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Tennessee to receive $139M as part of federal Carbon Reduction Program

Carbon Reduction Program

By KATE COIL

TML Communications Specialist

The state of Tennessee will receive more than $139 million targeting the reduction of carbon emissions as part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding.

Tennessee will receive $139,172,276 as part of more than $6.4 billion across the country allocated to fund a new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which will help states develop carbon reduction strategies and address climate issues. The program is part of the overall $1.2 trillion BIL that will be administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

States can use the funds in CRP to expand transportation options for a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources. These include:

  • Public transit services;
  • Pedestrian and bicycle trails;
  • Electrical vehicle charging infrastructure;
  • Traffic flow improvements; and
  • Congestion management technology

Under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to identify projects and strategies tailored to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their states, although states and localities may begin using the CRP funds even before plans are developed and reviewed.

“As the sector generating the most carbon emissions in the U.S. economy, transportation must play a leading role in solving the climate crisis,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Carbon Reduction Program will help reduce pollution from transportation and move us closer to the President’s ambitious goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.”

CPR is part of a commitment by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden to reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. According to FHWA guidance on the program, projects that support fiscally responsible land use, efficient transportation design, incorporate electrification or zero emission vehicle infrastructure, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions will be given priority consideration.

The program is also looking to support projects that help reduce the risk of wildfires, drought, extreme heat, and flooding in line with guidance for projects in floodplains as well as environmental justice concerns. 

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who is a senior member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the funding will provide the state with more transportation options, ease congestion in local communities and reduce carbon pollution across the state.

“Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments in cleaner, more convenient transportation options for Memphis and Tennessee,” Cohen said. “I’m proud to have voted for this critical victory for Tennesseans. I will continue partnering with our state and local leaders to put these critically important investments to work.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, also praised the impact the funds will have on Tennessee.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments with cleaner, more convenient, transportation options for Tennesseans,” said Rep. Jim Cooper. “This funding, which no Republican member of the Tennessee delegation supported, will slash commute times, lower costs for working families, combat harmful carbon pollution, and provide jobs.”

For more information on federal guidelines associated with the CPR funds, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sustainability/energy/policy/crp_guidance.pdf.

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