A federal judge has put a hold on President Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans. This decision comes amidst plans to eliminate initiatives focused on environmental justice, leaving funding for various environmental projects in limbo.
One such project is a $1 million grant aimed at addressing pollution in the Echo Heights neighborhood of southeast Fort Worth. This area has been the center of environmental activism for years. In 2023, the Fort Worth environmental services department applied for an Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant would support a three-year plan to research and reduce industrial pollution affecting local residents.
Community members have raised concerns about losing green spaces, declining quality of life, and being exposed to harmful emissions from nearby industrial sites. These issues have been highlighted in the city’s grant application. The environmental services director, Cody Whittenburg, mentioned that the city was selected to receive the grant in 2024, but due to recent funding freezes, they are uncertain when the funds will be available.
During a City Council meeting in February, over 30 residents voiced their concerns, urging the city to prioritize environmental justice in its 2050 comprehensive plan. Whittenburg expressed that his department is eager to collaborate with the EPA for updates regarding the grant. The proposal aims to work with residents to gather essential data to devise strategies for reducing pollution in Echo Heights, an area reportedly home to over 180 industrial facilities that have contributed to air quality issues and health problems.
The grant’s approval aligns with growing demands from local environmental coalitions, who want city leaders to confront pressing health and environmental concerns in their planning efforts. In September, these organizations reached out to City Council members, requesting discussions on how to integrate environmental justice within the comprehensive plan. When their calls for dialogue went unanswered, the coalition launched a petition that has since gathered more than 3,500 signatures.
Residents like Letitia Wilbourn, who leads the Echo Heights Stop Six Environmental Coalition, argue that even without the grant, the city should prioritize environmental planning and policies to address pollution. She emphasizes that it’s not just about funding; it’s about taking actionable steps to reduce the impact of industrial activities on vulnerable communities.
Caleb Roberts from Downwinders at Risk, an environmental advocacy group, expressed frustration over the lack of community communication regarding the grant application. He believes that transparency with residents is crucial, even before securing funds.
John MacFarlane from the Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club agrees, stating that the city should not depend solely on federal funding to address these urgent issues. He calls for a reallocation of resources to better serve low-income communities burdened by pollution.
The city is actively seeking to address these concerns by forming focus groups to integrate land use and environmental justice into its plans, aiming for a meeting in March to further these discussions.
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Environmental Protection Agency,Fort Worth City Council
