Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $19,760,488 in funding for the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association Inc. (MTERA). This initiative aims to assist disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build capacity. The funding is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and represents the largest single investment in environmental and climate justice to date.
MTERA and other selected applicants are the first beneficiaries under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. The program was designed based on community input to ensure ample preparation time for applicants. The EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights administers the program, which will continue accepting applications until November 21.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of community engagement: “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement.” He credited President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act for enabling these initiatives.
EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore highlighted the agency's commitment to environmental justice: “Engaging communities on the front lines of climate and environmental issues is a cornerstone of EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice.”
MTERA, in collaboration with Grid Alternatives, will work with 35 federally recognized Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their efforts will focus on energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades in homes to improve indoor air quality and lower energy costs. Additionally, they will invest in leadership development training for “Tribal energy champions” to bolster their capacity for accessing further funding sources.
Senator Tina Smith remarked on the historical role of Tribal communities: “Tribal communities are the original stewards of this land; who better to lead environmental innovation?” She praised the grants for helping Tribes achieve better indoor air quality, lower energy costs, and stronger community resilience.
Rep. Hillary Scholten expressed satisfaction with Michigan tribes being among grant recipients: “Michigan’s native tribes deserve equitable access to resources that will ensure their communities thrive.”
MTERA Chairman Daniel Wiggins Jr. noted the transformative nature of this grant: "This grant from the EPA is truly transformative, allowing us to invest in Tribal capacity development while simultaneously unlocking new energy efficiency projects."
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $3 billion to EPA for grants aiding disadvantaged communities with technical assistance. These grants support President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40 percent of federal investment benefits go to marginalized communities overburdened by pollution.
Track I of the program is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion across 150 projects ranging from $10-20 million each. Track II aims to distribute around $40 million across 20 projects valued at $1-3 million each.
Applications for Community Change Grants remain open until November 21, with additional selections being made throughout 2024.
For more information about applying or learning about technical assistance opportunities related to these grants:
- Community Change Grants NOFO: [link]
- Technical Assistance Information: [link]
- Environmental Justice at EPA: [link]
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