Issued: Nov 30, 2021 (2:27pm EST)

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Manufacturers Cut 17 Million Metric Tons of Greenhouse Emissions with Help from EPA's ENERGY STAR® program

Contact: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON (Nov. 30, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates the 580 manufacturing plants that achieved the energy savings goals set out by EPA 10 years ago to drive energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Through the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, manufacturing plants agreed to reduce energy intensity by 10 percent within five years. These 580 plants nearly doubled this goal.

On average, plants that met this challenge reduced their energy intensity by 19 percent within an average of two years. More than 100 plants have taken the challenge twice in a row, achieving reductions of more than 10 percent each time. Together, these plants have prevented more than 17 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere and saved more than $443 million in energy costs.

"Tackling the climate crisis requires everyone coming together to reduce pollution, and our industry partners have shown that we can accomplish this while improving energy efficiency and achieving millions in cost savings in the process," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Companies that have met the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry have demonstrated the business case for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency, and we encourage more companies to accept the challenge and help America transition to a clean energy future."

EPA works in partnership with manufacturers to accept the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry and pledge to reduce their plant's energy intensity through improved energy management. As an element of the ENERGY STAR industrial program, the challenge drives energy savings in individual plants by motivating employees and raising the visibility of energy management activities, often through low- and no-cost operational measures. Since 2010, more than 150 manufacturing companies have taken the pledge on behalf of more than 1,800 manufacturing plants. Participating plants can be found in nearly every state and more than 60 countries around the world. Plants represent dozens of industrial sectors, including automobile manufacturing, paper milling, bread and roll bakeries, pharmaceuticals, cement, glass, electronics, and textiles.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including nearly 40 percent of the Fortune 500®—rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Together, since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid more than $450 billion in energy costs, and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions, all through voluntary action. Learn more about ENERGY STAR at https://www.energystar.gov/about/origins_mission/impacts. For state-by-state data on ENERGY STAR, see https://www.energystar.gov/about/state_fact_sheets. For more information on the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, visit: https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/earn_recognition/energy_star_challenge_industry2

 

 

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Issued: Nov 30, 2021 (12:54pm EST)

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Releases Peer Review Report Commending EPA's "IRIS Handbook"

WASHINGTON (November 30, 2021) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's (NASEM) external peer review report of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) Staff Handbook for Developing Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Assessments, or the IRIS Handbook. The IRIS Handbook provides standard operating procedures for staffers that are developing IRIS assessments. The Handbook includes systematic review approaches that promote consistency and ensure that contributors to IRIS assessments understand how the assessment components are developed.

"EPA appreciates the NASEM's comprehensive and robust review of the IRIS Handbook," said Wayne Cascio, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in EPA's Office of Research and Development. "NASEM's acknowledgement of the significant progress made by the IRIS Program to advance the science of systematic review marks an important milestone for the Agency, and EPA will continue to strengthen its scientific assessments following recommendations provided in the report."

EPA's IRIS Program develops assessments that identify human health hazards associated with exposure to chemicals found in the environment, referred to as hazard identification, and toxicity values for human health effects resulting from that exposure.  EPA's IRIS assessments are used by EPA offices, state and local health agencies, other federal agencies, and international health organizations to support decision-making. The Handbook does not supersede existing EPA guidance and does not serve as guidance for other EPA programs.

EPA contracted with the NASEM to conduct an external peer review of the IRIS Handbook. The report released today commends EPA's IRIS Program on its impressive progress in developing and integrating systematic review methods. The report acknowledges that "the IRIS process for developing assessments can serve as a model for other parts of EPA that are implementing systematic review methods." In addition, the NASEM committee praised the IRIS Program's systematic review approaches by stating that the program "is clearly helping to advance the science of systematic review as applied to hazard identification." Key recommendations provided by the peer review panel were generally focused on improving clarity in the IRIS Handbook.

The IRIS Program will incorporate feedback from the report and continue to advance the science of conducting robust and rigorous systematic reviews for human health assessments.

To view the NASEM report, visit: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/26289/review-of-us-epas-ord-staff-handbook-for-developing-iris-assessments

For more information on EPA's IRIS program: https://www.epa.gov/iris

 

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EPA News: EPA awards $2.4 million grant to City of Chester for green infrastructure project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov EPA awards $2.4 million grant to City of Chester for green infrastructure project to address stormwater issues PHILADELPHIA (November 30, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $2,366,000 grant that will be used by the City of Chester, Pennsylvania, for a green infrastructure project to help fix flooding problems caused by stormwater overflows. "Urban stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and can be a serious public health concern," said EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "This funding will support the City of Chester's efforts to reduce stormwater overflows by using green infrastructure upgrades that will help protect public health and the environment." Stormwater improvements in the City of Chester also support efforts to restore the Delaware River Estuary, which is the ultimate recipient of urban water runoff from Chester. The funding comes from EPA's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) program and will be awarded to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, which will provide a sub-award to the City of Chester. Chester will use funds to address excessive runoff and flooding in the city's Veteran's Park area due to an outdated stormwater system that lacks sufficient pipes, inlets, and outfalls. The project, located in a community with historic environmental justice concerns, will consist of approximately 1,600 feet of pipe, 325 inlets, four manholes, roadway restoration, 1,600 square feet of porous panels, inlet inserts, and filters. It also includes establishing a regional stormwater control basin with a drainage area of 196 acres and a storage volume of 14 acre-feet. Overall, EPA will be awarding more than $67 million in OSG grants. For more information on EPA's OSG program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/sewer-overflow-and-stormwater-reuse-municipal-grants-program                                                                             # # #

 

 

 

 

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EPA News: EPA awards $886,000 grant to D.C. for canopies to reduce harmful runoff from trucks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov   EPA awards $886,000 grant to District of Columbia for canopies to reduce harmful runoff from municipal trucks PHILADELPHIA (November 30, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $886,000 grant to the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) today to help pay for canopies to protect municipal industrial vehicles and reduce runoff of harmful pollutants. "Urban stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and can be a serious public health concern," said EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "This funding will support the District of Columbia's efforts to help prevent pollutants from draining from public works vehicles into local waterways." Stormwater improvements in the district also support efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay because much of the urban runoff from the district eventually runs into the Potomac River and other waterways that ultimately feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Municipal industrial vehicles such as snowplows, leaf vacuums, street sweepers, and trash trucks leach critical pollutant sources including heavy metals, salt, oils, and sediment onto roadways that drain into local sewers and local waterways. This funding will be used to design and construct two municipal, industrial vehicle canopies totaling 55,100 square feet and regrade the surrounding area. The D.C. DOEE anticipates the project will divert approximately 41,188 gallons of stormwater from coming in contact with these industrial vehicles prior to entering the district's stormwater system. The funding comes from EPA's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) program that provides grants to manage combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater flows. This is the first year of the OSG program and the District of Columbia is the first recipient of an OSG grant. Overall, EPA will be awarding more than $67 million in OSG grants.  For more information on EPA's OSG program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/sewer-overflow-and-stormwater-reuse-municipal-grants-program                                                                                           # # #

 

 

 

 

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Issued: Nov 19, 2021 (1:58pm EST)

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EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal Program Honors 14 Partners for Achievements in Recycling

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2021) — The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program celebrated its 15th anniversary and recognized partners during its second annual RAD Leadership Awards Ceremony. In addition to preventing nearly 1.5 billion pounds of metal, plastic, and glass from entering landfills since 2006, RAD partners have achieved a reduction of 39.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. Fourteen partners received awards for outstanding program achievements in appliance recycling during the event, which was hosted virtually via webinar as part of the Annual RAD Partner Meeting on November 17, 2021. 

 

"Even after 15 years, our RAD partners continue to go above and beyond when it comes to appliance recycling," said Joe Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. "Their successful efforts to recycle foams and reduce the amount of durable goods sent to landfills is having a positive impact on our environment, and we congratulate these RAD Leadership Award Winners on their achievements." 

 

Partners in EPA's RAD program commit to collecting and disposing of old refrigerated appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers using best environmental practices. In addition to complying with laws on the recovery of refrigerant, used oil, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), RAD Partners commit to recovering appliance insulation foam. This foam can contain greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting chemicals, so properly disposing of the foam prevents the release of climate-damaging emissions to our atmosphere. Partners also promote the recycling of all durable goods and champion the permanent retirement of old, inefficient appliances from our energy grids to help save energy. As a result of their commitments, RAD partners have achieved significant environmental benefits since RAD first launched in 2006, recycling more than 9.3 million refrigerated appliances and reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) by 1,989 ozone-depletion potential (ODP)-weighted tons. 

 

The RAD Leadership Award winners were honored in three categories: the RAD Champion Award, the RAD Program Growth Award, and the RAD Ambassador Award. 

 

• The RAD Champion Award recognizes the RAD partners with the highest rates of appliance foam recovery. The ten recipients of the award this year recovered foam in 100% of the units collected in 2020. They were Butler County Recycling & Solid Waste District (Hamilton, Ohio), Consumers Energy (Jackson, Mich.), Delmarva Power (Wilmington, Del.), General Electric Appliances (Louisville, Ky.), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (Los Angeles, Calif.), Modesto Irrigation District (Modesto, Calif.), Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) (Merrillville, Ind.), Palo Alto Utilities (Palo Alto, Calif.), Silicon Valley Power (Santa Clara, Calif.), and UGI Utilities (Valley Forge, Penn.). 

• The RAD Program Growth Award recognizes the top three RAD partners with the greatest annual increase in units processed. This year's recipients were Liberty Utilities (Salem, N.H.), New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) (Binghamton, N.Y.), and Unitil (Hampton, N.H.). 

 

• The RAD Ambassador Award was presented to Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (Sacramento, Calif.), which has consistently demonstrated exemplary partner practices and considerable engagement with the RAD team, developed novel appliance recycling program models, including a new approach that recovers and recycles units that are taken to landfills, and explored a partnership with local retailers. 

 

Learn more about the RAD Program and its awards: https://www.epa.gov/rad/rad-leadership-awards 

rogram and its awards: https://www.epa.gov/rad/rad-leadership-awards

 

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Issued: Nov 19, 2021 (10:44am EST)

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EPA Report: U.S. Cars Achieve Record High Fuel Economy and Low Emission Levels as Companies Fully Comply with Standards

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Sales Poised to Grow, Projections Show

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual Automotive Trends Report which shows model year 2020 vehicles achieved record high fuel economy and record low emission levels. Large automotive manufacturers also achieved full compliance with greenhouse gas emission standards. Projections indicate sales of hybrid and electric vehicles will more than double from 2020 to 2021, according to the report.

"Today's report is a great indicator that automakers are following through with their promise of achieving clean car standards while providing consumers with great vehicle options," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "I am optimistic that the innovation and marketing power of the auto industry, coupled with President Biden's unprecedented support for a zero emissions future, will accelerate cleaner technologies, sharply cutting pollution to meet the climate challenge."

Key Highlights

• Since model year 2004, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have decreased by 24 percent as fuel economy has increased by 32 percent.
• CO₂ emissions for the average 2020 model year vehicle fell to 349 grams per mile (g/mi), the lowest ever measured, and seven g/mi lower than the average for model year 2019.
• Average Fuel Economy for model year 2020 vehicles increased to a record 25.4 miles per gallon (mpg), 0.5 mpg more than the average for model year 2019.
• Hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles are poised to grow, but are currently at low adoption levels. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 2 percent of all production, and hybrids 5 percent. In the projected model year 2021 data, those categories are estimated to grow to 4 percent and 9 percent of all production.

In August, President Biden signed an Executive Order that sets an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. At the same time, EPA proposed a new rulemaking under the Clean Air Act that by 2026 would establish the strongest greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light duty trucks in history.

To read the full EPA Automotive Trends Report, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends

To explore Trends data through our new interactive data tool go to:  Explore the Automotive Trends Data | US EPA

 

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Issued: Nov 18, 2021 (5:12pm EST)

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EPA Announces Appointment of Lisa Garcia as Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2

Contact:

EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov); Elias Rodriguez, 212-637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov

New York (November 18, 2021) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that President Biden will appoint Lisa Garcia to become EPA's Regional Administrator for Region 2. Garcia will lead the implementation of the Biden-Harris environmental agenda in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations.

"Lisa's leadership will be instrumental to EPA's work addressing the complicated intersection of environmental and economic challenges in Region 2. She brings a wealth of experience in fighting for climate justice and equity that will be invaluable as we deliver on our mission to protect communities from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in New Jersey and New York, from pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

"I am honored to be appointed as Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2, and to help advance President Biden's and Administrator Regan's priorities to integrate environmental justice in all we do to tackle climate change, ensure all communities have clean drinking water and reduce toxic pollution in our air, water, and soil," Garcia said. "With the passage of the historic infrastructure deal in Congress, I stand ready to serve with the amazing EPA staff and take action toward a more just and resilient planet."

Lisa Flavia Garcia is a lawyer that has been using the power of law and policy over the past 20 years to advocate for environmental and climate justice. Garcia was appointed to EPA in 2009, serving as associate administrator and advisor to EPA Administrators Jackson and McCarthy. She helped to lead the team responsible for the creation and implementation of Plan EJ 2014 -EPA's first EJ strategic plan - and the design of EJSCREEN. Garcia then worked as Vice President for Litigation at Earthjustice, and in 2019 joined GRIST magazine to lead a new program called Fix, Grist's climate solutions lab focused on amplifying the voices of climate justice leaders. Earlier in her career, Garcia served as the Director of EJ and Indian Affairs at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and as Assistant Attorney General at the NYS Attorney General's Environmental Protection Bureau. She was also an Associate Professor at Rutgers Law School, staff attorney at NYPIRG, and a legislative fellow for Senator Robert Torricelli and NJ State Senator Byron Baer.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2

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Issued: Nov 18, 2021 (4:23pm EST)

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EPA Announces Appointments of Regional Administrators for Regions 2, 4, and 8

WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 18, 2021) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that President Biden will appoint three new Regional Administrators to lead EPA's work protecting human health and the environment in their respective regional offices. The following individuals will be appointed:

Region 2

Lisa Garcia will become EPA's Regional Administrator for Region 2. Garcia will lead the implementation of the Biden-Harris environmental agenda in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations.

"Lisa's leadership will be instrumental to EPA's work addressing the complicated intersection of environmental and economic challenges in Region 2. She brings a wealth of experience in fighting for climate justice and equity that will be invaluable as we deliver on our mission to protect communities from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in New Jersey and New York, from pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

"I am honored to be appointed as Regional Administrator for EPA region 2, and to help advance President Biden's and Administrator Regan's priorities to integrate environmental justice in all we do to tackle climate change, ensure all communities have clean drinking water, and reduce toxic pollution in our air, water, and soil," Lisa Garcia said. "With the passage of the historic infrastructure deal in Congress, I stand ready to serve with the amazing EPA staff and take action toward a more just and resilient planet."

Lisa Flavia Garcia is a lawyer that has been using the power of law and policy over the past 20 years to advocate for environmental and climate justice. Garcia was appointed to EPA in 2009, serving as associate administrator and advisor to EPA Administrators Jackson and McCarthy. She helped to lead the team responsible for the creation and implementation of Plan EJ 2014 -EPA's first EJ strategic plan- and the design of EJSCREEN. Garcia then worked as Vice President for Litigation at Earthjustice, and in 2019 joined GRIST magazine to lead a new program called Fix, Grist's climate solutions lab focused on amplifying the voices of climate justice leaders. Earlier in her career, Garcia served as the Director of EJ and Indian Affairs at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and as Assistant Attorney General at the NYS Attorney General's Environmental Protection Bureau. She was also an Associate Professor at Rutgers Law School, staff attorney at NYPIRG, and a legislative fellow for Senator Robert Torricelli and NJ State Senator Byron Baer.

Region 4

Daniel Blackman will become EPA's Regional Administrator for Region 4.  Blackman will lead the implementation of the Biden-Harris environmental agenda in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and with six Tribes. 

"Daniel brings deep experience in the region that will be an asset as we work to confront issues in overburdened and underserved communities, ensure public health protections for all, and make progress on our critical climate change goals," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "I'm excited to have him working with us." 

"I am honored to play a critical role in President Biden and Administrator Regan's ambitious commitment to combat the climate crisis, reduce pollution, and to ensure more Americans can participate fully and equally in our economy.  This includes bringing accountability and transparency throughout the region and working to fulfill President Biden's environmental justice commitments," said Daniel Blackman.

Daniel Blackman has spent over a decade advising policymakers at the Georgia state capitol and advocating on behalf of Georgia ratepayers and small businesses in energy-related matters before the state's Public Service Commission. He served as chairman of the Georgia Chapter of the Sierra Club and board member for the ACLU. Blackman has worked throughout EPA Region 4 to secure environmental, health, and economic justice and to convene stakeholders with federal agencies. His work in addressing groundwater contamination at nuclear plants and its impact on public health and safety has given him the opportunity to testify numerous times before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and his commitment to working throughout the Southeastern United States to push for legislation that addresses toxic ash left behind from burning coal has given him the opportunity to play a key role in the transitioning from coal to clean energy in the United States.

Region 8

KC Becker will become EPA's Regional Administrator for Region 8. Becker will lead the implementation of the Biden-Harris environmental agenda in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and with 28 Tribal Nations.

"With her background on critical climate change and environmental justice issues, KC is an excellent choice to lead our Region 8 team. She is experienced in stakeholder engagement and will ensure voices from throughout the region are heard on key issues," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

"I am so honored to have the opportunity to serve the Biden Administration as EPA Region 8 Administrator. The aggressive and critical agenda that President Biden and Administrator Regan have announced to address climate change, repair aging water infrastructure, and drive down methane emissions requires an 'all hands on deck' approach. I am ready to use my experience to help states, Tribal governments, businesses, and communities in Region 8 implement these important pieces of the Biden agenda," KC Becker said.

KC Becker recently completed four terms in the Colorado legislature, culminating as Speaker of the House. Becker led the Colorado Democrats to its biggest majority in the legislature in over 50 years, and the first majority female legislative chamber in the country. Prior to serving in the Colorado legislature, she served four years on Boulder, Colorado's city council. She worked for nearly seven years as an attorney-advisor in the Solicitor's Office at the US Department of the Interior, practicing administrative and natural resources law. While in the Colorado legislature, Becker led landmark legislation to reform Colorado's oil and gas sector, created a first in the nation Office of Just Transition, and passed nationally-leading legislation requiring the state of Colorado to put forward a plan to meet carbon reduction goals. Becker lives in Boulder with her husband and two sons.

 

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Issued: Nov 18, 2021 (1:38pm EST)

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EPA and Army Take Action to Provide Certainty for the Definition of WOTUS

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a proposed rule to re-establish the pre-2015 definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) which had been in place for decades, updated to reflect consideration of Supreme Court decisions. This action advances the agencies' goal of establishing a durable definition of WOTUS that protects public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and other industries that depend on clean water. This proposed rule would support a stable implementation of "waters of the United States" while the agencies continue to consult with states, Tribes, local governments, and a broad array of stakeholders in both the implementation of WOTUS and future regulatory actions.

"In recent years, the only constant with WOTUS has been change, creating a whiplash in how to best protect our waters in communities across America," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through our engagement with stakeholders across the country, we've heard overwhelming calls for a durable definition of WOTUS that protects the environment and that is grounded in the experience of those who steward our waters. Today's action advances our process toward a stronger rule that achieves our shared priorities."

"The Army recognizes the importance of our nation's water resources and the role water plays in our communities across the nation," said Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime A. Pinkham. "We remain committed to working with EPA to develop a rule that is informed by our experience and expertise, as well as that of our co-regulators, is mindful of implementation practices, and is shaped by the lived experience of local communities and stakeholders."

Recent court decisions have reinforced the need for a stable and certain definition of WOTUS. The U.S. District Courts for both Arizona and New Mexico have vacated the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. In light of the court actions, the agencies have been implementing the pre-2015 regulatory regime nationwide since early September 2021. Today's action is an important step because it would solidify the rules of the road for a stable implementation of "waters of the United States" while the agencies continue to consult with stakeholders to refine the definition of WOTUS in both implementation and future regulatory actions.

The proposed rule would maintain the longstanding exclusions of the pre-2015 regulations as well as the exemptions and exclusions in the Clean Water Act on which the agricultural community has come to rely.

EPA and Army conducted extensive pre-proposal engagement, including Federalism and Tribal consultation, to help inform the content of the proposed rule. The agencies are taking comment on this proposed rule for 60 days beginning on the date it is published in the Federal Register.

For more information on submitting written comment on the proposal or to register for the virtual public hearings on the proposed rule, see www.epa.gov/wotus.

Background
Congress enacted the Clean Water Act in 1972 with the statutory objective "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." One of the Act's principal tools in achieving that objective is a prohibition on the discharge of pollutants from a point source to "navigable waters" unless otherwise authorized under the Act. "Navigable waters" are defined in the Act as "the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas." Thus, "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) is a threshold term establishing the geographic scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The term "waters of the United States" is not defined by the Act but has been defined by EPA and the Army in regulations since the 1970s and jointly implemented in the agencies' respective programmatic activities.

On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of WOTUS to better protect our nation's vital water resources that support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. Upon review of the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule, the agencies determined that the rule is significantly reducing clean water protections.

 

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Issued: Nov 18, 2021 (11:14am EST)

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Dredging and Capping Work Completed at Grasse River Superfund Site, Massena, NY

 

Contact: Larisa Romanowski, (518) 407-0400, romanowski.larisa@epa.gov

ALBANY, NY (November 18, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that dredging and capping work is completed at the Grasse River Superfund site (aka Alcoa Aggregation) in Massena, New York. Nearly a quarter million cubic yards of sediment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been removed from the Grasse River and over 200 acres of river bottom have been capped.

"This is an important milestone at the Grasse River Superfund site," said Acting Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan. "We have removed forever about 220,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment, which will allow for the recovery of this vital and culturally important river system. This success could not have been achieved without the work of our partners, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and New York State."

EPA selected a cleanup plan for the site in 2013 that called for removing contaminated sediment from near-shore areas in a 7.2-mile stretch of the lower Grasse River and placing a cap on the river bottom in the main channel. Capping material included sand and powdered carbon, which works to capture and chemically bind pollutants in place, as well as some stone and gravel. Additional dredging of contaminated sediment was added to the project in 2020 in the Snug Harbor area, which is a small embayment located on the north shore of the river, to accommodate a new, larger tugboat purchased by the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, which operates its tugboat out of Snug Harbor.

The dredging and capping work began in 2019 and was completed this fall. During the cleanup, contaminated soil was also removed from two areas along the north shore of the river near the Alcoa Bridge in Massena.

Dredging and capping equipment has been removed from the river and from two shoreline support areas located on Route 131 and Haverstock Road. The Haverstock Road Staging Area, which was used for storing capping material, has been fully restored. The Route 131 Staging Area will continue to be used for river monitoring activities for the next few years. 

Work to reconstruct habitat areas impacted by the project will continue in 2022. The project's long-term monitoring plan requires fish, water and habitat monitoring to track the recovery of the river over time. The fish consumption advisories established by the New York State Department of Health will remain in effect until PCB concentrations in fish are reduced to the point where the advisories are relaxed or lifted by the state. Capped areas of the river bottom will also be monitored to ensure that the caps placed on the river bottom remain intact.

Arconic (formerly Alcoa) is conducting the cleanup and the associated monitoring and habitat restoration work under a 1989 administrative order with EPA.

This fall, EPA also initiated a five-year review of the cleanup that has been conducted so far at the site. The purpose of this review, which is legally required under the Superfund law within five years after the start of on-site construction, is to ensure that the cleanup is working as intended and is protective of public health and the environment. In conducting the review, EPA is reviewing Superfund site operation, maintenance and monitoring information. 

The ongoing five-year review of the Grasse River is expected to be completed by May of 2022. The results will be shared with the public and will be available on the EPA's Grasse River site webpage at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alcoa-aggregate and in the local repositories established for the site: Massena Public Library, 41 Glenn Street, Massena, NY; St. Regis Mohawk Tribe – Environment Division, 449 Frogtown Road, Akwesasne, NY; and EPA Region 2 Superfund Records Center, 290 Broadway – 18th Floor, New York, NY 10007.

Project information can be found on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alcoa-aggregate.

For questions or further information about the five-year review of the Grasse River Superfund site, please contact:

Young Chang, Remedial Project Manager

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

290 Broadway, 19th Floor

New York, NY 10007-1866

Email: chang.young@epa.gov

Phone: (212) 637-4253

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2

 

21-073

 

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Issued: Nov 16, 2021 (2:29pm EST)

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EPA Advances Science to Protect the Public from PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking the agency's Science Advisory Board to review draft scientific documents regarding the health effects of certain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). EPA is committed to science-based approaches to protect public health from exposure to Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), including by quickly updating drinking water health advisories with new peer-reviewed approaches and expeditiously developing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for these contaminants.

"Under our new PFAS Strategic Roadmap, EPA is moving aggressively on clear, robust, and science-based actions to protect communities suffering from legacy PFOA and PFOS contamination," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "This action will ensure a rigorous review from experienced scientists to strengthen our understanding of this preliminary information as the agency works toward developing revised health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, and soon establishing regulations that protect communities from these contaminants."

EPA has transmitted to the Science Advisory Board four draft documents with recent scientific data and new analyses that indicate that negative health effects may occur at much lower levels of exposure to PFOA and PFOS than previously understood and that PFOA is a likely carcinogen. The draft documents present EPA's initial analysis and findings with respect to this new information. 

Following peer review, this information will be used to inform health advisories and the development of Maximum Contaminant Level Goals and a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFOA and PFOS. EPA is now seeking independent scientific review of these documents. EPA is making these draft documents available to the public to ensure a transparent and robust evaluation of the available information. 

EPA will not wait to take action to protect the public from PFAS exposure. The agency will be actively engaging with its partners regarding PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, including supporting their monitoring and remediation efforts. Importantly, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021, invests $10 billion to help communities test for and clean up PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water and wastewater, and can be used to support projects in disadvantaged communities.

EPA will move as quickly as possible to issue updated health advisories for PFOA and PFOS that reflect this new science and input from the SAB. Concurrently, EPA will continue to develop a proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for publication in Fall 2022. 
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/pfas. 

 

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Issued: Nov 15, 2021 (2:17pm EST)

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EPA Announces Public Hearing on Proposal to Cut Methane and Other Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed comprehensive new protections to sharply reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – including, for the first time, methane reductions from existing sources nationwide. The proposed new Clean Air Act rule would lead to significant, cost-effective reductions in methane emissions and other health-harming air pollutants that endanger nearby communities.

Hearing information:

• November 30, 2021 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.
• December 1, 20201 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Registration to speak at the hearing is now open. The hearing will be held via a virtual platform. To register to speak, or to watch a livestream of the hearing on both days, please visit https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/public-hearing-epas-proposal-reduce-methane. For people who are not speaking but would like to watch the hearing, EPA will post a link to a livestream shortly before the hearing starts each day.

EPA also will accept comments on the proposal in writing until January 14, 2022. Comments the Agency receives in writing receive the same consideration as comments received at the public hearing.

Instructions for submitting written comment are available at https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-11/epas-2021-oil-and-gas-proposal.-how-to-comment.pdf  

 

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Issued: Nov 10, 2021 (1:40pm EST)

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EPA and DOI Announce Recommitment to Federal Partnership in Support of Urban Waters

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov

LENEXA, KAN. - (NOV. 10, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, 13 other federal agencies, and non-governmental partners commemorated a decade of accomplishments under the Urban Waters Federal Partnership while pledging their recommitment to this partnership. Twenty partnership locations across the country are advancing economic, public health, environmental, and social benefits by enhancing community connections to water.

"With the 10^th anniversary of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and the 50^th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, EPA is celebrating transformational improvements to our waters—including in our urban centers," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is supporting communities across the country, from the Bronx to Los Angeles to our newest location—the Rio Reimagined project in Arizona. I look forward to accelerating this progress with our renewed commitment."

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership brings together 15 federal agencies to work collaboratively with local communities and partners to restore urban waterways and their environments to boost recreational opportunities, help local economies, create jobs, and protect the health of Americans. The federal agencies currently support 20 locations across the nation with financial and technical assistance to address community-driven priorities.  The Partnership also provides support to hundreds of additional underserved communities with seed funding for local projects and public education through the Urban Waters Learning Network.

"The Urban Waters Federal Partnership Program recognizes that communities and clean water are integral to one another," said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. "For decades, this partnership program has demonstrated that restoring waterways reinvigorates communities by preserving areas that serve as natural flood protection, fish and wildlife habitat, and beautiful places where Americans can work and play safely outdoors. It's an honor to celebrate this milestone by reaffirming our commitment to advancing environmental justice, connecting people to nature, and tackling the climate crisis."

"The Interior Department is deeply committed to the goals and mission of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. As we look to the future, we're particularly focused on strengthening our current locations with more resources and support, and looking to see how we can expand the impact of this innovative partnership to more communities across the country," said Tanya Trujillo, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science for the Department of the Interior. "The 10th anniversary recommitment to the program by the federal partners and non-governmental and academia partners supports the Biden-Harris administration's all-of-government approach to advancing equity and environmental justice and its goal of conserving and restoring 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030."

To learn more about collaborative efforts to uplift urban waters and their surrounding communities, visit: https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaterspartners and https://urbanwaterslearningnetwork.org/.

# # #

 

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Issued: Nov 8, 2021 (4:50pm EST)

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EPA Announces Holistic Approach to Address Water Pollution from the Tijuana River Watershed

WASHINGTON – Today, at a virtual event, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced the decision to move forward with environmental review of a suite of water infrastructure projects that, pending final selection, would address transborder water pollution. This action will lead to essential public health protections for San Diego County communities.

"In order to protect public health and vital ecosystems in this vibrant area, we need a bold solution to the transboundary water pollution challenge," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "Today, we're announcing our intent to pursue a holistic water infrastructure strategy to address multiple facets of this challenge and make real progress for the future of the San Diego region."

"The projects considered in the EPA plan for the sanitation of the Tijuana River basin will significantly improve the quality of water in this river and on the beaches of both countries. CONAGUA, in accordance with the budget allocated to it, will provide its support for the completion of sanitation projects on the Mexican side that contribute to the fulfillment of that objective." said Dr. Humberto Marengo Mogollón, head of the General Technical Subdirectorate in CONAGUA.

EPA is initiating environmental review of the following projects that have the highest potential to stem transborder pollution and improve water quality:

• Expanding the existing South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP) owned and operated by the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC);
• Diverting and treating Tijuana River water at a new facility adjacent to the existing ITP;
• Conveying canyon flows to the expanded ITP;
• Repairing portions of the collection system in Mexico to prevent sewage leaks;
• Beneficially reusing treated wastewater instead of discharging it into the Tijuana River;
• Installing a river trash boom; and
• Constructing a new San Antonio de los Buenos Treatment Plant in Tijuana.
• As EPA completes its assessment of infrastructure options, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review will move forward to reduce potential negative environmental impacts from the projects that make up the comprehensive solution. This legally mandated review is needed before design and construction can begin.

"We thank the public and federal, state, and local stakeholders who have provided valuable input during the project evaluation process, particularly through the seven meetings of the Eligible Public Entities Coordinating Group and six meetings with the public since June 2020," said EPA Pacific Southwest Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan.

"For far too long, toxic waste and raw sewage has flowed across the border into Southern California, polluting our air and water and depriving communities of outdoor recreation and economic opportunities" said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. "I'm glad we were able to work with the EPA to develop a comprehensive plan to improve sewage treatment in both San Diego County and Tijuana, and build upon the goals of the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act, which I joined Senator Feinstein in introducing earlier this year. It is essential that we take action to protect the health and safety of our coastal communities."

"Communities along California's southern border have been plagued with toxic pollution from Mexico for too long, in part because no single agency was responsible for the issue," said U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein. "I'm pleased to see EPA Administrator Regan take leadership on this issue and invest in these vital projects to clean up border pollution. These projects will help significantly improve the health and quality of life for our border communities."

"This decades-long problem is an environmental and public health catastrophe that endangers lives on both sides of our border, from the waters of Baja California to my district in Coronado," said U.S. Representative Scott Peters. "I thank Administrator Regan for accepting my invitation to see this crisis in person earlier this year, and the EPA for proposing bold solutions. I remain committed to solving this crisis."

"Pollution along the Tijuana River Valley has plagued our region for years, harming our environment, public health, and our local economy. It's long past time we stop the flow of this pollution from Mexico for good," said U.S. Representative Mike Levin. "I commend the EPA for advancing an aggressive and comprehensive solution to this crisis. Now it's paramount that we move forward as quickly as possible to break ground on this project. I'll continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the EPA has the resources it needs to finish the job."

"Clean water is fundamental to the health of our community and that is true on both sides of the border. It is encouraging to see the EPA present a comprehensive plan to address the decades-long issue of pollution in the Tijuana River Valley and I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to raise this issue with federal officials," said U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs. "Now it is important for the agency to move forward with projects that will protect our communities and for us in Congress to continue to perform oversight and provide any necessary legislative actions." 

"The San Diego region has been plagued by cross-border pollution for decades, posing a significant risk to human health and resulting in beach closures and degraded wildlife habitats," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. "I appreciate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's work throughout the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement process, which has further demonstrated the need for long-term, comprehensive investments. That's why this announcement today is welcome news that will move us even closer to solving this public health and environmental crisis."

"I am deeply grateful to the EPA for supporting a comprehensive plan that will help to resolve the decades long Tijuana River sewage crisis," said Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. "This far-reaching plan will involve significant sewage infrastructure fixes on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border so that residents of Imperial Beach, Coronado, South San Diego County and Tijuana have access to clean beaches year-round."

Congress appropriated $300 million for infrastructure to address transborder pollution in 2020 through the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) implementing legislation. While the overall cost of the comprehensive solution exceeds the appropriated amount, EPA will implement a phased approach in the design and construction of the various infrastructure projects. EPA will continue to engage the public and stakeholders during the NEPA review process and will work with our counterparts in Mexico to ensure binational support for the comprehensive solution.

 

For more information on the USMCA process, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/usmca-tijuana-river-watershed.

 

Background

The Tijuana River carries untreated wastewater, trash, and sediment from Mexico across the border into the United States. In addition, polluted discharge into the Pacific Ocean from Tijuana's wastewater treatment plant is carried northward during the summer, impacting beaches in southern San Diego County. The comprehensive infrastructure solution being announced today is expected to substantially reduce impacts to the U.S.

In 2020, the USMCA was finalized to update and replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. The USMCA implementing legislation Section 821 directs EPA to coordinate with Eligible Public Entities to identify infrastructure solutions that address polluted transboundary flows in the Tijuana River Watershed and the legislation included an appropriation of $300 million for infrastructure projects in connection with wastewater facilities in the area of the United States–Mexico Border. These Entities include senior-level members from several cities in San Diego County (Imperial Beach, San Diego, Coronado, and Chula Vista), the County of San Diego, the State of California, and federal agencies.

 

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