Contents
Overview
The EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollution. This two-phase program provided $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants and will provide approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation funds.
Phase 1 - Planning Grant
- Develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (March 2024)
- Develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (July 2025)
- Develop Status report (July 2027).
| Phase 2 - Implementation Grant- Submit competitive grant applications for implementation funds (April 2024)
- EPA announces competition winners (July 2024)
- EPA awards funds (October 2024)
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The Maryland Department of the Environment is leading the Planning Grant for Maryland with statewide focus and regional coordination. The following map shows the three Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in Maryland, which were awarded Planning Grants and have applied for competitive Implementation funds. 
Maryland Local Government Climate Action Support Program
For the counties not covered by a CPRG MSA Planning Grant, MDE will provide assistance through the Maryland Local Government Climate Action Support Program. This program compliments the CPRG Planning Grant to ensure MDE continues its commitment of leaving no one behind. Three primary objectives of this program are:
- Help local governments in Maryland identify high priority greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects with important social, ecological, and economic co-benefits.
- Align efforts within Maryland to maximize the best possible outcomes in reducing harmful pollution and climate change.
- Build capacity across all of Maryland for project planning, design, financing, implementation, and tracking to help meet the State’s ambitious climate action goals.
To bolster support, MDE is pleased to have the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC) contracted to provide a wide range of hands-on support. EFC services range from project facilitation, education and training, community outreach and engagement, and direct technical assistance to navigate the resources, tools, and financing mechanisms available.
The Maryland Local Government Climate Action Support Program is available for the following counties and their municipalities that are not covered by a CPRG MSA Planning Grant:
- Western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany, Washington counties)
- Southern Maryland (Calvert, St. Mary’s counties)
- Eastern Shore (Kent, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties)
Phase 1 - Planning Grant
Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) - The Maryland PCAP was developed to meet the requirements of the CPRG Planning Grant and is based on the following foundational inputs:
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP)
The CCAP is currently under development and is due to the EPA in July 2025. This Plan will integrate the Maryland PCAP, Maryland’s GHG Emissions Reduction Plan (2023), in addition to county, local, and community feedback with focus on economy-wide GHG emission reduction projects. MDE will update and build upon the following required elements.
- GHG Inventory
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GHG Emissions Projections
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GHG Reduction Targets
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Quantified GHG Reduction Measures
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Full Benefits Analysis
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Low-income and Disadvantaged Communities Benefits Analysis
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Review of Authority to Implement
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Other Funding Available
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Workforce Planning Analysis
Phase 2 - Competitive Implementation Grants
MDE’s project proposals for competitive CPRG Implementation Grants were successfully submitted to the EPA by the April 1, 2024 deadline. The EPA plans to announce competition winners in July 2024 and award funds in October 2024. MDE is leading and participating in the following coalition applications.
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Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards (PCAP Measure 9) Partnering with the District of Columbia, MDE led the submission for the Clean Buildings Accelerator project. This coalition application will enhance and accelerate Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) implementation, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities. $195M requested, Tier B.
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Clean Corridor Coalition (PCAP Measure 6)
This New Jersey-led multi-state coalition application includes Maryland, Connecticut, and Delaware. This project proposes electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, traveling along the I-95 corridor and adjacent roadways from Connecticut to Maryland. $250M requested, Tier A.
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Atlantic Coastal Coalition (PCAP Measures 19, 20, 21)
This North Carolina-led multi-state coalition includes South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. This application proposes natural carbon sequestration through improved forest management, the protection and restoration of highly threatened, high-carbon coastal habitats, and forests with the greatest carbon sequestration potential and/or heat island abatement co-benefit. $400M requested, Tier A. -
States Supporting Resilient Local Energy Systems (PCAP Measure 2)
Led by Hawaii, Maryland joins 14 other states requesting funds to purchase and install solar PV and grid battery storage, in addition to other zero-emission and resilient energy technologies. $500M requested, Tier A.
Past Presentations + FAQ
View the Compiled Q&A from all of the CPRG virtual sessions, and the recordings from each meeting:
Contact
Josey Schwartz, CPRG Lead - josey.schwartz@maryland.gov or
climategrants.mde@maryland.gov
