02F46201

Description:
This agreement provides funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to the Capital Regional Planning Commission (CPRC) to develop the first regional climate action plan for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduction measures throughout the entire metropolitan area and to conduct meaningful engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities and coordinate with geographically proximate tribes as appropriate.

Specifically, the recipient, in line with the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants requirements, will develop the first regional climate action plan for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area. Not only will they develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), but they will also develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and status report. The proposed study area for this project includes East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, Iberville (part of the Metropolitan Planning Area); Assumption, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, St. Helena, and Pointe Coupee (outlying area within Metropolitan Statistical Area). This region will see some of the greatest impacts from climate change due to a unique wetland geography, position on the petro-chemical industrial corridor, and environmental justice considerations. The Capital Regional Planning Commission is committed to protecting its community by implementing data-driven mitigation measures and adaptation strategies that will ultimately reduce emissions and environmental risks.

Activities:
In general, activities include the development, updating, and evaluation of plans to reduce climate pollution (that is, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or enhance carbon sinks). Specific activities include the development of a Priority Climate Action Plan, a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, and status report. By incorporating existing work, the Capital Regional Planning Commission will cover the entire region and include jurisdictions that may not have the capacity to create their own city or parish-wide plans.

This project supports Goal 1, 'Tackle the Climate Crisis,' and Objective 1.1, 'Reduce Emissions that Cause Climate Change,' of EPA's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Specifically, the recipient will collaborate with other organizations working on climate pollution reduction and conduct meaningful engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities throughout its jurisdiction to develop climate action plans to improve understanding of current and future greenhouse gas emissions so that states, U.S. territories, tribes, and local governments can prioritize actions that reduce such emissions and harmful air pollution; stimulate innovative technologies and practices to reduce GHG emissions and associated co-pollutants in hard-to-abate sectors; and prioritize actions and policies that will be durable, replicable, and provide certainty in pollution reductions.

Subrecipient:
No subawards are included in this assistance agreement.

Outcomes:
Three key deliverables will be produced and submitted over the course of the four-year program period, including: a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), due March 1, 2024; a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), due two years from the date of the award; and a status report, due four years from award (summer-fall 2027). The expected outcomes include a Priority Climate Action Plan and Comprehensive Climate Action Plan that identifies tons of pollution (greenhouse gases and co-pollutants) reduced over the lifetime of the measures; tons of pollution (greenhouse gases (GHGs) and co-pollutants) reduced annually; and tons of pollution (greenhouse gases (GHGs) and co-pollutants) reduced with respect to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Other expected outcomes include multiple public meetings and stakeholder engagement events; numerous community members participating in plan development; dissemination o

Capital Region Planning Commission

66.046 - Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

EPA Region 6: Dallas [EPA - RO]

Pointe Coupee, Louisiana United States

County-Wide

None