Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the City of New Haven have been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. These grants are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, aimed at tackling climate change, improving air quality, and advancing environmental justice.
The EPA announced that three applications benefiting Connecticut will receive over $700 million in total funding. The New England Heat Pump Accelerator coalition application, led by DEEP, has been awarded a $450 million grant. The City of New Haven will receive nearly $9.5 million for its networked geothermal system project at Union Station. Additionally, DEEP is a partner in another coalition application led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which has been awarded $248.9 million for deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure along I-95.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy." He emphasized that the grants would fund sustainable agriculture, clean industrial technologies, emissions reduction in homes and commercial buildings, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash highlighted the collaborative nature of these projects: "Today's announcement underscores our commitment to addressing the climate crisis head-on through collaborative, community-driven solutions."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal noted the significant impact of this federal investment on environmental justice and equity: "It enlists and empowers forces of environmental activism in communities disregarded far too long."
Senator Chris Murphy praised the grants as major wins for Connecticut: "They will lower energy costs by helping more people install heat pumps...and provide major upgrades to Union Station."
Representative John Larson added that this funding supports a clean energy future while creating good-paying jobs across New England.
Representative Joe Courtney applauded DEEP's leadership in advancing energy efficiency and cutting emissions.
Representative Jim Himes emphasized that these efforts are critical to removing economic barriers to a clean-energy economy.
Representative Jahana Hayes expressed gratitude for prioritizing historic investment in climate action through these grants.
Governor Ned Lamont highlighted that this funding enables equitable participation in the green economy: "This multi-state initiative will also enable more equitable participation in the green economy."
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes expressed enthusiasm about expanding heat pump technology across New England: "Cold-climate heat pumps are several times more energy efficient than even the most efficient fossil fuel heating systems."
The EPA's rigorous selection process reviewed nearly 300 applications requesting almost $33 billion in funding. The 25 selected applications from states, local governments, Tribes, and coalitions will implement local and regional solutions designed to achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program advances President Biden's Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit from federal investments aimed at reducing pollution and promoting clean energy.
Further announcements regarding additional selections under this program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories are expected later this summer.
