EPA Announces Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (Feb. 28, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that one U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s 2022 ENERGY STAR certification in Mississippi, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Nationwide, 86 U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2022. Together, these plants saved over 105 trillion British thermal units (Btus) of energy and prevented more than 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 1.1 million American homes.

“Industrial leadership in energy efficiency is critical to achieving our nation’s climate goals,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The savings from ENERGY STAR certified plants demonstrate how energy efficiency is both helping our manufacturing sector reduce costs and propelling America’s transition to a clean energy future.”

“We congratulate our Region 4 manufacturing plants that earned their 2022 ENERGY STAR certification,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “Their innovation and leadership enhance America’s economic competitiveness, reducing costly energy waste improves public health while protecting the environment.”

The industrial sector accounts for 30% of U.S. greenhouse emissions, primarily from energy use in manufacturing plants. ENERGY STAR certified plants have reduced their energy consumption through a variety of energy efficiency projects and management practices. For example:

• Primient’s Loudon, Tenn., and Lafayette, Ind., wet corn mills reduced their CO2e emissions by installing and optimizing combined heat and power systems.
• Nissan North America’s Canton, Miss., vehicle assembly plant formed a team to track compressed air leaks, leading to an annual reduction of approximately 1,700 cubic feet per minute of compressed air. The company’s Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant created scorecards to benchmark the shutdown performance of facilities, assigned countermeasures to shops not meeting targets, and provided recognition to top performers.
• Cemex’s Miami, Fla., cement plant increased its energy performance in 2022 by modifying a finish mill, optimizing the ball charge on the largest mill, and identifying and correcting potential energy losses while also increasing the production of Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement.
• Titan America's Troutville, Va., and Medley, Fla., cement plants have completely converted production to Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement, with up to 15% less embodied carbon than standard Portland Cement. Since 2015 the two plants also have achieved a 12% reduction in electricity use and an 18% reduction in CO2, respectively, from improved energy management.

Manufacturing plants use EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance indicators or, in the case of petroleum refineries, the Solomon Associates Energy Intensity Index scoring system to assess their energy performance. Plants that score a 75 out of 100 or higher—indicating that they are more energy efficient than 75% of similar facilities nationwide—are eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors, from cement and steel to glass and commercial bakeries.

2022 ENERGY STAR certified manufacturing plants in Region 4:
 

Alabama:

Georgia-Pacific, Brewton (integrated paper mill)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Lincoln (automobile engine)

Tuscaloosa Organic Baking Co (commercial bread and roll baking)

Florida:

CEMEX USA, Miami (cement manufacturing)

Titan America, Medley (cement manufacturing)

Georgia:

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Tallapoosa (automobile transmission)

Kentucky:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., London (commercial bread and roll baking)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Princeton (cookie & cracker baking)

Mississippi:

Nissan North America, Canton (automobile assembly)

North Carolina:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Gastonia (commercial bread and roll baking)

South Carolina:

Argos USA, Harleyville (cement manufacturing)

Tennessee:

Buzzi Unicem USA, Chattanooga (cement manufacturing)

Crown Bakeries, Nashville (commercial bread and roll baking)

Crown Bakeries, Dickson (commercial bread and roll baking)

Nissan North America, Decherd (automobile engine)

Primient, Loudon (corn refining)

About the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program
Since 2006, the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program has annually certified manufacturing plants for performing within the top 25% of energy performance in their industries nationwide. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors. More than 250 plants have achieved this distinction since 2006. For more information, see: ENERGY STAR plant certification. For a list of all certified plants, see: ENERGY STAR Certified Building and Plant Locator. To learn more about how EPA and industry work together, see: Industrial Energy Management.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations — including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500® — rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/kLwlf5W

EPA Announces Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants in Georgia

EPA Announces Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants in Georgia

Contact: EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that an U.S. manufacturing plant earned the agency’s 2022 ENERGY STAR certification in Georgia, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Nationwide, 86 U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2022. Together, these plants saved over 105 trillion British thermal units (Btus) of energy and prevented more than 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 1.1 million American homes.

“Industrial leadership in energy efficiency is critical to achieving our nation’s climate goals,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The savings from ENERGY STAR certified plants demonstrate how energy efficiency is both helping our manufacturing sector reduce costs and propelling America’s transition to a clean energy future.”

“We congratulate our Region 4 manufacturing plants that earned their 2022 ENERGY STAR certification,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “Their innovation and leadership enhance America’s economic competitiveness, reducing costly energy waste improves public health while protecting the environment.”

The industrial sector accounts for 30% of U.S. greenhouse emissions, primarily from energy use in manufacturing plants. ENERGY STAR certified plants have reduced their energy consumption through a variety of energy efficiency projects and management practices. For example:

• Primient’s Loudon, Tenn., and Lafayette, Ind., wet corn mills reduced their CO2e emissions by installing and optimizing combined heat and power systems.
• Nissan North America’s Canton, Miss., vehicle assembly plant formed a team to track compressed air leaks, leading to an annual reduction of approximately 1,700 cubic feet per minute of compressed air. The company’s Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant created scorecards to benchmark the shutdown performance of facilities, assigned countermeasures to shops not meeting targets, and provided recognition to top performers.
• Cemex’s Miami, Fla., cement plant increased its energy performance in 2022 by modifying a finish mill, optimizing the ball charge on the largest mill, and identifying and correcting potential energy losses while also increasing the production of Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement.
• Titan America’s Troutville, Va., and Medley, Fla., cement plants have completely converted production to Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement, with up to 15% less embodied carbon than standard Portland Cement. Since 2015 the two plants also have achieved a 12% reduction in electricity use and an 18% reduction in CO2, respectively, from improved energy management.

Manufacturing plants use EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance indicators or, in the case of petroleum refineries, the Solomon Associates Energy Intensity Index scoring system to assess their energy performance. Plants that score a 75 out of 100 or higher—indicating that they are more energy efficient than 75% of similar facilities nationwide—are eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors, from cement and steel to glass and commercial bakeries.

2022 ENERGY STAR certified manufacturing plants in Region 4:
 

Alabama:

Georgia-Pacific, Brewton (integrated paper mill)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Lincoln (automobile engine)

Tuscaloosa Organic Baking Co (commercial bread and roll baking)

Florida:

CEMEX USA, Miami (cement manufacturing)

Titan America, Medley (cement manufacturing)

Georgia:

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Tallapoosa (automobile transmission)

Kentucky:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., London (commercial bread and roll baking)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Princeton (cookie & cracker baking)

Mississippi:

Nissan North America, Canton (automobile assembly)

North Carolina:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Gastonia (commercial bread and roll baking)

South Carolina:

Argos USA, Harleyville (cement manufacturing)

Tennessee:

Buzzi Unicem USA, Chattanooga (cement manufacturing)

Crown Bakeries, Nashville (commercial bread and roll baking)

Crown Bakeries, Dickson (commercial bread and roll baking)

Nissan North America, Decherd (automobile engine)

Primient, Loudon (corn refining)

About the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program
Since 2006, the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program has annually certified manufacturing plants for performing within the top 25% of energy performance in their industries nationwide. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors. More than 250 plants have achieved this distinction since 2006. For more information, see: ENERGY STAR plant certification. For a list of all certified plants, see: ENERGY STAR Certified Building and Plant Locator. To learn more about how EPA and industry work together, see: Industrial Energy Management.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations — including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500® — rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/tRFIvnU

Hy-Vee Inc. to Pay Penalty for Violating EPA Pesticide Order

LENEXA, KAN. (FEB. 28, 2023) – Grocery store chain Hy-Vee Inc. has agreed to pay a $5,374 civil penalty for violating the terms of a “Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order” issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Hy-Vee concerning a pesticide product that, according to EPA, was noncompliant with federal law and may have represented a danger to consumers.

“The registration of pesticide products with EPA is critical to protecting public health so consumers are aware of a product’s ingredients, how the product can be safely used, and how the product should be properly stored and disposed,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division.

According to EPA, “Outlaw Germ Justice Disinfectant Wipes” were produced and distributed by the company MJB Worldwide LLC to 27 Hy-Vee stores in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. MJB claimed the product killed bacteria and viruses, but under federal law, any producer of a pesticide – including those intended to kill pathogens such as COVID-19 – must register the product with EPA. The Agency determined that MJB failed to register the disinfectant product, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. As a result, any subsequent sale of the product, including by Hy-Vee, would also be unlawful under the Act.

After EPA contacted MJB in November 2020 about an unregistered pesticide product, the company assured the Agency that it had recalled all Outlaw disinfectant products and that any future production would be done in compliance with federal law. However, in January 2021, an EPA inspector discovered “Outlaw Germ Justice” wipes available for sale at a Hy-Vee store in Overland Park, Kansas. The inspector also found that the product’s label described concentrations of chemicals that could cause severe eye and skin irritation if used improperly.

In January 2021, EPA issued “Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders” to both MJB and Hy-Vee, which prohibited all distribution and sales of Outlaw wipes and required the companies to sequester any remaining product they had under their control. After the issuance of the order, however, Hy-Vee disposed some of the product without notifying or seeking approval from EPA. In July 2022, MJB settled a separate enforcement case with EPA for its production and sale of the unlawful product. MJB is no longer an actively registered business.

Learn more about EPA’s authorities and COVID-19.

For more information about EPA-registered disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, visit EPA’s website.

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/RXDpQNW

EPA Announces Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants of 2022

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that 86 U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2022, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Together, these plants saved over 105 trillion British thermal units (Btus) of energy and prevented more than 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 1.1 million American homes.

“Industrial leadership in energy efficiency is critical to achieving our nation’s climate goals,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The savings from ENERGY STAR certified plants demonstrate how energy efficiency is both helping our manufacturing sector reduce costs and propelling America’s transition to a clean energy future.”

The industrial sector accounts for 30% of U.S. greenhouse emissions, primarily from energy use in manufacturing plants. ENERGY STAR certified plants have reduced their energy consumption through a variety of energy efficiency projects and management practices. For example:

• Primient’s Loudon, Tenn., and Lafayette, Ind., wet corn mills reduced their CO2e emissions by installing and optimizing combined heat and power systems.
• Ash Grove's Seattle, Wash., cement plant automated the support equipment in their grinding mills to cease operation when the mills do.
• Astra Zeneca’s Newark, Del., pharmaceutical plant installed a heat recovery system that reduced natural gas usage by approximately 20% and a heat exchanger that provides free chilled water during winter months.
• General Motors’ Fort Wayne, Ind., auto assembly plant recovered waste heat from the engine jackets and exhausts ducts of its landfill gas cogeneration units, reducing the plant’s winter natural gas consumption. Additionally, the company’s Flint, Mich., assembly plant updated more than 90% of its lighting, installed light emitting diodes (LEDs) with motion sensors to decrease light levels after a period of inactivity, and continued to focus on reducing energy during non-production periods.
• Nissan North America’s Canton, Miss., vehicle assembly plant formed a team to track compressed air leaks, leading to an annual reduction of approximately 1,700 cubic feet per minute of compressed air. The company’s Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant created scorecards to benchmark the shutdown performance of facilities, assigned countermeasures to shops not meeting targets, and provided recognition to top performers.
• Titan America’s Troutville, Va., and Medley, Fla., cement plants have completely converted production to Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement, with up to 15% less embodied carbon than standard Portland Cement. Since 2015 the two plants also have achieved a 12% reduction in electricity use and an 18% reduction in CO2, respectively, from improved energy management.
• Cemex’s Miami, Fla., cement plant increased its energy performance in 2022 by modifying a finish mill, optimizing the ball charge on the largest mill, and identifying and correcting potential energy losses while also increasing the production of Portland Limestone (Type IL) cement.

Manufacturing plants use EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance indicators or, in the case of petroleum refineries, the Solomon Associates Energy Intensity Index scoring system to assess their energy performance. Plants that score a 75 out of 100 or higher — indicating that they are more energy efficient than 75% of similar facilities nationwide — are eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors, from cement and steel to glass and commercial bakeries.

All ENERGY STAR certified manufacturing plants in 2022:

Alabama:

Georgia-Pacific, Brewton (integrated paper mill)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Lincoln (automobile engine)

Tuscaloosa Organic Baking Co (commercial bread and roll baking)

Arizona:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Phoenix (commercial bread and roll baking)

Drake Cement, LLC, Paulden (cement manufacturing)

Holsum Bakery of Tolleson (commercial bread and roll baking)

Mesa Organic Baking Co. (commercial bread and roll baking)

Salt River Materials Group, Clarkdale (cement manufacturing)

Arkansas:

Flowers Baking Co of Batesville (commercial bread and roll baking)

California:

Ardagh Glass Inc., Madera (container glass manufacturing)

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., San Luis Obispo (commercial bread and roll baking)

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Escondido (commercial bread and roll baking)

J.R. Simplot Company, Helm (nitrogenous fertilizer)

Colorado:

GCC, Pueblo (cement manufacturing)

Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, Wheat Ridge (container glass manufacturing)

Delaware:

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Newark (pharmaceutical)

Florida:

CEMEX USA, Miami (cement manufacturing)

Titan America, Medley (cement manufacturing)

Georgia:

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Tallapoosa (automobile transmission)

Illinois:

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Robinson (petroleum refining)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., South Beloit (cookie & cracker baking)

Indiana:

General Motors Company, Roanoke (automobile assembly)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Greensburg (automobile assembly)

Klosterman Baking Company, Morristown (commercial bread and roll baking)

New Horizons, Fremont (commercial bread and roll baking)

Primient, Lafayette (corn refining)

Iowa:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Dubuque (commercial bread and roll baking)

Iowa Fertilizer Company, LLC, Wever (nitrogenous fertilizer)

Kentucky:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., London (commercial bread and roll baking)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Princeton (cookie & cracker baking)

Louisiana:

Flowers Baking Co of New Orleans (commercial bread and roll baking)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Garyville (petroleum refining)

Maine:

Lepage Bakeries Park Street, LLC (commercial bread and roll baking)

Michigan:

AbbVie, Wyandotte (pharmaceutical)

General Motors Company, Flint (automobile assembly)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Detroit (petroleum refining)

Minnesota:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Fergus Falls (commercial bread and roll baking)

Flint Hills Resources, Pine Bend (petroleum refining)

Lamb Weston/RDO Frozen, Park Rapids (frozen fried potato processing)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Saint Paul Park (petroleum refining)

Mississippi:

Nissan North America, Canton (automobile assembly)

North Carolina:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Gastonia (commercial bread and roll baking)

Nebraska:

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, Beatrice (nitrogenous fertilizer)

New Jersey:

AbbVie, Branchburg (pharmaceutical)

Nevada:

Flowers Baking Co of Henderson (commercial bread and roll baking)

New York:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Olean (commercial bread and roll baking)

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Auburn (commercial bread and roll baking)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Tonawanda (cookie & cracker baking)

Ohio:

AstraZeneca, West Chester (pharmaceutical)

Bimbo QSR Ohio, Airport, Zanesville (commercial bread and roll baking)

Bimbo QSR Ohio, Eastpointe, Zanesville (commercial bread and roll baking)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Marysville (automobile assembly)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, East Liberty (automobile assembly)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Russells Point (automobile transmission)

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Anna (automobile engine)

Klosterman Baking Company, Springboro (commercial bread and roll baking)

Klosterman Baking Company, Cincinnati (commercial bread and roll baking)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Canton (petroleum refining)

Oklahoma:

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, Enid (nitrogenous fertilizer)

Oregon:

Dave’s Killer Bread, Milwaukie (commercial bread and roll baking)

Pennsylvania:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Sayre (commercial bread and roll baking)

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Reading (commercial bread and roll baking)

Puerto Rico:

Merck & Co., Inc., Las Piedras (pharmaceutical)

South Carolina:

Argos USA, Harleyville (cement manufacturing)

South Dakota:

GCC, Rapid City (cement manufacturing)

Tennessee:

Buzzi Unicem USA, Chattanooga (cement manufacturing)

Crown Bakeries, Nashville (commercial bread and roll baking)

Crown Bakeries, Dickson (commercial bread and roll baking)

Nissan North America, Decherd (automobile engine)

Primient, Loudon (corn refining)

Texas:

AbbVie, Waco (pharmaceutical)

Barcel USA, Coppell (cookie & cracker baking)

ExxonMobil Product Solutions, Beaumont (petroleum refining)

Flowers Baking Co of El Paso (commercial bread and roll baking)

Flowers Baking Co of Houston (commercial bread and roll baking)

Flowers Baking Co of Tyler (commercial bread and roll baking)

Utah:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Salt Lake City (commercial bread and roll baking)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc., Odgen (cookie & cracker baking)

Virginia:

Lynchburg Organic Baking Co. (commercial bread and roll baking)

Flowers Baking Co of Norfolk (commercial bread and roll baking)

Titan America, Troutville (cement manufacturing)

Washington:

Ash Grove Cement, Seattle (cement manufacturing)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Anacortes (petroleum refining)

Wisconsin:

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., Milwaukee (commercial bread and roll baking)

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., La Crosse (commercial bread and roll baking)

Wyoming:

J.R. Simplot Company, Rock Springs (nitrogenous fertilizer)

About the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program
Since 2006, the ENERGY STAR Industrial Program has annually certified manufacturing plants for performing within the top 25% of energy performance in their industries nationwide. ENERGY STAR certification is available for 20 manufacturing sectors. More than 250 plants have achieved this distinction since 2006. For more information, see: ENERGY STAR plant certification. For a list of all certified plants, see: ENERGY STAR Certified Building and Plant Locator. To learn more about how EPA and industry work together, see: Industrial Energy Management.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations — including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500® — rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/VCmLwtE

EPA Announces $21M in Research Grant Funding to Investigate Cumulative Health Impacts of Climate Change on Underserved Communities

NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $21,410,211 in grant funding to 16 institutions for community-based research to examine how climate change may compound adverse environmental conditions and stressors for vulnerable populations in underserved communities. EPA Region 2 has three organizations slated to receive $4 million in grant funding from this total.

“Our efforts to address climate change must prioritize the health and wellbeing of those who are most vulnerable to its impacts,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The research announced today will help us to characterize the cumulative impacts of climate change on the health and wellbeing of our most underserved communities so that we can work to mitigate these impacts and improve resilience.”

The environmental and health effects of climate change are far reaching. Some communities are more vulnerable because they already face greater exposure to pollutants and lack the resources to respond to and cope with environmental stressors. These communities may be more likely to suffer sustained or even permanent damage from the impacts of climate change, further worsening health disparities. Additionally, children, older adults, and people with disabilities or pre-existing health conditions may be more susceptible.

These grants will support research projects that will use community-based participatory research approaches that aim to empower the partnering underserved communities with science-based resilience-building solutions to protect their most vulnerable residents. The grants are provided as part of the EPA’s Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions funding opportunity.

The following institutions are receiving awards:

City University of New York – York College, Jamaica, New York, Studying Air Pollution-Health-Climate Interactions for People of Color in Southeast Queens, NY: A Community-Based Project

City University of New York is receiving an award $1,344,622 for Studying Air Pollution-Health-Climate Interactions for People of Color in Southeast Queens, NY under a Community-Based Project.

CUNY works with underserved communities in Southeast Queens near multiple solid waste treatment and transport facilities. Employing community-participatory research to empower the communities with information that can be used to inform state/local decision makers and city planners for mitigative actions. Poor air quality, whether outdoors or indoors, can negatively affect the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Outdoor ground-level ozone and particle pollution can have a range of adverse effects on human health. Current levels of ground-level ozone have been estimated to be responsible for tens of thousands of hospital and emergency room visits, millions of cases of acute respiratory symptoms and school absences, and thousands of premature deaths each year in the United States.

Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., Understanding Pediatric Susceptibility Across Temperature and Environment in New York = Upstate NY

Drexel University is receiving an award of $1,350,000 to support understanding pediatric susceptibility across temperature and environment in New York. Children in underserved communities are more vulnerable and susceptible to environmental stressors elevated by climate change. The University is partnering with urban and rural communities in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany areas in New York. Prioritizing environmental vulnerabilities and assets that can harm or bolster resilience in children so effective policies and programs can be implemented.

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Community-based research to address cumulative health effects of drought on rural communities who operate drinking water aqueducts in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, San Juan, Puerto Rico will be receiving an award of $1,349,990 for their community-based research to address cumulative health effects of drought on rural communities who operate drinking water aqueducts in Puerto Rico. 

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust uses local knowledge along with scientific data collected through community-engaged research to help build a more sustainable and resilient water supply system for rural communities, improving community health in Puerto Rico.

Learn more about EPA research grants.

Learn more about EPA’s Cumulative Impacts Research.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

23-023

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/rXatwQm

EPA Opens Community Welcome Center in East Palestine for Residents and Business Owners

WASHINGTON – As response efforts shift to the long-term cleanup phase, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is opening a community welcome center in East Palestine, Ohio. The EPA Community Welcome Center will provide residents with a one-stop shop for information regarding the federal government’s ongoing response efforts to the train derailment that occurred on February 3. Residents and business owners will be able to visit the welcome center and access details about available resources, including in-door air-monitoring screenings and residential and business cleaning services.

EPA is also deploying another mobile laboratory that performs real-time air-monitoring and sampling analyses during the cleanup phase. Working in coordination with local, state, and federal public health agencies, the real-time data will allow EPA to ensure that the removal of wastes is done in a manner that protects people’s health. Administrator Michael Regan made the announcement today at the opening of the welcome center, where he was joined by Mayor Conaway and federal officials.

“The East Palestine community suffered a terrible trauma, and EPA is committed to working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to equip residents and business owners with the resources they need to recover and feel whole again,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The Community Welcome Center will provide a space for the community to access critical information about the federal government’s ongoing response efforts, sign up for indoor air monitoring screenings, and learn more about the process for scheduling cleaning services. During my first visit to East Palestine, I promised that EPA would be here until the job is done and done right. We are going to be here to support the people of East Palestine for as long as it may take.” 

Today’s announcement builds on the federal government’s ongoing response efforts to the East Palestine train derailment. At President Biden’s direction, interagency teams have been out in the community of East Palestine ensuring residents receive up-to-date information. Over the past few days, teams have interacted with more than 530 households, distributing flyers, answering questions, and directing residents to available resources. 

TAGA Mobile Laboratory

EPA has been and continues to conduct stationary and roaming air monitoring and sampling activities in the community using various devices. As the state-led emergency response transitions to the remediation phase, EPA is deploying a Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) mobile laboratory, which will conduct real-time air monitoring and sampling analyses during waste removal. The mobile lab enables EPA to receive air results in real-time for specific chemicals, rather than having to send offsite to a lab, and will help advance the agency’s work to protect the East Palestine community during the cleanup process.

Get in Touch with EPA

Residents who would like more information about cleaning services – or about the response more generally – can get in touch with EPA through several ways:

• EPA Community Welcome Center located at 25 North Market St. in East Palestine. Residents are invited to drop in to talk to EPA staff about the ongoing response. The welcome center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET daily. 
• EPA toll-free information line (866-361-0526)
• EPA website East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Emergency Response webpage, which includes an inquiry form that enables community members to ask questions about the response and request additional information about the cleaning process.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/en1oCPr

EPA proposes deleting part of Aircraft Components, Inc. (D&L Sales) Superfund site in Benton Harbor, Michigan from NPL

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed removing the radiation portion of the Aircraft Components, Inc. (D&L Sales) Superfund site in Benton Harbor, Michigan from the National Priorities List (NPL). EPA deletes sites- or parts of sites- from the NPL only when no further cleanup is required. The cleanup of this portion, which involved removing and disposing of radiologically-contaminated soils offsite and demolishing buildings, utilities and foundations onsite, was completed in 2003. The chemical portion of the site was cleaned up in 2004 but will remain on the NPL until ongoing groundwater treatment and monitoring show that all regulatory standards are met.  

The 17-acre Aircraft Components (D & L Sales) Superfund site is located next to the Paw Paw River in Benton Harbor. Several manufacturing companies operated on site, including an airplane parts resale business. EPA found that some of the aircraft parts had deteriorated, raising concerns that radioactive paint and dust could leak out.

Today, the site is part of a community-wide development project. Hole 14 of the Harbor Shores Golf Course is located on part of the site. The course is also connected to the local arts community, and features sculptures at each hole created by area artists. In 2018, a craft brewery warehouse opened on the remaining part of the site.

The NPL is a list of hazardous waste sites eligible for long-term remedial investigation and remedial action (cleanup) under the Superfund program. It includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination.

Visit EPA’s website for more information.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/Phk65jM

Biden-Harris administration announces $36.2 million to West Virginia for Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $36.2 million to West Virginia from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities can use to upgrade essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies.

Nearly half of the funding, which comes through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

Town of Ellenboro, in Ritchie County, WV received $1.5 million from the CWSRF-BIL funding.  The project addresses aging infrastructure, installs a new ultraviolet disinfection system, and provides a new covered sludge press which processes sludge for landfill application.

The Town of Iaeger, in McDowell County, WV is targeted to receive $1.5 million CWSRF-BIL- funding to eliminate 118 failing septic systems.

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

“The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is a powerful partnership between EPA and the states,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “West Virginia communities can use this additional funding to make a difference with water infrastructure projects that protect public health, ecosystems and waterways throughout the state.”  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation.

“Every West Virginian deserves clean water to drink and fresh air to breathe. I fought to include funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deliver critical resources to communities like West Virginia, and I am pleased the EPA is investing more than $35 million in promoting access to clean drinking water across the state,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “The funding announced today will also upgrade and improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure throughout West Virginia, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of the investments for years to come. As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to protect the health and wellbeing of communities across the Mountain State.”

This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

“Aging water and wastewater systems pose multiple challenges to local communities throughout the United States, including those in West Virginia,” said EPW Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) “When writing the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act in the EPW Committee, which was a key pillar of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we wanted to ensure our states, cities, and towns could make needed upgrades to their core infrastructure systems. The funding announced today will provide West Virginia the flexibility to meet these needs and help maintain affordable, efficient, and safe water and wastewater infrastructure across our great state.”

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf .

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/qIeDsny

Biden-Harris administration announces $11.3 million to Delaware for Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $11.3 million to Delaware from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities can use to upgrade essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies.

Nearly half of the funding, which comes through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

“The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is a powerful partnership between EPA and the states,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Delaware communities can use this additional funding to make a difference with water infrastructure projects that protect public health, ecosystems and waterways throughout the state.”  

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.

Additional Supporting Quotes

“Every Delawarean—no matter their zip code—deserves access to clean water,” said Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Thanks to our historic investments secured as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Delaware is receiving more than $11,000,000 to upgrade our wastewater systems, create good-paying jobs, and enhance the health and well-being of families in our state. Importantly, this robust funding will benefit those communities with the greatest need, helping ensure that clean water is a reality for more Delawareans.”

“These crucial funds from President Biden’s EPA will help ensure all Delawareans have access to clean water and healthy waterways, including communities in our state that have too often been neglected, said Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.).  “Climate-resilient stormwater and wastewater infrastructure will create public health, environmental justice, and economic benefits – just one more way the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a difference in the First State.”

“Since coming to Congress, one of my primary commitments has been ensuring the Delawareans have access to clean drinking water up and down our state.  We know that one of the best tools we have at our disposal is the Clean Water State Revolving Fund,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-At Large). “It was among the many reasons I was so proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as today we announce over $11 million coming to Delaware to help deliver safe and clean water to our communities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration to deliver on the promise of these monumental pieces of legislation.”

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/c9VXzqf

EPA Announces Upcoming Virtual Regional Listening Sessions on the PFAS Strategic Roadmap

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a series of upcoming virtual listening sessions on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. Beginning on February 28 and continuing through late April, EPA will be holding a virtual session on the PFAS Strategic Roadmap focused on each EPA Region, as well as a session specifically dedicated to the perspectives of EPA’s Tribal partners. Each session will provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA Regional and program leaders to inform the implementation of the actions described in the Roadmap.

“In EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, we committed to transparent, equitable, and inclusive engagement with all stakeholders to inform the Agency’s work,” said Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator for Water and co-chair of EPA’s Council on PFAS. “By hearing directly from communities, we will better understand how PFAS contamination affects individuals’ lives and livelihoods and can better ensure that communities have equitable access to solutions – especially Tribal communities and communities with environmental justice concerns.”

Each Regional virtual listening session will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for each Region or for Tribes. Each session will also provide opportunities for community members to share feedback directly with EPA Regional and PFAS Council leaders to inform the implementation of the actions described in the Roadmap.

To date, EPA has announced dates, times, and registration details for four upcoming sessions, and today is further announcing the date for the Tribal listening session for Thursday, April 6 at 2 pm ET. Additional details on future virtual sessions in other EPA Regions will be announced soon. Further details for these sessions, including opportunities for members of the public to attend and to share feedback, will be available on the Regional PFAS Community Engagement Sessions website.

Learn more about EPA’s efforts under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.

Background

In October 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap — laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The Roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and commits to bolder new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions.

In November 2022, EPA released “A Year of Progress Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” which underscores key actions taken by the Agency during the first year of implementing the PFAS Roadmap. EPA continues to implement a whole-of-agency approach, advancing science, and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. Concurrently with this one-year progress report, EPA announced that it will hold virtual community engagement events in each EPA Region in 2023 as well as a session designed to hear from EPA’s Tribal partners. These engagements align with recommendations from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and EPA’s Roadmap commitment to engage directly with stakeholders.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/OzkDqln

EPA announces nearly $4 million in grant funding to research cumulative health impacts of climate change in underserved communities in Alaska and Washington

SEATTLE (February 27, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $3.9 million in grant funding to the University of Washington, University of Alaska, and Iowa State University for community-based research to examine how climate change compounds adverse environmental conditions and stressors for vulnerable populations in underserved communities, and help inform efforts to mitigate these impacts and improve resilience. The grants are among $21,410,211 in funding awarded to 16 institutions nationwide.   

“We’re excited to support projects that empower underserved communities with science-based resilience-building solutions to protect our most vulnerable residents,” said Casey Sixkiller, EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator. “We’re proud to work together with our university researchers, state and tribal partners, and the local communities to understand how to reduce the burden of these impacts in Alaska, Washington, and beyond.”

“As the impacts of climate change become more frequent and severe, it’s very important to center community voice. We are fortunate to be working with many community leaders and advocates to address and mitigate contaminant concerns in a watershed that is increasingly impacted by flooding and industrial pollution,” said Melanie Malone, University of Washington Principal Investigator. “We look forward to co-creating inclusive and equitable solutions with our community partners about environmental justice concerns that most impact them.”

“While wildland fires are natural in Alaska, the past 20 years have shown a clear shift toward more frequent large fire seasons with millions of acres burned,” said Micah Hahn, University of Alaska Principal Investigator. “During these large fire seasons, smoke impacts broad areas of the state, including many isolated rural communities with limited capacity to assist vulnerable residents. These communities were very affected by the widespread smoke and would greatly benefit from better information to assist their adaptation planning and implementation.”

“Increasingly, we are seeing that extreme weather, floods, erosion, and permafrost thaw are negatively impacting the quality of water resources and pose extreme stresses on water infrastructure,” said Cristina Poleacovschi, Iowa State University Principal Investigator. “This study seeks to develop a more accurate understanding of how stressors on water infrastructure can impact the health of Alaska Native communities while addressing water injustices through partnerships with tribal councils, local clinics, and regional health organizations.” 

The following institutions are receiving awards for projects partnering with communities in EPA’s Region 10:

• University of Washington ($1,267,559): Duwamish Valley Research Coordination Network: Building Capacity for Tribal, Community, and Agency Research in Urban Watersheds

The goal of this community-engaged project is to build community capacity against contaminants in the Duwamish Valley by collaborating with underserved communities to strengthen communities’ water, soil, and sediment testing programs. The project aims to facilitate decision-making for targeting future cleanup and community visioning for storm water management in the face of frequent flooding due to climate change. The project will work with the communities to monitor soil, water, and sediment contaminants (PAH, PCB, metals, dioxin/furans) in the Duwamish River Watershed during storm water surges/flooding to identify high-risk areas and provide a useful guidance to community leaders for effectively cleaning up the contaminants.

• University of Alaska ($1,324,131): Filling data gaps: Developing a community-centered tool for assessing health impacts of intersecting climate hazards, wildfire smoke exposure, and social disparities in rural tribal and aging communities in Alaska

Increasing exposure to wildfire smoke is a major issue in Alaska, with intersecting climate related hazards such as the impacts of warming winter weather on transportation safety, ecological changes driving unpredictable fisheries, and coastal erosion affecting community infrastructure. The research team will use a co-development process to engage academic researchers, state, tribal, wildfire management, public health entities, and community partners to develop locally relevant and practical tools for access to health, climate, and environmental data in a useful and understandable way. Communities will be able to assess compounding climate hazards and social vulnerabilities, prioritize climate-related health impacts and vulnerable groups, design effective interventions, and apply for climate resilience funding.

• Iowa State University ($1,350,000): Building Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Alaska Native Communities by Reducing Health Risks from Water Infrastructure, Quality, and Security

This project aims to assess the relationships between climate-induced concerns related to water infrastructure and their effects on health in Alaska Native communities, by identifying the effects of climate change on water infrastructure, quality, and insecurity, identifying the cumulative effects of water quality, water insecurity and local vulnerabilities on health, and building adaptive capacity to climate change through community-based adaptation. The project team will conduct community-based monitoring and direct sampling to assess water quality and gather surveys and interviews of community members to capture water insecurity and local vulnerabilities. Results of this project will include water distribution system models and mapped areas of the most vulnerable households at risk of water quality and insecurity.

Learn more about EPA’s Cumulative Impacts Research.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/OlVFcbN

EPA Announces $21M in Research Grant Funding to Investigate Cumulative Health Impacts of Climate Change on Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $21,410,211 in grant funding to 16 institutions for community-based research to examine how climate change may compound adverse environmental conditions and stressors for vulnerable populations in underserved communities.

“Our efforts to address climate change must prioritize the health and wellbeing of those who are most vulnerable to its impacts,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The research announced today will help us to characterize the cumulative impacts of climate change on the health and wellbeing of our most underserved communities so that we can work to mitigate these impacts and improve resilience.”

The environmental and health effects of climate change are far reaching. Some communities are more vulnerable because they already face greater exposure to pollutants and lack the resources to respond to and cope with environmental stressors. These communities may be more likely to suffer sustained or even permanent damage from the impacts of climate change, further worsening health disparities. Additionally, children, older adults, and people with disabilities or pre-existing health conditions may be more susceptible.

These grants will support research projects that will use community-based participatory research approaches that aim to empower the partnering underserved communities with science-based resilience-building solutions to protect their most vulnerable residents.

The following institutions are receiving awards:

• Boston University, Boston, Mass., Advancing Community Resilience to Cumulative Climate Impacts in the Mystic River Watershed (ACRES)
• City University of New York – York College, Jamaica, New York, Studying Air Pollution-Health-Climate Interactions for People of Color in Southeast Queens, NY: A Community-Based Project
• Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., Understanding Pediatric Susceptibility Across Temperature and Environment in New York = UPStATE NY
• Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., Building Resilience in Atlanta: Leveraging Community Knowledge to Understand and Map the health impacts of cumulative environmental exposures and social vulnerability in the context of climate change
• Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, Building Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Alaska Native Communities by Reducing Health Risks from Water Infrastructure, Quality, and Security
• Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc., Leveraging a public school district and schoolyard spaces to confront climate health inequities in a low-income, urban community of color
• Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, Analysis of Climate Change Related Chemical and Non-Chemical Stressor Exposures: Cumulative Health Impacts and Risk Trajectories in Vulnerable Ohio Census Tracts
• Physicians Scientists and Engineers for Sustainable and Healthy Energy, Oakland, Calif., Contra Costa Climate Air Pollution, and Pregnancy Study (CC CAPS)
• Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Community-based research to address cumulative health effects of drought on rural communities who operate drinking water aqueducts in Puerto Rico
• RAND Corp, Pittsburgh, Pa., Health and High Water: Health Impacts of Increased Rainfall on Families Living in Racially Isolated Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh PA
• Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., Advancing sanitation justice: Linking climate-exacerbated nitrogen, cyanotoxins, and parasites with reimagined sanitation infrastructure and services in African American communities
• University of Alaska – Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, Filling data gaps: Development of a community-centered tool for assessing health impacts of intersecting climate hazards, wildfire smoke exposure, and social disparities in rural tribal and aging communities in Alaska
• University of California, Davis, Davis, Calif., Early Life Vulnerability to Climate-driven Wildfire Events on Pregnancy and Child Developmental Health Outcomes in Underserved Populations
• University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif., Partnering for Resilient Opportunities to Eliminate Cumulative Toxic (PROTECT) Health Effects from Wildfire PM2.5 in Environmental Justice Communities
• University of Maryland – College Park, College Park, Md., Septic to Sewer? Justice-focused strategies for addressing coastal septic failures under sea-level rise and increased flooding
• University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. The Duwamish Valley Research Coordination Network: Building Capacity for Tribal, Community, and Agency Research in Urban Watersheds

Learn more about the grantees.

Learn more about EPA research grants.

Learn more about EPA’s Cumulative Impacts Research.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/in3wqIm

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13M for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Alaska

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $13,887,000 to Alaska from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Alaskan communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. 

“The unprecedented investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are what our communities and our environment need,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This infusion of funds will help rebuild Alaska’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure, and will expand access to clean, safe water to communities that have too long been underserved.  I encourage Alaskan communities to apply for these grants and seize this unique opportunity.” 

“We are excited to be a partner in this historic opportunity and assist utilities in addressing their needs,” said Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jason Brune. “The funding allocated to the Alaska State Revolving Fund by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will allow DEC to expand our reach beyond our traditional customer base to make impactful and long lasting improvements to drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as water quality, across the state through low interest loans and loan forgiveness.” 

“While building the bipartisan infrastructure law, I prioritized the needs of all Alaskans—including those in communities which are lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to the quality and access of water and wastewater systems,” said Senator Murkowski. “Functional water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to public safety and wellness; unfortunately, far too many communities in Alaska still lack access to these basic services. I’m proud to have spearheaded this funding and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across Alaska.” 

“Clean water is a basic right, but many Alaskan communities still don’t have access to reliable, safe water and plumbing,” said Congresswoman Peltola. “This bipartisan funding will help invest in water infrastructure and provide tools to greatly increase the quality of life for our rural villages. I encourage the EPA to continue working closely with local and tribal leaders in Alaska to understand their unique needs, and encourage any Alaskans with questions about how these funds could benefit their community to contact EPA or my office.”

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.  

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.  

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf . 

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/jOStnMC

Biden-Harris Administration announces $11,390,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Wyoming

CHEYENNE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11,390,000 to the state of Wyoming from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Wyoming communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Wyoming communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8.7M for the CWSRF and $459,000 to address emerging contaminants.

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Wyoming’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/8knOD4X