The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1 million in funding for the Bronx River Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice to support environmental and climate justice projects in the South Bronx. This funding is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to tackle environmental challenges by reducing pollution, increasing community resilience, and building capacity.
This initial grant is part of a broader $2 billion Community Change Grants Program designed with community input. The program will award grants on a rolling basis to help environmentally over-burdened communities.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues. “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator, praised the Bronx River Alliance's selection. “This grant of nearly 1 million dollars will create a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will help residents fully engage in planning processes and decisions related to adaptation, infrastructure projects, and more,” she stated.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar highlighted the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on New Yorkers most affected by pollution and climate change. He applauded EPA administrators for supporting local environmental justice organizations.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed pride in securing the funds through the Inflation Reduction Act. “This critical federal grant...will ensure disadvantaged communities in the Bronx have a voice in climate justice projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity,” Schumer said.
Representative Ritchie Torres also congratulated the recipients: “This recognition of their work underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing climate resilience within our community.”
Siddhartha Sánchez, Executive Director of The Bronx River Alliance, expressed gratitude for receiving the federal funding: “We will prioritize investments that build our community’s resilience to climate change through catalytic ecological restoration projects throughout the Bronx.”
The Community Change Grants Program continues accepting applications until November 21, 2024. The program aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, aiming to ensure that 40 percent of certain federal investment benefits go to marginalized communities.
For more information about applying for grants or technical assistance under this program, visit [EPA’s website](https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program).
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