The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the city of cheyenne, wyoming to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan in…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046) to the City of Cheyenne, WY for the development of a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan. The funding will support the creation of a Priority Climate Action Plan due by March 1, 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due within 2 years of the award. The plans will identify strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and harmful air pollutants, with a focus on engaging low-income and disadvantaged communities. Key activities include conducting a GHG emission inventory, developing GHG reduction measures, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing public outreach programs. The city anticipates providing $5,000 per year in sub-awards to 1-2 partners to support the project goals and public engagement efforts over the 4-year period of performance.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the city of cheyenne, wyoming 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. The city of cheyenne is leading the development and implementation of innovative strategies to reduce GHG emissions. The cheyenne metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has experienced an increase in flooding and has been affected by forest fires, which are both attributed to shifting weather patterns. In 2020, over 176,000 acres were burned in the mullen fire, threatening the city's watershed, releasing large quantities of GHG, and causing significant harm to numerous ecosystems. To address these challenges, the city of cheyenne will lead the efforts to address the MSA's most pressing environmental difficulties, while also fostering positive economic development through innovative solutions and workforce development opportunities. Power generation, transportation, manufacturing, industrial, and renewables are the primary sectors to be addressed in the mitigation plans.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, the city of cheyenne will create a comprehensive GHG emission inventory to develop GHG reduction measures, identify strategies to implement energy efficiency, and conduct outreach programs to enhance public awareness and participation.subrecipient:city of cheyenne anticipates $15,000 in subawards, $5,000 per year for years 1-3. Subawards will support and enhance project goals and deliverables and facilitate public outreach efforts. Cheyenne anticipates 1-2 subawards per year.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: improved ambient air quality and public health; increased public awareness; improved staff capacity; development of a city of cheyenne standing committee on sustainability; implementation of energy efficiency and other improvements to reduce operating costs; and positive economic development impacts. The intended beneficiaries include all residents and visitors of the cheyenne MSA, with a specific focus on low income and disadvantaged communities to promote environmental equity. The city of cheyenne will proactively seek public engagement with the low income and hispanic populations to strengthen relationships that invite dialogue and spark innovation. The city of cheyenne will take active measures to engage these communities to increase involvement and create a comprehensive benefits analysis.