In a sweeping movement, 45 states have rallied behind the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program, embracing more than $250 million in federal grants to combat greenhouse emissions, with only five states sitting out.
Tracy J. Wholf reports for CBS News.
In short:
- The program, spurred by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, funds strategies for reducing climate pollution while promoting economic opportunities in clean industries.
- Despite all states being eligible, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Wyoming opted out, forfeiting a $3 million allocation each, though cities within these states still participated.
- This initiative supports public health by reducing environmental pollution and aims to cover more than 96% of the U.S. with climate action plans.
Key quote:
"The diversity of ideas and ambitious initiatives from all across the country reflect the seriousness that states and metropolitan areas are bringing to the work of cutting pollution, acting on climate change, and meeting their local objectives."
— Jennifer Macedonia, deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation
Why this matters:
In the last few years it’s become increasingly evident that climate-driven disasters are affecting public health. The EPA’s climate grant funding encourages states to engage in an inclusive approach, advocating for partnerships across governmental levels, non-profits, and the private sector to pool resources and expertise for greater impact.
