Latest News

On July 15, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began oversight of barrier installation to reduce contamination concentrations in groundwater at the Franklin Power Products/Amphenol site in Franklin, Indiana. EPA will hold an open house on Wednesday, August 7, to answer residents’ questions about the cleanup and construction work at the site, anticipated to take 1-2 months.

To break down the remaining contamination at the site, crews are installing “permeable reactive barriers” along Forsythe Street and Hamilton Avenue. These barriers will treat affected soil and groundwater. Long-term monitoring of groundwater will continue after construction is completed to track the performance of the barriers. Residents may see increased truck traffic and heavy equipment around the site during this time.

The open house will be an opportunity for residents with questions to meet Agency staff and learn about site work. Please note this event does not have a virtual component.

• When: Wednesday, August 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Where: Johnson County Public Library, Franklin Branch Historical Room

401 State St.

Franklin, Indiana

For information and updates, please visit the EPA’s Amphenol website. 

WASHINGTON – Today, July 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army announced today a joint project to conduct sampling and testing of private drinking water wells located near Army installations for the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This effort will inform Army remedial actions if results indicate that PFAS is found in drinking water, because PFAS contamination has spread and may potentially be impacting the drinking water wells of nearby residents.

The joint EPA-Army sampling and testing project, which is being implemented nationally, has identified a priority list of nine installations out of 235 locations. As initial work is completed, EPA and the Army will evaluate additional installations for expansion of the pilot. EPA and the Army are working in partnership to identify next steps to ensure the public remains safe from exposure to PFAS potentially originating from these installations. This initial joint program is another step in EPA’s efforts to protect people from the health risks posed by exposure to “forever chemicals” in communities across the country.

The installations scheduled for sampling under the program are:

• Fort Novosel (Alabama)
• Fort Hunter Liggett – Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (California)
• Fort Stewart (Georgia)
• Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield (Georgia)
• Blue Grass Army Depot (Kentucky)
• Fort Campbell (Kentucky & Tennessee)
• Fort Liberty (North Carolina)
• Fort Sill (Oklahoma)
• McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (Oklahoma)

“PFAS pose significant risks to drinking water supplies and public health, which is why the EPA and the Army are testing water from wells in communities near Army installations to determine if these dangerous forever chemicals are polluting drinking water,” said David M. Uhlmann, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Members of the military, their families, and surrounding communities deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. EPA welcomes the opportunity to share our expertise and work with the Army on this important project, which will help advance EPA’s PFAS National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative.”

“The Army commenced a comprehensive program in 2017 to identify potential PFAS releases at hundreds of Army and Army National Guard installations across the country. These initial investigations, completed by the Army in 2023, were instrumental in narrowing the focus to 235 locations where we will proceed with more in-depth investigations.” said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment. “For the nine installations that are part of our joint pilot program with EPA, the Army has already begun more in-depth investigations. The Army welcomes EPA’s collaboration as it continues to evaluate whether PFAS from past Army activities has impacted our neighboring communities and if so, takes steps to mitigate those impacts.”

If the sampling indicates that PFAS is present in groundwater or drinking water above the new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by EPA, then the Army will work with EPA and state regulators to assess what additional actions are necessary to mitigate exposure.

PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are being found worldwide. PFAS have been found in groundwater and soil at many federal facilities, including at military sites. The Army has used PFAS in various operations, including in foam to extinguish fires.

EPA and the Army will share information and update both EPA’s and DoD’s PFAS websites as information becomes available. For more information about PFAS, please visit EPA’s or DoD’s PFAS websites. Please visit EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative website: Addressing Exposure to PFAS to learn more about EPA’s PFAS enforcement. Residents with concerns about PFAS in drinking water can also consult EPA’s guidance on the use of home filters to reduce PFAS levels.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Protect Communities from PFAS

In addition to efforts across the government, EPA has taken action under the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to control PFAS at its sources, hold polluters accountable, ensure science-based decision making, advance environmental justice, and address the impacts on disadvantaged communities. Since launching the Roadmap in 2021, EPA has taken a suite of actions to protect communities from exposure to “forever chemicals” including:

• Established first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS: In April 2024, EPA finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS which will protect 100 million people from PFAS exposure, prevent tens of thousands of serious illnesses, and save lives. This action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combatting PFAS pollution and delivering clean water.
• Dedicated $10 billion in funding to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in water: President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law secured the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution in water, including $9 billion for drinking water and $1 billion for clean water investments. An additional $12 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports general drinking water investments, including PFAS treatment. The investments are part of the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
• Designated Two PFAS as Hazardous Substances: In April 2024, EPA finalized a critical rule to designate two widely used PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. This step improves transparency and accountability to clean up PFAS contamination in communities. In addition to the final rule, EPA issued a separate CERCLA enforcement discretion policy that makes clear that EPA will focus enforcement on parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment.
• Guidance on Destroying and Disposing of PFAS: In April 2024, EPA released updated Interim Guidance which outlines the best-available science on techniques and treatments that may be used to destroy or dispose of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials from non-consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foam for firefighting, and highlights innovation and emerging technologies that warrant further evaluation.
• Addressing on-going uses of PFAS: In January 2024, EPA finalized a rule that prevents companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 PFAS; released three methods to better measure PFAS in the environment; and announced the addition of seven PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), consistent with the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

Fairfield, N.J. (July 26, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is delivering on its promise to Invest in America and clean up Superfund sites that have been waiting for funding. Using a total of about $30 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has demolished the heavily contaminated building at the Unimatic Manufacturing Corp. Superfund site in Fairfield, N.J. and has finished removing contaminated soil from the site. In September, U.S. Army Corps contractors will dig up and remove sediment in wetlands and streams downstream from this site and will also monitor groundwater. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill joined state and local partners at the site today to celebrate the milestone and mark the beginning of the next phase of cleanup also funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

“Three years ago, I stood at this very site and made a promise that the EPA would use funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up legacy pollution at our country’s most toxic sites,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Today we have delivered on that promise here in Fairfield, with a cleaned-up property and the opportunity to redevelop it and make it into something better for the community.”

“This investment of $30 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a monumental step forward for Fairfield and for communities across New Jersey affected by toxic pollution,” said Senator Cory Booker. “New Jersey is home to the most Superfund sites in the nation, and I’m proud to see federal, state, and local partners come together to secure urgently needed funding for the cleanup of this heavily contaminated site. Addressing industrial pollution and transforming this site into a safer place for the community will pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for New Jersey residents.”

“I was proud to fight hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is not only funding construction of the Gateway Tunnel, but is helping us clean up toxic chemicals from former manufacturing plants across the Garden State – including the Unimatic Superfund Site. I first visited this site back in 2019, and it is so exciting to be back to see how our federal tax dollars continue to be used to clean up Unimatic and improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans. Thank you to the EPA and all who are working to remediate the Unimatic Superfund Site,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration, our Congressional delegation, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their commitment to making New Jersey safer as they continue work to clean up the former Unimatic Manufacturing Corp. site,” said Governor Phil Murphy. "I am pleased by the ongoing progress of this project and to see this work enter the next phase of sediment and groundwater cleanup. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are continuing to make strides toward our goal of building a cleaner, greener future for New Jersey.”

“The DEP thanks the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA and Representative Mikie Sherrill for securing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to accelerate cleanup efforts that will ultimately allow the community to repurpose this former industrial site to better serve their needs,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey has a long history of industrial pollution, and BIL funds have made it possible for communities across the state to start fresh and make transformational investments that enhance residents’ quality of life and the environment we share.”    

“The cleanup of this Superfund site is a great example of how the community and the EPA work together to alleviate the concerns of our residents by eliminating dangerous chemicals from our Township. There have been approximately 50 thousand tons of hazardous material removed from Fairfield. This has been accomplished through the oversight of the EPA without increasing the local tax one penny,” said Mayor of Fairfield Township William Galese. “On behalf of the grateful residents of Fairfield, I would like to thank the EPA for eliminating this threat from our town.”

The Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation site is one of 115 Superfund sites in New Jersey. The metals molding facility operated machines using lubricating oil that contained polychlorinated biphenyls, also referred to as PCBs. Wastewater from the facility contaminated the on-site building, soil and groundwater, including the soil on three nearby properties. As a result, EPA placed the Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation site on the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List in May 2014.

Prior to EPA’s involvement, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection oversaw the removal of approximately 5,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from the Unimatic property, which reduced some risk associated with the site. However, widespread PCB- and pesticide-contaminated soil remained in the subsurface, both underneath and outside the building footprint.

In 2021, EPA announced the cleanup at the site would advance as part of the first wave of sites to benefit from the $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help clean up polluted Superfund sites in communities.

EPA initiated the cleanup in 2023, demolishing the former Unimatic building in May and beginning to dig up and remove contaminated soil in October of that year. To date, EPA has removed over 50,000 tons of PCB and pesticide contaminated soil and replaced it with clean soil. In September, this first phase of the cleanup will come to an end and EPA will begin the second phase of cleanup work downstream of the site. EPA will dig up and remove PCB-contaminated sediment in wetlands and streams downstream from the site and monitor groundwater.

In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, EPA steps in to address risks to human health and the environment using funds appropriated by Congress, like the funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Visit the Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation Superfund Site profile page for additional background and site documents.

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

24-060

워싱턴 – 오늘, 2024년 7월 25일, 미국 환경보호국은 빈곤한 지역사회가 오염을 줄이고 지역사회의 기후 회복력을 높이며 지역사회 역량을 구축하는 프로젝트를 통해 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결할 수 있도록 지원하기 위해 선정된 21개 신청에 대해 3억 2,500만 달러 이상의 자금을 지원한다고 발표했습니다. 바이든 대통령의 인플레이션 감축 법안으로 가능해진 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램은 환경 및 기후 정의에서 역사상 단일 최대 투자입니다. 오늘 자금 지원 발표는 신청한 지역사회에 선착순으로 보조금을 지급하도록 설계된 프로그램에서 거의 20억 달러에 달하는 첫 번째 트란쉐입니다.

이렇게 선정된 신청은 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램의 선착순 신청 프로세스를 따르는 첫 번째 신청입니다. 확고한 이해관계자의 참여와 지역사회의 피드백에 따라 혁신적인 선착순 신청 프로세스는 신청자가 이 역사적인 자원을 준비하고 활용할 충분한 시간을 갖도록 보장합니다. 환경 정의 및 외부 시민권 부서를 통해 관리되는 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 재정지원공고(NOFO)는 2024년 11월 21일까지 계속 신청을 받고 있습니다. EPA는 계속해서 신청을 검토하고 선착순으로 선정을 발표할 것입니다.

EPA의 Michael S. Regan 행정관은 "지역사회에 실체적인 결과를 제공할 수 있는 당국의 역량은 지역사회의 의견을 듣고 포괄적인 이해관계자의 참여를 통해 혁신적인 해결책을 개발하는 데 달려 있습니다."라고 말하면서, "오늘, EPA는 바이든 대통령의 인플레이션 감축 법안 덕분에 새롭게 부상하고 오래 동안 계속되는 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결하기 위한 최초의 지역사회 협력군을 선정했습니다."라고 했습니다.

국제 기후 정책의 대통령 수석 고문, John Podesta는 "오늘의 보조금은 지역사회가 과거의 환경적 잘못을 바로잡고 그들 만의 깨끗한 에너지 미래를 구축하는 길에서 운전석에 앉도록 합니다."라고 말했습니다.

"바이든 대통령의 미국 투자 의제는 너무 오랫동안 소외되어 왔던 지역사회를 위해 환경 정의를 전달하기 위한 정부의 노력을 가속화했습니다"라고 Brenda Mallory 백악관 환경질위원회 위원장은 말하면서, "대통령의 Justice40 Initiative(저스티스40 이니셔티브) 일환으로, 이러한 보조금은 오염을 줄이고, 기후 변화의 영향에 대한 회복력을 높이며, 이러한 프로젝트를 완수할 수 있는 지역사회 역량을 구축함으로써 빈곤한 지역사회가 직면한 환경 및 기후 정의 문제에 대처하는 데 도움이 될 것입니다."하고 말했습니다.

인플레이션 감축 법안은 EPA에 빈곤한 지역사회를 돕고 기술적 문제를 제공하기 위한 보조금을 수여하도록 30억 달러를 제공합니다. EPA는 이러한 보조금을 이용해서, 이 임무를 수행하고 있습니다.

또한 지역사회 변화 보조금은 Justice40 Initiative(저스티스40 이니셔티브)를 통해 미국 전역에서 형평성과 정의를 증진시키겠다는 바이든 대통령의 공약을 이행하여 특정 연방 투자의 전체 혜택의 40%를 투자 부족으로 소외되고 오염으로 과도한 부담을 지고 있는 불우한 지역사회에 돌아갈 수 있도록 합니다.

이 초기 선정군의 보조금 예는 다음과 같습니다.

• 미시간, 미네소타, 위스콘신의 35개 부족에 주택 내후화 및 에너지 효율 업그레이드를 설치하여 가족을 위한 실내 공기질을 개선하고 임명된 부족 에너지 챔피언에게 리더십 개발 교육을 제공하기 위해 중서부지역 부족 에너지 자원 협회(MTERA)와 그리드 얼터너티브(Grid Alternatives)에 거의 2천만 달러 지원. MTERA는 지난 5월 EPA Solar for All 프로그램에서 6천 2백만 달러의 상금도 받았습니다.
• 납 제거, 용접, 하이브리드 및 전기 자동차 유지보수, 주택 내후화 및 주택 에너지 감사를 위한 환경 정의 인력 개발 교육을 구축하기 위해 책임 있는 지역사회 개발을 위한 연합 및 로스앤젤레스 무역 기술 대학교에 2천만 달러 지원. 이 보조금을 통해 선정된 신청자들은 남부 로스앤젤레스 전역의 600가구 이상에 대한 납 제거 작업을 완료할 수 있을 것으로 예상됩니다.
• 앨라배마주 17개 블랙벨트 카운티 전역에 현장 폐수 처리 시스템을 설치하기 위해 텍사스 A&M 대학과 블랙벨트 비법인 폐수 프로그램에 1,400만 달러 이상 지원. Regan 행정관은 이전에 오물정화조가 작동하지 않아 가정에서 마당으로 직관을 통해 하수가 흘러나와 지역 공중보건 위기가 발생했던 앨라배마주 론데스 카운티를 방문했습니다. 또한 이 지역사회는 가족에 영향을 미치는 심각한 폐수 문제를 해결하기 위해 양당기반시설법에 따라 100% 취소 가능한 차관 형태의 870만 달러도 받았습니다.

• 도시 숲 가꾸기와 목재 폐기물 감소를 중심으로 인력 프로그램을 확대하고, 필라델피아와 피츠버그의 숲 지붕층을 확대하며 목재 폐기물이 매립되지 않도록 방지하는 사업을 추진하기 위해 피츠버그 자연보호단과 PowerCorpsPHL에 약 1,400만 달러 지원. 이 보조금에는 피츠버그 토양의 납 오염을 줄이는데 바이오차(biochar)를 활용하기 위한 자금도 포함되어 있습니다.

변화에 대한 지역사회 주도 투자인 프로그램의 트랙 1은 프로젝트 150개 각각에 1~2천만 달러, 대략 총 19억 6천만 달러가 수여됩니다. 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결하기 위해 지역사회 규모의 프로젝트를 시행하고 있는 17개 트랙 I 신청자는 다음과 같습니다.

• 텍사스 A&M 대학과 블랙벨트 비법인 폐수 프로그램(윌콕스/헤일/론디스 카운티, AL)
• 베이커즈필드시와 건강한 지역사회 만들기 케른(베이커스필드, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc.와 지역사회 자원 프로젝트(새크라멘토, CA)
• 책임있는 지역사회 개발을 위한 연합과 로스앤젤레스 무역 기술 대학교(로스앤젤레스, CA)
• 샌디에이고 재단과 환경보건 연합(샌디에이고, CA)
• 데이원과 액티브SGV(산 가브리엘 밸리, CA)
• 포커텔로시와 포르뇌프 그린웨이 재단(포커텔로, ID)
• 딜라드 대학교와 루이지애나주 남동부의 유나이티드웨이(남동부 LA)
• 스프링필드시와 서부 매사추세츠주 공중보건원(스프링필드, MA)
• 중서부지역 부족 에너지 자원 협회와 그리드 얼터너티브(Grid Alternatives)(MI, MN, WI)
• 메트로헬스 시스템(MetroHealth System)과 지역사회 주택 솔루션(클리블랜드, OH)
• 레인 카운티 오리건과 레인 카운티의 유나이티드웨이(레인 카운티, OR)
• 피츠버그 자연보호단과 PowerCorpsPHL(피츠버그/필라델피아, PA)
• 공공토지신탁과 채터누가시(채터누가, TN)
• 휴스턴시와 텍사스 블랙유나이티드펀드(휴스턴, TX)
• 곤자가 대학교와 스포캔 네이버후드액션파트너(SNAP)(스포캔, WA)
• 국가주택신탁과 D.C. 아동법률센터(워싱턴, D.C.)

공정 관리에 대한 유의미한 참여인 트랙 2는 프로젝트 20개 각각에 1~3백만 달러, 대략 총 4천만 달러가 수여됩니다. 정부의 의사결정 과정에서 개인과 지역사회의 참여를 촉진할 트랙 II 신청자는 다음과 같습니다.

• 인사이트 가든 프로그램과 엘라 베이커 인권 센터(C.A.에 있는 여러 곳)
• 공공토지신탁과 씨유앳더탑(See You At The Top)(클레블렌드, OH)
• SSG(Special Service for Groups, Inc.)와 CAUSE(Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment: 아시아계 미국인 연합 스스로 강해지기 센터)(로스앤젤레스, CA)
• 브롱스리버얼라이언스(Bronx River Alliance, Inc.)와 평화와 정의를 위한 청소년 선교회(브롱스 카운티, NY)

선정된 21개 중 3개는 NOFO에서 확인된 목표 투자 지역을 위한 것입니다. 목표 투자 지역 자금은 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 자금이 특이한 상황, 지리 및 요구를 가진 불우한 지역사회를 향하도록 보장하기 위한 것입니다.

CCGP 보조금을 받는 초기 21개 조직의 전체 목록을 보고 CCGP에 대해 자세히 알아보십시오.

지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램은 2024년 11월 21일까지 계속 신청을 받기 때문에 EPA는 신청자가 NOFO 요건을 완전히 충족하는 즉시 신청서를 제출할 것을 독려합니다. EPA는 2024년 남은 기간 동안 선착순으로 추가 선정을 할 예정입니다. 또한 EPA는 새로운 기술 지원을 요청하는 마지막 날이 2024년 8월 16일이므로 관심 있는 신청자가 가능한 빨리 기술 지원을 신청할 것을 권장합니다.

EPA의 인플레이션 감축 법안 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 웹페이지에서 지역사회 변화 보조금 NOFO를 읽으십시오.

지역사회 변화 보조금 및 기술 지원에 대해 자세히 알아보려면 EPA의 인플레이션 감축 법안 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 웹페이지를 방문하십시오.

EPA의 환경 정의에 대해 자세히 알아보려면 EPA의 환경 정의 웹페이지를 방문하십시오.

웨비나 정보 등 NOFO에 대한 최신 정보는 빈 이메일을 join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov 주소로 전송해 환경 정의 및 외부 시민권 부서의 리스트서브를 구독해 알아보십시오. X(구 Twitter)에서 EPA 환경 정의 계정 (@EPAEnvJustice)을 팔로우하세요.

WASHINGTON - Jodi a, 25 Jiyè 2024, Ajans Ameriken pou Pwoteksyon Anviwònman an te anonse yon finansman plis pase $325 milyon dola pou 21 aplikasyon yo seleksyone pou ede kominote defavorize yo rezoud difikilte jistis anviwonmantal ak klimatik yo grasa pwojè ki diminye polisyon, ki ogmante rezilyans kominote a fas ak klima epi ranfòse kapasite kominote a. Te vin posib pa Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon Prezidan Biden nan, Pwogram Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè a se pi gwo envestisman nan listwa a nan jistis anviwònmantal ak klimatik la. Anons finansman an jodi a se premye tranch prèske $2 milya nan pwogram nan ki te fèt sou baz kontribisyon kominote a pou atribye sibvansyon an sou yon baz kontinyèl.

Aplikasyon sa yo ki seleksyone yo se premye yo te bay selon pwosesis aplikasyon pou Pwogram Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè a. Sou baz angajman solid ak fidbak kominote a, pwosesis aplikasyon inovatè ap asire aplikan yo gen ase tan pou prepare epi pwofite resous istorik sa a. Avi sou Opòtinite Finansman an Pwogram Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè (NOFO), ki administre atravè Biwo Jistis Anviwònman ak Dwa Sivil Ekstèn, ap toujou aksepte aplikasyon jiska 21 novanm 2024. EPA ap ​​kontinye revize aplikasyon yo epi anonse chwa yo sou yon baz kontinyèl.

Administratè EPA Michael S. Regan di, “Kapasite nou pou bay rezilta tanjib pou kominote yo chita sou lè nou koute epi devlope solisyon inovatè atravè angajman enklizif patisipan yo. “Jodi a, gras ak Lwa Prezidan Biden sou Rediksyon Enflasyon an, EPA te chwazi premye gwoup patenarya kominotè pou rezoud pwoblèm yap konfwonte depi lontan konsènan jistis anviwonmantal ak klimatik.”

John Podesta, Konseye Prensipal Prezidan pou Politik Klima Entènasyonal la, te deklare: “Sibvansyon jodi a plase kominote yo nan plas kòmand pou repare erè anviwonmantal ki te pase yo epi pou yo devlope pwòp avni konsènan yon enèji pwòp.

Brenda Mallory, Prezidan Konsèy Mezon Blanch sou Kalite Anviwònman, te deklare: “Pwogram Prezidan Biden pou Envesti nan Amerik la te akselere efò nou pou n asire jistis anviwonmantal ak kominote yo ki rete dèyè depi yon bon bout tan. “Kòm yon pati nan Inisyativ Justice40 Prezidan an, sibvansyon sa yo pral ede kominote defavorize yo rezoud difikilte jistis anviwonmantal ak klimatik y ap fè fas yo pandan y ap diminye polisyon, ranfòse rezistans nan enpak chanjman klimatik yo, epi devlope kapasite kominote yo pou yo ka rive jwenn pwojè sa yo.”

Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon an prevwa bay EPA $3 milya pou bay sibvansyon ki ede kominote ki defavorize yo epi bay asistans teknik. Avèk sibvansyon sa yo, EPA ap ​​reyalize misyon sa.

Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè yo respekte angajman Prezidan Biden te pran pou avanse ekite ak jistis atravè Etazini atravè Inisyativ Justice40 li a pou asire 40 pousan nan avantaj jeneral sèten envestisman federal yo ale nan kominote defavorize yo ki majinalize ak envèstisman ak twòp chaj polisyon an.

Me egzanp sibvansyon ki soti nan premye gwoup yo te seleksyon yo:

• Prèske 20 milyon dola pou Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) ak Grid Alternatives pou enstale amelyorasyon kont kondisyon klimatik efikasite enèjetik atravè 35 tribi nan Michigan, Minnesota, ak Wisconsin, amelyore kalite lè andedan kay la pou fanmi yo epi bay fòmasyon devlopman lidèchip pou chanpyon enèji tribi yo deziyen yo. MTERA te resevwa tou yon prim $62 milyon nan men pwogram EPA Solar for All nan mwa Me a.

• 20 milyon dola pou Kowalisyon pou Devlopman Kominotè Responsab ak Kolèj Teknik ak Komèsyal Los Angeles pou mete an plas fòmasyon pou devlopman mendèv jistis anviwònmantal la pou rediksyon plon, soude, antretyen machin ibrid ak elektrik, klimatikasyon kay, ak odit enèji rezidansyèl yo. Atravè sibvansyon sa, yo prevwa pou kandida ki chwazi yo pou fè rediksyon plon pou plis pase 600 kay atravè Sid Los Angeles.

• Plis pase $14 milyon pou Inivèsite Texas A&M ak Pwogram Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater pou enstale sistèm tretman dlo ize sou plas nan 17 konte Black Belt nan Alabama. Administratè Regan te deja vizite Konte Lowndes, Alabama—kote ki gen tank septik ak dlo egou ki soti nan kay yo ki devèse nan lakou yo te kreye yon kriz sante piblik nan rejyon an. Kominote sa a te resevwa tou yon prè 8.7 milyon dola ki 100% ranbousab nan Lwa ant de pati yo sou Enfrastrikti pou rezoud pwoblèm tretman dlo ize ki afekte fanmi yo.

• Apeprè 14 milyon dola pou Pittsburgh Conservation Corps ak PowerCorpsPHL pou elaji pwogram mendèv yo ozalantou forè iben ak rediksyon dechè bwa, agrandi kouvèti vejetal nan Philadelphia ak Pittsburgh epi evite dechè bwa yo deyò nan depotwa yo. Sibvansyon sa a gen ladan tou fon pou eksplwate biochar pou diminye polisyon plon nan tè Pittsburgh.

Premye Faz pwogram nan sa, Envestisman Kominote pou Chanjman, sipoze bay apeprè $1.96 milya dola pou 150 pwojè pou $10 jiksa 20 milyon dola chak. 17 kandida nan Premye Faz yo ki mete an aplikasyon pwojè nan echèl kominote a pou abòde defi jistis anviwonmantal ak klimatik yo se:

• Texas A&M University ak pwogram Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater (Konte Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)
• Vil Bakersfield ak Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. ak Pwojè Resous Kominotè (Sacramento, CA)
• Kowalisyon pou Devlopman Kominotè Responsab ak KolèjTeknik ak Komèsyal Los Angeles - (Los Angeles, CA)
• Fondasyon San Diego ak Kowalisyon Sante Anviwònman an (San Diego, CA)
• Day One ak Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• Vil Pocatello ak Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)
• Dillard University ak United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• Vil Springfield ak Enstiti Sante Piblik Lwès Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association ak Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• Sistèm MetroHealth ak Solisyon Lojman Kominotè (Cleveland, OH)
• Lane County Oregon ak United Way of Lane County (Konte Lane, OR)
• Pittsburgh Conservation Corps ak PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
• The Trust for Public Land ak Vil Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• Vil Houston ak Black United Fund nan Texas (Houston, TX)
• Corporation of Gonzaga University ak Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• National Housing Trust ak DC Children's Law Center (Washington, DC)

Nivo II, Gwo Angajman pou Gouvènans Ekitab, espere bay apeprè $40 milyon dola pou 20 pwojè ak $1-3 milyon chak. Kandida yo nan Dezyèm lan ki pral fasilite patisipasyon endividyèl ak kominote a nan pwosesis desizyon gouvènman an se:

• Pwogram Insight Garden ak Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (plizyè kote nan CA)
• The Trust for Public Land ak See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• Special Service for Groups, Inc. ak Sant pou Ameriken Orijin Azyatik pou Otonomi (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bronx River Alliance, Inc. ak Depatman Jenès pou Lapè ak Jistis (Bronx County, NY)

Nan 21 seleksyon yo, twa konsène Domèn Envestisman yo Sible ki idantifye nan NOFO. Finansman nan Zòn Envestisman yo Sible yo vize pou garanti finansman Pwogram Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè yo ap dirije nan direksyon kominote defavorize yo kote sitiyasyon, jewografi ak bezwen yo inik.

Konsilte lis konplè premye 21 òganizasyon k ap resevwa yon sibvansyon CCGP epi aprann plis sou CCGP.

Kòm Pwogram Sibvansyon Chanjman Kominotè a ap toujou aksepte aplikasyon jiska 21 Novanm 2024, EPA ankouraje kandida yo pou yo soumèt aplikasyon yo osito yo satisfè egzijans NOFO yo konplètman. EPA pral fè chwa siplemantè yo sou yon baz kontinyèl pou rès ane 2024 la. Epitou EPA ankouraje kandida ki enterese yo pou yo aplike pou asistans teknik pi vit posib, paske dènye jou pou mande yon nouvo asistans teknik se 16 out 2024.

Li Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè NOFO yo sou paj wèb Pwogram EPA sou Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon an.

Pou aprann plis sou Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè ak Asistans Teknik, vizite paj wèb Pwogram EPA sou Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon an.

Pou aprann plis sou jistis anviwonmantal nan EPA, vizite paj wèb EPA a Jistis Anviwònmantal la. 

Pou jwenn enfòmasyon ki ajou sou NOFO, ki gen ladan enfòmasyon sou seminè yo, Enskri nan listserv Biwo Jistis Anviwònman ak Dwa Sivil Ekstèn yo pandan w ap voye yon imèl vid bay: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Swiv nou sou X (ansyen Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

WASHINGTON – Hoje, dia 25 de julho de 2024, a Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos EUA anunciou mais de US$ 325 milhões em financiamento para 21 projetos aprovados para ajudar comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática. Os projetos visam reduzir a poluição, aumentar a resiliência climática das comunidades e fortalecer a capacitação da comunidade. Viabilizado pela Lei de Redução da Inflação do Presidente Biden, o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária é o maior investimento em justiça ambiental e climática da história. O anúncio da alocação dos recursos de hoje é a primeira parte dos quase US$ 2 bilhões do programa, que foi elaborado com base nas contribuições da comunidade para conceder subsídios de forma contínua.

Essas propostas selecionadas são as primeiras a serem contempladas pelo processo de inscrição em fluxo contínuo do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária. Elaborado com base em um sólido envolvimento das partes interessadas e no feedback da comunidade, o processo inovador de inscrições em fluxo contínuo garantirá que os candidatos tenham tempo suficiente para se preparar e usufruir dessa oportunidade histórica. A Notificação de Oportunidade de Financiamento (NOFO), do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária, administrado pelo Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos, ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024. A EPA continuará analisando as solicitações e anunciando os projetos selecionados de forma contínua.

“Nossa capacidade de oferecer resultados concretos para as comunidades depende de ouvir suas necessidades e desenvolver soluções inovadoras por meio de um engajamento inclusivo com as partes interessadas”, afirmou o Gestor da EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Hoje, graças à Lei de Redução da Inflação do presidente Biden, a EPA selecionou o primeiro grupo de parcerias comunitárias para resolver desafios atuais e de longa data relacionados à justiça ambiental e climática.”

“Os subsídios de presente colocam as comunidades no comando da jornada para corrigir os erros ambientais do passado e construir, de forma autônoma, um futuro voltado para a energia limpa”, declarou John Podesta, Conselheiro Sênior do Presidente para Política Climática Internacional.

“A iniciativa Investindo na América, do presidente Biden, ampliou nossos esforços para proporcionar justiça ambiental às comunidades que foram negligenciadas por muito tempo”, comentou Brenda Mallory, presidente do Conselho de Qualidade Ambiental da Casa Branca. “Como parte da Iniciativa Justice40, do Presidente, esses subsídios ajudarão comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar os desafios de justiça ambiental e climática que enfrentam, reduzindo a poluição, aumentando a resiliência aos impactos das mudanças climáticas e fortalecendo a capacidade das comunidades para levar esses projetos adiante.”

A Lei de Redução da Inflação destina US$ 3 bilhões à EPA para conceder subsídios que auxiliam comunidades menos favorecidas e proporcionam auxílio técnico. Com esses subsídios, a EPA está cumprindo essa missão.

Os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária também cumprem o compromisso do Presidente Biden de promover a igualdade e a justiça em todo os EUA por meio da Iniciativa Justice40, que visa garantir que 40% dos benefícios totais de certos investimentos federais sejam destinados a comunidades menos favorecidas, que convivem com a falta de investimentos e com os efeitos nocivos da poluição.

Alguns exemplos de subsídios desta primeira etapa seleção são:

• Quase US$ 20 milhões para a Associação de Recursos Energéticos Tribais do Meio-Oeste (MTERA, na sigla em inglês) e para a Grid Alternatives para a implementação de projetos de melhorias de eficiência energética e climatização em 35 comunidades de povos originários de Michigan, Minnesota e Wisconsin, melhorando a qualidade do ar em ambientes fechados para as famílias e oferecendo treinamento de desenvolvimento de liderança para os Campeões da Energia dos Povos Originários indicados. Em maio, a MTERA também recebeu um subsídio de US$ 62 milhões do programa Energia Solar Para Todos (em inglês, Solar for All), da EPA.
• US$ 20 milhões para a Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e para o Instituto Técnico-Comercial de Los Angeles para desenvolver treinamentos em justiça ambiental para redução de chumbo, soldagem, manutenção de veículos híbridos e elétricos, climatização de ambientes residenciais e auditorias de energia residencial. Com a concessão desse subsídio, espera-se que os projetos aprovados concluam ações de redução de chumbo em mais de 600 unidades residenciais no sul de Los Angeles.
• Mais de US$ 14 milhões para a Universidade Texas A&M e para o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas do Cinturão Negro destinados à instalação local de sistemas de tratamento de águas residuais em 17 condados do Cinturão Negro, no Alabama. Regan, Gestor da EPA, já havia visitado o Condado de Lowndes, no Alabama, onde as fossas sépticas com defeito e o esgoto canalizado das casas para os quintais provocaram uma crise de saúde pública na região. Essa comunidade também recebeu um empréstimo 100% subsidiado de US$ 8,7 milhões da Lei de Infraestrutura Bipartidária para enfrentar os problemas graves de esgoto que afetam as famílias que moram na região.
• Aproximadamente US$ 14 milhões para o Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e para o  PowerCorpsPHL, para expandir os programas de capacitação profissional relacionados à silvicultura urbana e à redução de resíduos de madeira, expandindo a cobertura de árvores na Filadélfia e em Pittsburgh e evitando que os resíduos de madeira sejam depositados em aterros sanitários. Este subsídio também inclui recursos para utilizar biochar na redução da poluição por chumbo nos solos de Pittsburgh.

A Fase I do programa, denominada Investimentos Comunitários para a Mudança, deve conceder aproximadamente US$ 1,96 bilhões para 150 projetos, com valores entre US$ 10 e 20 milhões cada. Os 17 candidatos da Fase I que estão implementando projetos em escala comunitária para enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática são:

• A Universidade A&M do Texas e o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas de Black Belt (condados de Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)
• O município de Bakersfield e a iniciativa Construindo Comunidades Saudáveis, em Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• O Centro de Aconselhamento La Familia S/A e Projeto de Recursos Comunitários (Sacramento, CA)
• A Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e Faculdade Técnica de Comércio de Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
• A Fundação San Diego e a Aliança de Saúde Ambiental (San Diego, CA)
• Day One e Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• A Cidade de Pocatello e a Fundação Portneuf Greenway (Pocatello, ID)
• A Universidade de Dillard e a United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• A Cidade de Springfield e o Instituto de Saúde Pública do Oeste de Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• A Associação de Recursos Energéticos dos Povos Originários do Meio-Oeste e a Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• O Sistema MetroHealth e a Soluções de Habitação Comunitária (Cleveland, OH)
• Condado de Lane, Oregon e a United Way do Condado de Lane (Condado de Lane, OR)
• O Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e o PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Filadélfia, PA)
• A Associação para Terras Públicas e Cidade de Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• A Cidade de Houston e a National Black United Fund (Houston, TX)
• A Associação da Universidade Gonzaga e a Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• Fundação Nacional de Habitação e Centro do Direito da Criança de Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)

Já na Modalidade II, Envolvimento significativo para governança equitativa, espera-se que sejam concedidos aproximadamente US$ 40 milhões para 20 projetos de US$ 1 a 3 milhões cada. Os candidatos da Fase II que facilitarão a participação individual e comunitária nos processos de tomada de decisão governamental são:

• Insight Garden Program e Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (vários locais na Califórnia)
• O The Trust for Public Land e o See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• O Special Service for Groups, Inc. e o Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
• A Bronx River Alliance, Inc. e o Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Condado do Bronx, NY)

Dos 21 projetos aprovados, três são para Áreas de Investimento-alvo identificadas na NOFO. O subsídio de Áreas de Investimento-alvo tem como objetivo garantir que o financiamento do Programa Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária seja direcionado a comunidades menos favorecidas com situações, circunstâncias geográficas e necessidades únicas.

Consulte a lista completa das 21 organizações que começaram a receber um subsídio do CCGP e saiba mais sobre o CCGP.

Como o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024, a EPA incentiva os candidatos a submeterem seus projetos para apreciação assim que atenderem completamente aos requisitos do NOFO. A EPA fará selecionará outros projetos em um fluxo de inscrições contínuo até o fim de 2024. A EPA também incentiva os candidatos interessados a solicitar auxílio técnico o mais rápido possível, pois o último dia para solicitar novo auxílio técnico é o dia 16 de agosto de 2024.

Leia o NOFO do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária na página do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA.

Para saber mais sobre os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária e a sobre o Auxílio Técnico, acesse a página do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA.

Para saber mais sobre o tema da justiça ambiental na EPA, acesse a página de Justiça ambiental da EPA. 

Para obter informações atualizadas sobre o NOFO, inclusive informações sobre os webinars, cadastre-se no listserv do Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos enviando um e-mail em branco para: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Acompanhe nossas atualizações no X (antigo Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $100,000 settlement with Hyponex Corp. in Shreve, Ohio, a subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., to resolve alleged violations of its permit limits for pollutant discharges under the Clean Water Act.

The company allegedly discharged pollutants — including E. coli, total suspended solids, chlorine, and ammonia-nitrogen — above permit limits into the Kiser Ditch tributary which flows to Lower Muddy Fork Mohican River. In May 2022, EPA issued an administrative order requiring the company to submit a plan to comply with and prevent future exceedances of the effluent limits. The company completed all actions and returned to compliance in September 2022.  

To learn more about the Clean Water Act, visit our website.

To learn more about EPA’s enforcement process, visit our website.

SEATTLE— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,555,386 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for Lane County, Oregon and United Way of Lane County. Lane County’s grant application is among 21 applications selected to receive funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.  

Lane County and United Way of Lane County will invest in six facilities to create a network of community resilience hubs to support residents during emergencies, such as wildfires and heat waves. They also will build the capacity of local organizations providing resilience services; train medical and non-medical volunteers to help in emergencies; and equip the hubs with adequate supplies. They will work to expand and improve the county’s emergency response planning and implementation network to support an all-of-community response during and after a severe event. The project also will assess the feasibility of installing solar and energy storage on the resilience hubs. 

“We’re proud to announce the first round of Community Change grant selections to support environmental justice and more equitable communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will help mitigate impacts from wildfire smoke and heat events. By funding these community-driven solutions, we are supporting local environmental priorities that will make a meaningful difference in supporting public health and environmental quality.” 

“This news is especially timely and relevant, given the wildfires burning in Lane County and the evacuation alerts those blazes are generating in multiple communities,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m glad the Inflation Reduction Act that I worked to pass is producing these crucial investments to help Lane County keep people safe during wildfires and other emergencies that threaten lives and properties.”  

“Ensuring Oregonians and communities across the region are safe and prepared when disasters strike is critical,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “This EPA funding for Lane County and the United Way of Lane County to realize a network of resilience hubs—complete with training, equipment, and more—will prove essential for community members during weather events from devastating wildfires to extreme heat. It’s climate-smart investments from the Inflation Reduction Act like this that will help our local governments and agencies save lives during the worst conditions.” 

“This $19 million investment from the EPA’s Community Change Grants Program is critical to supporting disaster and weather resilience in Lane County,” said Representative Val Hoyle. “This means Lane County and United Way of Lane County will have more resources to build out their volunteer response during emergencies, leading to stronger relief efforts.”    

“We are thrilled to be one of the first communities to be selected for the EPA Community Change Grant,” said Commissioner Laurie Trieger, Chair of the Lane County Board of Commissioners. “This $20 million investment enables us to establish a resilience hub network across Lane County to directly benefit residents, metro and rural alike, on good days and bad.” 

These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process designed to ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is still accepting applications through November 21.  

EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis and encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the program requirements. EPA will be making additional selections for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16. 

Learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program 

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice. 

CHICAGO (July 25, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Galion, Ohio, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health. The city of Galion is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded entirely by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.

Lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean water. However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Galion across the country,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation’s drinking water once and for all.”

Under the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will support the city of Galion with some critical first steps to lead pipe replacement including identifying lead pipes and educating the public about lead pipes. As a result, Galion is moving quickly to secure a lead-free future for all its residents. As a result of these efforts, the city of Galion will move quickly towards President Biden’s goal of 100% lead-free pipes.

Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024, or sooner if required by the state agency. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA’s WaterTA website.

Background:

Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access its fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of water technical assistance programs, such as the Get the Lead Out initiative.

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. Working collaboratively, EPA is advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution are protected. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families.

EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.

WASHINGTON – Hôm nay, ngày 25 Tháng Bảy, 2024, Cơ Quan Bảo Vệ Môi Trường Hoa Kỳ đã công bố tài trợ hơn $325 triệu đô la cho 21 ứng dụng được chọn để giúp các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu thông qua các dự án giảm ô nhiễm, gia tăng khả năng phục hồi của cộng đồng về khí hậu và xây dựng năng lực cộng đồng. Được thực hiện nhờ Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của Tổng Thống Biden, Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng là khoản đầu tư duy nhất và lớn nhất vào công lý môi trường và khí hậu trong lịch sử. Thông báo tài trợ hôm nay là đợt tài trợ đầu tiên trị giá gần $2 tỷ đô la từ chương trình được thiết kế dựa trên ý kiến ​​đóng góp của cộng đồng để trao các khoản tài trợ trên cơ sở luân phiên.

Những đơn đăng ký được chọn này là những đơn đăng ký đầu tiên nằm trong quy trình đăng ký luân phiên của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng. Được thông báo bởi sự tham gia mạnh mẽ của các bên liên quan và phản hồi của cộng đồng, quy trình đăng ký luân phiên đổi mới sẽ đảm bảo rằng người nộp đơn có nhiều thời gian để chuẩn bị và tận dụng nguồn tài nguyên lịch sử này. Thông Báo Về Cơ Hội Tài Trợ Của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng (NOFO), được quản lý thông qua Văn Phòng Công Lý Môi Trường và Quyền Dân Sự Bên Ngoài, vẫn đang nhận đơn đăng ký cho đến ngày 21 Tháng Mười Một, 2024. EPA sẽ tiếp tục xem xét các đơn đăng ký và thông báo các lựa chọn trên cơ sở luân phiên.

“Khả năng của chúng tôi trong việc mang lại kết quả rõ ràng cho cộng đồng phụ thuộc vào việc lắng nghe họ và phát triển các giải pháp đổi mới thông qua sự tham gia toàn diện của các bên liên quan,” Quản trị viên EPA Michael S. Regan cho biết. “Hôm nay, nhờ Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát Của Tổng Thống Biden, EPA đã chọn nhóm hợp tác cộng đồng đầu tiên để giải quyết những thách thức công lý về môi trường và khí hậu đang nổi lên và lâu dài.”

“Các khoản tài trợ ngày nay đặt cộng đồng vào vị trí điều khiển trên con đường khắc phục những sai lầm về môi trường trong quá khứ và xây dựng tương lai năng lượng sạch của riêng họ,” John Podesta nói, Cố Vấn Cấp Cao Của Chủ Tịch về Chính Sách Khí Hậu Quốc Tế cho Biết.

“Chương trình nghị sự Đầu tư vào Hoa Kỳ của Tổng Thống Biden đã đẩy nhanh nỗ lực của chúng tôi nhằm mang lại công bằng môi trường cho các cộng đồng đã bị bỏ lại phía sau quá lâu,” Brenda Mallory, Chủ Tịch Hội Đồng Nhà Trắng về Chất Lượng Môi Trường cho Biết. “Là một phần của Sáng Kiến ​​Justice40 của Tổng Thống, các khoản tài trợ này sẽ giúp các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu mà họ gặp phải bằng cách giảm ô nhiễm, gia tăng khả năng phục hồi trước các tác động từ biến đổi khí hậu, và xây dựng năng lực cộng đồng để xem xét các dự án này một cách thông suốt.”

Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát cung cấp $3 tỷ đô la cho EPA để trao các khoản tài trợ nhằm giúp đỡ các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn và cung cấp hỗ trợ kỹ thuật. Với những khoản tài trợ này, EPA đang thực hiện sứ mệnh này.

Khoản Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng cũng thực hiện cam kết của Tổng Thống Biden nhằm thúc đẩy công bằng và công lý trên khắp Hoa Kỳ thông qua Sáng Kiến ​​Justice40 để đảm bảo rằng 40 phần trăm lợi ích tổng thể của một số khoản đầu tư liên bang nhất định sẽ đến tay các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn bị thiệt thòi do thiếu đầu tư và phải chịu gánh nặng quá mức do ô nhiễm.

Các khoản trợ cấp ví dụ từ nhóm lựa chọn ban đầu này bao gồm:

• Gần $20 triệu đô la cho Hiệp Hội Tài Nguyên Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc Trung Tây (MTERA) và Giải Pháp Thay Thế Lưới Điện để lắp đặt các nâng cấp về thời tiết tại nhà và hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng trên 35 Bộ lạc ở Michigan, Minnesota, và Wisconsin, cải thiện chất lượng không khí trong nhà cho các gia đình và cung cấp đào tạo phát triển khả năng lãnh đạo cho Nhà Vô Địch về Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc được chỉ định . MTERA cũng đã nhận được khoản trợ cấp trị giá $62 triệu đô la từ chương trình EPA Solar for All vào Tháng Năm.
• $20 triệu đô la cho Liên Minh Phát Triển Cộng Đồng có Trách Nhiệm và Trường Cao Đẳng Thương Mại-Kỹ Thuật Los Angeles để xây dựng các chương trình đào tạo phát triển lực lượng lao động công lý môi trường về loại bỏ chì, hàn, bảo dưỡng xe hybrid và xe điện, kiểm tra thời tiết tại nhà, và kiểm toán năng lượng dân cư. Thông qua khoản tài trợ này, những người nộp đơn được chọn dự kiến ​​sẽ hoàn thành việc loại bỏ chì cho hơn 600 ngôi nhà trên khắp miền Nam Los Angeles.
• Hơn $14 triệu đô la cho Đại Học Texas A&M và Chương Trình Nước Thải Chưa Hợp Nhất Vành Đai Đen để lắp đặt hệ thống xử lý nước thải tại chỗ trên khắp 17 quận Vành Đai Đen ở Alabama. Quản trị viên Regan trước đây đã đến thăm Quận Lowndes, Alabama—nơi mà bể tự hoại và đường ống dẫn nước thải thẳng từ nhà vào sân bị hỏng đã tạo ra một cuộc khủng hoảng sức khỏe cộng đồng trong khu vực. Cộng đồng này cũng đã nhận được khoản vay trị giá $8.7 triệu đô la được hoàn trả 100% từ Luật Cơ Sở Hạ Tầng Lưỡng Đảng để giải quyết những thách thức nghiêm trọng về nước thải ảnh hưởng đến các gia đình.

• Khoảng $14 triệu đô la cho Quân Đoàn Bảo Tồn Pittsburgh và PowerCorpsPHL để mở rộng các chương trình lực lượng lao động xung quanh việc giảm thiểu chất thải gỗ và lâm nghiệp đô thị, mở rộng tán cây ở Philadelphia và Pittsburgh và loại bỏ chất thải gỗ khỏi các bãi chôn lấp. Khoản tài trợ này cũng bao gồm các quỹ để tận dụng than sinh học trong việc giảm ô nhiễm chì ở đất Pittsburgh.

Phần I của chương trình, Đầu tư vì sự thay đổi dựa vào cộng đồng, dự kiến ​​sẽ trao khoảng $1.96 tỷ đô la cho 150 dự án, mỗi dự án trị giá $10-20 triệu đô la. 17 ứng viên Track I đang thực hiện các dự án quy mô cộng đồng nhằm giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu là:

• Đại Học Texas A&M và Chương Trình Nước Thải Chưa Hợp Nhất Của Vành Đai Đen (Các Hạt Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)
• Thành Phố Bakersfield và Xây Dựng Cộng Đồng Lành Mạnh Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• Trung Tâm Tư Vấn La Familia, Inc. và Dự Án Nguồn Lực Cộng Đồng (Sacramento, CA)
• Liên Minh Phát Triển Cộng Đồng có Trách Nhiệm và Trường Cao Đẳng Kỹ Thuật - Thương Mại Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
• Quỹ San Diego và Liên Minh Y Tế Môi Trường (San Diego, CA)
• Ngày Đầu Tiên và SGV Tích Cực (Thung Lũng San Gabriel, CA)
• Quỹ Thành Phố Pocatello và Portneuf Greenway (Pocatello, ID)
• Đại Học Dillard và United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Đông Nam LA)
• Thành Phố Springfield và Viện Y Tế Công Cộng Tây Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• Hiệp Hội Tài Nguyên Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc Trung Tây và Các Giải Pháp Thay Thế Lưới Điện (MI, MN, WI)
• Hệ Thống Metrohealth và Giải Pháp Nhà Ở Cộng Đồng (Cleveland, OH)
• Quận Lane Oregon và United Way của Quận Lane (Hạt Lane, OR)
• Quân Đoàn Bảo Tồn Pittsburgh và PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
• Quỹ Tín Thác Đất Công và Thành Phố Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• Thành Phố Houston và Quỹ Liên Hiệp Người Da Đen Texas (Houston, TX)
• Tập Đoàn Đại Học Gonzaga và Các Đối Tác Hành Động Khu Phố Spokane (Spokane, WA)
• Ủy Ban Nhà Ở Quốc Gia và Trung Tâm Luật Trẻ Em D.C. (Washington, D.C.)

Track II, Sự Tham Gia Có Ý Nghĩa để Quản Trị Công Bằng, dự kiến ​​sẽ trao khoảng $40 triệu đô la cho 20 dự án, mỗi dự án trị giá $1-3 triệu đô la. Những người đăng ký Track II sẽ tạo điều kiện cho cá nhân và cộng đồng tham gia vào quá trình ra quyết định của chính phủ là:

• Chương Trình Insight Garden và Trung Tâm Nhân Quyền Ella Baker (nhiều địa điểm ở CA)
• Niềm Tin Dành Cho Đất Công và Hẹn Gặp Bạn Ở Đỉnh Cao (Cleveland, OH)
• Dịch Vụ Đặc Biệt Dành cho Groups, Inc. và Trung Tâm Dành cho Người Mỹ Gốc Á Thống Nhất Để Trao Quyền cho Bản Thân (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bronx River Alliance, Inc. và Bộ Thanh Niên vì Hòa Bình và Công Lý (Quận Bronx, NY)

Trong số 21 lựa chọn, có ba lựa chọn dành cho Lĩnh Vực Đầu Tư Mục Tiêu được xác định trong NOFO. Việc Tài Trợ Cho Khu Vực Đầu Tư Mục Tiêu nhằm đảm bảo rằng nguồn tài trợ của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng được hướng tới các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn với hoàn cảnh, địa lý, và nhu cầu đặc biệt.

Xem danh sách đầy đủ của 21 tổ chức ban đầu nhận được trợ cấp CCGP và tìm hiểu thêm về CCGP.

Vì Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng vẫn đang chấp nhận đơn đăng ký cho đến ngày 21 Tháng Mười Một, 2024, EPA khuyến khích người đăng ký nộp đơn ngay khi họ đáp ứng đầy đủ các yêu cầu của NOFO. EPA sẽ thực hiện các lựa chọn bổ sung luân phiên trong thời gian còn lại của năm 2024. EPA cũng khuyến khích những người đăng ký nào quan tâm nên nộp đơn xin hỗ trợ kỹ thuật càng sớm càng tốt vì ngày cuối cùng để yêu cầu hỗ trợ kỹ thuật mới là ngày 16 Tháng Tám, 2024.

Đọc Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng NOFO trên trang web Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng Theo Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của EPA .

Để tìm hiểu thêm về Trợ Cấp Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng và Hỗ Trợ Kỹ Thuật, hãy truy cập trang web Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng Theo Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của EPA .

Để tìm hiểu thêm về công lý môi trường tại EPA, hãy truy cập trang web Công Lý Môi Trường của EPA . 

Để biết thông tin cập nhật về NOFO, bao gồm thông tin về các hội thảo trên web, hãy đăng ký danh sách của Văn Phòng Công Lý Môi Trường và Quyền Dân Sự Bên Ngoài bằng cách gửi một email trống tới: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Theo dõi chúng tôi trên X (trước đây là Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced The MetroHealth System and The Trust for Public Land in Ohio will receive $17,191,775 and $3,000,000 respectively to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis. 

These two groups and other selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program notice of funding opportunity, administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.  

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”  

“Engaging communities on the front lines of climate and environmental issues is a cornerstone of EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “These communities have been overburdened for too long and that divide is only growing as climate change worsens. These grants are an opportunity to work together and address core environmental issues for our EJ communities.” 

MetroHealth, along with partner Community Housing Solutions, will identify 1,200 Cleveland-area households with at least one resident with asthma and work with them to reduce indoor air pollution. They will replace gas ranges with electric ranges, upgrade kitchen electrical systems as needed, and improve kitchen ventilation. They also will offer households financial incentives to switch to a cleaner electricity supplier and will install EV chargers upon request. All project activities will include extensive community outreach. 

Trust for Public Land, along with partner See You at the Top, will work with the city of Cleveland and the Cleveland Parks and Greenspace Coalition to engage residents of eight historically disadvantaged neighborhoods in municipal decision-making and planning processes related to parks and greenspaces. 

 “The Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver for Northeast Ohio. I’m excited to join the EPA in announcing two federal grant awards to MetroHealth and The Trust for Public Land. These grants will make a tangible difference for local families, helping thousands of residents with asthma upgrade their homes and giving residents a voice in developing greenspace. We all deserve clean air, indoors and outdoors, and these grants help us move toward that goal,” said Rep. Shontel Brown. 

"Trust for Public Land and Syatt are grateful for the opportunity to create system-wide change in Cleveland via the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition. This award will center community residents in the development of the new Parks and Recreation Department and implementation of the city-wide parks and greenspace comprehensive plan. The equity-driven, environmental, and climate justice community work in this grant award will encourage two-way communication between the City and residents, becoming a watershed event for a more resilient Cleveland,” said Sean Terry, Ohio State Director at Trust for Public Land. 

“We are excited to work on this project which has the potential to reduce indoor air pollution, improve asthma control, and improve quality of life,” Dr. Ashwini Sehgal of MetroHealth Systems. “This project will help participants to miss fewer days of work or school, increase their property values, and reduce their energy costs. We are grateful for this opportunity to help our local community in Cleveland, where asthma affects 1 in every 5 people."

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.  

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each.  

Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are: 

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP. 

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024. 

Read the Community Change Grants notice of funding opportunity here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.  

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and technical assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program 

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice 

For up-to-date information, including information on webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice. 

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $100,541,769 in funding for seven selected applications to help disadvantaged California communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges. The investment will fund projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history.

 “For too long, communities with environmental justice challenges have been overburdened with pollution and have been disinvested in. And that’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is committing to robust enforcement and, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, historical investments in these communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are so proud today to be selecting these seven exemplary California community partnerships and investing in a historic way in solving environmental and climate justice challenges.”

The five California Community-Driven Investments for Change (Track I) applicants expected to each receive $10-$20 million in grants for community-scale projects are:

• City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. and Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
• Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
• The San Diego Foundation and The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
• Day One and Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)

California Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance (Track II) applicants expected to receive grants of $1-3 million each for facilitating individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are:

• Insight Garden Program and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple CA locations)
• Special Service for Groups, Inc., and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)

Elected Leaders Applaud Today’s Announcement:

“Today’s historic announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration makes it clear that local communities are best equipped to develop solutions that address decades-long environmental and climate-related injustices,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA). “That’s why, as we crafted the Inflation Reduction Act, I fought so hard to ensure that disadvantaged communities are directly eligible for this type of assistance. As we work to tackle the climate crisis, we must continue prioritizing resources for innovative, locally driven solutions to support historically disadvantaged communities.” 

“Efforts to address climate change need to include all communities, especially neighborhoods that have historically been underfunded. The nearly $20 million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change grant money coming to San Diego will fund much-needed improvements to air quality, expand access to clean public transportation, and provide green space that will mitigate extreme heat and beautify neighborhoods. This is another great example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is truly helping all Americans,” said Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). 

“Our youth have the most at stake when it comes to the climate crisis—but they also have the most agency to combat it. I was proud to help secure $21.2 million in EPA Community Change Grants for two projects in South LA that will equip young Angelenos with the tools to fight the climate crisis through workforce development, leadership training, and community engagement initiatives,” said Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). “The futures of our planet and young people are intertwined, and these programs will play a vital role in empowering our youth to create a clean, sustainable future.” 

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for families in San Diego and across the region. This funding demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing long-standing environmental and climate justice challenges and investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52). “I’m proud to have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to support projects just like this one and look forward to seeing the positive impacts to come.”

“Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver key climate investments for communities nationwide, and I’m thrilled that today’s announcement includes $20,000,000 to reduce pollution, increase water sustainability, and promote active transportation right here in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). “Thanks to years of leadership and collaboration amongst everyone at Active SGV, Day One, and their partners, this funding will be used to implement seven local, innovative projects that meet our communities’ most pressing transportation and sustainability challenges.”

“I am so pleased that California is receiving over $100 million for efforts that will reduce pollution, support climate resiliency, and address environmental justice challenges,” said Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “These investments will help us tackle climate change while creating green jobs and lowering the cost of living. I’m proud to have pushed for the Inflation Reduction Act, which has already supported so many projects across our state, and I will continue to push for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change as we forge a healthier, more sustainable future.”

“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which I was honored to support in Congress, provides the largest single investment in environmental justice in history,” said Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36). “A key part of tackling the climate crisis is empowering and equipping disadvantaged communities with the tools they need to address longstanding environmental challenges. Through the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program, many communities across California and the country will breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, and become more resilient to climate disasters.”

Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) shared, "This investment for community-based environmental and climate Justice efforts in the East Bay is monumental and will go a long way toward not only combatting the climate crisis but achieving our environmental justice goals for marginalized communities. I applaud the Biden-Harris administration, Administrator Regan, and the EPA for their leadership in piloting the largest environmental justice investment in history. "

“La Familia is a community pillar – providing comprehensive services from mental health resources to job training and youth programs for over 40 years. Our Sacramento community relies on La Familia’s transformative work,” said Representative Doris Matsui (CA-7). “Climate change continues to be the defining fight of our lives, but air pollution and extreme heat are not experienced in the same way across Sacramento’s communities. This infusion of federal dollars will allow La Familia to once again use its innovative ideas and knowledge of the community to develop a community resilience hub, assist its neighbors with energy-efficient upgrades, and create new, much-needed green space. I’m proud to be a strong advocate for La Familia and their forward-thinking approach to bring resources, training, and sustainable programming where it is needed most.”

Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) declared she is “Thrilled for California to receive over $100 million from the Biden-Harris Administration in the first round of EPA Community Change grants, based on funding I worked to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act. Under-resourced communities of South Los Angeles and surrounding areas will benefit directly as the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade Tech College receive funding to develop workforce training programs to reduce indoor air pollution, expand clean energy and transportation infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs for residents.”

Hear from the Selectees:

"Thanks to our coalition of partners and our community-driven approach, San Diego is positioned to receive this transformational support from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund much-needed projects that will improve the health and lives of residents in our central historic barrios and build a healthier, more vibrant and resilient community," said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation.

Day One’s Executive Director Christy Zamani shared, “The Green SGV Collaborative is thrilled to receive federal support to realize healthier, more sustainable communities in the San Gabriel Valley. Our project is designed to help some of the most pollution-burdened communities in the United States, whose residents deserve a healthier environment.”

“La Familia is extremely honored to have the opportunity to impact Sacramento’s North Franklin neighborhood sustainably,” shared Executive Director Rachel Rios. “Our “Greening North Franklin” project brings together multiple partners to provide this community with the environmental investments to improve health outcomes for many children, families, and businesses, such as through a new Resilience Hub Opportunity Center, planting new green spaces, and creating a green jobs workforce, to name a few. We are grateful to the EPA for its inclusiveness in partnering with non-profits to do this vital work to transform disadvantaged communities. 

City of Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg shared, "We are excited and grateful that the EPA has selected Bakersfield's Southeast Strong project for a Community Change Grant. This grant underscores our city's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our vibrant community." 

“Special Service for Groups, Inc. and Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement is thrilled to bring this historic investment from the US EPA’s Community Change Grant program to mobilize the next generation of environmental justice youth leaders in the West San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County and to partner with the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment to elevate youth voices and increase opportunities for equitable governance to improve the region’s climate resilience and build toward President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative,” said Co-Directors Kyle Tsukahira and Heng Lam Foong in a joint statement.

"As a community-based, coalition-driven organization, CRCD [Coalition for Responsible Community Development] is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in South Los Angeles. This substantial federal funding from the EPA allows us and our partners to implement impactful initiatives to address environmental justice and economic empowerment,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of CRCD. “Together, we are ensuring South LA not only benefits from these resources but also thrives through sustainable and inclusive development. Being awarded this EPA grant is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to uplift our community.”

Community Change Grants Background

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With the 21 grants nationwide being announced today, the EPA is delivering on this mission.

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advancing equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Today's funding announcement is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion, which, based on community input, will be delivered via grants awarded on a rolling basis.

Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program (CCGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, accepts applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. 

See the complete national list of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.

Click here to learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance.

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit the Environmental Justice webpage.

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including details on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.

SEATTLE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $16,465,618 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for the City of Pocatello, Idaho and Portneuf Greenway Foundation. Pocatello’s grant application is among 21 applications selected to receive funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.  

The City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation plan to implement a series of projects to revitalize the city’s South 5th Avenue corridor. They will invest in water infrastructure by installing sewer lines in unsewered neighborhoods and more than 50 drinking water stations. They plan to transform three miles of South 5th Avenue into a “complete street” and install a 6-mile trail connecting South 5th Avenue to existing green space. They also will expand tree canopy and invest in stormwater management at local parks. 

“We’re proud to announce the first round of Community Change grant selections to support environmental justice and more equitable communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will help improve water quality, support new tree canopy, and provide new recreational opportunities. By funding these community-driven solutions, we are supporting local environmental priorities that will make a meaningful difference in supporting public health and environmental quality.” 

“The City of Pocatello is excited to receive this grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to make vital improvements along our South 5th corridor,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “We look forward to implementing these community-driven projects that will help transform one of our disadvantaged neighborhoods and bring opportunities to Pocatello as a whole.” 

These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process designed to ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is still accepting applications through November 21.  

EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis and encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the program requirements. EPA will be making additional selections for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16. 

Learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program 

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice. 

NEW YORK— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced close to $1 million in funding for one selected application to help environmentally over-burdened communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.  

In this first round, EPA has selected the Bronx River Alliance with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice as a partner to receive almost $1 million to convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to ensure that communities have a voice in decisions made that will shape the future of climate resiliency in the Bronx. The taskforce will ensure that disadvantaged communities in the Bronx will be able to fully participate in planning and implementation decisions about coastal adaptation, habitat restoration, and related local, state, and federal infrastructure projects.     

 “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”   

“We congratulate the Bronx River Alliance and their partner Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice for being selected as a recipient of the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants to continue advancing and shaping climate justice and resiliency in the Bronx,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “This grant of nearly 1 million dollars will create a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will help residents fully engage in planning processes and decisions related to adaptation, infrastructure projects, and more.”  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers most affected by pollution and climate change. The investments complement the critical work DEC and our many partners are doing to help ensure equity and justice in the Bronx and across the state. We applaud EPA administrator Regan and Regional Administrator Garcia for this latest $1 million to help support environmental justice organizations on the front lines of creating positive change in their community.”  

“This critical federal grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act I led to passage, will help the Bronx River Alliance, in partnership with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will ensure disadvantaged communities in the Bronx have a voice in climate justice projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I’m proud to have fought for the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, and for funding opportunities like this, to give environmentally over-burdened communities a boost in the urgent fight against climate change.” 

“I want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to The Bronx River Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice on receiving this crucial federal funding! This recognition of their work underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing climate resilience within our community. This effort not only addresses immediate climate-related challenges faced by Bronxites; it lays a foundation for future generations by implementing systemic solutions. Today's news is a significant stride towards shaping a sustainable and thriving future for all in the Bronx,” said Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15).    

"We are incredibly thankful and excited to be a recipient of President Biden’s EPA Community Change awards. With this federal funding, we will be able to uplift longstanding environmental needs of under-resourced and disadvantaged communities in a borough of 1.5 million residents,” said The Bronx River Alliance Executive Director Siddhartha Sánchez. We will prioritize investments that build our community’s resilience to climate change through catalytic ecological restoration projects throughout the Bronx. By convening a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to spearhead these initiatives, Bronx communities will be given a meaningful voice in government decision-mating processes, addressing historical gaps in equity and mitigating critical environmental and climate injustices."  

The selected application is the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process to New York City.  The innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.   

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.  

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.  

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.   

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program  

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice  

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.  

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website. 

24-059

PHILADELPHIA — (July 25, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $20 million in funding for District of Columbia organizations to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.

Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.

The National Housing Trust and D.C. Children’s Law Center will retrofit 785 homes in multifamily buildings in Washington D.C.—with a focus in the neighborhoods of Anacostia and Mt. Vernon Square—to improve indoor air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs for residents. They also will invest in local workforce development to expand the number of contractors with skills and experience in multifamily housing retrofits.

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

“This funding will help improve the quality of life for District residents by improving air quality and reducing energy costs,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “It further demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to addressing the global challenge of climate change at the local community level.”   

These selections are among the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process which is informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback. The innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource.

The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. 

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $2 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice.

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

WASHINGTON – Today, July 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its draft Insecticide Strategy for public comment, another milestone in the agency’s work to adopt early, practical protections for federally endangered and threatened (listed) species. The draft strategy identifies protections that EPA will consider when it registers a new insecticide or reevaluates an existing one. In developing this draft strategy, EPA identified protections to address potential impacts for more than 850 species listed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).

“Ensuring the safe use of insecticides is a critical part of EPA’s mission to protect endangered species and the environment,” said Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Jake Li. “This draft strategy is another major step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect endangered species, support farmers and other insecticide users, and provide critical environmental protections for communities across the country.”

Today’s draft is part of EPA’s ongoing efforts to develop a more efficient, effective, and protective multichemical, multispecies approach to meeting its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). EPA focused the draft strategy on conventional insecticides used in agriculture in the lower 48 states, where approximately 34 million pounds of insecticides are applied each year. The draft identifies protections earlier in the pesticide review process, thus creating a far more efficient approach to evaluate and protect the FWS-listed species that live near these agricultural areas. 

This draft strategy also incorporates lessons learned from EPA’s draft herbicide strategy that the agency released last year to minimize the impacts of agricultural herbicides on listed species. For example, based on feedback on the draft herbicide strategy, EPA designed the mitigations in the draft insecticide strategy to maximize the number of options for farmers and other pesticide users. These mitigation options also consider farmers who are already implementing measures to reduce pesticide runoff and those who are located in areas less prone to pesticide runoff, such as flat lands and regions with less rain to carry pesticides off fields. These measures also include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service 1 practices and state or private stewardship measures that are effective at reducing pesticide runoff.

Similar to the herbicide strategy, the draft insecticide strategy uses the most updated information and processes to determine whether an insecticide will impact a listed species and identify protections to address any impacts. To determine impacts, the draft strategy considers where a species lives, what it needs to reproduce (e.g., food or pollinators), where the pesticide will end up in the environment, and what kind of impacts the pesticide might have if it reaches the species. These refinements greatly reduce the need for pesticide restrictions in situations that do not benefit species.

Once final, the insecticide strategy will expedite future ESA consultations with FWS. In the draft strategy, EPA identified mitigations to address the potential impacts of insecticides on listed species even before EPA completes the ESA consultation process—which in many cases, can take five years or more. Further, once EPA finalizes the Insecticide Strategy, the agency and FWS expect to formalize their understanding of how this strategy can inform and streamline future ESA consultations for insecticides. Through a separate initiative, EPA is addressing potential impacts of insecticides to listed species and critical habitats protected by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

EPA’s decades-long approach of trying to meet these obligations chemical-by-chemical and species-by-species is slow and costly, resulting in litigation against the agency and uncertainty for farmers and other pesticide users about the continued availability of many pesticides. At the beginning of 2021, EPA faced nearly 20 lawsuits covering thousands of pesticide products due to its longstanding failure to meet ESA obligations for pesticides. Now, all of those lawsuits have been resolved as a result of the Biden-Harris Administration’s new approaches for protecting endangered species, which include this draft strategy.

The draft Insecticide Strategy Framework and accompanying support documents are available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0299 for public comment for 60 days.

Visit EPA’s website to learn more about how EPA’s pesticide program is protecting endangered species.

1  National changed to Natural

BOSTON (JULY 25, 2024)— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the City of Springfield, and its partner Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, were selected to receive nearly $20 million in funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.

These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program's rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.

 "Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today, thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges."

"The City of Springfield and its residents have shared their vision for change—retrofitting homes and removing lead hazards, converting city buildings to clean energy and expanding the tree canopy, and investing in community solar and workforce training programs. Today we are helping to turn that vision into a reality by providing the community with the necessary resources to make that happen," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is a pivotal step in meeting our commitment to environmental and climate justice across New England. By listening to and collaborating with communities, we are ensuring that the benefits of this historic investment reach those who need it most."

"With this nearly $20 million grant, Springfield will be able invest in safer and more resilient homes, restart its electric bikeshare program, plant hundreds of new trees, and so much more. All thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Inflation Reduction Act and my 15% minimum tax on big corporations," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

"Residents and advocates in Springfield are taking action to undo generations of pollution, and bringing to life a vision for the future that includes clean air to breathe, safe housing to live in, and green, renewable energy to power it all," said U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey. "Their coalition of community organizations, local government agencies, and those most affected by environmental injustice embodies the mission of the Community Change Grant Program, coming together to get the job done. I thank the EPA for awarding nearly $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, which I fought hard for in Congress, to directly enable community-led action in Western Massachusetts."

"My administration is proud of our collaborative efforts, led by our Development Services Division, along with other city departments and dedicated partner agencies, to receive this significant grant award. On behalf of our Springfield, thank you to the EPA for selecting us for this nearly $20 million grant. This funding, which was made possible thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in our nation's history, will provide tangible benefits to our community including improved indoor and outdoor air quality and reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions," said City of Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "I am also grateful to Congressman Neal for his continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of our Springfield and his support of our application for an EPA Community Change Grant. This is a critical time for cities like our Springfield to continue our efforts to reduce pollution and enhance our climate resilience, and also address environmental and climate justice challenges.  Springfield has a long history of being a regional leader in successful and effective climate action and we are looking forward to continuing to build upon our resilience."

"We are building on our decades of collaboration with the City of Springfield on various community health issues and at this pivotal point addressing climate change. Together we will deepen strategies that are already in place and determined critical by community members as well as innovate new opportunities that will advance Springfield's commitment to climate justice," said Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts Executive Director Jessica Collins. "We are excited and honored to be funded to partner with the Live Well Springfield coalition members, the City of Springfield and so many Springfield organizations in this project. We feel sure that our collaborative efforts will inform national action."

Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects of $10-20 million each. Track I applicants will implement community-scale projects to address environmental and climate justice challenges. The City of Springfield's application has been selected under Track I, and is the only selectee from New England in this initial selection cohort:

• Nearly $20 million to the City of Springfield and to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts for "Green and Resilient Springfield." The selectees will support the transformation of a post-industrial city toward resilience with this multi-faceted project. They will invest in a community solar project; retrofit 30 one- to four-unit homes to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality; and complete home rehabilitation projects to remove lead and other pollution hazards. They will convert two city-owned buildings to non-grid clean energy sources and expand their use as community resilience hubs and emergency shelter locations. They also will expand tree canopy by planting 1,500 trees; restart a city e-bikeshare program; support a workforce development program for HVAC-R technicians; and complete other activities.

Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes.

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden's commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024.

EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights' listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

 WASHINGTON – Hoy, 25 de julio de 2024, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció más de $325 millones en fondos para 21 solicitudes seleccionadas para ayudar a las comunidades desventajadas a enfrentar los retos ambientales y de justicia climática a través de proyectos que reducen la contaminación, aumentan la resiliencia climática de la comunidad y desarrollan la capacidad de la comunidad. Gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del Presidente Biden, el Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario es la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental y climática de la historia. El anuncio de financiamiento de hoy es la primera etapa de casi $2 mil millones del programa que fue diseñado en base a los aportes de la comunidad para otorgar subvenciones de manera continua.

Estas solicitudes seleccionadas son las primeras que se incluyen en el proceso de solicitud continua del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario. El innovador proceso de solicitud continua, basado en la sólida participación de las partes interesadas y los comentarios de la comunidad, garantizará que los solicitantes tengan tiempo suficiente para prepararse y aprovechar este recurso histórico. El Aviso de Oportunidad de Financiamiento (NOFO) del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario, administrado a través de la Oficina de Justicia Ambiental y Derechos Civiles Externos, todavía está aceptando solicitudes hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2024. La EPA continuará revisando las solicitudes y anunciando las selecciones de manera continua.

 “Nuestra capacidad de ofrecer resultados tangibles para las comunidades depende de escucharlas y desarrollar soluciones innovadoras a través de la participación inclusiva de las partes interesadas,” señalo el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Hoy, gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del Presidente Biden, la EPA ha seleccionado el primer conjunto de socios comunitarias para resolver los desafíos ambientales y de justicia climática emergentes.”

 “Las subvenciones de hoy ponen en control a las comunidades para corregir los errores ambientales del pasado y construir su propio futuro de energía limpia”, comentó John Podesta, Asesor Principal del Presidente para Política Climática Internacional.

 “La agenda de Inversión en Estados Unidos del Presidente Biden ha acelerado nuestros esfuerzos para brindar justicia ambiental a las comunidades que han quedado atrás durante demasiado tiempo,” indicó Brenda Mallory, presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca. “Como parte de la Iniciativa Justice40 del Presidente, estas subvenciones ayudarán a las comunidades desventajadas a enfrentar los desafíos de justicia ambiental y climática al reducir la contaminación, aumentar la resiliencia a los impactos del cambio climático y desarrollar la capacidad de la comunidad para llevar a cabo estos proyectos”.

 La Ley de Reducción de la Inflación proporciona $3 mil millones a la EPA para otorgar subvenciones que ayuden a las comunidades desventajadas y brinden asistencia técnica. Con estas subvenciones, la EPA está cumpliendo con esta misión.

 Las Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario también cumplen con el compromiso del Presidente Biden de promover la equidad y la justicia en todo Estados Unidos a través de su Iniciativa Justice40 para asegurar que el 40 por ciento de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales sean destinadas a las comunidades desventajadas que se ven marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.

 Ejemplos de subvenciones de este conjunto inicial seleccionado incluyen:

• Casi $20 millones a la Asociación de Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) y Grid Alternatives para instalar mejoras de climatización y eficiencia energética en el hogar en 35 tribus en Michigan, Minnesota y Wisconsin, mejorando la calidad del aire interior para las familias y brindando capacitación en desarrollo de liderazgo para los Campeones Tribales de Energía designados. La MTERA también recibió una adjudicación de $62 millones del programa Solar para Todos de la EPA en mayo.
• $20 millones a la Coalition for Responsible Community Development y el Los Angeles Trade-Technical College para crear capacitaciones de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de justicia ambiental destinadas a la reducción de plomo, soldadura, mantenimiento de vehículos híbridos y eléctricos, climatización del hogar y auditorías de energía residencial. A través de esta subvención, se prevé que los solicitantes seleccionados completen la reducción de plomo para más de 600 hogares en todo el sur de Los Ángeles.
• Más de $14 millones para la Texas A&M University y el Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program a fin de instalar sistemas de tratamiento en sitio de aguas residuales en 17 condados de la zona Black Belt en Alabama. El administrador Regan visitó previamente el condado de Lowndes, Alabama, cuyas fosas sépticas defectuosas y las tuberías rectas de aguas residuales de las casas a los patios crearon una crisis de salud pública en la región. Esta comunidad también recibió un préstamo 100% condonable de $8.7 millones de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para abordar los desafíos críticos de aguas residuales que afectan a las familias.
• Aproximadamente $14 millones para el Pittsburgh Conservation Corps y PowerCorpsPHL destinados a expandir los programas de fuerza laboral en torno a la silvicultura urbana y la reducción de desechos de madera, expandir el dosel de los árboles en Filadelfia y Pittsburgh y mantener los desechos de madera fuera de los vertederos. Esta subvención también incluye fondos para aprovechar el biocarbón a fin de reducir la contaminación por plomo en los suelos de Pittsburgh.

Se espera que la Vía I del programa, Inversiones Impulsadas por la Comunidad para el Cambio, otorgue aproximadamente $1.96 mil millones para 150 proyectos por $10-20 millones cada uno. Los 17 solicitantes de la Vía I que están implementando proyectos a escala comunitaria para abordar los desafíos ambientales y de justicia climática son:

• Texas A&M University y Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes Counties, AL)
• City of Bakersfield y Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. y Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
• Coalition for Responsible Community Development y Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
• The San Diego Foundation y The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
• Day One y Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• City of Pocatello y Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)
• Dillard University y United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• City of Springfield y Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association y Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• The MetroHealth System y Community Housing Solutions (Cleveland, OH)
• Lane County Oregon y United Way of Lane County (Lane County, OR)
• Pittsburgh Conservation Corps y PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
• The Trust for Public Land y City of Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• City of Houston y Black United Fund of Texas (Houston, TX)
• Corporation of Gonzaga University y Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• National Housing Trust y D.C. Children’s Law Center (Washington, D.C.)

Se espera que la Vía II, Participación Significativa para la Gobernanza Equitativa otorgue aproximadamente $40 millones para 20 proyectos de $1 a $3 millones cada uno. Los solicitantes de la Vía II que facilitarán la participación individual y comunitaria en los procesos de toma de decisiones gubernamentales son:

• Insight Garden Program y Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple locations in CA)
• The Trust for Public Land y See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• Special Service for Groups, Inc. y Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bronx River Alliance, Inc. y Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Bronx County, NY)

De las 21 selecciones, tres son para Áreas de Inversión Objetivo identificadas en el NOFO. El financiamiento del Área de Inversión Objetivo está destinado a garantizar que los fondos del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario se dirijan a comunidades desventajadas con circunstancias, geografía y necesidades únicas.

Vea el listado completo de las 21 organizaciones iniciales que reciben una subvención de CCGP y obtenga más información sobre CCGP.

Dado que el Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario sigue aceptando solicitudes hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2024, la EPA anima a los solicitantes a presentar solicitudes tan pronto como cumplan plenamente con los requisitos del NOFO. La EPA hará selecciones adicionales de forma continua durante el resto de 2024. La EPA también anima a los solicitantes interesados a solicitar asistencia técnica lo antes posible, ya que el último día para solicitar nueva asistencia técnica es el 16 de agosto de 2024.

Lea el NOFO de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario en la página web Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario según la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación de la EPA.

Para obtener más información sobre las Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario y la Asistencia Técnica, visite: la página web Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario según la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación de la EPA.

Para obtener más información sobre la justicia ambiental en la EPA, visite la página web de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA. 

Para obtener información actualizada sobre el NOFO, incluida la información sobre los seminarios web, suscríbase a la lista de correo electrónico de la Oficina de Justicia Ambiental y Derechos Civiles Externos enviando un correo electrónico en blanco a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en X (antes Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

 

 

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,760,488 in funding for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association Inc. to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis. 

MTERA and other selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program notice of funding opportunity, administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.  

 “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”  

“Engaging communities on the front lines of climate and environmental issues is a cornerstone of EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “These communities have been overburdened for too long and that divide is only growing as climate change worsens. These grants are an opportunity to work together and address core environmental issues for our EJ communities.” 

MTERA and Grid Alternatives will work with 35 federally recognized Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin to support energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades in homes to improve indoor air quality and lower energy costs. They will invest in leadership development training for “Tribal energy champions” to build their Tribes’ capacity to access additional funding sources and implement projects to strengthen climate resilience and reduce pollution. 

“Tribal communities are the original stewards of this land, who better to lead environmental innovation?  This money will help Tribes in Minnesota build on their track record of innovation and their commitment to caring for our environment through helping people achieve better indoor air quality in their homes, lower energy costs, and training on how to build a healthier, more resilient community,” said Senator Tina Smith. 

“Michigan’s native tribes deserve equitable access to resources that will ensure their communities thrive. I am so pleased the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which includes tribes from Michigan, are among the recipients of a Community Change Grant through the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “This grant will help tribes combat the effects of climate change with support for energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades, cutting costs and keeping money in our communities. Our tribes will be more equipped with the tools they need to forge a more climate conscious tomorrow.” 

"We have long recognized that building Tribal staffing capacity is crucial for successful Tribal energy development,” said MTERA Chairman Daniel Wiggins Jr. “However, most grants focus solely on infrastructure deployment. This grant from the EPA is truly transformative, allowing us to invest in Tribal capacity development while simultaneously unlocking new energy efficiency projects for our Tribal communities. We are deeply grateful for the EPA's support in empowering Tribes.” 

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.  

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each.  

Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are: 

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP. 

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024. 

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.  

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program 

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice 

For up-to-date information, including information on webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice. 

NEW YORK— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced close to $1 million in funding for one selected application to help environmentally over-burdened communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.  

In this first round, EPA has selected the Bronx River Alliance with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice as a partner to receive almost $1 million to convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to ensure that communities have a voice in decisions made that will shape the future of climate resiliency in the Bronx. The taskforce will ensure that disadvantaged communities in the Bronx will be able to fully participate in planning and implementation decisions about coastal adaptation, habitat restoration, and related local, state, and federal infrastructure projects.     

 “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”   

“We congratulate the Bronx River Alliance and their partner Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice for being selected as a recipient of the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants to continue advancing and shaping climate justice and resiliency in the Bronx,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “This grant of nearly 1 million dollars will create a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will help residents fully engage in planning processes and decisions related to adaptation, infrastructure projects, and more.”  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers most affected by pollution and climate change. The investments complement the critical work DEC and our many partners are doing to help ensure equity and justice in the Bronx and across the state. We applaud EPA administrator Regan and Regional Administrator Garcia for this latest $1 million to help support environmental justice organizations on the front lines of creating positive change in their community.”  

“This critical federal grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act I led to passage, will help the Bronx River Alliance, in partnership with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will ensure disadvantaged communities in the Bronx have a voice in climate justice projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I’m proud to have fought for the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, and for funding opportunities like this, to give environmentally over-burdened communities a boost in the urgent fight against climate change.” 

“I want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to The Bronx River Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice on receiving this crucial federal funding! This recognition of their work underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing climate resilience within our community. This effort not only addresses immediate climate-related challenges faced by Bronxites; it lays a foundation for future generations by implementing systemic solutions. Today's news is a significant stride towards shaping a sustainable and thriving future for all in the Bronx,” said Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15).    

"We are incredibly thankful and excited to be a recipient of President Biden’s EPA Community Change awards. With this federal funding, we will be able to uplift longstanding environmental needs of under-resourced and disadvantaged communities in a borough of 1.5 million residents,” said The Bronx River Alliance Executive Director Siddhartha Sánchez. We will prioritize investments that build our community’s resilience to climate change through catalytic ecological restoration projects throughout the Bronx. By convening a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to spearhead these initiatives, Bronx communities will be given a meaningful voice in government decision-mating processes, addressing historical gaps in equity and mitigating critical environmental and climate injustices."  

The selected application is the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process to New York City.  The innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.   

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.  

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.  

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.   

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program  

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice  

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.  

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website. 

24-059