The Biden administration is taking a major step forward in addressing environmental justice by making $2 billion in funding available for community groups, states, and tribes. This investment, in line with the sweeping climate law signed last year by President Joe Biden, is the largest ever dedicated to environmental justice. The program aims to revitalize disadvantaged and overburdened areas, transforming them into healthy, resilient, and thriving communities.
Michael Regan, the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, emphasizes the historic significance of this grant program. It is designed to uplift poor and minority communities that have historically been overlooked and struggle to access federal funding. The climate law has authorized a total of $3 billion for underserved communities affected by pollution, with $1 billion already allocated.
Regan, the first Black man to lead the EPA, has prioritized environmental justice and embarked on a “Journey to Justice” tour, visiting several underprivileged communities across the country. President Biden has consistently highlighted his commitment to environmental justice, including the creation of a White House Office of Environmental Justice through an executive order in April.
The grant program will be overseen by the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, established by Regan last year. It will support a wide range of projects that focus on climate resiliency, urban heat islands, air and water pollution monitoring, and zero-emissions transportation initiatives. The program aims to address multiple challenges within poor communities instead of tackling issues one at a time.
Approximately 150 community-driven projects are expected to receive grants ranging from $10 million to $20 million each, with an additional 20 smaller projects funded to enhance communication between communities and the government. Specialized funding will be available for tribes in Alaska, tribes in the lower 48 states, territories, unincorporated communities, and those near the Southern border facing cross-border pollution.
Despite the significant investment in environmental justice, House Republicans have proposed rescinding $1.4 billion in grants, which the Biden administration strongly opposes. The EPA is committed to fighting the Republican plan and ensuring that the grant program remains open for a year to encourage broad participation from groups nationwide.
