Broadband internet and water systems may seem like an odd pairing, but they’re inseparable when it comes to tackling challenges like aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the growing impacts of climate change. As affordability becomes an even greater concern, reliable fiber optic broadband offers a transformative solution to modernize water systems, enhance efficiency, and bridge urban-rural divides. 

The connection between broadband investments and climate change is multi-faceted. By promoting remote work, enabling smart infrastructure, fostering sustainable agriculture, supporting environmental education, and facilitating vehicle and appliance electrification, broadband is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to address climate change.

QV is thrilled to see the influx of $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund climate funding leveraged in tandem with green banks and community development financial institutions to maximize benefits for climate, communities, and pollution reduction.

We recommend two key actions for the U.S. EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to realize its full potential to reduce emissions, mobilize private capital, and address historic environmental inequalities.
1. Broaden GGRF Scope to Enable Financing of Nature-Based Projects
2. Capitalize a National Green Bank and Empower it to Leverage the Full Array of Funding Opportunities