The Gem State Air Quality Initiative is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program, which aims to support job creation, lower energy costs for families, and deliver cleaner air in places where people live, work, play, and go to school, particularly in rural communities.
The CPRG Program is funded in two phases. The first is the planning phase that provides funds to states, Tribes, and municipalities to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or develop new plans. The second phase is the implementation phase that includes competitive implementation grants to fund measures included in priority plans developed by municipalities, states, and Tribes under the planning phase.
Visit Climate Pollution Reduction Grants | US EPA for more information about the CPRG Program.
Planning Phase
DEQ is partnering with the University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research to lead the planning phase of the Gem State Air Quality Initiative. DEQ and the McClure Center will develop a Priority Plan by March 1, 2024, and a Comprehensive Plan by summer 2025 to carry out this initiative.
Priority Plan
The purpose of the Priority Plan is to identify existing or ready-to-implement projects. To be eligible for funding under the implementation grant, measures must be included in Idaho’s Priority Plan.
DEQ and the McClure Center will collaborate with municipalities, Tribes, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and others in Idaho to develop a list of voluntary measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions that can be included in the Priority Plan. We need your ideas for projects to ensure Idaho entities can apply for implementation funding.
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is a longer-term framework that builds on the Priority Plan. The Comprehensive Plan will include a wide range of voluntary air quality improvement efforts across all sectors and throughout Idaho.
Implementation Phase
The CPRG Program includes competitive implementation grants, which can fund a variety of measures outlined in Idaho’s Priority Plan. EPA anticipates awarding between $2 million and $500 million in individual grants.
Notice of Funding Opportunity
EPA released the following Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for these competitive grants. Municipalities, state agencies, and Tribes in Idaho are eligible entities.
- CPRG General Competition NOFO.pdf (epa.gov) – Application due April 1, 2024
- CPRG Tribes and Territories Competition NOFO.pdf (epa.gov) – Application due May 1, 2024
Visit CPRG Implementation Grants | US EPA for further information, sign up for webinars, and to receive updates about this grant opportunity.
How do I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with and stay informed about the Gem State Air Quality Initiative:
- Receive updates by subscribing to this page using the link below.
- Email questions or comments to GSAQI@deq.idaho.gov.
Meetings and Materials
On October 19, 2023, DEQ and the McClure Center hosted the kickoff meeting. Watch the recording on YouTube or in the previous meetings tab below.
October 19, 2023: