California Natural Resources Grants

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

The 2024 Dairy Plus Program is a $58 million grant initiative aimed at supporting advanced manure management practices in dairy farming, offering up to $1,250,000 per project that proposes innovative methods for reducing methane emissions and nitrogen and salt surplus, with the funding being provided on a reimbursement basis after project completion.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. Donor Name: California Department of Fish and Wildlife State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW‐OSPR. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must meet all of the following requirements: Is located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3); Has measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe. Is designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Funding Information The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit CDFW.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar):In order to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (19 USC 1531 et seq.), DoD Instruction 4715.3 Environmental Conservation Program, and Marine Corps Order P5090.2A MCAS Miramars 2018 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) identified a management objective to support the Special Status Species Management on MCAS Miramar. This objective is to proactively maintain up-to-date data for special status species through the collection of information on presence or absence, location, habitat availability and suitability, and life history requirements of federally threatened and endangered avian species to support planning for military operational requirements and habitat conservation. The resulting reports directly support projects and maintenance planning, including Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultations. Data gathered from these surveys can directly guide management decisions on MCAS Miramar and further understanding of how federally threatened and endangered species utilize habitat available on MCAS Miramar.Brief Description of the Anticipated Work:This Cooperative Agreement outlines terms and the cooperative effort of the Department of the Navy (DoN), Navy Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest (NAVFAC SW), on behalf of MCAS Miramar. The DON is seeking statements of interest that address requirements associated with MCAS Miramar. On MCAS Miramar the base portion of this Agreement will focus on federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica; gnatcatcher).Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.Period of

Eligible applicants include: • Manufacturers that produce (or will produce) an eligible product.• Waste tire processors that also manufacture an eligible product.• Manufacturers of devulcanized rubber.• Rubber compounders.• Manufacturers of calendered rubber sheeting products.• Manufacturers that produce products on a contract basis for other companies provided they have that other company’s written permission to produce an eligible product and receive the incentive. Eligible products include: • A new or existing product that has not benefited from the Tire-Derived Product Grant Program.• An existing or new/improved product currently manufactured with virgin rubber, plastic or other material which will be produced with a minimum of five percent crumb rubber and may be co-extruded, injected, compounded, calendered or otherwise combined (also known as “feedstock conversion”). This includes compounded rubber and calendered sheet rubber as intermediate products.• An existing or new/improved product currently manufactured with virgin rubber, plastic or other material which will be produced with a minimum of five percent devulcanized crumb rubber and may be co-extruded, injected, calendered or otherwise combined. This includes devulcanized crumb rubber as an intermediate product.• An existing or new/improved product that will use fine (≤50) mesh crumb rubber. Particle size and particle size distribution are determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D5644 and D5603 and will be verified by CalRecycle or a CalRecycle contractor.

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program supports environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and ecosystem health across Santa Barbara County. Donor Name: Santa Barbara Foundation State: California County: Santa Barbara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Funding can be used for new or existing projects that meet demonstrated need. In summary, funded organizations will: Carry out projects to address conservation, environment and public trails. Be well-managed, financially viable, and operate effective projects. Have developed short-term and long-term strategies for addressing identified organizational needs. Priorities Priority will be given to organizations that are engaged in one or more of the following: Preserving and ensuring equitable access to the region’s natural resources and trail systems; Community-based restoration projects in wetlands and streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands and other natural areas; Early stage investigation such as appraisal fees, environmental due diligence, and title research, or closing costs for land conservation efforts; Piloting or expanding projects that demonstrate best practices in conservation. The strongest projects will: Create or expand partnerships, networks and collaborations for greater efficiencies, better delivery of programs, or fresh approaches to solve problems or address needs, gaps, or opportunities. Incorporate a community involvement, awareness or education element. Align with or be a part of a larger plan or strategy such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint, Food Action Plan, Santa Barbara Area Coastal Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment (SBA CEVA), Coastal Trail Alignment Study, etc. Funding Information The maximum award for Conservation, Environment and Public Trails grants is $25,000.  Criteria by Type of Project Projects must have clearly defined goals and outcomes and a strategy and timeline in place for achieving the stated goals. If the project is part of a larger or longer-term effort, the applicant must demonstrate how the project relates to future work, including a financial sustainability concept or strategy for scaling up the project. The applicant and/or project partners demonstrate the capacity to manage the scale and scope of the project. Matching or leveraged funding is recommended, but not required. Trails Access Project Criteria Projects should provide ecological value, aesthetic improvements or appropriately placed public access (trails, pathways, etc.). This may include restoration of habitat for specific species or general habitat types, or for accommodation of passive recreation and education for people. Applications may include planning for new trails, new trail construction, trail restoration, trail head facilities, lease of heavy equipment, purchase of hand tools to construct/renovate trails, water trail facilities, and educational programs. Land acquisition for trail purposes must have (or be close to securing) all permits and landowner approvals/agreements, and be “shovel ready” within the one-year grant cycle beginning from date of award. Conservation Project Criteria Projects should align with a conservation plan or strategy and be recognized as a valuable component of a longer-term plan or vision. This may include providing permanent (or long-term) protection for lands with high ecological or agriculture value, fulfilling a critical link for species, habitats or ecosystem function, or providing passive and educational access for people. Allowable projects include: Planning, feasibility, and study phases for new projects or emerging opportunities for early phases of land acquisition or easements. This may include good-faith deposits to begin landowner negotiations, appraisals, or other land use investigations. Closing or completion costs for land acquisition or easement purchase projects. Efforts to preserve critical habitats or species. Educational projects related to climate resilience, habitats, or threatened species conservation. Environmental Project Criteria Project planning, implementation or investigation/research of best practices or innovative approaches must address a specific challenge or opportunity in achieving sustainable practices for land, forestry, or water management. Pilot implementation or facility improvement projects should serve as a model that can be replicated and/or scaled up in the future. Projects with collaborative partners will be most competitive for funding. Eligibility Criteria Grants are available to organizations providing programming in Santa Barbara County Organizations must be certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or use a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) tax status. Grant Limitations Grants in the Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant program areas are not intended for: Direct purchase of land or easements that have raised less than 90% of funds required Direct support to government agencies or private landowners (grantees must be a 501(c)(3) organization and serve as the primary project lead agency; public or private entities may be part of a collaboration) Endowment Advocacy and lobbying activities For more information, visit SBF.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is excited to announce the Youth Community Access Program to expand outdoor access and build a healthier California. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: YEPEITA funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are to be used for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. The grants may include, but are not limited to,  community education and recreational amenities to support youth substance use prevention and early intervention. The Youth Community Access Grant Program is a competitive program to award grants to communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, also known as the War on Drugs, as well as other underserved communities. The Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs. Funding Priorities Projects containing one or more of the following elements will be given priority consideration in funding decisions: Projects in which youth participate in project planning, decision making, facilitation, and evaluation Projects in which youth participate in outreach and awareness campaigns Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Funding Information The maximum award for an individual project is $300,000. The minimum award is $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native American tribes. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law, incorporated for a minimum of two years, qualified to do business in California, and qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization under the US Internal Revenue Code. Requirements To be eligible for funding, projects must meet ALL the following program requirements: Project must serve youth. For the purposes of this program, youth is defined as a person between the ages of birth and 26 years old. Project must directly support youth access to either natural or cultural resources. Project must include design features and program elements to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort. For more information, visit CNRA.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) Site Mitigation and Restoration Program Office of Brownfield manages the Equitable Community Revitalization Grant, which provides approximately $185 million in grants through a competitive process for investigations and cleanup of brownfields, in disadvantaged, vulnerable communities, to protect public health and provide opportunities for community revitalization.

This grant provides financial assistance to local agencies and organizations in California for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that help recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage waste, promoting cleaner waterways and safer boating experiences.

This funding program provides financial assistance to local water systems, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities, to ensure access to safe and reliable drinking water and to address urgent water quality issues.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is designed to provide infrastructure and services for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Goals of the program include: 1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources; 2. strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits; 3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; 4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and 5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

This program provides funding to communities for hiring independent experts to help them understand and engage in the cleanup of contaminated sites, ensuring they have the knowledge and support to advocate for their health and environment.

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

San Clemente Island (SCI) is uniquely capable of supporting integrated training and, as such, is a highly valuable, irreplaceable asset to the Navy. In addition to its direct training support value, its proximity to southern California allows sailors and marines to effectively train in closer proximity to their families and support networks, increasing quality of life and force sustainability. The Navy is required to ensure ecosystem management is the basis for all management of its lands (Sikes Act, as amended [16 USC 670a]; DoD Instruction 4715.03). While the Sikes Act, as amended, and other instructions, described above, require stewardship for natural resources on military installations, including species not listed under the Endangered Species Act, these projects support the military mission on SCI and do not foreclose current or future training opportunities. San Clemente Island (SCI) harbors large numbers of endemic organisms, several of which are listed as endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Navy, in accordance with the ESA and the Federal Noxious Weed Act, has an ongoing program to preserve the unique botanical resources and ecosystem of San Clemente Island. Brief Description of the Anticipated Work: 1. Grassland Restoration Native grasslands on SCI have been significantly impacted from historic grazing by non-native ungulates, invasion of non-native species, and drastic changes in the fire regime. In addition, increased training activity may present additional challenges for avoiding further impacts. Previous efforts on SCI have demonstrated the difficulty in achieving large-scale restoration of grasslands due to challenges associated with range access, site selection, and restrictions on ground disturbance. Recent efforts have been focused on identifying the most efficient and effective strategies for achieving small-scale restoration with long-term benefits. The purpose of this task is to further study the best methods for achieving successful grassland restoration on SCI, continue monitoring previous restoration efforts to evaluate long-term success, and integrate grassland restoration efforts with habitat management for other native species of conservation concern. 2. Habitat Restoration for Poa thomasii Poa thomasii, an annual grass species known only from three of the California Channel Islands, had not been recorded since being collected on San Clemente Island in 1903 and was presumed extinct. In July 2005, the species was located on Catalina Island at seven separate sites, primarily located in chaparral, across the island. This species is historically an integral component of SCI habitat that was lost due to the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. In 2010, the species was found in two locations on SCI in boxthorn habitat at the northern end of the island. Both locations on SCI are within areas that are used for training and subject to occasional fire. Previous work on Poa thomasii on SCI has been successful in improving the status of the species in terms of population numbers and improved habitat. Because this species was thought to be extinct, it has not been listed under ESA. The SCI Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) states an objective for the Navy to manage the species in such a way as to keep it from being listed. The INRMP notes that due to its restricted distribution on SCI, and those occurrences being located in areas of high human activity, the species is particularly vulnerable to local extinction. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Poa thomasii through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends. 3. Population augmentation for Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra is a perennial shrub native to the California Channel Islands. On SCI, the population was heavily impacted by non-native herbivores and likely would have been federally listed under ESA if the Navy had not proactively managed the species through propagation and outplanting. Recent genetic work may result in reclassification of the subspecies on SCI to a new species endemic to the island. In this case, it would become even more important to continue efforts to augment populations and manage population genetics to avoid listing under ESA. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends and genetic integrity. 4. Rare Plant Surveys Annual rare plant surveys are essential to document the status, distribution, and long term trends of species of conservation concern. Updating the rare plant database on an annual basis allows the Navy to stay in compliance with conservation measures, avoid listing under ESA, and make informed decisions about proposed changes to land use and infrastructure maintenance/construction. The purpose of this task is to collect monitoring data for species of conservation concern and assess the long term trends of these species on SCI. 5. Draft and Final Technical Report: The draft and final preliminary report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Pacific Fleet Representative and Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation; 3) Table of contents; 4) Abstract or Executive Summary; 5) Introduction; 6) Methods; 7) Results; 8) Discussion; 9) Conclusions (to include synthesis with previous work and recommendations for future study); 10) Legible copies of the field notes, data forms and other information.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve water quality and restore ecosystems across California, targeting local governments, non-profits, and other organizations involved in watershed management and environmental conservation.

This funding program provides financial support for projects that improve water quality and restore ecosystems in California's Delta region, benefiting local communities and the environment.