Michigan's Environmental Justice Impact Grants: A Beacon of Hope for Communities in Need
May 15, 2024, 7:35 am
Location: United States, Michigan, Lansing
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1837
Total raised: $23.3M
In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the availability of $20 million in Environmental Justice Impact Grants for Michigan. This initiative aims to address the environmental health burdens faced by communities in Michigan's environmental justice areas. The funding for these grants was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Michigan Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of clean air and safe water for all Michiganders, stating that the Environmental Justice Impact Grants will be instrumental in supporting communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental and public health challenges. The grants can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including the removal of contaminated buildings, protection of air quality in schools, and support for local public health initiatives.
EGLE Director Phil Roos highlighted the agency's commitment to supporting Michigan communities in addressing health and environmental challenges. He emphasized that a significant portion of EGLE's budget is allocated to grants and loans that help communities tackle environmental and public health issues. The Environmental Justice Impact Grants specifically target neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution, often in communities of color and areas lacking financial resources to address harmful impacts.
Applications for the grants are currently open, with a focus on place-based and equity-focused projects designed to enhance local public health, monitor pollution, remove blight, clean up contamination, and improve indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, community-based nonprofits, local governments, schools, and childcare centers. Each applicant has the opportunity to apply for up to $500,000, with funds set to be awarded by early September 2024. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024.
Regina Strong, head of the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA), expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to directly fund projects addressing environmental justice concerns. She emphasized the importance of addressing historical inequities and the significant impact these grants can have on communities.
In addition to the Environmental Justice Impact Grants, Michigan has committed to utilizing the Biden Administration's Justice40 policy, ensuring that at least 40% of the benefits of certain state and federal investments flow to environmental justice and disadvantaged communities. The OEJPA, established by Governor Whitmer in 2019, serves as an advocate for environmental justice in state programs and communities across Michigan.
The announcement of the $20 million Environmental Justice Impact Grants marks a significant step towards addressing environmental injustices in Michigan and providing much-needed support to communities facing disproportionate environmental and public health challenges. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to creating a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of clean air and safe water for all Michiganders, stating that the Environmental Justice Impact Grants will be instrumental in supporting communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental and public health challenges. The grants can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including the removal of contaminated buildings, protection of air quality in schools, and support for local public health initiatives.
EGLE Director Phil Roos highlighted the agency's commitment to supporting Michigan communities in addressing health and environmental challenges. He emphasized that a significant portion of EGLE's budget is allocated to grants and loans that help communities tackle environmental and public health issues. The Environmental Justice Impact Grants specifically target neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution, often in communities of color and areas lacking financial resources to address harmful impacts.
Applications for the grants are currently open, with a focus on place-based and equity-focused projects designed to enhance local public health, monitor pollution, remove blight, clean up contamination, and improve indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, community-based nonprofits, local governments, schools, and childcare centers. Each applicant has the opportunity to apply for up to $500,000, with funds set to be awarded by early September 2024. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024.
Regina Strong, head of the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA), expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to directly fund projects addressing environmental justice concerns. She emphasized the importance of addressing historical inequities and the significant impact these grants can have on communities.
In addition to the Environmental Justice Impact Grants, Michigan has committed to utilizing the Biden Administration's Justice40 policy, ensuring that at least 40% of the benefits of certain state and federal investments flow to environmental justice and disadvantaged communities. The OEJPA, established by Governor Whitmer in 2019, serves as an advocate for environmental justice in state programs and communities across Michigan.
The announcement of the $20 million Environmental Justice Impact Grants marks a significant step towards addressing environmental injustices in Michigan and providing much-needed support to communities facing disproportionate environmental and public health challenges. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to creating a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents.