EPA Seeks Applications from Underserved Communities to Address Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions

On January 18, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated an application process seeking applicants proposing community-engaged research that will address drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. The EPA defines “underserved communities” as “populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including people of color, low income, rural, tribal, indigenous, and other populations that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and risks.”

1. Understanding how air quality, the environment, and public health in underserved communities might be improved through the transformations of the energy sector (e.g., wide-spread adoption of renewable energy sources and energy efficient technologies, electrification of transportation services and household energy use) while minimizing potential negative impacts;
2. Identifying approaches or strategies to ensure that energy transitions provide air quality benefits and reduce environmental risks while meeting the energy and mobility needs of underserved communities;
3. Understanding how socioeconomic, cultural, behavioral, institutional, and systems factors drive individual and household decisions regarding the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies and building modifications, and new transportation modes in underserved communities;
4. Understanding how socioeconomic, organizational, and institutional factors affect decisions at the organizational, governmental, and community levels regarding the adoption and diffusion of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, building modifications, and new transportation modes in underserved communities; and,
5. Identifying and evaluating potential multi-pollutant and/or multi-sectoral approaches to achieve climate, air quality, and other environmental goals while maximizing potential positive impacts as well as minimizing potential negative impacts to underserved communities arising from large-scale energy systems transformation

Awards and Application Eligibility

The EPA anticipates awarding eleven grants or cooperative agreements totaling $10 million. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit institutions/organization and certain hospitals.  Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply.

 The application period closes April 28, 2022.