The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on July 25, 2024, that $13.9 million in funding will be allocated to Pennsylvania to aid disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges. This initiative aims to reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build community capacity.
The funding is part of the Community Change Grants Program, which is made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The program represents the largest single investment in environmental and climate justice in history, with nearly $2 billion allocated for this purpose. The grants are awarded on a rolling basis based on community input.
In Pennsylvania, nearly $14 million will be distributed to the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL. These organizations will work in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to develop infrastructure for upcycling and commercializing materials from urban tree waste. The project includes workforce development and training programs aimed at providing career pathways in land stewardship services and wood products.
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 efforts.
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz highlighted the impact of the funding: "These organizations recognized a need and took the steps to make their communities stronger now and in the future. This funding is a boost towards a cleaner environment while also building community capacity and addressing environmental justice."
The Community Change Grants Program aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Applications for the Community Change Grants Program are still being accepted through November 21, 2024. EPA encourages applicants to submit as soon as they meet the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) requirements. Additional selections will be made on a rolling basis throughout 2024.
For more information about applying for technical assistance or submitting applications, visit EPA's website dedicated to the Community Change Grants Program.
