Bill > H792

This bill establishes the NC Clean Energy Innovation and Research (CLEIR) Fund with $10 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, to be administered by the Department of Commerce's Office of Science, Technology and Innovation. The fund will provide grants to small businesses (fewer than 100 employees), nonprofit organizations, local governments, and state agencies to support clean energy and energy efficiency innovations, with three primary focus areas: encouraging development and deployment of renewable and energy-efficient technologies, supporting the clean energy industry's growth, and attracting private-sector investments in green technologies. Additionally, the bill allocates $4.5 million to the One North Carolina Fund to provide competitive grants for clean energy entrepreneurship and small business development. The Department of Commerce may set grant caps and require matching funds, and can use up to $100,000 or 5% of the fund annually for administrative expenses. Any unspent funds will revert to the General Fund by June 30, 2027, and the act will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H792