FEDERAL FUNDING
Our Commitment
Leveraging federal funding so that Virginia can meet our conservation and environmental goals.
THE ISSUE
There is an unprecedented amount of funding available at the federal level that the state should leverage to meet our conservation and environmental goals. Funds will be distributed in different ways and through multiple different channels. Some funding has already started to flow and some grant programs haven’t opened up yet. The following resources are meant to highlight some of the biggest opportunities for the Commonwealth to utilize.
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW
The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, infused historic levels of federal dollars towards clean transportation and charging infrastructure as well as funding to strengthen the nation’s drinking, storm, and wastewater systems.
In addition to the new programs created through the IRA, historic funding has been infused into many existing programs for Chesapeake Bay cleanup, land conservation, resilience, wildlife crossings, and more. Throughout portions of the Briefing Book, federal programs are highlighted that can help achieve specific environmental goals.
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August 2022, established investments through grant programs and tax credits in the clean energy economy, many of which may be leveraged by state and local governments. Opportunities include investments in solar, wind, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and other technologies that reduce our dependence on carbon-intensive infrastructure. In addition, the IRA established a direct pay program providing the opportunity for governments to receive the value of clean energy tax credits as cash payments.
EPA ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMUNITY CHANGE GRANTS PROGRAM
EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. The focus of this grant is to provide resources to support multi-sectoral collaboration and projects that address environmental and climate challenges in communities facing disproportionate and adverse health, pollution, and environmental impacts, and chronic disinvestment. As part of this process, it looks to build community capacity to drive change and participate in decision-making processes through 2 project tracks. You can view the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) here.
How Schools Get Electric Buses in Virginia
VCN and Generation180 recently highlighted Lynchburg City Schools for electrifying a part of its bus fleet. As more Virginia schools switch to electric buses, they will support improvements in children's health, academics, and behavior.
Federal Climate Investments in VA: Transitioning to a Zero-Emission Bus Fleet
VCN is partnering with different organizations to create videos showcasing federal funds being brought into Virginia. C3 has been working alongside Charlottesville Area Transit, which initiated a planning process earlier this year for a transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.
Federal Climate Investments in VA: School Bus Electrification
VCN is partnering with different organizations to create videos showcasing federal funds being brought into Virginia. Recently, Generation180 assisted Lynchburg City Schools in leveraging federal funds to electrify a portion of its school bus fleet.
Federal Climate Investments in VA: Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades
VCN is partnering with different organizations to create videos showcasing federal funds being brought into Virginia. Our first partner, Viridiant, highlights the impact of Home Energy Rebates.
Solar For All, and $156M for Virginia
Virginia received $156,120,000 through Solar For All. One hundred percent of the funding awarded today is dedicated toward distributed solar investments to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities.
What to know about the Inflation Reduction Act on its one-year anniversary
August 16th marked the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The landmark IRA was the first major piece of legislation passed by Congress to address climate change, and just one year after its passage it is already improving Virginia residents’ lives.
RESOURCES
Video: Federal Climate Investments in Virginia – Transitioning to a Zero-Emission Bus Fleet
Virginia Conservation Network and Community Climate Collaborative released a video on federal climate investments in Virginia, highlighting how federal funding has influenced Charlottesville's decision to adopt a zero-emission public transportation fleet.
Video: Federal Climate Investments in Virginia – School Bus Electrification
Virginia Conservation Network and Generation180 released a video on federal climate investments in Virginia, featuring Lynchburg City Schools' use of federal funds to electrify part of its school bus fleet.
Video: Federal Climate Investments in Virginia – Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Virginia Conservation Network and Viridiant released a video on federal climate investments in Virginia to increase funding for Home Energy Rebates, making energy efficiency upgrades more affordable for all Virginians.
Report: Empowering Tomorrow
Clean Energy States Alliance recently released a report outlining how Solar for All state programs, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Grant Search Tool for Federal Funding
Local Infrastructure Hub released a grant search tool providing nearly 400 grant opportunities available to communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Inflation Reduction Act Tracker
Our Partners at EDF released an up-to-date tracker tool that records steps taken by federal agencies to implement the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Department of Energy – The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program
Department of Transportation – National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Guidance
Department of Transportation – Neighborhood Access and Equity Program
Environmental Protection Agency – Implementation Framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Environmental Protection Agency – EPA Funding Announcements from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act
Environmental Protection Agency – Clearing House for Environmental Financing
Federal Highway Administration – Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
Internal Revenue Services – Elective Pay Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions
NOAA Fisheries – Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
White House – Open and Upcoming Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Funding Opportunities