Pollution prevention or P2 can significantly reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals and the negative health impacts of that exposure. Low income and BIPOC communities are at much more likely to suffer negative environmental effects because they are underrepresented in decision making processes. The Pollution Prevention Grant: Environmental Justice in Communities program funds projects that provide technical assistance on P2 to businesses in disadvantaged communities.
The Environmental Protection Agency expects to award $8 million in 2023, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Individual awards will range from $100,000 to $800,000 or up to $1.2 million for multi-state or multi-tribal projects. Applications are due by June 6, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. No match is required.
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
- State government entities in the United States and its territories
- Federally recognized Native American Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
- Any agency or instrumentality of a State or Tribe
- Publicly owned and operated colleges and universities
Definitions
Pollution prevention – any practice which reduces the amount of a hazardous substance released into the environment prior to treatment or disposal and which reduces public health hazards associated with those substances
Environmental justice – the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies
Project Requirements
Projects submitted under this program must:
- Target disadvantaged communities
- Support the EPA’s FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Goal 7: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment, Objective 7.2: Promote Pollution Prevention
- Develop at least one P2 case study on novel approaches to address environmental and human health concerns in disadvantaged communities
Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to develop partnerships to better deliver P2 technical assistance. Potential partners can be found through the EPA’s P2 Technical Assistance Resources.
Tools
There are multiple tools that may be useful in identifying target communities. These include:
- The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
- EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
- P2 EJ Facility Mapping Tool
Upcoming Webinars
The EPA’s national P2 Program will host several informational webinars for potential applicants. All webinars will be from 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET.
