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The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization (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.
Capacity Building for Energy Assets Virtual Workshop
Join the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and the Energy Communities IWG for a virtual workshop on reinvesting in energy assets. The workshop will showcase a wide array of use cases and federal funding available. Participate in breakout sessions to share insights and influence future funding opportunities for workforce development and community projects.
Click here to learn more and to register today.
Capacity Building for Energy Assets Virtual Workshop
Energy Communities AmeriCorps offers technical support to help communities impacted by previous or pending coal mine and power plant closures. This project bridges the gap between environmental and economic concerns by focusing on a more diversified economic portfolio. Creating opportunities in energy transition, advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and more strengthens communities and builds for the future. Energy Communities AmeriCorps is currently seeking placements for their spring cohort and applications are open now.
Sign up to become a site sponsor or serve as a VISTA Member in this initiative!
Investing in America: A Future Forged of Steel
“A Future Forged of Steel” takes us to Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works, where a historic Pennsylvania steel mill is manufacturing key components of our electrical grid while actively reducing its emissions.
Click here to learn more about the revitalization project taking place across the nation.
New Funding Opportunities & Announcements
- DOE Announces Nearly $430 Million to Accelerate Domestic Clean Energy Manufacturing in Former Coal Communities
DOE announced funding for 14 projects to accelerate domestic clean energy manufacturing in 15 coal communities across the United States. The projects are led by small- and medium-sized businesses in communities with de-commissioned coal facilities. - DOE Releases New Clean Energy Job Story – A Future Forged of Steel
The new video features workers from Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The facility will benefit from up to $75M in DOE funding for a Steel Slab Electrified Induction Reheat Furnace Upgrade project. - DOE Forges Collaborative Partnerships with the Osage and Navajo Nations to Reduce Methane Emissions and other Environmental Impacts From Undocumented Oil and Gas Wells
The Osage and Navajo Nations have each signed a memorandum of understanding with the DOE’s Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) to create a plan for finding undocumented orphaned wells on their lands and reducing methane emissions and other environmental harms. - Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Awards $68.2 Million for Economic Revitalization in Appalachia’s Coal-Impacted Communities
This funding will support 65 projects in 10 states through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative and is expected to create more than 2,400 new jobs and train more than 10,500 workers. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. - Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) Announces $400 Million in Funding Available for Rural and Remote Community Program
OCED has recently begun accepting funding applications for a program to spur innovative and community-focused clean energy solutions for rural and remote communities across the United States. This program will help rural and remote communities demonstrate replicable projects, ultimately encouraging widespread adoption and helping to lower energy costs, support local economic development, and enhance energy resiliency.
Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity here. Concept papers are due February 27, 2025, and full applications are due August 28, 2025. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Announces $6 Billion for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator
This initiative supports five programs nationwide and aims to build a national financing network for clean energy and climate solutions, helping low-income communities access funds for sustainable projects. It will leverage private investments to reduce climate and air pollution, lower energy costs, improve public health, and create good-paying clean energy jobs.
For more details, visit the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator FAQ page to learn how your community may benefit. - EPA Announces $49 Million in Technical Assistance to Help Rural, Small and Tribal Communities Address Wastewater Challenges
This funding will be awarded to technical assistance providers who help communities identify their water infrastructure needs and guide them toward appropriate resources and funding options. - U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Announces $50 Million in “Build to Scale” Funding Opportunities to Boost Technology Entrepreneur Ecosystems
This initiative aims to support organizations that enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems, helping entrepreneurs grow and scale technology-driven businesses. The program also focuses on the creation of quality jobs and the development of innovative technology products and services. Applications are due October 28, 2024. - Manufacturing Capital Connector Initiative Connects Applicants to Private Sector Capital
DOE has launched the Manufacturing Capital Connector (MCC) to connect companies applying to DOE-administered clean energy manufacturing programs with a range of capital providers seeking high-quality projects. The MCC aims to facilitate, expedite and streamline nonfederal funding required by companies to finance their projects. If you are interested in utilizing the MCC platform, reach out to [email protected]. - DOE Announces $3 Billion in Grants for Battery Projects
DOE selected 25 critical minerals and battery manufacturing projects across 14 states including Kentucky and West Virginia. This will help boost the domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials. The projects are expected to support more than 4,000 permanent jobs and 8,000 construction jobs, mainly in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities. - ARC Announces $9 Million READY Grants to Grow Program Seeking Applicants
Awardees will be granted up to $500,000 to build individual, organizational and/or community capacity across Appalachia. These grants will help communities address economic inequalities and increase the potential for successful grants.
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
The following funding opportunities and technical assistance programs have application deadlines coming up in the next several weeks and can all be found in the Energy Communities IWG’s online clearinghouse. To learn more about how to navigate the clearinghouse, click here.
U.S. Department of Energy
- Industrial Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Decarbonization (ISEED) Workforce Development Collaborative Due November 1
- Undocumented Orphaned Well Characterization and Remediation Due November 13
- Community Energy Innovation Prize Due November 15
- Smart Manufacturing Technologies for Material and Process Innovation Due November 18
- Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce Due November 20
- Clean Energy Careers for All (CEC4A) Due December 13
- Offshore Wind Workforce Readiness Due December 13
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FY25 Guidelines for Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grants Due November 14
- FY25 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants Due November 14
- Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program Due November 21
U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development Due December 5
- Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants due December 30
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Events & Additional Resources
MESC Celebrates Manufacturing Month
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET via Webex
In celebration of Manufacturing Month, join us to learn how DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) is strategically deploying investments to strengthen our energy supply chain, enhance national security and create thousands of jobs across the country, including in energy communities. MESC has prioritized energy communities through tax incentives such as the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (§ 48C) program, which allocated $4 billion to project in energy communities. Hear from MESC leadership and the companies who are revitalizing domestic manufacturing.
Capacity Building for Energy Assets Workshop
Thursday, November 14, 2024
12:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET via Webex
Join DOE’s FECM for a virtual workshop on reinvesting in energy assets. Participate in breakout sessions to share insights and influence future funding opportunities for workforce development and community projects.
Show Me the Money: Accessing Federal Funds Virtual Opportunities Conference
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
The Energy Communities IWG and its Pennsylvania Rapid Response Team will host a virtual conference for community leaders, government officials and staff, and nonprofit professionals in Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Indiana and Washington counties. Representatives will discuss technical assistance for grant applications, review current and upcoming grants, and share sources of matching funds.
DOE Launches Community Benefits Map for Demonstration and Deployment Projects
This map identifies where DOE’s demonstration and deployment investments are occurring and includes high-level snapshots of the community benefits that may be associated with these investments.
Treasury Office Engages With Stakeholders Nationwide
Since 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Inflation Reduction Act Program Office officials have led or participated in more than 100 convenings, webinars, tours and events to learn from stakeholders about how federal clean energy regulations are operating in the real world. Those engagements have reached state and local officials, car dealers, union workers, apprentices, faith leaders, heads of nonprofits, small business owners, auto suppliers, consumers and more.
Success Story
The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board (TCWIB) received a $1.4 million POWER award from ARC to support workforce development in Pennsylvania’s coal-impacted communities. In partnership with the Steamfitters Local Union 449, TCWIB will offer free training in semiconductor manufacturing, HVAC-R services, welding and more to upskill 550 workers, including displaced coal workers. The training will equip participants with industry-recognized skills, positioning them for immediate employment. This initiative strengthens domestic manufacturing and supports economic revitalization in Pennsylvania’s energy communities.
Learn more about this program.
On behalf of all Energy Communities 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
To learn more about funding opportunities, visit the Energy Communities IWG Clearinghouse.
Check out the Getting Started Guide and Navigator.
Click here to share your success story.