The University of Alabama is set to receive nearly $295,870 in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices. This funding is part of a broader initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
In collaboration with local organizations such as the Alabama Industrial Assessment Center and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association, the university has pinpointed 183 automotive and metal manufacturing businesses that could benefit from these initiatives. "We are gratified to see so many selectees for these pollution prevention grants in EPA’s Southeast Region," said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. She emphasized that pollution prevention is both cost-effective and vital for reducing environmental pollution.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell expressed enthusiasm about this development: "We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing these new resources to reduce pollution and advance environmental justice here in Alabama." The congresswoman highlighted how this grant reflects ongoing benefits from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Nationwide, 48 entities have been chosen by the EPA to receive nearly $19 million collectively. These funds aim to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in offering technical assistance for implementing pollution prevention practices at local levels.
Pollution prevention involves minimizing or eliminating waste at its source rather than managing it post-production. This approach helps reduce costs while protecting communities from toxic exposure and conserving natural resources like wetlands and groundwater sources.
From 2011-2022, over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million were issued by EPA's Pollution Prevention program. These efforts led to significant energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, hazardous material reduction, and substantial cost savings for businesses.
The selected grantees will document successful P2 practices during their projects so others can replicate them. They are also expected to create case studies on novel or underutilized P2 methods which might benefit other businesses or technical assistance providers.
Grants funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully awarded upon meeting legal requirements, with individual awards reaching up to $350,000. Traditional P2 grants require a fifty percent cost share/match over a two-year period. The program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to channel federal investment benefits toward disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
More information on selections and project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
