The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has introduced the Industrial Facility Air Toxic and Criteria Emission Reduction Grant, a one-time funding opportunity to help regulated facilities reduce air pollutant emissions. This grant focuses on supporting projects within Minnesota's environmental justice (EJ) areas of concern or within a mile of such areas, prioritizing facilities that are situated near communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Through this funding, facilities can implement pollution control equipment or make process improvements that will lower emissions of air toxics and criteria pollutants.

A total of $5.6 million is available, with all projects needing completion by June 30, 2027. To qualify, applicants must hold an individual air emissions permit and be located within or near an EJ area. Projects must demonstrate measurable reductions in criteria pollutants or air toxics and may target multiple pollutants for emission reductions, with applications scored based on the pollutant with the highest potential impact. Applicants can verify if their location meets EJ requirements using the MPCA’s online map tool, which is periodically updated.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. CST on January 22, 2025, and any questions must be directed to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject “FY25 Industrial Facility Air Toxic and Criteria Emission Reduction Grant” by January 17, 2025. MPCA staff are prohibited from engaging in discussions outside the official Q&A format to maintain the integrity of the grant process, and all responses will be posted in the SWIFT Supplier Portal.

Eligible applicants must submit their proposals through the SWIFT portal, where the RFP can be found under “MPCA-Air Emission Reduction Grant” or event ID “2000016372.” New applicants must register as bidders in the SWIFT Supplier Portal by creating an account or using an existing supplier ID. For registration or technical assistance with the portal, applicants can reach the SWIFT Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.

This grant initiative, backed by a recent legislative appropriation, represents an opportunity for facilities to implement meaningful emission reductions, contributing to healthier air quality in Minnesota’s EJ communities.