More than 200 Tribes and four territories have taken a significant step towards combating climate change by publishing climate action plans with financial support from President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this key milestone, highlighting the impact of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program in enabling Tribal and territorial governments to address environmental concerns and build a clean energy future.
Kenneth Martin, Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, "Climate change is an issue that affects Tribes disproportionately... The measures proposed in these plans reflect an incredible opportunity to fight the climate crisis and benefit this and future generations."
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act, is the largest climate investment in U.S. history and aims to support community-driven solutions to the climate crisis. This initiative aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which prioritizes benefits to disadvantaged communities marginalized by pollution and underinvestment.
Under the program, EPA provided grants to states, territories, and Tribes to develop ambitious climate action plans focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These plans, known as Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs), aim to implement activities that address high-priority emission reduction measures while benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The PCAPs submitted by Tribes and territories will pave the way for the second phase of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which includes $4.6 billion in competitive implementation grants. These grants will fund greenhouse gas reduction measures outlined in the PCAPs, further supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and promoting environmental justice.
In the coming months, grant recipients will develop Comprehensive Climate Action Plans that encompass a broader range of emission reduction measures across various sectors. EPA is committed to providing technical support and resources to aid in the planning process, ensuring that the deployment of technologies to reduce harmful pollution is successful nationwide.
Through the collaboration between Tribes, territories, and EPA, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program aims to advance environmental justice, promote Tribal sovereignty, and prioritize public health benefits for overburdened communities. This initiative underscores the collective efforts to address climate change and build a sustainable future for all.
