EPA provides updates on several outreach programs

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced updates to several of its engagement and outreach programs, including grants for environmental justice and urban waters, the Visualize Your Water Challenge and the RE-Powering Initiative.

Through its Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, the EPA recently awarded $1.2 million to 40 organizations around the country working to educate communities about environmental issues, collect local environmental data and address environmental justice issues.

The Urban Waters Small Grants Program is now accepting proposals for the 2015/2016 cycle, which will close on Nov. 20. The agency is looking for projects targeting urban runoff pollution through methods incorporating diverse partnerships. The Urban Waters grants help underserved communities restore waters and vitalize their local environment.

Another upcoming opportunity for communities to benefit from EPA resources is the Visualize Your Water Challenge, which gets high school students involved in improving the water quality in the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay. The challenge opens on Jan. 5, with submissions telling the story of a nutrient pollution in the waterways through innovative visualizations due in February.

Finally, the EPA’s RE-Powering Initiative is now offering a tool that gives users a step-by-step guide to evaluating a site for solar or wind installation.