Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of approximately $20.4 million in grants to six recipients across Region 2, encompassing New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. The funding aims to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials.
According to EPA estimates, construction materials used in buildings and other infrastructure account for over 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Billions of tons of concrete, asphalt, steel, glass, and other materials are required for building and maintaining infrastructure in the U.S., which leads global production in clean construction materials.
These grants are part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—intended to reduce climate pollution by aiding businesses in measuring carbon emissions linked with extracting, transporting, and manufacturing their products. The grants will also support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Federal Buy Clean Initiative by leveraging the U.S. government’s purchasing power to catalyze demand for clean construction materials used in federal projects.
Recipients include:
- **Pioneer Millworks**: Selected to receive $302,300 for developing environmental product declarations (EPDs) for reclaimed wood flooring and paneling.
- **Cornell University**: Awarded $2,499,999 to address gaps in the deconstruction-to-reuse value chain.
- **HOLCIM US Inc.**: Granted $1,371,814 for launching an EPD Accelerator Project.
- **Rochester Institute of Technology**: Received $1,298,635 to enhance environmental impact data related to post-consumer waste products.
- **Heidelberg Materials US Inc.**: Allocated $5 million for creating a web-based tool assisting ready-mix concrete facilities.
- **Oklahoma State University**: Awarded $9.99 million for establishing a National Center for Sustainable Construction Materials.
EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe emphasized the importance of cleaner construction materials under President Biden's leadership: "These historic investments will expand market access for a new generation of more climate-friendly construction materials."
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia highlighted innovation's role in combating climate change: "These grants will support businesses and institutions as they lead the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials."
New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette expressed gratitude towards these initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic growth.
Senator Bob Menendez commended the allocation towards making American manufacturing more climate-friendly while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand noted that this investment would aid New York State's fight against climate change.
The EPA plans additional technical assistance opportunities across America to help businesses measure and reduce embodied carbon associated with their materials through programs like ENERGY STAR Industrial.
Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022—which provides significant investments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions—the selected projects are expected to receive their funding by late summer upon completion of legal requirements.
