Issued: Oct 28, 2022 (5:00pm EDT)

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EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Health of Vulnerable Communities from Lead Paint Hazards

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2022) - As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted several federal enforcement actions completed from October 2021 through September 2022, as well as future planned investigations. These actions ensure that renovation contractors, landlords and realtors comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead paint. By bringing companies into compliance with these rules, EPA protects future customers and their families.

Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 presents one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

"Because lead-based paint is the most common source of elevated blood lead levels in U.S. children, EPA is taking action against those who violate federal lead-based paint regulations and ensuring the public understands the danger of this hazard," said Larry Starfield, EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "The enforcement actions EPA took this past year send a clear message that EPA is committed to enforcing regulations designed to protect the public from lead-based paint exposure."

Reduction of childhood lead exposures is a high priority for EPA. These enforcement actions reflect the agency's continuing commitment to implementing the Federal Lead Strategy and EPA's Lead Strategy and result in reducing or eliminating lead exposures, particularly to children. 

Regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (LHRA) apply to most pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities such as pre-schools and child-care centers. TSCA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and Lead-based Paint Activities Rule require contractor certification and lead-safe work practices. LHRA's Section 1018 Lead Disclosure Rule requires disclosure of information about lead-based paint before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. By ensuring compliance with federal lead-based paint requirements, EPA addresses a major source of lead exposure that occurs in communities across the nation.

The cases below involve alleged noncompliance with at least one of these lead paint requirements. These cases highlight the range of the Agency's work, including:

• criminal prosecution in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),
• a focus on geographic areas that suffer from disproportionate levels of lead exposure, and
• bringing civil administrative actions against renovators with a far-reaching influence on the compliance landscape locally, regionally or nationwide.

By ensuring compliance with federal lead paint requirements, EPA strives to address major sources of lead exposure that occur throughout the nation and particularly in areas of environmental justice concern. In addition to EPA's actions, the Agency supports states, tribes, and territories on the implementation and enforcement of the EPA-authorized lead-based paint programs.

Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it persists in millions of older homes, sometimes under layers of new paint. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching their fullest potential for their health, intellect, and future development. Even small amounts of lead dust can cause harm to children living in the home.

Case Highlights:

Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc. of HGTV's "Good Bones" Settle to Resolve Alleged Renovation, Violations

Warner Bros. Discovery Network's "Maine Cabin Masters" Renovator Agrees to Include Lead Paint Compliance Information in Upcoming Episodes as Part of Settlement

GB Group, Inc. Settles to Resolve Alleged Renovation Violations

Property Management Firm Settles Alleged Lead Renovation and Asbestos Violations

Property Manager Sentenced for Failure to Properly Notify Tenants about Lead Hazards

Owner of Maryland Lead Inspection Company Sentenced

To see additional highlights of FY2022 enforcement actions involving lead, see EPA's 2022 Lead Enforcement Bulletin.

Members of the public can help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. Learn more about reporting environmental violations. 

 

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Issued: Oct 28, 2022 (2:12pm EDT)

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EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Health of Vulnerable Communities from Lead Paint Hazards

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2022) - As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted several federal enforcement actions completed from October 2021 through September 2022, as well as future planned investigations. These actions ensure that renovation contractors, landlords and realtors comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead paint. By bringing companies into compliance with these rules, EPA protects future customers and their families.

Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 presents one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

"Because lead-based paint is the most common source of elevated blood lead levels in U.S. children, EPA is taking action against those who violate federal lead-based paint regulations and ensuring the public understands the danger of this hazard," said Larry Starfield, EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "The enforcement actions EPA took this past year send a clear message that EPA is committed to enforcing regulations designed to protect the public from lead-based paint exposure."

Reduction of childhood lead exposures is a high priority for EPA. These enforcement actions reflect the agency's continuing commitment to implementing the Federal Lead Strategy and EPA's Lead Strategy and result in reducing or eliminating lead exposures, particularly to children. 

Regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (LHRA) apply to most pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities such as pre-schools and child-care centers. TSCA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and Lead-based Paint Activities Rule require contractor certification and lead-safe work practices. LHRA's Section 1018 Lead Disclosure Rule requires disclosure of information about lead-based paint before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. By ensuring compliance with federal lead-based paint requirements, EPA addresses a major source of lead exposure that occurs in communities across the nation.

The cases below involve alleged noncompliance with at least one of these lead paint requirements. These cases highlight the range of the Agency's work, including:

• criminal prosecution in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),
• a focus on geographic areas that suffer from disproportionate levels of lead exposure, and
• bringing civil administrative actions against renovators with a far-reaching influence on the compliance landscape locally, regionally or nationwide.

By ensuring compliance with federal lead paint requirements, EPA strives to address major sources of lead exposure that occur throughout the nation and particularly in areas of environmental justice concern. In addition to EPA's actions, the Agency supports states, tribes, and territories on the implementation and enforcement of the EPA-authorized lead-based paint programs.

Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it persists in millions of older homes, sometimes under layers of new paint. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching their fullest potential for their health, intellect, and future development. Even small amounts of lead dust can cause harm to children living in the home.

Case Highlights:

Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc. of HGTV's "Good Bones" Settle to Resolve Alleged Renovation, Violations

Warner Bros. Discovery Network's "Maine Cabin Masters" Renovator Agrees to Include Lead Paint Compliance Information in Upcoming Episodes as Part of Settlement

GB Group, Inc. Settles to Resolve Alleged Renovation Violations

Property Management Firm Settles Alleged Lead Renovation and Asbestos Violations

Property Manager Sentenced for Failure to Properly Notify Tenants about Lead Hazards

Owner of Maryland Lead Inspection Company Sentenced

To see additional highlights of FY2022 enforcement actions involving lead, see EPA's 2022 Lead Enforcement Bulletin.

Members of the public can help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. Learn more about reporting environmental violations. 

 

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Issued: Oct 28, 2022 (1:46pm EDT)

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EPA Awards Nearly $750,000 in Funding to Research PFAS Exposure Pathways

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $748,180 in research grant funding to three institutions for research to improve our understanding of how people are exposed to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in several communities throughout the country.

"Recognizing that exposure to PFAS is a public health and environmental issue facing communities across the United States, and consistent with EPA's Strategic Roadmap for PFAS, the EPA is investing in scientific research to increase understanding of PFAS exposures," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Research and Development. "The research announced today will answer critical questions regarding the contribution of PFAS exposures at home to PFAS found in the body and will produce science that can help inform and focus decisions to protect human health."

PFAS are a large group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial and manufacturing applications and are commonly known as 'forever chemicals' since they take so long to break down. Due to their widespread use and environmental persistence, most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS. There is evidence that continued exposure above specific levels to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects. More data is needed to measure the nature and levels of PFAS in homes and food to understand pathways for human exposure and risk mitigation.

The research grants announced today will help us better understand the sources and pathways related to people's exposures to PFAS chemicals.

The following institutions are receiving awards:

• Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Mass., to measure PFAS in air and dust in homes, and evaluate associations between potential residential sources and PFAS occurrence at home. This research will enhance understanding of the contribution of residential pathways to PFAS exposures and improve the interpretation of PFAS biomonitoring data.
• Duke University, Durham, N.C., to determine how different sources of PFAS exposure, including PFAS in drinking water and in homes, contribute to levels measured in blood. This study will address key questions on the most relevant PFAS exposure pathways for the general U.S. population.
• Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., to develop a standardized, validated, scientific protocol to measure levels of a targeted set of PFAS in the home. Data collected from home samples will be compared to data collected from PFAS in blood to help identify residential sources of PFAS measured in people's blood. 

Learn more about the research grant recipients.

Learn more about EPA research grants.

 

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Issued: Oct 27, 2022 (5:28pm EDT)

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EPA Releases First-ever Agency-Wide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities

Strategy to reduce impacts of lead-exposure on high-risk communities, builds on historic investments from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities (Lead Strategy), in conjunction with National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This first-ever, agency-wide Lead Strategy outlines how EPA will utilize its full suite of authorities, expertise, and resources to reduce lead exposure in communities overburdened by pollution and advance the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to environmental justice and equity. The efforts outlined in the strategy to protect the public from lead pollution are supported by the historic investments under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"The evidence is clear. Children exposed to lead are more likely to face adverse health impacts and other serious challenges throughout life —from slowed growth and development to learning and behavioral disabilities," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Combined with the historic investments from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this strategy will accelerate our efforts to identify lead exposures early on and eliminate racial and socioeconomic disparities in blood-lead levels by connecting communities with resources that can reduce lead exposure."

EPA's multifaceted Lead Strategy aims to reduce community exposures to lead sources; identify communities with high lead exposures and improve their health outcomes; improve engagement with communities and stakeholders; and support critical research to inform efforts to reduce lead exposures and related health risks.

This work is supported by the unprecedented level of resources flowing to EPA through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes $15 billion in dedicated funding to replace lead pipes and service lines and remove lead from soil and contaminated sites. These historic investments include:

• $1.16 billion to support lead service line projects in 21 states, District of Columbia, and three territories.
• $600 million to cleanup construction projects at more than 50 Superfund sites where lead is a contaminant of concern.
• $25 million over the next 5 years to support small and disadvantaged communities  in the development of lead service line identification technologies, ensuring efficient, equitable distribution of resources through EPA State Revolving Funds.

In addition, this new strategy advances the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to replace lead pipes and support lead paint removal under the Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.

Lead exposure can cause adverse health effects in almost every organ and system in the human body. The nervous system is the main target for lead in children and adults and exposure can result in irreversible and lifelong decreases in learning, memory, and attention. Ongoing exposures to lead in the environment present a health risk to many people nationwide. This is especially true in communities overburdened by pollution, which are disproportionately communities of color and low-income communities. Communities of color can also face greater risk due to past discriminatory lending practices, historic racial segregation in housing, and reduced access to environmentally safe and affordable housing.

Through this strategy, EPA is initiating several new actions and ensuring established programs across the agency are leveraged together to ensure the strongest protections from lead exposure. New actions in the strategy include:

• Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators, which will provide targeted technical assistance and develop best practices to help address the barriers disadvantaged communities face in replacing lead service lines.
• New federal agency collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to address lead in food, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.
• The development of new educational and engagement materials on children's health and maternal health regarding lead and heavy metals in cultural products and cookware.

In addition to these new actions, the strategy outlines, for the first time, a whole-of-agency approach for existing programs, regulations, and policies, ensuring coordination to protect the public from lead exposure. These existing programs include training courses for certified Renovation, Repair, and Painting contractors, community outreach and education programs on risks associated with lead-based paint, and resources for lead testing in schools and child care programs.

EPA will monitor implementation progress through a number of measures outlined in the strategy, including milestones for reevaluating regulations and program metrics such as completing 225 Superfund cleanups of lead contamination by fall of 2026. As implementation progresses, EPA will continue to strengthen these efforts and take actions to reach the goals outlined in this strategy.

Engaging with communities across the country, as well as with federal, Tribal, state, and local government partners, was integral to the development of the Lead Strategy, and the final strategy reflects the feedback of a wide array of stakeholders from across the country. Following the releases of the draft Lead Strategy last year, EPA solicited feedback from the public, hosting 11 public listening sessions, one in each of EPA's 10 regions and an engagement session for Tribes. The agency also received thousands of public comments which informed and improved the final strategy.

Read the Lead Strategy.

 

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Issued: Oct 27, 2022 (3:37pm EDT)

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EPA Enforcement Actions in 2022 Help Protect Public Health and the Environment from Dangers of Lead Exposure

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2022) — Today, as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, EPA released its 2022 Lead Enforcement Bulletin, which highlights the most notable lead enforcement cases during the past fiscal year. EPA pursued both civil and criminal cases for violations of federal laws to prevent and reduce exposure to lead in paint, drinking water, soils, hazardous waste and other environmental sources. Many of the enforcement actions and activities highlighted in the Lead Enforcement Bulletin address lead exposures in communities disproportionately impacted by lead and areas with environmental justice concerns.

"Despite our understanding of the negative health impacts that can result from lead exposure, many Americans are still exposed, and this is particularly true for underserved and overburdened communities," said Larry Starfield, EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Over the last year, EPA took numerous enforcement actions to protect the public from lead exposure."

Lead-based Paint

The Bulletin highlights both civil settlements and criminal sanctions for violations involving lead in paint:

• The latest cases against companies whose alleged renovation violations were broadcast on national television involved renovators on the shows "Maine Cabin Masters" and "Good Bones."   In both cases, the companies agreed to pay civil penalties and educate the public about lead-safe work practices, among other things.  Other recent enforcement actions also addressed alleged renovation violations aired on the television shows "Magnolia Homes," "Texas Flip N Move," and "Rehab Addict and Bargain Mansions." 
• A renovation company agreed to pay a $137,804 civil penalty to settle alleged renovation violations. 
• A property management/development firm agreed to pay a civil penalty to resolve alleged renovation and asbestos violations in an area with environmental justice concerns.
• Two criminal cases resulted in sentences and fines. One was for a property manager that failed to disclose known lead paint hazards to prospective tenants and the second was for the owner/operator of a lead inspection firm for falsifying lead paint inspection reports.

Lead in Drinking Water

The Bulletin highlights EPA's issuance of an order to Benton Harbor, Michigan's Public Water System to address elevated lead levels in drinking water and other violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This unilateral administrative order requires the City of Benton Harbor's Public Water System to inform consumers when lead action level exceedances are detected and improve applications of orthophosphate for corrosion control, in addition to repairs at the water treatment plant and improvements to disinfection. The order also requires an independent third-party analysis of alternatives for long-term operation and maintenance of the system.

Lead in Soil / Superfund / Hazardous Waste

The Bulletin highlights:

• A settlement to recover approximately $1,950,000 in costs for the cleanup of lead-contaminated soil in the Chicago area. 
• EPA's order requiring the removal of lead-contaminated soil from 58 residential properties in Viburnum, Missouri.
• EPA's selection of a remedy to address lead and other contamination at a Lead Superfund site in Indiana.
• Criminal sanctions for a former landfill director for illegally storing and disposing of hazardous waste containing lead in North Carolina.
• EPA's order to prevent the release of lead to the environment from a waste processing facility in Georgia.

In addition, the Bulletin highlights EPA enforcement and compliance assurance activities that address lead exposures from air emissions at federal facilities and on tribal lands. 

 

More information about lead.

Help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. 

 

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Issued: Oct 27, 2022 (1:04pm EDT)

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EPA Awards Nearly $2M in Research and Issues Action Plan to Help Small Communities Protect Public Health and Increase Access to Clean Water

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2022) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Lagoon Wastewater Treatment Action Plan and announced nearly $2 million in research grant funding to accelerate innovative and alternative wastewater treatment technologies in lagoon and pond systems serving small communities. Through research grants and the first ever Action Plan, EPA is providing equitable, accessible, and coordinated technical and financial programs, resources, and assistance that will help improve public health and clean waterway protections for rural, small, and Tribal communities that rely on lagoon wastewater treatment systems.

"Many small and rural communities in the United States rely on a wastewater treatment process that falls short of environmental and public health protection," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "The Lagoon Action Plan will help communities with lagoon systems ensure their local water quality isn't impacted by improper wastewater management."

"Lagoon wastewater systems are essential to many small, rural, and Tribal communities," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "EPA is funding this research to help improve water quality and better serve these communities."

Lagoon wastewater treatment systems are a common form of decentralized wastewater treatment that uses earthen ponds to break down wastewater using natural biological processes. These systems are particularly attractive to small or rural communities because of their low operating cost, built-in solids storage, and low minimal operating requirements.

The Lagoon Action Plan outlines critical actions that EPA will implement through 2026 to assist rural, small, and Tribal communities with lagoon wastewater treatment systems. The plan will identify how many lagoon wastewater treatment systems are in the United States; provide financial and technical assistance tools – including tools to help underserved communities access Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding; develop cost and performance data for technologies, regulatory support tools, and plans for community engagement, communication, and partnerships.

EPA is awarding $2 million to research and provide information that can help small communities deploy demonstrated innovative water technologies for lagoon systems, which will help achieve better nutrient management in a cost-effective manner. The following universities will be receiving an award:

 

• Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., to deploy and test a floating treatment wetland system in a lagoon in a small community in northern Michigan.
• West Virginia University, Morgantown W.Va., to evaluate current and potential technology options to remove nutrients from lagoons systems and use this information to develop a decision-support tool that can be used to determine cost-effective technologies that can improve nutrient removal in lagoon systems in small communities.

 

Learn more about the funded recipients.  

Learn more about EPA research grants.

 

Background

Small lagoon communities typically serve fewer than 3,000 people and frequently lack the necessary financial and technical resources to comply with the Clean Water Act (CWA). Many of these communities utilized lagoon wastewater systems as the only way to treat their community wastewater. Over 4,500 of these facilities are discharging lagoon wastewater systems that do not rely on more advanced supplemental technology; this is about one-quarter of the nation's Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) program.

EPA has a 30+ year history of helping communities invest in water infrastructure projects, like lagoon systems. Since 1988, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) has provided over $153 billion in low-cost assistance to borrowers across the country – with small communities receiving almost $35 billion. And thanks to additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), over $3 billion is available through the CWSRF in FY 2022, of which a significant portion will be made available as grants or forgivable loans and below market rate loans, down to 0% interest. Through the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative, EPA and USDA-RD are leveraging technical assistance to help historically underserved communities access these funding sources to address their wastewater needs.

 

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Issued: Oct 27, 2022 (10:27am EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $1 Billion from EPA's Clean School Bus Program for 389 School Districts

Historic investment from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law headed to all 50 states in effort to transform America's school bus fleet

WASHINGTON (October 26, 2022) — Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding nearly $1 billion from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 389 school districts spanning 50 states, Washington, DC, and several Tribes and U.S. territories. The grants will help school districts purchase over 2,400 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Seattle, Washington, later today to make the announcement and highlight how it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

"President Biden's historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating our nation's transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "As many as 25 million children rely on the bus to get to school each day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are making an unprecedented investment in our children's health, especially those in communities overburdened by air pollution. This is just the beginning of our work to build a healthier future, reduce climate pollution, and ensure the clean, breathable air that all our children deserve."

In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.

At this time, through a lottery system, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.

Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.

 

About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and  overburdened by pollution.

View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.

 

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Issued: Oct 26, 2022 (4:02pm EDT)

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EPA Awards More Than $3M to Small Businesses for Continued Development of Innovative Environmental Technologies

WASHINGTON (October 26, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,169,239 in funding to eight small businesses to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies, delivering economic and environmental benefits to the communities they serve. Awarded projects include an air purifier that reduces the risk of transmitting viruses and bacteria, a forecasting tool that reduces unwanted pesticide drift, software technologies for improved recycling, and a process for producing a sustainable low- carbon building material.

 

"Addressing our most pressing environmental and public health problems requires innovation and creative thinking from all sectors," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Research and Development. "I am excited to see how these small businesses leverage this investment from EPA to bring their promising technologies to the marketplace."

 

EPA issues an annual Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) solicitation for technology proposals for specific high priority environmental topics. Proposals are evaluated on their technical merit, potential for commercialization and impact in the given topic area. These companies have already received Phase I contracts from EPA of up to $100,000 for 6 months to prove the concept for their proposed technology. The companies announced today are receiving Phase II awards of up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technologies.

 

The following small businesses are receiving SBIR Phase II awards:

 

• CleanRobotics, Inc. (Longmont, Colo.) – To develop an artificial intelligence-powered trash system for sorting and auditing waste at disposal.
• Geometric Data Analytics (Durham, N.C.) – To develop a web-based application that uses mathematical and statistical techniques to provide highly localized and accurate forecasts to mitigate pesticide drift.
• Kebotix, Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) – To develop an artificial intelligence platform to develop polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)-free pigments.
• KLAW Industries LLC (Binghamton, N.Y.) – To develop a novel process to reuse wasted glass in high performance, low-carbon concrete.
• Ohio Lumex Company (Solon, Ohio) – To develop a sorbent trap for continuous emissions monitoring of metal hazardous air pollutant emissions.
• Sonata Scientific LLC (Danbury, Conn.) – To develop an air purifier that uses photocatalytic technology to destroy airborne pathogens.
• Triangle Environmental Health Initiative (Durham, N.C.) – To develop a compact, modular treatment system for non-potable reuse of residential and commercial greywater.
• Zabble Inc. (Walnut Creek, Calif.) – To develop a zero-waste management platform that uses artificial intelligence.

 

Learn more about the recipients.

 

Learn more about EPA's SBIR program.

 

Learn more about the federal SBIR program.

 

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Issued: Oct 26, 2022 (2:43pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Puerto Rico School Districts Will Get Nearly $10,000,000 from EPA's Clean School Bus Program -- Spanish Version Below

Historic investment from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law headed to all 50 states in effort to transform America's school bus fleet

Contact: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

NEW YORK (October 26, 2022) - Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding nearly $10,000,000 from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The rebates will help the Department of Education purchase over 25 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Seattle, Washington, later today to make the announcement and highlight how it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

"Today's historic investment will put over 25 clean school buses on the streets of Puerto Rico, ensuring clean, breathable air that all children throughout the island deserve," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This is an investment in our future, and thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, Puerto Rico and our Region is well on its way to upgrading its school bus fleet. 

Today's announcement includes nearly $10 million in funding for buses and infrastructure for the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The Department of Education will receive 25 clean school buses with these funds, furthering the progress toward a healthier future by ensuring clean, breathable air for all children in Puerto Rico.

Applicant Organization	Puerto Rico School District	Location	Clean School Buses	Funding
TRANSPORTE SONNELL LLC	PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION	PUERTO RICO	25	$9,875,000

In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.

At this time, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.

Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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La administración Biden-Harris anuncia que los distritos escolares de Puerto Rico recibirán cerca de $10,000,000 del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la EPA

La inversión histórica de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden se dirige a los 50 estados en un esfuerzo por transformar la flota de autobuses escolares de Estados Unidos

 

Contacto: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

                  Brenda Reyes (787) 977-5869, reyes.brenda@epa.gov

 

NUEVA YORK (26 de octubre de 2022) - Hoy, la Administración Biden-Harris anunció a los beneficiarios del año fiscal 2022 del Programa de Reembolso de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés), el cual otorga cerca de $10,000,000 al Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico como parte de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del Presidente Biden. Los reembolsos ayudarán al Departamento de Educación a adquirir más de 25 autobuses escolares limpios que acelerarán la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones y producirán aire más limpio en y alrededor de estas escuelas y comunidades.

 

La vicepresidenta Kamala Harris y el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan se unirán a escolares, líderes del distrito y miembros de la comunidad en Seattle, Washington, durante el día de hoy para hacer el anuncio y destacar la manera en que reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a las escuelas y protegerá mejor la salud de los niños. La inversión también impulsará la demanda de baterías y vehículos fabricados en Estados Unidos, impulsará la industria nacional y creará empleos bien remunerados.

 

"La inversión histórica de hoy pondrá más de 25 autobuses escolares limpios en las calles de Puerto Rico, asegurando el aire limpio y respirable que todos los niños en toda la isla merecen", señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Esta es una inversión en nuestro futuro, y gracias a la Administración Biden-Harris, Puerto Rico y nuestra Región están bien encaminados para mejorar su flota de autobuses escolares.

 

El anuncio de hoy incluye casi $10 millones en fondos para autobuses e infraestructura para el Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico. El Departamento de Educación recibirá 25 autobuses escolares limpios con estos fondos, promoviendo el progreso hacia un futuro más saludable al garantizar aire limpio y respirable para todos los niños en Puerto Rico.

 

 

Organización solicitante	Distrito Escolar de Puerto Rico	Ubicación	Autobuses escolares limpios	Fondos
TRANSPORTE SONNELL LLC	DEPARTAMENTO DE EDUCACIÓN DE PUERTO RICO	PUERTO RICO	25	$9,875,000

En mayo, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de $500 millones para su Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios. Dada la abrumadora demanda de los distritos escolares de todo el país, incluso en comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios, la EPA casi duplicó la cantidad de fondos que se otorgarán a $965 millones. El período de solicitud de reembolso se cerró en agosto con una respuesta sobresaliente de los distritos escolares que procuran comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y de bajas emisiones en todo el país.

En este momento, la agencia ha seleccionado 389 solicitudes por un total de $913 millones para apoyar la compra de 2,463 autobuses, 95% de los cuales serán eléctricos. La EPA distribuirá las sumas adjudicadas a los distritos escolares en los 50 estados, Washington D.C., junto con varias tribus reconocidas federalmente y territorios de los Estados Unidos. Los distritos escolares identificados como áreas prioritarias que atienden a estudiantes de bajos ingresos, rurales y/o tribales representan el 99% de los proyectos que fueron seleccionados. Se están revisando más solicitudes, y la agencia planea seleccionar más para alcanzar los $965 millones totales en las próximas semanas.

Aquellos distritos escolares que recibieron una suma adjudicada ahora pueden proceder con la compra de nuevos autobuses e infraestructura elegible. Los seleccionados deberán enviar formularios de solicitud de pago con órdenes de compra que demuestren que han pedido nuevos autobuses e infraestructura elegible. La EPA también se está asociando con el Departamento de Energía y el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida destinada a garantizar una implementación efectiva.

Estas sumas adjudicadas representan los primeros mil millones de dólares de un programa de cinco años, que totaliza $5 mil millones, creado por la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden. La EPA también está diseñando las próximas rondas de financiamiento del programa que se lanzarán en los próximos meses, las cuales incluirán una ambiciosa competencia de subvenciones. A través de futuras rondas de financiamiento, la EPA pondrá a disposición otros mil millones de dólares para autobuses escolares limpios en el año fiscal 2023. La EPA alienta a los distritos escolares no seleccionados en la primera ronda de reembolsos, y aquellos que no presentaron solicitudes en este ciclo de financiamiento, a participar en rondas futuras.

Acerca del Programa de Reembolso de Autobuses Escolares Limpios

El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero para los distritos escolares y producirá aire más limpio. La contaminación del aire diésel está relacionada con el asma y otras afecciones que dañan la salud de los estudiantes y hacen que falten a la escuela, particularmente en comunidades de color y comunidades tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores diésel garantizará un aire más limpio para los estudiantes, conductores de autobuses y personal escolar que trabajan cerca de las áreas de subida y bajada de pasajeros de los autobuses, así como las comunidades a través de las cuales pasan los autobuses cada día. La reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a abordar el enorme papel del sector del transporte en alimentar la crisis climática. El programa también ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares a medida que actualizan las flotas de autobuses escolares, reemplazando los autobuses más antiguos y altamente contaminantes con autobuses escolares nuevos y limpios, liberando a la vez los recursos necesarios para las escuelas.

Los reembolsos de autobuses escolares limpios de 2022 priorizan a las comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales. La gran mayoría de los solicitantes cumplieron con la definición de prioridad bajo los criterios de Reembolsos de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2022, lo que produjo el acceso a más fondos destinados a autobuses e infraestructura de vehículos eléctricos para escuelas en áreas que más los necesitan. El programa también cumple con la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, que tiene como objetivo entregar el 40% de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a comunidades desfavorecidas que están marginadas, desatendidas y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.

Vea la lista completa de beneficiarios del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios aquí.

Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página de Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.

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