Post updated Aug 7 – see additional details at end of story . . .
The office of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fulfilled Illinois’s request for more than $430 million in federal funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. The CPRG program is providing funding to implement projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas.
More than $111 million of Illinois’ application is earmarked for projects to build climate leadership in the agricultural sector and help incentivize sustainable, climate smart agricultural practices (edit Aug 7. and small engine electrification).
A Comprehensive Climate Action Plan will be due two years after the planning grant award. Prior to the CPRG award, Illinois was already recognized as a national leader on climate following the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which puts the state’s power sector on the path to decarbonization.
“When I signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, I did it knowing that we could not move into a clean energy future without ensuring that no one was left behind—and with this grant award, the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that their priorities are the same,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. “This grant will fund clean buildings, agriculture, and transport, and further position Illinois as the hub for smart, clean development that we have strived to become.”
U.S. EPA awarded just 25 grants totaling $4.3 billion, with Illinois’ being the third largest award.
See more details in press releases from the Governor’s office, IDOA, and the US EPA.
Aug. 7 Illinois Department of Agriculture details:
Through this program, IDOA will receive $73 million for climate smart ag practices and IEPA $38 million for electrification of small engines. These dollars will be distributed over a five-year period. Funded projects are intended to improve soil health, reduce erosion and improve air quality.
These dollars build upon local, regional and statewide programs and established networks led by the Illinois Department of Agriculture including:
- Under the Pritzker administration, the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Cover Crop Program has provided over $1.4 million in crop insurance rebates to 2,150 farmers using cover crops. This program’s demand has historically outpaced dollars available.
- Partnering with USDA NRCS, IDOA is investing $12.6 million for 40 frontline Conservation Planners throughout the state.
- Through USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program grants, the state has leveraged $5.2 million in state dollars for $17.5 million for climate smart conservation practices state-wide.
- The Soil Health Initiative enacted by the legislature and signed by Governor Pritzker created a framework for improving soil heath in Illinois by increasing cover crops, strip till, no till and erosion and sediment control practices all while advancing the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
- IDOA’s partnership with Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) offers several benefits to farmers and landowners regarding nutrient management, soil health, water quality, cost savings and sustainability.
- Illinois Nutrient Research Education Council has provided over $32 million towards academic research projects focused on nutrient utilization, increased crop production and water quality.
