EPA penalizes Idaho property owner $88,000 for asbestos violations

SEATTLE (August 31, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Jens Schkade of Grand View, Idaho has agreed to pay a $88,749 penalty over violations of the Clean Air Act related to the safe handling and disposal of asbestos. 

In 2021, Schkade demolished a former retail building called the Square Deal Store in Grand View, Idaho. After tearing down the building, Schkade transported the debris, including approximately 10,000 square feet of asbestos-containing asphalt roofing, to his private property and burned it.  

The demolition project was subject to federal asbestos laws under the Clean Air Act. EPA alleged that Schkade failed to survey the site for asbestos and notify EPA before beginning demolition, and to follow work practice standards designed to protect against asbestos contamination and exposure during building demolition and waste disposal.  

Schkade voluntarily cleaned up the debris in coordination with EPA.  

“Proper removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials is essential to ensuring that asbestos fibers are not released during demolition or renovation,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “When you fail to follow those procedures, your job site can become contaminated and put people at risk from exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen.” 

Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order

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EPA Selects a Cleanup Plan for New Hampshire Plating Company Superfund Site, Merrimack, N.H.

BOSTON (Aug. 31, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected an interim remedy for the cleanup of groundwater at the New Hampshire Plating Company Superfund Site (Site), located in Merrimack, New Hampshire. In a decision document, EPA amended the groundwater remedy it previously selected in a Record of Decision (ROD) in 1998 and modified in subsequent Explanations of Significant Differences (ESD) in 2007 and 2020.

The cleanup plan includes:

• In-situ (below ground) treatment and sequestration of groundwater contaminants,
• Phytotechnologies (tree plantings) for the treatment and sequestration of groundwater contaminants,
• Land use restrictions (called "Institutional Controls") to prevent exposure to Site contaminants,
• Monitoring of the contaminated groundwater plume to evaluate the performance of the interim remedy, and
• Periodic reviews, at a minimum of every five years, to assess the protectiveness of the remedy.

The interim remedy defers the selection of a final groundwater remedy for the Site pending further evaluation of data which will be assessed at least every five years. Information obtained during the interim remedy will allow EPA to better determine any final remedy for this contamination. At present, the estimated total value of the interim remedy, including construction, operation and maintenance, and long-term monitoring, is approximately $15.1 million.

The interim remedy is fully described in a decision document known as a Record of Decision Amendment (Interim Remedy) (AROD). The AROD was developed in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, which concurs with the selected cleanup. EPA also considered written and verbal comments received from the public during a comment period from May 31 through June 30, 2023. On June 7, 2023, EPA also held a virtual informational public meeting and public hearing, during which the public had the opportunity to formally comment verbally. A summary of comments received during the public comment period and EPA's responses to the comments are included as a part of the AROD.

The AROD, a transcript of the public hearing and verbal comments, written comments received, and other substantive documents forming the basis of EPA's selected cleanup are included in an Administrative Record which is available at www.epa.gov/superfund/nhplating. Internet access and printers are available at the Merrimack Public Library, 470 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH 03054. The AROD and associated administrative record are also available at the EPA New England Records Center located at 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109.

Background

The New Hampshire Plating Company (NHPC) Superfund Site is located on Wright Ave in Merrimack, New Hampshire. NHPC primarily used two parcels, with a combined total of 13 acres, for its manufacturing building and disposal lagoons. The NHPC parcels, now enclosed by an 8-foot-high chain-link security fence, are situated in an area with mixed land use, including light manufacturing, commercial businesses, and a few private residential dwellings.

A public water supply is available to properties in the immediate vicinity of the Site. Soil and groundwater at the Site were contaminated by historical (1962 to 1985) electroplating operations and waste disposal activities, most notably the discharge of treated and untreated wastes and wastewater from the former process areas into drainage channels within the concrete floors of the building, from which the waste materials gravity-drained through an underground discharge pipe into unlined waste lagoons. Hazardous substances linked to NHPC's operations, including chlorinated volatile organic compounds, 1,4-dioxane, metals, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been identified in groundwater at the Site at levels that present an unacceptable future risk to human health and the environment.

Given that public water is available and there are no current users ingesting groundwater at the Site, there is no current human health risk from the contaminated groundwater. Additional remedial actions are required to address the potential human health risks associated with the future ingestion of contaminated groundwater and the potential inhalation of contaminated vapors in new or renovated structures constructed over the groundwater contaminant plume.

EPA's Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation's most contaminated land and responding to environmental emergencies, oil spills and natural disasters. To protect public health and the environment, the Superfund program focuses on making a visible and lasting difference in communities, ensuring that people can live and work in healthy, vibrant places.

More information is available at https://www.epa.gov/superfund.

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EPA Seeks Nominations for Local Government Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a one-month solicitation for elected and appointed officials to serve on its Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), which advises the EPA on critical environmental issues impacting local governments.

“I want to thank the Local Government Advisory Committee for the thoughtful and technical recommendations they have provided to EPA this year on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, addressing environmental injustices across our nation, and ensuring all Americans have access to clean water,” said Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “Protecting public health and the environment and the success of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious agenda depends on the meaningful partnerships we have forged with our state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. Local governments bring an important perspective and practical thinking to these issues, and I appreciate the local officials who are willing to volunteer for this important advisory group.”

In 2024, members of the LGAC will provide advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues, including but not limited to: advancing environmental justice, developing capacity for technical assistance at the local level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience to the impacts of climate change, and supporting local governments in the assessment and remediation of PFAS chemicals.

Candidates must be current elected officials representing local, state, tribal, or territorial governments; officials working full-time for a government who have been appointed directly by an elected official will also be considered. EPA expressly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the nominations of individuals from diverse backgrounds, so that the LGAC look like America and reflect the country’s rich diversity.  Members will be appointed for one-year terms with the option to renew. To be considered for 2024 appointment, nominations should be submitted by September 30, 2023.

Learn more about the nomination process: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/30/2023-18652/local-government-advisory-committee-request-for-nominations.

Background
Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.

For more information about the LGAC, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ocir/local-government-advisory-committee-lgac.

For more information about the SCAS, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ocir/small-community-advisory-subcommittee-scas.

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EPA Fines Grocery Outlet $392,000 for Sale of Products Claiming to Be “Sterilizing” But Not Tested or Registered

SAN FRANCISCO  – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Grocery Outlet Inc. resolving claims that the company violated federal law for the sale and distribution in California of four kinds of wet wipes and a cleaning product that were not registered with EPA. The agency will not register a disinfectant or sterilizer until it is determined to be effective and not posing an unreasonable risk to consumers when used according to the label directions. Products not registered with EPA can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.

As part of the settlement, Grocery Outlet will pay a $392,000 penalty. Between October 24, 2020, and May 30, 2021, the company sold the unregistered products at its stores in Redwood City and Oakland and distributed them to independently operated Grocery Outlet stores, including in Stockton and Concord.

“Unregistered products claiming to be disinfectants or sterilizers, like the kinds sold by Grocery Outlet in California can defraud the public and threaten human health,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Amy Miller. “This settlement shows EPA’s continued commitment to enforcing laws that protect consumers from potential health risks and fraudulent claims.”

The unregistered products are:

• Love of Dream Antibacterial Wipes
• Fabuloso Orange Energy Cleaner
• Miami Sterilizing Antiseptic Wipes
• Miami 75% Alcohol Wipes
• Gold Essence Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Wet Wipes

The wet wipes that Grocery Outlet sold and distributed claimed to sterilize or kill germs and bacteria on surfaces and the cleaning product claimed to be effective against bacteria such as E. coli. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs, including disinfectants and sterilizers, are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA. The term “sterilizing” is a claim attributed to pesticide products with the highest level of efficacy against microorganisms. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

Learn more about the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Read more about pesticide registration and view the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products.

Learn more about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.

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Tadano Group to Pay $40 Million to Settle Clean Air Act Violations After Selling Noncompliant Diesel Engines

WASHINGTON – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Japan-based Tadano Ltd. and its subsidiaries – known collectively as the Tadano Group – will pay a $40 million civil penalty and contribute an additional $3.2 million to reduce diesel emissions to resolve allegations that it violated Title II of the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA and the Justice Department worked together to negotiate the settlement, which resolves allegations that Tadano Group imported and sold nonroad cranes with diesel engines not certified to applicable CAA emission standards, and that Tadano Group violated related CAA and regulatory requirements, resulting in the release of excess carcinogenic diesel exhaust containing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). 

“Diesel exhaust is one of the dirtiest forms of pollution,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Exposure to diesel exhaust is linked to serious health conditions, including asthma and respiratory illness, and those health risks are increased by engines that fail to meet emission standards. This settlement should send a clear message that EPA will continue to vigorously enforce against companies that sell illegal diesel engines, including nonroad engines.”

“Tadano Group imported and sold giant cranes with engines that didn’t carry valid EPA certificates of conformity, flouting federal law that protects the public from harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement holds Tadano accountable for its violations and requires completion of a project that will improve the quality of life for those living in the Port Arthur, Texas area.”

Tadano Group will also spend $3.2 million on a project to mitigate the harm caused by excess NOx and PM emissions from its noncompliant crane engines by retiring and replacing a 1975 tugboat with a new, cleaner tugboat to service ships in the Port of Port Arthur, Texas. The old tugboat has outdated diesel engines which release unnecessary pollution near low-income communities with environmental justice concerns. The new tugboat will have up-to-date, Tier 4 engines, preventing the release of an estimated 2,075 tons of NOx emissions and more than 22 tons of PM emissions over 20 years. The Port of Port Arthur is near the Tadano America Corp. facility in Houston, TX.

The complaint against Tadano Group alleges that, between 2011 and 2017, Tadano sold nonroad cranes with at least 269 diesel engines that violated the CAA because the engines were not covered by current EPA-issued certificates of conformity, nor did the engines qualify for a limited exemption under EPA’s Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers. The Tadano Group also did not comply with CAA reporting, bonding, and fuel inlet labelling requirements. The Tadano Group includes Germany-based Tadano Faun GmbH, Tennessee-based Tadano Mantis Corp. and Texas-based Tadano America Corp.

The Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section filed the complaint and lodged the proposed consent decree on behalf of the EPA in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The settlement is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing here:  www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

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EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Cleanup Plan for Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan to address lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to October 16, 2023. EPA held a public meeting at Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marin #7 on August 29, 2023, to explain the proposed plan to the public.

The cleanup outlined in the proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for treatment and containment. Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.

The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater.  The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.

Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.

For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile page.

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

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La EPA extiende el período de comentario público sobre el plan de limpieza propuesto para el Lugar Superfondo The Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico

NEW YORK – La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estado Unidos (USEPA, por sus siglas en inglés) extendió el período de comentario público sobre su plan de limpieza propuesto para abordar el suelo contaminado con plomo y el agua subterránea en el Lugar Superfondo The Battery Recycling Company (BRC) en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hasta el 16 de octubre de 2023. La EPA celebró una reunión pública en Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marín #7 el 29 de agosto de 2023, para explicar el plan propuesto al público.

La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del Lugar. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentra fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del Lugar se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.

La propiedad principal en el Lugar operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el Lugar se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con BRC. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el Lugar. Sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el Lugar a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.

Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.

Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.

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

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EPA Issues Fuel Waiver to Address Fuel Supply Disruptions in Florida Caused by Hurricane Idalia

WASHINGTON – Today, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan issued an emergency fuel waiver to address a fuel supply emergency in Florida caused by Hurricane Idalia.

On August 29, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 49 counties to prepare for potentially devastating impacts to multiple population centers throughout the state from Hurricane Idalia. Storm preparations have resulted in the closure of multiple ports in the state that receive fuel and have restricted and interrupted fuel terminal operations, preventing an adequate supply of gasoline. In addition, evacuations—including mandatory evacuations—are straining available supplies. Waiving federal requirements to sell summer gasoline can help address these supply shortages.

The EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have been actively monitoring the supply of fuel. The EPA has concluded, with DOE’s concurrence, that it is necessary to waive federal requirements to sell summer gasoline to minimize or prevent the disruption of an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers throughout Florida. This waiver only applies to the federal fuel standards. Regulated parties must continue to comply with any applicable state or local requirements, or restrictions related to this matter, unless waived by the appropriate authorities. The waiver is effective August 30, 2023, and will continue through September 15, 2023.

Federal Clean Air Act regulations require fuel refiners, importers, distributors, resellers, terminal owners and operators, and carriers to switch from selling higher volatility winter gasoline to lower volatility summer gasoline during the summer months to limit the formation of ozone pollution.

To mitigate any impacts on air quality, the Clean Air Act provides strict criteria for when fuel waivers may be granted to help ensure minimal, if any, short term impacts on air quality, including limiting waivers as much as possible in terms of their geographic scope and duration.

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 in Florida.

More information: www.epa.gov/enforcement/fuel-waivers

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $350 Million in Grants to States to Cut Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Sector

Investment funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to help tackle the climate crisis, create good-paying jobs, and cut dangerous air pollution

Financial and technical assistance will support methane emissions reductions and monitoring in cooperation with states

WASHINGTON – In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced today the availability of up to $350 million in formula grant funding to help monitor and reduce methane emissions, one of the biggest drivers of climate change, from the oil and gas sector and for environmental restoration of well sites. The funding, provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, will also help oil and gas well owners, as well as operators of applicable facilities, voluntarily and permanently reduce methane emissions from leaks and daily operations of low-producing conventional wells on non-federal lands. Through the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, EPA and DOE will help reduce inefficiencies of U.S. oil and gas operations, create new jobs in energy communities, and realize near-term emission reductions – helping reach the nation’s ambitious climate and clean air goals.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we now have unprecedented funding to cut methane pollution that is fueling the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This investment will increase competition and help small and medium-sized producers compete on a more level playing field, create new good-paying jobs in energy communities, and support environmental restoration, making clear that strengthening our economy, tackling climate change, and protecting our communities go hand in hand.”

“Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, so it’s crucial that we work closely with states and industry to develop solutions that will cut emissions at their source,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE’s partnership with EPA will bolster our national efforts to monitor and mitigate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector – our largest source of industrial methane – while helping revitalize energy communities and delivering long-lasting health and environmental benefits across the country.”

This action is the first in a series of funding opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act that will target monitoring and reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. EPA and DOE plan to announce competitive funding opportunities following this non-competitive solicitation and have partnered to offer technical assistance to help industry monitor and reduce methane emissions from leaks and daily operations. This combination of technical and financial assistance is expected to help improve efficiency of U.S. oil and gas operations and provide new economic opportunities in energy communities, as well as realize near-term emission reductions.

EPA and DOE are collaborating alongside other members of the new White House Methane Task Force, which is advancing a whole-of-government approach to proactive methane leak detection and data transparency and supporting state and local efforts to mitigate and enforce methane emissions regulations. Today’s actions by EPA and DOE accelerate execution of the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, building on over 80 Administration actions taken in less than a year since the Plan launched in November 2022.

The deadline for states to apply for this funding opportunity is September 30, 2023 at 5PM ET. For any questions on the application, applicants should submit written questions through the FedConnect portal at FedConnect.net. For any technical issues with grants.gov, please contact grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. More information, including applicant eligibility, can be found at grants.gov.

About the Methane Emissions Reduction Program

The Methane Emissions Reduction Program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act, provides $1.55 billion in funding, including financial and technical assistance to improve methane monitoring and reduce methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil and gas sector with the co-benefit of reducing non-GHG emissions such as volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. The program allows financial and technical assistance for a number of activities, including: preparing and submitting greenhouse gas reports, monitoring methane emissions, and reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions by improving and deploying equipment, supporting innovation, permanently reducing methane emissions from low-producing conventional wells, mitigating health effects in low-income and disadvantaged communities, improving climate resiliency, supporting environmental restoration, and mitigating legacy air pollution.

Access the funding opportunity.

More information on the Methane Emissions Reduction Program.

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EPA New England Awards $4M to State of Rhode Island and the Providence Metropolitan Area for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (August 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of $4 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the State of Rhode Island and one metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in Rhode Island.

Awards given to the State of Rhode Island as well as the MSA of Providence-Warwick will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the State of Rhode Island and to the Providence metropolitan area for receiving a total of $4 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution, and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) applied for these funds on behalf of the State of Rhode Island and is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. The census-designated MSA of Providence-Warwick is among more than 70 metropolitan areas across the nation eligible to receive up to $1 million each in planning grant funds and includes communities in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission will administer the funds in Providence as the lead agency. The lead agency for each state and MSA will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and metropolitan areas and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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EPA New England Awards $6M to State of Connecticut and Three Metropolitan Areas for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (Aug. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of $6 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the State of Connecticut and three metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Connecticut.

Awards given to the State of Connecticut as well as the MSAs of Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, and New Haven will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the State of Connecticut and to the Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven metropolitan areas for receiving a total of $6 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) applied for these funds on behalf of the State of Connecticut and is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. The census-designated MSAs of Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, and New Haven are among more than 70 metropolitan areas across the nation eligible to receive up to $1 million each in planning grant funds.

The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments, the Capital Region Council of Governments, and the South Central Regional Council of Governments will administer the funds in their respective MSAs as lead agencies. The lead agency for each state and MSA will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and metropolitan areas and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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EPA New England Awards Nearly $3M to State of Maine for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (Aug. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of $3 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the State of Maine.

The award given to the State of Maine will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the State of Maine for receiving nearly $3 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution, and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

Maine Governor Mills' Office of Policy, Innovation and Future applied for these funds on behalf of the State of Maine and is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. Each state will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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EPA New England Awards Nearly $5M to State of Massachusetts and Two Metropolitan Areas for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (Aug. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of nearly $5 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and two metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Massachusetts.

Awards given to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the MSAs of Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Worcester will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the Boston and Worcester metropolitan areas for receiving a total of nearly $5 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution, and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

Massachusetts is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. Statewide planning efforts will be led by the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. The census-designated MSAs of Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Worcester are among more than 70 metropolitan areas across the nation eligible to receive up to $1 million each in planning grant funds. These MSAs extend into neighboring states and include several municipalities in Connecticut and New Hampshire.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission will administer the funds in their respective MSAs as lead agencies. The lead agency for each state and MSA will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and metropolitan areas and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs, and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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EPA New England Awards $3M to State of Vermont for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (Aug. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of $3 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the State of Vermont.

The award given to the State of Vermont will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the State of Vermont for receiving $3 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution, and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources applied for these funds on behalf of the State of Vermont and is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. Each state will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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EPA New England Awards $3M to State of New Hampshire for Comprehensive, Economy-wide Climate Mitigation Planning

BOSTON (Aug. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 1 is awarding a total of $3 million from the agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to the State of New Hampshire.

The award given to the State of New Hampshire will fund the development of plans and innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, Tribes, and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

"Congratulations to the State of New Hampshire for receiving $3 million to develop comprehensive strategies to address climate change, reduce local air pollution, and build clean energy economies in their communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, underserved and overburdened communities will be meaningfully engaged to ensure they benefit from the creation of good jobs, lower energy costs, and cleaner air through the climate pollution mitigation measures planned through these grants."

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) applied for these funds on behalf of the State of New Hampshire and is among 46 states across the nation that will be receiving up to $3 million in planning grant funds. Each state will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs and projects outlined in the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities, and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

If you have questions about the CPRG program, please contact your EPA regional representative or email CPRG@epa.gov.

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U.S. EPA begins hazardous material removal work in Lahaina Today

Wailuku, Hawaii – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin work in Lāhainā  to remove and dispose of household hazardous material from properties affected by the wildfires.

EPA anticipates removing household hazardous material from Lāhainā will take up to several months to complete, but may be done sooner, depending on work conditions. This work is the start of Phase 1.

EPA will not be the lead agency for Phase 2, debris removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been selected to lead the Phase 2 debris removal efforts. 

Household Hazardous Material Removal

Household hazardous material includes paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, batteries, and pesticides. Fuel from pressurized cylinders and tanks will be removed, and some empty containers (of fuel) will be marked for removal during Phase 2 debris removal work.

Workers will also remove items thought to contain asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared of asbestos until debris removal begins.

As part of this work, EPA will have an electrician on-site to advise field teams on safely de-energizing and removing home “powerbank” batteries.

Following a fire, hazardous materials require special handling and disposal, especially if their containers are damaged. These efforts will reduce potential threats to public health and safety and allow other agencies to remove debris and ash in the affected areas.

EPA workers will only remove household hazardous material. EPA will immediately stop work and contact the Maui Police Department if functional firearms or suspected remains are found.

Identifying and Safeguarding Native Hawaiian Cultural Items

EPA is making every effort to approach this work with the utmost respect and reverence. As part of this effort, EPA has given EPA hazardous material health and safety training to over 20 cultural monitors from the Maui community.

The training will enable these monitors to be on-site as EPA removes household hazardous material. The monitors will guide EPA teams during operations.

Minimizing Dust and Runoff

After household hazardous material is removed, EPA may mist a fine adhesive called “Soiltac” on ash on the property. This will prevent ash from blowing off the property and limit runoff.

The adhesive, which dries clear, will be sprayed onto properties in sections as teams complete work. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and approved by the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County.

EPA is applying this adhesive as part of a multi-pronged effort with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maui County and the State of Hawaiʻi to prevent ash runoff into the environment.

Air Monitoring

While working to remove household hazardous material, EPA will monitor the air for fine particles of dust (called “particulate matter”) in areas EPA is working. The air monitors will be listed on EPA’s Air Now website.

EPA’s work is authorized by a Federal Emergency Management Agency-issued federal disaster declaration mission assignment for wildfire recovery.

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For additional information on EPA’s work, please visit its Maui Wildfires website or contact us at 808-539-0555.

For additional information on the recovery efforts in Maui, please visit the Maui County Website or the Maui Nui Strong website.

Click here for photos, and here for a video of the EPA’s hazardous material removal efforts in Kula last week.

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To Conform with Recent Supreme Court Decision, EPA and Army Amend “Waters of the United States” Rule

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities.

“While I am disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett case, EPA and Army have an obligation to apply this decision alongside our state co-regulators, Tribes, and partners," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We’ve moved quickly to finalize amendments to the definition of ‘waters of the United States’ to provide a clear path forward that adheres to the Supreme Court’s ruling. EPA will never waver from our responsibility to ensure clean water for all. Moving forward, we will do everything we can with our existing authorities and resources to help communities, states, and Tribes protect the clean water upon which we all depend.”

“We have worked with EPA to expeditiously develop a rule to incorporate changes required as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett,” said Michael L. Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “With this final rule, the Corps can resume issuing approved jurisdictional determinations that were paused in light of the Sackett decision. Moving forward, the Corps will continue to protect and restore the nation’s waters in support of jobs and healthy communities.

While EPA’s and Army’s 2023 rule defining “waters of the United States” was not directly before the Supreme Court, the decision in Sackett made clear that certain aspects of the 2023 rule are invalid. The amendments issued today are limited and change only parts of the 2023 rule that are invalid under the Sackett v. EPA decision. For example, today’s final rule removes the significant nexus test from consideration when identifying tributaries and other waters as federally protected.

The Supreme Court’s Decision in Sackett v. EPA, issued on May 25, 2023, created uncertainty for Clean Water Act implementation. The agencies are issuing this amendment to the 2023 rule expeditiously—three months after the Supreme Court decision—to provide clarity and a path forward consistent with the ruling. With this action, the Army Corps of Engineers will resume issuing all jurisdictional determinations. Because the sole purpose of this rule is to amend specific provisions of the 2023 Rule that are invalid under Sackett, the rule will take effect immediately.

The agencies will work with state, Tribal and local partners to safeguard waters in need of protection following the Sackett v. EPA decision and will continue to use all available tools to protect public health and provide clarity for stakeholders.

The agencies will host a public webinar on September 12, 2023 to provide updates on the definition of “waters of the United States.” For registration information, please visit EPA’s webpage for the amendments rule. The agencies also plan to host listening sessions this fall with co-regulators and stakeholders, focusing on identifying issues that may arise outside this limited rule to conform the definition of “waters of the United States” with the Sackett v. EPA decision.

Learn more about this action on EPA’s “waters of the United States” website.

Background
On January 18, 2023, the agencies published a final rule revising the definition of “waters of the United States”, which became effective on March 20, 2023. On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Sackett v. EPA.

The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source into “navigable waters” unless otherwise authorized under the Act. “Navigable waters” are defined in the Act as “the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” Thus, “waters of the United States” is a threshold term establishing the geographic scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The term “waters of the United States” is not defined by the Act but has been defined by the agencies in regulations since the 1970s and jointly implemented in the agencies’ respective programmatic activities.

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EPA penalizes Yakima companies $194,000 for violating federal rules aimed at preventing accidental chemical releases

 SEATTLE (August 28, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Congdon Packing Company, LLC, and D&H Properties Yakima, LLC, agreed to pay $194,302 for violations of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act.   

Under the Clean Air Act, facility owners or operators handling or storing 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are required to develop and implement a risk management plan to prevent accidental chemical releases. 

In violation of this requirement, the owner and operator of the facility failed to:  

• Keep safety information up to date  

• Adequately address process hazard analysis recommendations 

• Perform a timely process hazard analysis every five years  

• Provide initial safety training for three employees 

• Replace and maintain process equipment for safe operation   

“Ammonia is extremely dangerous, so risk management planning can save people’s lives,” said EPA Region 10 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “By creating a solid plan and making it central to their business operations, companies can reduce the chances of a chemical release and lower risks to plant workers, first responders and the surrounding community – and minimize the risk of a hefty EPA penalty.” 

Exposure to ammonia may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes and lungs. Accidental ammonia releases can cause injuries and death to employees, emergency response personnel and people in surrounding communities.   

This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, “Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities.” Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement.  

Background  

Congdon Packing Company, LLC operated a cold storage facility in Yakima, Washington, which was owned by D&H Properties. In October 2021, Congdon Packing Company, LLC terminated operations at the facility. D&H Properties Yakima, LLC subsequently sold the ammonia refrigeration facility and removed ammonia from the refrigeration system. 

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EPA Selects University of Nebraska-Lincoln for Nearly $100K Grant Toward Groundwater Environmental Project

LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 28, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of 33 organizations to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants program, including $99,795 to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will use the funding to expand the Know Your Well Project and develop a science curriculum that will be rolled out to over 100 rural Nebraska high school students with the goals of increasing science literacy, awareness of agricultural practices, and groundwater stewardship.

“We know that climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the brightest minds from across the country, and they demonstrate what it means to couple the power of environmental education with a commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”

“We look forward to adding curriculum to the set of tools currently available to teachers involved in the Know Your Well program,” said Nebraska Water Center Assistant Director Rachael Herpel. “This will help us build capacity and eventually expand the program beyond Nebraska.”

Nationwide, the funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions.

EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Background

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in Environmental Education Grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education page.

To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants page. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.

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EPA Presents the 2023 President's Environmental Youth Awards

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality presented plaques to the 2023 recipients of the President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) program earlier this month.  Among the winners is Kaitlyn Culbert, a Toms River High School North rising senior from New Jersey.  From New York, Sam Nadol who will be a senior next school year at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY received an Honorable Mention award. The award underscores the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.   

“These student award winners embody the connection between STEM education and community engagement,” said EPA Senior Advisor for Equity and Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn. “I am excited to see what the future has in store for both Kaitlyn and Sam!  These PEYA awards are a great recognition of their incredible contributions to date.” 

PEYA Winner 

Known as the “Bee Girl,” Kaitlyn Culbert is determined to do her part, as both researcher and activist, to help save the honeybees! Working with Rutgers and Stockton Universities, Katie implemented a laboratory project and field study involving Varroa mites (the number one killer of honeybees) and essential oils. She is currently developing a regression analysis to predict Colony Collapse Disorder. Her hope is to one day provide a complete “Honeybee Health System” mobile app that incorporates essential oils and a CCD predictive analysis to combat Varroa. 

Equally important as research, is Katie’s commitment to community outreach. With her beekeeping certification in-hand, Katie secured land at Jakes Branch County Park and donations for beehives, equipment, and honeybees to establish the 4-H Busy Bees Beekeeping Club to teach young people about the world’s most important pollinator. Katie also serves as a Rutgers Pollinator Habitat Ambassador. 

She is currently serving as the New Jersey Honey Queen and travels around the state of New Jersey as an ambassador to educate the public about the beekeeping and honey industry.  She will be a proud senior at Toms River High School this upcoming school year. 

PEYA Honorable Mention 

Sam Nadol from Tarrytown, NY created a project called Reboot PC, which is an initiative to refurbish and recycle unused and non-working laptops and desktop computers.  The goal of his project is to reduce electronic waste (e-waste) and provide free technology resources to those in need. 

Sam started this project in 2017 and to date, he has refurbished and given away more than 380 computer systems (worth more than $87,000).  Community members and business owners in Sam’s community, in and near Tarrytown, NY, have contributed used and new computer parts for the Reboot PC effort.  Sam has collected used parts directly with weekly trips to local landfills and through donations and community green fairs.

The PEYA was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. Each year, PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees and youth organizations to promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.   

To read more about the winning PEYA projects, visit: President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) 

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

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