The Biden-Harris administration’s key proposal, the Investing in America mandate, forms the pillar of Bidenomics. This ambitious program has recently been launched to fortify America’s electric grid while advancing towards cleaner energy, reducing costs, and generating union jobs. Mitch Landrieu, the White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, and Jennifer M. Granholm, the Secretary of Energy, have committed $3.46 billion to 58 projects across 44 states. This strategic move marks the most significant investment ever aimed towards strengthening electric grid resilience in the country. The novel projects funded under this program will drive more than $8 billion in private and federal investments.
An Answer to the Climate Crisis and Economic Issues
This program does not just aim to improve electricity infrastructure. Its broader goals align with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, making affordable, clean electricity accessible to all Americans. Furthermore, the plan prepares for extreme climate-induced weather while benefiting economically disadvantageous regions. With three-quarters of the projects partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the initiative will also pave the way for significant job growth as a part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious climate strategy.
DOE’s GRIP Program: The Pillar of Infrastructure Modernization
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) will manage the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This initiative will fund modernization activities to enhance the efficiency, versatility, and durability of the electric power system while mitigating extreme weather risks. Geared towards supporting more renewable energy sectors and reducing wildfire-causing faults, GRIP’s announcement to allocate $3.46 billion is the first step towards a broader $10.5 billion program- part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Union Jobs and Community Climate Resilience
DOE strives to create union jobs while fostering local climate resilience. A majority of the projects under the GRIP program reflect Justice40 pledges, with 86% involving labor union partnerships or collective bargaining agreements. Thus, the program is not only boosting infrastructure but also empowering U.S. labor.
Inter-regional Collaboration on Project Selection
GRIP’s announcement has also highlighted projects that enhance transmission across multiple states through partnerships. The Biden administration had previously dedicated $95 million in federal funds to improve Hawaii’s energy grids and enable mitigation of severe weather-related impacts.
Joining the Move: Information and Registration
For those who want to understand more about the GRIP project selections, there is a webinar scheduled for October 24, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Interested participants need to register for the event.
Future Perspectives
The DOE’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant Program also complements the GRIP funds. This program will award billions in non-competitive funding to states, territories, and Tribal entities to further enhance and modernize the energy infrastructure against extreme weather. In conclusion, the Investing in America agenda has allocated over $20 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for modernizing America’s power grid.
You can find out more about the GRIP program and the Grid Deployment Office on their official websites.
Source: Energy.gov.
