President Biden's administration announced a sweeping $4.3 billion climate initiative on Monday, a day after the President declared he would not seek reelection in 2024. This major policy move highlights the administration's ongoing commitment to its climate agenda as Biden enters what we now know is the final stretch of his term.
The EPA revealed the recipients of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, with a funding injection aiming to catalyze community-driven solutions to the climate crisis across 30 states, and marking what could be one of the final major policy moves of Biden's presidency.
The selections were made through a rigorous grant competition announced last fall. The EPA reviewed nearly 300 applications submitted by entities from across the country, which collectively requested almost $33 billion in funding. From this competitive pool, 25 applications were chosen, representing states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities.
"President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities."
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote in a letter to the American people over the weekend, explaining his decision to step aside. "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
With the political landscape dramatically altered, the climate grants take on new significance as part of Biden's push to solidify his environmental legacy.
The grants, secured through the Inflation Reduction Act, target six key sectors: transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, agriculture, and waste management.
Notable projects include Pennsylvania's $396 million RISE PA project, focusing on industrial decarbonization, and a nearly $500 million grant to the South Coast Air Quality Management District in California for transportation and freight decarbonization. Other initiatives include Montana's Forest, Community and Working Landscapes Climate Resiliency Project and the Clean Corridor Coalition's plan to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the I-95 freight corridor.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants align with Biden's Justice40 Initiative, aiming to ensure 40% of certain federal climate and clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
"These awards will supercharge American climate progress across sectors - from reaching 100% clean electricity to slashing super-pollutants like methane to harnessing the power of nature across our farms and forests in the fight against climate change. This is a big deal," said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic growth alongside environmental benefits.
As Biden prepares to address the nation later this week regarding his political future, the climate grants serve as a reminder of the urgency he has placed on addressing climate change during his tenure.
With just a few months left in his term, Biden's administration continues to push forward with its climate agenda, potentially shaping the environmental policy landscape for years to come. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the impact of these initiatives may well influence the climate debate and Biden's legacy long after he leaves office.
