The Gem State Air Quality Initiative is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program, which aims to support job creation, lower energy costs for families, and deliver cleaner air in places where people live, work, play, and go to school, particularly in rural communities.
The CPRG Program is funded in two phases. The first is the planning phase that provides funds to states, Tribes, and municipalities to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or develop new plans. The second phase is the implementation phase that includes competitive implementation grants to fund measures included in priority plans developed by municipalities, states, and Tribes under the planning phase.
Visit Climate Pollution Reduction Grants | US EPA for more information about the CPRG Program.
Planning Phase
DEQ is partnering with the University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research to lead the planning phase of the Gem State Air Quality Initiative. The planning phase commits Idaho to three deliverables over the next four years:
- Developing a priority plan
- Developing a comprehensive plan
- Developing a status report
For more information on this effort, see Idaho’s work plan, which outlines a timeline, milestones, and budget that will ensure Idaho’s success in implementing this initiative.
Priority Plan
DEQ submitted Idaho’s Priority Plan to EPA in March 2024. The Priority Plan is the first step in the grant funding process.
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is due to EPA in December 2025. This plan will include:
- Coordination with municipalities, sector and community groups, and the public
- Greenhouse gas emission inventory of all source categories
- Recognition of current emission reduction efforts
- Future voluntary reduction strategies to improve air quality.
A 30-day public comment period will be provided prior to submitting the Comprehensive Plan to EPA.
DEQ is interested in learning more from Idaho companies, organizations, and communities about initiatives, plans, and projects, related to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many Idaho groups are taking steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality. DEQ would like to highlight these actions in Idaho’s Comprehensive Plan. Please share your initiatives, plans, and projects by filling out the form below.
Implementation Phase
EPA announced the recipients of the CPRG Implementation Grants in July 2024. The State of Idaho was not selected for this grant opportunity. DEQ appreciates the ideas and support that went into the development of the grant application and will continue to work on the Comprehensive Plan.
How do I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with and stay informed about the Gem State Air Quality Initiative:
- To speak with the GSAQI team, schedule a time here.
- Receive updates by subscribing to this page using the link below.
- Email questions or comments to GSAQI@deq.idaho.gov.
Meetings and Materials
On October 19, 2023, DEQ and the McClure Center hosted the kickoff meeting. Watch the recording on YouTube or in the previous meetings tab below.
October 19, 2023: