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Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States
EPA News: Vehicle repair shops in Md., Del., Pa. settle alleged Clean Air Act violations
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States
EPA Administrator Wheeler Kicks Off Georgia Trip at Southern Belle Farm
"American farmers, ranchers and everyone in the food supply chain are working tirelessly to keep products available across the country," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "As America works to regain some normalcy over the next several weeks, EPA will work with the ag community to support the supply chain, with as little disruption as possible."
"EPA is proud of our work supporting the agricultural community across the Southeast, where nearly a third of the land is in agricultural production," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. "Agriculture is ranked as one of the top industries in every Region 4 state and our efforts to provide more certainty to the agricultural community helps them continue to grow food, fiber and other products while protecting the environment."
"We are grateful for our relationship with Administrator Wheeler and appreciate the agency's efforts in addressing issues that are important to our farmers. We look forward to continued collaboration between our agricultural community and federal agencies in the future," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black.
"We are grateful that Administrator Wheeler has once again chosen to visit our state to meet with farmers and agriculture stakeholders to discuss the agency's regulatory efforts and the needs of our industry," said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. "The regulatory approach EPA has taken in recent years under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Wheeler has been refreshing for Georgia farmers, and we look forward to continuing this important partnership as the agency moves ahead on issues like implementation of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which defines waters of the United States (WOTUS), and pesticide reviews and registrations, among other things."
During the event, Administrator Wheeler highlighted the important partnership between EPA and the agriculture community. This collaboration has led to achievements such as the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which gave greater certainty to states and landowners, and especially farmers, who have suffered for a generation with uncertainty over the definition of navigable waters.
EPA is committed to a strong partnership with the agriculture community to fulfill our mission of protecting human health and the environment. For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/agriculture.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States
EPA Releases Draft Criteria to Help Protect Lakes and Reservoirs
"Under the Trump Administration, we are working with states, tribes and farmers from across the country to develop a wide range of tools that will reduce excess nutrients in America's water bodies," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. "These draft criteria are the first update to EPA's recommended nutrient criteria in almost 20 years. This flexible approach is based on the latest scientific information and will help States and Tribes protect lakes and reservoirs from harmful algal blooms."
When finalized, these recommendations will replace EPA's previously recommended ambient nutrient criteria for lakes and reservoirs that were published in 2000 and 2001. Using statistical stressor-response relationships that incorporate data collected from approximately 1,800 lakes, the draft criteria recommendations represent the latest scientific knowledge regarding the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus that are protective of drinking water sources, recreational uses and aquatic life in lakes and reservoirs. EPA developed national statistical models that provide a flexible approach for deriving numeric nutrient criteria. States and authorized tribes can incorporate local data into the national models to help develop numeric nutrient criteria that are consistent with national relationships while accounting for unique local conditions. States, territories and authorized tribes can consider adopting the resulting criteria into their water quality standards but are not compelled to revise existing EPA-approved criteria or total maximum daily load targets.
Under the Trump Administration, EPA is focusing its attention on reducing excess nutrients in the nation's waters through an all-of-the-above approach, which includes enhanced federal and state coordination, stakeholder engagement, and promoting market-based and other collaborative approaches to water quality improvements. Examples include providing grant funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Farmer to Farmer Cooperative Agreements, hosting an innovative nutrient financing webinar series and national forum, issuing a water quality trading policy memorandum, and co-chairing the Hypoxia Task Force.
EPA is requesting input via public comment for 60 days on the new draft recommendations. For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/technical-support-numeric-nutrient-water-quality-criteria-development.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States
Stay Sun-Safe this Summer: Check the UV Index and Protect Your Health
"While social distancing, there are still many instances where we are working or otherwise enjoying the outdoors," said EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation Anne Idsal. "EPA's free UV Index app gives Americans the UV intensity forecast so we can take precautions to avoid UV overexposure and protect our health."
EPA, the National Weather Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention work together to make the UV Index forecast available in the United States. Check the UV Index on your phone's weather app, or download a UV Index app like EPA's UV index app (search for EPA's UV Index in the iPhone App Store and on Google Play), a convenient tool to let you know the strength of the sun's skin cancer-causing UV rays. EPA's UV Index app gives daily and hourly UV intensity forecasts for your location, provides recommendations on sun safety, and is also available in Spanish.
Overexposure to UV is harmful and can lead to cataracts and skin cancer, the most common cancer in the Unites States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 100,350 new cases of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will occur in 2020. This is over 4,000 more estimated cases than in 2019.
Fortunately, it is easy to reduce your risks:
- Seek shade when outside during mid-day hours when UV exposure is highest.
- Wear clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses that protects your skin and eyes from UV rays.
- Generously apply SPF 15+ sunscreen, and reapply often.
- Be aware that reflective water, snow, and sand intensify UV exposure.
- Avoid tanning beds and minimizing sunbathing.
- Check the UV Index.
Be sure to get the UV Index app on your smartphone, sign up for a daily UV Index forecast via email, or check the UV Index online at: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety. Also, if you're looking for resources to teach sun-safety, you can request a SunWise tool kit from the National Environmental Education Foundation at: https://www.neefusa.org/sunwise
In addition to providing the UV index app, EPA is protecting public health by implementing the Montreal Protocol, a treaty to ban substances that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. A healthy stratospheric ozone layer helps block harmful UV rays. EPA recently released a report concerning EPA's Atmospheric and Health Effects Framework (AHEF) Model, which is used to estimate incidences of UV-induced health effects such as skin cancer and cataracts that may result from stratospheric ozone depletion. The report indicates that the successful global implementation of the Montreal Protocol will prevent 443 million cases of skin cancer and 63 million cases of cataracts for Americans born between 1890 and 2100.
Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/atmospheric-and-health-effects-framework-model-estimating-ultraviolet
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States
EPA Resolves Past Hazardous Waste Incinerator Violations by Norlite, LLC in Cohoes, NY
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Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York,, NY 10007-1866 United States
EPA Settlement with Swix Sport USA Resolves TSCA Violations Involving PFAS
Swix violated the TSCA Premanufacturing Notice requirements and Import Certification requirements when it imported ski wax products containing six different PFAS chemicals on at least 83 occasions that were not included on the TSCA Inventory or otherwise exempt for commercial purposes. Once the chemicals were identified, Swix immediately ceased importation of the products containing the PFAS substances and quarantined products in its control in the United States.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don't break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
EPA identified certain ski wax products containing PFAS substances that at the time of import had not been reviewed by EPA for health and safety risks. Ski wax technicians and other users who apply waxes to skis may be exposed from handling the wax and possibly through the vapors while applying the wax and melting it. Also, as part of the ski wax application process and through the use of waxed skis in snow, ski wax shavings can enter the environment.
Under the terms of the settlement, Swix has agreed to spend approximately $1,000,000 to develop and implement an outreach and training program referred to as a Responsible Waxing Project (RWP) and pay a $375,625 civil penalty. The RWP is aimed at (1) educating the ski racing community about PFAS chemicals in racing waxes and their impact on the environment; and (2) promoting the use of wax alternatives with lower environmental impact, including but not limited to racing waxes that are PFAS-free. Another objective of the RWP is to educate and motivate the ski racing community to phase out (and ultimately eliminate) the use of PFAS-containing waxes in ski racing beginning with the 2020 ski season.
The RWP has several elements including an education and training component for ski wax technicians on the proper disposal of racing wax shavings and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment during the waxing process. Other RWP elements include:
- PFAS ski wax education program including two on-site presentations at a major ski event that attracts more than 10,000 participants.
- Training for wax technicians on the proper use of protective personnel equipment, proper ventilation and proper disposal of wax shavings.
- Program for ski wax coaches available online and used at on-site presentations at a minimum of 10 events designed for coach certifications.
- Additional outreach to college racing teams and clubs that educates high school and college level skiers about the RWP content.
- Dedicated Swix project manager who oversees the project to completion.
- Website development for all videos created as part of the settlement for technicians, coaches and teams.
- Distribution of PFAS alternative wax information materials at a minimum of 50 ski sites.
The Consent Agreement and Final Order was approved by EPA's Environmental Appeals Board on May 13, 2020. To read the Consent Agreement click here.
For more information about EPA's PFAS Action Plan click here.
Members of the public can help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violation-general-information.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States
EPA Appoints New Members to Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee
EPA Appoints New Members to Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON (May 20, 2020) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of 28 members, of which 20 are new and eight are returning members to the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC).
"Protecting children's health is a top priority of mine for the agency," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "I appreciate the hard work and invaluable contributions of the CHPAC and after an open and public process, I am glad to appoint this new group of experts from a wide range of disciplines that will further contribute to the committee's work."
The CHPAC is a body of external representatives from a cross-section of stakeholder perspectives including research, academia, healthcare, legal, state, environmental organizations and local and tribal governments. CHPAC members reflect the geographic diversity needed to ensure that CHPAC represents all 10 EPA regions and a variety of communities across our country. The CHPAC advises EPA on regulations, research, and communications related to children's environmental health.
EPA selected new members from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified candidates. Selections for the three-year term were made in accordance with the CHPAC charter to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective.
The new and returning* CHPAC members and their affiliations are:
- Leif Albertson, MS – University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
- *Rebecca Bratspies, JD – CUNY School of Law, Long Island City, NY
- *Lori Byron, MD, FAAP – St. Vincent's Hospital, Billings, MT
- *José Cordero, MD, MPH – University of Georgia, Atlanta, GA
- Natasha DeJarnett, PhD – National Environmental Health Association, Denver, CO
- Diana Felton, MD – Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu, HI
- *Julie Froelicher, MEM – The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH
- Katie Huffling, MS, RN – Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Mount Rainier, MD
- Peter Lee, MD, MPH – General Electric Company, Boston, MA
- *Maureen Little, DrPH – NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY
- Linda McCauley, PhD – Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- *Mark Miller, MD, MPH – California Environmental Protection Agency, Chico, CA
- *Olga Naidenko, PhD –Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC
- Ruth Ann Norton – Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, Baltimore, MD
- Daniel Price, PhD – University of Houston, Houston, TX
- Virginia Rauh, SCD, MSW – Columbia University, New York, NY
- *Deanna Scher, PhD (Incoming Committee Chair) – Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN
- Perry E. Sheffield, MD, MPH – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Derek Shendell, MPH – Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
- Veena Singla, PhD – Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, CA
- Alicia Smith, PhD – Freshwater Future, Toledo, OH
- Shirlee Tan, PhD – Public Heath-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
- Joyce Thread, MS – Saint Louis County Department of Public Health, Florissant, MO
- Kristie Trousdale, MPH – Children's Environmental Health Network, Washington, DC
- Carmen M. Velez Vega, PhD, MSW – University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PR
- Yolanda Whyte, MD – Taylor Health Care Group Pediatrics Hospital and Clinics, Atlanta, GA
- Ke Yan, PhD, MS – Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Marya Zlatnik, MD, MMS – University of California, San Francisco, CA
EPA would like to thank the following departing CHPAC members:
- Ellen Braff-Guajardo, JD, MEd – Sierra Health Foundation, Sacramento, CA
- Caroline Cox, MS – Center for Environmental Health, Oakland, CA
- Joel Forman, MD – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Maeve Howett, PhD – University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
- Gredia Huerta-Montanez, MD – Puerto RicoTestsite for Exploring Contamination Threats, Guaynabo, PR
- Pinar Kodaman, MD, PhD – Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Jennifer Lowry, MD – Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO
- Barbara Morrissey, MS (Outgoing Committee Chair) – Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, WA
- Tom Neltner, JD – Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, DC
- Greg Ornella, MD, MS – Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, OH
- Stephen Owens, JD – Squire Patton Boggs LLP, Phoenix, AZ
- Rubin Patterson, PhD – Howard University, Washington, DC
- James Roberts, MD, MPH – Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
For more information on CHPAC, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/children/chpac. To view the Federal Register notice, Request for Nominations to the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/11/2019-19658/childrens-health-protection-advisory-committee.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States
EPA Awards $1.4 Million Grant to the University of Puerto Rico to Reduce Diesel Emission Port of SJ
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Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York,, NY 10007-1866 United States
