The Department of Energy released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on October 19 for up to $454 million for state, local, and tribal governments to increase energy efficiency in the building and other sectors.  These are competitive grants under the Recovery Act’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program in two topic areas: (1) the Retrofit Ramp-up Program and (2) the General Innovation Fund. Applications are due December 14, 2009.  For more information, including accessing the Funding Opportunity Announcement, visit http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/about/competitive_grants.html .