May 2024 Washington Energy & Sustainability Update
TL/DR –
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has set a new rule to reduce on-site fossil fuel consumption in federal buildings by 90% for new construction or major renovations through Fiscal Year 2025, and 100% by Fiscal Year 2030. The DOE has also released a final rule simplifying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for projects with minimal environmental impacts, including energy storage systems, transmission line upgrades, and solar photovoltaic systems. In addition, the Biden administration announced a $54 million funding opportunity aimed at expanding community e-mobility access and providing clean reliable energy.
Federal Buildings Set New Clean Energy Goals with DOE Final Rule
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule to drastically cut fossil fuel-generated energy consumption in federal buildings. The rule mandates a 90% reduction for new buildings or major renovations by Fiscal Year 2025, and a complete 100% reduction by Fiscal Year 2030. The Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings rule applies to fossil fuel combustion on-site for new projects and renovations over certain cost thresholds. Full implementation guidance is expected soon.
Offshore Wind the Focus of Latest DOE Report
The DOE’s new report indicates that the offshore wind market is at a turning point, with new projects contributing to long-term deployment, decarbonization, and economic benefits nationwide. The Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Offshore Wind report is part of a DOE series creating a shared fact base for dialogue with the private sector about the commercialization of clean energy technologies. The administration also issued a new fact sheet detailing federal resources to support offshore wind development.
DOE Simplifies NEPA Process for Certain Projects
DOE’s final rule has amended the list of project categories eligible for a simplified review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), supporting the Biden administration’s clean energy and infrastructure development goals. The simplified environmental review process includes energy storage systems like battery systems, transmission line upgrades, and solar photovoltaic systems. The rule aims to reduce the cost of environmental analysis for DOE, project developers, and the public.
$54 Million Available for Electric Mobility from Biden Administration
The Biden administration, through the Inflation Reduction Act, has announced a new $54 million funding opportunity for community e-mobility access and provision of clean reliable energy via the Communities Taking Charge Accelerator. The Joint Office of Energy & Transportation will administer the funding through DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Concept papers are due by May 20, 2024, and full applications by July 16, 2024. Award notifications will be issued in December 2024, with negotiations running through April 2025.
EPA Releases Final Rules to Reduce Pollution from Fossil Fuel–Fired Power Plants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued four final rules aimed at diminishing pollution from fossil fuel–fired plants to minimize climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law & Inflation Reduction Act Opportunities
For a summary of federal clean energy funding and financing opportunities, visit our Energy Funding Matrix. The matrix, updated biweekly, provides information on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act may affect your business or organization.
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