Building Jobs & Sustainable Public Energy In Local Communities

 

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created historic opportunities to expand energy democracy, build clean, publicly owned energy, invest in our communities, and create good, green, union jobs. Sign up here for updates on new tools and resources to help your community seize this opportunity.

CPC Center’s new clean energy program is dedicated to supporting the communities who want to seize this opportunity. We’re providing the analysis, training, resources and tools that local champions and community organizers need to take action. One of the IRA’s most important provisions allows for tax-exempt entities like local governments, counties, cities, churches, schools, hospitals, public utilities, and community groups  to apply for direct funding to deploy renewable energy projects.

We've partnered with the Clean Energy Tax Navigator (“the Navigator”), powered by L4GG so that eligible entities have a one-stop-shop to learn and receive assistance on claiming direct pay. For help financing a project, check out our partners at The Project Finance Hub (PFH), powered by Atlas Public Policy, which is a clearinghouse for tools and guidance to finance clean energy projects.

Resources and Tools

 
 

The application period for the Low Income Community Bonus Credit for 2024 is open! To maximize your chance of getting the bonus credit, we encourage you to apply before June 27th. Download our flyer to learn more

Tell us about your Direct Pay project! Share your story with our partners:

Educational Webinars on IRA Direct Pay

With local elected champions leading the way, we have a historic opportunity to expand publicly-owned renewable energy for cleaner, healthier communities and good jobs with Direct Pay. Hosted in collaboration with the Local Progress Impact Lab, this webinar explains how cities, counties, and schools can seize this opportunity.

In 2024, state policymakers have a historic chance to jumpstart clean, publicly owned energy and good green jobs by making the most of funds available through the Direct Pay program. Co-hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC), this briefing will show state champions how they can bring Direct Pay to their communities.

The CPC Center provides robust Technical Assistance in a variety of capacities. Those include:

  • General intake and needs assessment for your project: Fill out our intake form as a first step.

  • Education: We help entities and community groups understand how Direct Pay tax credits work and assess the tools they need for project success. We also conduct educational briefings and presentations for organizations who want to inform their community about Direct Pay.

  • Campaign strategy: We support grassroots groups advocating for clean energy projects in their communities with campaign strategy, organizing strategy, campaign materials, and other support. 

  • Project financing ideas: While we do not provide financing, we can help eligible entities navigate financing options and direct them toward potential grants or other funding opportunities. 

  • Labor requirement compliance and high-road labor standards: We help entities understand the labor requirements and find union partners.

  • Policy support: We provide policy ideas for public officials interested in best practice models to support access to direct pay through resolutions, revolving loan funds, grant funds, local technical assistance programs, and more. 

  • Referrals: We provide referrals to our network of partners who specialize in legal support, best labor practices, and more. Contact us at directpay@progressivecaucuscenter.org for more information on our referral partners. 

The information and resources on this website and the technical assistance services are provided as a public service. CPC Center updates the website as frequently as possible but assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site or the technical assistance services. If you want more information, please also refer to the IRS website at: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/elective-pay-and-transferability

  • The information contained on our website has been prepared by staff at the CPC Center. The information should not be regarded as rendering legal advice to any person or entity. It reflects the CPC Center’s understanding of various subjects and is intended as general background information, not to serve as legal advice based on the specific facts of any particular organization or circumstances or as a legal opinion.  It is not privileged and does not create an attorney-client relationship and you should not act, or refrain from acting, based upon any information provided. In addition, the information contained on this website may not be comprehensive or reflect the most current legal developments on any particular issue.The information is not a substitute for advice from qualified counsel and we recommend that counsel should be consulted for legal advice. 

    For articles posted on the website, the articles are designed to give general information on the developments covered, not to serve as legal advice related to specific situations or as a legal opinion. Counsel should be consulted for legal advice.

 If you see any outdated or missing information, contact us at directpay@progressivecaucuscenter.org with the subject "[Resource Name] Update”