U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Announces New Science Advisory Board Process to Strengthen Science Supporting EPA Decisions

WASHINGTON (Feb. 28, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the implementation of a new process by which the Science Advisory Board (SAB) will assess the science that informs decisions regarding Agency proposed rules. The new process will restore opportunities for peer review and strengthen the independence of the board. The improved process builds on the principle that early engagement with the Science Advisory Board is a priority and will best enable EPA to benefit from the expert advice received from the board. 

“Everything we do as an agency must adhere to the highest standards of scientific integrity, and today’s action is a major step towards stronger, independently reviewed science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.  “This new process, Science Supporting EPA Decisions, will allow EPA to effectively engage the Science Advisory Board while ensuring the important independent advisory status of the Board is maintained.”

This new Science Supporting EPA Decisions process strengthens peer review at EPA by:

• Restoring the SAB’s role by having structed opportunities to conduct peer review of critical scientific and technical actions developed by EPA.
• Strengthening the independence of the SAB’s role by scoping and identifying the peer review need for EPA decisions.
• Ensuring EPA considers and develops peer reviewed science early in their rule-making development process.
• Restoring public faith in the EPA by ensuring the use of peer reviewed science to inform decision making.

“The Science Supporting EPA Decisions process is a victory for peer reviewed science and will lead to better EPA rule-making decisions” said Thomas Brennan, Director of the SAB Staff Office.  “This process is effective immediately.”

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to restoring the central role of science and evidence in addressing numerous challenges to public health and the environment, including climate change, environmental justice, PFAS, children’s health, air quality, water quality, contaminated lands, and many others.  Durable EPA decision-making is dependent on the credibility of the science that informs these decisions.  The credibility of the science depends on adherence to well established, time-tested processes and procedures for peer review that assure scientific integrity, and strong peer review depends on engaging independent external experts in a timely and rigorous manner.  Today’s action addresses these goals.

A memo from Associate Administrator for Policy Victoria Arroyo, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development Christopher Frey and Director of the SAB Staff Office Thomas Brennan outlines the improved process for engaging the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) in the review of the scientific and technical basis of proposed EPA decisions.  This memorandum was issued at the direction of the Administrator and supersedes prior procedures.

The memo was issued on February 28, 2022 and is available at the SAB Staff Office web site: https://sab.epa.gov/ords/sab/sab_apex/r/files/static/v403/Science%20Supporting%20EPA%20Decisions.pdf.

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Announces Availability of $20 Million to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $20 million in available grant funding to assist communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water.  This grant funding, and additional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help make rapid progress on the goal of addressing lead and removing lead pipes across the country.

“A pillar of our work at EPA is ensuring that every person in every community has safe drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “This grant funding will help reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and should be used to support underserved communities that are most at risk for exposure.”

Under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, EPA is announcing the availability of $10 million for projects to conduct lead service line replacements or implement corrosion control improvements and $10 million for projects that remove sources of lead in drinking water (e.g., fixtures, fountains, outlets and plumbing materials) in schools or childcare facilities.

EPA will award this funding in alignment with the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal investments to underserved communities. The agency encourages applications that support equity by prioritizing underserved communities, those with lead reduction projects at drinking water systems with at least one lead action level exceedance within the last three years, as well as those with schools with at least 50% of the children receiving free and reduced lunch, in Head Start facilities, and/or in areas with additional environmental health burdens (e.g., areas with older buildings likely to have lead-based paint).

This WIIN grant will be competed through a Request for Application process. The funding opportunity will remain open for 60 days on www.grants.gov.

Learn more about this grant and EPA’s WIIN grant programs at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-grants.

Background

Lead poses serious health risks to both children and adults children are especially vulnerable. Low-income and other historically underserved communities typically experience high levels of lead in their drinking water because they are disproportionately served by lead services lines.

In addition to this announcement of funding availability, EPA is working with states, tribes, and territories to award over $50 million in fiscal year 2021 funding through EPA’s two other drinking water grant programs established by WIIN—the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program and the Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities (SUDC) Grant.

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Issues Power Plant Emissions Data for 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released publicly available, annual data on 2021 emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_X), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and mercury from power plants in the lower 48 states. Emissions in 2021 were higher than 2020, reflecting a rebound in coal-fired generation as natural gas prices and energy demand increased. However, compared to 2019, 2021 emissions fell between 3% and 11%, reflecting the long-standing trend of decreasing annual emissions. 

“The 2021 increase in coal-fired generation and resulting rise in air pollution shows how important it is to urgently forge ahead in building and supporting a cleaner power sector,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks in part to EPA rules and policies, we have made great progress in lowering dangerous pollution over the last several decades. But it’s clear our work is far from done, as we deliver on our commitment to protect the health of everyone and especially those most vulnerable among us.”

Compared to 2020, the 2021 data show a 6% increase in NOx emissions, a 20% increase in SO₂  emissions, a 7% increase in CO₂ emissions, and a 13% increase in mercury emissions. Additionally, ozone season (May 1 to September 30) NO_X  emissions increased by 5%. Overall, based on the first 11 months of 2021, electricity demand increased by 3% compared to 2020.

Between 1990 and 2021, annual emissions of SO₂  from power plants fell by 94% and annual emissions of NO_X from power plants fell by 88%. In 2021, sources in both the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) annual program and the Acid Rain Program (ARP) together emitted 0.94 million tons of SO₂, a 14.8 million ton reduction from 1990 levels. In 2021, sources in both the CSAPR NO_X  annual program and the ARP together emitted 0.78 million tons, a 5.6 million ton reduction from 1990 levels. While complying with programs to reduce SO₂, NO_x and mercury, CO₂ emissions from power plants dropped by 21% between 1995 and 2021.

Long-term declines in emissions are due primarily to changes in the mix of fuels used in electricity generation. While data from 2021 showed a one-year 16% increase in coal generation and a 3% decrease in natural gas generation, there is a shift underway from higher emitting to lower and zero emitting generation.

These long-term reductions in power sector emissions protect community health. NO_X and SO₂ emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and exposure to mercury, a potent neurotoxin, effects the nervous system and brain functions, particularly in infants and children, and is known to cause other significant health effects.

Ambient particulate sulfate concentrations in the eastern United States have shown substantial improvement, decreasing between 76 and 79% from the 2000-2002 to 2018–2020 observation periods. All areas of the eastern United States have shown significant improvement in wet sulfate deposition in this period, with an overall 70% reduction. In addition, these emissions reductions are resulting in positive ecosystem impacts. The level of acid neutralizing capacity, an indicator of recovery, improved significantly from 1990 levels at lake and stream monitoring sites in the Adirondacks, New England and the Catskill mountains.

EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, CO2, and mercury emission data and other information from power plants across the country, as part of ARP, the CSAPR Programs, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). Emissions data collected through these programs are posted online and accessible to the public in summary form at: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/power-plant-emission-trends .

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (Del.)

 U.S. EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (Del.)

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 18, 2022) EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) adopted recommendations yesterday to present to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan on the agency’s implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The committee was asked for input on how to implement the historic infrastructure investments in a way that achieves the Administration’s climate and environmental justice goals and meets the needs of local governments.

“EPA is committed to maximizing the impact of this historic investment in communities across the country to cut pollution where it’s needed most, improve climate resilience, and create good-paying jobs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this vision, we must depend on the wisdom and expertise of our local, state, Tribal, and territorial partners. I thank the members of the LGAC for providing their thoughtful and meaningful input as EPA takes our next steps to deploy these transformational resources.”

According to Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse, “A tremendous amount of work went into the LGAC’s water working group to provide recommendations to Administrator Regan on how to ensure the money through the BIL is spent in communities of need throughout the United States. These communities must have the ability and access to resources to make a difference for the individuals who live within these communities.”

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure investments to local communities, the LGAC devoted the last seven weeks to reviewing and developing cross-cutting advice across many of EPA’s infrastructure programs. Key recommendations include:

• Expanding the technical assistance available to help local governments access funding, upgrade their infrastructure, and ensure climate and equity are incorporated into their projects.
• Providing training and education at every level of government on environmental justice and encouraging the use of available tools and data to make informed, equitable decisions.
• Issuing guidance to encourage infrastructure projects that do not contribute to climate pollution.
• Encouraging state partners to engage with communities, solicit project ideas from local governments, and include them in decision-making processes.
• Adding flexibility in allowable costs to enable investments in workforce development, community outreach, and the development of regional partnerships.

The Committee’s full letter of recommendation, voted out today, will be posted to EPA’s website once signed by the LGAC leadership.

The LGAC is comprised of 35 members including 17 women, 16 people of color, and representation from 30 different states, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, representing a diverse cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities across the United States. The Administrator appointed 34 new members to the Committee last year, as well as 16  members to the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee.

Background

Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.

LGAC members represent counties, cities, small communities, tribes, states and territories and bring diverse views and perspectives from around the country. The LGAC’s initial work is conducted in its Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee and four workgroups: Air and Climate, America’s Waters and Water Infrastructure, Healthy Communities, and Environmental Justice. Visit EPA’s website: Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) | US EPA for more information.

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (W. Va.)

 U.S. EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (W. Va.) 

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 18, 2022) –  EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) adopted recommendations yesterday to present to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan on the agency’s implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The committee was asked for input on how to implement the historic infrastructure investments in a way that achieves the Administration’s climate and environmental justice goals and meets the needs of local governments.

“EPA is committed to maximizing the impact of this historic investment in communities across the country to cut pollution where it’s needed most, improve climate resilience, and create good-paying jobs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this vision, we must depend on the wisdom and expertise of our local, state, Tribal, and territorial partners. I thank the members of the LGAC for providing their thoughtful and meaningful input as EPA takes our next steps to deploy these transformational resources.”

“People across West Virginia will benefit greatly from these investments,” said West Virginia Delegate Evan Hansen. “Many of our communities are prone to flooding, and the BIL will make our infrastructure more resilient to climate change. These investments will also help West Virginia improve its water and wastewater infrastructure, drastically increase the state’s electric vehicle charging stations, and invest in cleaner electric buses.”

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure investments to local communities, the LGAC devoted the last seven weeks to reviewing and developing cross-cutting advice across many of EPA’s infrastructure programs. Key recommendations include:

• Expanding the technical assistance available to help local governments access funding, upgrade their infrastructure, and ensure climate and equity are incorporated into their projects.
• Providing training and education at every level of government on environmental justice and encouraging the use of available tools and data to make informed, equitable decisions.
• Issuing guidance to encourage infrastructure projects that do not contribute to climate pollution.
• Encouraging state partners to engage with communities, solicit project ideas from local governments, and include them in decision-making processes.
• Adding flexibility in allowable costs to enable investments in workforce development, community outreach, and the development of regional partnerships.

The Committee’s full letter of recommendation, voted out today, will be posted to EPA’s website once signed by the LGAC leadership.

The LGAC is comprised of 35 members including 17 women, 16 people of color, and representation from 30 different states, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, representing a diverse cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities across the United States. The Administrator appointed 34 new members to the Committee last year, as well as 16  members to the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee.

Background

Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.

LGAC members represent counties, cities, small communities, tribes, states and territories and bring diverse views and perspectives from around the country. The LGAC’s initial work is conducted in its Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee and four workgroups: Air and Climate, America’s Waters and Water Infrastructure, Healthy Communities, and Environmental Justice. Visit EPA’s website: Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) | US EPA for more information.

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (Pa.)

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee Adopts Infrastructure Recommendations (Pa.)

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 18, 2022) – EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) adopted recommendations yesterday to present to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan on the agency’s implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The committee was asked for input on how to implement the historic infrastructure investments in a way that achieves the Administration’s climate and environmental justice goals and meets the needs of local governments.

“EPA is committed to maximizing the impact of this historic investment in communities across the country to cut pollution where it’s needed most, improve climate resilience, and create good-paying jobs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this vision, we must depend on the wisdom and expertise of our local, state, Tribal, and territorial partners. I thank the members of the LGAC for providing their thoughtful and meaningful input as EPA takes our next steps to deploy these transformational resources.”

“I am thrilled by the LGAC’s adoption of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation guidance letter today,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. “As Vice Chair of the Environmental Justice Working Group of the LGAC, I am hyper focused on ensuring that EPA holds itself and its state and local partners accountable to achieving the goals of the Justice 40 initiative. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only address historic environmental injustices, but also an important chance to rebuild trust with communities and prevent future harm. I want to thank my colleagues on the LGAC for their hard work and dedication, especially my fellow LGAC Executive Committee members including our Environmental Justice Committee chair, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, and the EPA staff who helped us achieve this first milestone so quickly.”

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure investments to local communities, the LGAC devoted the last seven weeks to reviewing and developing cross-cutting advice across many of EPA’s infrastructure programs. Key recommendations include:

• Expanding the technical assistance available to help local governments access funding, upgrade their infrastructure, and ensure climate and equity are incorporated into their projects.
• Providing training and education at every level of government on environmental justice and encouraging the use of available tools and data to make informed, equitable decisions.
• Issuing guidance to encourage infrastructure projects that do not contribute to climate pollution.
• Encouraging state partners to engage with communities, solicit project ideas from local governments, and include them in decision-making processes.
• Adding flexibility in allowable costs to enable investments in workforce development, community outreach, and the development of regional partnerships.

The Committee’s full letter of recommendation, voted out today, will be posted to EPA’s website once signed by the LGAC leadership.

The LGAC is comprised of 35 members including 17 women, 16 people of color, and representation from 30 different states, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, representing a diverse cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities across the United States. The Administrator appointed 34 new members to the Committee last year, as well as 16  members to the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee.

Background

Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.

LGAC members represent counties, cities, small communities, tribes, states and territories and bring diverse views and perspectives from around the country. The LGAC’s initial work is conducted in its Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee and four workgroups: Air and Climate, America’s Waters and Water Infrastructure, Healthy Communities, and Environmental Justice. Visit EPA’s website: Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) | US EPA for more information.

Clark County Completes Laughlin Lagoon Wetland Conservation Measures, Protecting Colorado River

 U.S. EPA News Release:

Clark County Completes Laughlin Lagoon Wetland Conservation Measures, Protecting Colorado River

LAS VEGAS — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Clark County Department of Public Works has completed implementing wetlands conservation measures at Laughlin Lagoon in full compliance with a 2020 agreement. That agreement resulted from unpermitted discharges of dredged material into the lagoon by Clark County. The lagoon is part of the Colorado River in southern Nevada.

“EPA is pleased Clark County has met its obligations, providing critical wetlands habitat in the Laughlin Lagoon and Colorado River,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, Amy Miller. “Protecting the Colorado River, which is a vital drinking water source and wildlife habitat, is essential to protecting human health and the environment in significant swaths of the western United States.”

“Clark County Public Works is glad that we have been able to comply with the final agreement,” said Clark County Director of Public Works, Denis Cederburg. “Clark County appreciates the direction and assistance provided by EPA to resolve all issues related to the agreement.”

From September 2018 through January 2019, Clark County used mechanized equipment to dredge 224,342 cubic yards of sediment from approximately 22 acres of channels in Laughlin Lagoon. During dredging, Clark County deposited some of that dredged material in the lagoon to construct temporary work platforms and haul roads to assist in further dredging.

For this work, Clark County failed to obtain an appropriate Clean Water Act 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in violation of Sections 301(a) and 404 of the Act.

Clark County’s wetland conservation and mitigation measures under the 2020 agreement included developing a Channel Maintenance Plan for the Laughlin Lagoon, installing informational signs and "no wake" buoys (to require boats to slow down or turn off engines in certain areas) to protect endangered species and their habitat, and planting an acre of wetland plants to provide additional habitat for the endangered Ridgway’s rail and other fish and wildlife species.

For more information on the importance of wetlands, please visit: www.epa.gov/wetlands.

For more information on Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/permit-program-under-cwa-section-404.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

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EPA Recognizes 49 Water Infrastructure Projects for Excellence; Winners from Marana and Flagstaff, Arizona

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Recognizes 49 Water Infrastructure Projects for Excellence; Winners from Marana and Flagstaff, Arizona

ARIZONA (Feb. 17, 2022) – Earlier this week, at a virtual roundtable with state and community representatives, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored 49 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water SRF programs. These exemplary projects demonstrate leadership in innovative financing, partnership, and problem solving while improving water quality and public health protection.

Picture Rocks and Airline/Lambert Water Treatment Campuses, from Marana, Arizona, was recognized with EPA’s AQUARIUS award for innovation, sustainability, and public health protection in providing clean drinking water to its community.

The award-winning effort began when the Town of Marana confirmed PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane levels in the groundwater were above the current EPA-established health advisory in two of its water systems. The Town then constructed two treatment plants for the affected water systems to achieve the Town’s goals to reduce PFAS concentrations to 25 percent of the EPA health advisory level and 1,4-Dioxane concentrations to an undetectable level. The two plants treat up to 355 million gallons a year.

Flagstaff Watershed Protection was recognized for its important work to prevent forest fires with EPA’s PISCES award. Flagstaff Watershed Protection’s resiliency project employs forest thinning to protect Flagstaff’s drinking water resources and avoid catastrophic wildfire damage. The effort focuses on 10,000 acres of federal, state, and local lands adjacent to the city, reducing dry debris and thinning the forest through removing small- and medium-diameter trees.

“EPA is proud of our longstanding partnership with Arizona to support stronger water infrastructure into the future,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Today we celebrate the results of EPA’s investment, including innovations that contribute to clean water for communities like Marana and Flagstaff.”

EPA’s AQUARIUS program celebrates innovation, sustainability, and public health protection demonstrated by Drinking Water SRF programs and assistance recipients. 22 projects nationwide from local governments and drinking water utilities were recognized by the 2021 AQUARIUS program.

EPA’s George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) program celebrates innovation demonstrated by Clean Water SRF programs and assistance recipients. 27 projects nationwide from state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were honored.

Since 1997, EPA has helped finance through the Drinking Water SRF more than $44.7 billion in water infrastructure. The agency has accelerated investments by working with our state partners to increase the utilization and leveraging of the State Revolving Fund programs.

The SRFs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. Since their inception, EPA’s SRFs have provided more than $189 billion in financial assistance to nearly 43,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 16,300 drinking water projects across the country.

In 2022, EPA will allocate $7.4 billion to states, Tribes, and territories, with nearly half of this funding available as grants or principal forgiveness loans for underserved communities across rural America and in urban centers. The 2022 allocation is the first of five years of nearly $44 billion in dedicated EPA SRF funding that states will receive through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

To see the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES Programs, visit: https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf and https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

 U.S. EPA News Release:

President Biden, EPA $1 Billion Investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Accelerate Cleanup Efforts and Benefit New York

EPA Projects Work to Be Completed at 22 of 25 Remaining Great Lakes “Areas of Concern” by 2030

Contact: John Senn, (212)-637-3663, senn.john@epa.gov

               Michael Basile, (716)-551-4410, basile.michael@epa.gov

NEW YORK (February 17, 2022) - Today, President Biden and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce that as a direct result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA will make significant progress in the clean-up and restoration of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded sites, securing clean water and a better environment for millions of Americans in the Great Lakes region. The agency will use the bulk of the $1 billion investment in the Great Lakes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up and restore severely degraded sites, known as “Areas of Concern” or AOCs. This will allow for a major acceleration of progress that will deliver significant environmental, economic, health, and recreational benefits for communities in New York and throughout the Great Lakes region.

“The Great Lakes are a vital economic engine and an irreplaceable environmental wonder, supplying drinking water for more than 40 million people, supporting more than 1.3 million jobs, and sustaining life for thousands of species. Through the investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will make unprecedented progress in our efforts to restore and protect the waters and the communities of the Great Lakes basin,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Building a better America means investing in our natural resources and the communities they support.”

White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said, “With this investment, President Biden is delivering major environmental, public health, and economic wins for the Great Lakes region. Building a better America requires us to confront legacy pollution and clean up the environment – ensuring our kids drink clean water and creating good-paying jobs in the process. We know that cleaning up these waterways and improving the health of the Great Lakes will also create great economic opportunities for communities across the eight-state region and beyond.”  

In 2018, an independent economic study from the Great Lakes Commission and the University of Michigan found that every Great Lakes Restoration Initiative dollar spent produces an additional $3.35 of economic activity. For older industrial cities, including AOCs such as Buffalo and Detroit, the study found that there may be more than $4 in additional economic activity for each federal dollar spent. A 2020 analysis of the Great Lakes determined that the region supports more than 1.3 million jobs, generating $82 billion in wages annually.  

EPA projects that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with funds from annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources, will, between now and the end of 2030, enable the Agency and its partners to bring work to completion across 22 of the 25 remaining AOCs, with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding directly supporting 11 of these sites. In sum, this will leave only three of the original 31 U.S. AOCs with work remaining, with those sites also benefiting from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. In the coming months, EPA will release more detailed information on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes AOCs in New York where work is expected to be completed by 2030 include: Buffalo River, NY; Eighteenmile, NY; Rochester Embayment, NY; Niagara River, NY.

EPA will award this funding in accordance with the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which promises to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from key federal investments to underserved communities. The effort also supports President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative, which includes commitments to honor the nation’s conservation traditions, private property rights, the sovereignty of Tribal Nations, and the values and priorities of local communities.

In addition to support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directed toward cleaning up the AOCs, EPA will continue the agency’s work to address other key issues such as addressing harmful algal blooms, nutrient reduction activities, protecting against invasive species, and monitoring the health of the Great Lakes. EPA anticipates additional resources could be available for these and other priorities because of the infusion of resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “As someone who grew up near Lake Erie at a time when it was bloated with toxic wastes, I know how important it is that we continue clean up efforts to restore our Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are an irreplaceable national treasure that provide drinking water and recreation opportunities for countless New York communities, and this critical funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance restoration efforts and deliver significant environmental, economic, and health benefits throughout the region. Thank you, President Biden, EPA Administrator Regan, and our Congressional partners for supporting the Lakes’ ongoing recovery.” 

“After Braddock Bay in the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern suffered critical damage over decades from storms and hurricanes, environmental degradation worsened, boaters cleared out and this once-bustling hotspot became practically vacant. That’s why I was proud in 2015 to secure the over $9 million in federal GLRI funds to not only bring Braddock Bay back to its former glory, but also restore boating access and wetlands, create wildlife habitats and make this area a tourism and recreational magnet,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer. “And now today thanks to new investments I helped secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, the Rochester Embayment, as well as the Buffalo River, Eighteenmile, and Niagara River Areas of Concern can be cleaned up and delisted.”

“The Great Lakes are an important natural, economic, and recreation resource for New York,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “I am proud to have fought to secure the critical funds included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up and revitalize some of the most environmentally degraded sites across the Great Lakes coastline. With this funding, the EPA can continue to make a targeted effort to restore our freshwater ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of the region for future generations.” 

Rep. Brian Higgins said, “The importance and impact of this achievement, made possible thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, can’t be overstated.  It was just a generation ago that the Buffalo River was so polluted with industrial waste that it caught on fire.  Cleaning up and de-listing Great Lakes Areas of Concern, including the Buffalo River, Niagara River and Eighteen Mile Creek in Western New York, is an incredible accomplishment that will contribute to a healthier environment and economy for Great Lakes communities and the entire nation.”

“Ensuring the resiliency of Great Lakes communities is a key part of protecting our environment,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “I was proud to help secure funding for the restoration of these areas of concern through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I am grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency for their dedication to protecting the vibrancy of shoreline regions. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the EPA to safeguard our beautiful Great Lakes for generations to come.”

"As home to 20% of the world's fresh water supply, the Great Lakes are a vital resource that is more critical now than ever due to the harsh impacts of climate change,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown.  I want to thank President Biden for taking bold and aggressive action to protect and preserve this natural resource that is so important to Buffalo and our nation. This generational investment coupled with annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations will ensure the health of Buffalo’s waterways. I applaud President Biden's willingness to promote regional economies while also protecting the planet from even worse climate change consequences."

“SRMT looks forward to implementing AOC management actions under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Great Lake Restoration Initiative, said Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. “The funding has the potential to accelerate opportunities for Tribal Nations, states and EPA to work cooperatively to remove impairments and ultimately delist sites.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos, said, “Thanks to President Biden, EPA Administrator Regan, and the Great Lakes Congressional Delegation, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making generational investments to safeguard our natural resources and improve quality of life for our communities. Thanks to these critical partners, BIL resources will sustain efforts underway to clean up historic contamination, protect communities from flooding and severe weather made worse by climate change, safeguard drinking water supplies for millions of New Yorkers and habitats for fish and wildlife, and create new opportunities for recreation on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. New York is grateful to all of our partners for their ongoing commitment to cleaning up these waters to benefit all New Yorkers.”

 

To see the full list of Areas of Concerns and anticipated work completion and delisting dates, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-aocs/list-great-lakes-aocs

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2

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