Utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act to Empower Frontline Communities in Advancing Local Priorities

By Better Today On Sep 10, 2023

Title: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Opportunities for Community-Based Organizations

Introduction
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest climate investment in U.S. history, with the potential to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030. With over $369 billion allocated for clean energy projects, environmental justice initiatives, and decarbonization efforts in the transportation and energy sectors, this new climate law presents numerous opportunities for community-based organizations (CBOs) serving frontline communities. This article explores two key ways CBOs can take advantage of the benefits within the IRA, including engaging with local and state governments and applying for funding directly from specific programs or in partnership with other eligible entities.

Engaging with Local and State Governments
While many IRA programs have funding allocated for disadvantaged communities (DACs), not all require local and state governments to engage with communities when designing their programs. Therefore, it is crucial for CBOs to find ways to engage with these governments early on to ensure DAC priorities are represented. Some IRA programs offer partnership opportunities, allowing CBOs to work together with local governments or other eligible entities to receive funding and collaborate on program design and implementation. It is essential for CBOs to stay engaged with major IRA programs, such as the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), to ensure DAC priorities are uplifted.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant: Tackling the Climate Crisis
The CPRG, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides funding to states and local governments to create plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. DAC groups have a significant opportunity to contribute to these plans and ensure their priorities are reflected. The CPRG also offers funding for implementation, allowing states and local governments to receive millions of dollars for projects that improve housing, increase access to clean transportation, reduce food waste, support renewable energy, and more.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Financing Solutions
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) within the IRA is a $27 billion fund that aims to support the rapid deployment of zero-emission technologies and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The GGRF requires almost 70 percent of the funding to be spent in low-income communities and DACs. Through the GGRF, local community lenders, such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, and green banks, will provide financing to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits for clean energy projects. Collaboration between GGRF lenders and CBOs is crucial to maximize opportunities and ensure community needs are met.

Direct Funding from IRA Programs and Partnership Opportunities
CBOs can also apply directly for funding or partner with eligible entities to access funding under various IRA programs. For example, the Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program provides $3 billion directly to community groups to advance climate equity priorities. The Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant (NAE) aims to reconnect historically divided communities by improving transportation access, while the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance program offers $1.5 billion for tree-planting projects in urban spaces.

Conclusion
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) presents unprecedented opportunities for community-based organizations to address climate change and promote environmental justice. By engaging with local and state governments, applying for funding directly, and partnering with eligible entities, CBOs can play a vital role in ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from the IRA’s programs and investments. It is crucial for CBOs to stay informed about the various IRA programs and actively participate in shaping their designs to uplift DAC priorities and promote a just transition to a clean energy future.

Note: The original hyperlinks have been maintained for reference:

Original Article: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5
Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5
Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant (NAE): https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5
Urban and Community Forestry Assistance program: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijQFodHRwczovL2NsZWFudGVjaG5pY2EuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMDkvaG93LWZyb250bGluZS1jb21tdW5pdGllcy1jYW4tdGFrZS1hZHZhbnRhZ2Utb2YtdGhlLWluZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0LXRvLWFkdmFuY2UtbG9jYWwtcHJpb3JpdGllcy_SAZEBaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhbnRlY2huaWNhLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzA5L2hvdy1mcm9udGxpbmUtY29tbXVuaXRpZXMtY2FuLXRha2UtYWR2YW50YWdlLW9mLXRoZS1pbmZsYXRpb24tcmVkdWN0aW9uLWFjdC10by1hZHZhbmNlLWxvY2FsLXByaW9yaXRpZXMvYW1wLw?oc=5

Original Story at cleantechnica.com – 2023-09-10 02:47:04