Virginia Pursues Federal Funds for Pollution Reduction, Electrification
TL/DR –
Virginia is applying for federal funding to support state and local government programs aimed at reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) drafted a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) which emphasizes the electrification of transportation, building, and industrial sectors, with an intent to reduce emissions. Both Virginia and its metropolitan areas can apply for grants ranging from $2 million to $500 million from the $4.6 billion set aside in the Inflation Reduction Act under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
Virginia Seeks Federal Funding for Pollution Reduction & Greenhouse Gas Emission Strategies
Virginia is striving for millions in federal funding during this month to cut down on pollution and greenhouse gases. The state has detailed its top emissions-reduction strategies in a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March. Its funding application is due by this Monday.
Public Feedback and State Goals
After six months of public feedback, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has signaled its intent to electrify Virginia’s transportation, building, and industrial sectors. The Southern Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit, defines this as speeding up Virginia’s transition to clean energy.
Grant Eligibility and Distribution
Virginia and its several metropolitan areas can separately apply for $2 million to $500 million from $4.6 billion reserved in the Inflation Reduction Act under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). The EPA will begin awarding grants in October, as per an EPA announcement in January.
State Proposals
Despite initially resisting participation in a regional program for reducing emissions, Gov. Glenn Youngkin now appears eager for federal tax money to direct towards climate change, specifically in the industrial, building, and transport sectors. The DEQ’s proposals in the state’s PCAP may see oil and gas companies benefit.
Emissions Targets and Deployment
Virginia’s action plan primarily focuses on major emissions reduction targets, such as industry and transport changes. The state may pursue actions such as subsidies for electric vehicles, increased bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and reducing industrial greenhouse gases like methane with the CPRG funding.
Federal Funding and Community Impact
According to Garret Gee, a senior attorney with the law center, one of the best aspects of the federal funds is that they stimulate and support plans ready for action by states, cities, counties, and tribes. Communities across Virginia have written their own PCAPs, with many included in the state’s plan. The EPA required PCAPs to analyze how reducing pollution and greenhouse gases would benefit low income, disadvantaged communities.
Local Development and Plans
PlanRVA, who submitted the greater Richmond area’s plan, sees this as an extraordinary opportunity. Nicole Keller, a resilience planner with PlanRVA, says federal funds could cover the cost of Richmond’s emission reporting in sectors such as transportation, building, industrial, waste, and municipal.
Industry Concerns and Responses
Industry groups like the Virginia Oil and Gas Association and the Virginia Manufacturers Association have voiced concerns over shifting to renewable energy and electrifying power systems. The industry argues natural gas is a necessary energy source for electricity generation and reliable energy storage.
Going Forward
While Virginia’s proposals are part of a competitive process, this isn’t a zero-sum game for participants. Even without obtaining an implementation grant, these plans will influence the agenda for their work moving forward. It is vital that these local entities get the details right as their plans will form a comprehensive picture of how Virginia views the clean energy transition.
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