grants
Nearly all states embrace EPA's climate initiative
In a sweeping movement, 45 states have rallied behind the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program, embracing more than $250 million in federal grants to combat greenhouse emissions, with only five states sitting out.
In short:
- The program, spurred by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, funds strategies for reducing climate pollution while promoting economic opportunities in clean industries.
- Despite all states being eligible, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Wyoming opted out, forfeiting a $3 million allocation each, though cities within these states still participated.
- This initiative supports public health by reducing environmental pollution and aims to cover more than 96% of the U.S. with climate action plans.
Key quote:
"The diversity of ideas and ambitious initiatives from all across the country reflect the seriousness that states and metropolitan areas are bringing to the work of cutting pollution, acting on climate change, and meeting their local objectives."
— Jennifer Macedonia, deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation
Why this matters:
In the last few years it’s become increasingly evident that climate-driven disasters are affecting public health. The EPA’s climate grant funding encourages states to engage in an inclusive approach, advocating for partnerships across governmental levels, non-profits, and the private sector to pool resources and expertise for greater impact.
'Superuser' states devour climate grants as others get nothing
A federal climate grant program has been monopolized by five large states that together have collected half of its money, highlighting an uneven disbursement of government funding that often leaves poorer regions with less financial help to prepare for intensifying disasters.
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After a long pause, New Mexico’s program to distribute grants under a landmark energy transition law is back on track, according to its lead convener.
LaTricea Adams and Felipe Benitez: America must clean up communities harmed by contamination and pollution
By addressing racial disparities in environmental grantmaking and empowering our communities with resources and support, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a cleaner, greener, and more just world.
Iowa rejects more federal money, this time for pollution reduction
Iowa is one of four state governments that missed a deadline last week to participate in the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program.
Community grants help Virginia small businesses trim energy costs – without the red tape
Charlottesville-based Community Climate Collaborative’s latest grant program is helping minority-owned small businesses pay for energy efficient appliances and lighting.