Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications aimed at assisting disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges. This initiative is part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, marking the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history.
The Community Change Grants Program, enabled by this act, represents a significant step towards reducing pollution, enhancing community resilience to climate impacts, and strengthening community capacity. Today's announcement is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion planned for continuous distribution based on community input.
Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, stated: “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities relies on listening and developing innovative solutions through inclusive engagement.” He added that this effort addresses long-standing environmental and climate justice issues.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, emphasized: “Today's grants put communities in command to rectify past environmental wrongs and build a clean energy future.”
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, noted: “President Biden's Investing in America program has accelerated our efforts to ensure environmental justice for long-neglected communities.”
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $3 billion to the EPA for grants aiding disadvantaged communities with technical assistance. These funds align with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring 40% of certain federal investments benefit marginalized communities.
Examples of initial grants include:
- Nearly $20 million to Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives for energy efficiency improvements across 35 tribes.
- $20 million to Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade Technical College for workforce development training.
- Over $14 million to Texas A&M University and Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program for wastewater treatment systems.
- Approximately $14 million to Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL for urban forestry workforce programs.
Phase I of the program aims to provide about $1.96 billion for approximately 150 projects ranging from $10 million to $20 million each. Selected entities include Texas A&M University’s Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (AL), City of Bakersfield (CA), Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MI/MN/WI), among others.
Phase II anticipates awarding approximately $40 million across 20 projects aimed at facilitating individual and community participation in government decision-making processes.
The EPA will continue accepting applications until November 21, 2024. The agency encourages interested parties to apply promptly as additional selections will be made throughout the year.
For further details on Community Change Grants and technical assistance opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act, visit the EPA’s official website or follow @EPAEnvJustice on X (formerly Twitter).
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