Submitted By
Emily Egan, Development Services Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application with the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange with a Requested Funding Amount of $1,000,000
End
Overview
Overview
This is a resolution to approve the submission of an application for the United States Department of Energy's Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange grant. This grant provides funding for the adoption and implementation of the State of Illinois Stretch Energy Code.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
Village staff submitted a concept paper to the United States Department of Energy for the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity grant and received encouragement to apply with the agency for a $1,000,000 grant. Village staff seeks approval to formally apply for the grant. Should the Village be awarded the grant, Village staff would use the funds to facilitate the adoption and implementation of the State of Illinois Stretch Energy Code once it is adopted by the State. The anticipated adoption is forecasted to occur in the summer/fall of 2024. The awarded funds would also support training related to code enforcement and position the Village to be an educational resource for other communities.
The Building Codes Advisory Commission (“BCAC”) intends to review and recommend the adoption of the 2024 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. The BCAC will also review and recommend the adoption of the State of Illinois Stretch Energy Code, to be enacted following adoption by the state.
If awarded the grant, Village staff will utilize the funds to support implementation, compliance, and enforcement activities for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the potential adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code with the State of Illinois Stretch Energy Code.
Village staff recommends further exploration regarding the use of funds across three categories:
1. Education and Training
• Seminars and trainings to educate individuals on current energy codes
• Develop training manuals and resources for the community
• Certification & accreditation programs
2. Compliance & Enforcement
• Vehicles for staff
• Software training, modules, and modernization efforts
• Other instruments related to compliance and enforcement
3. Implementation
• Incentive programs
• Consultancy fees
The grant application deadline is April 30, 2024. If the Village of Oak Park is awarded the grant, it would have 3 years to fully expend the funds.
By pursuing the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange grant offered by the United States Department of Energy, the Board will continue to advance its collective goals. If awarded the grant, Village staff can develop implementation strategies related to the following specified Board goals:
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2024-2025 Village Board Goals - Priorities, Key Projects, and Initiatives |
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5. Sustainability & Resiliency |
5.1 - Implement Climate Action Plan 5.2 - Reporting on Plan Progress 5.3 - Resident Engagement and Education 5.4 - Maintain Viable Sustainability Fund |
Fiscal Impact
If the grant is awarded, there would be no additional costs to the Village.
DEI Impact
To facilitate an equitable allocation of resources stemming from the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange grant, the Development Services Department will partner with the Chief DEI Officer to facilitate an equity assessment analysis of proposed educational and training programs, compliance and enforcement policies, and implementation strategies.
The framework of the equity assessment analysis could be developed to ensure fair and thoughtful consideration is given to all members of the community, with particular emphasis on personal and professional development, accessibility, and public health.
Alternatives
1. The Village Board may consider not adopting the State of Illinois Stretch Energy Code
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Pros |
Cons |
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1. N/A |
1. Delayed implementation and jeopardizes achieving Climate Ready Oak Park emissions targets |
2. The Village Board can deny submission of the application
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Pros |
Cons |
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1. N/A |
1. The Village has limited resources to advance Climate Ready Oak Park goals |
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A