The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to fund community-driven solutions to the climate crisis. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) will receive nearly $75 million to support 13 statewide initiatives, including an electric school bus pilot program, pollution mitigation at oil and gas refineries, and expanding electric vehicle charging stations.
As part of the “Beehive Emission Reduction Plan,” the University of Utah’s Intermountain Industrial Assessment Center (IIAC) will receive $3.75 million to enhance its work in improving energy efficiency across various sectors. The funding will allow the IIAC to expand its reach to commercial, government, and educational buildings, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The IIAC, led by Professors Kody Powell and Julie Sieving, has already consulted with over 150 regional businesses, helping companies save significant energy costs while benefiting the environment.
