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MI Climate Justice Challenge for EPA Community Change Grant Awardees

Michigan was awarded $87.9 million in investments for community-driven projects across the state from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grants program. Projects will support home repair and energy-efficiency improvements, the deployment of clean energy technologies, the development of resiliency hubs in communities, and more. These awards will empower Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations in Michigan with resources to protect communities from extreme weather, lower energy costs, and protect our land, air, and water resources.

“Michigan is committed to working with anyone to drive projects and investments that support communities, lower energy costs, protect our natural resources, and help achieve the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan,” said Phil Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “These investments will improve the lives of residents in communities from Kalamazoo to the Keweenaw Peninsula, making them more comfortable in their homes, safe in their communities, and helping them save money on their energy bills.”  

The EPA’s Community Change Grants program made available by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was designed to provide place-based investments focused on communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, climate change, or disinvestment. In total the EPA received over $40 billion in requests for this program. In response to this funding opportunity and community interest, the state launched the Climate Justice Challenge with $11 million from the “Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund” to provide successful federal funding recipients five percent in matching grants and support for federal grant management, compliance, reporting, and more.

Hand holding a sprout
Wetlands
Three people with a lightbulb over their heads
Flooded home
An electrical plug with a leaf at the end

Need more help?

Contact us to request help connecting with potential project partners or technical assistance providers in Michigan.

Office of Climate and EnergyEGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov

Office of the Environmental Justice Public AdvocateEGLE-EnvironmentalJustice@Michigan.gov