News Releases from Headquarters›Office of the Administrator (AO)

EPA Announces Selections for 2017 Environmental Justice Small Grants

WASHINGTON (October 30, 2017) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1.2 million in competitive grants selected for award to 36 local-based community and tribal organizations working to address environmental justice (EJ) issues in their communities. The grants enable these organizations to conduct research, provide education, and develop community-driven solutions to local health and environmental issues in minority, low-income, and tribal communities.

EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) provide critical support to organizations that otherwise lack the funding and resources to address environmental challenges in their community. The 2017 grants will help organizations in 30 states and Puerto Rico to carry out projects that will: educate residents about environmental issues that may impact their health; collect data about local environmental conditions; and work collaboratively to address environmental justice challenges in their communities.

The grants not only support activities that address a range of community concerns, but also activities that educate and empower youth and the next generation of leaders in STEM-related job sectors and environmental stewardship. Specific grant projects will focus on: reducing exposure to lead and other water pollutants; developing green infrastructure and sustainable agriculture projects; implementing basic energy efficiency measures in low-income households; and increasing overall community resiliency.

In an effort to increase outreach to affected communities in U.S.states and territories, the 2017 EJSG program placed special emphasis on proposals from under-represented states that have been awarded three or fewer EJSGs over the last five years. Of the 36 total projects selected, 23 are from underrepresented states (64%). The agency will make final awards upon successful completion of the award application process.

For 2017 Environmental Justice Small Grant recipients and project descriptions: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-small-grants-program-project-descriptions-2017

For more information on the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, including descriptions of previously funded grants: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-small-grants-program