The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced $1 million in grant funding for two projects aimed at reducing air pollution in disadvantaged and environmental justice communities. The funding comes from DEC’s Air Pollution Mitigation program and supports ongoing statewide community air monitoring efforts designed to better identify pollution sources and develop reduction strategies in collaboration with local stakeholders. Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized that cutting air pollution is essential for the long-term health of communities disproportionately affected by emissions.
The grants target neighborhoods facing elevated pollution levels, noise, and odor concerns due to uneven distribution of emission sources. In Buffalo, the Prenatal-Perinatal Network received $500,000 to improve indoor air quality and maternal health by distributing air filtration devices and conducting community education. The project focuses on African American and Hispanic pregnant women and aims to improve birth outcomes and long-term child development.
Another $500,000 was awarded to the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center to support Clean Air New Rochelle. This project will monitor air quality in disadvantaged neighborhoods surrounding The LINC, a major infrastructure initiative intended to reconnect streets, manage traffic, add green infrastructure, and create community spaces. Community engagement will guide the evaluation of pollution reduction strategies such as traffic rerouting, increased vegetation, and roadside barriers.
Local leaders highlighted the importance of addressing environmental stressors that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and praised the integration of community-driven air monitoring with state climate goals. The statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative, completed in 2024, collected detailed air quality data in 10 high-burden communities. DEC continues to work with these communities to refine pollution reduction recommendations, which will be published next year.
As part of New York’s broader climate agenda, the state is pursuing an equitable transition to a clean energy economy, ensuring at least 35 percent of benefits reach disadvantaged communities. Efforts across energy, transportation, buildings, and waste sectors aim to support economic growth, create jobs, and achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050.
