The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $100,541,769 in funding for seven selected applications aimed at addressing environmental and climate justice challenges in disadvantaged California communities. This initiative is part of the $2 billion national Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program, which represents the largest single investment in environmental justice in history. The program is funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
“For too long, communities with environmental justice challenges have been overburdened with pollution and have been disinvested in. And that’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is committing to robust enforcement and, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, historical investments in these communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are so proud today to be selecting these seven exemplary California community partnerships and investing in a historic way in solving environmental and climate justice challenges.”
The five California Community-Driven Investments for Change (Track I) applicants expected to receive $10-$20 million each for community-scale projects include:
- City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
- La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. and Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
- Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
- The San Diego Foundation and The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
- Day One and Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
California Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance (Track II) applicants expected to receive grants of $1-$3 million each include:
- Insight Garden Program and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple CA locations)
- Special Service for Groups, Inc., and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
Elected officials have expressed support for this announcement.
“Today’s historic announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration makes it clear that local communities are best equipped to develop solutions that address decades-long environmental and climate-related injustices,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla.
Representative Scott Peters stated that nearly $20 million coming to San Diego will fund improvements such as air quality enhancement and green space expansion.
“Our youth have the most at stake when it comes to the climate crisis—but they also have the most agency to combat it,” said Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove regarding two projects receiving $21.2 million in South LA.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news for families in San Diego,” added Representative Juan Vargas.
“Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver key climate investments,” remarked Representative Judy Chu about a $20 million grant benefitting San Gabriel Valley.
Representative Pete Aguilar noted that over $100 million will aid California efforts towards pollution reduction and climate resiliency.
Representative Ted Lieu highlighted that empowering disadvantaged communities is essential to tackling the climate crisis through this significant investment from the EPA's grant program.
Representative Barbara Lee emphasized the monumental nature of this investment towards achieving environmental justice goals.
“La Familia is a community pillar – providing comprehensive services from mental health resources to job training,” commented Representative Doris Matsui on Sacramento-based initiatives benefiting from federal dollars.
"Thrilled" was how Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán described her reaction to South Los Angeles receiving funding under this program.
Selectees also shared their perspectives on receiving this support:
Mark Stuart from The San Diego Foundation highlighted its transformational potential for improving health outcomes.
Christy Zamani from Day One expressed excitement about federal support fostering sustainable communities.
Rachel Rios from La Familia appreciated opportunities created by "Greening North Franklin" project.
Christian Clegg from City of Bakersfield welcomed EPA's selection of their Southeast Strong project.
Kyle Tsukahira & Heng Lam Foong from Special Service for Groups celebrated mobilizing youth leaders via this historic investment.
Mark Wilson from CRCD acknowledged federal funding's role in addressing South LA's needs through collaborative initiatives.
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $3 billion to EPA grants aiding disadvantaged communities while delivering technical assistance aligned with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at ensuring 40 percent of certain federal investments benefit marginalized areas. Today's announcement marks an initial tranche of nearly $2 billion awarded on a rolling basis informed by stakeholder engagement until November 21, 2024.
