During the August Annual Meeting of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) at Ocean City Maryland, the Center for Climate Strategies and MACO’s Diversity and Women’s Caucus held a special session on the use of federal funds for climate stabilization, economic advancement, and Environmental Justice (including Justice 40 requirements).

In a standing-room-only session, Tom Peterson of CCS provided conceptual foundations and evidence supporting the use of resources in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) to meet these objectives. The presentation included demonstration of how the 375 competitive grant and formula funding programs within BIL can be used for low carbon energy and transportation activities that target 40 percent of funds and benefits to disadvantaged communities and low- and moderate- income (LMI) households. He also outlined the potential for grant and loan funds, tax credits and direct pay, and national and state green bank accelerator funds from the IRA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), cut energy costs, and expand workforce diversity and localization of supply chains. This includes leveraging of the newly created Climate Change Catalytic Fund (C3) of the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC).

Staci Hartwell, Maryland Director of the NAACP, summed up the historic opportunity for deployment of federal funds to frontline communities in her kickoff remarks: “This is the greatest thing since 40 acres and a mule – only this time we need the mule! We must work together to go after these funds or we will lose them, and that means an unprecedented level of state, local, and community action NOW. Time is of the essence.” Tom Peterson went on to explain, “The old saying that you have to shake the tree to get the plums could not be truer. Maryland counties and their community partners need to prepare for a wide range of competitive grant opportunities that will open with rapid turnaround deadlines on November 15 of this year – in addition to the funding programs already launched. Under the IRA, tax credit and direct pay options to support up to 30 percent of costs for low carbon energy and transportation investments by commercial and tax-exempt organizations could open as early the beginning of October. Now is the time to map disadvantaged communities and workforce diversity opportunities, identify eligible projects and programs, seek community partners, and build capacity for federal applications.”

To support Maryland Counties and community partners, CCS has developed a list of technical assistance resources and briefing memos for transportation, energy, buildings, and J40 and rural programs.

"It's About Time"

Read the newest blog post on recent federal legislation from CCS President & CEO, Tom Peterson, here.