Administrator Regan Statement on the First 100 Days of the Biden-Harris Administration

Administrator Regan Statement on the First 100 Days of the Biden-Harris Administration On the 100th day of the Biden-Harris Administration, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement: "From day one, President Biden laid out a vision for America that included solving our most pressing problems, from tackling the climate crisis, to confronting racial inequities, to putting people back to work in good-paying jobs and ensuring public health is a priority. The EPA workforce has moved with urgency to deliver on this Administration's agenda, and I could not be prouder of what we've accomplished together so far. We are listening to our scientists and putting the focus back on actions to confront climate change. We are centering environmental justice across the agency. We are investing in our water infrastructure because we know it creates jobs and revitalizes communities. And we are moving quickly to address PFAS contamination and protect people's health. I am so grateful for the talented public servants at EPA who make this work possible and help us fulfill our mission every single day to protect human health and the environment." Here are a few highlights of EPA accomplishments in the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris Administration: Acted to Combat Climate Change: EPA recently took a major step toward restoring California's waiver to enforce stringent greenhouse gas pollution standards for vehicles. Additionally, EPA relaunched the agency's climate change website after the prior Administration had it removed. EPA also awarded approximately $10.5 million to replace older diesel school buses with cleaner buses, including for the first time, alt-fuel and electric buses, through its Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding.   Restored Scientific Integrity: Administrator Regan issued a scientific integrity directive to all employees. He also reset key science advisory boards, the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) to return to the standard process of incorporating a balanced group of expert advisors. Additionally, EPA is in the process of vacating the prior Administration's exclusionary science rule, which placed inappropriate restrictions on the types of scientific studies that EPA could consider in its regulatory processes.   Advanced Environmental Justice: After meeting with leaders from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, Administrator Regan issued an agency-wide message directing EPA offices to take specific actions to ensure environmental justice is incorporated across the agency's work in communities overburdened by pollution. These directives include: strengthening enforcement of environmental laws, increasing engagement, building environmental justice considerations into regulations, and incorporating President Biden's Justice 40 directive to consider and prioritize direct and indirect benefits to underserved communities.   Funded Job-Creating Water Infrastructure: EPA has closed more than $1.3 billion in job-creating Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans to multiple communities. These investments will generate nearly 9,000 jobs and improve water quality and safety for nearly 4 million people. Additionally, EPA announced the availability of $6.5 billion in water infrastructure funding under the WIFIA and state infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program, which is estimated to create an additional 40,000 jobs.  EPA also announced the availability of $2.7 billion for State Revolving Funds (SRFs) to assists states, Tribes, and territories.   Moved to Address PFAS Contamination: Administrator Regan issued a memorandum to EPA's senior leadership creating a new council charged with building on the agency's ongoing work to better understand and reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals and to present recommendations to the Administrator within 100 days. EPA is also moving forward to establish a drinking water standard for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and reissued the final Human Health Toxicity assessment for Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS) that had been compromised by political interference during the prior Administration.

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 Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Plan for Interim Action to Clean Up Diamond Alki

CONTACT: mcbay.stephen@epa.gov   EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Plan for Interim Action to Clean Up Contaminated Sediment in the Lower Passaic River Study Area of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, New Jersey NEW YORK (April 28, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed plan to address contaminated sediment in the upper nine miles of the Lower Passaic River Study Area of the Diamond Alkali Superfund site in Essex, Bergen, and Passaic Counties, New Jersey to June 14, 2021. The Lower Passaic River and the Diamond Alkali site include overburdened communities that are often disproportionately impacted by environmental health risks. EPA is committed to advancing environmental justice in communities across the nation by providing ample time for the public to review and comment on proposed clean-up actions. The sediment in the Lower Passaic River is severely contaminated with dioxins/furans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants from more than a century of industrial activity. The proposed cleanup plan – supported by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - calls for using a combination of cleanup technologies including dredging approximately 387,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. The proposed remedy would be an interim action – a final remedy would be selected after this action has been implemented, as described in more detail below. This proposed interim action complements the cleanup selected in 2016 for the lower eight miles of the Lower Passaic River. That cleanup includes bank-to-bank dredging and capping in that stretch of the river. The proposed cleanup includes: Capping areas of contaminated sediment that have been identified as sources of contamination. Prior to capping, sediment would be dredged to a depth to accommodate the cap so that the potential for flooding is not increased.  Additional capping and dredging in areas with the potential for erosion and high concentrations of contaminants in the subsurface. Areas identified for remediation would be evaluated to determine if sediments at depth in each area can be dredged so that capping would not be needed. Dredged materials would be processed at one or more nearby sediment processing facilities for off-site disposal at licensed disposal facilities. Institutional controls such as restrictions on activities in the river would be implemented to protect the cap, and New Jersey's existing prohibitions on fish and crab consumption would remain in place. Monitoring and maintenance of the cap would be required to ensure its stability and integrity in the long term. EPA will consider public comments received on the proposed cleanup plan and if the proposed cleanup plan becomes final, EPA will pursue agreements with the responsible parties to implement the interim remedy. EPA expects to use an adaptive management approach to sample and gauge the progress of the cleanup toward a final remedy for the Lower Passaic River Study Area, which would include assessing the river to determine if more work is needed to meet the goals of a final remedy for the Lower Passaic River. EPA would propose a final remedy for the entire Lower Passaic River at that time. The Diamond Alkali Superfund site is divided into Operable Units (OUs). EPA often divides cleanup activities at complex sites into different areas or OUs: The Diamond Alkali Superfund site is currently organized into four OUs. OU1 is the location of the former Diamond Alkali pesticide manufacturing plant at 80-120 Lister Avenue, for which an interim remedy for containment was completed in 2001. OU2 is the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River, from Newark Bay to river mile 8.3, for which EPA selected a remedy in 2016. The estimated $1.38 billion cleanup plan is currently in remedial design under EPA oversight. OU3 is the Newark Bay Study Area. EPA is currently overseeing an in-depth investigation of the bay, including the nature and extent of the contamination and the potential risks to human health and the environment from exposure to this contamination, and an evaluation of technologies and alternatives in order to determine how best to clean it up over the long term. OU4 is the 17-mile Lower Passaic River Study Area which includes both the lower 8.3 miles of the River and the upper nine miles which is the subject of this proposed plan. This proposed cleanup plan covers the upper nine miles of OU4 in the Lower Passaic River Study Area and is an interim action. A final remedy for OU4 will be proposed and selected in the future.                                       EPA held a public meeting to explain and to receive comments on the proposed plan on April 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Written comments on the proposed plan may be e-mailed or postmarked no later than June 14, 2021 to salkie.diane@epa.gov or Diane Salkie, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866 For more information on the site or to review the Proposed Plan, visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/diamond-alkali Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2.   21-025

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York,, NY 10007-1866 United States

EPA News: EPA recognizes Univ. of Pennsylvania with RainWorks award for green infrastructure project

CONTACT: R3press@epa.gov  EPA recognizes University of Pennsylvania with RainWorks award for green infrastructure project PHILADELPHIA (April 28, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has taken a first place award in EPA's Campus RainWorks Challenge, a national competition that engages college students in the design of green infrastructure solutions to address stormwater pollution. Penn took first place in the Demonstration Project Category for its "Growing Together" project that focused on redesigning the nearby Andrew Hamilton Elementary School campus in West Philadelphia. The design incorporated a variety of green infrastructure practices, as well as raised garden beds and a food forest. "The creative and scientific minds of students stand out in this competition that creates dynamic ideas on how to address complex stormwater issues," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Acting Regional Administrator Diana Esher. "I'd like to congratulate the students at the University of Pennsylvania who developed this project that incorporates innovative solutions that will help protect human health and the environment." Located two miles from the university, the Andrew Hamilton School lacks green space, access to fresh and healthy foods, and has an inadequate stormwater management system. Penn students designed a plan to provide a sustainable and food-producing green stormwater infrastructure that would benefit both the students and the surrounding community. The design will lower the school's stormwater fee, mitigate flooding in the community, alleviate the urban heat island effect, and provide access to fresh healthy food for students and the surrounding community. The Andrew Hamilton Elementary school supported the team's vision and will move forward with project construction this spring. Watch the team's video about their design: https://youtu.be/PuJvzYdxnAg Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution and remains a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. EPA's Campus RainWorks Challenge asks students and faculty members at colleges and universities to apply green infrastructure design principles, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase the use of green infrastructure on the nation's college campuses. Since 2012 more than 700 teams have participated in the challenge. In this year's challenge, EPA invited student teams to compete in two design categories: the Master Plan category, which examines how green infrastructure can be broadly integrated across campus, and the Demonstration Project category, which focuses on how green infrastructure can address stormwater pollution at a specific site on campus or local elementary, junior high or high schools. Background Green infrastructure tools and techniques for stormwater management include green roofs, permeable materials, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, habitat conservation, rain gardens and rain harvesting systems. Utilizing these tools decreases pollution to local waterways by treating rain where it falls and keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems. Communities are increasingly using innovative green infrastructure to supplement "gray" infrastructure such as pipes, filters and ponds. Green infrastructure reduces water pollution while increasing economic activity and neighborhood revitalization, job creation, energy savings and open space. First place teams will receive a $7,000 student prize to be split among team members and a $3,000 faculty prize to support green infrastructure research and training. Second place teams will receive a $3,500 student prize and a $1,500 faculty prize. Since 2012 more than 750 teams have participated in the challenge.  For more information and a list of all winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/campus-rainworks-challenge-0 #          #          #

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 News: EPA recognizes Univ. of Pittsburgh with RainWorks award for green infrastructure project

CONTACT: R3press@epa.gov EPA recognizes University of Pittsburgh with RainWorks award for green infrastructure project WASHINGTON (April 28, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the University of Pittsburgh has received a Campus RainWorks Challenge award in a national competition that engages college students in the design of on-campus green infrastructure solutions to address stormwater pollution. The University of Pittsburgh received 2nd place in the Master Plan Category for its "Team PreciPITTation" project that integrated green infrastructure practices into a master plan design that focused on eliminating combined sewer overflows. "The creative and scientific minds of students stand out in this competition that creates dynamic ideas on how to address complex stormwater issues," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Acting Regional Administrator Diana Esher. "I'd like to congratulate the students at the University of Pittsburgh who developed this project that incorporates innovative solutions that will help protect human health and the environment." Students engaged with internal and external stakeholders to create a design that would manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding while creating safe, multifunctional spaces accessible to students and the greater Pittsburgh community. Aspects of their plan included incorporating green roofs, permeable pavement, rain gardens and stormwater tree pit. Watch the team's video about their project: https://youtu.be/2E0loZa490Q Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution and remains a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. EPA's Campus RainWorks Challenge asks students and faculty members at colleges and universities to apply green infrastructure design principles, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase the use of green infrastructure on the nation's college campuses. Since 2012 more than 700 teams have participated in the challenge. In this year's challenge, EPA invited student teams to compete in two design categories: the Master Plan category, which examines how green infrastructure can be broadly integrated across campus, and the Demonstration Project category, which focuses on how green infrastructure can address stormwater pollution at a specific site on campus or local elementary, junior high, or high schools. Background Green infrastructure tools and techniques for stormwater management include green roofs, permeable materials, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, habitat conservation, rain gardens and rain harvesting systems. Utilizing these tools decreases pollution to local waterways by treating rain where it falls and keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems. Communities are increasingly using innovative green infrastructure to supplement "gray" infrastructure such as pipes, filters and ponds. Green infrastructure reduces water pollution while increasing economic activity and neighborhood revitalization, job creation, energy savings and open space. First place teams will receive a $7,000 student prize to be split among team members and a $3,000 faculty prize to support green infrastructure research and training. Second place teams will receive a $3,500 student prize and a $1,500 faculty prize. Since 2012 more than 750 teams have participated in the challenge.  For more information and a list of all winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/campus-rainworks-challenge-0   #          #          #

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 Awards Funding through Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Funding - 5 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA Awards $300,000 to four Virginia School Districts to Replace 15 School Buses PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $300,000 to four Virginia school districts to replace 15 older diesel school buses. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. In Virginia, these funds are going to Amherst County Public Schools ($60,000 to replace three buses), Carroll County Public Schools ($140,000 to replace seven buses), Madison County Public Schools ($80,000 to replace four buses) and Salem City Public Schools ($20,000 to replace one bus). "The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation's school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities." The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.  Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates. For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA Awards $350,000 to Replace 13 Old Diesel  School Buses in Pennsylvania PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $350,000 to replace 13 older diesel school buses in Pennsylvania. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. In Pennsylvania, these funds are going to the School District of Philadelphia ($290,000 to replace 10 buses), Southside Garage Inc. of Georgetown, Pennsylvania ($40,000 to replace two  buses), and Roger Young Transportation of  Westover, Pennsylvania ($20,000 to replace one bus). "The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation's school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities." The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.  Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates. For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA Awards $20,000 to Swann Transportation Inc. in St. Mary's County, Maryland for a New Clean School Bus PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $20,000 to Swann Transportation Inc. of St. Mary's County, Maryland, to replace an older diesel school bus. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. "The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation's school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities." The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.  Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates. For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA Awards $20,000 to Providence Creek Academy Charter School in Delaware for a New Clean School Bus PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $20,000 to Providence Creek Academy Charter School in Clayton, Delaware, to replace an older diesel school bus. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. "The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation's school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities." The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.  Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates. For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA Awards $80,000 to Upshur County Board of Education in West Virginia for New Clean School Buses PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $80,000 to the Upshur County Board of Education in Buckhannon, West Virginia, to replace four older diesel school bus. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. "The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation's school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities." The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.  Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates. For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera

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 Administrator Regan Establishes New Council on PFAS WASHINGTON –  (April 27, 2021) To help deliver on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mission to protect human health and the environment, today Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a memorandum to EPA's senior leadership calling for the creation of a new "EPA Council on PFAS" that is charged with building on the agency's ongoing work to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals.  "Coming from North Carolina, I've seen first-hand how devastating these chemicals can be for communities and the need for strong EPA leadership," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "That's why today, I am calling on our senior leadership to form a new Council that will identify pragmatic approaches that deliver critical protections to the American public. As one of my top priorities as Administrator, EPA will prioritize partnerships and collaboration with our federal, state, tribal and local partners, and engage the public about the risk associated with these chemicals. Administrator Regan has asked Radhika Fox, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Water, and Deb Szaro, Acting Regional Administrator in Region 1, to convene and lead the EPA Council on PFAS, which will be comprised of senior EPA career officials from across the agency.  "I'm honored to Co-Chair the EPA Council on PFAS and to work collaboratively with colleagues across our national program offices and our regions to forge meaningful and sustained progress on PFAS," said Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Water Radhika Fox. "By taking a whole of EPA approach, the Council will accelerate scientific work, regulatory action, and voluntary approaches to address PFAS contamination and better protect the health of all Americans."  "I am very proud to be asked by Administrator Regan to help lead the new EPA Council on PFAS," said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deb Szaro. "These chemicals are a significant concern throughout the six New England states, and we understand that state and local officials, as well as ordinary citizens are looking for EPA to provide leadership on how to address PFAS chemicals that are being detected in the environment to ensure we are protecting people's health. Our work will be based on science and will be conducted with transparency." "This is among the most complex environmental challenges facing states today, and it will take close coordination and partnership across all levels of government to tackle it," said ECOS President Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. "States appreciate the opportunity to engage with EPA to help develop appropriate and workable strategies to address PFAS and to protect public health." The agency's ongoing work on PFAS is based on the 2019 EPA PFAS Action Plan. Developed by EPA career staff, the plan identifies an agenda and actions that have yet to be realized. Over the past few years, science has progressed rapidly, and the agency must move forward with actions that are based on this new science and a better understanding of the complex challenges so many communities are facing. To address these challenges and meet the needs of our partners and communities across the United States, Administrator Regan is directing the EPA Council on PFAS (ECP) to: Develop "PFAS 2021-2025 – Safeguarding America's Waters, Air and Land," a multi-year strategy to deliver critical public health protections to the American public. To develop the strategy, the ECP will review all ongoing actions, propose any necessary modifications, and identify new strategies and priorities. The ECP shall make initial recommendations within 100 days of its establishment.  Continue close interagency coordination on regional specific and cross-media issues to assist states, Tribes, and local communities faced with significant and complex PFAS challenges. Work with all national program offices and regions to maximize the impact of EPA's funding and financing programs and leverage federal and state funds to support cleanup of PFAS pollution, particularly in underserved communities. Expand engagement opportunities with federal, state, and tribal partners to ensure consistent communications, exchange information, and identify collaborative solutions. The ECP's work will build on the important steps the Biden-Harris Administration has already taken to address these chemicals, including pulling down and updating a PFBS toxicity assessment that had been politically compromised and issued a new assessment backed by career scientists. EPA has also taken action to begin to develop a national primary drinking water regulation, to collect new data critically needed to improve EPA's understanding of 29 PFAS, and to solicit data on the presence and treatment of PFAS in wastewater discharges. The agency also strongly supports President Biden's American Jobs Plan, which calls for investing billions of dollars to monitor and treat PFAS in drinking water. Additional information: www.epa.gov/pfas

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 Reconsiders Previous Admin's Withdrawal of California Waiver to Enforce Greenhouse Gas Standards

EPA Reconsiders Previous Administration's Withdrawal of California's Waiver to Enforce Greenhouse Gas Standards for Cars and Light Trucks WASHINGTON (April 26, 2021) — As directed in President Biden's Executive Order 13990 on "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis," and in response to requests by states and other stakeholders, today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input on its reconsideration of the Agency's 2019 action titled The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program Rule (SAFE-1) for the purposes of rescinding the action taken by the prior administration.   "I am a firm believer in California's long-standing statutory authority to lead. The 2019 decision to revoke the state's waiver to enforce its greenhouse gas pollution standards for cars and trucks was legally dubious and an attack on the public's health and wellbeing," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today, we are delivering on President Biden's clear direction to tackle the climate crisis by taking a major step forward to restore state leadership and advance EPA's greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals."  EPA is reconsidering actions taken by the previous administration in SAFE-1. The purpose of this Notice of Reconsideration is to seek comment on a number of issues in the 2019 SAFE-1 action including:  Whether it was proper for EPA to reconsider a previously issued CAA waiver. Whether EPA's action to withdraw California's waiver in consideration of EPCA preemption was appropriate.  Whether the SAFE-1 interpretation of the CAA that enabled EPA to withdraw California's waiver was appropriate. Whether the SAFE-1 interpretation of CAA section 177 that could disallow other states' ability to adopt California GHG emission standards was appropriate. The agency will hold a virtual public hearing on June 2, and the public comment period on the Notice of Reconsideration will be open until July 6. EPA will be taking a separate action to reconsider the previous administration's final rule titled The Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Final Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 (SAFE-2). EPA plans to propose this rule in July 2021. For more information on today's action, the public comment period, and the public hearing details, see https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/notice-reconsideration-previous-withdrawal-waiver   Background   The SAFE-1 action withdrew the 2013 Clean Air Act (CAA) waiver that had allowed California to enforce its greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for cars and light-duty trucks and its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate. SAFE-1 also interpreted the CAA as not allowing other states to adopt California's GHG emission standards. The Federal Register notice seeks public input on whether EPA should rescind the SAFE-1 action. In January 2013, EPA granted California a waiver of CAA preemption to enforce its GHG standards and ZEV mandate contained in its Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program for light-duty vehicles. California is the only state that may receive a waiver of CAA preemption of emission standards for new motor vehicles, although other states may adopt California's standards.   On September 29, 2019, EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) jointly issued the SAFE-1 rule. In it, NHTSA interpreted fuel economy preemption under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to include state GHG emission standards and ZEV mandates. EPA withdrew the portions of the ACC waiver related to GHG standards and the ZEV sales mandate in consideration of NHTSA's EPCA preemption as well as a reinterpretation of the CAA waiver requirements. EPA also provided an interpretation of the CAA that would preclude other states from adopting California's GHG emission standards.

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

Administrator Regan Announces New Initiatives to Support Environmental Justice and Climate Action

EPA Administrator Regan Announces New Initiatives to Support Environmental Justice and Climate Action WASHINGTON (April 23, 2021) — Today, in conjunction with President Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced three significant initiatives to support community-driven solutions in North America and in many countries around the world. Through cooperation and partnership, the United States can catalyze meaningful international climate action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution while also unleashing economic opportunities, creating good jobs, and advancing environmental justice. "The climate crisis is an urgent threat and President Biden has set forth an ambitious commitment to confront it. EPA will be at the center of delivering on this agenda, and in doing so, we are lifting up overburdened communities while creating new jobs and building a 21st Century clean economy," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The Leaders Summit is a statement that the United States is once again a global climate leader. America is back, and we are committed to empowering the people who've been left out of the conversation for too long – the same communities who are on the frontlines of pollution, who suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change." In the spirit of partnership, the EPA is proud to announce that we will resume and strengthen our commitment to the United Nations Foundation's Clean Cooking Alliance. The U.S. government will work with the Clean Cooking Alliance, other country governments, and partners at every level of government to reduce emissions from home cooking and heating that contribute to climate change and directly affect the health and livelihoods of almost 40 percent of the world's population. In addition to cookstoves, EPA is also pleased to announce the Black Carbon Health Assessment in Indigenous Arctic Communities project to be implemented by the Aleut International Association. Indigenous Arctic communities are on the front lines of climate change, and this project will provide needed tools to understand their exposure to black carbon emissions, to help Indigenous communities identify significant local sources, and to share best practices for preventing and mitigating the health impacts of air pollution and climate. EPA is already reaching out through the Arctic Council to work with fellow arctic governments to support and grow this project. And with our North American partners in Canada and Mexico, EPA will support an initial allocation of $1 million for an Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience Initiative. Through the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC), this initiative will support underserved and vulnerable communities, including Indigenous communities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, helping to build resilience in the face climate-related impacts.  These announcements support President Biden's Climate Leaders Summit, which underscores the urgency – and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. The U.S. is demonstrating America's leadership and commitment to tackling the climate crisis and rallying the rest of the world. The health of our communities, well-being of our workers, and competitiveness of our economy requires quick and bold action. This moment requires unpreceded global cooperation, and a shared sense of urgency and commitment. The Leaders Summit is the first stop on the road to Glasgow.

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