The MPCA is pursuing federal funding opportunities to help upgrade infrastructure and build resiliency in Minnesota. Congress has recently made significant funds available to address these issues. We're highlighting those opportunities here to alert potential grantees and to promote partnerships for utilizing the funding.
Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act
In 2021, Congress passed this bipartisan infrastructure law, which represents an enormous investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act aggressively tackles the climate crisis with provisions for using American-made equipment for clean energy production; expanding clean energy tax credits for wind, solar, nuclear, clean hydrogen, clean fuels, and carbon capture; and providing bonus credits for businesses that pay workers a prevailing wage and use registered apprenticeship programs. This law will reduce harmful air pollution, advance environmental justice, and save families money on their energy bills. The MPCA is focused on the following programs:
- greenhouse gas (GHG) air pollution planning and implementation grants
- GHG Reduction Fund
- reducing air pollution at ports
- advanced industrial technology funds for facilities
- Tribal climate resiliency grants
We will post additional information about these opportunities when it's available.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
The MPCA collaborated with partners across Minnesota to secure federal funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program that provides states, local governments, and Tribal Nations with resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. These efforts delivered a funding for the state's climate-smart food systems initiative.
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA emphasizes its commitment to protecting historically overburdened and underserved communities in its FY 2022–2026 strategic plan. For the first time, new goals focus solely on addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice and civil rights.