Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of Illinois to receive a $430,251,378 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This grant, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to implement community-driven solutions to address climate change, reduce air pollution, and advance environmental justice.
Illinois plans to use the grant for various initiatives led by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. These initiatives include decarbonization efforts, freight electrification, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy projects. The funding supports Illinois's goal of achieving 100% carbon-free power by 2045.
“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. “Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes.”
EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore praised Governor JB Pritzker for his leadership in drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors including industry, energy production, transportation, and agriculture.
Governor Pritzker highlighted the importance of inclusive progress towards a clean energy future: “When I signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act...this grant award [shows] that their priorities are the same.”
Senator Dick Durbin emphasized the grant’s role in making cleaner air and water a reality for communities burdened by industrial pollution. He noted that these resources will support efforts toward achieving 100% carbon-free power by 2045.
Senator Tammy Duckworth pointed out that this investment aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 initiative aimed at securing environmental justice for all Illinoisans.
Representative Jan Schakowsky described the investment as critical in addressing childhood asthma and improving public health through reduced air pollution.
Representative Bill Foster underscored the importance of protecting the environment for future generations with this significant federal funding.
Other representatives including Mike Quigley, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Sean Casten, Jesús “Chuy” García, Lauren Underwood, Nikki Budzinski, and Eric Sorensen also expressed their support for the grant’s potential to improve air quality and create jobs through clean energy initiatives.
The EPA made its selections through a competitive process involving nearly 300 applications requesting almost $33 billion in funding. The selected projects aim to achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond.
Additional selections under this program are expected 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 also support broader federal actions such as transportation decarbonization efforts and achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 among other national climate strategies.
