DeGette Celebrates $328 Million Grant To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Denver

DENVER, CO - Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two awards to Denver localities as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program. This included $199 million to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and $129 million to the Colorado Energy Office for their Colorado decarbonization accelerator.

"This substantial funding is a major advancement in the bold action we must take to combat the climate crisis effectively," Rep. DeGette said. "The Inflation Reduction Act includes some of the most significant climate action in our history, and I am proud to have voted for this landmark law. With this funding, Denver can take a significant step towards reducing pollution, combating climate change, and securing a healthier environment for future generations."

"We are thrilled that DRCOG has been awarded $199M from the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "This federal investment in equitable climate action will be truly transformational for our region - helping us build a greener Denver by supporting residents and businesses while creating new, well-paying jobs. Denver is ready to partner with our neighbors and continue building upon our nation-leading climate programs."

"This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of not just the entire DRCOG team, but the unwavering support from our member government partners, as well as over 90 program supporters across industry, labor, government and the broader community," said Jeff Baker, Arapahoe County Commissioner and Chair of the DRCOG Board. "The region's Metro Vision Plan calls for healthy, inclusive and livable communities, and this federal grant will enable us to take bold, visionary steps to reduce climate pollution and protect the health and well-being of our residents. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working with our partners to achieve these ambitious goals."

"Our guiding mission is ensuring all people in Colorado have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to live healthy lives. These grants-unprecedented in their funding--bring us and Coloradans closer to achieving these goals," said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. "With nearly $330 million dollars coming to Colorado, pollution that has overwhelmed communities across the state can be addressed through the selectees' thoughtful, targeted projects. The Colorado Energy Office will be aiming to reduce emissions from landfills and coal mines, while the Denver Regional Council of Governments will be focused on decarbonizing local homes and commercial buildings-collectively benefitting millions of Coloradans across the state and economic sectors."

"Regional leadership on climate change is critical and we are thrilled to support DRCOG in this program to help more people in Denver and the metro area switch from gas to all-electric appliances," said Elizabeth Babcock, Director of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR). "Pollution from burning gas in buildings is by far one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Denver and across the Front Range. The team at Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency is proud to have supported the development of this program. We look forward to our partnership with DRCOG, communities across the region, the state, the private sector, nonprofits, workforce leaders and so many others who know that our future is powered by clean energy."

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program(link is external) was authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022. The CPRG program provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.

In March, Rep. DeGette sent a letter of support urging the EPA to fund the DRCOG's grant request.