The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced grants totaling $334,133 to support pollution prevention efforts in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have been chosen as recipients of these funds.
The University of Minnesota Technical Assistance Program will receive $233,022 to assist food manufacturers, including dairies and animal processing plants. The program aims to reduce chemical discharges, conserve water and energy, and minimize organic waste landfilling.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is set to receive $101,111. This grant will help metal manufacturing businesses reduce or eliminate PFAS use by identifying safer alternatives through literature reviews and data analysis.
“Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, EPA has provided unprecedented support for innovative approaches that prevent pollution and protect the environment,” stated Jennie Romer from the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Senator Tina Smith emphasized the importance of these investments: “These investments in the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency make sure businesses...have the tools they need to prevent pollution from harmful chemicals like PFAS.”
Representative Betty McCollum also highlighted the significance of this funding: “Our state is set to receive over $100K from the EPA to significantly reduce PFAS use in metal manufacturing.”
In total, 48 selectees across the country will receive nearly $19 million in grants aimed at supporting states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in adopting pollution prevention practices. These efforts are part of a broader initiative funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Pollution prevention involves reducing or eliminating pollution at its source before recycling or disposal. From 2011-2022, EPA's Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants resulting in significant environmental benefits including energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The selected grantees are expected to document best practices identified through these grants for wider adoption. Each grantee will develop case studies on new or underutilized P2 practices during their grant period.
These grants align with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which aims to deliver significant federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
