The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that two Louisiana organizations will receive a total of $40 million in funding through the Community Change Grants Program. This initiative aims to support local projects that reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build community capacity. The selected organizations are Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation and Stay Ready NOLA Inc. The funding is part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and represents the largest investment in environmental and climate justice to date.
This announcement is part of the latest round of applications chosen since the program began in November 2023. Previously, 21 selectees were announced in July, with this new announcement adding 84 more, bringing the total to 105 selectees.
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. Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is delivering on that promise."
Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation will collaborate with Power Coalition for Equity and Justice on a project called WE PLUG in North Baton Rouge. They will receive $20 million to train outreach workers who will conduct educational workshops on energy efficiency and climate resilience. Additionally, they plan to provide home upgrades such as HVAC replacement and solar energy installations.
Stay Ready NOLA Inc., partnering with Metro Bicycle Coalition of New Orleans, Inc., also receives $20 million for developing a Resilience Hub connected to solar farms producing clean energy sufficient for powering 1,000 homes in the Upper Ninth Ward.
Out of the 105 selections made under this program, 32 are designated for Target Investment Areas amounting to $600 million. This allocation ensures that disadvantaged communities receive necessary attention and resources.
Applications closed on November 21, 2024, after receiving around 2,700 submissions totaling over $40 billion in requested funds. The EPA plans to allocate most grants by January 2025 but acknowledges ongoing evaluations due to limited remaining funds.
For more information about environmental justice initiatives at EPA or connect via their social media platforms.
