EAST HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03) announced the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) has been selected to receive $250,000 in federal grants to provide technical assistance to help Connecticut businesses develop and adopt pollution prevention practices in local communities.

CT DEEP will partner with the Toxic Use Reduction Institute at University of Massachusetts Lowell to identify safer cleaning and sanitizing products for craft beverage manufacturers in Connecticutto reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, solid and hazardous waste, water pollution and toxic chemicals. CT DEEP will also continue to work with other New England states to offer the BetterBev recognition program, which incentivizes businesses to carry out pollution reduction measures. Facilities in or adjacent to communities with environmental justice concerns will be prioritized.

“We won’t achieve our climate goals unless everybody is involved in the fight, but small businesses often face greater barriers to making the upfront investments for cleaner practices. By providing direct technical support to Connecticut’s local craft beverage manufacturers, this $250,000 in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help small business owners across our state adopt more sustainable, cost-effective practices that reduce harmful emissions, strengthen our economy, and safeguard the health of our communities for generations to come,” said Murphy.

“This investment in greener craft breweries and wineries will help them be even more successful as environmental stewards. With greater technical aid, beverage businesses can expand consumer appeal by reducing pollution and protecting natural resources. It’s a boost for our economy and environment,” said Blumenthal.

“Addressing pollution at the source is key to protecting community health and taking on the threat of climate change,” said Larson. “I have been proud to work with the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation to deliver federal funding for projects to combat pollution and ensure all communities have access to clean air and water. This funding will support ongoing work at the state and local level to invest in innovative solutions that protect our environment, combat pollution, and help reduce energy bills.”

"Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CT DEEP can bolster its work with businesses across our state to reduce pollution,” said DeLauro. “These funds will help drive economic growth and ensure Connecticut leads the way in combatting pollution. The climate crisis is here, and it is an existential threat. We must do all we can to reduce pollution and protect our planet for generations to come.”

“Every community deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment—and pollution prevention grants help achieve that by reducing waste at the source. By adopting smarter and innovative practices that limit the use of toxic materials and conserve resources, these investments are helping our partners to support New England businesses to cut costs, grow sustainably, and protect the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, together we’re creating lasting benefits for local economies and ensuring that environmental progress and economic growth go hand in hand and reach all communities, including those that need it most. That's Investing in America.”

EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. In total, EPA has announced 48 selectees across the country that will collectively receive nearly $19 million in grants to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities. This includes any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the funds awarded this year were made available with no cost share/match requirement.

Between 2011-2022, EPA’s Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop, and adopt P2 approaches. These approaches have resulted in 31.9 billion kWh in energy savings, eliminated 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved 52 billion gallons of water, reduced 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials, and saved businesses more than $2.3 billion.

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