EUGENE, Ore. — People and companies facing a fine from Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) now have an option when it comes to where that money goes.
It’s called the “Supplemental Environmental Project,” and it’s meant to help curb just about all types of environmental pollution.
Here’s how it works:
When a fine of $2,000 is levied, the one being fined can redirect 80% of that fine to an organization approved by LRAPA.
That organization, whether it’s a nonprofit, a municipality, a business, or even an individual, can then use that money to do environmental work.
LRAPA says it gives the one being fined a chance to “make good,” or get a little positive boost to their image.
“I think that they get the advantage of getting to speak to the broader community, in that, ‘Yes, we had this fine, but we were able to direct these funds to accomplish an important work that we’re really excited and happy to see happen,’” explains LRAPA Public Affairs Manager Matt Sorensen. “So, it certainly doesn’t lessen the fine, but it does help put a little bit of a more positive result from something that I’m sure everybody wants to avoid if possible.”
Categories for environmental work include clean energy, tree-planting, preventing air pollution, and environmental health.
One caveat is that the agency receiving the funding cannot be directly tied to the violation being fined.
The process to sign up is available on LRAPA’s website.
Previously, any fines levied by LRAPA would go to Lane County’s general fund.