EPA Releases Proposed Approach for Considering Cumulative Risks under TSCA

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment and peer review a set of principles for evaluating cumulative risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and an approach for applying those principles to the evaluation of the cumulative risk posed by certain phthalate chemicals undergoing TSCA section 6 risk evaluation. This is an important step in the process of EPA developing the capability under TSCA to examine risk to people from exposure to multiple chemicals with similar effects.

Until now, EPA has generally approached TSCA risk assessments by looking at the risk posed by a single chemical. However, in many cases people are exposed to multiple chemicals with similar effects at the same time. In some of these cases, EPA believes that the best approach to evaluate risk to human health may be to look at the combined risk to health from these chemicals. This cumulative risk assessment approach can help more appropriately evaluate risks people face and may be helpful in more effectively mitigating the identified unreasonable risks. Evaluating cumulative chemical risks may also provide particularly useful information for communities that are overburdened by chemical pollution. Ultimately, cumulative risk assessment will help EPA better understand and address risks from chemicals as required by the law.

Chemicals such as some of the phthalates have particularly similar effects on human health and have been found in the human body at the same time. Public comments received by the Agency, other federal and international regulatory agencies and authoritative bodies support a cumulative approach to assessing the risks of phthalate chemicals. Today’s principles and approach documents are the first steps towards EPA conducting a cumulative risk assessment under TSCA.

“Workers, consumers and communities don’t just face risks from a single chemical,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “If we can develop the scientific tools to allow us to consider the risks people are facing from multiple chemicals at once, we will be able to more effectively protect them from those risks.”

Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment

EPA’s “Draft Proposed Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment Under the Toxic Substances Control Act” discusses what cumulative risk assessment is and how it could be used in the scientific and regulatory context of TSCA. A cumulative risk assessment will not always be the best approach, or possible to complete in the statutory timeframes provided for TSCA risk evaluations. But when chemicals are sufficiently similar toxicologically and are found to present co-exposures--meaning people are at exposed to multiple chemicals at the same time--a cumulative risk assessment may be appropriate.

Cumulative Risk Assessment of Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, to make plastics more flexible and durable. Because of their widespread use in industrial and consumer products, people can be exposed to many phthalates. Phthalates have been found in food and have also been measured in human blood samples. Numerous laboratory animal studies have demonstrated that prenatal phthalate exposure can impact male development and reproduction, in a phenomenon known as “phthalate syndrome.”

EPA is currently conducting risk evaluations for five phthalates designated as high-priority substances under TSCA, including di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), and two phthalates subject to manufacturer-requested risk evaluation, including di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).

In the “Draft Proposed Approach for Cumulative Risk Assessment of High-Priority Phthalates and a Manufacturer Requested Phthalate Under the Toxic Substances Control Act,” EPA proposes a methodology for evaluating cumulative risk for the phthalate chemicals currently under review.

EPA proposes in its approach submitted for public comment and peer review that DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DCHP and DINP (but not DIDP) are toxicologically similar (and pose an additive hazard) and that the U.S. population is co-exposed to these phthalates. Therefore, EPA is proposing to group these phthalates for cumulative risk assessment under TSCA as described in the “Draft Proposed Approach” document.

This proposed approach is not itself a cumulative risk assessment nor does it make a finding of risk, but rather is a methodology that EPA proposes to use and seeks public input about and peer review on.  Additionally, since risk estimates have not yet been developed for the individual chemicals, EPA cannot predetermine the results of that work in this cumulative risk assessment approach. The cumulative risk assessment for phthalates and individual risk evaluations are being conducted in parallel, and those risk evaluations will undergo their own public comment and peer review, as appropriate. By releasing this approach for public comment and peer review now, EPA is assuring that the methods used to conduct the cumulative risk assessment will be based on the best available science. The results of the phthalate cumulative risk assessment may help inform EPA’s individual phthalate risk evaluations and ultimately the unreasonable risk determinations.

EPA will hold a public virtual meeting of the SACC on May 8-11, 2023, to peer review the cumulative risk assessment principles and framework. This review will ensure that the approach incorporates independent scientific advice and recommendations, and that EPA follows a transparent process. Information on registering to attend the public virtual meeting will be available in April 2023 on the SACC website.

Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, written comments on the documents undergoing peer review will be accepted for 60 days through www.regulations.gov (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2022-0918).

Read more.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2.4 Billion for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $2.4 billion from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the nation. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

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

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

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

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

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

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La administración Biden-Harris anuncia $550 millones para promover la justicia ambiental

WASHINGTON – Hoy, la Administración Biden-Harris anunció la disponibilidad de $550 millones de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del presidente Biden para acelerar las inversiones a través del nuevo programa de Concesión de Subvenciones para Comunidades Prósperas de Justicia Ambiental (EJ TCGM, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA). Este nuevo e innovador programa financiará hasta 11 entidades a fin de que sirvan como otorgantes para proyectos comunitarios que reduzcan la contaminación. Los otorgantes seleccionados desarrollarán un proceso eficiente y simplificado para que las organizaciones que históricamente han enfrentado barreras para recibir fondos puedan solicitar subvenciones que aborden los daños y riesgos ambientales de manera más fluida.

El nuevo programa promueve el compromiso de todo el gobierno de la Administración Biden-Harris destinado a lograr la justicia ambiental mediante la creación de asociaciones tempranas, significativas y sostenidas con las comunidades.

"En los últimos dos años he viajado a comunidades sobrecargadas y desatendidas y su mensaje para mí ha sido claro: los residentes han sufrido demasiado tiempo sin acceso a fondos y recursos federales cruciales", comentó el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Gracias a las inversiones históricas del presidente Biden en Estados Unidos, incluida la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental, estamos eliminando barreras y avanzando más rápido para brindar este alivio sin precedentes a las comunidades que más lo necesitan”.

Las entidades elegibles para solicitar bajo esta Petición de Solicitudes (RFA, por sus siglas en inglés) y servir como Otorgante de Subvenciones para Comunidades Prósperas de Justicia Ambiental se dividen en cuatro categorías. Estas incluyen:

• Una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro;
• Una asociación de organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro;
• Una asociación entre una nación tribal y una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro; o
• Una asociación entre una institución de educación superior y una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro.

La EPA tiene la intención de otorgar hasta 11 acuerdos de cooperación bajo esta RFA por hasta aproximadamente $50 millones cada uno, los cuales se financiarán gradualmente durante un período de 3 años. La fecha límite para presentar solicitudes es el 31 de mayo de 2023. La EPA espera que estos otorgantes comiencen a conceder subvenciones a organizaciones comunitarias a más tardar a principios de 2024.

El programa EJ TCGM promoverá los objetivos de la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, que tiene como objetivo entregar el 40% de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a las comunidades desfavorecidas que se han visto sobrecargadas por la contaminación y la falta de inversión histórica. La EPA continuará defendiendo los objetivos de la Iniciativa Justice40 asegurando que los fondos lleguen a las comunidades que a menudo no han podido acceder a los recursos debido a las altas barreras de entrada.

Para ver la solicitud de solicitudes, visite: www.grants.gov.(En inglés)

Más información sobre la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación.

Conozca más detalles sobre la justicia ambiental en la EPA.(En inglés)

Antecedentes:

En agosto de 2022, el Congreso aprobó y el presidente Biden firmó la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación, creando la mayor inversión en justicia ambiental y climática en la historia de los Estados Unidos. La EPA recibió $3mil millones en asignaciones para entregar subvenciones y asistencia técnica para actividades que promueven la justicia ambiental y climática. A principios de este año, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de $100 millones bajo el Programa de Justicia Ambiental Gobierno a Gobierno y el Programa de Acuerdo Cooperativo de Resolución Colaborativa de Problemas de Justicia Ambiental, con solicitudes que vencen el 10 de abril de 2023. La EPA también anunció una Solicitud de Información sobre cómo crear el nuevo programa de subvenciones de Justicia Ambiental y Climática. Se solicitan comentarios antes del 17 de marzo de 2023. 

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EPA Announces 100th WIFIA Loan, Investing $115 Million to Improve Resilience to Extreme Weather in Santa Clara County, California

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling $115 million to Santa Clara Valley Water District in Santa Clara County, California, to improve resiliency of their water infrastructure including preparing for a seismic retrofit of Anderson Dam. This announcement marks the 99^th and 100^th loans for EPA’s WIFIA program which has invested $17 billion in America to rebuild the nation’s water infrastructure.

“From our first loan to Seattle in 2018 to today’s announcement of our 100th loan to Santa Clara, EPA’s WIFIA program has benefited over 50 million people across the country and created 123,000 jobs,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Ensuring access to clean, safe water is essential. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic $50 billion investment in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the availability of other financing options like WIFIA, EPA’s efforts to address critical upgrades to water systems in communities is unprecedented.” 

Santa Clara Valley Water District protects residents from the impacts of both storms and drought, and ensures reliable, safe drinking water to Santa Clara residents. Today’s announcement includes two WIFIA loans, one for $41 million to support the Safe, Clean, and Natural Flood Protection Program, and the other for $74 million to support the planning and design costs of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project. 

“We know making smart investments in water infrastructure and technology today remains the most cost-efficient way to ensure Santa Clara County has enough safe, clean water now and into the future,” said John L. Varela, Valley Water Board Chair. “Thanks to WIFIA, we can do this in a cost-effective manner to benefit our rate and taxpayers.”

The Safe, Clean, and Natural Flood Protection Program $41 million investment will help upgrade and add channel restoration projects in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and surrounding areas in California to manage stormwater that impacts residents, schools, and businesses. Additionally, Santa Clara Valley Water District will improve water quality by implementing erosion control measures that will protect wildlife habitats and enhance recreational opportunities adjacent to waterways.

The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project will modernize Santa Clara Valley Water District’s largest reservoir to restore lost capacity, address seismic deficiencies, and protect public safety. Santa Clara Valley Water District’s initial $74 million WIFIA loan will support the planning and design costs of the project facilitating these critical first steps in advancing a major infrastructure improvement project. Santa Clara Valley Water District will use financing from a future WIFIA loan to construct the projects. This is the first loan under another master agreement that will commit an additional $580 million in WIFIA assistance to accelerate implementation of Santa Clara Valley Water District’s nearly $1.2 billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project.

Since the WIFIA program’s inception six years ago, borrowers nationwide have closed 100 loans totaling $17 billion to help finance $36 billion in their critical water infrastructure projects. Borrowers have saved over $5 billion and created 123,000 jobs. These projects will benefit over 50 million people resulting in 1.2 million people receiving safer drinking water and 1,100 million gallons per day of wastewater receiving more treatment before it is discharged to waterways.

As a result of the WIFIA program’s flexibility and competitive rates, EPA estimates the Santa Clara Valley Water District will save approximately $47 million by financing these two loans with the WIFIA program. Furthermore, the District anticipates further savings – totaling $256 million – across both projects’ master agreements. Construction and operation are estimated to create 742 jobs. 

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds have successfully provided more than $210 billion in financial assistance since 1988. Learn more here about the WIFIA program and other water infrastructure investments.

Background 

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program’s aim is 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 is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan.

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