The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of 105 applications for the Community Change Grants Program, allocating nearly $1.6 billion to support projects aimed at reducing pollution, enhancing climate resilience, and building community capacity across the United States. This initiative is part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and marks a historic investment in environmental and climate justice.
Since its launch in November 2023, the program has selected applications on a rolling basis. An earlier announcement in July included 21 selectees; with today's addition of 84 new selections, the total number now stands at 105.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated: "On day one of his Administration, President Biden promised to target investments to communities that for too long have been shut out of federal funding... These selections will create jobs, improve public health, and uplift community efforts in all corners of this country."
One notable project involves the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium & Kawerak, Inc., which will construct photovoltaic solar arrays and battery storage systems in remote Bering Strait communities. The City of Evansville in Indiana will establish "Mobility Hubs" to combat air quality issues by expanding electric bike-sharing systems and investing in EV infrastructure. Meanwhile, The Working Lands Trust & Democracy Green will address environmental injustices within North Carolina's Gullah Geechee corridor by improving water quality and restoring ecosystems.
Out of the 105 selections, 32 are designated as Target Investment Areas totaling $600 million to focus on disadvantaged communities with unique needs. Approximately $150 million is allocated specifically for Alaska Native communities.
The EPA received around 2,700 applications requesting over $40 billion in funds before the application deadline on November 21, 2024. With more evaluations pending due to high demand exceeding available resources, further selections are postponed until all applications undergo review according to established guidelines.
For more information about environmental justice initiatives at EPA visit their official webpage.
