The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the upper columbia united tribes (ucut) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046) provides $525,000 to the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan. The plan will support actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and harmful air pollutants across the member tribes, including the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Colville Confederated Tribes, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Key deliverables include a Priority Climate Action Plan by March 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan by the end of the 4-year award period in January 2026. Activities involve quantifying emissions, identifying reduction strategies, conducting public engagement, and analyzing economic and environmental impacts. The award aims to enhance community resilience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 across the Upper Columbia tribal lands.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the upper columbia united tribes (ucut) 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. Ucut will lead the climate mitigation efforts of the member tribes, including the spokane tribe of indians, colville confederated tribes, kootenai tribe of idaho, and coeur d'alene tribe. The development of the climate mitigation plan will actively engage the public, integrating local priorities and input to identify target emission sectors. Ucut will use the findings of the GHG emissions projections to set targets for GHG reductions that are economically and environmentally feasible, while keeping member tribes on target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 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). Ucut will use previously compiled GHG data, such as the GHG inventory, projections, and targets, to help identify additional emissions reductions strategies across all member tribes and bring the current strategies into alignment. Ucut will also use this data to compile a list of the largest sources of emissions aligned with economic impact on the tribe to present to tribal leaders. Ucut will host virtual meetings, in-person forums, community events, and webinars to increase community awareness and identify public priorities related to the climate action plans. In addition, ucut plans to implement energy efficiency upgrades, train staff on everyday practices to reduce emissions, increase recycling and reuse of materials, and implement strategies to improve carbon sinks. Subrecipient:each of the 5 member tribes, (spokane tribe of indians, kalisel tribe of indians, colville confederated tribes, kootenai tribe of idaho, and coeur d' alene tribe will provide coordination and outreach to ensure all the required data in information are provided to the consultants to ensure timelines and deliverables are met. They will attend and participate in regular meetings and provide updates to tribal councils. 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 upper columbia tribal 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: enhanced community engagement; increased public awareness of the project and results; improved ambient air quality; community health and economic benefits; and increased climate resilience. The intended beneficiaries include all residents of and visitors to the upper columbia tribal lands.