IEC Revamps Iowa Energy & Infrastructure Funding Hub
posted
on Thursday, October 17, 2024
in
Council News
DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Environmental Council has reintroduced the Iowa Energy & Infrastructure Funding Hub, an online resource hosted at IAFederalFunding.org, to help Iowans better understand and access federal support for clean energy and resiliency projects. The Funding Hub was first made available in 2022, but now includes new opportunities made available from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
These federal investments will expand local projects and priorities intended to improve Iowa’s climate resiliency and increase economic and energy security. Some programs are available immediately for businesses, nonprofits, communities, and individuals.
Consumers can lower their energy costs with programs geared toward home energy efficiency upgrades, home electrification, clean energy installation, and electric transportation. For businesses, non-profits, and government entities, the Inflation Reduction Act expands opportunities to take advantage of cost-saving tax credits to generate and store clean energy, receive financial assistance, address infrastructure decay, and more.
The website also details IEC's commitment to uplift the federal Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver at least 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. Similarly, the EPA Region 7 Thriving Community Technical Assistance Center – otherwise known as the Heartland Environmental Justice Center – offers resources for disadvantaged communities to address lingering environmental justice concerns.
“The Iowa Environmental Council is committed to ensuring that benefits of the once-in-a-generation investments brought forth through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law flow through to Iowa communities,” said Cody Smith, IEC Director of Climate Initiatives. “By making it easier for community leaders to navigate the resources available for major investments in clean energy, water infrastructure, environmental justice, and more, our state can build a future that is more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
The Iowa Energy & Infrastructure Funding Hub contains current information and will be regularly updated with federal program details and deadlines, resources, and news about the success of local projects backed by the federal legislation. The updated site also includes a platform to share upcoming events, such as webinars, in-person gatherings, and conferences.
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The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is an alliance of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Founded in 1995, it is the largest and most comprehensive environmental coalition in the state. Through education, advocacy and coalition building, the Council raises awareness, generates action and creates large-scale change that makes Iowa a better place to live, work and explore. Learn more at www.iaenvironment.org.