Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Funding awarded to states, cities, and regional coalitions bolsters clean transportation projects across country
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 25 applicants who were selected for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program implementation awards. The grants will go to state, local, and regional entities fighting climate pollution across sectors, with many focusing on clean transportation projects that will slash pollution from the nation’s top polluting sector and invest in clean public transportation and zero-emission vehicles.
Of the total, the EPA is investing $1.18 billion in CPRG funds into transportation, expected to reduce up to three billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT), a powerful metric that demonstrates how reductions in carbon emissions and congestion leads to better air quality and less time spent commuting.
The Sierra Club released a national statement praising the full scope of the awards from the organization’s energy campaign directors.
Quotes from a selection of Sierra Club chapter directors receiving CPRG awards for clean transportation projects:
“New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country and a commuter hub for all its surrounding states. Because of this, our transportation corridors are a massive source of carbon emissions and air pollution with the Interstate-95 freight corridor being one of the most impactful due to its congestion and scale,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of Sierra Club New Jersey. “With this CPRG award of almost $249 million from the EPA, the NJDEP will be the leading agency in a four-state effort from Connecticut to Maryland deploying charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Electrifying I-95 in these particular states, one of the busiest areas in the country, is an extraordinary effort that will deliver long lasting public health benefits for New Jerseyans and the region. This is a massive win for climate action, regional air quality, and the communities experiencing roadway pollution.”
"We commend the EPA and SCAQMD for taking a proactive approach to addressing one of the most pressing environmental issues in our region," said Bobbi Jo Chavarria, acting director of Sierra Club California. "The transportation sector is a major source of air pollution, and we are thrilled that SCAQMD is committed to reducing emissions from vehicles and freight transport. This grant will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of millions of people in Southern California, particularly those living in low-income and disadvantaged communities who for decades have experienced some of the worst air quality in the country."
"We look forward to working with SCAQMD and other stakeholders to ensure that these funds are used effectively to reduce pollution and improve public health," added Chavarria. "This grant is a significant step towards creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all Californians, particularly those in the greater Los Angeles basin and the Inland Empire especially."
“Central Texans know all too well what traffic, air pollution, and long rides to school and work feel like,” said Dave Cortez, director of Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter. “What’s more, with rapidly increasing costs of living, everyday working people have been pushed to the suburbs, exurbs, and communities outside of Austin where transit access is lacking. This $47 million investment is a major win for folks who depend on and need access to high quality, clean transportation. Investing in a regional transit system, last-mile mobility options, and new infrastructure focused on serving low-income, working Texans will help people get to work and school faster, help reduce transportation costs for those struggling with high bills, and help improve our worsening regional air quality.”
“Utah’s air quality is exacerbated by emissions that degrade our air quality, significantly impacting public health,” said Luis Miranda, director of Sierra Club in Utah. “EPA’s investment in Utah marks a significant milestone, enabling us to enhance clean transportation, boost solar power generation, upgrade industrial efficiency, and achieve critical emission reductions. Combined, these efforts will restore clean air in Utah communities while driving economic growth and creating new jobs. With $74 million accessible to our state through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, we are at a pivotal moment that will improve the lives of all Utahns for the better.”
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.