This is part of a series of messages from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to share updates on relevant Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) information related to energy and sustainability. This series will occur monthly and provide a snippet of upcoming federal grants, trainings, and other resources. Subscribe to the Catalyst Communities topic to continue to receive monthly updates in the BIL and IRA Resources Series.
BIL and IRA Resources Series February Update
FUNDING IN ACTION: In the first year of the BIL being passed, the federal government has invested over $195 billion across the country. There is now an interactive BIL Maps Dashboard where you can see and learn more about all of the BIL projects to date, including over 700 projects in Michigan.
Since the IRA was passed six months ago, extending the 30% tax credits for renewable energy and other incentives, at least 124 new clean energy projects have been announced across the country. Ford Motor Company just announced it is building a $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan, and Ford executives said the IRA incentives are a main reason they are building it in the U.S.
FEDERAL GRANT OPPORTUNTIES: Two funding opportunities for environmental justice projects are now open through April 14, 2023. The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program ($70 million) and the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement (EJCPS) Program ($30 million) will fund successful partnerships between community based organizations and other stakeholders to develop projects to significantly address disproportionate harms related to pollution and climate change at the state and local level.
The Building Upgrade Prize is now open and will award $22 million in prizes to accelerate widespread, equitable energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades. Community-based organizations, local and tribal governments, building owners, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations are encouraged to team up and apply.
The Energizing Rural Communities Prize will open this February and will award $15 million in prizes to help rural or remote communities improve their energy systems and advance clean energy demonstration projects.
While not funded through BIL or IRA, the USDA Water and Environmental Programs can provide low-interest loans to rural communities that need funding for water infrastructure projects. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Facilities Program provides grants, loans, and loan guarantees for equipment for community facilities, including energy equipment like solar panels. IRA gives additional funds to the Rural Energy for America Program for loans and grants to farmers and small businesses in rural areas for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
LIST OF OTHER FEDERAL GRANTS: For a select list of more energy-related federal grants for local and tribal governments that are currently open or opening soon, visit EGLE’s Federal Funding Technical Assistance Webpage, which is part of the Catalyst Communities Initiative.
GRANT SUPPORT: Michigan local and tribal governments have the opportunity to get one-on-one technical assistance to help identify and apply for grants. Contact Kate Madigan (Kate@KateMadigan.com), a consultant working with EGLE, to learn more.
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