EPA recognizes $7.7 million grant to The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures

EPA recognizes $7.7 million grant to The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures

Estimated direct greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from this funding are expected to be around 41,413 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) over the period from 2025 to 2050

November 4, 2024

CHOCTAW, Miss. (November 4, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Region 4 Administrator, Jeaneanne Gettle joined the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus Benfor a press event to highlight the award of a $7.7 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) emphasizing sustainable energy infrastructure, cleaner transportation, resiliency, and learning.

"We are excited to announce the award of this Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians," said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. "The projects funded by this grant will bring substantial environmental, economic, and health benefits to the Tribe and set a powerful example for communities across the nation."

"I first want to thank the EPA for this award and our Office of Environmental Protection for writing this grant that will now make a positive impact in their program and in homes of some of our Tribal Elders," said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. "The grant consists of four main projects which will contribute directly to greenhouse gas reductions through their specific actions."

With approximately 11,000 Tribal members and 2,300 residential units spread across Choctaw Tribal lands, these projects will directly impact 250 residences belonging to Tribal elders and disabled individuals, who face heightened risks during power outages.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians CPRG Implementation Grant will support four greenhouse gas reduction measures to deliver substantial environmental, economic, and health benefits. Specific efforts will include installing solar heat pumps, upgrading appliances, enhancing biodiesel production, and improving recycling capabilities and efficiency.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians CPRG Project Highlights:

Energy Efficient Improvements: Solar Direct Heat Pumps

The installation of solar-driven heat pumps in residential homes will provide much-needed cooling during the sweltering Mississippi summers, while also lowering electricity costs. The project aims to install solar panels and energy-efficient appliances in 300 homes over five years, resulting in a projected GHG reduction of 8,599 MT CO2e by 2050.

Home Appliance Efficiency

This initiative will replace outdated and non-electric appliances with energy-efficient electric models, targeting at-risk households first. The project anticipates a reduction of 13,129 MT CO2e in GHG emissions by 2050.

Enhancement and Expansion of Recycling Capabilities

MBCI plans to upgrade its recycling operations by acquiring new equipment, significantly improving efficiency, and reducing the GHG emissions associated with waste collection. This project is expected to result in a reduction of 250 MT CO2e by 2050.

Biofuel Infrastructure for Improved Production and Efficiency of Distribution

The revitalization of the Choctaw Biodiesel program will focus on collecting and processing waste oil to create a cleaner fuel alternative. This initiative is projected to yield a GHG reduction of 19,434 MT CO2e by 2050.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program is an initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These grants are designed to provide resources to state, local governments, and Tribes to collaboratively work on reducing climate pollution. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Environmental Protection Agency launched the CPRG with the aim of helping state, local, and Tribal governments develop and implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.

Learn more about EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.

Learn more about the CPRG Implementation Phase Grant Awards.

Learn more about the CPRG Implementation Grants Tribes and Territories Competition Selections.

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