WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Rep. Grijalva announced $19.97 million in funds for the Primavera Foundation for community resilience in the fight against climate change. The funds were awarded under the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program, part of Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 

Specifically, the project will benefit disadvantaged communities in Tucson and South Tucson, which face inequitable challenges related to climate change. Plans include retrofitting homes to boost household energy efficiency, installing solar panels on homes, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, planting trees and shrubs, increasing green space and more. 

“This area is being disproportionately impacted by the harmful impacts of extreme weather due to climate change,” said Rep. Grijalva.  “This much-needed investment in our community’s climate resilience will have tangible benefits for current and future generations of Arizonans. I applaud this historic investment in our community, and Primavera’s longstanding commitment to revitalize Tucson.”

“We are honored to bring additional resources into Tucson and South Tucson to increase community resilience in the face of climate change. The resources will directly benefit disadvantaged and marginalized communities who are adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change. Along with our partnership sub-award recipients, including our statutory partner, the City of Tucson, we look forward to being a part of paving the way forward for a resilient Tucson and beyond,” said CEO Tisha Tallman, Primavera Foundation. “Thank you to Congressman Grijalva for his tireless advocacy and efforts to ensure that all are considered and accounted for during these challenging climate times.”

As chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Grijalva successfully advocated for the inclusion of environmental justice funds in the Inflation Reduction Act.