Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
To Resolution to Urge DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to Apply for the “Justice 40” Grants Under the Inflation Reduction Act for the Advancement of Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice in DeKalb County
Body
Information Contact: Enter Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners understands and is committed to improving public health, reduce pollution, and revitalize communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution while increasing access to affordable and accessible clean energy. This resolution urges the DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to apply for the “Justice 40” Grants Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the Advancement of Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice in DeKalb County. This includes prioritizing applications that will directly benefit the economically disadvantaged communities, minority communities, and other vulnerable populations within DeKalb County.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by Joe Biden in 2022, delivers historic investments to combat climate change and reduce environmental injustice. The IRA includes the "Justice 40" initiative which is committed to delivering 40% of overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities, thereby creating opportunities for fair and equitable economic growth, environmental health, and social justice. The majority of this money is available to local governments through grant opportunities that provide significant financial support for projects that advance justice, equity, and sustainability in underprivileged and vulnerable communities. To access these grants and the historic funding it is up to the local government to apply, many of which do not require a matching component.
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb County recognizes the urgency of climate change, has resolved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Energy Resolution passed in 2021, and has committed to prioritizing environmental justice. The county is also home to a diverse population, including communities that could greatly benefit from initiatives promoting social, economic, and environmental justice. Preparing for climate change, repairing environmental injustice of the past, and ensuring all DeKalb County residents and neighborhoods are resilient against climate disasters has the potential to be costly. DeKalb County must take advantage of all available options and resources to ensure good stewardship of DeKalb County’s tax dollars as well as ensure an equitable, healthy future for all. This not only will improve the lives of DeKalb County residents but also protect our environment for generations to continue to enjoy and improve DeKalb’s economy and infrastructure. These historic investments through the IRA and the Justice 40 Grant opportunities are available now and are finite. DeKalb County must act now to take advantage of these funds to reduce financial impact in the effort to create a climate resilient county especially for those proportionally disadvantaged and effected by environmental injustice.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve this resolution urging DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to apply for the “Justice 40” Grants Under the Inflation Reduction Act and deliver a copy of this approved resolution to CEO Michael Thurmond and other relevant county departments.