On Monday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) has been selected to receive $199,705,797 and that the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has been selected to receive $129,008,738 in Climate Pollution Reduction grants. These grants, a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, are given with the aim of implementing community-driven solutions to the climate crisis, to reduce air pollution, and to accelerate a national transition to clean energy.
The DRCOG will focus its grants on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial building sectors and to increase energy efficiency in the Denver metropolitan area.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of not just the entire DRCOG team, but the unwavering support from our member government partners, as well as over 90 program supporters across industry, labor, government and the broader community,” said Jeff Baker, Arapahoe County Commissioner and Chair of the DRCOG Board. “The region’s Metro Vision Plan calls for healthy, inclusive, and livable communities, and this federal grant will enable us to take bold, visionary steps to reduce climate pollution and protect the health and well-being of our residents. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working with our partners to achieve these ambitious goals.”
The CEO’s proposed project, called the Colorado Decarbonization Accelerator, will put funding into a number of measures including reducing emissions from landfills, coal mines, and natural seepage. CEO Executive Director Will Toor emphasized the collaboration between different local and tribal governments that went, and will continue to go, into this effort.
“We are proud of all the work we have done to position ourselves as a national leader in addressing climate change through economy-wide emissions reductions,” said Toor. “Local and Tribal government actions are crucial to this effort, and this funding will ensure that they can adopt and implement key policies to help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This money will also help large building owners reduce their energy usage and associated emissions. We are grateful to the EPA for this award and for recognizing the great work happening across the state to protect the environment, improve air quality, and save Coloradans money.”
Colorado leaders from Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) to Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) expressed their support of the grants.
“The Inflation Reduction Act made the largest investment to confront climate change in history, and Colorado is uniquely positioned to benefit from it and lead the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bennet. “With nearly $329 million for Colorado, these Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by helping decarbonize homes and businesses, and addressing methane pollution from landfills, mines, and other sources. I’m pleased the EPA is working with local leaders to ensure these investments reach every corner of our state.”
