A half-million dollar grant from the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday is targeted at preventing pollution from businesses and will help the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment work with the Colorado Green Business Network.

“We’re proud to support projects that continue to help businesses develop and implement strategies to reduce hazardous material usage and improve energy and water efficiency, all while lowering business costs,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These projects highlight the important work of small businesses and the positive impact they have in preventing pollution in their communities.”

The Colorado Green Business Network helps provide businesses with technical assistance and education on hazardous material reduction and waste minimization.

EPA announced nearly $19 million in grants nationwide to help states, tribal nations and U.S. territories to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices in local communities. Nearly half the grants were made available with no-cost share. or funds-matching requirement.

“I’m pleased that the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment will be able to harness this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help businesses across our state prevent pollution, avoid waste, and lower their energy costs,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).

“Preventing pollution starts at the local level. Our businesses already know the importance of reducing waste, increasing energy efficiency, and emitting less,” said U.S. Senator Hickenlooper (D-CO). “Now, our BIL is helping make it all easier and more cost effective!”

“Colorado has long been a leader in sustainability, and today’s announcement will drive us even closer to a pollution-free future,” said U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (CO-01). “I applaud the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to Colorado’s environmental goals and for investing in the health and well-being of our communities. Together, we’re building a stronger, cleaner Colorado for generations to come.”

Pollution source reduction eliminates or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American business’ efforts to reduce costs while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and conserving natural resources.

“Between 2011-2022, EPA’s P2 program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop and adopt P2 approaches. These approaches have resulted in 31.9 billion kilowatts-hour in energy savings, eliminated 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved 52 billion gallons of water, reduced 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials and saved businesses more than $2.3 billion, according to an EPA release.