On March 30, 2023, EPA announced climate planning grants of $3 million each for Maine and Washington State, and $1 million for the Seattle metro area, from the IRA section 60114 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG). The CPRG program supports states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies in the creation of comprehensive and innovative pollution reduction strategies that maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Maine will use the grant funds to update the state’s climate action plan, “Maine Won’t Wait,” through engagement with residents and tribes, including with low income and disadvantaged communities.
Washington will use the funds to update the state’s climate action plan and build upon past clean energy and climate justice laws enacted by the state in recent years.
As recipients of the planning grants worth $3 million, Maine and Washington State are each eligible to apply for an implementation grant, also authorized by the IRA, which will be subject to a competitive national grant competition later this year.