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.
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.
TACO is in communication with DRCOG to partner on implementing this terrific program. DRCOG is months out from getting started but if you are interested in helping, contact Mike Lotte, text: 303-503-4344 or mlotte1780@gmail.com