Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure

 Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure

WASHINGTON (December 19, 2018) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan unveiled the Trump Administration's Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Lead Action Plan).

"The Federal Lead Action Plan will enhance the Trump Administration's efforts to identify and reduce lead contamination while ensuring children impacted by lead exposure are getting the support and care they need," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "EPA will develop an implementation plan by March 2019 that will enable us to track our progress and update the public as we work to carry out the action plan and mitigate childhood lead exposure."

"The Trump administration's new Lead Action Plan reflects our strong commitment to preventing future generations from being affected by lead exposure," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "We know that lead exposure at a young age can result in serious effects on IQ, attention span, and academic achievement. We need to continue taking action to prevent these harmful effects. Identifying lead-exposed children, connecting them with appropriate services, and preventing other children from being exposed to lead are important public health priorities for this administration."

"HUD is delighted to join the other members of the Task Force in issuing this cohesive Federal Lead Action Plan," said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. "Implementing this plan will help federal agencies, along with our state and local partners, advance efforts to remediate home health hazards and keep children safe from lead poisoning."

Administrator Wheeler, Secretary Carson, and Deputy Secretary Hargan released the Lead Action Plan in front of a crowd of over 30 dedicated career employees from EPA, HHS, and HUD who helped develop the plan.  

Developed through cross-governmental collaboration of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children (Task Force), which includes 17 federal departments and offices, the Lead Action Plan is a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses, property owners and parents.

The four goals of the Lead Action Plan are:

• Goal 1: Reduce Children's Exposure to Lead Sources
• Goal 2: Identify Lead-Exposed Children and Improve their Health Outcomes
• Goal 3: Communicate More Effectively with Stakeholders
• Goal 4: Support and Conduct Critical Research to Inform Efforts to Reduce Lead Exposures and Related Health Risks

EPA is committed to developing an implementation plan – by March 2019 – that includes performance metrics for monitoring progress and demonstrating accountability for EPA activities identified in the Lead Action Plan. The agency also commits to providing periodic updates on the progress of these actions. 

The Lead Action Plan will help federal agencies work strategically and collaboratively to reduce exposure to lead and improve children's health. EPA and members of the Task Force will continue to engage with and reach out to community stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations.

Click here to read the full report.

Background

The President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, which was established in 1997 by Executive Order 13045, is the focal point for federal collaboration to promote and protect children's environmental health. The Task Force is currently co-chaired by Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children's blood lead levels. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching the fullest potential of their health, their intellect, and their future. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

Tackling the problem at this stage requires a coordinated federal-wide effort that evaluates the predominant sources of lead and improves identification and treatment of children identified as lead exposed. It requires a more robust and coordinated communication with parents and others regarding the risks and methods to reduce exposure and a collaborative multi-agency research plan – as outlined by the Lead Action Plan.

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Awards $1.1 Million to Chesapeake Conservancy to Track Environmental Impacts of Land Use in Bay

Contact: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

EPA Awards $1.1 Million to Chesapeake Conservancy to Track Environmental Impacts of Land Use in Bay Watershed

PHILADELPHIA (December 19, 2018) -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today it has awarded $1,080,000 to the Chesapeake Conservancy so that it can update and improve land use data critical to Chesapeake Bay Restoration.

"This project will give states, counties and local jurisdictions critical information on how the landscape is changing over time and how these changes impact progress towards achieving restoration of local waters and the Chesapeake Bay," said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  "It will also provide more accurate information about how water moves through the landscape which will help the partners plan restoration efforts."

"The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Partnership is at the national forefront of data-driven conservation and restoration," said Chesapeake Conservancy President & CEO Joel Dunn.   "Our work together is creating consistent and comprehensive information that leverages the latest technology and advances strong public and private partnerships. Chesapeake Conservancy is proud to help empower stewardship, from the smallest non-profits to state and federal agencies, and bring our common goal of a healthier and sustainable Chesapeake that much closer."  

The Chesapeake Conservancy, working with project partners and the CBP will provide state and local jurisdictions updated, high-resolution, high-quality data about changes to landscapes and the locations of headwaters streams and other water features to support continued progress in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and local waters within its watershed.

It will also provide:

• Detailed information on streams that is critical to understanding how water moves through the landscape and where restoration efforts could be located;

• Optimal siting for best management practices for maximizing water quality benefits;

• Tracking and reporting tools for partners to streamline project implementation; and,

• Mapping support to help partners integrate geospatial data into restoration efforts.

Partners involved in this effort include: University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Drexel University Academy of Natural Sciences, and Chesapeake Commons.

The projects undertaken as part of this agreement support the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed agreement.

For more information about this agreement, please visit: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/what_guides_us/watershed_agreement.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA Names Dana Aunkst Director of Chesapeake Bay Program

Contact: R3press@epa.gov                

EPA Names Dana Aunkst Director of Chesapeake Bay Program

PHILADELPHIA (December 12, 2018) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Dana Aunkst as the new Director of EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program.

"Dana has the leadership skills, experience and commitment we need to lead the Chesapeake Bay Office," said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "He has tremendous skill at building partnerships and creating a shared vision among geographically diverse stakeholders. His experience and relationships with multiple agencies will serve us and our partners well as we accelerate efforts to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay and its living resources."

"This is a tremendous opportunity to build upon the accomplishments to date by EPA and its partners," said Dana Aunkst.  "I look forward to working collaboratively with our stakeholders in protecting our nation's largest estuary and the local waterways throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed."

Aunkst has extensive environmental and regulatory experience working 33 years in private industry and local and state government. During his tenure at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) which began in 2002, Aunkst served in executive level positions as Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary. As the Deputy Secretary for Field Operations, he directed the operations of six regional offices in implementing the full array of state and federal environmental regulations.

As Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs, Aunkst directed the activities of more than 2,000 professional and technical staff engaged in all aspects of environmental protection. While serving as Deputy Secretary for Water, he oversaw programs for surface and groundwater quality, soil and water conservation, public water supply withdrawals, sewage facilities planning, point source sewage and industrial discharges, flood protection and stream improvements. In this position, Aunkst led the change to resuscitate Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay restoration effort by authoring the 2016 Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Reboot Strategy.

Aunkst holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania. His appointment will be effective December 23, 2018.

EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program coordinates activities and implements strategies for meeting the restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which covers 64,000 square miles across New York, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay restoration, visit https://www.epa.gov/restoration-chesapeake-bay .

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA and Army Propose New "Waters of the United States" Definition

 EPA and Army Propose New "Waters of the United States" Definition

 

WASHINGTON (December 11, 2018) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) are proposing a clear, understandable, and implementable definition of "waters of the United States" that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act. Unlike the Obama administration's 2015 definition of "waters of the United States," today's proposal contains a straightforward definition that would result in significant cost savings, protect the nation's navigable waters, help sustain economic growth, and reduce barriers to business development.

"Our proposal would replace the Obama EPA's 2015 definition with one that respects the limits of the Clean Water Act and provides states and landowners the certainty they need to manage their natural resources and grow local economies," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "For the first time, we are clearly defining the difference between federally protected waterways and state protected waterways. Our simpler and clearer definition would help landowners understand whether a project on their property will require a federal permit or not, without spending thousands of dollars on engineering and legal professionals." 

The agencies' proposal is the second step in a two-step process to review and revise the definition of "waters of the United States" consistent with President Trump's February 2017 Executive Order entitled "Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the 'Waters of the United States' Rule." The Executive Order states that it is in the national interest to ensure that the nation's navigable waters are kept free from pollution, while at the same time promoting economic growth, minimizing regulatory uncertainty, and showing due regard for the roles of Congress and the states under the Constitution.

"EPA and the Army together propose this new definition that provides a clear and predictable approach to regulating 'waters of the United States.' We focused on developing an implementable definition that balances local and national interests under the Clean Water Act," said R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "I have heard from a wide range of stakeholders on Clean Water Act implementation challenges. This proposed definition provides a common-sense approach to managing our nation's waters."

The agencies' proposed rule would provide clarity, predictability and consistency so that the regulated community can easily understand where the Clean Water Act applies—and where it does not. Under the agencies' proposal, traditional navigable waters, tributaries to those waters, certain ditches, certain lakes and ponds, impoundments of jurisdictional waters, and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters would be federally regulated. It also details what are not "waters of the United States," such as features that only contain water during or in response to rainfall (e.g., ephemeral features); groundwater; many ditches, including most roadside or farm ditches; prior converted cropland; stormwater control features; and waste treatment systems.

The agencies believe this proposed definition appropriately identifies waters that should be subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act while respecting the role of states and tribes in managing their own land and water resources. States and many tribes have existing regulations that apply to waters within their borders, whether or not they are considered "waters of the United States." The agencies' proposal gives states and tribes more flexibility in determining how best to manage their land and water resources while protecting the nation's navigable waters as intended by Congress when it enacted the Clean Water Act.  

Robust, publicly accessible data is also a key component of common-sense, cost-effective environmental protection. In response to requests from some states, EPA and the Army are exploring ways the agencies can work with our federal, state, and tribal partners to develop a data or mapping system that could provide a clearer understanding of the presence or absence of jurisdictional waters.

The agencies invited written pre-proposal recommendations and received more than 6,000 recommendations that the agencies have considered in developing this proposal. The agencies listened to those directly affected by the regulations, and this proposal balances the input the agencies received from a wide range of stakeholders.

The agencies will take comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA and the Army will also hold an informational webcast on January 10, 2019, and will host a listening session on the proposed rule in Kansas City, KS, on January 23, 2019.

More information including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice, the supporting analyses and fact sheets are available at: https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule.  

 

 

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA News: Univ. of Pittsburgh Receives Accolades From EPA For Food Recovery Achievements

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

University of Pittsburgh Receives Accolades From EPA For Food Recovery Achievements

PHILADELPHIA (December 11, 2018) –  Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the University of Pittsburgh for its food recovery achievements that include composting more than 135 tons of food in 2017 that would have otherwise ended up in a municipal landfill.  

"EPA is proud of the way the University of Pittsburgh students have developed an innovative program to reduce food waste," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Through EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, EPA partners with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits and other entities to reduce the amount of food in landfills and help them save money on waste disposal."

In 2014, a student group known as the Food Recovery Heroes began recovering surplus food from a campus bakery when they noticed surplus food was being thrown out at the end of the night. Four years later, in 2018, after conversations with chefs and volunteers, students are recovering food from multiple campus-wide dining halls and cafeterias, including the basketball arena after games and concerts.

The awareness students brought to food waste also led to an increase in composting on campus. Student involvement in composting resulted in the University's composting effort increasing nearly 600 percent from 2016 to 2017 - from 19.5 tons to 135.8 tons.

The University was among more than 1,000 governments, businesses and organizations nationwide that participated in the 2017 EPA Food Recovery Challenge. The University of Pittsburgh received the EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional award in the Data Driven category for colleges and universities. Nationwide, Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted nearly 648,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators in 2017, nearly 214,000 tons of which were donated to people and animal feed.

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food .

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA Recognizes Maryland organizations for Food Recovery Achievements

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA Recognizes Maryland organizations For Food Recovery Achievements

PHILADELPHIA (December 11, 2018) –  Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized two Maryland organizations – Sodexo from Gaithersburg and UEmpower from Severna Park -- for their food recovery achievements in EPA's 2017 Food Recovery Challenge.

The Maryland groups were among more than 1,000 governments, businesses and organizations nationwide that participated in the 2017 EPA Food Recovery Challenge. These entities diverted food waste from entering landfills or incinerators through a variety of innovative actions.

"EPA is proud of the commitment these organizations have demonstrated to reduce food waste from the environment," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Through EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, EPA partners with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits and other entities to reduce the amount of food in landfills and help them save money on waste disposal."

Sodexo, a food service provider, was recognized with the national Endorser of the Year award for its ongoing commitment to reduce waste. By deploying a technology that combines sustainability and efficiency through an automated food waste tracking and analytics platform at all applicable Sodexo sites globally, Sodexo strives to eliminate all of its avoidable waste by 2025.

UEmpower, a non-profit organization with a strong commitment to reducing food waste, was recognized with a regional Endorser of the Year award. UEmpower is responsible for developing the FoodBridge online food rescue system that connects donors of surplus food to non-profit organizations. FoodBridge facilitates the rescue of wholesome, surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and takes steps to provide the food to those in need in the Baltimore area.

Nationwide, Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted nearly 648,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators in 2017, nearly 214,000 tons of which were donated to people and animal feed.

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food .

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA News: GIANT Food Stores Receives Accolades From EPA For Food Recovery Achievements (Pa.)

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

GIANT Food Stores Receives Accolades From EPA For Food Recovery Achievements

PHILADELPHIA (December 11, 2018) –  Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized GIANT Food Stores LLC of Carlisle, Pennsylvania for its food recovery achievements that include donating more than 3.9 million pounds of food to food banks.

"EPA is proud of the way GIANT Food Stores has developed a program to reduce food waste that is having a tremendous impact on those in need," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Through EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, EPA partners with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits and other entities to reduce the amount of food in landfills and help them save money on waste disposal."

In 2017, GIANT stores donated 3,922,000 pounds of wholesome quality food to the food bank, which is equal to 3,268,333 meals served.  Looking forward, GIANT plans to expand its store food donation program so that all departments can participate. This expansion is part of GIANT'S commitment to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2025.

In 2008, GIANT teamed up with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to create the innovative charitable meat rescue program called "Meat the Needs." Considered a huge success and a "game changer" for Central Pennsylvania's regional food banks, now all 171 GIANT stores safely freeze and donate meat that is pulled from sale, a day before its sell-by date.

GIANT Food Stores are among more than 1,000 governments, businesses and organizations nationwide that participated in the 2017 EPA Food Recovery Challenge. The GIANT Food Stores received the EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional award in the Data Driven category for grocery store chains. Nationwide, Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted nearly 648,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators in 2017, nearly 214,000 tons of which were donated to people and animal feed.

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food .

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

Philadelphia Prison System Receives Accolades From EPA For Food Recovery Achievements

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

Philadelphia Prison System Receives Accolades From EPAFor Food Recovery Achievements

PHILADELPHIA (December 11, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the City of Philadelphia Department of Prisons for its food recovery achievements that include composting 44,344 tons of wasted food in 2017, which saves the city approximately $28,000 in landfill fees.  

"EPA is proud of the way the Philadelphia Prison System has developed an innovative program to reduce food waste," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Through EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, EPA partners with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits and other entities to reduce the amount of food in landfills and help them save money on waste disposal."

The city received special recognition for its achievements nationally under the data driven category.  Along with the composting, the Prison System's food recovery program provides inmates with hands-on job training in horticulture and urban gardening onsite at the Orchard Program located on property behind Philadelphia Industrial Correction Center on State Street.

Since 2016, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons has maintained a comprehensive vocational training program for participating inmates. Under the program, the Department of Prisons has partnered with Temple University in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to provide classroom instruction for participating inmates in composting and urban land care.

The city was among more than 1,000 governments, businesses and organizations nationwide that participated in the 2017 EPA Food Recovery Challenge. Nationwide, Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted nearly 648,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators in 2017, nearly 214,000 tons of which were donated to people and animal feed.

For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA News: Rust-Oleum settles with EPA over hazardous waste violations at Williamsport, Md. facility

Contact: R3press@epa.gov                
 

Rust-Oleum settles with EPA over hazardous waste violations at manufacturing facility in Williamsport, Maryland

PHILDELPHIA (December 4, 2018) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with the Rust-Oleum Corporation to address alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its paint manufacturing facility in Williamsport, Maryland.

EPA cited the Rust-Oleum Corporation for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid long and extensive cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Under terms of the settlement, Rust-Oleum will pay a $168,000 penalty, and has ensured EPA it will properly contain and manage hazardous waste in the future. The settlement reflects the company's compliance efforts, and its cooperation in the investigation. As part of the settlement, Rust-Oleum has not admitted liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with RCRA requirements.

Inspectors from EPA and the Maryland Department of Environment identified numerous monitoring, record keeping and hazardous waste storage violations during an inspection.

The facility, which has been in operation at this location since 1978, manufactures paints that are primarily contained in aerosol cans. The facility uses a variety of mills and tanks to mix, grind, and thin the types of paints it generates.  

For more information about EPA's hazardous waste program, visit https://www.epa.gov/hw

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States