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A Message From Leadership

We are in the heart of summer, and I hope you are finding a way to stay cool as record high temperatures are reported around the country every day. As your air conditioner is chugging away to keep you comfortable, please remember that roughly a quarter of American homes struggle to afford the electricity needed to maintain a healthy temperature. Staying cool can be a matter of life and death this time of year, which is a stark reminder of the importance of the work done in the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE). In addition to high temperatures, many in the Gulf South are dealing with the impact of Hurricane Beryl which left many without power. In fact, some communities are still experiencing power outages. I joined EJE two months ago and have learned much about our work, our priorities, and the importance they hold. Things I have learned include the importance of prioritizing community voices. The Regional Energy Democracy Initiative (REDI) is an important way that we are connecting community leaders, minority-serving institutions, and others to foster collaboration on clean energy projects in the Gulf South. The deadline for applications is today, July 31, 2024, and members of the EJE team have been visiting the region to answer questions and encourage participation. I have been struck by the Office’s commitment to advancing equity. The Department of Energy (DOE) released its first Equity Action Plan less than two years ago, with a second published last December. A third is already in the works, building on the lessons and successes. Look for more Equity Action Plan updates in the coming months! I am also seeing tireless effort by EJE staff to implement the Justice40 Initiative. On the horizon, we have 2024 DOE Justice Week, which will serve as an opportunity to celebrate that work and launch new projects as well. Below, you'll find many more examples of the dedication and effort the EJE team puts forth every day. Please take some time to learn more about these and other projects undertaken by EJE by following us on LinkedIn. Stay cool and support others in doing so this summer! Tamia N. Gordon Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Energy Justice and Equity

Top News

2024 EJE Summer Intern Spotlight Series

Office of Energy Justice and Equity Celebrates #NationalInternDay

DOE Hosts Community Engagement Event at Boston Museum of Science

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Energy Policy

Request for Information (RFI) 

Equity

Regional Energy Democracy Initiative

Minority STEM Pipeline

Minority Serving Institutions Contract Readiness Prize

Minority Business and Workforce

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In Observance:

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Upcoming Events:

Money Smart for Small Businesses: Financial Management August 6th 2-3:30 PM Financial Management: Understanding This Critical Practice. The “Financial Management for a Small Business” module provides an overview of business financial management and is designed to help participants to understand how financial management can benefit their business. Register here.

Unlock Federal Procurement Opportunities: Subcontracting for Small Businesses  August 8th 1-2:30 PM Are you a Small Business contractor not yet ready to work directly with federal agencies? Discover the benefits of subcontracting! Unlike prime contractors, subcontractors collaborate with other contractors rather than directly with the government. This opens doors for you to participate in federal procurement without the complexities of direct government dealings. Register here.

Money Smart for Small Business: Managing Cashflow  August 20th 2-3:30 PM Managing Cash Flow: Practical Problem Solving. The “Managing Cash Flow” module encourages the participants to focus on cash flow management as an essential competency of business ownership. Register here.

Ask Us Anything Series: Solar Energy Technology Office August 21st 2-3:30 PM Ask SETO anything! The Solar Energy Technologies Office accelerates the advancement and deployment of solar technology in support of an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy. Register here.

Community of Change Leaders: Hispanic-Serving Institutions August 21st 12:30-2PM Join us for an informal meet and greet for all minority-serving institution stakeholders, focused on developing new connections and sharing current and future opportunities in STEM, as well as identifying support that's both needed and desired. Register here.

We’re hosting over 1,450 interns this summer and celebrating the fresh perspectives our interns bring to the workforce, including the amazing work that they do. See what our summer interns have been up to!

Toya L. Bligen

Chief of the DEIA Training and Organizational Development Division

Lynn Villafuerte

Chief of DEIA Workforce Engagement

U.S. Department of Energy News

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $36 Million to Expand Innovative Weatherization Assistance Program and Cut Costs for Low-Income Households Across the Country

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE announced that applications are open for the $36 million Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) competitive grant program that aims to expedite the nation’s shift to clean energy through demonstration projects, lowering heating and cooling bills for American families. Projects that receive funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) will not only support low-income homes by making them safer and more comfortable with the latest cutting-edge weatherization techniques, but also serve as an opportunity to showcase best practices that could be adopted across the country.  Click here for more.

DOE Announces $52 Million for Small Business Research and Development Grants

In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE announced awards totaling $52 million for a broad range of small businesses in 39 states. The projects will work to solve a wide range of problems—from cybersecurity for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to new ways to detect radiation threats and new ways to manufacture lithium metal for batteries. Click here for more.

DOE Announces Intent to Fund Solar and Battery Storage for Community Healthcare Facilities and Multi-Family Housing Serving Low-and-Moderate-Income Communities in Puerto Rico

DOE announced its intent to issue a $325 million funding opportunity for the new Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, funded by DOE’s Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund. This new program aims to improve community-level energy resilience for vulnerable populations across Puerto Rico, funding solar and battery storage installations for community healthcare facilities as well as community centers and common areas within subsidized multi-family housing properties. Click here for more.

Solar Manufacturing Workforce Prize Winners + New Round Open for Applications 

DOE named the first two winners of the American-Made Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce. The goal of the prize is to accelerate the expansion of the domestic solar manufacturing workforce and equip workers with the skills necessary to revitalize the domestic solar manufacturing supply chain. DOE also opened a second round of the prize for new applicants. U.S. solar manufacturers and training organizations can partner to submit workforce training plans by November 20 and register for an informational webinar on August 7. 

Tribal Energy Snapshot: Coeur d’Alene Tribe

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s rooftop solar photovoltaic project is providing clean energy to the Tribe’s recreation center, providing workforce training and cutting the center’s annual costs by $2,600.  The project was cofounded by DOE’s Office of Indian Energy. Click here to learn more and watch the video

Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $18 Million to Support 24 Clean Energy Projects

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE announced $18.5 million in funding would go to four states and 20 local governments in the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. Click here for more.