Surveys, Studies, Investigations and Special Purpose Activities Relating to Environmental Justice (66.309)
Program
66.309 Surveys, Studies, Investigations and Special Purpose Activities Relating to Environmental Justice
Federal Agency
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Office: Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Authorization
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), Section 311(c); Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001(a); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20(a); Clean Air Act, Section 103(b)(3); Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10(a); Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203; Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(c)(3); Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3).
Program Number
66.309
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The program's mission/objective is to provide funding in support of surveys, studies and investigations, and special purpose assistance programs as they relate to environmental and/or public health issues, with a particular emphasis on environmental justice. Funding Priority-Fiscal Year 2009. Activities that support surveys, studies and investigations, and special purpose assistance for the award of grants and cooperative agreements that address environmental justice concerns. EPA defines "environmental justice" as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no one group of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal environmental programs and policies. Meaningful involvement means that: (1) potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health; (2) the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision; (3) the concerns of all participants involved will be considered in the decision-making process; and (4) the decision-makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected. Assistance agreements may be associated with air quality, acid deposition, drinking water, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and/or pesticides. Funding Priority-Fiscal Year 2010. Activities that support surveys, studies and investigations, and special purpose assistance for the award of grants and cooperative agreements that address environmental justice concerns. EPA defines "environmental justice" as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no one group of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal environmental programs and policies. Meaningful involvement means that: (1) potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health; (2) the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision; (3) the concerns of all participants involved will be considered in the decision-making process; and (4) the decision-makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected. Assistance agreements may be associated with climate change, green jobs, energy efficiency and green business.
Types of Assistance
Cooperative Agreements
Uses and Use Restrictions
Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: http://geodata.epa.gov. The recipient cannot use these funds for the following activities under this program: litigation against the Federal government or any other government entity; construction; lobbying; matching funds for other Federal grants; travel for Federal employees; and human health studies (taking blood or other information from humans).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Assistance under this program is generally available to States, territories, Indian Tribes, intertribal consortia, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions which submit applications proposing projects concerning environmental justice issues with significant technical merit and relevance to EPA's mission. Some of EPA's statutes may limit assistance to specific types of interested applications. See "Authorization" listed above. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this CFDA description, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States, territories, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and Indian Tribes, OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions, OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit institutions, and FAR Part 31 for profit makers. Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. EPA may ask applicants or principle investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Regarding pre-application/pre-proposal assistance with respect to competitive funding opportunities under this program description, EPA will generally specify the nature of the pre-application/pre-proposal assistance, if any, that will be available to applicants in the competitive announcement. For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts" or see Appendix IV of the Catalog. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Applicants may be able to use http://www.grants.gov to electronically apply for certain grant opportunities under this CFDA.
Award Procedure
For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications, proposals, and/or submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 180 days.
Appeals
Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005). Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts." Disputes relating to matters other than the competitive selection of recipients will be resolved under 40 CFR 30.63 or 40 CFR 31.70, as applicable.
Renewals
None. A standard grant application should be prepared and submitted as a new grant, which will be reviewed in the same manner as the original application and will compete for available funds. Generally, EPA incrementally funds grants and cooperative agreements for surveys, studies, and investigations. Approval of subsequent funding increments is dependent on satisfactory project progress, continued relevance of the project to EPA's priorities, and availability of funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants and cooperative agreements are normally funded on a 12-month basis (annual). Most of OEJ awarded grants and cooperative agreements have project periods ranging from one year to five years, and generally, grants and cooperative agreements are fully funded at the time of award. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Other.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
EPA includes reporting requirements for grants and cooperative agreements in the terms and conditions of the agreements. Agreements may require quarterly, interim, and final program reports, and financial, equipment, and invention reports. Reporting requirements are also identified in the Grant Regulations Part 30 and Part 31. No cash reports are required. Agreements may require quarterly, interim, and final progress reports. No expenditure reports are required. Performance monitoring is required under this program.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Recipients must keep financial records, including all documents supporting entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes in grants available to personnel authorized to examine EPA recipients grants and cooperative agreements records. Recipients must maintain all records until 3 years from the date of submission of final expenditure reports. If questions, such as those raised as a result of audits remain following the 3-year period, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved.
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2008: Unsolicited request for assistance - a conference on the study and investigation of new ideas and new approaches to climate change through interactive training sessions, featuring thought-provoking dialogue, voices of experience and research on the challenges of communities, governments, municipalities, communities, faith-based organizations, and others with an interest in environmental matters and environmental justice; attendance of over 300 individuals, 30 organizations, 30 experts and lecturers. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0103-0-1-304; 68-0107-0-1-304; 68-8145-0-7-304; 68-0108-0-1-304.
Obligations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 08 $0; FY 09 est $30,000; FY 10 est $30,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$15,000 to $150,000/fiscal year; $15,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Surveys, Studies, and Investigations grants and cooperative agreements are subject to EPA's General Grant Regulations (40 CFR Part 30 and 40 CFR Part 31).
Related Programs
66.305 Compliance Assistance Support for Services to the Regulated Community and Other Assistance Providers ; 66.604 Environmental Justice Small Grant Program
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices. Region l Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont: Primary Contact: Amy Braz (617) 918-1346, braz.amy@epa.gov, USEPA Region 1 (RAA), One Congress Street - Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02203-0001; Region 2 New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands: Primary Contact: Terry Wesley (212) 637-5027, wesley.terry@epa.gov, USEPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10007; Secondary: Tasha Frazier (212) 637-3861, frazier.tasha@epa.gov. Region 3 Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia: Primary Contact: Reginald Harris (215) 814-2988, harris.reggie@epa.gov, USEPA Region 3 (3DA00), 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029. Region 4 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee: Primary Contact: Elvie Barlow (404)562-9650, barlow.elvie@epa.gov, USEPA Region 4 Main Office (404) 562-8407, 61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303-8960; Secondary: Ella Mclendon (404) 562- 8316, mclendon.ella@epa.gov. Region 5 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin: Primary Contact: Margaret Millard (312) 353-1440, millard.margaret@epa.gov, USEPA Region 5 (DM7J), 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604-3507. Region 6 Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas: Primary Contact: Shirley Quinones (214) 665-2713, quinones.shirley@epa.gov, USEPA Region 6, Fountain Place, 13th Floor, 1445 Ross Avenue (RA-D), Dallas, Texas 75202-2733; Region 7 Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska: Primary Contact: Althea Moses (913) 551-7649, moses.althea@epa.gov, USEPA Region 7, 901 North 5th Street (RGAD/ECO), Kansas City, KS 66101. Region 8 Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming: Primary Contact: Nancy Reish (303) 312-6040, reish.nancy@epa.gov, USEPA Region 8 (8ENF-EJ), 999 18th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202-2466; Secondary: Jean Belille (303) 312-6556 belille.jean@epa.gov. Region 9 Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam: Primary Contact: Karen Henry (415) 972-3844, henry.karen@epa.gov, USEPA Region 9 CMD-1, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Region 10 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington: Primary Contact: Running Grass (206) 553-2899, grass.running@epa.gov, USEPA Region 10 (OMP-143), 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.
Headquarters Office
Sheila Lewis USEPA
Office of Environmental Justice
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code 2201A, Washington, District of Columbia 20460 Email: lewis.sheila@epa.gov Phone: (202)564-0152
Web Site Address
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/index.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2008: Study and investigation of new ideas and new approaches to climate change through interactive training sessions, featuring thought-provoking dialogue, voices of experience and research on the challenges of communities, governments, municipalities, communities, faith-based organizations, and others with an interest in environmental matters and environmental justice. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this CFDA description will be described in the competitive announcement.
