EPA Selects California Organizations Ignited and Sierra Streams Institute for Environmental Education Grants
SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of California’s Ignited and Sierra Streams Institute to receive competitive grants for environmental projects in California. These organizations have been chosen for their exceptional work in promoting youth ecological stewardship and environmental education, with projects focused on environmental justice, water resource challenges, and watershed health.
“This year's grant recipients bring to life the most innovative and effective ideas to engage California’s youth in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is so proud to support these organization's efforts to make progress toward a future with clean air, clean water, and land for all."
Ignited and Sierra Streams Institute projects have been selected for two of 38 grants nationwide being announced today by EPA. The projects supported by these grants aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide skills so participants can make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
Ignited - Water Weeks Expansion Project
EPA is awarding a $60,000 grant to Ignited for its Water Weeks Expansion Project, which extends environmental justice education through a one-week externship on water resource issues for K-12th grade teachers in Title I schools.
In partnership with BAYWORK and local water agencies, the program will guide teachers to meet industry professionals and tour facilities like wastewater plants, freshwater reservoirs, and dams. Alongside a Curriculum Coach, teachers will craft lesson plans that hook students through environmental activism, inspiring and preparing them for future careers. These teacher-created environmental and educational activities will be hosted online for teachers across the nation to access.
“EPA’s Environmental Education Program provides invaluable support in our mission to transform local education by empowering teachers with direct industry connections,” said Ignited CEO Emily Dilger, PhD. “We are thrilled to expand our work with EPA to infuse classrooms with environmental justice education, inspiring the next generation of our workforce in environmental stewardship."
Sierra Streams Institute - Leveraging Place-Based Education from the Valley to the Foothills
EPA is also awarding $100,000 to Sierra Streams Institute for its Leveraging Place-Based Education from the Valley to the Foothills effort. This project aims to increase youth participation in place-based environmental education and promote communication around watershed health to enhance ecological stewardship.
The project will promote diverse perspectives among Western Nevada County and Yuba County students, to inspire a new generation of environmental study and action. The program will empower stakeholders over 50 schools to expand accessible outdoor spaces and EE activities for the 25,000 K-12 youth within the region.
"Sierra Streams Institute is excited to embark on a new environmental education collaboration to make outdoor field sites and resources accessible to K-12 students in the greater Yuba and Nevada County region,” said Education Program Director Sol Henson. “This project will also create opportunities for students across the region to share their place-based experiences and to communicate on the importance of using sound science to steward our natural places."
EPA Environmental Education Grants
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
EPA is funding 38 organizations nationwide with over $3.6 million. The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“This year's grant recipients bring to life the most innovative and effective ideas to engage California’s youth in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is so proud to support these organization's efforts to make progress toward a future with clean air, clean water, and land for all."
Ignited and Sierra Streams Institute projects have been selected for two of 38 grants nationwide being announced today by EPA. The projects supported by these grants aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide skills so participants can make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
Ignited - Water Weeks Expansion Project
EPA is awarding a $60,000 grant to Ignited for its Water Weeks Expansion Project, which extends environmental justice education through a one-week externship on water resource issues for K-12th grade teachers in Title I schools.
In partnership with BAYWORK and local water agencies, the program will guide teachers to meet industry professionals and tour facilities like wastewater plants, freshwater reservoirs, and dams. Alongside a Curriculum Coach, teachers will craft lesson plans that hook students through environmental activism, inspiring and preparing them for future careers. These teacher-created environmental and educational activities will be hosted online for teachers across the nation to access.
“EPA’s Environmental Education Program provides invaluable support in our mission to transform local education by empowering teachers with direct industry connections,” said Ignited CEO Emily Dilger, PhD. “We are thrilled to expand our work with EPA to infuse classrooms with environmental justice education, inspiring the next generation of our workforce in environmental stewardship."
Sierra Streams Institute - Leveraging Place-Based Education from the Valley to the Foothills
EPA is also awarding $100,000 to Sierra Streams Institute for its Leveraging Place-Based Education from the Valley to the Foothills effort. This project aims to increase youth participation in place-based environmental education and promote communication around watershed health to enhance ecological stewardship.
The project will promote diverse perspectives among Western Nevada County and Yuba County students, to inspire a new generation of environmental study and action. The program will empower stakeholders over 50 schools to expand accessible outdoor spaces and EE activities for the 25,000 K-12 youth within the region.
"Sierra Streams Institute is excited to embark on a new environmental education collaboration to make outdoor field sites and resources accessible to K-12 students in the greater Yuba and Nevada County region,” said Education Program Director Sol Henson. “This project will also create opportunities for students across the region to share their place-based experiences and to communicate on the importance of using sound science to steward our natural places."
EPA Environmental Education Grants
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
EPA is funding 38 organizations nationwide with over $3.6 million. The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
EPA Selects Nevada’s Desert Research Institute for Funding to Support Environmental Education
LAS VEGAS — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of Nevada’s System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to receive a competitive grant for environmental education in Nevada. This organization has been chosen for its exceptional work in promoting youth ecological stewardship and environmental education, with the grant supporting a project to mitigate microplastics in Nevada waterways.
“This year's grant recipient brings to life the most innovative and effective ideas to engage Nevada’s youth in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is so proud to support this organization's efforts to make progress toward a future with clean air, clean water, and land for all."
The funding for the DRI is one of 38 grants nationwide being announced today by EPA. The projects supported by these grants aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide skills so participants can make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
Board of Regents, NSHE DRI - Mitigating Microplastics
EPA is awarding $100,000 to DRI to increase Nevada's environmental literacy through science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational interventions to address microplastic pollution in Nevada’s waterways. The goal of this project is to increase stewardship through STEM-based environmental education.
“DRI is honored to be awarded this EPA grant, and we are eager to begin our outreach to underserved rural and urban communities across Nevada,” said DRI STEM Education Program Manager Emily McDonald-Williams. “Middle school students and their families will learn about emerging environmental concerns and how to make informed decisions to help mitigate environmental issues.”
EPA Environmental Education Grants
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
The EPA is funding 38 organizations nationwide with over $3.6 million. The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“This year's grant recipient brings to life the most innovative and effective ideas to engage Nevada’s youth in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is so proud to support this organization's efforts to make progress toward a future with clean air, clean water, and land for all."
The funding for the DRI is one of 38 grants nationwide being announced today by EPA. The projects supported by these grants aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide skills so participants can make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
Board of Regents, NSHE DRI - Mitigating Microplastics
EPA is awarding $100,000 to DRI to increase Nevada's environmental literacy through science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational interventions to address microplastic pollution in Nevada’s waterways. The goal of this project is to increase stewardship through STEM-based environmental education.
“DRI is honored to be awarded this EPA grant, and we are eager to begin our outreach to underserved rural and urban communities across Nevada,” said DRI STEM Education Program Manager Emily McDonald-Williams. “Middle school students and their families will learn about emerging environmental concerns and how to make informed decisions to help mitigate environmental issues.”
EPA Environmental Education Grants
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
The EPA is funding 38 organizations nationwide with over $3.6 million. The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Federal, state inspections indicate Suncor refinery violated air quality regulations
DENVER - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Suncor Energy (U.S.A) Inc. last week, alleging the Commerce City refinery failed to comply with air emissions laws.
The agencies allege Suncor violated or is violating the Clean Air Act and the Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act through improper emissions of hazardous air pollutants like benzene. The joint NOV is a result of recent air inspections and other investigations by both agencies into Suncor’s operations. This notice offers Suncor an opportunity to discuss the alleged violations. The NOV was released to the public today with redactions to protect company-claimed confidential business information.
“EPA remains unyielding in its efforts to ensure the Suncor refinery complies with laws and regulations that protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “Working with the state, we will continue to investigate these alleged violations and pursue all opportunities to improve conditions for the residents of North Denver, Commerce City and nearby communities.”
The NOV follows an October 2023 Clean Air Act inspection at Suncor that was led by EPA and accompanied by CDPHE and incorporates CDPHE’s June 2023 Compliance Advisory against Suncor. The agencies allege violations of:
The Clean Air Act’s standards for benzene waste and other hazardous air pollutants;
Clean Air Act performance standards and Title V permitting rules;
the Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act and Colorado Air Quality Control Commission regulations;
and Suncor’s Title V operating permits issued by CDPHE under the Clean Air Act.
“We’re grateful for EPA’s partnership in this enforcement action, and we’re confident it will build upon our recent actions and improve the refinery’s operations,” said CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker-Ryan. “Through a comprehensive approach, we continue exploring all options to ensure Suncor complies with air quality requirements. This new joint enforcement action underscores our shared commitment with EPA to provide the communities near Suncor with the enhanced protections they deserve.”
The NOV is the first step in a joint federal-state enforcement process. It notifies Suncor that both agencies are investigating the alleged violations. The EPA and CDPHE will consider all appropriate information to determine the final enforcement response.
This joint enforcement action aligns with the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between EPA Region 8 and CDPHE. Visit CDPHE’s air quality and the Suncor refinery web page for more information.
The agencies allege Suncor violated or is violating the Clean Air Act and the Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act through improper emissions of hazardous air pollutants like benzene. The joint NOV is a result of recent air inspections and other investigations by both agencies into Suncor’s operations. This notice offers Suncor an opportunity to discuss the alleged violations. The NOV was released to the public today with redactions to protect company-claimed confidential business information.
“EPA remains unyielding in its efforts to ensure the Suncor refinery complies with laws and regulations that protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “Working with the state, we will continue to investigate these alleged violations and pursue all opportunities to improve conditions for the residents of North Denver, Commerce City and nearby communities.”
The NOV follows an October 2023 Clean Air Act inspection at Suncor that was led by EPA and accompanied by CDPHE and incorporates CDPHE’s June 2023 Compliance Advisory against Suncor. The agencies allege violations of:
The Clean Air Act’s standards for benzene waste and other hazardous air pollutants;
Clean Air Act performance standards and Title V permitting rules;
the Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act and Colorado Air Quality Control Commission regulations;
and Suncor’s Title V operating permits issued by CDPHE under the Clean Air Act.
“We’re grateful for EPA’s partnership in this enforcement action, and we’re confident it will build upon our recent actions and improve the refinery’s operations,” said CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker-Ryan. “Through a comprehensive approach, we continue exploring all options to ensure Suncor complies with air quality requirements. This new joint enforcement action underscores our shared commitment with EPA to provide the communities near Suncor with the enhanced protections they deserve.”
The NOV is the first step in a joint federal-state enforcement process. It notifies Suncor that both agencies are investigating the alleged violations. The EPA and CDPHE will consider all appropriate information to determine the final enforcement response.
This joint enforcement action aligns with the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between EPA Region 8 and CDPHE. Visit CDPHE’s air quality and the Suncor refinery web page for more information.
EPA selects four educational organizations to receive funding for environmental projects in New England
BOSTON (July 8, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that four organizations in New England have been selected to receive a total of $380,000 to empower youth to tackle environmental challenges, foster community resilience, and advance environmental justice in underserved communities. The four New England selectees are among 38 organizations across the country to receive over $3.6 million in funding for projects under EPA's Environmental Education Grants Program.
"Environmental education isn't just about learning facts and figures; it's about equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to find solutions to real-world problems and make a real difference in their daily lives and communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash "From students in New Haven tackling environmental justice issues and high schoolers in Massachusetts leading climate resilience projects, to Ipswich River Watershed youth participating in a Floating Classroom and students in the Connecticut River Valley finding nature-based solutions through design and engineering—this year's selectees from New England are bringing the environment to life for our kids, and showing them that they have the power to protect and improve the world around them."
This year's environmental education projects in New England include:
Helping New England's youth grow into a new, inclusive generation of environmental justice problem-solvers through interdisciplinary projects, courses, internships, and leadership portfolios at Common Ground High School.
Empowering high school students from low-income and environmental justice populations in Massachusetts to resolve climate-related issues through youth-led, non-partisan civic action projects in Worcester, Springfield, and Attleboro.
Providing underprivileged youth in Essex and Middlesex Counties, MA with experiential learning, kayaking, and canoeing on the Ipswich River, along with developing a watershed study curriculum and offering high school internships in environmental careers.
Enabling youth in rural underserved communities in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts to develop problem-solving skills related to water quality, air quality, and climate change through design and engineering challenges.
The grant funding ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year's New England selectees will conduct project activities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The following four New England organizations have been selected to receive this year's Environmental Education Grants, totaling $380,000:
New Haven Ecology Project
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Ipswich River Watershed Association
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
New Haven Ecology Project - $100,000Growing Environmental Justice Problem-Solvers in New England Public Schools
Common Ground High School, an environmental justice-themed charter high school, part of the nonprofit New Haven Ecology Project, will help New England's youth grow into a new, inclusive generation of environmental justice problem-solvers. Through a series of linked experiences, starting with interdisciplinary healthy-communities projects in grades 9 and 10, continuing with courses and internships that deepen students' capacity as environmental justice leaders, and culminating in senior leadership portfolios and capstone projects, 225 Common Ground High School students will participate in environmental justice leadership training and learning while engaging in meaningful environmental stewardship. Community-based nonprofit organizations will play a key role in supporting environmental justice learning and leadership experiences. While building and strengthening a model for teaching environmental justice at Common Ground High School, New Haven Ecology Project will also bring together environmental justice organizations and other public high schools across New England, creating and sharing high-quality teaching resources, model curricula, and educator professional development opportunities, all advancing environmental justice teaching in our region's public high schools.
Massachusetts Audubon Society - $100,000Climate Democracy Project: Culturally Responsive In-School Climate Change Education Toward Local Civic Action and Resilience
The goal of the Climate Democracy Project (CDP) is for high school students from low-income and environmental justice populations in Massachusetts to become empowered to resolve climate related issues that impact their local environments. The Climate Democracy Project will take place in three Title 1 public schools in Worcester, Springfield, and Attleboro, Massachusetts – all three cities designated as Gateway Cities, meaning that each faces persistent economic and social challenges. CDP brings together classroom teachers and non-formal educators to involve students in grades 8-12 in youth-led, non-partisan civic action projects focused on community-based climate resilience. Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon) seeks to pilot this programming in three middle or high schools and to collect data and resources to create a toolkit and training program for educators across Massachusetts. The CDP will provide place-based, project-based learning around climate resilience and civic engagement, to build a statewide foundation for a more environmentally literate citizenry in Massachusetts, aware of the issues behind climate change, and experienced in the civic engagement skills necessary to create just and healthy solutions for their communities. This one-year project will serve three teachers, 120 students, six non-formal educators, and will advance planning toward production of a "ready to implement" program/toolkit for high school teachers to increase climate literacy in schools. The three partner schools include: Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester; Springfield Renaissance School; and Attleboro High School.
Ipswich River Watershed Association - $100,000Breaking down barriers to place-based education and environmental careers in the Ipswich River watershed
This project will take place in communities that are part of the Ipswich River watershed or drink Ipswich River water, and in other nearby communities in Essex and Middlesex Counties, including Peabody, Salem, Lynn, Lawrence, and Gloucester, MA. These communities are identified as having environmental justice concerns by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The project has three audiences and accompanying programs: 1) underprivileged youth participating in summer enrichment programming; 2) 7th grade classrooms; and 3) underprivileged high schoolers seeking environmental career paths. This project will support the ongoing Floating Classroom program at Ipswich River Watershed Association, which brings youth to the river for experiential programming and environmental education. This project will provide 600 youth and 60 adult chaperones with experiential learning, kayaking and canoeing, and watershed education on the Ipswich River during summer 2025. This project will also support the development of a place-based watershed study curriculum reaching 200 Ipswich River middle schoolers and at least 20 7th-grade teachers and paraprofessionals in the 2024-2025 school year. There are eight Title 1 middle schools in Salem, Lynn, North Reading, and Andover, which will be invited to participate in the 7th grade program along with other interested middle schools. This project will also support two high school youths' 6-week internship in summer 2025 exploring environmental careers in monitoring, restoration, and environmental education. The project will ensure that our internships are available to a diverse pool of applicants, allowing young people who may experience barriers to participating in internships have an opportunity to explore an environmental career.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment - $80,000Schools Exploring Engineering, Design and Sustainability (SEEDS)
The Hitchcock Center will enable youth to develop problem solving skills related to water quality, air quality, and climate change. Students and their teachers will explore the intersections of engineering, technology and design and their critical role in meeting many of the environmental challenges that confront society today. This project will use design and engineering challenges to help students understand the idea of using nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges, identify new career pathways, get excited and inspired about science and nature and stay hopeful about climate change solutions. Students will be able to apply the tools and concepts of systems thinking in their present lives, and to inform the choices that will affect our future. Over two years The Hitchcock Center will work with Title I schools in 4 districts representing rural underserved communities in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, engaging approximately 16 classrooms and 400 students in 5th grade. Each class will participate in four design challenges (water filtration, stormwater management, erosion control, and air quality), including a field trip to the Hitchcock Center to see nature-based solutions in action. Subawards to participating schools will support student transportation, classroom materials, and student action projects. This project will develop, test, and refine the program model with these schools, ensuring sustainable future learning.
More information:
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
"Environmental education isn't just about learning facts and figures; it's about equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to find solutions to real-world problems and make a real difference in their daily lives and communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash "From students in New Haven tackling environmental justice issues and high schoolers in Massachusetts leading climate resilience projects, to Ipswich River Watershed youth participating in a Floating Classroom and students in the Connecticut River Valley finding nature-based solutions through design and engineering—this year's selectees from New England are bringing the environment to life for our kids, and showing them that they have the power to protect and improve the world around them."
This year's environmental education projects in New England include:
Helping New England's youth grow into a new, inclusive generation of environmental justice problem-solvers through interdisciplinary projects, courses, internships, and leadership portfolios at Common Ground High School.
Empowering high school students from low-income and environmental justice populations in Massachusetts to resolve climate-related issues through youth-led, non-partisan civic action projects in Worcester, Springfield, and Attleboro.
Providing underprivileged youth in Essex and Middlesex Counties, MA with experiential learning, kayaking, and canoeing on the Ipswich River, along with developing a watershed study curriculum and offering high school internships in environmental careers.
Enabling youth in rural underserved communities in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts to develop problem-solving skills related to water quality, air quality, and climate change through design and engineering challenges.
The grant funding ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year's New England selectees will conduct project activities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The following four New England organizations have been selected to receive this year's Environmental Education Grants, totaling $380,000:
New Haven Ecology Project
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Ipswich River Watershed Association
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
New Haven Ecology Project - $100,000Growing Environmental Justice Problem-Solvers in New England Public Schools
Common Ground High School, an environmental justice-themed charter high school, part of the nonprofit New Haven Ecology Project, will help New England's youth grow into a new, inclusive generation of environmental justice problem-solvers. Through a series of linked experiences, starting with interdisciplinary healthy-communities projects in grades 9 and 10, continuing with courses and internships that deepen students' capacity as environmental justice leaders, and culminating in senior leadership portfolios and capstone projects, 225 Common Ground High School students will participate in environmental justice leadership training and learning while engaging in meaningful environmental stewardship. Community-based nonprofit organizations will play a key role in supporting environmental justice learning and leadership experiences. While building and strengthening a model for teaching environmental justice at Common Ground High School, New Haven Ecology Project will also bring together environmental justice organizations and other public high schools across New England, creating and sharing high-quality teaching resources, model curricula, and educator professional development opportunities, all advancing environmental justice teaching in our region's public high schools.
Massachusetts Audubon Society - $100,000Climate Democracy Project: Culturally Responsive In-School Climate Change Education Toward Local Civic Action and Resilience
The goal of the Climate Democracy Project (CDP) is for high school students from low-income and environmental justice populations in Massachusetts to become empowered to resolve climate related issues that impact their local environments. The Climate Democracy Project will take place in three Title 1 public schools in Worcester, Springfield, and Attleboro, Massachusetts – all three cities designated as Gateway Cities, meaning that each faces persistent economic and social challenges. CDP brings together classroom teachers and non-formal educators to involve students in grades 8-12 in youth-led, non-partisan civic action projects focused on community-based climate resilience. Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon) seeks to pilot this programming in three middle or high schools and to collect data and resources to create a toolkit and training program for educators across Massachusetts. The CDP will provide place-based, project-based learning around climate resilience and civic engagement, to build a statewide foundation for a more environmentally literate citizenry in Massachusetts, aware of the issues behind climate change, and experienced in the civic engagement skills necessary to create just and healthy solutions for their communities. This one-year project will serve three teachers, 120 students, six non-formal educators, and will advance planning toward production of a "ready to implement" program/toolkit for high school teachers to increase climate literacy in schools. The three partner schools include: Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester; Springfield Renaissance School; and Attleboro High School.
Ipswich River Watershed Association - $100,000Breaking down barriers to place-based education and environmental careers in the Ipswich River watershed
This project will take place in communities that are part of the Ipswich River watershed or drink Ipswich River water, and in other nearby communities in Essex and Middlesex Counties, including Peabody, Salem, Lynn, Lawrence, and Gloucester, MA. These communities are identified as having environmental justice concerns by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The project has three audiences and accompanying programs: 1) underprivileged youth participating in summer enrichment programming; 2) 7th grade classrooms; and 3) underprivileged high schoolers seeking environmental career paths. This project will support the ongoing Floating Classroom program at Ipswich River Watershed Association, which brings youth to the river for experiential programming and environmental education. This project will provide 600 youth and 60 adult chaperones with experiential learning, kayaking and canoeing, and watershed education on the Ipswich River during summer 2025. This project will also support the development of a place-based watershed study curriculum reaching 200 Ipswich River middle schoolers and at least 20 7th-grade teachers and paraprofessionals in the 2024-2025 school year. There are eight Title 1 middle schools in Salem, Lynn, North Reading, and Andover, which will be invited to participate in the 7th grade program along with other interested middle schools. This project will also support two high school youths' 6-week internship in summer 2025 exploring environmental careers in monitoring, restoration, and environmental education. The project will ensure that our internships are available to a diverse pool of applicants, allowing young people who may experience barriers to participating in internships have an opportunity to explore an environmental career.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment - $80,000Schools Exploring Engineering, Design and Sustainability (SEEDS)
The Hitchcock Center will enable youth to develop problem solving skills related to water quality, air quality, and climate change. Students and their teachers will explore the intersections of engineering, technology and design and their critical role in meeting many of the environmental challenges that confront society today. This project will use design and engineering challenges to help students understand the idea of using nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges, identify new career pathways, get excited and inspired about science and nature and stay hopeful about climate change solutions. Students will be able to apply the tools and concepts of systems thinking in their present lives, and to inform the choices that will affect our future. Over two years The Hitchcock Center will work with Title I schools in 4 districts representing rural underserved communities in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, engaging approximately 16 classrooms and 400 students in 5th grade. Each class will participate in four design challenges (water filtration, stormwater management, erosion control, and air quality), including a field trip to the Hitchcock Center to see nature-based solutions in action. Subawards to participating schools will support student transportation, classroom materials, and student action projects. This project will develop, test, and refine the program model with these schools, ensuring sustainable future learning.
More information:
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
EPA New England Makes Healthy Communities Grants Available to Protect Public Health and the Environment in New England
EPA New England's Healthy Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects of up to $40,000 in federal funding that will benefit New England communities in one or more target areas. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements.
The Healthy Communities Grant Program offer grants for entities to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life, advance resilience, and preserve or restore important ecosystems. Projects must be aligned with one or more of the four Target Investment Areas (Areas near Ports that are being Redeveloped to Support Offshore Wind and Related Industries; Geographic Priority Areas or Sectors in Northern & Southern New England; Environmental Justice Areas of Potential Concern; and/or Sensitive Populations), and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental or public health results in one or more of the seven Target Program Areas (Capacity Building on Environmental and/or Public Health Issues; Clean, Green and Healthy Schools; Energy Efficiency; Healthy Indoor Environments; Healthy Outdoor Environments; Pollution Prevention; and Sustainable Materials Management).
Full descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Healthy Communities Grant Program Request for Applications.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal Governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations, such as grassroots and community-based organizations. Funding will be considered for a college or university to support a project with substantial community or Tribal involvement.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of four information sessions to learn more about the application process and ask questions. Information sessions will take place at the following times:
July 16, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET
Visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for an information session, access the Request for Applications and learn more about the program.
The Healthy Communities Grant Program offer grants for entities to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life, advance resilience, and preserve or restore important ecosystems. Projects must be aligned with one or more of the four Target Investment Areas (Areas near Ports that are being Redeveloped to Support Offshore Wind and Related Industries; Geographic Priority Areas or Sectors in Northern & Southern New England; Environmental Justice Areas of Potential Concern; and/or Sensitive Populations), and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental or public health results in one or more of the seven Target Program Areas (Capacity Building on Environmental and/or Public Health Issues; Clean, Green and Healthy Schools; Energy Efficiency; Healthy Indoor Environments; Healthy Outdoor Environments; Pollution Prevention; and Sustainable Materials Management).
Full descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Healthy Communities Grant Program Request for Applications.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal Governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations, such as grassroots and community-based organizations. Funding will be considered for a college or university to support a project with substantial community or Tribal involvement.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of four information sessions to learn more about the application process and ask questions. Information sessions will take place at the following times:
July 16, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET
Visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for an information session, access the Request for Applications and learn more about the program.
EPA Urges Those Affected by Hurricane Beryl to Avoid Indoor Air Dangers, Use Generators Safely
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 8, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds communities affected by Hurricane Beryl to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and other buildings. Most importantly, always operate portable generators according to the instructions and always run them outside, far away from buildings. Running a portable generator inside or too close to your home can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Indoor air quality can be impacted by many conditions that commonly occur following a hurricane. Please be aware of these hazards if your home, school, or business sustains damage from Hurricane Beryl. As always, please heed instructions from local authorities on when it is safe to return to an evacuated area, and do not enter a damaged building unless it is safe to do so.
Use portable generators safely
Ensure portable generators are set up outside, away from open doors and windows. Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Avoid contact with building debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint can result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Mold can form after floods
Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy, because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in your home. When entering a flood-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Please visit EPA’s website for more information on indoor air quality safety during emergencies: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/emergencies-and-iaq
For more information on disaster preparedness, including cleanup tips, visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X, or visit our homepage.
Indoor air quality can be impacted by many conditions that commonly occur following a hurricane. Please be aware of these hazards if your home, school, or business sustains damage from Hurricane Beryl. As always, please heed instructions from local authorities on when it is safe to return to an evacuated area, and do not enter a damaged building unless it is safe to do so.
Use portable generators safely
Ensure portable generators are set up outside, away from open doors and windows. Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Avoid contact with building debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint can result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Mold can form after floods
Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy, because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in your home. When entering a flood-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Please visit EPA’s website for more information on indoor air quality safety during emergencies: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/emergencies-and-iaq
For more information on disaster preparedness, including cleanup tips, visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X, or visit our homepage.
EPA and NMED Inspections Identify Widespread Emissions at Oil and Gas Facilities in the Permian Basin Area
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 5, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recently posted the reports for 124 facilities the two agencies inspected in the New Mexico Permian Basin area in April. Fourteen EPA inspectors and five NMED inspectors took part in these joint inspections and concluded a total of 75 of the facilities—60 percent—had emissions of Volatile Emission Compounds (VOC) and could be subject to penalties and other enforcement actions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). VOCs contribute to the formation of ozone (smog), which can result in health problems such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis, and cancer.
“All companies must comply with the Clean Air Act, including those in the Permian Basin that are contributing to the energy needs of our country,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “These large-scale inspections demonstrate EPA’s commitment to preventing VOC and methane emissions in the Permian Basin.”
“The results of our federal and state oil and gas investigations are cause for alarm, with a meager 40% compliance rate,” Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “With the impacts of climate change ravaging our state and air quality degrading, we have no choice but to increase sanctions on polluters until we see a commitment to change behavior.”
The inspections took place at eight companies with multiple facilities in the New Mexico Permian Basin area: XTO Energy, Inc, Chevron U.S.A. Inc, Permian Resources, Earthstone Energy, Inc, Tap Rock, Marathon, Franklin Mountain Energy, Inc, and Kaiser Francis Oil Company. Additionally, 112 of these facilities are located in communities with environmental justice concerns due to exposure to higher levels of pollution such as ozone. For more information on these specific inspections, please view our New Mexico enforcement webpage.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program and how we address pollution problems please visit the agency’s enforcement website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“All companies must comply with the Clean Air Act, including those in the Permian Basin that are contributing to the energy needs of our country,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “These large-scale inspections demonstrate EPA’s commitment to preventing VOC and methane emissions in the Permian Basin.”
“The results of our federal and state oil and gas investigations are cause for alarm, with a meager 40% compliance rate,” Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “With the impacts of climate change ravaging our state and air quality degrading, we have no choice but to increase sanctions on polluters until we see a commitment to change behavior.”
The inspections took place at eight companies with multiple facilities in the New Mexico Permian Basin area: XTO Energy, Inc, Chevron U.S.A. Inc, Permian Resources, Earthstone Energy, Inc, Tap Rock, Marathon, Franklin Mountain Energy, Inc, and Kaiser Francis Oil Company. Additionally, 112 of these facilities are located in communities with environmental justice concerns due to exposure to higher levels of pollution such as ozone. For more information on these specific inspections, please view our New Mexico enforcement webpage.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program and how we address pollution problems please visit the agency’s enforcement website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for Iowa Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that low-income Iowa residents recovering from the impact of flooding beginning June 16, 2024, could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).