How to Unlock IRA CPRG Funding for the Drivers and Cyclists Most in Need

The guide outlines how to leverage the $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, specifically the $4.6 billion in competitive implementation grants. It recommends two high-impact strategies to improve EPA scoring metrics: e-bike programs and targeted EV incentives for 'superusers'—high-mileage drivers who often have lower incomes. The author argues these approaches offer clear equity advantages, straightforward emissions calculations, and address gaps in existing federal legislation.

• The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program provides $5 billion to the EPA, split between $250 million for formula planning grants and approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants. To be eligible for implementation awards, strategies must be included in a state's Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP).
• E-bike subsidies are recommended as a competitive CPRG strategy because they require minimal infrastructure, provide verifiable greenhouse gas savings through mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles, and reduce criteria air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
• Targeting EV incentives toward 'superusers'—the top 10% of passenger vehicle drivers who use more gasoline than the bottom 72% of US drivers—is more cost-effective than blanket incentives. Electrifying an average superuser achieves roughly five times the carbon reduction impact of a non-superuser.
• Superuser programs align with EPA priorities by supporting low-income individuals and rural communities. Most superusers earn less than $100,000 and are more vulnerable to gas price fluctuations and the pollution from older vehicles.

APA

RMI (2024). How to Unlock IRA CPRG Funding for the Drivers and Cyclists Most in Need. https://rmi.org/resources/how-to-unlock-ira-cprg-funding-for-the-drivers-and-cyclists-most-in-need/

Chicago

RMI. How to Unlock IRA CPRG Funding for the Drivers and Cyclists Most in Need. 2024. https://rmi.org/resources/how-to-unlock-ira-cprg-funding-for-the-drivers-and-cyclists-most-in-need/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=How to Unlock IRA CPRG Funding for the Drivers and Cyclists Most in Need |date=11 January 2024 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/how-to-unlock-ira-cprg-funding-for-the-drivers-and-cyclists-most-in-need/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2024how, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{How to Unlock IRA CPRG Funding for the Drivers and Cyclists Most in Need}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2024}, month = jan, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/how-to-unlock-ira-cprg-funding-for-the-drivers-and-cyclists-most-in-need/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }