EPA Press Office:

Public comment period opens on draft permit to bring the largest offshore wind farm project to Virginia’s coast

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the opening of a 30-day public comment period on Jan. 29 for a draft Clean Air Act Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) air quality permit for Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial project located off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.  

EPA is seeking public comments on the draft permit, which proposes to authorize the construction and operation of the largest offshore wind project in the U.S., featuring up to 176 wind turbines located 26 to 38 nautical miles from the coast.   

“This project alone will generate roughly 2,640 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 660,000 homes, and will make significant contributions to the Biden-Harris administration's goal of generating 30 gigawatts of clean, abundant energy from offshore wind by 2030,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA plays a significant role in safeguarding our environment while enabling clean energy initiatives that build a sustainable future for the Mid-Atlantic Region.” 

EPA's role is in concert with other federal agencies for the project, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's role in issuing a Record of Decision. The draft OCS air permit includes requirements for the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permitting program. It also includes applicable Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations. 

The draft permit, if finalized, will regulate air pollutants from the construction and operation of the wind farm. The draft permit includes pollutant limits for offshore air emissions only and includes air emission standards for all vessels used to construct and support the project while the vessels are within 25 nautical miles of the OCS source’s centroid. 

The public comment deadline is Feb. 28.  

The proposed permit, fact sheet, and all supporting materials are available for review on the Regulations.gov website. 

Information about the permit and virtual public hearing can also be found here.  

Visit the EPA website to learn more about Clean Air Act Permitting. 

 EPA Press Office:

EPA penalizes private landowner for violating the Clean Water Act by discharging fill into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River

SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Michael Gagliano agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 for violating the Clean Water Act when he discharged fill material into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River at his property in Pinehurst, Idaho.

Beginning in September 2022, Gagliano discharged large rocks below the ordinary high-water mark of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River without a Clean Water Act permit. The unauthorized discharges occurred within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. As a result, these discharges likely mobilized highly contaminated sediment and mine tailings frequently found throughout the site. This type of mobilization is often exacerbated by high-flow events following heavy rains or snowmelt.

“Property owners must get the necessary Clean Water Act permits to make sure that any work impacting waters of the United States is done in a way that protects the health of the ecosystem and minimizes the impact to sources of drinking water and water used for recreation.” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “These types of Clean Water Act enforcement actions are important in protecting our valuable water resources and are especially important in areas within Superfund sites with highly contaminated sediments.”

The unauthorized discharges occurred when the landowner attempted to increase armoring of the riverbank. This activity, especially when combined with similar bank armoring activities throughout a river system, can have dramatic and long-term impacts on ecosystem health and can result in increased riverbank scouring and erosion on adjacent properties.

In addition to paying the penalty, Gagliano agreed to remove the fill material and restore the site prioritizing slope stabilization, erosion reduction, and establishing vegetation along the riverbank.

EPA Region 10 worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Panhandle Health District on an appropriate resolution to the violation. 

This is the second Clean Water Act enforcement action brought by EPA within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site during the last couple of years. In 2022, Cody Karst of Pinehurst was required to pay a $14,000 penalty and restore wetlands that he damaged, also along a portion of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, and a tributary to the river. 

Additional details of the Gagliano matter can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.

Contact: R10 Public Affairs Office, R10_Press_Team@epa.gov

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $11M in grants for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings

PNW communities to receive over $3.4M in funding

SEATTLE (January 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency anticipates awarding $3,472,516 in grant funding to four selected recipients in the Pacific Northwest to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness.

“After the wildfires in Maui, the wildfire smoke that blanketed the East Coast last summer, and the many devastating wildfires in the West, we are all aware of the very real health impacts of smoke as well as the critical importance of smoke preparedness,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is providing more than $10 million in grant funding that will help provide important public health protections in communities across our country, especially in those communities who have been overburdened by smoke pollution for far too long.”

“Every community in the Pacific Northwest is impacted by smoke from wildfires,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “EPA is committed to supporting innovative solutions and investing in partnerships with tribes, schools, and other organizations to help these communities prepare for longer wildfire seasons and learn how best to protect their families.”

Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Buildings are varied and do not all provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.

“As climate chaos intensifies, so do extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke events — events that endanger public health and impact everyday life for those under the plumes of dark smoke,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “I created this program to help ensure communities in Oregon and across the West have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from the dangerous smoke and heat that has unfortunately become expected with our increasingly hot summer months.”

The following entities have been selected for awards, which are contingent on completion of all legal and administrative requirements relating to the grant:

• Nez Perce Tribe, Tribal land within boundaries of ID ($1,337,920) To improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by strengthening preparedness in community buildings. The project will enhance smoke readiness planning, outreach and training, deploy portable air cleaners, conduct indoor/outdoor air monitoring, complete weatherization, and upgrade HVAC systems. Three community centers, nine public libraries, and four youth centers will be upgraded to provide cleaner air spaces to the public during wildfire smoke events for effective reduction of occupants’ exposure.
• Bellingham School District No.501, WA ($364,400) To focus on smoke readiness assessment and planning as well as indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
• Gonzaga University, WA ($1,102,696) For activities that will reduce indoor exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane and in three community centers serving disadvantaged communities.
• Oregon State University, OR ($667,500) To develop a set of interventions that includes tailored toolkits and resources that can be used by schools, preschools, and daycares to reduce wildfire smoke exposures and increase community resilience across Oregon.

Background

The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program is a new federal program to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects are designed to assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings that serve the public, and that serve disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations. EPA anticipates award of nine grants, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.

These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities.

Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.

Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality.

Contact: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

Utah to reduce indoor air pollution in schools, public buildings from wildfire smoke events through EPA grant

State to receive $854k for wildfire smoke preparedness projects in target underserved areas

SALT LAKE CITY – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10.76 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) is anticipating a $854,609 grant to improve community resiliency to wildfire smoke through enhanced deployment of air quality monitors and alerts. 

 

UDEQ will be working with partners to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke in target underserved areas. The plan will include deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents. With more than 672,000 kids enrolled in Utah public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students. 

 

“Utah is one of the most fire-prone states in the American West,  communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.” 

 

Additional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Colorado, which will be awarded to their public health entities: 

 

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke. 

 

• The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality. 

 

 

Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.  

 

These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities. 

 

Learn more about these grants. 

 

Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality. 

 EPA Press Office:

Colorado to reduce indoor air pollution in schools, public buildings from wildfire smoke events through EPA grant

State to receive $1.89M for community wildfire smoke preparedness projects

DENVER – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10.76 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is anticipating a $1,895,705 grant to design a state-wide program for wildfire smoke awareness and preparation. 

 

CDPHE will use the EPA funds to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke. This includes leveraging the Clean Air for Schools program, which provides air cleaners and indoor air quality monitors to K-12 schools, where CDPHE will partner with local communities to develop response plans for wildfire smoke events. Some of the expected outcomes include Smoke Readiness Plans, providing technical training on ventilation and filtration strategies, preparing school buildings to serve as Community Cleaner Air Shelters, and enabling indoor air quality monitoring in public school buildings to understand wildfire smoke impacts and evaluate effective responses.  With more than 880,000 kids enrolled in Colorado public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students. 

 

“Colorado is no stranger to wildfires, and now more than ever, communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.” 
 

Additional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah, which will be awarded to their public health entities: 

 

•  Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality. 

 

• Utah Department of Environmental Quality has been selected to receive $854,609 to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents in target underserved areas. 

 

Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states like Colorado. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.  

 

These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities. 

 EPA Press Office:

Swinerton Builders Reaches Agreement to Address Clean Water Act Violations and Offset Environmental Harm at Solar Farm Construction Sites in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois

Settlement includes 600k to restore Portneuf River near Pocatello, Idaho

WASHINGTON (January 17, 2024) – The Environmental Protection Agency and Justice Department today announced that Swinerton Builders has agreed to pay a $2.3 million penalty – divided between the United States, Alabama Department of Environmental Management and State of Illinois – to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act and related state laws during the construction of solar farms in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois.

The company has also agreed to undertake mitigation actions to help restore the Portneuf River in Idaho and to purchase stream credits to improve the watershed surrounding the Alabama site. The states of Alabama and Illinois joined the United States in the settlement.

“Illegal stormwater discharges from construction projects can contaminate municipal drinking water systems and harm aquatic life, which is why EPA, DOJ, and our state partners worked together to hold Swinerton Builders accountable for the company’s violations of the Clean Water Act,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Solar farms are vital to slowing the effects of climate change, but companies building solar farms must comply with environmental protection requirements just as companies must do for any other construction project.”

“This settlement holds Swinerton accountable for its widespread Clean Water Act violations and ensures that nearby communities in Alabama and Idaho will benefit from projects to restore the waterways and enhance recreation,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We’re grateful for the work and cooperation of our state partners in helping reach this agreement.”

“My office was pleased to work with the United States Department of Justice to resolve the alleged water pollution violations,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Clean water is a critical resource, and I will continue the work to protect Illinois water sources.”

“We are pleased with today’s announced settlement, which holds the builder to task for serious stormwater violations that harmed the watershed and its ecosystem,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “The settlement not only requires Swinerton to pay civil penalties to both the state and federal government, it also obligates the company to mitigate the environmental damage it caused by taking steps to protect water quality and preserve habitats through the purchase of stream credits. Those credits are an investment that will provide long-term benefits to the watershed.”

Background

Swinerton is a California-based construction company that operates nationwide. Until 2021, its Swinerton Renewable Energy division was the country’s leading constructor of utility-scale solar farms.

Solar farm construction involves clearing and grading large sections of land, which can lead to significant erosion and major runoff of sediment into waterways if stormwater controls at the site are inadequate. Increased sediment in waterways can injure, suffocate or kill aquatic life, damage aquatic ecosystems and cause significant harm to drinking water treatment systems. To avoid these harms to the environment and public health, parties responsible for construction of solar farms must obtain construction stormwater permits under the Clean Water Act and comply with the terms of those permits. A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues. At the Alabama and Idaho sites, Swinerton’s actions led to unauthorized discharges of large volumes of sediment-laden stormwater into nearby waterways. The United States previously settled cases against the owners of the four solar farm sites.

Settlement Details

To resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations at these sites, Swinerton will pay a civil penalty of $1,614,600 to the United States, $540,500 to ADEM and $144,900 to the State of Illinois. In addition, Swinerton will fund substantial mitigation projects to redress the excess sediment discharges at the Idaho and Alabama sites. In Idaho, Swinerton will provide $600,000 in funding towards a restoration project on the Portneuf River in nearby Pocatello. The project will capture sediment, reconnect riparian and wetland habitat, and will provide a host of other environmental and recreational benefits. In Alabama, Swinerton will purchase 14,020 stream credits in the surrounding watershed, which will help preserve the watershed to promote healthier water quality and aquatic habitats.

The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree can be viewed on the The consent decree can be viewed on the Justice Department’s website.

Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) –  As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 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, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions.  

WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities. 

“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we’ll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America.”  

“We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most.” 

“I’m thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA’s commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I’m proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

“Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA.”

“Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State’s efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state.” 

“We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region,” said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. 

The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources.  

Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York. 

Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events  

EPA’s second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of lower screening levels, EPA expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Today’s action delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities facing multiple sources of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s environmental justice goals. 

“Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil.”

EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level. 

Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site. 

The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water. 

From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA’s agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan. 

While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.

For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage.

 EPA Press Office:

EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions

New phase of EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency Initiative to launch in Albany, New York to help communities access unprecedented Inflation Reduction Act resources

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2024) –  As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 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, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions. 

WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities.

“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we’ll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America.” 

“We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most.”

“I’m thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA’s commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I’m proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20).

“Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA.”

“Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State’s efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state.”

“We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region,” said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources. 

Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York.

Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events  

EPA’s second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

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

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris administration announces availability of $32M in grant funding to tackle air pollution at schools and deliver cleaner air for America’s children

WASHINGTON (Jan. 11, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced the availability of up to $32 million to address indoor air pollution in schools as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funding opportunity, which is made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and available through EPA’s Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program, will protect children’s health by providing resources to organizations that help K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities develop and adopt comprehensive indoor air quality management plans to reduce indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in schools.

 

“Every student should be able to learn and thrive in a healthy school environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “Through President Biden’s historic investment in America, EPA is working with our partners to equip schools in overburdened communities with resources to develop and implement plans that improve air quality and energy efficiency, ensuring that students and staff are breathing cleaner and healthier air in school every day.”

 

"Thanks to this critical EPA funding, made possible by Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act, schools across the country will now be able to improve air quality for our students,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. “Currently, too many kids do not have access to clean air, and this funding will enhance their overall health and academic performance. This is what Democrats’ agenda is all about – giving communities the resources they need to ensure every child has a great future.”

 

“At a time when their lungs are still developing, children exposed to unsafe air can develop lifelong health problems, including serious respiratory illnesses,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee. “That is why we prioritized funding to address air pollution in our schools in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’m thrilled that EPA is taking vital steps through this announcement that will build upon their decades of work to help schools across the country develop strategies to ensure that as children attend school, learn, and grow, they are breathing clean, healthy air.”

 

Air pollution has been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school or reduce normal activities. Children face risks from indoor air pollutants like radon, asbestos, mold, methane, and pollution, such as particulate matter from vehicle exhaust, that gets into classrooms from the outdoors. There are also serious risks to children from greenhouse gas pollution, like more frequent exposure to heat waves and wildfire smoke. Helping schools to develop comprehensive plans to tackle air pollution will help prevent respiratory illnesses in children and staff working in schools, while improving student attendance, performance, and comfort, particularly for vulnerable students with asthma.

 

This program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

 

The Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program

 

EPA anticipates awarding four to six grants of $5 million to $8 million to support five years of school indoor air quality and energy efficiency activities. Eligible projects to benefit schools include indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction capacity building, training and education campaigns, and research and demonstration projects. 

 

Nonprofit organizations, state governments, and other eligible entities with experience administering national, regional, or multi-state indoor air quality programs that have achieved positive impacts in communities (especially with schools and Tribal entities) are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for the competitive grants is March 19, 2024. EPA estimates that the grants will be awarded by fall 2024.

 

For more information on this funding opportunity, including details on informational webinars, visit the Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools webpage.

 

Background

 

EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. Often, indoor air quality is poor because indoor sources of air pollution, like asbestos, radon, mold, methane, and particulates, are not controlled and the pollutant levels can become concentrated without adequate ventilation of fresh outdoor air. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of concern because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor pollution in schools is a particular concern because children’s developing bodies breathe more air in proportion to their body weight than adults.

 

Indoor air problems can increase long- and short-term health effects for students and staff, increase absenteeism, reduce academic performance, and shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of facility systems and equipment. Examples of the health effects of indoor air pollution include coughing, respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, cancer and aggravated asthma.

 

In addition to indoor air problems that children face at schools, EPA and the broader scientific community have also identified significant risks to children’s health and the environment from climate change. These risks include exposure to extreme heat, worsened air quality, wildfire smoke, and other climate impacts, in school, the playground, and beyond. Implementing energy efficiency measures while simultaneously improving indoor air quality in schools can help mitigate climate and reduce pollution while providing long-term savings for schools through lower energy consumption.

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