EPA Statement on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge

PHILADELPHIA - On March 26, 2024, emergency personnel from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region deployed to Baltimore, Maryland to support the response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. EPA On Scene Coordinators (OSCs) remain on the ground providing technical advice on the environmental portions of the response in support of the Unified Command.

In this advisory role, EPA OSCs review information from Unified Command regarding potentially hazardous cargo on board the vessel and provide recommendations, as needed, on the development of removal or recovery plans and strategies. Members of EPA’s Environmental Response Team (ERT) are also on-site serving as technical specialists and providing public information support for the Joint Information Center (JIC) on issues concerning public health.  

“As a supporting member of this interagency effort, EPA will continue to deploy technical support and resources needed to respond to this tragedy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Our team is coordinating with the Unified Command and we’re working together with our federal and state partners to minimize any potential environmental impacts resulting from the bridge collapse.” 

Per the National Contingency Plan (NCP), a federal blueprint for emergency environmental responses, the USCG is the lead agency for events related to potential or actual releases of oil or hazardous substances originating in navigable waterways. The area of the Patapsco River where the bridge collapsed is considered a navigable waterway. The Unified Command structure oversees priorities, operations, and strategies for the protection of human health and the environment in this response. 

EPA officials will continue to maintain a presence on the ground. As the needs of the Unified Command evolve, EPA will continue to offer technical expertise and rely on science to protect public health and the environment.  

A website with incident response information from the Unified Command can be found at the following URL: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com. For media interviews and inquiries, please contact the JIC at 410-631-8939. 

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Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Strongest Ever Greenhouse Gas Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Protect Public Health and Address the Climate Crisis While Keeping the American Economy Moving

WASHINGTON – Today, March 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final national greenhouse gas pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles, such as freight trucks and buses, for model years 2027 through 2032. The standards will avoid 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and provide $13 billion in annualized net benefits to society related to public health, the climate, and savings for truck owners and operators. The final standards will also reduce dangerous air pollution, especially for the 72 million people in the United States who live near truck freight routes, bear the burden of higher levels of pollution, and are more likely to be people of color or come from low-income households.

The “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles - Phase 3” standards will provide greater certainty for industry, while catalyzing private investment, supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs in advanced vehicle technologies, and invigorating and strengthening the U.S. economy. Over the next decade, these final standards, paired with President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda and investments in U.S. manufacturing, will set the U.S. heavy-duty sector on a trajectory for sustained growth.

EPA’s latest modeling shows that the final standards will result in greater reductions of pollution than the proposed rule, while providing more time and flexibility for manufacturers to develop, scale, and deploy clean heavy-duty vehicle technologies. The 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided by these standards is equivalent to the emissions from more than 13 million tanker trucks’ worth of gasoline. With this action, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to deliver on the most ambitious climate agenda in history while advancing a historic commitment to environmental justice.

“In finalizing these emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses, EPA is significantly cutting pollution from the hardest working vehicles on the road,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Building on our recently finalized rule for light- and medium-duty vehicles, EPA’s strong and durable vehicle standards respond to the urgency of the climate crisis by making deep cuts in emissions from the transportation sector.”

“EPA’s standards complement President Biden’s unprecedented investment in our workers and communities to reduce harmful emissions, while strengthening our manufacturing capacity for the transportation technologies of the future,” said President Biden’s National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “By tackling pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, we can unlock extraordinary public health, climate, and economic gains.”

Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are vital to the United States economy, transporting goods and freight and providing services for industry, transit, and other sectors. At the same time, heavy-duty vehicles account for 25 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which is itself the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of climate change and its impacts, including more severe heat waves, drought, sea level rise, extreme climate and weather events, coastal flooding, and catastrophic wildfires.

“The American Lung Association is pleased to support the new cleaner trucks standards,” said Paul G. Billings, National Senior Vice President, Public Policy, American Lung Association. “Today’s rule will improve the air we breathe and curb the pollution that is driving climate change. This rule is the capstone of the Clean Trucks Plan. The strong standards finalized today build on the 2023 rule to address oxides of nitrogen and last week’s multipollutant rule that will clean up light-and medium-duty vehicles. The result will be cleaner air and better health, especially in communities with heavy truck traffic nearby.”

“Sierra Club is pleased that the EPA has finalized the federal heavy-duty vehicle standards, which will help cut emissions from large polluting trucks and buses,” said Katherine García, Director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign. “The new standards reflect Congress' long standing demand for healthy air along with its recent historic investments in getting cleaner vehicles on our roads, corridors, and ports. Together, they are a game changer. With the climate crisis underway and many of our communities facing unprecedented fires, droughts, and floods, it’s crucial that truck manufacturers get into the fast lane with zero-emission trucks to deliver the climate, health, and economic benefits we deserve.”

"Hip Hop Caucus is encouraged by EPA's new federal emissions standards for trucks, which will reduce the harmful air pollution that disproportionately affects Black, Brown, Indigenous and low-income communities near ports, roadways and highways,” said Russell Armstrong, Senior Director of Campaigns and Advocacy at the Hip Hop Caucus. “This is a meaningful step in the right direction. We will continue to work with EPA to make sure that clean vehicles are accessible and affordable for all.”

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Standards

Today’s “Phase 3” standards build on EPA’s Heavy-Duty Phase 2 program from 2016 and maintain that program’s flexible structure, which is designed to reflect the diverse nature of the heavy-duty vehicle industry. The standards are technology-neutral and performance-based, allowing each manufacturer to choose what set of emissions control technologies is best suited for them and the needs of their customers. Available technologies include advanced internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These new standards apply to heavy-duty vocational vehicles (such as delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, and transit, shuttle, and school buses) and tractors (such as day cabs and sleeper cabs on tractor-trailer trucks).

Relative to the proposal, EPA’s final rule provides more time in the early model years of the program for the development of vehicle technologies and deployment of charging and refueling infrastructure. The final rule also includes flexibilities that will assist manufacturers in meeting the standards in the early years of the program while preserving incentives for early adoption of advanced technologies.

EPA received extensive feedback on the proposed rule, including over 175,000 public comments, testimony at public hearings, and engagement with stakeholder groups. The final standards were informed by the best available data and information in the public record and rigorous technical assessments, including consideration of the extensive public input EPA received in response to the proposed rulemaking. 

Prioritizing Public Health and Climate Benefits

Pollution from heavy-duty vehicles contributes to climate change and can exacerbate serious health issues such as respiratory and heart ailments, especially for the 72 million people in the United States who live close to truck freight routes and are more likely to be people of color or come from low-income households. Today’s final heavy-duty greenhouse gas standards complete EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants (including nitrogen oxides (NO_x), particulate matter (PM), and air toxics) from heavy-duty vehicles through a series of rulemakings. These rules include today’s standards as well as (1) EPA’s recently finalized light- and medium-duty vehicle multipollutant standards for MY 2027-2032 (which covers Class 2b and 3 trucks), and (2) EPA’s December 2022 rule to control smog- and soot-forming emissions from heavy-duty engines and vehicles. The Clean Trucks Plan represents the most protective set of EPA regulations ever for the on-road sector, significantly reducing pollution, protecting public health, and responding to the urgency of climate change.

Savings and Customer Choice

There is a wide variety of trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles on the road, serving a diverse array of needs and customers. Today’s standards recognize the diversity of vehicle types and encourage further innovations in clean vehicle technology, enhancing options at the dealership that will also save customers, owners, and operators money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Under these new standards, the heavy-duty industry is expected to realize annualized savings of $3.5 billion compared to annualized costs of about $1.1 billion from 2027 through 2055.

After accounting for the vehicle purchase tax credits provided under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the typical buyer of new clean technology vocational vehicles and day cabs in 2032 when the standards are fully phased in will save money on the upfront cost of the vehicles and recoup any additional costs, such as the purchase and installation of vehicle charging equipment, in two to four years. The typical buyer of new clean technology sleeper cab will recoup the upfront cost of a vehicle in five years. A purchaser of a heavy-duty truck in 2032 – when the standards are fully phased in – could save between $3,700 and $10,500 on fuel and maintenance costs annually, depending on vehicle type.

Working with Stakeholders Throughout Phase 3 Implementation

EPA’s analysis finds that heavy-duty vehicle technologies, charging and refueling infrastructure, and supply chains will be available to support the final standards. At the same time, EPA has committed to actively monitor and track the technologies the heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers are developing and deploying, and the deployment of heavy-duty vehicle electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure in order to ensure the successful implementation of the Phase 3 program.

EPA will consult with a wide range of stakeholders on an ongoing basis to learn from their experiences and gather relevant information and data. These stakeholders will include, at a minimum, trucking fleets and trucking trade associations; heavy-duty vehicle owner-operators; heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers; investor-owned utilities, public utilities, and electricity cooperatives; infrastructure providers and installers; state and local governments, communities with environmental justice concerns; and environmental and public health NGOs. In consultation with other agencies, beginning as early as 2026, EPA will issue periodic reports reflecting the collected information throughout the lead-up to and during the implementation of the Phase 3 standards. Based on these reports, the agency may decide to issue guidance documents, initiate a future rulemaking to consider modifications to the Phase 3 rule, or make no changes to the program.

In parallel to the Phase 3 rule, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, recently announced the first-ever National Zero Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, an all-of-government action plan for deploying a world-class zero-emission freight network across the nation by 2040. The Strategy prioritizes high-traffic routes and freight hubs to catalyze four phases of public and private investment in heavy-duty zero-emission transportation, with a focus on reducing harmful emissions for the most affected communities.

Investing in America’s Clean Transportation Future 

The final standards align with and support the commitments and billions of dollars’ worth of investments from trucking fleets, vehicle manufacturers, and vehicle technology firms as they plan to increase the use or production of clean vehicle technologies in trucking and other heavy-duty fleets. These investments are resulting in a range of technologies with the potential for further significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty motor vehicles.

EPA recently announced the launch of the $3 billion Clean Ports Program to help tackle emissions from heavy-duty vehicles both in and out of U.S. port communities. Along with EPA’s long-standing Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program which reduces harmful emissions from diesel engines, the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean School Bus Program, and an upcoming clean heavy-duty program to fund the replacement of existing Class 6 or Class 7 vehicles with clean technology vehicles, we are making changes in communities now to reduce emissions from the heavy-duty fleet. Together, these programs are offering billions of dollars in funding to replace older vehicles and engines with clean vehicle technology options.

As the EPA finalizes the rule, the Biden-Harris Administration is also investing funds in communities across America from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to promote clean transportation, including building a national network of EV chargers and alternative-fuel stations; ensuring domestic manufacturers have the materials they need to make EV batteries; and funding clean transit and clean school buses, with priority for underserved communities. In addition, funding through the Inflation Reduction Act will directly support the clean-vehicle transition through support for domestic battery manufacturing and clean vehicle purchases for owners, operators, and businesses.

For more information on the Phase 3 Final Rulemaking, please visit EPA’s Final Rule: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 website. 

Here’s what other leaders are saying about the final rule:

Sean Waters, Vice President Product Integrity for Daimler Truck North America: “We thank the agency for addressing industry concern about the challenges of the early years of the rule and we remain committed to upholding the spirit of this regulation.  At Daimler Truck North America, it is our aspiration to offer only carbon-neutral new vehicles in the U.S. by 2039 and our comprehensive product portfolio of state-of-the-art trucks will ensure our customers can transition to greener transportation on the road ahead.  Ultimately, the successful transition of the commercial vehicle industry is dependent on the availability of reliable zero emission charging and refueling infrastructure and the ability to conduct business at a reasonable cost of ownership.  We appreciate the regulation’s recognition of this fact and look forward to working with the EPA as well as federal and state governments to deliver both.”

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: “Curbing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles is a win-win for the planet and public health. It supports the United States in reaching President Biden’s ambitious climate goals while cleaning up the air we breathe. Today’s rule will be especially critical for disadvantaged communities located near freight corridors that are overburdened by air pollution, as well as the millions of children who are currently riding dirty diesel buses to school each day. I commend the EPA for their continued work to build a clean transportation future for America.”

Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33): “I am glad to see that the EPA’s new emission standards will drastically lower carbon emissions, reducing smog and pollution in the Inland Empire. Not only does this rule make crucial progress in combatting climate change, but it will also contribute to better health outcomes in our community and create more jobs in the clean energy sector. I look forward to working with the EPA on implementing these standards in our community and advocating in Congress for more clean energy solutions.”

Cynthia Williams, Global Director for Sustainability, Ford Motor Company: “The EPA’s new heavy-duty emissions rule is challenging, but Ford is working aggressively to meet the moment. Our industry is making important progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both light- and heavy-duty vehicles. We also need policymakers to pair emission standards with incentives and public investment so that we can continue to deliver on the next generation of vehicles and for our nation to lead the future of this industry.”            

Neha Palmer, CEO and Co-Founder, Terawatt: “Fleet charging solutions providers like Terawatt are proud to be investing billions into infrastructure that supports electrification at scale. We look forward to continue working with fleets incorporating EVs to ensure that charging is available as trucks continue to hit the road — and initiatives that get EVs closer to cost parity with ICE vehicles are crucial. These standards, combined with the National Zero Emission Freight Strategy released earlier this month, gives the industry a coordinated pathway towards accelerated uptake of zero-emission vehicles."

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EPA Analysis shows 2022 increase of toxic chemical releases in Maine

BOSTON (MAR. 26, 2024) — Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis showing that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities covered by the program were 21% lower in 2022 compared to 2013. This includes a 26% decrease in air releases. During this 10-year period, releases from manufacturing facilities decreased by 9% while the value added to the U.S. economy from manufacturing increased by 14%. While overall releases increased by 1% from 2021 to 2022, there was a 6.5% increase in the number of pollution prevention activities reported under the TRI program compared to 2021. 

In Maine, the reporting data shows that over the last 10 years, air emissions from have decreased from 4.3 million pounds to 2.0 million pounds due to air emission reductions and reduced production from paper mills. Additionally, overall releases (including discharges to water and solid waste to landfills) decreased by 40% over the last ten years. However, from 2021 overall releases of pollutants to the environment (including discharges to water and solid waste to landfills) increased by 10% from the previous reporting year (2021) due to increases in waste sent to landfills.

The 2022 TRI National Analysis summarizes environmental releases of TRI chemicals, and how facilities managed their waste. In 2022, facilities reported managing 88.5% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while releasing 11.5% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.

"A big part of how we do our part of protecting the environment and serving our communities is the gathering and analysis of crucial scientific data, which we use to inform and guide our processes moving forward. TRI reporting is one of many ways we do this, and it provides more insight into where pollution may be harming communities and the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We know that that transparency is key, especially for those locations that have been overburdened by environmental issues and concerns. By releasing this information out to the public, we can empower our communities and give guidance on how to proceed with being equipped with this latest environmental data."

EPA, states, and Tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, hazardous waste management and electric utilities. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 522 of the 827 chemicals and chemical categories for which TRI reporting is required. The remaining 305 chemicals either were not manufactured, processed, or used by facilities required to report to TRI or were not manufactured, processed, or used in amounts large enough to trigger reporting.

The 2022 TRI National Analysis features visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities. Readers can view data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region and watershed using the "Where You Live"mapping tool. This tool also allows readers to view facility locations overlayed with demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in communities, including overburdened communities. Community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders can use this information, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may be experiencing a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.

Additionally, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights trends and changes in waste management practices for specific sectors and chemicals in the Sector Profile and Chemical Profile sections. This year, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights the primary metals manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing and metal mining.

EPA is holding a public webinar on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the 2022 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.

Maine: Total On and offsite disposal and releases
During 2022, 78 facilities reported that approximately 7.3 million pounds were released on and off site to the air, water and land (such as landfills), compared to 6.6 million pounds released in 2021 (an increase of 0.7 million pounds). In 2022, approximately 2.0 million pounds were released to the air and 2.2 million pounds were released to surface water. The major pollutants released to the air were methanol at 33% of total air releases and an additional 33% of air releases were ammonia. The major pollutant released to the water were nitrate compounds (at 85% of all releases to water) which can promote algal growth in surface waters. From 2013, on-site releases decreased from 9.1 million pounds in 2012 to 5.7 million pounds in 2022.

Maine: Total Production Related Waste
During 2022, 78 facilities reported that approximately 50.5 million pounds of total production related waste was managed, compared to 79 facilities and 51.5 million pounds managed in 2021 (a decrease of 2.7 million pounds). During 2013, 90 facilities reported approximately 79 million pounds of total production related waste was managed. Total production related waste includes chemicals released directly to the environment, waste that is recycled offsite, waste that is sent offsite for treatment (such as to an incinerator or wastewater treatment system), and waste sent to landfills.

Maine: Top Five Companies
The companies in Maine with the greatest releases included four paper mills and one food processor. The food processor has remailed the same, one paper mill has left, and another has taken its place over the last ten years. The current 5 facilities produced 86% of the releases in the state of Maine. 

Each year, EPA makes publicly available TRI data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ ten or more workers, and which exceed thresholds for chemicals. Reporting includes information on chemicals released at a company's facility, as well as those transported to disposal facilities off site. TRI data do not reflect the relative toxicity of the chemicals emitted or potential exposure to people living in a community with reported releases.

Reporting under TRI does not indicate illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment. EPA works closely with states to provide regulatory oversight of facilities that generate pollution to the nation’s air, land, and water. Effective review and permitting programs work to ensure that the public and the environment are not subjected to unhealthful levels of pollution, even as agencies work to further reduce emissions of chemicals to the environment. Enforcement efforts by EPA and states ensure that facilities that violate their environmental permits are subject to penalties and corrective action. Yearly releases by individual facilities can vary due to factors such as power outages, production variability, lulls in the business cycle, etc., that do not reflect a facility's pollution prevention program(s).

View the 2022 TRI National Analysis, including local data from Maine.

PFAS Reporting

The TRI National Analysis includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A provision of the NDAA outlines criteria for additional PFAS to be automatically added for TRI reporting. For reporting year 2022, four PFAS met the criteria and were added to the reporting requirements for a total of 180 PFAS tracked by the TRI program. During 2022, 50 facilities managed 1.2 million pounds of these chemicals as waste, which represents an 8% decrease compared to 2021.

For reporting year 2024, TRI will no longer have a reporting exemption for facilities that use PFAS in small, or de minimis, concentrations as a result of EPA’s recently published final rule. This rule will improve the quality and quantity of publicly available data on PFAS, as many materials used at facilities contain PFAS in low concentrations. Facilities that make or use these products will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid their responsibility to disclose PFAS releases and other waste management of these chemicals.

Pollution Prevention

Facilities implemented 3,589 total pollution prevention activities in 2022 with the most common being process and equipment modifications, followed by changes to operating practices and training. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.

Industry professionals can view TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at other facilities.

Key Expansions to TRI Reporting

Important expansions to TRI reporting went into effect for reporting year 2022. Some contract sterilization facilities, which are contracted to sterilize products or equipment for hospitals and other facilities, were required to report to TRI for the first time on their management of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol as waste. These facilities managed 6.3 million pounds of ethylene oxide waste, nearly all of which was treated.

Reporting year 2022 was also the first year of expanded reporting for the natural gas processing sector. The 305 facilities in this sector that reported to TRI managed 115 million pounds of TRI chemicals in waste and disposed of 81% of TRI chemicals in underground injection wells.

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EPA announces $194M to King County to improve wastewater infrastructure resiliency, protect Puget Sound

SEATTLE – Today, at an event at the West Point Treatment Plant, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott announced a $194 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to King County in Washington.  

This loan is the first installment of funding available to King County under a new master agreement, where EPA has committed to provide almost $500 million in low-interest funding for future water infrastructure projects.  

Pigott was joined by EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller and King County Executive Daw Constantine in celebrating the announcement. EPA’s loan will support critical wastewater infrastructure updates to make the system more reliable and continue to protect Puget Sound. 

Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced over $20 billion in financing to support over $43 billion in water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 140,000 jobs. 

“EPA’s WIFIA loans have a track record of success and nowhere is that clearer than here in King County, where two loans have already reduced the amounts of sewage and untreated stormwater entering local waterways,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This $194 million loan is just the latest in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Through WIFIA and with $50 billion for water under President Biden’s infrastructure law, EPA is making unprecedented investments and making strides toward a clean and safe water future for all communities.” 

“Making critical improvements in wastewater infrastructure is vital to protecting communities and the environment from pollution emergencies,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell. “The investment being made to the West Point Wastewater Treatment plant will allow the largest wastewater facility in the state of Washington make needed upgrades to help it safely serve the growing Seattle region and protect against untreated wastewater discharges that can harm the Puget Sound ecosystem.” 

“An efficient wastewater treatment plant is critical to protecting the environment and reducing pollution,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “I’m thrilled to have helped secure this loan for King County to make much needed upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant that is responsible for over 100 millions of gallons per day. Not only will this help make the plant more efficient, it will help to keep costs down for every single ratepayer in King County.” 

"I applaud King County for securing this federal loan to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure, while better preparing its system for the climate crisis,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “Communities in my district rely on the health of our waterways and natural environment, and the Biden-Harris Administration's nearly $500 million commitment to King County is a victory investment that will better protect Puget Sound for decades to come." 

King County has already used WIFIA resources twice before to improve stormwater treatment with the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station and to build an underground storage tunnel for the Ship Canal Water Quality Project with Seattle Public Utilities.  

The majority of the latest WIFIA loan will go toward various clean-water investments at West Point Treatment Plant, which cleans wastewater and stormwater. This project makes several improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, including removing corroded pipes, upgrading raw sewage pumps, and implementing structural upgrades to the administrative building to protect against future seismic events. As a result, West Point will protect Puget Sound, a culturally important waterbody to Coast Salish Tribes, and better manage daily and peak flows, which are anticipated to be more intense and frequent due to climate change.  

"The Biden administration is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to protecting the natural environment throughout the country, including one of the nation’s premier waterbodies, the Puget Sound,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Earning a half-billion-dollar commitment for clean-water infrastructure reflects King County’s reputation as a trusted fiscal and environmental steward, producing the best results for each public dollar we invest for people, salmon, and orcas.” 

King County was EPA’s first WIFIA borrower, closing their first loan in 2018, and this will be their third WIFIA loan. With this $194 million loan, King County expects to save nearly $20 million and create about 1,500 jobs. It is the first WIFIA loan under a master agreement that will commit $498 million to accelerate the implementation of the county’s Wastewater 2024 Improvement Project. Future financing will support other critical projects across the regional wastewater system. 

Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Background  

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. 

In 2018, King County was the first loan recipient under the federal act, when the EPA issued a $134.5 million loan to help construct the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station. In 2021, King County closed on a $96.8 million loan to help design and construct the Ship Canal Water Quality Project, which is a partnership with Seattle Public Utilities. 
 
EPA recently made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. A total of $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan. 

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. 

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EPA Fines Scrap Metal Facility in Kansas City, Kansas, for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations

LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 28, 2024) – Scrap Management LLC, doing business as Rivers Edge Scrap Management of Kansas City, Kansas, will pay $144,500 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company failed to adequately control stormwater runoff from its scrap metal recycling and processing facility. EPA says that these failures could result in illegal discharges of pollution into the Kansas River.

“Uncontrolled runoff from scrap yards harms streams and rivers and limits the public’s use and enjoyment of those waters,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting vital watersheds in urban communities, especially in areas overburdened by pollution.

In the settlement documents, EPA alleges that Scrap Management failed to comply with certain terms of its Clean Water Act permit, including failure to update and implement practices to prevent runoff of pollution; failure to perform inspections; and failure to train employees on stormwater management practices.

In addition to paying the penalty, Scrap Management is correcting the alleged violations through implementation of an EPA compliance order.

EPA identified the community surrounding Scrap Management’s facility as a potentially sensitive location for multiple pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.

Under the Clean Water Act, industrial facilities that propose to discharge into protected water bodies are required to obtain permits and follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.

# # #

Learn more about EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Water Act

Learn more about EPA Region 7

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EPA starts lead inspection sweep in the greater Manchester New Hampshire area to prevent childhood lead poisoning

BOSTON (Mar. 28, 2024) – The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) initiative to prevent childhood lead poisoning in communities with a higher risk of lead exposure is coming to the greater Manchester, New Hampshire area. Lead is particularly harmful to children because they are more vulnerable to its effects, which include damage to the brain and nervous system.

The aim of the EPA's lead paint initiative is to reduce childhood lead exposure through increased awareness and improved compliance with federal lead paint requirements, in particular the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) and Lead Disclosure Rules.

"If you live someplace built before 1978, which is quite possible in New England, be aware and share with family and friends how toxic old lead paint chips and dust can be for yourselves and your children," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "EPA is excited to collaborate with state and local partners who continue to tackle this preventable issue - we will use all available tools possible, including assistance, enforcement, and grant opportunities focused on communities with environmental justice concerns."

"Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, it can impact their unborn children's health as well," said Iain Watt, Interim Director of the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services.

"The City of Manchester is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive. Healthy housing is one part of that equation," said Mayor Jay Ruais. "To that end, in 2023 the Board of Mayor and Aldermen established the Manchester Lead Exposure Prevention Commission. This Commission, which is made up of community members from various disciplines and lived experience, will be working to identify strategies to reduce lead poisoning and increase lead hazard awareness and prevention in our community."

As part of the lead paint initiative in Manchester, inspectors will evaluate compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint RRP Rule, which is applicable to renovation job sites involving housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.

Field staff will also be checking to confirm that landlords, including property management and real estate companies, are providing prospective tenants or buyers with proper lead disclosure about the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. Lead disclosures are required, under Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, before the lease or sale of most housing built before 1978.

These efforts will be supported by an increased focus on education, outreach, and compliance assistance in the greater Manchester area and beyond to ensure that regulated parties and the public are aware of the federal lead-based paint requirements.

Background

EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule is designed to prevent children's exposure to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards resulting from renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 residences, schools and other buildings where children are present. If lead painted surfaces are to be disturbed at a job site, the RRP Rule requires individual renovators to complete an initial 8-hour accredited training course and the company or firm that they work for to be certified by EPA. These baseline requirements are critical to ensuring that companies take responsibility for their employees following proper lead-safe work practices by containing and managing lead dust and chips created during such projects. Further, the RRP Rule requires that specific records be created and maintained to document compliance with the law.

EPA's Lead Disclosure Rule is designed to ensure that potential buyers and renters of housing built prior to 1978 receive certain information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent, and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.

More information

Lead

Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead

EPA Lead Enforcement

Report a Violation of Lead Paint Rules in New England

Environmental Justice grant opportunities:

Healthy Communities Grant Program

Community Change Grant Program

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EPA Announces a $4,000,000 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant to the City of Austin

DALLAS, TEXAS (March 27, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing that the City of Austin will receive a Solid Waste Infrastructure Grant (SWIFR) of $4,000,000 to construct and maintain a new reuse warehouse. The warehouse will be an onsite space for redistributing used furniture and building materials and hosting programming. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this grant will improve recycling systems in Austin.

“Through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, EPA has given more than $100 million to cities like Austin to ensure underserved areas can increase their capacity for solid waste recycling and reuse,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Today’s grant will help our partners in Austin extend the life of furniture and building materials, prevent more landfill waste, and help families in need.”

“EPA is proud to support the City of Austin in its efforts to provide its citizens with valuable goods that might otherwise end up in a landfill,” said Cliff Villa, Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. “By redistributing used furniture and building supplies, Austin’s new reuse warehouse will help reduce waste, assist those transitioning out of homelessness, create a circular economy, and build a more resilient community.” 

“Reduce, reuse, recycle: Austin is moving closer toward achieving our long-term goal of zero waste. By preventing usable yet bulky furniture from overwhelming our landfills, we can help our most vulnerable neighbors get back on their feet and create a welcoming home for themselves and their families. The Infrastructure Law I supported is delivering for Central Texas, and I look forward to continue working to obtain additional federal resources for our community,” said Congressman Doggett (TX-37).

“Right now, far too many materials are wasted when they could be recycled and reused by people in need. Improved recycling not only lets these items have a second life — but they’ll be a lifeline to struggling Austinites,” said Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35). “I’m grateful for the Biden Administration supporting this creative way of reducing waste while helping people get back on their feet.”

“Through this grant, Austin will be able to get good used furniture out of our landfills and into the homes of folks transitioning out of homelessness. It’s an innovative and sustainable approach to reducing waste in our city and helping those most vulnerable create a stable home. Thank you to our congressional delegation for your work,” said Mayor Watson.

“We are excited that the EPA has selected our initiative for their grant program,” says Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. “The reuse warehouse will connect valuable items, like furniture, to Austinites who can use them. It will also keep these items out of the landfill as we continue to work toward zero waste.”

The City of Austin has a surplus of valuable goods that are going to the landfill due to space constraints and limited reuse. Austin Resource Recovery, a department of the City of Austin, intends to use the EPA grant funding to permanently fill the resource gap by opening a new reuse warehouse. The new warehouse will accept and redistribute used furniture at no cost to nonprofits and their clients, with a focus on furnishing the homes of those transitioning out of homelessness. The warehouse will eventually expand to also accept building materials. The overall goal of this project will be to reduce the amount of furniture and building materials sent to landfills annually.

This grant reflects 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. Last year, EPA announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements support a circular economy and help lower greenhouse gas emissions, 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. 

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.

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Biden-Harris Administration announces $206 million to selectees to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay through community partnerships

PHILADELPHIA (March 27, 2024) – Today, in Arlington, Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust have been awarded approximately $206 million in grants to fund local projects and technical assistance to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay over the next four years and advance environmental justice.  

EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program announced the grant awards which include $96 million in funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Thanks to this historic boost in funding, today’s announcement marks the most significant single contribution to the Chesapeake Bay Program. This funding announcement is part of the President’s broader effort to protect ecosystems, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity. 

• The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has been selected to receive $193 million to administer the Small Watershed Grant and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction programs. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. The funding for these grants is provided by an $83 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the remaining $110 million was provided by regular appropriations. Examples of projects these investments will fund include installing three green stormwater infrastructure practices to intercept stormwater runoff, building capacity for community-led urban tree canopy planting projects, and the collection of native seed stocks for nurseries.  

• The Chesapeake Bay Trust has been selected receive $13 million to administer a new Community Capacity Building grant program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985, the Chesapeake Bay Trust is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays and Youghiogheny River. Through its grant programs, the Trust engages hundreds of thousands of students and volunteers in projects that have a measurable impact on the natural resources of our region. 

“The Chesapeake Bay is the lifeblood of this region, supporting all those across six states and the District of Columbia who call the Chesapeake Bay watershed home – and those who visit,” said EPA Assistant Deputy Administrator Mark Rupp. “The funding announced today is strategically focused to support conservation projects -- and the people who will implement them – over the next four years to restore both water quality and habitat.” 

“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This historic investment by the Biden-Harris Administration enables EPA to continue to provide game-changing funding for our partners who are equally committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the communities, people and businesses who rely on the Bay.” 

“I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I helped pass, $206 million in Chesapeake Bay Program funding is being awarded to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Trust,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest treasures and a key part of our economy. Not only will this funding bring jobs and infrastructure investments to Virginia, but these grants will support clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Bay through various multi-year projects to protect and restore our wetlands and waterways for generations to come. That’s a win-win.” 

“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is not just an environmental responsibility, it’s an economic imperative for our whole region because countless lives and livelihoods throughout the watershed depend on it,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). “This record investment, made possible through our passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is crucial to reducing the flow of pollution into the Bay, protecting native wildlife habitats, and addressing environmental injustices of the past.” 

“Celebrating this historic funding is not just about the present, but about securing a legacy for the future,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “These projects will serve as guardians, ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains a treasure for generations to come. By investing in restoration and education initiatives, we are not only ensuring we meet our Bay pollution reduction goals, but also cultivating a sense of stewardship for the Bay that will resonate for years to come.” 

“The Chesapeake Bay is a vital and diverse ecosystem that not only serves as a cultural hallmark, but also drives economic prosperity in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8). “As we continue to face the escalating environmental challenges in a warming planet, this historic investment – much of which was funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I strongly supported in Congress – will bolster critical efforts to preserve and restore the Bay. I thank the EPA and its partners for their collective commitment to safeguarding the resilience and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.” 

“This federal investment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Virginia’s communities,” said U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-7). “The Bay is vital to Virginia’s economy and environment — and one of our Commonwealth’s natural treasures. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, the NFWF and Chesapeake Bay Trust are receiving a significant investment to help preserve the Bay, improve the health of the watershed, and continue one of our region’s great success stories. I look forward to seeing this investment in action.”  

“Without strong communities and strong nonprofits realizing multiple benefits from and participating in natural resources efforts, we will not be able to realize our vision of a restored watershed,” said Jana Davis, Chesapeake Bay Trust President. “The Bay Trust will be investing these resources in a wide range of community-based organizations and local governments, many of them historically excluded, to build their capacity to restore watersheds and improve public health.” 

In August 2023, EPA announced it is seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant Program, Small Watershed Grant Program, and Community Capacity Building Grant Program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office. 

These awards reflect EPA’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program and demonstrate its focus on strengthening partnerships to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for these programs will empower communities to implement local programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality while advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. 

Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program 

The Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program funds projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.  

The SWG Program has provided more than $130 million to 560 projects that have permanently protected 180,000 acres under conservation easement, restored more than 1,600 miles of riparian habitat and 14,000 acres of wetlands, and engaged more than 150,000 watershed residents in volunteer conservation and restoration efforts.  

Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction program 

The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate the implementation of water quality improvements, specifically through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships and networks of practitioners with a shared focus on water quality restoration and protection.  

Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $150 million to 346 projects that have reduced 25 million pounds of nitrogen, four million pounds of phosphorus, and 500,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  

Community Capacity Building program 

The new Community Capacity Building program aims to increase the effectiveness of community and frontline organizations working collaboratively to protect and restore rivers and local watersheds by addressing their organizational capacity needs. 

Background:  

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership made up of federal agencies, six states, local governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations that lead and direct the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed. 

Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about its support for the Chesapeake Bay.  

Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available funding opportunities.  

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Digital Media Kit for EPA funding announcement for Chesapeake Bay Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a ceremony alongside federal, state, and local leaders to announce historic funding selections under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to implement local projects to restore the Chesapeake Bay and advance environmental justice. 

In August 2023, EPA announced it was seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the innovative nutrient and sediment reduction grant program, small water grant program, and community capacity building grant program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office. 

Press Kit Attachments:

• Press release (available after 10 a.m.)

• Organizational Fact Sheet

• Speakers Photos & Bios

• NFWF Chesapeake Fund Stewardship Fund  

• NFWF Chesapeake Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants Program

• NFWF Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program 

• Chesapeake Bay Trust Community Capacity Building Background

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EPA New England honors 2024 ENERGY STAR Winners in Conn., Mass. and N.H.

BOSTON, MA (Mar. 26, 2024) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proud to honor New England Region ENERGY STAR winners for their outstanding leadership in support of the clean energy transition. ENERGY STAR Award Winners will be recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, April 25.

"I congratulate this year's award winners for their innovation and leadership in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, protect the climate, and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash.

The awards recognize leaders among the thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500®—that partner with EPA through the ENERGY STAR program. For every $1 EPA spends to administer ENERGY STAR, these partners collectively add $230 of their own investment. The result is: millions of ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, apartments, buildings, and industrial plants across the nation; utility rebate programs reaching 95% of American households; 4 billion tons of greenhouse gas reductions; and $500 billion in cost savings.

New England winners:

• Beacon Capital Partners, Boston, Mass. - A private real estate investment firm that has maintained a longstanding commitment to ENERGY STAR and energy conservation, has implemented several initiatives to support its decarbonization program, and continues to promote the value of ENERGY STAR and energy management to internal staff. Sustained Excellence winner for 11 years.
• BXP, Boston, Mass. -A real estate investment trust that has demonstrated ongoing dedication to corporate sustainability, integrating ENERGY STAR into all aspects of its robust energy management program and achieving significant milestones in its ambitious decarbonization strategy. Sustained Excellence winner for 1 year.
• EBI Consulting, Burlington, Mass. - An environmental risk and compliance consulting firm that has benchmarked 100% of its more than 600 properties in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, earned certification for 98 buildings and enhanced the client experience with ENERGY STAR tools and resources.
• Energize Connecticut in partnership with Eversource and Avangrid, Orange, Conn. – An electric and gas utilities that has leveraged ENERGY STAR criteria and tools across their program portfolio to help customers in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors manage energy use and save money on utility bills. Sustained Excellence winner for 7 years.
• GID, Boston, Mass. - An investor, operator, and developer of commercial real estate that has leveraged ENERGY STAR tools and resources to improve the energy efficiency of its properties and developed several innovative ways to engage with staff to promote its energy management strategy.
• New Hampshire Electric & Gas Utilities, Manchester, NH - A utility consortium that has consistently promoted energy efficiency best practices to builders, energy rating companies, consumers, and other stakeholders, and supported the construction of more than 900 ENERGY STAR certified homes, representing an increase of 20% compared with 2022. Sustained Excellence winner for 10 years.
• Office Properties Income Trust, Newton, Mass. - A real estate investment firm that has maintained its ongoing dedication to improving its energy management program, leveraging ENERGY STAR tools and resources in unique ways to communicate throughout its organization. Sustained Excellence winner for 5 years.
• Rockhill Management, L.L.C., Boston, Mass. - A property management company that has achieved ENERGY STAR Certification for 17 properties, and demonstrated innovation through its Property Playoff campaign, a friendly competition which trained 100% of property managers on how to benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and led to a two percent overall energy reduction across its portfolio from September to November.
• The RMR Group LLC, Newton, Mass. - An asset management company that has demonstrated a commitment to improving its portfolio energy management program, leveraging ENERGY STAR tools and resources in unique ways to communicate throughout its organization. Sustained Excellence winner for 4 years.
• The Sponsors of Mass Save, Westborough, Mass. - A collaboration of gas and electric utilities in Massachusetts that has strategically leveraged the ENERGY STAR brand in consumer education and awareness campaigns, resulting in rebates for more than 29,000 ENERGY STAR certified appliances and smart thermostats. Sustained Excellence winner for 7 years.
• Xerox Corporation, Norwalk, Conn. - A work solutions company specializing in print technology, imaging, and data analytics that has aggressively reduced low-power standby mode energy use in its professional imaging products while also reducing the energy consumption of its other imaging equipment products by up to 49%. Sustained Excellence winner for 2 years.

Read more about the ENERGY STAR Awards and all 2024 ENERGY STAR Award Winners' achievements.

About ENERGY STAR

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

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EPA Announces 2024 ENERGY STAR Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Energy Efficiency and a Clean Future

WASHINGTON – Today, March 26, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the winners of the 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Awards. These 211 organizations, which represent the top ENERGY STAR program partners, are making significant contributions in support of the clean energy transition. They come from 38 states and localities, representing multiple economic sectors. The winners will be recognized at an event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 25. 

“Public-private partnerships such as ENERGY STAR are essential to enabling us to meet the historic opportunity that the President’s Inflation Reduction Act provides,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for their innovation and leadership, in delivering cost-effective energy efficient solutions that create jobs, protect the climate, and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.”

Today’s awards recognize leaders among the thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including nearly 40% of the Fortune 500®—that partner with the EPA through the ENERGY STAR program. For every $1 the EPA spends to administer ENERGY STAR, these partners collectively add $230 of their own investment. The result is: millions of ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, apartments, buildings, and industrial plants across the nation; utility rebate programs reaching 95% of American households; 4 billion tons of greenhouse gas reductions; and $500 billion in cost savings. 

Among today’s ENERGY STAR award winners, 160 partners have demonstrated an ongoing, year after year commitment to energy efficiency. These award winners are being recognized through the program’s highest honor: ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. 

Here are a few examples of how 2024 ENERGY STAR Award Winners are taking action:

•    (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) A.O. Smith, a manufacturer of water heating and water treatment products, launched a new website design that highlights ENERGY STAR products for homeowner and trade professional audiences and features a heat pump water heater product page banner to promote the latest innovations in energy efficiency.  
•    (Charlotte, North Carolina) Atrium Health, a healthcare organization, significantly improved energy efficiency and increased the average ENERGY STAR score of its portfolio of hospitals, medical office buildings and more by almost 5% in 2023. 
•    (Richfield, Minnesota), Best Buy Co. Inc., a seller of electronics and appliances, demonstrated its dedication to ENERGY STAR by holistically using ENERGY STAR as a key strategy to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and drive consumer adoption of efficient products by stocking more than 4,150 different models of ENERGY STAR certified products across stores nationwide. 
•    (Irvine, California) Bosch Home Appliances, a residential kitchen and laundry appliances manufacturer, revamped its offerings of highly efficient appliances to meet new ENERGY STAR requirements and significantly enhanced its marketing and media focus on energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR, earning billions of impressions. 
•    (Southfield, Michigan) Grede Holdings, a manufacturer of ductile, gray and specialty iron castings, built a comprehensive industrial energy program using ENERGY STAR energy management guidance and achieved a 5% reduction in energy intensity over 2022. 
•    (Anaheim, California) Greenlite, a manufacturer of lighting products, expanded its offerings through one utility implementer’s programs by over 15 million ENERGY STAR certified bulbs, resulting in over $60 million in energy savings for consumers.  
•    (Malibu, California) Green Econome, an energy-efficiency consulting and construction firm, helped to benchmark more than 1,200 of its clients’ properties in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®.  
•    (Prescott, Arizona) Mandalay Homes, a regional home builder, constructed nearly 150 ENERGY STAR certified homes in 2023, for a total of over 1,400 since joining the program in 2013, and launched a maintenance program to help new and re-sale buyers ensure that their ENERGY STAR certified homes continue to perform well.  
•    (Greenbelt, Maryland) National Asphalt Pavement Association, a trade association representing asphalt mixture producers and paving contractors, increased the visibility of the ENERGY STAR program and championed energy efficiency as key strategies to reduce the embodied carbon of the industry’s products at industry events and in trade press. 
•    (Boston, Massachusetts) Rockhill Management LLC, a property management company, achieved ENERGY STAR Certification for 17 properties, and demonstrated innovation through its Property Playoff campaign, a friendly competition that trained 100% of property managers on how to benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and led to a 2% overall energy reduction across its portfolio from September to November.
•    (Streetsboro, Ohio) Softlite Windows & Doors, a window and door manufacturer, demonstrated its strong support of ENERGY STAR by offering 156 product lines, with 100% having an ENERGY STAR certified option, while actively improving the current product lines to meet new, more stringent ENERGY STAR criteria.
•    (Irving, Texas) U.S. EcoLogic, a home energy rating company, certified more than 3,600 homes as ENERGY STAR in 2023, for a total of nearly 60,000 since 2002, and developed new software to enhance its ENERGY STAR certification process with exception reporting to identify data anomalies, reporting archives, photos, timestamps, and geolocations.
•    (Denver, Colorado) Xcel Energy-Colorado, an electric utility and natural gas company, supported the construction of more than 1,800 ENERGY STAR certified homes and hosted meetings with the community, builders, and energy rating companies to answer questions about rebuilding, energy efficiency and available incentives. 

Read more about the ENERGY STAR Awards and Award Winners’ achievements.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with the EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. Please see more background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts.

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EPA celebrates $3 billion in WIFIA loans, investing in America’s infrastructure this World Water Day

Today, March 22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is celebrating World Water Day and releasing its 2023 Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) annual report. The report highlights $3 billion in water infrastructure investments across the country. These investments in local communities protect public health and the environment, create good-paying jobs, and help support affordable water bills compared to alternative financing options.    

“This World Water Day, EPA is celebrating historic investments we’re making in the nation’s water infrastructure to secure the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Last year, we committed $3 billion through our WIFIA loan program and more through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These federal dollars are at work in your neighborhood, making drinking water safer and wastewater systems more effective while creating thousands of good-paying jobs.”    

From Philadelphia (pdf) to St. Louis and San Francisco (pdf), WIFIA loans finalized in 2023 are benefiting communities across the country by providing lo w-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects. In 2023, EPA closed $3 billion in WIFIA loans supporting water infrastructure in 10 states and strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems that support 16 million people. Through these loans, communities and water systems are saving approximately $1 billion while project construction and operation are creating nearly 20,000 jobs.  In addition to loan closings, the WIFIA program made significant progress building the pipeline of future loans. The WIFIA program selected over 30 water infrastructure projects for future funding.    

EPA’s WIFIA loan program is one of several ways EPA is investing in the nation’s water infrastructure, this World Water Day and year-round. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is investing $50 billion in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. To date, EPA has invested more than $13 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds across all 50 states and territories. Explore an interactive StoryMap highlighting water infrastructure success stories.

For more information about WIFIA’s 2023 successes, view the annual report or the WIFIA Fund Facts Dashboard.

Background:

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.

EPA made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital drinking water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

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EPA partners with 10 communities to foster equitable development strategies to reach environmental goals

WASHINGTON – Today, March 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that ten communities will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Together, EPA and the local communities will pursue development strategies that expand upon existing Brownfields efforts and advance clean air, clean water, equitable development and other local goals.

“Many communities are looking to grow in ways that create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life, while also protecting the environment,” said EPA Associate Administrator for Policy Vicki Arroyo. “Our Building Blocks program provides assistance with proven development strategies to help communities plan for a healthier, more vibrant future.”

EPA’s Office of Community Revitalization selected communities through a targeted outreach effort in a partnership with the Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization and Regional offices across the United States. This technical assistance will help communities:

• Ensure their development decisions address environmental justice concerns in underserved and overburdened communities.
• Preserve their natural resources and community character, while allowing for economic growth.
• Create vibrant, walkable and revitalized neighborhoods.

In 2024, EPA staff will lead projects in ten communities, including convening federal, state, regional and local partners, and contractor support, for two-day in-person workshops. The projects will address development-oriented and equity issues on two topics: Planning for Equitable Development and Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Communities.

Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to over 200 communities in 47 states. With this assistance, community groups, local governments and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to protect the environment, improve public health, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change and improve overall quality of life.

Recipients of the 2024 Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program

Region 1

The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Point Pleasant, Maine, has worked with EPA’s Brownfields program to remediate a site on their land and redevelop for the development and enrichment of Tribal youth, promoting traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. “I’m extremely excited for this new opportunity for the youth! I work very closely in the community, and I have four boys myself. This is going to be an amazing venture for them,” said Melissa Dana, member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. “Coming as a parent of all boys who are all adventurous and spend half their time in the woods, this is definitely going to be utilized.”

Region 2

The Akwesasne/St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, N.Y. straddles the Canadian border at the 45^th parallel and is downstream from three Superfund sites. The community intends to use the Building Blocks process to collaboratively plan for an Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex on a site that is undergoing an environmental site assessment. “Our selection for inclusion to the EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program represents further progress towards the long-held goal of constructing a new and modern Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex,” said St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Executive Director, Tsiorasa Barreiro. “The Technical Assistance resources provided by the program will help our Environment and Economic Development teams engage our community in workshops to develop a strong cultural action plan and final design for the Heritage Center.” The Heritage Center will serve as a cultural anchor for the community, potentially housing both a museum and library.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a small, federally recognized tribe residing on the Shinnecock Reservation in Suffolk County, on the southern shore of Long Island, New York. The tribe seeks to clean up and reuse contaminated properties to maximize the limited amount of developable land in their territory.  “Our Building Blocks project will be the critical first step towards remediation of multiple abandoned properties and support our sustainable development for the wellbeing of the people and wildlife, alike,” said Shavonne Smith, Environmental Director.

Region 5

Austin, Minn., is a city with a large immigrant and refugee community that will focus their Building Blocks project on a commercial corridor facing some challenging redevelopment issues, including several Brownfield sites. The Equitable Development tool will help the city strengthen housing, health, equity and connectivity opportunities in partnership with community organizations and stakeholders. “We look forward to encouraging proper redevelopment while addressing health and equity concerns in partnership with the Building Blocks team,” said City Administrator Craig Clark.

Manitowoc, Wis., is a small city with a strong maritime and industrial legacy located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It will use the Building Blocks process to focus on a neighborhood near the Manitowoc River that is experiencing disinvestment due to the departure of the aluminum manufacturing industry. “Working with the Building Blocks team will provide residents and businesses an opportunity to meaningfully engage and shape a vision for this near downtown neighborhood and identify redevelopment opportunities that will have a positive impact,” said Mayor Justin M. Nickels. The city plans to incorporate equity from the outset as they engage residents and work towards identifying redevelopment opportunities to best address the transportation, housing and other needs of the area.

Region 7

Jennings, Mo., is a city of 13,000 in the St. Louis metropolitan area, working to transform their West Florissant Business Corridor downtown into a safe, walkable and thriving business district. The city – which has suffered the economic and public health impacts of racial discrimination for decades – will convene local, regional, state and federal organizations to coordinate efforts to address commercial vacancies in Jennings and rebuild the Corridor to work best for residents and business owners. “Residents often share their memories of what that corridor once was — a pillar of the community, and a place where residents could get everything they needed,” said Anni Dineen, Economic Development Coordinator of Jennings. “This opportunity will equip us to restore the thriving aspects of the corridor in an equitable and sustainable way.”

Region 8

Cheyenne, Wyo., will use Building Blocks tools to address urban sprawl, housing shortages and affordability issues. Cheyenne has experienced steady growth in recent years and has recently begun to address these issues through proposed and recently passed code amendments. “Our community will address challenges related to stormwater, green space and transportation options through the Building Blocks process,” said Lonnie Olson, Cheyenne city planner. Cheyenne intends to apply a smart growth lens to current codes and identify strategies to foster compact, mixed-use development.

Mandan, N.D., a city along the Missouri River adjacent to the state capitol Bismarck, is bringing together stakeholders to prioritize concerns and elevate solutions to revitalize an underutilized corridor in town. “We strive to create a vibrant neighborhood with high-quality residential units that meet market demands and enhance accessibility for residents,” said City Administrator Jim Neubauer. "We will identify stakeholder concerns and priorities and identify plans to address them.”

Region 10

Chiloquin, Ore., is a small rural town located within the ancestral homeland of the Klamath Tribes. In addition to two Brownfield projects, the city and key partners have several other state and federal projects underway, including a Safe Routes to School project, a parks master planning process and a tiny homes initiative. “We are excited to use Building Blocks assistance to ensure the city engages in an equitable and collaborative approach to these important upcoming community decisions,” said Cathy A. Stuhr, Chiloquin Brownfield Program Manager.

Palouse, Wash., a small town in eastern Washington along the Idaho border, won a Brownfields Award in 2023. Palouse is experiencing external growth pressures from two nearby universities. “We are eager to build upon the momentum of revitalizing our Main Street by addressing housing, economic development and sustainability goals,” said Mayor Tim Sievers.

Learn more about the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/q4sWipg