The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a $3 million funding opportunity aimed at reducing air pollution in disadvantaged communities. This grant program is part of DEC’s ongoing Community Air Monitoring Initiative, which was launched in 2021 under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and is New York's largest air monitoring project to date. This initiative supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goals by addressing air pollution disparities and developing community-focused solutions in areas with high pollution burdens. With this grant, DEC seeks to support projects that address local air pollution and improve public health outcomes, particularly in communities most affected by environmental and health inequities.

The primary objective of the Disadvantaged Community Air Mitigation Grant is to fund projects that create actionable strategies to reduce and monitor air pollution in these impacted areas. Projects supported by this grant should aim to implement specific air pollution mitigation techniques, assess the effectiveness of these interventions, and create models that could potentially be applied statewide. Additionally, the funding supports efforts like local planning to address pollution sources, health intervention programs related to air quality, and developing long-term action plans for cleaner air in these communities.

Funding from this grant may cover a range of eligible activities, such as direct air pollution mitigation strategies, local health initiatives linked to air quality, or community planning efforts focused on reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. DEC encourages applicants to propose innovative mitigation techniques and to collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders. The initiative’s goal is not only to reduce pollution but also to create sustainable frameworks that empower communities to manage air quality issues effectively. Funding comes from New York's Environmental Protection Fund, which designates resources for Environmental Justice, ensuring investments benefit the most affected communities.

Eligible applicants are those from disadvantaged and environmental justice communities in New York State with evidence of high air pollution burdens. The DEC has specified that these projects should focus on communities with a historical lack of access to environmental resources and disproportionately high levels of pollution and related health issues. Eligible applicants may include local governments, community-based organizations, and other groups positioned to implement local air quality improvement plans effectively. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a clear potential for community impact and replicability in similar regions.

To apply, applicants must submit a completed application by 3 p.m. on January 29, 2025. DEC will accept questions regarding the application until January 15, 2025, and responses to these inquiries will be published on the DEC’s Environmental Justice Grant Programs webpage on a rolling basis. Applicants can access the full set of guidelines and contact DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice via phone or email for further assistance. Applications should clearly outline the proposed project, its anticipated impact, and metrics for evaluating effectiveness.

The DEC will assess applications based on criteria such as the project’s alignment with community needs, its potential to reduce air pollution effectively, and its scalability to other areas in New York. Applications should detail how the project will address current pollution burdens and include metrics for measuring health and environmental impacts. Projects that offer innovative or comprehensive approaches to air quality management and that have strong community engagement components are likely to receive favorable consideration.

This grant opportunity aligns with New York State’s broader climate and clean energy agenda, which aims for substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions by 2030 and zero emissions by mid-century. The state has committed significant resources to renewable energy, clean transportation, and energy efficiency programs. Through these air pollution mitigation grants, New York aims to deliver immediate environmental and health benefits to disadvantaged communities, furthering the goals of the Climate Act and supporting a just transition toward a cleaner environment.