Open Now: Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities Request for Applications
EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. Learn more and apply here: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/drivers-and-environmental-impacts-energy-transitions-underserved-communities. Application period closes April 28, 2022.
EPA is looking for applications that address some or all of the following research areas:
- Understanding how air quality, the environment, and public health in underserved communities might be improved through the transformations of the energy sector;
- Identifying approaches or strategies to ensure that energy transitions provide air quality benefits and reduce environmental risks while meeting the energy and transportation needs of underserved communities;
- Understanding how socioeconomic, cultural, behavioral, institutional, and systems factors drive individual and household decisions regarding the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies and building modifications, and new transportation modes in underserved communities;
- Understanding how socioeconomic, organizational, and institutional factors affect decisions at the organization, governmental and community levels regarding the adoption and diffusion of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, building modifications, and new transportation modes in underserved communities; and
- Identifying and evaluating potential multi-pollutant and/or multi-sectoral approaches to achieve climate, air quality, and other environmental goals while maximizing potential positive impacts as well as minimizing potential negative impacts to underserved communities arising from large-scale energy systems transformation.
Eligible entities include: Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs), and hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply. Learn more and apply here: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/drivers-and-environmental-impacts-energy-transitions-underserved-communities. Application period closes April 28, 2022.
Background: Rapid large-scale transformations of energy and transportation systems to low-carbon, renewable, and energy efficient sources and technologies are essential to avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change. These energy transitions provide challenges and opportunities to improve environmental and public health in ways that also reduce the inequities prevalent in the current energy and transportation systems, such as the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on low-income communities and communities of color.
COVID-19 Update: EPA is providing flexibilities to applicants experiencing challenges related to COVID-19. Please see the Flexibilities Available to Organizations Impacted by COVID-19 clause in Section IV of EPA’s Solicitation Clauses.
To learn more about the EPA’s Air Research Grants: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/air-research-grants
To learn more about EPA’s Research Grants: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants
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