EPA Awards $69 Billion to Cut Emissions, Create Jobs, and Lower Costs
The Facts -
- EPA awarded nearly $69 billion to cut emissions and create jobs.
- The funding supports disadvantaged communities via the Justice40 Initiative.
- Investments are improving water systems, schools, and reducing climate pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allocated close to $69 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and lower energy costs for American families.
WASHINGTON – On January 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared its Investing in America Report (pdf), which outlines significant advancements in clean energy, pollution mitigation, and environmental justice initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over three years ago and the Inflation Reduction Act two years ago, the EPA has announced nearly $83 billion in funds, with $69 billion already awarded. These funds are intended to reduce emissions, enhance job opportunities, and lower energy costs across the nation, impacting millions of Americans positively.
EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida expressed her pride, stating, “I am incredibly proud of how efficiently and effectively EPA has mobilized efforts to invest nearly $69 billion into communities across America. Because of President Biden’s vision and leadership, these funds will be making people healthier and more productive for many years to come. At the same time, we’re proving that investments in public health and the environment can create good-paying jobs, grow the nation’s economy, and advance private investment in clean technologies so that America leads the transition to a clean energy economy.”
Programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, targeting 40% of benefits towards underserved and overburdened communities.
More details on the allocation of the EPA’s Investing in America funds, along with specific project information, can be accessed on their interactive map. As of January 6, 2025, the following key highlights have been reported:
Select Highlights from EPA’s Investing in America Programs
- Approximately $38.4 billion, nearly 93% of the IRA grants, have been awarded, including all $27 billion for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
- The EPA has dispensed $30.3 billion in BIL funds from FY 2022-2024, covering $20.4 billion for State Revolving Fund grants, $3.3 billion for Superfund cleanups, and $2.8 billion for clean school buses.
- To date, over $20 billion has been allocated to improve water infrastructure, resulting in the replacement of nearly 500,000 lead pipes.
- More than 8,700 clean school buses have been funded, reducing emissions and protecting children from harmful diesel fumes.
- The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program has dispensed 96% of its $5 billion, fostering innovation and sustainability.
- Over $2.5 billion in IRA Clean Ports Grants have been awarded to enhance port competitiveness and air quality.
- More than $3 billion has gone towards eliminating the Superfund backlog and expediting cleanup projects.
- BIL funds of $1.7 billion through FY 2026 support EPA’s Geographic Programs, with significant investments in the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound.
- Nearly $2 billion in environmental justice funding has been awarded, representing the largest investment in environmental justice to date.
Projects exemplifying the impact of these investments include:
- Dalton, Georgia: $1.5 million allocated to Dalton Utilities for PFAS removal technologies through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
- Lansing, Michigan: $20 million in BIL funding for water infrastructure upgrades by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
- Kootenai Tribe of Idaho: $1.9 million for the restoration of the Kootenai River at Ambush Rock, facilitating cultural and environmental revitalization.
- Joppa, Texas: Brownfields Grant funding for transforming the Melissa Pierce School into a community center.
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Assistance provided by Southern University for on-site water quality assessments in manufacturing facilities.
These projects and more are detailed in the EPA’s Investing in America Report (pdf).
Additional Background
The BIL and IRA have collectively provided the EPA with over $100 billion in essential resources. The IRA contributed $41.5 billion for grants and spending at the end of FY 2022, while the BIL allocated funds across five fiscal years, starting with $14.1 billion in FY 2022 and continuing through FY 2026.
For more information, visit the EPA’s Investing in America webpage.
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