Congress passed two major pieces of legislation related to investments in energy and climate, including the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022.
The
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was introduced into Congress by Representative Peter DeFazio on June 4, 2021. Following months of negotiations, the bill passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on November 15, 2021. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending across more than 380 federal programs. Of that, approximately $650 billion reauthorizes existing funding, and another $550 billion adds new funding to support the nation's infrastructure needs. The White House has developed
a guidebook for IIJA funding.
President Biden signed the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on August 16, 2022. The IRA funds investments related to health and medical programs as well as energy and climate programs using various tax measures and grants. The IRA provides approximately $369 billion in funding in support of energy and climate initiatives. The White House released a Guidebook for Clean Energy and Climate Programs in the Inflation Reduction Act. The guidebook contains a profile sheet on each funding opportunity under the IRA. You can
view and download the IRA guide here.
Not all of the energy and climate-related funding referenced above will flow through state energy offices like ODOE. There are numerous programs available to applicants from private businesses, institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, utilities, tribes, and local governments directly from federal agencies. Oregon Department of Energy staff are available to answer questions about this funding and encourages Oregonians to research and take advantage of opportunities that may support programs and projects in Oregon.
Specific Funding Information
State Energy Program:To date, ODOE has received an award of $200,000 under the State Energy Program to assist with improvements to our State Energy Security Plan. ODOE submitted an application in December 2022 for the remaining balance of the roughly $5.6 million in funding available under the State Energy Program increase provided by the IIJA. The State Energy Program supports work at ODOE on clean energy, energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainable transportation.
Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid (aka Grid Resilience):ODOE is also working on our application for the state formula funding for Grid Resilience activities under the IIJA. The state application is now due on March 31, 2023.
Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs:ODOE is applying for federal "hydrogen hub" dollars in collaboration with the
Pacific Northwest H2 Association (PNWH2). Concept papers were due to the U.S. DOE on November 7, 2022, with a full application due in April 2023. Below you can find materials from an informational workshop on Regional Hydrogen Hubs that was held in September.
Revolving Loan Fund:
The U.S. DOE has released guidance on the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program, available under IIJA Section 40502. The program is designed to support energy audits and the upgrades recommended as a result of those audits to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Grant applications are due in April. In the months ahead, ODOE will be consulting with other agencies regarding our ability deliver efficient and effective loans and/or limited grants under this program.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant:
The U.S. DOE has provided a Notice of Intent to open the application for states, local governments and tribal governments to apply for formula funds in early 2023. While the application is not yet open, ODOE intends to begin planning activities for the state allocation in January 2023. Based on the Notice of Intent issued by the U.S. DOE, ODOE anticipates receiving $1.9 million in state funding. Of the $1.9 million, at least 60% will be subgranted to local governments who were not eligible for a direct federal award.
- Counties and cities who are not eligible for a direct award from the U.S. DOE, can
complete this survey to inform our planning efforts for Oregon's allocation.
On December 19, 2022, the U.S. DOE opened the application for competitive funding under the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation grant, authorized as part of IIJA. Concept papers for grant proposals were due on January 31, 2023, and ODOE is partnering with other groups on two separate concepts. These include a partnership between ODOE, Oregon Building Codes Division, other states, NASEO, ASHRAE, and ICC to develop and deliver comprehensive energy code training to building officials. ODOE also partnered on a concept paper for a project to support Building Performance Standards in Oregon. ODOE will continue working with project partners on these proposals in anticipation of full applications due March 27, 2023.
HOMES and HEEHR Rebates:
Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-House Rebates (HOMES) and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHR). ODOE is planning for these rebate programs to determine how these rebates will best work with other programs in Oregon. However, we do not anticipate detailed guidance from the U.S. DOE until Summer 2023. ODOE submitted
comments to the U.S. DOE on potential HOMES/HEEHR program design in March 2023. Until we have more specific guidance from our federal partners, we will not have the ability to determine eligibility or potential rebate amounts for any individual or household. It is highly unlikely these rebates will be retroactive. In the meantime,
federal tax credits may be available for energy efficiency upgrades
.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Planning Grants:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opened the application for planning grants on March 1, 2023 under the Climate Pollution Reduction Fund. Planning grants will support the establishment of Priority Climate Action Plans and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans. Under this effort we hope to incorporate many aspects of existing climate plans so that future implementation grants may support previously identified actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. State applications are due on April 28, 2023. Multiple state agencies are coordinating to prepare an application under this opportunity.
Energy Improvemens in Rural or Remote Areas Program:
On March 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy introduced funding under the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program in the amount of $1 billion over 5 years for both community-scale and large-scale demonstrations to advance clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas. Through a cooperative agreement via a competitive process, selected projects will address regional climate risks with solutions such as microgrids, hydro and marine hydrokinetic power, geothermal for generation and district heating, and more. The first round of $300 million funding will be awarded to projects ranging from $5-$100 million, depending on the scale of the projects. Additionally, selected projects will require a 20-50 percent match, depending on type of applicant. Eligible entities include domestic institutions of higher education, non-profits, for-profits, tribal nations, state and local governments, and incorporated and unincorporated consortia. Eligible applicants are encouraged to attend an
informational webinar on March 29, 2023 and to submit a concept paper for their projects to the U.S. DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations by April 14, 2023.
Please consult a licensed tax professional for how these tax credits may apply to your circumstances. Interested in a program that isn't listed here? Please
sign up for email updates, and as we receive information about new opportunities, we will send out communications. There are many details to these new programs that have not yet been released by federal agencies.
Tax Incentives
There are numerous federal tax incentives available under the Inflation Reduction Act. These tax credits may be available for individual consumers who make qualifying purchases (see 25C Non-Business Energy Property/Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and 25 D Residential Clean Energy Credit) and programs for businesses (see the 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction and the 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit). If you are interested in learning more about these incentives and credits, you can review this
Frequently Asked Questions document from the IRS.
We recommend you consult with a licensed tax professional for information which pertains to your specific circumstances.
Public Engagement Opportunities
ODOE is working to request funding as new opportunities arise. Please check back frequently for updates for individual programs.
If you would like to sign up to receive email updates related to these activities, please subscribe to our Federal Funding updates list.
Meeting Details:
ODOE Webinar: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Listening Session
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
11 a.m.
Join Online via Webex (recommended)
Password: Energy
Or join by phone: 1-408-418-9388, Access Code 233 193 96949
| Materials TBD
|
U.S. Department of Energy Informational Webinar on the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Register Here
| More details
|
Public Hearing: Grid Resilience Funding
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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ODOE Webinar: Federal Funding Update
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
2 - 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Recording
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U.S. Department of Energy Public Roundtable on The Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Rebates and Contractor Training Programs
January 12, 2023, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Register Here
| The U.S. Department of Energy is hosting a roundtable open to the public to inform plans for the home energy rebate programs and contractor training funds.
|
Virtual Workshop for Oregon Stakeholders: Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs
Friday, September 16, 2022
9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Recording
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Public Hearing on Application for Federal Funding to Enhance
Oregon's Grid Resilience
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - 2 p.m.
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IIJA Informational Webinar
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
6 - 7 p.m.
Meeting Recording
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IIJA Informational Webinar
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
1 - 2 p.m.
Meeting Recording
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Workforce Development & Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities
March 16, 2022
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