MMA holds final ‘Inspiring Climate Action’ series webinar

The MMA hosted the seventh and final session of its “Inspiring Climate Action” webinar series on Jan. 29, with a session reviewing programs facilitated by the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience.

Aladdine Joroff, deputy climate chief and director of mitigation and community resilience in the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience, gave updates on the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which is required as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.

Jonathan Schrag, deputy climate chief and director of investment for decarbonization and resilience, discussed an ongoing financing study and some existing federal tax credit programs relevant to renewable energy and decarbonization projects.

Schrag said municipalities face three real challenges when accessing the Clean Energy Tax Credits, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act: filing the tax credits, planning and designing the projects, and financing the tax credits upfront. He said he anticipates the direct pay tax credits to be the largest source of new federal funding for clean energy in the next couple of years.

MMA Executive Director Adam Chapedelaine moderated 30 minutes of questions and answers, which addressed inquiries about funding opportunities for communities to hire climate staff, ensuring competitive grant programs are accessible to all communities, and working with new energy managers.

The “Inspiring Climate Action” webinar series explored how climate change is affecting municipalities and addressed how municipal officials and staff can take action.