EPA Grants from Inflation Reduction Act Will Help States and Communities Deliver Cuts in Climate Pollution

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 1, 2023) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $250 million in grants for states, local governments, Tribes and territories to develop plans to cut climate and local air pollution. This first batch of funding is part of the $5 billion Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, created under the historic Inflation Reduction Act. These grants will cover a range of climate planning functions such as staffing, contracting, assessing state needs, and engaging with stakeholders, while the second round of grants will support local leaders in carrying out their plans to secure reductions in greenhouse gas pollution. 

“The Biden-Harris administration is swiftly delivering resources Congress provided for states, cities and tribal communities to elevate their fight against climate change,” said Pam Kiely, Associate Vice President for U.S. Climate at EDF. 

“States and communities on the frontlines of intensifying storms, droughts, wildfires and heat waves understand these impacts threaten our health and security — and they have a leading role to play in building a safer and stronger future for our country.  

“As state and local leaders leverage these new planning grants, they should prioritize developing action plans that include enforceable regulations and policies that will deliver swift, deep and concrete reductions in climate pollution. Progress at the state and local level will be critical to closing the gap to our national emissions goal in 2030. Alongside cuts in climate pollution, leaders should pursue strategies to improve air quality for low-income communities and communities of color that have borne and continue to bear a disproportionate share of harmful pollution. 

“With a wave of new climate investments flowing in from Congress, state and local leaders have a golden opportunity to supercharge progress on unleashing clean energy jobs, building healthier communities and driving down pollution to safer levels. Now is precisely the moment to turn pledges into policies that deliver.” 

Read more about EDF’s recommendations for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant program here.