Columbia Organization Receives $9M for Clean Energy Initiatives

The Central Midlands Council of Governments, a regional planning organization based in Columbia, has been awarded a $9 million grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant, part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, will fund the implementation of municipal solar and smart surface projects throughout the region.

An Innovative Program for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Central Midlands Council of Governments was selected from nearly 300 applicants from around the country to receive this grant. Their innovative program will target measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strategies to address issues of extreme heat, pollution, and environmental justice.

“We are excited and proud to create this collaborative, multi-jurisdictional effort to implement solar and smart surface projects,” said Will Brennan, Board Chair of the Central Midlands Council of Governments and City of Columbia Councilmember. “This award is the result of the hard work and commitment of our staff and local government partners to develop an innovative and achievable program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will have a lasting impact on our region.”

Matching Fund for Local Governments

The funded program aims to establish a matching fund for local governments in the seven-county metropolitan statistical area to invest in up to 15 projects. This program also includes Community Change Microgrants, aimed at helping local government partners engage with their communities and promote climate resiliency.

Project Highlights

One of the key projects under the funded program is the solar panel installation at the Columbia metropolitan wastewater treatment plant. This groundbreaking initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the city of Columbia, Richland County, East Richland County Public Service District, and the City of Cayce.

Another significant project involves the use of cool pavements in the city of Columbia to combat the urban heat island effect. This cooling measure will help reduce city-wide temperatures and conserve energy, contributing to the overall goal of greenhouse gas reduction.

Additional plans include projects in the Town of Batesburg- Leesville, Kershaw County, Fairfield County, Saluda County, City of Newberry, and the Town of Eastover. These projects will pioneer renewable energy infrastructure, improve urban green spaces, and advocate for environmental justice.

This significant funding boost underlines the dedication of the Central Midlands Council of Governments and the city of Columbia to lead the way in the fight against climate change. Such initiatives align with a larger movement aiming to transform South Carolina into a clean energy hub, and this grant will undoubtedly aid in fostering local innovation and sustainable development.

Source: HERE News Network

Author: HERE News