The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to receive a $197,181,796 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This grant is part of a broader initiative where 25 applications were chosen to receive a total of $4.3 billion in funding aimed at addressing climate change, reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and promoting clean energy.
Oregon's "Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action" grant will target greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors through various programs. These include incentives for electric vehicles and charging stations, building decarbonization efforts, food waste reduction initiatives, and methane reduction from landfills. These measures align with Oregon’s goals for sustainable approaches to combating climate change.
“Every community is feeling the impacts of climate change, from heat waves and drought conditions to increased wildfire smoke and severe winter storms. We must act collaboratively to reduce carbon emissions and to address the adverse impacts on people’s health and our economic prosperity,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is partnering with states and local communities to make the largest investments ever in green buildings, clean energy transportation, and climate justice.”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a critical strategy against climate change. “When I was Speaker of the House, I fought for ambitious GHG reduction goals. This investment is not only an affirmation of Oregon’s collective efforts to combat climate change but a significant downpayment on our ability to meet our reduction goals with a statewide approach.”
Senator Jeff Merkley highlighted the urgency in transitioning to clean energies: “As climate chaos intensifies, we must act boldly and quickly... This major federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will give Oregon more tools in the toolbox to meet the state’s climate goals.”
Senator Ron Wyden also supported these investments: “It’s as clear as Crater Lake that clean, renewable energy and smart decarbonization strategies are vital ingredients for a healthy, prosperous country.”
Congresswoman Andrea Salinas expressed pride in securing this funding: “Climate change poses an existential threat... This grant will ensure that we continue to make progress in the fight against climate change.”
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici underscored the importance of investing in underserved communities affected by pollution: “I’m grateful to have helped Oregon secure this significant funding... The time to act on climate is now.”
Representative Val Hoyle echoed similar sentiments: “Tackling the climate crisis is a team effort... Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, $197 million is headed to Oregon.”
The EPA selected these projects through a competitive process involving nearly 300 applications requesting close to $33 billion in funding. The chosen projects come from states, Tribes, local governments, and coalitions aiming for substantial greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond.
In addition to these grants, EPA plans to announce up to $300 million more under its Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes and territories soon.
These grants aim not only at reducing harmful emissions but also at supporting economic growth through new industries and job creation while preparing workers via training programs.
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