Environmental
My Environmental News page is a compelling source for breaking news, analysis, and feature stories on environmental issues.
Environmental News from Science Daily
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It flickers, then it tips -- study identifies early warning signals for the end of the African humid period Tipping points in the climate system can be the result of a slow but linear development. However, they can also be accompanied by a 'flickering', with two stable climatic states that alternate before a final transition occurs -- and the climate tips permanently. |
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Solar energy is a crucial asset in the fight against climate change, and researchers have now devised a smart approach to optimize its effectiveness. Their innovative method includes incorporating artificial ground reflectors, a simple yet powerful enhancement. |
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US geographic region results in vastly different anal cancer risk for people with HIV For people with HIV, the risk of anal cancer varies according to their geographic region. |
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Researchers show that slow-moving earthquakes are controlled by rock permeability A research group explores how the makeup of rocks, specifically their permeability -- or how easily fluids can flow through them -- affects the frequency and intensity of slow slip events. Slow slips' role in the earthquake cycle may help lead to a better model to predict when earthquakes happen. |
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Intermittent fasting protects against liver inflammation and liver cancer Fatty liver disease often leads to chronic liver inflammation and can even result in liver cancer. Scientists have now shown in mice that intermittent fasting on a 5:2 schedule can halt this development. The fasting regime reduces the development of liver cancer in mice with pre-existing liver inflammation. The researchers identified two proteins in liver cells that are jointly responsible for the protective effect of fasting. An approved drug can partially mimic this effect. |
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Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance How well bees tolerate temperature extremes could determine their ability to persist in a changing climate. But heat tolerance varies between and within populations, so entomologists examined bee physical traits to understand how these traits interact with environmental conditions, pathogens and other factors. |
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Finding reliable, eco-friendly power sources is crucial as our world grapples with increasing energy needs and the urgent call to combat climate change. Solar energy offers one solution, with scientists devising ever more efficient materials for capturing sunlight. |
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Fruit fly model identifies key regulators behind organ development A new computational model simulating fruit fly wing development has enabled researchers to identify previously hidden mechanisms behind organ generation. An research team developed a fruit fly model to reverse engineer the mechanisms that generate organ tissue. |
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Progression of herpesvirus infection remodels mitochondrial organization and metabolism Researchers have found that herpesvirus infection modifies the structure and normal function of the mitochondria in the host cell. The new information will help to understand the interaction between herpesvirus and host cells. Knowledge can be utilized in the development of viral treatments. |
Environmental News from EPA
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Se ordena a las tiendas de comestibles de Kansas City que dejen de vender productos desinfectantes ilegales Fabuloso LENEXA, KANSAS (6 de mayo de 2024) – El 15 y 16 de abril de 2024, los Departamentos de Agricultura de Kansas y Missouri, en colaboración con la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA), ordenaron a 17 tiendas de comestibles en el área de Kansas City que cesaran la venta y distribución de ciertos desinfectantes domésticos Fabuloso, así como otros productos desinfectantes.La EPA afirma que los productos fueron importados ilegalmente a los EE. UU., no cumplen con la ley federal y pueden representar un peligro para los consumidores. "La EPA y nuestros socios estatales están comprometidos a proteger a los clientes de productos pesticidas potencialmente peligrosos, especialmente en áreas ya sobrecargadas de contaminación," dijo la Administradora de la Región 7 de la EPA, Meg McCollister. "Esto incluye tomar medidas rápidas para prevenir la venta continua de productos desinfectantes ilegales".Según la EPA, los productos Fabuloso ilegales contienen un ingrediente activo, el glutaraldehído, que no está autorizado en los EE. UU. como desinfectante doméstico debido a posibles riesgos para la salud, que incluyen irritación de la garganta y los pulmones, asma y dificultad para respirar, dermatitis, irritación nasal, estornudos, sibilancias, ojos llorosos y conjuntivitis.Las inspecciones conjuntas del Estado y la EPA que dieron lugar a las órdenes de "cese de ventas" revelaron que se estaban vendiendo productos Fabuloso ilegales en varias tiendas de comestibles de la zona de Ciudad de Kansas y que abastecen a comunidades hispanas.Los productos Fabuloso no autorizados tenían etiquetas escritas principalmente en español. La versión estadounidense de Fabuloso, con etiquetas en inglés, contiene un ingrediente activo aprobado cuya venta está autorizada en EE.UU. Algunas de las tiendas inspeccionadas vendían tanto los productos autorizados como los no autorizados.Otros productos infractores identificados durante las inspecciones y sometidos a una orden de prohibición de venta son:48 Horas Prevencion Antibacterial CloroxClorox RopaPino RoyalPinol el OriginalCloralex El RendidorAxiom CompletoToallitas Antibacterianas Multiuso Golden EssenceLas órdenes de cese de venta emitidas a las tiendas de comestibles requieren que retiren los productos ilegales de las góndolas y cesen todas las ventas y/o distribución adicionales.Si recientemente ha comprado un producto Fabuloso que afirma ser desinfectante, o cualquiera de los otros desinfectantes enumerados, verifique la etiqueta del producto para asegurarse de que esté registrado en la EPA (todos los desinfectantes aprobados por la EPA tienen números de registro únicos). Si la etiqueta no incluye un número de registro de la EPA y/o indica que no está aprobado para la venta en los EE. UU., comuníquese con su proveedor de residuos para conocer las opciones de eliminación. Los productos Fabuloso que no hacen reclamos de desinfectante antiviral o antibacteriano no están regulados y pueden usarse según sus instrucciones.Según la Ley Federal de Insecticidas, Fungicidas y Rodenticidas (FIFRA), los productores y distribuidores de productos pesticidas deben registrar los productos en la EPA y deben incluir etiquetado requerido en los productos. Es ilegal vender cualquier pesticida que no esté registrado y/o que no contenga lo indicado en la etiqueta. Todos los productos que afirman matar virus y otros patógenos se consideran "pesticidas" según la legislación federal.La EPA ofrece una línea directa donde se puede responder a preguntas sobre pesticidas llamando al 1-800-858-7378. Una versión en español se encuentra disponible llamando al 1-888-919-4372.Obtenga más información sobre control de plagas.# # #Obtenga más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA |
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule to Cut Methane Emissions, Strengthen and Update Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting for the Oil and Gas Sector WASHINGTON – Today, May 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule to strengthen, expand, and update methane emissions reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems under EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, as required by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The final revisions will ensure greater transparency and accountability for methane pollution from oil and natural gas facilities by improving the accuracy of annual emissions reporting from these operations. Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. EPA’s latest action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government initiative to slash methane emissions from every sector of the economy under the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Plan. In 2023 alone, the Administration took nearly 100 actions, with coordination by the White House Methane Task Force, to bolster methane detection and reduce methane pollution from oil and gas operations, landfills, abandoned mines, agriculture, industry, and buildings.The final rule updating the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, as designed by Congress to help states, industry, and communities implement recently finalized Clean Air Act methane standards and slash methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The Biden-Harris Administration is also mobilizing over $1 billion in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to no- and low- emitting oil and gas technologies, as part of broad efforts to cut wasteful methane emissions. “As we implement the historic climate programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is applying the latest tools, cutting edge technology, and expertise to track and measure methane emissions from the oil and gas industry,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, a combination of strong standards, good monitoring and reporting, and historic investments to cut methane pollution will ensure the U.S. leads in the global transition to a clean energy economy.”Recent studies reveal that actual emissions from petroleum and natural gas systems are much greater than what has historically been reported to the GHGRP. This rule addresses that gap, including by facilitating the use of satellite data to identify super-emitters and quantify large emission events, requiring direct monitoring of key emission sources, and updating the methods for calculation. Together these changes support complete and accurate reporting and respond to Congress’s directive for the measurement of methane emissions to rely on empirical data. Today’s announcement is EPA’s latest step in tackling methane emissions that are fueling climate change, building on the agency’s recently finalized Clean Air Act standards to sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry, promote the use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies, and deliver significant economic and public health benefits from methane emissions reductions. That rule established a Super-Emitter Program to help detect large leaks and releases, and today’s reporting rule will require owners and operators to quantify and report the emissions detected through that Program to help close the gap between observed methane emissions and reported emissions. The final subpart W rule will dramatically improve the quality of emissions data reported from oil and natural gas operations, with provisions that improve the quantification of methane emissions, incorporate advances in methane emissions measurement technology, and streamline compliance with other EPA regulations. For the first time, EPA is allowing for the use of advanced technologies such as satellites to help quantify emissions in subpart W. In addition, EPA is finalizing new methodologies that allow for the use of empirical data for quantifying emissions, including options added in response to public comments on the proposed rule. The final rule also allows for the optional earlier use of empirical data calculation methodologies for facilities that prefer to use them to quantify 2024 emissions. These changes will improve transparency and expand the options for owners and operators to submit empirical data to demonstrate their effort to reduce methane emissions and identify whether a Waste Emissions Charge is owed, based on thresholds set by Congress. Advanced measurement technologies, and their use for annual quantification of emissions, are evolving rapidly. EPA is committed to transparent and continual improvements to its programs to account for these advancements while ensuring reporting is accurate and complete. The agency intends to take the following steps to gather further information about advanced measurement technologies and to inform potential regulatory changes or other standard setting programs that encourage the use of more accurate and comprehensive measurement strategies:This summer, EPA will solicit input on the use of advanced measurement data and methods in subpart W by issuing a Request for Information and opening a non-regulatory docket, including specific questions and topics on which EPA seeks input from the public. EPA intends to use the feedback received to consider whether it is appropriate to undertake further rulemaking addressing the use of advanced measurement technologies in subpart W, beyond the role for these technologies that is already provided in today’s rule.EPA also seeks to continuously update its knowledge about new measurement and detection technologies, and to elicit input from stakeholders and experts about how such advances should inform EPA’s regulations. To keep pace with this dynamic field, EPA plans to undertake a solicitation or engagement for information about advanced measurement and detection technologies (in the form of a Request for Information, workshop, or similar mechanism) on at least a biennial basis. These engagements will enable EPA to learn about technological advances and the extent to which there is robust information about their accuracy, reliability, and appropriateness for use in a regulatory reporting program.For more information about this action, please visit the GHG Reporting Program Rulemaking Resources webpage.Background on the Methane Emissions Reduction Program in the Inflation Reduction ActMethane is a climate “super pollutant” that is more potent than carbon dioxide and responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. The oil and natural gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane emissions in the United States. Quick reduction of these methane emissions is one of the most important and cost-effective actions the United States can take in the short term to slow the rate of rapidly rising global temperatures.EPA issued a final rule in December 2023 to sharply reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollution from new and existing oil and gas operations. In addition, EPA is working to implement the three-part framework of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program.First, EPA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy to utilize resources provided by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide over $1 billion dollars in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to technologies that reduce methane emissions and may include funds for activities associated with marginal (i.e., low-producing) conventional wells, support for methane monitoring, and funding to help reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations.Second, with today’s announcement, as directed by Congress, EPA is updating subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to ensure that reporting of methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations is based on empirical data and accurately reflects emissions.Third, in January 2024 EPA proposed a rule to implement Congress’ requirement for a Waste Emissions Charge. To take advantage of near-term opportunities for methane reductions while EPA and states work toward full implementation of the final oil and gas rule, Congress directed EPA to collect a charge on methane emissions from large oil and gas facilities that are high-emitting and wasteful, based on data submitted under subpart W.Background about Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Requirements for Petroleum and Natural Gas SectorThe GHGRP requires reporting of greenhouse gas data and other relevant information from large GHG emission sources, fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and CO2 injection sites in the United States. Approximately 8,000 facilities are required to report their emissions annually, and the reported data are made available to the public in October of each year.Under the GHGRP, owners or operators of facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of GHGs per year (expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents) report GHG data to EPA. Owners or operators collect GHG data; calculate GHG emissions; and follow the specified procedures for quality assurance, missing data, recordkeeping, and reporting. Subpart W consists of emission sources in ten segments of the petroleum and natural gas industry.Learn more about greenhouse gas reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems. |
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DALLAS, TEXAS (May 6, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds residents of Gulf Coast states that hurricane season begins on June 1. Families can take steps now to be ready before, during, and after a storm. Before:Make a plan with your family and discuss how to contact each other if communications are limited; what to do if you get separated; and where you’ll go if you have to evacuate.Make an emergency kit with canned food, bottled water, first aid supplies, flashlights, pet supplies, and any other items you might need. Prepare your home by securing or properly storing harsh cleaning agents, paints and solvents, and other hazardous materials to prevent chemical spills or releases. Talk to your neighbors to make sure your community is prepared. During:As a storm develops, pay close attention to local news and announcements from emergency response officials, and follow all shelter-in-place or evacuation instructions. Review your family plans and location of emergency supplies.If you run a generator, ensure it’s outside and set back from open windows, doors, or balconies. Generator fumes that get inside can cause illness or death from carbon monoxide poisoning. After:Watch for instructions from local response officials on when shelter-in-place or evacuation orders are lifted.Watch for instructions from responding agencies on how to handle debris, especially household hazardous waste or other potentially hazardous materials. Avoid flood waters, and do not enter your home or other flooded buildings. Hurricane preparation tips are available in 12 languages on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/tips-hurricane-preparednessFor more information on disaster preparedness, including cleanup tips, visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disastersConnect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X, or visit our homepage. |
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Kansas City Grocery Stores Ordered to Stop Selling Illegal Fabuloso Disinfectant Products LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 6, 2024) – On April 15 and 16, 2024, the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Agriculture, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ordered 17 grocery stores in the Kansas City area to stop the sale and distribution of certain Fabuloso household disinfectants, as well as other disinfection products.EPA says that the products were illegally imported into the U.S., are noncompliant with federal law, and may represent a danger to consumers. “EPA and our state partners are committed to protecting customers from potentially dangerous pesticide products, especially in areas already overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “This includes taking swift action to prevent ongoing sales of illegal disinfectant products.”According to EPA, the illegal Fabuloso products contain an active ingredient, glutaraldehyde, that is not authorized in the U.S. as a household disinfectant, because of potential health risks, including throat and lung irritation, asthma and difficulty breathing, dermatitis, nasal irritation, sneezing, wheezing, burning eyes, and conjunctivitis.The joint state and EPA inspections that resulted in the “stop sale” orders revealed illegal Fabuloso products being offered for sale at multiple grocers in the Kansas City area that serve Hispanic communities.The unauthorized Fabuloso products had labels primarily written in Spanish. A U.S. version of Fabuloso, with labels in English, contain an approved active ingredient that is authorized for sale in the U.S. Some of the stores that were inspected were selling both the authorized and unauthorized products.Other violative products identified during the inspections and placed under a stop sale order include:48 Horas Prevencion Antibacterial CloroxClorox RopaRoyal PinePinol el OriginalCloralex El RendidorAxiom CompleteGolden Essence Multi-Purpose Antibacterial WipesThe stop sale orders issued to the grocery stores require them to remove the illegal products from store shelves and to cease all further sales and/or distribution.If you have recently purchased a Fabuloso product that makes disinfectant claims, or any of the other listed disinfectants, check the product label to ensure that it is registered with EPA (all EPA-approved disinfectants have unique registration numbers). If the label does not include an EPA registration number and/or indicates it is not approved for sale in the U.S., contact your waste provider for disposal options. Fabuloso products that do not make anti-viral or anti-bacterial disinfectant claims are not regulated and can be used according to their directions.Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), producers and distributors of pesticide products must register the products with EPA and must include required labeling on the products. It is illegal to sell any pesticide that is not registered and/or does not contain required label contents. Any products claiming to kill viruses and other pathogens are considered “pesticides” under federal law.EPA offers a hotline where questions can be answered about pesticides at 1-800-858-7378. A Spanish-speaking version is available at 1-888-919-4372.Learn more about FIFRA.# # #Learn more about EPA Region 7View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7 |
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BOSTON (May 6, 2024) — On Wednesday, May 8, EPA New England will host a free, virtual Environmental Justice resource fair for communities across New England from 1 to 4pm ET. This online forum will be a virtual event that showcases open competitive grant programs for eligible entities including the Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants and funding opportunities unique to New England, like the Healthy Communities Grant Program and the Southeast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience.During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the requirements and eligibility necessary to apply to these funding opportunities, get information about available technical assistance, and have a chance to network and connect with organizations in their respective states. This virtual resource fair will include time for multiple breakout rooms designed to encourage state-specific capacity and networking building, in addition to connecting with regional technical assistance for the Community Change Grants Program.Participation and advance registration are encouraged for community-based organizations throughout EPA Region 1, including those in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as Federally Recognized Tribal Nations and state recognized Tribes.More information: Register for: R1 Environmental Justice Virtual Fair on May 8th, 2024 from 1-4 pm ETEPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (Community Change Grants)Healthy Communities Grant Program for New EnglandSoutheast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) |
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WASHINGTON—Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially announced the launch of ENERGY STAR® NextGen™ Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary, leading-edge certification program for the nation’s residential new construction sector. Developed with funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, ENERGY STAR NextGen will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies.“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is addressing climate challenges head-on and accelerating the adoption of clean, affordable technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By collaborating with developers and home builders nationwide, ENERGY STAR NextGen is set to act as a catalyst for the construction of new, energy-efficient homes and apartment buildings. Strategic partnerships like this are not just cutting costs for American families and greenhouse gas emissions — they’re paving the way for a clean energy future for current and future generations.”Building on the 30-year legacy of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will recognize homes and apartments with increased energy efficiency; reduced on-site emissions through heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances; and residential electric vehicle charging. Compared to typical code-level construction, homes earning the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will be 20% more efficient and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%–80%.Across the country, several early adopters have already begun to build to the ENERGY STAR NextGen specification:Beazer Homes (Maryland)GreenSmith Builders (Minnesota)New Tradition Homes (Washington)Quantum Equities, LLC (Washington)Thrive Home Builders (Colorado)Additionally, several utilities have announced early incentives for builders to adopt the specification:EmPOWER Maryland, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), and Potomac Edison (PE) (Maryland)Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (Washington)Utah Clean Energy (Utah)Xcel Energy (Minnesota)Xcel Energy (Colorado)Energy used in commercial and residential buildings accounts for one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. An EPA study last fall estimated that these same buildings have the potential to cut their emissions by up to 63% by 2030 and up to 70% by 2035. By encouraging efficient, electric technologies, the new ENERGY STAR NextGen certification can play an important role in achieving this goal. Learn more about the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.About ENERGY STARENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. Nearly 2.5 million energy-efficient new homes and apartments have earned ENERGY STAR certification to date, and about 10% of all U.S. homes built in America earned the ENERGY STAR label last year.Learn more:ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction ProgramFederal Tax Credits for Builders of Energy-Efficient Homes |
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EPA Region 7 Hosts Environmental Justice Tour and Listening Session in Omaha, Nebraska LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 7, 2024) – On Monday, May 6, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined representatives from the African American, Hispanic, and refugee communities, as well as local nonprofit and governmental organizations working to address environmental justice concerns in Omaha, Nebraska, on an environmental justice tour across the city followed by a listening session.“The opportunity to meet with local leaders to see and hear their concerns in person is invaluable,” McCollister said. “The knowledge our team gained through this experience will help inform our future conversations and actions as we continue our work to advance clean air, water, and land for every person across the city of Omaha, regardless of their background.”The tour and listening session were designed to better understand community leaders’ perspectives regarding areas with environmental justice concerns across Omaha and to give those leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to EPA. During the tour, McCollister joined the community leaders in gaining firsthand knowledge of identified areas for further discussion during the listening session.The tour and listening session included participants from Black Men United, Charles Drew Health Center, City Sprouts, Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Conservation Nebraska, Creighton University, Douglas County, Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, Heartland Workers Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, Latino Economic Development Council, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Omaha Refugee Task Force, One World Omaha, Refugee Empowerment Center, Refugee Housing Committee, Restoring Dignity, Spark CDI, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and University of Nebraska-Omaha.Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.Learn more about EPA’s Environmental Justice grants, funding, and technical assistance.Join us for our next virtual R7 Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting by registering here.# # #Learn more about environmental justiceLearn more about EPA Region 7View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7 |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Washington Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Washington identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Washington a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” “In 2024, no household in America should be turning on their water and wondering if it is safe to drink,” said Senator Murray. “This investment will help communities across our state upgrade water infrastructure to ensure families have access to the clean, safe drinking water they deserve. I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the Senate, which included historic new funding for clean drinking water, and as Appropriations Chair, I fought to protect these essential resources in this year’s funding bills. This funding will help make critical upgrades—and I am going to keep fighting to secure the resources we need so every family has clean drinking water.” “For too long, we have underinvested in our nation’s water infrastructure, putting our public and environmental health at risk. To upgrade and modernize our infrastructure, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included the single largest investment in water the federal government has ever made,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “The investments announced today will fund projects across our state to replace lead pipes and make sure that children and families in our communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.” “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Washington state has the funding it needs to ensure working families have clean drinking water,” said Congressman Rick Larsen. “The BIL has been instrumental in enabling more communities to replace lead pipes with the infrastructure needed to improve water quality, keep people safe and protect the environment.” “Everyone deserves access to clean water. Yet, millions of Americans, including thousands of households in Washington, still rely on outdated water systems that are contaminated with lead that can cause health issues,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “This $29 million federal investment through the bipartisan infrastructure law will help modernize water infrastructure, addressing systemic inequalities, and expanding access to clean water across our state. I will continue working with the Biden administration to ensure all Americans have access to safe and clean water.” “Clean drinking water is absolutely essential, and I’m thrilled that Washington State receiving more than $28 million to replace lead pipes across our state,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “Lead exposure is an issue that has disproportionately impacted poor people and communities of color, and through President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, we are continuing to undo decades of underinvestment and work toward a reality where no family has to worry about access to clean drinking water. I’m proud to have helped pass the Infrastructure Law as this legislation continues to deliver funding for projects that center the health and wellbeing of communities across America.” “Access to clean drinking water is a public health and equity issue,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “This massive federal investment to replace lead pipes will help communities that need it most.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Washington -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/DrinkingWater/WaterSystemAssistance/DrinkingWaterStateRevolvingFundDWSRF To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Idaho Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Idaho identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Idaho a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Idaho -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/construction-loans/ To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Oregon Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Oregon identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Oregon a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” “This federal investment in health and environmental justice out will help to ensure Oregonians can count on clean and safe drinking water each time they turn on the faucet,” Senator Wyden said. “I’m gratified the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought to pass continues to produce such significant benefits for our state, and I’ll keep working to ensure Oregon continues to get our fair share from this landmark law.” “Oregonians in every corner of the state must be able to turn on the tap without fear of lead contamination in their drinking water,” Senator Merkley said. “These federal funds will help identify and replace lead pipes, which is critical to improving our water infrastructure systems—a top concern I hear about in the town halls I hold in every corner of Oregon, especially in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color. I’ll continue to do all I can to minimize the risk of lead exposure and ensure every community in Oregon and across the U.S. has reliable access to safe, clean drinking water.” “I’m pleased to see more than $28 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law coming to Oregon to identify and remove dangerous lead pipes and protect Oregonians from contaminated drinking water.,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Lead pipes are a serious hazard to the health of Oregon families and disproportionately affect underserved communities, and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead exposure. This funding will make our communities safer for some of the most vulnerable Oregonians.” “This is a welcome announcement that will help countless families and businesses across the state access clean drinking water for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “I’m glad more federal funding is coming to Oregon under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’ll keep working to reinvest Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars into much-needed infrastructure projects.” “Building healthy communities starts with ensuring every family has access to safe and clean drinking water. I’m pleased to see Oregon receive over $28 million to help keep lead out of our water supply,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “This investment goes hand-in-hand with the federal funding I secured to improve our water infrastructure in the Sixth District, including money that will be used to replace aging water lines in Carlton and Independence. I am proud to see these dollars coming to Oregon, and I will keep fighting to deliver the resources needed to guarantee the health and safety of everyone in our state.”“Every Oregon family deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, but far too many homes still have lead service lines,” said Congresswoman Val Hoyle. “This is especially dangerous for children who can suffer lifelong health issues from toxic water consumption. I want to thank the Biden Administration for making this a priority and investing $28,650,000 to help Oregon communities achieve a lead-free future.”President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Oregon -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/SRF/Pages/index.aspx To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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More Than 200 Tribes and Four Territories Covered by Climate Action Plans with Support from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act WASHINGTON – Today, May 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that more than 200 Tribes, plus American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have published climate action plans with financial support made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The planning process is supported by EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which offers a unique opportunity for Tribal and territorial governments to develop strategies to reduce harmful pollution and address environmental justice concerns, while building the infrastructure, industry, and competitive economy for a clean energy future. EPA received 81 plans in total from Tribes and Tribal consortia representing more than 200 Tribes, along with four plans from territories. “Climate change is an issue that affects Tribes disproportionately,” said Kenneth Martin, Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office. “An unprecedented number of Tribes and intertribal partnerships worked with EPA to create Priority Climate Action Plans to remediate climate pollution in their communities. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this is the first time that climate planning on this scale has been accomplished across Tribes. The measures proposed in these plans reflect an incredible opportunity to fight the climate crisis and benefit this and future generations.” The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created under the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest climate investment in U.S. history — is enabling community-driven solutions to the climate crisis and helping accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The program is covered under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. In 2023, under the first phase of the $5 billion program, EPA provided $250 million in grants to 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 82 metropolitan statistical areas, four territories, and more than 200 Tribes (including Tribal consortia) to develop ambitious climate action plans that address greenhouse gas emissions across their communities and economies. As a key deliverable of the initial $250 million planning phase of the program, EPA provided grantees with resources to develop and submit Priority Climate Action Plans focused on high-priority, implementation-ready activities to reduce GHG emissions. Plans developed by Tribes and territories were due on April 1, and plans developed by states and large metropolitan areas were due on March 1. Each grantee has the opportunity of aligning its PCAP with its own priorities and interests, while also prioritizing measures that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. For many Tribes and territories, PCAPs are their first climate action plans. For others, the PCAPs build on existing climate and energy planning work undertaken over many years. In addition to addressing climate pollution, these grants can also support efforts to: Ensure Tribes and territories are included in climate discussions at all levels of government, are part of the process to identify community-driven solutions, and benefit from their implementation. Improve public health through the simultaneous reduction of criteria and toxic air pollutants. Help businesses capitalize on new economic opportunities, spur financial growth and create jobs by supporting new industries and developing training programs to prepare workers. PCAPs submitted to EPA lay the groundwork for the second phase of the CPRG program: $4.6 billion in competitive implementation grants, available specifically to planning grant recipients and other eligible entities, to fund GHG reduction measures contained within the PCAPs. In addition to the $4.3 billion general competition, Tribes and territories were eligible to apply for a $300 million Tribe and territory competition. PCAPs also help prepare Tribes and territories to access a broader set of funding opportunities, including other programs under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The deadline for the CPRG Implementation Grants Tribes and Territories Competition was May 1. Over the coming months, all planning grant recipients will develop Comprehensive Climate Action Plans, which will include a broader suite of GHG reduction measures from all primary emitting sectors – electric power, transportation, commercial, and residential buildings, industry, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste and materials management. The comprehensive plans will contain GHG emissions projections and reduction targets, air quality and health benefits information, and workforce planning assessments. EPA is committed to providing grant recipients with technical support, tools, and other resources throughout these planning processes. Together, the CPRG planning grants and competitive implementation funding will support the deployment of technologies to reduce GHG emissions and other harmful pollution across the country, facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, promote Tribal sovereignty, and advance environmental justice by prioritizing public health and environmental benefits to overburdened communities. View the Priority Climate Action Plans from CPRG planning grantees More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants CPRG Training, Tools and Technical Assistance Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants programCorrection: This headline was edited for accuracy. More than 200 Tribes and four territories are covered by climate action plans. |
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BOSTON (May 6, 2024) – With the onset of warmer weather, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urges New Englanders to be aware of the increased risk of ground-level ozone (often referred to as smog) and fine particle air pollution, when combined, and to take health precautions when air quality levels are predicted to be high. EPA and the New England states continue to offer free resources and tools for the public to monitor the latest air quality forecasts."The New England States have made great strides in reducing air emissions, but ozone air pollution continues to be a significant public health issue in our communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We also know that many historically underserved communities have suffered from exposure to more air pollution over the years and may also suffer from higher asthma rates. When air quality is poor, we can all take individual actions to reduce our emissions that contribute to air pollution, such as reducing energy use and driving less."Warm summer temperatures aid in the formation of ground-level ozone. The current ozone standard, set in 2015, is 0.070 parts per million (ppm) on an 8-hour average basis. Air quality alerts are issued when ozone concentrations exceed, or are predicted to exceed, this level. EPA's New England office posts a list of exceedances of the ozone standard, by date and monitor location, at Current AQI in New England.Although the number of unhealthy days varies from year to year due to weather conditions, New England has experienced a significant decrease in the number of unhealthy ozone days over the long term. For the 2015 ozone standard, New England had 118 unhealthy days in 1983, compared with 21 in 2023. This downward trend is mainly due to a reduction in emissions from powerplants, mobile sources, and other industrial facilities. Despite this progress, we continue to work in partnership with our states to reduce the number of unhealthy air quality days across New England, particularly in southern New England.As climate change increases the probability of unseasonably warm weather and wildfires, poor air quality events are predicted to increase in frequency. Between March and September 2023, there were 12 daysin which fine particulate matter (PM2.5) monitors recorded PM2.5 concentrations above levels to be considered healthy. In addition to hazy skies and reduced visibility, wildfires from Canada elevated the 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations for New England. PM2.5 are inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. For reference the largest PM2.5 particles are about 30-times smaller than a human hair. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service developed a map to give the public information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality and actions to take to protect your health in one place. The map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov.Pollution sources that contribute to smog formation are diverse. They include cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses; industrial sources; and fossil-fuel burning at electric generating stations, particularly on hot days. Smaller sources, such as gasoline stations and print shops, and household products, such as paints and cleaners, as well as gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, also contribute to the formation of smog.Here are some of the actions everyone can take to reduce air pollution:Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.Combine errands and carpool to reduce driving time and mileage.Avoid using small gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, chain saws, power-washers, air compressors, and leaf blowers.Avoid outdoor burning, including leaf burning and use of firepits and campfires.In addition, during poor air quality events, it is important to reduce household energy usage, such as setting air conditioners to a higher temperature, turning off unnecessary lights, equipment, and appliances. EPA's ENERGY STAR Program also provides trusted guidance and online tools to help homeowners make smart decisions about improving the energy efficiency of their homes.In March 2023, EPA finalized federal plans that would cut pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who live downwind from those facilities. This "good neighbor" policy will help air quality in many areas of New England. Additionally, on March 20, 2024, EPA finalized standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. On March 29, 2024, EPA also issued a final rule to revise existing standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in model year 2027 and set new, more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032.These new vehicle standards will help ensure that air pollution levels improve over the years to come.Poor air quality affects everyone, but those who are active outdoors and/or have respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are more sensitive. When air quality is predicted to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups," EPA and states announce an air quality alert for the affected areas. On these days, EPA recommends that people in these areas limit strenuous outdoor activity and asks that the public and businesses take actions to help reduce air pollution and protect public health.Tools and information: Real-time ozone data and air quality forecasts for New England air quality: https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/aqi.htmlNational real-time air quality data (free iPhone and Android apps) AirNow: https://www.airnow.govAir Quality Alerts from EnviroFlash: https://www.enviroflash.infoAirNow Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.govEPA's ENERGY STAR Program: https://www.energystar.gov |
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EPA Announces $9M in Grants Available for Tribes and Eligible US Territories to Replace Diesel Equipment and Reduce Harmful Emissions WASHINGTON — Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of grant funding available to Tribal governments and eligible territories to implement projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions from older diesel engines. Legacy diesel engines emit large amounts of NOx and PM2.5, which contribute to serious public health problems, including asthma, lung disease, and various other cardiac and respiratory diseases. Through the 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Tribal and Territory Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $9 million in total DERA funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds.“EPA is pleased to support the air quality goals of Tribes and territories as they work to improve public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman. “Replacing older, more polluting diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner new alternatives will reduce harmful diesel exhaust in nearby communities while supporting local economies.” A total of $8 million will be made available to federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native Villages, and $1 million will be made available to territories, including government agencies of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Matching funds are not required for eligibility to the program. These grants are specifically tailored to expand access to diesel emission reduction projects to those Tribes and territories with more limited resources. The DERA program has worked with Tribes to tailor the DERA Tribal competition to meet their specific needs since 2014 and opened the program to territories (formerly known as insular areas) in 2021. This allows for Tribes and territories to pursue more robust and impactful projects.Nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines are in use in the United States and emissions from these engines are a significant source of health problems. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face challenging air quality issues, especially those projects that benefit underserved communities or populations that have faced or are facing environmental health or environmental justice disparities.Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for funding. Although funding for both Tribes and territories is being announced under this single Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applications for each group will be reviewed separately. EPA will host several information sessions regarding this funding opportunity. Webinar links and dial-in information for the information sessions can be found on the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage.More than 73,700 engines, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment were replaced or retrofitted to run cleaner with DERA funds during fiscal years 2008 to 2018, according to the DERA Fifth Report to Congress. For more information and to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage. For general information on the DERA Program, visit the DERA Program webpage. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Alaska Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Alaska identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Alaska a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Alaska -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: http://dec.alaska.gov/water/technical-assistance-and-financing/state-revolving-fund/intended-use-plans/ To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Recognizes Small Business Champions at Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony WASHINGTON – Yesterday, May 2, 2024 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hosted the Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony to honor the outstanding Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 small business championship of EPA programs, employees, and business and state partners from across the country. The awards ceremony was held in celebration of National Small Business Week, which runs from April 28 - May 4, 2024.“I applaud the accomplishments of this year’s honorees,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Celebrating EPA’s small business championship as part of National Small Business Week appropriately spotlights the exceptional contributions of the agency and its partners to the historic small business boom the country has witnessed over the last three years.” In FY 2023, EPA increased the total amount of contract dollars awarded to the nation’s small and socioeconomic businesses. This includes a 3.7 increase in the percent of dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses. Also, EPA is continuing its efforts to tackle climate change as part of the Inflation Reduction Act investments, which, as noted in the President’s National Small Business Week Proclamation, is helping to create new markets for small clean-energy companies.EPA’s awards ceremony recognized approximately 15 categories of exemplary small business championship. The ceremony also featured guest remarks by Shirley D. Bailey, Board Chair of the HUBZone Contractors National Council, and Danny Portee, President of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc. the recipient of the Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. A complete list of the award recipients is provided at the end of this press release.ADMINISTRATOR’S AWARD RECIPIENTSOutstanding Direct Procurement Program AchievementOffice of Air and RadiationEnvironmental, Analytical, Research, Technical, and Hybrid (EARTH)Recognition of Team Effort:Tomeka Hall Hillari Hawkins Abby Holland Angela LowerEleanor Marusiak Timothy Roberts Keith Pfeffer Laura ZoellnerRegion 6Houston Lab Procurement TeamRecognition of Team Effort:Marcus Jackson Amanda Johnson Lisa WoolOutstanding Accomplishments by a Tribal ContractorCherokee Nation System SolutionsOutstanding Accomplishments by a HUBZone Small Business ContractorTelesolv Consulting, LLCOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business ContractorGreat Lakes Environmental CenterOutstanding Accomplishments by a Woman-Owned Small Business ContractorGüd MarketingOutstanding Accomplishments by a Woman-Owned Small Business ContractorTTW SolutionsOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Disadvantaged Business ContractorIntegriWard, LLCOutstanding Accomplishments by a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business ContractorProfessional Management Enterprises, Inc.Outstanding Accomplishments by an EPA Employee or Group in Support of Small Businesses Impacted by EPA RegulationsSeneca AndersonOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business Trade Association or State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business CommunityDonovan GrimwoodOFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION (OSDBU) DIRECTOR’S AWARDSOffice of Inspector GeneralFor Exceeding the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business GoalsOffice of Research and DevelopmentFor Exceeding the Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business GoalsRegion 7For Exceeding the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, and HUBZone Small Business GoalsCRYSTAL DUCK AWARDSWesley J. CarpenterDeputy Chief of Staff for ManagementOffice of the AdministratorTommie L. Madison, Jr.Agency Advocate for CompetitionOffice of Acquisition SolutionsKoni B. FritzRegional Acquisition ManagerJennifer EricksonSmall Business Utilization SpecialistRegions 7 & 101 date adjusted to reflect the ceremony date |
Texas Climate News
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Will invigorated climate action hold global warming to 1.5 degrees? Everything will have to go right to confine atmospheric heating to that desired limit and avoid harsher impacts, climate scientists say. But even coming close to 1.5 C would mean a much better future for life on the planet. |
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The Texas Tech faculty member, a prominent climate-change researcher and communicator, will also be responsible for the international nonprofit’s “wider portfolio of global climate advocacy and adaptation work.” |
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How Texas froze: Neglect of power-grid and climate warnings set the icy stage State officials’ repeated failure to act on deeply researched advice for averting grid catastrophes paralleled Texas’ years-long non-response to experts’ repeated warnings about the dangers of climate change. |
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What to make of old-fashioned Texas cold, snow in a 21st-century climate? A winter storm warning covered all of Texas on Valentine's Day. Science deniers have cited such episodes to cast doubt on global warming. But extremely cold temperatures still occur in a generally warming world. |
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Houston-Galveston’s record overnight temps typified global warming in 2020 2020 basically tied with 2016 as Earth's hottest year on record. Troubling implications for people's health were evident in Texas and many other places. More research underscored health concerns about the climate crisis. |
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Biden moves quickly to begin undoing Trump’s climate and energy policies From rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement to canceling the Keystone pipeline to halting leasing in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife refuge, the new administration embarked on a bold turn-around for the country. |
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Federal rules, international pressure may finally snuff methane flaring Texas regulators have consistently allowed the controversial practice at oil and gas wells, which contributes to manmade climate change. Voters in November rejected a Democratic candidate who called for tougher state regulation. |
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The period around the Winter Solstice has been an occasion for reflection and celebration for millennia. In recent times, it was also when astronauts took photos of Earth that helped animate planetary consciousness. |
Climate Change from EPA
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Se ordena a las tiendas de comestibles de Kansas City que dejen de vender productos desinfectantes ilegales Fabuloso LENEXA, KANSAS (6 de mayo de 2024) – El 15 y 16 de abril de 2024, los Departamentos de Agricultura de Kansas y Missouri, en colaboración con la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA), ordenaron a 17 tiendas de comestibles en el área de Kansas City que cesaran la venta y distribución de ciertos desinfectantes domésticos Fabuloso, así como otros productos desinfectantes.La EPA afirma que los productos fueron importados ilegalmente a los EE. UU., no cumplen con la ley federal y pueden representar un peligro para los consumidores. "La EPA y nuestros socios estatales están comprometidos a proteger a los clientes de productos pesticidas potencialmente peligrosos, especialmente en áreas ya sobrecargadas de contaminación," dijo la Administradora de la Región 7 de la EPA, Meg McCollister. "Esto incluye tomar medidas rápidas para prevenir la venta continua de productos desinfectantes ilegales".Según la EPA, los productos Fabuloso ilegales contienen un ingrediente activo, el glutaraldehído, que no está autorizado en los EE. UU. como desinfectante doméstico debido a posibles riesgos para la salud, que incluyen irritación de la garganta y los pulmones, asma y dificultad para respirar, dermatitis, irritación nasal, estornudos, sibilancias, ojos llorosos y conjuntivitis.Las inspecciones conjuntas del Estado y la EPA que dieron lugar a las órdenes de "cese de ventas" revelaron que se estaban vendiendo productos Fabuloso ilegales en varias tiendas de comestibles de la zona de Ciudad de Kansas y que abastecen a comunidades hispanas.Los productos Fabuloso no autorizados tenían etiquetas escritas principalmente en español. La versión estadounidense de Fabuloso, con etiquetas en inglés, contiene un ingrediente activo aprobado cuya venta está autorizada en EE.UU. Algunas de las tiendas inspeccionadas vendían tanto los productos autorizados como los no autorizados.Otros productos infractores identificados durante las inspecciones y sometidos a una orden de prohibición de venta son:48 Horas Prevencion Antibacterial CloroxClorox RopaPino RoyalPinol el OriginalCloralex El RendidorAxiom CompletoToallitas Antibacterianas Multiuso Golden EssenceLas órdenes de cese de venta emitidas a las tiendas de comestibles requieren que retiren los productos ilegales de las góndolas y cesen todas las ventas y/o distribución adicionales.Si recientemente ha comprado un producto Fabuloso que afirma ser desinfectante, o cualquiera de los otros desinfectantes enumerados, verifique la etiqueta del producto para asegurarse de que esté registrado en la EPA (todos los desinfectantes aprobados por la EPA tienen números de registro únicos). Si la etiqueta no incluye un número de registro de la EPA y/o indica que no está aprobado para la venta en los EE. UU., comuníquese con su proveedor de residuos para conocer las opciones de eliminación. Los productos Fabuloso que no hacen reclamos de desinfectante antiviral o antibacteriano no están regulados y pueden usarse según sus instrucciones.Según la Ley Federal de Insecticidas, Fungicidas y Rodenticidas (FIFRA), los productores y distribuidores de productos pesticidas deben registrar los productos en la EPA y deben incluir etiquetado requerido en los productos. Es ilegal vender cualquier pesticida que no esté registrado y/o que no contenga lo indicado en la etiqueta. Todos los productos que afirman matar virus y otros patógenos se consideran "pesticidas" según la legislación federal.La EPA ofrece una línea directa donde se puede responder a preguntas sobre pesticidas llamando al 1-800-858-7378. Una versión en español se encuentra disponible llamando al 1-888-919-4372.Obtenga más información sobre control de plagas.# # #Obtenga más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA |
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule to Cut Methane Emissions, Strengthen and Update Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting for the Oil and Gas Sector WASHINGTON – Today, May 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule to strengthen, expand, and update methane emissions reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems under EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, as required by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The final revisions will ensure greater transparency and accountability for methane pollution from oil and natural gas facilities by improving the accuracy of annual emissions reporting from these operations. Oil and natural gas facilities are the nation’s largest industrial source of methane, a climate “super pollutant” that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. EPA’s latest action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government initiative to slash methane emissions from every sector of the economy under the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Plan. In 2023 alone, the Administration took nearly 100 actions, with coordination by the White House Methane Task Force, to bolster methane detection and reduce methane pollution from oil and gas operations, landfills, abandoned mines, agriculture, industry, and buildings.The final rule updating the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, as designed by Congress to help states, industry, and communities implement recently finalized Clean Air Act methane standards and slash methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The Biden-Harris Administration is also mobilizing over $1 billion in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to no- and low- emitting oil and gas technologies, as part of broad efforts to cut wasteful methane emissions. “As we implement the historic climate programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is applying the latest tools, cutting edge technology, and expertise to track and measure methane emissions from the oil and gas industry,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, a combination of strong standards, good monitoring and reporting, and historic investments to cut methane pollution will ensure the U.S. leads in the global transition to a clean energy economy.”Recent studies reveal that actual emissions from petroleum and natural gas systems are much greater than what has historically been reported to the GHGRP. This rule addresses that gap, including by facilitating the use of satellite data to identify super-emitters and quantify large emission events, requiring direct monitoring of key emission sources, and updating the methods for calculation. Together these changes support complete and accurate reporting and respond to Congress’s directive for the measurement of methane emissions to rely on empirical data. Today’s announcement is EPA’s latest step in tackling methane emissions that are fueling climate change, building on the agency’s recently finalized Clean Air Act standards to sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry, promote the use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies, and deliver significant economic and public health benefits from methane emissions reductions. That rule established a Super-Emitter Program to help detect large leaks and releases, and today’s reporting rule will require owners and operators to quantify and report the emissions detected through that Program to help close the gap between observed methane emissions and reported emissions. The final subpart W rule will dramatically improve the quality of emissions data reported from oil and natural gas operations, with provisions that improve the quantification of methane emissions, incorporate advances in methane emissions measurement technology, and streamline compliance with other EPA regulations. For the first time, EPA is allowing for the use of advanced technologies such as satellites to help quantify emissions in subpart W. In addition, EPA is finalizing new methodologies that allow for the use of empirical data for quantifying emissions, including options added in response to public comments on the proposed rule. The final rule also allows for the optional earlier use of empirical data calculation methodologies for facilities that prefer to use them to quantify 2024 emissions. These changes will improve transparency and expand the options for owners and operators to submit empirical data to demonstrate their effort to reduce methane emissions and identify whether a Waste Emissions Charge is owed, based on thresholds set by Congress. Advanced measurement technologies, and their use for annual quantification of emissions, are evolving rapidly. EPA is committed to transparent and continual improvements to its programs to account for these advancements while ensuring reporting is accurate and complete. The agency intends to take the following steps to gather further information about advanced measurement technologies and to inform potential regulatory changes or other standard setting programs that encourage the use of more accurate and comprehensive measurement strategies:This summer, EPA will solicit input on the use of advanced measurement data and methods in subpart W by issuing a Request for Information and opening a non-regulatory docket, including specific questions and topics on which EPA seeks input from the public. EPA intends to use the feedback received to consider whether it is appropriate to undertake further rulemaking addressing the use of advanced measurement technologies in subpart W, beyond the role for these technologies that is already provided in today’s rule.EPA also seeks to continuously update its knowledge about new measurement and detection technologies, and to elicit input from stakeholders and experts about how such advances should inform EPA’s regulations. To keep pace with this dynamic field, EPA plans to undertake a solicitation or engagement for information about advanced measurement and detection technologies (in the form of a Request for Information, workshop, or similar mechanism) on at least a biennial basis. These engagements will enable EPA to learn about technological advances and the extent to which there is robust information about their accuracy, reliability, and appropriateness for use in a regulatory reporting program.For more information about this action, please visit the GHG Reporting Program Rulemaking Resources webpage.Background on the Methane Emissions Reduction Program in the Inflation Reduction ActMethane is a climate “super pollutant” that is more potent than carbon dioxide and responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. The oil and natural gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane emissions in the United States. Quick reduction of these methane emissions is one of the most important and cost-effective actions the United States can take in the short term to slow the rate of rapidly rising global temperatures.EPA issued a final rule in December 2023 to sharply reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollution from new and existing oil and gas operations. In addition, EPA is working to implement the three-part framework of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program.First, EPA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy to utilize resources provided by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide over $1 billion dollars in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to technologies that reduce methane emissions and may include funds for activities associated with marginal (i.e., low-producing) conventional wells, support for methane monitoring, and funding to help reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations.Second, with today’s announcement, as directed by Congress, EPA is updating subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to ensure that reporting of methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations is based on empirical data and accurately reflects emissions.Third, in January 2024 EPA proposed a rule to implement Congress’ requirement for a Waste Emissions Charge. To take advantage of near-term opportunities for methane reductions while EPA and states work toward full implementation of the final oil and gas rule, Congress directed EPA to collect a charge on methane emissions from large oil and gas facilities that are high-emitting and wasteful, based on data submitted under subpart W.Background about Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Requirements for Petroleum and Natural Gas SectorThe GHGRP requires reporting of greenhouse gas data and other relevant information from large GHG emission sources, fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and CO2 injection sites in the United States. Approximately 8,000 facilities are required to report their emissions annually, and the reported data are made available to the public in October of each year.Under the GHGRP, owners or operators of facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of GHGs per year (expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents) report GHG data to EPA. Owners or operators collect GHG data; calculate GHG emissions; and follow the specified procedures for quality assurance, missing data, recordkeeping, and reporting. Subpart W consists of emission sources in ten segments of the petroleum and natural gas industry.Learn more about greenhouse gas reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems. |
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DALLAS, TEXAS (May 6, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds residents of Gulf Coast states that hurricane season begins on June 1. Families can take steps now to be ready before, during, and after a storm. Before:Make a plan with your family and discuss how to contact each other if communications are limited; what to do if you get separated; and where you’ll go if you have to evacuate.Make an emergency kit with canned food, bottled water, first aid supplies, flashlights, pet supplies, and any other items you might need. Prepare your home by securing or properly storing harsh cleaning agents, paints and solvents, and other hazardous materials to prevent chemical spills or releases. Talk to your neighbors to make sure your community is prepared. During:As a storm develops, pay close attention to local news and announcements from emergency response officials, and follow all shelter-in-place or evacuation instructions. Review your family plans and location of emergency supplies.If you run a generator, ensure it’s outside and set back from open windows, doors, or balconies. Generator fumes that get inside can cause illness or death from carbon monoxide poisoning. After:Watch for instructions from local response officials on when shelter-in-place or evacuation orders are lifted.Watch for instructions from responding agencies on how to handle debris, especially household hazardous waste or other potentially hazardous materials. Avoid flood waters, and do not enter your home or other flooded buildings. Hurricane preparation tips are available in 12 languages on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/tips-hurricane-preparednessFor more information on disaster preparedness, including cleanup tips, visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disastersConnect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X, or visit our homepage. |
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Kansas City Grocery Stores Ordered to Stop Selling Illegal Fabuloso Disinfectant Products LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 6, 2024) – On April 15 and 16, 2024, the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Agriculture, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ordered 17 grocery stores in the Kansas City area to stop the sale and distribution of certain Fabuloso household disinfectants, as well as other disinfection products.EPA says that the products were illegally imported into the U.S., are noncompliant with federal law, and may represent a danger to consumers. “EPA and our state partners are committed to protecting customers from potentially dangerous pesticide products, especially in areas already overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “This includes taking swift action to prevent ongoing sales of illegal disinfectant products.”According to EPA, the illegal Fabuloso products contain an active ingredient, glutaraldehyde, that is not authorized in the U.S. as a household disinfectant, because of potential health risks, including throat and lung irritation, asthma and difficulty breathing, dermatitis, nasal irritation, sneezing, wheezing, burning eyes, and conjunctivitis.The joint state and EPA inspections that resulted in the “stop sale” orders revealed illegal Fabuloso products being offered for sale at multiple grocers in the Kansas City area that serve Hispanic communities.The unauthorized Fabuloso products had labels primarily written in Spanish. A U.S. version of Fabuloso, with labels in English, contain an approved active ingredient that is authorized for sale in the U.S. Some of the stores that were inspected were selling both the authorized and unauthorized products.Other violative products identified during the inspections and placed under a stop sale order include:48 Horas Prevencion Antibacterial CloroxClorox RopaRoyal PinePinol el OriginalCloralex El RendidorAxiom CompleteGolden Essence Multi-Purpose Antibacterial WipesThe stop sale orders issued to the grocery stores require them to remove the illegal products from store shelves and to cease all further sales and/or distribution.If you have recently purchased a Fabuloso product that makes disinfectant claims, or any of the other listed disinfectants, check the product label to ensure that it is registered with EPA (all EPA-approved disinfectants have unique registration numbers). If the label does not include an EPA registration number and/or indicates it is not approved for sale in the U.S., contact your waste provider for disposal options. Fabuloso products that do not make anti-viral or anti-bacterial disinfectant claims are not regulated and can be used according to their directions.Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), producers and distributors of pesticide products must register the products with EPA and must include required labeling on the products. It is illegal to sell any pesticide that is not registered and/or does not contain required label contents. Any products claiming to kill viruses and other pathogens are considered “pesticides” under federal law.EPA offers a hotline where questions can be answered about pesticides at 1-800-858-7378. A Spanish-speaking version is available at 1-888-919-4372.Learn more about FIFRA.# # #Learn more about EPA Region 7View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7 |
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BOSTON (May 6, 2024) — On Wednesday, May 8, EPA New England will host a free, virtual Environmental Justice resource fair for communities across New England from 1 to 4pm ET. This online forum will be a virtual event that showcases open competitive grant programs for eligible entities including the Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants and funding opportunities unique to New England, like the Healthy Communities Grant Program and the Southeast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience.During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the requirements and eligibility necessary to apply to these funding opportunities, get information about available technical assistance, and have a chance to network and connect with organizations in their respective states. This virtual resource fair will include time for multiple breakout rooms designed to encourage state-specific capacity and networking building, in addition to connecting with regional technical assistance for the Community Change Grants Program.Participation and advance registration are encouraged for community-based organizations throughout EPA Region 1, including those in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as Federally Recognized Tribal Nations and state recognized Tribes.More information: Register for: R1 Environmental Justice Virtual Fair on May 8th, 2024 from 1-4 pm ETEPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (Community Change Grants)Healthy Communities Grant Program for New EnglandSoutheast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) |
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WASHINGTON—Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially announced the launch of ENERGY STAR® NextGen™ Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary, leading-edge certification program for the nation’s residential new construction sector. Developed with funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, ENERGY STAR NextGen will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies.“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is addressing climate challenges head-on and accelerating the adoption of clean, affordable technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By collaborating with developers and home builders nationwide, ENERGY STAR NextGen is set to act as a catalyst for the construction of new, energy-efficient homes and apartment buildings. Strategic partnerships like this are not just cutting costs for American families and greenhouse gas emissions — they’re paving the way for a clean energy future for current and future generations.”Building on the 30-year legacy of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will recognize homes and apartments with increased energy efficiency; reduced on-site emissions through heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances; and residential electric vehicle charging. Compared to typical code-level construction, homes earning the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will be 20% more efficient and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%–80%.Across the country, several early adopters have already begun to build to the ENERGY STAR NextGen specification:Beazer Homes (Maryland)GreenSmith Builders (Minnesota)New Tradition Homes (Washington)Quantum Equities, LLC (Washington)Thrive Home Builders (Colorado)Additionally, several utilities have announced early incentives for builders to adopt the specification:EmPOWER Maryland, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), and Potomac Edison (PE) (Maryland)Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (Washington)Utah Clean Energy (Utah)Xcel Energy (Minnesota)Xcel Energy (Colorado)Energy used in commercial and residential buildings accounts for one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. An EPA study last fall estimated that these same buildings have the potential to cut their emissions by up to 63% by 2030 and up to 70% by 2035. By encouraging efficient, electric technologies, the new ENERGY STAR NextGen certification can play an important role in achieving this goal. Learn more about the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.About ENERGY STARENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. Nearly 2.5 million energy-efficient new homes and apartments have earned ENERGY STAR certification to date, and about 10% of all U.S. homes built in America earned the ENERGY STAR label last year.Learn more:ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction ProgramFederal Tax Credits for Builders of Energy-Efficient Homes |
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EPA Region 7 Hosts Environmental Justice Tour and Listening Session in Omaha, Nebraska LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 7, 2024) – On Monday, May 6, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined representatives from the African American, Hispanic, and refugee communities, as well as local nonprofit and governmental organizations working to address environmental justice concerns in Omaha, Nebraska, on an environmental justice tour across the city followed by a listening session.“The opportunity to meet with local leaders to see and hear their concerns in person is invaluable,” McCollister said. “The knowledge our team gained through this experience will help inform our future conversations and actions as we continue our work to advance clean air, water, and land for every person across the city of Omaha, regardless of their background.”The tour and listening session were designed to better understand community leaders’ perspectives regarding areas with environmental justice concerns across Omaha and to give those leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to EPA. During the tour, McCollister joined the community leaders in gaining firsthand knowledge of identified areas for further discussion during the listening session.The tour and listening session included participants from Black Men United, Charles Drew Health Center, City Sprouts, Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Conservation Nebraska, Creighton University, Douglas County, Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, Heartland Workers Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, Latino Economic Development Council, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Omaha Refugee Task Force, One World Omaha, Refugee Empowerment Center, Refugee Housing Committee, Restoring Dignity, Spark CDI, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and University of Nebraska-Omaha.Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.Learn more about EPA’s Environmental Justice grants, funding, and technical assistance.Join us for our next virtual R7 Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting by registering here.# # #Learn more about environmental justiceLearn more about EPA Region 7View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7 |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Washington Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Washington identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Washington a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” “In 2024, no household in America should be turning on their water and wondering if it is safe to drink,” said Senator Murray. “This investment will help communities across our state upgrade water infrastructure to ensure families have access to the clean, safe drinking water they deserve. I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the Senate, which included historic new funding for clean drinking water, and as Appropriations Chair, I fought to protect these essential resources in this year’s funding bills. This funding will help make critical upgrades—and I am going to keep fighting to secure the resources we need so every family has clean drinking water.” “For too long, we have underinvested in our nation’s water infrastructure, putting our public and environmental health at risk. To upgrade and modernize our infrastructure, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included the single largest investment in water the federal government has ever made,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “The investments announced today will fund projects across our state to replace lead pipes and make sure that children and families in our communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.” “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Washington state has the funding it needs to ensure working families have clean drinking water,” said Congressman Rick Larsen. “The BIL has been instrumental in enabling more communities to replace lead pipes with the infrastructure needed to improve water quality, keep people safe and protect the environment.” “Everyone deserves access to clean water. Yet, millions of Americans, including thousands of households in Washington, still rely on outdated water systems that are contaminated with lead that can cause health issues,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “This $29 million federal investment through the bipartisan infrastructure law will help modernize water infrastructure, addressing systemic inequalities, and expanding access to clean water across our state. I will continue working with the Biden administration to ensure all Americans have access to safe and clean water.” “Clean drinking water is absolutely essential, and I’m thrilled that Washington State receiving more than $28 million to replace lead pipes across our state,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “Lead exposure is an issue that has disproportionately impacted poor people and communities of color, and through President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, we are continuing to undo decades of underinvestment and work toward a reality where no family has to worry about access to clean drinking water. I’m proud to have helped pass the Infrastructure Law as this legislation continues to deliver funding for projects that center the health and wellbeing of communities across America.” “Access to clean drinking water is a public health and equity issue,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “This massive federal investment to replace lead pipes will help communities that need it most.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Washington -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/DrinkingWater/WaterSystemAssistance/DrinkingWaterStateRevolvingFundDWSRF To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Idaho Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Idaho identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Idaho a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Idaho -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/construction-loans/ To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Oregon Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Oregon identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Oregon a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” “This federal investment in health and environmental justice out will help to ensure Oregonians can count on clean and safe drinking water each time they turn on the faucet,” Senator Wyden said. “I’m gratified the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought to pass continues to produce such significant benefits for our state, and I’ll keep working to ensure Oregon continues to get our fair share from this landmark law.” “Oregonians in every corner of the state must be able to turn on the tap without fear of lead contamination in their drinking water,” Senator Merkley said. “These federal funds will help identify and replace lead pipes, which is critical to improving our water infrastructure systems—a top concern I hear about in the town halls I hold in every corner of Oregon, especially in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color. I’ll continue to do all I can to minimize the risk of lead exposure and ensure every community in Oregon and across the U.S. has reliable access to safe, clean drinking water.” “I’m pleased to see more than $28 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law coming to Oregon to identify and remove dangerous lead pipes and protect Oregonians from contaminated drinking water.,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Lead pipes are a serious hazard to the health of Oregon families and disproportionately affect underserved communities, and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead exposure. This funding will make our communities safer for some of the most vulnerable Oregonians.” “This is a welcome announcement that will help countless families and businesses across the state access clean drinking water for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “I’m glad more federal funding is coming to Oregon under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’ll keep working to reinvest Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars into much-needed infrastructure projects.” “Building healthy communities starts with ensuring every family has access to safe and clean drinking water. I’m pleased to see Oregon receive over $28 million to help keep lead out of our water supply,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “This investment goes hand-in-hand with the federal funding I secured to improve our water infrastructure in the Sixth District, including money that will be used to replace aging water lines in Carlton and Independence. I am proud to see these dollars coming to Oregon, and I will keep fighting to deliver the resources needed to guarantee the health and safety of everyone in our state.”“Every Oregon family deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, but far too many homes still have lead service lines,” said Congresswoman Val Hoyle. “This is especially dangerous for children who can suffer lifelong health issues from toxic water consumption. I want to thank the Biden Administration for making this a priority and investing $28,650,000 to help Oregon communities achieve a lead-free future.”President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Oregon -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/SRF/Pages/index.aspx To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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More Than 200 Tribes and Four Territories Covered by Climate Action Plans with Support from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act WASHINGTON – Today, May 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that more than 200 Tribes, plus American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have published climate action plans with financial support made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The planning process is supported by EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which offers a unique opportunity for Tribal and territorial governments to develop strategies to reduce harmful pollution and address environmental justice concerns, while building the infrastructure, industry, and competitive economy for a clean energy future. EPA received 81 plans in total from Tribes and Tribal consortia representing more than 200 Tribes, along with four plans from territories. “Climate change is an issue that affects Tribes disproportionately,” said Kenneth Martin, Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office. “An unprecedented number of Tribes and intertribal partnerships worked with EPA to create Priority Climate Action Plans to remediate climate pollution in their communities. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this is the first time that climate planning on this scale has been accomplished across Tribes. The measures proposed in these plans reflect an incredible opportunity to fight the climate crisis and benefit this and future generations.” The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created under the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest climate investment in U.S. history — is enabling community-driven solutions to the climate crisis and helping accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The program is covered under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. In 2023, under the first phase of the $5 billion program, EPA provided $250 million in grants to 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 82 metropolitan statistical areas, four territories, and more than 200 Tribes (including Tribal consortia) to develop ambitious climate action plans that address greenhouse gas emissions across their communities and economies. As a key deliverable of the initial $250 million planning phase of the program, EPA provided grantees with resources to develop and submit Priority Climate Action Plans focused on high-priority, implementation-ready activities to reduce GHG emissions. Plans developed by Tribes and territories were due on April 1, and plans developed by states and large metropolitan areas were due on March 1. Each grantee has the opportunity of aligning its PCAP with its own priorities and interests, while also prioritizing measures that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. For many Tribes and territories, PCAPs are their first climate action plans. For others, the PCAPs build on existing climate and energy planning work undertaken over many years. In addition to addressing climate pollution, these grants can also support efforts to: Ensure Tribes and territories are included in climate discussions at all levels of government, are part of the process to identify community-driven solutions, and benefit from their implementation. Improve public health through the simultaneous reduction of criteria and toxic air pollutants. Help businesses capitalize on new economic opportunities, spur financial growth and create jobs by supporting new industries and developing training programs to prepare workers. PCAPs submitted to EPA lay the groundwork for the second phase of the CPRG program: $4.6 billion in competitive implementation grants, available specifically to planning grant recipients and other eligible entities, to fund GHG reduction measures contained within the PCAPs. In addition to the $4.3 billion general competition, Tribes and territories were eligible to apply for a $300 million Tribe and territory competition. PCAPs also help prepare Tribes and territories to access a broader set of funding opportunities, including other programs under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The deadline for the CPRG Implementation Grants Tribes and Territories Competition was May 1. Over the coming months, all planning grant recipients will develop Comprehensive Climate Action Plans, which will include a broader suite of GHG reduction measures from all primary emitting sectors – electric power, transportation, commercial, and residential buildings, industry, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste and materials management. The comprehensive plans will contain GHG emissions projections and reduction targets, air quality and health benefits information, and workforce planning assessments. EPA is committed to providing grant recipients with technical support, tools, and other resources throughout these planning processes. Together, the CPRG planning grants and competitive implementation funding will support the deployment of technologies to reduce GHG emissions and other harmful pollution across the country, facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, promote Tribal sovereignty, and advance environmental justice by prioritizing public health and environmental benefits to overburdened communities. View the Priority Climate Action Plans from CPRG planning grantees More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants CPRG Training, Tools and Technical Assistance Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants programCorrection: This headline was edited for accuracy. More than 200 Tribes and four territories are covered by climate action plans. |
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BOSTON (May 6, 2024) – With the onset of warmer weather, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urges New Englanders to be aware of the increased risk of ground-level ozone (often referred to as smog) and fine particle air pollution, when combined, and to take health precautions when air quality levels are predicted to be high. EPA and the New England states continue to offer free resources and tools for the public to monitor the latest air quality forecasts."The New England States have made great strides in reducing air emissions, but ozone air pollution continues to be a significant public health issue in our communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We also know that many historically underserved communities have suffered from exposure to more air pollution over the years and may also suffer from higher asthma rates. When air quality is poor, we can all take individual actions to reduce our emissions that contribute to air pollution, such as reducing energy use and driving less."Warm summer temperatures aid in the formation of ground-level ozone. The current ozone standard, set in 2015, is 0.070 parts per million (ppm) on an 8-hour average basis. Air quality alerts are issued when ozone concentrations exceed, or are predicted to exceed, this level. EPA's New England office posts a list of exceedances of the ozone standard, by date and monitor location, at Current AQI in New England.Although the number of unhealthy days varies from year to year due to weather conditions, New England has experienced a significant decrease in the number of unhealthy ozone days over the long term. For the 2015 ozone standard, New England had 118 unhealthy days in 1983, compared with 21 in 2023. This downward trend is mainly due to a reduction in emissions from powerplants, mobile sources, and other industrial facilities. Despite this progress, we continue to work in partnership with our states to reduce the number of unhealthy air quality days across New England, particularly in southern New England.As climate change increases the probability of unseasonably warm weather and wildfires, poor air quality events are predicted to increase in frequency. Between March and September 2023, there were 12 daysin which fine particulate matter (PM2.5) monitors recorded PM2.5 concentrations above levels to be considered healthy. In addition to hazy skies and reduced visibility, wildfires from Canada elevated the 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations for New England. PM2.5 are inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. For reference the largest PM2.5 particles are about 30-times smaller than a human hair. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service developed a map to give the public information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality and actions to take to protect your health in one place. The map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov.Pollution sources that contribute to smog formation are diverse. They include cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses; industrial sources; and fossil-fuel burning at electric generating stations, particularly on hot days. Smaller sources, such as gasoline stations and print shops, and household products, such as paints and cleaners, as well as gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, also contribute to the formation of smog.Here are some of the actions everyone can take to reduce air pollution:Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.Combine errands and carpool to reduce driving time and mileage.Avoid using small gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, chain saws, power-washers, air compressors, and leaf blowers.Avoid outdoor burning, including leaf burning and use of firepits and campfires.In addition, during poor air quality events, it is important to reduce household energy usage, such as setting air conditioners to a higher temperature, turning off unnecessary lights, equipment, and appliances. EPA's ENERGY STAR Program also provides trusted guidance and online tools to help homeowners make smart decisions about improving the energy efficiency of their homes.In March 2023, EPA finalized federal plans that would cut pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who live downwind from those facilities. This "good neighbor" policy will help air quality in many areas of New England. Additionally, on March 20, 2024, EPA finalized standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. On March 29, 2024, EPA also issued a final rule to revise existing standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in model year 2027 and set new, more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032.These new vehicle standards will help ensure that air pollution levels improve over the years to come.Poor air quality affects everyone, but those who are active outdoors and/or have respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are more sensitive. When air quality is predicted to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups," EPA and states announce an air quality alert for the affected areas. On these days, EPA recommends that people in these areas limit strenuous outdoor activity and asks that the public and businesses take actions to help reduce air pollution and protect public health.Tools and information: Real-time ozone data and air quality forecasts for New England air quality: https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/aqi.htmlNational real-time air quality data (free iPhone and Android apps) AirNow: https://www.airnow.govAir Quality Alerts from EnviroFlash: https://www.enviroflash.infoAirNow Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.govEPA's ENERGY STAR Program: https://www.energystar.gov |
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EPA Announces $9M in Grants Available for Tribes and Eligible US Territories to Replace Diesel Equipment and Reduce Harmful Emissions WASHINGTON — Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of grant funding available to Tribal governments and eligible territories to implement projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions from older diesel engines. Legacy diesel engines emit large amounts of NOx and PM2.5, which contribute to serious public health problems, including asthma, lung disease, and various other cardiac and respiratory diseases. Through the 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Tribal and Territory Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $9 million in total DERA funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds.“EPA is pleased to support the air quality goals of Tribes and territories as they work to improve public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman. “Replacing older, more polluting diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner new alternatives will reduce harmful diesel exhaust in nearby communities while supporting local economies.” A total of $8 million will be made available to federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native Villages, and $1 million will be made available to territories, including government agencies of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Matching funds are not required for eligibility to the program. These grants are specifically tailored to expand access to diesel emission reduction projects to those Tribes and territories with more limited resources. The DERA program has worked with Tribes to tailor the DERA Tribal competition to meet their specific needs since 2014 and opened the program to territories (formerly known as insular areas) in 2021. This allows for Tribes and territories to pursue more robust and impactful projects.Nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines are in use in the United States and emissions from these engines are a significant source of health problems. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face challenging air quality issues, especially those projects that benefit underserved communities or populations that have faced or are facing environmental health or environmental justice disparities.Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for funding. Although funding for both Tribes and territories is being announced under this single Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applications for each group will be reviewed separately. EPA will host several information sessions regarding this funding opportunity. Webinar links and dial-in information for the information sessions can be found on the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage.More than 73,700 engines, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment were replaced or retrofitted to run cleaner with DERA funds during fiscal years 2008 to 2018, according to the DERA Fifth Report to Congress. For more information and to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage. For general information on the DERA Program, visit the DERA Program webpage. |
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EPA Announces $28 Million for Alaska Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28,650,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Alaska identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today’s announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA’s successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, takes another major step to advance this work and environmental justice, and bolsters the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families. “Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Alaska a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging - and all together outdated - water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.” President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. This Lead Service Line-specific formula allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. To ensure that funding is used for lead service line related activities, LSLR allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more. Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes. To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Alaska -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to: http://dec.alaska.gov/water/technical-assistance-and-financing/state-revolving-fund/intended-use-plans/ To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal. Today’s allotments are based on EPA’s updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment including an assessment of the one-time update submissions. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025. For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA’s Drinking Water website. |
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EPA Recognizes Small Business Champions at Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony WASHINGTON – Yesterday, May 2, 2024 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hosted the Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony to honor the outstanding Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 small business championship of EPA programs, employees, and business and state partners from across the country. The awards ceremony was held in celebration of National Small Business Week, which runs from April 28 - May 4, 2024.“I applaud the accomplishments of this year’s honorees,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Celebrating EPA’s small business championship as part of National Small Business Week appropriately spotlights the exceptional contributions of the agency and its partners to the historic small business boom the country has witnessed over the last three years.” In FY 2023, EPA increased the total amount of contract dollars awarded to the nation’s small and socioeconomic businesses. This includes a 3.7 increase in the percent of dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses. Also, EPA is continuing its efforts to tackle climate change as part of the Inflation Reduction Act investments, which, as noted in the President’s National Small Business Week Proclamation, is helping to create new markets for small clean-energy companies.EPA’s awards ceremony recognized approximately 15 categories of exemplary small business championship. The ceremony also featured guest remarks by Shirley D. Bailey, Board Chair of the HUBZone Contractors National Council, and Danny Portee, President of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc. the recipient of the Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. A complete list of the award recipients is provided at the end of this press release.ADMINISTRATOR’S AWARD RECIPIENTSOutstanding Direct Procurement Program AchievementOffice of Air and RadiationEnvironmental, Analytical, Research, Technical, and Hybrid (EARTH)Recognition of Team Effort:Tomeka Hall Hillari Hawkins Abby Holland Angela LowerEleanor Marusiak Timothy Roberts Keith Pfeffer Laura ZoellnerRegion 6Houston Lab Procurement TeamRecognition of Team Effort:Marcus Jackson Amanda Johnson Lisa WoolOutstanding Accomplishments by a Tribal ContractorCherokee Nation System SolutionsOutstanding Accomplishments by a HUBZone Small Business ContractorTelesolv Consulting, LLCOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business ContractorGreat Lakes Environmental CenterOutstanding Accomplishments by a Woman-Owned Small Business ContractorGüd MarketingOutstanding Accomplishments by a Woman-Owned Small Business ContractorTTW SolutionsOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Disadvantaged Business ContractorIntegriWard, LLCOutstanding Accomplishments by a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business ContractorProfessional Management Enterprises, Inc.Outstanding Accomplishments by an EPA Employee or Group in Support of Small Businesses Impacted by EPA RegulationsSeneca AndersonOutstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business Trade Association or State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business CommunityDonovan GrimwoodOFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION (OSDBU) DIRECTOR’S AWARDSOffice of Inspector GeneralFor Exceeding the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business GoalsOffice of Research and DevelopmentFor Exceeding the Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business GoalsRegion 7For Exceeding the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, and HUBZone Small Business GoalsCRYSTAL DUCK AWARDSWesley J. CarpenterDeputy Chief of Staff for ManagementOffice of the AdministratorTommie L. Madison, Jr.Agency Advocate for CompetitionOffice of Acquisition SolutionsKoni B. FritzRegional Acquisition ManagerJennifer EricksonSmall Business Utilization SpecialistRegions 7 & 101 date adjusted to reflect the ceremony date |