Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant is an EPA-administered two-phase funding opportunity authorized as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This $4.6 billion competitive grant program will offer rewards up to $500 million for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other damaging air pollutants. The EPA will evaluate potential grantees based on how well the underlying project advances the programs goals to:
Implement ambitious measures that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and beyond
Benefit local communities - especially low-income and disadvantaged communities
Complement other funding sources to maximize the cumulative reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Pursue innovative policies that can be scaled up at the national level
Phase 1 of the program provided non-competitive planning grants to the 46 states that applied for funding. Phase 2 will provide awards in two different competitions - one $4.3 billion general competition for eligible applicants and another $300 million competition exclusively for tribes and territories.
Investments in renewable energy, building decarbonization, and green transportation options all qualify for CPRG funding. Applications can include investments in a single or across a number of qualifying categories. This funding opportunity offers applicants flexibility with new measures, ongoing projects, and those that have already secured partial funding all being eligible for grant awards.
More information on project eligibility and the evaluation criteria for awards is available here.
Schools present an opportunity to make sure climate friendly investments benefit every community in the country. Not only do schools represent a significant portion of community controlled emitting buildings, but they also allow federal dollars to equitably uplift the areas surrounding schools. Taking advantage of CPRG funds can not only lead to less pollution, but can also create local jobs, fund model projects that directly show communities the benefits of green investments, and show our children we are committed to building a better, more resilient world for them to inherit.
States, municipalities, tribes, territories, and air pollution control agencies that received a planning grant are eligible to apply for Phase 2 implementation grant awards. A list of lead organizations that received planning grants and are eligible to apply for Phase 2 grants is available here.
Action Step: Contact your state’s lead agency to make sure schools are included in implementation phase of the CPRG grants.
Applicants should keep the following key dates in mind when pursuing CPRG funds:
February 1, 2024: Non-binding, options Notices of Intent to Apply are due to CPRG@epa.gov
March 1, 2024: Priority Climate Action Plans are due as part of Phase 1 planning grant process
April 1, 2024: Final date to submit completed applications through Grants.gov
The EPA has provided example cover pages, budget tables, guides on how to apply for grants, and more information that can help with the application process available here.
Here are a few examples of how your state can use CPRG implementation funds in schools to significantly reduce GHG emissions:
Financing decarbonization plans for schools putting states on a path to healthy, resilient, all-electric schools.
Financing technical assistance to help schools secure IRA benefits, especially those in low-wealth and disadvantaged communities, can help ensure all schools benefit from this unprecedented wave of federal funding.
Standing up lending vehicles that provide bridge financing to schools for Direct Pay eligible tax incentives
Funding a small number of model projects that can highlight how school decarbonization can work at scale
Providing grant funding to address deferred maintenance that often prevents low-wealth communities from making the green energy transition
Reach out to us at info@undauntedk12.org if you have questions or need support to include schools in your state’s Phase 2 application for CPRG funds.
