LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) was awarded $1.779 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The EECBG funds will support local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining clean energy projects through a competitive subaward grant process. Applications will be open to cities and counties who weren’t eligible for a federal EECBG allocation. NDEE plans to announce the application period in mid-March.

“NDEE looks forward to working with Nebraska’s communities to help them implement projects that reduce their energy use while improving quality of life for their residents,” said NDEE Director Jim Macy.

Eligible projects include upgrades to energy efficient lighting; installation of renewable energy systems on government buildings; development of alternative transportation infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths; and public education to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Projects should provide communitywide benefits and may receive special consideration if they provide local employment opportunities and workforce training. Priority may be given to projects in communities identified with a high energy or environmental burden.

More information on the EECBG program can be found on NDEE’s website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/aid/energy-loans-grants-rebates/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.