The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Biden administration are seeking feedback on how best to disperse $27 billion in grants for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the agency announced recently.

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) will help finance clean-energy projects by states, local governments, tribes and eligible non-profit financing institutions, the EPA announced  Oct. 21,  "with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities." 

The EPA is asking for public input to "help ensure the (GGRF's) design and implementation reflect input from a variety of diverse stakeholders to ensure the full economic and environmental benefits of this historic investment are realized by all people, particularly those who have been most burdened by environmental, social, and economic injustice." the agency states in the announcement.

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, said in the announcement that the EPA is "eager to hear from stakeholders across the country, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities, whose voices are critical to shaping the Fund and ensuring these historic resources reach people who need them most." 

The EPA's "stakeholder engagement strategy" includes seeking input from experts on program-design questions from the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB); issuing a Request for Information so communities and the public can comment on GGRF plans; and nationwide stakeholder listening sessions for key stakeholders and others to give feedback directly to EPA staff. The agency also is creating a web page as a "one-stop shop" for information on the GGRF.

"The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the adoption of greenhouse gas reducing technologies and position the United States to compete and win the 21st century economy,” Regan said in the announcement. "Coupled with the additional resources from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Fund will deliver environmental and economic benefits across the country.”