The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the denver regional council of governments (drcog) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan in collaboration with local stakeholders.

The key deliverables of this 4-year program include: 1) a Priority Climate Action Plan due March 1, 2024, 2) a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due 2 years from the award date, and 3) a final status report. The plans will identify greenhouse gas and co-pollutant reductions, with a focus on reducing impacts in low-income and disadvantaged communities. DRCOG will also conduct extensive public outreach to increase stakeholder involvement and collaboration across the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan region.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the denver regional council of governments (drcog) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan in collaboration with air pollution control districts, large and small municipalities statewide, and tribal governments that will support actions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and harmful air pollutants and to conduct meaningful engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities. Drcog will be leading the efforts in the denver-aurora-lakewood metropolitan statistical area (MSA) to develop dynamic, accessible, and equitable climate action plans. Drcog will expand and leverage existing programs in the area to foster a shared problem-solving initiative. Drcog places upmost importance on establishing an inclusive partnership with the community by actively involving the public. By prioritizing meaningful engagement, drcog aims to foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility with the local population to reduce GHG emissions.activities:in general, activities include the development, updating, and evaluation of plans to reduce climate pollution (i.e., to reduce GHG emissions and/or enhance carbon sinks). Specifically, drcog will create GHG inventories, GHG emission projections, and GHG reduction targets to quantify reduction measures and strategies. Additionally, drcog will seek partnerships with local governments and organizations to implement policies and reduction plans. Furthermore, drcog will conduct extensive outreach programs to increase public involvement and collaboration.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:three key deliverables will be produced and submitted over the course of the four-year program period, including: a priority climate action plan (pcap), due march 1, 2024; a comprehensive climate action plan (ccap), due two years from the date of the award; and a status report, due at the close of the grant period. Expected outcomes include a pcap and ccap that identifies: tons of pollution (ghgs and CO-pollutants) reduced over the lifetime of the measures; tons of pollution (ghgs and CO-pollutants) reduced annually; and tons of pollution (ghgs and CO-pollutants) reduced with respect to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Other expected outcomes include: increased stakeholder network and involvement; enhanced collaboration and partnerships throughout the region; and improved public awareness. The intended beneficiaries include all residents and visitors of the denver-aurora-lakewood MSA, with an emphasis on low income and disadvantaged communities to ensure environmental equity. These areas will undergo an extensive benefits analysis with specific outreach programs to increase involvement.