)
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Dear Energy Community Supporter,
Thank you for your continued interest in the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization’s (Energy Communities IWG). Before reading on, please take a moment to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
New Funding Opportunities & Announcements
- Reminder: U.S. Department of Energy Seeks Public Input on Program to Enhance Energy Systems in Rural America
The $1 billion Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program will strengthen the resilience, reliability, and availability of energy systems, helping communities unlock the public health and cost-saving benefits cleaner, more efficient energy provides. Submit your feedback by November 28. - U.S. Department of Treasury Seeks Feedback on Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credit Provisions The Department released three additional notices requesting comments on extensions and enhancements of energy tax benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Comments are due by December 3.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Publishes Request for Information for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The program will help accelerate the adoption of greenhouse gas reduction technologies, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Submit your comments on the core design aspects of the program by December 5. - U.S. Department of the Interior Invests More Than $74 Million to Catalyze Economic Revitalization in Kentucky
The investment is the result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s FY22 Abandoned Mine Lands funding. - U.S. Department of the Interior Announces $244 Million Investment to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands in Pennsylvania
This investment represents the largest award expected to be distributed from this year’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Abandoned Mine Lands funding. - U.S. Department of Interior Announces Additional Abandoned Mine Lands Investments
The Department awarded $74 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
The following funding opportunities 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 Energy Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility Applications Due November 21
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Grants (Various Programs) Applications Due November 22
- U.S. Department of Transportation FY22 Thriving Communities Program Applications Due November 22
- U.S. Department of Energy Carbon Storage Validation and Testing Applications Due November 28
- U.S. Department of Energy Carbon Capture Technology Program, Front-End Engineering and Design for Carbon Dioxide Transport Applications Due November 28
- U.S. Department of Energy Carbon Management Program Applications Due November 30
- U.S. Department of Energy Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program Applications Due December 5
- U.S. Department of Energy Advancing Equity through Workforce Partnerships Program Applications Due December 6
- U.S. Department of the Interior Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects Applications Due December 9
Events & Additional Resources
- Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Informational Webinar
November 29, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
Find out if your community is a good fit as BRECC program specialists walk you through the application process.
- U.S. Department of Interior Hosts “Fundamentals of Grant Writing – Keys to Success” Webinar
Part 1: Planning & Mechanics. Thursday, December 8, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT
Part 2: How to Read a Notice of Funding Opportunity & Request for Proposals. Thursday, December 15, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT
- Sign Up to Receive Updates on BRECC Programming and Participate in the National Network The BRECC National Network will convene bi-monthly for virtual learning sessions featuring issue-specific presentations, peer breakout discussions, community case examples, and critical funding and resources available to coal communities.
- Recording Available from BRECC National Launch Event
Access the webinar recording to learn about the BRECC program from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and federal agency partners. - Prepare Now for Upcoming EPA Grants!
New opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including funding for solid waste infrastructure and education and outreach, will be available later this year. Start preparing now as it can take more than a month to get a SAM.gov identification number if you don’t have one.
Learn what you can do now by visiting the new EPA web page: Prepare for a Grant Application
Success Story
(Photos: Courtesy Virginia Energy)
Russell County, Virginia is the former home to one of the largest coal preparation plants in the country. After five years of work and $500 million in grants, Project Reclaim transformed 25 acres of land into usable industrial property. This land has easy access to railroads, electricity and natural gas, making it a prime spot for new business.
Russell County and surrounding areas were historically reliant on coal for jobs and success of the regional economy. Project Reclaim will provide the region with economic development opportunities and the creation of new jobs for residents by selling the reclaimed land to new businesses. The construction and operation of these new businesses will also help diversify the regional economy.
This project was made possible by funding from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and Virginia Energy’s AMLER program.
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
Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory
U.S. Department of Energy