TL/DR –
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1 million to the Municipality of San Juan in Puerto Rico to develop climate action plans and bolster its clean energy economy. The funding is part of the EPA’s $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The Municipality of San Juan Planning Office will use the funds to lead climate pollution reduction planning efforts, collaborating with various local agencies and focusing on public engagement from low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Funding Enabled by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act
$1 Million Federal Grant Awarded to San Juan for Climate Action
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted $1 million from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the Municipality of San Juan for developing innovative climate action plans. This funding, supplementing the $3 million that the Government of Puerto Rico is slated to receive via the CPRG program, aims to accelerate San Juan metropolitan area’s clean energy economy and curtail climate pollution.
Part of Significant Climate Investment
This grant to San Juan is part of the initial funding stage from EPA’s $5 billion CPRG program, established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment in history. The second phase of the program, involving competitive grants worth $4.6 billion, will further state, local, Tribal, and territorial programs and policies to reduce climate pollution and foster clean energy solutions across the country.
Supporting Climate Planning, Environmental Justice in Puerto Rico
“The CPRG program enhances climate planning and promotes environmental justice in collaboration with Puerto Rico, benefitting vulnerable community members,” stated EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. She expressed happiness with providing unique funding opportunities to front-line partners combating climate change impacts.
Acknowledging the Award and its Importance
Mayor Miguel Romero thanked President Biden and the EPA for the significant award, pledging responsible and transparent handling of projects to transition to a clean-energy economy in San Juan. Tamara Gonzalez, Director of the Municipality’s Planning Office, emphasized the grant’s role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens amidst climate change challenges.
Collaborative Climate Pollution Reduction Efforts
The Municipality of San Juan Planning Office will utilize the EPA grant to spearhead climate pollution reduction planning and develop a collaborative climate plan. They aim for meaningful public engagement, particularly from low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Competing for CPRG Implementation Grants
On September 20, 2023, EPA announced the availability of $4.6 billion for two implementation grant competitions, emphasizing measures that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The deadline for states and local governments to apply is April 1, 2024. Visit this website for more details on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants.
Read More US Economic News
Comments are closed.