EPA Seeks Public Input on Inflation Reduction Act Programs to Fight Climate Change, Protect Health, and Advance Environmental Justice
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced initial public engagement and input opportunities for a subset of new and existing programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. These programs, which include funding for air quality projects and climate projects addressing clean energy, transportation, methane emissions, and climate super-pollutants, will advance the President’s bold agenda to combat the climate crisis, protect public health and advance environmental justice.
“The Inflation Reduction Act provides states, Native American communities and organizations. Especially with the unprecedented opportunity to make lasting progress to equitably protect people and the planet from air pollution and climate change,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “We are eager to engage with all who have a stake in the success of these efforts. In addition, our next steps will be guided. Especially by the wisdom and experience from the conversations they have and the feedback received over the next several months.”
EPA’s engagement strategy for these Inflation Reduction Act programs includes:
- Request for Information (RFI): Issuing a request for public input to inform program design;
- EPA Expert Input: Soliciting expert input on key program design questions from EPA’s Federal Advisory Committees including the Local Government Advisory Committee, Clean Air Act Advisory Committee and the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee;
- EPA Listening Sessions: Launching a stakeholder listening session series to enable key stakeholders including environmental justice communities, state and local governments, clean energy advocates, labor, and others to provide input directly to EPA staff; and
- New EPA Webpage: Creating a one-stop shop for information on the implementation of Inflation Reduction Act programs managed by EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
Inflation Reduction Act RFI by EPA
Today, EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on core design aspects of multiple Inflation Reduction Act programs, a crucial first step as the Agency works to implement historic levels of funding from this legislation. These initial engagements will help ensure the design and implementation of the programs reflect input from a broad coalition of stakeholders to ensure the full economic and environmental benefits of this historic investment are realized by all people, particularly those who have been most burdened by environmental, social, and economic injustice.
The RFI provides background information and questions for the public to consider as they provide their input. EPA will gather and organize information received on the RFI in six public dockets that correspond to Inflation Reduction Act provisions in the law. In addition, the agency will continue to conduct extensive public engagement as it works to implement the law.
Public Encouraged to Review and Comment on Inflation Reduction Act in Six Public Dockets
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
EPA received $5 billion to assist states, air pollution control agencies, Native American communities. These eligible entities can apply for planning grants and then apply for grants to implement those plans.
Transportation Programs
EPA received $4 billion for two new programs to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. The first program is the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle program that will invest $1 billion to help cover the costs of replacing dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean alternatives, deploying supporting infrastructure, and/or training and develop the necessary workforce. At least $400 million must go to areas not meeting national air quality health standards. The application is open to states, municipalities, Native American communities, nonprofit school transportation associations, and eligible contractors.
The second program will provide $3 billion in grants to reduce air pollution at ports with at least $750 million going to areas not meeting air quality standards. These funds can be used for a range of activities including purchasing and installing zero-emission port equipment and technology, covering the associated costs of planning and permitting, and developing qualified climate action plans. Eligible entities include port authorities; any state, regional, local, or native agency with jurisdiction over a port authority; air pollution control agencies; and non-profits and private entities partnering with the above and own, operate, or use port facilities.
Methane Emissions under Inflation Reduction Act Program
EPA received $1.55 billion to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by providing financial assistance (grants, rebates, contracts, loans, and other activities) and technical assistance as well as implementing a statutorily required waste emissions charge. Eligible recipients for these funds include, but are not limited to, air pollution control agencies, other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals. The program specifies that at least $700 million must be used for activities at marginal conventional wells. Section 60113 also requires EPA to implement a waste emission charge on methane emitted from applicable oil and gas facilities. They must emit over 25,000 metric tons of CO2e and exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds beginning in 2024. The waste emissions charge will start at $900 and increase to $1,500 per metric ton.
Funding to Address Air Pollution
EPA received over $300 million in funding to support the agency’s air quality mission. That’s also by investing in a range of activities. Especially that will increase monitoring in and by communities. It will also expand and strengthen national monitoring methods. Especially and improve monitoring methods and capacity. In addition to making monitoring data more available and useful. Especially for communities and improving air quality in our nation’s schools. Six of these programs are authorized under Section 60105.
This section establishes a wide range of eligible applicants. It includes individuals, state, local, and Native American Air pollution control agencies, and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and organizations. Moreover, EPA also received $50 million in Section 60106 to address air pollution at schools. Plus, $12.5 million to provide technical assistance. The remainder of the grants is for other activities to monitor and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, specifically at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Eligible applicants for this funding include individuals, air pollution control agencies, and other public, and nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and organizations.
Funding for Implementation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act
Funding includes $38.5 million for the implementation of the AIM Act to implement the Kigali Agreement on hydrofluorocarbons. Of this funding, $15 million is going towards new competitive grants for reclaim and innovative destruction technologies. Moreover, $20 million is going to EPA to carry out the AIM Act. And $3.5 million is dedicated to EPA to deploy new implementation and compliance tools for the AIM Act.
6. Docket 6:
Low Emissions Electricity Program & GHG Corporate Reporting
Low Emissions Electricity Program
Funding includes $87 million to fund a wide range of activities to encourage low emissions of electricity generation. It plans to do it through education, technical assistance, and partnerships with consumers. Also, low-income and disadvantaged communities, industry, and state, local, and Native American governments.
GHG Corporate Reporting
Funding includes $5 million to enhance standardization and transparency of corporate climate action commitments. Plus, plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also enhance transparency regarding progress toward meeting such commitments and implementing such plans. Moreover, it will make progress toward meeting such commitments and implementing such plans.
The RFI and more information on how to comment are available on this website.
Background
In addition and back in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law. It created the largest investment to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history. The Inflation Reduction Act will bolster U.S. energy security. Moreover and help families save money on energy costs and prescription drugs. Not to mention reduce the deficit, and create good-paying jobs. The EPA received $41.5 billion in appropriations. The money is to develop and support 24 new and existing programs. Especially that monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also help reduce air pollution, protect health and advance environmental justice. Today’s RFI seeks public input on a significant portion of this total. Moreover, the agency will use the information to guide the next steps. Those are to deliver these historical resources to where they can do the most good. Especially for communities across the country.
Source: EPA
WASHINGTON (November 4, 2022) –
