Arkansas
Arkansas Coalition Awarded $100M EPA Grant for Energy Innovation
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that an Arkansas coalition of municipal planners has been named the recipient of a $100 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant award for energy innovation.
Metroplan, the central Arkansas urban planning agency, teamed with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the city of Fort Smith to form the Arkansas Tri-Region CPRG Coalition, which submitted a proposal seeking a CPRG grant. The proposal, titled “Energy and Environment Innovation for the Natural State,” was one of 25 from across the country selected by the EPA for CPRG funding. Metroplan served as the lead agency on the proposal.
The grant will fund projects throughout central Arkansas, northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, an area representing half of the state’s population. Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Metroplan board president, said the award is a testament to the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship as well as a call to action.
“We stand at the forefront of an ambitious journey to foster a sustainable future for our community,” he said. “Together with the EPA, we will implement innovative solutions that will significantly improve our environment and quality of life. We are honored to be among the select few to spearhead these transformative programs.”
The award will fund projects to sequester and reduce emissions by protecting and restoring natural areas, increasing efficiency and improving access to active transportation and transit, according to a press release. Projects such as LED streetlights and EV charging are intended to reduce emissions from the transportation sector and building efficiency funding will support net-zero technologies for public and commercial buildings. Projects will be designed to ensure equitable access to the environmental benefits funded by the grant.
“By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism,” said Metroplan Executive Director Casey Covington. “Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals.”
The coalition partnered with more than 50 communities, agencies and organizations across three regions to develop projects and programs included in the proposal. It received support from the state and from the state’s congressional delegation.
Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan said funds from the award will support the city’s recently adopted climate action plan.
“This grant brings us one step closer to achieving nature-based solutions at the city and regional level,” he said.
In Fort Smith, award funds will support projects within the city’s energy and environment innovation plan.
“We are honored to be selected to receive a portion of this vital grant from the EPA,” said Mayor George McGill. “This recognition underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. These initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also have a positive impact on our environment, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for the city of Fort Smith and the Natural State.”
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CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
IDEMIA Public Security North America and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles have launched Arkansas driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, allowing residents to securely store and use their credentials on an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The new feature gives Arkansans the ability to present their identification at participating businesses and venues, at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in more than 250 airports, and online or within apps when age or identity verification is required.
The launch builds on Arkansas’ ongoing efforts to expand digital identification options. In March 2025, the state introduced the Arkansas Mobile ID app, and officials say adding IDs to Apple Wallet offers residents another secure and convenient way to access their credentials.
“We’re proud to build on our partnership with the Arkansas DFA’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles, expanding on the launch of the Arkansas Mobile ID app in March 2025. The launch of ID in Apple Wallet in the state provides Arkansas residents a new, secure way to store and present their digital credentials, with transparency and control over how their information is shared at the forefront,” said Rob Gardner, CEO, IDEMIA Civil Identity.
To add an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, users can tap the plus sign at the top of the Wallet app on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the verification process.
Officials say privacy and security were central considerations in the rollout. Information stored in Apple Wallet is encrypted on a user’s device, and users control when and how their information is shared. When presenting an ID, only the information necessary to verify age or identity is provided.
Apple and the Arkansas Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles also do not receive information about when or where residents use their digital IDs.
The technology is also designed to make verification easier for businesses. Participating businesses can use IDEMIA’s Mobile ID Verify app to accept and verify mobile IDs directly from an iPhone without requiring customers to hand over their devices or use additional hardware.
The launch marks another step toward broader adoption of digital credentials in Arkansas, giving residents a secure alternative to carrying a physical driver’s license or state ID while maintaining control over their personal information.
For information on the launch of IDs in Apple Wallet in Arkansas, click here.
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