Let's go! Introducing the Community Carbon Removal Purchasing Challenge
The Community Carbon Removal Purchasing Challenge, launched by the 4 Corners Carbon Coalition, is a new national initiative designed to unlock the power of local leadership to advance carbon dioxide removal (CDR). It gives communities—whether towns, cities, counties or neighborhoods —a new pathway to take meaningful action by collectively purchasing high-quality carbon removal from a range of qualified U.S. based suppliers. But this isn’t just about one-off purchases. It’s about demonstrating that the local has vital role to play in shaping the direction and pace of this emerging and climate critical global field.
The Challenge builds on the foundation laid by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize—a landmark $35 million federal effort launched in 2023 to accelerate the market for science-vetted, durable carbon removal.
By organizing local purchasing campaigns, communities send a powerful signal: they’re ready to help scale CDR solutions that will be essential to limiting warming and restoring the climate. These early actions don’t just contribute carbon removal tonnage—they build public understanding, unlock hands-on learning, and show that climate innovation can start close to home. The goal is to spark a wave of participation across the U.S., creating visible momentum and opening the door to broader policy and market shifts grounded in community priorities.
In this webinar, Challenge Director Chris Neidl will introduce the vision behind the Community Carbon Removal Purchasing Challenge and walk participants through how it works. You’ll learn about the initiative’s origins and objectives, what makes this a unique moment for local action, and how communities can launch successful purchasing campaigns—whether government-led, citizen-led, or hybrid. The session will include a tour of the campaign process, supplier selection tools, and communications support, along with tips for getting started and opportunities to connect with peers. Whether you’re looking to lead a campaign or support one, this session is your first step.