Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $1.9 million for environmental justice projects in communities across Vermont as part of Investing in America agenda
BOSTON (Oct. 25, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $1.9 million to fund two projects across Vermont that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations, which EPA has selected through its Environmental Justice Government-to-Government program, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part of the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“EPA strongly believes that historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities must have a place at the table as we work toward climate and environmental justice. Successful environmental justice programs are built with community collaboration, common goals, and community empowerment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. “Across New England, these selectees are poised to catalyze lasting change and make a profound difference, bringing cleaner air and water to their communities, combatting climate change, creating green jobs, and improving environmental health. We eagerly anticipate the enduring impact the grants in Vermont will have in our region, advancing our common goal of environmental justice.”
“At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, all while dealing with the existential threat of climate change, it makes a great deal of sense to help rural, low-income, and working families make their homes more efficient and their transportation options more sustainable,” said Sen. Sanders. “That is why I am pleased to see these federal investments in Vermont to help ensure that all people can not only cut their emissions, but also their fuel bills.”
“Historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Vermont are often the first to be impacted by climate change, bearing a disproportionate burden of environmental and public health hazards,” said Senator Welch (D-VT). “The Equal Justice Government to Government grants to the Vermont Agency of Human Services and the Northwest Regional Planning Commission will help address environmental injustice in Vermont by providing home health and energy efficiency assessments, and working to bolster capacity building, education, equitable transportation, and mobility for communities disproportionately affected by environmental harms and risks.”
“Low income and rural communities often bear the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change. It’s time we put the most vulnerable at the fore front as we address climate change with the urgency it requires,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Federal programs like these are essential to ensuring we take urgent, bold action to combat climate change, while putting money back into the pockets of working families. “
The grants announced today deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in Vermont:
Vermont Agency of Human Services in Burlington, Vt. has been selected to receive $1,000,000 for improving the health and well-being of low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers/asylee households in Burlington and Winooski, Vt., by creating a Community Ambassador-led Healthy and Energy-Efficient Homes Program.
Northwest Regional Planning Commission in St. Albans, Vt. has been selected to receive nearly $900,000 for enabling the planning commission and community-based organizations to direct resources to the region’s most vulnerable populations affected by inequitable infrastructure access.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part of the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“EPA strongly believes that historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities must have a place at the table as we work toward climate and environmental justice. Successful environmental justice programs are built with community collaboration, common goals, and community empowerment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. “Across New England, these selectees are poised to catalyze lasting change and make a profound difference, bringing cleaner air and water to their communities, combatting climate change, creating green jobs, and improving environmental health. We eagerly anticipate the enduring impact the grants in Vermont will have in our region, advancing our common goal of environmental justice.”
“At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, all while dealing with the existential threat of climate change, it makes a great deal of sense to help rural, low-income, and working families make their homes more efficient and their transportation options more sustainable,” said Sen. Sanders. “That is why I am pleased to see these federal investments in Vermont to help ensure that all people can not only cut their emissions, but also their fuel bills.”
“Historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Vermont are often the first to be impacted by climate change, bearing a disproportionate burden of environmental and public health hazards,” said Senator Welch (D-VT). “The Equal Justice Government to Government grants to the Vermont Agency of Human Services and the Northwest Regional Planning Commission will help address environmental injustice in Vermont by providing home health and energy efficiency assessments, and working to bolster capacity building, education, equitable transportation, and mobility for communities disproportionately affected by environmental harms and risks.”
“Low income and rural communities often bear the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change. It’s time we put the most vulnerable at the fore front as we address climate change with the urgency it requires,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Federal programs like these are essential to ensuring we take urgent, bold action to combat climate change, while putting money back into the pockets of working families. “
The grants announced today deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in Vermont:
Vermont Agency of Human Services in Burlington, Vt. has been selected to receive $1,000,000 for improving the health and well-being of low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers/asylee households in Burlington and Winooski, Vt., by creating a Community Ambassador-led Healthy and Energy-Efficient Homes Program.
Northwest Regional Planning Commission in St. Albans, Vt. has been selected to receive nearly $900,000 for enabling the planning commission and community-based organizations to direct resources to the region’s most vulnerable populations affected by inequitable infrastructure access.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Organizaciones y agencias de Puerto Rico recibirán más de $2.4 millones en fondos de la EPA para apoyar el trabajo de justicia ambiental
(SAN JUAN--25 de octubre de 2023) - Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció $2.4 millones para financiar cuatro proyectos en Puerto Rico que promueven la justicia ambiental como parte de la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden. La EPA ha seleccionado tres organizaciones comunitarias y un municipio para recibir fondos a través del Acuerdo Cooperativo de Colaboración para la Resolución de Problemas de Justicia Ambiental y los programas de Gobierno a Gobierno de Justicia Ambiental. Estos proyectos apoyarán a las comunidades desventajadas que históricamente han sufrido la falta de inversión para lograr un aire y un agua más limpios, e implementar soluciones de resiliencia climática. Los proyectos seleccionados se centrarán en la difusión comunitaria, la resiliencia climática y la programación basada en la naturaleza, entre otros enfoques y objetivos.
“Estas subvenciones muestran nuestro compromiso continuo con el avance de la justicia ambiental en las comunidades de todo Puerto Rico”, comentó Lisa F. García, administradora regional de la EPA. “El Administrador de la EPA, Regan, recorrió áreas de Puerto Rico como parte de su Viaje a la Justicia, y se comprometió a tomar medidas codo a codo y ayudar a las comunidades que han soportado una carga injusta de contaminación ambiental. Estas subvenciones se suman a nuestros esfuerzos para apoyar la labor de justicia ambiental y climática aquí en Puerto Rico.”
“Me complace este anuncio y felicito a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y a los municipios por su participación exitosa en estos programas”, dijo la comisionada residente Jenniffer González Colón. “Los recursos federales que han sido posibles gracias al Congreso, ayudarán a continuar apoyando sus proyectos para mejorar el ambiente en nuestras comunidades. Esperamos ver los frutos de este esfuerzo y una mejor calidad de vida para nuestros residentes.”
Los dos programas de subvenciones promueven directamente la iniciativa transformativa Justice40 del Presidente para entregar el 40 por ciento de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
El programa EJCPS de la EPA proporciona asistencia financiera a organizaciones elegibles que trabajan para abordar problemas ambientales o de salud pública locales en sus comunidades. El programa se basa en las órdenes ejecutivas del Presidente Biden 13985 y 14008, crear una designación de fondos exclusivamente para pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, que se definen como aquellas que tienen 5 o menos empleados a tiempo completo, asegurando así que los recursos de las subvenciones lleguen a organizaciones de menor capacidad que históricamente luchan por recibir fondos federales. Once de las organizaciones seleccionadas para EJCPS este año son pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, que reciben más de $1.6 millones en total.
Seleccionados EPA EJCPS en Puerto Rico:
Atma Connect: San Juan, Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su Liderazgo de Base, Educación y una Red de Calidad de Agua Segura en Puerto Rico.
PathStone Corporation: Rochester, NY y Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su Proyecto de Resolución Colaborativa de Problemas de Justicia Ambiental en Arecibo, Barceloneta y Utuado, Puerto Rico.
Sociedad Ambiente Marino: San Juan, Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su proyecto, Planificación de Puerto Rico para la Adaptación Liderada Localmente.
La subvención EJG2G apoyará a las entidades seleccionadas a nivel local, estatal, tribal y territorial para liderar impactos positivos medibles en la salud pública y el medioambiente para las comunidades con mayor riesgo de daño ambiental. Al mismo tiempo que ayuda a las organizaciones comunitarias a establecer asociaciones entre sí, el programa de subvenciones procura ayudar a los seleccionados a crear enfoques significativos y replicables para lograr la justicia ambiental.
Seleccionado EPA EJG2G en Puerto Rico:
El Municipio de Vega Baja: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico ha sido elegido para recibir más de $978,000 destinados a su proyecto, Ayudando a las comunidades a identificar, prevenir y eliminar propiedades deterioradas y riesgos asociados para la salud y el medioambiente a través de la educación, la capacitación, la participación cívica y la planificación comunitaria.
A medida que los seleccionados comiencen sus proyectos una vez que se otorguen los fondos, la EPA espera ver más justicia ambiental centrada en el proceso de toma de decisiones y más integrada en los programas de la agencia.
Desde el primer día de su administración, el Presidente Biden ha hecho del logro de la justicia ambiental una de sus principales prioridades. Y en agosto de 2022, el Congreso aprobó, y el presidente Biden firmó, la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, creando la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental y climática en la historia de Estados Unidos. La EPA recibió $3 mil millones en asignaciones para entregar subvenciones y asistencia técnica destinadas a actividades que promuevan la justicia ambiental y climática.
Gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, la EPA ha lanzado y ampliado programas innovadores para brindar más apoyo que nunca a las comunidades que soportan injustamente la carga del daño ambiental y la contaminación. Esto incluye los $177 millones para la creación de 16 Centros de Asistencia Técnica para Comunidades Prósperas de Justicia Ambiental (EJ TCTAC, por sus siglas en inglés) destinados a eliminar las barreras a los recursos federales y ayudar a las comunidades a buscar oportunidades de financiamiento como las que están disponibles a través de la Agenda de Inversión en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden. La EPA también ha lanzado y otorgará fondos a través de los $550 millones que aporta el Programa de Subvenciones para Comunidades Prósperas antes de que termine 2023.
Para obtener más información sobre oportunidades adicionales de financiamiento y sobre lo que la EPA está haciendo para llevar la justicia ambiental a las comunidades, visite el sitio web de la EPA.
Siga la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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“Estas subvenciones muestran nuestro compromiso continuo con el avance de la justicia ambiental en las comunidades de todo Puerto Rico”, comentó Lisa F. García, administradora regional de la EPA. “El Administrador de la EPA, Regan, recorrió áreas de Puerto Rico como parte de su Viaje a la Justicia, y se comprometió a tomar medidas codo a codo y ayudar a las comunidades que han soportado una carga injusta de contaminación ambiental. Estas subvenciones se suman a nuestros esfuerzos para apoyar la labor de justicia ambiental y climática aquí en Puerto Rico.”
“Me complace este anuncio y felicito a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y a los municipios por su participación exitosa en estos programas”, dijo la comisionada residente Jenniffer González Colón. “Los recursos federales que han sido posibles gracias al Congreso, ayudarán a continuar apoyando sus proyectos para mejorar el ambiente en nuestras comunidades. Esperamos ver los frutos de este esfuerzo y una mejor calidad de vida para nuestros residentes.”
Los dos programas de subvenciones promueven directamente la iniciativa transformativa Justice40 del Presidente para entregar el 40 por ciento de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
El programa EJCPS de la EPA proporciona asistencia financiera a organizaciones elegibles que trabajan para abordar problemas ambientales o de salud pública locales en sus comunidades. El programa se basa en las órdenes ejecutivas del Presidente Biden 13985 y 14008, crear una designación de fondos exclusivamente para pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, que se definen como aquellas que tienen 5 o menos empleados a tiempo completo, asegurando así que los recursos de las subvenciones lleguen a organizaciones de menor capacidad que históricamente luchan por recibir fondos federales. Once de las organizaciones seleccionadas para EJCPS este año son pequeñas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, que reciben más de $1.6 millones en total.
Seleccionados EPA EJCPS en Puerto Rico:
Atma Connect: San Juan, Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su Liderazgo de Base, Educación y una Red de Calidad de Agua Segura en Puerto Rico.
PathStone Corporation: Rochester, NY y Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su Proyecto de Resolución Colaborativa de Problemas de Justicia Ambiental en Arecibo, Barceloneta y Utuado, Puerto Rico.
Sociedad Ambiente Marino: San Juan, Puerto Rico ha sido elegida para recibir $500,000 destinados a su proyecto, Planificación de Puerto Rico para la Adaptación Liderada Localmente.
La subvención EJG2G apoyará a las entidades seleccionadas a nivel local, estatal, tribal y territorial para liderar impactos positivos medibles en la salud pública y el medioambiente para las comunidades con mayor riesgo de daño ambiental. Al mismo tiempo que ayuda a las organizaciones comunitarias a establecer asociaciones entre sí, el programa de subvenciones procura ayudar a los seleccionados a crear enfoques significativos y replicables para lograr la justicia ambiental.
Seleccionado EPA EJG2G en Puerto Rico:
El Municipio de Vega Baja: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico ha sido elegido para recibir más de $978,000 destinados a su proyecto, Ayudando a las comunidades a identificar, prevenir y eliminar propiedades deterioradas y riesgos asociados para la salud y el medioambiente a través de la educación, la capacitación, la participación cívica y la planificación comunitaria.
A medida que los seleccionados comiencen sus proyectos una vez que se otorguen los fondos, la EPA espera ver más justicia ambiental centrada en el proceso de toma de decisiones y más integrada en los programas de la agencia.
Desde el primer día de su administración, el Presidente Biden ha hecho del logro de la justicia ambiental una de sus principales prioridades. Y en agosto de 2022, el Congreso aprobó, y el presidente Biden firmó, la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, creando la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental y climática en la historia de Estados Unidos. La EPA recibió $3 mil millones en asignaciones para entregar subvenciones y asistencia técnica destinadas a actividades que promuevan la justicia ambiental y climática.
Gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, la EPA ha lanzado y ampliado programas innovadores para brindar más apoyo que nunca a las comunidades que soportan injustamente la carga del daño ambiental y la contaminación. Esto incluye los $177 millones para la creación de 16 Centros de Asistencia Técnica para Comunidades Prósperas de Justicia Ambiental (EJ TCTAC, por sus siglas en inglés) destinados a eliminar las barreras a los recursos federales y ayudar a las comunidades a buscar oportunidades de financiamiento como las que están disponibles a través de la Agenda de Inversión en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden. La EPA también ha lanzado y otorgará fondos a través de los $550 millones que aporta el Programa de Subvenciones para Comunidades Prósperas antes de que termine 2023.
Para obtener más información sobre oportunidades adicionales de financiamiento y sobre lo que la EPA está haciendo para llevar la justicia ambiental a las comunidades, visite el sitio web de la EPA.
Siga la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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EPA announces $882,806 for environmental justice projects in Alaska
SEATTLE — Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $882,806 to fund two projects in Alaska.
The selectees will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions.
The grant is available through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement program. This is the largest investment ever announced under this longstanding EPA program.
“Across the Pacific Northwest our communities can see and feel the impacts of legacy pollution and climate change in their day-to-day lives,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These funds are an opportunity for historically underserved areas to advance community driven solutions that improve public health and the environment.”
“I am glad to see new and innovative approaches to community health and food security in Alaska receiving this funding,” said Representative Mary Sattler Peltola. “Alaskans see the impacts of our changing environment daily, and we are all focused on how we can protect our friends and families and continue to thrive as we have for generations. I look forward to seeing the results of these health assessments and community projects and how they will inform our next steps as a state.”
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. In Alaska, the following organizations were selected:
Alaska Municipal League - $500,000 to produce a health impact assessment and climate action and resilience plan for each participating community.
Prince William Sound Science and Technology Institute - $382,806 to support the growth of the marine farming industry in PWS and coastal Alaskan communities.
The grant program directly advances the Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) - Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Tribal Nations. Visit us online, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our RSS feed.
The selectees will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions.
The grant is available through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement program. This is the largest investment ever announced under this longstanding EPA program.
“Across the Pacific Northwest our communities can see and feel the impacts of legacy pollution and climate change in their day-to-day lives,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These funds are an opportunity for historically underserved areas to advance community driven solutions that improve public health and the environment.”
“I am glad to see new and innovative approaches to community health and food security in Alaska receiving this funding,” said Representative Mary Sattler Peltola. “Alaskans see the impacts of our changing environment daily, and we are all focused on how we can protect our friends and families and continue to thrive as we have for generations. I look forward to seeing the results of these health assessments and community projects and how they will inform our next steps as a state.”
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. In Alaska, the following organizations were selected:
Alaska Municipal League - $500,000 to produce a health impact assessment and climate action and resilience plan for each participating community.
Prince William Sound Science and Technology Institute - $382,806 to support the growth of the marine farming industry in PWS and coastal Alaskan communities.
The grant program directly advances the Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) - Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Tribal Nations. Visit us online, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our RSS feed.
Puerto Rico Organizations and Agencies Slated to Get Over $2.4 Million in EPA Funding to Support Environmental Justice Work
SAN JUAN – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2.4 million to fund four projects across Puerto Rico that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The EPA has selected three community organizations and a municipality to receive funding through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement (EJCPS) and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) programs. These projects will support disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment to achieve cleaner air and water, and implement climate resilience solutions. The selected projects will focus on community outreach, climate resilience and nature-based programming among other focuses and goals.
“These grants show our continuing commitment to advancing environmental justice in communities across Puerto Rico,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “EPA Administrator Regan toured areas of Puerto Rico as part of his Journey to Justice, and made a commitment to take actions side by side and assist communities that have borne an unfair burden of environmental pollution. These grants further build on our efforts to support environmental and climate justice efforts here in Puerto Rico.”
“I welcome this announcement and congratulate the nonprofit organizations and municipalities for their successful participation in these programs,” said Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón. “The federal resources made available by Congress will enable them to continue supporting their projects of environmental improvement for our communities. We all look forward to the fruits of this effort in a better quality of life for our residents.”
The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. The program builds upon President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, creating a designation of funds exclusively for small nonprofit organizations, which are defined as having 5 or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding. Eleven of the organizations selected for EJCPS this year are small nonprofit organizations, receiving over $1.6 million in total.
EPA EJCPS Puerto Rico selectees:
Atma Connect: San Juan, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its Grassroots Leadership, Education, and a Safe Water Quality Network in Puerto Rico.
PathStone Corporation: Rochester, NY and Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its project, Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving project in Arecibo, Barceloneta and Utuado, Puerto Rico.
Sociedad Ambiente Marino: San Juan, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its project, Puerto Rico Planning for Locally Led Adaptation.
The EJG2G grant will support the selected entities at the local, state, tribal and territorial level to lead measurable positive public health and environmental impacts for communities at higher risk for environmental harm. While helping community-based organizations build partnerships among each other, the grant program seeks to help selectees create meaningful and replicable approaches to achieving environmental justice.
EPA EJG2G Puerto Rico selectee:
The Municipality of Vega Baja: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive over $978,000 for its project, Assisting communities in identifying, preventing and eliminating blighted properties and associated health and environmental risks through education, training, civic engagement and community planning.
As selectees begin their projects once funds are awarded the EPA hopes to see more environmental justice centered in the decision-making process and further embedded into agency programs.
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about more opportunities for funding and about what EPA is doing to bring environmental justice to communities, visit EPA’s website.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“These grants show our continuing commitment to advancing environmental justice in communities across Puerto Rico,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “EPA Administrator Regan toured areas of Puerto Rico as part of his Journey to Justice, and made a commitment to take actions side by side and assist communities that have borne an unfair burden of environmental pollution. These grants further build on our efforts to support environmental and climate justice efforts here in Puerto Rico.”
“I welcome this announcement and congratulate the nonprofit organizations and municipalities for their successful participation in these programs,” said Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón. “The federal resources made available by Congress will enable them to continue supporting their projects of environmental improvement for our communities. We all look forward to the fruits of this effort in a better quality of life for our residents.”
The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. The program builds upon President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, creating a designation of funds exclusively for small nonprofit organizations, which are defined as having 5 or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding. Eleven of the organizations selected for EJCPS this year are small nonprofit organizations, receiving over $1.6 million in total.
EPA EJCPS Puerto Rico selectees:
Atma Connect: San Juan, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its Grassroots Leadership, Education, and a Safe Water Quality Network in Puerto Rico.
PathStone Corporation: Rochester, NY and Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its project, Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving project in Arecibo, Barceloneta and Utuado, Puerto Rico.
Sociedad Ambiente Marino: San Juan, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive $500,000 for its project, Puerto Rico Planning for Locally Led Adaptation.
The EJG2G grant will support the selected entities at the local, state, tribal and territorial level to lead measurable positive public health and environmental impacts for communities at higher risk for environmental harm. While helping community-based organizations build partnerships among each other, the grant program seeks to help selectees create meaningful and replicable approaches to achieving environmental justice.
EPA EJG2G Puerto Rico selectee:
The Municipality of Vega Baja: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico has been chosen to receive over $978,000 for its project, Assisting communities in identifying, preventing and eliminating blighted properties and associated health and environmental risks through education, training, civic engagement and community planning.
As selectees begin their projects once funds are awarded the EPA hopes to see more environmental justice centered in the decision-making process and further embedded into agency programs.
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about more opportunities for funding and about what EPA is doing to bring environmental justice to communities, visit EPA’s website.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA announces $3.8M for environmental justice projects in Oregon
SEATTLE — Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $3,857,209 to fund six projects in Oregon.
The selectees will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions.
The grants are available through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs. This is the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs.
“Across the Pacific Northwest our communities can see and feel the impacts of legacy pollution and climate change in their day-to-day lives,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These funds are an opportunity for historically underserved areas to advance community driven solutions that improve public health and the environment.”
“Everyone, in every corner of Oregon—and around the country—deserves clean air and water, and protection from climate chaos,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “With extreme weather events like catastrophic wildfires and hazardous smoke intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, this EPA funding to advance environmental justice is even more essential to removing barriers and increasing access and resiliency for communities that are impacted first and hardest.”
“This federal investment means Oregonians will breathe cleaner air and that our state will keep moving forward on the path to a clean energy future,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m gratified the Inflation Reduction Act that I worked to pass is generating these environmental justice resources for Rockwood in Multnomah County to reduce air pollution and more — and to help the Oakridge-Westfir area of Lane County deal with wildfire smoke.”
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. In Oregon, the following organizations were selected:
Center for Intercultural Organizing - $500,000 to work with Central Oregon and Rogue Valley communities with high climate disaster risk.
Oregon Coast Visitors Association - $500,000 to expand equitable and inclusive movement to and along the Oregon Coast.
Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative - $360,000 to collaboratively plan fire education for k-12th grade students and youth workforce training.
The Trust for Public Land - $500,000 to transform outdated schoolyards into vibrant green spaces in Madras, Oregon.
EPA’s EJG2G program provides funding at the state, local, territorial and Tribal level to support government activities with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. In Oregon, the following organizations were selected:
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency - $997,622 to address environmental and public health challenges related to wildfires in the Oakridge‐Westfir area.
Multnomah County Health Department - $999,587 to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions through replacing heating and cooling systems, improving indoor air quality and increasing shade in Gresham’s Rockwood neighborhood.
The two grant programs directly advance the Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) - Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Tribal Nations. Visit us online, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our RSS feed.
The selectees will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions.
The grants are available through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs. This is the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs.
“Across the Pacific Northwest our communities can see and feel the impacts of legacy pollution and climate change in their day-to-day lives,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These funds are an opportunity for historically underserved areas to advance community driven solutions that improve public health and the environment.”
“Everyone, in every corner of Oregon—and around the country—deserves clean air and water, and protection from climate chaos,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “With extreme weather events like catastrophic wildfires and hazardous smoke intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, this EPA funding to advance environmental justice is even more essential to removing barriers and increasing access and resiliency for communities that are impacted first and hardest.”
“This federal investment means Oregonians will breathe cleaner air and that our state will keep moving forward on the path to a clean energy future,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I’m gratified the Inflation Reduction Act that I worked to pass is generating these environmental justice resources for Rockwood in Multnomah County to reduce air pollution and more — and to help the Oakridge-Westfir area of Lane County deal with wildfire smoke.”
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. In Oregon, the following organizations were selected:
Center for Intercultural Organizing - $500,000 to work with Central Oregon and Rogue Valley communities with high climate disaster risk.
Oregon Coast Visitors Association - $500,000 to expand equitable and inclusive movement to and along the Oregon Coast.
Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative - $360,000 to collaboratively plan fire education for k-12th grade students and youth workforce training.
The Trust for Public Land - $500,000 to transform outdated schoolyards into vibrant green spaces in Madras, Oregon.
EPA’s EJG2G program provides funding at the state, local, territorial and Tribal level to support government activities with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. In Oregon, the following organizations were selected:
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency - $997,622 to address environmental and public health challenges related to wildfires in the Oakridge‐Westfir area.
Multnomah County Health Department - $999,587 to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions through replacing heating and cooling systems, improving indoor air quality and increasing shade in Gresham’s Rockwood neighborhood.
The two grant programs directly advance the Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) - Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and 271 Tribal Nations. Visit us online, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our RSS feed.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $4.5 million for environmental justice projects in communities across Connecticut as part of Investing in America agenda
BOSTON (Oct. 24, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $4.5 million to fund five projects across Connecticut that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations, which EPA has selected through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part of the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“EPA strongly believes that historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities must have a place at the table as we work toward climate and environmental justice. Successful environmental justice programs are built with community collaboration, common goals, and community empowerment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. “Across New England, these selectees are poised to catalyze lasting change and make a profound difference, bringing cleaner air and water to their communities, combatting climate change, creating green jobs, and improving environmental health. We eagerly anticipate the enduring impact the grants in Connecticut will have in our region, advancing our common goal of environmental justice.”
“This federal funding will support local, community-based solutions to address the climate crisis and help accelerate Connecticut’s green economy. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, these partnerships will make a positive impact on our low income communities that have suffered disproportionately from air and water pollution. I commend the Biden administration’s focus on righting these wrongs, and will continue to push for investments in communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the EPA is investing $4.5 million in communities across the state of Connecticut. From creating opportunities for young people to solve environmental challenges in their city to improving climate resilience and reducing pollution, these projects will create good-paying jobs and help us reach our climate goals. I’ll continue pushing to make sure Connecticut sees more of these federal dollars,” said Senator Murphy.
“I was proud to help craft and support the Inflation Reduction Act, taking the action our nation has long demanded to combat climate change,” said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01). “We must advance environmental justice by ensuring all communities have the resources they need to mitigate existing hazards and thrive in America’s clean energy future. I am thrilled to announce funding to support the Keney Park Sustainability Project, Blue Hills Civic Association, and Hartford NEXT, organizations that are doing the work on the ground to advance sustainable climate solutions through public outreach campaigns, workforce development programs, and engineering services.”
“Congratulations to the organizations receiving grants through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant programs. The Inflation Reduction Act, which I helped champion, included the largest ever investment in these two critical programs. This funding will now be used to support state governments and local organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities,” said Rep. Joe Courtney.
“The historic climate investment made by the Inflation Reduction Act is directly impacting the communities I represent through the EPA’s Environmental Justice grant program. I’m glad to see federal funds heading to the City of Bridgeport and CT DEEP to build more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure in Bridgeport’s East Side, improve Connecticut’s sewer system to prevent flooding, and ensure a healthy and safe environment for our children to grow up,” said Congressman Himes.
"Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration is working to ensure all Americans have equal protection from health hazards and funding to address environmental inequities," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). "Together, local partners are leveraging the historic Inflation Reduction Act to improve public health and safety. This federal grant will promote environmental justice across the City of Waterbury through education and increased monitoring. I will continue to advocate for federal investments in uplifting historically disadvantaged communities throughout the Fifth District and advancing climate-smart initiatives for all."
The grants announced today deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (EJCPS) Program
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. The program builds upon President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, creating a designation of funds exclusively for small nonprofit organizations, which are defined as having 5 or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding. Eleven of the organizations selected for EJCPS this year are small nonprofit organizations, receiving over $1.6 million in total.
EPA EJCPS grant selection in Connecticut:
The New Haven Ecology Project in New Haven, Conn. has been selected to receive $500,000 to engage New Haven high school students in at least 200 paid jobs as environmental justice problem-solvers. These young people will work with community organizations and residents to set the vision and tackle goals by leading community outreach activities for New Haven’s next comprehensive city plan.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in Connecticut:
The City of New Haven has been selected to receive $1 million, which will fund an initiative with community-based organizations to enroll energy-burdened New Haven residents in a new program aimed at the electrification of aging heating and cooking systems.
The City of Bridgeport has been selected to receive $1 million. The project focuses on implementing Complete Streets, a design approach that accounts for all transportation users in the public right-of-way, and Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all transportation-related serious and fatal injuries, along a key commercial corridor within Bridgeport’s East Side neighborhood.
The City of Waterbury has been selected to receive $1 million. The Department of Public Health will launch a community-engagement pilot program in one of the most impoverished areas of the city. Public education and increased community participation are both primary goals in lead- and asbestos-remediation, blight, and recycling.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been selected to receive $1 million. CT DEEP will be initiating a new program to work with community organizations in the North End of Hartford to engage with communities overburdened by issues associated with a combined sewer system.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
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Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part of the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“EPA strongly believes that historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities must have a place at the table as we work toward climate and environmental justice. Successful environmental justice programs are built with community collaboration, common goals, and community empowerment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. “Across New England, these selectees are poised to catalyze lasting change and make a profound difference, bringing cleaner air and water to their communities, combatting climate change, creating green jobs, and improving environmental health. We eagerly anticipate the enduring impact the grants in Connecticut will have in our region, advancing our common goal of environmental justice.”
“This federal funding will support local, community-based solutions to address the climate crisis and help accelerate Connecticut’s green economy. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, these partnerships will make a positive impact on our low income communities that have suffered disproportionately from air and water pollution. I commend the Biden administration’s focus on righting these wrongs, and will continue to push for investments in communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the EPA is investing $4.5 million in communities across the state of Connecticut. From creating opportunities for young people to solve environmental challenges in their city to improving climate resilience and reducing pollution, these projects will create good-paying jobs and help us reach our climate goals. I’ll continue pushing to make sure Connecticut sees more of these federal dollars,” said Senator Murphy.
“I was proud to help craft and support the Inflation Reduction Act, taking the action our nation has long demanded to combat climate change,” said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01). “We must advance environmental justice by ensuring all communities have the resources they need to mitigate existing hazards and thrive in America’s clean energy future. I am thrilled to announce funding to support the Keney Park Sustainability Project, Blue Hills Civic Association, and Hartford NEXT, organizations that are doing the work on the ground to advance sustainable climate solutions through public outreach campaigns, workforce development programs, and engineering services.”
“Congratulations to the organizations receiving grants through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant programs. The Inflation Reduction Act, which I helped champion, included the largest ever investment in these two critical programs. This funding will now be used to support state governments and local organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities,” said Rep. Joe Courtney.
“The historic climate investment made by the Inflation Reduction Act is directly impacting the communities I represent through the EPA’s Environmental Justice grant program. I’m glad to see federal funds heading to the City of Bridgeport and CT DEEP to build more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure in Bridgeport’s East Side, improve Connecticut’s sewer system to prevent flooding, and ensure a healthy and safe environment for our children to grow up,” said Congressman Himes.
"Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration is working to ensure all Americans have equal protection from health hazards and funding to address environmental inequities," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). "Together, local partners are leveraging the historic Inflation Reduction Act to improve public health and safety. This federal grant will promote environmental justice across the City of Waterbury through education and increased monitoring. I will continue to advocate for federal investments in uplifting historically disadvantaged communities throughout the Fifth District and advancing climate-smart initiatives for all."
The grants announced today deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (EJCPS) Program
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. The program builds upon President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, creating a designation of funds exclusively for small nonprofit organizations, which are defined as having 5 or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding. Eleven of the organizations selected for EJCPS this year are small nonprofit organizations, receiving over $1.6 million in total.
EPA EJCPS grant selection in Connecticut:
The New Haven Ecology Project in New Haven, Conn. has been selected to receive $500,000 to engage New Haven high school students in at least 200 paid jobs as environmental justice problem-solvers. These young people will work with community organizations and residents to set the vision and tackle goals by leading community outreach activities for New Haven’s next comprehensive city plan.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in Connecticut:
The City of New Haven has been selected to receive $1 million, which will fund an initiative with community-based organizations to enroll energy-burdened New Haven residents in a new program aimed at the electrification of aging heating and cooking systems.
The City of Bridgeport has been selected to receive $1 million. The project focuses on implementing Complete Streets, a design approach that accounts for all transportation users in the public right-of-way, and Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all transportation-related serious and fatal injuries, along a key commercial corridor within Bridgeport’s East Side neighborhood.
The City of Waterbury has been selected to receive $1 million. The Department of Public Health will launch a community-engagement pilot program in one of the most impoverished areas of the city. Public education and increased community participation are both primary goals in lead- and asbestos-remediation, blight, and recycling.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been selected to receive $1 million. CT DEEP will be initiating a new program to work with community organizations in the North End of Hartford to engage with communities overburdened by issues associated with a combined sewer system.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
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THE Alliance culls US, Europe services amid weak Southeast Asia import demand
The latest service suspensions signal that US and European demand for some Asia-sourced consumer goods will remain tepid following the record spending splurge of the previous two years.
Carrier wants SSA Marine to refund $9 million in Long Beach congestion fees
The FMC complaint is atypical in that it’s an ocean carrier challenging fees rather than a cargo owner, forwarder or trucker pushing back against detention and demurrage charges.