Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP) Pilot Initiative

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

N/A

Purpose

To provide energy-burdened, low-income communities with (a) historic ties to the fossil fuel economy or (b) environmental justice concerns with technical assistance to identify clean energy pathways and advance existing clean energy plans.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

All applicants, including tribal nations and territories must have 30% of the community population classified as low-income and high or severe energy burden (median spending of household income on energy bills ≥6%).

Decarbonization Considerations

LEAP participants will receive support jointly offered by five DOE offices to pursue local energy action plans that focus on one or more of the following opportunities: 1) creating pathways for large-scale clean energy project planning and infrastructure; 2) evaluating the ability to use microgrids to increase community resilience; 3) creating job opportunities in fossil fuel communities or those home to heavy industries; 4) planning for clean transportation investments; 5) improving building energy efficiency; and 6) enhancing investments in the nation’s clean energy supply chain and improving the energy performance and reducing the cost of industrial manufacturing.

Equity Considerations

This opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities that are also experiencing either direct environmental justice impacts, or direct economic impacts from a shift away from historical reliance on fossil fuels.

Helpful Tips

Communities will apply for technical assistance under either the Launch Track or the Accelerate Track. The Launch Track is for communities that are confident of their desire to pursue a clean energy transition but are in need of assistance to identify the specific energy pathway or pathways that will lead to clear economic, environmental, and other community-wide benefits. Communities that have already developed an existing clean energy-related economic development Roadmap, strategic plan, or similar document that demonstrates a commitment to clean energy-related economic development should apply under the Accelerate Track.

Other Notes

Participating DOE offices include the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Electricity (OE), Policy (OP), Indian Energy (IE), Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and Economic Impact and Diversity (ED). To learn more about past awardees, see here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-will-assist-24-communities-locally-tailored-pathways-clean-energy