EPA and Montana State University partner to enhance environmental justice efforts

BOZEMAN, Mont. – At an event in Bozeman on Friday, January 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Montana State University (MSU) will receive at least $10 million to serve as an environmental justice resource center for six states and 28 Tribal nations in the region.  

EPA Region 8 designed this cooperative agreement to establish and operate an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC) with a physical location and virtual presence in the region. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC at MSU will provide technical assistance, training and other forms of assistance, resources and support to program participant organizations throughout EPA Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribal nations. 

“Together, EPA and MSU will help break down the barriers to resources that underserved and overburdened communities have always faced,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These communities deserve support and fair access to the historic levels of funding EPA offers to protect families’ health and homes.” 

The new EJ TCTAC will be funded by President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda. EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate applicants for this competitive funding opportunity. They selected MSU based on its ability to provide technical assistance related to energy justice as well as environmental justice in its workplan. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC will serve as a resource for program participants interested in environmental and energy justice policy development and will help participants understand and use grant programs to advance environmental and energy justice.  

There was no award for a dedicated Region 8 EJ TCTAC under a previous national competition. EPA determined that for program effectiveness and to successfully serve communities within this geographic area, it was appropriate to open a competition for a Region 8-specific EJ TCTAC. 

EPA Region 8, with potential DOE funding, anticipates providing about $10 million in total funding for this award from the original $100 million offered nationwide. 

More information on the new Technical Assistance Centers Program is available on the EPA website.