DRIVERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. The EPA defines Environmental Justice (EJ) as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Grant Details
The solicitation seeks research that addresses five specific research areas:
1. Understanding how air quality, the environment, and public health in underserved communities might be improved through energy sector transformations;
2. Identifying approaches to ensure that energy transitions provide air quality benefits while meeting the energy and mobility needs of underserved communities;
3. Understanding socioeconomic, cultural, behavioral, institutional, and systems factors driving decisions regarding the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies in underserved communities;
4. Understanding how socioeconomic, organizational, and institutional factors affect decisions at various levels regarding the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies in underserved communities;
5. Identifying potential multi-pollutant and/or multi-sectoral approaches to achieve climate, air quality, and other environmental goals while minimizing potential negative impacts on underserved communities.

Eligibility Requirements
Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Special eligibility criteria apply to the early career award portion of this RFA.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for regular awards is a maximum duration of four years with no cost-sharing requirement. The estimated number of awards is approximately 11 with an anticipated funding amount of approximately $10 million total for all awards.

Grant Value
Up to a total of $1,125,000 per regular award, and up to a total of $650,000 per early career award including direct and indirect costs.