WASHINGTON (EPA) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Oct. 15 that it is seeking applicants for a total of $1.5 million in environmental-justice small grants to be awarded in 2013. EPA’s environmental-justice efforts aim to ensure equal environmental and health protections for all Americans, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. The grants enable nonprofit organizations to conduct research, provide education and develop solutions to local health and environmental issues in communities overburdened by harmful pollution.