Issued: Jan 18, 2024 (10:36am EST)

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EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) –  As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions.  

WE ACT for Environmental Justice's Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities. 

"President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we'll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America."  

"We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany," said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). "This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most." 

"I'm thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA's commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I'm proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region," said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

"Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA."

"Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State's efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations," said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. "New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state." 

"We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region," said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. 

The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources.  

Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York. 

Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events  

EPA's second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

 

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Issued: Jan 18, 2024 (10:31am EST)

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Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of lower screening levels, EPA expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Today's action delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities facing multiple sources of lead exposure, advancing President Biden's environmental justice goals. 

"Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today's action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil."

EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level. 

Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site. 

The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water. 

From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA's agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan. 

While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.

For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage.

 

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Issued: Jan 17, 2024 (1:43pm EST)

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EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions

New phase of EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency Initiative to launch in Albany, New York to help communities access unprecedented Inflation Reduction Act resources

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) –  As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions. 

WE ACT for Environmental Justice's Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities.

"President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we'll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America." 

"We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany," said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). "This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most."

"I'm thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA's commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I'm proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region," said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20).

"Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA."

"Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State's efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations," said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. "New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state."

"We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region," said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources. 

Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York.

Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events  

EPA's second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA's Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

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

 

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Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning

View as a webpage / Share Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites Utilizing updated, best available science, EPA lowers screening levels for the first time in 30 years The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of lower screening levels, EPA expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Today's action delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities facing multiple sources of lead exposure, advancing President Biden's environmental justice goals. "Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today's action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil." EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level. Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site. The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water. From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA's agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan. While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024. For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage. Learn more about Children's Health and Healthy School Environments.

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Now Open! Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools

The Inflation Reduction Act provides funding for grants to "monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants at schools

View as a webpage / Share Now Open! Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Applications due by March 19   The Inflation Reduction Act provides funding for grants to "monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities." EPA is now seeking applications from eligible entities to assist K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and/or Tribal communities in the development and adoption of comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans to address air pollution and energy efficiency consistent with EPA's recommended best practices. Nonprofit organizations, state governments, and other eligible entities with experience conducting national, regional, or multi-state IAQ programs that have achieved positive outcomes – especially with schools and Tribal entities – are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants may submit only one grant application to fund activities in two or more of the four project areas listed below for K-12 schools and/or school districts in low-income, disadvantaged, and/or Tribal communities: IAQ and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Capacity Building targeting facility management staff, health officers, and key decision makers at K-12 schools and/or school districts in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Tribal IAQ and GHG Reduction Capacity Building targeting facility management staff, health officers, and key decision makers at K-12 schools in Tribal communities. IAQ and GHG Reduction Training and Education Campaign for facility management staff and health officers at K-12 schools and school districts in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities, and/or the development of qualified K-12 school staff necessary to execute comprehensive IAQ and GHG Reduction Plans. IAQ and GHG Reduction Research and Demonstration Projects in K-12 schools located in low-income, disadvantaged, and/or Tribal communities. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is $32,000,000. EPA anticipates awarding four to six grants of $5,000,000 to $8,000,000 to support five years of IAQ activities. Learn More and Apply EPA will host the first of two information sessions for potential applicants on January 25. During the webinar, EPA will provide an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the application process. Date: January 25, 2024 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time Register for the First Information Session To allow for efficient management of the competitive grant process, EPA requests that applicants email an optional Notice of Intent to Apply by February 22, 2024, to IAQSchools@epa.gov. The email should include a project title, project area(s), the applicant's name, and the expected funding amount that will be requested. This notice of intent will help EPA anticipate the total staff time required for efficient review, evaluation, and selection of submitted applications. Note: All applicants must have an active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration in order to apply for a grant under this program. You should register in these systems now if you think you may apply for a federal grant. The process can take a month or more for new registrants. Find more information about how to register. For more information: Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Q&A. If your question is not addressed in the NOFO or Q&A, contact IAQSchools@epa.gov. Learn more about Children's Health and Healthy School Environments.

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Issued: Jan 11, 2024 (1:12pm EST)

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EPA proposes stronger air pollution standards for large facilities that burn municipal solid waste

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced a proposal to strengthen Clean Air Act standards for large facilities that burn municipal solid waste. If finalized, the updated standards would reduce emissions of nine pollutants, including smog- and soot-forming sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, by approximately 14,000 tons per year, improving air quality for overburdened communities living near these facilities. These proposed standards reflect current technologies available to control pollution in a cost-effective fashion. 

"President Biden believes every person deserves clean air to breathe and the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and EPA's proposal is just the latest action to achieve this vision. By reducing harmful pollution and improving air quality, this rule will also advance environmental justice for nearby communities already overburdened with pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "EPA is committed to working with communities and state, local, and Tribal governments to ensure that large facilities burning municipal waste utilize the most up-to-date and cost-effective control technologies to reduce pollution and protect public health."

The proposed standards would apply to 57 facilities with 152 units that have the capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. Nearly 4 million Americans live within 3 miles of these large facilities, which are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. Today's proposal supports the Biden-Harris Administration's unprecedented and ongoing efforts to protect overburdened communities from harmful pollution, and is likely to reduce existing disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental justice concerns. The proposed standards are based on emission levels achieved by the best controlled and lower-emitting sources, and limit emissions of nine pollutants: particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium, mercury, and dioxins/furans.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to evaluate these standards every five years in order to take into account developments in pollution control technologies and techniques. EPA last revised these standards in 2006. From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates to pollution standards.

The estimated benefits of this action far outweigh the expected pollution control costs. After accounting for compliance costs of the rule, EPA estimated the net present value of health benefits from the proposed rule, due to reductions in particulate matter and ozone alone, to be up to $14 billion over 20 years. Reductions of mercury, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants required by the proposal are expected to result in additional unquantified economic and public health benefits. EPA believes this action is also likely to advance environmental justice by reducing existing disproportionate and adverse effects on overburdened communities.

EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA will hold an informational webinar and will announce details on our website shortly.

Read more information on the proposal and upcoming webinar for large municipal waste combustors.

 

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