Powering Tribal Nations: EV Updates From the Joint Office

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Oct. 23, 2024

Powering Tribal Nations

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to share our Powering Tribal Nations newsletter with audiences across the United States. Each month, subscribers can expect updates on resources, funding opportunities and awards, case studies, and success stories directly affecting and for Tribal Nations.

Announcements

NOW OPEN! 2024 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA has announced the opening of the 2024 CSB Rebate Program application period! Under the program, the EPA anticipates awarding up to $965 million in rebate funding.

The CSB Program prioritizes applications that will replace buses serving high-need local education agencies, rural areas, Tribal school districts funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and public school districts receiving basic support payments for students living on Tribal land. The program guidance and application process differ from prior EPA school bus rebate programs, so please review the summary of program requirements and the detailed program guide before proceeding.

Application deadline: Jan. 9, 2025.

NOW OPEN! Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED)

On Oct. 3, 2024, OCED announced a notice of funding opportunity to fund up to $400 million for clean energy projects in rural and remote areas across the nation. This funding will support the deployment of a variety of commercially available, clean energy technologies, demonstrating their viability and benefits to rural and remote residents, and ultimately encouraging widespread adoption in communities of 10,000 people or fewer.

Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA) Program, Joint Office and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Managed by NREL and funded by the Joint Office, CBPA connects transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification. Fleets also have the option to receive free deployment assistance from NREL at the completion of their plan. CBPA is not an incentive program, and fleets do not receive direct funding—rather, selected applicants will be allocated technical assistance resources by NREL. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

For any questions, or to learn more about the program, please reach out to CBPA@nrel.gov.

Tribal Awards 

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program, EPA

The EPA announced $300 million in implementation grants under the CPRG program competition for Tribes and territories. EPA Administrator Michael Regan, alongside Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, made the announcement at an event in Flagstaff, Arizona, joined by leadership from the Hopi Tribe, one of the selected recipients.

Under the CPRG Tribes and Territories Competition, EPA selected 34 applications to receive funding for projects proposed by 33 Tribal recipients and the Municipality of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Projects proposed in the selected applications will target greenhouse gas pollution from six sectors of the economy with a particular focus on the transportation, electric power, and buildings sectors. Based on estimates provided by the selected applicants, the proposed projects would cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas pollution by up to 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050—equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted from nearly 1.4 million homes' electricity use for one year. This funding will also be used to purchase or incentivize the purchase of an estimated 300 light-duty electric vehicles (EVs), 400 EV chargers, and 5 electric trucks and buses.

These 34 selected applications complement the 25 applications announced in July 2024 to receive more than $4.3 billion under the CPRG Implementation Grants General Competition, which included one from the Nez Perce Tribe. Together, the selected applications will implement community-driven solutions to tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate the clean energy transition.

Resources and Other Technical Assistance Opportunities

Battery Workforce Challenge Program, DOE

The Battery Workforce Challenge Program is DOE’s comprehensive EV and battery workforce development program that fosters a diverse talent pipeline by building an educational ecosystem that delivers training and education for high school and collegiate graduates, vocational and transitional workers, and technicians who will charge North America’s battery industry forward.

Public EV Charging Infrastructure Playbook, Joint Office

The Public EV Charging Infrastructure Playbook provides interactive resources to help communities plan and build the infrastructure needed to support a zero-emission transportation system. Tribal Nations can use the resource to navigate key considerations for planning and deploying EV infrastructure.

Energy Ready Charging Smart Technical Assistance, DOE

Offering cost-free expert technical assistance, Charging Smart supports communities in adopting procedures and practices that facilitate the equitable growth of EVs.

Upcoming EV-Related Events

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Oct. 27–31, 2024

This convention is an essential moment for Indian Country to unite, amplify voices, and shape a powerful collective future. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and allies from across Indian Country will gather to tackle critical issues, strategize for the future, and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.

Intertribal Transportation Association Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 10–12, 2024

The Intertribal Transportation Association provides training, advocacy, and information and facilitates meetings between Tribes and local, state, and federal agencies.

Seminole Tribe of Florida Renewable Energy & Sustainability 7th Annual Conference, Hollywood, FL, Jan. 27–29, 2025

The 7th Annual Seminole Tribe of Florida Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference will focus on the newly changing landscape for Tribal energy development and sustainability, including best practices, federal leadership, policy and regulatory changes, project funding, and project planning and development trends.

Tribal EV Funding Opportunities 

Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration

As part of the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, the Tribal Transit Competitive Program sets aside funding from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program to include a funding opportunity for Tribal Nations. This funding can be used for infrastructure planning, light- to heavy-duty EV charging infrastructure, and light- to heavy-duty EV purchases or leases.

Application deadline: Nov. 13, 2024.

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), DOT, Federal Highway Administration

This is a formula grant awarded to states, and Tribes may apply directly to the state. This program provides funds for projects on transportation facilities located on, adjacent to, or that provide access to federal lands. Projects are typically located within 10 miles of the federal land boundary. Funds are distributed by formula among states that have federal lands. Tribes interested in EV infrastructure can apply through their state for FLAP funding for charging infrastructure and transportation planning.

Application deadline for Utah: Nov. 15, 2024

Application period for North Dakota opened Oct. 1, 2024.

Community Change Grants Program, EPA, Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights

EPA will award approximately 50 $10–$20 million grants for community-driven investments for change and 20 $1–$3 million grants for meaningful engagement for equitable governance. Eligible applicants include a partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization (CBO) and one of the following: another CBO, a federally recognized Tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education.

Application deadline: Nov. 21, 2024.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal and Insular Area Grants, EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality

EPA is authorized under DERA to offer funding assistance to accelerate the upgrade, retrofit, and turnover of the legacy diesel fleet.

Applications are due by Dec. 6, 2024.

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), DOT, Office of the Under Secretary for Policy

This discretionary grant program provides an opportunity for DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that achieve national objectives, including zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.

Fiscal Year 2025 applications are due by Jan. 13, 2025.

Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Tribes may utilize the program to install EV charging stations as a component of a larger community facility build or refurbishment.

Applications are accepted year-round.

Tax Credits for EVs Eligible for Elective Pay, Internal Revenue Service

The Inflation Reduction Act authorized “elective pay,” which allows tax-exempt and governmental entities such as Tribes that do not owe federal income taxes to be able to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects or making qualifying investments. Two tax credits exist for both vehicles and charging infrastructure:

• Credit for qualified commercial clean vehicles: For purchasers of commercial clean vehicles. Credit amount: Up to $40,000 (maximum $7,500 for vehicles <14,000 lb).
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: For alternative fuel vehicle refueling and charging property located in low-income and nonurban areas. Qualified fuels include electricity, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and biodiesel.

Applications are accepted year-round.

Call for Tribal Nations Feedback for EV Resources and Technical Assistance

The Joint Office invites Tribal Nations to submit specific needs for resources and technical assistance that would assist in their EV and transportation goals and deployment. Please visit the Joint Office Concierge for Tribal Nations Technical Assistance to submit your requests, including requests for resources such as educational opportunities, webinars, and help sheets.

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About the Joint Office

The Joint Office is a collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation to support the buildout of a nationwide network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. Learn more at DriveElectric.gov. It is facilitating the adoption of electrified transportation in collaboration with Tribal Nations by providing comprehensive technical assistance and resources. 

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