Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On July 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the recipients of over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The grants aim to address climate change, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
The 25 selected applications will fund projects across 30 states and one Tribe. These projects target greenhouse gas reduction in six sectors: transportation, electric power, commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste management. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and supports 45 states along with various metro areas, Tribes, and territories in developing Climate Action Plans.
The grants will support technology deployment to reduce greenhouse gases nationwide while building infrastructure for a clean energy future. They are expected to spur economic growth by creating jobs and supporting training programs for workers.
Combined estimates from all selected applicants suggest that these projects could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050—equivalent to the emissions from five million average homes' energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced selections in Pittsburgh alongside Governor Josh Shapiro during the Biden-Harris Administration’s fifth Investing in America tour. Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection received a $396 million grant for its RISE PA project aimed at reducing industrial GHG emissions through competitive grants and incentives for decarbonization projects statewide.
In California, Senator Alex Padilla joined EPA officials to announce nearly $500 million awarded to the South Coast Air Quality Management District for transportation decarbonization efforts.
“President Biden believes in community-driven solutions to fight climate change,” said EPA Administrator Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans...creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
Governor Shapiro emphasized Pennsylvania's commitment: “My Administration is taking real action...and today I’m proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden Administration...we will offer grants for companies working to make their operations more efficient.”
John Podesta, Senior Advisor on International Climate Policy stated: “These grants will help state and local governments improve air quality...while accelerating America’s progress toward our climate goals.”
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the broader impact: “Today’s funding announcement...will support community priorities while animating a race to the top on climate jobs.”
The selection process involved reviewing nearly 300 applications requesting almost $33 billion in funding. The chosen applications include initiatives like Montana's forest management project, Nebraska's climate-smart agriculture measures, New Jersey's EV infrastructure along I-95 Corridor project among others.
State, Tribal, and local 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. The selected projects are expected to deliver significant public health benefits such as improved air quality and reduced exposure to extreme heat while providing economic opportunities particularly in disadvantaged communities.
These grants also advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative ensuring that disadvantaged communities receive substantial benefits from federal investments aimed at addressing climate change.
EPA expects additional announcements later this summer regarding further selections under this program specifically targeting Tribes and territories.
