42 U.S.C. § 17156 — Competitive grants

(a) In general: Of the total funds available each fiscal year, the Secretary must use at least 2 percent to give competitive grants to (1) units of local government, including Indian tribes, that don't already qualify as eligible entities, and (2) groups of such local governments working together. (b) Applications: To get one of these grants, a local government or group must apply following whatever time, format, and information rules the Secretary sets, including a plan to carry out an activity listed in section 17154. (c) Priority: The Secretary must give priority to local governments (1) located in States with fewer than 2,000,000 people, or (2) planning projects that would meaningfully improve energy efficiency or cut fossil fuel use.