initiative
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California’s low-income housing climate initiative faces budget cuts
California’s plan to reduce building emissions through the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program may see a significant budget reduction.
In short:
- Governor Gavin Newsom proposes a 33% budget cut to California’s Equitable Building Decarbonization Program, initially funded at $922 million, to manage a $38 billion deficit.
- The program aims to replace gas appliances in low-income homes with electric ones, such as heat pumps and stoves, to mitigate climate change without evicting tenants.
- This reduction threatens to exclude a third of the intended beneficiaries, sparking concern among advocates and participants about the future of this climate initiative.
Key quote:
“The real goal from our perspective was to make healthy homes.”
— Alex Jasset, director of energy justice at Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles
Why this matters:
California’s approach involves providing financial incentives, such as grants or low-cost loans, so property owners can replace outdated, gas-powered systems with electric ones, such as heat pumps for heating and cooling. This transition not only supports the state’s climate goals but also ensures that low-income households are not left behind in the green transition.Why housing security is key to environmental justice.
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Newsletter
Credit: Johannes Plenio/Unsplash
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.
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Photo by Nacho Arteaga on Unsplash
Pope Francis and Bill Clinton set discussion on climate change at Clinton Global Initiative
Pope Francis will discuss how to address the world’s pressing issues with former President Bill Clinton to open this year’s Clinton Global Initiative.
www.indianagazette.com
House passes bill to require legislative approval for emissions tax
Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled House of Representatives moved to ensure that it can block Gov. Tom Wolf from imposing a price on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants as part of a multi-state effort, although the bill is destined for a veto.
www.theatlantic.com
Initiative 1631: Will Washington get a carbon tax?
The state could be the first in the union to adopt a carbon tax.
Great Lakes restoration needs our help this week
As News Tribune editorials have been pointing out for nearly a decade, the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative works. And deserves — no, needs — to continue to be allowed to do good.
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