The EPA is accepting grant applications for a total of $1 million in funding for projects aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues in communities, the agency announced in a Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, press release. The EPA said expects to award approximately 40 grants of up to $25,000 each and will accept applications until Jan. 8, 2010. Local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

In addition to the traditional criteria, the EPA noted it is encouraging applications that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy, and green jobs capacity building.

The goals of the Environmental Justice Grant Funding Program are to help communities understand and address environmental challenges and create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships focused on improving human health and the environment. Past projects have focused on issues including exposure to toxins, farm worker pesticide protection, mercury in fish, indoor air quality, drinking water contamination, and pollution from shipping ports.

Since 1994, EPA has provided more than $32 million in general funding to more than 1,100 community-based organizations.

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• Information on eligibility and application materials: