Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Funding under the ARP
On July 7, 2021, EPA announced that it will make $50 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding available to improve ambient air quality monitoring for communities across the United States. This funding for enhanced air quality monitoring builds on the Agency’s June 25, 2021, announcement of $50 million for environmental justice projects under the ARP, bringing the total to $100 million in EPA funding designated by Congress to address health outcome disparities from pollution and the COVID–19 pandemic.
The $50 million for enhanced air quality monitoring is divided into four components.
1. Grant Competition for Community Monitoring
On November 3, 2022, EPA announced the selection of 132 air monitoring projects in 37 states to receive $53.4 million in funding to enhance air quality monitoring in communities across the United States with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic.
More Information about EPA's Grant Selections
2. Direct Awards to Air Agencies for Continuous Monitoring of PM2.5 and Other Common Air Pollutants
EPA distributed $22.5 million to state, Tribal and local air agencies for enhanced monitoring of PM2.5 and five other air pollutants regulated by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act.
More Information about EPA's Direct Awards
3. Enhanced Regional Capacity for Short-term Community Monitoring Needs
EPA will be investing $5 million in agency mobile monitoring labs or air sensor loan programs. These investments will improve EPA's ability to support communities in need of short-term monitoring and air quality information.
4. Administrative Support
To improve data management and ensure the grants and programs are properly administered and tracked, the agency will direct $2.5 million to oversight and administration activities.