EPA OFFERS $3 MILLION FOR PROJECTS TO CUT POLLUTION

The Environmental Protection Agency and its Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program plan to award $3 million in grants to help local communities reduce pollution in 2008. City, state and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and universities, can submit grant proposals until March 17, 2008. CARE is a competitive grant and technical assistance program to support community-based education and public health protection projects across the country. Examples of previous projects include conducting outreach to school-age children and health care providers in Laredo, Texas; working with gas station owners and auto dismantlers to help reduce air and water pollution in Bernalillo County, N.M. and addressing environmental priorities in areas recovering from Hurricane Katrina in St. Bernard Parish, La. For more information on the CARE program and how to apply for grants at the CARE website. EPA will also conduct three webcasts, Jan. 18, Feb . 11 and 27, to provide prospective applicants with additional information on the application process. To register for a webcast session go online.