CPRG Tools and Technical Assistance - Benefits Analysis
Co-Pollutant Impact Analysis
The Benefits Analysis element of climate action plans under the Climate Pollution Reductions Grant (CPRG) Program includes estimating co-pollutant emission reductions as plan measures are implemented and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals are met. Planning grant recipients are therefore expected to develop mechanisms to estimate the impacts of measures included in their climate action plans. Estimating impacts from GHG reduction measures, including reductions in co-pollutants, will be required for Comprehensive Climate Action Plans; grant recipients are encouraged to begin accounting for these impacts early in the planning process, including in the Priority Climate Action Plan phase.
CPRG planning grant recipients will need to document projected changes in criteria and hazardous air pollutant emissions associated with specific GHG reduction measures. Consistent with requirements for GHG emissions quantification detailed in the Program Guidance, grantees will be expected to specify 1) a base year inventory of co-pollutant emissions, 2) measure-specific information about expected co-pollutant emission changes, and 3) projected co-pollutant emission changes resulting from proposed GHG reduction plans. Co-pollutant emission estimates are expected to be source-specific and spatially resolved to the county scale or finer. EPA produces several data sources that may be suitable for this emissions-focused type of co-pollutant impact assessment, including the National Emissions Inventory (NEI). Grantees are also encouraged to leverage other tools and resources listed elsewhere on the CPRG website since many of these resources can be used for both GHG and co-pollutant emissions quantification.
While the emission-based co-pollutant impact analysis outlined above meets expectations for the Benefits Analysis workplan component, grant recipients may choose to conduct more rigorous co-pollutant impact demonstrations, including characterizing air quality impacts or even estimating public health benefits, to better inform GHG reduction strategy development and more comprehensively assess outcomes of such strategies.
Additional information and guidance pertaining to possible approaches for co-pollutant impact analysis that may be of interest to applicants, can be found in the technical reference document below. The document includes information relevant for all CPRG grantees including tribes and territories.
Technical Reference Document for Benefits Analyses: Co-Pollutant Impacts (pdf) (Co-pollutant Impact Guidance added 5/30/23)
Environmental and Economic Benefits
EPA maintains data, tools, and models that can be utilized to understand the benefits associated with greenhouse gas reduction plans and measures. Information on these resources will be coming soon.