The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of over $500,000 in grants to support pollution prevention initiatives in Iowa. The University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are the beneficiaries of these funds, which aim to provide technical assistance to local businesses.
The University of Northern Iowa will receive $175,159 for its project "P2 in Breweries for TAPs (Technical Assistance Providers)," focusing on training providers interested in developing pollution prevention programs for breweries. Meanwhile, IDNR is set to receive $331,809 to assist businesses using advanced techniques like thermal imaging assessments. These assessments aim to identify issues related to heat and energy loss as well as equipment inefficiencies across various business sectors.
EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister stated, “Pollution prevention benefits the environment and creates healthier communities by decreasing waste and conserving our resources.” She added that these funds would support projects enhancing sustainability and promoting cleaner neighborhoods.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley highlighted the innovative efforts within Iowa: “Iowans use innovation and commonsense to develop our state’s all-of-the-above energy approach, including clean energy solutions." He expressed satisfaction with the federal funding being used effectively in Iowa.
Jennifer Trent from the University of Northern Iowa Waste Reduction Center emphasized their success with craft breweries over nearly a decade: “With this EPA P2 grant, we're going to be able to take what we've learned and apply it across state boundaries.”
Jeff Fiagle from IDNR noted their long-standing collaboration with industries since 1990: “With this continued support from EPA, we will continue to provide support to Iowa industries in support of their sustainability goals.”
Overall, the EPA has selected 48 entities nationwide for grants totaling nearly $19 million. These efforts are supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which contributed significantly by removing cost-sharing requirements for almost half of this year's awards.
Pollution prevention practices focus on reducing or eliminating pollution at its source rather than managing waste post-production. This approach not only aids environmental conservation but also helps businesses reduce costs while protecting communities from exposure to harmful chemicals.
Between 2011 and 2022, EPA's Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants worth more than $54 million. These have led to substantial savings in energy and water usage while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous materials.
The selected grantees will document P2 best practices identified through these grants for replication by others. Additionally, each will develop at least one case study on innovative or underutilized P2 practices during the grant period.
Funds awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully funded upon award up to $350,000 per grant. Traditional P2 grants require a two-year funding cycle with a 50% cost share/match requirement.
President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aims for 40% of benefits from specific federal investments to reach disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
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