The federal government has decided to cancel a nearly $500,000 environmental justice grant that was intended for Greater Cincinnati’s climate projects. This funding, which Green Umbrella received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed to tackle local environmental issues. Executive Director Ryan Mooney-Bullock expressed concern about the impact of this decision.
The grant was set to support initiatives like stormwater management in Cincinnati’s Beekman Corridor, creating a resilience map in Newport, Kentucky, and introducing climate action ideas in Aurora, Indiana. Now, the future of these projects is uncertain.
"The loss of that funding means that we don’t have committed resources for our staff and partners to engage in that work," said Mooney-Bullock. This grant was one of 400 grants terminated by the EPA, as noted in an agency release. The agency pointed to shifting priorities as the reason behind the cancellations.
Mooney-Bullock highlighted that this cut affects organizations across the country that help communities facing environmental challenges. “It’s a huge hit for those working to improve poor environmental conditions and protect community health,” she said.
Seeking New Solutions
With federal grants previously accounting for 40% of Green Umbrella’s $2.5 million operating budget, Mooney-Bullock is now focusing on alternative funding sources. "We’re reaching out to local and national funders to fill some of these gaps," she noted.
While navigating the cuts, Green Umbrella is determined to focus on climate projects that still have financial backing. “We will continue working toward planning that reduces emissions and prepares communities for climate change. The reality of climate change remains, regardless of government discussions,” Mooney-Bullock stated.
The Bigger Picture
This situation is not unique to Cincinnati. Across the U.S., the trend of cutting environmental grants highlights a shift in government priorities that many local organizations are currently grappling with. According to a recent article from the New York Times, public feedback indicates that many communities feel the impacts of climate change daily, emphasizing the urgent need for support and funding in this arena.
As climate-related events become more common, it’s clear that organizations like Green Umbrella play a vital role in fostering resilience in their communities. Moving forward, their efforts to secure alternative funding could serve as a model for other groups facing similar challenges.
For more details on the EPA grant cancellations, you can visit the EPA’s news page.
Check out this related article: Uniting for Change: The Urgent Call for Environmental Justice Groups to Advocate for a Militarism-Free Future
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