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 submitted an application for the state formula funding for grid resilience activities under the IIJA on April 18, 2023. The program narrative, as submitted with the application to the U.S. DOE, can be viewed
here. ODOE will await guidance from the U.S. DOE on next steps, which may involve revisions to the program narrative.
Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption: The U.S. DOE has issued a Notice of Intent to implement a funding opportunity available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to adopt and implement the latest model energy codes and zero energy codes. Through the IRA, Congress appropriated $1 billion to support states and local governments in the effort to improve new and existing residential and commercial buildings, increase energy efficiency, and workforce training. ODOE is collaborating with other agencies to submit an RFI response to U.S. DOE, which is due April 26, 2023. The full funding opportunity announcement is expected around October 2023.
Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs:ODOE collaborated with the
Pacific Northwest H2 Association (PNWH2) to develop their application for federal "hydrogen hub" dollars. If selected for this competitive grant, it would bring up to $1 billion in federal money to the region to fund projects that accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen energy production and use, as well as create potentially thousands of jobs across many trades. U.S. DOE is expected to make initial award decisions toward the end of 2023, with possible grantee funding available in early in 2024.
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 May. Over the last couple of months, ODOE has consulted with other agencies and loan experts regarding our ability to deliver efficient and effective loans and/or limited grants under this program. Meaningful conversations around priorities and opportunities have taken place but a viable path forward to successfully implement the program has yet to be identified. ODOE is committed to carefully considering any way we can bring federal dollars into our state and will continue to deliver the most impactful programs to our communities.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant:
On January 18, 2023, the U.S. DOE provided guidance on the application for states, tribal governments, and local governments to apply for formula funds. Based on the opportunity announcement, ODOE anticipates receiving $1.9 million in state funding, of which at least 60% will be subgranted to local governments who are not eligible for a direct federal award. ODOE has begun planning activities for the state allocation, including a
public listening session held on April 25, 2023. Our full application is due to the U.S. DOE by July 31, 2023.
Counties and cities who are not eligible for a direct award from the U.S. DOE are encouraged to
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. While ODOE was not a primary applicant, we provided letters of commitment for two applications which could benefit Oregonians, through different approaches if awarded. Both applications were submitted in late March to U.S. DOE.
One application, led by ASHRAE, seeks to develop and deliver comprehensive energy code training to building officials as part of a partnership between ODOE, Oregon Building Codes Division, other states, NASEO, ASHRAE, and ICC.
The other application, led by Earth Advantage, seeks to examine pathways that could support the adoption of Building Performance Standards in Oregon. Other members of the application included the New Buildings Institute, City of Eugene, City of Milwaukie, and City of Portland.
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:
In April 2023, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, in partnership with ODOE and other agencies, submitted an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a planning grant under the Climate Pollution Reduction Fund. This planning grant will support the establishment of Priority Climate Action Plans and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans. To learn more about the application and how you can be involved, please see
DEQ's webpage for the Climate Pollution Planning Grant. You can also read about the opportunities the Climate Pollution Reduction Fund provides for Oregon in a
new release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In the future, when ODOE-led components begin, we will provide updates on those specific actions.
Energy Improvements 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.
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:
Eastern Oregon Open House on Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
10 a.m. - noon
Meeting Recording
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Western Oregon Open House on Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
10 a.m. - noon
Meeting Recording
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ODOE Webinar: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Listening Session
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Meeting Recording
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Weigh in with your suggestions on EECBG funding on our online portal by April 28.
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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
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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.
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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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