Oregon receives $197 million for green energy projects from EPA

(The Center Square) - The United States Environmental Protection Agency (will provide Oregon with $197 million from the taxpayer-funded federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Governor Tina Kotek said in a statement. “When I was Speaker of the House, I fought for ambitious GHG reduction goals. This investment is not only an affirmation of Oregon’s collective efforts to combat climate change, but a significant down payment on our ability to meet our reduction goals with a statewide approach. I want to thank Oregon’s congressional delegation for their partnership in making this key investment happen.”Oregon will use the new grant to implement measures from its Priority Climate Action Plan .These greenhouse gas reduction measures fall into three categories: transportation, waste management, and residential and commercial buildings."The work plan lays out 12 critical measures that will accelerate Oregon’s emission reduction efforts for a vibrant environment, for the health of communities across the state, and for a more sustainable future," the release said.Meredith Connolly, Director of Policy and Strategy for Climate Solutions, cheered the federal government's decision to provide Oregon with this funding.“Governor Kotek and our state agencies have demonstrated outstanding leadership in securing this highly competitive federal grant,” Connolly said. “This level of funding will enable investments in every corner of Oregon, making clean energy solutions more affordable, our air cleaner, and our economy greener. By transitioning to electric cars, buses, trucks, and heat pumps - all powered by renewable energy - we are also increasing our communities’ long-term resilience in the face of rising wildfire threats and extreme heat. Our organization along with many others, stand ready to support the state’s implementation to ensure a swift reduction of climate pollution, with a strong focus on benefiting frontline communities and lower-income Oregonians across the state.”The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, and the money Oregon received was one of 23 grants awarded this week, totaling $4.3 billion, according to a press release from the EPA .The EPA estimates that all the projects combined will cut greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. That's about the equivalent of the emissions from five million homes annually for 25 years, the release said.“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,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said. “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.”One can read Oregon’s Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant Workplan Narrative here.