84055701

Description: The goal is to understand the role of statewide local energy action networks (LEANs) in supporting and advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency (REE) in underserved communities, with community-engaged state and local pilot projects focusing on indigenous, rural, and low-income communities.

Activities: The project will:
1) Identify and compare barriers, opportunities, decision drivers of renewable energy and energy efficiency (REE) adoption for individuals, community, and government of underserved communities.
2) Examine benefits, challenges, and effectiveness of statewide local energy action networks (LEANs) in supporting REE adoption in underserved communities.
3) Examine the role of targeted interventions (capacity, education, ownership) in advancing REE awareness, engagement, and adoption in underserved communities.

Subrecipient: Subawardee Penobscot Nation (PN) Tribal Government will have a sustainable energy coordinator to serve all Wabanaki tribes, build capacity, and accelerate implementation of local energy solutions. The coordinator will oversee project development, engage community members, and participate in research activities. ($307,007)

Outcomes: Anticipated deliverables include community co-created research instruments and research products, including reports, briefings, articles, and presentations. Expected outcomes include improved awareness and understanding of barriers, opportunities, and decision drivers related to sustainable energy adoption in underserved communities. The project also aims to develop effective methods for engagement and co-production of knowledge with communities, as well as best practices for state networks and state policy/program design to support local sustainable energy adoption. Additional outcomes include increased adoption and diffusion of sustainable energy in underserved communities, as well as improved risk management for underserved communities in climate and energy resilience. The intended beneficiaries include ten underserved indigenous, low-income, and/or rural Maine communities, as well as similar communities in other states.

University Of Maine System

2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS 2.1 - PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS 3 - ENFORCE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE 3.2 - DETECT VIOLATIONS AND PROMOTE COMPLIANCE 4 - ENSURE CLEAN AND HEALTHY AIR FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 4.1 - IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND REDUCE LOCALIZED POLLUTION AND HEALTH IMPACTS 4.2 - REDUCE EXPOSURE TO RADIATION AND IMPROVE INDOOR AIR 5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.1 - ENSURE SAFE DRINKING WATER AND RELIABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE 5.2 - PROTECT AND RESTORE WATERBODIES AND WATERSHEDS 6 - SAFEGUARD AND REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES 6.1 - CLEAN UP AND RESTORE LAND FOR PRODUCTIVE USES AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 6.2 - REDUCE WASTE AND PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION 7 - ENSURE SAFETY OF CHEMICALS FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 7.1 - ENSURE CHEMICAL AND PESTICIDE SAFETY 7.2 - PROMOTE POLLUTION PREVENTION S - CROSS AGENCY STRATEGY S.3 - ADVANCE EPA'S ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND WORKFORCE EQUITY S.4 - STRENGTHEN TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS AND ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT 5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.1 - ENSURE SAFE DRINKING WATER AND RELIABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE 5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.1 - ENSURE SAFE DRINKING WATER AND RELIABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE 2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS 2.1 - PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS 5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.2 - PROTECT AND RESTORE WATERBODIES AND WATERSHEDS 4 - ENSURE CLEAN AND HEALTHY AIR FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 4.1 - IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND REDUCE LOCALIZED POLLUTION AND HEALTH IMPACTS 2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION T

66.509 - Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program

Office of Grants and Debarment (OGD) [EPA - HQ]

EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) [EPA - HQ]

Maine United States

State-Wide

DRIVERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES (EPA-G2022-STAR-F1)

Termination This project grant was reported as terminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in July 2025. See All
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 05/31/27 to 06/09/25.