EPA Commits $6.1 Million to 10 Environmental Justice Projects Across New York

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pledged more than $6.1 million to support ten projects across New York aimed at advancing environmental justice. This initiative is part of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda, focusing on addressing longstanding environmental disparities and enhancing climate resilience. Five community organizations, four city agencies, and one state office have been selected to receive funding through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs.

These projects are designed to uplift disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment. The primary goals include achieving cleaner air and water, as well as implementing climate resilience solutions. Each of the selected projects has a unique focus, which includes community outreach, climate resilience strategies, and nature-based programs.

“It is really exciting to see community organizations and state and local governments in New York design creative projects to advance environmental justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “These grant programs will give communities and local governments a new way to approach climate resilience and to develop solutions that can be replicated on other places. EPA continues to engage with and support communities that have traditionally been overburdened by environmental pollution.”  

Senator Chuck Schumer, who played a pivotal role in securing this historic funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, emphasized that these funds would help create stronger, climate-resilient communities across New York, benefiting neighborhoods of all sizes.

Other congressional representatives, including Jerry Nadler, Adriano Espaillat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, Jamaal Bowman, and Joseph D. Morelle, supported the funding as a crucial step in supporting environmental justice initiatives in the state. 

The EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Program targets small nonprofit organizations with fewer than five full-time employees, ensuring that grant resources reach organizations that have historically struggled to secure federal funding. This year, eleven of the selected organizations are small nonprofits, receiving a total of over $1.6 million.