The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has chosen the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to receive about $150 million through two Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. This funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, which supports community-driven efforts to address climate change, reduce air pollution, and advance clean energy.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan praised the grants, highlighting that they will help fund projects aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and creating economic opportunities.
Virginia DEQ’s winning proposal, in collaboration with Virginia Energy, will get over $99 million for projects that capture and reuse methane emissions from coal mines and landfills. Additionally, the grant will support food rescue and composting programs at various agencies and campuses across Virginia.
The DEQ will also join a coalition led by North Carolina, which will receive over $420 million. Virginia’s share will be about $50 million for carbon sequestration projects on natural lands like wetlands and forests.
Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Representative Abigail Spanberger from Virginia, expressed their support for the grants, emphasizing their importance for reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
The EPA reviewed nearly 300 applications for these grants and chose 25 projects nationwide. These projects are expected to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.
The EPA plans to announce additional funding later this summer. The grants align with President Biden’s goal to cut climate pollution by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. They will also support new technologies, economic growth, and job creation in clean energy sectors.