On August 9, 2023, CMRPC staff hosted an Information Session for those who were interested in joining the Steering Committee or Technical Advisory Committee for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). Staff reached out to community members, stakeholders, town leaders, and others for various roles.
What Happened?
At the information session, staff presented an overview of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), the planning process, and community involvement, which includes the Steering Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee.
CPRG Overview
The CPRG is a 4-year planning grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and is aims to develop short and long term climate plans with goals to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. $1 million has been allocated to the Worcester, MA-CT Metro Area (see the map to the right that shows the project area). There are three workplan deliverables required as part of the grant: Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), and the Status Report. The About page of this website reviews each of these deliverables more extensively. CMRPC staff will be leading this effort and will work closely with the other Regional Planning Agency's (RPAs) and Council of Governments (COGs) in Worcester County and Windham County. An important part of the planning process will be the forming of the two community committees: Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee will oversee the planning process and plan/report developments. Members of the Steering Committee will help guide CMRPC staff throughout the planning process and be a local leader in GHG emissions reduction efforts. CMRPC staff are seeking at least 12 members for the Steering Committee (one from each subregion of the planning region). The Steering Committee will include municipal leaders, members of community groups, and various other community members. Responsibilities as a Steering Committee member include monthly meetings and limited time each month editing documents/conducting outreach.
Technical Advisory Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee will provide expert/professional feedback on plan/report components. The Technical Advisory Committee will be made up of individuals that represent the areas of transportation, commercial & residential buildings, waste & material management, agriculture/natural & working lands, industry, electricity generation, and environmental justice (EJ) communities. These individuals will help provide localized expertise and/or advising on technical aspects of emissions reduction planning. Responsibilities as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee member include Quarterly Meeting or as needed (i.e., answering questions).
Timeline
Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) - March 1, 2024
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) - Summer 2025
Status Report - Summer 2027
CMRPC staff are in the process of putting together the Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee as we move along with the CPRG process.
Please continue to follow this Blog to keep up to date with the CPRG and the work that is being completed.