| EPA seeks public input on draft toxicity assessments for PFAS chemicals EPA is seeking public input on draft toxicity assessments for GenX chemicals and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), members of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and oil. The draft assessments are part of EPA's efforts to increase the amount of research and information that is publicly available on chemicals in the PFAS family. While the draft toxicity assessments are part of the management plan, the agency is releasing them now to ensure that communities across the country have access to this information as soon as it is available. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-seeks-public-input-draft-toxicity-assessments-pfas-chemicals EPA Releases First Draft Chemical Risk Evaluation Under TSCA EPA completed another major Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) milestone by releasing the draft risk evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29), one of the first ten chemicals undergoing risk evaluation under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (Lautenberg Act). "EPA has made tremendous progress fulfilling our new responsibilities for existing chemicals under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The Agency will be providing the public with an opportunity to submit their feedback on the conclusions, findings, and determinations in the draft risk evaluation. EPA plans to issue final risk evaluations for the first ten chemicals by December 2019. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-first-draft-chemical-risk-evaluation-under-tsca EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Launches Cleaner Trucks Initiative Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler launched the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) to further decrease nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from on-highway heavy-duty trucks and engines. He was joined by EPA Office of Air and Radiation Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum, White House officials, state partners, labor representatives, and leaders from the trucking and engine manufacturing industry. "The Cleaner Trucks Initiative will help modernize heavy-duty truck engines, improving their efficiency and providing cleaner air for all Americans," said Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. 
Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the Cleaner Trucks Initiative today alongside (from left to right): Ben Grumbles of the Maryland Department of the Environment; Josh Nassar of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; Becky Keogh of the Environmental Council of States; Bill Sullivan of the American Trucking Association; Lewie Pugh of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; Jed Mandel of the Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association; EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-acting-administrator-wheeler-launches-cleaner-trucks-initiative EPA Issues Final State Plans Rule to Ensure Attainment of the Standards for Ground-Level Ozone EPA released its final state implementation plan (SIP) Requirements Rule for implementing the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone. These requirements apply to states and tribes with nonattainment areas as well as the 13 northeastern states that currently comprise the Ozone Transport Region. This help states and tribes in developing their implementation plans to meet the 2015 ozone standards, while providing the greatest flexibility possible. "This final rule grants states the flexibilities they need to incorporate factors that are often outside their control, such as international air pollution, so they can meet the 2015 ozone standards and continue our nation's tremendous clean air progress," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Today's final rule follows President Donald Trump's April 2018 Memo, Promoting Domestic Manufacturing and Job Creation – Policies and Procedures Relating to Implementation of Air Quality Standards, which directs EPA to ensure efficient and cost-effective implementation of air quality standards under NAAQS and regional haze programs of the Clean Air Act. Read the news release:https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-final-state-plans-rule-ensure-attainment-standards-ground-level-ozone EPA Awards $1.7 Million to Small Businesses to Develop Innovative Technologies EPA announced $1.7 million in funding to 16 small businesses across the country to develop new technologies that protect the environment while growing the American economy. "EPA is providing small businesses with financial support to develop innovative technologies that will address urgent environmental and public health needs across the nation," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The contracts announced today are funded through EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which encourages the development and commercialization of novel technologies that support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. EPA is awarding 17 phase I contracts to 16 small businesses for up to $100,000 for six months. More information about EPA's SBIR program can be found at: www.epa.gov/sbir Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-17-million-small-businesses-develop-innovative-technologies EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Clean Water Infrastructure The Agency has recognized 30 clean water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program. Honored projects include large wastewater infrastructure projects to small decentralized and agriculture projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund plays an integral role in advancing the President's infrastructure agenda, providing communities with low-interest loans so that they can modernize aging infrastructure, create local jobs, and better protect public health and the environment. Over the past 31 years, CWSRF programs have provided more than $132 billion in financing for water quality infrastructure. EPA's Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) program celebrates innovation demonstrated by CWSRF programs and assistance recipients. Learn more about each of the 2018 PISCES recognized projects at: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/pisces. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-recognizes-excellence-and-innovation-clean-water-infrastructure-6 EPA Invites 39 Projects to Apply for WIFIA Loans to Finance $10 Billion in Water Infrastructure Upgrades; Loans will help make critical investments in communities to improve water quality for 22 million Americans Thirty-nine projects in 16 states and D.C. are invited to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. Together, the selected borrowers will receive WIFIA loans totaling approximately $5 billion to help finance over $10 billion in water infrastructure investments and create up to 155,000 jobs. "Through WIFIA, EPA is playing an integral role in President Trump's efforts to improve and upgrade our nation's water infrastructure and ensure all Americans have access to clean and safe water," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. To learn more about the 39 projects that are invited to apply, visit: https://www.epa.gov/wifia/wifia-selected-projects EPA's WIFIA program plays an important part in fulfilling this need and in the President's Infrastructure Plan, which calls for expanding project eligibility. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-invites-39-projects-apply-wifia-loans-finance-10-billion-water-infrastructure EPA Releases New Tools to Test and Treat Additional PFAS in Drinking Water EPA is announcing an updated and validated way to test for an additional four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, including the GenX chemical, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and oil. They are found in everyday items such as food packaging and non-stick, stain repellent, and waterproof products including clothing and other products used by outdoor enthusiasts. Today's updated tools are part of EPA's efforts to increase the amount of research and information that is publicly available for chemicals in the PFAS family. EPA's drinking water treatability database includes treatment options for PFAS, including GenX chemicals. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-new-tools-test-and-treat-additional-pfas-including-genx-drinking-water EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler, USDA Secretary Perdue, and DOE Secretary Perry Send Letter to Congress on Biomass Carbon Neutrality; Managed Forests Can Bolster Domestic Energy Production EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry, sent a letter to the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations. The letter describes the agencies' work to ensure consistent federal policy on forest biomass energy and promote clear policies that encourage the treatment of forest biomass as a carbon-neutral renewable energy solution. "This letter codifies EPA's partnership with USDA and DOE to develop clear and effective policies that treat forest biomass as a carbon-neutral energy source," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-acting-administrator-wheeler-usda-secretary-perdue-and-doe-secretary-perry-send | 
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