Texas Southern University (TSU) is set to receive a $50 million grant for various environmental projects. The funds, facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act, represent the largest investment in climate action to date.
The U.S. Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) stated in a news release that the funding comes from the Regional Grantmaker program. This initiative aims to simplify the process of requesting federal environmental funds for small community-based organizations. The agency noted that it had received feedback indicating a need to cut bureaucratic red tape to improve how these funds are distributed.
"For years, community advocates have been calling for federal support and resources to help address our country's most pressing environmental justice concerns," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris' leadership, we're responding to these calls by removing barriers that have traditionally held communities and applicants back from accessing these historic investments in America. Together, in partnership with these Grantmakers, we are taking a giant step toward a future where every person in America has equal opportunity to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live a healthy, productive life."
According to the same news release, TSU’s Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice will streamline the application process for environmental-related funds. These grants will support programs providing local jobs aimed at fenceline air monitoring, asthma-related projects, healthy homes programs and other initiatives.
"Every person has a right to drink clean water, breathe clean air, and live in a community that is healthy and safe," said Vice President Kamala Harris. "For too long, however, low-income communities, immigrant communities, Native communities, and communities of color have endured disproportionate levels of air, water, and soil pollution. That is why President Joe Biden and I have put equity at the center of our nation’s largest investment in climate in history. Today’s announcement puts that commitment into action by ensuring critical resources to fund environmental justice projects across the country reach the organizations that know their communities best."
