$129 million from EPA flows to Colorado to decarbonize, cut climate pollution

Hundreds of millions of federal taxpayer dollars will be flowing into Colorado to reduce carbon emissions while the University of Colorado creates a high-ranking position for sustainability.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the state $129 million to improve air quality. The money will be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by expanding methane monitoring, investing in new methane capture initiatives, and incentivizing large commercial buildings to decarbonize, according to information from Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis.

The money comes after $156 million was awarded by the EPA to promote solar energy in the state. The Department of Energy awarded $140 million to the state for home energy rebates to promote energy efficiency and electrification.

“Colorado continues to lead the nation in climate initiatives that reduce air pollution, and move us closer to our climate goals,” Polis said in a statement. “Investing in clean energy is an investment in Colorado, and we are grateful to be recognized by the federal government for our landmark plans to reduce emissions by creating more transit-oriented communities while continuing to save Coloradans money.”

The EPA will award $199.7 million to Denver, Boulder County and nearby areas to “reduce climate pollution,” according to information from the Boulder County Commissioners. The money will be used to promote electricity and decarbonize buildings and be led by the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

Boulder County’s grant is one of 25 receiving funding as the EPA received more than 300 applications for money. Approximately 47% of funds will go toward upgrading homes and reducing energy bills in low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

In addition to assisting home and building owners, the grant will train thousands of plumbers, electricians and heating and air conditioning technicians.

“This federal grant, boosted by an additional $73 million from local governments, will transform Colorado’s workforce by training more than 4,800 people for electrification roles,” Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin said in a statement. “This transformation will make electrifying homes and buildings easier, faster, and more affordable, while also creating a new generation of future-forward jobs.”

Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the University of Colorado will launch a nationwide search to hire a vice chancellor for sustainability. The position will provide leadership to growing the university’s reputation in climate science research, increase sustainability into curriculums and achieve goals in the university’s 2024 Climate Action Plan. The program aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2023 with a target of zero emissions no later than 2050.

The new position also will promote the campus as a living-learning laboratory where research and other advancements in sustainability can be tested and put into practice.

Schwartz also announced an estimated $5 million to $7 million in upgrades to a campus energy plant will go toward decarbonization. The funding is from tax credits in the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

“Intertwining operations, education and research is the next step in CU Boulder’s vision for creating global impact in the climate science space and living our values through achievement of our Climate Action Plan goals,” Schwartz said in a statement.