Project Traits

State: Alaska

Congressional District: AK00

Organization Type: Higher Education

Partner Organization(s) Type: Local Government

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: Unknown

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.

The other $20 million grant is slated for applied research in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, where the goal is to enhance infrastructure in the Iñupait community while protecting the permafrost under the city of Utqiaġvik.