Ensuring resources are available for local communities to preserve their natural resources plays a huge role in environmental equity and access.

That’s why this year’s budget includes $50 million for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants that will help local governments enhance community park projects—on top of an additional investment in implementing health and equity zones to confront the social and environmental factors that contribute to systemic inequity.

To support increased access to nutritional foods, this year’s budget will send $30 million in new funding to the Department of Agriculture for the Local Food Purchasing Cooperative Agreement Program. The program supports local, regional and underserved farmers and producers through food purchasing agreements.

Further, the budget includes $10 million to start a Clean Energy Career and Technical Education pilot initiative to assist high schools with developing curriculum and programming that supports EV manufacturing technical education, and additional funding for EV and household energy efficiency rebates.