The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $1 million grant to the Bronx River Alliance in partnership with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice. The funding, provided through the Community Change Grants Program, aims to support environmentally overburdened 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 to date.
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia joined Bronx River Alliance Executive Director Siddhartha Sánchez and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice Executive Director David Shuffler for a walking tour in the Bronx to underscore the significance of this funding. The grant will facilitate the establishment of a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force.
"Today we are celebrating the Bronx River Alliance and the entire Bronx as this community change grant will benefit the whole borough and strengthen environmental justice partnerships through the creation of a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The new taskforce will embody the very heart, culture, and grit of the community to take action against climate change, and build a more resilient Bronx."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted that this federal grant would enable disadvantaged communities in the Bronx to have a voice in climate justice projects aimed at reducing pollution, increasing community resilience, and building capacity. “I’m proud to have fought for the Inflation Reduction Act...to give environmentally over-burdened communities a boost in the urgent fight against climate change,” he stated.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized that communities across the Bronx have long faced various environmental challenges. She expressed her support for this program: “I am thrilled that Bronx River Alliance...has been selected to receive this $1 million grant...to help boost climate resiliency in the Bronx.”
Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) congratulated both organizations on receiving federal funding: “This effort not only addresses immediate climate-related challenges faced by Bronxites; it lays a foundation for future generations by implementing systemic solutions.”
David Shuffler from Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice remarked on their longstanding efforts against climate change impacts: “By convening a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force, Bronx communities will be able to come together...and develop proposals to address those issues.”
Dart Westphal from the Bronx Council for Environmental Quality expressed confidence that these organizations would ensure that voices for climate justice are heard clearly.
Mychal Johnson from South Bronx Unite acknowledged their leadership: "Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future."
Chauncy Young from Harlem River Working Group commended EPA's selection of these organizations: "The Alliance is helping address both historic and current gaps in equitable funding."
The Community Change Grants Program continues accepting applications until November 21, 2024. It aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to ensure that 40 percent of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities.
For further details about ongoing selections or application processes related to Community Change Grants or other EPA initiatives focused on environmental justice, interested parties can subscribe to relevant updates via email or follow EPA's social media channels.
