The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $7.7 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The grant aims to fund projects focused on sustainable energy infrastructure, cleaner transportation, and enhanced resilience.
Jeaneanne Gettle, Acting Region 4 Administrator for the EPA, announced the award alongside Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben at a press event in Choctaw, Mississippi. Gettle stated, “We are excited to announce the award of this Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The projects funded by this grant will bring substantial environmental, economic, and health benefits to the Tribe and set a powerful example for communities across the nation.”
Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben expressed gratitude towards the EPA and acknowledged the role of their Office of Environmental Protection in securing the grant. “I first want to thank the EPA for this award and our Office of Environmental Protection for writing this grant that will now make a positive impact in their program and in homes of some of our Tribal Elders,” said Ben.
The projects will impact approximately 11,000 Tribal members and 2,300 residential units across Choctaw Tribal lands. Specifically, 250 residences belonging to Tribal elders and disabled individuals will benefit from these initiatives.
The CPRG Implementation Grant will support four main greenhouse gas reduction measures: installing solar heat pumps, upgrading appliances, enhancing biodiesel production, and improving recycling capabilities. These efforts are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 41,413 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) from 2025 to 2050.
Solar-driven heat pumps will be installed in residential homes to provide cooling during hot summers while reducing electricity costs. This project is projected to cut GHG emissions by 8,599 MT CO2e by 2050.
Outdated appliances will be replaced with energy-efficient electric models in at-risk households first. This initiative aims for a reduction of 13,129 MT CO2e in GHG emissions by 2050.
Recycling operations will be upgraded with new equipment to improve efficiency and reduce waste-related GHG emissions by an expected 250 MT CO2e by 2050.
The revitalization of the Choctaw Biodiesel program focuses on processing waste oil into cleaner fuel alternatives. This effort is projected to achieve a GHG reduction of 19,434 MT CO2e by 2050.
Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program provides resources for state and local governments as well as Tribes to work collaboratively on reducing climate pollution under the Biden-Harris administration's guidance.
