The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced a competitive grants of $100 million for projects that will advance environmental justice in communities disproportionately affected by industrial pollution and other hazards.
Established through the 2022 climate and health law signed by President Joe Biden, the funding marks the largest environmental justice grants the agency has ever offered and the projects are among the first from an expected $3 billion in block grants targeting underserved communities authorized under the new law.
The EPAโs new office of environmental justice and external civil rights, which EPA Administrator Michael Regan created last year, will oversee the programme on behalf of the agency.
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โSince day one, President Biden pledged to prioritize environmental justice and equity for all, and EPA is at the heart of delivering on that mission,โ Regan said.
Regan added that the funding is important in building strong partnerships with communities across the country and move the agency closer to realizing a more just and equitable future for all.
The EPA said it will provide $30 million in direct grants to community-based nonprofit organizations and partners, with $5 million reserved for small community-based groups with five or fewer full-time employees.
The program also will provide $70 million in funding to states, local governments and federally recognized tribes.
The EPA awarded $53.4 million in grants in November to enhance air quality monitoring near chemical plants, refineries and other industrial sites. The grants were funded by the climate law and a coronavirus relief plan approved by Congress in 2021.
Grant applications are due April 10, with projects expected to begin as soon as October, EPA said.
Story was adapted from AP.
