Issue Brief 09-20 ARRA Provides New, Expanded Bonding Authority, May 20, 2009

Issue Brief 09-09 ARRA Provides Big Funding Boost for State Energy Program, March 18, 2009

March 4, 2010: GAO Issues Report on ARRA Program Implementation at DOE GAO recently released a report on the major factors affecting the Department of Energy's (DOE) implementation of ARRA programs. GAO addresses numerous issues facing both federal and state officials in administering these programs. Click here to read the report: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10497t.pdf

February 4, 2010: DOE Issues Request for Information Pertaining to Buy American Provisions The DOE published a request for information from stakeholders on questions pertaining to Section 1605-the Buy American provisions-of ARRA. For additional details, click here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2378.pdf

December 16, 2009: DOE Develops National Weatherization Training and Technical Assistance Plan The Department of Energy (DOE) released a plan for national weatherization training and technical assistance while ARRA is being implemented. The plan is intended to increase the effectiveness of ARRA's weatherization investments and allow for better leveraging of weatherization expertise across the country. Click here to read the plan: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/pdfs/wap_tta_plan.pdf

December 10, 2009: DOE Webinar: Introduction to Performance Contracting DOE Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a web seminar on how state and local governments can use funding from ARRA to establish performance contracts for energy efficiency. The presentation will take place on December 16, 2009, from 3:00 to 4:15 pm EST. Register here for the webinar: https://www304.livemeeting.com/lrs/8000963084/Registration.aspx?pageName=h6bbpdmr0x5g5hxm

December 1, 2009: DOE Releases FAQs on Davis-Bacon Compliance The DOE recently updated the frequently asked Davis-Bacon questions and answers page. The page includes answers to questions dealing with compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act requirements for the State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Programs (EECBG). To view the page, go to: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program/davis_bacon_faqs.cfm

November 6, 2009: ARRA Awardees Updated The DOE released its latest list of ARRA awardees. To view this report, click here: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/documents/recoveryactfunding.xls

October 21, 2009: Report on Reporting Requirements The DOE, Office of Inspector General released a special report on DOE's quality assurance process for ARRA reporting requirements. The report, "The Department of Energy's Quality Assurance Process for Prime Recipients' Reporting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" is available at:
http://www.ig.energy.gov/documents/OAS-RA-10-01-508.pdf

State Energy Program (SEP)

SEP funding opportunity announcement, including state allocations; announcement is attached. 

March 12, 2009: SEP Funds The DOE has released $780 million of the total ARRA funds designated for weatherization ($5 billion was appropriated) and SEP ($3.1 billion was appropriated). Individual state allocations can be found at www.energy.gov/recovery. ARRA funding for both programs will be appropriated through DOE using formula-based grants, and the department yesterday issued grant announcements, which are available on the National Energy Technology website at: http://www.netl.doe.gov/business/solicitations/index.html#00051

The SEP announcement outlines several requirements for states. Among these are that states should plan for and maximize efforts to achieve a 25% reduction in per capita energy consumption from the state's 1990 per capita energy use by 2012.
States also must submit their expenditure plans within 60 days of the release of the funding announcement. Additionally, SEP results achieved with ARRA funds will be assessed according to jobs created, energy saved, renewable energy installed capacity and generated, greenhouse gas emissions reduced (CO2 equivalents), energy cost savings and funds leveraged. Further, DOE strongly encourages states to propose measures that will achieve no less than 10 million source BTUs saved per $1,000 spent. As in the past, states will be required to report quarterly on project expenditures and also on specific activities and achievements, such as square feet of buildings retrofitted. 

Weatherization

March 1, 2010: DOE Moves to Monthly Reporting for Weatherization Assistance Program Effective March 1, 2010, DOE will require monthly reporting from weatherization grantees receiving funding through ARRA. Click the following link to view guidance for these new reporting requirements: http://207.188.207.153/doclib/openfile.asp?id=1486

February 1, 2010: DOE Issues New Weatherization Guidance on Maintaining Recipient Privacy The DOE has issued new guidance for the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) on maintaining the privacy of recipients. Click here to view the notice: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/pdfs/wpn_10-08_privacy.pdf

December 22, 2009: DOL Revises State Wage Determinations for Weatherization The Department of Labor (DOL) recently revised the prevailing wage determinations for the states in compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act requirements of ARRA. The updated state-by-state prevailing wage determinations are available near the bottom of this page: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/dol_wage_determination.cfm

December 3, 2009: DOE Provides Guidance to WAP Grantees for Gaining Access to Remaining Obligated Funds The DOE issued a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Notice describing the requirements for grantees to receive the remaining 50% of their obligated recovery WAP funds. DOE will provide this access based on projects demonstrated progress, as defined in this guidance. Click here to access this guidance: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/pdfs/wap_program_notice_10-05.pdf

October 20, 2009: Weatherization Assistance Update The DOE updated its table on the Weatherization Assistance Program to reflect total ARRA funds awarded by state to date: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/recovery_act_awards.cfm

DOE and HUD announce weatherization assistance: 
http://www.energy.gov/6956.htm

Program guidance, including state allocations: http://www.waptac.org/sp.asp?id=6878

Energy Conservation

January 21, 2010: DOE Announces $20.5 Million for Community Renewable Energy Deployment Projects The DOE announced the selection of five projects to receive more than $20.5 million through ARRA to support deployment of community-based renewable energy projects, such as biomass, wind, and solar installations. For additional details, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8536.htm

January 20, 2010: DOE to Invest up to $12 Million to Support Early Stage Solar Technologies The DOE announced that its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will invest up to $12 million in total funding -- $10 million from ARRA -- in four companies to support the development of early stage solar energy technologies and help them advance to full commercial scale. Follow this link for more information: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8533.htm

January 15, 2010: DOE Announces More than $37 Million for Solid-State Lighting The DOE announced more than $37 million in funding from ARRA to support high-efficiency solid-state lighting projects. For additional details, click here:  http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8527.htm

January 13, 2010: DOE Announces Nearly $80 Million Investment for Advanced Biofuels Research and Fueling Infrastructure The DOE announced the investment of nearly $80 million under ARRA for advanced biofuels research and fueling infrastructure. More details, including a complete list of awards,are available here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8519.htm

January 11, 2010: DOE Announces $187 Million to Improve Vehicle Efficiency for Heavy-Duty Trucks and Passenger Vehicles The DOE announced the selection of nine projects totaling more than $187 million to improve fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles. The funding includes more than $100 million from ARRA, and with a private cost share of 50%, will support nearly $375 million in total research, development, and demonstration projects across the country. Click the following link for additional details: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8506.htm

January 8, 2010: DOE and Treasury Award $2.3 Billion for New Clean-Tech Manufacturing Jobs The DOE and the Department of Treasury announced the award of $2.3 billion for the new Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit. One hundred eighty-three clean energy manufacturing projects in 43 states will be funded through this new program. Follow this link for more information: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8501.htm

January 6, 2010: DOE Announces $47 Million to Improve Information Technology and Communications Sectors The DOE announced today that it is awarding $47 million for 14 projects across the country to support the development of new technologies that can improve energy efficiency in the information technology and communication technology sectors. For more details, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8491.htm

December 4, 2009: DOE Announces $3 Billion Investment for Carbon Capture and Sequestration The DOE announced the selection of three new projects with a value of $3.2 billion to accelerate the development of advanced coal technologies with carbon capture and storage at commercial-scale. An investment of up to $979 million, including funds from ARRA, will be leveraged by more than $2.2 billion in private capital cost share as part of the third round of the department's Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI). For more details, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8356.htm

December 4, 2009: DOE and USDA Announce $600 Million Investment in Advanced Biorefinery Projects The DOE and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that 19 biorefinery projects -- in 15 states -- will receive up to $564 million in ARRA funding, while another will receive a loan guarantee for up to $55 million. Click here for more details, including a complete list of projects: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8352.htm

November 24, 2009: DOE Announces $620 Million for Smart Grid Demonstration and Energy Storage Projects The DOE announced that it is awarding $620 million for projects around the country to demonstrate advanced Smart Grid technologies. This funding from ARRA will be leveraged with $1 billion in funds from the private sector. For more details, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8305.htm

November 23, 2009: DOE to Invest $18 Million in Small Business Clean Energy Innovation Projects The DOE announced more than $18 million in funding from ARRA to support small business innovation research, development, and deployment of clean energy technologies. In this first phase of funding, 125 grants of up to $150,000 each were awarded to firms. For more details and a list of awards, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8300.htm

November 18, 2009: DOE Announces $104 Million for National Laboratory Facilities The DOE announced $104.7 million in funding from ARRA for eight new projects to establish research and testing facilities at seven DOE National Laboratories. The funding will support reducing the production cost of carbon fiber manufacturing, to help in reducing the weight of vehicles; improved efficiency and lower costs for car batteries; and net-zero energy building technologies. More details are available here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8297.htm

November 2009: DOE Offering Webinar on State Policy Affecting Renewable Energy Technology The DOE Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a web seminar on how state policies affect the development of markets for renewable energy technologies. DOE officials will present state rankings for renewable energy installations and use these data to make some conclusions of the effectiveness of some state policies. The presentation will take place November 18, from 3:00 to 4:15 PM EST. The seminar is free, but you must register in advance. You can register online, find information about the presenters, and read background materials on the TAP webinar section of the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program site: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/wip/tap_webinars.cfm

October 28, 2009: Geothermal Research Funds The DOE announced up to $338 million in ARRA funding for the exploration and development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. These grants will support 123 projects in 39 states, with recipients including private industry, academic institutions, tribal entities, local governments, and DOEs National Laboratories. The grants will be matched more than one-for-one, with an additional $353 million in private and non-federal cost-share funds. For more information, including a list of project selections, click here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8233.htm

October 27, 2009: Smart Grid Grants President Obama announced $3.4 billion in ARRA grants to 49 states for investments in a nationwide Smart Grid. For more information, including a list of the grant awards, see:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-announces-34-billion-investment-spur-transition-smart-energy-grid

October 27, 2009: CREBs Allocation The Treasury Department announced the allocation of $2.2 billion in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) for 805 recipients across the country. Funded by the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 and the Recovery Act, these bonds are intended to help government agencies, public power providers, and cooperative electric companies obtain lower-cost financing for clean energy development projects. For more information, see: http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/tg333.htm

October 26, 2009: Funding Awards for Research The DOE announced funding awards for 37 research projects. The $151 million in funding is being awarded through the department's recently formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). This is the first round of projects funded under ARPA-E, which received $400 million under ARRA. Details, including projects by state, are available at: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8207.htm

October 15, 2009: Wind Energy The DOE announced new investments in three university-led wind energy research facilities to enhance the testing and production of advanced and efficient wind turbine. Additional information is available at: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8135.htm

September 24, 2009: DOE Announces Funding Under EECBG Program The DOE announced that more than $106 million in funding from the ARRA is being awarded to nine states to support energy efficiency and conservation activities under DOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. These awards to state energy offices will be used to support state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties. At least 60% of each state's award will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct EECBG awards from DOE. For a full list of awards to date, visit: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/

September 14, 2009: Nationwide Energy Upgrade Grant Program The DOE announced a new $454 million competitive grant program designed to initiate a nationwide energy upgrade. This program is the competitive portion of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funded under ARRA. DOE released a Request for Information (RFI) to seek feedback on the topic areas and evaluation criteria of the new program. Comments are due on September 28, 2009. The Funding Opportunity Announcement is expected to be released in early October, following the public comment period. The RFI is available at here.

September 1, 2009: Clean Energy Awards The DOE announced $502 million in the first round of awards from a $3 billion ARRA program that funds clean energy projects by providing direct payments in lieu of tax credits. The press release and a list of projects by state is available at: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7851.htm

August 26, 2009: Clean Cities The DOE announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from ARRA. These projects will speed the transformation of the nation's vehicle fleet, putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establishing 542 refueling locations across the country. For more information see:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=232 

July 31, 2009: Applications for Program Making Direct Payments The DOE and the Department of the Treasury announced that they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. Companies interested inapplying for the program can visit the application submission page for more information: https://treas1603.nrel.gov/

July 29, 2009: Loan Guarantees Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced two new loan guarantee solicitations that are being funded partly through ARRA and partly through FY 2009 appropriations. The department will provide up to $30 billion in loan guarantees, depending on the applications and market conditions, for renewable energy projects. Another $750 million will support several billion dollars more in loan guarantees for projects that increase the reliability, efficiency, and security of the nation's
transmission system. For more information, see:  http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/

July 2009: TAP Webcast The DOE's Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a webcast on how to use a DOE-developed tool to estimate the economic impacts from electric power projects, including renewable energy generation. The presentation will take place Wednesday, July 29, from 3:00 to4:15 pm Eastern Daylight Time. More information is available at: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/wip/tap_webcasts.cfm

July 2009: Funding for Interconnection Assessment The DOE has announced $60 million to conduct resource assessments and analysis of future demand for electricity transmission as well as to facilitate the development of interconnection-wide transmission plans in all three interconnections. It is expected that consortia of all states within an interconnection would jointly apply for these grants. Grant applications are due August 14, 2009.

To view the Funding Opportunity Announcement, search for reference number
DE-FOA-0000068 at: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/

July 14, 2009: Funding for State-Run Rebate Programs for Energy Star Appliances The DOE published a $296 million funding opportunity announcement for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of Energy Star appliances. These funds were included in ARRA and will be distributed to states by formula. Each state or territory must submit a plan specifying which appliance categories will be included in its rebate program as well as the rebate amount, how the rebates will be processed, and the states plan for recycling old appliances. Initial applications indicating a states intent to apply for funds are due August 15, 2009, and the full application will be due October 15, 2009. States and territories will receive 10 percent of the funds after submitting the initial application with the balance awarded after their program plans are approved. The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement is available at:
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=48463&mode=VIEW

July 9, 2009: Funding Announced for Renewable Energy Projects The Department of the Treasury and DOE announced an estimated $3 billion for the development of renewable energy projects around the country and made available the guidance businesses will need to submit a successful application. Funded through ARRA, the program will provide direct payments in lieu of tax credits in support of an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. Additional information, including terms and conditions, guidance, and a sample application is available at: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7623.htm

March 26, 2009: Funding Announced for Block Grant The Obama administration announced $3.2 billion in funding under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The press release can be viewed at the DOE's website on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=154

April 10, 2009: Energy-Efficiency Grant The DOE has provided additional funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to 23 counties in Delaware, Kansas, and Louisiana, and to two Indian tribes:   http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7254.htm

May 27, 2009: Geothermal and Solar Energy Funds President Obama announced more than $467 million from ARRA to expand and accelerate the development, deployment, and use of geothermal and solar energy throughout the United States. The funding announced today will help the solar and geothermal industries overcome technical barriers, demonstrate new technologies, and provide support for clean energy jobs. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=173

April 22, 2009: Clean, Sustainable Vehicles Vice President Biden announced $300 million from ARRA for state and local governments and transit authorities to expand the nation's fleet of clean, sustainable vehicles and the fueling infrastructure necessary to support them. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=163

April 16, 2009: Smart Grid Initiatives Vice President Biden detailed plans by the DOE to develop a smart, strong and secure electrical grid, which will create new jobs and help deliver reliable power more effectively with less impact on the environment to customers across the nation. As part of ARRA, the vice president outlined plans to distribute more than $3.3 billion in smart grid technology development grants and an additional $615 million for smart grid storage, monitoring and technology viability.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Vice-President-Biden-Outlines-Funding-for-Smart-Grid-Initiatives/

Other Energy

February 19, 2010: DOE Announces $8 Million to Support Local Energy Assurance Planning Initiatives The DOE announced the award of more than $8 million in ARRA grants to 43 cities and towns across the country. The awarded funds will be used to develop or expand local energy assurance plans, intended to improve electricity reliability and energy security in these communities. Follow this link for additional details: http://www.energy.gov/news/8672.htm

August 12, 2009: State Emergency Preparedness Funding The DOE announced the release of nearly $38 million in ARRA funding to improve state emergency preparedness plans and ensure quick recovery and restoration from any energy supply disruptions. Funds will be used by state governments to hire or retrain staff andexpand state-level capacities to address challenges to the country's energy systems, including emergency situations such as blackouts, hurricanes, ice storms, and disruptions to heating supplies. To view a list of all state awards, see: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7791.htm

March 8, 2010: NPS Funds Additional Projects The National Park Service (NPS) announced that favorable pricing on its ARRA projects has resulted in savings of more 20%, totaling approximately $129 million. NPS will use these savings to fund an additional 30 projects across the country. For additional information, including a current list of NPS ARRA projects, follow this link: http://recovery.doi.gov/press/2010/03/129-million-saved-by-national-park-service-will-fund-additional-30-projects-nationwide/

March 1, 2010: Fish and Wildlife Service Updates ARRA Project List The Fish and Wildlife Service recently updated its list of projects funded under ARRA. To access the full list, click here: http://recovery.doi.gov/press/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/fws_arra-project-list_march_2010.pdf

September 18, 2009: HBCUs Receive Preservation Grants The Department of Interior announced that 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be the beneficiaries of $14.25 million for historic preservation grants aimed at providing assistance in the repair of historic buildings on their campuses. http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/091809a.html

September 2009: Interior Releases Guidance for Contracts, Grants The Department of the Interior has release guidance for recipients of ARRA contracts and grants. http://recovery.doi.gov/press/recipient-reporting/

Park Service Projects The National Park Service will invest $750 million in nearly 800 projects to stimulate the economy through ARRA. Projects will preserve and protect national icons and historic landscapes, improve energy efficiency and renewable energy use, remediate abandoned mine lands, and provide $15 million in grants to protect and restore buildings at historically black colleges and universities. Additional funding through the Federal Highway Administration will improve park roads for millions of visitors. http://recovery.doi.gov/nps/

Land Management Projects Secretary Salazar announced $305 million to fund more than 650 Bureau of Land Management projects across the country under ARRA. The investments will restore landscapes and habitat, spur renewable energy development on public lands and create jobs.
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/bureau-of-land-management/

Fish and Wildlife The Fish and Wildlife Service will invest $280 million in more than 770 projects through ARRA. A list of projects by state is available at:
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/

Water Projects The Department of Interior (Bureau of Reclamation) will award $1 billion in ARRA funds for water infrastructure projects, which are listed at: http://recovery.doi.gov/bor/