In a deeply troubling decision, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has terminated $60 million in funding for the Environmental Justice for New England (EJforNE) program. This funding, part of the Thriving Communities Grantmakers Program (TCGM), was intended to support environmental justice efforts across Connecticut and the broader New England region. The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ), a proud anchor organization and subgrantee in this initiative, stands in full solidarity with the EJforNE team and the communities affected by this sudden and unjust termination.
This decision is not just a bureaucratic setback—it is a devastating blow to grassroots environmental and climate justice efforts that are already underfunded and under-resourced. These funds were lawfully appropriated by Congress and underwent rigorous EPA review. At the time of cancellation, EJforNE was preparing to announce its first round of community grants. The team had received nearly 400 applications with visionary proposals addressing urgent needs like:
- Flood resilience and stormwater management
- PFAS and water quality testing
- Sustainable agriculture
- Tree planting and urban cooling
- Youth job training and workforce development
- Clean energy and energy justice
- Air quality monitoring and transportation access
In Connecticut and across the region, these projects were designed to protect public health, create jobs, and strengthen community resilience—especially in places historically overburdened by pollution and environmental harm. The sudden withdrawal of these funds destabilizes that progress and leaves countless frontline organizations unpaid for months of work.
At CRCJ, we know what’s at stake. Communities that have borne the brunt of environmental and economic injustice for generations are once again being told to wait—or worse, to go without.
We reject that.
We know this movement doesn’t stop with a federal funding decision. We are still here. We are still organized. We are still building.
We will continue to advocate for the restoration of these funds alongside EJforNE, national allies, and local partners. We will hold space to co-create new solutions, share resources, and support one another in this fight for climate, health, and justice.
What can you do right now?
- Stay informed – We’ll continue to share updates as the situation evolves.
- Reach out – If you’re an applicant or community partner with questions or concerns, we want to hear from you.
- Stand with us – Your voice, your story, and your solidarity matter.
This is not the end. Our work is too important. Our communities are too powerful. And our future is too urgent to be delayed.
In solidarity,
The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs
