|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Greg Vitali |
  
|
State grant program funds municipal greenhouse gas emissions plans
Vitali secured appropriation in 2007-08 state budget to carry out plan
HARRISBURG, May 22 – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection today announced the start of a grant program to fund municipal climate change inventories and action plans, according to state Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware.
DEP's Local Government Greenhouse Gas Pilot Grant Program will provide grants of up to $20,000 to help municipalities or regional partnerships hire technical service providers who can help establish those inventories and then develop plans to reduce emissions.
The program is being funded by a $300,000 appropriation that Vitali secured in the 2007-08 state budget. Language from legislation (H.B. 334) Vitali introduced in 2006 provides the framework for the DEP plan and the distribution of funds.
Applications will be judged based on energy use and efficiency; use of renewable energy; commitment to greenhouse gas reduction; efficient land-use planning and management; financial and in-kind contributions; contractor experience and qualifications; and contractor resources and location.
The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 29. For more information or to download an application, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Grants.
"I have been advocating for climate change both at the state and local level for many years," Vitali said. "In the absence of federal action, and the absence of significant action at the state level, a local response to climate change is essential."
Vitali said Haverford Township recently presented its first gas emissions inventory report detailing the 2005 energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the township and in community operations. The report represents the completion of the first step in the township's plan to address climate change, with future initiatives planned. A grant secured by Vitali funded the report.
"Pennsylvania alone is responsible for about 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas production, so our local governments have an important role to play in the response to climate change, and the state has a responsibility to take the lead in helping to fund that response."
###jma/2008/agh
l:'print'releases'DEPgreenplans.166