CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM
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Petitioner: |
Marci Henson, Director, Department of Environment and Sustainability |
Recommendation:
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Approve and authorize the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) to submit a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for funds not to exceed $500 million to implement a climate pollution reduction home and building improvement hub program in partnership with other local agencies with DES acting as the lead agency; approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the participating local agencies to be submitted with the application; authorize DES to accept grant funds if awarded; and authorize the Director to execute any necessary documents relating to the application or award. (For possible action)
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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Fund #: |
2271.000 |
Fund Name: |
Environment and Sustainability Management |
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Fund Center: |
1300210010 |
Funded PGM/Grant: |
TBD |
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Amount: |
$500M |
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Description: |
N/A |
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Additional Comments: |
N/A |
BACKGROUND:
On April 18, 2023, the Board authorized the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) to submit an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for non-competitive grant funds not to exceed $1 million to develop or expand a climate pollution reduction plan. With those funds, DES completed a prioritized climate pollution reduction plan, identifying a regional home and building efficiency improvement program to reduce energy use, water use, and reduce carbon emissions, within the community. This plan was submitted to the EPA on February 29, 2024, which now allows Clark County to apply for implementations funds.
This request is to authorize DES to submit the attached application to EPA for competitive grant funds not to exceed $500 million, to implement the home and building improvement program highlighted in the plan, and to act as the lead agency in collaboration with local agencies. If awarded, the All-In Home and Building Improvement Hub (Hub) will establish a one-stop-shop for home and building owners to reduce utility bills, increase water and energy efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality and comfort. It will provide residents and businesses with the technical assistance, financial resources, and contractors needed to do the work. The majority of the funds, if awarded, will be designated to provide no-cost retrofits for over 17,000 households with the greatest needs, to reduce energy burden and improve water conservation. Low-income and disadvantaged communities will be prioritized in outreach and engagement and associated project selection.
In addition to the energy efficiency measures and water conservation measures directly reducing energy use/carbon emissions and water use, the Hub will support the growth of high-quality job opportunities for a range of skill sets and experience levels, from finance and operations experts, to grant administrators and customer service representatives, to construction managers, construction workers, and IT professionals. In addition, participating residents should see a significant reduction in utility bills, which have risen by up to 40% in the region over the last year, which can help with housing affordability.
To apply for a competitive grant, all participants in the Regional Climate Collaborative - referred to as the Coalition for the purposes of this grant - must sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to demonstrate their commitment. Coalition participants are eligible to receive funds through this opportunity as a sub-recipient, as needed. DES is requesting approval of the attached Memorandum of Agreement to Collaborate on a Competitive Grant through EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. The MOA commits participating local agencies to contribute time to support and promote implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the climate pollution reduction measures. As the lead agency, DES will be accountable to EPA for effectively carrying out the full scope of work and the proper financial management of the grant. The MOA is in the approval process by the other entities (cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)). All are anticipated to be approved by the end of March except for SNWA which is scheduled for May 23, 2024. DES has received a letter of commitment from SNWA to sign the MOA, which satisfies the requirements of the grant application so long as a fully executed MOA is provided to EPA no later than July 1, 2024.