This newsletter exists to provide you with the latest implementation updates and resources from the State Support Center. While recent developments have introduced uncertainty in the future of federal programs and policy, the important work of implementation goes on. We’re here to support all states as they continue to help their communities, companies and consumers access the federal incentives and investments that remain available to help them achieve their state goals.
Your 63-day plan: With the conclusion of the Biden administration and the changeover in power on January 20, there could be some delay and uncertainty as new federal officials take the reins of federal programs that states are working to implement. Therefore we strongly encourage you to act with urgency in finalizing contracts for grant award obligations and other needs that you may have pending with federal agencies, before January 20. And we’re here to help. We are happy to schedule time to talk through your priorities and connect you with resources for contract signing and building out your compliance systems.
Recovery Funds. In addition to locking in Inflation Reduction Act contracts, be sure that your state is on track to have 100% of your State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) obligated by the December 31, 2024 deadline. A number of states (and cities) still have unobligated funding. SLFRF funds can be utilized to advance certain state energy goals, including in the form of loans that allow for funding to be recycled to benefit your state over and over again. If you’d like to talk more about this, please let us know!
Best Practices In Action:
GGRF - The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) is ready to go. Read our latest recommendations for states on maximizing GGRF and consider learning from the recently launched Michigan Climate Investment Accelerator, which aims to attract GGRF through matching grants, technical assistance and relationship-building. Submit your project ideas to partners like Climate Capital here and Climate United here and learn about Coalition for Green Capital’s upcoming RFP here.
Elective Pay - We know that more than 1,200 organizations have submitted projects or facilities pursuing elective pay to the Treasury Department. This includes submissions from more than 500 state and local governments. That’s tremendous progress but we know many communities still don’t know about this opportunity. Community roundtables are a great way to spread the word. We’d be happy to introduce you to the expert profiled here if you’d like to learn more. In addition, the State of Washington has launched its Federal Clean Energy Tax Assistance Program (CETCAP) to provide technical assistance to local governments and community-based organizations.
Resources From Our Network:
Have clean energy tax credits made a difference in your community? We encourage you to share that story using the Treasury Department’s Clean Energy Storytelling Program.
Are there any locations in your state where energy infrastructure has ceased operations? DOE’s Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) tool might be a good fit to provide low-cost financing to retool, repower, repurpose, replace or reactivate the site. This tool is well suited to meeting the current surge in electricity demand because existing interconnection can be utilized, accelerating the time it takes to get a new resource where power is needed. Learn more from RMI’s EIR Playbook.
While federal opportunities may shift in the coming months, we know that states will continue to lead. We look forward to supporting you in that process.
Sincerely,
The State Support Center Team