Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a partnership agreement with Travis County to work together to meet the objectives of a United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant to reduce greenhouse gases from municipal facilities.
De
Lead Department
Office of Sustainability
Fiscal Note
The item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
September 30, 2021 - Council approved Resolution No. 20210930-099, adopting the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, using a steep decline path followed by negative emissions.
September 30, 2021 - Council approved Resolution No. 20210930-110, directing the City Manager to establish leadership responsibilities over Austin Climate Equity Plan implementation, provide quarterly updates on plan implementation, identify budget recommendations that support plan implementation, prioritize strategies that provide multiple benefits (including regional collaboration), and monitor climate related federal legislation and purpose opportunities to assist in the city's climate efforts within legislation that passes.
September 21, 2023 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20230921-096 to accept and appropriate $1,000,000 in grant funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction grant to lead an effort to develop and implement a regional plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.
February 15, 2024 - Council approved Resolution No. 20240215-025, establishing the City’s intent to act urgently to address local causes of climate change, enhance the sustainability of City operations, and develop community resiliency to the impacts of extreme weather. The resolution directed the City Manager to identify projects and investments that would meet those goals and include recommendations for appropriate funding sources.
March 21, 2024 - Council approved Resolution No. 20240321-030, authorizing submittal of a Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant for Transportation Demand Management programs related to commute alternatives during multiple extended infrastructure construction projects in Austin and Travis County.
For More Information:
Zach Baumer, Chief Sustainability Officer, 512-974-2836
Additional Backup Information:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program is a two-phase, $5 billion program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act:
• Phase one provided non-competitive funding to states, Metropolitan statistical areas, territories and tribes to develop or update climate, energy, or sustainability plans. The Office of Sustainability is leading this process for our region and on March 1, 2024, submitted the Priority Climate Action Plan to the EPA.
• Phase two made $4.6 billion in competitive grants available for implementation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
o The Office of Sustainability supported a $47.85 million submission by the City’s Transportation and Public Works Department for a Transportation Demand Management Program (approved by Council through resolution 20240321-030)
o The Office of Sustainability supported a $50 million submission by Travis County for a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience of municipal facilities across the region. This supports the Austin Climate Equity Plan’s overarching objective of regional collaboration.
Departments will be eligible to apply for competitive funding to upgrade municipal facilities to reduce greenhouse gases and increase resilience. If successful, approximately $40.5 million of funding will be available for projects across the five-county Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Office of Sustainability will facilitate City departments participation in this project.(s)