The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research to advance the use and communication of air pollution data for addressing community-identified air pollution concerns.
The growing use of commercially available air sensors is rapidly changing air quality monitoring. Many communities have used air sensors to conduct air monitoring to learn about local air quality conditions and potentially initiate efforts to improve air quality, reduce exposures, or mitigate air pollutant health effects. There has also been an increase in the availability of satellite-based, local-scale air quality data providing even more information to communities. However, challenges remain in accessing, analyzing, interpreting and then translating the data into information for the public and that can be used to inform community actions and decision-making regarding local air pollution concerns.
EPA is requesting proposals for research to inform underserved communities with science-based information, tools, and approaches to use air and related environmental data to engage with decision-makers and take actions to address community-identified air pollution concerns associated with criteria air pollutants or hazardous air pollutants.
Research proposals should involve substantial engagement with communities, community-based organizations and/or Tribes to address both of the following priorities:
Methods and tools for data integration and analysis to characterize community exposures to air pollution in underserved communities, and
Effective communication of air quality information to communities and decision makers to support actions to address air pollution concerns in underserved communities.
To view the full details of the announcement and how to apply, click Apply Here.