For immediate release.

Denver, CO  – The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is pleased to announce the award of a major federal grant, amounting to nearly $200 million, aimed at reducing climate pollution and promoting sustainability across the region. The grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will fund an ambitious and comprehensive regional program aimed at transforming the building sector in the Denver area, with focused investment in underserved low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This significant funding will support several coordinated initiatives that will reduce carbon pollution from buildings, foster workforce development and offer financial incentives for home services and electric appliances, such as heat pumps, water heaters, and electric cooktops and ranges. Each initiative will address specific environmental and industry challenges and improve air quality and public health in a region with elevated levels of air pollutants, like ozone.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of not just the entire DRCOG team, but the unwavering support from our member government partners, as well as over 90 program supporters across industry, labor, government and the broader community,” said Jeff Baker, Arapahoe County Commissioner and Chair of the DRCOG Board. “The region’s Metro Vision Plan calls for healthy, inclusive and livable communities, and this federal grant will enable us to take bold, visionary steps to reduce climate pollution and protect the health and well-being of our residents. We are grateful for the support and look forward to working with our partners to achieve these ambitious goals.”

“For Colorado to lead the country in a clean energy transition, we must reduce pollution from the largest sources of greenhouse gases – and in the Denver metro area, that means decarbonizing our homes and businesses,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “The Inflation Reduction Act made the largest investment to confront climate change in history, and Colorado is uniquely positioned to benefit from it and lead the transition to a clean energy economy. This funding will help local governments throughout the Denver metro area work with families and businesses to lower their costs with energy-efficient upgrades while supporting communities disproportionately affected by poor water and air quality.”

“Colorado is already tackling climate change head-on, but to reach our climate goals, we’ll need to continue investing in cleaner technologies and decarbonization efforts,” said Senator John Hickenlooper. “We passed the historic Inflation Reduction Act to do just that. And now it’s delivering millions to Colorado to help businesses and local governments measure – and cut – their carbon emissions!”

“If we’re going to combat the climate crisis effectively, we need swift, bold action like today’s announcement from the EPA,” said Representative Diana DeGette (CO-01). “This substantial funding will not only improve our city’s air quality but also enhance the overall health and well-being of Denverites. I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act and send a letter urging the EPA to fund the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ request and make this a reality.”

“Coloradans know all too well the effects of the climate crisis — from drought, poor air quality, wildfires, and flash floods. That’s why I helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver the tools our state needs to fight back,” said Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06). “Nearly $200 million in IRA-backed grant funding for the DRCOG’s Zero-Emission Building Initiative will significantly reduce pollution by electrifying and decarbonizing buildings with a focus on underserved communities. I’m proud to support this program and keep working with Colorado leaders to lower energy costs, clean up our air, and protect our way of life.”

“As stewards of our environment, we have a responsibility to ensure that the next generation inherits cleaner air and water than we enjoy today,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08). “As a physician, I’ve witnessed firsthand the harmful effects of polluted air and contaminated water on our children’s health. That’s why I advocated to secure this multimillion-dollar federal grant — because Coloradans deserve better. By focusing on pollution reduction with this generational investment from the EPA, we empower our communities to prioritize the health and safety of everyday Coloradans.”

“Colorado knows how critical it is that we take immediate action to address the climate crisis head on,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07). “This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is a huge step forward in our work to cut climate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and improve our air quality and public health, all while investing in our local workforce and strengthening our economy. I’ll keep working to ensure our communities have the resources they need to build a healthier, sustainable Colorado.”

“The Denver Metro Area is the most populous area in our region, and it continues to grow,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “DRCOG’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both residential and commercial buildings will benefit millions of Coloradans where they live, work and play; protecting this community and all new arrivals for future generations.”

The program is formed by the extensive partnerships, expertise and learnings of DRCOG’s dedicated local member governments, who recognize the need for a holistic regional approach to effectively transform this challenging sector. Program highlights include:

• Cutting 148,200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050 — the equivalent of taking 35 million gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
• Training 4,800-plus workers for the electrification workforce, including 1,000 upskilled workers.
• Engaging 1.6 million Coloradans in the benefits of building efficiency and electrification through a public awareness campaign.
• Receiving $73 million in voluntary matched funding from local governments committed to amplifying impact.

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The Denver Regional Council of Governments is a planning organization where local governments collaborate to establish guidelines, set policy and allocate funding in the areas of transportation and personal mobility; growth and development; and aging and disability resources.