Congressman Deluzio Celebrates Unfreezing of $500,000 EPA Grant to Support Community-Driven Projects in Upper Ohio River Valley

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio celebrated his successful push to get the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to unfreeze $499,970 in awarded federal grant funding to local nonprofits New Sun Rising, RiverWise, and The Mon Water Project. The funding release comes after U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Summer Lee (PA-12) pushed back in a letter to the EPA, demanding that they reverse the DOGE-led cuts.

With funding restored, New Sun Rising, RiverWise, and The Mon Water Project can resume providing technical assistance and grant preparation support to small- and medium-sized local organizations pursuing projects that improve local food systems, water management, utility costs, and air quality in the Upper Ohio River Valley.  

“From drinking water and commerce, to recreation and more—our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River. That’s why when my office heard about EPA freezing this promised funding, we jumped into action with Congresswoman Lee and kept pushing to fix this,” said Congressman Deluzio. “The Trump EPA never should have frozen this funding in the first place, but I’m glad we got the money heading back home. There are innovative projects to improve the resilience and livability of our river towns, and this restored funding will help these projects continue to serve our Western PA communities.” 

“Our communities are working to improve the health and wellness of our neighbors in Western Pennsylvania, and part of our job as legislators is to support their efforts. I am relieved to hear that after Rep. Deluzio and I pushed back, these federal grants will be released,” said Congresswoman Lee. “While the EPA should have never frozen these congressionally authorized funds, I will continue to hold this administration to account to ensure our region receives the investments it needs and deserves." 

"Supporting community-driven innovation is more important than ever to building regional health and prosperity. By restoring these funds, New Sun Rising, RiverWise, and the Mon Water Project will develop solutions to critical issues faced by residents, such as energy burden, watershed health, and food insecurity,” said Scott Wolovich, Executive Director of New Sun Rising. “Congressman Deluzio and Congresswoman Lee have been steadfast in their efforts to overturn the illegal termination of these grants, and we are deeply appreciative of their advocacy."  

The funding was originally awarded through the EPA’s Thriving Communities grant program, a program designed to address environmental justice issues. In Pennsylvania, the grant program is administered by the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, which has sub-granted this award to New Sun Rising, RiverWise, and The Mon Water Project. 

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts are considering or have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.    

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