Issued: Nov 16, 2023 (3:18pm EST)
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EPA Selects Two New York Indian Nations to Receive Solid Waste Grants as part of America Recycles Day
On America Recycles Day and Anniversary of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA announces grants funded in part by the largest recycling investment in 30 years
NEW YORK (November 16, 2023) - Today, the US. Environmental Protection Agency selected the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Seneca Nation of Indians to receive a total of almost $2 million in Solid Waste for Recycling Grants. These grants, which are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, will expand recycling infrastructure and education for waste management systems across both nations.
"Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste."
"These grants will support the Indian Nations' efforts to advance environmentally sound waste management and infrastructure," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "These grants help meet a critical need for these nations and support pathways in waste reduction and promote recycling."
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Indian Nations to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress' goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA Region 2 has announced the selection of two Nations to receive just over $1.9 million through the program.
They include:
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) has been selected to receive $1.5 million. The SRMT will use the funding to further develop its waste management infrastructure such as building a food waste composting facility, replace a diesel generator with an electric grid connection and more. This funding will complement an existing capital investment project and directly benefit communities along the St. Lawrence River.
The Seneca Nation of Indians has been selected to receive $457,888 to establish partnerships with community-based organizations, expand food waste collection and establish waste reuse opportunities. This grant will support the creation of four to five jobs and pay the labor needed for food scrap pick up, equipment and supplies.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste managment. As part of President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA's SWIFR for Tribes grants. Increased recycling and recycling education are a step in the right direction to reduce pollution as natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis.
To learn more about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA's Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA's National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures "waste" as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don't require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA's website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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