The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of Minnesota to receive a $199,999,999 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This grant aims to implement community-driven solutions addressing climate change, improving air quality, advancing environmental justice, and accelerating the clean energy transition.
Minnesota plans to utilize this grant for its Climate-Smart Food Systems project, spearheaded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The initiative will focus on decarbonizing food systems to enhance the health and well-being of Minnesotans through peatland restoration, climate-friendly agriculture, energy efficiency, vehicle and equipment electrification, advanced clean fuels, climate-friendly refrigerants, and food waste prevention.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities.”
“The Biden-Harris administration is delivering unprecedented funding and resources to help Minnesota fight climate change, safeguard public health and grow its economy,” added EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA congratulates Gov. Walz for his leadership and innovative plans to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonizing the state’s food system across agricultural, industrial and waste sectors.”
“Minnesota is a national leader in developing sustainable solutions to address climate change,” stated Governor Tim Walz. “This funding will help us continue this work and implement a wide range of improvements to our food system: from climate-smart farming practices to scaling up food waste prevention programs.”
"I am thrilled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has been selected as one of twenty-five grantees through EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program,” commented Rep. Betty McCollum.
The EPA's selection process involved reviewing nearly 300 applications requesting a total of almost $33 billion in funding. The 25 chosen applications come from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions aiming to implement local and regional solutions that can serve as models for others.
Together with these projects' cumulative efforts by 2030 and beyond are expected significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—up to 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050.
Later this summer, EPA anticipates announcing an additional $300 million under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories.
Statewide actions are crucial for meeting President Biden’s goal of reducing climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These measures aim at substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat while providing workforce development opportunities especially in low-income communities.
The grants support President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which ensures that disadvantaged communities benefit from federal investments aimed at reducing pollution.
These funds will facilitate deploying technologies nationwide aimed at reducing greenhouse gases while supporting economic growth through job creation in emerging industries.
