Americans have until December 5, 2022 to provide input into how the EPA uses its funding for air quality projects and climate projects addressing clean energy, transportation, methane emissions, and climate super-pollutants. The EPA issued a request for information (RFI) (with a link to Review and Comment in Six Public Dockets page) November 4 and it will remain open for 45 days.

In August, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act with $41.5 billion targeted to climate change. From that, the EPA will develop and support 24 new and existing programs that address some of the environmental justice issues that have impacted many African American communities.

The EPA is encouraging the public to review and comment on six non-policy public dockets by the December 5 deadline. This is the first in a series of outreach to the public. These dockets focus on strategies, systems, and technical issues but can also include community education, engagement, or funding allocation ideas.

Other aspects of the community engagement process to follow will include soliciting expert input on key program design questions from federal and local government committees; listening sessions for key stakeholders in environmental justice communities, state and local governments along with clean energy advocates, labor, and EPA staff; and the creation of a new webpage that offers one-stop information on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act programs.

The funding provided in response to the input will make the green/clean/sustainability industry one of America’s greatest economic expansions in years.  As the strategies and systems are put in place, the country shifts towards more clean manufacturing and production. Consumers are also expected to ask for more green products and services. Jobs and business opportunities will expand to fill the demand.

Now is the time for communities that have been negatively impacted by climate change and pollutants to speak up and have their concerns and ideas considered by the EPA. Now is the time for African American businesses and organizations to review and determine if and where they fit into the upcoming opportunities in funding that will also create business opportunities, jobs, and education programs in their communities.