On February 9, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Request for Information on implementation of the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant program established in section 60201 of the IRA. Through that program, EPA will provide financial and technical assistance to community-based nonprofit organizations, as well as partnerships between those organizations and Indian Tribes, local governments, and institutions of higher education, for certain activities designed to mitigate climate change and enhance climate resilience.
In the February 9 Request for Information, EPA posed several questions related to implementation of the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant program. Among other things, EPA requests input on “new and innovative strategies and approaches for competition design, community engagement, equitable distribution of financial resources, grantee eligibility for funding, capacity building and outreach, and technical assistance.”
EPA will accept comments through March 17, 2023.