Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Sets Groundwork in Hudson Valley

Landfills will be used for placement of biofilters.Photo by Emmet on Pexels

The Hudson Valley Regional Council, a local nonprofit, has been awarded a $3 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The grant will allow the nonprofit to take action to reduce methane, one of the leading greenhouse gasses. Methane is often discussed when looking to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses into the ozone layer.  

The Hudson Valley Regional Council will use the money to install biofilters in Hudson Valley landfills that, according to the EPA, will help oxidize methane and reduce its harm by 96%. It was one of 25 nonprofits selected to receive a portion of the $4.3 billion in total funding.

The EPA noted that the recipients of these grants are projected to reduce greenhouse gasses by 148 million metric tons by 2030, a strong number that environmentalists hope to see realized. 

“Since it is so potent, any steps we can take to reduce our methane emissions are necessary,” said Azalea Clickenger ‘25.

The grant’s funding comes from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Despite the IRA’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses and fight climate change, many Americans have been stressed that it is not enough and that more action needs to be taken. 

Sabrina Morizio ‘26 encourages fellow students to make small changes that have a big impact, like trying plant-based diets and switching to organic produce whenever you can. 

“The most important thing is active climate literacy,” said Morizio. “Educating yourself and finding accessible ways to make a difference is crucial to fighting climate change.”