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New data can help communities understand their emissions
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) newly updated greenhouse gas emissions inventory shows that between 2010 and 2019, overall emissions in northeastern Illinois decreased by 9 percent — or about 1 percent each year. While this is progress, the region has a shared goal of reducing emissions by 80 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2050 — and this puts us 71 percent short of where we hoped to be. To achieve our goal, we need to reduce emissions by 5 percent annually.
While total emissions decreased, transportation emissions increased by 2 percent, showing the need for renewed action in that sector.
For the first time, CMAP released individualized data summaries by county, community, and Chicago neighborhood that provide a snapshot of emissions from the building, transportation, and waste sectors.
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Use emissions data to plan climate action
Now that your community has local emissions data: what’s next? We encourage local governments, sustainability committees, and residents to use this data to prioritize strategies for local climate or sustainability plans. Learn how to connect with your community and plan climate action.
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Taking advantage of a flood of new infrastructure funding
In the latest edition of American Infrastructure Magazine, CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman discusses building resilience after flooding and other issues worsened by climate change, with funding available in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. She stresses the importance of accurate data, coordinating across agencies, and deep community engagement to deliver projects equitably.
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Request for proposals: Resilience improvement plan
CMAP seeks proposals for a resilience improvement plan for northeastern Illinois. This project seeks to understand transportation system vulnerability to climate change and identify strategies to build resilience. This work will help CMAP and regional stakeholders prioritize investments and inform transportation decision-making. It will also help make the region fully eligible for federal PROTECT program funding.
CMAP will host a non-mandatory, pre-bid informational webinar on Wednesday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. The deadline for responding to the RFP is Thursday, November 10, at 3:00 p.m.
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Request for information: Transportation GHG emissions reduction planning
CMAP is interested in developing a plan that establishes a strategy for meeting a 50 percent reduction in transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Before releasing an RFP, CMAP would like to familiarize itself with the marketplace’s experience in developing multi-jurisdictional plans for reducing transportation emissions, potential costs and time commitment, and opportunities for innovation.
The deadline is Wednesday, October 26, at noon.
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Funding available for EV fast charging
Through the Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications to install new commercial grade direct current fast charging for light-duty electric vehicles, supported by the Volkswagen settlement fund. Applications close Friday, December 30.
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Technical assistance to build Great Lakes communities' resilience
The Strengthening Coastal Communities Resilience Challenge invites U.S. Great Lakes coastal communities to apply for a one-year technical assistance program to assess community flood vulnerability, develop natural and nature-based solutions through planning, and build a community of practice among local, state, academic, and NGO partners. Applications are due Wednesday, November 9.
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Understand your tree canopy |
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New tree canopy reports available for region and its communities
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative updated its municipal canopy summaries for northeastern Illinois and all the region's communities. The summary reports include canopy cover, plantable space, and land use, as well as the quantifiable benefits trees provide.
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