Environmental

Carbohydrate polymers could be a sweet solution for water purification

Researchers have demonstrated that bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) checked their body size in a mirror before choosing whether to attack fish that were slightly larger or smaller than themselves, saying it was the first time for a non-human animal to be demonstrated to possess some mental states that are elements of private self-awareness.

Microorganisms can travel long distances in the troposphere

Water polluted with heavy metals can pose a threat when consumed by humans and aquatic life. Sugar-derived polymers from plants remove these metals but often require other substances to adjust their stability or solubility in water. Now, researchers report a sugar-like polymer that traps heavy metals within insoluble clumps for easy removal. In proof-of-concept tests, the polymer removed ionic cadmium and lead from river water spiked with these persistent contaminants.

Risky play exercises an ancestral need to push limits

Analysis of air samples taken at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters above Japan has revealed the presence of a vast range of viable bacteria and fungi transported by air masses originating more than 2,000 kilometers away, in regions enriched with fertilizers and pesticides. The study reveals a new way in which human, animal and plant pathogens may travel to distant geographical regions.

Summer storms are stronger and more frequent over urban areas

Since their invention in the 1920s, jungle gyms and monkey bars have become both fixtures of playgrounds and symbols of childhood injury that anxious caretakers want removed. Anthropologists mark 100 years of the iconic playground equipment by arguing that risky play exercises a biological need passed on from apes and early humans for children to independently test and expand their physical and cognitive abilities in a context in which injury is possible but avoidable.

Flightless parrot in New Zealand developed different feather colors to evade predatory birds

Summer storms are generally more frequent, intense and concentrated over cities than over rural areas, according to new, detailed observations of eight cities and their surroundings. The results could change how city planners prepare for floods in their cities, especially as urban areas expand and as climate change alters global weather patterns.

Due to humans, Salish Sea waters are too noisy for resident orcas to hunt successfully

Aotearoa New Zealand's flightless parrot, the k k p , evolved two different color types to potentially help them avoid detection by a now-extinct apex predator, researchers report.

Surprising hormone-related gene activity discovered in the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper

New research has revealed how underwater noise produced by humans may help explain why southern resident orca populations have not recovered from historic lows. The team reports that underwater noise pollution -- from both large and small vessels -- forces northern and southern resident orcas to expend more time and energy hunting for fish. The din also lowers the overall success of their hunting efforts. Noise from ships likely has an outsized impact on southern resident orca pods, which spend more time in parts of the Salish Sea with high ship traffic.

Promoting horse welfare with an intestinal disease screening method

Researchers have highlighted patterns of gene activation during Malabar grouper larval development, revealing an unusual early peak of activation of thyroid and corticoid genes during the early larval stage of these fish. Their paper shows that thyroid and corticoid genes are activated twice during larval development, once during the early larval stage and once during metamorphosis. This early activation has never been encountered in any fish species before, making the grouper case unique.

EPA Region 7 Completes Oversight of Removal Activities at C6-Zero Site in Marengo, Iowa

Researchers are developing a promising method to support the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in horses. Awareness of the prevalence of IBD in both humans and animals has increased in recent decades, and the need for effective and affordable diagnostic methods has become increasingly urgent.

Environmental News from EPA

EPA Announces Partnership with City of Sandusky, Ohio, to Accelerate Replacement of Local Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health Through Investing in America Agenda

LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 1, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has completed oversight of removal operations by the potentially responsible party at the C6-Zero Site in Marengo, Iowa.After the explosion and fire on-site on Dec. 8, 2022, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) maintained the site through an emergency order while providing oversight to contractors, hired by C6-Zero Iowa LLC, to perform the cleanup.EPA began oversight of removal operations in May 2023 after receiving a request for federal assistance from IDNR in April 2023. C6-Zero and EPA Region 7 entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action to formalize response and removal operations with defined time frames and deliverables.As a result of the explosion and subsequent fire, the primary contaminants of concern associated with the C6-Zero Site included tetrachloroethylene (PCE), cis-1,2-dichlorothene (DCE), naphthalene and related chemicals, lead, and petroleum products, among others.Removal operations at the site included the categorization, bulking, and disposal of all waste generated on-site, such as contaminated liquids and solids.After the removal of these materials, contractors operating on behalf of C6-Zero excavated additional areas of the site where bulking and disposal shipping took place. EPA received the final excavation report, and final report for removal activities, after confirmation sampling indicated that no additional soil excavation at the site was warranted.# # #Learn more about EPA Region 7 View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7

Biden-Harris Administration Proposes Ban on Numerous Consumer and Workplace Uses of Cancer-causing 1-Bromopropane to Protect Public Health

CHICAGO (Aug. 1, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Sandusky, Ohio, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health. The city of Sandusky is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded entirely by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.Lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean water. However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Sandusky across the country,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation’s drinking water once and for all.”“We appreciate the EPA's partnership and support through the Get the Lead Out Initiative, enabling us to take significant steps towards a healthier, safer Sandusky,” said City of Sandusky Manager John Orzech.“Glad to see vital funds from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law returning home to the people of Sandusky and Erie County. As we deliberated this legislation in Congress, I made sure to fight for dedicated funding for lead pipe remediation to improve health and safety for our citizenry,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. “The Get the Lead Out Initiative is a realization of the promise to ensure that every American, no matter where they live, has access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water. I will never stop fighting to ensure that all citizens across Northwest Ohio can trust the water from their tap.”Under the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will support the city of Sandusky with some critical first steps to lead pipe replacement including identifying lead pipes and educating the public about lead pipes. As a result, Sandusky is moving quickly to secure a lead-free future for all its residents. As a result of these efforts, the city of Sandusky will move quickly towards President Biden’s goal of 100% lead-free pipes.Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024, or sooner if required by the state agency. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA’s WaterTA website.Background:Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access its fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of water technical assistance programs, such as the Get the Lead Out initiative.As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. Working collaboratively, EPA is advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution are protected. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families.EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.

Progress continues at Smurfit-Stone Mill Site in Frenchtown, Montana, as EPA plans further studies and sampling this year

WASHINGTON – Today, July 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to safeguard public health and protect consumers and workers, with this latest proposal focused on the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP). Exposure to this chemical can cause serious health effects such as skin, lung, and intestinal cancer; damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system; and effects on the reproductive systems that lead to reduced fertility. If finalized, the rule would prohibit all but one consumer use of 1-BP, as well as some workplace uses. EPA is also proposing worker protections for most industrial and commercial uses that would not be banned under the rule. These protections would help keep both workers and consumers safe from the harmful effects of 1-BP exposure and align with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government approach to end cancer as we know it. This is the seventh existing chemical for which EPA has proposed a rule to address unreasonable risks under TSCA section 6(a) since Congress amended the law in 2016.“The science shows that 1-BP can cause cancer and other serious health problems, and today’s action is an important step to use the power of our nation’s chemical safety law to finally protect people from this dangerous chemical and prevent cancer-causing exposure,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Our proposal would end all unsafe consumer exposures from this chemical and put strict protections in place for workers to ensure critical uses can continue safely.”1-BP is a solvent that is widely used in cleaning and degreasing operations, spray adhesives and dry cleaning. 1-BP is also used in insulation for building and construction materials and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Consumer uses of 1-BP include aerosol degreasers, spot cleaners, stain removers and insulation. EPA is proposing to protect the public from exposure to 1-BP by banning all consumer uses of this chemical except in insulation (because EPA determined that this use did not contribute to the unreasonable risk to people). The ban on consumer uses would begin to go into effect within six months after the final rule is published and would come fully into force within 15 months. EPA is also proposing to ban some industrial and commercial uses of 1-BP for which EPA analysis identified safer alternatives. The ban on industrial and commercial uses would begin to go into effect six months after the final rule is published and would come fully into effect within 18 months. The industrial and commercial uses to be prohibited include:Dry cleaning, spot cleaning and stain removers. Adhesives and sealants.Coin and scissor cleaners. Automotive care products used as engine degreasers, brake cleaners and refrigerant flushes.Anti-adhesive agents used for mold cleaning and release products.Functional fluids used as refrigerants or cutting oils.Arts, crafts and hobby materials.The proposed rule would also require worker protections for several industrial and commercial uses of 1-BP that would continue but which EPA has determined contribute to the unreasonable risk to human health that must be addressed, including its use in vapor and aerosol degreasing, electronics and electronic and metal products. To continue these uses, non-federal workplaces would need to implement a Workplace Chemical Protection Program, including an exposure limit, within 12 months. EPA is also proposing to require the use of chemical-resistant gloves within six months for some uses for non-federal workplaces, including manufacturing, processing (which includes recycling) and disposal, to protect workers from exposures to 1-BP through the skin. Federal agencies (and federal contractors acting for or on behalf of the federal government) would be required to implement a Workplace Chemical Protection Program and use chemical-resistant gloves within three years.Many workplaces already employ stringent controls to reduce exposures to 1-BP. For some workplaces, such as those using 1-BP in vapor degreasing, these existing controls may already sufficiently reduce exposure to meet the inhalation exposure concentration limit proposed in this rulemaking.EPA encourages members of the public to read and comment on the proposed rule. EPA is especially interested in hearing perspectives on the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed requirements from entities that would be required to implement the proposed workplace protections, such as manufacturers, processors and users of 1-BP, as well as small quantity users, such as laboratories.EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 1-BP for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register. Members of the public may submit comments to docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0471 at the Regulations.gov page.EPA will host a public webinar to provide an overview of the proposal on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Registration is available at the TSCA webinar page.Learn more about today’s 1-BP proposal.

EPA Announces New Initiatives to Strengthen HBCU Engagement and Environmental Partnerships

FRENCHTOWN, Mont. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently directed two additional sampling events with a third now underway at the Smurfit-Stone Mill Site, a former paper and pulp mill located 11 miles west of Missoula, Montana. Since 2015, EPA has directed and overseen extensive site investigation by potentially responsible parties (PRPs) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to determine the nature and extent of contamination on the site resulting from the mill's operations. In 2023, stakeholders and Missoula County requested that EPA consider additional groundwater and soil sampling to address their concerns about potential sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and site characterization. Data collected over the next year will support that request and inform the upcoming remedial investigation. Once the remedial investigation is complete, EPA can begin to develop and evaluate cleanup plans—also called remedial alternatives—in the feasibility study report for the site. “The EPA Superfund process is both long and complex to navigate,” said Community Advisory Group (CAG) Administrator Jeri Delys. “The Frenchtown Smurfit-Stone CAG has been the steady force behind ensuring the site is cleaned up in a timely and thorough manner, and the interests of our community and our state are put front and center. To that end, the EPA agreed with the CAG and Missoula County that additional site characterization would be necessary to help define and ensure the best possible outcome for the site, the community and surrounding areas. Throughout the additional site characterization process, the CAG continues to engage with the EPA on upholding fair decision-making processes that best represent the interests of the community and the state.” EPA is overseeing these recent sampling efforts to further consider the potential presence of PCBs, a group of chemicals that were used in industrial applications—such as in hydraulic fluids—for decades across the U.S. before their production was banned in 1979. Future sampling events, including a groundwater/surface water interaction study taking place over the next two weeks, seek to further investigate geochemical conditions controlling the migration of manganese and arsenic through groundwater to the Clark Fork River. This sampling will also help with the understanding of potential risks to fish or other aquatic life in the river. “Robust and comprehensive site investigation, as well as community involvement, are essential pieces of the Superfund process,” said Carolina Balliew, EPA Region 8 Montana Remedial Supervisor. “We are excited about the progress made over the past year with our site partners at the state, county and local levels as we direct additional sampling efforts that help build on site knowledge and move us forward in a positive direction.” In May, crews installed 10 new groundwater monitoring wells and sampled a total of 58 groundwater monitoring wells for a full suite of analytes, including 209 PCB congeners, PCB Aroclors, dioxins/furans and metals. Crews drilled boreholes in primary sludge ponds and solid waste basins to further characterize soils and the presence or absence of these contaminants of potential concern (COPCs). Samples were also collected from the native soils underlying the sludge ponds and solid waste basins to determine if COPCs are potentially migrating through soil. Understanding where contaminants are located and how they migrate is necessary for developing remedial alternatives to mitigate any unacceptable risk identified at the site. These sampling events follow a fall 2023 groundwater sampling event in which 33 groundwater monitoring wells were sampled for the same COPCs. The sample locations were selected based on their proximity to potential source areas and previous detections of COPCs. Data from that sampling event are being reviewed and will be shared with the site’s working group, CAG and the general public in the coming months. EPA will oversee additional groundwater and soil sampling events this fall. In total, since 2015, EPA has overseen collection of more than 1,600 samples from groundwater, surface water, porewater, surface soil, subsurface soil, sediment, macroinvertebrates, small mammals and fish. This extensive dataset informs EPA’s understanding of the nature and extent of risks to human and ecological health on the site. Through this investigation, COPCs, including arsenic, manganese and dioxins/furans, have been identified in shallow groundwater and soils. These findings are reflected in human and baseline ecological health risk assessments completed in 2020 and will inform the development of cleanup plans in future phases of the Superfund process. To date, EPA has overseen the completion of 13 addenda to the Remedial Investigation Work Plan by the PRPs on the site. For more information about the site, please visit the Smurfit-Stone Mill Site profile page. Interested members of the community can also attend monthly CAG meetings, which take place at the Frenchtown Rural Fire District at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month.

EPA Announces Partnership with City of Kewanee, Illinois, to Accelerate Replacement of Local Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health Through Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, July 31, at the United Negro College Fund’s UNITE 2024 Summit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan unveiled the latest actions under the Agency’s comprehensive engagement plan with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Later this year, EPA will launch a $2.5 million competitive grant opportunity to support HBCUs and partners. EPA will also appoint a permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement Liaison within the Administrator’s Office, as well as the founding members of EPA’s first-ever HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council. These actions deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs and reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower students and support the communities that HBCUs serve.“HBCUs produce some of the best and brightest minds our country has to offer,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “At every level of this Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, HBCU graduates are delivering real results, and we’re more committed than ever to partnering and empowering HBCU students and leaders across the country. At EPA, HBCUs have a permanent seat at our table, so that these institutions remain at the forefront of the environmental movement.”$2.5 Million Competitive Grant OpportunityEPA is establishing a $2.5 million competitive grant opportunity to support collaboration among students and faculty from HBCUs. This program will focus on funding projects that advance workforce development, environmental education, and capacity building. It will also support community projects addressing environmental justice, climate change, water quality, and land health on campuses and in surrounding communities. A Notice of Funding Opportunity for this grant is expected to be issued in early October.Permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement LiaisonEPA will appoint a permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement Liaison within the Administrator’s Office. This liaison will advise on initiatives related to HBCUs, ensuring these institutions are fully informed about EPA resources, funding opportunities, and engagement activities. The liaison will also facilitate coordination within EPA, maintaining a resource repository for both internal and external stakeholders. This appointment is a direct result of EPA’s commitment to turning bold promises into real results.HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory CouncilEPA will announce the inaugural members of its first-ever HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council. The council will offer strategic advice on leveraging the expertise within HBCU-MSIs to advance EPA's mission and support these institutions. The council will deliver independent recommendations on enhancing the participation of HBCU-MSIs in federal programs and diversifying EPA’s workforce. Selections for the council will be announced by Fall 2024, featuring representatives from academia, industry, community organizations, and local governments nationwide. BackgroundHBCUs play a critical role in producing influential leaders and addressing environmental challenges. EPA has emphasized the importance of collaborating with HBCUs to support their communities and empower their students to engage in environmental and climate action. Our visits to HBCUs have involved hosting roundtables and dialogues, directly engaging with students, faculty, and other stakeholders about the vital role these institutions play in their communities.During Administrator Regan’s Journey to Justice Tour, leaders from Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and Texas Southern University highlighted the need for greater opportunities for students to gain environmental field experience and for increased federal funding to address environmental challenges in vulnerable communities. These discussions have reinforced EPA's commitment to nurturing future environmental leaders and delivering real results from bold promises.In 2022, EPA established an internal advisory council to strengthen relationships with HBCUs. This council has identified enhanced opportunities for student recruitment and support through grants, contracts, transparent data sharing, and community engagement, which has informed our engagement plan with HBCUs and the announcements made today.HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are pivotal in producing Black and minority graduates, particularly in STEM fields. Despite their significant contributions, these institutions face systemic barriers to accessing federal programs and resources. HBCUs often serve underserved communities, providing essential opportunities for economic mobility and academic advancement.For additional information on this grant and the three project areas, please visit EPA’s HBCU Engagement webpage.

EPA Settles with All American Asphalt Over Failure to Accurately Report Chemical Releases

CHICAGO (Aug. 2, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Kewanee, Illinois, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health. The city of Kewanee is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded entirely by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.Lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean water. However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Kewanee across the country,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation’s drinking water once and for all.”“Access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right,” said Sen. Dick Durbin. “Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law knowing how our communities, especially those in underserved areas, continue to live with the threat of lead contaminated drinking water. By partnering with EPA to identify and replace lead service lines, Kewanee can eliminate this public health threat once and for all.”“Every American deserves access to clean, safe and reliable water, but all too often this neglect disproportionately affects historically underserved communities and communities of color,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth. “Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me, it’s why I pushed to ensure my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act and historic levels of funding for lead service line replacement were included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I’m proud to see my provisions and the EPA helping communities like Kewanee achieve our goal of removing every lead pipe in America over the next decade, and I’ll keep doing all that I can to make this bold vision our new reality.”“Our neighborhoods are a special place to raise a family, and it is important that those families have access to the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen. “That means when they pour a glass of water from the faucet, the water coming out of it should be clean. I am excited that through funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA will be working with the City of Kewanee to remove the lead from pipes and upgrade drinking water infrastructure. That’s what it means for Kewanee families to live in healthy communities for generations to come.”“We appreciate the technical assistance provided by the EPA and its partners under the GLO program,” said City of Kewanee Manager Gary Bradley. “This will enable our people to stay focused on the replacement of lead service lines, improving the safety of our distribution system. Being one of just 200 communities in the program shows how big of a need the community has, and we’re grateful for the help.”Under the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will support the city of Kewanee with some critical first steps to lead pipe replacement including identifying lead pipes and educating the public about lead pipes. As a result, Kewanee is moving quickly to secure a lead-free future for all its residents. As a result of these efforts, the city of Kewanee will move quickly towards President Biden’s goal of 100% lead-free pipes.Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024, or sooner if required by the state agency. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA’s WaterTA website.Background:Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access its fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of water technical assistance programs, such as the Get the Lead Out initiative.As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. Working collaboratively, EPA is advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution are protected. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families.EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.

EPA Celebrates the 2024 Winners of the President’s Environmental Youth Award and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with All American Asphalt over claims that the company failed to provide complete and accurate reports of its releases of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), potentially toxic chemicals that can harm human health, from its asphalt manufacturing plant located in Irvine, California, during 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. These releases to the air have been deemed permitted releases but, under federal environmental law, must still be reported accurately. The company will pay a $53,115 penalty."Communities have a right to know about chemical releases in their neighborhood," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These are not simple paperwork issues. The health and safety of communities where these types of businesses operate depend on a company’s compliance with these requirements, particularly when toxic chemicals such as PACs are involved.”All American Asphalt, with headquarter offices located in Corona, California, has agreed to submit to the EPA fully complete and accurate Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Forms as part of an agreement to resolve claimed violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. The company has also permanently shut down the Irvine facility.The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which requires regulated facilities to document and report the quantity of toxic chemicals released annually and is an important tool for understanding potential environmental health concerns. PACs can remain in the environment for a very long time and may build up or accumulate in the human body. TRI reports allow community members, including planners and emergency responders, to access information about pollutants in their communities. By failing to properly report pollution releases to the EPA, a facility is depriving its community members of timely and accurate data about the environmental health of their community.Learn more about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.Help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations.Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2.6 Million for Clean School Buses in American Samoa as Part of Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, August 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, celebrated the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) Awards Ceremony. This ceremony marks an annual recognition of outstanding youth who are dedicated to environmental stewardship and impressive teachers who have contributed significantly to environmental education.“Educators and students across our country make remarkable contributions every day to protect the environment, and it’s an honor to celebrate them today,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These awardees set the gold standard for environmental education as they implement innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change.”“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.” Since 1971, the President of the United States has joined with EPA to recognize young people for protecting our nation's air, water, land, and ecology. The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects developed by K-12 youth. This program honors and brings to light a wide variety of projects developed by these young students, school classes and clubs, youth camps, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness and action in their schools and communities. The PEYA program promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources and encourages positive community involvement.Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, the PIAEE program supports, encourages, and nationally honors outstanding educators who integrate environmental and place-based, experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. The PIAEE program supports the outstanding environmental projects performed by these innovative teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning. The program recognizes elementary and secondary (K-12) education teachers, school administrators and their local education agencies, and provides funding to help support those educators in their environmental education work.To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: President’s Environmental Youth Award winners and Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators winners.

EPA Issues Fuel Waiver for Four States Impacted by ExxonMobil Refinery Shutdown

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proud to announce the selection of American Samoa’s Department of Education for a $2,555,000 Clean School Bus Program rebate, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This rebate will help the Department of Education purchase seven electric school buses for American Samoa. This investment is a crucial step in American Samoa’s journey towards improving children’s health, tackling harmful air pollution, and replacing older, diesel-fueled school buses linked to student and community health issues. “EPA is proud to take another step in advancing the rollout of electric school buses in American Samoa, helping create a future where our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “I’ve seen firsthand the advantages of these electric buses, with the absence of noxious diesel emissions benefiting students, school staff, and neighboring communities. Thanks to these investments, more electric school buses will be on the road in American Samoa.”“A long-term priority of mine in Congress has been achieving proportional equality with the states in federal funding, so we appreciate this support. Thank you to Administrator Regan and our Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman, and congratulations to our hardworking local Department of Education. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I supported, has directed millions in new funds to American Samoa in various ways each year since it was passed,” said Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen.Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga stated, “American Samoa knows firsthand the effects of climate change. We face rising sea levels and increasingly powerful storms on a daily basis. While we cannot change the course alone, we can do what we can. To further our environmental efforts, American Samoa sought and will receive seven electric school buses thanks to a $2.5 million allocation from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate program. These buses will provide safer, cleaner transportation for our students, significantly improving our territory's environmental quality. This funding signifies our ongoing efforts towards sustainable, zero-emission transportation, benefiting students, staff, and the community by reducing harmful diesel emissions and climate impact."In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million in available funding nationwide for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. After receiving an overwhelming number of applications from school districts nationwide, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial available funding in this round to nearly $1 billion. The rebates will help school districts nationwide purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric—to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. This third funding round will build on almost $2 billion in investment from the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing clean vehicles of the future. To ensure effective implementation, the EPA is partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance. The selections will provide funds to school districts in 47 states, Washington D.C., and several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories, including American Samoa. School districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities comprise approximately 45 percent of these projects and will receive nearly 67 percent of the total funding. This exceeds President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative goal that at least 40 percent of certain federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. The EPA will also make selections through future funding rounds and other programs. For example, the EPA is accepting the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program applications until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024. The program offers up to $932 million, 70% of which the EPA anticipates awarding to help fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. About the Clean School Bus ProgramCreated by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA Clean School Bus Program received $5 billion to transform the nation’s school bus fleet. The Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, and propane and compressed natural gas buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions than their older diesel predecessors. The complete list of Clean School Bus Program awards is posted here. Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.

EPA Announces More Than $2M to West Virginia University to Support U.S. Manufacturing

WASHINGTON – Today, Aug. 1, as part of the federal government’s response to tornadoes that caused the emergency shutdown of the ExxonMobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states whose supply of gasoline has been impacted by the refinery shutdown.EPA has waived the federal regulations and federally enforceable State Implementation Plan requirements for the low Reid vapor pressure (RVP) and reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to facilitate the supply of fuel in these areas. This waiver will continue through Aug. 20, 2024.The Clean Air Act allows Administrator Regan, in consultation with the Department of Energy (DOE), to waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of the ExxonMobil refinery shutdown, Administrator Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available in the affected areas until normal supply to the region can be restored.As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest. EPA and DOE are continuing to actively monitor the fuel supply situation resulting from the ExxonMobil refinery shutdown and considering additional measures to alleviate the impact.To mitigate any impacts on air quality, the Clean Air Act provides strict criteria for when fuel waivers may be granted and requires that waivers be limited as much as possible in terms of their geographic scope and duration.For more information, please visit the EPA Fuel Waiver Page.Please visit the Contact Us page to ask a question, provide feedback or report a problem.

EPA Region 7 Performs Removal Operations near Hillsboro, Missouri

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVU) to receive $2,486,224 to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials. WVU is one of 38 selectees across the country that were announced on July 16, 2024, as part of a $160 million grant rollout. Billions of tons of concrete, asphalt, steel, glass and other construction materials and products are required to build, maintain, and operate U.S. buildings and infrastructure. The EPA estimates that the construction materials used in buildings and other built infrastructure account for more than 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. “As America continues to build more and thrive under President Biden’s leadership, cleaner construction materials like concrete and steel are increasingly essential for the nation’s prosperity,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "These historic investments will expand market access for a new generation of more climate-friendly construction materials, and further grow American jobs that are paving the way to the clean energy economy.”WVU will provide technical assistance to construction material manufacturers in the region to develop environmental product declarations (EPDs). Their project will support businesses to create comprehensive life cycle assessments that show environmental impacts and enhance their competitiveness in supplying products for federal and institutional construction projects.“The grant allows us to continue elevating our energy and sustainability research profile and our commitment to serving communities, as the project focuses on lifting small business in rural and disadvantaged areas in West Virginia and neighboring states,” said Fred King, Vice President for Research at WVU. “We are grateful for the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledging and supporting the hard work and trailblazing research happening at West Virginia University, our state's land-grant, flagship, R1 institution.”The project will leverage existing WVU networks and partnerships with organizations like the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the West Virginia Office of Economic Development. Environmental Product DeclarationsEnvironmental product declarations (EPDs) show environmental impacts across the life of a product and can catalyze more sustainable purchasing decisions by allowing buyers to compare. Investments in data and tools will make high-quality EPDs available for 14 material categories, which include both new and salvaged or reused materials. These efforts will help standardize and expand the market for construction products with lower greenhouse gas emissions. They will make it easier for federal, state, and local governments and other institutional buyers to ensure the construction projects they fund use more climate-friendly products and materials. Technical AssistanceEPA is also announcing expanded technical assistance opportunities to businesses, the federal government, and other organizations across America. EPA will initially offer EPD development support and direct businesses to resources to help them measure and reduce the embodied carbon associated with their materials, such as those provided by the ENERGY STAR Industrial program. Federal agencies and their suppliers will be able to compare the climate impact of various materials to drive near-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Robust EPD data will be further strengthened by a new label program under development that will identify low carbon construction materials for the growing Buy Clean marketplace.Inflation Reduction ActTogether, the grants and technical assistance programs will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support American jobs. These programs are made possible by the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which creates significant investments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction, transport and manufacturing of construction materials and products. The Inflation Reduction Act also provides more than $2 billion to the General Services Administration to use low embodied carbon materials in the construction and renovation of federal buildings and $2 billion to the Federal Highway Administration to incentivize or reimburse the use of low embodied carbon construction materials in certain transportation projects. Selections are contingent upon completion of legal and administrative requirements and grantees are tentatively expected to receive their funding in late summer. Learn more about EPA’s Grant Program for Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gases in Construction Materials and Products. Learn more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s Federal Buy Clean Initiative. EPA in West VirginiaThe EPA has a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores the infrastructure, community, and revitalization work in West Virginia. This easy-to-use tool shows where some of the $500 million the EPA has invested in West Virginia is being used, what communities and environmental resources are benefiting from infrastructure projects, and how the public and stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state. Learn more about how the EPA works in West Virginia by visiting our new public Story Map here.

EPA Announces Partnership with City of Niles, Ohio, to Accelerate Replacement of Local Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health Through Investing in America Agenda

LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 1, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 performed removal operations at a private property near Hillsboro, Missouri, last week after receiving a Request for Federal Action from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR).On July 25, EPA Region 7 deployed an on-scene coordinator (OSC) along with contractors to stabilize and secure over 30 abandoned drums on a rural undeveloped property west of Hillsboro. The drums were reportedly dumped on the property, and responders observed puncture holes and nearby soil staining, which indicated the drums may have been drained on the property.The drums were sampled and secured, impacted soil was excavated, and observed liquid waste in a concrete cellar was collected.At this time, there are no known impacts beyond the incident location. EPA is currently arranging for the safe and secure disposal of the materials recovered during its removal operations.Individuals can report suspected environmental violations to EPA Region 7 via phone at 913-281-0991 or through an online form.If you suspect a potential environmental violation may be an environmental emergency that poses an immediate threat to public health and the environment, call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.# # #Learn more about EPA Region 7 View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7

EPA penalizes Starbound, LLC $168,000 for Clean Water Act violations off Oregon, Washington, Alaska coasts

CHICAGO (Aug. 2, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Niles, Ohio, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health. The city of Niles is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded entirely by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.Lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean water. However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Niles across the country,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation’s drinking water once and for all.”Under the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will support the city of Niles with some critical first steps to lead pipe replacement including identifying lead pipes and educating the public about lead pipes. As a result, Niles is moving quickly to secure a lead-free future for all its residents. As a result of these efforts, the city of Niles will move quickly towards President Biden’s goal of 100% lead-free pipes.Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024, or sooner if required by the state agency. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA’s WaterTA website.Background:Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access its fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of water technical assistance programs, such as the Get the Lead Out initiative.As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. Working collaboratively, EPA is advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution are protected. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families.EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders

EPA Announces $280K in Environmental Education Funding for Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri Organizations

SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Starbound, LLC of Seattle, a subsidiary of Aleutian Spray Fisheries, Inc., will pay $168,000 for violations of the Clean Water Act at operations off the coasts of Oregon, Washington and Alaska. When processing seafood on the fishing vessel, the company generated and discharged gelatinous waste, known as stickwater. The organic components of the waste consume a lot of oxygen as part of the decomposition process, which can result in reduced oxygen levels in the seawaters at the ocean bottom. Low oxygen in water creates what are called ‘dead zones,’ because most marine life either dies, or leaves the area. Low oxygen conditions already exist along the Washington and Oregon coasts. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits required for Starbound and other seafood processing vessels contain limits on what companies can discharge, monitoring and reporting requirements and other provisions to ensure that discharges do not harm water quality or the environment. Between 2020 and 2023, EPA completed reviews of annual reports for Starbound, LLC’s offshore seafood processing permits and found a significant number of violations with permit requirements. “Companies that don’t accurately report discharge make it difficult for them and EPA to evaluate the potential impacts posed by the seafood processing vessels,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “Compliance with EPA’s permit for offshore discharges is imperative to protecting our sensitive coastal waters, and disregard for the Clean Water Act will result in a hefty fine.” Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.

Will invigorated climate action hold global warming to 1.5 degrees?

LENEXA, KAN. (JULY 31, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected three organizations pursuing environmental education projects in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri to receive a total of $280,000 in Environmental Education Grants.These projects are a part of a national selection of 38 organizations set to receive over $3.6 million through EPA's Environmental Education Grants program.“Congratulations to this year’s Region 7 Environmental Education Grant selectees!” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “These organizations will connect project participants to information and resources and enable them to make tangible environmental improvements in their communities for years to come.”EPA Region 7 selectees include:Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education in Manhattan, Kansas – KACEE’s “Preparing the Next Generation for Green Careers in Climate Change” project will receive $100,000 to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to come together, dialogue, and take action to address barriers to their involvement and interest in green careers. The project will serve approximately 30 educators and 1,000 middle to high-school students from six underserved communities in Kansas and Missouri.Missouri River Bird Observatory in Arrow Rock, Missouri – MRBO’s “Empowering Kansas City Residents to Take Environmental Action” project will receive $80,000 to create more informed, empowered, and environmentally conscious communities that can better protect their interests and the environment. The project will engage community members, business owners, community-based organizations, Title I school parents, and subaward recipients in five underserved communities to create a lasting partnership with environmental stewards who improve individual and community health.Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa – The university’s “Learning and Living in a Changing Climate” project will receive $100,000 to educate participants on the impacts of climate change and actions that can be taken to improve air quality and revitalize land through immersive three-day educator workshops and virtual follow-up sessions. The project will engage pre-K to post-secondary teachers and their students, student teachers, and informal environmental educators in Iowa, with the goal of training 88 educators and impacting up to 4,800 students.EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.BackgroundSince 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in Environmental Education (EE) Grant funding each year, totaling over $95 million that supported nearly 4,000 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate EE practices, methods, or techniques. For more information, visit EPA’s EE page.To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE Grant competitions, visit the EPA’s EE Grants page. EPA will update this page as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.# # # Learn more about EPA Region 7 View all Region 7 news releasesConnect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and InstagramFollow us on X: @EPARegion7

Texas Climate News

Katharine Hayhoe named chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy

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.

How Texas froze: Neglect of power-grid and climate warnings set the icy stage

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.”

What to make of old-fashioned Texas cold, snow in a 21st-century climate?

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.

Houston-Galveston’s record overnight temps typified global warming in 2020

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.

Biden moves quickly to begin undoing Trump’s climate and energy policies

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.

Federal rules, international pressure may finally snuff methane flaring

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.

From our archives: The impact of historic December images of Earth

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.

Governo Biden-Harris anuncia mais de US$ 325 milhões em subsídios para mudanças comunitárias na justiça ambiental e climática

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

EPA Announces Nearly $20 Million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants for Tribes in the Midwest

WASHINGTON – Hoje, dia 25 de julho de 2024, a Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos EUA anunciou mais de US$ 325 milhões em financiamento para 21 projetos aprovados para ajudar comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática. Os projetos visam reduzir a poluição, aumentar a resiliência climática das comunidades e fortalecer a capacitação da comunidade. Viabilizado pela Lei de Redução da Inflação do Presidente Biden, o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária é o maior investimento em justiça ambiental e climática da história. O anúncio da alocação dos recursos de hoje é a primeira parte dos quase US$ 2 bilhões do programa, que foi elaborado com base nas contribuições da comunidade para conceder subsídios de forma contínua.Essas propostas selecionadas são as primeiras a serem contempladas pelo processo de inscrição em fluxo contínuo do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária. Elaborado com base em um sólido envolvimento das partes interessadas e no feedback da comunidade, o processo inovador de inscrições em fluxo contínuo garantirá que os candidatos tenham tempo suficiente para se preparar e usufruir dessa oportunidade histórica. A Notificação de Oportunidade de Financiamento (NOFO), do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária, administrado pelo Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos, ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024. A EPA continuará analisando as solicitações e anunciando os projetos selecionados de forma contínua. “Nossa capacidade de oferecer resultados concretos para as comunidades depende de ouvir suas necessidades e desenvolver soluções inovadoras por meio de um engajamento inclusivo com as partes interessadas”, afirmou o Gestor da EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Hoje, graças à Lei de Redução da Inflação do presidente Biden, a EPA selecionou o primeiro grupo de parcerias comunitárias para resolver desafios atuais e de longa data relacionados à justiça ambiental e climática.” “Os subsídios de presente colocam as comunidades no comando da jornada para corrigir os erros ambientais do passado e construir, de forma autônoma, um futuro voltado para a energia limpa”, declarou John Podesta, Conselheiro Sênior do Presidente para Política Climática Internacional.“A iniciativa Investindo na América, do presidente Biden, ampliou nossos esforços para proporcionar justiça ambiental às comunidades que foram negligenciadas por muito tempo”, comentou Brenda Mallory, presidente do Conselho de Qualidade Ambiental da Casa Branca. “Como parte da Iniciativa Justice40, do Presidente, esses subsídios ajudarão comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar os desafios de justiça ambiental e climática que enfrentam, reduzindo a poluição, aumentando a resiliência aos impactos das mudanças climáticas e fortalecendo a capacidade das comunidades para levar esses projetos adiante.”A Lei de Redução da Inflação destina US$ 3 bilhões à EPA para conceder subsídios que auxiliam comunidades menos favorecidas e proporcionam auxílio técnico. Com esses subsídios, a EPA está cumprindo essa missão. Os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária também cumprem o compromisso do Presidente Biden de promover a igualdade e a justiça em todo os EUA por meio da Iniciativa Justice40, que visa garantir que 40% dos benefícios totais de certos investimentos federais sejam destinados a comunidades menos favorecidas, que convivem com a falta de investimentos e com os efeitos nocivos da poluição. Alguns exemplos de subsídios desta primeira etapa seleção são:Quase US$ 20 milhões para a Associação de Recursos Energéticos Tribais do Meio-Oeste (MTERA, na sigla em inglês) e para a Grid Alternatives para a implementação de projetos de melhorias de eficiência energética e climatização em 35 comunidades de povos originários de Michigan, Minnesota e Wisconsin, melhorando a qualidade do ar em ambientes fechados para as famílias e oferecendo treinamento de desenvolvimento de liderança para os Campeões da Energia dos Povos Originários indicados. Em maio, a MTERA também recebeu um subsídio de US$ 62 milhões do programa Energia Solar Para Todos (em inglês, Solar for All), da EPA.US$ 20 milhões para a Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e para o Instituto Técnico-Comercial de Los Angeles para desenvolver treinamentos em justiça ambiental para redução de chumbo, soldagem, manutenção de veículos híbridos e elétricos, climatização de ambientes residenciais e auditorias de energia residencial. Com a concessão desse subsídio, espera-se que os projetos aprovados concluam ações de redução de chumbo em mais de 600 unidades residenciais no sul de Los Angeles. Mais de US$ 14 milhões para a Universidade Texas A&M e para o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas do Cinturão Negro destinados à instalação local de sistemas de tratamento de águas residuais em 17 condados do Cinturão Negro, no Alabama. Regan, Gestor da EPA, já havia visitado o Condado de Lowndes, no Alabama, onde as fossas sépticas com defeito e o esgoto canalizado das casas para os quintais provocaram uma crise de saúde pública na região. Essa comunidade também recebeu um empréstimo 100% subsidiado de US$ 8,7 milhões da Lei de Infraestrutura Bipartidária para enfrentar os problemas graves de esgoto que afetam as famílias que moram na região. Aproximadamente US$ 14 milhões para o Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e para o PowerCorpsPHL, para expandir os programas de capacitação profissional relacionados à silvicultura urbana e à redução de resíduos de madeira, expandindo a cobertura de árvores na Filadélfia e em Pittsburgh e evitando que os resíduos de madeira sejam depositados em aterros sanitários. Este subsídio também inclui recursos para utilizar biochar na redução da poluição por chumbo nos solos de Pittsburgh. A Fase I do programa, denominada Investimentos Comunitários para a Mudança, deve conceder aproximadamente US$ 1,96 bilhões para 150 projetos, com valores entre US$ 10 e 20 milhões cada. Os 17 candidatos da Fase I que estão implementando projetos em escala comunitária para enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática são:A Universidade A&M do Texas e o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas de Black Belt (condados de Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)O município de Bakersfield e a iniciativa Construindo Comunidades Saudáveis, em Kern (Bakersfield, CA)O Centro de Aconselhamento La Familia S/A e Projeto de Recursos Comunitários (Sacramento, CA)A Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e Faculdade Técnica de Comércio de Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)A Fundação San Diego e a Aliança de Saúde Ambiental (San Diego, CA)Day One e Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)A Cidade de Pocatello e a Fundação Portneuf Greenway (Pocatello, ID)A Universidade de Dillard e a United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)A Cidade de Springfield e o Instituto de Saúde Pública do Oeste de Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)A Associação de Recursos Energéticos dos Povos Originários do Meio-Oeste e a Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)O Sistema MetroHealth e a Soluções de Habitação Comunitária (Cleveland, OH)Condado de Lane, Oregon e a United Way do Condado de Lane (Condado de Lane, OR)O Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e o PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Filadélfia, PA)A Associação para Terras Públicas e Cidade de Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)A Cidade de Houston e a National Black United Fund (Houston, TX)A Associação da Universidade Gonzaga e a Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)Fundação Nacional de Habitação e Centro do Direito da Criança de Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)Já na Modalidade II, Envolvimento significativo para governança equitativa, espera-se que sejam concedidos aproximadamente US$ 40 milhões para 20 projetos de US$ 1 a 3 milhões cada. Os candidatos da Fase II que facilitarão a participação individual e comunitária nos processos de tomada de decisão governamental são:Insight Garden Program e Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (vários locais na Califórnia)O The Trust for Public Land e o See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)O Special Service for Groups, Inc. e o Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)A Bronx River Alliance, Inc. e o Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Condado do Bronx, NY)Dos 21 projetos aprovados, três são para Áreas de Investimento-alvo identificadas na NOFO. O subsídio de Áreas de Investimento-alvo tem como objetivo garantir que o financiamento do Programa Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária seja direcionado a comunidades menos favorecidas com situações, circunstâncias geográficas e necessidades únicas.Consulte a lista completa das 21 organizações que começaram a receber um subsídio do CCGP e saiba mais sobre o CCGP.Como o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024, a EPA incentiva os candidatos a submeterem seus projetos para apreciação assim que atenderem completamente aos requisitos do NOFO. A EPA fará selecionará outros projetos em um fluxo de inscrições contínuo até o fim de 2024. A EPA também incentiva os candidatos interessados a solicitar auxílio técnico o mais rápido possível, pois o último dia para solicitar novo auxílio técnico é o dia 16 de agosto de 2024.Leia o NOFO do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária na página do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA. Para saber mais sobre os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária e a sobre o Auxílio Técnico, acesse a página do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA.Para saber mais sobre o tema da justiça ambiental na EPA, acesse a página de Justiça ambiental da EPA. Para obter informações atualizadas sobre o NOFO, inclusive informações sobre os webinars, cadastre-se no listserv do Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos enviando um e-mail em branco para: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Acompanhe nossas atualizações no X (antigo Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

EPA Announces Nearly $1 Million to Support Involving South Bronx Communities in Climate Resiliency Planning

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,760,488 in funding for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association Inc. to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis. MTERA and other selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program notice of funding opportunity, administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.  “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.” “Engaging communities on the front lines of climate and environmental issues is a cornerstone of EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “These communities have been overburdened for too long and that divide is only growing as climate change worsens. These grants are an opportunity to work together and address core environmental issues for our EJ communities.” MTERA and Grid Alternatives will work with 35 federally recognized Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin to support energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades in homes to improve indoor air quality and lower energy costs. They will invest in leadership development training for “Tribal energy champions” to build their Tribes’ capacity to access additional funding sources and implement projects to strengthen climate resilience and reduce pollution. “Tribal communities are the original stewards of this land, who better to lead environmental innovation? This money will help Tribes in Minnesota build on their track record of innovation and their commitment to caring for our environment through helping people achieve better indoor air quality in their homes, lower energy costs, and training on how to build a healthier, more resilient community,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Michigan’s native tribes deserve equitable access to resources that will ensure their communities thrive. I am so pleased the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which includes tribes from Michigan, are among the recipients of a Community Change Grant through the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “This grant will help tribes combat the effects of climate change with support for energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades, cutting costs and keeping money in our communities. Our tribes will be more equipped with the tools they need to forge a more climate conscious tomorrow.” "We have long recognized that building Tribal staffing capacity is crucial for successful Tribal energy development,” said MTERA Chairman Daniel Wiggins Jr. “However, most grants focus solely on infrastructure deployment. This grant from the EPA is truly transformative, allowing us to invest in Tribal capacity development while simultaneously unlocking new energy efficiency projects for our Tribal communities. We are deeply grateful for the EPA's support in empowering Tribes.” The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission. The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are: See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP. The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024. Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program. To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice For up-to-date information, including information on webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13.9 million to Pennsylvania in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

NEW YORK— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced close to $1 million in funding for one selected application to help environmentally over-burdened communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.  In this first round, EPA has selected the Bronx River Alliance with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice as a partner to receive almost $1 million to convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to ensure that communities have a voice in decisions made that will shape the future of climate resiliency in the Bronx. The taskforce will ensure that disadvantaged communities in the Bronx will be able to fully participate in planning and implementation decisions about coastal adaptation, habitat restoration, and related local, state, and federal infrastructure projects.      “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”   “We congratulate the Bronx River Alliance and their partner Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice for being selected as a recipient of the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants to continue advancing and shaping climate justice and resiliency in the Bronx,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “This grant of nearly 1 million dollars will create a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will help residents fully engage in planning processes and decisions related to adaptation, infrastructure projects, and more.”  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers most affected by pollution and climate change. The investments complement the critical work DEC and our many partners are doing to help ensure equity and justice in the Bronx and across the state. We applaud EPA administrator Regan and Regional Administrator Garcia for this latest $1 million to help support environmental justice organizations on the front lines of creating positive change in their community.”  “This critical federal grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act I led to passage, will help the Bronx River Alliance, in partnership with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, convene a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force that will ensure disadvantaged communities in the Bronx have a voice in climate justice projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I’m proud to have fought for the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, and for funding opportunities like this, to give environmentally over-burdened communities a boost in the urgent fight against climate change.” “I want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to The Bronx River Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice on receiving this crucial federal funding! This recognition of their work underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing climate resilience within our community. This effort not only addresses immediate climate-related challenges faced by Bronxites; it lays a foundation for future generations by implementing systemic solutions. Today's news is a significant stride towards shaping a sustainable and thriving future for all in the Bronx,” said Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15).    "We are incredibly thankful and excited to be a recipient of President Biden’s EPA Community Change awards. With this federal funding, we will be able to uplift longstanding environmental needs of under-resourced and disadvantaged communities in a borough of 1.5 million residents,” said The Bronx River Alliance Executive Director Siddhartha Sánchez. We will prioritize investments that build our community’s resilience to climate change through catalytic ecological restoration projects throughout the Bronx. By convening a Bronx Climate Justice Task Force to spearhead these initiatives, Bronx communities will be given a meaningful voice in government decision-mating processes, addressing historical gaps in equity and mitigating critical environmental and climate injustices."  The selected application is the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process to New York City.  The innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.   The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.  The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.  Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.   To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program  To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice  For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.  Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website. 24-059

EPA announces $16 million environmental and climate justice community change grant to Pocatello, ID

PHILADELPHIA— Today, July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $13.9 million in funding coming to Pennsylvania to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.In Pennsylvania, nearly $14 million is being awarded to the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL to work in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to expand and create critical infrastructure for upcycling and commercializing materials from urban tree waste. The project will offer workforce development and training for area residents to provide career pathways in land stewardship services and wood products.These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.” "These organizations recognized a need and took the steps to make their communities stronger now and in the future. This funding is a boost towards a cleaner environment while also building community capacity and addressing environmental justice”, said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "We will continue to partner with these groups and look forward to watching the progress that will be made."The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-selections. The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program. To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-programTo learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljusticeFor up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.###

바이든-해리스 행정부, 환경 기후 정의 지역사회 변화 보조금으로 3억 2,500만 달러 이상 발표

SEATTLE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $16,465,618 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for the City of Pocatello, Idaho and Portneuf Greenway Foundation. Pocatello’s grant application is among 21 applications selected to receive funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. The City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation plan to implement a series of projects to revitalize the city’s South 5th Avenue corridor. They will invest in water infrastructure by installing sewer lines in unsewered neighborhoods and more than 50 drinking water stations. They plan to transform three miles of South 5th Avenue into a “complete street” and install a 6-mile trail connecting South 5th Avenue to existing green space. They also will expand tree canopy and invest in stormwater management at local parks. “We’re proud to announce the first round of Community Change grant selections to support environmental justice and more equitable communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will help improve water quality, support new tree canopy, and provide new recreational opportunities. By funding these community-driven solutions, we are supporting local environmental priorities that will make a meaningful difference in supporting public health and environmental quality.” “The City of Pocatello is excited to receive this grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to make vital improvements along our South 5th corridor,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “We look forward to implementing these community-driven projects that will help transform one of our disadvantaged neighborhoods and bring opportunities to Pocatello as a whole.” These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process designed to ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is still accepting applications through November 21. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis and encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the program requirements. EPA will be making additional selections for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16. Learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

EPA to Complete Major Phase of Cleanup at Former Unimatic Manufacturing Corp. Building

워싱턴 – 오늘, 2024년 7월 25일, 미국 환경보호국은 빈곤한 지역사회가 오염을 줄이고 지역사회의 기후 회복력을 높이며 지역사회 역량을 구축하는 프로젝트를 통해 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결할 수 있도록 지원하기 위해 선정된 21개 신청에 대해 3억 2,500만 달러 이상의 자금을 지원한다고 발표했습니다. 바이든 대통령의 인플레이션 감축 법안으로 가능해진 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램은 환경 및 기후 정의에서 역사상 단일 최대 투자입니다. 오늘 자금 지원 발표는 신청한 지역사회에 선착순으로 보조금을 지급하도록 설계된 프로그램에서 거의 20억 달러에 달하는 첫 번째 트란쉐입니다.이렇게 선정된 신청은 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램의 선착순 신청 프로세스를 따르는 첫 번째 신청입니다. 확고한 이해관계자의 참여와 지역사회의 피드백에 따라 혁신적인 선착순 신청 프로세스는 신청자가 이 역사적인 자원을 준비하고 활용할 충분한 시간을 갖도록 보장합니다. 환경 정의 및 외부 시민권 부서를 통해 관리되는 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 재정지원공고(NOFO)는 2024년 11월 21일까지 계속 신청을 받고 있습니다. EPA는 계속해서 신청을 검토하고 선착순으로 선정을 발표할 것입니다.EPA의 Michael S. Regan 행정관은 "지역사회에 실체적인 결과를 제공할 수 있는 당국의 역량은 지역사회의 의견을 듣고 포괄적인 이해관계자의 참여를 통해 혁신적인 해결책을 개발하는 데 달려 있습니다."라고 말하면서, "오늘, EPA는 바이든 대통령의 인플레이션 감축 법안 덕분에 새롭게 부상하고 오래 동안 계속되는 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결하기 위한 최초의 지역사회 협력군을 선정했습니다."라고 했습니다.국제 기후 정책의 대통령 수석 고문, John Podesta는 "오늘의 보조금은 지역사회가 과거의 환경적 잘못을 바로잡고 그들 만의 깨끗한 에너지 미래를 구축하는 길에서 운전석에 앉도록 합니다."라고 말했습니다."바이든 대통령의 미국 투자 의제는 너무 오랫동안 소외되어 왔던 지역사회를 위해 환경 정의를 전달하기 위한 정부의 노력을 가속화했습니다"라고 Brenda Mallory 백악관 환경질위원회 위원장은 말하면서, "대통령의 Justice40 Initiative(저스티스40 이니셔티브) 일환으로, 이러한 보조금은 오염을 줄이고, 기후 변화의 영향에 대한 회복력을 높이며, 이러한 프로젝트를 완수할 수 있는 지역사회 역량을 구축함으로써 빈곤한 지역사회가 직면한 환경 및 기후 정의 문제에 대처하는 데 도움이 될 것입니다."하고 말했습니다.인플레이션 감축 법안은 EPA에 빈곤한 지역사회를 돕고 기술적 문제를 제공하기 위한 보조금을 수여하도록 30억 달러를 제공합니다. EPA는 이러한 보조금을 이용해서, 이 임무를 수행하고 있습니다.또한 지역사회 변화 보조금은 Justice40 Initiative(저스티스40 이니셔티브)를 통해 미국 전역에서 형평성과 정의를 증진시키겠다는 바이든 대통령의 공약을 이행하여 특정 연방 투자의 전체 혜택의 40%를 투자 부족으로 소외되고 오염으로 과도한 부담을 지고 있는 불우한 지역사회에 돌아갈 수 있도록 합니다.이 초기 선정군의 보조금 예는 다음과 같습니다.미시간, 미네소타, 위스콘신의 35개 부족에 주택 내후화 및 에너지 효율 업그레이드를 설치하여 가족을 위한 실내 공기질을 개선하고 임명된 부족 에너지 챔피언에게 리더십 개발 교육을 제공하기 위해 중서부지역 부족 에너지 자원 협회(MTERA)와 그리드 얼터너티브(Grid Alternatives)에 거의 2천만 달러 지원. MTERA는 지난 5월 EPA Solar for All 프로그램에서 6천 2백만 달러의 상금도 받았습니다.납 제거, 용접, 하이브리드 및 전기 자동차 유지보수, 주택 내후화 및 주택 에너지 감사를 위한 환경 정의 인력 개발 교육을 구축하기 위해 책임 있는 지역사회 개발을 위한 연합 및 로스앤젤레스 무역 기술 대학교에 2천만 달러 지원. 이 보조금을 통해 선정된 신청자들은 남부 로스앤젤레스 전역의 600가구 이상에 대한 납 제거 작업을 완료할 수 있을 것으로 예상됩니다. 앨라배마주 17개 블랙벨트 카운티 전역에 현장 폐수 처리 시스템을 설치하기 위해 텍사스 A&M 대학과 블랙벨트 비법인 폐수 프로그램에 1,400만 달러 이상 지원. Regan 행정관은 이전에 오물정화조가 작동하지 않아 가정에서 마당으로 직관을 통해 하수가 흘러나와 지역 공중보건 위기가 발생했던 앨라배마주 론데스 카운티를 방문했습니다. 또한 이 지역사회는 가족에 영향을 미치는 심각한 폐수 문제를 해결하기 위해 양당기반시설법에 따라 100% 취소 가능한 차관 형태의 870만 달러도 받았습니다. 도시 숲 가꾸기와 목재 폐기물 감소를 중심으로 인력 프로그램을 확대하고, 필라델피아와 피츠버그의 숲 지붕층을 확대하며 목재 폐기물이 매립되지 않도록 방지하는 사업을 추진하기 위해 피츠버그 자연보호단과 PowerCorpsPHL에 약 1,400만 달러 지원. 이 보조금에는 피츠버그 토양의 납 오염을 줄이는데 바이오차(biochar)를 활용하기 위한 자금도 포함되어 있습니다. 변화에 대한 지역사회 주도 투자인 프로그램의 트랙 1은 프로젝트 150개 각각에 1~2천만 달러, 대략 총 19억 6천만 달러가 수여됩니다. 환경 및 기후 정의 문제를 해결하기 위해 지역사회 규모의 프로젝트를 시행하고 있는 17개 트랙 I 신청자는 다음과 같습니다.텍사스 A&M 대학과 블랙벨트 비법인 폐수 프로그램(윌콕스/헤일/론디스 카운티, AL)베이커즈필드시와 건강한 지역사회 만들기 케른(베이커스필드, CA)La Familia Counseling Center, Inc.와 지역사회 자원 프로젝트(새크라멘토, CA)책임있는 지역사회 개발을 위한 연합과 로스앤젤레스 무역 기술 대학교(로스앤젤레스, CA)샌디에이고 재단과 환경보건 연합(샌디에이고, CA)데이원과 액티브SGV(산 가브리엘 밸리, CA)포커텔로시와 포르뇌프 그린웨이 재단(포커텔로, ID)딜라드 대학교와 루이지애나주 남동부의 유나이티드웨이(남동부 LA)스프링필드시와 서부 매사추세츠주 공중보건원(스프링필드, MA)중서부지역 부족 에너지 자원 협회와 그리드 얼터너티브(Grid Alternatives)(MI, MN, WI)메트로헬스 시스템(MetroHealth System)과 지역사회 주택 솔루션(클리블랜드, OH)레인 카운티 오리건과 레인 카운티의 유나이티드웨이(레인 카운티, OR)피츠버그 자연보호단과 PowerCorpsPHL(피츠버그/필라델피아, PA)공공토지신탁과 채터누가시(채터누가, TN)휴스턴시와 텍사스 블랙유나이티드펀드(휴스턴, TX)곤자가 대학교와 스포캔 네이버후드액션파트너(SNAP)(스포캔, WA)국가주택신탁과 D.C. 아동법률센터(워싱턴, D.C.)공정 관리에 대한 유의미한 참여인 트랙 2는 프로젝트 20개 각각에 1~3백만 달러, 대략 총 4천만 달러가 수여됩니다. 정부의 의사결정 과정에서 개인과 지역사회의 참여를 촉진할 트랙 II 신청자는 다음과 같습니다.인사이트 가든 프로그램과 엘라 베이커 인권 센터(C.A.에 있는 여러 곳)공공토지신탁과 씨유앳더탑(See You At The Top)(클레블렌드, OH)SSG(Special Service for Groups, Inc.)와 CAUSE(Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment: 아시아계 미국인 연합 스스로 강해지기 센터)(로스앤젤레스, CA)브롱스리버얼라이언스(Bronx River Alliance, Inc.)와 평화와 정의를 위한 청소년 선교회(브롱스 카운티, NY)선정된 21개 중 3개는 NOFO에서 확인된 목표 투자 지역을 위한 것입니다. 목표 투자 지역 자금은 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 자금이 특이한 상황, 지리 및 요구를 가진 불우한 지역사회를 향하도록 보장하기 위한 것입니다.CCGP 보조금을 받는 초기 21개 조직의 전체 목록을 보고 CCGP에 대해 자세히 알아보십시오.지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램은 2024년 11월 21일까지 계속 신청을 받기 때문에 EPA는 신청자가 NOFO 요건을 완전히 충족하는 즉시 신청서를 제출할 것을 독려합니다. EPA는 2024년 남은 기간 동안 선착순으로 추가 선정을 할 예정입니다. 또한 EPA는 새로운 기술 지원을 요청하는 마지막 날이 2024년 8월 16일이므로 관심 있는 신청자가 가능한 빨리 기술 지원을 신청할 것을 권장합니다.EPA의 인플레이션 감축 법안 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 웹페이지에서 지역사회 변화 보조금 NOFO를 읽으십시오.지역사회 변화 보조금 및 기술 지원에 대해 자세히 알아보려면 EPA의 인플레이션 감축 법안 지역사회 변화 보조금 프로그램 웹페이지를 방문하십시오.EPA의 환경 정의에 대해 자세히 알아보려면 EPA의 환경 정의 웹페이지를 방문하십시오.웨비나 정보 등 NOFO에 대한 최신 정보는 빈 이메일을 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 주소로 전송해 환경 정의 및 외부 시민권 부서의 리스트서브를 구독해 알아보십시오. X(구 Twitter)에서 EPA 환경 정의 계정 (@EPAEnvJustice)을 팔로우하세요.

EPA Begins Oversight of Cleanup at Amphenol/Franklin Power Products Site in Franklin, Indiana

Fairfield, N.J. (July 26, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is delivering on its promise to Invest in America and clean up Superfund sites that have been waiting for funding. Using a total of about $30 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has demolished the heavily contaminated building at the Unimatic Manufacturing Corp. Superfund site in Fairfield, N.J. and has finished removing contaminated soil from the site. In September, U.S. Army Corps contractors will dig up and remove sediment in wetlands and streams downstream from this site and will also monitor groundwater. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill joined state and local partners at the site today to celebrate the milestone and mark the beginning of the next phase of cleanup also funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Three years ago, I stood at this very site and made a promise that the EPA would use funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up legacy pollution at our country’s most toxic sites,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Today we have delivered on that promise here in Fairfield, with a cleaned-up property and the opportunity to redevelop it and make it into something better for the community.”“This investment of $30 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a monumental step forward for Fairfield and for communities across New Jersey affected by toxic pollution,” said Senator Cory Booker. “New Jersey is home to the most Superfund sites in the nation, and I’m proud to see federal, state, and local partners come together to secure urgently needed funding for the cleanup of this heavily contaminated site. Addressing industrial pollution and transforming this site into a safer place for the community will pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for New Jersey residents.”“I was proud to fight hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is not only funding construction of the Gateway Tunnel, but is helping us clean up toxic chemicals from former manufacturing plants across the Garden State – including the Unimatic Superfund Site. I first visited this site back in 2019, and it is so exciting to be back to see how our federal tax dollars continue to be used to clean up Unimatic and improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans. Thank you to the EPA and all who are working to remediate the Unimatic Superfund Site,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration, our Congressional delegation, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their commitment to making New Jersey safer as they continue work to clean up the former Unimatic Manufacturing Corp. site,” said Governor Phil Murphy. "I am pleased by the ongoing progress of this project and to see this work enter the next phase of sediment and groundwater cleanup. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are continuing to make strides toward our goal of building a cleaner, greener future for New Jersey.”“The DEP thanks the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA and Representative Mikie Sherrill for securing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to accelerate cleanup efforts that will ultimately allow the community to repurpose this former industrial site to better serve their needs,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey has a long history of industrial pollution, and BIL funds have made it possible for communities across the state to start fresh and make transformational investments that enhance residents’ quality of life and the environment we share.” “The cleanup of this Superfund site is a great example of how the community and the EPA work together to alleviate the concerns of our residents by eliminating dangerous chemicals from our Township. There have been approximately 50 thousand tons of hazardous material removed from Fairfield. This has been accomplished through the oversight of the EPA without increasing the local tax one penny,” said Mayor of Fairfield Township William Galese. “On behalf of the grateful residents of Fairfield, I would like to thank the EPA for eliminating this threat from our town.”The Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation site is one of 115 Superfund sites in New Jersey. The metals molding facility operated machines using lubricating oil that contained polychlorinated biphenyls, also referred to as PCBs. Wastewater from the facility contaminated the on-site building, soil and groundwater, including the soil on three nearby properties. As a result, EPA placed the Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation site on the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List in May 2014.Prior to EPA’s involvement, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection oversaw the removal of approximately 5,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from the Unimatic property, which reduced some risk associated with the site. However, widespread PCB- and pesticide-contaminated soil remained in the subsurface, both underneath and outside the building footprint.In 2021, EPA announced the cleanup at the site would advance as part of the first wave of sites to benefit from the $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help clean up polluted Superfund sites in communities.EPA initiated the cleanup in 2023, demolishing the former Unimatic building in May and beginning to dig up and remove contaminated soil in October of that year. To date, EPA has removed over 50,000 tons of PCB and pesticide contaminated soil and replaced it with clean soil. In September, this first phase of the cleanup will come to an end and EPA will begin the second phase of cleanup work downstream of the site. EPA will dig up and remove PCB-contaminated sediment in wetlands and streams downstream from the site and monitor groundwater. In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, EPA steps in to address risks to human health and the environment using funds appropriated by Congress, like the funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.Visit the Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation Superfund Site profile page for additional background and site documents.Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.24-060

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $100 Million in Seven California Environmental Justice Community Change Grants

On July 15, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began oversight of barrier installation to reduce contamination concentrations in groundwater at the Franklin Power Products/Amphenol site in Franklin, Indiana. EPA will hold an open house on Wednesday, August 7, to answer residents’ questions about the cleanup and construction work at the site, anticipated to take 1-2 months.To break down the remaining contamination at the site, crews are installing “permeable reactive barriers” along Forsythe Street and Hamilton Avenue. These barriers will treat affected soil and groundwater. Long-term monitoring of groundwater will continue after construction is completed to track the performance of the barriers. Residents may see increased truck traffic and heavy equipment around the site during this time. The open house will be an opportunity for residents with questions to meet Agency staff and learn about site work. Please note this event does not have a virtual component.When: Wednesday, August 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Where: Johnson County Public Library, Franklin Branch Historical Room401 State St.Franklin, IndianaFor information and updates, please visit the EPA’s Amphenol website.

La Administración Biden-Harris anuncia más de $325 millones en subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario sobre Justicia Ambiental y Climática

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $100,541,769 in funding for seven selected applications to help disadvantaged California communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges. The investment will fund projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. “For too long, communities with environmental justice challenges have been overburdened with pollution and have been disinvested in. And that’s why the Biden-Harris Administration is committing to robust enforcement and, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, historical investments in these communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are so proud today to be selecting these seven exemplary California community partnerships and investing in a historic way in solving environmental and climate justice challenges.”The five California Community-Driven Investments for Change (Track I) applicants expected to each receive $10-$20 million in grants for community-scale projects are:City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. and Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)The San Diego Foundation and The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)Day One and Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)California Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance (Track II) applicants expected to receive grants of $1-3 million each for facilitating individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are:Insight Garden Program and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple CA locations)Special Service for Groups, Inc., and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)Elected Leaders Applaud Today’s Announcement:“Today’s historic announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration makes it clear that local communities are best equipped to develop solutions that address decades-long environmental and climate-related injustices,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA). “That’s why, as we crafted the Inflation Reduction Act, I fought so hard to ensure that disadvantaged communities are directly eligible for this type of assistance. As we work to tackle the climate crisis, we must continue prioritizing resources for innovative, locally driven solutions to support historically disadvantaged communities.” “Efforts to address climate change need to include all communities, especially neighborhoods that have historically been underfunded. The nearly $20 million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change grant money coming to San Diego will fund much-needed improvements to air quality, expand access to clean public transportation, and provide green space that will mitigate extreme heat and beautify neighborhoods. This is another great example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is truly helping all Americans,” said Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). “Our youth have the most at stake when it comes to the climate crisis—but they also have the most agency to combat it. I was proud to help secure $21.2 million in EPA Community Change Grants for two projects in South LA that will equip young Angelenos with the tools to fight the climate crisis through workforce development, leadership training, and community engagement initiatives,” said Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). “The futures of our planet and young people are intertwined, and these programs will play a vital role in empowering our youth to create a clean, sustainable future.” “Today’s announcement is welcome news for families in San Diego and across the region. This funding demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing long-standing environmental and climate justice challenges and investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52). “I’m proud to have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to support projects just like this one and look forward to seeing the positive impacts to come.”“Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver key climate investments for communities nationwide, and I’m thrilled that today’s announcement includes $20,000,000 to reduce pollution, increase water sustainability, and promote active transportation right here in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). “Thanks to years of leadership and collaboration amongst everyone at Active SGV, Day One, and their partners, this funding will be used to implement seven local, innovative projects that meet our communities’ most pressing transportation and sustainability challenges.”“I am so pleased that California is receiving over $100 million for efforts that will reduce pollution, support climate resiliency, and address environmental justice challenges,” said Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “These investments will help us tackle climate change while creating green jobs and lowering the cost of living. I’m proud to have pushed for the Inflation Reduction Act, which has already supported so many projects across our state, and I will continue to push for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change as we forge a healthier, more sustainable future.”“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which I was honored to support in Congress, provides the largest single investment in environmental justice in history,” said Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36). “A key part of tackling the climate crisis is empowering and equipping disadvantaged communities with the tools they need to address longstanding environmental challenges. Through the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program, many communities across California and the country will breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, and become more resilient to climate disasters.”Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) shared, "This investment for community-based environmental and climate Justice efforts in the East Bay is monumental and will go a long way toward not only combatting the climate crisis but achieving our environmental justice goals for marginalized communities. I applaud the Biden-Harris administration, Administrator Regan, and the EPA for their leadership in piloting the largest environmental justice investment in history. "“La Familia is a community pillar – providing comprehensive services from mental health resources to job training and youth programs for over 40 years. Our Sacramento community relies on La Familia’s transformative work,” said Representative Doris Matsui (CA-7). “Climate change continues to be the defining fight of our lives, but air pollution and extreme heat are not experienced in the same way across Sacramento’s communities. This infusion of federal dollars will allow La Familia to once again use its innovative ideas and knowledge of the community to develop a community resilience hub, assist its neighbors with energy-efficient upgrades, and create new, much-needed green space. I’m proud to be a strong advocate for La Familia and their forward-thinking approach to bring resources, training, and sustainable programming where it is needed most.”Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) declared she is “Thrilled for California to receive over $100 million from the Biden-Harris Administration in the first round of EPA Community Change grants, based on funding I worked to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act. Under-resourced communities of South Los Angeles and surrounding areas will benefit directly as the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade Tech College receive funding to develop workforce training programs to reduce indoor air pollution, expand clean energy and transportation infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs for residents.”Hear from the Selectees:"Thanks to our coalition of partners and our community-driven approach, San Diego is positioned to receive this transformational support from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund much-needed projects that will improve the health and lives of residents in our central historic barrios and build a healthier, more vibrant and resilient community," said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation.Day One’s Executive Director Christy Zamani shared, “The Green SGV Collaborative is thrilled to receive federal support to realize healthier, more sustainable communities in the San Gabriel Valley. Our project is designed to help some of the most pollution-burdened communities in the United States, whose residents deserve a healthier environment.”“La Familia is extremely honored to have the opportunity to impact Sacramento’s North Franklin neighborhood sustainably,” shared Executive Director Rachel Rios. “Our “Greening North Franklin” project brings together multiple partners to provide this community with the environmental investments to improve health outcomes for many children, families, and businesses, such as through a new Resilience Hub Opportunity Center, planting new green spaces, and creating a green jobs workforce, to name a few. We are grateful to the EPA for its inclusiveness in partnering with non-profits to do this vital work to transform disadvantaged communities. City of Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg shared, "We are excited and grateful that the EPA has selected Bakersfield's Southeast Strong project for a Community Change Grant. This grant underscores our city's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our vibrant community." “Special Service for Groups, Inc. and Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement is thrilled to bring this historic investment from the US EPA’s Community Change Grant program to mobilize the next generation of environmental justice youth leaders in the West San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County and to partner with the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment to elevate youth voices and increase opportunities for equitable governance to improve the region’s climate resilience and build toward President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative,” said Co-Directors Kyle Tsukahira and Heng Lam Foong in a joint statement. "As a community-based, coalition-driven organization, CRCD [Coalition for Responsible Community Development] is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in South Los Angeles. This substantial federal funding from the EPA allows us and our partners to implement impactful initiatives to address environmental justice and economic empowerment,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of CRCD. “Together, we are ensuring South LA not only benefits from these resources but also thrives through sustainable and inclusive development. Being awarded this EPA grant is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to uplift our community.”Community Change Grants BackgroundThe Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With the 21 grants nationwide being announced today, the EPA is delivering on this mission. The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advancing equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Today's funding announcement is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion, which, based on community input, will be delivered via grants awarded on a rolling basis.Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program (CCGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, accepts applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. See the complete national list of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.Click here to learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance. To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit the Environmental Justice webpage. For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including details on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.

City of Springfield, Mass., selected to receive a nearly $20 million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant

WASHINGTON – Hoy, 25 de julio de 2024, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció más de $325 millones en fondos para 21 solicitudes seleccionadas para ayudar a las comunidades desventajadas a enfrentar los retos ambientales y de justicia climática a través de proyectos que reducen la contaminación, aumentan la resiliencia climática de la comunidad y desarrollan la capacidad de la comunidad. Gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del Presidente Biden, el Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario es la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental y climática de la historia. El anuncio de financiamiento de hoy es la primera etapa de casi $2 mil millones del programa que fue diseñado en base a los aportes de la comunidad para otorgar subvenciones de manera continua.Estas solicitudes seleccionadas son las primeras que se incluyen en el proceso de solicitud continua del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario. El innovador proceso de solicitud continua, basado en la sólida participación de las partes interesadas y los comentarios de la comunidad, garantizará que los solicitantes tengan tiempo suficiente para prepararse y aprovechar este recurso histórico. El Aviso de Oportunidad de Financiamiento (NOFO) del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario, administrado a través de la Oficina de Justicia Ambiental y Derechos Civiles Externos, todavía está aceptando solicitudes hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2024. La EPA continuará revisando las solicitudes y anunciando las selecciones de manera continua. “Nuestra capacidad de ofrecer resultados tangibles para las comunidades depende de escucharlas y desarrollar soluciones innovadoras a través de la participación inclusiva de las partes interesadas,” señalo el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Hoy, gracias a la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del Presidente Biden, la EPA ha seleccionado el primer conjunto de socios comunitarias para resolver los desafíos ambientales y de justicia climática emergentes.” “Las subvenciones de hoy ponen en control a las comunidades para corregir los errores ambientales del pasado y construir su propio futuro de energía limpia”, comentó John Podesta, Asesor Principal del Presidente para Política Climática Internacional. “La agenda de Inversión en Estados Unidos del Presidente Biden ha acelerado nuestros esfuerzos para brindar justicia ambiental a las comunidades que han quedado atrás durante demasiado tiempo,” indicó Brenda Mallory, presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca. “Como parte de la Iniciativa Justice40 del Presidente, estas subvenciones ayudarán a las comunidades desventajadas a enfrentar los desafíos de justicia ambiental y climática al reducir la contaminación, aumentar la resiliencia a los impactos del cambio climático y desarrollar la capacidad de la comunidad para llevar a cabo estos proyectos”. La Ley de Reducción de la Inflación proporciona $3 mil millones a la EPA para otorgar subvenciones que ayuden a las comunidades desventajadas y brinden asistencia técnica. Con estas subvenciones, la EPA está cumpliendo con esta misión. Las Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario también cumplen con el compromiso del Presidente Biden de promover la equidad y la justicia en todo Estados Unidos a través de su Iniciativa Justice40 para asegurar que el 40 por ciento de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales sean destinadas a las comunidades desventajadas que se ven marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación. Ejemplos de subvenciones de este conjunto inicial seleccionado incluyen:Casi $20 millones a la Asociación de Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) y Grid Alternatives para instalar mejoras de climatización y eficiencia energética en el hogar en 35 tribus en Michigan, Minnesota y Wisconsin, mejorando la calidad del aire interior para las familias y brindando capacitación en desarrollo de liderazgo para los Campeones Tribales de Energía designados. La MTERA también recibió una adjudicación de $62 millones del programa Solar para Todos de la EPA en mayo.$20 millones a la Coalition for Responsible Community Development y el Los Angeles Trade-Technical College para crear capacitaciones de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de justicia ambiental destinadas a la reducción de plomo, soldadura, mantenimiento de vehículos híbridos y eléctricos, climatización del hogar y auditorías de energía residencial. A través de esta subvención, se prevé que los solicitantes seleccionados completen la reducción de plomo para más de 600 hogares en todo el sur de Los Ángeles. Más de $14 millones para la Texas A&M University y el Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program a fin de instalar sistemas de tratamiento en sitio de aguas residuales en 17 condados de la zona Black Belt en Alabama. El administrador Regan visitó previamente el condado de Lowndes, Alabama, cuyas fosas sépticas defectuosas y las tuberías rectas de aguas residuales de las casas a los patios crearon una crisis de salud pública en la región. Esta comunidad también recibió un préstamo 100% condonable de $8.7 millones de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para abordar los desafíos críticos de aguas residuales que afectan a las familias. Aproximadamente $14 millones para el Pittsburgh Conservation Corps y PowerCorpsPHL destinados a expandir los programas de fuerza laboral en torno a la silvicultura urbana y la reducción de desechos de madera, expandir el dosel de los árboles en Filadelfia y Pittsburgh y mantener los desechos de madera fuera de los vertederos. Esta subvención también incluye fondos para aprovechar el biocarbón a fin de reducir la contaminación por plomo en los suelos de Pittsburgh. Se espera que la Vía I del programa, Inversiones Impulsadas por la Comunidad para el Cambio, otorgue aproximadamente $1.96 mil millones para 150 proyectos por $10-20 millones cada uno. Los 17 solicitantes de la Vía I que están implementando proyectos a escala comunitaria para abordar los desafíos ambientales y de justicia climática son:Texas A&M University y Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes Counties, AL)City of Bakersfield y Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. y Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)Coalition for Responsible Community Development y Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)The San Diego Foundation y The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)Day One y Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)City of Pocatello y Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)Dillard University y United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)City of Springfield y Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association y Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)The MetroHealth System y Community Housing Solutions (Cleveland, OH)Lane County Oregon y United Way of Lane County (Lane County, OR)Pittsburgh Conservation Corps y PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)The Trust for Public Land y City of Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)City of Houston y Black United Fund of Texas (Houston, TX)Corporation of Gonzaga University y Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)National Housing Trust y D.C. Children’s Law Center (Washington, D.C.)Se espera que la Vía II, Participación Significativa para la Gobernanza Equitativa otorgue aproximadamente $40 millones para 20 proyectos de $1 a $3 millones cada uno. Los solicitantes de la Vía II que facilitarán la participación individual y comunitaria en los procesos de toma de decisiones gubernamentales son:Insight Garden Program y Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple locations in CA)The Trust for Public Land y See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)Special Service for Groups, Inc. y Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)Bronx River Alliance, Inc. y Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Bronx County, NY)De las 21 selecciones, tres son para Áreas de Inversión Objetivo identificadas en el NOFO. El financiamiento del Área de Inversión Objetivo está destinado a garantizar que los fondos del Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario se dirijan a comunidades desventajadas con circunstancias, geografía y necesidades únicas.Vea el listado completo de las 21 organizaciones iniciales que reciben una subvención de CCGP y obtenga más información sobre CCGP.Dado que el Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario sigue aceptando solicitudes hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2024, la EPA anima a los solicitantes a presentar solicitudes tan pronto como cumplan plenamente con los requisitos del NOFO. La EPA hará selecciones adicionales de forma continua durante el resto de 2024. La EPA también anima a los solicitantes interesados a solicitar asistencia técnica lo antes posible, ya que el último día para solicitar nueva asistencia técnica es el 16 de agosto de 2024.Lea el NOFO de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario en la página web Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario según la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación de la EPA. Para obtener más información sobre las Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario y la Asistencia Técnica, visite: la página web Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Programa de Subvenciones para el Cambio Comunitario según la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación de la EPA.Para obtener más información sobre la justicia ambiental en la EPA, visite la página web de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA. Para obtener información actualizada sobre el NOFO, incluida la información sobre los seminarios web, suscríbase a la lista de correo electrónico de la Oficina de Justicia Ambiental y Derechos Civiles Externos enviando un correo electrónico en blanco a: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Síganos en X (antes Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

EPA Announces More Than $20 Million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants in Ohio

BOSTON (JULY 25, 2024)— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the City of Springfield, and its partner Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, were selected to receive nearly $20 million in funding to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program's rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. "Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today, thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.""The City of Springfield and its residents have shared their vision for change—retrofitting homes and removing lead hazards, converting city buildings to clean energy and expanding the tree canopy, and investing in community solar and workforce training programs. Today we are helping to turn that vision into a reality by providing the community with the necessary resources to make that happen," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is a pivotal step in meeting our commitment to environmental and climate justice across New England. By listening to and collaborating with communities, we are ensuring that the benefits of this historic investment reach those who need it most.""With this nearly $20 million grant, Springfield will be able invest in safer and more resilient homes, restart its electric bikeshare program, plant hundreds of new trees, and so much more. All thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Inflation Reduction Act and my 15% minimum tax on big corporations," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren."Residents and advocates in Springfield are taking action to undo generations of pollution, and bringing to life a vision for the future that includes clean air to breathe, safe housing to live in, and green, renewable energy to power it all," said U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey. "Their coalition of community organizations, local government agencies, and those most affected by environmental injustice embodies the mission of the Community Change Grant Program, coming together to get the job done. I thank the EPA for awarding nearly $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, which I fought hard for in Congress, to directly enable community-led action in Western Massachusetts.""My administration is proud of our collaborative efforts, led by our Development Services Division, along with other city departments and dedicated partner agencies, to receive this significant grant award. On behalf of our Springfield, thank you to the EPA for selecting us for this nearly $20 million grant. This funding, which was made possible thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in our nation's history, will provide tangible benefits to our community including improved indoor and outdoor air quality and reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions," said City of Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "I am also grateful to Congressman Neal for his continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of our Springfield and his support of our application for an EPA Community Change Grant. This is a critical time for cities like our Springfield to continue our efforts to reduce pollution and enhance our climate resilience, and also address environmental and climate justice challenges. Springfield has a long history of being a regional leader in successful and effective climate action and we are looking forward to continuing to build upon our resilience.""We are building on our decades of collaboration with the City of Springfield on various community health issues and at this pivotal point addressing climate change. Together we will deepen strategies that are already in place and determined critical by community members as well as innovate new opportunities that will advance Springfield's commitment to climate justice," said Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts Executive Director Jessica Collins. "We are excited and honored to be funded to partner with the Live Well Springfield coalition members, the City of Springfield and so many Springfield organizations in this project. We feel sure that our collaborative efforts will inform national action."Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects of $10-20 million each. Track I applicants will implement community-scale projects to address environmental and climate justice challenges. The City of Springfield's application has been selected under Track I, and is the only selectee from New England in this initial selection cohort:Nearly $20 million to the City of Springfield and to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts for "Green and Resilient Springfield." The selectees will support the transformation of a post-industrial city toward resilience with this multi-faceted project. They will invest in a community solar project; retrofit 30 one- to four-unit homes to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality; and complete home rehabilitation projects to remove lead and other pollution hazards. They will convert two city-owned buildings to non-grid clean energy sources and expand their use as community resilience hubs and emergency shelter locations. They also will expand tree canopy by planting 1,500 trees; restart a city e-bikeshare program; support a workforce development program for HVAC-R technicians; and complete other activities.Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes.See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden's commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024.EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-programTo learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljusticeFor up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights' listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Chính Quyền Biden-Harris Công Bố Hơn $325 Triệu Đô La Tài Trợ Cho Sự Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng Về Công Lý Môi Trường và Khí Hậu

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced The MetroHealth System and The Trust for Public Land in Ohio will receive $17,191,775 and $3,000,000 respectively to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis. These two groups and other selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program notice of funding opportunity, administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.  “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.” “Engaging communities on the front lines of climate and environmental issues is a cornerstone of EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “These communities have been overburdened for too long and that divide is only growing as climate change worsens. These grants are an opportunity to work together and address core environmental issues for our EJ communities.” MetroHealth, along with partner Community Housing Solutions, will identify 1,200 Cleveland-area households with at least one resident with asthma and work with them to reduce indoor air pollution. They will replace gas ranges with electric ranges, upgrade kitchen electrical systems as needed, and improve kitchen ventilation. They also will offer households financial incentives to switch to a cleaner electricity supplier and will install EV chargers upon request. All project activities will include extensive community outreach. Trust for Public Land, along with partner See You at the Top, will work with the city of Cleveland and the Cleveland Parks and Greenspace Coalition to engage residents of eight historically disadvantaged neighborhoods in municipal decision-making and planning processes related to parks and greenspaces. “The Inflation Reduction Act continues to deliver for Northeast Ohio. I’m excited to join the EPA in announcing two federal grant awards to MetroHealth and The Trust for Public Land. These grants will make a tangible difference for local families, helping thousands of residents with asthma upgrade their homes and giving residents a voice in developing greenspace. We all deserve clean air, indoors and outdoors, and these grants help us move toward that goal,” said Rep. Shontel Brown. "Trust for Public Land and Syatt are grateful for the opportunity to create system-wide change in Cleveland via the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition. This award will center community residents in the development of the new Parks and Recreation Department and implementation of the city-wide parks and greenspace comprehensive plan. The equity-driven, environmental, and climate justice community work in this grant award will encourage two-way communication between the City and residents, becoming a watershed event for a more resilient Cleveland,” said Sean Terry, Ohio State Director at Trust for Public Land. “We are excited to work on this project which has the potential to reduce indoor air pollution, improve asthma control, and improve quality of life,” Dr. Ashwini Sehgal of MetroHealth Systems. “This project will help participants to miss fewer days of work or school, increase their property values, and reduce their energy costs. We are grateful for this opportunity to help our local community in Cleveland, where asthma affects 1 in every 5 people."The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission. The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are: See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP. The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024. Read the Community Change Grants notice of funding opportunity here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program. To learn more about the Community Change Grants and technical assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice For up-to-date information, including information on webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

EPA and U.S. Army Announce Joint Sampling Project to Identify PFAS Contamination Near Army Installations

WASHINGTON – Hôm nay, ngày 25 Tháng Bảy, 2024, Cơ Quan Bảo Vệ Môi Trường Hoa Kỳ đã công bố tài trợ hơn $325 triệu đô la cho 21 ứng dụng được chọn để giúp các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu thông qua các dự án giảm ô nhiễm, gia tăng khả năng phục hồi của cộng đồng về khí hậu và xây dựng năng lực cộng đồng. Được thực hiện nhờ Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của Tổng Thống Biden, Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng là khoản đầu tư duy nhất và lớn nhất vào công lý môi trường và khí hậu trong lịch sử. Thông báo tài trợ hôm nay là đợt tài trợ đầu tiên trị giá gần $2 tỷ đô la từ chương trình được thiết kế dựa trên ý kiến đóng góp của cộng đồng để trao các khoản tài trợ trên cơ sở luân phiên.Những đơn đăng ký được chọn này là những đơn đăng ký đầu tiên nằm trong quy trình đăng ký luân phiên của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng. Được thông báo bởi sự tham gia mạnh mẽ của các bên liên quan và phản hồi của cộng đồng, quy trình đăng ký luân phiên đổi mới sẽ đảm bảo rằng người nộp đơn có nhiều thời gian để chuẩn bị và tận dụng nguồn tài nguyên lịch sử này. Thông Báo Về Cơ Hội Tài Trợ Của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng (NOFO), được quản lý thông qua Văn Phòng Công Lý Môi Trường và Quyền Dân Sự Bên Ngoài, vẫn đang nhận đơn đăng ký cho đến ngày 21 Tháng Mười Một, 2024. EPA sẽ tiếp tục xem xét các đơn đăng ký và thông báo các lựa chọn trên cơ sở luân phiên.“Khả năng của chúng tôi trong việc mang lại kết quả rõ ràng cho cộng đồng phụ thuộc vào việc lắng nghe họ và phát triển các giải pháp đổi mới thông qua sự tham gia toàn diện của các bên liên quan,” Quản trị viên EPA Michael S. Regan cho biết. “Hôm nay, nhờ Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát Của Tổng Thống Biden, EPA đã chọn nhóm hợp tác cộng đồng đầu tiên để giải quyết những thách thức công lý về môi trường và khí hậu đang nổi lên và lâu dài.”“Các khoản tài trợ ngày nay đặt cộng đồng vào vị trí điều khiển trên con đường khắc phục những sai lầm về môi trường trong quá khứ và xây dựng tương lai năng lượng sạch của riêng họ,” John Podesta nói, Cố Vấn Cấp Cao Của Chủ Tịch về Chính Sách Khí Hậu Quốc Tế cho Biết.“Chương trình nghị sự Đầu tư vào Hoa Kỳ của Tổng Thống Biden đã đẩy nhanh nỗ lực của chúng tôi nhằm mang lại công bằng môi trường cho các cộng đồng đã bị bỏ lại phía sau quá lâu,” Brenda Mallory, Chủ Tịch Hội Đồng Nhà Trắng về Chất Lượng Môi Trường cho Biết. “Là một phần của Sáng Kiến Justice40 của Tổng Thống, các khoản tài trợ này sẽ giúp các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu mà họ gặp phải bằng cách giảm ô nhiễm, gia tăng khả năng phục hồi trước các tác động từ biến đổi khí hậu, và xây dựng năng lực cộng đồng để xem xét các dự án này một cách thông suốt.”Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát cung cấp $3 tỷ đô la cho EPA để trao các khoản tài trợ nhằm giúp đỡ các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn và cung cấp hỗ trợ kỹ thuật. Với những khoản tài trợ này, EPA đang thực hiện sứ mệnh này.Khoản Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng cũng thực hiện cam kết của Tổng Thống Biden nhằm thúc đẩy công bằng và công lý trên khắp Hoa Kỳ thông qua Sáng Kiến Justice40 để đảm bảo rằng 40 phần trăm lợi ích tổng thể của một số khoản đầu tư liên bang nhất định sẽ đến tay các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn bị thiệt thòi do thiếu đầu tư và phải chịu gánh nặng quá mức do ô nhiễm.Các khoản trợ cấp ví dụ từ nhóm lựa chọn ban đầu này bao gồm:Gần $20 triệu đô la cho Hiệp Hội Tài Nguyên Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc Trung Tây (MTERA) và Giải Pháp Thay Thế Lưới Điện để lắp đặt các nâng cấp về thời tiết tại nhà và hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng trên 35 Bộ lạc ở Michigan, Minnesota, và Wisconsin, cải thiện chất lượng không khí trong nhà cho các gia đình và cung cấp đào tạo phát triển khả năng lãnh đạo cho Nhà Vô Địch về Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc được chỉ định . MTERA cũng đã nhận được khoản trợ cấp trị giá $62 triệu đô la từ chương trình EPA Solar for All vào Tháng Năm.$20 triệu đô la cho Liên Minh Phát Triển Cộng Đồng có Trách Nhiệm và Trường Cao Đẳng Thương Mại-Kỹ Thuật Los Angeles để xây dựng các chương trình đào tạo phát triển lực lượng lao động công lý môi trường về loại bỏ chì, hàn, bảo dưỡng xe hybrid và xe điện, kiểm tra thời tiết tại nhà, và kiểm toán năng lượng dân cư. Thông qua khoản tài trợ này, những người nộp đơn được chọn dự kiến sẽ hoàn thành việc loại bỏ chì cho hơn 600 ngôi nhà trên khắp miền Nam Los Angeles. Hơn $14 triệu đô la cho Đại Học Texas A&M và Chương Trình Nước Thải Chưa Hợp Nhất Vành Đai Đen để lắp đặt hệ thống xử lý nước thải tại chỗ trên khắp 17 quận Vành Đai Đen ở Alabama. Quản trị viên Regan trước đây đã đến thăm Quận Lowndes, Alabama—nơi mà bể tự hoại và đường ống dẫn nước thải thẳng từ nhà vào sân bị hỏng đã tạo ra một cuộc khủng hoảng sức khỏe cộng đồng trong khu vực. Cộng đồng này cũng đã nhận được khoản vay trị giá $8.7 triệu đô la được hoàn trả 100% từ Luật Cơ Sở Hạ Tầng Lưỡng Đảng để giải quyết những thách thức nghiêm trọng về nước thải ảnh hưởng đến các gia đình. Khoảng $14 triệu đô la cho Quân Đoàn Bảo Tồn Pittsburgh và PowerCorpsPHL để mở rộng các chương trình lực lượng lao động xung quanh việc giảm thiểu chất thải gỗ và lâm nghiệp đô thị, mở rộng tán cây ở Philadelphia và Pittsburgh và loại bỏ chất thải gỗ khỏi các bãi chôn lấp. Khoản tài trợ này cũng bao gồm các quỹ để tận dụng than sinh học trong việc giảm ô nhiễm chì ở đất Pittsburgh. Phần I của chương trình, Đầu tư vì sự thay đổi dựa vào cộng đồng, dự kiến sẽ trao khoảng $1.96 tỷ đô la cho 150 dự án, mỗi dự án trị giá $10-20 triệu đô la. 17 ứng viên Track I đang thực hiện các dự án quy mô cộng đồng nhằm giải quyết các thách thức về công lý môi trường và khí hậu là:Đại Học Texas A&M và Chương Trình Nước Thải Chưa Hợp Nhất Của Vành Đai Đen (Các Hạt Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)Thành Phố Bakersfield và Xây Dựng Cộng Đồng Lành Mạnh Kern (Bakersfield, CA)Trung Tâm Tư Vấn La Familia, Inc. và Dự Án Nguồn Lực Cộng Đồng (Sacramento, CA)Liên Minh Phát Triển Cộng Đồng có Trách Nhiệm và Trường Cao Đẳng Kỹ Thuật - Thương Mại Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)Quỹ San Diego và Liên Minh Y Tế Môi Trường (San Diego, CA)Ngày Đầu Tiên và SGV Tích Cực (Thung Lũng San Gabriel, CA)Quỹ Thành Phố Pocatello và Portneuf Greenway (Pocatello, ID)Đại Học Dillard và United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Đông Nam LA)Thành Phố Springfield và Viện Y Tế Công Cộng Tây Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)Hiệp Hội Tài Nguyên Năng Lượng Bộ Lạc Trung Tây và Các Giải Pháp Thay Thế Lưới Điện (MI, MN, WI)Hệ Thống Metrohealth và Giải Pháp Nhà Ở Cộng Đồng (Cleveland, OH)Quận Lane Oregon và United Way của Quận Lane (Hạt Lane, OR)Quân Đoàn Bảo Tồn Pittsburgh và PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)Quỹ Tín Thác Đất Công và Thành Phố Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)Thành Phố Houston và Quỹ Liên Hiệp Người Da Đen Texas (Houston, TX)Tập Đoàn Đại Học Gonzaga và Các Đối Tác Hành Động Khu Phố Spokane (Spokane, WA)Ủy Ban Nhà Ở Quốc Gia và Trung Tâm Luật Trẻ Em D.C. (Washington, D.C.)Track II, Sự Tham Gia Có Ý Nghĩa để Quản Trị Công Bằng, dự kiến sẽ trao khoảng $40 triệu đô la cho 20 dự án, mỗi dự án trị giá $1-3 triệu đô la. Những người đăng ký Track II sẽ tạo điều kiện cho cá nhân và cộng đồng tham gia vào quá trình ra quyết định của chính phủ là:Chương Trình Insight Garden và Trung Tâm Nhân Quyền Ella Baker (nhiều địa điểm ở CA)Niềm Tin Dành Cho Đất Công và Hẹn Gặp Bạn Ở Đỉnh Cao (Cleveland, OH)Dịch Vụ Đặc Biệt Dành cho Groups, Inc. và Trung Tâm Dành cho Người Mỹ Gốc Á Thống Nhất Để Trao Quyền cho Bản Thân (Los Angeles, CA)Bronx River Alliance, Inc. và Bộ Thanh Niên vì Hòa Bình và Công Lý (Quận Bronx, NY)Trong số 21 lựa chọn, có ba lựa chọn dành cho Lĩnh Vực Đầu Tư Mục Tiêu được xác định trong NOFO. Việc Tài Trợ Cho Khu Vực Đầu Tư Mục Tiêu nhằm đảm bảo rằng nguồn tài trợ của Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng được hướng tới các cộng đồng có hoàn cảnh khó khăn với hoàn cảnh, địa lý, và nhu cầu đặc biệt.Xem danh sách đầy đủ của 21 tổ chức ban đầu nhận được trợ cấp CCGP và tìm hiểu thêm về CCGP.Vì Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng vẫn đang chấp nhận đơn đăng ký cho đến ngày 21 Tháng Mười Một, 2024, EPA khuyến khích người đăng ký nộp đơn ngay khi họ đáp ứng đầy đủ các yêu cầu của NOFO. EPA sẽ thực hiện các lựa chọn bổ sung luân phiên trong thời gian còn lại của năm 2024. EPA cũng khuyến khích những người đăng ký nào quan tâm nên nộp đơn xin hỗ trợ kỹ thuật càng sớm càng tốt vì ngày cuối cùng để yêu cầu hỗ trợ kỹ thuật mới là ngày 16 Tháng Tám, 2024.Đọc Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng NOFO trên trang web Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng Theo Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của EPA .Để tìm hiểu thêm về Trợ Cấp Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng và Hỗ Trợ Kỹ Thuật, hãy truy cập trang web Chương Trình Tài Trợ Thay Đổi Cộng Đồng Theo Đạo Luật Giảm Lạm Phát của EPA .Để tìm hiểu thêm về công lý môi trường tại EPA, hãy truy cập trang web Công Lý Môi Trường của EPA . Để biết thông tin cập nhật về NOFO, bao gồm thông tin về các hội thảo trên web, hãy đăng ký danh sách của Văn Phòng Công Lý Môi Trường và Quyền Dân Sự Bên Ngoài bằng cách gửi một email trống tới: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Theo dõi chúng tôi trên X (trước đây là Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Administrasyon Biden-Harris la Anonse Plis Pase 325 Milyon Dola nan Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè Konsènan Jistis Anviwònmantal ak Klimatik

WASHINGTON – Today, July 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army announced today a joint project to conduct sampling and testing of private drinking water wells located near Army installations for the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This effort will inform Army remedial actions if results indicate that PFAS is found in drinking water, because PFAS contamination has spread and may potentially be impacting the drinking water wells of nearby residents.The joint EPA-Army sampling and testing project, which is being implemented nationally, has identified a priority list of nine installations out of 235 locations. As initial work is completed, EPA and the Army will evaluate additional installations for expansion of the pilot. EPA and the Army are working in partnership to identify next steps to ensure the public remains safe from exposure to PFAS potentially originating from these installations. This initial joint program is another step in EPA’s efforts to protect people from the health risks posed by exposure to “forever chemicals” in communities across the country.The installations scheduled for sampling under the program are: Fort Novosel (Alabama)Fort Hunter Liggett – Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (California)Fort Stewart (Georgia)Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield (Georgia)Blue Grass Army Depot (Kentucky)Fort Campbell (Kentucky & Tennessee)Fort Liberty (North Carolina)Fort Sill (Oklahoma)McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (Oklahoma)“PFAS pose significant risks to drinking water supplies and public health, which is why the EPA and the Army are testing water from wells in communities near Army installations to determine if these dangerous forever chemicals are polluting drinking water,” said David M. Uhlmann, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Members of the military, their families, and surrounding communities deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. EPA welcomes the opportunity to share our expertise and work with the Army on this important project, which will help advance EPA’s PFAS National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative.”“The Army commenced a comprehensive program in 2017 to identify potential PFAS releases at hundreds of Army and Army National Guard installations across the country. These initial investigations, completed by the Army in 2023, were instrumental in narrowing the focus to 235 locations where we will proceed with more in-depth investigations.” said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment. “For the nine installations that are part of our joint pilot program with EPA, the Army has already begun more in-depth investigations. The Army welcomes EPA’s collaboration as it continues to evaluate whether PFAS from past Army activities has impacted our neighboring communities and if so, takes steps to mitigate those impacts.”If the sampling indicates that PFAS is present in groundwater or drinking water above the new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by EPA, then the Army will work with EPA and state regulators to assess what additional actions are necessary to mitigate exposure.PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are being found worldwide. PFAS have been found in groundwater and soil at many federal facilities, including at military sites. The Army has used PFAS in various operations, including in foam to extinguish fires. EPA and the Army will share information and update both EPA’s and DoD’s PFAS websites as information becomes available. For more information about PFAS, please visit EPA’s or DoD’s PFAS websites. Please visit EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative website: Addressing Exposure to PFAS to learn more about EPA’s PFAS enforcement. Residents with concerns about PFAS in drinking water can also consult EPA’s guidance on the use of home filters to reduce PFAS levels.Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Protect Communities from PFASIn addition to efforts across the government, EPA has taken action under the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to control PFAS at its sources, hold polluters accountable, ensure science-based decision making, advance environmental justice, and address the impacts on disadvantaged communities. Since launching the Roadmap in 2021, EPA has taken a suite of actions to protect communities from exposure to “forever chemicals” including:Established first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS: In April 2024, EPA finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS which will protect 100 million people from PFAS exposure, prevent tens of thousands of serious illnesses, and save lives. This action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combatting PFAS pollution and delivering clean water.Dedicated $10 billion in funding to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in water: President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law secured the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution in water, including $9 billion for drinking water and $1 billion for clean water investments. An additional $12 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports general drinking water investments, including PFAS treatment. The investments are part of the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Designated Two PFAS as Hazardous Substances: In April 2024, EPA finalized a critical rule to designate two widely used PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. This step improves transparency and accountability to clean up PFAS contamination in communities. In addition to the final rule, EPA issued a separate CERCLA enforcement discretion policy that makes clear that EPA will focus enforcement on parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment.Guidance on Destroying and Disposing of PFAS: In April 2024, EPA released updated Interim Guidance which outlines the best-available science on techniques and treatments that may be used to destroy or dispose of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials from non-consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foam for firefighting, and highlights innovation and emerging technologies that warrant further evaluation.Addressing on-going uses of PFAS: In January 2024, EPA finalized a rule that prevents companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 PFAS; released three methods to better measure PFAS in the environment; and announced the addition of seven PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), consistent with the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.