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Congressman Carson, Mayor Hogsett announce $15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods 

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$15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods in Indianapolis

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$15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods in Indianapolis

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INDIANAPOLIS -Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) and Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a $15 million grant to deploy Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Indianapolis.

This project will prioritize fair and equitable placement to fill gaps left in the Indiana Department of Transportation Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which failed to adequately include urban and underserved communities like those in Indianapolis. It also failed to provide quantifiable inclusion of minority and disadvantaged businesses. Congressman Carson first outlined these concerns in a 2022 letter and has since worked with local partners to advocate for more equitable distribution of EV infrastructure and was determined to support local efforts in the application for this grant.

Electric vehicles could make up as much as nearly half of global car sales by 2035. In 2022, Congressman Carson voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which included consumer tax breaks for EVs, including a $7,500 tax break for purchasing a new EV. On average, EVs can save consumers $800 - $1,000 annually on gasoline. Battery EVs are about 40% less costly to maintain.

Roughly one-third of Indianapolis's citywide greenhouse gas emissions comes from the transportation sector, making the transition to more electric vehicles a part of the pathway to reducing pollution, improving regional air quality and public health, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 - as outlined in Thrive Indianapolis, the city's sustainability and resilience action plan.

"Throughout history, major American infrastructure projects -- like the formation of our interstate highway system -- have produced detrimental consequences to Black neighborhoods," said Congressman Carson. "While some projects have provided a multitude of opportunities to more affluent neighborhoods, minority neighborhoods have been excluded from that progress and disconnected from opportunity. I'll continue advocating to make sure we don't repeat the same mistakes, and I'm proud to have secured this grant to close gaps in Indianapolis' existing charger network. EVs are the future of our nation's infrastructure, and it's critical that urban neighborhoods aren't left behind in the long-term benefits of EVs: decreased neighborhood pollution, tax credits, and cost-savings on fuel and maintenance."

"The City of Indianapolis is excited to work with our State and Federal partners to bring EV technology to our neighbors most impacted by environmental injustice," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "There is no doubt that transportation infrastructure has, historically, placed undue burdens on minority communities in American cities. Now, with this partnership and grant funding, we hope to shift the decision-making power to these communities most affected and take another important step toward righting the wrongs of our past."

"This historic moment signifies the culmination of 2 years of dedicated effort in developing the formation of a BIPOC-led Alliance focused on EV charging deployment and green infrastructure," said Denise Abdul-Rahman, State Chair of Environmental and Climate Justice for the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP. "The Alliance's mission is to introduce an equitable and community-oriented approach to the Project, emphasizing inclusive implementation. Our partnership with the City leverages established relationships in socially and economically disadvantaged areas across Indianapolis and Marion County, ensuring that our communities have the opportunity to be included and not left behind."

The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) was created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work. The City of Indianapolis will receive $15 million in discretionary funding from the Federal Highway Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and supported by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, in partnership with the Indiana NAACP State Conference, and by proxy, the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities (Alliance).

This funding will be used to increase the number of publicly accessible DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging stations to close gaps that currently exist in the Indianapolis charger network. The project prioritizes locations that align with both growing EV demand and environmental justice considerations. All sites will be equipped with at least one Level 2 NEVI standard compliant EV charging station. More information about the grant program can be found here. Placement decisions will be made locally, and the Indianapolis community will be able to provide input on locations. All prospective locations are subject to a community engagement and planning process and site feasibility study.

Publicly available parking locations in Indianapolis, including at parks and libraries, will be considered based on their alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 initiative, which mandates that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments must flow to disadvantaged communities to catalyze environmental justice. Local organizations who included letters of support for the application included the Indianapolis Public Library and the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation (Indy Parks).

Additionally, a portion of the grant funds will be dedicated to workforce development efforts. This includes developing an improved marketing and outreach strategy to recruit apprentices and future journeymen to become licensed-Electric Charging Station installers. This work will be supported by local educational institutions and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to create and retain local, good paying, and skilled jobs.

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RELEASE: Congressman Carson, Mayor Hogsett announce $15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods - Thrive Indianapolis

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This funding will be used to increase the number of publicly accessible DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging stations to close gaps that currently exist in the Indianapolis charger network. The project prioritizes locations that align with both growing EV demand and environmental justice considerat

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City of Columbus Dept. of Public Utility Direct Pay Projects

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City of Columbus Dept. of Public Utility Direct Pay Projects

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https://columbus.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7657094&GUID=3D7C06B0-C2BE-47B9-BF1B-587A66B3681D

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Microgrid helps supply over 40% of power needed for the three facilities- enough energy for 1,600 homes per year

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Microgrid helps supply over 40% of power needed for the three facilities- enough energy for 1,600 homes per year

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City Utilities flips switch on renewable energy, activates Microgrid

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While the system was just officially switched online, it has already received three awards.

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REAP Grantee, Berry Farmer, Stuart Lavalier

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REAP Grantee, Berry Farmer, Stuart Lavalier

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Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grantee, Stuart Lavalier's Testimonial

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PACE Loan: Regier Farms: Harnessing solar power to transform hog farming

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PACE Loan: Regier Farms: Harnessing solar power to transform hog farming

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John Regier Farms: Harnessing solar power to transform hog farming

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Innovative approach in SW MN leads to sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

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Indianapolis Office of Sustainability awarded $787K to improve energy efficiency of municipal buildings

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Indianapolis Office of Sustainability awarded $787K to improve energy efficiency of municipal buildings

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Today, the City of Indianapolis's Office of Sustainability announced it received funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Office of Sustainability will utilize the $787,040 grant to lower energy use and decrease overall utility costs in municipally owned buildings. Investing in these changes will also reduce climate pollution and improve public health for all Indianapolis community members via healthier air quality.

"The generous funding from the U.S. Department of Energy will open up new opportunities for innovation and efficiency within the more than 200 city-owned structures throughout Marion County," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "This support from our federal partners is key in helping make sure Indianapolis can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions locally."

The funding will help support the following initiatives:

Partnering with the Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology, a DOE Industrial Assessment Center, to deploy their learn-on-the-job workforce training program to perform energy audits on up to 200 municipal buildings.

Utilizing a dynamic energy management software to track internal energy benchmarking data.

Building capacity with an Energy Manager who will interpret benchmarking data and develop an enterprise-wide Energy Team composed of stakeholders from various city departments and agencies.

The Energy Team will use the workforce audit program data to determine priority locations where high-efficiency updates would maximize impact, work with city staff to implement those installations, and capture the savings outcomes to finance future efficiency work.

The City of Indianapolis owns more than 200 buildings throughout Marion County with diverse uses ranging from office space like the City-County Building downtown to park family centers, police stations, fire stations, and public works facilities. The total square footage of indoor space is nearly 5.5 million square feet, demonstrating a great opportunity to implement energy efficiency measures. Even seemingly small changes, like LED lighting transitions or efficient HVAC equipment upgrades, can have a huge impact on a building's overall energy use.

"Ever since our office launched the city's energy benchmarking program, Thriving Buildings, in 2022, we have been collecting data on municipal buildings while empowering other large building managers in Indianapolis to do the same," said Mo McReynolds, Interim Director of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. "These funds from the DOE will allow us to catalyze on that progress, implement transformational changes to our built environment, and be a role model for other large building owners in our community."

The more than $430 million EECBG Program awards noncompetitive formula grants to communities across the country, made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Indianapolis was one of 2,708 states, territories, local governments, and Tribes eligible to receive the flexible funding to meet unique energy needs.

"We are excited to begin a new partnership with the City of Indianapolis, one that provides valuable work experience for our engineering students and lets them give back to the community," said Dr. Ali Razban, Adjunct Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University in Indianapolis. "All of us benefit from energy savings and emission reductions by breathing healthier air, a critical component of public health."

This $787K is part of more than $30 million in total grant funding that the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability has been awarded from the BIL and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), two federal policies that have provided more than a trillion dollars in incentives, grants, and loans to support new infrastructure investments in the areas of clean energy, transportation, and the environment. Other grant awards include a $500K Energy Future Grant from the DOE, a $15M Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and two successful coalition applications to Solar For All from the Environmental Protection Agency.

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RELEASE: Indianapolis Office of Sustainability awarded $787K to improve energy efficiency of municipal buildings - Thrive Indianapolis

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The Office of Sustainability will utilize the $787,040 grant to lower energy use and decrease overall utility costs in municipally owned buildings. Investing in these changes will also reduce climate pollution and improve public health for all Indianapolis community members via healthier air quality

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Indianapolis Public School District Awarded $4M Grant from EPA Clean School Bus Program for 10 Electric Buses

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Indianapolis Public School District Awarded $4M Grant from EPA Clean School Bus Program for 10 Electric Buses

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Some IPS students will start taking electric buses to school. Here’s how they’re paid for

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Thanks to a federal grant and private partnership, Indianapolis Public Schools will roll out 10 new electric buses throughout the city.

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See how students in Ohio brought electric school buses to their district

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See how students in Ohio brought electric school buses to their district

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Student Voices: The Persistence of a Vision | Electric School Bus Initiative

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See how students in Ohio brought electric school buses to their district.

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Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption

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ComEd rolled out the new incentives, which support fleet purchases and charging infrastructure upgrades, in the run-up to the Chicago Auto Show.

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Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Grants for New Corning Manufacturing Facility, Over 1,100 Jobs in Michigan

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Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Grants for New Corning Manufacturing Facility, Over 1,100 Jobs in Michigan

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Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

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Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Grants for New Corning Manufacturing Facility, Over 1,100 Jobs in Michigan | Michigan Business

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Corning Incorporated has chosen Michigan for a new manufacturing facility dedicated to the creation of U.S.-made solar components with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

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Dayton Deploys EV Fleet to Cut Costs, Emissions

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Dayton Deploys EV Fleet to Cut Costs, Emissions

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Dayton Deploys EV Fleet to Cut Costs, Emissions

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Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption: ComEd

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Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption: ComEd

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Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption

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ComEd rolled out the new incentives, which support fleet purchases and charging infrastructure upgrades, in the run-up to the Chicago Auto Show.

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Margaret Mary Cancer Center Embraces Geothermal in Indiana

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Margaret Mary Cancer Center Embraces Geothermal in Indiana

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Margaret Mary Health’s Outpatient & Cancer Center Achieves Clean Energy Milestone with Completion of High-Performance Geothermal System and $413,000 in Federal Tax Credits - Margaret Mary Health

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Batesville, IN – May 29, 2025 –Margaret Mary Health (MMH) has successfully completed the installation of a high-performance geothermal system at its Outpatient & Cancer Center that will cut natural gas energy costs by 80 percent, provide more reliable power to the community and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Federal clean energy tax credits totaling $413,046 […]

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Pattern Energy Powers Amazon with Indiana Wind Farm

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Pattern Energy Powers Amazon with Indiana Wind Farm

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Amazon Wind Farm Fowler Ridge - Pattern Energy

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150 MW facility helping Amazon Web Services achieve the goal of powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.

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Some Plymouth schools are now powered by the sun

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Some Plymouth schools are now powered by the sun

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Kristin Bien, WSBT 22 Operation Education Reporter

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Some Plymouth schools are now powered by the sun

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Plymouth Community Schools is using the sun to power some of its school buildings.It’s not the first district to use solar panels but district leaders in Plymou

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Iowa School District Receives Over $800,000 for Elementary School HVAC Replacement

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Iowa School District Receives Over $800,000 for Elementary School HVAC Replacement

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North Fayette Valley Community School District (IA) Case Study.pdf

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs • Iowa Capital Dispatch

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The Iowa Waste Reduction Center received an EPA grant to develop training based on its own Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the delivery of 13 new electric school buses to the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District in southwestern Missouri. The initiative was made possible by more than $5 million in funding from the EPA's 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate program.

"We are thrilled to kick off the new year by celebrating these zero-emission, clean school buses with the El Dorado Springs community," said Dana Skelley, EPA Air and Radiation Division Director. "El Dorado Springs is a leader in the transition to electric buses, and children across the school district will breathe cleaner and less polluted air thanks to these resources."

The Clean School Bus program is making a significant impact on school districts and their communities by reducing air pollution from older diesel engines. Diesel emissions have been linked to asthma and other health conditions that can lead to missed school days. By phasing out older diesel buses, the program contributes to cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near loading areas, and residents in neighborhoods along bus routes.

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the delivery of 13 new electric school buses to the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District in

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Proton Energy Systems, Inc. d/b/a Nel Hydrogen US (48C Self-Disclosed)

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Proton Energy Systems, Inc. d/b/a Nel Hydrogen US (48C Self-Disclosed)

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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In Detroit, solar+storage builds resilience for the era of climate change

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In Detroit, solar+storage builds resilience for the era of climate change

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All-electric recycling trucks will replace some diesel garbage trucks in SE Michigan, Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County

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All-electric recycling trucks will replace some diesel garbage trucks in SE Michigan, Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County

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All-electric recycling trucks will replace some diesel garbage trucks in SE Michigan

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A $4.4 million EPA grant will pay for 15 EV heavy-duty trucks used for picking up recycled goods, replacing diesel trucks in some communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

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Brown City Schools’ electric bus on the road

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Brown City Schools’ electric bus on the road

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Brown City School District has added an electric bus to its fleet, and the new vehicle successfully hit the road in late November.

The district was awarded a $345,000 grant for the purchase of a bus through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, which awarded nearly $24 million to Michigan schools last May.

Per a requirement of the grant, the district will be decommissioning a 2005 diesel that has been used as a spare in the last several years, Brown City Superintendent Neil Kohler said. Also, being able to purchase a bus with grant funding allows the district to save funding for other educational needs.

"This allows us to add money to the classroom and to the kids," said Kohler. "At the end of the day, it's about the kids."

While residents may not recognize much difference in appearance, they will certainly notice the noise, or lack thereof.

Because electric buses produce so little sound that they are nearly impossible to hear at low speeds, Kohler said the bus plays a tune when traveling between two and 18 miles per hour.

In Brown City's case, the bus has been programmed to play the district's fight song to alert residents to its presence at slow speeds.

Kohler said the new LionC electric bus gets 100 miles per charge, and requires about six hours to obtain a full charge.

The bus is ideal for transporting students to and from school, and short trips. Longer trips, Kohler said, will still be reserved for the diesel or propane buses in the district's fleet.

Preparation for the electric vehicle required maintenance staff and the driver to receive specialized training but, Kohler said, a lot of potential fixes can be made remotely.

The bus also conserves energy, and funding, through a charging system that connects via smartphone. For example, Kohler said, he can program the bus to charge at certain times of the day, when fewer people are using electricity, and it will only draw power until it reaches a full charge.

The new vehicle is one of three buses that have been obtained by utilizing grant funding since 2019, Kohler said, as the district was able to purchase two propane buses that year, each covered at 40 percent.

"This is the third bus purchased since 2019 using grant funds," Kohler said. "The district has six daily routes and all three buses are in that six. We also purchased an additional propane bus in 2017."

Currently, he said, the district has three propane fueled buses, two diesel and now one electric on the daily routes.

And, he said, while the electric bus was manufactured in Quebec, Canada, one requirement of the EPA's grant was that the charger had to be American made.

And Brown City will likely not be the only district with an electric vehicle for long, as Carsonville-Port Sanilac and Peck school districts are in the process of applying for similar grants.

CPS Superintendent Doug Muxlow told the board of education in December that the state had granted $325,000 toward the purchase of a new bus, and the next step is applying for an EPA grant of $125,000.

"We have an old diesel bus that we have to get rid of anyway, so we took advantage of this grant offer," Muxlow told the News last month.

Sanilac County may be just now garnering grant funding for electric vehicles, but both the state and federal governments have implemented such initiatives for about five years.

According to an EGLE press release last May, the department has been granting funds for electric school buses since 2019, when they awarded more than $4 million for the purchase of Michigan's first 17 electric school buses and charging stations to seven schools across the state.

In 2022, the EPA invested $54 million from the Clean School Bus rebate competition toward 138 new electric buses and infrastructure for 25 Michigan school districts, and in 2023 the state budget included $125 million to help school systems transition to clean buses.

In May, Brown City was one of 27 schools in Michigan that received funding to cover a total of 97 buses powered by electricity, and three by propane.

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Brown City Schools' electric bus on the road - Sanilac County News

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Brown City School District has added an electric bus to its fleet, and the new vehicle successfully hit the road in late November. The district was awarded a $345,000 grant for the purchase of a bus through the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, which awarded nearly $24 million to Michigan schools last May.

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Met Council Launches Geothermal North Loop Garage in Minnesota

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Met Council Launches Geothermal North Loop Garage in Minnesota

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Metropolitan Council receives federal tax credit for energy-efficient bus garage

The Metropolitan Council is pleased to announce it has secured a $2.37 million federal tax refund for the North Loop Garage, Metro Transit's most energy-efficient facility to date.

The refund was issued through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, considered one of the most significant climate legislation efforts in U.S. history. The legislation provided financial incentives to governments and organizations for investing in energy-efficient buildings.

"It's an honor to be recognized for our hard work on environmental sustainability," Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle said. "It's important to lead by example by reducing our contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and making our services and facilities resilient to the impact of climate change. This validates we are doing the right work."

Located near the intersection of 7th Street and Olson Memorial Highway, the $125 million Metro Transit facility opened in 2023 with multiple sustainable design elements, including solar collector walls that pre-heat incoming air for the heating system, geothermal heating and cooling infrastructure, and comprehensive LED lighting. Together, the improvements reduce the facility's heating requirements by 10 percent.

"Given our planning responsibilities, and as one of the state's largest energy users and owners of the largest public vehicle fleet, we must be a leader in reducing emissions and improving resiliency across the region," said Peter Lindstrom, Chair of the Met Council's Environment Committee. "Receiving this refund showcases Metro Transit's vision for a more sustainable workplace and helps publicize this opportunity for other public and non-profit entities."

As part of its Climate Action Work Plan, the Met Council has been adapting its operations and infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. This includes:

Incorporating adaptation measures into facility and services planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance

Expanding staffing and training related to climate work

Identifying opportunities to install and maintain sustainable landscapes on Met Council property

Contact: Laura Baenen, [email protected]

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Metropolitan Council receives federal tax credit for energy-efficient bus garage The Metropolitan Council is pleased to announce it has secured a $2.37 million federal tax refund for the North Loop Garage, Metro Transit's most energy-efficient facility to date. The refund was issued through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, considered one of the most significant climate legislation efforts in U.S.

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Harnessing the Power of Nonprofits to Deliver Low-Cost Solar to Low-Income Homeowners in Minnesota

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Harnessing the Power of Nonprofits to Deliver Low-Cost Solar to Low-Income Homeowners in Minnesota

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Wisconsin receives nearly $18M for clean buses, dump trucks

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Wisconsin receives nearly $18M for clean buses, dump trucks

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Wisconsin receives nearly $18M for clean buses, dump trucks

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Wisconsin is slated to receive nearly $18 million to replace older heavy-duty vehicles that run on diesel with newer zero-emissions vehicles.

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La Crosse School District Cuts Costs with Sustainable Energy

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La Crosse School District Cuts Costs with Sustainable Energy

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La Crosse School District Cuts Costs with Sustainable Energy — La Crosse Climate Action Plan

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The impressive amount of solar energy being used in the District is largely due to the efforts of the group Solar on La Crosse Schools (SOLS). SOLS educates, advocates, and raises funds to make solar energy a reality sooner for the School District of La Crosse. Northside Elementary installed the Di

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Wisconsin School Districts Leading on Energy Tax Credits and Elective Pay – Oregon

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Wisconsin School Districts Leading on Energy Tax Credits and Elective Pay – Oregon

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WI Schools and Elective Pay Fact Sheet (UndauntedK12) 

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Wisconsin School Districts Leading on Energy Tax Credits and Elective Pay – Northland Pines

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Wisconsin School Districts Leading on Energy Tax Credits and Elective Pay – Northland Pines

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WI Schools and Elective Pay Fact Sheet (UndauntedK12) 

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Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship helps farmers like Anna Donnay prepare for the future, with USDA support-Resource Rural

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Minnesota farmer’s dairy venture gains momentum and expands local market

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Minnesota farmer’s dairy venture gains momentum and expands local market

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Local markets are important for dairy farmers because they offer direct sales opportunities to consumers, fostering community connections and ensuring fresher products while supporting local economies.

As a dairy grazier, Donnay's days start at 5:30 a.m., first milking cows, then doing other chores before coming in for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. During the day, work varies, from bookkeeping to fixing fence, "whatever needs to be done," she said. Around 4:30 p.m., evening chores begin with picking eggs, watering and feeding the pigs and chickens and starting to milk by 5 p.m. Donnay tries to finish chores by 7 p.m.

The farm has a few pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens, dogs, and barn cats. "One of my favorite things is getting the cows home from the pasture," Donnay said.

Recently, a family reunion renewed her desire to give back to the community through dairy. "People need to know where their food comes from and have that connection with the animal," she said. With a year left in her apprenticeship, Donnay is already planning for the yogurt processing plant that she hopes to build in three years.

Someday, she hopes to market directly to consumers. "I want to keep the financials and everything in our community," she said. "Ideally, the dream is to sell everything off the farm."
Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities is expanding markets, leveraging greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and providing direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers. USDA is investing more than $3.1 billion for 141 projects through this effort.

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Minnesota farmer's dairy venture gains momentum and expands local market - Resource Rural

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Since she was a kid, Anna Donnay has wanted to make her own yogurt and sell it directly to her neighbors. She's completing a Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship as she takes the reins at her family's organic dairy farm in Kimball, Minn.

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South Bend Energy Efficiency Program Helps Nonprofits Reduce Utility Costs

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South Bend Energy Efficiency Program Helps Nonprofits Reduce Utility Costs

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Through a partnership with the City of South Bend’s Office of Sustainability, and CDFI Friendly South Bend, IFF’s Real Estate Solutions team in Indiana is helping local nonprofits reduce utility costs by facilitating energy-efficient building upgrades.

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South Bend Sustainability Program Helps Nonprofits Reduce Utility Costs and Shape a Greener Future for the Midwest

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IFF’s real estate team in Indiana provided energy assessments for 18 nonprofits to reduce their utility costs and increase sustainability.

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Northwest Indiana Improves Outdoor Air Quality with Voluntary Actions

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Northwest Indiana Improves Outdoor Air Quality with Voluntary Actions

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In 1998, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission established the Partners for Clean Air program after they were selected to be 1 of 14 demonstration communities to conduct outdoor air quality public education. In 2005, the program was transferred over to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Partners for Clean Air is a coalition of Northwest Indiana businesses, local governments, and individuals that are committed to reducing harmful air pollutants through Air Quality Action Plans. Additionally, Partners for Clean Air provides members with up-to-date information about regional air quality issues. There are four membership levels that are available on an annual basis - Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Green. Each level has different commitments and benefits. All members, regardless of level, are responsible for developing and implementing an Air Quality Action plan during Air Quality Action Days.

While the Indiana Department of Environmental Management coordinates and runs Partners for Clean Air, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission distributes outreach and education materials to Northwest Indiana cities and South Shore Clean Cities manages the social media accounts, develops marketing materials, and coordinates press releases.

To expand community involvement and overall awareness, Partners for Clean Air hosts events at various venues, such as sporting events and county fairs. They distribute flyers, tip sheets, pens, bags, and brochures. To increase engagement with younger generations, Partners for Clean Air runs an annual scholarship program for outstanding students.

Funding

In 2021, the Northwest Indiana Partners for Clean Air program had a budget of $35,000. The program acquires most of its funding through membership fees; gold level members contribute a minimum of $2,000 and silver members contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually. In 2020, the program had eight gold-level members and three silver-level members.

Additionally, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission covers 80 percent of the cost of outreach and promotional materials purchased by Partners for Clean Air; this is done through grant funding given to the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission from the United States Department of Energy.

Timeline

The Northwest Partners for Clean Air program was developed in the 1998 and remains active today.

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eri; erit; environmental resilience institute; environmental resilience institute toolkit; prepared for environmental change; air quality; public health; outdoor air quality; northwest; indiana; laporte; porter; lake; indiana department of environmental management; south shore clean cities; northwest indiana regional planning commission; michiana area council of governments; macog; air quality; ozone; particulate matter

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Northwest Indiana Improves Outdoor Air Quality with Voluntary Actions

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management established the Partners for Clean Air Program in Northwest Indiana to improve outdoor air quality and protect public health. The Partners for Clean Air program is a coalition of industries, local governments, and community members that develop Air Quality Action Plans to be implemented on Air Quality Action Days.

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Indianapolis to Expand Renewable Energy Access

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Indianapolis to Expand Renewable Energy Access

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The city of Indianapolis is set to expand renewable energy options for residents. Plans include installing solar panels on a closed landfill and enabling community solar programs where households can share the electricity generated. These initiatives are made possible by grants from the EPA's Solar For All program.

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The city of Indianapolis plans to expand renewable energy options for residents in the coming years, including putting solar panels atop a closed southeast side landfill and letting households share the electricity they generate.

The city also will work with the local chapter of Solar United Neighbors to install rooftop panels for qualified low- and moderate-income households.

The projects are thanks to grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. Indianapolis is part of two coalitions of municipal governments and organizations that are set to receive funding through the agency's Solar For All program.

The city doesn't know yet exactly how much money it will receive from the EPA, according to Lindsay Trameri, community engagement manager for the Office of Sustainability. That will be determined over the coming weeks as the two coalitions figure out how to dole out the money, so it's unclear how many residents will benefit.

One group of grant applicants led by Growth Opportunity Partners received $156 million. Another group led by Indiana Community Action Association received $117 million.

The $117 million grant funding the community solar project has a five-year timeline, according to Office of Sustainability Director Morgan Mickelson.

Community solar generally refers to a facility that subscribers - homes, businesses, etc. - share, and they receive credits on their electricity bills for the power generated. Typically, subscribers pay a fee (usually monthly) to participate, with the goal of still paying less compared to a single monthly bill from the electric company.

The former landfill has the potential to host an eight- to 12-megawatt solar field, Mickelson said. For comparison, the solar farm at Indianapolis International Airport is 25 megawatts over 128 acres. A megawatt is equal to 1,000 kilowatts.

The community solar project will be at the closed Julietta Landfill, which takes up about 70 acres around Whispering Hills Golf Course just south of Cumberland.

Residents used to dump household waste on the land illegally in the 1960s, according to IndyStar. A private landfill operator then leased the land for commercial and industrial waste until 1976, when the operator voluntarily closed the site because the state found the land unsuitable for use as a landfill.

More recently, residents expressed concern about the landfill after a state inspection discovered in 2014 that a barrier designed to prevent toxins from escaping had eroded.
[Indy plans to launch a recycling program in 2026. What are your thoughts?]
Meanwhile, the project putting rooftop solar panels on homes builds off of a 2020 pilot by the city and Solar United Neighbors to increase solar equity.

Right now, solar access in Indiana is largely limited to people who have the means to pay thousands of dollars upfront or get a personal loan. That's part of the reason why a recent ConsumerAffairs report found Indiana ranks among the worst states for going solar.

Plus, the Indiana General Assembly has phased out net metering, which is meant to incentivize homeowners by crediting them for excess energy they generate.

Like the community solar project, the scope of the rooftop solar plan depends on how much money Indianapolis receives from the EPA grant. The 2020 pilot included 10 homes.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers economics. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X .

Republish This Story

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Once a landfill in Indy, soon home to community solar

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Community solar generally refers to a facility that subscribers share, and they receive credits on their electricity bills.

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Bloomington, Indiana Naturalizes Creek Bank to Manage Stormwater and Establish Native Plants

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Bloomington, Indiana Naturalizes Creek Bank to Manage Stormwater and Establish Native Plants

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Bloomington Indiana Naturalizes Creek Bank to Manage Stormwater and Establish Native Plants: Case Studies: ERIT: Environmental Resilience Institute: Indiana University

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See how the Parks and Recreation Department in Bloomington, IN improved stormwater and erosion control management using native plants and reshaping a local creek bed.

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Cincinnati Energy Aggregation Program Reduces Utility Costs and Supports Renewable Energy

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Cincinnati Energy Aggregation Program Reduces Utility Costs and Supports Renewable Energy

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The City of Cincinnati established an energy program to provide residents 100 percent renewable and competitively priced energy.

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Evansville, Indiana Increases Solar Generation and Creates Clean Energy Jobs for Vulnerable Communities

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Evansville, Indiana Increases Solar Generation and Creates Clean Energy Jobs for Vulnerable Communities

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Evansville PowerUp Initiative Creates Clean Energy Jobs

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The Indiana NAACP launched an initiative in Evansville, Indiana, to advance solar generation and create clean energy jobs for vulnerable populations.

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White County, Indiana saves money and boosts the economy with wind energy

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White County, Indiana saves money and boosts the economy with wind energy

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White County saves money and boosts their economy with wind energy

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White County worked with a wind developer to install more than 350 turbines.

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Regional Watershed Council Protects Michigan Lakes using Septic System Policies

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Regional Watershed Council Protects Michigan Lakes using Septic System Policies

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Regional Watershed Council Protects Michigan Lakes

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The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council collaborated with the local Health Department of Northwest Michigan to examine septic system policies across the watershed, identify problems, and develop local solutions.

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The City of Decatur, Illinois Implements Drought Mitigation Efforts to Protect Their Water Supply and Economy

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The City of Decatur, Illinois Implements Drought Mitigation Efforts to Protect Their Water Supply and Economy

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The City of Decatur, Illinois implements drought mitigation efforts to protect their water supply and economy

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Aurora and Lawrenceburg, Indiana Develop Joint Bike Share Program

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Aurora and Lawrenceburg, Indiana Develop Joint Bike Share Program

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Aurora and Lawrenceburg, Indiana Develop Joint Bike Share Program

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The Bike Share Program was a cost-effective method for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health

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University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health

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Climate change adaptations for healthcare | School of Public Health | University of Illinois Chicago

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SPH’s Elena Grossman is leading statewide climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts by building awareness of flood plain risks for healthcare providers.

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Local Climate and Health Surveillance – Franklin County Public Health

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Mosquito and tick disease. Asthma. Allergies.

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Blazing star Dotted liatris on Anderson Praire near Starbuck, Minnesota. © Richard Hamilton Smith

Here's an unpopular opinion: local might not always mean better. I know what you're thinking, but just hear me out...

We are always hearing 'local is better' and that we need to 'think globally and act locally.' But I'd like to argue that sometimes, in order to tackle globe-sized problems, we need to expand our thinking around what 'acting locally' really means. That's the line of thinking we're now employing when it comes to prairie restoration in the Northern Great Plains.

A Fragmented System

Historically, our region's iconic grasslands covered the Great Plains like a big, beautiful and highly productive blanket, a vast mosaic of grasses and wildflowers, providing food and habitat for countless species while storing enormous amounts of carbon in its rich soils.

...the historic connectivity of prairies is exactly what made it easy for biodiversity to flourish.

But over time, notably the last hundred years, we've lost much of our native grasslands to conversion and development. The original prairies that remain look more like a disconnected patchwork of lands, one in which managing for diversity becomes much more challenging.

You see, the historic connectivity of prairies is exactly what made it easy for biodiversity to flourish. And it is that same connectivity that we need to get back to increase resilience into our ecosystems in the face of a changing climate. But what does that look like in practice? At the surface, it might seem as easy as conducting prairie restorations wherever and whenever we can to ensure connectivity. And that is absolutely needed! However, in order to ensure that prairies are not just connected but also resilient, the how is just as important as the what.

Resilience as Adaptation: The Importance of Genetic Variability

We know that species diversity is critical to successful restoration work. That's true whether on the prairie, in the forest or along our coasts. But when it comes to grassland management, what we're not talking about enough lies even further beneath the surface: DNA.

Genetic diversity, or variability, is perhaps one of the most overlooked considerations in prairie restoration, and yet prioritizing this kind of diversity holds enormous potential in ensuring that our restoration work will last well into the future. Similar to how we approach bison herd management, we're looking at genetic variability as an important climate adaptation strategy for building resilience in our prairies. In the example of the American bison, we know that increasing genetic diversity within herds means the overall bison population will be less vulnerable to disease or extreme environmental events. The same is true of say, prairie blazing star.

If we can restore a meadow by seeding blazing star, and those seeds come from various sources with different variation in their DNA, we can continue the work with confidence that the overall population will be resilient in the face of changing conditions. Prairie restorations give us an opportunity to increase connectivity and reverse habitat loss, but we can also design our seed mixes to incorporate genetic diversity and adaptability while we're at it.

Our Nature-Based Adaptation Roadmap

Despite all we've learned about the importance of resilient and connected land networks for wildlife, grassland conservation efforts have been slow to identify climate adaptation strategies. That's more than a little problematic because as climate change continues to take its toll on our lands and waters, our window to fight back with nature-based approaches is rapidly closing. We know that putting the science to work in real, on-the-ground projects is where the magic truly happens. To scale up this magic, we wanted to make it easy for prairie land managers across the region to start putting the science to work for their lands too.

That's why, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Climate Adaptation Fund and the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture, we created the Seeds of Resilience Tool. With the help of dozens of conservation practitioners working across North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, we've been able to aggregate data from across these three states into one common geodatabase. This new tool is enabling us to map different species locations across the region, which makes it easier for practitioners to find multiple seed sources and thus build genetic diversity into populations on the lands they manage.

We call this nature-based adaptation, and the result of it is something beautiful, resilient and, if we have anything to say about it, immovable.

Lead Prairie Ecologist for the MN-ND-SD chapter, Marissa's work focuses on the enhancement and protection of biodiversity in grassland ecosystems. Marissa is also an adjunct biology professor at NSDU.

More About Marissa Ahlering

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We know that species diversity is critical to successful restoration work. But when it comes to grassland management, what we're not talking about enough lies even further beneath the surface.

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The North Dakota Prescribed Fire Cooperative

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The North Dakota Prescribed Fire Cooperative

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North Dakota Prescribed Fire Cooperative

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A collective of agencies and nonprofits have banded together to change the culture around prescribed fire in North Dakota.

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The Nature Conservancy and our partners are celebrating 1 million acres protected in Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota.

The Nature Conservancy has been protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for decades.

Today, we're celebrating a major accomplishment - 1 million acres protected in these three states.

When the Minnesota chapter was founded in 1958, followed by South Dakota in 1961 and North Dakota in 1971, our landscapes didn't look the way they had when Indigenous peoples stewarded these lands. Development by European settlers encouraged by federal policy meant grasslands were plowed for farming, forests were felled for logging and wetlands were drained for development. Rivers were dammed, streambanks eroded and waters were soiled with waste and pollutants.

But some pieces of intact grassland, forest and waterways remained. These precious remnants deserve to be protected, to remain rich examples of our natural heritage for generations to come, to serve as a benchmark for efforts to restore nature and to provide a healthy environment for people and nature.

Thanks to the help of countless partners and supporters, our chapter has protected 712,247 acres in Minnesota, 51,440 acres in North Dakota and 236,313 acres in South Dakota. These 1 million acres include dozens of TNC nature preserves, many voluntary land protection agreements with private landowners, numerous state parks, a national wildlife refuge and acres transferred to Native Nations. The vast majority of the land we've helped protect is not under TNC's ownership. Our greatest impact comes from helping partners and private landowners protect land.

Landowners continue to earn a livelihood on these lands, through ranching, farming and sustainable logging, while still providing healthy habitat for plants and animals and preserving the land for future generations. By ensuring land can continue to grow food and provide resources, we're helping create a future where people and nature thrive.

1 million acres

Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota

425,765

We've worked with landowners, ranchers and farmers to safeguard 425,765 acres of private land in perpetuity through voluntary land protection agreements.

454,484

We've worked with partners, including state and federal governments, to protect 454,484 acres of public land, including state parks.

119,751

TNC protects 119,751 acres of land through ownership, including dozens of preserves across these three states that are open to the public.

Not just a number

How big is a million acres, you may wonder? Larger than the city of Chicago and even bigger than the state of Rhode Island. It's nearly the size of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the Black Hills National Forest - both come in at around 1.2 million acres. But perhaps more important than the size are the thousands of plants and wildlife species, millions of acre-feet of water and hundreds of ranches, parks and scenic places now preserved for future generations.

Nature is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

That's because natural areas act like carbon sponges, soaking carbon out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it, so that carbon no longer contributes to the greenhouse effect.

One million acres protected across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota translates to 133,083 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions avoided from entering the atmosphere.

That's a tricky number to calculate. There are two things we consider: One, how much carbon is that land storing? And two, what is the risk of that land being converted for development or agriculture and losing its carbon-storing power? We multiply total carbon stored by the percentage risk of conversion to reach our number of carbon emissions avoided on the 1 million acres we've helped protect.

For the science geeks that are still following, 133,083 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is equal to the emissions from nearly 15 million gallons of gasoline burned, 31,042 gas-powered cars driving for one year, and power for 17,873 homes That's a big win for our climate!

Expand to see more

1957

The Nature Conservancy's first land purchase in Minnesota is the 80-acre Caledonia Oaks tract in Houston County, 30 miles south of Winona.

CALEDONIA OAKS TNC in Minnesota's first land acquisition was located near Winona, Minnesota. © Donald Lawrence via University of Minnesota Archives

1988

Minnesota voters approve an amendment to dedicate state lottery funds to conservation activities with 77% of the vote. This funding has since been renewed by voters in 1998 and 2024, providing more than $1 billion for conservation, including TNC projects.

CONSERVATION FUNDING Funds from the Minnesota lottery go toward protecting Minnesota's natural areas. © Fauna Creative

2006

TNC in Minnesota merges with the North Dakota and South Dakota chapters to form the organization's only tri-state chapter.

POLLINATION A monarch butterfly sits on a blooming blazing star plant. © Richard Hamilton Smith

Places We Protect

From our first land purchase of 80 acres in Houston County, Minnesota, to 1 million acres protected, explore the places we protect across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and find your next nature adventure.

See all the places we protect

Funding 1 million acres

This accomplishment would not be possible without generous private donations from supporters like you. Public investment in conservation, approved by legislators each year, is also vital to this work.

A key source of public funds is Minnesota's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2008. We've been able to protect nearly 22,000 acres through these funds. We also rely on Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is funded by lottery proceeds and was renewed by Minnesota voters in 2024. The trust fund has provided more than $1 billion for conservation in the state since it was established in 1988.

Funding generated by hunters through the federal duck stamp has helped private landowners in South Dakota benefit from voluntary land protection agreements. Other important funding sources include the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Donations from TNC supporters have also been essential to powering our land protection work. Supporters have given millions of dollars toward land protection, which goes toward purchasing land that may otherwise be developed. We work to restore and steward the land we acquire and, in many cases, we transfer our acquisitions to a partner, public entity or tribal nation who will continue to protect it.

We have more to do!

Your support empowers us to protect and preserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

North Shore The rocky shore along Lake Superior is one of Minnesota's most majestic nature areas. © Ian Shive

What's next?

With the support of nature lovers like you, we're ramping up our work protecting, restoring and managing lands and waters to help address the dual crises facing our planet: climate change and the loss of the diversity of life.

We're collaborating with partners like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, other conservation nonprofits and private landowners to continue protecting and managing grasslands, forests and fresh water across our three states. We're also working with Native Nations in support of their goals to restore their lands, and to learn from and amplify the land management practices of Indigenous Peoples.

Help us protect the next million acres

By subscribing and giving, you help support our work to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.

ON HORSEBACK TNC's Whitney Preserve protects a special piece of South Dakota's Black Hills, rich in plant and animal diversity. © Mike Deal

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The Nature Conservancy and our partners are celebrating 1 million acres protected in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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Watershed Projects Reduce Sediment in a Segment of the Big Sioux River

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Watershed Projects Reduce Sediment in a Segment of the Big Sioux River

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Portrait of a Kansas town that went all-in on clean energy after a devastating tornado

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Portrait of a Kansas town that went all-in on clean energy after a devastating tornado

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When Anita Hohl heard the wind screaming through her windows 17 years ago, she knew this storm was different. It sounded like a high-pitched woman's shriek, portending the fear so many felt that night.

As the tornado sirens went off, she and her three kids crawled into a small closet underneath the stairs in the basement of a rental house on the south side of Greensburg, Kansas.

Her husband Rick had remained upstairs, transfixed by the incoming storm. But when the windows exploded and he saw a neighbor's six-horse trailer get lofted into the air and hurtle toward their house, he rushed to join them downstairs. The walls and foundation of the house shook violently. Dirt rained down on them from the floorboards as a monster tornado with winds over 200 mph roared over their town.

After 20 minutes, they emerged from the basement to find their roof gone and chaos everywhere.

Greensburg was mostly destroyed by the tornado of May 4, 2007. Some homes on the outskirts were repairable. But most of the core of the town was completely wiped out.

Debris was everywhere. Hohl's son's bedsheet was lodged in a tree, where it would stay for 10 years. And the town's roughly 1,400 residents had to not only figure out how to put their own lives back together but how to rebuild the town and the community that many had been part of for generations.

The decision they made, not to rebuild the town as it was, but to use the tragedy as an opportunity for reinvention, made Greensburg a pioneer in the clean energy revolution. Today, many cities and towns around the world are racing to stave off the climate crisis by constructing environmentally friendly buildings and switching to renewable energy - steps that Greensburg began taking almost two decades ago. So I decided to visit the town to check in on its progress and learn what residents think about the transition today.

Building back greener

After the tornado, multiple businesses committed to returning and some established families did, too, though many older residents chose not to rebuild. At town meetings, an idea emerged that Greensburg should build back green.

The town brought in outside sustainability consultants, who helped residents draw up plans to rebuild Greensburg at the highest level of sustainable architecture and energy consumption.

Kansas sits in one of the top areas for wind generation in the country. So the community decided that wind, too, would be Greensburg's future.

Some residents grumbled about unnecessary and costly changes, even about outside influences peddling green nonsense for the rich.And some left altogether, feeling like the new direction was leaving them behind.

"There's a pretty good libertarian streak where we're at in rural Kansas," Mayor Matt Christenson said in a recent interview. "People don't really like being told what they can and can't do."

And even though no mandates for green building were ever implemented for residences or businesses, a mistaken perception of a mandate remains.

But others expressed pride and enthusiasm about the changes the town has made since that day 17 years ago.

Tim Morton and Levi Smith were teenagers when the tornado hit. When the two returned to high school in the fall, in trailers set up by FEMA, they and a few other students helped create a green group at the high school that helped advocate for sustainable changes big and small. They recycled Christmas trees, attended council meetings and green building conferences, and told everyone who would listen that they wanted that future to be one that was environmentally sound and one that they could be proud of.

The changes

In the years that followed, the new city hall was built in part using salvaged bricks from the destroyed diesel generation plant outside of town. That building, along with the library, arts center, business incubator, hospital, and high school, all achieved the highest rating from LEED, a sustainable architecture framework. Other nongovernmental buildings, including the local mortuary, also attained LEED Platinum status, the highest possible rating.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a division of the Department of Energy, provided energy modeling to residents and businesses, showing them how much money could be saved in the long term by investing in energy-efficient windows, heat pumps, or solar panels. Many residents took the advice, rebuilding with energy-efficient practices - along with practices that make buildings more resistant to tornado damage.

Ten windmills installed about a mile outside of town began generating 100% of the electricity the small town needed. Many buildings in Greensburg today sport solar panels.

Greensburg also installed all LED streetlights, then a novel technology that is now commonplace in towns and cities nationwide.

Reflections on the changes, 17 years later

Walking around Greensburg now, you'll see the scars of the tornado everywhere. Empty lots where houses once stood. "Tornado trees" that were severely damaged in the storm but have survived and sprouted new growth. On one lot, the only thing left is a tornado shelter bulging out of the ground. Many overgrown properties have driveways and staircases that lead to nothing.

This somewhat eerie presence is countered by large-lot family homes, small-scale apartments, gardens, multiple parks, a pool, and streets so wide they could be mistaken for highways.

These days, Greensburg boasts a high employment rate and many appealing community initiatives, such as the arts center, one of the first buildings erected after the tornado.

But Hohl sometimes worries that as the town pushed for high-tech green energy solutions, residents overlooked small-scale, simple approaches like composting or hanging laundry out to dry.

And Mayor Christenson acknowledged that housing was an incredible struggle.

"Many of the rental units before the tornado were either underinsured or not insured at all, so didn't get built back," he said. "And now with an extremely tight housing market, finding a viable way for developers to build units that will break even and be affordable to rural Kansans is a difficult task."

And though job opportunities and commerce are doing relatively well, the town's recovery has also proved difficult in other areas. A large business park area was created on the east side of town not long after the tornado but today sits empty. The town at one point had interest from a tech company looking for a place to build a data center, but the center would have required 100 times the energy that Greensburg itself consumes. The plan was abandoned.

Though not everything has been smooth, the fact is that Greensburg was part of the beginning of a major transition in energy usage. In the years after the tornado, 7% of Kansas' energy consumption was generated by renewable energy (almost all wind). Today that number is nearly 50%. The change has been so seamless that many who've moved here since the tornado aren't even aware of it.

Tim Morton and Levi Smith, the two residents who were teens when the tornado struck, expressed pridein the town today.

"It's really easy to be proud of Greensburg," Smith said.

"People might be against some of this stuff, but when I tell them the library I work at has no utility bills, they can't really argue with that," Morton said.

That such a tragic event was the impetus for such positive, dramatic social change is hard to process. Eleven people died here. The trauma of that event will live forever with the people who went through it. And yet it seems unlikely that these changes would have happened on their own.

I've always been pessimistic about humanity's engagement with the natural world.

But being in Greensburg, meeting some of its residents, and seeing the changes they made and the incredible, endless landscapes of thousands of wind turbines throughout the Plains made me realize that we are (even if somewhat too late, and not fast enough) making a lot of the changes we need to, on the path to no longer choking ourselves and our atmosphere with fossil fuel emissions.

And while Greensburg was initially a victim of the wind, it is now using this renewable resource to power itself into the future.

We help millions of people understand climate change and what to do about it. Help us reach even more people like you.

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Portrait of a Kansas town that went all-in on clean energy after a devastating tornado " Yale Climate Connections

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Greensburg, Kansas, built back green after a tornado mostly destroyed the town 17 years ago. Here's what residents think about those big changes today.

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New Bloomfield Farmer Participates in Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Funding Opportunity

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New Bloomfield Farmer Participates in Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Funding Opportunity

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New Bloomfield Farmer Participates in Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Funding Opportunity | Missouri Department of Natural Resources

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Governor Mike Parson recognized Missouri farmer Thomas Stuart for participating in Energize Missouri Agriculture, a $3 million energy efficiency cost-share grant program. The program, administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, helps farmers move toward more energy efficient and profitable operations by reimbursing them for energy saving and renewable energy equipment.

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Air Quality Attainment Status Officially Achieved in Jackson and Jefferson Counties

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Air Quality Attainment Status Officially Achieved in Jackson and Jefferson Counties

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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published two rules to formally change the air quality designation status in portions of Jackson and Jefferson counties from "nonattainment" to "attainment" for the outdoor air quality standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2). This action marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri's industries to improve air quality in these areas.

In 2013, EPA designated portions of these two counties as nonattainment, because air quality monitors were regularly measuring violations of the SO2 air standard EPA established in 2010. The department worked with industries and other stakeholders to develop a plan to bring those areas into compliance. By 2017, the air monitors that had previously registered air quality violations had come into compliance as a result of the planned changes. The monitored air quality in these two areas has remained in compliance ever since.

An estimated 119,000 Missourians living in these two areas continue to benefit from the improved air quality achieved five years ago. The official attainment status carries with it lower permitting burdens that will help attract new businesses and other job-creating investments to these two areas.

"Missouri's common sense strategy that balances the need for thoughtful and protective environmental regulations with the goal of a healthy and thriving economy demonstrates that the Show-Me state can and will achieve both objectives," said Governor Mike Parson. "This successful approach helps us achieve wins that benefit all Missourians."

"We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with federal outdoor air quality standards that help protect Missourians and our environment," said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "EPA's action is a welcome federal acknowledgement of our collective work to significantly improve air quality in these regions of our state."

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Air Quality Attainment Status Officially Achieved in Jackson and Jefferson Counties

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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published two rules to formally change the air quality designation status in portions of Jackson and Jefferson counties from "nonattainment" to "attainment" for the outdoor air quality standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2).

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Champaign-Urbana's Mass Transit District uses hydrogen fuel cell electric buses

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Champaign-Urbana's Mass Transit District uses hydrogen fuel cell electric buses

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We are thrilled to welcome Champaign-Urbana’s first zero emission buses. Two 20-year-old diesel buses will be replaced with zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. As an industry leader, MTD will be one of the first transportation agencies in the country to power hydrogen fuel cell electric buses using 100% renewable hydrogen generated by solar energy. From sun to street, these buses provide cleaner air for all - it’s like riding on sunshine!

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Invenergy Powers 54,000 Homes with Grand Ridge Energy Center 

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Invenergy Powers 54,000 Homes with Grand Ridge Energy Center 

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Invenergy’s Grand Ridge Energy Center started operating in 2008 with a focus on wind power. Over the next several years, the site grew into a major clean energy hub, adding solar energy and battery storage. Today, the combined project includes 210 megawatts of wind, 20 megawatts of solar and 36 megawatts of storage across eight different facilities.

Grand Ridge stands out as the company’s first site to co-locate all three technologies. Sharing infrastructure reduces construction costs and shortens development time. It also improves reliability, since stored wind and solar energy can support the grid during peak demand or outages. Co-location increases productivity while lowering strain on equipment. The site also hosts a test facility that studies different solar panel configurations to improve future system designs.

Grand Ridge’s integration of renewable technologies has earned national recognition, including two major awards in 2015 for its battery storage system. Its impact extends to the surrounding community as well. The energy center produces enough power for about 54,000 homes, avoids emissions equal to removing 67,000 cars from the road and has generated millions in local economic benefits through jobs, taxes and landowner payments.

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Co-locating wind, solar and battery storage solutions to maximize output and efficiency.

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How Students in a Rural Midwest District Led the Charge to Electrify and Boost Grid Resiliency

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How Students in a Rural Midwest District Led the Charge to Electrify and Boost Grid Resiliency

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This article describes how Williamsfield Schools, a small rural district in Illinois, transitioned to an all-electric daily school bus fleet as part of a broader effort to improve energy resilience and reduce operating costs. The initiative began as a student-driven microgrid proposal, which led to the installation of on-site solar power and later the adoption of eight electric school buses. These buses are now being integrated into a vehicle-to-grid system that will allow their batteries to provide backup power during outages. The project has significantly lowered energy and maintenance costs, reduced diesel emissions, and improved air quality for students and staff. Williamsfield’s work demonstrates how clean transportation and renewable energy can be combined to strengthen community resilience, especially in rural areas.

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How Students in a Rural Midwest District Led the Charge to Electrify and Boost Grid Resiliency | Electric School Bus Initiative

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WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative aims to build unstoppable momentum toward an equitable transition of the entire U.S. school bus fleet to electric by 2030, bringing health, climate and economic benefits to children and families across the country and normalizing electric mobility for an entire generation.

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Cordelio Power Energizes 150 MW Winfield Solar Project, Powering Missouri with American-Made Solar Modules - Cordelio Power

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Project Financing Completed with Fifth Third Bank and Key Relationship Lenders

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Major Midwest port begins electrifying operations to reduce emissions

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Major Midwest port begins electrifying operations to reduce emissions

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The Port of Cleveland in Ohio received a $94 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program and is beginning a major electrification overhaul of its main warehouse and cargo-handling infrastructure. The work includes installing roughly 2 megawatts of rooftop solar on Warehouse A, battery energy storage, and charging stations for electric cranes and forklifts, replacing diesel-powered equipment. There are also plans for “shore power” connections so ships can plug into the grid instead of idling on diesel while docked. The port’s broader goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions from its operations (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2050. The initiative is framed as a transformative opportunity for inland ports, which have historically relied heavily on fossil fuels and face significant air-pollution burdens in nearby communities.

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Major Midwest port begins electrifying operations to reduce emissions

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The Port of Cleveland is adding charging ports, batteries, and solar to its main warehouse — work funded by a federal program that has so far survived…

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Illinois School District Rolls Out 27 Electric School Buses

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Illinois School District Rolls Out 27 Electric School Buses

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West Aurora School District 129 in Illinois has introduced 27 new electric school buses, funded largely via a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and an additional $930,000 from the utility ComEd. The new buses now account for about one-third of the district’s 79-bus fleet. The transition is projected to save the district approximately $120,000 annually in fuel costs. The electric buses are quieter, which drivers say improves the classroom environment on board. The move also aligns with the district’s broader sustainability efforts, including solar power and geothermal systems. Installation of the new charging infrastructure cost around $1 million in addition to the bus purchase. The district plans to expand renewable infrastructure further, including a solar canopy at the bus facility.

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(TNS) - Luther Sommerville, 66, of Aurora has been driving school buses for 18 years. This is his fifth year as a driver for West Aurora School District 129.

But, this school year, one thing about his job is different: The school bus he operates is electric.

His work is largely the same, he said, but it's made for a different atmosphere - a quieter one.

"It's nice and quiet," Sommerville said, noting that the less noisy engines on the EV buses mean students don't have to talk over them. "The quieter it is, the less noise ... the kids make."

Sommerville is one of a number of West Aurora school bus drivers who started driving electric buses last month. The district recently got 27 new electric-powered buses and 28 charging stations after applying for and being awarded a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency .

West Aurora has 79 buses in total, according to its Director of Transportation Brandy Kackert, meaning the new vehicles represent just over one-third of its total fleet.

The partial switch to EV buses has been some time in the making for the district, which serves nearly 11,000 students in Aurora, North Aurora , Montgomery, Sugar Grove and Batavia.

According to West Aurora, the recent addition makes its electric school bus fleet the largest in the Chicago region.

At a ribbon cutting on Monday, school officials pointed to the environmental benefits as a driving force behind the switch.

Standing in front of rows of school buses at the district's transportation center, West Aurora's Associate Superintendent of Operations Angie Smith said that this is one of a number of sustainability-related initiatives the district has taken on. It also has EV driver education cars, she said, along with buildings with geothermal and solar power.

And West Aurora's school board president Rich Kerns called them "a symbol of progress and sustainability for many years to come."

The district got $5.5 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus program for the new buses, according to Smith. They also received $930,000 from ComEd to support the initiative, for which a check was presented by ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones to the district on Monday.

The total cost for the buses themselves was about $8.6 million, Smith said, along with around $1 million for the installation and construction of the new electrical service and chargers. The district is expecting to save around $120,000 annually on fuel with the new buses.

The cost of the project was a significant factor, Smith explained, and would have been considerably more expensive had the district not gotten the EPA grant and ComEd rebates.

But other school districts may not have those same options going forward, as Smith noted that the EPA has since stopped accepting applications for the grant program West Aurora received much of its funds from.

"That doesn't mean that you won't have districts that can still do it, but it'll make it much more difficult ... you might do it because it's the right thing to do for the planet, but the math won't work at the level it did (for West Aurora )," Smith said.

The district's school board opted to partner with Massachusetts -based Highland Electric Fleets, according to past reporting, to purchase the 27 Blue Bird buses - which is the vendor the district already uses for its gasoline-powered buses.

The EV buses largely blend in with the gas-powered ones, but are marked with a green bird symbol, rather than a blue one, Smith explained, to alert first responders in case of an emergency or accident.

According to Sommerville, though the driving experience is much the same, adjusting to the new buses has been "a learning process" for the drivers and the rest of the district. But they've been able to help each other out along the way.

"Some things that one driver may experience, they can pass it on to the next driver," he said. "It's ... a teamwork effort."

As for the noise, Smith said the difference in volume has been so significant that the district has warned families not to wait for the sound of the bus getting to the bus stop to know when to send their kids to get picked up.

The new buses take the shorter routes in the district so they don't have to be charged midday, she explained. Most of the time, they charge up overnight.

And the district isn't able to use them for longer trips because there isn't guaranteed availability of a charging station at their destination.

Going forward, the district has plans to install a solar panel canopy at the transportation facility where the EV buses are housed, so as to generate additional renewable energy.

But, for now, district officials said the EV bus initiative has been a win-win.

"It's one of the few times where, you know, the environment wins, taxpayers win, employees win, like, there was no negative," Smith said on Monday. "It was a perfect situation."

©2025 Beacon-News (Aurora, Ill.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Illinois School District Rolls Out 27 Electric School Buses

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Funded by a $5.5 million grant from the EPA, the electric buses now represent about a third of West Aurora School District 129's fleet. The district expects the new buses will save around $120,000 annually.

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The article highlights individuals across the U.S. who are driving the clean-energy transition—from solar installers and community organisers to utility-grid innovators. It profiles the people behind the equipment and infrastructure, showing their motivations, challenges and successes. RMI emphasizes that the clean-energy shift is not just about technology, but about the people making it happen on the ground. Each story illustrates how human effort, creativity and local leadership are critical to bringing renewables, battery storage and grid-resilience solutions into operation. The piece serves as a reminder that behind every clean-energy project there are real people doing the work, often in communities that are less well known, and their efforts help embed clean energy into everyday life.

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Voices of Clean Energy: The People Behind the Power - RMI

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Across the country, the transition to affordable energy is increasingly visible.

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Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington has taken a major step toward building a more energy-efficient and resilient future after receiving a $250,000 Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) grant to support its new Bloomington Energy Works program. The grant, awarded in partnership with the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, will help the city plan and implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects that aim to lower costs, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the local economy.

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Bloomington, Indiana - The City of Bloomington has taken a major step toward building a more energy-efficient and resilient future after receiving a $250,000 Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) grant to support its new Bloomington Energy Works program. The grant, awarded in partnership with the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, will help the city plan and implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects that aim to lower costs, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the local economy.

The Municipal Investment Fund, a nationwide initiative launched by the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA), is designed to help communities across all 50 states leverage public and private investment to accelerate smart energy infrastructure development. For Bloomington, the grant is more than a financial boost; it represents a chance to plan projects that could reshape the city's energy landscape.

Bloomington Energy Works will use the funding to drive public-private partnerships focused on clean power and energy efficiency projects. The program's approach, described as a 'whole community approach,' seeks to accelerate project development while simultaneously creating economic opportunities, reducing energy costs, and building resilience into the city's energy grid. The grant also opens the door to an additional $2 million in potential funding to fast-track projects that directly benefit residents and businesses.

"Preparing Bloomington for the future means strengthening our infrastructure, lowering costs for residents, and supporting good local jobs," said Mayor Kerry Thomson. "We're proud to have been selected by the Coalition for Green Capital and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability to participate in the Municipal Investment Fund program and receive a $250,000 grant. This partnership gives us the tools to plan and deliver projects that make daily life more reliable, affordable, and efficient for everyone who lives and works here."

Read also: Monroe County council makes responsible decision to reject North Park justice complex and considers next steps for the future

A key component of the program is offering free energy audits to building owners across the city, including developers, commercial enterprises, manufacturers, nonprofits, and academic institutions. The audits, conducted by Donovan Energy on a first-come, first-served basis, are designed to identify energy-saving measures tailored to each building's specific needs. Recommendations may include HVAC optimization, heat pump upgrades, LED lighting improvements, solar panel installations, and more. Building owners will also receive financial analyses detailing the potential return on investment for each proposed upgrade, as well as information on available incentives.

To participate in a free energy audit, interested parties can visit the Bloomington Energy Works website and submit an application. The initiative is expected to help local building owners make informed, cost-effective decisions that reduce energy consumption, cut utility bills, and contribute to the city's sustainability goals.

In addition to technical support for large buildings, Bloomington Energy Works will launch a public outreach campaign called Energy Navigator! in collaboration with Electrify Indiana. The program will train volunteers to visit neighborhoods, conduct presentations, and host show-and-tell open houses, helping residents understand practical ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Volunteers and community members interested in participating can find event dates and sign-up information on the Bloomington Energy Works website.

"We are grateful that the Coalition for Green Capital and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability chose our community from 114 applicants because we brought them a smart plan to increase renewable energy and energy efficient projects that both benefits the entire community and can leverage every public and private dollar spent," said Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability. "These resources will help us fund the next phase in planning that will result in funding shovel-ready projects that will bring investments to our community, lower cost, protect residents' health and build local resilience in the face of rising energy costs impacting our community and others like ours across the country."

Bloomington's selection was based on both the projected local impact of the proposed projects and their potential to attract further funding and private investment. The city will use the grant to develop a comprehensive plan that is both cost-effective and competitive, creating a roadmap for energy projects that can draw investors while delivering tangible benefits to residents.

Richard Kauffman, CEO of the Coalition for Green Capital, praised the awardees for their innovative approaches. "We are honored to provide funding to communities across the United States under the MIF program so they can take initial steps toward bringing America clean, affordable energy in this time of crisis. We congratulate the winners of this vigorous competition. They are real heroes," Kauffman said.

Read also: Voting officially opens in the annual coolest thing made in Indiana contest showcasing products from across the state

Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director of ICLEI USA, emphasized the importance of local leadership in advancing sustainable energy projects. "This funding is about unlocking local leadership and moving forward the kinds of projects that communities have been ready to deliver for years," she said. "These awards show how public-private partnerships can lead to real progress on energy, infrastructure, and economic resilience. These projects make communities safer, lower energy costs, and meet local needs head-on."

Bloomington Energy Works is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, providing both technical guidance for major building projects and educational outreach to residents. By integrating these approaches, the city hopes to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency measures, while simultaneously strengthening community engagement and fostering a culture of sustainability.

The grant marks a critical first step in what city leaders hope will be a series of investments that create long-term benefits for Bloomington. Through careful planning, strategic partnerships, and community participation, the city aims to develop projects that not only improve energy efficiency but also stimulate the local economy, enhance public health, and bolster resilience against rising energy costs.

City officials encourage all building owners and residents to take advantage of the resources provided through Bloomington Energy Works. Free energy audits, volunteer opportunities, and educational events are available to ensure that every sector of the community can benefit from energy efficiency improvements and clean energy adoption.

For more information about the grant or the program, or to speak directly with city officials, Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability, is available at [email protected].

With the Municipal Investment Fund grant in hand, Bloomington is poised to become a model for sustainable urban energy planning, combining public and private resources to create a city that is more efficient, resilient, and ready to face the energy challenges of the future. The collaborative effort promises not only to reduce costs for residents and businesses but also to set a precedent for how cities across the nation can harness smart energy infrastructure investments to build a more sustainable and equitable community.

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Bloomington receives Municipal Investment Fund grant to plan reliable affordable building upgrades and advance energy efficiency projects

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Bloomington, Indiana - The City of Bloomington has taken a major step toward building a more energy-efficient and resilient future after receiving a $250,000 Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) grant to support its new Bloomington Energy Works program. The grant, awarded in partnership with the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, will help the city plan and implement [...]

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How community solar turned a Superfund site into savings in Illinois

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A new 9.1-MW solar array will help residents of Waukegan, Illinois, reduce energy bills. State incentives for low-income solar made the project possible.

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Hardin County Community Unit School District #1 (CUSD #1) joins forces with Highland Electric Fleets to usher in a new era of cleaner student transportation. With 12 Blue Bird electric school buses funded by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, this initiative resonates deeply with the district’s commitment to the well-being of its students and the environment. This endeavor represents more than just a transition—it’s a beacon of hope for a healthier future. Through Highland’s dedication and Blue Bird’s innovation, every mile becomes a testament to progress and care for generations to come.

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Hardin County School District in Illinois is electrifying! Learn more about the district’s new electric school buses.

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Potawatomi Company - Data Center & Cloud Services

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Potawatomi Company - Data Center & Cloud Services

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Located in Milwaukee, Data Holdings is a premier Tier III+ data center owned by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. This purpose-built, LEED Gold Certified facility specializes in high-security colocation, private cloud, and disaster recovery services with a 100% uptime guarantee. Because it is a tribally owned enterprise, it offers unique tax exemptions on power and services, allowing them to pass significant cost savings directly to their clients.

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Milwaukee Data Center | Colocation & Cloud | 100% Uptime

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Discover Milwaukee Data Center, offering Tier III+ Colocation & Cloud services with top-notch security, reliability, and sustainability. Book a tour today!

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BiodiverseCity STL (BDV STL) is a community initiative to promote, protect and plan for biodiversity throughout the greater St. Louis region. Administered by the Missouri Botanical Garden, this program is supported by a robust network of community partners and exists through these collaborative efforts.

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Biodiversity of Metropolitan St. Louis is the result of a multi-year effort to place natural assets at the center of how communities are designed, planned, and sustained.

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Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling

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Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling

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Cummins is investing in large-scale PEM electrolyzer manufacturing and testing for Accelera by Cummins, its zero-emissions technology brand, at its Fridley, MN, U.S. plant. This hydrogen production technology enables customers to decarbonize hard-to-abate applications and sectors of the economy. Driving cost-effective domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers at commercial scale is required to develop a viable hydrogen economy and accelerate the shift to zero.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Eaton is investing $22M in equipment at its Waukesha, Wisconsin, facility to increase manufacturing capacity of three-phase transformers for utility, data center, large commercial and industrial applications. Eaton's equipment provides vital functionality to support electric grid resilience, renewable energy projects and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling

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Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling

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ENTEK, a US owned and US based manufacturer, is building a giga-scale factory to produce separators (both coated and uncoated) for lithium batteries for the US market. This significant investment will boost the supply of a critical component for the domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain, helping US automakers achieve content requirements and allowing consumers to access the Clean Vehicle Credit. ENTEK has had the strong support of the Terre Haute community as they build out this project and has committed to providing hundreds of family wage clean energy jobs, investing in the community, and engaging with a large cross-section of stakeholders as they ensure the long-term success of this project in partnership with the broader community.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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JSW USA's $145 million investment in its Mingo Junction facility will enable our company to produce monopile-grade steel slabs that will support monopile pole towers for usage in the offshore wind energy market. This investment will also reduce JSW USA's Baytown facility's reliance on imported steel slabs significantly and reduce overall carbon emissions by replacing imported slabs which have higher carbon emissions as compared to slabs produced by JSW USA which uses one of the most energy-efficient and lowest carbon-emitting method of steelmaking in the industry. The investment involves purchasing a twin Vacuum Tank Degasser (VTD) with associated transfer cars, tanks, tank covers, tank cover lifting devices, and related material handling systems. The investment will also make upgrades to both strands of the facility's caster. Lastly, this investment will result in the installation of a slab cooling water air mist system as well as auxiliary equipment, such as hydraulic and lubrication units. The project will address a gap in the renewable energy supply chain in the United States while creating and securing prevailing wage jobs in a qualified energy community.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Nel awarded for $41 million in investment tax credits

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Nel awarded for $41 million in investment tax credits

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Nel has been awarded up to $41 million in investment tax credits for its planned electrolyser manufacturing expansion in Michigan as part of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C) program. The company has initiated a significant expansion and industrialization of its manufacturing capacity and is preparing for a future site in Plymouth Charter Township, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. When fully developed, the facility will be among the world's largest electrode facilities, where Nel will manufacture its next-generation pressurized alkaline and PEM technologies.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Nation's First Production of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate 

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Nation's First Production of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate 

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Nth Cycle, a critical metal refining company, will establish the nation's first large-scale production of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) at their facility in Fairfield, Ohio. The project, powered by Nth Cycle's patented "Oyster" electro-extraction refining system, aims to deliver domestic nickel and cobalt, crucial for helping battery companies comply with the Inflation Reduction Act's requirement for EVs.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Nel builds 3 Production Lines worth of 1.5 Gw 

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Nel builds 3 Production Lines worth of 1.5 Gw 

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Nel will build three production lines 1.5 GW of total annual electrolyzer production. Each 500 MW line is a production module that can be replicated, as required, to meet business objectives and increase the facility output. This project is expected to reduce the cost of electrolyzers through a fully automated production and contribute to establish the U.S. as the leader in the production of low-cost, high volume, durable, and efficient electrolyzers.

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The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By law, at least $4 billion of the total $10 billion will be allocated to projects in designated  48C energy communities -which includes communities with closed coal mines or coal plants. 48C provides an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified qualifying advanced energy projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

On May 29, 2024, the IRS released allocations for the first round of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C). 2024. Of the $4 billion in tax credit allocations, approximately $1.5 billion supports projects in designated 48C energy communities.

On January 10, 2025, the IRS released allocations for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (§ 48C Program). Of the $6 billion in tax credit allocations, roughly $2.5 billion supports projects located in designated 48C energy communities.

The law requires publication of the names of all organizations with certified projects and the amount of their allocation after projects meet certain project readiness criteria required for certification.  After receiving an allocation and prior to certification, organizations may voluntarily choose to share information about their allocation. The organizations listed below affirmatively and voluntarily chose to self-disclose their name and project information to the Department of Energy outside of the 48C Program, and the information below does not constitute federal tax information.

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Emerson Creek Wind in Huron and Erie Counties

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Emerson Creek Wind in Huron and Erie Counties

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Apex Clean Energy is developing Emerson Creek Wind, a wind energy project in rural Huron and Erie Counties in Ohio. Apex has spent many years working with interested landowners and community members to design a project that complements the region's agricultural roots and fosters new economic development.

Emerson Creek Wind offers an opportunity to address Ohio’s growing electricity demand and replace the energy from the announced numerous fossil fuel plant closings in the Midwest with clean domestic energy, while diversifying the local farm economy.

Emerson Creek will create jobs and generate an entirely new source of long-term revenue for local schools, governments, and landowners. In the long term, the project promises to bring sustained tax revenue to the county for the local government and schools, as well as 30 years of local purchasing, employment, and investment. Farmers who host turbines on their property and other participating landowners will also receive annual community lease payments. These payments will continue over the projected 30-year lifespan of the wind farm, injecting millions of dollars into the economies of Erie and Huron Counties to support local merchants, contractors, and equipment suppliers.

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This program provides 0% interest loans that help low- and moderate-income homeowners rehabilitate their homes and provides grants to remove diseased trees and replant new trees to restore the urban canopy.

Homeowners who income qualify may receive a $3,000 grant for the purchase and installation of a heat pump. Note that income qualifying homeowners will receive $3,000, paid directly to the contractor, and are not limited to the $1,800 grant referenced on the Heat Pump Incentive website.

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Home Rehabilitation Program – Lincoln, NE

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants 

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants 

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The Rosebud Sioux Tribe selected application will deploy vehicle charging stations that are integrated with renewable energy generation, establish routes for electric buses, and put an electric garbage truck into service. The proposed project will demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles and generate an increased acceptance of the technology within the Tribe.

Project estimated to reduce 12,700 metric tons of CO2 between 2025 and 2030, as well as 63,900 metric tons of CO2 between 2025 and 2050.

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Geothermal System connecting to buildings at West Union, IA

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Geothermal System connecting to buildings at West Union, IA

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West Union is a remarkable place. You have taken advantage of one need (to control stormwater) and built on it, adding new ideas to create a more walkable, welcoming downtown. That the project also included the initiative to connect multiple buildings to the Courthouse geothermal system is an inspiration to many municipalities.

As you’re likely aware, West Union is getting more and more calls from people who want to know how you pulled off the Green Streetscapes project and how the thermal energy network has become so successful. For good reason. In a time when municipalities are more stretched and stressed than ever, your City shows that doing big things is not only possible, but also can support multiple local needs. In a time when corporations dominate, you have chosen local control, proving that the initial risk can provide significant returns, saving money and creating pride in your community.

Unintentionally, but luckily for us and so many others, the people of West Union have put themselves on the map. We hope you will continue to expand your thermal energy network and connect more buildings, making the system even more efficient and cost effective.

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West Union is a remarkable place. You have taken advantage of one need (to control stormwater) and built on it, adding new ideas to create a more walkable, welcoming downtown. That the project also included the initiative to connect multiple buildings to the Courthouse geothermal system is an inspiration to many municipalities.

As you're likely aware, West Union is getting more and more calls from people who want to know how you pulled off the Green Streetscapes project and how the thermal energy network has become so successful. For good reason. In a time when municipalities are more stretched and stressed than ever, your City shows that doing big things is not only possible, but also can support multiple local needs. In a time when corporations dominate, you have chosen local control, proving that the initial risk can provide significant returns, saving money and creating pride in your community.

Unintentionally, but luckily for us and so many others, the people of West Union have put themselves on the map. We hope you will continue to expand your thermal energy network and connect more buildings, making the system even more efficient and cost effective.

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Visiting West Union, Iowa’s locally-owned Thermal Energy Network

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West Union is a remarkable place. You have taken advantage of one need (to control stormwater) and built on it, adding new ideas to create a more walkable, welcoming downtown. That the project also included the initiative to connect multiple buildings to the Courthouse geothermal system is an inspiration to many municipalities.

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs

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The University of Northern Iowa’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center has received a $175,000 grant from the EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program to help breweries become more environmentally friendly. The grant will allow the center to train technical assistance providers at universities in Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas based on its successful Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.

This program helps breweries reduce waste and adopt sustainable practices. The center will also develop videos, case studies, and webinars to share with grant partners. The initiative aims to expand successful waste reduction practices beyond Iowa.

Founded in 1987 through the Groundwater Protection Act, Bolick said the goal of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center is to aid local businesses in identifying more environmentally friendly practices and implementing them, in areas like energy efficiency, water quality and conservation and environmental management.

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UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center receives EPA grant to assist green brewery programs

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The University of Northern Iowa's Iowa Waste Reduction Center has received a $175,000 grant from the EPA's Pollution Prevention Grant Program to help breweries become more environmentally friendly. The grant will allow the center to train technical assistance providers at universities in Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas based on its successful Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.

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Iowa City Electrifies Fleet with Direct Pay Initiative

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Iowa City Electrifies Fleet with Direct Pay Initiative

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Two vehicles were purchased as part of an ongoing effort to electrify the fleet. The dollars recouped through the Direct Pay provisions will go back into a fund to support these efforts, which include the electric vehicles for the police and fire departments in the coming years. Those projects will be supported by additional grant funding through the EECGB program.

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Iowa City Electrifies Fleet with Direct Pay Initiative

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the delivery of 13 new electric school buses to the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District in southwestern Missouri. The initiative was made possible by more than $5 million in funding from the EPA’s 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate program.

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EPA delivers 13 electric school buses to El Dorado Springs R-2 School District

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Harnessing the Power of Nonprofits to Deliver Low-Cost Solar to Low-Income Homeowners in Minnesota

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Harnessing the Power of Nonprofits to Deliver Low-Cost Solar to Low-Income Homeowners in Minnesota

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The case study outlines a collaboration between Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and One Roof Community Housing to provide low-income homeowners with solar energy systems using the "Direct Pay" provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program allows nonprofits to receive a federal tax credit refund, enabling them to install solar panels at no upfront cost to homeowners. Homeowners benefit from lower utility bills, and after five years, they will own the system with minimal maintenance responsibilities. The initiative aims to address financing challenges for low-income households while reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy equity.

SUN and One Roof will deploy solar on the rooftops of participating One Roof homeowners in northeastern Minnesota. We‘ll use an innovative lease model that enables One Roof to claim the Federal Tax Credit through “Direct Pay.” One Roof will then pass the savings onto the homeowners. “Direct Pay” is a provision of the IRA. It allows nonprofit organizations to receive the value of the tax credit as a refund from the Internal Revenue Service.

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Harnessing the Power of Nonprofits to Deliver Low-Cost Solar to Low-Income Homeowners in Minnesota

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Renewable Energy Partners installing resiliency hubs on four school district buildings in North Minneapolis

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Renewable Energy Partners installing resiliency hubs on four school district buildings in North Minneapolis

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The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced adjustments to dollar amounts under the Minnesota Consumer Credit Code and the Regulated Loan Act, effective July 1, 2020. These adjustments are based on a 15% increase in the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product from December 2011 to December 2019. The changes include increases in principal amounts subject to interest, minimum refunds, default charges, and loan administration fees. The next adjustment is scheduled for July 1, 2022, based on the December 2021 index.

Workforce: • Prevailing wages will need to be paid and reported. • Approximately 100 FTEs construction jobs. Energy Savings: • 1,824,000 kWh annually

REP is proposing to construct solar projects, totaling 1,463 kW, on four Minneapolis school district buildings. Each building will also have an energy storage component. These installations are part of Xcel Energy‘s On August 6, 2024, the Minnesota Public Utilites Commission approved this Xcel Energy proposed project. The intent of this project, beyond the energy savings that will be seen each day, is to have a source of available energy that can be provided to the local energy grid in case of a disaster that would curtail the delivery of energy from normal . As of July 2025, the project is active: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/power-grid/microgrid/minneapolis-microgrid-project-is-a-blueprint-for-community-resilience/. operations.

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Renewable Energy Partners installing resiliency hubs on four school district buildings in North Minneapolis

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The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced adjustments to dollar amounts under the Minnesota Consumer Credit Code and the Regulated Loan Act, effective July 1, 2020. These adjustments are based on a 15% increase in the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product from December 2011 to December 2019. The changes include increases in principal amounts subject to interest, minimum refunds, default charges, and loan administration fees. The next adjustment is scheduled for July 1, 2022, based on the December 2021 index.

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Lower Sioux Indian Community’s Energy Efficiency Improvements for Climate Resiliency Using Biomass Building Materials

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Lower Sioux Indian Community’s Energy Efficiency Improvements for Climate Resiliency Using Biomass Building Materials

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to 34 Tribal nations and territories. These grants, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aim to cut climate pollution and accelerate the clean energy transition. The projects include installing solar arrays, improving energy efficiency, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. This marks one of the largest climate investments in Tribal and territorial communities.

The Lower Sioux Indian Community's project will fund energy audits to assess conditions, identify deficiencies, and conduct weatherization activities including the installation of hempcrete insulation in 60 residencies and 70 cold climate air-source heat pumps to help reduce propane dependency.

Project estimated to reduce 1,400 metric tons of CO2 between 2025 and 2030, as well as 7,300 metric tons of CO2 between 2025 and 2050.

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Lower Sioux Indian Community’s Energy Efficiency Improvements for Climate Resiliency Using Biomass Building Materials

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to 34 Tribal nations and territories. These grants, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aim to cut climate pollution and accelerate the clean energy transition. The projects include installing solar arrays, improving energy efficiency, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. This marks one of the largest climate investments in Tribal and territorial communities.

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Johnson Senior High School’s New Heat Pump Improves Cooling

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Johnson Senior High School’s New Heat Pump Improves Cooling

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Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, installed a geothermal heat pump system to address overheating issues. This system, which uses cooler underground temperatures, has significantly improved the school's environment, reducing the number of students visiting the nurse's office due to heat-related issues. The installation was part of a broader trend, with many schools across the U.S. updating their heating and cooling systems, supported by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The improved air conditioning has also positively impacted students' mental health and allowed the school to host summer classes for the first time. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role schools play in providing safe and comfortable environments amid climate change.

Jeff Hammond, executive director of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, agreed, pointing out that schools can now get 30% of their costs for new systems reimbursed through the Inflation Reduction Act. That’s in recognition of the fact that they cool the air very well using little electricity. Only ground source heat pumps are eligible under the IRA, not air source heat pumps that are installed above ground and are more common.

At her school in St. Paul, Randall saw that lack of air conditioning had become a major problem for students and staff. Now, she said there are fewer headaches and the cooler air even helps the students manage their mental health.

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Johnson Senior High School’s New Heat Pump Improves Cooling

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Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, installed a geothermal heat pump system to address overheating issues. This system, which uses cooler underground temperatures, has significantly improved the school’s environment, reducing the number of students visiting the nurse’s office due to heat-related issues. The installation was part of a broader trend, with many schools across the U.S. updating their heating and cooling systems, supported by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The improved air conditioning has also positively impacted students’ mental health and allowed the school to host summer classes for the first time. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role schools play in providing safe and comfortable environments amid climate change.

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Hennepin County Expands Fleet with Electric Vehicles

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Hennepin County Expands Fleet with Electric Vehicles

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Purchase of electric vehicles to augment Hennepin County's existing fleet. This project supports the county's Climate Action Plan by reducing vehicle emissions.

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Hennepin County Expands Fleet with Electric Vehicles

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Purchase of electric vehicles to augment Hennepin County's existing fleet. This project supports the county's Climate Action Plan by reducing vehicle emissions.

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St. Louis Park Enhances Operations with F-150 Lightning

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St. Louis Park Enhances Operations with F-150 Lightning

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Ford F-150 Lightning purchased to support city operations, about$7,500.

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St. Louis Park Enhances Operations with F-150 Lightning

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St. Louis Park Rec Center Goes Solar in 2023

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St. Louis Park Rec Center Goes Solar in 2023

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100% of St. Louis Park city operations are powered through renewable electricity through utility subscription programs, but also continually identify municipal rooftops that would be ideal candidates for solar.

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St. Louis Park Rec Center Goes Solar in 2023

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The City of Duluth has been selected for an award of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to study accelerated planning for commercial building and reducing carbon produced in industry. The award is part of a recently announced $27 million assistance to 40 partner teams of states, local governments, and tribes through the Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program.

The City’s application, J40 Community LEAPing Forward: Accelerated Planning for Commercial Building and Industrial Decarbonization (LEAPing), builds upon previous research on how to reduce the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions in the Duluth community: use of energy in commercial and industrial buildings. The City of Duluth is partnered with the community-based organization Ecolibrium3 (Eco3), whose mission is to inspire and lead change in our community toward an equitable and sustainable future. The project will engage a wide group of stakeholders to develop innovative pathways to address cross-cutting energy opportunities in commercial and industrial decarbonization. The project aims to make energy cheaper and find clean solutions for industries, which could lead to more jobs, more renewable energy, cleaner industries, and less energy poverty.

The City was awarded $500,000 in the first phase for planning, technical assistance, and cohort-based support, and is eligible to compete for approximately $1M in implementation funding in the second phase. The program contributes to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative commitment to support eligible governments to direct 40% of the overall benefits of the EFG Program to flow to disadvantaged communities.

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Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Wing, MN

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Prairie Island Indian Community reaches halfway point on net zero carbon emissions projec

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Prairie Island Indian Community reaches halfway point on net zero carbon emissions projec

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The Prairie Island Indian Community set its net zero carbon emissions goal in 2021, becoming one of the first tribal nations in the country to commit to eliminating or offsetting all the carbon the community produces.

Four years later, the tribe is roughly halfway to meeting that target, driven by a slate of large‑scale energy projects, infrastructure upgrades and a long-term energy plan.

"Net zero" refers to balancing the carbon a community releases with the carbon it removes or avoids. Prairie Island's goal requires eliminating or offsetting more than 20 million pounds of carbon annually.

The tribe's Net Zero Program Manager Andrea Zimmerman said the tribe's decision to pursue net zero is tied to a "long and painful" history, including energy development near the reservation without tribal consent. She pointed to the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, which was built next to the reservation more than 50 years ago before modern tribal consultation requirements were in place.

"Prairie Island's net zero work is the community's response," Zimmerman said. "It's the tribe's way of expressing energy sovereignty and embodying the community's values."

The tribe approached the Minnesota Legislature as early as 2018 to access the state's Renewable Development Account, which is funded by Xcel Energy in exchange for nuclear waste storage at Prairie Island. After several years of legislative efforts, lawmakers ultimately allocated $46.2 million to the tribe, Zimmerman said, allowing the first phase of projects to move forward.

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The tribe has since supplemented that funding with additional state grants and federal support, including funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, ZImmerman said. The tribe generated $470,473 in revenue from its solar power purchase agreement since the project entered commercial operation in May 2024, according to its July 2025 Net Zero Progress Report to the Minnesota legislature.

Early planning efforts focused on offsetting on-reservation energy use through a mix of onsite solar, microgrids, geothermal systems and energy efficiency upgrades. As preliminary engineering and procurement advanced, the tribe narrowed the scope of earlier concepts that exceeded available funding and concentrated resources on a smaller number of large projects, including a utility-scale solar array designed to generate revenue through a power purchase agreement.

The first phase of the revised project includes a 5.4‑megawatt solar array and a geothermal and electrification project at the tribe's Welch-based Treasure Island Resort and Casino.

The solar array sits on about 20 acres of tribal land and includes roughly 10,000 panels. Construction took place through most of 2023 and early 2024, and the project went live in May 2024. The array is a front‑of‑the‑meter project. All power generated is sold to Great River Energy through the aforementioned, 30-year power purchase agreement, creating a revenue stream for the tribe.

Zimmerman said the geothermal conversion at the casino is also nearing completion. The project replaces aging heating, cooling and hot water systems that were close to the end of their useful life. The geothermal system will reduce emissions and lower long‑term energy costs by relying on the constant temperature of the earth rather than energy‑intensive chillers.

"It was going to need to be replaced anyway," she said. "It was a great opportunity to upgrade critical infrastructure that was becoming an issue in terms of higher maintenance costs and risk to the community."

With those two projects in place, the program is about "halfway" to its target, Zimmerman said. Other ongoing projects include a workforce development program with Xcel Energy, as well as a large-scale retrofit initiative for community homes. Zimmerman said the latter will likely continue into 2027.

The tribe is now updating its net zero plan to identify the next set of projects, though specific timelines have not yet been established. Currently, the most likely next steps include transitioning some of the tribe's transportation fleet to electric vehicles, as well as more opportunities for commercial energy efficiency in kind with the geothermal work at the casino.

In the wake of a federal pivot away from renewable energy funding, it's likely the tribe will need to seek other investment, however, Zimmerman noted. With that in mind, planning becomes more important than ever to establish a firm scope ahead of seeking capital.

"Starting with a concrete goal is very important," she said. "If you don't know where you're trying to go, then it becomes a challenge to get there, and having that community support is critical."

She said competitive procurement and strong partnerships have also been key. The tribe used an open-bidding process to secure development partners for retrofits, engineering, and the solar array.

Energy consultant Rita Mackwood, a longtime net zero advocate who is not involved with Prairie Island, says the tribe's project could be a model for other tribes, particularly those with access to state funding.

Mackwood, who runs Firebrand Environmental, a Charlotte, N.C.-based energy consultancy,

said net zero projects often spur economic activity as construction, operations and maintenance work expands.

She said the current funding landscape for climate resiliency is "grim," but tribes should continue pursuing emissions-reduction strategies with clear economic returns.

"As you can see with Prairie Island, they turned that into a power purchase agreement, which is revenue," Mackwood said. "And a lot of states and local energy companies would be interested in reducing their own costs. If the money's there, they should be seeking that out."

As Prairie Island moves into its next phase, the tribe plans to expand residential upgrades, complete the casino conversion, continue workforce training and identify additional clean‑energy projects. Zimmerman said the work is focused on reducing long-term operating risk, strengthening energy sovereignty and improving infrastructure resilience.

The tribe has also restored more than 400 acres of native prairie and invested in wild rice, shoreline and oak savanna projects, describing these efforts as part of the same climate and sovereignty framework as the energy work.

"There's been a lot of benefits to this work already," Zimmerman said. "I think we're going to see a lot more as it continues to grow."

Other Articles by this author

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Prairie Island Indian Community reaches halfway point on net zero carbon emissions project

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The Prairie Island Indian Community is roughly halfway to its net zero goal after launching a 5.4-MW solar project, electrifying major infrastructure and generating nearly $470,000 in power purchase agreement revenue in its first year.

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EarthDance is a nonprofit teaching farm that trains people in organic farming while providing fresh produce to the community. Recently, the farm installed a 30 kW solar panel system on two of its buildings that now supplies about 87 percent of its electricity needs. The array was funded largely through donations and benefits from a federal reimbursement program, helping keep energy costs low. This move supports EarthDance’s sustainability goals and lets them expand operations—like adding a new walk-in cooler to store produce—while demonstrating renewable energy in action to visitors and learners.

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EarthDance Farm Reduces the Cost of Solar Using Direct Pay

Published on Thursday January 9th, 2025

Authors: Anna Chott (East-West Gateway Council of Governments), with review from William Hatch (Guarantee Electrical) and Doug Kolker (Wipfli LLP)

Solar arrays on buildings at EarthDance Organic Farm School (Photo credit: Terry O'Connor)

The information in this article is not tax advice. Check with a reliable tax professional to make sure that a potential project is eligible.

EarthDance Organic Farm School, a teaching farm rooted in Ferguson, MO, is excited to be generating 87% of its energy needs with its new solar array. Join them to celebrate at their solar ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, January 15th at 2pm , at 233 S Dade Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135! (Please RSVP .) The farm worked with Guarantee Electrical to install solar panels on its McBride Community Pavilion and George Fujii Harvest House.

EarthDance received an estimate that the panels would save more than $150,000 in avoided utility costs over the course of 30 years. So in about year 14, the system should have paid for itself. By reducing the farm's utility costs, the project enables EarthDance to reinvest in its programs, such as sliding-scale educational offerings and "Pay What You Can" produce sales. EarthDance hopes to get 30% of the total cost of the solar array back using 'direct pay,' also known as 'elective pay.'

D allows tax-exempt entities such as governments, schools, and nonprofits to take advantage of clean energy tax credits to reduce the cost of clean energy projects.

According to information released by the White House, applicable entities can use direct pay for 12 of the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits, including for solar, wind, and battery storage; electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure; and clean vehicles. See a full list of applicable tax credits for direct pay .

However, using the tax credits can be quite complicated. It is best to work with a reliable renewable energy company or tax professional to make sure that a potential project is eligible. Lawyers for Good Government also offers a Clean Energy Tax Navigator tool that can help direct you to resources on direct pay for specific potential, planned, or completed projects.

In terms of advice for other organizations considering direct pay, Walker Carlson, EarthDance's Accounting & Data Manager, recommends: "Start a year ago! It's one of those things that's subject to political decisions in Washington. You have to stay well up-to-date on any changes that are made to the availability of the tax credit, the rules on what kind of organizations can receive direct pay, how to go about receiving the direct pay, requirements for domestic vs. international manufacturing that can change the amount of the payment, etc."

Regarding the process to claim tax credits through direct pay, Carlson says, "We had to pre-register the project with the IRS, after the panels were put into service. Then we will receive a project registration number that will be included on our annual form 990, so that we can receive the tax credit." A sample timeline for claiming direct pay is available here.

This solar initiative represents the first phase of an ambitious long-term goal for EarthDance Organic Farm School: creating a Water-Wise Washroom on the farm. This planned facility will feature ecological waste management, rainwater recycling, and renewable energy, providing sustainable restroom options for the farm's many visitors, volunteers, and program participants.

In addition to EarthDance, nonprofits and local governments around the country are taking advantage of direct pay to install clean energy. The City of Denver, Colorado has completed with the help of direct pay, saving over $1 million dollars. In Detroit, Michigan, the three new solar gardens Lord of Lords Christian Church is installing solar and will use direct pay to refund 30% of the costs. Even with solar loan payments, the switch to solar will immediately save the church about $739 annually on energy costs after those federal funds come in.

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east-west gateway council of governments

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regional plan for sustainable communities

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regional plan for sustainable development

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OneSTL - EarthDance Farm Reduces the Cost of Solar Using Direct Pay

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OneSTL is the result of an extensive community engagement process and more than seventy-five (75) separate studies all of which contribute to a vision for moving the St. Louis Metropolitan Area toward a healthy, prosperous, and livable future.

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Perryville Regional Airport partnered with an aviation technology company to install a public electric charging station for electric aircraft. The charger puts the airport on the forefront of emerging electric aviation infrastructure, supporting cleaner flight technology and giving pilots a place to recharge next-generation electric planes.

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Perryville Regional Airport unveils electric plane charger - Perryville Republic Monitor

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Perryville Regional Airport (PCD) unveiled public-access charging stations installed in partnership with BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company based in South Burlington, Vermont on …

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“The Hub” refers to a set of community resilience hubs being developed in Minneapolis to support neighborhoods before, during, and after extreme weather or other emergencies. These hubs are designed to provide reliable power, shelter, and access to resources in tough conditions, while serving as community gathering spaces year-round. They are part of a broader effort by Minneapolis Climate Action and partners to improve energy resilience and capacity for residents in disadvantaged areas, with plans to install microgrids and other infrastructure at multiple sites

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Why Getting Weatherization Certification Complements Solar Training Better Than Ever

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Pine Point Resilience Solar and Energy Hub (White Earth Nation, Minnesota)

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Pine Point Resilience Solar and Energy Hub (White Earth Nation, Minnesota)

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This project has broken ground on a community-owned solar and energy resilience hub at Pine Point on the White Earth Nation reservation. Once finished in early 2026, the hub will include about 500 kW of solar panels and nearly 3 MWh of battery storage to supply close to 700,000 kWh of electricity each year, powering the local K-8 school and a community center with clean energy. The battery system will also provide backup power during outages, which is especially important in severe weather. Beyond energy, the project includes an Ojibwe-focused educational program, local job opportunities, and long-term cost savings for the community by reducing energy bills and keeping revenue local.

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The Circle News | News from a Native American Perspective

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Pine Point’s resilience solar and energy hub on WE breaks ground | The Circle News

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City of Dayton Approves Agreement Related to Gem City Solar Project

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SOPEC — Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council

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City of Dayton Approves Agreement Related to Gem City Solar Project - SOPEC — Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council

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DAYTON, Ohio — The City of Dayton has approved a renewable energy purchase agreement with AEP Energy Partners related to the Gem City Solar Project, a 49.9-megawatt solar project to be located in northwest Dayton (Little Richmond Road and State Route 49). The solar project will span 250 acres and generate enough electricity to power […]

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SOPEC Awarded $12.5 Million for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Expansion in Ohio

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SOPEC — Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council

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SOPEC Awarded $12.5 Million for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Expansion in Ohio - SOPEC — Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council

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Athens, Ohio — In an exciting development for Ohio’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council (DBA Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council) (SOPEC) has been awarded a substantial $12,545,691 grant. This funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, positions SOPEC as a prominent […]

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Sioux City rolls out electric school buses a year after EPA put the brakes on funding

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Sioux City rolls out electric school buses a year after EPA put the brakes on funding

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The story is about the Sioux City Community School District starting to use new electric school buses this week. They bought 15 of them with nearly $6 million in federal funding to replace older diesel buses, and about nine are already on the road. The buses are quieter and smoother than diesel ones, will be used on local routes, and are expected to cut emissions and fuel costs. This rollout comes while the federal Clean School Bus Program that provided the money is under review, leaving some other districts waiting on awards.

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Sioux City rolls out electric school buses a year after EPA put the brakes on funding

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As a federal program that helps school districts buy electric buses is under review, one of Iowa’s largest school systems is putting new EV buses on the road this week.

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Detroit church goes solar despite EPA funding freeze: ‘The proof is at the Pilgrim Baptist’

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Detroit church goes solar despite EPA funding freeze: ‘The proof is at the Pilgrim Baptist’

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Pilgrim Baptist Church celebrates solar array installation despite the Trump administration’s freeze on EPA grants intended for community resilience hubs in Detroit.

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Detroit church goes solar despite EPA funding freeze: ‘The proof is at the Pilgrim Baptist’

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Pilgrim Baptist Church celebrates solar array installation despite the Trump administration’s freeze on EPA grants intended for community resilience hubs in Detroit.

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EPA SWIFR grant will be a huge boost toward scaling this waste diversion work in Cincinnati!

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$5M federal grant will replace Cincinnati’s old recycling carts, expand recycling access

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The U.S. EPA grant will support replacing about 80,000 curbside recycling carts, and add about 5,000 new carts so more households can participate.

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Little Traverse Bay Bands awarded $200K grant for whitefish restoration project

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The Restoration of Tributary Atikameg (Lake Whitefish) Feasibility Project intends to restore Lake Michigan’s lake whitefish population through species reintroduction into the Bear River.

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Green House Improvement Project makes clean energy upgrades more affordable

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Bloomington homeowners are using city-funded rebates to install solar panels and other energy-efficient upgrades.

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The two-year grant will go toward weatherizing, repairing and improving over 400 low-income homes.

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Dayton puts $3.3M toward updating aging homes to fight climate change

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Home energy use is a major sources of greenhouse gases in cities. And with an aging housing stock, Dayton has a lot of inefficient homes. So it’s providing money to weatherize and repair houses.

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Dayton Unveils New 78-kW Solar Canopy at West Police Operations Building - first of many municipal arrays in the works

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Dayton Unveils New 78-kW Solar Canopy at West Police Operations Building - first of many municipal arrays in the works

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Dayton unveils new west Dayton police station

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The Dayton Police Department has opened its $5.5 million West Patrol Operations building located at West Third Street and Abbey Avenue.

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A Renville County family grazes their sheep on solar farms, which benefit from the vegetation management the animals provide.

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Solar farms a gateway to agriculture for Renville, Minnesota, sheep producers

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A Renville County family grazes their sheep on solar farms, which benefit from the vegetation management the animals provide.