Virginia's bid for federal funds to curb pollution and promote green solutions

In a bid for federal support, Virginia aims to secure funds for initiatives addressing pollution and greenhouse gases, signaling a shift toward cleaner energy and transportation.

Jake Bolster reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Virginia seeks millions in federal funding to tackle pollution and emissions, focusing on electrifying transportation and buildings.
  • The state's Priority Climate Action Plan outlines ambitious strategies, with community feedback shaping its priorities.
  • Both state and local governments are eligible to apply for grants from the Inflation Reduction Act, with a total of $4.6 billion allocated for climate initiatives.

Key quote:

"We're targeting real climate solutions that are going to make progress in Virginia."

— Garret Gee, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center

Why this matters:

Competition for federal resources is fierce, with states across the nation vying for a piece of the environmental funding pie. In this landscape of fiscal competition, Virginia must articulate a compelling case for why it deserves a share of the funds and demonstrate a commitment to implementing impactful solutions to address environmental concerns.

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