On June 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced two Philadelphia organizations-- the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society-- are among 12 groups nationwide receiving $30,000 each to help address environmental justice issues in their communities.

“It’s invigorating for EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region to provide this funding to two Philadelphia groups that have shown a commitment to addressing environmental justice issues in city neighborhoods,” said EPA’s mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “These groups developed projects that will improve and protect the health and safety of Philadelphia families.”

The organizations were selected from the large pool of applicants in 2019. This funding is in addition to 50 organizations awarded $1.5 million in grants nationwide in November 2019

The Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia will use the funds to educate 40 families in low income neighborhoods that have a high levels of home lead contamination about how to live safely with lead. 

The project will include a lead audit of their homes and education on how to contain the lead so it minimizes health risks. 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will use funding to address environmental issues in the Tioga and Nicetown neighborhoods in Philadelphia by working with neighborhood leaders and stakeholders on a year-long program of community engagement and education that will foster discussion on environmental justice concerns.

The project will include regular meetings and workshops to inspire residents to commit to greening and cleaning efforts in their neighborhoods.

Environmental Justice Small Grants enable organizations to conduct research, provide education and training, and develop community-driven solutions to local health and environmental issues in minority, low-income, tribal and rural communities.

Visit EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program for more information on this program.

NewsClips:

The Allegheny Front: A Conversation About Representation And Inclusion In The Environmental Movement

Environmental Groups Say They’re Committing To Racial Equity, What Does That Mean?

[Posted: June 30, 2020]

7/6/2020