The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the confederated tribes and bands of the yakama nation to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or…

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation received a $110,000 Cooperative Agreement from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046). The funding will be used to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan for the Yakama Indian Reservation and ceded territories in central Washington. Key activities include conducting a greenhouse gas inventory, identifying quantitative emissions reduction measures, analyzing benefits, and engaging stakeholders to finalize the climate action plan. Two deliverables are expected: a Priority Climate Action Plan due by March 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan at the end of the 4-year grant period in May 2027. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants to benefit the Yakama Nation communities and natural resources.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the confederated tribes and bands of the yakama nation 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 location of the confederated tribes and bands of the yakama nation is generally considered to be the area surrounding pahto (12,281 feet MT. Adams) in central washington state. Yakama nation fisheries we be the lead agency for this project, and will build upon a previously approved climate adaptation plan (2019) and climate action plan (2021) to develop the climate mitigation plans. Grant activities will focus on the columbia river and its major tributaries, the 11 million acres of the ceded territories, and the yakama indian reservation. Key components of the climate mitigation plans will include identifying and understanding current and future GHG emissions. Additional project initiatives will include prioritizing actions to reduce emissions, reduce toxic air pollutants, and improve conditions that people and natural resources rely upon. This grant will help protect the underlying ecosystem processes that enable culturally significant food resources to grow, thrive, and reproduce.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). Yakama nation's previously developed climate action plan and climate adaptation plan will form the foundation for activities under this project. The GHG inventory will be developed using available resources accessed through collaboration with the affiliated tribes of northwest indians, the state of washington, the university of washington, the university of oregon, and other tools and resources offered by EPA. As lead agency, yakama nation fisheries will also seek stakeholder and community engagement in developing the climate mitigation plans. Outreach efforts will include the formation of a steering committee, online surveying, social media, tribal leader interviews, in person and virtual meetings, and webinars.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, near- 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. The intended beneficiaries include all residents of and visitors to the yakama indian reservation and ceded territories.