The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of nearly $254,000 in grants to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). These funds aim to support businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices.
The collaboration between NYSDEC and RIT will focus on providing technical assistance to chemical manufacturing, processing, and formulation businesses. The initiative targets companies identified through EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory for releasing toxic chemicals such as xylene, toluene, methanol, heavy metals, and nitrates. Efforts will center on green chemistry alternatives and workforce training.
"By working collaboratively with NYSDEC and RIT, we are promoting sustainable practices in New York’s chemical industry,” stated EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This project not only fosters innovation but also prioritizes the health and well-being of communities that are often most affected by pollution."
Key elements of this initiative include workshops focused on green chemistry principles tailored for industry professionals, an industry-specific webinar to increase accessibility, and customized projects at individual companies to effectively implement green chemistry practices.
The project aims to reduce the release of toxic chemicals into air, water, and land within New York communities. By applying green chemistry principles, participants will work towards mitigating environmental hazards while enhancing human health outcomes.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the EPA which includes 48 selectees across the country receiving nearly $19 million in grants. These grants support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in promoting pollution prevention practices among local businesses.
Pollution prevention involves reducing or eliminating pollution at its source before recycling or disposal becomes necessary. This approach supports American businesses in reducing costs while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals.
Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of this year's grant funds were awarded without a cost share/match requirement. The law made a historic investment in EPA’s Pollution Prevention Program by doubling funding for related grants.
