EPA prepares to distribute $20 billion for green projects in underserved areas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is set to announce the nonprofit lenders that will distribute $20 billion for environmental projects, focusing on low-income communities.

Jean Chemnick reports for Politico.

In short:

The funding, part of President Joe Biden's 2022 climate law, includes $14 billion for the National Clean Investment Fund and $6 billion for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator.
The aim is to finance green energy and efficiency projects, with significant benefits directed towards disadvantaged communities.
Over 1,200 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) will play a crucial role in this initiative, focusing on community-driven and affordable housing projects.

Key quote:

"This program is really EPA’s attempt to inject green capital into the capillaries of our financial system in terms of all these smaller community lenders all across the country."

— Adam Kent, director of the Green Finance Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council

Why this matters:

Targeting underserved communities with green finance, this trend intends to address climate change and energy efficiency at a grassroots level, potentially transforming the landscape of community lending in the U.S. This approach indicates a shift toward community partnerships that emphasize sustainability and create opportunities for environmental change.

www.politico.com

EPA prepares to distribute $20 billion for green projects in underserved areas

Trump’s cuts have exposed US to ‘cascade’ of El Niño dangers, experts warn

‘Hybrid weapon of war’: Why climate disinformation could be a growing public health threat

New Mexico off track for 2030 greenhouse gas goal, environment official says

Why whales are climate heroes — who also need our protection

As extreme heat worsens, renters are gaining a 'right to cooling'

Alaska Senate candidates rarely mention climate change, but they talk a lot about fish

Conservative climate movement faces a blue wave wipeout

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.