Davids Announces Federal Grant to Lower Utility Costs, Reduce Air Pollution in Kansas

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Kansas with $4 million to reduce harmful air pollution and clean up the state’s environment. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program was created by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history. Davids was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to support the law.

“We need innovative solutions to combat the climate crisis, grow our economy, and leave behind a healthier world for our children. That’s exactly why I voted for the historic climate law that’s not only cleaning up our environment, but also lowering Kansans’ utility costs through affordable, domestically produced clean-energy systems such as solar panels and more energy-efficient household appliances,” said Davids. “I am glad to see these federal resources are coming home to Kansas where folks will feel the benefits directly.”

The CPRG program provides grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. The EPA has announced Phase 1 planning awards to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans. Awards benefiting Kansas include:

• State of Kansas: $3,000,000
• Kansas City Metro Area: $1,000,000

“The historic Inflation Reduction Act recognizes that we hold the power to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a world where clean air and water are the birthright of everyone,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of Commissioners. “Locally, Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are a critical investment and provide our state and region the capacity to incorporate climate planning that may be unique to us but has far-reaching benefits. In the Kansas City region, we’re fortunate to have our KC Regional Climate Action Plan which allows these planning funds from the IRA to be used to design our local implementation strategies. We’re proud that Rep. Davids understands this pivotal moment in time and supports our role in being part of the solution.”  

“We are eager to advance this important work. The new Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will enable our region to refine and prioritize existing plans, position our region for major investments and create long-term benefits for everyone in the metropolitan area,” said David Warm, Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council. “Thank you to Rep. Davids and our congressional partners for supporting this significant enhancement to our community capacity.”

Davids understands that action is needed now to protect the planet for future generations. That’s why she voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already at work in Kansas. Along with lowering Kansans’ utility bills, Davids previously announced that Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country thanks to the law. Specifically, the Inflation Reduction Act:

• Clean Energy Manufacturing: Accelerates U.S. manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and critical minerals processing through targeted incentives.
• Electric Buses: Replaces traditional heavy-duty vehicles for school and transit buses and garbage trucks with clean heavy-duty vehicles through a $1 billion federal investment.
• Affordable Housing Energy Efficiency: Establishes a $1 billion grant program to make affordable housing more energy efficient.
• Emissions Reductions: Includes the largest ever climate and energy investment that will reduce harmful emissions 40 percent by 2030.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support efforts by states, municipalities, air pollution control agencies, tribes, and other groups to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The two-phase CPRG program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants. While Phase 1 focuses on devolving action plans, Phase 2 awards will help Implement those plans to promote a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans. By securing Phase I awards, the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Metro Area will be eligible for $4.6 billion in competitive Phase II CPRG funding to implement their pollution reduction plans.