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A Message From Leadership
In my journey at the Department of Energy, witnessing the blossoming of energy justice has been deeply rewarding. Over nearly four years, I’ve seen its roots stretch from the icy vistas of Alaska to the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. Our efforts have empowered community voices that have long been silenced, granting them agency in shaping their own clean energy future.
But energy justice isn't confined to the borders of America. This month presented opportunities for me to see how energy justice is truly an international undertaking.
First, I had the privilege of chairing the European Union (EU) - United States (US) Just Transition Workshop on Energy Poverty. The event provided room for experts from EU nations to collaborate with US leaders on issues of energy insecurity, exploring challenges and sharing best practices on shaping a just and equitable clean energy future for all.
I ended my month visiting Brazil, where I addressed the G20 on maximizing the benefits of energy transition for local communities and providing spaces for dialogue within the process of forming public policy.
The work we are championing in the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE) serves as an example and illustration to others around the globe.
I am also pleased to announce another milestone in our efforts to advance energy justice and equity. Applications for the recently announced Regional Energy Democracy Initiative (REDI) pilot are now open, paving the way for organizations in the Gulf South region of Texas and Louisiana to access $5 million to help provide technical assistance to groups playing a role in providing community benefits associated with DOE-funded projects. This effort will prove a crucial tool to directly connecting DOE dollars to communities and their needs.
Every day, our collective efforts aren’t just shaping a better nation, but are nurturing the seeds of a better world. Below are just a handful of examples of our transformative impact. Thank you for all that you do to make this possible.
Director of the Office of Energy Justice and Equity and Secretarial Advisor on Equity
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DOE celebrates the lives and lasting legacy of our #AANHPI communities, whose contributions to the American story have helped shape our past, present, and future.
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This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave everything for our country. May their courage, sacrifice, and dedication never be forgotten.
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This Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the contributions, culture, and character of Jewish Americans. From advancing scientific discovery to serving our country at the highest levels of government, Jewish Americans have defined our nation’s past and will shape its even brighter future.
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 Never miss a moment!
Sign up to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, webinars, and conferences.
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Affordable Home Energy Shot Summit | Department of Energy
Join us at the inaugural Affordable Home Energy Shot™ Summit, hosted by DOE, This virtual summit will provide a platform for DOE and interested stakeholders to collectively understand the emerging needs and opportunities to reduce the up-front cost of upgrading homes by at least 50% while lowering energy bills by 20% within a decade as part of the Affordable Home Energy Shot™.
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Intellectual Property & Trademarks for Small Business
As minority and small disadvantaged businesses incorporate and form LLCs, they come up with unique names, phrases, symbols, logos, and designs for their startups. They may need federal registration protection for their business trademarks.
Christina Calloway, Attorney Advisor in Trademarks Customer Outreach of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will present an overview on intellectual property with trademarks emphasis geared toward minority business enterprises and innovators.
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Money Smart for Small Business
June 11: Business Model Canvas (Introduction). The Business Model Canvas is a tool for creating a repeatable, profitable business model.
June 25: Business Model Canvas (Application). Applying a starting or current business model through real-world application.
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Ask Us Anything Series: Small Business Administration
On June 19th, from 3-4 pm, ask the SBA anything! The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, grow, and build resilient businesses. SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
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 Join us for an Objective Strategic Session (information session), to be held on June 6, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET. This is an opportunity to learn more about the REDI Program.
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ON THE ROAD WITH DIRECTOR BAKER
Director Baker speaking at the opening general (plenary) session at Inclusiv Conference 50 New York City on May 7th. It was a record-breaking conference with over 850 participants, who came together to learn, share and celebrate their 50th anniversary, but also to commit for the next 50 years of impact, strengthening historically disadvantaged communities. |
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On May 30, 2024 Director Baker provided the commencement address to the graduating class of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
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Director Shalanda Baker and Deputy Chief of Staff Yasmin Yacoby in Brazil, participating in the G20's Energy Transitions Working Group.
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U.S. Department of Energy News
Biden-Harris Administration Announces First State in Nation to Launch Historic Home Energy Rebates Program to Lower Families' Utility Bills
QUEENS, N.Y.— As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that New York is the first state in the nation to launch its Home Energy Rebates program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act. New York’s program will allow more low-and-middle income families to take advantage of efficiency and clean energy upgrades that will make their homes more comfortable while saving money on their energy bills. New York’s launch is part of a larger nationwide initiative to provide $8.8 billion in Federal funding for states, territories, and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes by making it cheaper to install cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $12 Million to Support Local Projects to Save Energy in 17 State and Local Governments
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $12.1 million to three states and 14 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help advance state and local governments’ efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower overall energy use.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $25 Million to Lower Home Energy Bills for American Families
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced 13 projects selected to expand the impact of DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Supported by $25 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the projects will collaborate with community partners to perform innovative and comprehensive energy-saving repairs and upgrades to make low-income homes more climate resilient and lower energy costs for families. These 13 projects support the Biden- Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
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DOE Calls for Remote and Island Communities to Join ETIPP and Receive Technical Assistance and Energy Resilience Support
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that applications are open for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), which provides technical assistance for remote and island communities to bolster their energy resilience through tailored solutions. As a new element to the program this year, communities accepted to this cohort will also receive direct funding to support their time and engagement on the ETIPP project, in addition to in-kind technical assistance.
Visit the ETIPP application page to learn more.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $26 Million to 37 State, Local, and Tribal Governments to Support Clean Energy Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C.— In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced more than $26.9 million to nine states, 27 local governments and one Tribe for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). Funds will be deployed to advance crucial clean energy and infrastructure upgrades by state governments, local governments, and Tribes to reduce energy use, curb fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Together with other DOE initiatives, this program will support communities in the nation’s clean energy transition and in meeting the President’s goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.
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