Will Strengthen Tribal Clean Energy Programs
Rules proposed by the IRS will allow federally recognized American Indian tribes to access the new clean energy tax credits enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act. Tribes will be able to secure financing and reduce costs for the deployment of renewable energy and other clean energy projects on their lands. Read the article from Bloomberg Law to get more details.
DOE Launches Energy Future Grants Program to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities
$27 million in funding is available through Energy Future Grants to encourage partnerships between local, tribal, and state governments that result in ideas that will benefit disadvantaged communities. These funds should be used to help low–income and disadvantaged communities achieve greater energy efficiency. Visit the Department of Energy’s website to read the full press release and find additional resources.
Additional Resources
Stay Informed
Additional Resources
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.
$4.6 Billion in Grants Unveiled to Reduce Climate Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new grant competition will fund state, local, and Tribal programs and policies that support environmental justice, advance clean-energy solutions, and tackle climate pollution. By funding measures that bring economic and health benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants competition will also advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. Visit EPA’s website to get more details.
Federal Facilities Adapting Operational Strategies In Response To Changing Work Models
Improving energy efficiency and creating environments that staff feel more comfortable in are two ways government entities are updating the operational strategies of their facilities. In an interview with FacilitiesNet, two commercial real estate experts discuss some of the changes they’ve observed and how facility managers are dealing with them.
Projects to Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability at Federal Buildings Funded Through Grant Program
Nineteen federal projects will receive over $28 million in funding under the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) grant program. These projects are projected to save $22.7 million in annual energy costs. The AFFECT grant program plays a key role in achieving net-zero emissions from federal buildings by 2045. Visit the Department of Energy’s website to learn how this impacts the Biden Administration’s Federal Sustainability Plan.
New Tax Credits Will Strengthen Tribal Clean Energy Programs
Rules proposed by the IRS will allow federally recognized American Indian tribes to access the new clean energy tax credits enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act. Tribes will be able to secure financing and reduce costs for the deployment of renewable energy and other clean energy projects on their lands. Read the article from Bloomberg Law to get more details.
DOE Launches Energy Future Grants Program to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities
$27 million in funding is available through Energy Future Grants to encourage partnerships between local, tribal, and state governments that result in ideas that will benefit disadvantaged communities. These funds should be used to help low–income and disadvantaged communities achieve greater energy efficiency. Visit the Department of Energy’s website to read the full press release and find additional resources.
