Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman and U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., came together July 21 to announce funding for Fresno, Calif., to support innovative climate projects and reduce pollution.
Guzman and Costa held an event at the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce to make the announcements, which included $20 billion for clean energy and pollution-reducing projects through two programs within the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, as well as a $1 million grant for the Fresno Council of Governments to “tackle climate pollution, promote clean energy and develop strategies to drive local economic growth,” according to an EPA news release.
"This grant will enable the Fresno Council of Governments to enhance its climate action planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution,” Guzman said in the release.
The two programs associated with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will “mobilize private capital for clean energy projects to improve air quality, create good-paying jobs, deliver lower energy costs and revitalize communities that have historically been left behind,” the release stated.
Costa helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act last year, according to the release.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is making significant investments to improve air quality in Fresno County,” Costa said in the release. “This $1 million federal grant will support a robust clean mobility network accessible to all residents, especially those who live in underserved areas. I’m proud to have helped pass this historic law to bring clean, affordable transportation options for the people of the Valley.”
The event also showcased the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce's Bizwerx Business Innovation and Mobility Hub’s innovative rideshare program, which will provide 200 electric bikes, 40 electric vehicles, electric vehicle chargers and two vans that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to serve the Southwest Fresno community, the release stated.
Guzman and Costa made the funding announcements ahead of a Community Convening on Climate Equity event organized by Dream.org, which included discussions on environmental justice funding opportunities and climate equity coordination, according to the release.
