Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On July 25, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications aimed at assisting disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental justice and climate challenges. These projects focus on pollution reduction, enhancing community climate resilience, and building community capacity. This initiative is part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, marking the largest investment in environmental justice and climate to date.
The Community Change Grant Program is designed to distribute nearly $2 billion based on community feedback. The initial selections are part of a rolling application process that allows applicants ample time to prepare and utilize these resources effectively. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), managed by the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, remains open for applications until November 21, 2024.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through comprehensive stakeholder engagement.” John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, stated that these grants empower communities to address past environmental injustices while building a clean energy future.
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, highlighted that President Biden’s Investing in America agenda accelerates efforts towards environmental equity: “These grants will help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental justice and climate challenges by reducing pollution, increasing resilience against climate impacts, and building capacity.”
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $3 billion for EPA grants supporting disadvantaged communities with technical assistance. This funding aligns with President Biden’s commitment under the Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of certain federal investments benefit underserved communities burdened by pollution.
Examples from this initial round include:
- Nearly $20 million for the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives to enhance home weatherization and energy efficiency across 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
- $20 million for the Responsible Community Development Alliance and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to develop workforce training programs focused on lead removal, hybrid/electric vehicle maintenance, home weatherization inspections, and residential energy audits.
- Over $14 million for Texas A&M University’s Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install onsite wastewater treatment systems across Alabama’s Black Belt counties.
- Approximately $14 million for Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL to expand urban forestry initiatives in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Part I of this program aims to award around $1.96 billion across 150 projects worth between $10-$20 million each. Track II focuses on meaningful engagement in governance with an expected allocation of about $40 million among 20 projects valued at $1-$3 million each.
For more information about Community Change Grants or technical support options under EPA's Inflation Reduction Act programs visit their respective websites or contact join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov.
