The Massachusetts Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE) is committed to ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of all environmental and energy benefits and burdens. We work with all agencies under the Secretary to ensure every policy and program is designed with equity at the center, ensuring all voices are heard and all voices are shaping the solutions. We are working hard to ensure there is meaningful engagement in all processes, resulting in more equitable public policies.
Who We Serve
The Office of Environmental Justice and Equity serves all residents of the Commonwealth, in particular environmental justice populations who have been most overburdened and marginalized.
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Grants
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Office of Coastal Zone Management
The Request for Responses (RFR) for Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants Is Now Available - The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is seeking proposals for the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants. Municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed, along with federally recognized Tribes, certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including qualifying Tribal entities), regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives in partnership with municipalities, are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible project activities include the assessment and remediation of stormwater pollution, comprehensive habitat restoration planning, municipal capacity-building activities to implement green stormwater infrastructure, and advanced planning to support land acquisition. Competitive projects will include public engagement, outreach, and education and consider climate change impacts to the resource area and design. Grant awards will range from $50,000-$850,000, depending on the project type. Match is optional but recommended. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 7. The question-and-answer period for the RFR is open until 5:00 p.m. on May 17. Please submit questions to adrienne.pappal@mass.gov. Answers to all questions will be posted on the COMMBUYS website after May 24.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program
The Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program for the implementation of bog renovations that promote more efficient bogs both in design and production while enhancing the business and environmental sustainability of the cranberry operation.
Awards are limited to $25,000 per acre up to a maximum of $125,000.
Applications Due: 4:00pm on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Program details: Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program | Mass.gov
Contact: Laura Maul at Laura.Maul@mass.gov or (857) 507-5972
Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP)
The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) is a reimbursement grant program that supports produce and aquaculture operations that are looking to improve their food safety practices that work towards minimizing the risks of microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses while increasing market access.
Participants selected for funding are provided with reimbursement grants for 80% of total project costs up to $50,000.
Applications Due: 4:00pm on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Details here: Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program | Mass.gov
Contact: Laura Maul at Laura.Maul@mass.gov or 857-507-5972
Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP)
The Climate Smart Agriculture Program links MDAR's water, energy, and climate grants together into one application. This includes the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP), and the Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER). This program continues the goals of the three individual grants by implementing projects that help the agricultural sector adapt to climate change, mitigate climate change, reducing or preventing impacts to natural resources that may result from agricultural practices, and that improve energy efficiency and facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies.
The CSAP grant is broken into two sections.
- Section I: Environment is for environmental projects such as soil health, water use efficiency, or other projects working towards reducing or limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
- Section II: Energy is Ag-Energy projects to improve energy efficiency or to facilitate clean energy adoption.
Applicants can apply to either or both sections.
Participants selected for funding under either section are provided with reimbursement grants for 80% of total project costs up to $50,000.
Applications Due: 4:00pm on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Program details here: Climate Smart for Agriculture Program | Mass.gov
Contacts:
- Section I: Environment - Laura Maul at Laura.Maul@mass.gov or 857-507-5972
- Section II: Energy - Gerry Palano at Gerald.Palano@mass.gov or 617-571-4969
Resources & Agency-Specific Strategies
Events
Our Organizations
Our Team
The Office of Environmental Justice and Equity sits in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. We work with every office and agency under the Secretary, to implement environmental justice strategies and principles into our everyday work. Our team comprises Undersecretary María Belén Power, Assistant Secretary Crystal Johnson, Deputy Director Caroline Lemoine, and Program Manager Krishana Abrahim-Petrie. We are currently filling two additional roles: Director and Liaison. Our team also includes interns from different colleges and universities. Together we serve all residents of the Commonwealth as well as work with all agencies under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, as well as other Secretariats.
Work With Us
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Environmental Justice Internship - 23000DT7
Environmental Justice & Equity Director - 23000DTB
Office of Technical Assistance - Environmental Justice Intern - 240000M2
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Environmental Justice Internal Agency Coordinator – 23000DOT
Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator – 23000DP4
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources