Oregon secures $197 million grant to reduce climate pollution
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon has received a $197 million federal grant to aid the state’s mission to reduce climate pollution, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Monday.
Out of hundreds of applications from states, tribes and territories, Oregon is one of only 25 to receive this grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. It is the largest award announced in the Pacific Northwest from the federal program.
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Funding from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program will go toward several projects identified in Oregon’s Priority Climate Action Plan—including heat pump incentives, food waste infrastructure and zero emission vehicle rebates.
“These resources are going to go into some very important existing programs, like making the rebate for you if you buy an electric vehicle, making that easier,” she said. “We’re talking about programs to help people get heat pumps in their homes so they can have lower energy usage, lower bills, and be good for the environment.”
The plan breaks down three categories that the state classifies as the largest contributors to Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions: transportation, residential and commercial buildings, and the handling of waste and materials.
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“Every community is feeling the impacts of climate change, from heat waves and drought conditions to increased wildfire smoke and severe winter storms,” EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller said.
Kotek’s office said the state’s Priority Climate Action Plan lays out 12 critical measures that will “accelerate Oregon’s emission reduction efforts for a vibrant environment, for the health of communities across the state, and for a more sustainable future.”
Details of the Priority Climate Action Plan can be found in the document below:
Funding from the program is expected to be used throughout the next five years, according to the Department of Environment Quality.
“This level of funding will enable investments in every corner of Oregon, making clean energy solutions more affordable, our air cleaner, and our economy greener,” said Meredith Connolly, Director of Policy and Strategy for Climate Solutions. “By transitioning to electric cars, buses, trucks, and heat pumps—all powered by renewable energy—we are also increasing our communities’ long-term resilience in the face of rising wildfire threats and extreme heat.”
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