Settlement Agreement Projects
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Entities that commit alleged environmental violations fund projects in affected communities.
About the Award:
Violators of environmental laws may propose to undertake a project to provide environmental or public health benefits to the affected community or environment. While these are not an EPA program or “funding source” as that term is traditionally understood, Settlement Agreement Projects implementing IAQ focused projects have been an effective way to significantly improve public health and the environment in some cases. To increase the chances of influencing the type of mitigation project(s) implemented and/or the amount spent on a project, tribes should try to become “a party to the proceedings” for environmental cases in their area. Contact and establish a relationship with your EPA Regional Office or state air enforcement personnel.
Example Eligible IAQ Activities:
heating appliance upgrades (wood stove replacement, HVAC upgrade, etc.), air monitoring, radon construction, weatherization, technical training
Funding Details:
Dependent on settlement agreed upon by alleged violating entity.
National
Program Highlights:
A CAA legal settlement between U.S. EPA and the Four Corners Power Plant provided $4.7 million for new, cleaner-burning stoves and weatherization for Navajo homes. This stove change-out project will take place over a five-year period and is anticipated to serve approximately 600-700 homes. In addition, to the stove change-out project, the homes will also receive weatherization. The AQCP has collaborated with U.S. EPA and the Four Corners Power Plant to assist with stove change-outs through a research project titled “ Impact of heating stove replacement on indoor and outdoor air pollutants and respiratory health in Shiprock, NM Navajo Nation”. This will look at whether replacing old inefficient heating appliances will improve indoor air quality. [Source]
Typical Application Period: No specific application period. Violating entity will send a request for program applications after settlement is reached.
Notes:
The California Air Resources Board allows organizations to submit project ideas for SEP funding. Find more information here. Tribes can also be placed on a list of areas/organizations interested in using a Settlement Agreement Project as a funding source for heating appliance upgrade projects by emailing Larry Brockman of EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
Contact:
