Federal grants available for transformational emissions reduction projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program provides funding to develop and implement ambitious climate action plans that reduce emissions. Under the planning phase of this program, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are leading the development of a short-term Priority Climate Action Plan and long-term Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the Chicago metropolitan statistical area.

Bicycler in front of pedestrian bridge

Under the program’s implementation phase, U.S. EPA is offering grants between $2 million and $500 million for state and local governments to implement emissions reduction measures outlined in the Priority Climate Action Plan.

This presents an exciting opportunity for local governments to access significant federal funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given the scale of climate challenge, U.S. EPA is looking to fund large-scale projects — and encourages applicants form coalitions to work together to enact this transformational change. Applications are due Monday, April 1, 2024, with a notice of intent due Thursday, February 1, 2024.