Coordination of Energy Retrofitting Assistance for Schools (Energy Act)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Purpose
To review federal opportunities and programs for schools and provide streamlined communication and technical assistance for states, local education agencies, local governments and non-profits on developing and financing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy retrofits. Will include development of a single resource website.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include tribal schools and universities, a postsecondary vocational institution, higher education schools, and schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education.
Decarbonization Considerations
No new funding opportunities will be available for schools immediately. However, increased federal support for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofit projects at schools is a long-term goal of the coordination effort. Decarbonization strategies at this time may include project planning for future funding opportunities and technical assistance for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofit projects at schools.
Equity Considerations
Consider prioritizing schools and educational institutions that serve disadvantaged students, as appropriate. This may include criteria based on local indoor and outdoor air quality, percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch, schools in areas with high rates of childhood asthma and other health metrics, and other criteria as appropriate.
Helpful Tips
Long-term goals include more effective use of federal opportunities, partnerships with state and local entities to support the initiation of projects, and technical assistance for States, local educational agencies, and schools to help develop and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects.
Other Notes
This effort is intended to increase the accessibility of existing federal programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools. It will not result in new funding opportunities for schools immediately, but aims to increase coordination, education, and outreach from existing federal programs for schools from the USDA, DOE, Treasury, the IRS, the EPA, and other appropriate federal entities.