Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that King County, Washington, will receive a $49,999,975 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This grant is part of a broader initiative where 25 selected applications will share $4.3 billion in funding aimed at addressing climate change, reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
King County's application focuses on reducing operational emissions from existing multifamily and small commercial buildings across four counties: King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish. The project aims to lower embodied carbon emissions in new building construction and create systems for reusing wood at the end of a building’s life to avoid additional emissions.
“Every community is feeling the impacts of climate change,” 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.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine expressed enthusiasm about the grant: “We’re leading on climate action by cutting emissions... Thanks to this funding from the EPA, King County will be able to work with local governments throughout the region to reduce climate pollution.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell emphasized collaboration: “This critical grant is an example of local, regional, and federal agencies coming together... Seattle is grateful to have worked closely with King County on this funding proposal.”
Representative Derek Kilmer highlighted the significance of federal support: “These funds will help local communities and tribes expand transportation electrification... I’m proud to have supported this proposal.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal also voiced her support: “I am thrilled to have helped secure more than $49 million... This is good not only for folks’ wallets but for the air we breathe.”
Christine Cooley from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency underscored regional cooperation: “Regional collaboration against climate change is our best way to create substantial protections... The large scale of climate mitigation projects coming from this funding underscores the power of that regional coordination.”
The EPA's selection process involved reviewing nearly 300 applications requesting almost $33 billion in funding. The 25 chosen projects are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 148 million metric tons by 2030 and by 971 million metric tons by 2050.
Further announcements regarding additional selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories are expected soon. These grants aim not only at reducing harmful pollution but also at spurring economic growth through new opportunities in clean energy industries.
EPA plans to award these funds later this year after fulfilling all legal and administrative requirements.
