NICE3

The National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE3) programme is a cost-sharing partnership between state offices, industry, and the federal government. The grant programme provides funding to states and their industries for projects that develop and demonstrate advances in energy efficiency and clean production technologies. The programme selects projects through an annual solicitation and competition ensuring the selection of highest benefit projects. State and industry partnerships are eligible to receive a one-time grant of up to $525 000. The industrial partner may receive a maximum of $500 000 in federal funding. Non-federal cost share must be at least 50% of the total cost of the project. In total, NICE3 has sponsored over 100 projects, with more than half going to small businesses. Since 1991, NICE3 has leveraged $26.3 million in federal funds, with $81.8 million in state and industry funds.