EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

 

 

Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities District of Columbia to use funding to improve Rock Creek's water quality PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the District of Columbia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  The District's Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) will use EPA's $96,049 multipurpose grant funding to lead and implement a study to identify the sources – human and non-human – of bacteria or E. coli contamination impacting Rock Creek.  Findings of the study will help determine on-the-ground solutions and other mitigation measures to help improve water quality and recreational potential in Rock Creek. "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting and restoring our nation's waters, particularly our surface waters," said Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  "Improving the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams goes far in building stronger, healthier and more thriving communities."  DDOEE plans to implement a Microbial Source Tracking study that will use routine water quality analyses for E. coli contamination as well as more sophisticated procedures to identify whether bacteria pollution is from human or non-human sources.  For instance, dogs, deer and birds are non-human sources of bacteria in some surface waters. EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues.  Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Pennsylvania will support priorities of two state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Pennsylvania is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Two Pennsylvania state agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Pennsylvania to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Pennsylvania include: PA Department of Environmental Protection: $319,674 – The Department will use this funding PA Department of Labor and Industry: $52,380 – The Department will add this funding to its lead program, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Delaware will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Delaware is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Delaware state agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Delaware to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Delaware include: DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: $112,168 – The Department will use this funding to DE Department of Health and Social Services: $58,544 – The Department will use this funding for planning, DE Department of Agriculture: $53,219 – The Department will utilize this funding to provide cost assistance for nutrient management planning for agriculture acres in Delaware, which will reduce non-point source nutrient pollution including nitrogen and phosphorus. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Maryland will support statewide environmental work PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Maryland is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Maryland to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. MDE will use its $189,927 Multipurpose Grant for statewide programs to: support ongoing environmental management efforts to increase the number of people breathing cleaner air; reduce risk from toxic air pollutants; improve water quality; provide safe drinking water; clean-up and reuse contaminated land; manage hazardous wastes properly; reduce chemical and biological risks; and, improve environmental compliance through monitoring and enforcement.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Virginia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Virginia agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Virginia include: VA Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services: $55,060 – The Department added this funding to its existing pesticides performance partnership grant to carry out enforcement of pesticide regulations, and also the Department's programs related to the certification and training of pesticide applicators, worker protection, water quality, and endangered species. VA Department of Health: $127,175 – The Department will use this funding to purchase radon test kits for conducting radon testing at about 100 schools, and to develop a document management system for the Department's Office of Drinking Water. VA Department of Environmental Quality: $186,731 – The Department will use the funding to supplement its existing water pollution control grant, and to build capacity for data management and reporting across various programs.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to West Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of West Virginia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three West Virginia agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like West Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to West Virginia include: WV Department of Agriculture: $53,039 – The Department plans to purchase a much-needed soil analyzer to increase its soil testing accuracy, capacity, and efficiency. WV Department of Health and Human Resources $60,284 – The Department will use this funding to conduct outreach in Zone 1 counties to realtors, building contractors, local policy and decision makers, hospitals and homeowners to promote radon testing and recommend radon mitigation in homes. WV Department of Environmental Protection $82,000 – The Department will use the funding to purchase air monitoring equipment. $42,804 – The Department will use the funding to complete Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at priority brownfield sites in areas impacted by flooding in 2016.

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EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

 

 

Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities District of Columbia to use funding to improve Rock Creek's water quality PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the District of Columbia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  The District's Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) will use EPA's $96,049 multipurpose grant funding to lead and implement a study to identify the sources – human and non-human – of bacteria or E. coli contamination impacting Rock Creek.  Findings of the study will help determine on-the-ground solutions and other mitigation measures to help improve water quality and recreational potential in Rock Creek. "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting and restoring our nation's waters, particularly our surface waters," said Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  "Improving the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams goes far in building stronger, healthier and more thriving communities."  DDOEE plans to implement a Microbial Source Tracking study that will use routine water quality analyses for E. coli contamination as well as more sophisticated procedures to identify whether bacteria pollution is from human or non-human sources.  For instance, dogs, deer and birds are non-human sources of bacteria in some surface waters. EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues.  Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Pennsylvania will support priorities of two state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Pennsylvania is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Two Pennsylvania state agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Pennsylvania to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Pennsylvania include: PA Department of Environmental Protection: $319,674 – The Department will use this funding PA Department of Labor and Industry: $52,380 – The Department will add this funding to its lead program,   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Delaware will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Delaware is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Delaware state agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Delaware to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Delaware include: DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: $112,168 – The Department will use this funding to DE Department of Health and Social Services: $58,544 – The Department will use this funding for planning, DE Department of Agriculture: $53,219 – The Department will utilize this funding to provide cost assistance for nutrient management planning for agriculture acres in Delaware, which will reduce non-point source nutrient pollution including nitrogen and phosphorus. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Maryland will support statewide environmental work PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Maryland is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Maryland to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. MDE will use its $189,927 Multipurpose Grant for statewide programs to: support ongoing environmental management efforts to increase the number of people breathing cleaner air; reduce risk from toxic air pollutants; improve water quality; provide safe drinking water; clean-up and reuse contaminated land; manage hazardous wastes properly; reduce chemical and biological risks; and, improve environmental compliance through monitoring and enforcement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Virginia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Virginia agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Virginia include: VA Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services: $55,060 – The Department added this funding to its existing pesticides performance partnership grant to carry out enforcement of pesticide regulations, and also the Department's programs related to the certification and training of pesticide applicators, worker protection, water quality, and endangered species. VA Department of Health: $127,175 – The Department will use this funding to purchase radon test kits for conducting radon testing at about 100 schools, and to develop a document management system for the Department's Office of Drinking Water. VA Department of Environmental Quality: $186,731 – The Department will use the funding to supplement its existing water pollution control grant, and to build capacity for data management and reporting across various programs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact:  R3press@epa.gov EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities Funding to West Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of West Virginia is among the nation's states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three West Virginia agencies will use EPA's multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts.  "EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This funding enables partners like West Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities." EPA's Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA's co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms. The Multipurpose Grants awarded to West Virginia include: WV Department of Agriculture: $53,039 – The Department plans to purchase a much-needed soil analyzer to increase its soil testing accuracy, capacity, and efficiency. WV Department of Health and Human Resources $60,284 – The Department will use this funding to conduct outreach in Zone 1 counties to realtors, building contractors, local policy and decision makers, hospitals and homeowners to promote radon testing and recommend radon mitigation in homes. WV Department of Environmental Protection $82,000 – The Department will use the funding to purchase air monitoring equipment. $42,804 – The Department will use the funding to complete Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at priority brownfield sites in areas impacted by flooding in 2016.

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EPA Announces Supplement to Science Transparency Proposed Rule

 

 

 

EPA Announces Supplement to Science Transparency Proposed Rule

 

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science proposed rule. This notice is not a new rulemaking; rather, it provides clarifications on certain terms and aspects of the 2018 proposed rule. The Agency anticipates promulgating a final rule later this year.

"These additions and clarifications to the proposed rule will ensure that the science supporting the agency's decisions is transparent and available for independent validation while still maintaining protection of confidential and personally identifiable information," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "I am committed to ensuring that the science underlying EPA's actions is of the highest quality. When finalized, the science transparency rule will ensure that all pivotal studies underpinning significant regulatory actions at the EPA, regardless of their source, are available for transparent review by qualified scientists."

Today's notice is a supplement to clarify points in the 2018 proposed rule, this is not a new rule. The Supplemental:

•  proposes that the scope of the rulemaking applies to influential scientific information as well as significant regulatory decisions;
• defines and clarifies that the proposed rule applies to data and models underlying both pivotal science and pivotal regulatory science;
• proposes a modified approach to the availability provisions for data and models that would underly influential scientific information and significant regulatory decisions, as well as an alternate approach; and,
• clarifies the ability of the Administrator to grant exemptions.

EPA is taking comment on whether to use its housekeeping authority independently or in conjunction with appropriate environmental statutory provisions as authority for taking this action.

The supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking will be open for public comment 30 days after it publishes in the Federal Register.

For more information, including a pre-publication version of the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/osa/strengthening-transparency-regulatory-science

 

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EPA Publishes “Story Map” Illustrating Progress and Continued Efforts to Protect America’s Waters

 

 

 

EPA Publishes "Story Map" Illustrating Progress and Continued Efforts to Protect America's Waters

 

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2020) — Today, at an event hosted by the National Ground Water Association in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross highlighted the agency's efforts to  protect the nation's waters as part of EPA's 50^th anniversary celebration. Throughout the month of February, EPA highlighted accomplishments and issued new announcements that demonstrate the agency's continued commitment to drinking water and surface water protection. Today, EPA published a "story map" to illustrate progress and continued efforts to protect America's waters.

"EPA's new story map celebrates the significant progress we have made in protecting our nation's waters to help support our health, our environment and our economy," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross. "Throughout February, the agency also made significant announcements that demonstrate its ongoing efforts to protect our nation's waters—including meeting emerging challenges."

The agency's new story map underscores the progress that EPA has made to protect America's waters. For example, it highlights that 92 percent of the population is served by community water systems that meet all health-based standards, while the agency acknowledges the additional work necessary to improve compliance. The story map also shows that 250,000 acres of lakes and ponds and 10,000 miles of rivers and streams have been partially or fully restored since 2005. It notes that supporting clean water often comes in the form of water infrastructure investments and that the EPA-supported State Revolving Funds have provided $180 billion to help fund over 15,000 drinking water projects and 41,000 wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects across the nation. Additionally, the story map summarizes progress under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, commemorating that through 2019 EPA issued 14 WIFIA loans that provide $3.5 billion to help finance more than $8 billion for water infrastructure projects and create more than 15,000 jobs. 

The story map also demonstrates the importance of the agency's continued efforts and February's focus on taking action to continue protecting our waters while supporting a strong economy, now and for future generations. For example, EPA announced $40 million to further reduce lead in drinking water and $1.8 million for innovative, market-based nutrient reduction projects in the Great Lakes basin. The agency also announced two new WIFIA loan closings—for Toho Water Authority in Florida ($40 million) and Coachella Valley Water District in California ($59 million). Additionally, EPA took an important step in implementing the Agency's PFAS Action Plan by proposing regulatory determinations for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water. EPA and its federal, state, tribal, local and water sector partners ended the monthlong look at water by announcing the National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaborative Implementation (Version 1), which includes commitments that will help strengthen the sustainability, security and resilience of our nation's water resources by promoting water reuse.

To view the "story map" and learn more about EPA's 50^th Anniversary and how the agency is protecting America's waters, visit: www.epa.gov/50 and ​Water Story Map

Follow EPA's 50^th Anniversary celebration on social media using #EPAat50.

 

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Agency Releases Annual Automotive Trends Report Showing Marginal Increases in Fuel Economy

 

 

 

Agency Releases Annual Automotive Trends Report Showing Marginal Increases in Fuel Economy

 

WASHINGTON (March 2, 2020) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual Automotive Trends Report, which provides the public with a single source of information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in light of the agency's GHG emissions standards.

"Today's auto trends report provides insights into consumer choice and current market trends. Once again we see marginal improvements in fuel economy, but they are yet a far cry from the unfeasible Obama Administration's standards," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These concerns are top of mind and play a key role in the finalization of our Safe Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Rule with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which when finalized will reduce the cost of new vehicles and protect consumer choice."

The report finds that Model Year (MY) 2018 vehicle fuel economy was 25.1 miles per gallon, slightly higher than the 24.9 miles per gallon MY 2017. Since MY 2004, when the fleet averaged 19.3 mpg, fuel economy and CO2 emissions have improved in twelve out of fourteen years.

The report also assesses compliance performance for individual automakers, and for the U.S. fleet as a whole, with the greenhouse gas emissions standards for light-duty vehicles. Once again, only 3 large manufacturers complied with MY 2018 standards based on the technology levels of their vehicles alone. When accounting for credits however, the report shows all large manufacturers are in compliance. Most large manufacturers used banked credits, along with technology improvements, to maintain compliance in MY 2018.

The report highlights the large consumer shift towards sport utility vehicles (SUV). SUVs continue to gain market share – reaching record high 46 percent market share in MY 2019.

To read the full Automotive Trends Report, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends

Background

This annual report is part of the EPA's commitment to providing the public with transparent information about new light-duty vehicle GHG emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in meeting the agency's GHG emissions standards. This report includes content previously published in two separate reports, the Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends Report, and the GHG Manufacturer Performance Report. These reports have now been combined to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

EPA has collected data on every new light-duty vehicle model sold in the United States since 1975. Data is collected to support several national programs, including EPA criteria pollutant and GHG standards, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, and vehicle Fuel Economy and Environment labels.

 

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EPA at 50: EPA Celebrates Progress in Advancing Chemical Safety

 

 

 

EPA at 50: EPA Celebrates Progress in Advancing Chemical Safety

 

WASHINGTON (March 2, 2020)  — As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 50th anniversary commemoration, the agency is kicking off a month-long look at its progress in advancing chemical safety for a healthier, stronger future.

"Today, thanks in part to EPA's extensive efforts over the past 50 years, we have greater awareness of the chemicals being used in our communities, we have put in place more safeguards than ever, and we have seen exposure to toxic pollution significantly decrease," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Alexandra Dapolito Dunn. "Together our efforts are better protecting our families, our environment, and our future."

Since 1970, EPA has improved awareness of the chemicals Americans are exposed to, put safeguards in place when needed, and spurred the development of safer, more environmentally-friendly chemical substitutes. Notable accomplishments and milestones include:

• Americans Gained the Right-To Know Americans now have greater awareness of the chemicals being used and released in their community thanks to EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program, which began in 1986. TRI data includes information on chemical releases and pollution prevention activities at 22,000 facilities nationwide. Since 1986, surface water discharges of TRI-reported chemicals from facilities have decreased from over 41 million pounds to under 12 million pounds, and air emissions have dropped from over 2 billion pounds to just over 300 million pounds.
• Reduced Lead Exposure: Since 1976, the amount of lead in children's blood has decreased by 95 percent as a result of multiple federal laws and regulations, including EPA's historic Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
• Recovery of the Bald Eagle: The nation's bald eagle populations have recovered thanks to EPA's landmark decision in 1972 to eliminate all uses of DDT in the United States, a pesticide that almost caused the bald eagle's extinction.

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has worked to sustain this momentum toward a stronger, healthier future. For example:

• As part of the Trump Administration's Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts, in June 2019, EPA announced a stronger, more protective standard for lead dust in homes and child-occupied facilities across the country—the first update to these standards in nearly two decades.

• EPA is taking aggressive action to implement the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act's many improvements to chemical safety, including reviewing new chemicals or significant new uses of a chemical before they can enter the market. Since the law's enactment, the agency has completed more than 2,600 of these reviews, ensuring modern and innovative chemicals get to market quickly and safely. 

• In 2019, the agency advanced public health protection by banning sales to consumers of methylene chloride in paint removers and strengthened the regulation of asbestos to close a dangerous loophole.

• EPA's pesticides program continues to protect public health and the environment while promoting a safe, abundant, affordable food supply. From 2017 to 2019, EPA registered over 60 new active ingredients and over 500 new uses of existing pesticides, providing growers with the tools they need to protect the country's food supply.

For more on EPA's 50th Anniversary and how the agency is advancing chemical safety, visit: www.epa.gov/50

Follow EPA's 50th Anniversary celebration on social media using #EPAat50

 

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