((a)) ** In general** Of the total amount made available for each fiscal year to carry out this part, the Secretary shall use not less than 2 percent to provide grants under this section, on a competitive basis, to—

((1)) units of local government (including Indian tribes) that are not eligible entities; and

((2)) consortia of units of local government described in paragraph (1).

((b)) ** Applications** To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a unit of local government or consortia shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a plan of the unit of local government to carry out an activity described in .section 17154 of this title

((c)) ** Priority** In providing grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to units of local government—

((1)) located in States with populations of less than 2,000,000; or

((2)) that plan to carry out projects that would result in significant energy efficiency improvements or reductions in fossil fuel use.