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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

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Wednesday, August 14, 2024   

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help.

Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will distribute $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy and promote workforce training.

Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental Council, said the grant is another step forward in Illinois' clean energy progress.

"We have really seen significant progress on our climate and equity goals due to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act -- or CEJA -- in 2021," Xu pointed out. "We're seeing a lot of possible federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. It helps us double down on the great progress that we're seeing and secure a more equitable, affordable, and healthy future for all Illinoisans."

Xu said the grant supports projects like building and industry, decarbonization, freight, electrification, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy. A total of $4 billion in federal funds was distributed to 25 state, local, and tribal entities. A comprehensive climate action plan must be submitted by all grant recipients to the federal government in 2026.

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, roughly two-thirds of the northeastern Illinois region's emissions come from buildings, in the form of electricity or natural gas for heating and cooking. The funding supports the switch to electric appliances, heating and cooling, building equipment and more.

Xu noted other areas also stand to benefit from the grant.

"The funding enhances the workforce development programs already established by CEJA," Xu explained. "The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act are working together to bring historic climate investments home to our communities, with particular attention to low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state who need clean air affordable, energy and clean energy jobs the most"

Roughly $172 million will be allocated to decarbonize Illinois' buildings, which currently comprise nearly 70% of Chicago's carbon footprint. Another $115 million is budgeted for electrifying Illinois' transportation sector to boost infrastructure and ramp up acquiring electric freight vehicles, and more than $3 million is designated for a freight hub data collection and analysis program.

Disclosure: Build US contributes to our fund for reporting on Environment, Environmental Justice, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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