Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 53 results

• What is the definition of “overburdened community” that is relevant for EPA Actions and Promising Practices?

  EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply the description of overburdened communities articulated in EPA’s Plan EJ 2014. The term is used to describe the minority, low‐income, tribal and indigenous populations or communities in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks due to exposures or cumulative impacts…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• How will an EPA regional office determine whether a permitted activity impacts a potential overburdened community? What screening tool or process will EPA regional offices use to screen permit applications?

  The Agency has developed a nationally consistent screening tool to help identify communities that are potentially overburdened. This tool, known as EJSCREEN, is one of several tools being developed under Plan EJ 2014. EPA anticipates that its regional offices will use EJSCREEN and other readily available information, including known community…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Some of the Promising Practices are mentioned in EPA regulations, guidance and recommendations that EPA has issued in the past. So why is EPA issuing the Promising Practices?

  EPA is issuing Promising Practices to encourage permit applicants to strategically plan and conduct enhanced outreach to overburdened communities in the permitting process. As some commenters noted, EPA has recommended some of the outreach strategies included in Promising Practices previously. Nevertheless, EPA believes that it is important to issue Promising…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outcomes over time using an adaptive management approach?

  Full Question How much flexibility do applicants have in refining the Outcomes and Outputs identified in their application over time using an adaptive management approach? Answer EPA recognizes that “adaptive management” can be an effective tool in getting the best results. Adjustments to outputs and outcomes based on the adaptive…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP?

  Full Question Do we have to pair hands-on, place-based Great Lakes enviro education (i.e., GLRI Measure of Progress, GLRI MOP 5.1.1 youth impacted through education and stewardship projects) with one of the other GLRI actions/related MOP? Answer Projects that relate to 5.1.1 are not required to connect to another specific…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Could an organization in the coalition be a Project Subrecipient if there is a conflict-of-interest policy in place?

  Full Question If we develop a conflict-of-interest policy and require recusal from evaluating or prioritizing projects where a conflict arises, would this allow EJ orgs to submit projects for funding even if they are getting paid to advise on the structure and process for the re-grant program and participation in…

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• Should applications include Outputs and Outcomes related to Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria?

  EPA cannot provide a recommendation on this question. Applicants must decide whether or not they develop outputs and outcomes based on Project Subrecipient evaluation criteria for themselves. Please see section I.F. for information on Outcomes, Outputs, and Performance Metrics which includes information on performance measurement and evaluation plans.

  • Last published: August 20, 2024

• How do applicants reflect the 6th year of funding on the SF424A form, as there is only room for 5 years?

  We realize this is a limitation of the form and expect applicants to provide information to the best of their ability. Applicants should also provide sufficient information in the budget narrative section of their application.

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• Is there an expectation on whether small subawards, for ~ $50K, or large subawards, for ~$750K are preferable? For example, a large subaward could be the only thing a regional PR could award if they ask for the minimum of $2,000,000.

  The RFA does not state a preference for the size of the subaward, so long as the subaward is within the $50,000 to $750,000 limit. GLNPO will look to applicants to describe the program to be carried out and why this amount of subaward funding makes sense for their specific…

  • Last published: September 5, 2024

• Can letters of support be emailed directly to EPA?

  Only materials submitted as part of the grant application submitted on Grants.gov will be considered. If supporters wish to send letters directly to EPA, they may email ( [email protected] ). However, for them to be considered with the application, the applicant organization should be copied on those email messages with…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• Are permit applicants required to adopt the Promising Practices?

  EPA is not requiring permit applicants to adopt the Promising Practices. Promising Practices are simply that: good ideas in the form of suggestions to permit applicants. Permit applicants may benefit from applying these Promising Practices. EPA hopes that when permit applicants practice early and meaningful dialogue with the community, they…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• EPA Actions does not require EPA regional offices to prioritize the same types of permits and adopt the same outreach activities. Why doesn’t EPA require regional offices to always prioritize certain permits and always do certain outreach activities?

  EPA Actions strikes an important balance between national consistency and regional flexibility. The Agency‐wide guidelines establish national consistency by providing EPA’s expectations for the regional implementation plans. At the same time, EPA recognizes that the regional offices need the flexibility to take actions suited to the types of permits and…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Do EPA Actions or the Promising Practices in the Federal Register notice apply to permits that are issued by state, tribal, or local permitting authorities, or just permits that are issued by EPA?

  EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply only to permits that are issued by EPA. It does not apply to permits issued by state, tribal or local governments under authority delegated by EPA. By addressing environmental justice in its permits, EPA is leading by example among federal departments and agencies. EPA…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• If permit applicants are not required to adopt the Promising Practices, why should a permit applicant adopt them?

  EPA hopes that the practices described will persuade those who are new to these ideas to experiment with this form of leadership. Indeed, engaging with their communities as described in Promising Practices is consistent with many permit applicants’ core values. These principles, practices and values lead to corporate sustainability, stability…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Are tribal and indigenous communities within the definition of overburdened communities?

  Tribal and indigenous communities are included in EPA’s definition of overburdened communities under Plan EJ 2014. For nearly thirty years, EPA has worked with federally recognized tribal governments on a government‐to‐government basis as sovereigns, partners, and co‐regulators. EPA has also worked with indigenous communities to address their environmental and health…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024