Federal Officials Announce Priority Actions Supporting Long-Term Drought Resilience

Federal Officials Announce Priority Actions Supporting

Long-Term Drought Resilience

WASHINGTON (July 31, 2019)- Today, senior administration officials participated in the Second National Drought Forum where they announced Priority Actions Supporting Long-Term Drought Resilience. This document outlines key ways in which federal agencies support state, tribal and local efforts to protect the security of our food supply, the integrity of critical infrastructure, the resilience of our economy, and the health and safety of our people and ecosystems.

The document was developed by the National Drought Resilience Partnership (NDRP), a federal collaborative formed to promote long-term drought resilience nationwide. While authority lies with the states to manage water resources, federal agencies play a key role in supporting states, tribes, communities, agriculture, industry, and the private sector owners and operators of critical national infrastructure to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from drought.

The following statements were released after today's panel:

"We know we can accomplish more when we work together, and the National Drought Resilience Partnership facilitates collaboration among federal partners to help the country respond to drought and to prepare for the future," said U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey. "These priorities are a large part of our game plan to how we can protect our food and water supply, and to build resilience on our farms and ranches and in our communities and businesses."

"Under the leadership of President Trump, we are taking unprecedented steps at the federal level to coordinate and empower states, tribes, local communities, and water users to promote drought preparedness and resiliency and ensure reliable water supply throughout the West. The U.S. Geological Survey and Bureau of Reclamation play integral parts in this, whether it's the science or infrastructure piece of this equation," said U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Dr. Tim Petty.

"The impact of drought on public health and the environment is far reaching because it reduces both water quantity and water quality," said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. "Through EPA initiatives, such as the National Water Reuse Action Plan, we are working to ensure a sufficient supply of clean water for the American people."

"Water quality and availability is a national issue and it is one that affects every American. Through this partnership, the data produced by the U.S. Geological Survey will be integrated into a comprehensive framework of information sharing that is flexible and responsive to the nation's decision-makers, ensuring every community understands drought preparedness, mitigation, and resiliency," said U.S. Geological Survey Director James Reilly.

"The National Drought Resilience Partnership is essential to the continued collaboration amongst federal agencies regarding the nation's water resources. I am committed to this partnership and will ensure the Corps' support to other agencies as they work drought-related issues and coordinate to reduce duplicative and redundant efforts," said U.S. Department of Army Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Ricky "R.D." James.

"The National Drought Resilience Partnership is inspiring action across the federal government. DOE is pleased to collaborate with other agencies to stimulate American innovation and technology solutions that address drought resilience through the Water Security Grand Challenge and other activities," said U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel Simmons.

"The Western states have experienced intense drought with the potential to severely impact agriculture, municipal water supplies and hydropower production. We've demonstrated that infrastructure investments, innovative approaches to conservation, and collaboration build drought resiliency and reduces risks," said Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman.

The NDRP and the document released today focus on fostering a national dialogue about how federal agencies can support these entities in building a more drought-resilient nation for sufficient water quality and quantity and a vibrant economy at the local level. NDRP categorizes its drought resilience efforts along six goal areas, which provide a framework to systematically address how the federal government supports building long-term drought resilience:

Data Collection and Integration
Communicating Drought Risk to Critical Infrastructure
Drought Planning and Capacity Building
Coordination of Drought Activity
Market-based Approaches for Infrastructure and Efficiency
Innovative Water Use, Efficiency, and Technology

Background

Established in 2016, the NDRP is comprised of federal agencies that work together to leverage technical and financial federal resources, strengthen communication, and foster collaboration among its members to productively support state, tribal, and local efforts to build, protect, and sustain drought resilience capacity at regional and basin scales.

The NDRP co-chairs are the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency. The additional interagency NDRP Member Agencies and offices include the Department of Defense; the Department of the Interior (DOI); the Department of Commerce; the Department of Energy; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; the Office of Management and Budget; the Office of Science and Technology Policy; the National Economic Council; the Council on Environmental Quality; the National Security Council staff; and such other agencies or offices as the agencies set forth above, by consensus, deem appropriate. Currently, other offices include: the Office of Water Prediction, the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Integrated Drought Information System, which all are within the Department of Commerce; the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey, within the DOI; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – National Risk Management Center; the Centers for Disease Control; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Member agencies collaborate to ensure successful outcomes with maximum efficiency and minimal duplication.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross and senior administration officials participate in a panel discussion at the Second National Drought Forum.

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Celebrates 20 Years of Superfund Redevelopment

EPA Celebrates 20 Years of Superfund Redevelopment

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Superfund Redevelopment Initiative (SRI), launched in 1999 with the goal of returning formerly contaminated lands to long-term sustainable and productive reuse for communities across the country. Returning Superfund sites back to productive use has resulted in dramatic changes in communities by improving the quality of life, raising property values, and providing needed services to communities.

"Over the past 20 years, the Superfund Redevelopment Initiative has proven that incorporating reuse early in the process removes barriers to redevelopment and ensures that cleanup plans promote future economic and recreational opportunities," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Thanks to SRI, hundreds of formerly contaminated sites have been transformed into hubs of economic, recreational, or residential activity. Promoting redevelopment and community revitalization is a top priority of this Administration and one of the key goals of the Agency's Superfund Task Force."

Before the agency's Redevelopment Initiative, sites were cleaned up but not necessarily put back into productive use. By considering reuse early in the site cleanup process, the Redevelopment Initiative helps ensure that desired future uses are compatible with site cleanup remedies and removes barriers that could keep areas vacant or underused.

Depending on site conditions and community preferences, sites can be reused for a multitude of purposes, including commercial, recreational, ecological and residential uses. The Redevelopment Initiative has helped communities turn former lumberyards into parks, landfills into solar farms, former smelters into health clinics and gravel pits into baseball fields. EPA provides communities with points of contact, as well as case studies and best practices to help bring these projects to fruition.

Overall, approximately 1,000 Superfund sites are in reuse today--more than half the number of sites on Superfund's National Priorities List. EPA has data on over 8,600 businesses at 529 of these sites. In fiscal year 2018 alone, these businesses generated $52.4 billion in sales, which is more than four times the amount EPA has spent at these sites. These businesses employed more than 195,000 people who earned a combined income of $13 billion. Over the last 7 years, these businesses generated at least $263 billion in sales.

Examples of how Superfund redevelopment has transformed communities include:

Smelterville, Idaho: The Bunker Hill Mining & Metallurgical Complex in Smelterville, Idaho, is in one of the world's largest historical mining districts. When the Bunker Hill lead smelter and several associated mines closed in the 1980s, the local economy nearly collapsed. EPA's cleanup work has included removal of lead-contaminated soil and containment of mine tailings. This work paved the way for extensive reuse that includes a resort, residential and commercial development, a golf course, a ski area, and trails.
Collinsville, Oklahoma: Following cleanup of the Tulsa Fuel and Manufacturing site, a former zinc smelter in Collinsville, Oklahoma, a honey production company has expanded its operations onto part of the site. The area is now home to six honeybee hives, with 16 hives planned for the near future. Clover planted during site restoration makes an ideal habitat for bees. Cleanup resulted in the transformation of this once-contaminated smelter property into restored ecological habitat, one well-suited to supporting the protection of bees and production of high-quality honey.
Midvale City, Utah: In Midvale City, Utah, lead and copper smelters contaminated soil and groundwater with heavy metals. EPA worked with stakeholders to link the Midvale Slag site's cleanup with redevelopment goals. Cleanup is now complete, and the site is home to a thriving mixed-use development that supports thousands of jobs. Businesses on site include an international engineering company, a healthcare services company, an e-commerce company and many retail businesses. The site is also home to more than 1,000 residences, a light rail station, a river walk and a park.
Wobern, Massachusetts: Poor industrial practices led to the contamination of soil and groundwater at the Wells G&H site in Woburn, Massachusetts. Cleanup included removing and treating contaminated debris, soil and groundwater. Through a planning process funded through the Superfund program, the community worked with EPA to explore options for the site and develop a comprehensive reuse plan. Today, the site hosts an ice-skating rink, retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, and a natural area with hiking trails and recreation amenities.

Superfund redevelopment can also lead to energy independence. Today, 59 Superfund sites are home to alternative energy facilities. As of September 2018, these facilities provided enough energy to power about 95,000 homes. Wind, solar and landfill gas facilities make up about 92 percent of these projects. For example, a 7-megawatt solar farm at the Brick Township Landfill site in New Jersey powers all municipal buildings and community park facilities in the township. A solar array at the Continental Steel site in Kokomo, Indiana, provides enough energy to power 1,000 homes.

Over the last few years, as part of the Superfund Task Force work, EPA developed a nationwide list of Superfund National Priorities List sites with the greatest expected redevelopment potential. The list helps promote a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at all Superfund sites while working to successfully return sites to productive use after cleanup is completed.

Today's commemoration kicks off a series of events throughout the next 12 months recognizing Superfund's achievements in revitalizing communities and protecting human health and the environment.

As part of the commemoration, EPA is releasing SRI's 20th Anniversary Report: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/epa-celebrates-20-years-superfund-redevelopment.

For more information about EPA's Superfund Task Force, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force.

For more information about Superfund redevelopment, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative.

For more information on regional redevelopment benefits, see the 2018 Redevelopment Beneficial Effects reports for each of our regional offices at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/redevelopment-economics-superfund-sites#regional.

EPA joins ribbon cutting for $9 million facility built on former Brownfields of mine-scarred land

EPA joins ribbon cutting for $9 million facility built on former

Brownfields of mine-scarred land

WEIRTON, W. Va. (July 29, 2019) – In Weirton, West Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined the Governor of West Virginia, U.S. Senators and Representatives from West Virginia, the CEO of Pietro Fiorentini Group, Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle and its coalition partners, and other state and local officials for the ribbon cutting for Pietro Fiorentini -- a new, state of the art $9 million manufacturing facility built on a former Brownfields site at the Three Springs Business Park.

"It's exciting to see Pietro Fiorentini's new manufacturing facility reusing a site where EPA Brownfields funding helped support initial assessment and cleanup." Cosmo Servidio, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. "This redevelopment exemplifies the amazing quality and commitment to collaboration between all of the stakeholders led by Patrick Ford of the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle and its coalition partners."

Weirton is now home to the first American facility of the Italian-based company. The facility produces pressure regulators, valves, and metering systems for the natural gas industry. The company employs 41 people and expects to triple the number of jobs in the future. In addition to adding jobs, this new business will bring many other economic benefits to the area.

The 26-acre facility is reusing land that was formerly scarred by mining activities.

In addition to celebrating the newest redevelopment success, EPA announced $600,000 of additional Brownfields grant funding to Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle (BDC) and its coalition partners. This grant is one of 151 grants awarded nationwide this year totaling $64,623,553 million in EPA Brownfields funding.

BDC and its partners -- the Brooke-Hancock Regional Planning & Development Council and the Jefferson County Port Authority -- will conduct environmental site assessments, complete site cleanup plans, identify new sites to inventory and conduct community outreach activities in three counties.

With this new grant, BDC has received a total of $2.158 million in EPA Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grant funding since their initial award in 2012. In addition to the redevelopment of the Three Springs Business Park, BDC has used EPA grants and leveraged other support, to make other sites in Weirton and in the surrounding three county-area in West Virginia, ready for reuse:

Beech Bottom Industrial Park, former Wheeling Corrugating Plant, in Beech Bottom
Brooke Glass site in Wellsburg
Eagle Manufacturing in Wellsburg
Former Follansbee Steel in Follansbee
Wheeling-Nisshin in Follansbee
Frontier Group and Bidell Gas Compression at the former Weirton Steel/ArcelorMittal in Weirton
The Lodge at the Williams in Weirton
Jimmy Carey Stadium in Weirton
Newell Porcelain in Newell
Chrysler Dealership in Newell
Rock Springs Business Park in the Former TS&T Pottery Site in Chester

Background

EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. A Brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002, as amended by the Brownfields Utilization, Investment and Local Development Act of 2018, was passed to help states and communities around the country clean up and revitalize Brownfield sites. Under this law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through five competitive grant programs: Multipurpose Grants, Assessment Grants, Revolving Loan Fund Grants, Cleanup Grants, and Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants. Additionally, funding support is provided to state and tribal response programs through a separate mechanism.

List of all the 2019 Brownfields applicants selected for Brownfields funding: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicants-selected-fy19-brownfields-multipurpose-assessment-and-cleanup-grants

For more on the Brownfields Grants: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding.

For more on EPA's Brownfields Program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields.

EPA Proposes Amendments to the Coal Ash Regulations, Reconsiders the Beneficial Use Provisions

EPA Proposes Amendments to the Coal Ash Regulations, Reconsiders the Beneficial Use Provisions and Provides Greater Clarity on Managing Piles of Coal Ash

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing further amendments to the regulations governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash. This proposal is the first of three planned revisions to address matters raised in litigation, legislation, petitions for reconsideration and rule implementation.

"Today the Agency is proposing sensible changes that will improve the coal ash regulations and continue to encourage appropriate beneficial use," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These proposed changes will further responsible management of coal ash while protecting human health and the environment."

The proposal addresses two issues remanded back to EPA for action. EPA is proposing a modification to one of the criteria used to determine if coal ash is being beneficially used or would be considered disposal. Currently, when 12,400 tons or more of unencapsulated coal ash will be placed on the land in non-roadway applications, the user must perform an environmental demonstration. EPA is proposing to replace the numerical threshold for triggering an environmental demonstration with location-based criteria (e.g., placement in an unstable area, wetland, floodplain, fault area or seismic zone) derived from the existing requirements in the 2015 coal ash final rule.

The second proposed change is to the requirements for managing piles of coal ash. Currently, there are different requirements for piles depending on whether the pile is on-site at for example an electric utility or off-site for beneficial use. The proposal would establish a single approach, which would apply to all temporary placement of unencapsulated coal ash on the land, regardless of whether a pile is on-site or off-site, and regardless of whether the coal ash in the pile is destined for beneficial use or disposal.

The following three additional changes are also being proposed:

Revisions to the annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report requirements to make the data easier to understand and evaluate, including a requirement to summarize the results in an executive summary;
Establishment of an alternative groundwater protection standard for boron using the same methodology used for other coal ash constituents, which would be finalized if boron is added to the list of constituents for assessment monitoring; and
Revisions to the coal ash website requirements to ensure that relevant facility information required by the regulations is immediately available to the public.

EPA is soliciting comments and information related to the proposed provisions, alternative approaches to these proposed provisions, and other considerations outlined in the notice. The comment period will be open for 60 days, during which a public hearing will be held for interested persons to present information, comments or views concerning these proposed changes.

For more information and to access a pre-publication version of this proposal, visit: https://www.epa.gov/coalash

EPA Withdraws Outdated, Preemptive Proposed Determination to Restrict Use of the Pebble Deposit Area

EPA Withdraws Outdated, Preemptive Proposed Determination to Restrict Use of the Pebble Deposit Area as a Disposal Site

SEATTLE (July 30, 2019) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick withdrew the 2014 Proposed Determination issued under section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) for the use of the Pebble Deposit Area in Southwest Alaska as a disposal site associated with mining of the deposit.

"After today's action EPA will focus on the permit review process for the Pebble Mine project" said Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick. "The agency has worked closely with the Army Corps to engage with stakeholders and the public on this issue, which has resulted in an expansive public record, including specific information about the proposed mining project that did not exist in 2014."

By withdrawing the 2014 Proposed Determination, which was issued preemptively and is now outdated, the agency can continue its focus on fulfilling its responsibilities under the Clean Water Act to work with the Army Corps to review the permit.

Today's action does not approve Pebble's permit application or determine a particular outcome in the Corps' permitting process. Instead, it allows EPA to continue working with the Corps to review the current permit application and engage in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

"Region 10's decision restores the proper process for 404(c) determinations, eliminating a preemptive veto of a hypothetical mine and focusing EPA's environmental review on an actual project before the Agency," EPA General Counsel Matthew Z. Leopold.

EPA Region 10 provided the Corps with detailed comments to its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and permit notice on July 1, 2019, and EPA looks forward to continuing its work with the Corps and the other cooperating agencies on the next steps in the permit review process.

Additional information: https://www.epa.gov/bristolbay.

Background

In July 2014, EPA Region 10 issued a Proposed Determination under CWA section 404(c) to restrict the use of the Pebble Deposit Area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material associated with mining the deposit. The Proposed Determination was based on three hypothetical scenarios for the mine site, each of which was different than the permit application submitted to the Corps for review in December 2017. Since 2014, there have been significant developments, including a lawsuit challenging the EPA's process for developing the 2014 Proposed Determination and a related settlement, the permit application submitted by Pebble to the Corps, additional direction from the former EPA Administrator in January 2018, and a 1,400-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and permit notice issued by the Corps.

In July 2017, EPA Region 10 published a proposal to withdraw the 2014 Proposed Determination. The notice opened a three-month-long public comment period, during which the EPA held two public hearings in the watershed area and consulted with federally recognized tribal governments and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Regional and Village Corporations with lands in the watershed. In December 2017, PLP submitted a CWA section 404 permit application to the Corps that proposes to develop a mine in the Pebble Deposit Area. The Corps then invited relevant federal and state agencies, including the EPA, to cooperate on the development of the DEIS under NEPA. The Corps released a DEIS for public comment in February 2019; this public comment period closed on July 1, 2019.

In January 2018, EPA announced that it was suspending the withdrawal proceeding and leaving the 2014 Proposed Determination in place at that time pending further action by the Agency.

In June 2019, EPA General Counsel Matthew Z. Leopold, acting pursuant to a delegation of authority from the EPA Administrator, directed Region 10 to resume its consideration whether to withdraw the 2014 Proposed Determination. He also directed the Region to reconsider its previous statement that it would seek additional public comment on the 2014 Proposed Determination, in light of the ample opportunity for public comment previously provided and the public comment opportunity on the DEIS and permit notice.

On July 1, 2019, Region 10 submitted to the Corps two sets of comments, totaling more than 150 pages, regarding the Corps' DEIS and permit notice. The Region also took the first step under the elevation procedures established between the EPA and the Army in a 1992 memorandum to work towards resolving issues EPA identified in the permit notice.

This action removes the Agency's outdated, preemptive proposed veto of the Pebble Mine and restores the well-understood permit review process. EPA Region 10 reached this conclusion based on two primary reasons. First, the Corps' DEIS includes significant project-specific information that was not accounted for in the 2014 Proposed Determination and, based on that information, the Corps has reached preliminary conclusions that in certain respects conflict with preliminary conclusions in the 2014 Proposed Determination. The now-five-year-old Proposed Determination does not grapple with the currently available expansive record, including specific information about the proposed mining project that did not exist in 2014. Second, other processes are available and better-suited for EPA to resolve issues with the Corps as the record develops; specifically, the well-understood elevation process under CWA section 404(q) and the NEPA process. EPA believes these processes should be exhausted prior to any decision by EPA, based upon all information that has and will be developed, to exercise its section 404(c) authority. A detailed explanation of EPA's decision is available in the notice signed today by EPA's Region 10 Administrator, which will be published in the Federal Register.

EPA joins ribbon cutting for $9 million facility built on former Brownfields of mine-scarred land

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA joins ribbon cutting for $9 million facility
built on former Brownfields of mine-scarred land

WEIRTON, W. Va. (July 29, 2019) – Today, in Weirton, West Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined the Governor of West Virginia, U.S. Senators and Representatives from West Virginia, the CEO of Pietro Fiorentini Group, Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle and its coalition partners, and other state and local officials for the ribbon cutting for Pietro Fiorentini -- a new, state of the art $9 million manufacturing facility built on a former Brownfields site at the Three Springs Business Park.

The 26-acre facility is reusing land that was formerly scarred by mining activities.

Beech Bottom Industrial Park, former Wheeling Corrugating Plant, in Beech Bottom
Brooke Glass site in Wellsburg
Eagle Manufacturing in Wellsburg
Former Follansbee Steel in Follansbee
Wheeling-Nisshin in Follansbee
Frontier Group and Bidell Gas Compression at the former Weirton Steel/ArcelorMittal in Weirton
The Lodge at the Williams in Weirton
Jimmy Carey Stadium in Weirton
Newell Porcelain in Newell
Chrysler Dealership in Newell
Rock Springs Business Park in the Former TS&T Pottery Site in Chester

List of all the 2019 Brownfields applicants selected for Brownfields funding: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicants-selected-fy19-brownfields-multipurpose-assessment-and-cleanup-grants

For more on the Brownfields Grants: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding.

For more on EPA's Brownfields Program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA Approves Redesignation of the Washington D.C. Area for Federal Ozone Air Pollution Standard

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA Approves Redesignation of the Washington D.C. Area for Federal Ozone Air Pollution Standard

PHILADELPHIA (July 25, 2019) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the District of Columbia's request to redesignate the District to attainment for the 2008 federal ozone standard under the Clean Air Act.

"Meeting the health-based air quality standards is one of this administration's top priorities because all Americans have the right to breathe clean air," said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Meeting this milestone is an accomplishment that the District along with its neighbors in Maryland and Virginia can be proud of."

On May 21, 2012, the Washington, DC-MD-VA area was designated nonattainment for the 2008 federal National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone under the Clean Air Act. The Washington area is comprised of the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and Virginia, which include: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties in Maryland; and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park in Virginia.

"On behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser, I am thrilled that all of our hard work with our regional partners has led to Washington D.C.'s redesignation of attainment for the 2008 NAAQS for ozone," said Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells. "This is a critical step toward achieving our Sustainable DC goal of making our city the healthiest, greenest, and most livable in the world."

In early 2018, the District, Maryland, and Virginia formally submitted requests to redesignate their potions of the Washington area from marginal nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 ozone NAAQS under the Clean Air Act. On April 15, 2019, EPA approved Maryland and Virginia's requests for their portions of the Washington area to be redesignated to attainment of the 2008 NAAQS for ozone. On July 16, 2019, EPA approved the redesignation of the District of Columbia from marginal nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 NAAQS for ozone.

Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOCs.

Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

For more information about ground-level ozone pollution: https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution

EPA Administrator and White House CEQ Chairman Honor over 200 U.S. Teachers and Students

EPA Administrator Wheeler and White House CEQ Chairman Neumayr Honor over 200 U.S. Teachers and Students at Presidential Environmental Youth Awards Ceremony

WASHINGTON (July 25, 2019) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and White House Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chairman Mary Neumayr announced the 2019 awardees of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) during an awards ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

"The Presidential Environmental Education Awards Ceremony is a day I look forward to each year because it is a time when we honor some of the best and brightest in environmental education and stewardship," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This year, CEQ Chairman Mary Neumayr joined me in celebrating our 200 student and teacher winners who represent excellence in environmental protection. Congratulations and thank you to all our winners for their dedication to protecting human health and the environment."

"It was a pleasure to join Administrator Wheeler today as we recognized the achievements of students and teachers from across the country who are promoting environmental stewardship and furthering environmental education in their communities and schools," said CEQ Chairman Neumayr. "These students are our nation's next generation of leaders and are doing outstanding work."

From across the country, 19 educators and 200 students were recognized for their remarkable efforts that promote environmental education and stewardship. Eleven educators received the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, and eight educators were recognized with an honorable mention distinction. Additionally, the 200 student award recipients - who worked as a team or individually on 17 projects - received the President's Environmental Youth Award. Altogether, EPA received 162 project applications from 26 states.

Teacher and student awardees presented their projects at a poster session for attendees and EPA leadership, and EPA program offices hosted the "EPA Student Information Fair," during which students and teachers interacted with staff to learn more about the agency's work.

Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, the PEYA program promotes local environmental awareness among our nation's youth and encourages positive community involvement. EPA Headquarters works with staff located in EPA's 10 regional offices in the selection of award recipients across the country.

Also established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PIAEE supports, encourages and nationally honors outstanding kindergarten through high school educators who integrate environmental and place-based, experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. Under the act, the White House CEQ assists EPA in administering the awards program.

The PIAEE program seeks to recognize, support and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by these innovative teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning. The program recognizes up to 20 elementary and secondary (K-12) education teachers, school administrators, and their local education agencies and provides funding to help support those educators in their environmental education work.

PIAEE Winners:

Region 2

Aaron Baker
High Point Regional High School
Sussex, New Jersey

AnnMarie Mills
Islip Middle School
Islip, New York

Region 3

Brittany L. Bauer
Wyoming County East High School
New Richmond, West Virginia

Jared Fritzinger
Old Donation School
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Region 4

Nancy Platt
James B. Edwards Elementary School
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Carrie Settles Livers
Brookwood High School
Snellville, Georgia

Region 5

Jennifer A. Heyer
Cedar Ridge Elementary School
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Region 6

Ryan D. Beeler
Spring Woods High School
Houston, Texas

Region 8

Amy R. Williams
Polson Middle School
Polson, Montana

Region 9

Jacqueline Omania
Oxford Elementary School
Berkeley, California

Region 10

Anne K. McHugh
Franklin High School
Portland, Oregon

The following teachers were recognized as PIAEE honorable mention recipients:

Region 3

Matthew Sturdivant
Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington, Delaware

Region 4

Missy Eason
Pine Grove Elementary School
Valdosta, Georgia

Elaine Fiore
Beachside Montessori Village
Hollywood, Florida

Region 6

Isabel Anaya
Charles L. Kuentz, Jr. Elementary School
Helotes, Texas

Allison Adkinson
Tarver-Rendon Elementary School
Burleson, Texas

Region 8

Caitlin Webb
Dixon School
Dixon, Montana

Region 9

Rachna Nath
Arizona College Preparatory – Erie Campus
Chandler, Arizona

Kelly Porter
Edison High School
Huntington Beach, California

PEYA Winners:

Region 1

Award Category: Grade 6-12
Generation Growers
Team Members: Ava, Ella, Lila, Claire, Amelia, Madeleine, Beckett, Teaghan, Colby, Isabelle, Teddy, Lydia, Michael, Keigan, Annie, Carina, Emma, Sinead, Evan, Spencer, Lucy, Addison, Joey, Melanie, Gabby, Stella, Brooke, Ellie, Natalie, Olivia, and Nell
Massachusetts

Region 2

Award Category: Grade 6-12
Light and Hope for Puerto Rico
by Salvador
Puerto Rico

Region 3

Award Category: Grade 6-12
Friends of the Earth
Team Members: Sebastian, Hannaha, Destany, Zoe, Myranda, Emily, Hailey, Taylor, David, Nathan, Hailey, Brenda, Amy, Angela, and Bryce
West Virginia

Region 4

Award Category: Grade K-5
Bobcat Up! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Team Members: Ben, Kayla, Eva, Gabriela, and Sabrina
Florida

Award Category: Grade 6-12
The Fishes Wishes
by Ryan
Florida

Region 5

Award Category: Grade K-5
Recycling Trailblazer by Lane
Ohio