CLIMATE POLLUTION REDUCTION GRANT
Worcester, MA-CT Metro Area
ABOUT
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) is a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program aims to develop regional short and long term climate plans with a goal to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A total of $5 billion is allocated for this program and $250 million to eligible entities as planning grants. A total of $1 million will be allocated to the Worcester, MA-CT Metro Area and the 66 other most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. It is a 4-year planning grant to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and a Status Report that is due at the end. The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) is the lead organization.
PROJECT AREA
GOALS
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Carry out a benefits-cost analysis of actions that will ultimately reduce climate pollution throughout Central Massachusetts and North-Eastern Connecticut.
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Engage with Environmental Justice (EJ) communities to ensure that historically overburdened communities have ample access to climate investment funds. CMRPC will provide targeted outreach to EJ communities through in-person forums, surveys (online & paper), and through an EJ advisory committee formed of EJ community leaders.
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Effectively utilize Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds by comprehensively exploring all climate actions to reduce climate pollution.
TIMELINE
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Grant Awarded - Summer 2023
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Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) Deadline - March 1, 2024
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Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) Deadline - Summer 2025
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Status Report - Summer 2027