Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania Grant Program (Medium- and Large-scale Award Tracks)

The Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) Grant Program is a large-scale, statewide funding initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, with a total allocation exceeding $396 million. Its primary purpose is to support industrial decarbonization projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants across Pennsylvania’s industrial sector, which accounts for over 30 percent of the state’s total emissions. The program is designed not only to address climate change but also to strengthen economic competitiveness, improve air quality, and create high-quality jobs. RISE PA offers funding through three award tracks: small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale projects. The medium- and large-scale tracks are the focus of this opportunity and are administered directly by the Department of Environmental Protection. These projects must achieve at least a 20 percent annual reduction in facility-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects include industrial electrification, energy efficiency improvements, fuel switching to low-carbon alternatives, on-site renewable energy deployment, carbon capture and storage technologies, and fugitive emissions reduction. Projects must be implemented at industrial facilities located within Pennsylvania and must demonstrate measurable, permanent emissions reductions. Funding is provided as a reimbursement grant, meaning recipients must initially cover project costs and then submit documentation for reimbursement. The base grant award covers up to 30 percent of total project costs for medium- and large-scale projects, with applicants responsible for the remaining 70 percent through cost share. Additional bonus funding opportunities may increase the total award, including the Community Benefits Bonus, Fair Labor Bonus, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bonus, each potentially adding up to 10 percent of total project costs depending on eligibility and performance criteria. The maximum award for a single large-scale project can reach up to $110 million. Eligible applicants include owners or operators of industrial facilities across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, construction, and energy systems. Landlords of industrial facilities may also apply if projects are implemented at eligible sites. However, service-based companies cannot apply on behalf of facilities. Projects must meet strict labor requirements, including apprenticeship participation and prevailing wage standards, and must comply with federal and state regulatory requirements. Certain projects are ineligible, including those already required for regulatory compliance or those funded through specific federal tax credit programs. The application process is comprehensive and requires submission through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application system. Applicants must provide detailed technical documentation, including a project description, emissions reduction calculations, financial plans, community benefits analysis, workforce development strategies, and a measurement, monitoring, and verification plan. Supporting materials such as a technical appendix, budget narrative, and proof of cost share commitments are also required. Applications are evaluated competitively based on criteria including technical feasibility, financial viability, emissions reduction impact, innovation, community benefits, and workforce quality. The Round 2 application window for medium- and large-scale projects opened on May 15, 2026, and closes on July 31, 2026 at 4:59 PM Eastern Time. The program anticipates multiple funding rounds annually, though future opportunities are not guaranteed. Project performance periods typically range from 6 to 24 months, with extensions up to three years for complex projects, and all work must be completed by April 1, 2029. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff through office hours and pre-screening opportunities to strengthen their submissions. Overall, RISE PA represents a significant investment in industrial transformation, combining environmental goals with economic development. By supporting innovative emissions reduction technologies and prioritizing community and workforce benefits, the program aims to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in industrial decarbonization while delivering tangible benefits to residents and businesses statewide.

Ensure emissions calculations are well documented and defensible prioritize community benefits and workforce quality demonstrate financial and technical feasibility clearly