HARRISBURG — The state Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for environmental education grants up to $7,500. Applications close Dec. 16.

The grants support public education on topics such as watershed management, water conservation, acid mine drainage, alternative energy, air quality, brownfields redevelopment and Chesapeake Bay restoration.

Schools, colleges, universities, county conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and businesses are eligible to apply.

The Environmental Education Act of 1993 mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties the DEP collects annually be designated for environmental education.

Applications are available online at www.dep.state.pa.us by clicking on “Environmental Education,” then “Grants,” or by calling the Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1828.