Current state policies directly affect many sources of GHG emissions, for example, through control of transportation, land use, solid waste disposal, building codes and procurement practices. This control is exercised, for example, by promulgating and enforcing regulations, collecting revenues and establishing utility guidelines. States therefore have the opportunity to reduce GHG emissions while capitalizing on the co-benefits of GHG mitigation actions. Among the co-benefits are creating jobs, developing new markets for environmental technologies, improving air quality, protecting public health, reducing energy costs, reducing landfill costs, etc. Through this Notice, EPA seeks proposals for greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation plans to complement existing inventories and plans.
Inventories are the foundation for analyzing mitigation options and developing a state action plan.
In order to broaden the base of information available about state greenhouse gas emissions and potential mitigation options, OAP will give priority to proposals for inventories and action plans that do not duplicate existing work and that do incorporate clean air and other co-benefits. In today's Notice, OAP is soliciting proposals for state greenhouse gas inventories and mitigation plans. These will enable states to understand the magnitude and sources of their GHG emissions and to evaluate, and eventually implement, voluntary programs to reduce those emissions while achieving economic and environmental co-benefits. OAP is particularly interested in proposals that result in new partnerships, involve an array of state agencies and stakeholders, and address the links between clean air and climate change. Applicants will be notified if they have been recommended for funding by July 31, 2001.