EPA and U.S. Senator announce $12 Million supporting EJ TCTACs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) have announced a historic award of $12 million to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD), to support underserved and overburdened communities in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This funding aims to help these communities access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which includes significant investments in environmental justice.
The award to the NWF and UMD was announced on September 26, 2023, as part of a larger $177 million initiative to support Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) across the country. This initiative is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
"For many years, environmental justice leaders have called for a system of support, including access to technical assistance and funding to build community capacity from the ground up. Through the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative, this critical need will be met," said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.
The award represents a historic federal commitment to ensuring that 40% of certain federal investments directly benefit disadvantaged communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution. The EJ TCTACs will provide training to help these communities navigate federal grant systems, effectively manage funds, and engage residents.
Senator Carper emphasized the moral obligation to ensure that these investments reach the communities with the greatest need. He stated, "We have a responsibility to address the inequities that have persisted for far too long and to provide these communities with the resources they need to thrive."
The initiative covers a wide range of categories, including climate change, clean energy, and workforce development. It promises to expand federal funding opportunities through partnerships with community organizations and academic institutions.
The $12 million award to the National Wildlife Federation and the University of Maryland is a significant step in advancing environmental justice and creating thriving communities in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
