Hi to those concerned and interested in energy project funding. Here is my take on yesterday’s Presidential energy program announcements for USDA, EPA and DOE.
Basically, this Presidential Directive is quite a bit rhetoric. For example, if you read about some of the programs it includes a ‘directive’ about, many programs are already out and were allocated long before he came to office, such as the what he ‘directed’ USDA to do in having the REAP grant available. As most of you know, the REAP grant passed in the 2008 farm bill last June, so nothing changed with this media buzz. There will also be dollars allocated to renewable energy from ARRA (ie: stimulus plan) that may have already been earmarked for this directive or may have shifted to these programs as of this announcement, I can’t say for sure.
For any money in the ARRA, federal agencies will post those open solicitations on their website at www.energy.gov/recovery. I went to that last night, and none of the programs that were mentioned (see attached press release below) are listed yet. I have no idea when they will be open for applications, but I receive updates from that automatically every time something new comes out, so I’ll be letting you know.
Finally, on the REAP grant, Indiana USDA emailed this morning to say that the REAP grant will open ‘in the next few days’. That probably means they already know the date and are getting prepared (they often get the news before the public a day or two). I am now guessing the hold up on the REAP grant has had much to do with this “Presidential Directive” yesterday offering a ‘blessing’ on many programs before they could be announced, including REAP. That is just my opinion and it really doesn’t matter; we’re looking for grants and when they open, they open.
Here’s a read below of the some programs specifically from US DOE.
I’ll be in touch soon!
Cordially, Sarah
Recovery Act Announcement: Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $800 Million from Recovery Act to Accelerate Biofuels Research and Commercialization May 5, 2009 As part of the ongoing effort to increase the use of domestic renewable fuels, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu today announced plans to provide $786.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate advanced biofuels research and development and to provide additional funding for commercial-scale biorefinery demonstration projects. “Developing the next generation of biofuels is key to our effort to end our dependence on foreign oil and address the climate crisis-while creating millions of new jobs that can’t be outsourced,” Secretary Chu said. “With American investment and ingenuity-and resources grown right here at home-we can lead the way toward a new green energy economy.” Full story
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