The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced the second round of grant funding in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), offering $2 million aimed at bolstering local strategic energy plans.

Municipalities and counties in Illinois are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. The funds are designated to aid in the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, total energy use, and improving energy efficiency, particularly in the transportation sector. Priority will be given to projects that target disadvantaged communities.

Funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. IEPA Office of Energy will administer the State's formula funding allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE). 

The second round of Illinois EECBG formula funding is available to eligible municipalities and counties for the development of local strategic energy and/or climate action plans, based on Blueprints developed by USDOE.

Grant applications will be subject to a comprehensive, merit-based review process. Criteria for evaluation will include funding justification, projects located in environmental justice areas, energy burden, and partnerships between local governments.

Interested parties can access application materials on the Illinois EPA Office of Energy webpage, with the application period closing at 5:00 pm on March 18, 2024.