The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released direct funding allocations to Native American tribes, large cities (populations greater than 35,000) and counties (populations greater than 200,000) under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). Eligible cities, counties and tribes were required to apply for their allocated funding by June 25, 2009. The DOE extended this deadline to August 10, 2009, however jurisdictions are encouraged to submit as soon as possible.
PMC can assist with the EECBG application and EECBG-funded programs.
The EECBG application requires development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS), which requires a extensive greenhouse gas and energy analysis. PMC can assist with the EECS and, if desired, simultaneously develop it into a Climate Action Plan (CAP) consistent with state laws such as California’s AB 32.
PMC can also assist with many projects eligible for EECBG funding, such as bicycle plans, pedestrian plans, municipal codes, general plans, energy efficiency and renewable energy financing programs, CEQA/NEPA compliance and comprehensive public outreach.
What about smaller cities and counties?
Small cities (populations less than 35,000) and counties (populations less than 200,000) will be eligible for formula-based grants through the California Energy Commission. Preliminary subgrant guidelines were released in July 2009 and are expected to be approved in September. PMPMC can provide information on the competitive grant process and ways for local governments to prepare.
What is an EECS and what does it entail?
An Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) is a comprehensive implementation plan of EECBG activities to reduce energy consumption and create and maintain jobs in the area. It requires, at minimum, the following components:
- Measurable goals and objectives for total energy use and emission reductions
- Actions/plans/strategies and implementation schedule to meet goals
- Expected outcomes and benefits of the plan, including jobs created/retained, energy saved, renewable energy capacity, GHG emissions reduced, and funds leveraged
- Plans for use of funds by adjacent eligible units of local governments that receive grants under the program.
Along with the EECS, each entitlement jurisdiction is required to submit the following documents:
- Project activity worksheets
- SF-424a Budget Form(s)
- Budget Justification File
- NEPA Questionnaire(s) (if applicable).
When do we submit the EECS?
The EECS can either be submitted with the application or it can be submitted within 120 days of the effective date of the award. Either way, each local government must submit at least the basic application before August 10th (the sooner this basic application is submitted, the sooner funds will be awarded). If a local government submits its basic application without an EECS, the DOE will release up to $250,000 for the local government to develop and submit an EECS within 120 days. Upon approval of the EECS, the local government will receive the balance of its total funding allocation.
What should we be doing now?
If you’ve already submitted your initial EECBG application, your jurisdiction could begin the following:
- Meet with department heads to prioritize eligible projects.
- Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions on their use of EECBG funds (required by the application).
- Begin a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory for sectors relevant to EECBG (For a list of available tools and methodologies, please contact PMC.)
If you’ve already submitted your full EECBG application, we recommend that you use the time before your funding is awarded to prepare staff for monitoring and reporting. PMPMC is available to provide a low-cost staff training on appropriate receipt and time logging practices, financial regulations to ARRA, and GHG/Energy calculators.
For examples of eligible projects under EECBG or to find out how we can help you through the process, please visit our Web site, www.carbonconscious.us/funding.html or contact Michael McCormick or Jillian Rich at (866) 828-6PMPMC. You may also e-mail your questions to climate@pmcworld.com.
