Hi Friend,

We are reaching out to ask you to take urgent action in support of our grantee ally Climate Justice Alliance (CJA). As part of a broader wave of attacks on US civil society, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently withholding vital funding from CJA that is threatening the ability of communities in the US directly impacted by the climate crisis to carry out life-sustaining work. These communities have carried the burdens of the climate and environmental crises for generations, while their health and wellbeing have been sacrificed for the profit of the global fossil fuel industry. It is imperative that the EPA release the funds immediately so impacted communities can protect themselves from further threats, advance their healing, and implement the local solutions and alternatives they urgently need.

Please read the following alert from CJA Executive Director KD Chavez and take action today.

Thank you for joining us in solidarity,

Chung-Wha Hong

Co-Executive Director

Sara Mersha

Co-Executive Director

Hi Friend,

Now that the Dec. 6th deadline has passed and we’ve met all requirements as a national grantmaker on time, we need your help to release the IRA funds before inauguration on January 20th.

Send a quick email and help ensure the community climate funds already designated through the Inflation Reduction Act are released in time for them to actually be viable for their intended purpose. If you've already sent an email, thank you! Apologies to those who had trouble using the system.

TODAY- Send an Email to EPA Administrator Regan and tell him the climate funds must be released now. Remind him that his legacy should be one of standing with environmental justice communities, not of cowering to right wing pressure. 

In this new political context, non-profit organizations and environmental justice are under attack. We already see the chilling effects of political intimidation from lawmakers and the broader public, but we can’t let that deter us. Our communities depend on our collective action.

Listen to CJA's executive director on John Fugelsang's 'Tell me Everything' podcast on Siriusxm speak about the impact and the concerning delay in EPA climate funding for frontline communities. 

The Background 

As of today, Climate Justice Alliance’s (CJA) UNITE-EJ program, which was selected as a national grantmaker for the EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities program (a part of the Inflation Reduction Act) HAS NOT YET RECEIVED the funds for the program that must be obligated before inauguration on January 20, 2025.

To better understand what this will mean, read the recent Inside Climate News article here.

These funds will be used to address air and water quality, lead and other toxins clean-up, green infrastructure, food access, emergency preparedness, and more.

Despite being a top-scoring applicant to the grantmaking role, meeting every milestone, and currently leading communities of practice for the entire program, including quality assurance, technical assistance, and communications and outreach, CJA has not received the funds, nor been told why.

The EPA must release the Thriving Communities funds by December 6th. If they don’t, they are setting a dangerous precedent to defy democratic process and the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Can you help us ensure that we get these needed resources to frontline communities and supportive institutions that are building climate resiliency, energy democracy, food sovereignty, and life-saving resources today? 

Thank you for your action!

KD Chavez

Executive Director

Grassroots International
179 Boylston Street
4th floor
Boston, MA 02130
United States

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