The Environmental Protection Agency finalized winners of a competitive grant program allotting $4.3 billion to help states curb greenhouse gas emissions — a move that comes as the agency races to finalize disbursement of funds from Democrats’ 2022 climate law.
The EPA announced Monday it has selected 25 applicants that will fund projects in 30 states to cut pollution in various sectors, such as transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, agriculture and lands, and waste and materials management. The funds make up the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to help states tackle climate change. The announced grantees represent a second tranche of funds from the program. The first tranche of funds helped states and cities develop climate action plans.
“President Biden’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities,” said John Podesta, a senior Biden climate adviser. “These grants will help state and local governments improve the air quality and health of their communities while accelerating America’s progress toward our climate goals.”
The finalized funds come as the Biden administration is racing to get money out the door that was allotted through the IRA, along with the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. The measures, along with the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and the 2021 pandemic relief legislation, are all the cornerstones of Biden’s legacy — but are predicated on funds within the laws being rolled out. A second Trump term could run the risk of upheaving the rollout of these laws, with former President Donald Trump threatening to overturn what he calls Biden’s “Green New Scam.”
The EPA estimated the proposed projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050, which is roughly equivalent to the emissions stemming from the average energy use of 5 million homes each year for over 25 years. The projects aim to help reach the Biden administration's goals of reducing climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions no later than 2050.
The EPA picked its grantees through a competition that involved nearly 300 applications. Many of the recipients are local government entities. For example, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will fund measures to increase the adoption of climate-focused methods for agriculture to help reduce waste from livestock. The funds will also work to improve energy efficiency in facilities and households, along with deploying solar and electrifying irrigation wells.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
However, the number of grants falls below the previous number EPA estimated for the program, which was between 30 to 115.
EPA expects for funds to be given to recipients later this fall. The agency will also announce up to an additional $300 million in selections for tribes and territories later this summer.
Most Popular
Comments / 0