Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the City of New Orleans will receive $49,975,589 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This funding aims to implement community-driven solutions to address climate change, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and support the transition to clean energy.
The proposed project in New Orleans includes measures such as improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting energy efficiency in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” 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, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help the City of New Orleans implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”
Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02) emphasized the importance of this grant for environmental resilience efforts: “I'm excited to announce this grant, which is a monumental step for environmental and climate resilience efforts. It will enable New Orleans to implement critical greenhouse gas reduction measures... The planned projects demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving substantial GHG reductions and improving quality of life.”
Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted how this funding aligns with local climate action goals: "As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change... This grant represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of our city."
The EPA selected 25 applications through a competitive process from nearly 300 submissions requesting almost $33 billion in funding. These selected projects are expected to achieve significant cumulative greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond.
EPA expects additional announcements later this summer regarding up to $300 million for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories under this program.
These grants are part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at ensuring 40% of benefits from federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
The funds will support various projects across sectors including transportation decarbonization, clean electricity by 2035 targets, zero emissions construction practices by 2030, industrial decarbonization roadmaps among others.
For more information on selected applications or details about CPRG program visit EPA's website or connect with Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on social media platforms.
