ST PAUL, Minn — Governor Tim Walz is hoping to secure more than half a billion dollars from the federal government for a series of projects focused on lowering Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions.
Walz and the state submitted the proposals to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, which was created as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022.
“This funding will reduce climate pollution, lower energy bills, create jobs, improve our health and air quality, reduce hunger, and ultimately ensure Minnesota remains a great place to raise a family for generations to come,” said Walz in a statement.
The Proposals:
REACH Homes Minnesota - This projects has a price tag of $385 million and will focus on cutting climate pollution from residential buildings in the state, which is one of two sectors where greenhouse gases are rising, according to state data. The project was submitted by a coalition of Tribes, local governments and the state, according to the release.
Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems - This proposal seeks $200 million to implement "climate-smart" farming practices, electrify vehicles that transport food and scale up food waste prevention programs, according to the statement.
Developing Regional Infrastructure for Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) Midwest - The state is seeking $39 million to create an electric truck charging network to connect midwestern states and vehicles that are used to transport goods across state lines. The application was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation with its peer agencies in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Click here to see more information about Minnesota's proposals to the EPA.
In total, the state is asking for $624 million from the EPA, which will distribute a total of $4.6 billion to states, local governments and Tribes to reduce air pollution and other harmful emissions.
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