ATLANTA (February 20, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a grant funding opportunity for non-profit organizations, Tribes, and state and local governments within EPA Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 to advance innovative, cost-effective and replicable source reduction approaches that save energy and water, reduce pollution and improve human health and the environment. Source reduction, also known as pollution prevention (P2) means preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste after it is produced. In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, these grants will emphasize projects that support environmental justice and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Pollution Prevention and Source Reduction Assistance Grants have reduced over one-billion-pounds of hazardous materials and pollutants between 2011 and 2022 and realized cost savings of $2.3 billion for American businesses,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “These grants demonstrate a continued effort to support economic growth while advancing our work on climate change and environmental justice.”
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Source reduction activities can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly waste management, 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.
Under the grant opportunity being announced today, EPA anticipates awarding between seven and 27 awards ranging from $40,000 to $240,000, with up to a total of $1,500,000 in federal funds available across Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. EPA may make additional awards under this solicitation if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Applications require a cost share or match of 5% of the federal funds requested.
EPA is particularly interested in receiving applications for projects in that are designed to achieve measurable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, projects that result in reduced generation and use of hazardous materials, projects that address reducing use of natural resources such as energy or water, and projects that support environmental justice for underserved communities.
Eligible applicants include states, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, federally recognized Tribes, inter-tribal consortia, and non-profit organizations. All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of one of EPA Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Proposals are due by April 15, 2024. Additional information is available on www.grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-REGIONS-LCRD-2024-01. Please consult the solicitation for further details.