Shocking Turn of Events: EPA Cuts $15M Climate Justice Grant for Non-Profits in Pittsburgh and Philly

The non-profit group, Landforce, received a remarkable $15 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding aimed to boost climate and environmental justice efforts, with Landforce providing job training in landscaping and ecological projects to the Pittsburgh community.

However, this valuable grant is now in jeopardy. Recently, the federal government has shifted its focus away from climate initiatives, leading to uncertainty about the funding’s future.

Landforce plays a crucial role in workforce development. Each year, they hire about 15 individuals, ranging from ages 18 to 63. They train participants in essential skills like tree planting, landscaping, and trail building. CEO Ilyssa Manspeizer emphasizes the organization’s dual mission: preparing people for jobs while caring for the environment. Since its founding nearly a decade ago, Landforce has trained over 200 individuals, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds.

“This program helps people who usually don’t have access to family-sustaining jobs,” Manspeizer states. The support extends beyond job skills, encompassing life lessons like managing finances and effective communication.

Recently, one new recruit, Teya Johnson, shared her journey. At just 23, she found hope through Landforce after struggling to find stable employment. “I noticed changes in myself; it’s more than just about work,” she said. The program encourages self-improvement and personal growth, helping participants cultivate a positive mindset.

During a recent site visit, Landforce staff were preparing for a tree-planting event at the Braddock Civic Center. Despite previous efforts failing due to unfortunate conditions, the team is determined to create thriving green spaces.

The organization is not just about immediate job training. It looks ahead. Thanks to last year’s grant, Landforce is expanding its services, including a project focused on recycling urban wood waste. They now operate a facility called The Mill, where wood waste is transformed into usable materials, including biochar. Biochar, when added to soil, helps reduce toxins, making it safer for community gardens—vital in areas with soil contamination.

Data from the USDA shows biochar contributes to carbon sequestration, which could aid in combating climate change. The Pennsylvania Conservation District is also collaborating with Landforce, ensuring the biochar reaches local farms and gardens.

However, this innovative setup is threatened. After a series of funding freezes and unfreezes, Landforce received a termination notice regarding the grant just days after reporting progress on its projects. The EPA claims the project no longer aligns with federal priorities, sparking backlash from local leaders, including Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who decried the decision.

“Why cancel a project aimed at boosting local jobs and manufacturing?” Fetterman questioned, pledging to advocate for the grant’s reinstatement.

Despite the challenges, Manspeizer remains resilient. “We may not achieve everything we hoped this year, but we will endure,” she states, highlighting the group’s commitment to its mission, even if it means scaling back on the number of trainees.

In the end, the fight for the grant continues, but for participants like Teya Johnson, Landforce has already provided invaluable opportunities for improved futures. “It’s a chance to learn things I never had before,” she reflects, embodying the hope that Landforce instills in the community.

For more insights on environmental policy and community initiatives, visit the EPA’s website.

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9 May 2025 episode,Inflation Reduction Act