LENEXA, KAN. (FEB. 16, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is opening the FY 2024-2025 Regional Source Reduction Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This regional competitive grant provides funding for projects that promote practical source reduction methods, tools, and training or pollution prevention (P2) approaches to measurably improve human and environmental health.
P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment, or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government, and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation, and the use of raw materials.
Eligible applicants include state, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities; federally recognized tribes; inter-tribal consortia; and nonprofit organizations formed under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of EPA Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations).
EPA Region 7 anticipates awarding one to four awards, ranging from $40,000 to $180,000 with a total of up to $180,000 in federal funds. The number of awards is subject to the availability of funds, quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. Additional information is available on www.grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-REGIONS-LCRD-2024-01. The application deadline is April 15, 2024.
Background
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly costs associated with waste management, disposal, and cleanup. These practices are essential for protecting health; improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities; and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.
Learn more about P2.
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