The CARE program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), is a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for communities to take action to reduce toxic pollution. Through CARE, communities create local partnerships that implement local solutions to reduce releases of and minimize exposure to toxic pollutants.
CARE educates and supports communities as they assess the pollution risks they face. CARE also provides access to EPA's and others' partnership programs that reduce exposures to toxics and create safer communities. Among EPA's partnership programs are those that: reduce emissions from diesel engines, reduce waste from toxic chemical use, reduce emissions from small business operations, improve the indoor environment in schools, and protect drinking water supplies through pollution prevention. EPA also offers support for communities to develop their own approaches to reducing toxics.
"As EPA leadership takes on the environmental challenges facing our nation, the CARE model provides a solid, tested framework for engaging communities and other stakeholders."