The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Louisiana State University and Delgado Community College will receive grants totaling $1,049,700 to support pollution prevention efforts in local communities. The funding is part of a broader initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda.
Dr. Earthea Nance, EPA's Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of these grants: "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 directly and implement sustainable solutions.
Louisiana State University's Agricultural Center is set to receive $350,000. This grant will be used to collaborate with food and agricultural processors in rural areas such as sugar mills and seafood production facilities. The focus will be on reducing chemical use and introducing bio-based alternatives while educating staff on best practices through field days.
Delgado Community College will obtain $699,700 to advance pollution prevention strategies. The college plans to partner with institutions like Louisiana Tech, Dillard University, Xavier University, and the Love Your City Initiative. Their project aims to assist communities facing environmental justice issues by providing training and technical help for reducing toxic chemicals in various manufacturing sectors.
Overall, the EPA has selected 48 recipients nationwide who will share nearly $19 million in grants aimed at promoting pollution prevention practices among businesses within states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories. This initiative benefits from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which facilitated additional funding without cost-sharing requirements for many grantees.
Pollution prevention focuses on reducing or eliminating waste at its source rather than managing it after it is created. These practices help businesses cut costs while protecting public health and preserving natural resources like wetlands and groundwater sources.
Between 2011-2022, EPA's Pollution Prevention program awarded over 500 grants amounting to more than $54 million. These efforts have led to significant energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, hazardous material reduction, and substantial financial savings for businesses.
The EPA plans to distribute funds once all legal conditions are met. Grantees are expected to document successful practices so they can be replicated elsewhere. Additionally, each grantee will develop a case study during their grant period focusing on innovative or lesser-known pollution prevention methods that could benefit other organizations or technical assistance providers.
Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is fully provided upon award with individual grants reaching up to $350,000 each. Traditional P2 program grants span two years with a required fifty percent cost match. The Pollution Prevention Grant Program aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for equitable distribution of federal investment benefits particularly towards disadvantaged communities impacted by pollution.
Further information about selections and project summaries can be accessed via EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
