The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Pueblo of Sandia as one of the selected applicants for funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The Pueblo's project, "Implementing Solutions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions," aims to install a commercial-scale solar photovoltaic system and electric vehicle charging stations at the Sandia Resort and Casino, which is the largest single source of energy consumption on the Pueblo.
“Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, this 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 selected applications 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.”
The selected applications aim to reduce greenhouse gas pollution across six sectors of the economy, focusing particularly on transportation, electric power, and commercial and residential buildings sectors. These initiatives are also expected to spur workforce development and job creation in Indian Country and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
This investment aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations. The order emphasizes respect for Tribal sovereignty by directing agencies to reform federal programs for greater autonomy over how Tribes can invest federal funding. It also aims to make federal funding less burdensome and more accessible for Tribal Nations.
The CPRG program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The agency expects to award funds under both the Tribes and Territories Competition and the General Competition later this year after satisfying all legal and administrative requirements.
For further information about CPRG or community change grants, visit the EPA's website or connect with EPA Region 6 on social media platforms.
