The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the allocation of $328.7 million in Climate Pollution Reduction grants to Colorado, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) will receive $199,705,797, while the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is set to obtain $129,008,738.
The DRCOG project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial buildings within the Denver Metropolitan Area through a zero-emission building initiative. This initiative supports a regional goal of achieving net-zero building-sector emissions by 2050.
CEO's Colorado Decarbonization Accelerator will focus on reducing methane emissions from landfills, coal mines, and natural seepage. Additionally, it will support decarbonization efforts for large commercial buildings and enhance local greenhouse gas reduction policies.
EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker stated, "Our guiding mission is ensuring all people in Colorado have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and the opportunity to live healthy lives." She added that these grants would address pollution affecting communities across the state.
Senator Michael Bennet highlighted that the Inflation Reduction Act made significant investments in climate change mitigation. He said these grants would help decarbonize homes and businesses while addressing methane pollution from various sources.
Senator John Hickenlooper emphasized the importance of continuing investments in cleaner technologies and decarbonization efforts to meet climate goals. He noted that this funding would aid businesses and local governments in reducing carbon emissions.
Representative Yadira Caraveo pointed out her advocacy for securing federal grants due to her experiences with polluted air's health impacts as a physician. Representative Diana DeGette described this funding as crucial for combating climate change effectively.
Representative Brittany Pettersen mentioned that immediate action is essential for addressing the climate crisis and improving public health while strengthening the economy.
Jeff Baker, Arapahoe County Commissioner and Chair of the DRCOG Board, expressed gratitude for federal support enabling bold steps toward reducing climate pollution. Will Toor, Executive Director of CEO, praised local actions' role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan stressed the importance of cutting methane emissions for overall climate goals. She acknowledged EPA's funding as vital for understanding methane emissions better and achieving substantial reductions annually.
The EPA selected 25 applications through a competitive process involving nearly 300 submissions requesting almost $33 billion in funding. These projects aim to achieve significant cumulative greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond. Combined estimates suggest these projects could reduce greenhouse gas pollution by up to 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050.
Additional selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program are expected later this summer for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories.
These measures align with President Biden’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The initiatives also support public health benefits such as improved air quality and energy burden reduction for lower-income Americans while fostering economic development opportunities in disadvantaged communities.
The grants advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit significantly from federal investments targeting climate action and clean energy transitions.
