The US Department of Energy (DOE) is accepting applications for competitive funding under its Energy Auditor Training (EAT) program, aiming to upskill the workforce with energy efficiency certifications, as reported by ESG News on December 21. Authorized by the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EAT program will provide up to USD40m in competitive grants for states to train individuals in conducting energy audits or surveys of commercial and residential buildings. Jennifer M. Granholm, secretary of DOE, stated that the funding aims to empower workers with additional skills and ensure a reliable and safe approach to energy audits, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The EAT program forms part of the DOE’s broader plan to invest in a clean energy workforce. The department plans to carry out the USD8.8bn Home Energy Rebate Programs and other energy efficiency initiatives that will help homeowners, states, local governments, and businesses reduce energy bills and combat climate change. Last month, the DOE also allocated USD169m for accelerating the production of electric heat pumps in the US, funding nine projects that help families and businesses save money with efficient heating and cooling technology. These initiatives align with the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that at least 40% of the overall benefits from specific federal investments, such as those in climate change, clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean transport, flow to disadvantaged communities.

Sources:

https://esgnews.com/biden-harris-invests-40-million-initiative-to-train-clean-energy-workforce/

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-40-million-train-clean-energy-workforce

https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-aims-speed-heat-pump-manufacturing-using-cold-war-era-law-2023-11-17/