On April 14, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Rich Negrin joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz, PennVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli, and local government partners to celebrate Earth Month and highlight the partnership between federal, state, and local governments to fight climate change.

Earlier this month Pennsylvania opted into the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program provides grants to state and local government entities to develop climate action plans and makes them eligible for grants from the $4.6 billion pool established by the IRA and administered by the EPA.

Click Here for a video of the announcement.

“We are here today to celebrate Earth Month but also acknowledge the great partnerships we have to protect Pennsylvania’s clean air and pure water. Rising to meet the climate challenge is more than just a state government problem, or a federal government problem, or a local government problem,” said Acting Secretary Negrin. “All climate change is local. It is an all of the above problem and needs an all of the above solution, and it is so important to have strong partners at the federal and local level all committing to fight climate change alongside us.”

 “Climate change is not a problem that sprang up overnight and is surely not one that will be fixed in a day,” said Administrator Ortiz. “Addressing the climate crisis takes real plans, real dollars, real will, and real work – and Pennsylvania has all of the above.”

“PennVEST is looking forward making investments into reducing climate change. Today is another step in the process -- helping communities across Pennsylvania implement their own climate plans to lower emissions and mitigate and adapt to climate change,” said Dr. Brian Regli. “Pennsylvania has always been an industrial leader, with smart investments we can again lead the way on climate change and carbon pollution reduction.”

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission have all opted into the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. Pennsylvania will receive up to a $3 million planning grant through the program; the regional planning commissions will receive up to $1 million planning grants.

“Greater Philadelphia is committed to attaining net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and preparing our communities for the impacts of climate change,” said Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Ariella Maron. “The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will enable us to develop a plan that will guide future policy and investment decisions that  are both equitable and sustainable. DVRPC is proud to lead this planning effort for our region.”

“We have a monumental opportunity to protect and improve our land, water and air. We must ensure that quality and availability of these resources is available now and into the future. Addressing our climate crisis is going to require the kind of planning and response that can only be accomplished through a multi-governmental partnership. It’s a practical, innovative path to the best possible outcomes,” said Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Executive Director Becky Bradley.

More information on the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants webpage.

More information on DEP’s Climate Change Efforts in Pennsylvania webpage.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

NewsClips:

-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: PA To Get $6 Million In Grants For Climate Change Planning From EPA

-- AP: Shapiro’s Working Group On Climate Change Meets In Private

-- Observer-Report Editorial: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Plan Serves Economy, Environment, Shapiro Should Stay The Course

-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Lawmaker Launches New Attempt To Allow Community Solar

-- MCall: Lehigh University Begins Construction On 20 Acre Solar Energy Facility To Supply At Least 90% Of Electricity Needed For Goodman Campus In Bethlehem

-- Warren Times Editorial: Warren County Has New Tool To Protect Prime Farmland From Solar Energy Projects

-- Utility Dive: U.S. Grid Interconnection Backlog Jumps 40%, 95% Of Projects Are For Renewables

-- Bloomberg: Solar, Wind, Battery Storage Projects Dominate Waiting List To Hook Up To Electric Grid

Related Articles:

-- Inside Climate News: Gov. Shapiro Provides Fresh Support To Key Changes Recommended In 2020 Grand Jury Report To Tighten Regulation Of The Natural Gas Drilling Industry To Better Protect Public Health, Environment  [PaEN]

-- Shapiro Administration Announces Commitment To Fight Climate Change Under New EPA Climate Grant Program  [PaEN]

-- City & State PA: PA Energy Summit May 11 In Pittsburgh, Featuring Keynote Speaker Acting DEP Secretary Negrin  [PaEN]

-- PennEnvironment Releases Online Map Highlighting Renewable Energy Projects In Every County Across PA  [PaEN]

-- EPA Awards Allegheny County $10 Million Grant To Replace Diesel With Electric Buses In Mon Valley  [PaEN]

-- ReImagine Appalachia Faith In Action Webinar April 13 - Solar-Powered Faith Community & Houses Of Worship  [PaEN]

-- Ohio River Valley Institute: April 17 Webinar On Green Steel In The Ohio River Valley - Mon Valley Works Possibilities  [PaEN]

-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Partners Host April 19 Webinar On How To Choose A Renewable Energy Electricity Supplier  [PaEN]

-- Philadelphia Solar Energy Assn. Hosts May 4 Webinar - Solar Schools: New Incentives Make Now The Best Time To Go Solar  [PaEN]

[Posted: April 14, 2023]

4/17/2023