EPA grants New Jersey $3 million for statewide climate change initiatives

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the approval of federal funds to combat the climate crisis and generate a cleaner economic output, according to a press release.

President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s administration released these funds through the Inflation Reduction Act to local governments across the country, including New Jersey, which received $3 million.

The grant is part of the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction planning funds, and all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico each qualify for the same amount.

With the funds, some New Jersey government officials hope to reach the state's goal of decreasing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

Currently, the state is in the process of developing ways to support underprivileged communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, according to the release.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said the funds would allow the state to safeguard residents from the harmful effects of climate change and build a more renewable economy.

"Rising sea levels, storm surge and pollution highlight the urgency of tackling climate change and investing in protecting New Jersey communities, including communities of color that disproportionately face these environmental, health and economic impacts," Booker said.