The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state of California a combined $216.5 million in order to strengthen climate resilience and reduce pollution in communities, with more than $30 million of that going to San Diego County. Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla’s office made the announcement Monday afternoon. “Overlooked communities across California have struggled for generations with air pollution and unaffordable water and energy bills,” Padilla said in a statement. “The climate crisis has only underscored these vulnerabilities.”

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• Sen. Alex Padilla news release: Padilla announces over $216 million for California from environmental and climate justice community change grants