Powering Tribal Nations: EV Updates From the Joint Office

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Nov. 26, 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

COMING SOON! Tribal Electrification Guidebook

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, an Indigenous-led nonprofit that supports the self-determined efforts of Native American Tribes to transition to a clean energy future, announced a strategic partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to launch the Tribal Transportation Electrification Study. Once complete, the study will make the Tribal Electrification Guidebook.

The 18-month project will build a collaborative dialogue with Tribes. It will focus on collecting meaningful data and gaining a deeper understanding of Tribal perspectives regarding the need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and its appropriate placement on or near Tribal lands. The study will involve extensive Tribal outreach, ensuring that Tribal input is central to shaping the outcomes. If you’re interested in being involved, please reach out to Laura Beshilas at tribalev@nrel.gov.

NOW OPEN! 2024 Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant, Division of Energy and Mineral Development, Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs

The TEDC grant program will develop Tribal managerial, organizational, and technical capacity needed to maximize the economic impact of energy resource development on Indian land. The TEDC grant gives Tribes the ability to develop or enhance their business and regulatory environment for energy resource development including, but not limited to, evaluating business models and asset ownership options and enhancing Tribal codes for EV charging networks and related infrastructure.

Applications are due by Jan. 16, 2025.

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 2024 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

Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA) Program, Joint Office

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.

Please reach out to CBPA@nrel.gov to learn more about the program.

Tribal Awards 

Rosebud Sioux Tribe selected to receive $7,879,394 for new electric vehicles and charging stations, EPA

EPA announced the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota has been selected to receive a $7,879,394 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. The Tribe will use the EPA funds to install EV charging stations, purchase electric buses for transit routes, and purchase and operate a heavy-duty EV garbage truck. The Tribe is among 34 Tribal and territory applications selected to receive funding. See the full list of selected applications here.

Resources and Other Technical Assistance Opportunities

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.

Upcoming EV-Related Events

Intertribal Transportation Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, 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, Florida, Jan. 27–29, 2025

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

Tribal Energy Equity Summit, St. Paul, Minnesota, May 5–8, 2025

Interactive conversations on vital subjects such as energy access, interconnection challenges, and overcoming financial barriers will be led by expert Native facilitators. Leading Tribal and industry experts will host conversations on long-term energy planning, innovative financing, and leveraging beneficial tax legislation. The summit aims to foster listening and learning for all attendees and the cultivation of partnership opportunities that are beneficial for Tribes.

Tribal EV Funding Opportunities 

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), DOT, FHWA

This is a formula grant awarded to states, and Tribes may apply directly to the state. This program provides funds for projects on federal lands access transportation facilities that are 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 period for North Dakota closes Dec. 1, 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. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA- and California Air Resources Board-certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies.

Application deadline: Dec. 6, 2024

Clean Energy Careers for All, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

The Clean Energy Careers for All program will award nearly $3 million to nonprofit educational organizations—including engineering, scientific, and technical societies—to support programs that promote awareness and interest in clean energy careers among K–12 and university students, alumni and academic professionals, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals. DOE will accept applications for new or expanded workforce development programs in key clean energy sectors including renewable energy, building energy efficiency, energy storage, advanced materials and manufacturing, and EVs, among others.

Application deadline: Dec. 13, 2024

Rural Energy for America Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development

This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Although Tribal governments are not directly eligible, Section 17 corporations, Tribally owned corporations and enterprises that qualify as small businesses, Tribal agriculture operations, and Tribal member-owned businesses are eligible for assistance under this program. Eligible applicants may utilize the program to assist with installation of EV charging stations and other EV-related projects as part of renewable energy system improvements.

Application deadline: Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025

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. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors at the state and local levels to obtain funding for multimodal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to support through traditional DOT programs.

FY 2025 applications are due by Jan. 13, 2025.

Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants, USDA, 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 non-urban 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 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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