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

WASHINGTON – Today, July 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army announced today a joint project to conduct sampling and testing of private drinking water wells located near Army installations for the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This effort will inform Army remedial actions if results indicate that PFAS is found in drinking water, because PFAS contamination has spread and may potentially be impacting the drinking water wells of nearby residents.

The joint EPA-Army sampling and testing project, which is being implemented nationally, has identified a priority list of nine installations out of 235 locations. As initial work is completed, EPA and the Army will evaluate additional installations for expansion of the pilot. EPA and the Army are working in partnership to identify next steps to ensure the public remains safe from exposure to PFAS potentially originating from these installations. This initial joint program is another step in EPA’s efforts to protect people from the health risks posed by exposure to “forever chemicals” in communities across the country.

The installations scheduled for sampling under the program are:

• Fort Novosel (Alabama)
• Fort Hunter Liggett – Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (California)
• Fort Stewart (Georgia)
• Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield (Georgia)
• Blue Grass Army Depot (Kentucky)
• Fort Campbell (Kentucky & Tennessee)
• Fort Liberty (North Carolina)
• Fort Sill (Oklahoma)
• McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (Oklahoma)

“PFAS pose significant risks to drinking water supplies and public health, which is why the EPA and the Army are testing water from wells in communities near Army installations to determine if these dangerous forever chemicals are polluting drinking water,” said David M. Uhlmann, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Members of the military, their families, and surrounding communities deserve access to clean, safe drinking water. EPA welcomes the opportunity to share our expertise and work with the Army on this important project, which will help advance EPA’s PFAS National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative.”

“The Army commenced a comprehensive program in 2017 to identify potential PFAS releases at hundreds of Army and Army National Guard installations across the country. These initial investigations, completed by the Army in 2023, were instrumental in narrowing the focus to 235 locations where we will proceed with more in-depth investigations.” said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment. “For the nine installations that are part of our joint pilot program with EPA, the Army has already begun more in-depth investigations. The Army welcomes EPA’s collaboration as it continues to evaluate whether PFAS from past Army activities has impacted our neighboring communities and if so, takes steps to mitigate those impacts.”

If the sampling indicates that PFAS is present in groundwater or drinking water above the new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by EPA, then the Army will work with EPA and state regulators to assess what additional actions are necessary to mitigate exposure.

PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are being found worldwide. PFAS have been found in groundwater and soil at many federal facilities, including at military sites. The Army has used PFAS in various operations, including in foam to extinguish fires.

EPA and the Army will share information and update both EPA’s and DoD’s PFAS websites as information becomes available. For more information about PFAS, please visit EPA’s or DoD’s PFAS websites. Please visit EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative website: Addressing Exposure to PFAS to learn more about EPA’s PFAS enforcement. Residents with concerns about PFAS in drinking water can also consult EPA’s guidance on the use of home filters to reduce PFAS levels.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Protect Communities from PFAS

In addition to efforts across the government, EPA has taken action under the agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to control PFAS at its sources, hold polluters accountable, ensure science-based decision making, advance environmental justice, and address the impacts on disadvantaged communities. Since launching the Roadmap in 2021, EPA has taken a suite of actions to protect communities from exposure to “forever chemicals” including:

• Established first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS: In April 2024, EPA finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS which will protect 100 million people from PFAS exposure, prevent tens of thousands of serious illnesses, and save lives. This action complements the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combatting PFAS pollution and delivering clean water.
• Dedicated $10 billion in funding to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in water: President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law secured the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution in water, including $9 billion for drinking water and $1 billion for clean water investments. An additional $12 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports general drinking water investments, including PFAS treatment. The investments are part of the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
• Designated Two PFAS as Hazardous Substances: In April 2024, EPA finalized a critical rule to designate two widely used PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. This step improves transparency and accountability to clean up PFAS contamination in communities. In addition to the final rule, EPA issued a separate CERCLA enforcement discretion policy that makes clear that EPA will focus enforcement on parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment.
• Guidance on Destroying and Disposing of PFAS: In April 2024, EPA released updated Interim Guidance which outlines the best-available science on techniques and treatments that may be used to destroy or dispose of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials from non-consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foam for firefighting, and highlights innovation and emerging technologies that warrant further evaluation.
• Addressing on-going uses of PFAS: In January 2024, EPA finalized a rule that prevents companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 PFAS; released three methods to better measure PFAS in the environment; and announced the addition of seven PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), consistent with the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/tvzO1xj

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

WASHINGTON – Hoje, dia 25 de julho de 2024, a Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos EUA anunciou mais de US$ 325 milhões em financiamento para 21 projetos aprovados para ajudar comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática. Os projetos visam reduzir a poluição, aumentar a resiliência climática das comunidades e fortalecer a capacitação da comunidade. Viabilizado pela Lei de Redução da Inflação do Presidente Biden, o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária é o maior investimento em justiça ambiental e climática da história. O anúncio da alocação dos recursos de hoje é a primeira parte dos quase US$ 2 bilhões do programa, que foi elaborado com base nas contribuições da comunidade para conceder subsídios de forma contínua.

Essas propostas selecionadas são as primeiras a serem contempladas pelo processo de inscrição em fluxo contínuo do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária. Elaborado com base em um sólido envolvimento das partes interessadas e no feedback da comunidade, o processo inovador de inscrições em fluxo contínuo garantirá que os candidatos tenham tempo suficiente para se preparar e usufruir dessa oportunidade histórica. A Notificação de Oportunidade de Financiamento (NOFO), do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária, administrado pelo Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos, ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024. A EPA continuará analisando as solicitações e anunciando os projetos selecionados de forma contínua.

“Nossa capacidade de oferecer resultados concretos para as comunidades depende de ouvir suas necessidades e desenvolver soluções inovadoras por meio de um engajamento inclusivo com as partes interessadas”, afirmou o Gestor da EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Hoje, graças à Lei de Redução da Inflação do presidente Biden, a EPA selecionou o primeiro grupo de parcerias comunitárias para resolver desafios atuais e de longa data relacionados à justiça ambiental e climática.”

“Os subsídios de presente colocam as comunidades no comando da jornada para corrigir os erros ambientais do passado e construir, de forma autônoma, um futuro voltado para a energia limpa”, declarou John Podesta, Conselheiro Sênior do Presidente para Política Climática Internacional.

“A iniciativa Investindo na América, do presidente Biden, ampliou nossos esforços para proporcionar justiça ambiental às comunidades que foram negligenciadas por muito tempo”, comentou Brenda Mallory, presidente do Conselho de Qualidade Ambiental da Casa Branca. “Como parte da Iniciativa Justice40, do Presidente, esses subsídios ajudarão comunidades menos favorecidas a enfrentar os desafios de justiça ambiental e climática que enfrentam, reduzindo a poluição, aumentando a resiliência aos impactos das mudanças climáticas e fortalecendo a capacidade das comunidades para levar esses projetos adiante.”

A Lei de Redução da Inflação destina US$ 3 bilhões à EPA para conceder subsídios que auxiliam comunidades menos favorecidas e proporcionam auxílio técnico. Com esses subsídios, a EPA está cumprindo essa missão.

Os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária também cumprem o compromisso do Presidente Biden de promover a igualdade e a justiça em todo os EUA por meio da Iniciativa Justice40, que visa garantir que 40% dos benefícios totais de certos investimentos federais sejam destinados a comunidades menos favorecidas, que convivem com a falta de investimentos e com os efeitos nocivos da poluição.

Alguns exemplos de subsídios desta primeira etapa seleção são:

• Quase US$ 20 milhões para a Associação de Recursos Energéticos Tribais do Meio-Oeste (MTERA, na sigla em inglês) e para a Grid Alternatives para a implementação de projetos de melhorias de eficiência energética e climatização em 35 comunidades de povos originários de Michigan, Minnesota e Wisconsin, melhorando a qualidade do ar em ambientes fechados para as famílias e oferecendo treinamento de desenvolvimento de liderança para os Campeões da Energia dos Povos Originários indicados. Em maio, a MTERA também recebeu um subsídio de US$ 62 milhões do programa Energia Solar Para Todos (em inglês, Solar for All), da EPA.
• US$ 20 milhões para a Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e para o Instituto Técnico-Comercial de Los Angeles para desenvolver treinamentos em justiça ambiental para redução de chumbo, soldagem, manutenção de veículos híbridos e elétricos, climatização de ambientes residenciais e auditorias de energia residencial. Com a concessão desse subsídio, espera-se que os projetos aprovados concluam ações de redução de chumbo em mais de 600 unidades residenciais no sul de Los Angeles.
• Mais de US$ 14 milhões para a Universidade Texas A&M e para o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas do Cinturão Negro destinados à instalação local de sistemas de tratamento de águas residuais em 17 condados do Cinturão Negro, no Alabama. Regan, Gestor da EPA, já havia visitado o Condado de Lowndes, no Alabama, onde as fossas sépticas com defeito e o esgoto canalizado das casas para os quintais provocaram uma crise de saúde pública na região. Essa comunidade também recebeu um empréstimo 100% subsidiado de US$ 8,7 milhões da Lei de Infraestrutura Bipartidária para enfrentar os problemas graves de esgoto que afetam as famílias que moram na região.
• Aproximadamente US$ 14 milhões para o Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e para o  PowerCorpsPHL, para expandir os programas de capacitação profissional relacionados à silvicultura urbana e à redução de resíduos de madeira, expandindo a cobertura de árvores na Filadélfia e em Pittsburgh e evitando que os resíduos de madeira sejam depositados em aterros sanitários. Este subsídio também inclui recursos para utilizar biochar na redução da poluição por chumbo nos solos de Pittsburgh.

A Fase I do programa, denominada Investimentos Comunitários para a Mudança, deve conceder aproximadamente US$ 1,96 bilhões para 150 projetos, com valores entre US$ 10 e 20 milhões cada. Os 17 candidatos da Fase I que estão implementando projetos em escala comunitária para enfrentar desafios de justiça ambiental e climática são:

• A Universidade A&M do Texas e o Programa de Águas Residuais Não Incorporadas de Black Belt (condados de Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes, AL)
• O município de Bakersfield e a iniciativa Construindo Comunidades Saudáveis, em Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• O Centro de Aconselhamento La Familia S/A e Projeto de Recursos Comunitários (Sacramento, CA)
• A Aliança para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário Responsável e Faculdade Técnica de Comércio de Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
• A Fundação San Diego e a Aliança de Saúde Ambiental (San Diego, CA)
• Day One e Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• A Cidade de Pocatello e a Fundação Portneuf Greenway (Pocatello, ID)
• A Universidade de Dillard e a United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• A Cidade de Springfield e o Instituto de Saúde Pública do Oeste de Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• A Associação de Recursos Energéticos dos Povos Originários do Meio-Oeste e a Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• O Sistema MetroHealth e a Soluções de Habitação Comunitária (Cleveland, OH)
• Condado de Lane, Oregon e a United Way do Condado de Lane (Condado de Lane, OR)
• O Núcleo de Conservação de Pittsburgh e o PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Filadélfia, PA)
• A Associação para Terras Públicas e Cidade de Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• A Cidade de Houston e a National Black United Fund (Houston, TX)
• A Associação da Universidade Gonzaga e a Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• Fundação Nacional de Habitação e Centro do Direito da Criança de Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)

Já na Modalidade II, Envolvimento significativo para governança equitativa, espera-se que sejam concedidos aproximadamente US$ 40 milhões para 20 projetos de US$ 1 a 3 milhões cada. Os candidatos da Fase II que facilitarão a participação individual e comunitária nos processos de tomada de decisão governamental são:

• Insight Garden Program e Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (vários locais na Califórnia)
• O The Trust for Public Land e o See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• O Special Service for Groups, Inc. e o Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
• A Bronx River Alliance, Inc. e o Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Condado do Bronx, NY)

Dos 21 projetos aprovados, três são para Áreas de Investimento-alvo identificadas na NOFO. O subsídio de Áreas de Investimento-alvo tem como objetivo garantir que o financiamento do Programa Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária seja direcionado a comunidades menos favorecidas com situações, circunstâncias geográficas e necessidades únicas.

Consulte a lista completa das 21 organizações que começaram a receber um subsídio do CCGP e saiba mais sobre o CCGP.

Como o Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária ainda está aceitando inscrições até o dia 21 de novembro de 2024, a EPA incentiva os candidatos a submeterem seus projetos para apreciação assim que atenderem completamente aos requisitos do NOFO. A EPA fará selecionará outros projetos em um fluxo de inscrições contínuo até o fim de 2024. A EPA também incentiva os candidatos interessados a solicitar auxílio técnico o mais rápido possível, pois o último dia para solicitar novo auxílio técnico é o dia 16 de agosto de 2024.

Leia o NOFO do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária na página do Programa de Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA.

Para saber mais sobre os Subsídios para Mudança Comunitária e a sobre o Auxílio Técnico, acesse a página do Programa de Subsídios para a Mudança Comunitária da Lei de Redução da Inflação da EPA.

Para saber mais sobre o tema da justiça ambiental na EPA, acesse a página de Justiça ambiental da EPA. 

Para obter informações atualizadas sobre o NOFO, inclusive informações sobre os webinars, cadastre-se no listserv do Gabinete de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos enviando um e-mail em branco para: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Acompanhe nossas atualizações no X (antigo Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/Fx3OsWY

Ipinahayag ng Biden-Harris Administration ang Higit sa $325 Milyon para sa Mga Environmental at Climate Justice Community Change Grant

Makipag-ugnay sa: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON – Ngayong araw, Hulyo 25, 2024, ipinahiwatig ng U.S. Environmental Protection Agency na higit sa $325 milyon na pondo para sa 21 napiling mga application para makatulong sa mga nahihirapang komunidad upang maharap ang mga pagbabago sa environment at climate justice sa pamamagitan ng mga proyekto na nagbabawas sa polusyon, magpapalakas sa tibay ng komunidad laban sa pagbabago sa klima at mapalakas rin ang kakayahan ng komunidad. Ito ay magaganap salamat sa Inflation Reduction Act ni President Biden, ang Community Change Grants Program ay ang nag-iisang pinakamalaking pamumuhunan para sa environment at climate justice sa buong kasaysayan. Ang pahayag ng pagpopondo ngayong araw ay ang unang bahagi ng halos $2 bilyon mula sa programa na nilikha batay sa input ng komunidad patungo sa mga award grant na patuloy na ibinibigay.

Ang mga napiling application ay unang dumating sa ilalim ng Community Change Grants Program na proseso ng patuloy na application. Nababatay sa impormasyon ng matatag na pagiging bahagi ng stakeholder at feedback mula sa komunidad, ang innovative na patuloy na application process ay makakatiyak sa mga aplikante na mayroon silang sapat na oras upang makapaghanda at mapakinabangan ang makasaysayang mapagkukuhanan ng impormasyon at tulong na ito. Ang Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), na pinamamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, ay tumatanggap pa rin ng mga application hanggang Nobyembre 21, 2024. Magpapatuloy ang EPA sa pagre-review ng mga application at patuloy ang pagpapahiwatig ang mga napili.

“Ang aming kakayahan na makapaghatid ng mga makikitang resulta para sa mga komunidad ay nababatay sa pakikinig sa kanila at pagde-develop ng mga innovative na solusyon sa pamamagitan ng pagiging bahagi ng mga stakeholder,” sabi ni EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Ngayong araw, salamat sa Inflation Reduct Act ni Presidente Biden, napili ng EPA ang unang kapartner sa komunidad para malutas ang mga bagong natutuklasan at matagal nang mga hamon sa environment at sa climate justice.

“Ang mga grant ngayong ay naglalagay sa mga komunidad sa punong posisyon patungo sa pagwawasto sa mga kamalian sa kapaligiran na naganap dat at pagpapatatag sa sarili nilang clean energy para sa hinaharap,” sinabi ni John Podesta, Senior Advisor sa President for International Climate Policy.

“Ang Investing in America na agenda ni Presidente Biden ay nagpabilis sa aming mga pagsisikap upang makapaghatid ng environmental justice sa mga komunidad na matagal nang napag-iiwanan,” sabi ni Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Bilang parte ng Justice40 Initiative ng Presidente, ang mga grant na ito ay makakatulong sa mga naghihirap na komunidad na maharap ang mga hamon sa environment at climate justice sa pamamagitan ng pagbabawas sa polusyon,pagpapatatag sa mga epektong sanhi ng climate change, at pagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng komunidad para matiyak na matatapos ang lahat ng mga proyekto.”

Ang Inflation Reduction Act ay nagkakaloob ng $3 bilyon sa EPA patungo sa mga award grant na makakatulong sa mga hirap na komunidad at magkakaloob ng technical na tulong. Sa mga grant na ito, natutupad ng EPA ang layunin nito.

Ang Community Change Grants ay nagsasakatuparan rin sa pananagutan ni Presidente Biden para mapasulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay at katarungan sa kabuuan ng Estados Unidos sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang Justice40 Initiative upang matiyak na ang 40 porsiyento ng mga pangkalahatang benepisyo ng ilang mga pederal na pamumuhunan ay mapupunta sa mga hirap na komunidad na nahihiwalay sanhi ng kakulangan sa pamumuhunan at sobrang nahihirapan sanhi ng polusyon.

Ang mga halimbawang grant para sa paunang napili na grupo ay kinabibilangan ng:

• Halos $20 milyon sa Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives para makapagkabit ng home weatherization at energy efficiency na mga upgrade sa lahat ng 35 Tribes sa Michigan, Minnesota, at Wisconsin, na magpapahusay sa kalidad ng hanging sa looban para sa mga pamilya at pagkakaloob ng leadership development training para sa mga natakdang Tribal Energy Champions. Ang MTERA ay nakatanggap rin ng $62 milyong gantimpala mula sa EPA Solar for All program noong Mayo.
• $20 milyon sa Coalition for Responsible Community Development at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College upang mapalakas ang environmental justice workforce development trainings para sa pagtatanggal ng lead, welding, maintenance ng hybrid at electric na sasakyan, home weatherization, at residential energy na mga pag-audit. Sa pamamagitan ng grant na ito, ang mga napiling aplikante ay inaasahang makakakumpleto sa pagtatanggal ng lead sa higit sa 600 mga tahanan sa buong Southern Los Angeles.
• Higit sa $14 milyon sa Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program para makapagkabit ng wastewater treatment systems para sa site mismo sa lahat ng 17 Black Belt na mga county sa Alabama. Dati nang bumisita si Administrator Regan sa Lowndes County, Alabama—na ang mga di gumagana ng wastong tangke at mga straight piped na sewage mula sa mga bahay patungo sa mga yard ay lumikha ng isang pampublikong krisis sa rehiyon. Ang komunidad na ito ay nakatanggap rin ng 100% na maaaring patawarin na $8.7 milyon na pautang mula sa Bipartisan Infrastructure Law para matugunan ang kritikal na mga hamon sa wastewater na nakaka-apekto sa mga pamilya.
• Halos $14 milyon para sa Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL para mapalawak ang mga programa sa mga manggagawa sa urban forestry at pagbabawas ng wood waste (mga labi na galing sa kahoy), pagpapalawak sa tree canopy sa Philadelphia at Pittsburgh at tiyakin na malayo mula sa mga landfill ang wood waste. Ang grant na ito ay kinabibilangan rin ng mga pondo upang mapakaunti ang biochar sa pagbabawas ng polusyon ng lead sa mga lupa sa Pittsburgh.

Track I ng programa, 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. Ang mga aplikante ng 17 Track I na nagpapatupad ng saklaw ang buong komunidad na mga proyekto para matugunan ang mga hamon sa environment at climate justice ay:

• Texas A&M University at Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes Counties, AL)
• City of Bakersfield at Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. at Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
• Coalition for Responsible Community Development at Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
• The San Diego Foundation at The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
• Day One at Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• City of Pocatello at Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)
• Dillard University at United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• City of Springfield at Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association at Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• Ang MetroHealth System at Community Housing Solutions (Cleveland, OH)
• Lane County Oregon at United Way of Lane County (Lane County, OR)
• Pittsburgh Conservation Corps at PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
• Ang Trust for Public Land at City of Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• City of Houston at Black United Fund of Texas (Houston, TX)
• Corporation of Gonzaga University at Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• National Housing Trust at D.C. Children’s Law Center (Washington, D.C.)

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. Ang mga aplikante ng Track II na mangangasiwa sa indibiduwal at komunidad na paglalahok sa mga proseso ng pagdedesisyon ng gobyerno ay:

• Insight Garden Program at Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple locations in CA)
• Ang Trust for Public Land at See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• Special Service for Groups, Inc. at Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bronx River Alliance, Inc. at Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Bronx County, NY)

Mula sa mga napiling 21, ang tatlo ay para sa Target Investment Areas na natiyak sa NOFO. Ang pagpopondo sa Target Investment Area ay nilalayon upang matiyak na ang Community Change Grants Program na pagpopondo ay nakatuon patungo sa mga hirap na komunidad na may mga bukod-tanging mga pangyayari, heograpiya at pangangailangan.

Tingnan ang kumpletong listahan ng paunang 21 organizations na makakatanggap ng CCGP grant at lubos pang alamin ang tungkol sa CCGP.

Dahil ang Community Change Grants Program ay tumatanggap pa rin ng mga application hanggang Nobyembre 21, 2024, hinihikayat ng EPA ang mga aplikante na magsumite ng mga application sa sandaling ganap na nilang natugunan ang mga requirement ng NOFO. Ang EPA ay magsasagawa ng patuloy na pagpipili hanggang sa katapusan ng 2024. Hinihikayat rin ng EPA ang mga interesadong aplikante na mag-apply para sa technical na tulong hangga’t maaaari, dahil ang huling araw para mag-request ng bagong technical na tulong ay Agosto 16, 2024.

Basahin ang Community Change Grants NOFO sa Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program sa webpage ng EPA.

Upang lubos pang matutunan ang tungkol sa Community Change Grants at Technical Assistance bumisita sa Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage ng EPA.

Para lubos pang matutunan ang tungkol sa environmental justice sa EPA, bumisita sa Environmental Justice webpage ng 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. Ifollow kami sa X (dating kilala bilang Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/2bGqsNY

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $20 Million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant to District of Columbia Organizations

PHILADELPHIA — (July 25, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $20 million in funding for District of Columbia organizations to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.

Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.

The National Housing Trust and D.C. Children’s Law Center will retrofit 785 homes in multifamily buildings in Washington D.C.—with a focus in the neighborhoods of Anacostia and Mt. Vernon Square—to improve indoor air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs for residents. They also will invest in local workforce development to expand the number of contractors with skills and experience in multifamily housing retrofits.

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

“This funding will help improve the quality of life for District residents by improving air quality and reducing energy costs,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “It further demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to addressing the global challenge of climate change at the local community level.”   

These selections are among the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process which is informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback. The innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource.

The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. 

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $2 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice.

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

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

PHILADELPHIA— Today, July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $13.9 million in funding coming to Pennsylvania to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.

Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.

In Pennsylvania, nearly $14 million is being awarded to the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL to work in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to expand and create critical infrastructure for upcycling and commercializing materials from urban tree waste. The project will offer workforce development and training for area residents to provide career pathways in land stewardship services and wood products.

These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis. 

 “Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

"These organizations recognized a need and took the steps to make their communities stronger now and in the future. This funding is a boost towards a cleaner environment while also building community capacity and addressing environmental justice”, said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "We will continue to partner with these groups and look forward to watching the progress that will be made."

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-selections.

The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements.  EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

###

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $325 Million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

WASHINGTON – Today, July 25, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.

These selected applications are the first to come under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

“Today’s grants put communities in the driver’s seat on the road to righting the environmental wrongs of the past and building their own clean energy future,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has accelerated our efforts to deliver environmental justice for communities that have been left behind for too long,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “As part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these grants will help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges they face by reducing pollution, increasing resilience to impacts from climate change, and building community capacity to see these projects through.”

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and provide technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.

The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Example grants from this initial selection cohort include:

• Nearly $20 million to the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Grid Alternatives to install home weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades across 35 Tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, improving indoor air quality for families and providing leadership development training for designated Tribal Energy Champions. MTERA also received a $62 million award from the EPA Solar for All program in May.
• $20 million to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to build environmental justice workforce development trainings for lead abatement, welding, hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, home weatherization, and residential energy audits. Through this grant, the selected applicants are anticipated to complete lead abatement for more than 600 homes across Southern Los Angeles.
• Over $14 million to Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama. Administrator Regan previously visited Lowndes County, Alabama—whose failing septic tanks and straight-piped sewage from homes into yards created a public health crisis in the region. This community also received a 100% forgivable $8.7 million loan from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address critical wastewater challenges impacting families.
• Roughly $14 million to the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL to expand workforce programs around urban forestry and wood waste reduction, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and keeping wood waste out of landfills. This grant also includes funds to leverage biochar in reducing lead pollution in Pittsburgh soils.

Track I of the program, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. The 17 Track I applicants who are implementing community-scale projects to address environmental and climate justice challenges are:

• Texas A&M University and Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (Wilcox/Hale/Lowndes Counties, AL)
• City of Bakersfield and Building Healthy Communities Kern (Bakersfield, CA)
• La Familia Counseling Center, Inc. and Community Resource Project (Sacramento, CA)
• Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Los Angeles Trade -Technical College (Los Angeles, CA)
• The San Diego Foundation and The Environmental Health Coalition (San Diego, CA)
• Day One and Active SGV (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
• City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation (Pocatello, ID)
• Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Southeast LA)
• City of Springfield and Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (Springfield, MA)
• Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association and Grid Alternatives (MI, MN, WI)
• The MetroHealth System and Community Housing Solutions (Cleveland, OH)
• Lane County Oregon and United Way of Lane County (Lane County, OR)
• Pittsburgh Conservation Corps and PowerCorpsPHL (Pittsburgh/Philadelphia, PA)
• The Trust for Public Land and City of Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
• City of Houston and Black United Fund of Texas (Houston, TX)
• Corporation of Gonzaga University and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (Spokane, WA)
• National Housing Trust and D.C. Children’s Law Center (Washington, D.C.)

Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Track II applicants who will facilitate individual and community participation in governmental decision-making processes are:

• Insight Garden Program and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (multiple locations in CA)
• The Trust for Public Land and See You At The Top (Cleveland, OH)
• Special Service for Groups, Inc. and Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bronx River Alliance, Inc. and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (Bronx County, NY)

Of the 21 selections, three are for Target Investment Areas identified in the NOFO. Target Investment Area funding is intended to ensure that Community Change Grants Program funding is directed towards disadvantaged communities with unique circumstances, geography, and needs.

See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP.

As the Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.

Read the Community Change Grants NOFO on EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance visit EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.

To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit EPA’s Environmental Justice webpage. 

For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.

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South Carolina to benefit from $429,977,255 Biden-Harris Administration investment for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 23, 2024) - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the South Carolina Central Midlands Council of Governments has been selected to receive a $8,739,181 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. In addition, a coalition application led by the Atlantic Conservation Commission, of which the South Carolina Office of Resilience is a member, has been selected to receive $421,238,074 for projects that would protect and restore coastal, peatland and forest lands in South Carolina and the adjoining states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.

The Central Midlands Council of Governments’ proposed project will create a Smart Surfaces + Solar Fund that will provide matching funding for local government projects to install solar power at public buildings and wastewater treatment plants, as well as to promote green infrastructure, urban forestry, and cool pavement pilot projects to reduce urban heat island effects in the region.

“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”

“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”

EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.  

The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.

Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.

EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.

State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.

Learn more about the selected applications

Learn more about the CPRG program

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North Carolina and three other Atlantic states to benefit from $421,238,074 Biden-Harris Administration investment for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 23, 2024) - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Atlantic Conservation Coalition – made up of representatives from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland – has been selected to receive a $421,238,074 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.

The proposed project of the Atlantic Conservation Commission, consisting of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will focus on the protection and restoration of coastal, peatland, and forest lands across the four member states.

“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”

“The Southeastern United States are being particularly impacted by the effects of climate change, and the projects of the selectees in our region represent significant opportunities to address these impacts at the local and regional level,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Increasing the availability of renewable energy sources like solar, reducing the effects of urban heat island effects on our cities, and restoring and maintaining coastal and forest resources will help fight the effects of climate change while boosting the local economies and promoting job growth in our region.”

“I’m incredibly excited to see an historic $421 million coming to North Carolina to combat the climate crisis and protect our rich environmental heritage through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program,” said U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02). “I supported our state’s application for this grant and fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act to deliver transformative investments that will improve air and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve our environment for generations to come. I’m proud to support this bold initiative and will continue working to create a better, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians.”

“This is a big deal for North Carolina. I’m very glad the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Coalition has received a $421,238,074 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “This federal funding from the Biden Administration will go a long way in promoting a healthy environment, supporting economic growth, and protecting quality of life for North Carolinians.”

“Meaningful action is necessary to combat the growing challenges posed by the climate crisis,” said U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06). “That’s why I’m proud to announce millions in federal funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution in North Carolina. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act I helped pass, North Carolina is helping to lead the fight against climate change.”

EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding. 

The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.

Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.

EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.

State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. 

The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.

Learn more about the selected applications

Learn more about the CPRG program

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EPA Seeks Nominations for the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — Today, July 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a solicitation for nominations to serve on its Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

“The FRRCC provides a venue for agricultural stakeholders to provide meaningful feedback to EPA regarding a range of policies and programs,” said Rod Snyder, Senior Agriculture Advisor to the Administrator. “The work of this committee is more important than ever as the FRRCC helps inform the priorities of EPA’s newly created Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.”

Earlier this year, the FRRCC issued policy recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan about how EPA’s programs and authorities can help support and accelerate U.S. agriculture’s climate goals. This includes partnership opportunities to support farmers and ranchers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to more frequent extreme weather events. In response to the committee’s recommendations, Administrator Regan established EPA’s first-ever Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to ensure long-term collaboration with agricultural and rural stakeholders.

To build a broad and balanced representation of perspectives for the FRRCC, members will be selected from a variety of relevant sectors. Members may represent farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; allied industries, including farm groups, rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academia and researchers; state, local, and tribal government; and nongovernmental organizations. EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its federal advisory committees.

To be considered for an appointment to the FRRCC, nominations should be submitted to FRRCC@epa.gov by September 5, 2024, with the subject line “FRRCC Membership 2024.” Nominations should include a résumé or curriculum vitae and a statement of interest. Letters of support and recommendation will be accepted but are not mandatory.

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Biden-Harris Administration Takes Latest Action Under Toxic Substances Control Act to Protect Public from Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

WASHINGTON – Today, July 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to designate five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If EPA finalizes these designations as proposed, the agency would immediately move forward with the risk evaluation process. This step is consistent with a commitment from the Biden-Harris Administration to understand and address environmental and toxic exposures to ensure that every community has access to clean air and water, supports the Cancer Moonshot’s mission to end cancer as we know it, and bolsters the Administration’s efforts to make progress on delivering environmental justice and tackling plastic pollution.

The five chemical substances EPA is proposing to designate as High-Priority Substances are:

• Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4),

• Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0),
• Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1),
• Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3), and
• 4,4’-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4).

“The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make significant progress in protecting workers and communities from exposure to harmful chemicals as we implement the 2016 TSCA amendments that strengthened EPA’s authority on chemical safety, ” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Studying the safety of these harmful chemicals – all five of which have been linked to cancer and are used to make plastic – would help lead to critical public health and environmental protections in communities across the country and would ensure that the public has access to more data on these chemicals sooner.”

Chemicals Proposed as High-Priority Substances for Risk Evaluation

All five chemicals were selected from the 2014 TSCA Work Plan, which is a list of chemicals identified by EPA for further assessment based on their hazards and potential for exposure. In proposing these five chemical substances as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation, EPA had to consider the chemicals’ conditions of use and production volume or changes in conditions of use and production volume over time, impacts to potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations including children and workers, and the chemicals’ potential hazards and exposures. EPA also considered more specific criteria such as the chemicals' bioaccumulation and environmental persistence and whether the chemical is stored near significant sources of drinking water. 

Vinyl chloride is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic resins, and other chemicals. Many of these materials are used for pipes and insulating materials. This chemical was also involved in the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen and can cause liver, brain, and lung cancer in exposed workers. Short-term exposure to vinyl chloride can also result in other health effects such as dizziness, nausea, and eye and skin irritation. Vinyl chloride exposure can also damage genetic material in cells, which can lead to numerous adverse health effects. In the 1970s, the White House Council on Environmental Quality and EPA officials raised serious concerns about the health impacts of vinyl chloride as an example when the Nixon Administration asked Congress to write a law to ensure chemicals were made and used safely, which led to passage of the “original” TSCA in 1976.

Acetaldehyde is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of adhesives, petrochemicals, plastic and other chemicals, as well as intermediates for products such as packaging and construction materials. Acetaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen. Specifically, animal studies have shown that exposure to acetaldehyde can result in the formation of nasal and laryngeal tumors. Short-term exposure can also result in health effects such as irritation of the respiratory system and reduced heart function. Data further shows that acetaldehyde exposure can damage genetic material in cells, potentially leading to numerous adverse health effects. 

Acrylonitrile is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials, paints, petrochemicals, and other chemicals. Acrylonitrile is a probable human carcinogen and can cause lung and brain cancer in exposed workers. Short-term exposure to acrylonitrile can also result in health effects such as eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure can result in reproductive effects such as reduced sperm count and developmental effects such as slowed fetal growth.

Benzenamine is used in the manufacturing and processing of dyes and pigments, petrochemicals, plastics, resins, and other chemicals. Benzenamine is a probable human carcinogen and can cause bladder tumors and pancreatic cancer in workers. Long-term exposure to benzenamine can result in a range of adverse health effects such as difficulty in breathing, tumor growth in the spleen, and possible reductions in fetal viability.

MBOCA is used in the manufacturing and processing of rubbers, plastics, resins, and other chemicals. MBOCA is a probable human carcinogen. Specifically, animal studies have shown that exposure to MBOCA can cause liver and urinary bladder cancer. Short-term exposure to MBOCA can result in eye and skin irritation. Data further demonstrates that MBOCA exposure can damage genetic material in cells, potentially leading to numerous adverse health effects.

Prioritization Process and Improvements

Prioritization is the first step under EPA’s authority to regulate existing chemicals currently on the market and in use. EPA’s proposed designations are not themselves a finding of risk. If EPA finalizes these designations, the agency will initiate risk evaluations for these chemicals to determine whether they present an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment under the TSCA conditions of use (the way the chemical is made and used), which the agency is required to complete within 3-3.5 years. If at the end of the risk evaluation process EPA determines that a chemical presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment, the agency must begin the risk management process to take action to eliminate these unreasonable risks.

EPA began the process of prioritizing these five chemicals in December 2023 and also announced that it expects to initiate prioritization on five chemicals every year, which will create a sustainable and effective pace for risk evaluations. Over the past year, EPA has continued to improve the prioritization process by investing in cutting-edge software to review more information earlier in prioritization. EPA has also implemented improvements to its systematic review approaches as recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) by incorporating additional data sources such as assessments published by other government agencies to identify potential hazards and exposures, clarifying terminology to increase transparency in the systematic review process, and presenting interactive literature inventory trees and evidence maps to better depict data sources containing potentially relevant information.

EPA has conducted a preliminary screening and technical review of large data sets to more efficiently identify relevant information for prioritization and risk evaluation and can easily flag information that may be useful to retrieve later in the risk evaluation process. As a result, EPA now has a head start on risk evaluations. At this proposed designation stage, EPA has a much fuller understanding of how these chemicals behave in the environment and their potential hazards and exposures than it had at this point in the process in the previous prioritization cycle conducted in 2019. That has also enabled EPA to make considerably more information available to the public a year earlier than occurred for the first 30 chemicals designated for risk evaluation under TSCA. The public will be able to see which studies and what information EPA considered in its screening review for proposed designation and submit any additional information they would like EPA to consider via public comment.

EPA will accept public comments on the proposed designations for 90 days after publication via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0601 at the Regulations.gov page.  Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, supporting documents will also be available in the docket. 

Learn more about the prioritization process under TSCA.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $100 Million for the organization Metroplan to Develop Community-Driven Solutions to Cut Climate Pollution Across Arkansas and Oklahoma

DALLAS, TEXAS (July 23, 2024) – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Metroplan will receive $99,999,999 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.

Metroplan will develop the implementation of shovel-ready, impactful, and transformative projects in Oklahoma and Arkansas. This plan will include the development of green networks to restore lands and promote active transportation and transit. The selected application will support the transition to efficient and electrified transportation and improve building efficiency through a partnership between Metroplan, the City of Fort Smith, and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.

“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”

“As the climate crisis continues, EPA funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is going directly to communities that feel the most impact so they can implement the solutions they know will lead to significant pollution reduction,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help Metroplan implement projects that will build climate resilience in the community while reducing climate pollution.”

“By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation, and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism.  Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals. The CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State. Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals,” said Executive Director of Metroplan Casey Covington.

EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.  

The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis.

Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.

EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.

State, Tribal, and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  

The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.

Learn more about the selected applications

Learn more about the CPRG program

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