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.

Will the Inflation Reduction Act mark the time when fossil fuels begin to fossilize?

Aerial view of Boston
Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash

New England warming faster than most places on Earth, study finds

The breakneck speed of New England’s transformation makes it the fastest-heating area of the US, bar the Alaskan Arctic, and the pace of its temperature rise has apparently increased in the past five years.

A man installing a solar panel on a roof.
Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash+

As solar booms and coal fades, Greece’s mining region struggles to adapt

Next year, Greece will complete its coal phaseout, a success for the energy transition. But Western Macedonia residents feel left behind.
Donald Trump speaking at lectern
Credit: Copyright: actionsports/BigStock Photo ID: 125165264

Fuel savings vs. car costs: Trump to roll back Biden vehicle rules

The administration announced the new standards Wednesday.
A closeup of corn stalks

Corn’s clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint

Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry, but the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.

The exterior of a generic warehouse building with the blue sky in the background

As data centers flock to Michigan communities, what protections exist for residents?

Local pushback grows as utilities, regulators and lawmakers grapple with how to power — and police — Michigan’s data center rush.

A couple of boats sitting in the water as a storm approaches

Asia’s deadly floods expose rising climate risks and human-driven vulnerabilities

Record-breaking monsoon rains and rare tropical cyclones have triggered catastrophic floods across Asia, killing more than 1,400 people and displacing thousands.

An electric vehicle being charged

EV sales are way down. Here's why that might not be a big deal

Despite a recent dip in sales, analysts say EV adoption will continue to grow — but maybe not at the pace seen before.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.