The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a grant of over $1.5 million to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation aimed at reducing climate pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy. The funding, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, was disclosed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 5, 2024.
The Mashantucket Pequot Climate Pollution Reduction Electric Vehicle Implementation Project will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector through the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative includes funding for EV charging stations at government buildings, transitioning the government fleet to electric vehicles, and offering residential rebates for replacing traditional gas-powered vehicles.
"Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris' leadership, today's investment marks one of the largest climate investments EPA has ever made in Tribal and territorial communities. The ambitious projects selected will deploy community-driven solutions to fight climate change and protect public health," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The Tribal and territory leaders selected today will fund innovative projects that improve air quality, deliver cleaner affordable electricity, and create economic and workforce opportunities that can be scaled up and replicated across Tribal lands and U.S. territories."
Regional Administrator David W. Cash emphasized respect for Tribal sovereignty as a cornerstone of their collaboration with Native Tribes: "By investing in projects that matter to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, we're supporting solutions to pollution and seizing opportunities that are important to the Tribe."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his support: "This $1.5 million in federal funding for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe will be hugely impactful in growing the Tribe's clean energy infrastructure." He highlighted transportation as Connecticut's largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy added: "These grants will provide more than $1.5 million in federal dollars to help the Mashantucket Pequot tribe transition to electric vehicles and reduce harmful emissions."
Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, expressed gratitude for the grant: "The Tribe is grateful for the strong leadership exhibited by the Biden-Harris Administration to address climate pollution concerns in Indian country and beyond."
EPA has selected 34 applications from 33 Tribal recipients and one territory application from Saipan in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands under this program funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives aim to tackle climate issues, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and promote clean energy transitions.
The cumulative impact of these projects is expected to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by over 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050—equivalent to emissions from nearly 1.4 million homes' electricity use for one year.
This announcement follows earlier phases where EPA provided $250 million in planning grants in 2023 which formed the basis for current greenhouse gas reduction measures proposed under CPRG implementation grant applications.
Today's investment aligns with President Biden's Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding for Tribal Nations which seeks greater autonomy for Tribes over federal funding investments while making such funds more accessible.
Furthermore, this initiative supports President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aiming for 40% benefits from certain federal investments flowing into disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
EPA reviewed 110 applications requesting over $1.3 billion before selecting final recipients under both Tribes and Territories Competition as well as General Competition later this year after satisfying all legal requirements.
For more information about selected applications or details on CPRG program:
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