Here’s a challenge local governments face when it comes to taking steps to address climate change: They may have lots of innovative ideas but little funding for execution.
Now, the federal government is making about $4.6 billion in funding available through the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.
First Step: A Priority Climate Action Plan
As a critical first step in that process, the Atlanta Regional Commission has developed a Priority Climate Action Plan (pdf) for the 29-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area, in collaboration with local governments and other stakeholders. The action makes local governments eligible to apply for CPRG grants.
Local governments in metro Atlanta applying for an implementation grant must incorporate at least one of the 14 climate pollution reduction strategies outlined in the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP). These include:
- Electrifying fleet vehicles
- Expanding EV charging infrastructure
- Incentivizing use of electric bikes
- Increasing use of solar photovoltaics
- Increasing diversion of waste from landfills
- Increasing energy efficiency in industrial, commercial, governmental, and residential buildings
- Increasing local government adoption of climate mitigating polices, ordinances, and programs
Next Up: A Long-Term, Strategic Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
In the next phase of the federal CPRG program, ARC will begin development of a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), a strategic, long-range plan that will build on the work started during the PCAP development process.
The CCAP is scheduled to be complete in 2027.
‘Reconnecting the Region’
ARC’s climate work is part of the agency’s Reconnecting the Region initiative. This program aims to create an inclusive, prosperous future for all by addressing past decisions that have divided communities and created barriers to economic prosperity.
For example, the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan will address environmental justice concerns by prioritizing investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental concerns in low income and disadvantaged communities.
What’s Next ATL, produced by the Atlanta Regional Commission, is a community resource that explores how metro Atlanta is growing and changing, and how the region is addressing its most pressing challenges.
