Project Traits
State: Virginia
Congressional District: VA09
Organization Type: Higher Education
Partner Organization(s) Type: Higher Education
Energy Sector: Buildings, Resilience
Energy Subsector: Residential, Retrofit
Project Start Year: 2025
Project Launch Year: Unknown
Government Support Received: Federal Grant [EPA Community Change Grants] for $20,000,000
Outcomes & Impacts
Private Investment: Unknown
Jobs Announced or Created: Unknown
People Served: 100
Projected Economic Impact: Unknown
Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) received two $20 million grants from the EPA to support climate initiatives in Appalachia and Alaska. The grants aim to address pollution and carbon emissions through projects like climate-resilient housing and infrastructure enhancements. However, uncertainty surrounds the future of the funding due to an executive order signed by former President Trump, freezing the dispersal of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Legal challenges regarding the order are raising concerns about the continuation of these grants.
Funding for the Appalachian team, which includes researchers at both UVA and UVA Wise, will reduce pollution and carbon emissions through construction that meets community needs, such as climate-resilient housing for 100 Buchanan County residents who live in floodplains, and 11 community gathering spaces that can also serve as shelter during disasters.