U.S. EPA Announces $83 Million to Enhance Air Quality Monitoring Networks Nationwide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 16 announced the availability of $81 million in funding opportunities to support eligible air agencies in expanding and upgrading the nation’s air quality monitoring networks. This investment, supported by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, aims to address air pollution, enhance monitoring in and near communities, and ensure cleaner air. The funding will assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial air agencies in monitoring fenceline communities, refining air toxics monitoring methods, and promoting overall air quality. An additional $2 million is allocated for deploying air quality sensors in low-income and disadvantaged communities, aligning with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. These investments aim to detect and track air pollution, particularly in areas burdened by legacy pollution, ensuring the sustainability of national air quality monitoring networks and safeguarding human health and the environment. The EPA emphasizes the importance of reliable air quality monitoring as a critical component in implementing effective pollution reduction strategies and fulfilling the Biden administration’s commitment to clean air for all.

Earlier this month, the agency announced stronger standards for harmful soot pollution, with the aim of yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits by 2032. These measures involve tightening the annual health-based national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. Since 2000, outdoor PM2.5 concentrations have decreased by 42 percent, while the U.S. Gross Domestic Product has increased by 52 percent.

The Biden administration has demonstrated significant commitment to addressing climate change, notably with the passage of the IRA, the largest single investment in U.S. climate and energy initiatives. Key elements of the administration’s climate agenda include proposals to regulate emissions from power plants and vehicles, the finalization of methane emission rules, and a focus on advancing environmental justice. Internationally, the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and allocated $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund. In the final year of his first term, President Biden is actively working to solidify his regulatory agenda. A noteworthy achievement is the establishment of new methane emission standards, finalized in December, targeting reductions in harmful air pollution from oil and natural gas operations. These standards, applicable to existing sources for the first time, mandate industry monitoring and mitigation of methane leaks, aiming for an approximate 80 percent reduction in emissions compared to projections without the standards. The climate benefits of these standards were assessed using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest analysis of the social cost of greenhouse gases.

Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for the air monitoring grants by April 8 through EPA’s Air Quality and Air Quality Sensors Grants website. EPA plans to hold a webinar for eligible entities on Feb. 28.