City Receives $1 Million EPA Grant to Prioritize Climate Planning

Published on October 03, 2023

City of San Antonio Sustainability Department  


SAN ANTONIO (October 3, 2023) — A $1 million dollar award was granted to the City of San Antonio from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.  

The grant will be used for three inter-related initiatives:  

  1. The Office of Sustainability will update the City of San Antonio Climate Action & Adaptation Plan with new science-based and prioritized greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
  2. Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) will lead the effort to broaden the geographical scope of climate planning and action to include AACOG's 13-county service area.
  3. Prioritize emissions reduction strategies that can be implemented on a regional scale and are competitive for future EPA implementation grant funding.

“Climate action takes the collaborative work of all jurisdictions, at all levels, so our region can make informed decisions about addressing present and future challenges,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg.  “We applaud the EPA for providing resources to strengthen local partnerships to address this global issue.”  

“This project allows us to further develop strategies for implementing San Antonio’s climate action plan and begin working with the 12 surrounding counties on plans to reduce their greenhouse gases and address their climate challenges,” said Diane Rath, Executive Director of the AACOG.    

“We are pleased to work with and support AACOG on regional climate planning,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Douglas Melnick.  “County-level stakeholder engagement will ensure prioritized strategies reflect community values and the needs of residents.”