VA CDFI Coalition EPA Response Letter

The Virginia CDFI Coalition applauds EPA’s recent announcement regarding the initial program design of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GHGRF). The GHGRF will not only unlock investment opportunities that combat the climate crisis on a global scale, but it represents an opportunity to fuel a Just Transition for marginalized communities. When allocated through an equity lens, GHGRF will significantly improve climate resiliency, public health conditions, and economic prosperity in the communities most impacted by the negative effects of climate change.

Initiatives protecting health and economic opportunity in low-income and disadvantaged communities are crucial to integrating racial and economic justice into our climate change solutions. To this end, it is critical that GHGRF capital be deployed in partnership with organizations already embedded in the low-income and disadvantaged communities this funding was designed to support.

“The Virginia CDFI Coalition is committed to supporting our members as they begin planning for implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. We are confident they are well-equipped and highly effective in deploying this capital in a manner that advances equitable solutions for Virginia communities,” says Leah Fremouw, Virginia CDFI Coalition Board President and CEO & President of Bridging Virginia.

As more details about the GHGRF emerge, we look forward to continuing the Coalition’s mission to amplify the work of Virginia CDFIs as they continue to drive affordable capital to low-wealth communities throughout the Commonwealth. 

In solidarity,

Leah Fremouw

Board President, The Virginia CDFI Coalition

CEO & President, Bridging Virginia