Kamlager-Dove Celebrates $21.2 Million in Environmental Justice Community Change Grants for Los Angeles
EPA announces initial selections for the $2 billion national Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program, the largest single environmental justice investment in history, delivered by the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an expected $21,200,000 in funding for two selected applications to help disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles tackle environmental and climate justice challenges. The investment will fund projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history.
“Our youth have the most at stake when it comes to the climate crisis—but they also have the most agency to combat it. I was proud to help secure $21.2 million in EPA Community Change Grants for two projects in South LA that will equip young Angelenos with the tools to fight the climate crisis through workforce development, leadership training, and community engagement initiatives,” said Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). “The futures of our planet and young people are intertwined, and these programs will play a vital role in empowering our youth to create a clean, sustainable future.”
“For too long, communities with environmental justice challenges have been overburdened with pollution and have been disinvested in. And that’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is committing to robust enforcement and, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, historical investments in these communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are so proud today to be selecting these seven exemplary California community partnerships and investing in a historic way in solving environmental and climate justice challenges.”
The Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College was selected to receive a California Community-Driven Investments for Change grant for $10-20 million for a community-scale project.
Special Service for Groups, Inc., and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment was selected to receive a California Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance grant for between $1-3 million for facilitating individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes.
“Today’s historic announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration makes it clear that local communities are best equipped to develop solutions that address decades-long environmental and climate-related injustices,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA). “That’s why, as we crafted the Inflation Reduction Act, I fought so hard to ensure that disadvantaged communities are directly eligible for this type of assistance. As we work to tackle the climate crisis, we must continue prioritizing resources for innovative, locally driven solutions to support historically disadvantaged communities.”
“I am so pleased that California is receiving over $100 million for efforts that will reduce pollution, support climate resiliency, and address environmental justice challenges,” said Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “These investments will help us tackle climate change while creating green jobs and lowering the cost of living. I’m proud to have pushed for the Inflation Reduction Act, which has already supported so many projects across our state, and I will continue to push for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change as we forge a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which I was honored to support in Congress, provides the largest single investment in environmental justice in history,” said Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36). “A key part of tackling the climate crisis is empowering and equipping disadvantaged communities with the tools they need to address longstanding environmental challenges. Through the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program, many communities across California and the country will breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, and become more resilient to climate disasters.”
Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) declared she is “Thrilled for California to receive over $100 million from the Biden-Harris Administration in the first round of EPA Community Change grants, based on funding I worked to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act. Under-resourced communities of South Los Angeles and surrounding areas will benefit directly as the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade Tech College receive funding to develop workforce training programs to reduce indoor air pollution, expand clean energy and transportation infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs for residents.”
“Special Service for Groups, Inc. and Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement (SSG/APIFM) is thrilled to be able to bring this historic investment from the US EPA’s Community Change Grant program to mobilize the next generation of environmental justice youth leaders in the West San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County. We are excited to partner with the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment to elevate youth voices and increase opportunities for equitable governance to improve the region’s climate resilience and build toward President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative,” said Co-Directors Kyle Tsukahira and Heng Lam Foong in a joint statement.
"As a community-based, coalition-driven organization, CRCD [Coalition for Responsible Community Development] is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in South Los Angeles. This substantial federal funding from the EPA allows us and our partners to implement impactful initiatives that address environmental justice and economic empowerment,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of CRCD. “Together, we are ensuring that South LA not only benefits from these resources but also thrives through sustainable and inclusive development. Being awarded this EPA grant is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to uplift our community.”
The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With the 21 grants nationwide being announced today, the EPA is delivering on this mission.
The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advancing equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Today's funding announcement is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion, which, based on community input, will be delivered via grants awarded on a rolling basis.
Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program (CCGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, accepts applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.
To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance, click here.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit the Environmental Justice webpage.
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