Pennsylvania

Note: The 2008 application period has now closed. New RFPs are usually issued during the Spring of each year and interested parties may sign up to be notified of the reactivation on the program website.  
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture initiated the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest program in 2003 to improve air quality, preserve land, protect local watersheds and provide economic opportunities for the state's agricultural community. The initiative finances the implementation of clean and renewable-energy technologies that have measurable benefits in terms of pollution reduction, environmental quality and reduced energy use.  
 
Pennsylvania Energy Harvest’s most recent grant solicitation, issued in April 2008, offers funding for a variety of types of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The solicitation is open to nonprofits, county and municipal governments, school districts, colleges and universities, conservation districts, and incorporated watersheds recognized by the DEP. For profit entities eligible under previous solicitations are no longer eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to apply for Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority (PEDA) Grants or partner with eligible sponsors. The deadline for application submissions is June 20, 2008. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for information about future funding opportunities under this program.  
 
Pennsylvania Energy Harvest grants are intended to address the dual concerns of energy and environmental quality. As such, proposals must simultaneously reduce or supplement the use of conventional energy sources and lead to improvements in water or air quality. Projects must demonstrate direct environmental enhancement of watersheds or result in reductions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter or other toxic air pollutants. Proposals should clearly indicate how environmental quality will be improved and how much energy will be produced or conserved by the project. Beginning in 2008 proposals must quantify the water quality benefits resulting from a proposed project. Projects primarily involved with education, outreach, feasibility, assessment, planning, or research and development will not be considered. Projects that do not address both energy and environmental concerns will not be considered.  
 
As of November 2007, a total of $26 million in grants had been awarded under this program, including $5.4 million for 28 projects in 2007. For information on past grant recipients please consult the program website listed at the top of this page.