Search My Blog

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

SECO Stimulus - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)

The Comptroller's State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) expects to receive $290,193,168 in stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

In an effort to support energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, SECO will administer the following four programs:

State Agency/Appropriation Item

Amount

State Energy Program (SEP)

$218,782,000

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

$45,638,100

Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

$23,341,000

Energy Assurance (EA) Program

$2,432,068

Total estimated amount of ARRA funding to SECO

$290,193,168

Additional Resources

SECO Stimulus: (512) 463-7392, (800) 531-5441, ext. 37392 or e-mail secostimulus@cpa.state.tx.us
Recovery.Gov
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information Center
Texas Municipal League
Texas Association of Counties
U.S. Conference of Mayors EECBG Handout (PDF, 260KB)
National Association of Counties
American Public Power Association

Go there...
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/arra/

Funding and Incentives

Funding Opportunities

October/November 2010 Opportunities

Notice of Loan Fund Availability (NOLFA) – LoanSTAR Program

Posted Ocotober 29, 2010 — The Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller) State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will provide low interest loans to assist selected public entities in financing their energy-related cost-reduction efforts utilizing the LoanSTAR revolving loan program.

March/April 2010 Opportunities

Renewable Energy Technology Grants (SEP Program 2.1)

Posted April 9, 2010 — Under the State Energy Program (SEP), the Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller) State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will provide grant funding to eligible public entities for qualified renewable energy technologies.

Public ISD Energy Efficiency Grants (SEP Program 1.4)

Posted March 26, 2010 — The Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will provide grant funding to eligible Texas public independent school districts for energy efficiency upgrades or retrofits and also for installation of small-scale renewable energy technology.

Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Vehicle Grant Program (SEP Program 2.2)

Posted March 19, 2010 —The Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will provide grant funding to Texas local governments and school districts to transition vehicle fleets to alternative fuels and hybrids; to create or retain jobs, reduce emissions in the state and dependence on foreign oil.

Public Housing Energy Efficiency Grants (SEP Program 1.3)

Posted March 12, 2010 — Under the State Energy Program (SEP), the Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will provide grant funding to eligible Texas public housing entities for energy efficiency upgrades or retrofits and also for installation of small-scale renewable energy technology.

LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program

This program has saved taxpayers more than $200 million through energy-efficiency projects for state agencies, institutions of higher education, school districts, county hospitals and local governments. Borrowers repay loans through cost savings generated by the projects. LoanSTAR-funded projects have also prevented the release of 7,130 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 2.1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 4,832 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Incentive Programs

Federal & State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) gives information on state and federal efficiency incentives by state, technology type, and incentive type with links to program web sites, legislation, tax credits and deductions, rebates, grants, low-interest loans, property and sales tax exemptions, and bond programs.

Energy Policy Act of 2005 Tax Credits

Several articles on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Tax Credits.

Renewable Energy Incentives

Solar Incentives

Wind Incentives

Ethanol Incentives

Biodiesel Incentives

Financial Assistance

Renewable Fuels Foundation Grants

The RFF seeks to provide funding to universities and non-profit organizations, such as research consortiums, in the United States. RFF reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, the eligibility of a project for support.

The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems: A Federal Overview

This U. S. Department of Energy document provides information that can assist assist both lenders and consumers in financing solar energy systems, which include both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems. The guide also includes information about other ways to make solar energy systems more affordable, as well as descriptions of special mortgage programs for energy-efficient homes.

DOE/EERE Financial Opportunities Web Site

The U. S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) works with business, industry, universities, and others to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. One way EERE encourages the growth of these technologies is by offering financial assistance opportunities for their development and demonstration. Also see Doing Business with the Department of Energy and Types of Financial Assistance to learn more about EERE funding mechanisms.

USDA Energy Matrix

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has many programs that help farmers, other rural residents, and the nation respond to energy-related issues and opportunities. These range from basic scientific research to the development and commercialization of new technologies. This USDA web site offers comprehensive information on energy-related programs, funding opportunities, and technical support across all USDA agencies and offices.

USDA Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency Program

Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable-energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. This program is known as the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. Eligible renewable energy projects include wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. It includes hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar or geothermal energy sources. During Fiscal Year 2006, Texas provided nearly 1.7 million for this program. For further information contact the USDA Rural Development at (254) 742-9780.

USDA Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program

The goal of the USDA Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program is to finance technologies needed to convert biomass into biobased products and bioenergy in a manner which is cost-competitive in large national and international markets. Loans for biomass conversion into biobased products and bioenergy are eligible for financing under the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.

Financial Opportunities for Inventors

Inventors may seek DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funding for energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies through two routes explained at this web site: the Inventions and Innovation Program and unsolicited proposals.

Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline Foundation (StEPP)

The StEPP Foundation's primary mission is to increase the number of energy efficiency, renewable energy and pollution prevention projects implemented for the benefit of the public. The StEPP Foundation provides project oversight to enhance the success of projects increasing the number of energy efficiency, clean energy and pollution prevention projects implemented at the local, state and national levels for the benefit of the public.

DOE's FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) provides funding opportunities for advanced vehicle technology projects that are aimed at removing technical and cost barriers. Much of the funding available to the FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program is distributed to private firms, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Native American organizations, and individuals through competitive solicitations.

Go there...
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/funding/

Grants Currently Available

The RFF seeks to provide funding to universities and non-profit organizations, such as research consortiums, in the United States. RFF reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, the eligibility of a project for support.

How does my organization apply for funds?

RFF will review proposals on a continual basis. However, research projects are funded once each year. All proposals should be emailed to grants@renewablefuelsfoundation.org

Additional information may be requested before an award is finalized. All funding disbursements are based on the nature of the research proposed. When applying for funds, applicants should include, at a minimum, the following:

Letter of Inquiry outlining nature of the research, research goals, timeline of work and budget overview. A comprehensive proposal with detailed budget and timeline may also be sent, but is not required initially.
Evidence of the recipient organization's tax-exempt status (i.e. 501(c)(3) letter).
Researchers' names and resumes.

What types of research projects will RFF fund?

The RFF Board of Directors funds those research projects that have clear goals and measurable outcomes with benchmarks that will advance the science of ethanol production. While sound research should be the basis for all grant applications, the RFF will only support projects that directly enhance domestic production of ethanol and the efficient use of co-products. One grant will be awarded for $150,000, of which $75,000 will be made available over two years. Viable projects may qualify for continued funding past this time frame.

Research project proposals must have a national implication, not local. The RFF prefers to fund national model projects, thereby making a bigger impact to the U.S. ethanol market.

Funds are provided for research in, but not limited to, the following areas in these two categories:

POLICY	RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Economic impact studies Food versus Fuel debate Transportation & distribution Analysis of oil production	Feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol Storage and transportation Environmental impacts of cellulosic ethanol production

What types of projects does RFF NOT fund?

The foundation does not provide funds for the following projects or purposes:

Salaries, administration, overhead or travel for research projects.
Individuals.
Political activities which attempt to influence political campaigns or legislation.
Plant construction.
Access projects such as roads or railways.
Loans, endowments, trips, tours, tickets, advertising, promotional events or publications.

PLEASE NOTE: Additional guidelines may exist when applying for funding through specific Renewable Fuels Foundation partnership with other organizations and governmental agencies.

Potential applicants with specific questions about the application process are encouraged to contact the RFF at (202) 289-3835.

Go there...
http://renewablefuelsfoundation.org/grants/