EPA Announces $3.5M for Environmental Justice Projects in Communities Across Missouri
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 24, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.5 million to fund six projects across Missouri 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 that 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.
“Environmental justice is at the heart of everything we do at EPA Region 7,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, our efforts across the region are supercharged, delivering federal funds to entities that have the potential to make the greatest impact on our communities.”
“The Biden administration’s commitment to environmental justice and the reinvestment in communities that have been historically overlooked was a central component to the President’s Inflation Reduction Act – and a key reason why I supported the legislation,” said U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-5). “Because of investments from the President’s signature climate law, we have an opportunity to fund environmental justice initiatives in communities across the country, including right here in Missouri’s 5th Congressional District. Not only will this ensure that every American has greater access to clean air and safe drinking water, but it will boost economic development in communities that need it most.”
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% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
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 five or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding.
EPA EJCPS grant selections in Missouri include:
Springfield Community Gardens in Springfield has been selected to receive $500,000 for educating and empowering underserved urban and rural Greene County communities through sustainable, organic food production.
PedNet Coalition Inc. in Columbia has been selected to receive $500,000 to address the environmental justice and public health issues caused by the auto-centric transportation system in Columbia and develop a long-range transit master plan that will allow the city to build out an effective public transit system.
Gamaliel Foundation in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to develop and pilot Climate Action Hubs in each of four metropolitan regions where they have affiliate organizations. In each community, the foundation will develop hubs of environmental justice resources at local congregations. Hubs will be physical sites that offer climate readiness and environmental justice programs and resources for community members.
Heartland Conservation Alliance Inc. in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to provide tools and resources to residents, city staff, and nonprofit organizations to implement green solutions.
Bridging The Gap Inc. in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to provide education to city residents in low life-expectancy ZIP codes and to switch their homes from outdated appliances to clean electricity.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program
EPA’s EJG2G grants provide 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 selection in Missouri:
The City of Kansas City has been selected to receive $1 million to screen for, identify, and mitigate lead on vacant properties selected for redevelopment and reuse. A four-step triage system will be used to focus remediation efforts on the most contaminated lots and efficiently guide properties verified to be clean into productive reuse and redevelopment.
Additional Background
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. 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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
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 that 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.
“Environmental justice is at the heart of everything we do at EPA Region 7,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, our efforts across the region are supercharged, delivering federal funds to entities that have the potential to make the greatest impact on our communities.”
“The Biden administration’s commitment to environmental justice and the reinvestment in communities that have been historically overlooked was a central component to the President’s Inflation Reduction Act – and a key reason why I supported the legislation,” said U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-5). “Because of investments from the President’s signature climate law, we have an opportunity to fund environmental justice initiatives in communities across the country, including right here in Missouri’s 5th Congressional District. Not only will this ensure that every American has greater access to clean air and safe drinking water, but it will boost economic development in communities that need it most.”
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% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
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 five or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding.
EPA EJCPS grant selections in Missouri include:
Springfield Community Gardens in Springfield has been selected to receive $500,000 for educating and empowering underserved urban and rural Greene County communities through sustainable, organic food production.
PedNet Coalition Inc. in Columbia has been selected to receive $500,000 to address the environmental justice and public health issues caused by the auto-centric transportation system in Columbia and develop a long-range transit master plan that will allow the city to build out an effective public transit system.
Gamaliel Foundation in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to develop and pilot Climate Action Hubs in each of four metropolitan regions where they have affiliate organizations. In each community, the foundation will develop hubs of environmental justice resources at local congregations. Hubs will be physical sites that offer climate readiness and environmental justice programs and resources for community members.
Heartland Conservation Alliance Inc. in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to provide tools and resources to residents, city staff, and nonprofit organizations to implement green solutions.
Bridging The Gap Inc. in Kansas City has been selected to receive $500,000 to provide education to city residents in low life-expectancy ZIP codes and to switch their homes from outdated appliances to clean electricity.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program
EPA’s EJG2G grants provide 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 selection in Missouri:
The City of Kansas City has been selected to receive $1 million to screen for, identify, and mitigate lead on vacant properties selected for redevelopment and reuse. A four-step triage system will be used to focus remediation efforts on the most contaminated lots and efficiently guide properties verified to be clean into productive reuse and redevelopment.
Additional Background
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. 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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $2.25 Million for Environmental Justice Projects in Communities Across Virginia As Part of Investing in America Agenda
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 24, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $2.25 million to fund five projects across Virginia 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 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.”
“This funding to Virginia is another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in our most vulnerable places and the governments that serve them,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Everyone deserves a future with clean water, climate resiliency, and most importantly – a government that has the best interest of its communities front of mind.”
“Regardless of their zip code, every Virginian deserves a safe and habitable environment, particularly as the risk of flooding and other extreme weather events continues to increase,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which is making these investments to help boost climate resiliency, reduce pollutants, and strengthen energy efficiency in underserved communities possible. I will keep working to ensure that the benefits of the legislation we pass in Congress help Virginians all across the Commonwealth.”
“For too long, the damaging impacts of climate change have disproportionately impacted communities that lack the resources or tools needed to thrive,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “These funds, delivered to regions across Virginia, will help historically neglected communities steel themselves against climate change and protect their communities and their livelihoods.”
“This grant, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, signals our commitment to tackling environmental disparities in Northern Virginia and beyond,” said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8). “Our historic legislation and the improvements it funded will help my community and communities across the country realize the potential of energy enhancements in affordable housing and commercial structures, leveling the playing field and expanding access to the benefits of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.”
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 selections in Virginia include the following:
Resilient Virginia in Lynchburg, Virginia has been selected to receive $150,000 to build leadership capacity among low-income, minority residents in Lynchburg Ward 2 to address the increased effects of climate change including flooding and extreme heat and other adverse impacts to health, safety and economic well-being.
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, and Wise counties has been selected to receive $150,000 to address environmental justice concerns in the coal-impacted counties of Southwest Virginia.
Appalachian Voices in Clinchco, Dante, Dungannon, Pennington Gap, and Pound, Virginia has been selected to receive $500,000 to create a Coalfield Community Resilience Model and toolkit.
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 Virginia include the following:
County of Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia has been selected to receive $460,459 for an initiative to partner with ten community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve disadvantaged communities in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville to help center equity and inclusion in crafting and implementing a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan.
Arlington County in Arlington County, Virginia has been selected to receive $980,350 to improve air quality and health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Arlington disadvantaged communities via building energy upgrades.
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 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.”
“This funding to Virginia is another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in our most vulnerable places and the governments that serve them,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Everyone deserves a future with clean water, climate resiliency, and most importantly – a government that has the best interest of its communities front of mind.”
“Regardless of their zip code, every Virginian deserves a safe and habitable environment, particularly as the risk of flooding and other extreme weather events continues to increase,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which is making these investments to help boost climate resiliency, reduce pollutants, and strengthen energy efficiency in underserved communities possible. I will keep working to ensure that the benefits of the legislation we pass in Congress help Virginians all across the Commonwealth.”
“For too long, the damaging impacts of climate change have disproportionately impacted communities that lack the resources or tools needed to thrive,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “These funds, delivered to regions across Virginia, will help historically neglected communities steel themselves against climate change and protect their communities and their livelihoods.”
“This grant, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, signals our commitment to tackling environmental disparities in Northern Virginia and beyond,” said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8). “Our historic legislation and the improvements it funded will help my community and communities across the country realize the potential of energy enhancements in affordable housing and commercial structures, leveling the playing field and expanding access to the benefits of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.”
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 selections in Virginia include the following:
Resilient Virginia in Lynchburg, Virginia has been selected to receive $150,000 to build leadership capacity among low-income, minority residents in Lynchburg Ward 2 to address the increased effects of climate change including flooding and extreme heat and other adverse impacts to health, safety and economic well-being.
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, and Wise counties has been selected to receive $150,000 to address environmental justice concerns in the coal-impacted counties of Southwest Virginia.
Appalachian Voices in Clinchco, Dante, Dungannon, Pennington Gap, and Pound, Virginia has been selected to receive $500,000 to create a Coalfield Community Resilience Model and toolkit.
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 Virginia include the following:
County of Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia has been selected to receive $460,459 for an initiative to partner with ten community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve disadvantaged communities in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville to help center equity and inclusion in crafting and implementing a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan.
Arlington County in Arlington County, Virginia has been selected to receive $980,350 to improve air quality and health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Arlington disadvantaged communities via building energy upgrades.
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
Biden-Harris Administration announces $500,000 for innovative solar energy project on the Pine Ridge Reservation as part of Investing in America Agenda
Pine Ridge, S.D. — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $500,000 to the American Solar Energy Society for a solar energy project at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Today’s announcement is among dozens of projects across the nation selected to receive funding for projects to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from pollution 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 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.”
“This Environmental Justice grant will leverage solar energy applications to improve conditions for residents across the Pine Ridge Reservation,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We are proud to support projects identified by our state, tribal and local partners to bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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 selections in South Dakota include the following:
The American Solar Energy Society will receive approximately $500,000 for Project Tiošpáye, a Net Zero Solar Living for Oglala Lakota Affordable and Traditional Housing at the Pine Ridge Reservation. ASES proposes to conduct a community-based project to demonstrate innovative solar energy technologies and address key problems on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. These projects will promote healthy lifestyles, including improved indoor air quality, better on-site water access and quality, improved food access and preservation and better energy resiliency with solar power technologies for both on-grid and off-grid tribal residences.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part 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.”
“This Environmental Justice grant will leverage solar energy applications to improve conditions for residents across the Pine Ridge Reservation,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We are proud to support projects identified by our state, tribal and local partners to bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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 selections in South Dakota include the following:
The American Solar Energy Society will receive approximately $500,000 for Project Tiošpáye, a Net Zero Solar Living for Oglala Lakota Affordable and Traditional Housing at the Pine Ridge Reservation. ASES proposes to conduct a community-based project to demonstrate innovative solar energy technologies and address key problems on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. These projects will promote healthy lifestyles, including improved indoor air quality, better on-site water access and quality, improved food access and preservation and better energy resiliency with solar power technologies for both on-grid and off-grid tribal residences.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $3 million for Environmental Justice projects in communities across Montana as part of Investing in America Agenda
Helena, Mont. — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $3 million to fund projects across Montana that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Missoula County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will each receive funding for projects to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from pollution 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 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.”
“These Environmental Justice grants will address local needs and challenges across a diverse set of communities in Montana,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “It is gratifying to be able to support projects identified by our state, local and nonprofit partners and bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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.
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 Montana include the following:
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will receive approximately $1,000,000 to focus on building capacity within rural communities to address environmental issues related to the redevelopment and reuse of property for housing. Montana DEQ will provide training and technical assistance focused on increasing local awareness of environmental resources and processes so rural communities can identify, prioritize and cleanup sites for use as safe, affordable housing across Montana.
Missoula County will receive approximately $999,600 to create a vital one-stop shop resource that will provide comprehensive and hands-on assistance to County residents, including rural, low-income, and Indigenous communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. This initiative will also provide up to $20,000 per household to fund no-cost retrofits for approximately twenty-one low-income projects.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will receive approximately $904,300 to support health projects on the Flathead Indian Reservation, and the towns of Elmo, Polson, and nearby rural areas. The main objective of this project is to reduce the incidence of cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) in vulnerable populations around Flathead Lake on the Reservation in Western Montana. The project will develop local partnerships; install rinse stations and outdoor message boards at five public-use beaches; deliver public education and outreach about the parasite and how best to avoid impacts; and install community-designed artworks at the rinse stations.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part 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.”
“These Environmental Justice grants will address local needs and challenges across a diverse set of communities in Montana,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “It is gratifying to be able to support projects identified by our state, local and nonprofit partners and bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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.
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 Montana include the following:
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will receive approximately $1,000,000 to focus on building capacity within rural communities to address environmental issues related to the redevelopment and reuse of property for housing. Montana DEQ will provide training and technical assistance focused on increasing local awareness of environmental resources and processes so rural communities can identify, prioritize and cleanup sites for use as safe, affordable housing across Montana.
Missoula County will receive approximately $999,600 to create a vital one-stop shop resource that will provide comprehensive and hands-on assistance to County residents, including rural, low-income, and Indigenous communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. This initiative will also provide up to $20,000 per household to fund no-cost retrofits for approximately twenty-one low-income projects.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will receive approximately $904,300 to support health projects on the Flathead Indian Reservation, and the towns of Elmo, Polson, and nearby rural areas. The main objective of this project is to reduce the incidence of cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) in vulnerable populations around Flathead Lake on the Reservation in Western Montana. The project will develop local partnerships; install rinse stations and outdoor message boards at five public-use beaches; deliver public education and outreach about the parasite and how best to avoid impacts; and install community-designed artworks at the rinse stations.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $2 million for Environmental Justice projects in communities across Utah as part of Investing in America Agenda
SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $2 million to fund projects across Utah that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the Town of Bluff, Utah, will each receive funding for projects to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from pollution 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 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.”
“These Environmental Justice grants will address local needs and challenges across a diverse set of communities in Utah,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We are proud to support projects identified by our state, local and nonprofit partners and bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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.
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 Utah include the following:
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality will receive approximately $1 million to address air pollution inequities in underserved urban, rural and tribal communities in Utah through radon testing, remediation and mitigation, and enhanced particle and ozone pollution monitoring using low-cost sensors.
The Town of Bluff, Utah, will receive approximately $1 million for a project that will enable the Town of Bluff and Utah Diné Bikéyah, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization, to work together to revitalize the jointly owned Cooperative Cultural Center building at 630 E. Black Locust Avenue in Bluff. Due to its age, the building requires extensive renovations including the installation of a fire suppression sprinkler system; removal or encapsulation of asbestos floor tiles and insulation; replacement of ceilings and paint; bathroom remodeling for ADA compliance; and updated security and communication systems.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part 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.”
“These Environmental Justice grants will address local needs and challenges across a diverse set of communities in Utah,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We are proud to support projects identified by our state, local and nonprofit partners and bring positive change to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
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.
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 Utah include the following:
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality will receive approximately $1 million to address air pollution inequities in underserved urban, rural and tribal communities in Utah through radon testing, remediation and mitigation, and enhanced particle and ozone pollution monitoring using low-cost sensors.
The Town of Bluff, Utah, will receive approximately $1 million for a project that will enable the Town of Bluff and Utah Diné Bikéyah, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization, to work together to revitalize the jointly owned Cooperative Cultural Center building at 630 E. Black Locust Avenue in Bluff. Due to its age, the building requires extensive renovations including the installation of a fire suppression sprinkler system; removal or encapsulation of asbestos floor tiles and insulation; replacement of ceilings and paint; bathroom remodeling for ADA compliance; and updated security and communication systems.
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.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
See the full listing of all 98 organizations receiving an EJCPS grant and learn more about EJCPS.
See the full listing of all the selected 88 EJG2G projects and learn more about EJG2G.
El Municipio de Trujillo Alto fue seleccionado para una subvención de $4 millones en primer financiamiento de la EPA para promover menos desperdicios
San Juan, Puerto Rico (October 24, 2023) - Hoy, la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que el Municipio de Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, ha sido seleccionado para recibir $4 millones en el primer financiamiento de esta clase bajo el nuevo programa de Infraestructura de Desechos Sólidos para el Reciclaje (SWIFR) de la EPA. Puerto Rico también recibirá más de $612,000 para aumentar los esfuerzos destinados a reducir los desperdicios en toda la Isla. El financiamiento para Trujillo Alto le permitirá recolectar material reciclable de hogares y escuelas en seis comunidades donde no había un programa de reciclaje por falta de fondos, equipos y personal. Las subvenciones se otorgarán con fondos de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura (BIL) de la Administración Biden.
La subvención a Trujillo Alto le permitirá expandir un programa de reciclaje a áreas rurales que antes no tenían servicio. El proyecto proporcionará una forma conveniente para que las casi 37,000 personas que viven en estas áreas eviten enviar residuos a rellenos sanitarios y creará casi 20 empleos. Puerto Rico enfrenta una crisis de manejo de residuos sólidos dado que se está llegando al límite de capacidad de sus vertederos. Reducir los residuos y reforzar el reciclaje son componentes fundamentales para hacer frente a esta crisis.
“El programa de subvenciones SWIFR apoyarán el trabajo que la EPA ya está haciendo con Puerto Rico para ayudar a reducir los desperdicios sólidos y mejorar la forma en que se manejan los materiales. También permitirá a Trujillo Alto dar un gran paso adelante en la expansión de su programa de reciclaje,” señaló la administradora regional de la EPA, Lisa F. García.
“Esta es una gran noticia para nuestro pueblo, ya que con la asignación de $4 millones estaremos ampliando el Programa de Reciclaje Municipal a la zona rural. La propuesta
aprobada proveerá camiones compactadores y gancheros, máquina trituradora y alrededor de 30,000 recipientes para el recobro de materiales reciclables. Nuestra meta es proveer un servicio directo a nuestros residentes y seguir promoviendo el reciclaje como beneficio para el municipio y el medioambiente. Agradecemos a la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental (EPA) por aprobar nuestra solicitud, que será de beneficio para los residentes de las áreas rurales”, expresó el alcalde, Hon. Pedro A. Rodríguez González.
Todos los estados y territorios también recibieron fondos de SWIFR. El dinero para los estados y territorios ayudará a respaldar sus esfuerzos para mejorar los programas de gestión de materiales posconsumo a través de la planificación, la recopilación de datos y la implementación de planes. El financiamiento forma parte de la labor general de la EPA para invertir en Estados Unidos mediante el fortalecimiento de la infraestructura y la implementación de programas para concretar un cambio duradero. Ayudará a las comunidades y a los estados a modelar lo que se conoce como una “economía circular” mediante la creación de un programa destinado a mantener los materiales y productos en circulación durante el mayor tiempo posible.
La Secretaria del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA), Anais Rodriguez Vega, resaltó: "Con la asignación de estos fondos, estandarizaremos la recopilación de datos sobre reciclaje, garantizando así la eficiencia y efectividad de nuestros esfuerzos. Estos recursos también fortalecerán nuestro programa de formación, facilitando adiestramientos especializados tanto para nuestro equipo interno, como para representantes de los 78 municipios de Puerto Rico. Además, estaremos contratando un Gerente de Proyecto, un Licenciado y un Especialista Ambiental; lo que amplía y robustece nuestra estructura operativa. Esta colaboración con la EPA evidencia nuestro firme propósito de liderar a Puerto Rico hacia un futuro sostenible y en armonía con nuestro entorno natural."
La EPA ha seleccionado a 25 comunidades para recibir subvenciones por un total de más de $73 millones gracias a la oportunidad de financiamiento recién creada, Infraestructura de Desechos Sólidos para el Reciclaje. Además, la agencia está poniendo a disposición aproximadamente $32 millones para estados y territorios a fin de mejorar la planificación de la gestión de residuos sólidos, la recopilación de datos y la ejecución de planes. Gracias a la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, esta inversión por un total de $105 millones es la mayor inversión en reciclaje de la EPA en 30 años.
El anuncio de hoy para los estados, territorios y comunidades es la primera ronda de financiamiento de este nuevo programa de subvenciones. En los próximos meses, la EPA anunciará a los beneficiarios seleccionados de las subvenciones de reciclaje para tribus y consorcios intertribales, así como los beneficiarios del nuevo programa de subvenciones de la EPA Educación y Difusión sobre Reciclaje.
El programa de subvenciones de la Infraestructura de Residuos Sólidos para el Reciclaje (SWIFR, por sus siglas en inglés) es un nuevo programa de subvenciones financiado a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, que proporciona $275 millones para implementar el programa. El programa SWIFR proporciona subvenciones a fin de implementar la Estrategia Nacional de
Reciclaje de la EPA para mejorar la gestión y la infraestructura de los materiales posconsumo; apoyar las mejoras en la gestión local de materiales posconsumo y los programas de reciclaje; así como ayudar a las autoridades locales de gestión de residuos a introducir mejoras en los sistemas locales de gestión de residuos.
Para obtener más información sobre SWIFR, visite el sitio web de SWIFR. Para obtener más información sobre cómo la EPA está invirtiendo en Estados Unidos, visite Invertir en Estados Unidos.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página de Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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La subvención a Trujillo Alto le permitirá expandir un programa de reciclaje a áreas rurales que antes no tenían servicio. El proyecto proporcionará una forma conveniente para que las casi 37,000 personas que viven en estas áreas eviten enviar residuos a rellenos sanitarios y creará casi 20 empleos. Puerto Rico enfrenta una crisis de manejo de residuos sólidos dado que se está llegando al límite de capacidad de sus vertederos. Reducir los residuos y reforzar el reciclaje son componentes fundamentales para hacer frente a esta crisis.
“El programa de subvenciones SWIFR apoyarán el trabajo que la EPA ya está haciendo con Puerto Rico para ayudar a reducir los desperdicios sólidos y mejorar la forma en que se manejan los materiales. También permitirá a Trujillo Alto dar un gran paso adelante en la expansión de su programa de reciclaje,” señaló la administradora regional de la EPA, Lisa F. García.
“Esta es una gran noticia para nuestro pueblo, ya que con la asignación de $4 millones estaremos ampliando el Programa de Reciclaje Municipal a la zona rural. La propuesta
aprobada proveerá camiones compactadores y gancheros, máquina trituradora y alrededor de 30,000 recipientes para el recobro de materiales reciclables. Nuestra meta es proveer un servicio directo a nuestros residentes y seguir promoviendo el reciclaje como beneficio para el municipio y el medioambiente. Agradecemos a la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental (EPA) por aprobar nuestra solicitud, que será de beneficio para los residentes de las áreas rurales”, expresó el alcalde, Hon. Pedro A. Rodríguez González.
Todos los estados y territorios también recibieron fondos de SWIFR. El dinero para los estados y territorios ayudará a respaldar sus esfuerzos para mejorar los programas de gestión de materiales posconsumo a través de la planificación, la recopilación de datos y la implementación de planes. El financiamiento forma parte de la labor general de la EPA para invertir en Estados Unidos mediante el fortalecimiento de la infraestructura y la implementación de programas para concretar un cambio duradero. Ayudará a las comunidades y a los estados a modelar lo que se conoce como una “economía circular” mediante la creación de un programa destinado a mantener los materiales y productos en circulación durante el mayor tiempo posible.
La Secretaria del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA), Anais Rodriguez Vega, resaltó: "Con la asignación de estos fondos, estandarizaremos la recopilación de datos sobre reciclaje, garantizando así la eficiencia y efectividad de nuestros esfuerzos. Estos recursos también fortalecerán nuestro programa de formación, facilitando adiestramientos especializados tanto para nuestro equipo interno, como para representantes de los 78 municipios de Puerto Rico. Además, estaremos contratando un Gerente de Proyecto, un Licenciado y un Especialista Ambiental; lo que amplía y robustece nuestra estructura operativa. Esta colaboración con la EPA evidencia nuestro firme propósito de liderar a Puerto Rico hacia un futuro sostenible y en armonía con nuestro entorno natural."
La EPA ha seleccionado a 25 comunidades para recibir subvenciones por un total de más de $73 millones gracias a la oportunidad de financiamiento recién creada, Infraestructura de Desechos Sólidos para el Reciclaje. Además, la agencia está poniendo a disposición aproximadamente $32 millones para estados y territorios a fin de mejorar la planificación de la gestión de residuos sólidos, la recopilación de datos y la ejecución de planes. Gracias a la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, esta inversión por un total de $105 millones es la mayor inversión en reciclaje de la EPA en 30 años.
El anuncio de hoy para los estados, territorios y comunidades es la primera ronda de financiamiento de este nuevo programa de subvenciones. En los próximos meses, la EPA anunciará a los beneficiarios seleccionados de las subvenciones de reciclaje para tribus y consorcios intertribales, así como los beneficiarios del nuevo programa de subvenciones de la EPA Educación y Difusión sobre Reciclaje.
El programa de subvenciones de la Infraestructura de Residuos Sólidos para el Reciclaje (SWIFR, por sus siglas en inglés) es un nuevo programa de subvenciones financiado a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, que proporciona $275 millones para implementar el programa. El programa SWIFR proporciona subvenciones a fin de implementar la Estrategia Nacional de
Reciclaje de la EPA para mejorar la gestión y la infraestructura de los materiales posconsumo; apoyar las mejoras en la gestión local de materiales posconsumo y los programas de reciclaje; así como ayudar a las autoridades locales de gestión de residuos a introducir mejoras en los sistemas locales de gestión de residuos.
Para obtener más información sobre SWIFR, visite el sitio web de SWIFR. Para obtener más información sobre cómo la EPA está invirtiendo en Estados Unidos, visite Invertir en Estados Unidos.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página de Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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EPA Finalizes Cleanup Plan for Iron King Mine-Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site
PHOENIX – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the signing of a plan for an $85 million Superfund cleanup of the former Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter site in Dewey-Humboldt in Yavapai County, Arizona. This landmark decision – known as a Record of Decision -- provides a comprehensive solution building on years of prior work by the agency and the State of Arizona to address arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals in soil at and near the site. The site was initially listed on the Superfund National Priorities List in 2008.
“This cleanup plan is a significant milestone that paves the way toward a final remedy at the Iron King and Humboldt Smelter Superfund site that will benefit local communities for years to come,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Mike Montgomery. “This plan represents years of work by EPA, our state and local partners, and communities to meet strict standards for cleaning up legacy contamination that dates back over a century.”
“Reaching this final cleanup plan for the Iron King Mine/Humboldt Smelter was a collaboration among EPA, the community, and ADEQ and is a significant milestone toward protecting the health and well-being of both the Dewey-Humboldt community and our environment,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Cabinet Executive Officer Karen Peters. “ADEQ looks forward to continuing to support EPA in implementing the final cleanup actions and seeing this through to completion for the people whose lives and land have been affected.”
The Record of Decision documents the cleanup option EPA chose after considering and responding to public comments. Next, the EPA will comprehensively design the cleanup action and implement it.
The Iron King Mine site contains about 4 million cubic yards of mine tailings with high levels of arsenic and lead. The Humboldt Smelter is contaminated with mine tailings and other smelter wastes. Wastes have also washed into drainages that lead toward the Agua Fria River. Over many years, lead emissions from the smelter stack, dust from the mine and the smelter, spills from rail loading areas, and commercial processing of mine tailings all contributed to lead and arsenic contamination in the soil of some residential yards in Dewey-Humboldt.
EPA is addressing residential contamination by cleaning up contaminated soil from homes where levels of lead or arsenic are above dangerous levels, and exposure for long periods could threaten human health.
The non-residential cleanup portion will consolidate mine and smelter wastes into two repositories. A waste repository is a large, stable, permanently covered holding cell that encapsulates wastes, keeps water out, and prevents wastes from moving further into drainages or the river. Mine wastes and contaminated soils from the former mine and surrounding areas west of Highway 69 will be moved into a repository on the existing mine tailings pile. Complementing ADEQ’s removal of the abandoned smelter and stack in 2021, wastes under the former smelter and in the Chaparral Gulch east of Highway 69 will be moved into a second waste repository, most likely in a natural depression on the former smelter property. Both repositories will be inspected periodically and maintained to remain intact and effective.
For more information on the Record of Decision, a summary of comments received, visit EPA’s IRON KING MINE - HUMBOLDT SMELTER DEWEY-HUMBOLDT, AZ webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“This cleanup plan is a significant milestone that paves the way toward a final remedy at the Iron King and Humboldt Smelter Superfund site that will benefit local communities for years to come,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Mike Montgomery. “This plan represents years of work by EPA, our state and local partners, and communities to meet strict standards for cleaning up legacy contamination that dates back over a century.”
“Reaching this final cleanup plan for the Iron King Mine/Humboldt Smelter was a collaboration among EPA, the community, and ADEQ and is a significant milestone toward protecting the health and well-being of both the Dewey-Humboldt community and our environment,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Cabinet Executive Officer Karen Peters. “ADEQ looks forward to continuing to support EPA in implementing the final cleanup actions and seeing this through to completion for the people whose lives and land have been affected.”
The Record of Decision documents the cleanup option EPA chose after considering and responding to public comments. Next, the EPA will comprehensively design the cleanup action and implement it.
The Iron King Mine site contains about 4 million cubic yards of mine tailings with high levels of arsenic and lead. The Humboldt Smelter is contaminated with mine tailings and other smelter wastes. Wastes have also washed into drainages that lead toward the Agua Fria River. Over many years, lead emissions from the smelter stack, dust from the mine and the smelter, spills from rail loading areas, and commercial processing of mine tailings all contributed to lead and arsenic contamination in the soil of some residential yards in Dewey-Humboldt.
EPA is addressing residential contamination by cleaning up contaminated soil from homes where levels of lead or arsenic are above dangerous levels, and exposure for long periods could threaten human health.
The non-residential cleanup portion will consolidate mine and smelter wastes into two repositories. A waste repository is a large, stable, permanently covered holding cell that encapsulates wastes, keeps water out, and prevents wastes from moving further into drainages or the river. Mine wastes and contaminated soils from the former mine and surrounding areas west of Highway 69 will be moved into a repository on the existing mine tailings pile. Complementing ADEQ’s removal of the abandoned smelter and stack in 2021, wastes under the former smelter and in the Chaparral Gulch east of Highway 69 will be moved into a second waste repository, most likely in a natural depression on the former smelter property. Both repositories will be inspected periodically and maintained to remain intact and effective.
For more information on the Record of Decision, a summary of comments received, visit EPA’s IRON KING MINE - HUMBOLDT SMELTER DEWEY-HUMBOLDT, AZ webpage.
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2024 TRB Annual Meeting: John M. Mason, Jr. Receives W.N. Carey, Jr. Distinguished Service Award
In recognition of his outstanding service to TRB, Dr. John M. Mason, Jr. is the 2023 recipient of the W.N. Carey, Jr., Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Mason, Special Advisor to the Interim Chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg, is recognized for his more than 40 years of service to TRB and for his unwavering desire to create knowledge through research. The Carey Award—named in honor of W.N. Carey, Jr., TRB’s Executive Director from 1967 to 1980—recognizes individuals who have given leadership and distingu...