SACRAMENTO -- California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Alan Lloyd announced grant funding for 17 organizations, including the Yurok, Karuk and Hoopa Valley tribes.

The Cal/EPA EJ Small Grants Program provides $280,000 to eligible community-based nonprofit groups, including seven tribal governments, to support a variety of environmental and public health objectives, including education, in-home health care, water quality projects and scientific research.

The program was established under Assembly Bill 2312 to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations.

Lloyd said in a press release announcing the grants, “These grants will help to establish a level playing field for communities across California.”

At Lloyd's urging, the one-time funding was made possible by redirecting resources within Cal/EPA.

A panel of experts within the boards, departments and offices of Cal/EPA selected recipients based on a competitive evaluation process.

Community-based organizations receiving grant funds include the Asian Pacific Environmental Network in Oakland, Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment in Delano, and Union de Residentes por la Proteccion del Ambiente in Valencia. A complete list of grant recipients is available on the Cal/EPA Web site at www.calepa.ca.gov/EnvJustice/Funding.