In a significant move under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the recipients of more than $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. This funding is specifically earmarked to bolster community-driven initiatives that combat climate change, reduce air pollution, promote environmental justice, and expedite the shift towards clean energy.
The selected projects, spanning 30 states and one Tribe, are designed to target greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions across six critical sectors: transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, agriculture/working lands, and waste management. The CPRG program presents a historic opportunity for states to enact transformative measures to curb pollution and propel clean energy endeavors forward.
From Michigan to New Jersey, and Montana to Minnesota, states are set to receive essential funding to actualize their innovative climate strategies and effect substantial changes in their climate action plans. The grants aim to bolster local climate efforts by facilitating the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce GHG emissions and other pollutants, while also fostering the development of infrastructure, housing, and industries crucial for a sustainable energy future.
The amalgamated efforts of the awarded projects are poised to achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. Projections indicate that these initiatives could potentially slash up to 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, akin to the annual emissions from 5 million average homes over a span exceeding 25 years.
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi hailed the program announcement, emphasizing its role in supporting community priorities and catalyzing climate progress across various sectors. Zaidi highlighted the program’s focus on achieving milestones like transitioning to 100% clean electricity, reducing super-pollutants such as methane, and leveraging nature’s potential in combating climate change.
The EPA’s selection process for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants was rigorous and competitive, with nearly 300 applications vying for a share of the funding. The 25 chosen applications, representing a mix of states, local governments, and coalitions, are poised to implement localized and regional solutions to the climate crisis, with many projects scalable to serve as models for other entities tackling climate change.
The 25 grant recipients comprise 13 state or state coalition projects, 11 municipal or municipal coalition projects, and one project for Tribes, reflecting a diverse commitment to addressing climate challenges at various governmental and community levels. The grants are part of the EPA’s broader efforts to support President Biden’s goal of cutting climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan is set to announce the selections in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, alongside Governor Josh Shapiro. Notable projects include Pennsylvania’s RISE PA initiative, which aims to reduce industrial GHG emissions through grants and incentives for decarbonization projects, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s allocation for transportation and freight decarbonization, including funding for electric charging infrastructure and zero-emission freight vehicles.
The grants also align with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to direct 40% of the benefits from certain climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities grappling with high pollution levels and underinvestment. The EPA plans to disburse the funds later this year, pending the fulfillment of all legal and administrative prerequisites.
States are encouraged to synchronize their programs with broader climate objectives and federal standards, such as air quality and emissions targets, to maximize benefits like workforce development, reduced consumer bills, and enhanced housing and transit. Effective program development necessitates active stakeholder engagement and coordination across municipal, regional, and national levels to optimize benefits and meet pollution reduction targets.
The EPA’s allocation of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants signifies a pivotal stride in U.S. climate action, funding a diverse array of projects nationwide to significantly curtail greenhouse gas emissions and expedite the transition to clean energy. These investments hold the promise of delivering substantial environmental and public health benefits, furthering President Biden’s climate objectives.
