Federal Infrastructure Investments

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act represent unprecedented federal investment in clean and renewable energy, transportation electrification infrastructure, energy efficiency and building retrofits, and other activities nationwide to reduce greenhouse gas.  

The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending across more than 380 federal programs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides $369 billion in funding to support energy and climate initiatives and investments in health and medical programs, using various tax measures and grants. These historic federal investment packages are intended to support and modernize infrastructure, create well-paying jobs, and spur economic growth. They also serve as a step forward in empowering vulnerable communities and addressing decades of historical disparities.

Federal Funding and Commerce

The Department of Commerce is working with other state agencies, energy stakeholders, tribal entities, and the public to pursue federal investment opportunities that align with Washington’s energy strategy, greenhouse gas emission reduction limits, and our commitment to addressing environmental justice in overburdened communities. As we pursue federal funding opportunities, Commerce commits to:

  • Ensuring equity and environmental justice is integral in our response to program opportunities, in alignment with the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative and Washington state’s groundbreaking Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act. 
  • Working across Washington state agencies to leverage collective expertise and build cross-agency partnerships, ensuring all available funds are put to best use.  
  • Communicating with the public about opportunities the state is pursuing and possibilities for public engagement. 

Not all IIJA and IRA energy and climate-related funding will flow through state offices. Interested parties can apply to programs available to private businesses, higher education institutions, community-based organizations, utilities, tribes, and local governments.  

Commerce staff are available to answer questions about these funding opportunities, and we encourage Washingtonians to research and take advantage of funds that could support programs and projects in Washington state. In some instances, Commerce can, as internal resources and capacity allow, provide technical assistance, data, and other resources to build capacity amongst communities pursuing federal investment funds.  

The Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid program was established through IIJA and administered through DOE’s new Building a Better Grid Initiative. The program assists with projects that create well-paying jobs, deliver affordable and resilient clean energy to Washington state, and support statewide goals of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened the application period in July 2022 for states, tribal nations, and territories to apply for the $2.3B formula grant program, designed to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters exacerbated by the climate crisis. Washington submitted its application to DOE in March 2023.

The grant program will provide $459 million annually to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and tribal nations over a five-year period to enhance electric grid resiliency for communities. The program aims to invest in projects that:  

  • Increase energy resilience and reliability 
  • Provide the greatest community benefit in reducing the likelihood and consequences of electricity grid disruptions 
  • Promote energy system decarbonization 
  • Improve energy justice and equity 
  • Create well-paying jobs 

Commerce will support program administration in coordination with the Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Governor’s Office. Commerce will provide a draft proposal for public comment and public hearing in the coming months. Continue to check this website for further information. 

Electric Grid Resilience Past Events

Commerce hosted an educational webinar and two public workshops to provide a comprehensive background on this DOE opportunity and updates on Washington’s application for funding: 

Other Resources

Contact

Amy Wheeless and Sarah Vorpahl
Federal Funding Managers, Energy Division
Amy.Wheeless@Commerce.wa.gov
Sarah.Vorpahl@Commerce.wa.gov

Updates