The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of nearly $7.7 million in grants for environmental job training programs across the United States. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and aims to recruit, train, and place workers for community revitalization projects at brownfield sites.
EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management Deputy Assistant Administrator Cliff Villa highlighted the impact of these grants, stating, "EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Program grants are changing lives and improving communities that have been overburdened by contaminated properties for far too long." The funding is sourced from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas hosted an event in Wichita to announce the awards alongside EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister and Wichita Council Member Brandon Johnson. The alliance will offer training in areas such as asbestos abatement and hazardous waste management to equip students with essential skills for environmental careers.
Each grant provides up to $500,000 to organizations aiming to develop a skilled workforce in areas where brownfield site cleanup activities are underway. These programs target individuals from underserved neighborhoods affected by environmental justice issues, aligning with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which ensures that disadvantaged communities receive 40% of certain federal investment benefits.
Graduates often earn certifications that enhance their employability in long-term environmental careers, including lead and asbestos abatement, mold remediation, and other safety training.
Organizations selected for these grants include Groundwork Rhode Island in Pawtucket, Worcester City in Massachusetts, Montclair State University in New Jersey, Southwest Economic Solutions in Detroit among others. Notably, several first-time recipients are included this year.
President Biden's leadership has facilitated substantial investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law into U.S. brownfields infrastructure. Since 1998, EPA has awarded over 430 grants totaling more than $113 million under its Brownfield Job Training Programs with significant employment outcomes.
For further information on the selected recipients or grant application details, visit EPA’s Grant Factsheet Tool online.