Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Lansing, MI – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) was awarded $129.1 million as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program implementation awards. The EPA selected 25 total applications from state, local, and regional entities doing important work to fight climate pollution. The grants awarded will support EGLE’s efforts to develop and implement a variety of strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
EGLE was awarded funding to its Renewables Ready Communities (RRC) application that will accelerate siting, zoning, and permitting of 60% renewable energy in Michigan by 2030. EGLE estimates that reaching 60% clean energy by 2030 will have a cumulative impact of avoiding 77 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
"Two things came together to help bring almost 130 million dollars to Michigan: we passed a strong 100% clean energy package at the state level in 2023, and we have visionary federal leaders providing the funding to help make those clean energy targets a reality,” said Elayne Coleman, Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Sierra Club is thrilled to have played a role in Michigan and at the federal level to make this happen, and today's news is proof that we when we fight, we win.
A full list of recipients of CPRG implementation grants can be found here. All 25 of the climate pollution reduction efforts selected to receive funding align closely with the goals and missions of the Sierra Club’s campaigns, from working to decarbonize the industrial sector, to efforts to electrify homes and buildings, and invest in clean public transportation and zero emission vehicles.
“This funding will be a game-changer for states, cities, and regions working to tackle climate change head-on and improve health outcomes for their communities and the people who call them home,” said Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. “The Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver for the American people, and these transformational awards will expand access to clean air and clean water, and move us closer to meeting the mark in the fight to stave off the very worst of the climate crisis.”
The EPA estimates that the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.