The investment, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will enhance and extend air monitoring in and near communities. The funding will support the work of eligible state, local, Tribal and territorial air agencies in addressing air pollution, including monitoring near fenceline communities, developing and refining air toxics monitoring methods, and ensuring cleaner air for all.
In addition, EPA is also making approximately $2 million in funding available to support state, local, territorial, and Tribal agencies in the deployment and operation of air quality sensors in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the United States.
This historic amount of funding for air quality sensors and air monitoring delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative by helping to detect air pollution in communities that often bear the unequal health burden of legacy pollution, and better monitor and track pollution. Together, these investments will provide critical resources to ensure the sustainability of national air quality monitoring networks, helping protect human health and the environment and ensuring Americans are breathing cleaner air.
State, local, Tribal and territorial agencies have primary responsibility for operating and maintaining ambient air monitoring sites, including monitors that measure ground-level ozone, particle pollution, and air toxics. They are also responsible for mitigating, regulating, and enforcing regulations on sources of air emissions. Additionally, air agencies are typically the primary points of contact for people and organizations with questions and concerns regarding air quality monitoring.
EPA encourages eligible entities to apply for funding as soon as possible and no later than April 8, 2024.