Grand Valley Metropolitan Council Receives $1M Planning Grant from U.S. EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program

KERAMIDA is excited to share news of our forthcoming partnership with the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) and community members across East Michigan. Together, we embark on a pivotal journey aimed at crafting a Preliminary Climate Action Plan, slated for submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2024. The plan will cover the four-county region of West Michigan, including Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa Counties.

In 2025, our joint Project Team will take the next crucial step by submitting the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan to US EPA. This comprehensive strategy will serve as a guiding beacon for the four counties, outlining impactful measures to curtail greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

KERAMIDA’s team will be conducting in-depth analyses encompassing various facets crucial to the region's sustainability:

• Greenhouse Gas Inventory: A comprehensive assessment to understand the current emissions landscape.

• Community Benefits: Identifying ways in which our initiatives will positively impact the community at large.

• Workforce Planning: Strategizing to ensure our actions align with job creation and development opportunities.

• Equity Focus: With a lens on justice, we will prioritize low-income and disadvantaged communities, ensuring they are not left behind in our sustainability efforts.

Central to our mission is amplifying the voices of the communities we serve. KERAMIDA aims to create a platform where diverse perspectives converge as a way to engage and uplift these voices throughout the planning process.

This partnership signifies our commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable future for East Michigan. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders on this transformative endeavor.

Learn more about GVMC, the Preliminary Climate Action Plan, and how you can get involved here!