Beehive Emission Reduction Plan

Priority Plan Released

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is excited to announce the completion of the Beehive Emission Reduction Plan: Priority Plan.

In the plan, we’ve included 14 implementation-ready measures for potential inclusion in applications for EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Implementation Grant program. For each measure, the plan also includes one or more quantified example projects. Eligible applicants may apply for these example projects or design their own projects that would help achieve the broader measure in question. Please read the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for additional guidance and information about eligibility.

CPRG Implementation Grant applications are due to the EPA by April 1. We encourage interested parties to review the Priority Plan and EPA’s Implementation Grant NOFOs, and to reach out to us as soon as possible with any questions. We also want to know if you are planning to directly apply to EPA for funding and/or if you are expecting DAQ to apply and for which measures. Please coordinate with us now as we are currently determining which measures and projects to include in our lead agency application.

View the Priority Plan

Background

On August 16, 2022,  the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) was signed into law. Among other provisions, the IRA established funding for state greenhouse gas planning and implementation efforts. This funding initiative, known as the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, includes two phases.  

Phase I provides formula planning grant funding for states ($3M each), metropolitan areas ($1M to each of the 67 largest areas), territories ($2M set-aside), and tribes ($25M set-aside) to develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Phase II will provide $4.6B nationwide in competitive implementation grant funding for government entities participating in Phase I. Find more information at EPA’s CPRG program.

Governor Cox has identified the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as the lead agency to receive CPRG funding to engage in emission reduction planning in Utah through the Beehive Emission Reduction Plan initiative. In this capacity, DEQ will play a key role in helping Utah secure broader emissions reduction-related funding under the IRA, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and from other sources. DEQ has extensive emission reduction planning experience and is prepared to coordinate with partners to ensure that funding is leveraged to support balanced, state-driven solutions that pave the way for continued growth while maintaining a high-quality of life in Utah.