To achieve clean energy goals across the US, communities of all types and sizes must be part of the collective solution. While federal policies and programs provide critical support, the work of communities is the foundation of continuing sustained progress and realizing the numerous benefits of the clean energy transition at the local level.
Decarbonizing the economy depends on millions of people weatherizing and electrifying their homes, vehicles, and businesses. This shift requires local policies, contractor networks, and social change that leads to healthier, more resilient homes and communities for people across the nation. When people see clean energy solutions like rooftop solar or hear about saving money through home weatherization improvements in their neighborhoods, it sparks interest and encourages others to follow suit.
GPI has a long history of working with communities, and now, at this defining moment, we must support them in driving local action and leveraging all pathways for success.
Here are three key takeaways from this post:
- Local governments play a crucial role in advancing clean energy by shaping transportation, land use, and equitable technology deployment. Many communities are already pursuing clean energy goals, but additional support is needed to continue progress.
- Philanthropic and state funding, alongside federal programs, continues to create transformative opportunities for local clean energy initiatives. State-funded incentives and ongoing support to communities and technical assistance providers from foundations like Minnesota’s McKnight Foundation demonstrate the impact of well-funded technical assistance and collaboration networks.
- Despite potential changes to federal programs, local clean energy efforts continue gaining momentum nationwide. Peer learning and local-level action, supported by initiatives like SolSmart, Charging Smart, and the Sustainable States Network, continue to drive meaningful progress and show communities’ resilience and determination.
The role of local governments in advancing clean energy
Local governments play a crucial role in clean energy solutions work. They have authority over transportation systems and land use, ensure the equitable deployment of emerging technologies like solar and wind, and create the social license and market conditions for new technology deployment.
Many local governments of all sizes and types are already engaged in pursuing their clean energy and climate goals. They are developing successful projects that meet community needs, reduce costs for everyone, and improve quality of life.
However, many more must be able to step forward. Often, they benefit from the right support, including information, technical support, robust in-state and national networks, and funding. In this moment of uncertainty at the federal level, it is imperative to engage and support many more communities to identify local goals and prioritize and finance clean energy projects.
State and philanthropic funding to support community-level progress on clean energy
The Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have brought historic funding opportunities to state and local governments. Philanthropic, federal, and state funding has helped to stand up robust local government technical assistance in project identification and design, proposal development, and project management.
Now, more than ever, we must maintain momentum at the local level and continue to build communities’ capacity, networks, and resources. Continuing philanthropic and state support will be essential to ensure the ongoing implementation of local clean energy programs.
Foundations across the country have stepped forward to fund community-based organizations and technical assistance providers to help communities navigate the opportunity landscape and build lasting climate resilience.
For example, thanks to the ongoing support from the Minnesota-based McKnight Foundation, GPI has built a nimble local government engagement infrastructure. This includes one-on-one technical assistance, action-oriented cohorts, and networks of local elected officials, staff, and rural regional development organizations. There is significant demand, and GPI-led networks, such as the Community Energy Network and Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition, engage communities across the state, supporting them to jump on opportunities quickly.
For over a decade, McKnight has been a dedicated partner in GPI’s work to create a foundation for statewide clean energy leadership. Together, we have empowered well over 100 communities to integrate clean energy goals into their plans and projects to become more resilient, advance renewable energy procurement and vehicle electrification, and achieve significant regulatory and legislative wins.
State funding and technical assistance, where they exist, also play a critical role in driving community-level progress. States are increasingly investing in local clean energy initiatives and climate action.
For example, in Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) provides several state-funded opportunities. They include the Renewables Ready Communities Award, which rewards renewable energy adopters in the state, and the Agriculture and Rural Businesses Energy Incentive Program, which supports increased resilience and stability of agricultural, agriculture-related, and rural businesses, among other programs.
Additionally, states administer federally funded programs like Solar for All and Home Energy Rebates Programs, which will be transformative and help lower-income and disadvantaged communities cut emissions while reducing costs.
Continuing progress amidst uncertainty
While the future of federal programs and tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law may not be guaranteed, the work at the local level continues to gain momentum.
Even amidst uncertainty, social change and peer learning can be powerful—communities are more likely to participate in advancing their clean energy and climate goals if they see their neighbors taking action.
For instance, in 2018, GPI developed a groundbreaking climate action plan for the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, in a joint effort with our partners. This plan served as a leading example for other communities in setting ambitious energy and climate goals. From the City of Motley, with a population of 680, to Minneapolis, over 50 Minnesota communities have or are in the process of developing climate action plans or clean energy plans, with even more developing climate adaptation plans.
Over the years, our reach has expanded nationwide. Since 2016, GPI has been a partner in the highly successful SolSmart program, helping over 500 communities across the US become certified as solar-ready.
GPI also leads the national Sustainable States Network, which brings together state-level sustainability, clean energy, and climate local government technical assistance providers to share strategies, resources, and best practices.
Additionally, as part of our effort to support communities on a national level, GPI is a lead partner in the Charging Smart program, which prepares and recognizes communities for electric vehicle readiness. GPI laid the foundation for the program, which builds on our long history of providing cohort-based technical assistance to communities.
These examples highlight the importance of local-level action and continue to show that progress can still be made by leveraging collaboration, peer learning, and determination to drive meaningful change at scale.
Building a sustainable future
GPI is uniquely positioned to support community-driven momentum in clean energy. Despite federal funding programs facing potential changes, we’re focused on leveraging local opportunities to ensure ongoing progress.
We remain steadfast in our efforts to advance community-level clean energy solutions, and to do so, continued philanthropic and state support in the coming years will be essential to help us build the momentum toward community-driven clean energy nationwide.
Contact us to learn more about how we can support your community in achieving its clean energy and climate goals at [email protected].
