CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tuesday announcement regarding the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

“CUNA applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent announcement that it will allow eligible nonprofit entities that collaborate with community financing institutions like community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and credit unions to obtain competitive grants under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

“As recognized by the EPA in the announcement, credit unions and CDFIs are best positioned to deliver funding to the low-income and disadvantaged communities which Congress intended to benefit with the creation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. “Credit unions and CDFIs have a long, demonstrated history of working creatively to develop the products and services that low-income and other disadvantaged communities need.”  “Credit unions and CDFIs are the perfect partner to leverage funds and disburse competitive grants to these communities efficiently and effectively.

“CUNA looks forward to working with the EPA on the ongoing implementation of the Fund and its competitive grant programs to ensure that these programs achieve their intended goals.”