The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on July 25, 2024, that it will provide over $325 million in funding to support 21 selected applications aimed at addressing environmental and climate justice issues in impoverished communities. This funding is part of the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which represents the largest single investment in environmental justice to date. The announcement marks the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the Community Change Grants program, designed to distribute grants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The selected applications follow an innovative process that ensures applicants have ample time to prepare and utilize these historic resources, with continued stakeholder engagement and community feedback. Managed by EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this program will accept applications until November 21, 2024. The EPA will continue reviewing and announcing selections on a rolling basis.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "The agency's ability to deliver tangible results to communities depends on listening to those communities and developing innovative solutions through comprehensive stakeholder engagement." He added, "Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partners to address long-standing environmental and climate justice issues."
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, remarked, "Today's grants put communities in the driver's seat as they correct past environmental wrongs and build their own clean energy future."
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality said, "President Biden’s American Investment Agenda has accelerated government efforts to deliver environmental justice for communities that have been marginalized for too long," adding that these grants would help disadvantaged communities reduce pollution and increase resilience against climate change impacts.
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $3 billion in grants for EPA to assist impoverished communities with technical challenges. These grants aim to promote equity and justice across America under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative by ensuring that 40% of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
Examples of initial grant allocations include:
- Nearly $20 million awarded to Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives for weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
- $20 million granted to Alliance for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade Technical College for workforce development training focused on lead removal and hybrid/electric vehicle maintenance.
- Over $14 million provided to Texas A&M University and Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program for onsite wastewater treatment systems across Alabama’s Black Belt counties.
- Approximately $14 million allocated to Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL for urban forestry programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Track I projects received awards ranging from $10 million to $20 million each. Some recipients include Texas A&M University/Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (AL), La Familia Counseling Center/Community Resource Project (CA), Dillard University/United Way of Southeast Louisiana (LA), MetroHealth System/Community Housing Solutions (OH), among others.
Track II projects received between $1 million and $3 million each. Notable recipients include Insight Garden Program/Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (CA) and Bronx River Alliance/Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice (NY).
Three out of 21 selected organizations were designated as target investment areas under NOFO criteria. These funds ensure that unique situations within disadvantaged communities receive appropriate attention.
Applications remain open until November 21, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly as additional selections will be made throughout the year.
Further information about Community Change Grants can be found on EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.
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