Supervisor Foley champions $500 million for clean climate initiatives

Supervisor Foley reaffirmed her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations during a recent government meeting, highlighting significant advancements in climate action and sustainable infrastructure for Orange County. On July 22, she joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Environmental Protection Agency officials, and representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management District to announce a groundbreaking $500 million in clean climate pollution reduction grants for Southern California, including Orange County.

The County of Orange successfully applied for this grant in March 2024 at Supervisor Foley's request, marking a historic investment in sustainable initiatives funded by the Biden-Harris administration's Inflation Reduction Act. This funding will facilitate the development of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and various projects aimed at reducing smog and pollution. The initiative is expected to create thousands of green jobs, stimulate economic growth in emerging industries, and enhance workforce training, positioning Orange County for a competitive clean energy future.

Additionally, the draft of Orange County's first-ever climate action plan was released last week. This comprehensive strategy aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint associated with the county's operations, which include three active landfills, nearly 19,000 employees, over 800 facilities, and a fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles. The climate action plan serves as a roadmap for achieving the county's climate goals, securing unprecedented state and federal funding, and implementing cost-efficient practices.

Public input on the climate action plan is encouraged, with feedback being accepted via email at oclandfills.com.