EPA Press Office:

EPA Adds Delaware Site to Superfund National Priorities List to Protect Public Health from Contamination

WASHINGTON (March 27, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is adding one site and proposing to add four additional sites to the Superfund National Priorities List where releases of contamination pose significant human health and environmental risks.

“When we add a site to the National Priorities List, EPA is committing to permanently addressing contamination on-site and ensuring surrounding communities receive the protection and support they deserve,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, EPA is making sure complex hazardous waste sites get the long-term federal financial assistance and cleanup support they need to safeguard critical resources families rely on, like clean drinking water.”

The sites included in today’s actions demonstrate EPA’s commitment to priority environmental issues like the long-term protection of drinking water, reducing childhood lead exposure, remediating contamination from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, addressing the legacy of uranium contamination in the Navajo Nation, and advancing environmental justice. All the sites being added or proposed to be added to the National Priorities List are in communities with potential environmental justice concerns based on data from EJSCREEN.

Thousands of contaminated sites, from landfills, to processing plants, to manufacturing facilities, exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law accelerates EPA’s work to clean up this pollution with a $3.5 billion investment in the Superfund Remedial Program. The law also reinstates the Superfund chemical excise taxes, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address legacy pollution. This historic investment strengthens EPA’s ability to tackle threats to human health and the environment from Superfund National Priorities List sites.

EPA is adding the following site to the National Priorities List:

• East Basin Road Groundwater site in New Castle, Delaware.

EPA is proposing to add the following sites to the National Priorities List:

• Federated Metals Corp Whiting in Hammond, Indiana.
• Capitol Lakes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Fansteel Metals/FMRI in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
• Lukachukai Mountains Mining District in Cove, Navajo Nation, Arizona.

EPA typically proposes sites to the National Priorities List based on a scientific determination of risks to people and the environment, consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. The National Contingency Plan also allows each State to designate a single site as its top-priority to be listed on the National Priorities List, without the need to apply a scientific determination. The State of Oklahoma is designating the Fansteel Metals/FMRI site its top-priority site.

Before EPA adds a site to the National Priorities List, a site must meet EPA’s requirements and be proposed for addition to the list in the Federal Register, subject to a 60-day public comment period. EPA will add the site to the National Priorities List if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has responded to any comments.

Background:

The National Priorities List includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. This list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at non-federal sites included on the National Priorities List are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup.

Superfund cleanups provide health and economic benefits to communities. The program is credited for significant reductions in both birth defects and blood-lead levels among children living near sites, and research has shown residential property values increase up to 24 percent within three miles of sites after cleanup.

Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has followed through on updating the National Priorities List twice a year, as opposed to once per year. Today’s announcement is the first time EPA is updating the National Priorities List in 2023.

Learn about Superfund and the National Priorities List.

For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the National Priorities List and proposed sites, please visit:
New Proposed and New Superfund National Priorities List Sites.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

Where Do EV Batteries Go When They Die?

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Announces Virtual Listening Session on PFAS Strategic Roadmap for Pacific Southwest

EPA Announces Virtual Listening Session on PFAS Strategic Roadmap for Pacific Southwest

 

Contact Information: John Senn, 415-972-3999, senn.john@epa.gov 

SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2023) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an upcoming virtual listening session on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap for communities in the Pacific Southwest region of our country, including the U.S. Pacific Island territories, on April 13, 2023, and is inviting members of the public to participate. This engagement session will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for communities in the Pacific Southwest. The session will also provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA regional and program leaders to inform the actions described in the roadmap. In November 2022, EPA announced that it would hold a series of virtual regional community engagement sessions across the U.S.

EPA’s virtual regional community engagement session for the Pacific Southwest will be held via Zoom on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT. The public can register to participate in the community engagement session at: https://pfascommunityengagement.org/register/region9/

“The goal of this session is for us at EPA to share information about the latest actions EPA is taking to reduce PFAS exposure and contamination,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We want to hear from communities in the Pacific Southwest about their specific concerns and challenges in addressing PFAS contamination and how we can work together to overcome them.”

Background

In October 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap—laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are a category of manufactured chemicals that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people are exposed to them over a long period of time. The Roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and commits to bolder new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions.

In November 2022, EPA released “A Year of Progress Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” which underscores key actions taken by the agency during the first year of implementing the PFAS Roadmap. EPA continues to implement a whole-of-agency approach, advancing science, and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. Concurrently with this one-year progress report, EPA announced that it will hold virtual community engagement events in each EPA region in 2023, which EPA’s Pacific Southwest region is announcing today.

These engagements align with recommendations from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and EPA’s Roadmap commitment to engage directly with stakeholders. Recognizing the unique and pervasive impacts of PFAS on Tribal communities, EPA is also planning to hold a session specifically designed to hear from our Tribal partners.

More information on EPA’s efforts on PFAS is available at: www.epa.gov/pfas.

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

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Announces $170 Million WIFIA Loan to Help Limit Water Shortages in San Diego County, California

This WIFIA loan is part of a $37 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades

WASHINGTON (March 23, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $170 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County, California, to support its Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake Modification and Wetlands Project, which will help provide sustainable access to drinking water and protect local coastal wetlands.

“Diversifying and stretching precious water supplies is essential in the water scarce West,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Our WIFIA loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County will be used for both upgrading the drinking water desalination plant to help address water shortages, stretch precious water supplies, and protect critical marine habitats in the San Diego Bay.”

The Carlsbad Desalination Plant provides approximately 10% of the San Diego County region’s water supply. The plant was opened in 2015 as a public-private partnership with Poseidon Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority and currently requires significant upgrades to add a new intake facility to comply with the State of California’s oceanwater intake regulations and ensure the plant’s continued operation.

The $170 million WIFIA loan will also support the restoration of approximately 125 acres of coastal wetlands on the San Diego Bay to provide habitat for native plants and wildlife, including endangered species, migratory seabirds, and shorebirds.

“Poseidon Resources is excited about its partnership with the EPA as we embark on a modernization of the intake system at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and creation of 125 acres of coastal wetlands,” said President of Poseidon Resources Sachin Chawla. “We appreciate the EPA’s financial support through a low-cost WIFIA loan.”

Poseidon Resources’ financing package is composed of $160 million in tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds from the State of California and $170 million in WIFIA’s low-cost credit support, and it’s saving San Diego County Water Authority and local ratepayers significantly compared to alternative financing approaches — with WIFIA financing alone saving ratepayers $54 million.

Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects.

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 101 WIFIA loans that are providing $17 billion in credit assistance to help finance $37 billion for water infrastructure while creating 125,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $5 billion.

EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. In June, EPA announced the availability of $5.5 billion under the 2022 WIFIA Notice of Funding Availability and an additional $1 billion under the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. Together, this newly available funding will support more than $13 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 40,000 jobs. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Orders Companies to Comply with Clean Water Act to Restore Wetlands in Rincón, Puerto Rico

NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has taken an enforcement action against Calrincón Corp. and Karimar Construction Inc. for discharging fill material into wetlands without a permit in the Municipality of Rincon, Puerto Rico. 

“Building on wetlands without permits causes flooding, destroys important wildlife habitats and decreases the quality of life for communities," said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. "EPA will enforce the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws to protect public health and the environment.”

Karimar Construction Inc. discharged fill material into wetlands on Calrincón Corp’s property without the required Clean Water Act (CWA) permit. Using mechanized equipment, Karimar Construction placed approximately 8 feet of fill material above the existing grade in approximately 0.89 acres of wetlands.  

EPA has ordered Karimar Construction Inc. to remove the fill material placed on wetlands within eight months and allow the wetlands to naturally regenerate with native vegetation within five years from March 14, 2023. 

Wetland restoration and protection are important to maintain critical wildlife habitat, help meet state and tribal watershed goals and contribute to economic well-being. Through this action, EPA helps in achieving these goals for the benefit of sensitive coastal ecosystems and communities in Rincon.  

This area of Rincón is vital for recreational purposes and is near Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, a marine reserve established in 2004 through community-driven efforts that protect the Tres Palmas surfing break, along with endangered coral species.   

The CWA was established in 1972 to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s rivers, lakes and streams, as well as some of the more fragile and vital wetland habitats. CWA’s Section 404 requires a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, before dredged or fill material may be discharged into waters of the United States, including wetlands that are subject to federal jurisdiction. 

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.  

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EPA ordena a empresas cumplimiento con la Ley de Agua Limpia y restaurar humedales en Rincón, Puerto Rico

Contacto: Brenda Reyes, reyes.brenda@epa.gov, 787-977-5865/5869 (oficina), 202-834-1290 (móvil)

NUEVA YORK - La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha anunciado hoy que ha emprendido una acción de cumplimiento, al amparo de la Ley de Agua Limpia, contra Calrincón Corp. y Karimar Construction Inc. por rellenar humedales sin permiso en el municipio de Rincón, Puerto Rico.

"Construir en humedales sin permiso provoca inundaciones, destruye hábitats importantes de vida silvestre e impacta la calidad de vida de las comunidades", señaló la administradora regional de la EPA, Lisa F. García. "La EPA hará cumplir la Ley de Agua Limpia y otras leyes ambientales, acorde necesario, para proteger la salud pública y el medio ambiente."

Karimar Construction Inc. vertió material de relleno en humedales de la propiedad de Calrincón Corp sin el permiso requerido de la Ley de Aguas Limpias (CWA). Karimar Construction colocó aproximadamente 8 pies de material de relleno por encima del nivel existente en aproximadamente 0,89 acres de humedales utilizando equipo mecánico.

La EPA ha ordenado a Karimar Construction Inc. que retire el material de relleno colocado en los humedales en un plazo de ocho meses y permita que los humedales se regeneren de forma natural con vegetación autóctona en un plazo de cinco años a partir del 14 de marzo de 2023.

La restauración y protección de los humedales es importante para mantener el hábitat crítico de la fauna autóctona, ayudar a cumplir con la salud de las cuencas hidrográficas y contribuir al bienestar económico. Mediante esta acción, la EPA ayuda a alcanzar estos objetivos en beneficio de los ecosistemas costeros sensibles y de las comunidades de Rincón.

Esta zona de Rincón es vital para fines recreativos y está cerca de la Reserva Marina de Tres Palmas, una reserva establecida en 2004 gracias a los esfuerzos impulsados por la comunidad que protege importantes playas para deportes acuáticos y recreación en la costa, junto con especies de coral en peligro de extinción.  

La Ley de Agua Limpia federal se estableció en 1972 para restaurar y mantener la integridad química, física y biológica de los ríos, lagos y arroyos de la nación, así como algunos de los hábitats de humedales más frágiles y vitales. La Sección 404 de la antes mencionada ley,  exige un permiso del Secretario del Ejército, actuando a través del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de Estados Unidos, antes de que pueda disponerse de material de dragado o relleno en aguas de Estados Unidos, incluidos los humedales sujetos a jurisdicción federal.

Siga a la EPA Región 2 en Twitter y visite nuestra página de Facebook. Para más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web. 

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For further information: Contact: Brenda Reyes, reyes.brenda@epa.gov, 787-977-5865/5869 (office), 202-834-1290 (cell)

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 EPA Press Office:

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on National Agriculture Day

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2023) — In celebration of National Agriculture Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement:   “On this National Agriculture Day, just like every day, I’m grateful for the farmers, ranchers, and laborers who work tirelessly to produce the food, fuel and fiber that powers our Nation’s economy.  The agricultural community is the backbone of this country, and remains a vital partner in EPA’s mission to ensure clean air and clean water for all.    We know that farmers, ranchers, and laborers, are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and recently, the newly appointed members of EPA’s Farm, Ranch & Rural Communities Advisory Committee, held its first in-person meeting since 2016. The committee provides independent advice and recommendations on environmental issues essential to our agriculture and rural communities, and reviews the agency’s policies and programs concerning agriculture and climate change. I’m looking forward to hearing from the committee over the next year about how EPA can support the agricultural community in reaching its climate mitigation and adaptation goals to ensure a more resilient food and agricultural system.   The Biden-Harris Administration continues to show its commitment to strengthening the agricultural community. Both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have contributed billions of dollars to support climate-smart agriculture, provide relief to stressed borrowers, and bolster conservation. EPA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers and ranchers to protect public health and the environment.”   Learn more information on EPA’s partnership with the agricultural community.   Learn more information on climate-smart agriculture practices.

 EPA Press Office:

United States Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Denka Performance Elastomer to Immediately Reduce Chloroprene Emissions

WASHINGTON (March 20, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a motion for preliminary injunction under the Clean Air Act (CAA) requesting that the Court order Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) to require significant pollution controls to reduce chloroprene emissions, a pollutant that EPA has determined to be a likely carcinogen. The request for immediate relief by EPA and the Justice Department follows the United States’ complaint filed on Feb. 28, alleging an imminent and substantial endangerment to the communities surrounding the facility as a result of Denka’s manufacturing operations.

The Clean Air Act section 303 imminent and substantial endangerment lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“All communities deserve to breathe fresh, clean air, it is one of EPA’s top priorities as we work to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This is another action that sends a clear message that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to the health and safety of St. John the Baptist Parish, and I will continue to pledge that EPA will use all legal remedies available to reduce harmful air pollution in this community.”

“Today’s motion asks the court to require Denka to take strong action to protect neighboring communities from the urgent dangers caused by its harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This action shows our determination to address environmental justice concerns of overburdened communities, and to protect children living and studying today near this facility.”

Denka’s facility, located in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, manufactures neoprene, a flexible, synthetic rubber used to produce common goods like wetsuits, beverage cozies, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, and automotive belts and hoses. Chloroprene is a liquid raw material used to produce neoprene that is emitted into the air from various areas at the facility.

“As Regional Administrator, I am committed to reducing exposure to chloroprene in St. John the Baptist Parish,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Transparent engagement with the community is a top priority because people who live near Denka deserve to understand the purpose of the motion filed today and what EPA hopes to achieve by bringing this Clean Air Act Imminent and Substantial Endangerment case.”

In 2010, EPA published its peer-reviewed assessment of chloroprene that concluded it is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” Approximately 20% of the total population living within two-and-a-half miles of Denka are children under the age of 18, and between 800-1,000 are children under the age of five. Children under the age of 16 are particularly vulnerable to mutagenic carcinogens like chloroprene. Denka’s chloroprene emissions reach more than 300 young children who attend the 5th Ward Elementary School, located within approximately 450 feet of Denka’s facility. Additionally, 1,200 children who attend East St. John High School, located about a mile-and-a-half north of Denka, are also exposed to the facility’s chloroprene emissions.

More information on EPA’s actions to reduce chloroprene emissions from the Denka facility

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

WaterSense and Its Partners Encourage Homeowners to Fight Water Waste for the 15th Fix a Leak Week

Easy-to-fix household leaks waste billions of gallons of water across the country each year

WASHINGTON (March 20, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program is encouraging consumers and businesses to celebrate the 15th annual Fix a Leak Week, March 20 through 26, by finding and fixing plumbing leaks in their homes and improving irrigation systems for their landscapes.

“This Fix a Leak Week, I invite you to spend a few minutes checking for leaks around your home,” said Director for the EPA Office of Wastewater Management Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “Over the past 15 years, WaterSense partners have engaged their communities to find and fix leaks – helping people save water and money.”

To help stop leaks that can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year in the average home, WaterSense partners from coast to coast are hosting community events, educational workshops, public service announcements, and other efforts to show homeowners how to stop water waste and make their water bills more affordable by checking for leaks.

Because toilets are often a source of leaks, EPA recommends checking for silent toilet leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank and waiting 10 minutes before flushing. If dye is visible in the bowl, there is a leak that may be easily fixed by replacing a worn flapper.

With spring here, EPA recommends checking irrigation components that may have been damaged by winter’s cold. A “sprinkler spruce-up” that checks for broken parts, connects system components tightly to avoid leaks, and directs sprinklers to spray on landscapes can help reduce water waste outdoors.

If any fixtures require replacement, look for models that have earned EPA’s WaterSense label. The WaterSense label is your guide to identify products, programs, and homes that are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models.

Learn more about finding and fixing leaks.

About WaterSense
WaterSense helps protect the nation's water supply by offering consumers simple ways to use less water. WaterSense is both a label to help consumers identify water-efficient products and a resource offering consumers and businesses practical advice on saving water. The program and its more than 2,000 partner water utilities, local governments, manufacturers, retailers, builders, and other organizations have helped consumers save more than 6.4 trillion gallons of water since 2006.

Learn more about WaterSense.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

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 EPA Press Office:

In the Pacific Southwest, Toxic Chemical Releases Decreased Slightly in 2021 According to EPA Data

In the Pacific Southwest, Toxic Chemical Releases Decreased Slightly in 2021 According to EPA Data

Contact Information: John Senn, 415-972-3999, senn.john@epa.gov 

SAN FRANCISCO (March 17, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities nationwide covered by the program remained below pre-pandemic levels and releases in 2021 are 10% lower than 2012 releases, even with an 8% increase from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, in 2021, facilities managed 89% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while reporting that they released 11% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment. In the Pacific Southwest, including the U.S. Pacific Island territories, the report shows a slight decrease in toxic chemical releases compared to 2020.

“EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory provides valuable information to communities across the Pacific Southwest and the Pacific Islands about potential hazards,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are prioritizing transparency with our toxics data to help communities, local, state and tribal governments with appropriate strategies for reducing pollution, especially in communities dealing with environmental justice challenges.”

In 2021, facilities in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Island territories reported managing 932 million pounds of production related waste and releasing 554 million pounds of TRI chemicals into the environment, a decrease in releases of less than 1% from 2020. In the Pacific Southwest, the metal mining sector, mostly in Nevada and Arizona, accounted for 84% of the TRI-reported chemical releases for 2021. Excluding metal mining, releases in the Pacific Southwest have decreased by 7.8% since 2012, with the primary metals (including smelting), hazardous waste management, and petroleum sectors reported the highest releases. Changes in the chemical composition of ore extracted at metal mines can result in large year-to-year changes in the amount of waste metal mines report to TRI.

The 2021 TRI National Analysis summarizes TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar year 2021. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 531 chemicals requiring TRI reporting that they released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. EPA, states and tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, electric utilities and commercial hazardous waste management.

The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed. EPA has also updated demographic information in the “Where You Live” mapping tool and in the Chemical Profiles section. Readers can view facility locations with overlayed demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in vulnerable communities. Community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders can use this data, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may experience a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.

EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.

To view the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses, visit www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis.

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

 EPA Press Office:

EPA joins Governor Polis at Denver elementary school to announce $3 million for innovative Climate Pollution projects across the state

Funds from EPA’s new Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act

Contact: David Piantanida, (piantanida.david@epa.gov); 720-661-7482

DENVER (March 17, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Colorado will be receiving up to $3 million to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across the state.

At the International Academy of Denver at Harrington Elementary School, EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker and Governor Jared Polis announced Colorado will be receiving the funding as a partner in EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. This program provides flexible planning resources to develop and implement climate solutions that will protect the people of Colorado from pollution and advance environmental justice.

“This is the first step in a strategic effort to help states build common-sense solutions to reduce climate pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “Governor Polis has been a great partner and advocate for climate action, and EPA looks forward to supporting the Colorado-grown projects that will make our communities, our state, and our nation, healthier and stronger.”

“Colorado’s nation-leading work to fight for clean air and reduce emissions are part of our commitment to protect the community we love now and for generations to come. This exciting new funding supported by the majority of our federal delegation and the EPA helps to build upon our important work as we make bold progress towards achieving ambitious climate goals including 100% renewable energy by 2040, and we appreciate this federal support," said Governor Jared Polis of Colorado. 

"After years of inaction, Washington finally invested in the fight against climate change by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding will help Colorado continue to lead the country in cutting pollution, addressing our climate crisis, and building a healthier future for all Coloradans," said Senator Bennet. 

“This grant helps set the groundwork for Colorado to cut emissions and build a thriving, clean energy economy,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Finding solutions that lift up our vulnerable and low-income communities will be a win for all Coloradans.” 

“We have to do more to protect the communities that are suffering the most,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “Environmental Justice needs to be more than just a catchphrase, it needs to be our collective mission. We need all levels of government working together to ensure everyone – no matter where they live or how much money they make – is able to live and thrive in a healthy, clean environment.”

Colorado is among the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico eligible to receive $3 million each in grant funds. Colorado will use the funds to update its existing climate action plan in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the state. The State will also conduct meaningful public engagement on its plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities.By summer 2023, EPA Regional Offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.

Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for $4.6 billion in follow-up funding to implement projects and initiatives in state, Tribal and territorial climate action plans, which Colorado is eligible to receive. Colorado may use this current funding to develop strategies for using other grant, loan, and tax provisions secured by President Biden’s historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to achieve its clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals.

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Today’s announcement builds on $550 million announced earlier this month for EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program and $100 million announced earlier this year for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. These climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories;
• Emissions projections and reduction targets;
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities;
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act;
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy; and
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.

More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

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 EPA Press Office:

EPA Report Shows Decrease in Chemical Releases, Increase in Recycling and Waste Management in Region 2 Facilities

Includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Contact: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

NEW YORK (March 16, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that environmental releases of chemicals from facilities covered by the program remained below pre-pandemic levels at facilities across the U.S. Additionally, in 2021, facilities managed 89% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment. In the four jurisdictions of Region 2, the report shows long-term reductions in both the waste generated and the waste released from facilities.

"The latest Toxic Release Inventory report for Region 2 is encouraging news, showing decreases over time in chemical releases and an increase in recycling and waste management," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The TRI data is an important tool to equip the public with the information they need and continues to ensure the community's right to know about toxic chemicals used or stored at nearby facilities. We will build on this positive momentum and continue working with facilities and industry to further reduce chemical releases."

The TRI data for 2021 reveals that facilities in Region 2, which include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York, and New Jersey, used preferred practices like recycling and using waste for energy production for almost 95% of the waste they generated. Although facilities in Region 2 reported almost a 4% increase in releases of TRI chemicals into the environment in 2021 compared to the height of the pandemic in 2020, the general trend in chemicals being released into the environment is down more than 10% since 2012. Much of this decrease – about 47% -- was to emissions into the air. In 2021, 10% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new source reduction activities, higher than the nationwide average of 8%. The transportation equipment manufacturing and machinery manufacturing sectors had the highest reporting rates for source reduction activities.

More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on over 530 chemicals they released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. EPA, states and Indian Nations receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, electric utilities and commercial hazardous waste management.

The 2021 report features updated options and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed. EPA has also updated demographic information in the “Where You Live” mapping tool and in the Chemical Profiles section. Readers can view facility locations with overlayed demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in vulnerable communities. Community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders can use this data, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may experience a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.

In addition, this year the TRI National Analysis Sector Profiles highlights the plastic products manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining. This allows readers to learn about releases and waste management of TRI chemicals, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, from facilities in these sectors.

EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.

View the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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 EPA Press Office:

EPA releases 2021 Toxic Release Inventory data for Region 8 states

Releases remained below Pre-Pandemic levels, including a decrease of 12.7% in production-related waste since 2012

March 16, 2023
 

Contact Information

David Piantanida (piantanida.david@epa.gov)

(720) 661-7482

DENVER - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities across the nation covered by the program remained below pre-pandemic levels and releases in 2021 are 10% lower than 2012 releases, even with an 8% increase from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, in 2021, facilities managed more than 89% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while reporting that they released 11% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.

The report also reveals that EPA Region 8, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming and 28 Tribal Nations, has seen long-term decline in production related waste. In 2021, facilities in EPA Region 8 reported managing 919 million pounds of production related waste and releasing 349 million pounds of TRI chemicals into the environment. From 2012 to 2021, releases increased by 8.8% while production related waste decreased by 12.7%, both driven by the metal mining and primary metal manufacturing sectors.

Changes in the chemical composition of ore extracted at metal mines can result in large year-to-year changes in the amount of waste metal mines report to TRI. Excluding the metal mining sector, releases in Region 8 have increased by 7.7% since 2012. In 2021, 6.8% of facilities in Region 8 implemented new source reduction activities. Among sectors with the highest source reduction reporting rates were plastic and rubber manufacturing and machinery manufacturing.

“The Toxics Release Inventory is a valuable tool that provides detailed information about how chemicals are used and managed in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These data provide a high-resolution picture of how toxic chemicals are used, managed and disposed at hundreds of facilities across our region and can help inform significant pollution prevention activities, especially in our most overburdened and vulnerable communities.”

The 2021 TRI National Analysis summarizes TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar year 2021. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 531 chemicals requiring TRI reporting that they released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. EPA, states and tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, electric utilities and commercial hazardous waste management.

The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed. EPA has also updated demographic information in the “Where You Live” mapping tool and in the Chemical Profiles section. Readers can view facility locations with overlayed demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in vulnerable communities. Community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders can use this data, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may experience a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.

In addition, this year the TRI National Analysis Sector Profiles highlights the plastic products manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining. This allows readers to learn about releases and waste management of TRI chemicals, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, from facilities in these sectors.

EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.

To view local data and analysis, 2021 TRI National Analysis

Notable Trends in 2021

The National Analysis shows a 24% increase in the number of new pollution reduction activities facilities initiated from 2020 to 2021—a strong rebound after the decrease seen from 2019 to 2020. These activities include facilities implementing strategies like replacing TRI chemicals with less hazardous alternatives or reducing the amount of scrap they produce. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.

Industry professionals can also look at TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at facilities.

Ethylene Oxide Reporting

TRI reporting also shows a 45% decrease in ethylene oxide releases from 2012 to 2021, driven by decreased air emissions. Although there was a 15% increase in releases compared to 2020, quantities of ethylene oxide released in 2021 are lower than pre-pandemic quantities from 2019. EPA also expanded reporting requirements for ethylene oxide and other chemicals to include additional facilities. Reporting from these facilities will appear for the first time in next year’s National Analyses.

PFAS Reporting

For the second time, the TRI National Analysis includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. For Reporting Year 2021, 176 PFAS were reportable to TRI. Facilities reported managing 1.3 million pounds of these chemicals as waste. This is an increase from the 800,000 pounds in 2020 and is largely due to reporting on one PFAS, perfluorooctyl iodide, which EPA began requiring facilities to report in 2021. Most of the facilities that manage PFAS operate in the chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste management sectors. The hazardous waste management sector accounted for roughly 80% of the 108,334 pounds of PFAS released into the environment, primarily to regulated landfills.

Last December, EPA proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations. Because PFAS are used at low concentrations in many products, this rule would ensure covered industry sectors and federal facilities that make or use TRI-listed PFAS will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid disclosing their PFAS releases and other waste management quantities for these chemicals.

To access the 2021 TRI Factsheets by region or state:

Region 8

Colorado

Montana

North Dakota

South Dakota

Utah

Wyoming