Clean Air Assistance Project
Impact
- Securing funding for equipment replacements to reduce emissions.
- Improving the environment and health of those experiencing poor air quality.
- Reducing 30,000 pounds of VOC emissions annually.
Region
MinnesotaTimeline
2013 - presentAudience
Partners and fundersTopics
Many businesses use outdated equipment that causes high levels of air pollution. Environmental Initiative, the Environmental Justice Coordinating Council, and our partners connect small business owners with the resources and funding they need to replace equipment and reduce their emissions.
We connect small businesses to information, technical assistance, and grant resources for:
- Testing and analysis.
- Equipment costs.
- Installation, including contractor materials and labor.
- Essential staff training on new equipment/processes.
- Commissioning of new equipment.
- Decommissioning of old equipment.
Additional resources for dry cleaning business owners
In Minnesota, owners of dry cleaning businesses are eligible for funding through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s dry cleaner cost share program and technical assistance is provided by Minnesota Technical Assistance Program.
Environmental Justice Coordinating Council partnership
Environmental Initiative is partnering with the Public Policy Project’s Environmental Justice Coordinating Council to connect communities and businesses to emission and exposure reduction resources as well as improve air quality and advance environmental justice. Cohorts of African American change-agents provide community education and business outreach for cleaner air. Learn more →
Recent blog posts
Minnesota program that fixes old cars for free announces expansion into the East Metro
Environmental Initiative is expanding Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) to the East Metro through a new partnership with Turbo Tim's. Low to no cost emission system repairs are now available in eight auto repair shops ahead of summer driving, air quality seasons.
Breaking down Minnesota’s cumulative impacts law
Learn more about Minnesota's cumulative impacts law, why it matters, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's rulemaking process, and what is still being decided.
Experts explain Minnesota’s smoky, hazy summer
Environmental Initiative recently sat down with experts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to learn more about air quality forecasting, recent air quality trends, and what people can do to stay safe.
Project Contact
Neighborhood businesses such as printers, dry cleaners, and auto body shops throughout the United States inadvertently pollute the communities in which they are located. Connect with Eben to learn more about the Clean Air Assistance Project.
Eben Kowler
Partnership Manager he/him Email Eben Kowler Office: 612-334-3388 ext. 8119 Cell: 612-851-6940Our Partners
