UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In partnership with the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded nearly $3.5 million in grants to 15 manufacturing projects across 11 Pennsylvania counties that focus on reducing industrial emissions and improving air quality.
The funding is the second round of awards from the $40 million Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) Small-scale Award Track (SAT), a statewide grant program aimed at helping eligible small to mid-size manufacturers reduce energy costs and air pollution. PennTAP was named administrator of the program in 2025 and partners with DEP to manage the SAT program.
“Pennsylvania has a long industrial history, and these RISE PA grants are going to help manufacturers build their business with lower energy costs, the creation of more energy focused jobs, and reduction of air pollution for surrounding communities,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “This program offers tailored grants to increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy, and help reduce or eliminate pollution, while also continuing to support our economy and position Pennsylvania as an energy and industrial leader.”
The first year of project implementation for grants awarded in this round is expected to prevent approximately 2,500 metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, according to PennTAP Director Tanna Pugh.
“Companies will save an estimated $470,000 on electricity costs in the first year of the projects,” Pugh said.
“Programs like RISE PA show what’s possible when we connect Pennsylvania manufacturers with the right resources,” she continued. “In addition to helping facilities improve air quality in their local communities, the funded projects will yield significant cost savings that can be re-invested in furthering energy efficiency, adding jobs, and expanding production. Each project demonstrates sustainable economic development in action.”