This action approves an award in the amount of $159,375 to provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the mississippi band of choctaw indians (mbci) to develop a comprehensive,…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $159,375 Cooperative Agreement to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046). The funding will support the development of a comprehensive climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and harmful air pollutants across MBCI lands. Key deliverables include a Priority Climate Action Plan by March 1, 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan by the end of the 4-year grant period. The plan will leverage existing data to create GHG inventories, identify and evaluate mitigation measures, and coordinate with stakeholders on implementation. Expected outcomes include GHG and co-pollutant reductions, improved air quality, health benefits, enhanced community engagement, and creation of green jobs.

This action approves an award in the amount of $159,375 to provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the mississippi band of choctaw indians (mbci) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan that will support actions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and harmful air pollutants. The mbci office of environmental protection is responsible for protecting the air, land, water, and natural resources within the tribes' land. The main objective is to protect and improve the environment and health of the tribe members, with a special emphasis on upholding the tribe's values and culture. The plan will focus on potent GHG emission sectors to evaluate reduction measures, while also addressing energy reduction measures in commercial buildings. 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). Furthermore, the mbci will create comprehensive GHG inventories based on existing data to identify and evaluate GHG reduction measures. Additionally, the mbci will coordinate with other entities and organizations to leverage existing plans and development. The mbci will conduct outreach programs and events to involve tribal members and stakeholders to increase involvement and awareness, including the provision of education and outreach to all choctaw tribal communities. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:two 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, and a comprehensive climate action plan (ccap), due at the end of the grant period. The pcap will include a GHG inventory, quantitative GHG reduction measures, a benefits analysis, and a review of authority to implement activities. The ccap will include an overview of significant GHG sources/sinks and sectors within the mississippi band of choctaw indians lands, near-term and long-term GHG emission reduction goals, and strategies and measures to address the highest priority sectors. Expected outcomes include a pcap and ccap that identifies: tons of pollution (ghgs and CO-pollutants) reduced over the lifetime of the measures and tons of pollution (ghgs and CO-pollutants) reduced annually. Other expected outcomes include: improved staff capacity; enhanced community engagement ; improved ambient air quality; health benefits achieved; increased public awareness of the project and results; and creation of high-quality jobs with an emphasis on workers from underserved populations. The intended beneficiaries include all residents of and visitors to the mississippi band of choctaw.