Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement (OSAPE), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program

Purpose

To engage in community-driven research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply.

Decarbonization Considerations

The program seeks to address the following research areas: 1) Understanding how air quality, the environment, and public health in underserved communities might be improved through the transformations of the energy sector; 2) approaches or strategies to ensure that energy transitions provide air quality benefits and reduce environmental risks while meeting the energy and mobility needs of underserved communities; 3) Understanding how socioeconomic, cultural, behavioral, institutional, and systems factors drive individual and household decisions and impact decision-making regarding the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies and building modifications, and new transportation modes in underserved communities;and 4) Identifying and evaluating potential multi-pollutant and/or multi-sectoral approaches to achieve climate, air quality, and other environmental goal.

Equity Considerations

For purposes of this competition and the evaluation of applications, “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including people of color, low income, rural, tribal, indigenous, and other populations that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and risks.

Helpful Tips

See awardees here: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/drivers-and-environmental-impacts-energy-transitions-underserved-communities-grants

Other Notes

In addition to regular awards, this solicitation includes the opportunity for early career awards. The purpose of the early career award is to fund research projects smaller in scope and budget by early career PIs.