LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has announced the application period for counties, cities, and villages to apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG).

The application period opens March 19 and closes April 30, 2024.

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) to support local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining clean energy projects through a competitive subaward grant process.

Applications are now open to Nebraska counties and local communities who weren’t eligible for a federal EECBG allocation. 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 for these competitive grants should improve the community by providing long-lasting benefits such as decreasing the community’s energy burden, promoting job growth, and developing clean energy enterprises.

EECBG Applications, Instructions, and other supporting documents can be found on NDEE’s website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/24-007