Arizona Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

The Arizona Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, administered by the Office of Resiliency (OOR), represents a strategic initiative by the State of Arizona to support local governments in implementing energy efficiency and conservation strategies. This program is funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program under Section 40552 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The OOR functions as the State Energy Office and received a formula allocation from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), with at least 60% of those funds required to be distributed to eligible local governments that did not receive direct formula grants from the DOE. The purpose of the Arizona EECBG Program is to assist units of local government—such as cities, towns, villages, and counties—not directly eligible for federal EECBG allocations, in developing and implementing projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to building a clean and equitable energy economy. The program aligns with broader federal priorities, including the Justice40 Initiative, by emphasizing benefits for disadvantaged communities and ensuring inclusive workforce deployment and equitable outcomes. Funding through this grant may be applied to a wide array of activities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. These include developing energy conservation strategies, retaining technical consultant services, conducting energy audits, retrofitting buildings, improving transportation energy use, enhancing building codes, and implementing onsite renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the program supports methane capture technologies and upgrading public infrastructure like traffic signals and street lighting to energy-efficient alternatives. All projects must take place within Arizona and within the jurisdiction of the applying local entity. Compliance with several federal regulations is a mandatory condition of funding. Projects must adhere to Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions, which require that iron, steel, construction materials, and manufactured products used in projects be produced in the United States. Additionally, projects involving construction, alteration, or repair must comply with Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), which stipulate prevailing wage requirements and certified payroll reporting. Projects that require environmental review will also need to comply with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), with further instructions provided post-award. Applications are due by October 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM, and the funding is not distributed on a rolling basis. The program is not a cooperative agreement and does not constitute pre-allocated or non-competitive funding. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registered in SAM.gov, and fiscal sponsorship arrangements are not accepted. The grant application must clearly articulate how the proposed activities will meet Justice40 requirements, which will also be a component of mandatory reporting. The BRISA Center for the Environment at the University of Arizona offers additional support and technical assistance for applicants, serving as a resource hub. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact the BRISA Center by phone at 1-877-518-4634 or via email at [email protected]. Detailed application instructions can be found in the official documentation, which outlines all allowable project types, eligibility criteria, and compliance obligations.

Projects must comply with BABA, DBRA, and NEPA requirements; proposals should detail Justice40 compliance and equity outcomes.