| November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! |
|
| This email was sent to iswanto.denny.awil@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: EPA Indoor Environments Division ·1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington, DC 20460 |  |
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Learn the Facts About Radon
EPA Workshop Will Ease the Way to Apply for USVI Water Infrastructure Construction Grants
Issued: Nov 8, 2023 (11:03am EST)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1
EPA Workshop Will Ease the Way to Apply for USVI Water Infrastructure Construction Grants
ST. CROIX, USVI (November 8, 2023) - The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites all governmental agencies and eligible stakeholders to participate at the in-person workshop entitled, Title II Construction Grants Application Process Explore How to Streamline Access to EPA Funding for Utility Infrastructure on November 16, 2023, at the Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix.
"It is vital for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to have an efficient and effective wastewater treatment process to avoid discharges in the environment and the beautiful waters of the Territory," expressed Carmen R. Guerrero Pérez, director of the Caribbean Environmental Caribbean Division (CEPD). "We want to help eligible stakeholders access to Clean and Drinking Water Infrastructure funds which the Territory receives every year to develop reliable drinking and wastewater projects and advance progress towards President Biden's Environmental Justice Strong Initiative."
In this workshop eligible applicants will learn how to navigate the process to obtain much needed funding to improve, plan, design, build, operate, or maintain wastewater treatment systems. This workshop will present case studies and group exercises to teach how to use construction grant funding to maximize the completion of important wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects. For registration visit www.horsleywitten.com/title2.
The EPA will also host another training targeted to operators and managers of wastewater infrastructure on how to conduct operations and maintenance, on November 14, 2023, at the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources' (DPNR) Conference Room, in St. Thomas. Registration is available via https://horsleywitten.com/wastewater/.
Both trainings are free and have a limit of 60 attendees. If unable to register online for either training, contact Tricia Rood at 508-833-6600.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
23-104
###
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=jBsPW24qVXlyd0QBftKQmt9o67ia8XcIiw
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Get the Lead Out Initiative to Accelerate Removal of Lead Service Lines Nationwide as Part of Investing in America Agenda
Issued: Nov 7, 2023 (10:27am EST)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Get the Lead Out Initiative to Accelerate Removal of Lead Service Lines Nationwide as Part of Investing in America Agenda
New initiative funded by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help 200 underserved communities access technical assistance to identify and remove lead service lines and ensure safer drinking water
WASHINGTON (Nov. 7, 2023) – Today in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative that will help ensure safer drinking water for communities as part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda. Through the GLO initiative, which is funded entirely by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is in partnership with the Department of Labor, EPA will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide to provide the technical assistance they need to identify and remove lead service lines. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. GLO will specifically help participating communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out. Communities seeking to access GLO Initiative resources can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA's WaterTA website.
"An estimated 9.2 million pipes that provide drinking water to homes across the United States still contain lead, and they are most commonly found in older homes. This means they disproportionately impact families with the fewest resources to remove them. That's why this new initiative is so critical – it will provide the kind of assistance that's needed to accelerate the removal of lead where it's needed most," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "Thanks to President Biden's Investing in America agenda, EPA is positioned to help connect more communities to historic federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and move our country closer to President Biden's goal of getting 100% of lead pipes out of water-once and for all."
"Clean water is essential to our health and wellbeing. Yet, lead service lines exist in every state across our country, carrying drinking water to millions of homes and putting families at risk of a number of serious health problems," said Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (DE). "Thanks to our unprecedented investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping provide more communities with the necessary tools to find and replace sources of lead in their drinking water systems. I applaud the Biden Administration for their work to ensure that more Americans have access to safe, reliable, and clean drinking water, especially those with the greatest need."
"Every American has a fundamental right to clean, safe drinking water. That's why I fought to make sure that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding to remove and replace dangerous lead service lines that continue to contaminate millions of Americans' drinking water," said House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr (NJ-06). "Today's announcement from EPA ensures that hundreds of communities across the country will soon get the resources they need and the relief they deserve to address this public health crisis. I'm grateful that EPA and the Biden Administration have been such strong partners in this fight, and I look forward to the day when every family can trust the water coming out of their tap."
"Throughout my years in Congress, I have pushed to repair our crumbling water systems because I believe that no one should be drinking water from lead pipes," said Congressman Paul Tonko, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials. "I was thrilled to take vital steps in that effort with the enactment of key provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, and EPA's exciting announcement today brings us even closer to a lead-free future. Grateful to this administration for their dedicated work to ensure every community and household has access to safe, clean drinking water."
"President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no parent should have to worry that their child might be exposed to lead when they take a sip of water," said Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. "That's exactly why the President's Investing in America agenda includes a historic $50 billion to deliver safe, clean water across America. Through this initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can provide resources needed to reach our goal of removing every lead service line in the country."
"President Biden launched the most ambitious strategy in history to replace all lead service lines across the country. Today, less than a year after piloting the Get the Lead Out Initiative, we celebrate another milestone on our way to meeting that historic goal – bringing five times as many communities nationwide into the fold for lead service line replacement," said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. "The 'GLO' initiative is a bright example of the President's progress in delivering clean, safe drinking water to all communities through and with partners."
Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs, such as GLO.
EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through GLO, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the Agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.
Communities can learn more about EPA's WaterTA programs, apply to become a GLO Initiative community, and find other assistance on EPA's WaterTA website.
Background
Through its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and Get the Lead Out Partnership, the Biden-Harris Administration has made accelerating the removal of lead service lines a top priority, with a goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines. EPA is committed to using every tool available including our statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water technical assistance, infrastructure investments, and more to replace lead pipes and protect children and communities across America from lead in drinking water.
The GLO Initiative also builds on EPA's "Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators" initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Through the Accelerators, EPA provides hands-on support to guide 40 communities in those states through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This includes support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.
Learn more about EPA's WaterTA services and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's historic $50 billion investment in America.
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=jvNNHzxsiXn1d2sBOBF0eErZet5YxiLBVQ
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership with 10 New Jersey Communities to Accelerate Lead Service Line Replacement as Part of Investing in America Agenda
Issued: Nov 6, 2023 (11:32am EST)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership with 10 New Jersey Communities to Accelerate Lead Service Line Replacement as Part of Investing in America Agenda
New partnership will help communities access funds from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead service line removal and replacement
WASHINGTON (Nov. 6, 2023) – Today in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced a partnership with the State of New Jersey to assist 10 communities in accelerating progress toward lead service line identification and replacement, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to deliver clean drinking water to families and children, and EPA's "Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators" initiative. This initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor and New Jersey, will work to provide targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and to protect health of New Jersey children and families.
"There is no safe level of exposure to lead," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "That's why President Biden has called for 100% removal of lead pipes, and EPA is partnering with 10 New Jersey communities to accelerate progress. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we finally have the funds to do just that. New Jersey's role in lead service line replacement serves as a model for the rest of the nation. Together we can protect children and families where they live, work, and play."
As part of EPA's Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators program, Blackwood, Camden, Clementon, East Newark, Harrison, Keansburg, Keyport, New Brunswick, Trenton, and Ventnor are working hand-in-hand with EPA and the State of New Jersey to get the lead out. The communities are receiving water technical assistance (WaterTA) to identify lead pipes in their water systems, access infrastructure funds, and develop plans to replace lead pipes that pose risks to human health.
Through the Accelerators, EPA provides hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This includes support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicates $15 billion to lead service line removal and replacement. In order to ensure every community can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment, EPA continues to expand its WaterTA programs and support communities in applying for federal funding.
"Any amount of lead in our nation's drinking water infrastructure is a threat to the health and well-being of American residents and families. I applaud the inclusion of the 10 communities in New Jersey being announced today, Blackwood, Clementon, East Newark, Harrison, Keansburg, Keyport, New Brunswick, Ventnor, Camden, and Trenton, as participants in EPA's Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators program," said Senator Bob Menendez (NJ). "As home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation, I have fought tirelessly to secure the federal funding necessary to continue replacing New Jersey's lead service lines and modernizing drinking water pipes in communities across the state."
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines and remove a threat to the health of our most vulnerable neighbors, particularly children," said Senator Cory Booker (NJ). "The Biden-Harris Administration's Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators initiative has delivered targeted technical assistance to increase access to safe, clean drinking water, and I'm excited to see its benefits flow to more communities in New Jersey so they can protect the health of children and families."
"Every American has a fundamental right to safe, clean drinking water. That's why I fought for funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines quickly and equitably. No community should be left to face the health risks stemming from lead pipes any longer," said House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member and NJ-06 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. "I'm thrilled that EPA is providing much needed assistance to fast-track the removal and replacement of toxic lead pipes, and I commend Administrator Regan for working diligently to target those communities most impacted. This is another significant step toward ensuring that every family can trust the water coming out of the tap. I look forward to this resource expanding to help other communities in need."
"The Murphy Administration, in partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, is proud to accelerate the protection of every resident and child in New Jersey from the risk of lead exposure by identifying lead pipes and assuring they will be replaced," said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping make it possible to empower our state with the tools, knowledge and resources to protect public health and ensure every community has clean and safe drinking water."
"This collaborative effort marks a day of achievement, as we come together to take a significant step forward in ensuring the health and well-being of our community," said New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill. "The Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator Program represents a crucial initiative that aligns with our commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water for our residents."
"The Borough of Keansburg is excited to be a part of the EPA's Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator's program. This program is providing my Borough the assistance necessary to identify lead service lines, provide public outreach and education to our community and to prepare a fiscally responsible replacement strategy," said the Borough of Keansburg Mayor George Hoff. "The Accelerator Program will enable the Borough to accelerate the lead service replacement program and ultimately get the lead out!"
"Collaboration across all sectors is essential to eradicate lead. Our leaders and officials must foster relationships with grassroots organizations and research institutions to get the lead out," said Shereyl Snider, Community Organizer with the East Trenton Collaborative. "As the Lead-Free New Jersey Hub, the East Trenton Collaborative is partnering with Rutgers (EOHSI), Ph.D. Student Sean Stratton and Dr. Brian Buckly to educate and advocate for lead remediation; without these partnerships, our children continue to be exposed to lead."
"Lead exposure endangers the health of our families and children, especially in older urban communities like New Brunswick," said President and CEO New Brunswick Tomorrow Jaymie Santiago. "The Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators program is a tremendous opportunity to remove this public health scourge from our water infrastructure once and for all. We are grateful to the Biden administration, Congressman Pallone, and the EPA for bringing these resources to New Brunswick, and we look forward to helping achieve a lead-free future for our city."
"We know that accelerating the replacement of lead service lines is critical to taking back the tap for communities already overburdened by multiple pollution sources," stated Amy Goldsmith, NJ State Director, Clean Water Action. "With the help of the NJ Congressional delegation, USEPA and federal funding, more of NJ's BIPOC and low-income communities will be able to replicate what Newark did in just three years (i.e. replaced all residential lead service lines)." Goldsmith continued, "This federal accelerator program brings us closer to achieving water justice by putting New Jersey in the fast lane when it comes to replacing more lead service lines faster where people are most vulnerable and in need."
In January, Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to 100% lead service line removal. The initiative, in partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, is addressing existing barriers and accelerating progress towards lead service line identification and replacement. Communities interested in receiving WaterTA support for infrastructure projects can apply online.
Background
The science is clear that there is no safe level of lead exposure. EPA is working with participating states to accelerate lead service line projects by supporting the development of community engagement plan, lead service line inventories, lead service line replacement plans, and funding applications.
EPA's 7th Drinking Water Needs and Assessment Survey projects a national total of 9.2 million lead services lines across the country. The Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan outlines President Biden's vision of lead-free water systems, and dedicated funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will greatly advance the goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines.
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=cPPwD8Vg-HlFdwUBy4lhlT8QgiF4U6-IIQ
EPA Seeks Applications for 2024 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards
Issued: Nov 1, 2023 (5:30pm EDT)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1
EPA Seeks Applications for 2024 President's Environmental Student and Teacher Awards
WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan recently announced that EPA's Office of Environmental Education is requesting applications for the 2024 President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The 1990 National Environmental Education Act established PEYA, which recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from students in Grades K–12 that promote environmental awareness and encourage community involvement. The act also established PIAEE, which recognizes outstanding Grade K–12 educators who integrate environmental education and place-based learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country.
"Environmental education is the foundation of a meaningful climate movement, and I'm thrilled to recognize the students and educators who do this important work," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "We hope that by honoring these dedicated leaders, we encourage them to expand their efforts beyond the classroom and continue to inspire critical environmental action in their communities."
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with EPA, administers the PIAEE awards program.
"Across the country, young people are channeling their energy, curiosity and creativity into tackling our nation's most pressing climate and environmental challenges," said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. "The Presidential awards celebrate the work of these young environmental stewards and the educators who help them learn ways to build a better future for generations to come – a future where every community has access to clean drinking water, clean air, and green space."
Applications for both awards are due no later than Monday, January 15, 2024. Projects eligible for the awards can apply to a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to):
- Climate change
- Environmental justice
- Water infrastructure
- Lead in drinking water
- A reduction in contributions to ocean and marine litter
- Recycling solutions
- The use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to teach environmental education
- Environmental sustainability and agricultural practices
- Healthy school environments
- The reduction of food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.
Additional Information on the 2024 Awards
For PEYA, EPA will select up to two winners in each of the agency's 10 regions: one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6–12. Winning projects will be highlighted on EPA's website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. If the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA's PEYA page.
For PIAEE, up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, each from different states, will be selected to receive the award. Teachers will receive a presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. The winners' local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Winners will be highlighted on EPA's website. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA's PIAEE page.
For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please email PEYA@epa.gov. For more information on the teacher awards (PIAEE), please email PIAEE@epa.gov.
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=UYwqu78uPXmdd1MBw963uvgcKDIsbSbvbQ
EPA Launches New Community-based Initiative to Help People Access Unprecedented Resources for Local Climate and Environmental Justice Solutions
Issued: Nov 1, 2023 (10:15am EDT)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1
EPA Launches New Community-based Initiative to Help People Access Unprecedented Resources for Local Climate and Environmental Justice Solutions
Under President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, EPA to host a National Virtual Open House November 6-14; registration for the event is now open
WASHINGTON (Nov. 1, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA's Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda. Through this new initiative, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will facilitate community-driven partnerships and provide a space for communities to learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access the historic resources, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
"Thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, we now have the largest investments in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "The Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative will provide a roadmap to help communities navigate the Inflation Reduction Act and other new Investing in America funding opportunities from EPA, as we work to meet people where they are."
As part of the initiative, EPA will host live virtual and in-person events, including panel discussions and fireside chats featuring environmental leaders and their peers, to help community-based organizations, their community partners, and potential grant applicants navigate funding opportunities. These engagements are designed to spark ideas on how to take advantage of Investing in America programs while taking into account each community's unique context when confronting the climate crisis and advancing environmental and climate justice. EPA's new Community, Equity & Resiliency website offers information on multiple funding opportunities and resources to ensure community-driven partnerships can inspire meaningful change in their communities. To learn more about the effort, visit EPA's new Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.
National Virtual Open House, November 6-14
On November 6, 2023, EPA will kick off the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative with a National Virtual Open House that is open to the public. This six-day event will include a series of virtual panels and fireside chats featuring prominent environmental leaders and peers discussing their ideas to overcome environmental pollution and climate change challenges through funding opportunities that are available through the Inflation Reduction Act and other programs under the President's Investing in America agenda. Panel and fireside chat topics will include climate change in rural communities, green jobs, electric vehicle infrastructure, technical assistance and more.
Register for the National Virtual Open House
Upcoming Regional Roadshows
Starting this winter, EPA will also host in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events. These will provide opportunities for community leaders to develop or leverage existing community-based partnerships and dream and cultivate ideas on the Inflation Reduction Act and other new Investing in America programs. More details on the Regional Roadshow will be available soon.
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=8GxHZj8DJnlzd5MBjlZKnQHMjD_8sI8a7g
