EPA Region 7 Joins City of Lincoln Lead Water Service Line Replacement Kickoff Event in Nebraska
LENEXA, KAN. (JULY 23, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined leaders from the city of Lincoln, Nebraska, as they kicked off the first phase of their Lincoln Lead Water Service Line Replacement work.
The event was held at a residence in Lincoln’s Woods Park neighborhood. The home is one of the initial 200 properties within the city to have its water service line replaced at no cost to the property owner. Lincoln chose these initial 200 homes using EPA-recommended criteria, including property records, blood lead levels in children, social vulnerability data, and the risk of lead exposure due to the amount of lead in service lines.
“Today, I had the chance to see firsthand how EPA’s historic water infrastructure funding is improving the everyday lives of Nebraskans,” McCollister said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with Lincoln and look forward to all the important work to follow. Lincoln’s commendable and important steps to reduce lead exposure serve as a model for communities across our region.”
“Thanks to historic federal resources and our strong partnerships with the EPA and State of Nebraska, the City of Lincoln is leading the way toward making every water service line in our community free of lead and providing safe, healthy water for our children and families for years to come,” said Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.
The lead service line replacement program is part of the city’s Lead Safe Lincoln initiative and is funded through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DW SRF). Through a $32.6 million DW SRF loan, Lincoln plans to replace about 2,000 service lines over the next five years.
In May 2024, EPA announced the latest allotment of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding – over $28 million – to Nebraska for lead service line identification and replacement. Over the past three years, over $85 million dollars in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for lead service line replacements has been allotted to Nebraska’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Background
Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children.
To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), EPA’s $3 billion funding announcement signals another major step to advance this work and the administration’s commitment to environmental justice. This funding builds on the administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative.
Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for American families.
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Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
The event was held at a residence in Lincoln’s Woods Park neighborhood. The home is one of the initial 200 properties within the city to have its water service line replaced at no cost to the property owner. Lincoln chose these initial 200 homes using EPA-recommended criteria, including property records, blood lead levels in children, social vulnerability data, and the risk of lead exposure due to the amount of lead in service lines.
“Today, I had the chance to see firsthand how EPA’s historic water infrastructure funding is improving the everyday lives of Nebraskans,” McCollister said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with Lincoln and look forward to all the important work to follow. Lincoln’s commendable and important steps to reduce lead exposure serve as a model for communities across our region.”
“Thanks to historic federal resources and our strong partnerships with the EPA and State of Nebraska, the City of Lincoln is leading the way toward making every water service line in our community free of lead and providing safe, healthy water for our children and families for years to come,” said Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.
The lead service line replacement program is part of the city’s Lead Safe Lincoln initiative and is funded through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DW SRF). Through a $32.6 million DW SRF loan, Lincoln plans to replace about 2,000 service lines over the next five years.
In May 2024, EPA announced the latest allotment of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding – over $28 million – to Nebraska for lead service line identification and replacement. Over the past three years, over $85 million dollars in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for lead service line replacements has been allotted to Nebraska’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Background
Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children.
To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), EPA’s $3 billion funding announcement signals another major step to advance this work and the administration’s commitment to environmental justice. This funding builds on the administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative.
Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for American families.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
North Carolina and three other Atlantic states to benefit from $421,238,074 Biden-Harris Administration investment for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 23, 2024) - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Atlantic Conservation Coalition – made up of representatives from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland – has been selected to receive a $421,238,074 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.
The proposed project of the Atlantic Conservation Commission, consisting of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will focus on the protection and restoration of coastal, peatland, and forest lands across the four member states.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”
“I’m incredibly excited to see an historic $421 million coming to North Carolina to combat the climate crisis and protect our rich environmental heritage through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program,” said U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02). “I supported our state’s application for this grant and fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver transformative investments that will improve air and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve our environment for generations to come. I’m proud to support this bold initiative and will continue working to create a better, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians.”
“This is a big deal for North Carolina. I’m very glad the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Coalition has received a $421,238,074 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “This federal funding from the Biden Administration will go a long way in promoting a healthy environment, supporting economic growth, and protecting quality of life for North Carolinians.”
“Meaningful action is necessary to combat the growing challenges posed by the climate crisis,” said U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06). “That’s why I’m proud to announce millions in federal funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution in North Carolina. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act I helped pass, North Carolina is helping to lead the fight against climate change.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
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The proposed project of the Atlantic Conservation Commission, consisting of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will focus on the protection and restoration of coastal, peatland, and forest lands across the four member states.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”
“I’m incredibly excited to see an historic $421 million coming to North Carolina to combat the climate crisis and protect our rich environmental heritage through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program,” said U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02). “I supported our state’s application for this grant and fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver transformative investments that will improve air and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve our environment for generations to come. I’m proud to support this bold initiative and will continue working to create a better, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians.”
“This is a big deal for North Carolina. I’m very glad the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Coalition has received a $421,238,074 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “This federal funding from the Biden Administration will go a long way in promoting a healthy environment, supporting economic growth, and protecting quality of life for North Carolinians.”
“Meaningful action is necessary to combat the growing challenges posed by the climate crisis,” said U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06). “That’s why I’m proud to announce millions in federal funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution in North Carolina. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act I helped pass, North Carolina is helping to lead the fight against climate change.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
###
South Carolina to benefit from $429,977,255 Biden-Harris Administration investment for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 23, 2024) - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the South Carolina Central Midlands Council of Governments has been selected to receive a $8,739,181 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. In addition, a coalition application led by the Atlantic Conservation Commission, of which the South Carolina Office of Resilience is a member, has been selected to receive $421,238,074 for projects that would protect and restore coastal, peatland and forest lands in South Carolina and the adjoining states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
The Central Midlands Council of Governments’ proposed project will create a Smart Surfaces + Solar Fund that will provide matching funding for local government projects to install solar power at public buildings and wastewater treatment plants, as well as to promote green infrastructure, urban forestry, and cool pavement pilot projects to reduce urban heat island effects in the region.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
###
The Central Midlands Council of Governments’ proposed project will create a Smart Surfaces + Solar Fund that will provide matching funding for local government projects to install solar power at public buildings and wastewater treatment plants, as well as to promote green infrastructure, urban forestry, and cool pavement pilot projects to reduce urban heat island effects in the region.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
###
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $47 Million for the City of Austin to Develop Community-Driven Solutions to Cut Climate Pollution Across Texas
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 23, 2024) – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the City of Austin will receive $47,854, 062 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.
The selected application led by the City of Austin will assist in expanding transit service and develop consolidated information resources for residents. This selected application will benefit low income and disadvantaged communities, across five counties in anticipation of the construction of a multimodal transportation network, including a light rail system. The selected application is a coalition partnership amongst the City of Austin, the Capital Area Council of Governments, Cap Area Rural Transpiration Service, CapMetro, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help the City of Austin implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“As we combat the climate crisis, this federal funding will help Austin lead the region in protecting our planet and creating a cleaner, greener society. I am pleased to work with the City of Austin, EPA, and all local partners to continue advancing these important efforts to lower our emissions and conserve water," said Rep. Doggett (TX-37).
“Alongside the Biden Administration, we are going to deliver clean air and truly reliable public transportation for the heart of Texas,” said Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35). “This EPA grant will help our families with public transportation throughout Central Texas, while reducing pollution and emissions.”
"The Austin region is on the brink of an exciting and positive new era of mobility with the infusion of billions of dollars into transportation projects. But transformational change will bring some disruption along the way," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. "Working with our regional coalition of transportation agencies, we plan to use this grant to make our transition a little easier and more pleasant for our residents with timely traveler information while also promoting adoption of transit, carpooling, and active transportation, leading to long-lasting impacts on congestion and achieving our mobility and pollution reduction goals," said Mayor Kirk Watson.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
The selected application led by the City of Austin will assist in expanding transit service and develop consolidated information resources for residents. This selected application will benefit low income and disadvantaged communities, across five counties in anticipation of the construction of a multimodal transportation network, including a light rail system. The selected application is a coalition partnership amongst the City of Austin, the Capital Area Council of Governments, Cap Area Rural Transpiration Service, CapMetro, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help the City of Austin implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“As we combat the climate crisis, this federal funding will help Austin lead the region in protecting our planet and creating a cleaner, greener society. I am pleased to work with the City of Austin, EPA, and all local partners to continue advancing these important efforts to lower our emissions and conserve water," said Rep. Doggett (TX-37).
“Alongside the Biden Administration, we are going to deliver clean air and truly reliable public transportation for the heart of Texas,” said Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35). “This EPA grant will help our families with public transportation throughout Central Texas, while reducing pollution and emissions.”
"The Austin region is on the brink of an exciting and positive new era of mobility with the infusion of billions of dollars into transportation projects. But transformational change will bring some disruption along the way," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. "Working with our regional coalition of transportation agencies, we plan to use this grant to make our transition a little easier and more pleasant for our residents with timely traveler information while also promoting adoption of transit, carpooling, and active transportation, leading to long-lasting impacts on congestion and achieving our mobility and pollution reduction goals," said Mayor Kirk Watson.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $49 Million for the City of New Orleans to Develop Community-Driven Solutions to Cut Climate Pollution Across Louisiana
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 23, 2024) – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the City of New Orleans will receive $49,975,589 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.
The City of New Orleans proposed project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors by improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help the City of New Orleans implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“I'm excited to announce this grant, which is a monumental step for environmental and climate resilience efforts. It will enable New Orleans to implement critical greenhouse gas reduction measures, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of all Louisianians. It will also help significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint, promote economic and green job growth, and create a healthier environment. The planned projects, including reforesting underserved neighborhoods to combat urban ‘heat islands,’ expanding the Blue Bikes bike-sharing program, enhancing energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and providing residents with subsidies to install solar on their homes, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving substantial GHG reductions and improving the quality of life in New Orleans,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
"As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change, this substantial funding will fuel seven pivotal greenhouse gas reduction measures that align with a cross section of goals from the City’s Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Priority Climate Action Plan (SELA PCAP),” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of our city and reaffirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. We are excited to lead the way in advancing our climate goals, improving the quality of life for our residents, and setting a powerful example for other cities to follow. Thank you to the EPA and our partners for their unwavering dedication to making New Orleans a more sustainable city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
The City of New Orleans proposed project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors by improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help the City of New Orleans implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“I'm excited to announce this grant, which is a monumental step for environmental and climate resilience efforts. It will enable New Orleans to implement critical greenhouse gas reduction measures, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of all Louisianians. It will also help significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint, promote economic and green job growth, and create a healthier environment. The planned projects, including reforesting underserved neighborhoods to combat urban ‘heat islands,’ expanding the Blue Bikes bike-sharing program, enhancing energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and providing residents with subsidies to install solar on their homes, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving substantial GHG reductions and improving the quality of life in New Orleans,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
"As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change, this substantial funding will fuel seven pivotal greenhouse gas reduction measures that align with a cross section of goals from the City’s Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Priority Climate Action Plan (SELA PCAP),” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of our city and reaffirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. We are excited to lead the way in advancing our climate goals, improving the quality of life for our residents, and setting a powerful example for other cities to follow. Thank you to the EPA and our partners for their unwavering dedication to making New Orleans a more sustainable city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $100 Million for the organization Metroplan to Develop Community-Driven Solutions to Cut Climate Pollution Across Arkansas and Oklahoma
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 23, 2024) – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Metroplan will receive $99,999,999 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.
Metroplan will develop the implementation of shovel-ready, impactful, and transformative projects in Oklahoma and Arkansas. This plan will include the development of green networks to restore lands and promote active transportation and transit. The selected application will support the transition to efficient and electrified transportation and improve building efficiency through a partnership between Metroplan, the City of Fort Smith, and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help Metroplan implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation, and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals. The CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals,” said Executive Director of Metroplan Casey Covington.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Metroplan will develop the implementation of shovel-ready, impactful, and transformative projects in Oklahoma and Arkansas. This plan will include the development of green networks to restore lands and promote active transportation and transit. The selected application will support the transition to efficient and electrified transportation and improve building efficiency through a partnership between Metroplan, the City of Fort Smith, and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help Metroplan implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
“By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation, and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals. The CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals,” said Executive Director of Metroplan Casey Covington.
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
EPA and Partners Celebrate $1M Through Investing in America Agenda for Northern New Mexico Brownfields Programs
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Mexico elected officials celebrated $1 million in Brownfields grants to Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the City of Raton from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Cliff Villa, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management, and Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance presented $500,000 to SFCC for job training and $500,000 to the City of Raton for site assessment. These investments will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, train students for good jobs, and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given more communities than ever the opportunity to invest Brownfields funding to create returns for their environment, families and economy,” said Cliff Villa, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “With these grants, Santa Fe Community College will continue its strong history of preparing students for meaningful environmental work, and the city of Raton will start to see the benefits of redevelopment and revitalization.”
“Communities that bear the burden of contamination from abandoned properties should get the most benefit from the historic levels of funding from EPA’s Brownfields programs. By directly investing in unemployed or underemployed residents, the Santa Fe Community College job training program truly improves students’ lives and the local environment,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “And I’m proud this funding will also help the City of Raton make smart investments to transition their economy to more sustainable industries and clean up their environment at the same time.”
“This is an important step toward a cleaner community for the residents of Ratón and the economic development opportunities in their future,” said U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM). “Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to deliver investments that will pave the way for more economic growth and healthier, safer communities across New Mexico.”
"I am proud to announce $500,000 for the Santa Fe Community College and another $500,000 for the City of Raton as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative,” said U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This substantial investment will enable Santa Fe Community College to offer tuition-free training and placement opportunities, equipping students with essential skills for future employment and bolstering a skilled workforce to benefit our communities. This funding will also support the City of Raton in conducting vital assessment work on several sites previously occupied by key community spaces, revitalizing these areas for future community use."
“This $1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will not only help protect our land, but also create better-paying jobs for New Mexicans. With this funding, Santa Fe Community College will be able to provide tuition-free environmental training and prepare students for impactful climate jobs across our state. In the city of Raton, this funding is the first step in transforming once polluted vacant properties for the local community,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM). “Community investments like these make me proud that I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
“Brownfields grants, like those awarded the City of Raton, are key tools to clean-up contaminated properties which then spark economic investment in the community,” NMED Secretary James Kenney said. “The grant awarded to Santa Fe Community College ensures New Mexicans can train in this work and build careers that improve the health and environment in communities across our state.”
“Santa Fe Community College is deeply honored to receive the $500,000 EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant,” said SFCC President Becky Rowley. “For years, SFCC has been at the forefront of offering EPA Brownfields Job Training, equipping individuals with the skills necessary for meaningful careers. This essential program not only tackles environmental justice issues but also fosters economic growth by providing family-sustaining wages. With this new grant, we can significantly enhance our regional collaborations with community and tribal stakeholders across seven northern New Mexico counties.”
"Raton is very excited to receive this grant. We welcome this opportunity to transition properties from misfortune into success and prosperity. It could not have come at a better time, with Raton soon to be the western connection on Interstate 25 of a major artery of the new Interstate 27. We have several properties from the late 19th through mid-20th centuries that can be cleaned up to support long-term economic growth. Specifically, the money will target areas, such as an old hospital and defunct racetrack, to return them to beneficial use," said City Manager Dr. Rick Mestas.
SFCC’s job training program has a strong history of preparing students for environmental cleanup jobs. This grant will fund tuition-free training for students and help place for graduates in environmental jobs. Interested applicants can find more information about the next training availability here. The City of Raton’s grant will fund assessment work at several sites that previously housed a market, a hospital, and horse-racing track.
Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program visit EPA’s Brownfields webpage.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given more communities than ever the opportunity to invest Brownfields funding to create returns for their environment, families and economy,” said Cliff Villa, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “With these grants, Santa Fe Community College will continue its strong history of preparing students for meaningful environmental work, and the city of Raton will start to see the benefits of redevelopment and revitalization.”
“Communities that bear the burden of contamination from abandoned properties should get the most benefit from the historic levels of funding from EPA’s Brownfields programs. By directly investing in unemployed or underemployed residents, the Santa Fe Community College job training program truly improves students’ lives and the local environment,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “And I’m proud this funding will also help the City of Raton make smart investments to transition their economy to more sustainable industries and clean up their environment at the same time.”
“This is an important step toward a cleaner community for the residents of Ratón and the economic development opportunities in their future,” said U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM). “Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to deliver investments that will pave the way for more economic growth and healthier, safer communities across New Mexico.”
"I am proud to announce $500,000 for the Santa Fe Community College and another $500,000 for the City of Raton as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative,” said U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This substantial investment will enable Santa Fe Community College to offer tuition-free training and placement opportunities, equipping students with essential skills for future employment and bolstering a skilled workforce to benefit our communities. This funding will also support the City of Raton in conducting vital assessment work on several sites previously occupied by key community spaces, revitalizing these areas for future community use."
“This $1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will not only help protect our land, but also create better-paying jobs for New Mexicans. With this funding, Santa Fe Community College will be able to provide tuition-free environmental training and prepare students for impactful climate jobs across our state. In the city of Raton, this funding is the first step in transforming once polluted vacant properties for the local community,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM). “Community investments like these make me proud that I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
“Brownfields grants, like those awarded the City of Raton, are key tools to clean-up contaminated properties which then spark economic investment in the community,” NMED Secretary James Kenney said. “The grant awarded to Santa Fe Community College ensures New Mexicans can train in this work and build careers that improve the health and environment in communities across our state.”
“Santa Fe Community College is deeply honored to receive the $500,000 EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant,” said SFCC President Becky Rowley. “For years, SFCC has been at the forefront of offering EPA Brownfields Job Training, equipping individuals with the skills necessary for meaningful careers. This essential program not only tackles environmental justice issues but also fosters economic growth by providing family-sustaining wages. With this new grant, we can significantly enhance our regional collaborations with community and tribal stakeholders across seven northern New Mexico counties.”
"Raton is very excited to receive this grant. We welcome this opportunity to transition properties from misfortune into success and prosperity. It could not have come at a better time, with Raton soon to be the western connection on Interstate 25 of a major artery of the new Interstate 27. We have several properties from the late 19th through mid-20th centuries that can be cleaned up to support long-term economic growth. Specifically, the money will target areas, such as an old hospital and defunct racetrack, to return them to beneficial use," said City Manager Dr. Rick Mestas.
SFCC’s job training program has a strong history of preparing students for environmental cleanup jobs. This grant will fund tuition-free training for students and help place for graduates in environmental jobs. Interested applicants can find more information about the next training availability here. The City of Raton’s grant will fund assessment work at several sites that previously housed a market, a hospital, and horse-racing track.
Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program visit EPA’s Brownfields webpage.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Intalco to pay $5 million penalty for major Clean Air Act violations at former Ferndale smelter
SEATTLE – Intalco Aluminum LLC of Ferndale, Washington, has agreed to pay a penalty of $5.25 million as part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice that resolves the company’s violations of the Clean Air Act’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.
In November 2019, EPA inspected the Ferndale facility and identified egregious violations of the Clean Air Act. A review of the facility’s records revealed a significant number of instances from 2017 to 2020 when the facility failed to maintain and operate air pollution control systems and exceeded emission limits. EPA also identified hundreds of instances during that time when the facility failed to comply with monitoring requirements, work practice standards, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
The violations resulted in excess emissions of particulate matter and hazardous air pollutants such as carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen fluoride, polycyclic organic matter, metals (e.g., lead, nickel and manganese), and mercury. Exposure to hazardous air pollutants can cause cancer and other serious health impacts.
The settlement is part of EPA’s “Reducing Air Toxics in Overburdened Communities” National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative that aims to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants near overburdened communities.
“While most of us breathe some level of air pollution, some communities have been exposed for decades to pollutants in the air, the water, and on land,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “EPA has prioritized the protection of these communities from facilities that violate laws meant to protect people from industrial pollution. While the Intalco facility is not currently operating, any new operation there should be aware that EPA will do everything it can to enforce environmental and public health laws to protect nearby Ferndale residents.”
Intalco Aluminum LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, is the owner and operator of Alcoa Intalco Works, which became fully idle in October 2020 due to unfavorable market conditions and announced permanent closure in March 2023. Intalco surrendered its Title V Air Operating Permit in December 2023.
Additional details can be found in the
Stipulation of Settlement (pdf)
(374.9 KB)
.
In November 2019, EPA inspected the Ferndale facility and identified egregious violations of the Clean Air Act. A review of the facility’s records revealed a significant number of instances from 2017 to 2020 when the facility failed to maintain and operate air pollution control systems and exceeded emission limits. EPA also identified hundreds of instances during that time when the facility failed to comply with monitoring requirements, work practice standards, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
The violations resulted in excess emissions of particulate matter and hazardous air pollutants such as carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen fluoride, polycyclic organic matter, metals (e.g., lead, nickel and manganese), and mercury. Exposure to hazardous air pollutants can cause cancer and other serious health impacts.
The settlement is part of EPA’s “Reducing Air Toxics in Overburdened Communities” National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative that aims to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants near overburdened communities.
“While most of us breathe some level of air pollution, some communities have been exposed for decades to pollutants in the air, the water, and on land,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “EPA has prioritized the protection of these communities from facilities that violate laws meant to protect people from industrial pollution. While the Intalco facility is not currently operating, any new operation there should be aware that EPA will do everything it can to enforce environmental and public health laws to protect nearby Ferndale residents.”
Intalco Aluminum LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, is the owner and operator of Alcoa Intalco Works, which became fully idle in October 2020 due to unfavorable market conditions and announced permanent closure in March 2023. Intalco surrendered its Title V Air Operating Permit in December 2023.
Additional details can be found in the
Stipulation of Settlement (pdf)
(374.9 KB)
.