EPA - Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
The Federal Government is about to release $4.6 Billion in funding to address Climate Change.
This will go to States for efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, it goes well beyond GHG emissions and focuses on the full spectrum of decarbonization. Material materials management has an important and unique role for and in support of energy efficiency. Materials Management adds to, benefits, and complements the transition to clean energy and community decarbonization. There is embodied energy and carbon in every material produced, consumed, and, eventually unwanted.
Recycling and Composting, along with Waste Reduction and Reuse actually play a strong role in reducing carbon, recovering and recirculating materials to prevent more GHG. State Recycling Organizations (SROs), cities, and counties need to have a seat at the table. The only way your State Recycling Organization or local governments are able to become involved is if your State has a Climate Action Plan.
The State must notify the federal EPA of their intention to apply for the funds by March 31 and complete a work plan with budget by April 30, 2023. The recent efforts undertaken by State environmental agencies to apply for funds to the US EPA may mean they will be able to meet this quick turnaround. The NRC encourages you to take an active role in ensuring that materials management is included as part of this program. We each have ways to reduce the impact of excessive pollution that is changing our climate.
EPA held webinars about the planning grant on March 2 and 7, 2023.
Please share this with state officials and confirm that MN is on top of this and getting in it's Notice of Intent. Please encourage State recycling agencies and your state recycling organization (Recycling Assn. of Minnesota, RAM) to make sure reuse, recycling and composting leaders are engaged in the development of State Climate Action Plans needed to be completed to get access to this Federal funding.
