A total of $3.5 million in state funding was awarded to support environmental justice initiatives being led by more than 20 community-based organizations across the state.
New grants invest in localized air monitoring initiatives and projects that take action to raise awareness and address environmental and health issues, helping to reach emission reduction requirements under the historic 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Among the grants announced, $2.1 million in Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants were awarded to 22 community-based organizations to support projects that address environmental and public health concerns.
Community Impact funding assists communities in developing and implementing programs that address environmental issues, harms, and health hazards, build community consensus, set priorities, and improve public outreach and education.
Since 2006, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Office of Environmental Justice awarded nearly $15 million for 236 projects to help support communities overburdened by environmental issues.
In addition, four community-based organizations will receive $1.43 million in Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Air Quality Monitoring grants. This grant opportunity is also funded by EPF resources designated to support environmental justice communities. Eligible community-based organizations serving disadvantaged communities were eligible for grants up to $500,000 for initiatives that obtain air quality data tailored to issues identified by community residents.
Here is a list of the Community Impact Grants awarded.
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