nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, installed a geothermal heat pump system to address overheating issues. This system, which uses cooler underground temperatures, has significantly improved the school's environment, reducing the number of students visiting the nurse's office due to heat-related issues. The installation was part of a broader trend, with many schools across the U.S. updating their heating and cooling systems, supported by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The improved air conditioning has also positively impacted students' mental health and allowed the school to host summer classes for the first time. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role schools play in providing safe and comfortable environments amid climate change.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $1.52 billion loan guarantee to Holtec Palisades for the restoration and restart of an 800-MW nuclear generating station in Michigan.

The Village of Baroda, Michigan has seen a huge benefit from solar installed thanks to incentives from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant combined with clean energy tax credits, both made possible by the Biden-Harris clean energy plan.

Detroit: LuxWall is investing in energy-efficient glass manufacturing, creating jobs in a former coal plant location.

In July 2024, General Motors received a $500 million grant, funded by the clean energy plan, to convert its Grand River Plant in Lansing for EV manufacturing. The grant and an additional $900 million investment by GM will retool production lines at the facility for EV production. The conversion allows the facility to retain 650 workers represented by United Auto Workers Local 652 and add 50 additional jobs at the factory. Lansing’s Mayor, Andy Schor, said the investment meant that “Lansing will continue to put the world on wheels, now and for decades into the future.”

The A.B. Ford Community Center in Detroit has been transformed into a solar-powered resilience hub through a partnership between the City of Detroit and two nonprofits. This center, equipped with solar panels and battery storage, provides essential services like food, water, and power during crises such as floods and power outages. The project, which costs $669,000, aims to save the city 15-20% on electricity bills and offers a safe gathering place for residents during disasters. The initiative is part of broader efforts to build community resilience in the face of climate change.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has allocated $78 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds over five years, beginning in fiscal year 2023. With this funding, they’ve awarded $23 million across 53 projects, fully building out the Alternative Fuel Corridors.

To grow this domestic supply, Corning, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Solar Technology, LLC, plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Richland Township in Saginaw County with an investment of up to $900 million. The project is expected to create over 1,100 jobs, with starting wages expected to exceed the median wage for the region. Additionally, employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package.

In February 2024, SK Siltron CSS received a $544 million conditional loan commitment from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office to expand its silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Bay City.

10 learnings and 10 homeowner and contractor stories. Plus, recommendations for policymakers and peers in the energy efficiency ecosystem.