Inflation Reduction Act program puts public and private capital to work in communities combatting climate change, creating economic prosperity for all

WASHINGTON The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced initial guidance on the design of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) program, created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. EPA published two Federal Assistance Listings outlining key parameters of the grant competitions that will ultimately award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country. Federal Assistance Listings are the first public notice requirement to implement a federal grant program.

The initial program design guidance follows a robust stakeholder engagement effort with input collected from state, local and Tribal governments, community financing institutions, environmental justice organizations, industry groups and labor and environmental finance experts.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will unlock historic investments to combat the climate crisis and deliver results for the American people, especially those who have too often been left behind. The initial program design announced today will ensure the fund fulfills its mandate to deliver benefits to all in a transparent and inclusive fashion,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $27 billion from President Biden’s investments in America, this program will mobilize billions more in private capital to reduce pollution and improve public health, all while lowering energy costs, increasing energy security, creating good-paying jobs and boosting economic prosperity in communities across the country.”

“The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is one of President Biden’s generational investments to build an equitable clean energy economy from the bottom up and the middle out,” said Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta. “It will create good-paying manufacturing jobs while helping to tackle climate change-the greatest challenge of our time.”

EPA will hold two competitions to distribute grant funding under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: a $20 billion General and Low-Income Assistance Competition and a $7 billion Zero-Emissions Technology Fund Competition. EPA will implement these programs in alignment with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which directs that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities, including those facing disproportionately high and adverse health and environmental impacts. EPA expects to open competitions for funding under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund by summer 2023.

Today, EPA also announced a national Community Roundtable series to continue a robust and inclusive engagement effort, focused on introducing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to communities across the country and learning about community-level solutions that the Fund can support.

“When we delivered the Inflation Reduction Act last year, we promised the largest investment in climate and clean energy ever made in our history, all while reducing energy bills and bringing good jobs to all communities across America. Now, less than a year later, the American people are seeing us follow through on that promise to improve the lives of families across the country,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “A giant leap forward for bringing clean energy to communities who are too often left behind, the Green House Gas Reduction Fund is one of the concrete actions taken as a direct result of the Inflation Reduction Act to make access to reliable and clean solar power easier for millions of Americans. By investing in renewable energy, we’re revitalizing communities, creating jobs of the future, and delivering real help for the American people.”

“Every community should have an opportunity to benefit from the investments we make in combatting climate change,” said Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “As part of that commitment, we created the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in the Inflation Reduction Act to leverage public and private investments in clean energy projects for our most underserved. I applaud EPA’s leadership for their work to meeting our ambitious targets within this program, which is likely going to result in the largest-ever federal investment in rooftop and community solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is an important step in moving our nation toward a future that runs on clean energy and leaving no community behind in the process.”

“The climate crisis is happening now, and that’s why my Energy and Commerce Committee fought to enact this first-of-its-kind Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to ensure we meet this moment with the leadership and resources it demands. I’m thrilled with the progress EPA has made so far in getting this critical program off the ground,” said Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “This is a huge stride forward in our climate fight, one that will simultaneously create new, good paying jobs and bring affordable, homegrown clean energy to communities across the country. I look forward to continuing working with EPA to ensure these funds are used effectively to cut climate pollution and improve public health.”

“After years of hard work to plant the seeds for the historic climate finance funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, I’m proud to see this investment blossom now as the EPA begins to realize our vision of creating a new, long-lasting program that will cut emissions, protect health, and create economic opportunity in disadvantaged and under-resourced communities,” said Senator Ed Markey, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration, advocates and stakeholders to maximize all the benefits of this landmark program— from deploying cost- and climate-saving projects at the national, regional, state, and local levels, to leveraging new investments and revolving funding to support indirect recipients in getting projects into communities for years to come.”

“For years, we’ve fought to take the idea of a national climate bank from a vision to a reality. With today’s action from the EPA, we’re one step closer: I applaud the EPA for moving forward in their efforts to capitalize the national climate bank network that we worked to create within the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “I will continue working with the EPA to fully realize our vision of a self-sustaining climate bank that is national in scope, has a substantial multiplier effect, and is composed of diverse stakeholders, including community-based institutions and green banks, that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and support communities that have been historically underserved.”

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act we passed last year, the Environmental Protection Agency is able to continue to invest in communities and our renewable energy future,” said Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will provide vital funding to create jobs, speed the development of new renewable energy technologies, and support development in communities across the country, all while contributing to the work to reach President Biden’s goal of 80 percent clean energy by 2030. I applaud the EPA for this ambitious new program.”

“The $27 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act for a national Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is the single largest investment in clean energy, environmental justice, and carbon pollution reduction in American history. We have proven green bank models nationwide, including in Michigan, that not only mobilize investment directly into the most critical projects, but are creating incredible economic opportunity, with good-paying, high-value jobs,” said Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12). “Over the next decade, this investment will help us build on current efforts by mobilizing financing and private capital for a range of clean energy projects to decarbonize communities—including low-income and disadvantaged communities—across the United States. Today’s announcement is the first major step forward to achieving an equitable clean energy economy. As one of the authors, I’m proud to have helped secure this important funding, and look forward to working with the EPA, my colleagues in Congress, and all our partners during the implementation process to urgently get this money to the communities that need it most, as well as meet our long-term climate goals.”

EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will include a nearly $20 billion General and Low-Income Assistance Competition to award competitive grants to eligible nonprofit entities that will collaborate with community financing institutions like green banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions, housing finance agencies and others. Together, these entities will leverage public dollars with private capital to invest in projects that reduce pollution and lower energy costs for families, particularly those in the low-income and disadvantaged communities that have had unequal access to private capital for far too long. Awardees will also facilitate technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen the community-based organizations, small businesses, workers, and suppliers required to accelerate the transition to an equitable net-zero economy and catalyze the jobs of the future. EPA expects to make between 2 and 15 grants under this competition.

Under the $7 billion Zero-Emissions Technology Fund Competition, EPA will award competitive grants to states, Tribes, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit entities to enable the deployment of residential rooftop solar, community solar and associated storage and upgrades in low-income and disadvantaged communities. This competition will ensure all families benefit from clean, affordable energy options. EPA expects to award up to 60 grants under this competition.

“At a time when we face the existential crisis of climate change, the Inflation Reduction Act is a major and necessary investment in clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (VT). “I am pleased to say that the funding announced today will include a $7 billion residential solar program that I introduced to make it more affordable for low-income and working-class families to install solar on their homes and save money on their electricity bills. When people across the country are struggling to make ends meet while dealing with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, it makes a great deal of sense to help households put solar on their roofs so they can create their own electricity, cut carbon pollution, and help create millions of good jobs. I look forward to working with the EPA on this program to make residential solar a reality for the millions of low-income and working families that need it the most.”

EPA is moving expeditiously to develop these two grant competitions, utilizing the established technical expertise of agency officials in EPA and across the US government, to invest public funding transparently and inclusively and deliver significant investments in the American people. EPA expects to release Notice of Funding Opportunities for these competitions in early summer 2023.

Seven Projects Awarded Funds throughout the Evansville Region

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Feb. 15, 2023) – The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority(RDA) obligated an additional $6 million in Regional Economic + Acceleration Development Initiative (READI) grant funds toward seven transformational projects. In total, the RDA has obligated more than $41 of the $50 million in total for projects throughout the Evansville region.

“READI funding is helping the Evansville Region to make purposeful investments in our future” said Tara Barney, CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP). “We are prioritizing the importance of quality of place along with supporting our region’s key economic clusters.”

The projects receiving READI funds include:

 Ohio Township Park – Warrick County, $3,000,000 READI Award

A 20-acre visionary park and green space to be developed alongside a new fire station and community center. The park features a giant modern playground, large engaging splash pad and slide, outdoor fitness stations, running and walking trails, sport courts, event lawns, and much more. Located a mile east of Interstate 69, this park will be connected to the Warrick Wellness Trail plus shopping, restaurants, hotels and workplaces.

 Brittlebank Park – Posey County, $1,000,000 READI Award

Two new trails and design work for an inclusive playground to support the improvement and expansion efforts at Brittlebank Park in Mount Vernon. There is planning for a loop trail around a pond, a connector trail, as well as improvements to access and parking. The connector trail will provide a safe and accessible route between the park and nearby West Elementary.

 University of Evansville’s Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic – Regional, $750,000 READI Award

The development of a community-based clinic for the University of Evansville’s new Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program, in which students and faculty provide psychotherapy and psychological testing to clients with mental health problems. The facility will be located on Talbot Square, immediately across Lincoln Avenue, which was purchased by the University. This investment will allow the PsyD program to double its class of incoming students after 3 years, provide increased opportunities for students, and improve the quality of care delivered by expanding the clinic’s focus to include other allied health care students.

 

Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) – Vanderburgh County, $580,000 READI Award

cMoe’s Strategic Plan will expand the idea of play in the region, with the READI portion of the project focusing on their internal exhibit enhancements, expansion, and new exhibit additions. This project creates expanded experiences for all who benefit from cultural and recreational experiences: families, children, schools, youth-serving organizations, “Museum for All” users, and more.

 

Cluster Development – Regional, $249,000 READI Award

E-REP will conduct both a regional assessment and strategic roadmap for two key industry growth sectors: Advanced Manufacturing and Health/Life Sciences. This project will focus on catalyzing cluster development to facilitate accelerated economic development and growth for our regional employers and their direct supply chain. Cluster Development will take a deep look into both industries and identify how the region can build capacity and scale for its most impactful employers.

 

I-69 Corridor Planning – Regional, $249,000 READI Award

The Evansville Metropolitan Area has a unique accelerator arriving over the coming 7‐10 years in  the Ohio River Crossing I‐69 Bridge, which will connect the bi‐state region with the National I‐69 corridor and eventually Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This project not only addresses a solution to long‐term, cross‐river mobility, but it plays to the Evansville region’s strengths of being in the logistical center of the United States. E‐REP will work closely with stakeholders to create a master plan and ensure the corridor and Ohio River Crossing are highly integrated into the Regional Development Plan.

Victoria Woods Trail – Warrick County, $200,000 READI Award

Two miles of beautiful trail to connect Victoria Woods – a 400-home neighborhood– to nearby Friedman and Vann parks, as well as the Castle school system and other neighborhoods. Beginning at Warrick Trails’ current system off Roslin Rd., the new trail will feature scenic water views and a canopy of trees. It will cross over a charming pedestrian bridge into Victoria Woods and connect to the Prime Foods Trailhead in Boonville, increasing access to quality-of-place amenities.

 

The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) on behalf of the RDA will continue to work with the awarded projects on next steps and review additional projects for READI eligibility. While the request for proposal deadline has passed, E-REP highly encourages anyone with a potential project to reach out to its Economic Development team to better assess and align with resources. Email info@evvregion.comwith any questions or inquiries.

E-REP provides the most up-to-date information about READI through its website atevansvilleregion.com/readi-program.

at the State Capitol, Gov. Andy Beshear joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to sign House Bill 2. The measure provides much-needed support to complete the Bowling Green Veterans Center, which will provide compassionate care for Kentucky’s veterans.

In November 2022, Gov. Beshear joined federal, state and local leaders to break ground on the Bowling Green Veterans Center. House Bill 2 dedicates an additional $16,630,000 in fiscal year 2022-2023 from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund to previously appropriated budget items to complete construction of the $53 million Veterans Center in Bowling Green. The center is expected to be completed in 2024.

The Veterans Center will create 120 new jobs and will be the state’s fifth long-term skilled nursing care facility. The 80,000-square-foot facility will provide 60 beds and is being built on 25 acres donated by the Inter-Modal Transportation Authority at the Kentucky Transpark in Warren County.

The Governor said efforts have been underway for more than 10 years to locate a state veterans home in Bowling Green.

“Supporting our veterans is a sacred duty, one that I have made a priority during my administration,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today is another example of how, when we work together, we can do what’s right for our people – especially our heroic veterans. I hope we, as Kentuckians, can commit to the hard work of being worthy of their sacrifices, which sustain us.”

This new center will provide compassionate care for Kentucky’s veterans through state-of-the-art equipment, physical therapy and recreational activities. The single-story skilled nursing facility was designed using the federal Department of Veterans Affairs’ small-house design, which provides a private suite for each veteran and will include common living and support areas.

“I am thrilled that, with the passage of HB 2, we finally have the full funding in place for this new Bowling Green veterans home,” said Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson of Bowling Green. “More than a decade in the making, we have broken ground and can now look forward to the completion of this wonderful, much-needed new facility to support our veterans and their families.”

“I think it says a great deal about our commitment to Kentucky’s veterans that one of the first bills to become law this session provides the funding necessary to complete the Bowling Green nursing home,” said Rep. Michael Meredith of Oakland. “I am extremely grateful to my colleagues in the legislature, the Governor and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs for their part in making this possible. However, I also want to recognize the folks in Warren County who worked for years to see local veterans get quality care close to home.”

“Today’s signing demonstrates Kentucky’s enduring promise in honoring the sacrifices and service of our great veterans and their families, and the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing compassionate long-term specialty healthcare for our aging and most vulnerable veterans,” said Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) Commissioner Whitney Allen.

“We consider it an honor and a privilege to care for America’s heroes that call Kentucky their home,” said Mark Bowman, executive director of the KDVA’s Office of Kentucky Veterans Centers. “Each and every day our committed staff go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care and services for our veterans. We look forward to the opportunity to serve veterans of Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky, and we are extremely grateful for the passion and commitment from everyone that made this day possible.”

Support for Veterans
Since day one, Gov. Beshear and his administration have been committed to supporting Kentucky’s military community and families.

The Governor has signed legislation that simplifies the job certification process for military spouses; expanded the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund; improved leave benefits for state employees who serve in the military and added seven active military unit license plates to the 28 military-related plates that were already available.

The Governor approved funds to support the Bowling Green Veterans Center, the Homeless Veterans Program, staffing at four of the veterans cemeteries, and a permanent memorial honoring Kentucky Medal of Honor recipients at the Campus of Freedom’s Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

The administration is also supporting veterans’ organizations through the Veterans Program Trust Fund, which has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to partners like Honor Flight Bluegrass, Honor Flight Kentucky, the Louisville Chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans and the Homeless Veterans Trust Fund.

To help lift up members of the veteran community who are struggling, Kentucky joined the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Last year, the Governor also broke ground on a new Louisville VA Medical Center campus. The new center is set to include a Women’s Health Clinic to better serve our female veterans, who deserve not just the best care, but specialized care.