Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $3 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant for the Hudson Valley Regional Council as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This grant aims to implement community-driven solutions to address climate change, reduce air pollution, promote environmental justice, and advance clean energy.
The project proposed by the Hudson Valley Regional Council focuses on reducing fugitive methane emissions from closed landfills using biofilters. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to global warming. The program will also provide technical assistance for future installations of solar arrays, battery storage systems, and native pollinator gardens to support ecological restoration.
“EPA is thrilled to partner with the Hudson Valley Regional Council on its proposed program to reduce climate pollution and help bring down methane gas from landfills across New York,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of this federal grant: “This critical federal grant, created by the Inflation Reduction Act I led to passage, will enable the Mid-Hudson Municipal Landfill Emissions Mitigation program to utilize biofilters to reduce the noxious and potent methane emissions from closed landfills.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed her support: “I am thrilled to see that the Hudson Valley Regional Council has been selected for this grant to reduce fugitive methane emissions and help protect Hudson Valley communities from pollution.”
Representative Pat Ryan highlighted the urgency of addressing greenhouse gas pollution: “With the Hudson Valley experiencing yet another historic heat wave, the health of our families and climate can’t wait any longer. We have to act now to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.”
The EPA made its selections through a competitive process, reviewing nearly 300 applications requesting almost $33 billion in funding. Twenty-five projects were selected nationwide, including state, Tribal, local governments, and coalitions.
These projects aim for significant cumulative reductions in greenhouse gases by 2030 and beyond. The EPA estimates these grants could reduce greenhouse gas pollution by up to 148 million metric tons by 2030 and 971 million metric tons by 2050.
The EPA expects further announcements regarding additional funding under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program soon. These efforts align with President Biden’s goal of reducing climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The grants also support President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that disadvantaged communities receive at least 40% of certain federal investments' overall benefits. The funded projects will contribute to building infrastructure for a clean energy future while fostering economic growth and job creation.
EPA plans to award funds later this year after fulfilling all legal and administrative requirements. Many selected projects will complement broader national strategies such as transportation decarbonization, clean electricity goals by 2035, industrial decarbonization roadmaps, climate-smart agriculture efforts, and more.
