Our nation’s clean energy transition will affect communities across Wisconsin, but with the right partnerships, communities across the state can drive the change and reap the benefits of clean energy implementation. With readily available federal funding to assist nationwide energy goals, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we want to align our community values and novel research technologies with the opportunities available. Leveraging our diverse partnerships, we hope to reach the far corners of the state with solutions matched to individual community needs.
MIDWEST TRIBAL ENERGY RESOURCES ASSOCIATION (MTERA)
MTERA, composed of 23 Member Tribes, unites Midwestern Tribal Nations in their shared objective of respecting the Earth. To achieve this, MTERA enables individual Tribes to leverage the collective strength and wisdom of Tribal Nations across the Midwest to unlock sustainable clean energy solutions that work for them.
Read moreWe recognize the continuing impact of historical injustices on Tribal Nations throughout the United States—including in Wisconsin—and respect the inherent sovereignty of Midwestern Tribes. In our partnership with MTERA, we want to support the clean energy initiatives decided in and prioritized by Tribal communities. Through two-way learning and engagement, we are committed to creating an equitable partnership focused on supporting Tribal energy independence and self-determination.
This partnership allows us to:
- Amplify Tribal voices as communities advocate for energy solutions aligned with their priorities, needs, and goals, using co-discovery and development as a foundation for the partnership.
- Match available funding opportunities to Tribal energy goals, connecting community-driven priorities, academic technical knowledge, and statewide partners to secure federal funds.
- Support and facilitate the grant application efforts of individual Tribal Nations—from identifying relevant grants, to helping write and edit proposals, to providing access to an expansive network of communities and stakeholders.
“We believe that energy sovereignty is a key component of Tribal self-determination and resilience. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our communities."
Jake Glavin, MTERA executive director, on MTERA's partnership with CECI
THRIVING COMMUNITIES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (TCTCAC)
With a litany of federal funding opportunities—including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the American Rescue Plan—available, resources are more accessible than ever, especially for rural and Tribal communities. By tapping into our region’s technical assistance hub: the Great Lakes Environmental Justice TCTAC, one of two hubs serving the five states and 35 Tribal Nations in EPA Region 5, we can bring resources to communities in Wisconsin that need them the most. The Clean Energy Community Initiatives further partnering with the UW-Madison Extension Energy on Wisconsin program to expand our reach and impact across the state.
This partnership allows us to:
- Ensure federal funding is properly allocated to underserved communities, helping clean up legacy pollution, develop access to clean energy, and stimulate local economies.
- Support communities as they seek and secure federal funding, providing assistance in proposal development, grant writing, and identification of matching funds when necessary.
- Leverage region-wide networks to develop connections, access resources, and address community priorities.
Together, we want to execute the commitments made in the federal Justice40 Initiative, which requires an allocation of at least 40 percent of federal funding, including for clean energy initiatives, to historically marginalized and underserved communities. In Wisconsin, we want to ensure the benefits of these opportunities reach rural areas, disadvantaged communities, and Tribal Nations.
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