Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Conditions in Cuba
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:
Cuba Country Update - This report provides an update on the poor religious freedom conditions in Cuba. The Cuban government uses its repressive legal framework to tightly control religious institutions. It criminalizes religious activities and expression that the government perceives to be out of step with its ideology. Government actors also regularly persecute
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:
Cuba Country Update - This report provides an update on the poor religious freedom conditions in Cuba. The Cuban government uses its repressive legal framework to tightly control religious institutions. It criminalizes religious activities and expression that the government perceives to be out of step with its ideology. Government actors also regularly persecuteworshipers through surveillance, harassment and threats, and fines. In addition, prison officials continue to mistreat religious prisoners of conscience including through torture and medical neglect.
In its 2024 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the U.S. Department of State redesignate Cuba as a "Country of Particular Concern," or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. In 2023, USCIRF held a hearing on the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Cuba. In 2022, USCIRF also published a report on constitutional reform and religious freedom in the country.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief.
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REPORT: https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Cuba.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-new-report-religious-freedom-conditions-cuba-0
ACHP Announces Termination of Consultation on Idaho Project
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation issued the following news on Sept. 6, 2024:
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) today announced it is terminating consultation on the development of a Section 106 agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka counties, Idaho. Pursuant to its responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the ACHP will prepare formal comments on the project and submit them to the BLM director. Once the BLM director considers and responds
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation issued the following news on Sept. 6, 2024:
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) today announced it is terminating consultation on the development of a Section 106 agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka counties, Idaho. Pursuant to its responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the ACHP will prepare formal comments on the project and submit them to the BLM director. Once the BLM director considers and respondsto the ACHP's comments, the Section 106 review for this undertaking will be concluded.
In accordance with the Section 106 implementing regulations, the ACHP is requesting that consulting parties and the public provide their views on the undertaking and its effects on historic properties. Comments are requested by Monday, September 23. Please submit comments to ACHP BLM Liaison Rodney Parker Jr. at rparker@achp.gov. All comments will be part of the public record and reviewed by the ACHP prior to the finalization and transmittal of its formal comments to the BLM director.
The proposed undertaking includes the construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of the wind energy project by Magic Valley Energy, LLC, within a BLM right-of-way (ROW). As currently proposed, the undertaking will consist of 241 wind turbines across 104,000 acres along with new substations, transmission lines, access roads, and related infrastructure. The ACHP has been participating in consultation since April 2021, when BLM determined that the project may have substantial impacts on numerous known historic properties, including the Minidoka National Historic Site and Wilson Butte Cave, although BLM recognized that additional identification efforts would be needed to fully assess the project's effects on historic properties. In consultation with the Idaho State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and several consulting parties, BLM determined it would develop a programmatic agreement (PA) to allow for phased identification and evaluation, in addition to the development of a Historic Property Management Plan and site-specific Historic Property Treatment Plans.
While the consultation process led to the development of a PA signed by some consulting parties, the Idaho SHPO declined to sign it and terminated further consultation on August 9, 2024, citing widespread opposition to the project from various stakeholders, including the Idaho State Legislature, Idaho's congressional delegation, Tribes, and the Japanese American community. The SHPO's local expertise was essential for effectively implementing the PA's phased identification and evaluation efforts in addition to mitigating adverse effects to historic properties. Without the SHPO's participation, the ACHP concluded it could not assume the SHPO's role or effectively resolve the adverse effects outlined in the PA. Given these limitations, the ACHP determined that further consultation would not lead to feasible measures to resolve these effects and therefore terminated consultation. In accordance with 36 CFR Sec. 800.7(c), the ACHP will develop its final advisory comments on this undertaking to the head of the agency.
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September 6, 2024
To: Peter J. Ditton, Acting State Director, Idaho State Offic1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, Idaho 83709-1657
Ref: Lava Ridge Wind Project Jerome, Lincoln and Minidoka Counties, Idaho ACHP Project Number: 016353
Dear Mr. Ditton:
On August 9, 2024, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) terminated its participation in the Section 106 consultation for the referenced undertaking, citing concerns with the project's overall effects to historic properties. In accordance with 36 CFR Sec. 800.7(a)(2), when a SHPO terminates consultation, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) may execute an agreement with the agency, in this case, the Bureau of Land Management. On August 27, 2024, the ACHP received a request from BLM to execute a two-party Programmatic Agreement (PA) for the undertaking, which would document the BLM's compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations, "Protection of Historic Properties" (36 CFR Part 800) for the proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project. However, for the reasons set out below, the ACHP is unable to execute the PA and will be providing comments to the BLM in accordance with 36 CFR Sec. 800.7(c).
Since April 2021, the ACHP has participated in the Section 106 consultation to assist the BLM and the consulting parties in seeking ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to historic properties that would result from this undertaking. Throughout this period, the ACHP provided numerous recommendations, in writing and in person, emphasizing the importance of involving all parties, including Indian Tribes and the Japanese American descendant community, with an interest in the effects of the project on historic properties, and ensuring these parties are provided with sufficient information to participate meaningfully in the consultation.
We appreciate BLM's attention to these and other recommendations we have provided, and the steps it has taken to improve its consultation with Indian Tribes, Friends of Minidoka, and others. However, we recognize that various stakeholders, including local elected officials, the Idaho State Legislature, Idaho's Congressional delegation, Indian Tribes, and the Japanese American community, continue to express concerns about a variety of potential impacts from the project, including significant effects to numerous historic properties.
Absent the SHPO's local expertise and resources to assist the BLM in implementing the PA's stipulations, including the development and oversight of the Historic Property Management Plan (HPMP) and Historic Property Treatment Plans (HPTPs), it would not be possible for the ACHP to provide the sort of expertise and assistance the BLM would need to implement the PA. The necessary modifications to make it so would result in a PA that does not reflect the undertaking's scale and scope and that would likely lack sufficient mitigation measures to resolve the undertaking's adverse effects on historic properties. Accordingly, the ACHP believes that further consultation in this case would be unproductive and therefore, we are hereby terminating consultation pursuant to 36 CFR Sec. 800.7(a)(4).
In accordance with section 800.7(c), the ACHP will develop and transmit its final comments to the BLM Director by October 28, 2024. With this notice of termination, we are also requesting that BLM and all consulting parties provide any additional views on this undertaking and the proposed resolution of adverse effects by September 23, 2024. This will allow the BLM Director an opportunity to receive our comments and respond to them before reaching a final decision on the undertaking, as required by Sec. 800.7(c)(4).
Should you have any questions or require additional assistance, please contact Rodney Parker Jr., Program Analyst, at (202) 517-0198 or by e-mail at rparker@achp.gov and reference the ACHP Project Number above. Consulting parties may submit their comments to Mr. Parker via email. We look forward to providing our comments to conclude the Section 106 process for this project.
Sincerely,
Reid J. Nelson
Executive Director
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Original text here: https://www.achp.gov/news/achp-announces-termination-consultation-idaho-project
2024 Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards Celebrates Outstanding Service and Impact
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- AmeriCorps issued the following news release:
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AmeriCorps commends awardees for their dedication to transforming communities through national service
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AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, recognized four AmeriCorps members and two grantees in the State and National program for their excellence in service. Each year, AmeriCorps State and National recognizes programs and individuals for the Excellence in AmeriCorps Award that consistently supports its mission in the following categories: Impactful Service Award, Inclusive Service
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- AmeriCorps issued the following news release:
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AmeriCorps commends awardees for their dedication to transforming communities through national service
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AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, recognized four AmeriCorps members and two grantees in the State and National program for their excellence in service. Each year, AmeriCorps State and National recognizes programs and individuals for the Excellence in AmeriCorps Award that consistently supports its mission in the following categories: Impactful Service Award, Inclusive ServiceAward, Innovative Service Award and Lifetime of Service Award.
"These remarkable individuals and programs exemplify the very best of what AmeriCorps stands for--dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to service. Their work is not only transforming lives but also strengthening the fabric of our communities," said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. "The 2024 Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards shine a spotlight on their extraordinary contributions and the enduring impact of national service."
The Impactful Service Award is presented to Kathryn Yang from the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services at Pathfinders in Milwaukee. Kathryn's relentless advocacy for vulnerable youth and her work in combating homelessness and sexual exploitation have made a lasting impact on her community.
The Inclusive Service Award goes to Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for their American Sign Language Inclusion Program, which has significantly enhanced accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in New Mexico.
Jeevanjot "JJ" Kapur of CultureAll in Iowa is recognized with the Innovative Service Award for his groundbreaking Open Book Project, which connects rural Iowans with diverse communities, fostering understanding and digital inclusion.
Karen Baker, Executive Director of Yolo Food Bank, receives the Lifetime of Service Award in recognition of her decades-long commitment to service and her leadership in disaster preparedness and community resilience.
The Outstanding AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team Award is awarded to the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa for their exemplary disaster response efforts, consistently supporting communities in times of need across the Midwest and beyond.
Juliet Vibert, Disaster Corps Manager at SBP, is honored with the Excellence in Disaster Services Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership and dedication to training and deploying AmeriCorps members during critical disaster responses.
The Native and Indigenous Leadership in Service Award is presented to the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation for their transformative initiatives in health, infrastructure, and disaster relief, making a profound difference in their community.
Since the first class of AmeriCorps members pledged to "get things done for America" nearly 30 years ago, more than 1.3 million Americans have served. Every year, thousands of AmeriCorps members prepare students for success, rebuild communities and revitalize cities, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, fight the opioid epidemic, preserve public lands, strengthen the workforce and so much more.
Now in its 10th year, the Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards honor the outstanding and innovative State and National programs, members, and alumni tackling our nation's most pressing challenges.
Learn more about these AmeriCorps State and National at AmeriCorps.gov/ASN.
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AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation's most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.
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Original text here: https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/2024-excellence-americorps-awards-celebrates-outstanding-service-impact
Technology Modernization Fund Announces Investment in Labor Protection Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Technology Modernization Fund issued the following news release:
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) announced a $23 million investment to modernize the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) case management system. This funding will enable the NLRB to replace its outdated system with a state-of-the-art, cloud-based solution, dramatically improving the agency's ability to protect workers' rights and process labor disputes efficiently.
"Across government, we're focused on serving the American people through the secure, accessible, and responsible use of technology,"
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Technology Modernization Fund issued the following news release:
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) announced a $23 million investment to modernize the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) case management system. This funding will enable the NLRB to replace its outdated system with a state-of-the-art, cloud-based solution, dramatically improving the agency's ability to protect workers' rights and process labor disputes efficiently.
"Across government, we're focused on serving the American people through the secure, accessible, and responsible use of technology,"said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. "The TMF is a proven model for driving effective, impactful, and cost-effective government IT modernization and GSA is committed to its growth and long-term success."
"This investment in the NLRB's technological capabilities represents our commitment to making government digital services more efficient and effective for workers and the general public," said Larry Bafundo, TMF Executive Director. "By providing the tools for faster case processing and improved data management, we're empowering the NLRB to better serve the American workforce and uphold the principles of fair labor practices."
"This investment exemplifies the transformative power of strategic IT modernization," said Clare Martorana, Federal CIO and TMF Board Chair. "By leveraging TMF, we've accelerated NLRB's digital transformation, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. The shift to a cloud-based solution isn't just replacing legacy infrastructure - it's unlocking new levels of scalability, security, and accessibility."
National Labor Relations Board: Case management system modernization
The NLRB is responsible for enforcing labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. In 2023, the NLRB processed over 22,000 cases and recovered more than $56 million for workers. However, the NLRB's 17-year-old system has led to a cascade of issues, including delays in case processing, reduced data reliability, and increased cybersecurity risks. These technological challenges impact NLRB's internal operations and affect its ability to provide justice for workers and resolution for employers.
"The enforcement work of our dedicated 1,200 employees across our 48 offices nationwide depends on a fully functioning case management system," said Jennifer Abruzzo, NLRB General Counsel. "Modernizing our system will lead to more efficient and effective service for workers, employers, and unions with cases before the NLRB."
"With TMF support, we can modernize our case processing system, allowing all agency personnel to serve our mission more efficiently and effectively," said Lauren McFerran, NLRB Chairman. "These improvements will also allow the public more ready access to agency documents and information, helping us be more open to those we serve."
This modernization effort will prioritize e-filing capabilities, allowing for faster and more efficient submission of labor-related documents, as well as enhanced public access to critical information and case statuses. The system upgrade will also facilitate more robust data analytics, enabling the NLRB to identify trends, make data-driven decisions, and allocate resources more effectively. Furthermore, the upgraded system will be built with scalability in mind, ensuring the NLRB can readily adapt to future technological advancements and evolving labor landscape needs.
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About the TMF: The Technology Modernization Fund is working to transform the way the government uses technology to deliver for the American public in an equitable, secure, and user-centric way. The TMF invests in technology projects across government, providing incremental funding, technical assistance, and oversight throughout execution to ensure the success of its investments.
The TMF is overseen by the Technology Modernization Board, which is composed of government IT leaders representing proven expertise in technology, transformation, and operations. TMF investments have supported projects ranging from modernizing the payment system used by the government's second largest revenue-collecting agency to helping to develop a new customer relationship management platform to maintain crucial international partnerships. For more information, visit tmf.cio.gov.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing over $100 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people.
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/technology-modernization-fund-announces-investment-in-labor-protection-infrastru-09052024
FHLBank Chicago Names Patrick Sullivan to Lead the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 6 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) announced Patrick Sullivan has rejoined the organization as Executive Vice President, Group Head, FHLBanks' Mortgage Partnership Finance(R) (MPF(R)) Program. Sullivan assumes leadership from John Stocchetti who announced his intention to retire in June.
"We are excited to welcome Patrick back to FHLBank Chicago and to the MPF Program. The MPF Program plays a vital role giving financial institutions
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 6 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) announced Patrick Sullivan has rejoined the organization as Executive Vice President, Group Head, FHLBanks' Mortgage Partnership Finance(R) (MPF(R)) Program. Sullivan assumes leadership from John Stocchetti who announced his intention to retire in June.
"We are excited to welcome Patrick back to FHLBank Chicago and to the MPF Program. The MPF Program plays a vital role giving financial institutionsaccess to the secondary mortgage market in rural and vulnerable communities, in our district and across the country." said Michael Ericson, President and Chief Executive Officer of FHLBank Chicago. "We are grateful to John for his leadership over the past 18 years growing the MPF Program product portfolio, implementing technology enhancements, and broadening the Program's reach throughout the Federal Home Loan Bank System."
Sullivan will lead the MPF Program which allows Federal Home Loan Bank members and Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to access competitive secondary mortgage products, retain servicing rights to maintain customer relationships, earn fee income by sharing in the credit risk of loans they originate and free up capital to make additional mortgage loans.
Sullivan worked at FHLBank Chicago in several positions from 2014 to 2021 with a primary focus on risk management and analytics for the MPF Program. He was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of Wintrust Mortgage, with additional leadership responsibilities for the Divisional CFO organizations supporting Wintrust Financial Corporation's other non-bank entities. He held previous roles at Fannie Mae in Single-Family financial planning and analysis and credit risk management, and at Navigant Consulting conducting forensic investigations into complex financial and accounting disputes or improprieties.
Sullivan began his new role at FHLBank Chicago on August 26, 2024, reporting to Michael Ericson.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/details/2024/09/05/fhlbank-chicago-names-patrick-sullivan-to-lead-the-mortgage-partnership-finance-program
EPA: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Selected to Receive $4,908,604 to Cut Climate Pollution From Oil and Gas Production Sources
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on Sept. 5, 2024:
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Funded by President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, Tribe among 34 Tribal and territory applications selected to receive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
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Southern Ute Indian Reservation - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Southern Ute Indian Tribe ("Tribe") in southwestern Colorado has been selected to receive a $4,908,604 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on Sept. 5, 2024:
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Funded by President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, Tribe among 34 Tribal and territory applications selected to receive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
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Southern Ute Indian Reservation - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Southern Ute Indian Tribe ("Tribe") in southwestern Colorado has been selected to receive a $4,908,604 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
The Tribe will use the EPA funds to implement a program to reduce emissions of methane and other harmful air pollutants from oil and gas sources located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
"Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris' leadership, today's investment marks one of the largest climate investments EPA has ever made in Tribal and territorial communities. The ambitious projects selected will deploy community-driven solutions to fight climate change and protect public health," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The Tribal and territory leaders selected today will fund innovative projects that improve air quality, deliver cleaner affordable electricity, and create economic and workforce opportunities that can be scaled up and replicated across Tribal lands and U.S. territories."
"If we're serious about addressing climate change impacts, we must ensure every community and industry are included in developing solutions," said Regional Administrator KC Becker. "For decades, the Southern Ute Tribe has sought to manage oil and gas sources responsibly by protecting air, water and people's health. This grant will allow the Tribe to reduce methane emissions from production sources even further, with benefits for southwest Colorado and our climate."
"As longstanding protectors and caretakers of the land, the Nuuchiu (Utes) continue their environmental stewardship," said Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker. "This investment will support the Southern Ute Indian Tribe's efforts to mitigate climate change, reduce climate pollution, and enhance air quality, benefiting not only the Southern Ute Indian Reservation but also southwest Colorado."
EPA selected 34 applications in total to fund projects across 31 Tribal Nations, 2 Tribal consortia, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands to implement community-driven solutions to tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate the clean energy transition.
The grants for the proposed projects, which are funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, will support the implementation of greenhouse gas reduction measures that were identified by Tribal and territorial communities. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas pollution by over 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050 - equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted from nearly 1.4 million homes' electricity use for one year.
Today's selections mark the latest phase of investment under this first-of-its kind, nearly $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. In July, EPA announced selected applications from the CPRG Implementation Grants General Competition to receive $4.3 billion in funding. In 2023, EPA provided $250 million in planning grants. Those plans served as the basis for greenhouse gas reduction measures proposed in the CPRG implementation grant applications.
The selected applications will target greenhouse gas pollution from six sectors of the economy with a particular focus on the transportation, electric power, and commercial and residential buildings sectors, while spurring workforce development and job creation in Indian Country and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Today's investment and ongoing CPRG technical support for planning grant recipients are consistent with President Biden's Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination. The Executive Order demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration's respect for Tribal sovereignty and its commitment to ushering in the next era of Tribal self-determination by directing agencies to reform federal programs for greater autonomy of Tribal Nations over how Tribes can invest federal funding. The Executive Order also directs agencies to make federal funding less burdensome and more accessible for Tribal Nations.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program is also advancing President Biden's historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA made its Tribes and Territories Competition selections following a review of 110 applications that requested a total of more than $1.3 billion in funding. The agency expects to award funds under both the Tribes and Territories Competition and the General Competition later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
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See the complete list of selected applications (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/southern-ute-indian-tribe-selected-receive-4908604-cut-climate-pollution-oil-and-gas#https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/cprg-implementation-grants-tribes-and-territories-competition-selections).
Learn about the CPRG program (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/about-cprg-implementation-grants).
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/southern-ute-indian-tribe-selected-receive-4908604-cut-climate-pollution-oil-and-gas
EPA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Grant Over $6.6 Million to Narragansett Indian Tribe to Cut Climate Pollution and Accelerate Clean Energy Transition
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Funded by President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, EPA announces 34 selected Tribal and territory applications through the competitive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program
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BOSTON (SEPTEMBER 5, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Narragansett Indian Tribe has been selected to receive $6,627,691 in Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
* The Narragansett Indian Tribe's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Funded by President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, EPA announces 34 selected Tribal and territory applications through the competitive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program
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BOSTON (SEPTEMBER 5, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Narragansett Indian Tribe has been selected to receive $6,627,691 in Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
* The Narragansett Indian Tribe'sGreenhouse Gas Reduction Measures Project will support the completion of energy audits at Tribal buildings to identify priority energy-efficiency measures and install building management systems and controls, solar arrays, and battery storage systems. The replicable project will decrease the Tribe's energy demand and use of combustible energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, yield financial savings, and improve energy resilience.
"Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris' leadership, today's investment marks one of the largest climate investments EPA has ever made in Tribal and territorial communities. The ambitious projects selected will deploy community-driven solutions to fight climate change and protect public health," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The Tribal and territory leaders selected today will fund innovative projects that improve air quality, deliver cleaner affordable electricity, and create economic and workforce opportunities that can be scaled up and replicated across Tribal lands and U.S. territories."
"Respect for Tribal sovereignty is a foundation of our work with Native Tribes. Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris, this investment is a major step forward in cutting climate pollution, saving on energy costs for families and accelerating the clean energy transition together with our partners," said Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "By investing in projects that matter to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, we're supporting solutions to pollution and seizing opportunities that are important to the Tribe."
"I am very pleased to announce new funding for the Narragansett Tribe," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "This investment, made possible through our Inflation Reduction Act, will improve the Tribe's energy infrastructure by upgrading community buildings with more efficient systems. We are working to save our Tribal neighbors money and reduce the emissions driving climate change."
"Indigenous communities like the Narragansett Indian Tribe have long been stewards of the environment, and this federal funding will help bolster efforts to ensure clean air and lower energy costs at Tribal buildings in Rhode Island," said U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner.
On behalf of the Narragansett Indian Tribal Government:
"The Narragansett Indian Tribe (NIT) is excited and thankful to receive the award of $6,627,691 in grant funding to support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants Tribes and Territories Competition (CPRG) to progress towards the Tribe's goal of decarbonization.
"Grant funds will be utilized to conduct energy audits, solar, and installation of battery storage on Tribally-owned and operating buildings. The grant activities are based on the Tribe's priority measures identified in the Tribe's PCAP. Implementation of the priority measures will result in immediate and significant GHG emissions reductions and have the potential to be replicated beyond Tribal government facilities and deployed across the reservation. This project will equip the NIT with a long-term strategy to expand these opportunities through the implementation of high-impact priority measures.
"This project will have numerous benefits for the Tribal community, significantly improving the quality of life for all Tribal members. These measures will improve the Tribal Lands' resilience to climate change, which has resulted in an increased frequency of extreme weather events in Rhode Island in recent years. The Tribe's must begin to take meaningful action to address the impacts of climate change, and this project will be a critical first step. Additionally, this project will also have health benefits for Tribal members, by reducing levels of criteria air pollutants. Asthma and cancer rates are in the 80-90th percentile on Tribal lands. From an economic perspective, the Tribe is committed to advancing economic opportunities for Tribal members by investing in workforce development opportunities. This project will support paid internships for two students to introduce them to opportunities in the rapidly expanding clean energy sector.
"As a Sovereign Nation, the Tribe looks forward to carry out our efforts to be more energy independent. The Tribe is very thankful for the EPA assistance and commitment to support Tribal Nations," said Chief Sachem Anthony Stanton, Narragansett Indian Tribe.
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More information:
EPA has selected 34 applications to fund projects proposed by 33 Tribal recipients and the Municipality of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to implement community-driven solutions to tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate the clean energy transition.
The grants for the proposed projects, which are funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, will support the implementation of greenhouse gas reduction measures that were identified by Tribal and territorial communities. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas pollution by over 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050--equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted from nearly 1.4 million homes' electricity use for one year.
Today's selections mark the latest phase of investment under this first-of-its kind, nearly $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. In July, EPA announced selected applications from the CPRG Implementation Grants General Competition to receive $4.3 billion in funding. In 2023, EPA provided $250 million in planning grants to develop climate action plans. Those plans served as the basis for greenhouse gas reduction measures proposed in the CPRG implementation grant applications.
The selected applications will target greenhouse gas pollution from six sectors of the economy with a particular focus on the transportation, electric power, and commercial and residential buildings sectors, while spurring workforce development and job creation in Indian Country and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Today's investment and ongoing CPRG technical support for planning grant recipients are consistent with President Biden's Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination. The Executive Order demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration's respect for Tribal sovereignty and its commitment to ushering in the next era of Tribal self-determination by directing agencies to reform federal programs for greater autonomy of Tribal Nations over how Tribes can invest federal funding. The Executive Order also directs agencies to make federal funding less burdensome and more accessible for Tribal Nations.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program is also advancing President Biden's historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA made its Tribes and Territories Competition selections following a review of 110 applications that requested a total of more than $1.3 billion in funding. The agency expects to award funds under both the Tribes and Territories Competition and the General Competition later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
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See the complete list of selected applications (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/cprg-implementation-grants-tribes-and-territories-competition-selections).
Learn about the CPRG program (https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/about-cprg-implementation-grants).
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-grant-over-66-million-narragansett-indian-tribe
