USEPA News Release:

EPA Announces $565,000 to Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

 

On America Recycles Day, EPA announces grants under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funded in part by the largest recycling investment in 30 years

 

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will receive $565,000 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recyling infrastructure. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the state.

 

“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.”
 

“The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana maintains a robust list of services for its small but strong community. With this grant, its recycling facility will be able to serve even more of the surrounding area and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Tribe,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.

 

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana’s grant will go toward increasing recycling collection and improving materials management infrastructure by expanding the Tribe’s recycling program. By repairing existing storage facilities and developing a new recycling center, the recycling drop-off center will be more accessible to neighboring communities.

 

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 management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

 

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes 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 has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.

For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for 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. 

EPA offers many free, online resources, including:

• Model Recycling Toolkit 
• Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit
• Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations
• Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs
• Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change

• Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map

Learn more about America Recycles Day.

 USEPA News Release:

EPA Announces More Than $3 Million to Projects in New Mexico for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

 

On America Recycles Day, EPA announces grants under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funded in part by the largest recycling investment in 30 years

 

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Pueblo of San Felipe, the Pueblo of Zuni, and the Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will receive a total of $2,834,272 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recycling infrastructure. The Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District in Albuquerque will receive $590,319 in Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants to educate children on food waste and composting. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the state.

 

“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.”
 

“New Mexico understands more than most places how precious our natural resources and environment are, and the dedication it takes to protect them. By expanding capacity for recycling and public outreach, the Pueblos and conservation district can help invest in a more sustainable future for New Mexico,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.

 

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 disposal. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

 

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes 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 has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.

Examples of selected projects include:

• The Pueblo of San Felipe will receive $1,005,111 to provide effective solid waste management through tangible infrastructure improvements to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream. The Pueblo of San Felipe will obtain recycling trailers, establish a swap shop, repair heavy equipment for source separation recovery, and improve transfer station infrastructure. The overall objective of this project is to encourage environmentally friendly consumer management which will decrease the generation of municipal solid waste.
   
• The Pueblo of Zuni will receive $999,532 to develop a solid waste management plan, purchase updated equipment for a transfer station, and implement a recycling program. With the purchase of new equipment and the implementation of new programs, the Pueblo of Zuni will expand materials management and focus on encouraging environmental sound post-consumer materials management.

 

• The Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will receive $829,629 to increase capacity within the Santa Domingo transfer station in the areas of infrastructure improvement, procurement, service expansion, and personnel development. To achieve these objectives, the Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will construct a recycling structure to house equipment and materials, purchase new equipment, and a cardboard baler and green waste shredder to process recyclable materials. These new materials will expand material management and improve recycling infrastructure in the area.

 

For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.

Recycling Education and Outreach Grants

The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.

Examples of projects that have been selected include: 

• Ciudad SWCD will receive $590,319 to collaborate with and inform students and community members located in food-desert communities about the importance of food waste reduction and composting, while working to reduce contamination to encourage increased food waste diversion and composting rates.

 

 

To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.

America Recycles Day

Today marks both the 39th 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. 

EPA offers many free, online resources, including:

• Model Recycling Toolkit 
• Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit
• Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations
• Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs

• Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change
• Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map

Learn more about America Recycles Day.

EPA Announces More Than $700,000 to Bandera County, TX, Group for Recycling Education and Outreach Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

 USEPA News Release:

EPA Announces More Than $700,000 to Bandera County, TX, Group for Recycling Education and Outreach Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

On America Recycles Day, EPA announces grants under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funded in part by the largest recycling investment in 30 years

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Bandera County Committee on Aging will receive a $704,736 Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grant to educate surrounding communities about recycling opportunities. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the region.

“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.”

“Many rural communities are left out of services urban areas take for granted, especially for waste management. But these areas still have options, and partners like the Bandera County Committee on Aging are essential in helping educate people on how and where to recycle used items,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant, the committee can help increase sustainability for many Hill Country communities.”

The committee’s grant will go toward developing outreach projects to inform residents of recycling opportunities. The project will reach 14 rural communities with information about new and existing recycling programs through community events, door-to-door outreach, social media posts, radio and newspaper ads, and billboards.

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 management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

 

Recycling Education and Outreach Grants

The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.

To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach 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. 

EPA offers many free, online resources, including:

• Model Recycling Toolkit. 
• Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
• Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
• Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.

• Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
• Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.

Learn more about America Recycles Day.

EPA Announces More Than $8 Million to Tribes in Oklahoma for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

 USEPA News Release:

EPA Announces More Than $8 Million to Tribes in Oklahoma for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

On America Recycles Day, EPA announces grants under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funded in part by the largest recycling investment in 30 years

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) – In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Cherokee Nation, Modoc Nation, Muscogee Creek Nation, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, and the Wyandotte Nation will receive a total of $6,092,098 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recyling infrastructure. The United Keetoowah Band will receive $2,000,000 in Recycling Education and Outreach grants to provide additional opportunities for recyling. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the region.

“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.”
 

“The Tribes of Oklahoma are the original stewards of their land, and remain strong protectors of their resources and communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With these grants, the Tribes can increase their sustainability and increase capacity for recycling in Tribal homes and businesses.”

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 management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes 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 has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.

Examples of selected projects include:

• The Cherokee Nation will receive $1,492,425 to develop and implement infrastructure and capacity to divert brush, miscellaneous vegetation, and wood wastes from the Tribally owned and operated landfill, and subsequently recycle the material for beneficial uses. These activities are designed to reduce local pollution hazards such as landfill contamination, landfill greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion into surface water.
   
• The Modoc Nation will receive $1,245,786 to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream, enhance policies and programs to support circularity, increase collection, and improve materials management infrastructure. With this funding, the Modoc Nation seeks to purchase new equipment, hire new employees, and seeks to acquire land for the establishment of a new waste management facility.

 

• The Muscogee Creek Nation will receive $906,621 to support the expansion of their Solid Waste Post-Consumer Materials Management Program. This objective will be achieved by purchasing new solid waste transportation equipment, including trucks, a compactor, containers for sorting and recycling, and recycling stations. The expected result of these new purchases is to remove obstacles hindering recycling infrastructure growth in impacted communities.

 

• The Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians will receive $1,500,000 to implement a solid waste recycling plan, to build a recycling center in a rural underserved area, and to track recycling data. The result of this funding is expected to expand recycling availability, increase awareness of waste management, and reduce solid waste contamination.

 

• The Wyandotte Nation will receive $947,266 to expand and improve the Lost Creek Recycling Center. To achieve this goal, the Wyandotte Nation plans to construct major renovations at the recycling center, purchase collection bins for recyclables, and purchase recycling equipment and other items for post-consumer materials management recovery.

 

For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.

Recycling Education and Outreach Grants

The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.

Examples of projects that have been selected include: 

• United Keetoowah Band will receive $2,000,000 to develop a project to provide better resources and technical assistance for Tribal members, and to inform and educate them about recycling opportunities.

 

To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach 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. 

EPA offers many free, online resources, including:

• Model Recycling Toolkit. 
• Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
• Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
• Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.

• Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
• Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.

Learn more about America Recycles Day.

EPA Awards Nearly $500,000 to Texas Organization to improve Air Quality in the Houston Area

 USEPA News Release:

EPA Awards Nearly $500,000 to Texas Organization to improve Air Quality in the Houston Area  

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 29, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $498,813 to the Achieving Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS) for a citizen science project to monitor hazardous air pollutants stemming from local pollution sources in Houston’s historic Pleasantville, Sunnyside, Fifth Ward, and Galena Park communities. The grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic funding packages to invest in and strengthen our nation’s communities. Primary funding came from the historic Inflation Reduction Act which has helped dozens of communities across the nation overcome longstanding pollution obstacles.

“During Administrator Regan’s Journey to Justice Tour, he promised solutions and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities experiencing longstanding pollution problems. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This grant funding will improve air quality in the area by empowering communities to learn about pollution standards and take action to create a healthier environment. I would like to thank ACTS for their many years of advocacy for public health standards and their steadfast dedication to ensure meaningful results for these Houston communities.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) said, “I am pleased to join the EPA in announcing the $500,000 award to the Achieving Community Task Successfully (ACTS), critical funding that prioritizes environmental justice and works to end harms to vulnerable communities. As the Representative of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, I have been committed to helping create a better quality of life for the constituents of my district - passionately working on issues involving cancer clusters, air pollution, and the hazards of major industries impacting Houston neighborhoods. Houston has been unfortunately impacted by high levels of air pollution that have disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities. And so again, today I congratulate ACTS for their work to help monitor hazardous air pollution in some of the communities that I represent, specifically, Pleasantville, Sunnyside, Fifth Ward, and Galena Park.”

“I am proud that the EPA is investing $500,000 in the City of Houston for their community air monitoring projects,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). “I’m grateful that more federal funds are coming into our neighborhoods. “When we invest in air quality monitoring, educate our communities, and prioritize solutions, our community can begin to take steps towards a clean and healthy place to thrive. The Biden-Harris Administration is demonstrating not only that information is power, but that power should be in the hands of the people by investing in citizen science and community air monitoring networks. These federal funds are just the latest example of legislation we passed in Congress, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Everyone deserves access to clean and healthy air.”

“I am honored to have supported the Inflation Reduction Act, helping Houston secure nearly $500,000 in grant funding distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This critical funding among other things will address the environmental injustices in Sunnyside, Texas, a historically Black community disproportionately affected by pollution from nearby landfills,” stated Congressman Al Green (TX-9). “By channeling this grant towards improving air quality with community monitoring devices, we not only combat toxic emissions but empower historically marginalized communities like Sunnyside. This initiative stands as a beacon of environmental justice, promoting awareness and equitable health outcomes for all residents.”

“Achieving Community Tasks Successfully is honored to lead this effort on behalf of the Data to Action Houston groups” said Bridgette Murray, Founder and Executive Director of ACTS. “Each of our respective communities is currently monitoring air quality with low-cost sensors. This grant will allow us to expand information being monitored and to interact more directly with local, state, and federal agencies.”

“The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University is excited about the EPA funding focused on expanding the community air monitoring capacity of the Data to Action Houston groups to measure and educate residents about place-based air quality in their communities,” said Dr. Denae King, Associate Director at the Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice at Texas Southern University.

“We’re thrilled to see this historic federal investment build on years of close collaboration,” said Dr. Grace Tee Lewis, Senior Health Scientist with Environmental Defense Fund. “This funding is a significant opportunity to advance climate justice and equity, generate essential data and equip communities and government leaders to work together toward cleaner, healthier air for everyone.”

This grant funding is expected to accomplish several goals over a three-year period. The main goal is to monitor air pollutants that are a health and environmental concern for local communities. In the first year, ACTS will establish a mobile air monitoring campaign to address community exposures to air toxics such as ethylene oxide, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and acrolein. The campaign will consist of a 20-day baseline survey and use low-cost sensors, analytic and visualization tools to expand the capacity to include neighboring communities.

The campaign will also monitor concentrations of urban air toxics in residential areas and near “super emitter” industrial facilities in Harris County, which includes Houston. In years two and three, ACTS will conduct surveys to gauge the effect of the air monitoring project and will organize a community outreach project designed to broaden knowledge on air pollutants. ACTS will share the data gathered from the surveys and air campaign with local government leaders and nearby communities. By the conclusion of the project, ACTS expects several outcomes and actions: broadening air monitoring coverage in the community to better understand community exposure, increase understanding of complex mixtures of urban air toxics and cumulative exposure impacts to health, educating residents about air pollution exposures and health impacts in their neighborhoods, and creating a community-owned data repository of criteria for pollutants and air toxics.

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