Bill > S714

This bill, the "Energy Resilient Communities Act," establishes the Energy Resilient Communities Fund within the State Energy Office. The fund provides grants to local governments statewide to help them achieve sustainability goals through planning and implementation of clean energy projects that advance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related priorities. The grants can be used for technical assistance, community outreach and planning, and the development and construction of clean energy microgrids that support critical community infrastructure. The bill prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities, further the development of community solar facilities, result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, provide resilience benefits, and utilize small businesses or nonprofits located in environmental justice communities. The bill also appropriates $1 million in non-recurring funds for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and $3 million in non-recurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Energy Resilient Communities Fund.