The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced a new grant to help fund projects that advance cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce pollution.

The grants are available to local governments, tribes and nonprofits in EPA Region 8, which includes Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, and can be used for “source reduction” work.

Source reduction looks to stop pollution at the source rather than managing waste after it's produced. In support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities, the grants will emphasize projects that support environmental justice and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Investments in pollution prevention pay dividends for human health, the environment and economic growth,” said Jennie Romer, deputy assistant administrator of the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution.

In announcing the grant, the EPA said it anticipates awarding between eight and 27 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000, with up to a total of $1.3 million in federal funds available.

The agency can make additional awards if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Applications require a cost share or match of 5% of the federal funds, the agency said.

“Promoting practical and innovative techniques to research, study, educate, or train organizations on preventing pollution can reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, decrease toxic pollutants, and save water and energy, all while helping businesses and other organizations save money,” Romer said.

The EPA is particularly interested in receiving applications for projects in that are designed to achieve measurable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, and projects that result in reduced generation and use of hazardous materials.

It's also looking for projects that reduce the use of natural resources such as energy or water, and projects that support environmental justice for underserved communities.

Proposals are due by July 22, 2022. Additional information is available on www.grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-REGIONS-LCRD-2022-01. Please consult the solicitation for further details.

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