CHICAGO (Sept. 13, 2023) –- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $572,065 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Indiana by improving solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products and services in circulation for as long as possible –what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda tackles our most pressing environmental challenges including climate change and lead in drinking water, and today we add another historic investment to better manage waste in communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By investing in better recycling, EPA is deploying resources to provide recycling services across the country, including in disadvantaged communities, while preventing waste that contributes to the climate crisis, supporting local economies and creating good-paying jobs.”
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides historic levels of funding for programs to tackle climate change and advance environmental justice,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program will support states throughout the Great Lakes region as they help our communities more sustainably manage waste.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already brought over $4 billion in new infrastructure to the Hoosier state, and we’re far from finished,” said Rep. André Carson. “With this grant, we are supporting local waste management systems protecting the future of our climate. This grant also advances the Justice40 commitment to address the disproportionate negative impact on low-income communities and communities of color. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law marks a historic investment in our country – and I’m working to ensure no community gets left behind in that growth.”
“I was proud to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I appreciate that this historic action continues to deliver and create more economic opportunities in communities throughout our state and nation,” said Rep. Frank Mrvan. “I commend the leaders of the Environmental Protection Agency and all of our state and local stakeholders for implementing this program to enhance recycling programs and further improve our quality of place.”
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia via grants ranging from $360,000 to $750,000; with the highest grant amounts supporting those states and territories that need it the most. The State of Indiana will develop a statewide materials management plan. In addition, the state will provide funding for local communities and county solid waste management districts to develop local materials management plans based on guidance from the state plan.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Funded activities include improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/1Uan9mf