These have been uncertain times for anyone trying to continue to move clean energy projects forward with federal funding that was awarded and appropriated under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Numerous new Executive Orders and priorities have been issued since inauguration day. Freezes to and cancellations of awarded grants to states, local governments, communities, businesses, and nonprofits by federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget continue. Also, there have been legal challenges filed and temporary halts to federal actions while the courts examine their constitutionality. However, these temporary orders are just that and have changed in short order.
In a recent reversal for rural America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on March 25th it will release previously obligated funding under the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP), Empowering Rural America (New ERA), and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs (see news below.).
Money has continued to be accessible to some grant recipients and some programs have still taken applications. The most recent news was that if your funding was frozen, a court recently ruled it must be unfrozen. On April 15, a preliminary injunction was issued to stop all freezes, halts, or pauses carried out by EPA, DOE, DOI, HUD, and USDA for grants funded under these laws. It seems that the freezes are not being lifted, however.
What can you do? If you have access to your funds, invoice for them now to cover expenses encumbered in compliance with the grant requirements. Continue your project and meeting deadlines. If you have not heard from your project officer, contact them about unfreezing your funding. If you need assistance, there are organizations that provide it. Look for state and foundation funding as well.
Sherrie Gruder