Environmental Justice at the Department of Energy

This is not a comprehensive list. For more information on DOE funding opportunities, visit DOE’s Grant Opportunities page or Grants.gov. DOE’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity is also beta testing a new Energy Justice Dashboard to track the agency’s investments in overburdened communities.

• Nov. 27, 2023 DOE announced $275 million for projects to grow domestic energy supply chains, particularly in energy communities. The majority of projects selected are located in energy communities, and are intended to build up manufacturers and create new jobs in the energy economy.
• Nov. 17, 2023 DOE announced $169 million in funding for domestic electric heat pump manufacturing. The projects are estimated to create 1,700 jobs in disadvantaged communities and will support the Justice40 Initiative, with the aim to have 40% of overall benefits flowing to disadvantaged communities.
• Nov. 15, 2023 DOE announced $3.5 billion in funding for domestic production of batteries and battery materials. This funding will be allocated in accordance with the Justice40 Initiative, with 40% of the overall benefits of the investments flowing to underserved communities. Concept papers are due Jan. 9, 2024, and full applications are due Mar. 19, 2024.
• Nov. 14, 2023 DOE announced $444 million in funding for the CarbonSAFE Initiative, which aims to develop and deploy carbon dioxide storage infrastructure in alignment with the Justice40 Initiative. All funding recipients will follow Community Benefits Plans that ensure community members have a voice in project implementation, that communities are trained to work in the clean energy economy and that the projects generate economic opportunities for surrounding communities
• Nov. 2, 2023 DOE announced $440 million in funding for the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund, which will support the installation of rooftop solar and battery storage systems for households in Puerto Rico threatened by extreme weather.
• Oct. 19, 2023 DOE announced the opening of applications for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, which provides a 10 to 20 percent increase to the investment tax credit for solar or wind facilities that are less than five MWs, in support of the Justice40 initiative. DOE is accepting an initial round of applications until Nov. 18, 2023. Additional applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Click here for more information on eligibility and to learn how to apply.
• Oct. 6, 2023 DOE awarded more than $5 million to support small and medium sized manufacturers to reduce emission and cut energy use. The Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants program will continue to offer further funding over the next year, for a total of $80 million. For further information on applying to the IAC Grant program, click here.
• Sep. 28, 2023 DOE announced more than $167 million in funding to increase grid resilience has been awarded to help  communities adapt their electric grid to climate related disasters. Projects will help ensure more reliable power delivery, capacity for clean energy, and reduce energy costs, including in disadvantaged communities across 11 states and 20 Tribal nations.  
• Sep. 28, 2023 DOE funded 13 projects intended to advance clean energy deployment in American Indian and Native Alaskan communities for $38 million. The projects will help to reduce energy costs, increase energy resilience, and enhance Tribal energy sovereignty. The range of projects include investments in renewable energy generation and storage and upgrades to energy infrastructure.
• Sep. 22, 2023 DOE awarded $325 million for Long-Duration Energy Storage projects across 17 states and one Tribal nation to improve power grid resilience. The funded projects will fund communities to protect power grids against threats from extreme weather events, with a focus on promoting environmental justice through the projects that have been funded.
• Sep. 20, 2023 DOE announced $10 million in funding for Clean Energy Workforce Training programs.The funding is available for applicants to aid in environmental justice initiatives, invest in workforce training, advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and support local communities and labor. Applications are due by Nov. 27, 2023. Click here for more information on applying for Clean Energy Workforce Training funding. 
• Sep. 5, 2023 DOE awarded $125 million in Grid Resilience grants to nine states and five Tribal nations to modernize their electric grids. These grants will fund power grid improvements to improve reliability and resilience against disasters, particularly in underserved communities. The funding will also increase access to affordable, clean energy to those underserved communities.  
• Aug. 31, 2023 DOE announced $15.5 billion in funding and loans for a just transition to electric vehicles. All funds awarded under this program will be required to contribute to the Justice40 Initiative. DOE has made $2 billion in funding available, with concept papers due by Nov. 1, 2023 and applications due by Jan. 9, 2024. For more information on applying, click here. 
• Aug. 30, 2023 DOE made available $350 million in funding for states to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors. The funding allows for financial and technical assistance in monitoring and capping methane emissions, with an intent to reduce emissions, and in turn help minimize the impacts of climate change and mitigate the health impacts on disadvantaged communities. 
• August 29, 2023 DOE announced up to $300 million under its Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) available to states, Tribes, and local governments to streamline electric transmission siting and permitting. The program can also facilitate public engagement from disadvantaged communities in regulatory proceedings at FERC and other agencies. Interested applicants must submit concept papers by Oct. 31, 2023, while full applications are due by Apr. 5, 2024. For more information about the TSED funding opportunity, click here.  
• July 17, 2023 DOE makes available $150 million in grants for states through the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program. This funding is available for states to develop and implement training programs for energy efficiency and electrification workers. Applications are due Sept. 30, 2023, and states must submit a Community Benefit Plan outlining how their proposal contributes to the Justice40 Initiative goal that 40 percent of overall benefits of clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
• July 6, 2023 DOE announces over $200 million in its third round of funding through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Grants program, for nine states, and three Tribal Nations – the Metlakatla Indian Community, the Native Village of Eagle, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North & South Dakota. As part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America program, this funding supports grid resiliency and reliability in these communities, especially to reduce the impacts of extreme climate-related events and natural disasters. There is a total of $2.3 billion available to state, local, and Tribal governments under this program that will be made available in tranches.
• June 27, 2023 DOE announces $25 million through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for Enhancement & Innovation Grants. The agency is seeking proposals that enhance community partnerships and to either perform energy retrofits on low-income residential buildings, or incorporate local community members in energy workforce development. WAP grantees, subgrantees, and nonprofits are eligible to apply, and state, local, and Tribal governments are encouraged to partner with an eligible entity if the governments do not qualify under the WAP grantee designations. The grants will be up to $2 million per award, with concept papers due Aug. 31, 2023, and full applications due Jan. 5, 2024.
• May 24, 2023 DOE announces $45 million in grants through the Renew America’s Nonprofits program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits as prime recipients and subrecipients requiring funding for energy efficiency upgrades in their buildings, and includes a cost share requirement of 20% for prime recipients. Applications should discuss performance goals for the energy efficiency projects presented in the portfolio, and are due Aug. 3, 2023. Click here for forms and templates that can be used for applications.
• May 23, 2023 DOE selects 18 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to receive $34 million in funding for clean energy and solar infrastructure. This funding will go towards electricity and infrastructure upgrades to 1,000 tribal buildings, and are estimated to save communities over $100 million over the life of the systems.. These awards are announced following the funding opportunity that opened on Nov. 1, 2022.
• May 23, 2023 DOE announces $50 million in Grid Resilience State and Tribal Grants for four states and two Tribal nations–the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Navajo Nation. As part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America program, this funding will support grid modernization for resiliency and reliability.
• May 19, 2023 DOE announces $86.7 million in funding for 45 projects in 18 states for the electrification of transportation infrastructure, including training and workforce development, and EV charging infrastructure for underserved communities. Of these 45 projects, 13 for FY2022 are clean energy and community-driven transportation decarbonization projects in urban and rural underserved communities and tribal communities. DOE also announces $99.5 million available in funds for FY2023 for the next round of projects. Concept papers are due June 26, 2023 with full applications due Aug. 11, 2023.
• May 11, 2023 DOE announces $50 million in grants through the Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas program. Applications should include projects that deliver benefits, support new energy system models, and build clean energy capacity and self-reliance for energy customers in rural and remote areas. Applicants must also submit a Community Benefits Plan. Pre-applications are due July 13, 2023 with full applications due Oct. 12, 2023.
• Apr. 20, 2023: DOE is accepting applications for the Sunny Awards for Equitable Community Solar.These competitive awards recognize community solar projects demonstrating best practices for the community’s equitable access to the “meaningful” benefits of the project, such as well-paying jobs and local energy resilience, and award up to $10,000 to each winner, totaling $200,000. Applications must be submitted by Jul. 14, 2023.
• Apr. 12, 2023 DOE’s Office of Indian Energy announces $15 million in funding available for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to transition to clean energy. TCUs can apply for up to $250,000 in planning grants for clean energy projects and curriculum planning, or up to $4 million in deployment grants for clean energy technologies and curriculum deployment. Applications should show the “soundness” and potential benefits of the project, and the TCU’s level of commitment and capability to accomplish the project objectives. A recording of an informational webinar for this funding can be found here, and a database of competitively-funded energy projects in Tribal communities through other grant programs can be found here. Applications are due July 27, 2023.
• Apr. 7, 2023: DOE announces $54 million in funding available to expand the Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Program and Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTACs) programs, to fund trades and skills job pathways in industrial electrician, energy management, renewable energy, and other similar fields. DOE also announces the selection of five higher education institutions to receive $18.7 million for new IAC Centers of Excellence. Both programs promote services in historically underserved communities in alignment with the Justice40 initiative. Concept papers for the funding opportunity are due May 25, 2023, with full applications due Jul. 31, 2023.
• Apr. 5, 2023: DOE announces nearly $9 million in clean energy funding available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Competitive Program. This funding is available for tribes and small-to-medium sized local governments that otherwise do not qualify for funding from the EECBG Formula Grant. The Competitive Program also provides technical assistance to selected programs. Applicants must include stakeholder engagement plans in their Community Benefits Plan, to show that the program would address the most pressing needs of community members. DOE will host  an informational webinar on May 15, 2023, and concept papers are due Jun. 5, 2023 with full applications due Aug. 7, 2023.
• Apr. 4, 2023: The DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announces a funding opportunity of up to $500 million for clean energy demonstration projects on current and former mine lands, appropriated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over the next five years.  Applicants are required to submit a Community Benefits Plan, outlining solutions tailored to specific mining-community needs. OCED also offers free, project-specific technical assistance r to selected projects. Concept papers are due May 11, 2023, with applications due Aug. 31, 2023.
• Mar. 1, 2023: DOE announces up to $300 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding under the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. This funding is designed to promote clean energy affordability and climate resilience in rural America. The funding is available to higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit entities, state, local, and tribal governments, and incorporated and unincorporated entities. Applicants must submit a Community Benefits Plan describing how benefits from the project will be spread equitably across impacted communities. Concept papers for ERA program funding are due by Apr. 14, 2023, with full applications due by Jun. 28, 2023 (Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0002970). An additional $15 million in funding is also available through the Energizing Rural Communities Prize to help communities access financing or develop community ownership models. Applications for this prize are due May 24, 2023.
• Feb. 17, 2023: DOE announces $50 million in funding for clean energy projects on Tribal lands, available to tribes, intertribal organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations. The funding is available for projects with a focus on clean energy generation, community-scale energy storage and generation, energy resilience and security, and electrification of currently-unelectrified tribal buildings. Applications are due by May 16, 2023, and an informational webinar will be held on Feb. 28, 2023.
• Feb. 15, 2023: DOE seeks public comment on the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI), which was established under the CHIPS and Science Act. The FESI will be an independent non-profit entity designed to increase private and philanthropic investments to drive the commercialization of energy technologies. As part of the RFI, DOE seeks comment on how to broaden participation in energy technology deployment from “historically underrepresented groups or regions”. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line “FESI RFI Response” by Mar. 27, 2023.
• Feb. 13, 2023: DOE announces $350 million in funding for the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program, for projects that promote clean energy supply chains in eligible communities. Minority-owned firms are encouraged to apply, and all applicants are required to submit a Community Benefits Plan and a concept paper by March 14, 2023, and full applications by Jun. 8, 2023 DOE also publishes initial guidance for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, which allocates a 10-20% tax credit increase for solar and wind facilities in low-income or Tribal communities.
• Jan. 18, 2023 DOE announces $550 million available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. DOE guidance  on eligible projects states that recipients should use funds to sustainably reduce fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, or other sectors, or build a “clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities” consistent with the Justice40 initiative. States can apply for the funding in application period 2 by July 31, 2023, and, local and Tribal governments can apply for the funding in application period 3 by Oct. 31, 2023, or period 4 by Jan. 31, 2024, and must submit a pre-award information sheet as part of their application.
• Nov. 29, 2022 DOE is accepting applications for the Renew America’s Schools grant program, which will award up to $80 million in grants to public schools for energy infrastructure improvements. This program focuses on schools and educational institutions that qualify as rural and/or high poverty. DOE expects to make up to 100 awards varying between $500,000 and $15,000,000 each. The deadline for concept papers is Jan. 26, 2023, with full applications due Apr. 21, 2023.
• Nov. 1, 2022 The DOE Office of Indian Energy announces a funding opportunity for Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, to i) install clean energy systems for tribal buildings, ii) set up community-scale clean energy generating units or energy storage on tribal lands, and iii) install integrated energy systems for autonomous operation. The Office will conduct an informational webinar on Nov. 29, 2022, to provide additional information on the funding opportunity. The deadline to apply is Feb. 9, 2023, via IE Exchange. (Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0002774).
• Oct. 20 2022 DOE publishes a Request for Information on a $250 million program for cybersecurity development of rural, municipal, and investor-owned electric utilities, under the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program. Responses  are due by December 19, 2022, via email to [email protected]
• July 25, 2022: DOE announces 146 agency programs that are covered under the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver 40% of overall program “benefits” to “disadvantaged” communities. Those programs include the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, and Weatherization Assistance Program. The agency also releases a guidance document for implementing Justice40 at DOE.
• July 8, 2022: DOE grants 5 state agencies and 21 organizations over $40 million to help community members reduce utility costs by weatherwizing, repairing, and electrifying homes. The awards support the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the benefits from climate and clean energy initiatives to “disadvantaged communities.” The funds come from the Weatherization Assistance Program, which received $3.2 billion in additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
• July 6, 2022: DOE invites states, Tribal nations, and territories to apply for awards from the $2.3 billion Grid Hardening State/Tribal Formula Grant Program. The program provides funds over five years for communities to strengthen and modernize their electrical grids against wildfires, extreme weather, and other climate-related disasters. Applications are due Sep. 30, 2022. For more information and to apply, click here.
• May 19, 2022: DOE launches a $3.5 billion program to develop four regional direct air capture (DAC) hubs to trap and store carbon dioxide extracted from the atmosphere. The program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. At least two of the projects will be in communities with a history of fossil fuel production. The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) has explicitly said that carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects will not benefit communities and should not be prioritized.
• March 15, 2022: DOE selects 14 communities to participate in the Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Initiative. Recipients will receive technical support to assess their energy challenges, potential solutions, and find partners to meet the community’s energy goals. In the next phase, up to five of these communities will begin installing and commissioning energy storage projects.
• Jan. 28, 2022:  DOE says it plans to issue funding guidance to state energy offices and in competitive grant guidelines to encourage its $62 billion infrastructure budget to benefit low-income and minority communities. According to DOE’s Energy Justice Dashboard, less than 6% (about $2.2 billion) of agency funding for FY 2021 was spent consistent with Justice40 priorities. That funding included nuclear waste cleanup, cooperative agreements for carbon capture and storage research, and grants to states for energy efficiency projects in these qualifying investments. DOE says it will target grid updates in minority communities, including investments in community solar.
• Nov. 3, 2021: DOE launches the Energy Storage for Social Equity Initiative (ES4SE), which will distribute $9 million among up to 15 “underserved and frontline communities to leverage energy storage as a means of increasing resilience and maximizing energy flexibility.” Full applications are due December 3, 2021.
• Oct. 25, 2021: DOE begins accepting applications for its LEAP pilot program that will provide over $16 million in technical assistance services to 24-36 low-income, energy-burdened communities in the early stages of clean energy-related economic development. Individuals must first register online to apply. This document provides helpful information, including eligibility requirements (pp. 9-10) and application requirements (pp. 12-14). The application deadline is Dec. 17, 2021.
• Sep. 30, 2021: DOE’s launches a new Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, which will divide $2.5 million among up to ten groups and organizations that support “entrepreneurship and innovation” in communities historically underserved in climate and energy technology funding. The funding will be distributed in two phases: in Phase One, up to 10 winners will receive an initial prize of $200,000 each, along with mentorship and technical assistance. Winners may then participate in Phase Two, where up to three teams will share $500,000. Applications for Phase One must be received by Feb. 25, 2022. Click here for more information about the Prize and how to apply.
• July 13, 2021: DOE announces $12 million for 13 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to improve building energy efficiency and install microgrids for essential services. The awardees and funded projects are listed here.
• June 23, 2021: DOE’s 2022 budget includes funds to create urban integrated field laboratories (IFLs) to gather climate data in cities in collaboration with universities serving urban minority populations, including HBCUs. DOE plans to call for proposals and select sites in 2022.
• April 23, 2021: DOE announces $109.5 million to support job creation in communities impacted by the clean energy transition. This includes $75 million for carbon capture projects, $19.5 million for mineral extraction from coal and other waste streams, and $15 million for geothermal research at West Virginia University and Sandia Labs.
• Aug. 16, 2023: DOE publishes its formula for the Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program. The program has $225 million to grant to tribal governments and Alaska Native entities for Tribal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates programs, with up to $14,000 per eligible tribal household. Tribes and tribal organizations can submit comments on the program by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Comment on FRN for Tribal Rebates.” For more information on the Rebates program, and other funding sources for tribal housing upgrades, visit DOE’s website here.
• Aug. 29, 2023: DOE announces up to $7.5 million in cash prizes for the Community Energy Innovation Prize for organizations supporting “communities historically underrepresented in climate and energy technology funding.” The Prize has three tracks: the first focused on clean energy “ecosystems” ($4.9 million),  and the second on manufacturing ($2.1 million), with applications for both due Feb. 2, 2024. The third track focuses on student-led teams ($450,000) with a priority on students from minority serving institutions, community colleges, and universities in rural and/or disadvantaged communities, with applications due Nov. 3, 2023. For more information about the Innovation Prize, click here.

• Feb. 14, 2024 DOE published its second Annual Equity Action Plan, pursuant to Executive Order 14091. The plan includes five new priority strategies: (1) establishing an agency-wide Community Benefits Plan framework; (2) updating the Merit Review program to “facilitate equitable outcomes”; (3) increasing access to procurement opportunities for new entrants and disadvantaged businesses; (4) integrating justice considerations into research and development (R&D) programs; and (5) developing an agency-wide framework to work with Tribal and disadvantaged communities.
• Oct. 28, 2023 DOE announced $3.5 billion in investments in 58 electric grid projects across 44 states. The projects aim to strengthen electrical grid resilience and reliability, with the goal of bringing more than 35 GW of new renewable energy online and investing in 400 microgrids. Projects funded through this investment include efforts to strengthen the resilience of disadvantaged communities to extreme weather and to extend new transmission lines to remote areas that have faced historical underinvestment. This $3.5 billion is the first round of selections under the broader $10.5b Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program.
• Oct. 13, 2023 DOE announced $7 billion to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, expected to collectively produce 3 million metric tons of hydrogen annually. This program is covered under the Justice40 Initiative, meaning at least 40 percent of funding will support “disadvantaged” communities, including coal and tribal communities.
• Sep. 27, 2023 DOE, Treasury, and the IRS announce that applications for the IRA’s Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program under Section 48(e) of the Internal Revenue Code will open at 9am ET on Oct. 19, 2023. The program provides a 10 or 20-percentage point tax credit increase to the investment tax credit for qualified wind and solar energy facilities located in low-income communities, on Indian Land, or in qualified low-income residential building projects or economic benefit projects. Read more about the announcement here.

• Apr. 24, 2023 DOE launches the Energy Savings Hub for homeowners, renters, and vehicle drivers to directly access information about clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits, rebates, incentives, and other cost-saving options. This Hub helps people “take control” of their energy consumption to save money, and makes information about clean energy options readily accessible to consumers.
• Apr. 4, 2023 DOE releases a Coal Power Plant Redevelopment Visualization Tool to help stakeholders identify opportunities for redevelopment of shuttered coal power plants and community reinvestment.
• Jan. 10, 2023 The Biden-Harris Administration releases the US National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, developed in partnership between DOE, DOT, EPA, and HUD. This Blueprint focuses on addressing the inequities in a transition to a decarbonized transportation system,including high costs and lack of easy access to transportation systems. The agencies will further collaborate with regional, state, and tribal governments, as well as other stakeholders in the private and public sectors to implement the Blueprint.
• Dec. 14, 2022 DOE announces 41 awards totalling $32 million, under the Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) initiative to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) direct resources towards science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs. The 37 awardees include institutions in Puerto Rico and Guam.
• Nov. 22, 2022 DOE announces the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, to provide $550 million in grants to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to further the reduction of fossil fuel emissions, and promote energy conservation and energy efficiency. Of the $550 million earmarked for this program, just under $300 million is for local governments, $123 million for state governments, and $8.8 million for tribal governments. This Program is being launched to allocate funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. For more information about the Program and grantees, click here.
• Dec. 15, 2022 DOE releases county-level data to supplement its 2022 US Energy and Employment Report (USEER). This data shows the variety of energy jobs throughout the nation with more precision, which can be used by local governments to inform region-specific policies in communities undergoing economic transitions and communities in need of economic development assistance.
• Nov. 7, 2022 DOE distributes $30 million in grants to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, under the agency’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP). The MSIPP invests resources in STEM programs at HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities.
• July 27, 2022: The Biden Administration announces six new measures to decrease energy bills for consumers, including cost-saving measures and actions focused on clean energy job creation. These include Community Solar Subscription Platform, run by DOE and Health and Human Services, which will connect community solar saving projects to households that participate in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. DOE will offer $10 million through the Advancing Equity through Workplace Partnerships program and launch the Sunny Awards for Equitable Community Solar, a $100,000 prize competition designed to produce best practices that will help achieve DOE’s National Community Solar Partnerships target to power five million households with community solar by 2025.
• April 14, 2022: DOE releases its first ever Equity Action Plan, as required under Executive Order 13985. The plan emphasizes key strategies including: improving underserved communities’ access to DOE programs through improved demographic data collection and a new portal for DOE acquisition opportunities; incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) requirements into all DOE financial assistance processes; and expanding Tribal and other stakeholder engagement across the agency. The summary of DOE’s Equity Action Plan can also be found here. 
• Feb. 2, 2022: DOE launches a joint effort with DHS, HUD, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to spend more than $12 billion in federal funds to rebuild and modernize Puerto Rico’s electrical grid with a focus on strengthening resilience and increasing access to affordable, clean energy. The effort kicks off with the two-year PR100 Study to assess potential pathways to achieve 100% renewable energy.
• Nov. 20, 2021: DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announces that it plans to let the National Coal Council’s current charter lapse and instead create a new charter to focus on coal workers and communities, and reflect new legislative priorities in the 2020 Energy Act and 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• July 15, 2021: DOE launches its Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+) tool to assist local governments in expediting the reivew and approval of residential solar installation permits. Local governments can sign up for SolarAPP+ here.

For tips on writing public comments and scheduling EO 12866 meetings with OIRA, visit our Public Participation Resources Page.

• Jan. 4, 2024 DOE announced $70 million for energy delivery resilience technology research, including funding designated exclusively for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to improve the cyber security of the electric sector.
• Dec. 18, 2023 The Biden administration announces $530 Million in grant funding for the implementation of energy efficiency in buildings. These grants support states and localities in meeting the Justice40 Initiative, offering historically underfunded buildings and regions energy efficiency grants to modernize buildings to reduce energy use and increase resilience against extreme weather events.
• Dec. 14, 2023 DOE signed a memorandum reaffirming the department’s commitment to purchasing clean power from Tribes to meet federal clean energy goals.The memorandum directs DOE facilities to engage Tribes in long-term energy planning and encourages utilities receiving DOE funds to work with Tribes for energy procurement. These efforts are intended to bolster clean energy production by Tribes.
• Oct. 25, 2023 DOE issued a request for information to gather input on a draft Transmission System Interconnection Roadmap. Feedback is requested from all interconnection stakeholders, including Tribal governments and utilities, and energy justice communities. The deadline to respond is Nov. 22, 2023. Click here to submit a comment on the Transmission System Interconnection Roadmap.
• Sep. 6, 2023 DOE has issued a request for information regarding the  launch of its “Responsible Carbon Management Initiative”. The initiative’s goal is to encourage better practices in industry development of carbon management projects, including pursuing “the highest levels of safety, environmental stewardship, accountability, community engagement, and societal benefits.” Click here to access the docket for DOE’s Notice of Intent and Request for Information on the Responsible Carbon Management Initiative.
• June 9, 2023 DOE awards $26 million to universities, non-profits, and private-sector partners to create 13 information, engagement, and resource hubs for DOE’s”consent-based” siting of spent nuclear fuel. DOE’s consent-based siting for interim storage of nuclear material aims to center equity and environmental justice by working with potential host communities to determine if hosting Federal consolidated interim storage is consistent with their well-being and needs. Each project team will receive about $2 million and work with communities on planning and capacity building, site screening and assessment, and negotiation and implementation.
• Nov. 10, 2022 DOE launches the Energy Efficiency Materials Program, a $50 million energy upgrade pilot program that will help nonprofits upgrade their buildings to decrease utility costs, create healthier community spaces, and reduce carbon emissions from commercial  buildings. Eligible nonprofits can receive grants of up to $200,000. DOE is currently seeking public comment on the pilot program via email only at [email protected], before Dec. 22, 2022.
• Aug. 3, 2022: DOE seeks public input on the $750 million Advanced Energy and Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program for small-and-medium-sized manufacturers to produce clean energy products, recycle clean energy products, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions at facilities in coal communities. DOE seeks comments on how the program can facilitate community development in areas affected by coal mine and coal power plant closures. The deadline for public comments on the program is September 16, 2022. 
• Jan. 2022: DOE publishes a report of responses to its request for information on inclusive innovation and just entrepreneurship in climate technology. DOE received 80 responses from 106 organizations. Suggestions included ways to make DOE’s funding more accessible and inclusive; how to increase community engagement and improve outreach efforts; and how to ensure successful performance for DOE-funded organizations.
• Dec. 6, 2021: The same day as the first Tribal Nations Summit since 2016, the White House releases a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by 17 federal agencies, including DOE, committing to increase consultation and collaboration with Tribes in recognition of existing treaty and reserved rights. The MOU includes agency-specific commitmemts including to create a searchable treaty database, and integrate tribal treaty and reserved rights early into agency decision-making, in particular work to address the climate crisis. (See pp. 3-4 of the MOU for more).
• July 7, 2021: DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announces plans to issue new energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, starting with a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) by Aug. 16. DOE submitted a proposed rule to OIRA on May 18, where it remains under review. To schedule a 12866 meeting with OIRA, use RIN No. 1904-AC11. According to UtilityDive, manufactured homes use 70% more energy per square foot than traditional homes, and are generally occupied by low-income households. DOE published a related notice that it plans to assess the air quality impacts of setting these standards more tightly, with comments due by Aug. 6. 
• June 10, 2021: DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Enregy (EERE) and Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) issue a Request for Information (RFI) on “enabling an inclusive and just entrepreneurial ecosystem” in climate and energy tech, including assessing barriers to DOE funding (DE-FOA-0002540).

• July 7, 2023 DOE announces several new appointees and staff promotions, including Rose Dady as the Director of Community Engagement for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, and Matt Dannenberg as the Senior Tribal Liaison for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.
• Apr. 5, 2023: DOE announces new Biden-Harris administration appointees and new roles, bringing Department appointees to historic diversity levels, with 57% people of color, 56% women, and 21% of staff identifying as LGBTQ+.
• Nov. 3, 2022 DOE selects Agustín Carbó, a former EPA lawyer, to lead the agency’s effort to modernize Puerto Rico’s electric grid as it recovers from Hurricane Fiona in September 2022. Prior to this, Carbó chaired the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau and served as the executive director of Puerto Rico’s Solid Waste Authority.
• June 8, 2022: The Senate votes to confirm Shalanda Baker to serve as Director of DOE’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. Baker had been working as the Deputy Director for Energy Justice in that Office.
• Jan. 13, 2022: DOE announces a hiring plan dubbed the Clean Energy Corps to add 1,000 new employees to the agency as part of its goal to spend approximately $62 billion from the infrastructure bill. DOE currently has a mandate to create or expand 72 programs. Interested applicants can apply through this portal.
• Jan. 4, 2022: The White House resubmits its nomination for Shalanda Baker to lead DOE’s Office of Minority Economic Impact. She received bipartisan support from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, but Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has delayed her confirmation.
• June 15, 2021: Tony Reames is appointed Senior Advisor in DOE’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. Reames was an assistant professor at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability where he established the Urban Energy Justice Lab, which centers social and economic inequality in its study of energy issues. He also launched the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, which awards funding to groups bringing innovative climate and energy solutions to historically underserved communities.
• May 4, 2021: DOE announces $10 million for a new SolSmart administrator over the next five years to encourage “more equtiable solar deployment.” SolSmart is funded by DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office.
• April 22, 2021: President Biden nominates Asmeret Asefaw Berhe to lead DOE’s Office of Science. The White House also officially announces the nomination of Shalanda Baker as director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, in addition to her role as DOE’s first-ever deputy director for energy justice in the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. Baker is co-founder and co-director of the Initiative for Energy Justice.

• Feb. 13, 2023 DOE and the Dept. of the Treasury publish initial guidance for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, which allocates a 10-20% tax credit increase for solar and wind facilities in low-income or Tribal communities. The application process for this program will open in 2023 in two phases.
• May 18, 2022: DOE adopts new manufactured home energy efficiency standards, reducing utility bills on average $177 per year in single-section homes and $475 per year in multi-section homes. The update requires all new manufactured homes built after May 2023 to meet size and climate-dependent energy conservation measures. DOE also expects the update to result in decreased carbon and methane emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 11.7 million homes. DOE also released a new website to help consumers find energy efficient manufactured homes and financing options, including government grants and loan programs.
• July 21, 2021: DOE announces new building energy code determinations for commercial and multi-family high-rise residential buildings, finding the new standard will result in 4.3% cost savings in addition to energy use and carbon emission reductions. This publication triggers requirements that states update their codes to meet or exceed the updated standard.