Recognizing the unique needs of tribes and tribal communities, the California Energy Commission has set aside funds for a tribal-focused subprogram of the Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program. This subprogram, the EBD Tribal Direct Install Program, will serve buildings in California owned or managed by California Native American tribes or California tribal organizations, and buildings owned by members of California Native American tribes, with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing energy equity.
The Tribal Direct Install program is currently in development. Upon launch, this program will install energy-efficient electric appliances, energy efficiency retrofits, and related upgrades at no cost for buildings owned or managed by California Native American tribes, tribal organizations, or owned by tribal members. Buildings are not required to be located on tribal lands to be eligible for program participation.
September 2022 - Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 209 directing CEC to develop an Equitable Building Decarbonization Program.
May 2023 - Two Tribal Listening Sessions held for input on the design of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program.
August 2024 - Two Listening Sessions held on the scope and design of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Tribal Direct Install Program.
Summer 2025 - Draft guidelines in development.
Summer 2025 (expected) - Draft EBD Tribal Direct Install Program Guidelines released along with additional listening sessions and a public workshop.