Bipartisan Majorities Favor Tax Incentives For Clean Energy and Efficiency, Show Concern About Health and Climate
A new in-depth survey finds bipartisan majorities support several tax incentives that seek to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The proposals include measures to encourage developing alternative sources of clean energy – such as solar and wind, making homes and commercial buildings more energy-efficient, and the use of electric vehicles. Support from a majority of Republicans and Democrats was rooted in voter concern about the health effects of fossil fuels as well as their impact on climate.
Sonoma County, CA PACE Program Now Available for Wildfire, Earthquake Improvements
The County of Sonoma's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing option - a part of the County's Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) - is now available to property owners within the City of Santa Rosa for wildfire and seismic structural hardening of homes and businesses. Initially, the program allowed property owners to finance energy efficiency and water conservation-related improvements and now allows for improvements such as Class A roofing, covered gutters, siding, windows, and earthquake retrofitting.
COVID-19 Recovery: WIFIA's Role
As part of the nation's COVID-19 response, federal policymakers should consider expanding and repurposing existing federal financing programs like U.S. EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Program. Even for those governments and agencies in good long-term financial shape, financing assistance may be critical to help manage the massive budget dislocations caused by this unprecedented crisis. Such assistance is especially effective for infrastructure agencies to keep major projects from being delayed or canceled due to unexpectedly lower revenue expectations.
Energy Department Announces $130M in Solar Technology Projects
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced selections for $130 million in new projects to advance solar technologies. Through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, DOE will fund 67 research projects across 30 states that reduce the cost of solar, increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and improve the reliability of the nation's electric grid.
How Sustainable Digital Finance Can Unlock a Low-Carbon Economy
Digital finance refers to the integration of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), mobile platforms, blockchain, and the Internet of things (IoT) in the provision of financial services. Sustainable finance refers to financial services integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into the business or investment decisions. When combined, sustainable digital finance can take advantage of emerging technologies to analyze data, power investment decisions, and grow jobs in sectors supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy.
Ogden, UT Looking to Amend Budget by $66M to Finance Utility Construction
Ogden City is looking to amend its already passed fiscal year 2021 budget to the tune of $66 million, a measure that would pay for a host of water and sewer utility projects throughout the city. The Ogden City Council will soon hold a public hearing on a proposal to modify the budget by refunding $21.6 million worth of utility bonds that were previously issued to pay for a variety of water and storm sewer utility projects. Also included in the budget amendment measure is another $44 million in new bonds for more construction and system improvements on city water and sewer infrastructure.
Accelerating Solar Adoption for the Underserved
As rooftop solar prices have fallen, many households at all income levels can now save money by going solar -- yet low and moderate-income households remain less likely to adopt solar than high-income households. Berkeley Lab researchers found that three of the five policy and business models they studied, including targeted financial incentives and leasing models, do increase the adoption of solar photovoltaics (PV) among low and middle-income households.
USDA Invests $891M in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 43 States
The USDA is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states. The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
City of Milwaukee Publishes RFP For Third Party Administrator of PACE Financing Program
The City of Milwaukee has published an RFP for a third-party administrator of its Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program.
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