Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
On October 30th, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced the selectees of the 2024-2025 Pollution Prevention Grants. The newly announced grant is part of a nationwide initiative to reduce pollution by limiting it at its sources. The Nevada Business Environmental Program is one of 48 agencies nationally that received a total of nearly $19 million for pollution-prevention projects, and the $350,000 grant to the Nevada program is among the largest.
The University of Nevada Reno’s (UNR) Business Environmental Program’s winning project will include conducting a series of educational webinars for auto repair shops on spray gun cleaners and cleaning equipment, alternative
basecoats, primers, and topcoats and dust reduction and control practices.
Following the webinars, technical assistance will be offered to reduce worker exposure to dust and solvents high in volatile organic compounds such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene,
and n-propyl bromide used in different automotive processes.
BEP will also collaborate with the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center to expand P2 West, a multi-region annual conference for P2 professionals.
Learn more here.
Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American business’ efforts to reduce costs, while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources and other critical ecosystems.
