Biden-Harris Administration Announces $3 Million to Minnesota to Plan Innovative Projects to Tackle Climate Pollution Across the State
Publilshed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced Minnesota would receive a $3 million planning grant to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the funds from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
“We know that tackling the climate crisis demands a sense of urgency to protect people and the planet,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is a historic opportunity to provide communities across the country with the resources they need to protect people from harmful climate pollution and improve our economy. These Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are an important first step to equip communities with the resources to create innovative strategies that reduce climate emissions and drive benefits across the country.”
On March 17, 2023, Minnesota submitted the state’s intent to participate in the new program. The state will use the funds to support its Climate Action Framework. The framework identifies immediate actions Minnesota must take to achieve a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future for the state. The funds will also be used to conduct meaningful engagement including with low income and disadvantaged communities throughout Minnesota.
“Minnesota is leading the way on combatting climate change and advancing the clean energy economy in the process,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “We’re grateful for federal, state, and local partners who continue to work together to invest in our future – this is good news for Minnesota and the nation.”
Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for an additional $4.6 billion in funding to implement projects and initiatives included in the plans, which Minnesota is eligible to receive. The state can also use this funding to develop strategies for using the other grant, loan, and tax provisions secured by President Biden’s historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to achieve it clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals.
“Climate change is already hurting Americans throughout the country,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Climate Pollution Reduction grants made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act will help urban and rural residents, cities and states become more resilient so that Americans can live in healthy, vibrant communities for generations to come.”
“In order to preserve Minnesota’s lakes and natural beauty for future generations and protect our communities, we need to come together to combat climate change,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help our state take action.”
“If we were to do nothing, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster. The good news is that taking action on climate also presents enormous opportunities,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “This funding, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will help Minnesota build on all the great work we’re doing to cut greenhouse emissions, lower energy bills, and build out a clean energy economy. I look forward to working with state leaders to make sure everyone in Minnesota, especially low-income and other overburdened communities, benefits from these investments.”
“Fantastic to hear Minnesota will receive $3 million through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created by the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Rep. Betty McCollum. “This planning grant will help Minnesota update and expand its existing climate action plan, including outreach with low-income and historically-excluded communities throughout our state. Cutting climate pollution and improving public health is a meaningful investment in our future—exactly the kind of progress I voted for when passing the Inflation Reduction Act!”
“We passed the Inflation Reduction Act last year to accelerate our transition to clean energy and create good-paying jobs for Minnesotans, and I’m working on the Regional Leadership Council to ensure those investments make a difference in our communities,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “Today’s announcement puts Minnesota in a strong position to accomplish our climate and energy goals, and I’ll continue working to deliver for the Second District.”
“Climate change threatens Minnesota’s economy, environment, and way of life, and we’re committed to protecting our communities and treasured forests, rivers, and lakes,” said Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This federal support will allow us to bring everyone to the table — including low-income and communities of color most impacted by the devastating effects of climate change — to advance our climate strategies and ensure all our communities remain healthy and vibrant.”
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Today’s announcement builds on $550 million announced in February for EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program and $100 million announced earlier this year for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.
About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program
The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. These climate plans will include:
- Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
- Emissions projections and reduction targets.
- Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
- Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
- Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
- Future government staffing and budget needs.
In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.
Next Steps
This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs, and projects created by the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.
By summer 2023, EPA regional offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.
More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances
Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
Read the full article at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-3-million-minnesota-plan-innovative-projects
