Issued: Jan 18, 2024 (10:36am EST)

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EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) –  As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions.  

WE ACT for Environmental Justice's Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities. 

"President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we'll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America."  

"We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany," said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). "This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most." 

"I'm thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA's commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I'm proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region," said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

"Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA."

"Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State's efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations," said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. "New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state." 

"We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region," said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. 

The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources.  

Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York. 

Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events  

EPA's second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

 

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