Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
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Overview
| Anticipated Award Amount | $4,999,999 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians | |
| Application Title | Kituwah Electrification and Decarbonization Collaborative | |
| Sectors | Electric Power Transportation |
|
| Estimated GHG Reductions 1 |
Cumulative 2025‑2030: Cumulative 2025‑2050: |
|
Selected Application Summary
The selected application will develop sustainable energy infrastructure to provide cleaner transportation options, increase climate resiliency, and promote learning in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community. The selected application will develop a solar microgrid and storage system at the Cherokee Boys Club school bus depot, install solar power at Tribal buildings, and install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the town of Cherokee to support the widespread adoption of EVs. The project will help the Tribe achieve ambitious reduction goals outlined in the EBCI Tribal Council’s 2021 Tribal Resolution and initiate transformative progress towards achieving energy resilience, sustainability, and economic development.
Key Things to Know
Based on information provided by the applicant, the selected project will deliver the following benefits to reduce GHGs and support communities 1:
- Purchase and deploy 15 electric school buses and one Class 8 heavy-duty electric truck.
- Develop a 400-kilowatt solar microgrid and 80-kilowatt diesel energy storage system to help power eight fast charging stations to support the electric school bus fleet.
- Construct a 52-kilowatt solar array on the Tribal Council House Complex and a 121-kilowatt solar array on the New Kituwah Academy rooftop.
- Install 20 publicly accessible Level 2 EV public charging stations.
- Enhance energy affordability and equity by providing access to clean, affordable energy options.
Activities and benefits summarized above reflect the measures in Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Priority Climate Action Plan (pdf) (1.4 MB).
1 The emission reduction estimates, as well as the descriptions of measures and benefits, were summarized from information provided by the applicant. These estimates, along with the award amount, are subject to change.
EPA will award grants to selected applicants once they meet all legal and administrative requirements. As of August 2024, grants are expected to be awarded by the end of 2024.
About EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Implementation Grants
Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s CPRG program will provide nearly $5 billion in grants for states, local governments, Tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution while benefitting low-income and disadvantaged communities.
For more information, visit Climate Pollution Reduction Grants.