Beehive Emission Reduction Plan

Utah awarded $74.7 million to implement Beehive Emission Reduction Plan measures

In October 2024, EPA awarded the Utah Department of Environmental Quality the full $74,744,454 award to support the Beehive Emissions Reduction Plan in implementing locally-driven solutions that reduce emissions, support communities, and advance clean energy.

EPA received nearly 300 applications from states, tribes, territories, local governments, and coalitions of these entities, and Utah’s application was one of only 25 selected. We could not have been successful without the thoughtful feedback, engagement, and support of the many stakeholders who participated in our planning process.  

The award will make a meaningful difference in Utah communities, funding activities focused on transportation, including electric vehicles, chargers, and e-bikes; yard equipment incentives; solar power generation; oil and gas methane emissions reduction; and energy efficiency coaching and assessment programs to reduce emissions across multiple sectors. Please read our Implementation Grant Application Work Plan for a full list of the measures for which funding was requested.

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.