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

The County of Sarasota was awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan for the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The four-year project will engage low-income and disadvantaged communities to create a united front for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Key deliverables include a Priority Climate Action Plan, a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, and a status report. Expected outcomes include reduced pollution, improved air quality and health benefits, enhanced community engagement, and increased job creation focused on underserved populations.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the county of sarasota 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. This action approves an award in the amount of $1,000,000 to sarasota county to lead efforts to enact a priority climate action plan to address climate change and environmental resilience throughout the north port-sarasota-bradenton metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Leveraging existing relationships with community leaders and nonprofit organizations, sarasota will engage with low-income and disadvantaged communities and all communities in the region to create a united front to added GHG emission reductions. Sarasota has already created community groups in the MSA, along with connections to surrounding cities and counties to actively address climate, sustainability, and resilience efforts.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). Building upon previous climate action plans and ongoing collaborative efforts with local entities, sarasota will complete a preliminary GHG inventory, conduct a data GAP analysis report and complete a benefits analysis of low-income and disadvantaged communities. Stakeholder engagement activities will be implemented, focusing on inviting community members to participate and provide feedback. Using established strong partnerships with human services and environmental organizations, sarasota will build off established partnerships to create and conduct robust outreach, education, and engagement programs.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), a comprehensive climate action plan (ccap) and a status report. 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 capacity to implement plans to address climate change, enhanced community engagement, improved ambient air quality and health benefits, improved public awareness of project and results, and increased job creation with an emphasis on workers in underserved communities. The intended beneficiaries include the residents and visitors of the florida area, including those from all socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds. Specifically for low-income and disadvantaged communities, sarasota hopes to foster engagement and job creation for these populations.