The City of Austin is set to embark on an ambitious journey towards climate resilience and environmental justice, thanks to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. This transformative funding initiative, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aims to empower local communities in their fight against climate change while promoting equity and sustainability.

As the fiscal manager of this groundbreaking initiative, the City of Austin's Office of Sustainability will spearhead collaborative efforts with regional partners to develop innovative climate action plans tailored to the needs of the community. This grant represents a crucial step towards addressing the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice for all.

"I'm thrilled that communities across Central Texas will receive EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant," expressed Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), emphasizing the urgency of combating the climate crisis. The grant underscores the Biden Administration's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.

Building on Austin's bold vision for climate action, Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his enthusiasm for extending these efforts across Central Texas. The grant will enable collaborative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a cleaner, greener region for future generations.

The grant will support the completion of three pivotal projects: the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and a comprehensive status report. These plans will build upon existing initiatives and leverage community engagement to develop actionable strategies for reducing emissions and enhancing air quality standards.

"To ensure meaningful engagement throughout these processes, the City of Austin will implement robust outreach efforts," highlighted Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis. These efforts will include monthly meetings with community advisory and stakeholder groups, providing opportunities for broad engagement, and prioritizing input from disadvantaged communities.

With the assistance of temporary staff forming the Project Management team, the City of Austin will oversee the planning process, track progress, and collaborate with consultants to achieve tangible outcomes. The PCAP and CCAP will draw upon greenhouse gas inventories and sector-level emissions analysis to develop quantified reduction measures and prioritize initiatives for implementation.

As the City of Austin and its regional partners embark on this transformative journey, they remain committed to promoting equity, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Together, they will chart a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all residents of Central Texas.

Stay tuned as Austin leads the way in climate action, setting an inspiring example for communities nationwide.

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