Funding Boost for San Juan’s Climate Action Plans

Funding made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

October 25, 2023

EPA Awards $1 Million Grant to San Juan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1 million from the agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the Municipality of San Juan. This funding is aimed at developing climate action plans with innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and scale San Juan metropolitan area’s clean energy economy.

The funding provided to San Juan is in addition to the $3 million grant that the Government of Puerto Rico will receive for climate action planning through the CPRG program.

Largest Climate Investment in History

The grant awarded to San Juan is part of the first phase of funding from EPA’s $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. This program was created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and is the largest climate investment in history.

The second phase of the program has recently been launched, offering $4.6 billion in competitive grants to implement state, local, Tribal, and territorial programs and policies that cut climate pollution, advance environmental justice, and deploy clean energy solutions across the country.

Boosting Climate Planning and Environmental Justice

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia stated, “With programs like the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, EPA is boosting climate planning and advancing environmental justice for overburdened and vulnerable community members in partnership with Puerto Rico. We’re pleased to provide the Municipality of San Juan and other partners that are on the frontlines of climate change impacts this unique funding opportunity through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand resources, create jobs, and build out clean energy infrastructure.”

Mayor and Director Express Gratitude

Mayor Miguel Romero of the Municipality of San Juan expressed his gratitude to President Biden and EPA for the grant, stating, “I want to thank President Biden and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this important award for our capital city. We will work, with transparency and responsibility, on initiatives and projects to transition to a clean-energy economy in our communities of San Juan and combat the climate crisis.”

Tamara Gonzalez, Director of the Municipality’s Planning Office, highlighted the significance of the grant, saying, “Securing this grant and spearheading it for the Metropolitan Statistical Area marks a significant milestone. This environmental planning tool will aid us in implementing the strategies outlined by the Municipality of San Juan, aiming to enhance the quality of life for our citizens amidst the challenges of climate change.”

Collaborative Efforts and Public Engagement

The Municipality of San Juan Planning Office will lead the climate pollution reduction planning efforts and develop a climate plan in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Planning Board, the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, municipalities, and communities across the metropolitan area. These agencies are committed to meaningful public engagement on the plan, with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Next Phase and Application Deadline

EPA has announced the availability of $4.6 billion in two implementation grant competitions for the program’s second phase. Under these competitions, eligible applicants will compete for CPRG implementation grants to fund measures in their state-, municipality-, Indian Nation, or territory-specific climate action plans. EPA will prioritize measures that achieve the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The deadline for states and local governments to apply is April 1, 2024.

Learn More About Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

For more information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants and how to apply, visit the official EPA website.

Stay Connected

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for updates. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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