4 Pacific Northwest Organizations Gain Environmental Justice Grants from E.P.A.

Beyond Toxics, Eugene, Oregon received $28,448 to help residents learn how protecting wetlands can reduce their vulnerability to flooding in flood prone areas and to work with residents to reduce health risks from exposure to fine particulate matter. In addition, Beyond Toxics will help develop climate resiliency by teaching residents to grow organic and culturally appropriate foods in a community garden. This plan will emphasize efforts with vulnerable members of the Hispanic community.

Seattle Tilth Association, Seattle, Washington received $29,331 to launch the South King Co. Just Garden Project. This plan will teach residents how to reduce pollution in the Green-Duwamish watershed and Puget Sound by building healthy soil, reducing use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides and reducing stormwater runoff. In addition, Seattle Tilth will build community resiliency by helping families grow healthy food for their families without environmental harm. The plan looks for to construct at least 90 garden beds in low-income residential complexes.

Chickaloon Native Village (traditional ancestral territory), Alaska received $30,000 to educate the local community on the potential public health and environmental effects of coal mining. This plan is focused on community education and engagement in environmental decision making that is protective of public health, air, water, fish and wildlife. The plan will increase community awareness of the connection between coal surface strip mining and climate impacts. In addition, the plan will create a formal community stakeholder engagement plan, to assess community concerns and goals, and develop a final Community Environmental Health Report to share with policy and decision makers.

Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development, Washington received $30,000 to increase awareness and direct participation in renewable energy generation by agriculture producers through Renewable Energy Farm Walks. These on-farm education events will focus on renewable energy technology. The plan goal is to provide peer-to-peer education and resources to farmers who need assistance on proper installation and usage.