The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program provides funding to develop and implement ambitious climate action plans that reduce emissions. Under the planning phase of this program, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) are leading the development of a short-term Priority Climate Action Plan and long-term Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the Chicago metropolitan statistical area.

Under the program's implementation phase, U.S. EPA is offering grants between $2 million and $500 million for state and local governments to implement emissions reduction measures outlined in the Priority Climate Action Plan.

This presents an exciting opportunity for local governments to access significant federal funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given the scale of climate challenge, U.S. EPA is looking to fund large-scale projects — and encourages applicants form coalitions to work together to enact this transformational change. Applications are due Monday, April 1, 2024, with a notice of intent due Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Do you have project ideas that could bring transformational emissions reduction?

Please fill out the project idea form by Wednesday, December 20, to submit your ideas and get connected with similar efforts to create strong, coordinated applications for the region.

Additionally, please attend a virtual townhall on Monday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. — hosted by CMAP, MMC, and the Illinois EPA — to learn more about this funding opportunity and how it fits into current climate action planning.

Read about this and more in the latest climate newsletter.