For far too long, low-income communities, especially communities of color, have borne disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change. Black, African American, and Latino individuals, as highlighted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are projected to face higher impacts of climate change.
In November, through Executive Orders 14008 and 13985, the Biden administration allocated $2 billion in grants through the Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program (administered by the EPA) to uplift lower-income communities overburdened by environmental hazards. The program seeks to fund projects to bolster resilience and monitor air and water quality in communities grappling with pollution and the impacts of climate change. This initiative empowers disadvantaged communities to seek change on a grassroots level and improve their surroundings.
The Community Change Grants Program from the EPA can be a game changer in addressing environmental justice concerns and empowering communities to have a stake in the process.
Awards range between $1-3 million for projects focusing on engaging disadvantaged communities; but importantly, multi-faceted initiatives tackling pollution, climate change, and other priority issues may secure $10-20 million awards. Eligible entities encompass partnerships involving two or more community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs); as well as partnerships between a CBO and a Federally-Recognized Tribe, local governments, or higher education institutions. Additional organizations can also participate as collaborating subrecipients or procurement contractors.
This investment highlights a shift to empower historically disadvantaged communities to participate actively in environmental initiatives. The Community Change Grants aren’t merely financial support – they also serve as a catalyst for change at the grassroots level. The program lays the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future by empowering disadvantaged communities with resources and support to address environmental challenges.
Community Driven at the Core
At the heart of the Community Change Grants lies their commitment to community-driven projects. By granting decision-making power to local organizations, the grants ensure projects are tailored to address each community’s unique challenges. The Community Change Grants do more than just throw money at environmental injustice: they demonstrate a commitment to embed environmental justice into government programs and actively address the root causes of environmental injustice in communities nationwide.
Communities that are interested in applying for the grants and would benefit from some assistance with the application process can utilize EPA’s technical assistance programs. These programs, such as the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTACs) network, are set up to serve diverse applicant needs. They offer crucial support, guiding applicants through application, project management, implementation, and reporting.
The urgency for climate action and environmental justice is met with a rolling application deadline. This design allows for swift awarding of grants while maintaining necessary oversight and fiduciary responsibilities.
For organizations ready to make a difference, the time is now. Actively participate in the Community Change Grants application process, leverage the technical assistance programs in the plans, and be a driving force in pursuing environmental justice. Find more information about the Community Change Grants on EPA’s website here.
The post EPA’s Community Change Grants: Empowering Grassroots Action appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
No one seems to understand Trump’s motivation here. Did it have anything to do with the $400 million gift aircraft?
Does Qatar fear attack from Alberta or Saskatoon?
The Qataris say they need to be prepared to help achieve peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I’m suspicious, though I’m no expert in military logistics. We’re talking about a 6000-mile plane ride.
What? I’m confused. “Trump’s Statement” of a few months was that “Gas prices are (present tense) under $2.”
It would have been interesting if one of the gaggle of reporters surrounding him could have asked the obvious question: “That’s great, sir, but can you name a single state in the union whose gas prices are under $2?
It would have been a tense moment, for sure, but don’t we have any self-respect?
Over the past few months, and especially since the murder of Charlie Kirk, the right-wing news sources are telling us that most of the politically related violence is coming from the left, in particular from the left-wing “terrorist associations,” e.g., Antifa.
If you look at some coverage on the subject, however, you’ll learn that this is simple false. Here’s a bit from a PBS piece:
PBS: Policymakers and the public need reliable evidence and actual data to understand the reality of politically motivated violence.
Craig: No, they don’t. Are you serious? Are we to believe that Donald Trump is sending federal troops to democratically-led cities based on “reliable evidence and actual data?” This is a sick joke.
PBS: From our research on extremism, it’s clear that the president’s and Miller’s assertions about political violence from the left are not based on actual facts.
Here’s more from the PBS article:
After the Sept. 10, 2025, assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump claimed that radical leftist groups foment political violence in the U.S., and “they should be put in jail.”
“The radical left causes tremendous violence,” he said, asserting that “they seem to do it in a bigger way” than groups on the right.
WATCH: Extremism scholar analyzes influence of rhetoric on political violence
Top presidential adviser Stephen Miller also weighed in after Kirk’s killing, saying that left-wing political organizations constitute “a vast domestic terror movement.”
“We are going to use every resource we have … throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks and make America safe again,” Miller said.
Political violence rising
The understanding of political violence is complicated by differences in definitions and the recent Department of Justice removal of an important government-sponsored study of domestic terrorists.
Political violence in the U.S. has risen in recent months and takes forms that go unrecognized. During the 2024 election cycle, nearly half of all states reported threats against election workers, including social media death threats, intimidation and doxing.
WATCH: Trump conspiracies inspire threats against judges, jurors and election workers
Kirk’s assassination illustrates the growing threat. The man charged with the murder, Tyler Robinson, allegedly planned the attack in writing and online.
This follows other politically motivated killings, including the June assassination of Democratic Minnesota state Rep. and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
These incidents reflect a normalization of political violence. Threats and violence are increasingly treated as acceptable for achieving political goals, posing serious risks to democracy and society.
Pentagon’s $1B Mineral Stockpile Boosts U.S. Independence from China
U.S. Green Hydrogen Cuts Give China an Edge in the Clean Energy Race
Efforts to green lithium extraction face scrutiny over water use
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change2 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Greenhouse Gases2 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Renewable Energy3 months ago
US Grid Strain, Possible Allete Sale