This morning, the EPA announced the majority of the implementation awards for the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. EPA will fund a total of 25 applications comprising 13 states and state coalitions, 11 municipalities and municipal coalitions, and 1 Tribal applicant.
The CPRG implementation grants will help states and local governments address the largest sources of pollution in the nation, including transportation, buildings, industry, and power generation. These are the kind of visionary investments that Vice President Kamala Harris has helped the Biden Administration usher in, funds that will help transform state climate efforts for years to come. Highlights include historic funding to decarbonize Pennsylvania’s industrial sector, and funds to support the implementation of Michigan’s recently passed clean energy laws focusing on clean power generation and siting, as well as multi-state coalitions focused on curbing transportation and building pollution.
In response, Evergreen Action State Policy Advisor Rachel Patterson released the following statement:
“The transformative $4.3 billion investment in state and local climate action announced today will unlock unprecedented progress to equitably curb climate pollution. The CPRG program has already catalyzed climate action around the nation in nearly every state, inspiring historic collaborations that resulted in some of the most ambitious climate plans we’ve ever seen. Now, this implementation funding will turn many of these plans into reality. We’ve been proud to help secure this program in the IRA and work with the administration and states to make it happen. We appreciate the EPA team for ensuring that this program will deliver new reductions in climate pollution alongside tangible benefits for communities across the country.
“For those applications that did not receive funding, it’s up to all of us to ensure these efforts continue. With forthcoming comprehensive plans and through the continued dedication of climate advocates and policymakers, we can ensure these awards live up to their promise and maintain momentum in fostering on the ground efforts to reduce pollution.
“Let’s get to work.”
During IRA negotiations, Evergreen championed funding for the CPRG because states, Tribal nations, and local governments have a central role to play in America’s clean energy transition. Following the IRA’s passage, Evergreen released CPRG implementation guidance for governors and state leaders as well as funding recommendations for EPA as they reviewed applications. Evergreen has continued to track progress on the CPRG program, analyzing the state-level plans submitted earlier this year.
EPA will be announcing awards from the Tribes and territories competition later this year.