Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) has received a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lead a regional climate action planning effort. This grant, called the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), marks a significant step toward a more sustainable future for our region.

Three Crucial Phases for Climate Pollution Reduction Plan

The CPRG consists of three essential phases:

1. Priority Climate Action Plan (Due March 1, 2024)

• Designed for communities committed to making a difference
• Focuses on immediate actions with flexibility
• Targets specific sectors for maximum impact
• Emphasizes a foundational approach that will build on past environmental planning efforts

2. Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (Due in Summer 2025)

• Expands on the groundwork of the Priority Climate Action Plan
• Aiming for substantial, long-term impact
• Encompasses a wide array of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors
• Requires comprehensive analyses for robust implementation

3. Status Report (Fall 2027)

• Initiates a continual improvement process
• Requires a thorough review and analyses of elements from the earlier plans
• Documents progress and next steps for key metrics
• Provides confirmation that pollution reduction strategies are on target

Available for the Entire Region

This grant opportunity extends to our entire region. H-GAC is proud to lead the way for all 13 counties in our region to team up and take a positive step to reduce pollution in our area.

The Implementation Phase

On September 20, 2023, EPA announced the competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grants under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. This opportunity is open to entities like H-GAC, that received a CPRG planning grant. Active participation in the Priority Climate Action Plan is a vital prerequisite for accessing the generous funding for the implementation phase of the project.

H-GAC submitted a coalition application for the implementation grant on April 1, 2024. EPA anticipates sending award notifications in July 2024.

For more information on CPRG implementation grant funds please visit the EPA's website.

Priority Climate Action Plan Strategies

We are pleased to announce that we have submitted the final version of the regional Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) to the EPA on March 1, 2024, and we invite you to review the strategies and provide your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Your insights will help us refine and strengthen the strategies in the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan to better serve our region.

You can access the strategies at the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program engagement website. We encourage you to take the time to review the full plan at the following link.

A Sustainable Future for Our Region

Our region's growth underscores the urgency of reducing emissions and controlling pollution. With energy resources becoming scarcer and the rise in severe weather events, embracing innovative climate strategies carries significant economic benefits. This endeavor seeks to foster collaboration among governments, community organizations, and residents to develop strategies that reduce local emissions and invigorate our local economy.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory

As part of the PCAP development process, the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) worked with H-GAC and ICLEI to develop a local baseline inventory of the major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for thirteen counties located within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugarland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The baseline year selected was 2021 to maximize data availability. Developing reliable inventories for each of the GHG-emitting sectors in the Houston MSA is a critical first step to identify options for reducing emissions from those sectors.

Community Engagement

Stakeholders and the public play a crucial role in crafting both the Priority and Comprehensive Climate Action plans. H-GAC would like to engage community members across our 13-county region and learn what pollution reduction strategies matter most to them. Everyone can contribute to the development of equitable and sustainable outcomes for our region.

Upcoming Public Meetings

H-GAC will be hosting public meetings to foster collaboration among governments, community organizations, and residents to develop strategies that reduce local emissions and invigorate our local economy.

Community Engagement Website

Please visit our community engagement website to learn more about what types of strategies could be considered during the climate planning process and let us know what would be the most impactful for you.

There is also an opportunity for individuals to recommend actions that would reduce air pollution and improve the quality of live for our community. This is a great opportunity to provide input and contribute to the climate planning process.

Get in Touch

For any program inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact Pharr Andrews at [email protected] or call 832-681-2587 and Andrew DeCandis at [email protected] or call 832-681-2589.

Media Inquiries

Please contact Tricia Bentley at [email protected] or call 713-993-2489.