$7.5 Million in Carbon Auction Revenue: Washington State Allocates Funds for 5 Tribal Clean Energy Initiatives – Boosting State’s Emissions Reduction Efforts!

According to the published article in Just The News, Washington state officials announced on Tuesday that they will give $7.5 million to five tribal clean energy projects. This money comes from the state’s Tribal Clean Energy Grant Program, which will provide a total of $16 million from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA, a program started in 2021, aims to reduce greenhouse gases by selling emission allowances and using the money for clean energy projects. So far, the CCA has raised over $2 billion.

The first round of funding will support projects like installing solar panels at the Chehalis Tribe’s Community Center and creating a solar array and battery system for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe‘s buildings. It will also fund a study to see if the Spokane Tribe’s old uranium mine can be used for solar energy, help Willapa Bay Enterprises develop wave energy technology to produce clean hydrogen and support Yakama Power’s solar project over a canal.

READ ALSO: $45 Billion Budget Deficit: California Lawmakers Clash With Governor Newsom Over Cuts To Medi-Cal, Business Taxes, And Homeless Housing

$7.5 Million in Carbon Auction Revenue: Washington State Allocates Funds for 5 Tribal Clean Energy Initiatives – Boosting State’s Emissions Reduction Efforts! (PHOTO: Vinson & Elkins LLP)

Furthermore, Commerce Director Mike Fong stressed the importance of listening to community needs and working together. Tribal Chairman Dustin Klatush said the solar panels at the Chehalis Tribe’s Community Center will help reduce carbon emissions immediately. The Department of Commerce will announce more grants for clean energy projects in the coming weeks, showing ongoing support for sustainable energy in Washington state.

READ ALSO: Waynesboro Farmers Market Introduces Veggie Bucks Program: Promoting Healthy Eating Habits With Project GROWS And Molina Healthcare Support