The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced funding to support populations facing disproportionate environmental and human health risks.

According to a Feb. 28 news release, $12.5 million will be allocated for Environmental Justice Grants to fund projects for Gulf of Mexico communities disproportionately impacted by adverse environmental and human health risks. 

“Funding under the environmental justice grants program will continue the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to confront environmental injustices, particularly in the coastal communities along the Gulf of Mexico,” Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman said in the release. “We look forward to seeing the transformative partnerships and projects that will work to advance protection and restoration of this vital watershed.” 

EPA will award five cooperative agreements of $2,500,000 to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The deadline to request funding is May 8, according to the release.

“With the funding of the environmental justice grants program, we can prioritize the health of at-risk communities near the Gulf of Mexico and safeguard one of the biggest natural resources in our country,” Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance said in the release. “We are continuing to invest in environmental justice to provide immediate relief to communities who have experienced long-standing pollution challenges at a disproportionate rate. We look forward to seeing the results of this funding for both frontline communities and the environment.”

Gulf of Mexico grants will be administered by the U.S. EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Division, which supports actions to "protect, maintain and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico," the release reported.