Beehive Emission Reduction Plan

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.

Key Dates

• March 31, 2023: Governor Cox submitted a Notice of Intent to Participate to EPA that identifies the lead organization (DEQ) for the CPRG planning grant.
• April 28, 2023: DEQ submitted an application, including a workplan and budget.
• July 19, 2023: EPA awarded CPRG planning grant to DEQ.
• September 2023: EPA is expected to release Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for CPRG implementation grant funding.
• April 1, 2024: CPRG implementation grant funding applications are due.