The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of three Texas organizations for the Community Change Grants Program, awarding a total of $33.3 million to support local projects aimed at reducing pollution and increasing climate resilience. The organizations receiving the grants are Mission Waco Mission World, Big Bend Conservation Alliance, and Air Alliance Houston. These funds come from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, marking the largest investment in environmental and climate justice to date.
The recent announcement adds 84 new selectees to the program, bringing the total number to 105 since its launch in November 2023. "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," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is delivering on that promise."
Mission Waco Mission World will collaborate with the City of Waco on a $17.9 million project targeting disadvantaged communities in Waco and McLennan County. This initiative includes creating resilience hubs at community facilities for education, workforce development, emergency response, and temporary shelters. The project will also focus on solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, tree planting for shade and stormwater management, as well as food waste diversion through composting initiatives.
Big Bend Conservation Alliance is partnering with the City of Presidio on a $12.5 million project to establish a solar-powered resilience center in Presidio. The project aims to plant over 1,000 trees for shade and develop detention ponds for water runoff management.
Air Alliance Houston will work with Houston Advanced Research Center on a $2.9 million initiative across Southeast Texas regions including Golden Triangle and Greater Houston-Galveston Area. This effort involves community-based science initiatives and training communities in engaging with government processes related to permitting decisions and infrastructure planning.
Overall, 32 selections within Target Investment Areas account for $600 million of the total funding directed towards disadvantaged communities with unique needs.
Applications for this grant program closed on November 21, 2024, with around 2,700 submissions requesting over $40 billion in funds.
