The grant agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the hampton roads planning district commission (hrpdc) to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation…

The grant agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the hampton roads planning district commission (hrpdc) 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 hrpdc, serving as the lead organization for the virginia beach - norfolk - newport news metropolitan statistical area (MSA), will analyze GHG emissions, identify key sectors and sources, and develop short-term measures to effectively reduce ghgs and CO-pollutant emissions. Plans will build on the virginia department of environmental quality's GHG inventory and the inventories and reduction strategies developed by participating localities. Existing committees such as the regional planning directors, regional environmental committee, directors of utilities, and transportation technical advisory committee will be the foundation of stakeholder coordination. 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 hrpdc will actively engage the public and stakeholders, facilitate coordination among different agencies and levels of government, conduct comprehensive GHG inventories, and identify effective measures to mitigate climate pollution. The hrpdc aims to enhance community and stakeholder involvement by developing diverse outreach strategies that reach many groups, including underdeveloped communities. Hrpdc will procure a contractor to support the development of the plans and required elements, including a GHG inventory, reductions measures, and low income and disadvantaged communities benefits analysis. Subrecipient:subgrant to albemarle commission to support planning outside hrpdc.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 staff capacity; enhanced community engagement; expanded public awareness of the project and results; and increased job creation, with an emphasis on underdeveloped communities. The intended beneficiaries include all residents and visitors of the virginia beach area, with a specific focus on the underdeveloped and disadvantaged communities. The effort will be consistent with the JUSTICE40 initiative and hrpdc will work with regional stakeholders to meaningfully engage with underdeveloped and disadvantaged communities in the development of priorities.