Recipients of Community Clean Air Grant announced

Today, Mayor Janey announced the selection of two recipients for the Community Clean Air Grants, a program offered by the Environment Department and the Air Pollution Control Commission. The program has awarded two grants totaling $96,134 to Mothers Out Front East Boston and the Home Energy Efficiency Team for their locally-driven projects that will produce meaningful air quality improvements. The City will have an additional funding round this year for projects that contribute to the City of Boston’s 2019 Climate Action Plan Update and achieve Boston’s clean air and carbon neutrality goals.

“Boston residents know the critical urgency of protecting our environment and mitigating the extent of air pollution in our communities,” said Mayor Janey. “I am proud to award these community-based organizations with the Community Clean Air Grant to continue supporting their crucial work to protect health and quality of life in Boston.”

Each round of the Community Clean Air Grant application is open to any individual, non-profit or business seeking to eliminate or address specific sources of air pollution within Boston. Projects may also seek to:

• Reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution emissions within Boston;
• Enhance the ability of local communities in Boston to improve local air quality;
• Have a measurable impact on air quality or carbon emissions within Boston.

“Air pollution affects the health of our people and our planet -  from higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory disease to increasing climate change resulting in higher temperatures and rising seas,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “We’re excited that the Community Clean Air Grant can empower community members to take meaningful actions that contribute to our long-term goals and directly benefit their neighbors and communities.”

The Mayor has awarded $51,764 to the East Boston Home Daycare Air Purification project, led by Mothers Out Front East Boston, a nonprofit focused on fighting for a livable climate for generations to come. The project focuses on an air quality campaign providing HEPA purifiers to at-home childcare facilities, many of which are run by women of color and vulnerable populations. Mothers Out Front East Boston and the East Boston Social Center, in collaboration with Air Partners/Olin College, will install HEPA purifiers in 27 East Boston home daycares. The objectives are to reduce children’s exposure to ultra fine particulate pollution and to create engagement strategies that both build awareness of pollution and related health implications, and also ensure compliance and success. 

"Studies show that 70% of East Boston pollution makes it indoors. 21% of residents in East Boston are children who are especially vulnerable to the many health effects of air pollution,” said Sonja Tengblad and Liliana Arteaga, Mothers Out Front East Boston. “Specific models of HEPA purifiers can reduce their exposure to ultrafine particulate pollution by up to 94%. By supporting the childcare providers who care for our youngest populations, we are helping to protect one of our most vulnerable populations in East Boston. We are grateful to the City of Boston for their generous support." 

The Mayor has awarded $39,420 to the project Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking, led by the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). This small, local, women-owned nonprofit seeks practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while helping people live healthier and less expensive lives. HEET’s project, Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking, works to improve indoor air quality for residents who both have asthma and use a gas stove. The project will provide 100 to 200 electric portable induction cooktops, to offer an alternative, non-emitting method of cooking, to reduce indoor emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy costs.

"Studies have shown that homes with inadequately vented natural gas stoves can have nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels that exceed outdoor air pollution standards, and can increase asthma rates in children,” said Molly Fairchild, from HEET.  “This grant will help reduce indoor air emissions for Boston families affected by asthma, by offering clean, safe, fast cooking with induction. We are so grateful to Mayor Janey and the City’s Environment Department for supporting this project.” 

The third funding round closes on Friday, January 28, 2022. To apply for the grant, schedule office hours, or learn more, visit the Community Clean Air Grant website.