Dear John,

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.

The Dec. 6th deadline has passed and we’ve met all requirements as a national grantmaker of the EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities program on time, we need your help to release the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) climate funds before inauguration on January 20th.

Send a quick email and help ensure the community climate funds already designated through the IRA 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. 

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 as soon as possible and well before inauguration. 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