Dear Editor,

During this summer of extended heatwaves, destructive flooding, out-of-control wildfires, and record high ocean temperatures, it is reassuring to learn that Georgia and metro Atlanta will be developing coordinated climate pollution reduction plans. In July, Georgia received a $3 million EPA grant and the Atlanta Regional Commission a $1 million EPA grant to develop their emissions-cutting plans. Both grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the largest investment in climate action that our country has ever made.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which is spearheading the state plan, emphasizes that the Georgia climate plan will primarily focus on economic development for the electric vehicle industry. This focus makes sense given the fact that manufacturers of electric vehicles and the batteries that power them are already building factories and creating new jobs across the state, including in our area. The focus also makes sense in light of the fact that Georgia’s biggest source of climate pollution is the transportation sector, which is the case for Newton County as well.

One of the stated goals of the Atlanta Regional Commission is to help local governments that haven’t started tackling their emissions learn from cities and counties that are already electrifying their vehicle fleets or making their buildings more energy-efficient. Counties and cities across Georgia, including Newton County and its municipalities, will be eligible to apply for competitive grants to fund emissions-reducing projects outlined by the plans.

While our individual actions matter, state, county and city investments in electrification, energy efficiency and clean energy are key to bringing down greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change and extreme weather. The Georgia and ARC climate pollution reduction plans in conjunction with actions at all levels of government offer a vital and historic opportunity to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Sara Vinson