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It would be an understatement to say that it has been an eventful year so far. While you may feel like you’re on a roller coaster or treadmill these days, we believe we’re on more of a road trip. We may be taking some detours or pausing to rest occasionally, but we’ll get where we're going. And we hope you’ll continue allowing us along for the ride.

Good news: States continue to find opportunities to advance their own state energy goals.

  • Heading in the right direct-ion: Multiple states and their local implementation partners are touting the benefits of direct pay tax credits (also known as elective pay) to make local energy projects more affordable – and helping their residents figure out how to use these tools. Forward Together Wisconsin is doing a multi-stop tour in early May to convene and spread the word about this project financing tool, and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance and Georgia Environmental Finance Authority just wrapped up a similar effort in Georgia. If you are interested in doing the same, let us know and we can connect you with experts who can help you host your own roadshow.

  • And still we RISE: Pennsylvania has opened up its Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) program, a $396 million statewide industrial grant funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. This first-of-its-kind program has the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs and increase manufacturing competitiveness.

  • Nurturing Leaders: Applications are open for the next round of Michigan’s Clean Energy Leaders fellowship to connect energy professionals throughout the state to share ideas and drive progress.

Fight For Your States’ Rights: It’s way less fun than fighting for your right to party, but you certainly have good company if you want to fight for your state’s right to implement energy and environment programs.

  • Grant Freezes and Terminations: You’ve likely experienced some on-again, off-again access to your funding. While key state programs seem to be open, we know many state agencies are hesitant to move forward. This blog post on the termination clauses in federal grants may illuminate some of the risks. Please reach out to our friends at Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) about how to protect your funding, and utilize these resources from the Environmental Protection Network (EPN) to aid in grant compliance.  If you’ve received a termination notice due to DEI concerns, this L4GG guidance may be useful.

  • Executive Order: Last week the White House issued an Executive Order targeting state energy policies. As explained in this article from the Columbia University Sabin Center, this isn’t about so-called state “overreach”, it’s about imposing a one-size-fits all approach on states that would quash their innovation. We’re here to provide advice and resources to help you defend and to use your authority to implement your state’s goals.

  • Congress Debates Future of IRA Incentives: Discussion in Congress is heating up over the future of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs, especially energy tax credits that are supporting lower energy costs, manufacturing jobs, and American economic competitiveness, in all 50 states. Last month, Energy Innovation: Policy & Technology, LLC published a report that includes state-specific fact sheets showing the adverse economic impacts that would result if these energy tax credits are repealed.  

When one door closes… For those going through a job transition, we encourage you to utilize this resource designed to connect experienced federal energy policy professionals with state and local government opportunities. For those in DC, check out this upcoming job fair on April 30th during DC Climate Week.

The State Support Center will be at the upcoming Clean Energy State Alliance (CESA) National Energy Summit for States in DC from May 28th - 29th. We hope to see you there! As you continue on this journey, please feel free to reach out and turn to us when you are looking for a map. We’ll be happy to discuss impacts on your work, direct you to useful resources, and brainstorm potential solutions.

Sincerely,

State Support Center