Pappas Announces $265,000 to Help NH Businesses Adopt Pollution Prevention Practices

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in announcing that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has been selected to receive $265,000 in grants to provide technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities.

The NHDES will provide P2 technical assistance to New Hampshire’s craft beverage sector with an emphasis on reducing environmental and health impacts for businesses and disadvantaged communities. As part of the BetterBev New England Green Craft Beverage Recognition Program, NHDES will continue to work with other New England P2 technical assistance providers to assist craft beverage producers in implementing environmentally friendly practices which save energy, conserve water, minimize wastewater, avoid toxic or hazardous chemicals, and reduce greenhouse gasses.

“Pollution prevention means stopping pollution at the source and protecting the health of our families, communities, and environment,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I fought to pass, this grant will provide businesses with federal resources to craft and adopt pollution prevention practices, reducing their costs and safeguarding our water, land, and air.” 

“I’m pleased to see this funding come to New Hampshire to help our businesses and industry take meaningful steps to prevent pollution right at the source,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “Through energy efficiency, water conservation and other pollution reduction strategies, this program helps businesses save money while benefitting the broader community.”

“We all have a role to play in mitigating pollution and preserving our environment for future generations to enjoy,”said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “I’m deeply appreciative of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to lowering costs for Granite State families and businesses by empowering them to address pollution at its sources, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the P2 program continues to have on the well-being of our communities and environment.”

“Every community deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment—and pollution prevention grants help achieve that by reducing waste at the source. By adopting smarter and innovative practices that limit the use of toxic materials and conserve resources, these investments are helping our partners to support New England businesses to cut costs, grow sustainably, and protect the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, together we’re creating lasting benefits for local economies and ensuring that environmental progress and economic growth go hand in hand and reach all communities, including those that need it most. That's Investing in America.”

“The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is pleased to be a recipient of EPA grant funds to continue work with craft food and beverage facilities to help foster these important local industries while reducing their environmental footprint,” said New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert R. Scott.

Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, 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. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.

This bipartisan infrastructure law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023. Read more about P2 and EPA’s P2 Grant Program.