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Established by an Executive Order during President Biden’s first week in office, the Energy Communities IWG is pursuing a whole-of-government approach to create good-paying union jobs, spur economic revitalization, remediate environmental degradation and support energy workers in coal, oil and gas, and power plant communities across the country.
Webinar on Overcoming Water, Sewer and Broadband Infrastructure Challenges Recording Available
This week the Energy Communities IWG wrapped up its webinar series “Overcoming Common Infrastructure Challenges in Energy Communities.” The second, and final, webinar focused on federal programs to revitalize water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
Visit the past events page to access the recording, presentation slides and additional resources shared during the webinar.
New Energy Communities Video
The Energy Communities IWG has spent the last two years supporting energy communities and workers across the country as they navigate energy and economic transitions. Learn more in our new video!
New Funding Opportunities & Announcements
- Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit Concept Papers Deadline Approaching
The U.S. Department of Energy, on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service, is accepting concept papers for the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) until July 31. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Launches Applications for Two Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds Grants
The $14 billion National Clean Investment Fund and $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator will mobilize private capital into clean technology projects to create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs for American families, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities. - U.S. Department of Agriculture Makes Available $21 Million in Technical Assistance Grants
Grants are available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and will provide hands-on support to those seeking funding for energy efficiency improvements. - U.S. Department of Energy Announces $32 Million to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chain
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding provided will help build facilities that produce rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials from domestic coal-based resources. - U.S. Department of the Interior Invests $660 Million to Plug Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells
This funding will create good-paying jobs, catalyze economic growth and revitalization, reduce harmful methane leaks, and reduce environmental and public health risks. - U.S. Department of Transportation Accepting Applications for Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program
The streamlined program combines two different programs and will make it easier to submit an application and increase opportunity for communities that are seeking funding. - U.S. Department of Transportation Announces More Than $5.5 Billion in Funding to Help Carry Out Major Infrastructure Projects
Funding comes from three Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs including: the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program, Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program and Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) program. - U.S. Department of Energy Invests $25 Million to Expand Weatherization Assistance Program
Applications are open for the Enhancement & Innovation competitive grant program that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition through demonstration projects.
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
The following funding opportunities and technical assistance programs have application deadlines coming up in the next four weeks and can all be found in the IWG’s online clearinghouse.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Energy
- S. Tidal Energy Advancement Applications Due July 25
- Transitioning Tribal College and Universities to Clean Energy Applications Due July 27
- FY23 Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Ride and Drive Electric Funding Applications Due July 28
- Heat Pump Defense Production Act Program Applications Due August 1
- Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas Applications Due August 2
- Renew America’s Nonprofits Applications Due August 3
- University Training and Research for Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Applications Due August 7
- FY23 Vehicle Technologies Office Program Applications Due August 11
- Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Applications Due August 11
- Industrial Assessment Center Program; and Building Training and Assessments Centers Applications Due August 15
- Operation and Planning Tools for Inverter-Based Resource Management and Availability for Future Power Systems Applications Due August 22
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Transportation
- FY23 Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants Applications Due July 24
- Small Business Transportation Resource Center Gulf Region Applications Due July 30
- Small Business Transportation Resource Center Great Lakes Region Applications Due July 30
- Small Business Transportation Resource Center South Atlantic Region Applications Due July 30
- Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation Program Applications Due August 18
- Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program Applications Due August 21
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Events & Additional Resources
- Kentucky Area Development Districts Event at Murray State
Wednesday, July 26, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT
Murray State University, Murray, KY
Join the Energy Communities IWG, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Delta Regional Authority for a training session to help Kentucky communities prepare projects that would be eligible for HB 9 funding. - Four Corners Rapid Response Team (RRT) Virtual Community Update
Wednesday, July 26, 1-3 p.m. MT
Join RRT leaders for a virtual community update on activities that have occurred over the last year, perspectives from the region, and information about upcoming events.
- Energy Transition Webinar Series
Webinar 3: Energy Community Support, Friday, July 28th, 12 p.m. CT
Co-hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network and Just Transition Fund, this webinar series will explore state and federal opportunities related to the clean energy transition.
Success Story
Last year, through the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) Initiative, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $2.1 million to the city of Batesville, AR to make critical infrastructure improvements at the city’s industrial park.
This grant will construct roads, water, and sewer infrastructure to support expansion and business development at the industrial park as the city transitions away from a coal-centric economy and towards a diversified economy. The EDA investment was matched with $526,275 in local funds and is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $30 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
On behalf of all IWG member agencies, thank you for your continued interest in programs that support people living and working in America’s energy communities. Please feel free to share this newsletter with others in your network who may benefit.
Best regards,
Brian J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization