HARRISBURG – To help local governments play a role in combating climate change, the commonwealth is making $300,000 available through a new grant program so municipalities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and lower operating expenses.
“Reducing the impacts of climate change is important to the vibrancy of our communities because the foundations of our regional economies—buildings, infrastructure, transportation and land use policies—and the sustainability of local industries are all dependent on a stable climate,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty.
“These grants will help local governments take the first steps toward finding opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Under the Local Government Greenhouse Gas Pilot Grant Program, municipalities or regional partnerships can apply for grants to hire technical service providers who can help establish greenhouse gas emissions inventories and then develop plans to reduce emissions.
A greenhouse gas inventory totals emission levels from direct and indirect activities, while an action, or mitigation, plan offers specific recommendations on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recommendations can be tailored to the specific needs of a municipality. If implemented, the recommendations can help a municipality improve its energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, which will yield additional long-term savings. Local governments are not required to implement the measures identified through the grant program.
Individual municipalities can qualify for up to $20,000. A regional application, with multiple municipalities, can request greater amounts, but not more than $20,000 per participating municipality.
Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:
• Energy use and efficiency
• Use of renewable energy
• Commitment to greenhouse gas reduction
• Efficient land-use planning and management
• Financial and in-kind contributions
• Contractor experience and qualifications
• Contractor resources and location
DEP targets municipalities from all regions of Pennsylvania representing diverse economies.
Grant funding will be awarded on an upfront basis. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to provide either a financial match or in-kind contributions.
The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 29. For more information or to download an application, visit here, keyword: Grants.