The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that New Mexico State University will receive $350,000 in grants to assist businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda.
Dr. Earthea Nance, Regional Administrator, stated, "Since the creation of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has used these P2 grants across the country to substantially reduce emissions in overlooked communities." She added that this funding allows communities to address air pollution and implement sustainable solutions.
New Mexico State University plans to offer on-site technical assistance to breweries in areas with environmental justice concerns. The focus will be on reducing toxic chemicals, conserving water and energy, and lowering emissions. Outreach materials will be translated into Spanish, Navajo, or Tewa to enhance program engagement.
Nationwide, 48 selectees have been chosen by the EPA to receive nearly $19 million collectively for promoting pollution prevention practices. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has facilitated nearly half of this year's funds without a cost share requirement.
Pollution prevention involves reducing or eliminating pollution at its source before recycling or disposal. These efforts help businesses cut costs while protecting communities from toxic exposure and conserving resources.
Between 2011-2022, the EPA's Pollution Prevention program awarded over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million. These initiatives resulted in significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous materials.
Once legal requirements are met, grantees will document and share best practices identified through these grants. Each grantee will also develop a case study on innovative or underutilized P2 practices during the grant period.
Grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are fully financed upon award, with individual amounts up to $350,000. Traditional P2 grants require a fifty percent cost share over two years. The program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at delivering benefits from federal investments to disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
The full list of selections is available on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website along with project summaries.
