The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Kansas State University will receive nearly $600,000 in grants to assist businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices. This funding is aimed at supporting local communities through technical assistance and sustainability projects.
Kansas State University (KSU) has been awarded $231,553 from traditional P2 funding. The university plans to focus on industries such as food, beverage, chemical, auto, aerospace, and metal manufacturing that release toxic chemicals like acetaldehyde and ammonia. The grant will support efforts in reducing toxic use, water and hazardous waste reduction, energy conservation, and an internship program for students working with local companies.
Additionally, KSU will receive $350,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) P2 funding. This grant targets businesses across five National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) identified by the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory. It aims to reduce toxic usage with tools from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute and promote a green brewery initiative among other collaborative events.
“Pollution prevention benefits the environment and creates healthier communities by decreasing waste and conserving our resources,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. She highlighted that these funds would support innovative projects promoting cleaner neighborhoods throughout the Heartland.
Dr. Cris Brazil of KSU’s Pollution Prevention Institute expressed pride in partnering with the EPA on these grants: “The P2 grant will support businesses through on-site assistance, training, and tools to help them adopt sustainable practices." Dr. Brazil also noted that efforts under the BIL would engage environmental justice communities through education and collaboration.
In total, 48 selectees nationwide will share nearly $19 million in grants provided by the EPA this year. These initiatives are supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which significantly increased funding for pollution prevention without requiring cost-sharing from recipients.
Pollution prevention focuses on reducing or eliminating pollution at its source before recycling or disposal processes begin. Such practices are crucial for reducing costs while protecting communities from exposure to harmful chemicals.
Between 2011 and 2022, over 500 grants were issued under EPA’s Pollution Prevention program totaling more than $54 million. These initiatives have resulted in significant savings in energy consumption and water usage while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous materials.
The selected grantees are expected to document their findings during their projects so others can replicate successful practices. Each grantee will develop case studies on new or less common pollution prevention methods which could benefit other businesses or technical assistance providers.
Grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are fully funded upon award with individual awards reaching up to $350,000 while traditional P2 grants require a 50% cost match over two years.
President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aims for disadvantaged communities to receive 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments including those related to pollution prevention efforts.
