On June 16, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued a request for applications ("RFA") for its Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program. The RFA provides $10 million for programs to help lower green house gas ("GHG") emissions through energy and resource management.
Eligible activities are those that reduce GHG emissions in the following priority areas:
- Use or supply of green power products, on-site renewables, and other clean energy supply options;
- Energy performance in municipal operations (including municipal energy, water, and waste-water utilities);
- Energy performance in residential, commercial, agricultural, aqua-culture, and/or industrial buildings;
- Land use, transportation, or community master planning;
- Reduction of vehicle miles traveled;
- Solid waste management;
- Agricultural, aqua-cultural, and natural resource management;
- Heat island management;
- Removal of barriers for greenhouse gas management, through the development of effective programs, policies, or outreach; or
- Other innovative activities which generate measurable reductions of greenhouse gases
The EPA expects to award up to 30 cooperative agreements. Individual awards can be as high as $500,000, but most awards will range in value from $300,000 to $500,000. Eligible entities include local governments, Indian tribes, and intertribal consortiums.
Applicants must submit an informal notice of Intent to Apply by July 1, 2009 and full applications are due July 22, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.