The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened a competition on Dec. 13 for $20 million in grants to aid in the improvement of air quality monitoring.
The grants, offered through the American Rescue Plan, aim to enhance air quality monitoring across the country, specifically in historically underserved and overburdened communities, an EPA press release said.
“In my travel across the country, from Newark to Flint to the deep south, community members have told me how important air quality monitoring is to protecting their health,” Regan said in the release. “Through the American Rescue Plan, Congress and the President entrusted EPA with critical funding to help those who are hurting.”
The EPA expects to award 20-30 small-grant assistance agreements, which values will range from $25,000-$100,000, a summary of Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities by the EPA said. In addition, 30-40 large-grant assistant agreements ranging from $100,001-$500,000 are expected to be awarded.
“This funding will support communities that need better information about air quality in their neighborhoods and reflects EPA’s commitment to deliver environmental justice for our most vulnerable populations,” Regan said in the release.
Approximately $2 million of the funding will be set aside for tribal governments and community-based organizations respectively, the release said.
To be considered for the funding, the release states that applicants must “address ambient monitoring” for a minimum of one criteria pollutant from the list that includes particle pollution, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone or sulfur dioxide and the precursors attached to the pollutants per the Clean Air Act.
Applicants may submit their applications until the period closes on Feb. 25, 2022, the release said. A webinar with more information about the funding opportunity will be held 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST on Jan. 11, 2022.
