Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Blue Lake Rancheria in California for an $11,498,810 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda and aims to combat climate change through a project named “Empowering Tribal Sovereignty: Creating Climate Resilience through Carbon Sequestration.”
The project will focus on expanding a carbon sequestration program for wetland and forest ecosystems by acquiring and restoring coastal and forest land around Humboldt Bay within the Tribe's ancestral territory. This area is vulnerable to sea level rise. The initiative also includes restoring wetland habitats to support sustainable Tribal sovereignty while preserving vital ecosystems.
“The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants being unveiled today will deliver unprecedented resources to Tribes here in California for local solutions that can provide national examples for how to combat climate change,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These investments, which deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, will create jobs and reduce the emissions fueling climate change.”
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla remarked, “California Tribes are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, developing their own solutions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, improve air quality, and bolster climate resilience.” He expressed gratitude towards the Biden-Harris Administration for providing federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to support Blue Lake Rancheria’s efforts.
U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-2) added, “Tribal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, which has ravaged land, water, and cultural resources. This investment from the Biden-Harris administration will give tribes the resources they need to implement their plans to create a more sustainable future and increase tribal sovereignty.”
After reviewing 110 applications nationwide, the EPA selected Blue Lake Rancheria along with 33 other highly competitive applications from various Tribal Nations and territories. These selections aim to implement community-driven solutions addressing climate change while advancing environmental justice and clean energy transitions.
Funded by the historic Inflation Reduction Act, these grants will support greenhouse gas reduction measures identified by Tribal and territorial communities. Collectively, these projects are estimated to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution by over 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050.
This announcement follows previous investments under this nearly $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. In July 2024, $4.3 billion was allocated for CPRG Implementation Grants General Competition selected applicants. Additionally, $250 million in planning grants were provided in 2023 as a basis for proposed greenhouse gas reduction measures.
The selected projects target greenhouse gas pollution across six economic sectors with a focus on transportation, electric power, commercial and residential buildings while promoting workforce development in Indian Country and Northern Mariana Islands.
Today's announcement aligns with President Biden's Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding for Tribal Nations to promote self-determination by reforming federal programs for greater autonomy over how Tribes can invest federal funding.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program also advances President Biden's Justice40 Initiative ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from specific federal investments aimed at combating climate change.
EPA expects to award funds under both competitions later this year after satisfying all legal and administrative requirements.
