On September 27, 2021, EPA released a memo entitled Near-term Actions to Support Environmental Justice in the Nonpoint Source Program. In the memo, EPA committed to taking action to ensure equitable and fair access to the benefits of cleaner water provided by the Clean Water Act Section 319 program. Among the actions EPA commits to in the memo is an ongoing dialogue with the NPS community as this work goes forward.
As a part of this dialogue, it is important to hear from those who might have received a pass through grant from a state or territory and those who have not yet received a 319 grant. The NPS program is hosting four listening sessions open to all NPS subgrantees and those considering applying for a 319 grant. If you are interested in participating in a listening session, please sign up through our Eventbrite Registration for one of the following dates:
- Tuesday, May 17 at 1:00pm-2:30pm ET
- Wednesday, May 18 at 3:00pm-4:30pm ET
- Note: This session will focus on communities in the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed of the Hypoxia Task Force states
- Tuesday, May 24 at 6:00pm-7:30pm ET
- Wednesday, May 25 at 3:00pm-4:30pm ET
These listening sessions will provide an overview of the NPS program and the Justice40 initiative, and a facilitated discussion with subgrantees. The discussion will aim to understand the challenges facing environmental justice communities, Tribes, and Indigenous communities, how these challenges impact NPS programs working within these communities, and how EPA can help address these challenges through action in the Clean Water Act Section 319 program.
319 grants are given directly to states, territories, and tribes to support a variety of activities related to nonpoint source pollution control. To learn more about the NPS program, please visit this webpage.
Please share this opportunity with any subgrantees or community groups who have applied, are eligible, or received Section 319 grants to ensure robust engagement on this critical issue.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Cyd Curtis (curtis.cynthia@epa.gov) or Steve Epting (epting.steve@epa.gov).