The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the University of Illinois will receive $281,280 in grants to assist businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices. This funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda.
The grant aims to provide technical assistance to breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries. The focus will be on reducing hazardous waste from toxic cleaning products, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste disposal, and promoting a circular economy by reducing single-use plastics and encouraging composting and the use of reusable or recycled products.
Jennie Romer, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention at the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, stated: “Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, EPA has provided unprecedented support for innovative approaches that prevent pollution and protect the environment.” She added that empowering businesses through these grant projects benefits communities while also cutting costs for businesses.
Senator Dick Durbin expressed his support for the initiative: “I’m glad to see this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law going to the University of Illinois to reduce pollution and help Illinois businesses.” He emphasized how this award would contribute to a cleaner economy by reducing single-use plastics and toxic waste.
Senator Tammy Duckworth highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions: “This federal investment from EPA will help the University of Illinois provide technical assistance to reduce hazardous waste and promote the use of reusable or recycled products.”
Representative Nikki Budzinski commented on the impact of these grants: “The P2 grant program will empower businesses to adopt innovative strategies to tackle pollution.” She noted that over $282,000 would be directed towards helping local businesses reduce hazardous waste.
The EPA announced 48 selectees across the nation who will collectively receive nearly $19 million in grants. These funds aim to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in providing technical assistance for pollution prevention practices. Nearly half of this year's funds were made available without a cost share/match requirement due to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Pollution prevention involves reducing or eliminating pollution at its source before recycling or disposal. Between 2011-2022, EPA’s Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million. These efforts have resulted in significant energy savings, reduced greenhouse gases, conserved water resources, minimized hazardous materials usage, and saved businesses substantial amounts.
Once all legal requirements are met, selected grantees will document best practices identified through these grants so others can replicate them. Each grantee is expected to develop case studies on new or lesser-known P2 practices during their grant period.
Grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully funded 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. The program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for 40% benefit delivery from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution.
