Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced over $18 million in grants to support clean manufacturing of construction materials across New England. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed that four recipients in the region will receive these funds as part of a broader national initiative, totaling nearly $160 million, aimed at reducing climate pollution from construction material manufacturing.
The EPA estimates that construction materials contribute to over 15 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. The grants are part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which seeks to lower carbon emissions and promote clean energy practices.
"These historic investments will expand market access for a new generation of more climate-friendly construction materials, and further grow American jobs that are paving the way to the clean energy economy," said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe.
David W. Cash, Regional Administrator, emphasized the dual benefits: "Jobs, workforce development, a healthier environment—by supporting the development and use of cleaner construction materials, we are improving the quality of life in our communities and at the same time combating climate change."
GO Lab, Inc., based in Maine, will receive $418,420 to develop environmental product declarations (EPDs) for their wood fiber insulation products. This project aims to capture comprehensive data on energy and raw material usage.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is set to receive $6,371,426 for activities spanning Massachusetts, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Their project focuses on reducing environmental impacts through enhanced EPDs for steel products.
Holcim US, Inc., awarded $1,371,814 for work across multiple states including Massachusetts and Texas, aims to increase transparency around environmental emissions from cement and concrete production.
Oklahoma State University will receive $9,990,311 to establish a National Center for Sustainable Construction Materials. This initiative includes collaboration with several universities and focuses on promoting low carbon construction materials nationwide.
These grants align with the Federal Buy Clean Initiative which seeks to leverage government purchasing power to demand cleaner construction materials for federal projects. The funding is expected by late summer after legal requirements are met.
The initiatives under this grant program aim not only at reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also at bolstering American jobs by fostering a sustainable economy.
###
