- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Energy | Environment
The Nez Perce Tribe has been selected to receive $37.3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $4.3 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The tribe is the only Native American recipient under this initiative, which aims to support community-driven climate solutions across the nation.
The funding will be used to implement several measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance environmental resilience on the Nez Perce reservation in Oregon and Idaho, according to the EPA. Key priorities include residential energy efficiency retrofits, renewable energy installations, and the development of electric vehicle transportation networks.
Specific projects funded by this grant include conducting energy audits and installing weatherization upgrades in 650 homes. Additionally, the program will replace wood stoves in 350 homes on Tribal land. The Tribe plans to install solar power infrastructure at both Tribal facilities and residences, improving the resilience of these structures against emergencies such as floods, wildfires, high winds, and landslides.
The grant will also support the creation of climate-ready homes that address issues like smoke and weather damage. Investment in locally distributed renewable energy infrastructure aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy efficiency within the reservation. The funding also will provide on-the-job training opportunities, creating well-paid jobs in this rural, disadvantaged community.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is designed to tackle climate change, improve air quality, and promote environmental justice. This program is the largest federal effort to stimulate local climate action across various sectors, including transportation, power generation, buildings, and agriculture.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing climate change. The grants are intended to help communities develop and implement strategies that fit their specific needs and challenges.
In total, the selected projects across 30 states, including the Nez Perce Tribe, are projected to reduce GHG emissions by up to 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. This reduction represents roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use over 25 years.
The EPA is expected to announce an additional $300 million in grants for tribes, tribal consortia, and territories later this summer. The funds are anticipated to be awarded by the end of 2024, pending the fulfillment of legal and administrative requirements.
The Nez Perce Tribe’s project aligns with their Priority Climate Action Plan and reflects a broader goal of advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Native communities.
