Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Michigan will receive a $129,104,391 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The grant aims to implement community-driven solutions to address climate change, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will lead the project. It plans to provide incentives and technical assistance to local and Tribal governments to expedite the siting, zoning, and permitting of renewable energy projects. This initiative is expected to help Michigan achieve its goal of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy,” 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.”
EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore praised Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy projects across Michigan. Governor Whitmer emphasized Michigan's commitment to clean energy: “Thanks to our congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Michigan, we are ready to launch the Renewables Ready Communities Program.”
Representative Debbie Dingell highlighted the importance of funding critical investments that make a difference in communities: “With this funding... [we] will use community-driven solutions to further tackle the climate crisis by accelerating renewable energy projects across our state.” Representative Dan Kildee noted that this new funding would bring clean energy manufacturing jobs back to Michigan.
Representative Rashida Tlaib stressed the urgency of addressing climate resilience: “My residents are suffering the effects of the climate crisis... I am grateful that the EPA is making this important investment.” Representative Elissa Slotkin remarked on how such investments drive economic growth: “This grant is a huge deal for our state.”
Representative Hillary Scholten expressed enthusiasm about protecting Lake Michigan: “We are thrilled the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investing in preserving our Great Lake for generations.” Representative Shri Thanedar underscored that historically underserved communities would benefit from this investment.
The EPA selected 25 applications from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions through a competitive grants process designed to be fair and impartial. These projects aim for significant cumulative greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond.
The EPA expects additional selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program later this summer. 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 grants support various initiatives including transportation decarbonization, achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, zero emissions construction practices by 2030, industrial decarbonization efforts, buildings decarbonization blueprint efforts in agriculture using nature-based solutions roadmap methane emissions reduction action plan national climate resilience framework among others.
