The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of two New Mexico organizations for the Community Change Grants Program, awarding a total of $22,990,000. The recipients are Santa Fe Indian School, Inc. and the Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship. This funding is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and represents a significant investment in environmental and climate justice.
This announcement follows previous selections made since the program's launch in November 2023. 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.” He added that these selections will help create jobs, improve public health, and support community efforts across the country.
Santa Fe Indian School will partner with the Trust for Public Land organization to receive $20 million to implement its Campus Vision Plan. The project aims to mitigate flooding and erosion on campus by restoring bioswales, arroyos, rain gardens, constructing stormwater detention ponds, installing permeable pavements, and planting native vegetation. Dr. Jennifer Santry from TPL emphasized that this initiative will provide hands-on learning opportunities in Indigenous land stewardship while enhancing cultural identity.
The Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship will work with the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at the University of New Mexico on a project receiving $2.99 million for Northern New Mexico's Eight Northern Pueblos (ENP). The project includes hosting over 40 community engagement workshops and publishing annual reports with policy recommendations.
Of the 105 total selections receiving grants through this program, 32 are designated as Target Investment Areas aimed at disadvantaged communities. This includes about $150 million allocated for Alaska Native communities.
Applications closed on November 21, 2024, with around 2,700 submissions requesting over $40 billion in funds. While most grants are expected to be obligated by January 2025, evaluations continue due to high demand.
For more information about environmental justice initiatives at EPA or to connect with EPA Region 6 online resources are available on their platforms.