NEWS RELEASE

NACD Applauds Release of EPA Programs Covered Under Justice40 Initiative

WASHINGTON – NACD applauds the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement of the initial list of programs covered under the Justice40 Initiative. The Justice40 Initiative established the goal of directing 40 percent of certain federal investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. Several programs that are included on this initial list are central to the work that conservation districts do across the country to implement conservation and natural resources management. Many of these programs are also included in funding allocations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Among others, included in that list of programs covered by the Justice40 Initiative are:

• Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
• Brownfields Projects Program
• Nonpoint Source (Section 319) Grants Program

These programs support water quality and water infrastructure projects across the country. Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs are federal-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. Brownfields Program provides direct funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, environmental job training, technical assistance, training, and research.

The Nonpoint Source (Section 319) Grant Program commonly involves districts and conservation practices to address nonpoint source pollution issues. Through the 319 Grants Program, states, territories, and tribes receive grant funding to support activities such as technical assistance, financial assistance, education, and demonstration projects to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects. Each program tackles water quality and infrastructure issues through financial and technical support as is needed in the community.

“NACD is pleased to see EPA considering the needs of disadvantaged communities when administering these programs,” said NACD CEO Jeremy Peters.  “It is critical that water quality continues to be addressed to support communities across the country through cooperation with local stakeholders such as conservation districts.”

About the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nearly 3,000 conservation districts across the United States, their state and territory associations, and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For more than 75 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit www.nacdnet.org.