Energy and Environment Innovation Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why are DEQ, City of Fort Smith, Metroplan, and NWARPC developing an Energy and Environment Innovation Plan?
Developing an Energy and Environment Innovation Plan will enable state and local government agencies in Arkansas to compete for $4.6 billion in federal implementation grants provided under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. In addition, the plan will provide information for state and local government agencies in Arkansas to help make their applications under other federal grants targeting clean energy and sustainability practices more competitive. DEQ, City of Fort Smith, Metroplan, and NWARPC are partnering because each of these agencies submitted a notice of intent to participate in Section 60114 planning grants and will be able to achieve more together than each agency alone.
2) How can I stay connected during the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan Development Process?
Sign up for our email list to receive updates. These updates will be provided periodically and may include public meeting information, public comment period, final submittals, and more.
3) How can I contribute to the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan Development Process?
- Complete the community survey.
- Submit project concepts, program design suggestions, and other ideas to our idea box.
- Attend and provide feedback at Energy and Environment Innovation Planning meetings. Upcoming meetings will be posted to our events and resources page.
- Contact your city and county elected officials about projects that you would like to see in your community.
4) Do I have to be a subject-matter expert to attend sector-specific meetings?
No. We encourage public participation at all of our meetings. Show up when you can. We would love to hear from you!
5) How will measures included in the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan be funded?
State and local government agencies can apply for Inflation Reduction Act Section 60114 implementation grants and other federal grants to support implementation of measures in the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan.
6) Do the measures included in the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan bind state and local government agencies to meeting any specific emission targets?
No. Nothing in the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan is binding. The plan is intended to be a resource to make grant applications that Arkansas state and local government agencies wish to pursue more competitive.
7) How is the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan development process funded?
DEQ, City of Fort Smith, Metroplan, and NWARPC are funding the development of the Energy and Environment Innovation Plan.