Climate Planning
SCRCOG coordinates regional planning across our municipalities to address climate-related challenges and opportunities, including reducing emissions, strengthening resilience, and preparing for future risks. Through existing plan updates—such as regional Hazard Mitigation Plans and Plans of Conservation and Development—as well as cross-collaborative working groups, SCRCOG supports local governments and communities in advancing sustainable and resilient practices that improve public health, infrastructure reliability, and long-term economic stability.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program
In July 2023, SCRCOG was awarded a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) of $1 million through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Established through the Inflation Reduction Act, the CPRG program supports state and metropolitan areas to make and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with 40% of the benefits flowing to low-income and disadvantaged communities. This four year grant funds two stages of climate action planning for the New Haven-Milford region: (1) Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs), and (2) Comprehensive Climate Action Plans (CCAPs). SCRCOG, in collaboration with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Master of Regional Planning Program, have completed both plans outlining a regional greenhouse gas inventory and offering direct solutions for municipalities to improve air quality, create jobs, and ensure the region’s low-income and disadvantaged communities are prioritized.
Impact 2050 for New Haven County
Impact 2050 is New Haven County’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) that identifies specific actions for the region to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The plan addresses emissions reductions in six sectors:
1) Transportation
2) Energy Production and Consumption
3) Energy Efficiency in Buildings
4) Industry
5) Waste Management
6) Working Lands and Forestry
What are PCAPs, CCAPs, and MERPs?
Priority Action Plan (PCAP):
Early deliverable of the CPRG program to identify a focused, near-term climate strategy and priority, implementation-ready actions.
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP):
Builds on the PCAP to create a full, long-term roadmap for reducing emissions with detailed analysis and deeper engagement.
Municipal Emissions Reduction Playbooks (MERPs):
Municipality-specific plans compiled from the PCAP highlighting the most feasible and impactful reduction strategies for their local context.
Regional Resilience Working Group
Beginning in 2026, SCRCOG will launch a Regional Resilience Working Group convening municipal leaders, planners, and community-based organizations to advise on regional resilience strategies incorporated into plan updates.
Stay tuned for more information on this initiative!