EPA Announces $565,000 to Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day

DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will receive $565,000 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recycling infrastructure. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the state.

“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
 

“The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana maintains a robust list of services for its small but strong community. With this grant, its recycling facility will be able to serve even more of the surrounding area and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Tribe,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana’s grant will go toward increasing recycling collection and improving materials management infrastructure by expanding the Tribe’s recycling program. By repairing existing storage facilities and developing a new recycling center, the recycling drop-off center will be more accessible to neighboring communities.

These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.

For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.

America Recycles Day

Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.

EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.

Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

EPA offers many free, online resources, including:

• Model Recycling Toolkit. 
• Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
• Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
• Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.

• Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
• Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.

Learn more about America Recycles Day.

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.

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EPA Fines Iowa Ethanol Producer for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations

LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will collect a $89,860 penalty from POET Biorefining – Menlo LLC, a bioethanol producer in Menlo, Iowa, to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act.

The company is a subsidiary of POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel. According to EPA, the Menlo facility is a “major air emission source” that failed to comply with federally enforceable permit provisions intended to limit harmful releases of air pollution.

After reviewing POET Biorefining facility records in 2022, EPA alleged that the company failed to properly operate the facility’s scrubber, which is designed to limit releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In response to EPA’s findings, the company corrected the alleged violations and implemented procedures to ensure that the scrubber operates within required parameters.

According to EPA, POET Biorefining creates biofuels through fermentation of corn sugars, which can emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and easily evaporate. Direct or long-term exposure to VOCs may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, organ or central nervous system damage, or cancer. Hazardous air pollutants are those known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health impacts, such as reproductive effects, birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.

Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions is a top priority for EPA.

# # #

Learn more about EPA’s air enforcement programs

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7

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EPA Region 3 Awards Over $77M for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Delaware

PHILADELPHIA (November 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Delaware $77,341,000 to support clean water efforts and to better deliver safe drinking water across the state. Most of this funding, $68,621,000, came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement the $8,720,000 in FY 23 funding appropriated to Delaware’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

"These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”

“As the single-largest water infrastructure investment in our nation’s history, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping deliver clean water access in Delaware,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “When crafting this law, we had projects in mind that were woefully in need of repair, including connecting, repairing, and replacing old sewer and water lines in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties that local governments cannot afford to do on their own. Today’s infrastructure investment will not only help make Delaware more attractive to businesses but will also help us protect our waterways and natural beauty that make Delaware a great place to live and raise a family.”

“Clean water is a necessity for healthy, functional societies, and thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Delawareans can be confident they’ll always have access to this fundamental need,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.). “I fought so hard as a key negotiator for the BIL because I knew this historic funding would provide so many Delawareans peace of mind when they turned on their taps.”

“One of the most fundamental responsibilities of government is to ensure access to clean water – a top priority of mine since coming to Congress,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) “I’m proud to join the Biden Administration and Senators Carper and Coons in announcing this transformational funding for Delaware, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that will strengthen the First State’s ability to deliver on our shared commitment to providing safe and clean water to our communities.”

EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Delaware will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.

“Every Delawarean deserves access to clean water,” said Josette Manning, Cabinet Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. “We are grateful for these investments under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deliver safe drinking water across our state. We look forward to working on upgrades to Delaware’s water infrastructure with the municipalities and water companies who completed the application process for these funds through the Division of Public Health.”

“The BIL and base SRF funding from EPA will spur along Delaware’s initiative to provide sewer capabilities and drinking water to communities in need,” said the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “These projects – which were already submitted and approved through our State Revolving Fund process – also signify environmental benefits by helping clean up our rivers, streams and bays in Delaware. It’s much-needed funding that will be directed in large portion to our state’s municipalities, counties and low-income and underserved communities.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more  about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

For more information on intended projects for the Clean Water SRF funding in Delaware, please visit:  https://dnrec.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/revolving-fund/.

For more on the Drinking Water SRF funding in Delaware, please visit: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/dwsrfintendeduseplans.html.

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Biden-Harris Administration Proposes to Strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule to Protect All Communities in America from Lead in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. Today’s proposed action significantly advances President Biden’s commitment to remove every lead service line in America to protect children and vulnerable populations from the negative impacts of lead in drinking water, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities.

The Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out—including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.

“Lead in drinking water is a generational public health issue, and EPA’s proposal will accelerate progress towards President Biden’s goal of replacing every lead pipe across America once and for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With collaboration and the focused actions proposed today, EPA is delivering on our charge to protect all Americans, especially communities of color, that are disproportionately harmed by lead in drinking water systems.”

“EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper rule is grounded in the best available science and successful practices utilized by drinking water systems to protect children and adults from lead in drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Cities like Newark, NJ, Benton Harbor, MI, and Green Bay, WI have all successfully gotten the lead out of their water systems. Our proposed rule applies the lessons learned to scale these successes to every corner of the country,”

The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, it can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.

The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are a major advancement in protecting children and adults from these significant, and irreversible, health effects from lead in drinking water. Key provisions in the proposal include:

• Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years.
• Locating legacy lead pipes.
• Improving tap sampling.
• Lowering the Lead Action Level.
• Strengthening protections to reduce exposure.

The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that everyone should be able to turn on the tap and know that the glass of water they pour is safe to drink,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “Today’s announcement from EPA represents a major advancement in protecting children and families from lead and builds on our actions across the government to help achieve President Biden and Vice President Harris’s vision of removing all lead pipes across the country.”

“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no family, no child, no American should have to worry about lead exposure – from the water they drink or air they breathe,” said Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “That’s why the President and Vice President have made replacing every lead pipe in America a centerpiece of their agenda, mobilizing tens of billions of dollars of investment and putting the full throw-weight of the federal government behind this push. EPA’s latest action bolsters this historic effort and implements a key element of the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan – more than 10 agencies stepping forward with dozens of bold actions to take on and tackle this public health crisis and this staggering source of environmental injustice.”

“Here in Newark, New Jersey, our community persevered through a lead crisis and I’m proud of the work we did removing all 23,000 lead pipes in the city in under three years,” said Kareem Adeem, Director of the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities. “EPA’s new proposed rule will prompt more communities across the country to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. This action is commendable and represents a positive step forward toward safeguarding the health and well-being of current and future generations.”

“A game changer for kids and communities, EPA's proposed new lead and copper rule would help ensure that we will never again see the preventable tragedy of a city, or a child, poisoned by their pipes,” said Mona Hanna-Attisha, Flint, Michigan pediatrician and Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. I am thrilled that this rule centers our children and their potential - and listens to parents and pediatricians who have been advocating for this for decades.”

Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information about the proposed rule, including a pre-publication version of the proposal, fact sheets, and directions for submitting comment and registering for the public hearing, visit the proposed rule webpage.

Background

EPA is taking a comprehensive approach to getting the lead out, including:

• Regulatory Framework. EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements follow the science and EPA’s authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act to strengthen regulatory requirements to address lead in drinking water.

• Funding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $50 billion to support upgrades to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. To date, EPA has awarded over $3.5 billion in funding for lead service line replacement across the country.   

• Technical Assistance. EPA’s water technical assistance (WaterTA), including the recently launched Get the Lead Out Initiative which will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide, helps communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out.

• Practical Implementation Tools. Through training, tools, webinars, and case studies, EPA provides support to drinking water systems to reduce lead exposure.

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EPA Region 3 Awards More Than $240M for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Maryland

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Maryland $240,451,000 to support clean water efforts and to better deliver safe drinking water across the state. Most of this funding, $211,862,000, came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in FY 2023 funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). 

EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Maryland will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.

“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”

"Investments in our drinking water infrastructure will yield benefits to public health for generations to come," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "This historic funding provides the resources we need to modernize our drinking water and stormwater management systems. Safe drinking water and clean waterways are at the heart of what we do."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more  about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

For more information on intended projects for this funding in Maryland, please visit:  https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA

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EPA Region 3 awards more than $62.36 million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 29, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Virginia with $62,362,000 to support clean water efforts across the state. More than $47 million of this funding came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history.

This BIL funding will supplement the $15,352,000 in FY 23 funding appropriated to Virginia’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). 

“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”

EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Fund (SRF), which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.

The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.

Visit the VA DEQ for more information on intended projects for this funding in Virginia.

Visit the EPA website to learn more about projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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Administrasyon Biden-Harris Anonse $2 Milya pou Finanse Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè pou Jistis Anviwònmantal ak Klimatik nan kad Pwogram Envestisman nan Amerik la

WASHINGTON — Jodi a, administrasyon Biden-Harris la te anonse gen apeprè $2 milya kòm finansman ki disponib pou sipòte pwojè kominotè ki deplwaye enèji pwòp, ranfòse rezilyans klimatik, ak bati kapasite pou kominote yo atake defi jistis anviwònmantal ak klimatik. Ajans Etazini pou Pwoteksyon Anviwònmantal (EPA), Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a se sèl pi gwo envestisman nan jistis anviwònmantal nan listwa ki pral nan avantaj kominote yo dirèkteman, epi yo pral avanse ak efò kolaborasyon pou reyalize yon avni ki pi an sante, pi an sekirite, e ki pi pwospè pou tout moun. Finansman sa yo, ki se yon pati nan pwogram Prezidan Biden Envesti nan Amerik la, se Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon Prezidan an ki rann yo posib—pi gwo envestisman nan enèji pwòp ak aksyon pou klima ki janm reyalize.

“Pandan tout vwayaj vizit mwen nan domèn jistis, mwen te tande rezidan yo ak defansè yo ki t ap mande resous pou sipòte solisyon lokal yo nan kominote ki neglije ak bliye depi lontan yo,” se sa Administratè EPA S. Regan te di. “Jodi a, gras ak angajman Prezidan Biden pou envesti nan kominote ki gen lontan depi y ap lite pou jwenn aksè ak finansman federal, n ap fè aksyon pou konkretize apèl sa yo. Finansman istorik e san parèy sa a gen pwomès pou transfòme zòn defavorize ak sichaje yo an zòn ki an sante, fleksib, ak kote kominote yo ap pwospere ni pou jenerasyon aktyèl yo ni pou pwochen jenerasyon yo.”

“Pandan vrèman twò lontan, yo te mete sou kote epi kite dèyè kominote ki te sibi dirèkteman konsekans polisyon santral elektrik ak endistriyèl yo,” selon sa John Podesta te di, ki se Konseye Prensipal Prezidan an pou Inovasyon ak Aplikasyon Enèji Pwòp. “Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon ak inisyativ Justice40 Prezidan Biden nan chanje sa lè yo vini ak nouvo envestisman, enèji pwòp, ak travay ki peye byen nan kominote ki defavorize yo.”

“Prezidan Biden ap dirije yon efò ki enplike tout gouvènman an pou konfwonte enjistis anviwònmantal ak inegalite ki la depi lontan yo,” se sa Prezidan Konsèy Mezon Blanch sou Anviwònman an deklare. “Gras ak finansman istorik sa a ki kouvri anba Inisyativ Justice40 Prezidan an, n ap envesti nan solisyon lokal pou pote yon diferans pozitif pou kominote ki te soufri akoz polisyon, souzenvestisman, ak enpak anviwònmantal dispwopòsyonèl pandan plizyè dizèn ane. Envestisman tankou sa yo montre kijan n ap konkretize pwogram anbisye Prezidan an sou koze jistis anviwònmantal la ak angajman li pou konstwi kominote ki pi ekitab ak fleksib pou pwochen jenerasyon yo.”

Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a konkretize angajman istorik Prezidan Biden nan pou avanse ak ekite ak jistis, ki gen ladan Inisyativ Justice40 li an. Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè yo pral voye 100 pousan nan benefis pwogram sa a bay kominote defavorize yo ki majinalize akoz souzenvestisman ak twòp polisyon. Epitou, pwogram sa a dedye $200 milyon finansman Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon an pou bay asistans teknik pou aplikan yo ak benefisyè sibvansyon yo, ki pral amelyore kapasite kominote defavorize yo pou jwenn aksè ak resous pou aktivite jistis anviwònmantal ak klimatik.

Aktivite ki dwe fèt anba sibvansyon yo dwe fè pati kategori sa yo:

• Rezilyans ak adaptasyon klimatik.
• Rediksyon risk sou klima ak sante ki lye ak kout chalè nan zile iben yo, nan moman chalè ekstrèm, ki lye ak emisyon ke chofaj ak bwa yo degaje yo, ak evènman ensandi forè.
• Siveyans, prevansyon ak asenisman pou polisyon lè a ak lòt polisyon (ki enkli dlo ak dechè) ke kominote a ap jere.
• Envestisman nan teknoloji ak enfrastrikti ki lye, ke emisyon yo ba oswa ki pa gen emisyon ditou.
• Devlòpman mendèv ki sipòte rediksyon emisyon gaz ak lòt pwodui ki polye lè a.
• Diminye lè toksik ak polisyon lè andedan kay.
• Fasilite angajman kominote defavorize yo nan eta ak gwoup konsiltatif federal, atelye, elaborasyon règ, ak lòt pwosesis piblik yo.

Avi Opòtinite Finansman Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a (NOFO), ke Biwo Jistis Anviwònmantal ak Dwa Sivil Ekstèn (OEJECR) administre, gen plizyè karakteristik inik pou avanse ak jistis anviwònmantal ak klimatik la, anpil nan yo reponn ak kòmantè ak opinyon ajans lan te rekòlte nan men kominote yo. Men sa yo enkli: 

• Aplikasyon pa Woulman: NOFO pral louvri pou yon lane, l ap fèmen nan dat 21 novanm 2024, epi EPA pral revize aplikasyon yo sou yon baz woulman. Sa pèmèt aplikan yo itilize asistans teknik epi pètèt resoumèt yon nouvo aplikasyon si yo pa seleksyone oparavan. EPA ankouraje aplikan yo pou aplike pi bonè ke posib.
• Pwosesis Soumisyon Sou de Nivo: Nou ka soumèt aplikasyon yo selon de nivo endepandan toudepan etandi pwojè a ak finansman ke sa mande.
  • Nivo I, Envestisman Kominotè pou Chanjman, ta dwe akòde apeprè $1.96 milya pou 150 pwojè ak $10-20 milyon pou chak.
  • Nivo II, Angajman siyifikatif pou Gouvènans Ekitab, espere bay apeprè $40 milyon dola pou 20 pwojè ak $1-3 milyon chak.
• Prezantasyon Oral: Aplikan nan Nivo I yo ka jwenn envitasyon pou yo patisipe nan yon prezantasyon oral tou. Prezantasyon oral sa yo pral pèmèt moun k ap revize nan EPA yo tande aplikan yo ak patnè yo dirèkteman pou yo aprann konn plis sou priyorite kominote yo, rezilta yo espere, ak plan pou dirabilite alontèm. Nouvo fòma sa a reponn ak demann kominote yo pou yo angaje yo ak EPA nan fason ki pi aksesib.
• Zòn Envestisman Sib: Andeyò $2 milya finansman an, EPA te idantifye senk Zòn Envestisman Sib (TIA) pou ede asire ke kominote ki genyen sikonstans, jewografi, ak bezwen inik yo ka angaje yo nan konpetisyon pou yo jwenn finansman. Zòn yo se:
  • Tribi nan Alaska: $150 milyon pou pwojè ke se Tribi Endyen nan Alaska yo k ap benefisye yo ki gen ladan lajan pou netwaye tè ki kontamine yo.
  • Tribi yo: $300 milyon pou pwojè ke se kominote Tribal yo k ap benefisye yo nan lòt eta yo. 
  • Teritwa yo: $50 milyon pou pwojè ke se kominote ki defavorize nan teritwa Etazini yo nan Pòtoriko, Zile Vyèj yo, Guam, Samoa ameriken, ak Zile nan Nò Mariana k ap benefisye yo.
  • Kominote Defavorize ki pa Enkòpore: $50 milyon pou pwojè ke se zòn riral ak ti zòn ki manke limit jewografik fiks, ki detèmine legalman k ap benefisye yo, tankou Colonias.
  • Kominote ki sou Fwontyè Sid Etazini yo: Konfòmeman avèk angajman alontèm EPA a pou leve defi ki lye ak polisyon transfontalye yo, $100 milyon pou pwojè k ap nan avantaj kominote defavorize ki pa Tribal yo ki sitiye nan espas 100 kilomèt nan nò fwontyè Etaznini ak Meksik yo.
• Asistans Teknik: $200 milyon pou asistans teknik ki disponib lan se repons dirèk ak kòmantè ki soti nan kominote yo ak nan men lidè pou jistis anviwònmantal yo ki gen lontan depi y ap mande sipò pou ranfòsman kapasite pou kominote yo ak patnè yo pandan y ap travay pou yo jwenn aksè ak resous federal ki esansyèl yo. Avèk finansman sa a, gen de pwogram TA ki dedye ak Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè yo. Aplikan yo ka aprann plis sou, epi eksprime enterè yo sou, asistans teknik lan sou paj entènèt Asistans Teknik pou Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè EPA yo.

Li Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a NOFO.

OEJECR pral òganize tou, divès webinè enfòmasyonèl pandan NOFO a louvri, ak premye an k ap fèt nan dat 7 desanm 2023. Webinè sa yo pral reponn ak kesyon yo, e kèk nan yo ka fasilite fòmasyon patenarya ak pataj enfòmasyon yo. Ou ka jwenn plis enfòmasyon sou pwochen webinè yo sou sit entènèt Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon EPA a sou Pwogram Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a.

Aprann konnen plis sou jistis anviwònmantal nan EPA

Aprann konnen plis sou finansman Rediksyon Enflasyon nan EPA

Pou enfòmasyon ki ajou sou NOFO a, ki enkli enfòmasyon sou webinè yo, abòne ak lis Biwo pou Jistis Anviwònmantal ak Dwa Sivil Ekstèn nan lè ou voye yon imèl vid bay: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Swiv OEJECR sou X (ansyen Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Kontèks

Lwa sou Rediksyon Enflasyon (IRA) te kreye Pwogram pou Jistis Anviwònmantal ak Klimatik, ki se pi gwo envestisman nan jistis anviwònmantal ak klimatik nan istwa Etazini lè Prezidan Biden te siyen li nan dat 16 out 2022. Anba pwogram sa a, EPA te bay $3 milya pou akòde sibvansyon ak finansman ki gen rapò ak asistans teknik nan avantaj kominote ki defavorize yo. 

Nan kòmansman ane 2023, EPA te pibliye yon Demann pou Enfòmasyon, li te òganize yon konsiltasyon espesifik ak Konsèy Konsiltatif pou Jistis anviwònmantal Nasyonal EPA a, epi anime divès webinè pou jwenn opinyon piblik sou estrateji inovatè ak apwòch pou konpetisyon pou konsepsyon, angajman kominotè, distribisyon ekitab resous finansye, elijibilite benefisyè yo pou jwenn finansman, ranfòsman kapasite ak sansibilizasyon, ak plis ankò. Kòmantè sa yo te enpòtan anpil pou kreyasyon eleman kle Sibvansyon pou Chanjman Kominotè a ak NOFO sa a, ki enkli Zòn Envestisman Sib yo, ki entegre prezantasyon oral yo, peryòd aplikasyon pa woulman an, ak plis ankò. EPA remèsye tout moun pou tan ak kontribisyon yo ki presye anpil, ki pèmèt kreyasyon yon pwogram sibvansyon ki pi enklizif ak aksesib.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/SJTjG3x

Администрация Байдена-Харриса объявляет о выделении 2 млрд. долларов на финансирование грантов на изменения в сообществах для решения проблем экологической и климатической справедливости в рамках программы «Инвестиции в Америку»

ВАШИНГТОН — Сегодня администрация Байдена-Харриса объявила о выделении около 2 млрд. долларов на поддержку проектов, осуществляемых по инициативе местных сообществ и направленных на внедрение экологически чистой энергии, повышение устойчивости к изменению климата и наращивание потенциала сообществ для решения проблем экологической и климатической справедливости. Гранты Агентства по охране окружающей среды США (EPA) на изменения в сообществах являются крупнейшими в истории инвестициями в обеспечение экологической справедливости, которые направляются непосредственно в сообщества и призваны способствовать совместным усилиям по достижению более здорового, безопасного и благополучного будущего для всех. Эти средства, являющиеся частью программы президента Байдена «Инвестиции в Америку», стали возможными благодаря президентскому Закону о снижении инфляции — крупнейшей в истории инвестиции в экологически чистую энергетику и борьбу с изменением климата.

«На протяжении всего своего турне «Путешествие к справедливости» я слышал от жителей и активистов призывы выделить ресурсы для поддержки решений на уровне местных сообществ, которые долгое время оставались без внимания и были забыты», — сказал администратор EPA Майкл С. Риган. «Сегодня, благодаря приверженности президента Байдена инвестированию в сообщества, которые долгое время испытывали трудности с получением федерального финансирования, мы воплощаем эти призывы в жизнь. Это историческое, беспрецедентное финансирование обещает превратить неблагополучные и перегруженные районы в здоровые, устойчивые и процветающие сообщества для нынешнего и будущих поколений».

«Слишком долго сообщества, несущие на своих плечах основную тяжесть загрязнения окружающей среды электростанциями и промышленными предприятиями, оставались без внимания», — сказал Джон Подеста, старший советник президента по инновациям и внедрению экологически чистой энергии. «Закон о снижении инфляции и инициатива президента Байдена «Justice40» меняют эту ситуацию, обеспечивая неблагополучным районам приток новых инвестиций, чистую энергетику и высокооплачиваемые рабочие места».

«Президент Байден возглавляет общегосударственные усилия по преодолению застарелой экологической несправедливости и неравенства», — сказала председатель Совета Белого дома по качеству окружающей среды Бренда Мэллори. «Благодаря этому историческому финансированию, предоставленному в рамках президентской инициативы «Justice40», мы инвестируем в решения, принимаемые на местном уровне, чтобы добиться положительных изменений для сообществ, страдающих от загрязнения, недостаточного инвестирования и десятилетий непропорционального воздействия на окружающую среду. Подобные инвестиции показывают, как мы реализуем амбициозную программу президента по обеспечению экологической справедливости и его стремление создать более справедливые и устойчивые сообщества для будущих поколений».

Программа «Гранты на преобразование сообществ» реализует исторические усилия президента Байдена, направленные на продвижение равенства и справедливости, включая его инициативу «Justice40». Все выгоды от реализации программы «Гранты на изменения в сообществах» достанутся неблагополучным сообществам, страдающим от недостатка инвестиций и загрязнения окружающей среды. Кроме того, в рамках этой программы из средств Закона о снижении инфляции выделяется 200 млн. долл. на оказание технической помощи заявителям и получателям грантов, что расширит возможности неблагополучных сообществ в получении доступа к ресурсам для осуществления деятельности в области экологической и климатической справедливости.

Предполагается, что деятельность, осуществляемая в рамках грантов, будет вестись в следующих направлениях:

• Устойчивость к изменению климата и адаптация.
• Смягчение рисков для климата и здоровья, связанных с возникновением городских тепловых островов, экстремальной жарой, выбросами дровяных печей и лесными пожарами.
• Мониторинг, предотвращение и устранение загрязнения воздуха и других загрязнений (включая воду и отходы) под руководством местных сообществ.
• Инвестиции в устойчивые технологии с низким и нулевым уровнем выбросов, а также в соответствующую инфраструктуру.
• Развитие рабочей силы, способствующее сокращению выбросов парниковых газов и других загрязнителей воздуха.
• Снижение содержания токсичных веществ и загрязнения воздуха внутри помещений.
• Содействие вовлечению неблагополучных сообществ в работу консультативных групп, семинаров, разработку правил и другие общественные процессы на уровне штата и федеральном уровне.

Уведомление о возможности финансирования грантов на изменения в сообществе (NOFO), администрируемое Управлением по вопросам продвижения экологической справедливости и защите гражданских прав (OEJECR), имеет ряд уникальных характеристик, способствующих продвижению экологической и климатической справедливости, многие из которых отвечают отзывам и мнениям, полученным агентством от сообществ.

• Скользящая подача заявок: NOFO будет действовать в течение года, до 21 ноября 2024 г. EPA будет рассматривать заявки на скользящей основе. Это позволит заявителям воспользоваться технической помощью и, возможно, повторно подать заявку, если она не была выбрана изначально. EPA рекомендует заявителям подавать заявки как можно раньше.
• Подача заявок по двум направлениям: В зависимости от масштаба проекта и запрашиваемого финансирования заявки можно подавать по двум отдельным направлениям.
  • В рамках направления I «Инвестиции в изменения в сообществах» предполагается выделить около 1,96 млрд. долл. на 150 проектов по 10-20 млн. долл. каждый.
  • По направлению II «Значимое участие для справедливого управления» предполагается выделить около 40 млн. долл. на 20 проектов по 1-3 млн. долл. каждый.
• Устные презентации: Заявители, подавшие заявку на участие в направлении I, могут быть также приглашены для участия в устной презентации. Такие устные презентации позволят экспертам EPA непосредственно выслушать заявителей и их партнеров, чтобы узнать больше о приоритетах сообщества, желаемых результатах и планах по обеспечению долгосрочной устойчивости. Этот новый формат является ответом на просьбы сообществ о более доступном взаимодействии с EPA.
• Целевые области инвестирования: Из 2 млрд. долл. финансирования EPA выделило пять целевых областей инвестирования (Target Investment Areas, TIA), чтобы обеспечить равную конкуренцию за финансирование для сообществ с уникальными условиями, географией и потребностями. К ним относятся:
  • Племена Аляски:150 миллионов долларов на проекты в интересах индейских племен на Аляске, включая средства на очистку загрязненных земель.
  • Племена:300 миллионов долларов на проекты в интересах племенных сообществ в других штатах.
  • Территории: 50 миллионов долларов на проекты в интересах неблагополучных сообществ на таких территориях США, как Пуэрто-Рико, Виргинские острова, Гуам, Американское Самоа и Северные Марианские острова.
  • Неблагополучные неинкорпорированные сообщества: 50 миллионов долларов на проекты в интересах малых и сельских районов, у которых нет фиксированных, юридически определенных географических границ, таких как Колонии.
  • Сообщества, проживающие на южной границе США: В соответствии с давними обязательствами EPA по решению проблем трансграничного загрязнения окружающей среды, 100 миллионов долларов будут выделены на проекты в интересах не принадлежащих к племенам неблагополучных сообществ в пределах 100 км к северу от американо-мексиканской границы.
• Техническая помощь: Выделение 200 млн. долл. на техническую помощь стало прямым ответом на пожелания сообществ и лидеров движения за экологическую справедливость, которые уже давно призывают поддержать сообщества и их партнеров в наращивании потенциала для доступа к важнейшим федеральным ресурсам. Благодаря этому финансированию запущены две программы технической помощи, связанные с грантами на изменения в сообществах. Заявители могут получить более подробную информацию и выразить свою заинтересованность в технической помощи на веб-странице EPA, посвященной технической помощи для грантов на изменения в сообществах.

Прочитать NOFO в отношении грантов на изменения в сообществах.

В период действия NOFO, OEJECR также проведет ряд информационных вебинаров, первый из которых состоится 7 декабря 2023 года. На этих вебинарах будут обсуждаться вопросы установления партнерских отношений и обмена информацией, а некоторые из них могут способствовать решению этих вопросов. Подробную информацию о предстоящих вебинарах можно найти на веб-странице EPA «Закон о снижении инфляции — Программа грантов на изменения в сообществах».

Узнать больше об экологической справедливости на сайте EPA

Узнать больше о финансировании из средств Закона о снижении инфляции на сайте EPA.

Для получения актуальной информации о NOFO, включая сведения о вебинарах, подпишитесь на рассылку Управления по вопросам продвижения экологической справедливости и защите гражданских прав, отправив пустое электронное письмо по адресу:join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Подпишитесь на OEJECR в X (ранее Twitter):@EPAEnvJustice.

Общая информация

В соответствии с Законом о снижении инфляции (IRA), подписанным президентом Байденом 16 августа 2022 года, была запущена программа экологической и климатической справедливости, которая стала крупнейшей инвестицией в экологическую и климатическую справедливость в истории США. В рамках этой программы EPA получило 3 млрд. долл. для предоставления грантов и финансирования соответствующей технической помощи в интересах неблагополучных сообществ.

Ранее в 2023 году EPA опубликовало Информационный запрос, провело специальную консультацию с Национальным консультативным советом EPA по вопросам экологической справедливости, а также ряд вебинаров для выяснения общественного мнения по поводу инновационных стратегий и подходов к разработке конкурсов, вовлечения сообществ, справедливого распределения финансовых ресурсов, права грантополучателей на финансирование, наращивания потенциала, информационно-разъяснительной работы и др. Эти отзывы сыграли решающую роль при разработке ключевых элементов грантов на изменения в сообществах и данного NOFO, включая целевые инвестиционные области, устные презентации, скользящий период подачи заявок и многое другое. EPA благодарит всех за уделенное время и невероятно ценный вклад, позволившие создать более инклюзивную и доступную программу грантов.

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

得益於「投資美國之旅」，拜登-哈里斯政府宣佈為環境和氣候正義社區變革基金挹資 20 億美元

華盛頓 — 今日，拜登-哈里斯政府宣佈將挹資約 20 億美元，用於支持由社區驅動的計劃，包括部署潔淨能源，強化氣候復原力，並幫助社區建立應對環境和氣候正義挑戰所需的能力。美國國家環境保護局 (EPA) 的社區變革基金是美國史上對環境正義的最大投資，這筆資金會直接用於社區，推動各方一同努力為全體人民創造更健康、更安全、更繁榮的未來。這筆來自拜登總統「投資美國之旅」的經費是由總統的《降低通膨法案》撥款，是美國史上對潔淨能源和氣候行動的最大投資。

「在『伸張正義之旅』途中，我聽見居民和倡議者呼籲政府提供資源的聲音，他們要求為長期以來被忽視和遺忘的社區制定地方解決方案並給予支援。」EPA 政務官 Michael S. Regan 表示。「今日，在拜登總統承諾挹資這些長期以來一直難以取得聯邦資助的社區後，我們會響應相關人士的呼籲並採取行動。這筆歷來最龐大的資金有望將弱勢和負擔過重的地區轉變為健康、有彈性且欣欣向榮的社區，造福當代人民和子孫後代的未來。」

「長期以來，受電廠和工業污染影響，首當其衝的社區持續被忽視和遺忘。」潔淨能源創新暨實施之總統資深顧問 John Podesta 表示。「《降低通膨法案》和拜登總統的『正義 40 倡議』為這些弱勢社區挹注新的資金、部署潔淨能源並創造良好的就業機會，進而改變此一現狀。」

「拜登總統正以『政府一體』的方法，努力解決長期存在的環境不公平和不平等問題。」白宮環境品質委員會主席 Brenda Mallory 表示。「得益於總統的『正義 40 倡議』，這筆歷史性的經費將用於由在地驅動的解決方案，替數十年來籠罩在污染陰影之下，受困於投資資金不足且遭受環境不平等影響的社區帶來積極變革。這類經費顯示，政府正在實現總統推動環境正義的遠大志向，以及他為後代子孫建設更加公平、更具有彈性的社區的承諾。」

社區變革基金兌現了拜登總統推動公平和正義的歷史性承諾，包括他提出的正義 40 倡議。社區變革基金會將該計劃的獲益全數用於投資資金不足且因汙染而不堪重負，因而被邊緣化的弱勢社區。《降低通膨法案》還專門為此計劃撥款 2 億美元，為申請者和補助金接受者提供技術援助，以強化弱勢社區取得資源和推行環境及氣候正義行動所需的能力。

運用該基金推行的活動預計分為以下幾類：

• 氣候恢復力和適應力。
• 減輕都市熱島效應、極端高溫、燃木排放問題和森林大火事件帶來的氣候和健康風險。
• 由社區主導的空氣品質和其他（包括水資源和廢棄物）污染監測、預防和補救工作。
• 投資低排放、零排放和氣候適應技術及其相關基礎設施。
• 支持能減少溫室氣體排放和其他空氣污染的勞動力發展。
• 減少室內有毒物質和室內空氣污染物。
• 積極鼓勵弱勢社區參與州與聯邦諮詢團體、研討會、規則訂定和其他公眾參與過程。

由環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室 (OEJECR) 發佈的社區變革基金資助機會通知 (NOFO) 在推行環境與氣候正義方面具有幾項特性，其中許多特性均為 EPA 在傾聽社區居民的意見後，對居民回饋意見的回應。包括： 

• 先到先審制：NOFO 將開放一年，於 2024 年 11 月 21 日截止申請。EPA 對申請文件將採先到先審制。申請者可運用技術援助。就算起初並未獲選，也能再度提交新的申請文件。EPA 鼓勵申請者盡早提交申請文件。
• 雙軌制提交流程：依據計劃範圍和申請金額，民眾可選擇兩種不同的流程提交申請。
  • 流程 1：「由社區驅動的變革投資」(Community-Driven Investments for Change) 預計將挹資 19.6 億美元予 150 個計劃，每個計劃能獲得 1000 至 2000 萬美元的資金。
  • 流程 2：「平等治理之有意義的參與」(Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance) 預計將挹資 4000 萬美元予 20 個計劃，每個計劃能獲得 100 至 300 萬美元的資金。
• 口頭報告：流程 1 的申請者可能會受邀進行口頭簡報。此舉是為了使 EPA 的審查人員能當面聽取申請者及其合作機構的意見，進一步瞭解社區關注的優先事項、預期成果和長期永續性計劃的相關資訊。此一新的舉措是因社區要求以更簡便的形式與 EPA 溝通，當局對此要求的回應。
• 目標投資區域：在 20 億美元的資金當中，EPA 確立了五個目標投資區域 (TIA)，協助確保具有特殊情況、地理位置和需求的社區能平等地爭取資金。這些區域包括：
  • 阿拉斯加的部落：1.5 億美元會用於能使阿拉斯加印地安部落獲益的計劃，包括清理受污染土地的費用。
  • 部落：3 億美元會用於能使其他州的部落社區獲益的計劃。 
  • 領地：5000 萬美元會用於能使波多黎各、美屬維京群島、關島、美屬薩摩亞和北馬利安納群島等地的弱勢社區獲益的計劃。
  • 位於非建制地區的弱勢社區：5000 萬美元會用於能使小型偏遠地區（例如僑居地）獲益的計劃，這些地區往往缺乏固定的、法律上訂定的地理邊界。
  • 美國南部邊界社區：基於 EPA 對解決跨境污染挑戰的長期承諾，1 億美元會用於能使美墨邊境以北 100 公里內非部落的弱勢社區獲益的計劃。
• 技術援助：挹注 2 億美元成立的技術援助服務是對社區及環境正義領導者所提回饋意見的直接回應，這些人士長期以來不斷呼籲為社區及其合作機構提供培力支援，方能幫助社區取得關鍵的聯邦資源。有了這筆資金，社區變革基金將有兩個專屬的 TA 計劃可用。申請者可造訪 EPA 的社區變革基金技術援助網頁瞭解更多相關資訊，表達對技術援助需求的意願。

閱讀社區變革基金 NOFO。

在 NOFO 開放期間，OEJECR 還將舉行數場資訊網路研討會，首場研討會將於 2023 年 12 月 7 日舉行。這些網路研討會預計將解答民眾的問題，並有機會促進夥伴關係的形成，以及共享資訊。有關即將舉行的網路研討會的更多資訊，請造訪 EPA 的《降低通膨法案》社區變革基金計劃網頁。

詳細瞭解 EPA 在推動環境正義方面的措施

詳細瞭解 EPA 透過降低通膨法案獲取的經費

如需 NOFO 的最新資訊，包括網路研討會的資訊在內，請將自己加入環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室的郵寄名單，方法為寄送空白電子郵件至 join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov。在 X（前推特）上關注 OEJECR：@EPAEnvJustice。

背景

拜登總統於 2022 年 8 月 16 日簽署《降低通膨法案》(IRA)，該法案為環境和氣候正義計劃的基礎，這是美國史上對環境與氣候正義的最大投資。依據該計劃，EPA 共獲得 30 億美元的補助金，用於提供技術援助以造福弱勢社區。 

2023 年年初，EPA 發佈資訊邀請書，諮詢 EPA 的國家環境正義諮議委員會，並舉行數場網路研討會，就設計比賽、社區參與、財務資源平等分配、符合資格的受補助者、培力和推廣等項目納入公眾意見，尋求創新策略和方法。這些回饋意見對社區變革基金和本 NOFO 的關鍵要素設計十分重要，包括目標投資區域、納入口頭簡報、採用先到先審制等。EPA 十分感謝付出寶貴時間並提出寶貴意見的每一個人，確保當局得以訂定兼具包容性和可及性的補助計劃。

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EPA ensuring community's right to know through two Rhode Island settlements

BOSTON (Nov. 28, 2023) – Under recently proposed settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, two Rhode Island companies will be required to pay penalties and comply with EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the process hazard review (PHR) requirement of the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act at their respective facilities for their uses of anhydrous ammonia and metals. These settlements further protect communities, employees, first responders, and the environment from accidental hazardous exposure through raised awareness.

"The safety and wellbeing of New England communities is our top priority. EPA oversight practices are designed to protect and inform local stakeholders, making it important that companies are following and operating in line with environmental laws and regulations," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This settlement, which will strengthen public safety, highlights accident prevention and the community's right to know about chemicals in their environment. We take these responsibilities seriously, especially to protect local populations that face disproportionate environmental risks in New England."

W.R. Cobb, a jewelry component manufacturer located in East Providence, Rhode Island, has agreed to pay a penalty of $108,900 for alleged violations of EPCRA TRI reporting requirements and the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act. The company, which uses anhydrous ammonia in its manufacturing processes, failed to file TRI reports for the facility's use of anhydrous ammonia during the calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Additionally, W.R. Cobb failed to conduct a PHR for the facility's use of anhydrous ammonia as required by the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act. Though an efficient and effective refrigerant, anhydrous ammonia has toxic properties than can be corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs when exposed. Further, nearly 10,000 people live within a one-mile radius of the facility. After EPA provided notice in August of 2021, the company filed all three missing TRI reports and completed a PHR.

Separately, EPA settled an action with Millard Wire, a Warwick, Rhode Island- based custom metal wire and metal strip manufacturing facility, for violations of EPCRA reporting requirements and the process hazard review requirement of the Clean Air Act. These violations stem from Millard Wire's storage and use of anhydrous ammonia and its processing of copper and nickel metals. The company was required to submit TRI forms for the facility's use and processing of ammonia, copper, and nickel at the facility. The company also failed to submit "Tier II" forms to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission, and the local fire department, as required under EPCRA. These requirements are important for transparency and for the safety of first responders. Additionally, the company failed to conduct a PHR, as required under the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act, for its use of anhydrous ammonia. Millard Wire corrected these violations based on EPA's notification, providing the required PHR, submitting Tier II forms, and filing its missing TRI forms for ammonia, copper, and nickel. Millard Wire agreed to pay a penalty of $170,261 and comply with EPCRA and the Clean Air Act.

Background

Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed chemicals must report their chemical releases each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory, which is a collection of data that can be readily reviewed by communities, government, and industry. With the information being publicly available, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facility's toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment and offers transparency.

EPCRA Tier II submissions are required to adequately inform local officials and responders of the presence of hazardous chemicals in the case of an emergency. This information is also available to the public, upon request, so that members of the public can be informed of the presence of hazardous chemicals in their communities.

The General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act aims to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous chemicals and minimize the consequences of any such releases. Under this provision, owners and operators of facilities that store or use extremely hazardous chemicals have the duty, among others, to identify hazards that may result from a release and document this analysis in a PHR.

More information:

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

Toxic Release Inventory

General Duty Clause

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National Ice Cream Manufacturer Agrees to Pay Penalty for Clean Air Act Violations and Audit the Safety of Six Facilities Nationwide

BOSTON (Nov. 27, 2023) – HP Hood LLC, a national ice cream manufacturer, agreed to pay a penalty of $115,849 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it violated federal laws regulating the handling and storage of ammonia at its facility in Suffield, Conn. As part of the settlement, the company has also agreed to complete system safety audits of its six facilities nationwide that have requirements under the risk management program (RMP) regulation.

"When a company falls short in meeting its safety obligations, it puts workers, local communities, and the environment at risk. With the company operating facilities across the country, we have a duty to call out a lack of accountability when we see it," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Ensuring safety and management practices of hazardous substances is key. We are dedicated to our core mission of protecting all communities, specifically focusing on mitigating environmental pollution and minimizing risks. This case serves as a reminder to companies that accountability and compliance is important. Chemical accident planning, prevention, and mitigation requirements, are all steps we make certain of, in order to keep New England safe."

An EPA inspection of HP Hood LLC facilities in Suffield, Conn revealed that HP Hood failed to document that its ammonia refrigeration equipment complied with recognized and generally applicable good engineering practices in violation of the Clean Air Act. This included issues like missing ammonia alarms, inadequate labeling of critical equipment, and failure to adhere to engineering best practices in equipment installation.

In addition, HP Hood failed to comply with the mechanical integrity requirements of the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention regulations by allegedly failing to sufficiently conduct piping inspections. Instances of damaged pipe insulation with potential safety risks and a minor anhydrous ammonia leak from a valve were documented. These findings highlighted the need for improved safety measures and adherence to industry standards at this facility, and at the other five HP Hood LLC facilities with risk management plan (RMP) requirements nationwide. As result, EPA negotiated with HP Hood LLC to pay a penalty, as well as create a schedule for conducting system safety audits at its six RMP facilities nationwide.

The penalty also includes a separate EPA assessment regarding a recent ammonia release from this company, caused by a forklift impact. Impacts to equipment have caused several accidents at facilities owned by other companies located in New England. As a result of EPA's action, HP Hood LLC has brought its facility in Suffield, Conn., into compliance to correct the conditions found during the inspection. In addition, the company must take steps to protect pipes in the machinery room from future forklift impacts.

Background

Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant with low global warming potential, but it must be handled with care because it is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 parts per million is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at certain concentrations and can explode if it is released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire.

The Clean Air Act Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a risk management plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for, and respond to, chemical emergencies in their community.

EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities. Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of its National Enforcement Compliance Initiatives.

More information:

• Risk Management Plan Fact Sheet
• Risk Management Program Rule
• EPA information on Compliance Assistance Tools and Resources for the Ammonia Refrigeration Sector (pdf) (161 KB)
• Enforcement Alert for Ammonia Refrigeration Facilities

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/Kz8Z7uw

Ipinahayag ng Administrasyong Biden-Harris ang $2 Bilyon bilang Pondo sa Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change na Mga Grant bilang Parte ng Pamumuhunan para sa America Agenda

WASHINGTON — Ngayong araw, ipinahayag ng administrasyon ni Biden-Harris na humigit-kumulang sa $2 bilyon na pondo ang handang magagamit para suportahan ang mga proyekto na pinamumuhuan ng komunidad para maipatupad ang clean energy, mapatibay ang pagpapalakas sa kalagayan ng klima, at mapatatag ang kakayahan ng mga komunidad na harapin ang mga hamon na may kinalaman sa environment at climate justice. Ang Community Change Grants ng U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ay ang nag-iisang pinakamalaking pamumuhunan para sa environmental justice na derechong mapupunta sa mga komunidad sa kabuuan ng ating kasaysayan, at magpapasulong sa mga pagsisikap upang makatamo ng isang mabuti sa kalusugan, ligtas at mas masaganang kinabukasan para sa lahat. Ang mga pondong ito, bilang parte ng Investing in America ni Presidente Biden, ay naging posible sanhi ng President’s Inflation Reduction Act—ang pinakamalaking pamumuhunan sa clean energy at climate action.

“Sa kabuuan ng aking Journey to Justice tour, narinig ko ang mga dinig ng mga residente at tagapagtanggol na hangad ang mga mapagkukuhanan ng tulong at impormasyn upang masuportahan ang mga lokal na solusyon sa mga komunidad na matagal nang nakaligtaan at nakalimutan,” sabi ni EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Ngayon, salamat sa pananagutan ni Presidente Biden na mamuhunan sa mga komuinidad na matagal nang nahirapang magkaroon ng paraang makakuha ng pederal na pagpopondo, isinasakatuparan namin ang mga pagkilos na ito bilang tugon. Ang makasaysayan at hindi pa nagagawa kahit kailan na pagpopondong ito ay nangangako na ang mga hirap at nabibigatang lugar ay gagawing mabubuti sa kalusugan, mababalik sa dating katayuan, at lumalaban na mga komunidad para sa kasalukuyan at panghinaharap na mga henerasyon."

"Matagal nang nagdusa ang mga komunidad sa bigat na dulot ng polusyon mula sa power plant at mga industrial na pabrika na patuloy na naiwan," sabi John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Inn “Ang Inflation Reduction Act at ang Justice40 na inisyatibo ni Presidente Biden ay nagdudulot ng pagbabago sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng bagong pamumuhunan, clean energy, at maayos na pasahod na mga trabaho sa mga nahihirapang komunidad.

"Namumuno si Presidente Biden sa kabuuan ng gobyernong pagsisikap para harapin ang matagal nang mga environmental justice at di pagkakapantay-pantay," sabi ni  White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. "Salamat dito sa makasaysayang pagpopondo na sakop sa ilalim ng Justice40 Initiative ng Presidente, kami ay namumuhunan sa mga lokal na mga solusyon para makapagsagawa ng positibong pagkakaiba sa mga komunidad na nagdusa mula sa polusyon, kakulangan ng puhunan, at deka-dekadang di pantay na epekto sa kapaligiran. Ang mga pamumuhunan tulad nito ay nagpapakita kung paano natin naihahatid ang malaking agenda para sa environmental justice ng Presidente at ang pananagutan niya na makapagtatag ng mas makatarungan at mas nagpapalakas sa mga komunidad para sa mga darating na henerasyon."

Ang Community Change Grants ay nagsasakatuparan sa makasaysayang pananagutan ni Presidente Biden upang mapasulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng lahat at katarungan, kasama na ang kaniyang Justice40 Initiative. Ang Community Change Grants ay maghahatid ng 100 porsiyentong mga benepisyo sa programang ito para sa mga nahihirapang komunidad na nasasantabi sanhi ng kakulangan ng puhunan at nabibigatan dulot ng polusyon. Ang programang ito ay naglalaan rin ng $200 milyon para sa Inflation Reduction Act na pagpopondo upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga aplikante at mga tatanggap ng grant, na magpapahusay sa kakayahan ng mga nahihirapang komunidad upang ma-access ang mga dulugan para sa environmental at climate justice na mga aktibidad.

Ang mga aktibidad na gagawin sa ilalim ng mga grant ay inaasahan na babagsak sa ilalim ng mga sumusunod na kategorya

• Pagpapatibay at pag-aangkop sa klima.
• Pagpapahina ng mga panganib sa klima at kalusugan dulot ng mga urban heat island, sukdulang init, wood heater emissions, at mga kaganapan ng wildfire (sunog).
• Ang pagbabantay na pinangungunahan ng komunidad sa hangin at iba pang uri ng polusyon (kasama na ang tubig at basura), pag-iiwas, at paglulutas dito.
• Pamumuhunan sa mga low- at zero-emission at pagpapalakas sa mga teknolohiya at mga nauugnay na imprastraktura.
• Development ng manggagawa na sumusuporta sa pagbabawas ng greenhouse gas emissions at iba pang mga pollutant sa hangin.
• Pagbabawas sa toxics sa looban at polusyon sa hangin sa looban.
• Pagpapadali sa pagsali ng mga hirap na komunidad sa mga advisory group, workshop, pagtatakda ng tuntunin, at iba pang mga proseso sa publiko na isinasagawa sa estado at pederal.

An Community Change Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), na pinangangasiwaan sa pamamagitan ng Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), ay maraming mga bukod tanging katangian upang mapasulong ang environmental at climate justice, na ang karamihan ay tumutugon sa feedback at input ng agency na nakuha mula sa mga komunidad. Kabilang sa mga ito ang: 

• Patuloy na Mga Application: Ang NOFO ay bukas ng isang taon, na magsasara sa Nobyembre 21, 2024, at tuloy-tuloy ang pagre-review ng EPA ang mga application. Mapapahintulutan nito ang mga aplikante na magamit ang teknikal na tulong at posibleng muling pagsusumit ng bagong application kung hindi paunang napili. Hinihikayat ng EPA ang mga aplikante na mag-apply sa lalong madaling panahon.
• Two-track na Mga Proseso ng Pagsusumite: Ang mga application ay maaaring i-sumite sa ilalim ng dalawang magkahiwalay na mga track depende sa saklaw ng proyekto at hiniling na pagpopondo.
  • Track I, Community-Driven Investments for Change, ay inaasahan na magbigay ng halos $1.96 bilyon para sa 150 pmga proyekto na $10-20 milyon kada isa.
  • Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, ay inaasahan na magbibigay ng halos $40 milyon para sa 20 proyekto na $1-3 milyon ang bawat isa.
• Mga Oral na Presentasyon: Ang mga aplikante ng Track 1 ay maaari rin anyayahan na lumahok sa isang oral presentation Ang mga oral presentation na ito ay magpapahintulot sa mga reviewer ng EPA na makarinig nang direkta mula sa mga aplikante at ang mga kapartner nito upang lubos pang matutunan ang tungkol sa mga priyoridad ng komunidad, mga ninanais na resulta, at mga plano para sa pangmatagalang sustainability. Ang bagong format na ito ay tutugon sa mga request ng komunidad para sumali sa EPA sa mas accessible na mga paraan.
• Mga Target na Area na Bibigyang Puhunan: Mula sa $2 bilyon na pagpopondo, kinilala ng EPA ang limang mga Target Investment Area (TIA) para makatulong na matiyak na ang mga komunidad na may bukod-tanging mga karanasan, heograpiya, at mga pangangailangan ay patas na maaaring makakalaban para sa pagpopondo. Ang  mga ito ay:
  • Mga Tribe sa Alaska: $150 milyon para sa mga proyekto na makikinabang sa Indian Tribes sa Alaska kasama na ang mga pondo para sa paglilinis ng mga nakontaminang lupain.
  • Mga Tribe: $300 milyon para sa mga proyekto na pakikinabangan ng mga Tribal na komunidad sa ibang mga estado. 
  • Mga Teritoryo: $50 milyon para sa mga proyektong pakikinabangan ng mga hirap na komunidad sa mga teritoryo ng Estados Unidos tulad ng Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, at Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities: $50 milyon para sa mga proyekto na mapakikinabangan ng mga maliliit at rural na area na kulang sa takda, legal na natiyak at mga geographic na limitasyon, tulad ng Colonias.
  • U.S.-Southern Border Communities: Alinsunod sa matagal nang pananagutan ng EPA na matugunan ang mga hamon dulot ng polysyon sa transborder, $100 milyon para sa mga proyekto na pakikinabangan ng non-Tribal na mga hirap na kominidad sa loob ng 100 kilometro na hilaga ng U.S.-Mexico na border.
• Teknikal na Tulong: Ang $200 milyon na technical assistance center ay available bilang tuwirang pagtugon sa mga feedback na galing sa mga komunidad at mga leader ng environmental justice na leader na matagal nang hangad na suporta para makapagtatag ng kapasidad sa mga komunidad at sa mga kapartner nito habang sila ay nagtatrabaho para magkaroon ng access sa mga kritikal na dulugang pederal. Sa pagpopondong ito, mayroong dalawang programa ang TA na nakalaan para sa Community Change Grants. Lubos pang matututunan ng mga aplikante ang tungkol sa, at malinaw na interes sa, teknikal na tulong sa EPA’s Community Change Grants Technical Assistance webpage.

Basahin ang Community Change Grants NOFO.

Ang OEJECR ay mamumuno rin sa maraming mga webinar na nagbibigay impormasyon habang bukas ang NOFO, na ang una ay magaganap sa Disyembre 7, 2023. Ang mga webinar na ito ay tutugon sa mga tanong, at ang ilan ay maaaring magpadali sa pagbubuo ng mga partnership at pakikipagpalitan ng impormasyon. Mas maraming impormasyon sa mga darating na webinar ang matatagpuan sa EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.

Higit pang matutunan ang tungkol sa environmental justice sa EPA.

Higit pang matutunan ang tungkol sa Inflation Reduction na pagpopondo sa EPA.

Para sa nasasapanahon na impormasyon tungkol sa NOFO, kasama na ang impormasyon sa mga webinar, mag-subscribe sa Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadala ng blangko na email sa: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. I-follow ang OEJECR sa X (dating kilala bilang Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

Background

Nilikha ng Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ang Environmental and Climate Justice Program, ang pinakamalaking pamumuhunan sa environmental at climate justice sa kasaysayan ng Estados Unidos, nang ito ay nilagdaan bilang isang batas ni Presidente Biden noong Agosto 16, 2022. Sa ilalim ng programang ito, nagkaloob ang EPA ng $3 bilyon sa mga award grant at nagbigay ng pondo na may kaugnayan sa teknikal na tulong upang mapakinabangan ng mga hirap na komunidad. 

Sa umpisa ng taong 2023, nagpalabas ang EPA ng Request for Information (Paghiling ng Impormasyon), na nagsagawa ng nakalaang konsultasyon sa National Environmental Justice Advisory Council ng EPA, at namuno sa maraming mga webinar para mauha ang input ng pubiko sa innovative na mga estratehiya at pamamaraan para sa competition design, pagsali ng komunidad, patas na pamamahagi ng mga dulugan ng pananalapi, pagiging karapat-dapat ng grantee sa pondo, pagtatag ng kakayahan at pakikipag-ugnayan at marami pang iba. Napakahalaga ng feedback na ito sa paglilikha ng mga pangunahing elemento ng Community Change Grants at ng NOFO na ito, kasama ang mga Target Investment Area, pagsasama ng mga oral na presentasyon, patuloy na panahon ng pagbibigay ng application, at marami pang iba. Pinapasalamatan ng EPA ang lahat sa kanilang oras na nailaan at input, na natiyak ang paglikha ng mas inclusive at accessible na grant program.

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