Biden-Harris admin unveils $32M to combat school air pollution
TL/DR –
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $32 million in funding to address indoor air pollution in schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and tribal communities. The funds, made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, will aid in the development and implementation of comprehensive indoor air quality management plans in K-12 schools. The EPA expects to award four to six grants of $5 to $8 million for school indoor air quality and energy efficiency activities, and applications for these competitive grants are due by March 19, 2024.
January 11, 2024
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a funding opportunity of $32 million to tackle indoor air pollution in schools. This initiative is a part of the Investing in America agenda by President Biden and is enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act. Schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities can avail this funding, administered through EPA’s Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program, to implement comprehensive indoor air quality management plans and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Every student deserves a healthy school environment,” commented EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “This investment empowers schools in overburdened communities to improve air quality and energy efficiency, ensuring students and staff experience cleaner, healthier air every day.”
The EPA funding will allow schools nationwide to enhance air quality, improving overall health and academic performance of students, stated House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. “This initiative embodies Democrats’ agenda to equip communities to secure a bright future for every child.”
Children’s health, particularly their respiratory conditions, can be seriously affected by unsafe air. Both indoor and outdoor pollutants, such as radon, asbestos, mold, methane, and particulate matter, pose a risk. The funding will help develop plans to reduce air pollution in schools, preventing respiratory illnesses in children and staff, and improving attendance and performance, especially for students with asthma.
This program also supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which is dedicated to providing 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments to marginalized and pollution-overburdened communities.
The Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program
Four to six grants ranging from $5 million to $8 million are expected to be awarded by the EPA. These would support activities pertaining to school indoor air quality and energy efficiency over five years. Eligible projects include capacity building for greenhouse gas reduction, education campaigns, and research. Applications are invited from nonprofit organizations, state governments, and other entities with experience administering such programs. The application deadline is March 19, 2024.
For more information on application procedures and webinars, visit the Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools webpage.
Background
Indoor levels of pollutants can be significantly higher than outdoor levels, according to EPA studies. This is particularly alarming for schools, where children spend a considerable amount of time. Health effects of indoor air pollution include coughing, respiratory diseases, allergies, and aggravated asthma.
Climate change also poses significant risks to children’s health. Implementing energy efficiency measures while improving indoor air quality in schools can help combat climate change, reduce pollution, and offer long-term savings through lower energy consumption.
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