Biden administration invests $4.3 billion in local climate initiatives

The Biden administration has announced $4.3 billion in funding for community climate projects, aiming to enhance local sustainability efforts and reduce emissions.

Sarah Raza reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • The Environmental Protection Agency is distributing $4.3 billion to 25 recipients in 30 states for climate action projects.
  • Projects include forest management, energy efficiency, and developing local climate action plans.
  • The funding is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to cut carbon emissions significantly by 2050.

Key quote:

“The grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities.”

— John Podesta, president’s senior adviser for international climate policy

Why this matters:

This funding will help communities transition to cleaner energy, potentially reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the energy use of millions of homes. It also supports job creation and sustainable development, setting a precedent for future climate initiatives.

Extreme high tide and flooded roadway at the dikes of the Dutch coastal works
Credit: Micha Klootwijk/BigStock Photo ID: 55233293

Record-breaking high tides spark chaos – and kayak commutes – across California

Seawater surges into low-lying communities from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area, submerging streets, homes and businesses.

A group of penguins on top of ice floes

Antarctic sea ice decline is triggering global ocean changes

A key layer of water around Antarctica is getting saltier, potentially shifting storm tracks and accelerating sea-level rise, new research shows.
Sea turtle cruising over an underwater seagrass meadow

Seagrass restoration: Can damaged meadows be restored?

Seagrass protects coasts, shelters thousands of species and stores CO2. But some 30% of this valuable ecosystem has disappeared since the late 19th century.

A baby sandpiper standing in a seashell on a beach

As the sea swallows a Nigerian community, migratory bird habitat disappears

Increasingly powerful tides linked to rising sea levels are rapidly eroding the coastline in southwestern Nigeria, damaging local community infrastructure as well as the wetlands that shorebirds rely on.

Chinese-manufactured BYD EVs on display at new dealership in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Credit: Jim Germond/Environmental Health Sciences

I went to Mexico to test-drive the cars Americans can’t buy

Mexico is a showroom for electric cars, with a growing fleet of sleek new vehicles from Chinese brands unknown to Americans.
Photo of hands being warmed on an old-fashioned style radiator.
Credit: DimaBerlin/BigStock Photo ID: 446117279

New batteries that store blistering heat are taking off

Large batteries that store electricity have revolutionized power grids and car markets. Now some start-ups are betting that “heat batteries” could be just as transformative.
Two people running in the rain wearing ponchos outside of a drink stand

Oregon’s extreme climate hazard days have quadrupled over 2 decades, study says

Climate hazards like extreme heat and wildfire smoke are becoming more frequent across the state compared to 20 years ago.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.