DEP seeks input on how to use federal funds to fight climate change
HAZLETON – The state has received $3 Million in grants to develop a plan to fight climate change, and you can provide your input at a public engagement session this Thursday in Hazleton.
The session, set up by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is one of five being held statewide, and is the only one near Shenandoah.
The session will be on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Hazleton Integration Project, located at 225 E 4th Street, Hazleton, PA 18201. If you would like to attend, you can register here.
DEP says the goal is to involve Pennsylvanians in developing a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for communities across the Commonwealth.
$3 million in federal grants were received to create a PCAP and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which will provide resources to help industries reduce air pollutants and emissions in our communities.
For example, DEP says companies might use the funding to upgrade to cleaner technology or train workers to fill clean energy jobs.
These initiatives are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. The EPA provides grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop climate action plans, as well as implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.
“Pennsylvanians deserve to have a say in decisions that impact their health and their environment – that’s why DEP is providing residents this opportunity to weigh in on this critical funding to tackle climate change,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Industrial activity is one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas pollution of any sector in Pennsylvania, and it is extremely difficult to reduce. These resources will help our communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, and DEP will gather feedback from all corners of the Commonwealth in order to help put this funding to work in the most effective way possible.”
Pennsylvanians can also participate in a statewide virtual session that will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Register here
Can’t make the live or virtual sessions? Feedback can also be submitted through the Climate Strategy Opinion Survey Platform to share your thoughts on how DEP can better lead the way to a more equitable, climate-smart future.
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