EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $11,390,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Wyoming

Contact: press@epa.gov

CHEYENNE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11,390,000 to the state of Wyoming from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Wyoming communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Wyoming communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8.7 million for the CWSRF and $459,000 to address emerging contaminants.

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Wyoming’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $12,226,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Utah

Contact: press@epa.gov

SALT LAKE CITY– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $12,226,000 to the state of Utah from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Utah communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Utah communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $9.3 million for the CWSRF and $493,000 to address emerging contaminants.

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Utah’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities  across the state.”

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $11,390,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in South Dakota

Contact: press@epa.gov

PIERRE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11,390,000 to the state of South Dakota from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support South Dakota communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for South Dakota communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8.7M for the CWSRF and $459,000 to address emerging contaminants.

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to South Dakota’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $11,390,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in North Dakota

Contact: press@epa.gov

BISMARCK-- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11,390,000 to the state of North Dakota from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support North Dakota communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. 

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to North Dakota’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”  

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided substantial increases for water infrastructure across North Dakota’s communities,” said Senator Kevin Cramer. “I am pleased to see these dollars are supporting projects to improve the water quality for communities throughout our state.” 

Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for North Dakota communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8.7 million for the CWSRF.  Projects already planned in North Dakota include places like the City of Center, a disadvantaged community planning to use approximately $5 million for improvements to the wastewater systems lift station, force main, and lagoon.  

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.  

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.  

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Visit here more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $11,390,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Montana

Contact: press@epa.gov

HELENA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11,390,000 to the state of Montana from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Montana communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs. 

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Montana’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”  

“Montanans sent me to the United States Senate to cut costs and fight for working families,” said Senator Jon Tester. “Clean, reliable water infrastructure is critically important for small businesses and working families across our Treasure State. These resources from my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create good-paying Montana jobs, improve folks’ quality of life, and boost our local economies, especially in underserved areas.” 

Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Montana communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $8.7 million for the CWSRF.  Projects already planned include places like Fort Smith, Montana, where Bipartisan Infrastructure Funds are contributing to a $7.5 million Wastewater System Improvement Project, including new collection systems, a central facultative lagoon away from the Bighorn River, and spray irrigation disposal.  These improvements are vital to a functioning sewage system for nearby communities, as well as the blue-ribbon, trout fishing industry on the Bighorn River.   

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.  

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.  

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Click here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $18,560,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure upgrades through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Colorado

Contact: press@epa.gov

DENVER – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $18,560,000 to the state of Colorado from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Colorado communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.  Today’s announcement builds on previous funding provided for Colorado communities for water and wastewater treatment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $14.2M for the CWSRF and $757,000 to address emerging contaminants.

“Clean rivers, lakes, and streams are vital to Colorado’s people and economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will complete much-needed water and wastewater projects and create jobs in communities across the state.”

“Everyone deserves access to clean water, but far too many Coloradans still lack it,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will connect historically underserved rural areas, Tribes, and other communities across Colorado with the resources they need to invest in critical water infrastructure that will serve them well into the future.”

“Water is the lifeblood of the West,” said Senator John Hickenlooper. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help maintain and enhance the clean water sources we all rely on.”

“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in communities across our country, and I am excited to see the many ways in which this law continues to dliver for our state, supporting clean water systems and expanding access to essential water infrastructure in rural Colorado,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. Please visit here for more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Releases Proposed Approach for Considering Cumulative Risks under TSCA

WASHINGTON (Feb. 24, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment and peer review a set of principles for evaluating cumulative risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and an approach for applying those principles to the evaluation of the cumulative risk posed by certain phthalate chemicals undergoing TSCA section 6 risk evaluation. This is an important step in the process of EPA developing the capability under TSCA to examine risk to people from exposure to multiple chemicals with similar effects.

Until now, EPA has generally approached TSCA risk assessments by looking at the risk posed by a single chemical. However, in many cases people are exposed to multiple chemicals with similar effects at the same time. In some of these cases, EPA believes that the best approach to evaluate risk to human health may be to look at the combined risk to health from these chemicals. This cumulative risk assessment approach can help more appropriately evaluate risks people face and may be helpful in more effectively mitigating the identified unreasonable risks. Evaluating cumulative chemical risks may also provide particularly useful information for communities that are overburdened by chemical pollution. Ultimately, cumulative risk assessment will help EPA better understand and address risks from chemicals as required by the law.

Chemicals such as some of the phthalates have particularly similar effects on human health and have been found in the human body at the same time. Public comments received by the Agency, other federal and international regulatory agencies and authoritative bodies support a cumulative approach to assessing the risks of phthalate chemicals. Today’s principles and approach documents are the first steps towards EPA conducting a cumulative risk assessment under TSCA.

“Workers, consumers and communities don’t just face risks from a single chemical,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “If we can develop the scientific tools to allow us to consider the risks people are facing from multiple chemicals at once, we will be able to more effectively protect them from those risks.”

Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment

EPA’s “Draft Proposed Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment Under the Toxic Substances Control Act” discusses what cumulative risk assessment is and how it could be used in the scientific and regulatory context of TSCA. A cumulative risk assessment will not always be the best approach, or possible to complete in the statutory timeframes provided for TSCA risk evaluations. But when chemicals are sufficiently similar toxicologically and are found to present co-exposures--meaning people are at exposed to multiple chemicals at the same time--a cumulative risk assessment may be appropriate.

Cumulative Risk Assessment of Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, to make plastics more flexible and durable. Because of their widespread use in industrial and consumer products, people can be exposed to many phthalates. Phthalates have been found in food and have also been measured in human blood samples. Numerous laboratory animal studies have demonstrated that prenatal phthalate exposure can impact male development and reproduction, in a phenomenon known as “phthalate syndrome.”

EPA is currently conducting risk evaluations for five phthalates designated as high-priority substances under TSCA, including di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), and two phthalates subject to manufacturer-requested risk evaluation, including di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).

In the “Draft Proposed Approach for Cumulative Risk Assessment of High-Priority Phthalates and a Manufacturer Requested Phthalate Under the Toxic Substances Control Act,” EPA proposes a methodology for evaluating cumulative risk for the phthalate chemicals currently under review.

EPA proposes in its approach submitted for public comment and peer review that DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DCHP and DINP (but not DIDP) are toxicologically similar (and pose an additive hazard) and that the U.S. population is co-exposed to these phthalates. Therefore, EPA is proposing to group these phthalates for cumulative risk assessment under TSCA as described in the “Draft Proposed Approach” document.

This proposed approach is not itself a cumulative risk assessment nor does it make a finding of risk, but rather is a methodology that EPA proposes to use and seeks public input about and peer review on.  Additionally, since risk estimates have not yet been developed for the individual chemicals, EPA cannot predetermine the results of that work in this cumulative risk assessment approach. The cumulative risk assessment for phthalates and individual risk evaluations are being conducted in parallel, and those risk evaluations will undergo their own public comment and peer review, as appropriate. By releasing this approach for public comment and peer review now, EPA is assuring that the methods used to conduct the cumulative risk assessment will be based on the best available science. The results of the phthalate cumulative risk assessment may help inform EPA’s individual phthalate risk evaluations and ultimately the unreasonable risk determinations.

EPA will hold a public virtual meeting of the SACC on May 8-11, 2023, to peer review the cumulative risk assessment principles and framework. This review will ensure that the approach incorporates independent scientific advice and recommendations, and that EPA follows a transparent process. Information on registering to attend the public virtual meeting will be available in April 2023 on the SACC website.

Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, written comments on the documents undergoing peer review will be accepted for 60 days through www.regulations.gov (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2022-0918).

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