Sacramento Standard

SACRAMENTO, CA – On June 15, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement in support of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s efforts to administer and implement U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program in the region.  

“We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Severe drought, record rainfall, extreme heat, and wildfires underscore that something needs to be done now. That is why I supported the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and President Biden in making the largest federal climate investment in U.S. history. One key program funded by the IRA is the new U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.

“This program spurs national climate action in the form of implementable climate plans with targeted strategies for the reduction of greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollutants. Specifically, the CPRG was created to help states, territories, tribes, and air pollution control agencies reduce climate pollution, support local job creation, and address environmental injustices. Our efforts to combat climate change in California encourage others throughout the nation and the world to do the same.

“I applaud and support the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, the agency responsible for air pollution reduction and decarbonization efforts in the greater Sacramento region, for leading the planning and implementation process of the CPRG program on behalf of the seven-county Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom Metro Area. Regional greenhouse gas reduction goals include reductions in vehicle miles traveled and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ Green Means Go program, the creation of mobility hubs in disadvantaged communities, water efficiency improvements, forest management, and urban heat island mitigation.

“The regional climate action plan created under this program will address emissions from the transportation, energy, land use, water, and waste sectors and benefit lower-income and underserved communities, which are most impacted by climate hazards. I stand ready to assist the Sac Metro Air District with planning and coordination efforts over the next four years, to deliver a winning climate action plan that positions the region well to compete for CPRG implementation grants. The competitive implementation grants are a game-changing opportunity for reducing Sacramento’s greenhouse gas emissions while creating opportunities for a greener workforce and advancing cleaner air for our communities.”

Original source can be found here