Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the University of South Florida will receive nearly $349,690 in grants to aid businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
The University of South Florida will provide technical assistance aimed at reducing water and energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and hazardous air emissions such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide. These efforts target the food and beverage manufacturing sector in Florida, including agricultural processing and animal processing plants.
Jeaneanne Gettle, acting Regional Administrator for EPA’s Southeast Region, stated: “We are gratified to see so many selectees for these pollution prevention grants in EPA’s Southeast Region. Pollution prevention is an important component in addressing environmental issues, and it is the most cost-effective method in reducing environmental pollution.”
Nationwide, the EPA has selected 48 recipients who will collectively receive nearly $19 million to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in implementing pollution prevention strategies. This funding comes largely from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Pollution prevention focuses on reducing or eliminating pollution at its source rather than managing waste afterward. It supports American businesses by lowering costs while protecting communities from toxic chemical exposure.
From 2011 to 2022, the EPA's Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million. These grants have resulted in significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gases and hazardous materials.
The agency plans to award funds once all legal requirements are met. Selected grantees will document best practices for others to replicate and develop case studies on new or lesser-known P2 practices.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides full funding for these grants upon award with individual awards reaching up to $350,000. Traditional P2 grants require a fifty percent cost share/match over a two-year cycle.
This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to deliver substantial benefits from federal investments to disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
For further details on selections and project summaries, visit EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
