EPA Selects Three Organizations in New York and New Jersey to Receive $300,000 to Support Environmental Education
NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of three organizations in New York and New Jersey to receive a total of $300,000 in grant funding for Environmental Education projects.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Ensuring access to environmental education programs is vital for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA is pleased to provide funding directed to projects in Camden, NJ and New York City that will ignite young people’s passion for our environment and foster their commitment to its protection.”
The following organizations have been selected to receive this year’s EE Grants in New York and New Jersey:
Trail Blazers working in Brooklyn, NY will receive $100,000 for their project "IMPACT."
Informed by the rise of climate anxiety in young people, this project will engage children and teens in Brooklyn, NY, through climate literacy programming. The program aims to enhance climate literacy, environmental affinity, and knowledge/stewardship skills. The program employs research-based methodologies, including a place-based and outdoor-oriented model, hands-on activities, and a capstone Community Service Project.
New York Sun Works working in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, NY will receive $100,000 for their project "Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Innovators: Bringing Environmental & Climate Education to NYC Public Schools."
This project will deliver its climate and environmental education program to eight schools in New York City — four in Brooklyn, two in Queens, and two in Manhattan. The program aims to build students’ proficiency in inquiry-based climate and environmental science, enhance understanding of urban agriculture’s role in sustainable communities, and expand teacher knowledge.
Rowan University working in Camden, NJ will receive $100,000 for their project "Greening Camden: Educating, Empowering, and Enriching Communities for Climate Action and Cleaner Air"
Using urban greening initiatives (e.g., tree planting, nature-based solutions, and urban gardening) to help address the impacts of climate change and air pollution in Camden, New Jersey, an environmental justice and overburdened community. Activities span all seven stages of the environmental education continuum, including awareness, knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, action, and stewardship. Notable activities involve creating learning modules, an online certificate program, and collecting micro-level air quality data from various locations.
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques.
For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Ensuring access to environmental education programs is vital for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA is pleased to provide funding directed to projects in Camden, NJ and New York City that will ignite young people’s passion for our environment and foster their commitment to its protection.”
The following organizations have been selected to receive this year’s EE Grants in New York and New Jersey:
Trail Blazers working in Brooklyn, NY will receive $100,000 for their project "IMPACT."
Informed by the rise of climate anxiety in young people, this project will engage children and teens in Brooklyn, NY, through climate literacy programming. The program aims to enhance climate literacy, environmental affinity, and knowledge/stewardship skills. The program employs research-based methodologies, including a place-based and outdoor-oriented model, hands-on activities, and a capstone Community Service Project.
New York Sun Works working in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, NY will receive $100,000 for their project "Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Innovators: Bringing Environmental & Climate Education to NYC Public Schools."
This project will deliver its climate and environmental education program to eight schools in New York City — four in Brooklyn, two in Queens, and two in Manhattan. The program aims to build students’ proficiency in inquiry-based climate and environmental science, enhance understanding of urban agriculture’s role in sustainable communities, and expand teacher knowledge.
Rowan University working in Camden, NJ will receive $100,000 for their project "Greening Camden: Educating, Empowering, and Enriching Communities for Climate Action and Cleaner Air"
Using urban greening initiatives (e.g., tree planting, nature-based solutions, and urban gardening) to help address the impacts of climate change and air pollution in Camden, New Jersey, an environmental justice and overburdened community. Activities span all seven stages of the environmental education continuum, including awareness, knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, action, and stewardship. Notable activities involve creating learning modules, an online certificate program, and collecting micro-level air quality data from various locations.
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states and the Republic of Palau, America Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques.
For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Selects Neighborhood House in Milwaukee to Receive $100,000 to Support Educational Projects
CHICAGO (July 9, 2024) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Neighborhood House of Milwaukee will receive a grant for $100,000, for environmental education projects.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Neighborhood House of Milwaukee is excited to be a recipient of the EPA's Environmental Education grant. Our focus will be Nature Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program where students will learn about the natural world as a defender/protector of the natural world. Conservation, exploration and education are our priorities as we inspire discover or the flora and fauna of Wisconsin and our impact locally and globally,” said Niki Espy, Associate Program Director.
The EPA grants will provide 400 underserved youth in grades 1-12 with environmental education focused on climate change.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Neighborhood House of Milwaukee is excited to be a recipient of the EPA's Environmental Education grant. Our focus will be Nature Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program where students will learn about the natural world as a defender/protector of the natural world. Conservation, exploration and education are our priorities as we inspire discover or the flora and fauna of Wisconsin and our impact locally and globally,” said Niki Espy, Associate Program Director.
The EPA grants will provide 400 underserved youth in grades 1-12 with environmental education focused on climate change.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
EPA Selects Two Minnesota Organizations to Receive Almost $200,000 to Support Educational Projects
CHICAGO (July 9, 2024) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation and Minnesota State Mankato will receive grants for $98,000 and $100,000, respectively, for environmental education projects.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Conservation partners, landowners, and schools are forming partnerships in Northern Minnesota to promote long-term rural community vibrancy that is inclusive of educational resources, local economy, social vitality and measurable conservation impacts through hands-on learning, student designed projects and community mini-grants funded through the activity of cone and seed collecting for our state nursery -- also reviving local knowledge and traditions around seed collecting to produce the next generation of seedlings for our forests,” said Crystal Mathisrud, District Manager of Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District.
“A collaborative partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Mankato Area Public Schools will provide outdoor experiences and educate area youth about watershed and ecosystem health to inspire the next generation of conservation stewards,” said Kimberly Musser, Water Resources Center Associate Director, Minnesota State Mankato.
The EPA grants will provide day-long high school field trips, monthly stewardship experiences, and opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreational skill-building. As well as support teachers in using hands-on projects to engage students in environmental issues.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“Conservation partners, landowners, and schools are forming partnerships in Northern Minnesota to promote long-term rural community vibrancy that is inclusive of educational resources, local economy, social vitality and measurable conservation impacts through hands-on learning, student designed projects and community mini-grants funded through the activity of cone and seed collecting for our state nursery -- also reviving local knowledge and traditions around seed collecting to produce the next generation of seedlings for our forests,” said Crystal Mathisrud, District Manager of Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District.
“A collaborative partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Mankato Area Public Schools will provide outdoor experiences and educate area youth about watershed and ecosystem health to inspire the next generation of conservation stewards,” said Kimberly Musser, Water Resources Center Associate Director, Minnesota State Mankato.
The EPA grants will provide day-long high school field trips, monthly stewardship experiences, and opportunities for outdoor adventure and recreational skill-building. As well as support teachers in using hands-on projects to engage students in environmental issues.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
EPA Selects Openlands in Illinois to Receive $75,000 to Support Educational Projects
CHICAGO (July 9, 2024) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Openlands in Chicago, Illinois will receive a grant for $75,000 for environmental education projects.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“This grant will allow us to increase the number of learning opportunities we provide the teachers, as well as provide them with 1:1 coaching to implement what they learn. We are excited about the opportunities this grant provides to deepen our commitment to environmental education,” said Jessica Fong, Openlands’ Director of Education.
The EPA will support student-led environmental stewardship projects that aims to increase climate resiliency by planting trees to expand the urban canopy and educate the community surrounding each school.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
“Advancing environmental education advances EPA’s mission because it better equips our communities with the information they need to protect public health today and in the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s environmental education grant recipients will work in underserved communities across the country to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire action towards sustainable solutions.”
“This grant will allow us to increase the number of learning opportunities we provide the teachers, as well as provide them with 1:1 coaching to implement what they learn. We are excited about the opportunities this grant provides to deepen our commitment to environmental education,” said Jessica Fong, Openlands’ Director of Education.
The EPA will support student-led environmental stewardship projects that aims to increase climate resiliency by planting trees to expand the urban canopy and educate the community surrounding each school.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in environmental education grant funding each year, for a total of over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education web page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants web page. This website will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
EPA Issues Cleanup Plan for Shaffer Equipment Superfund Site in Minden, West Virginia
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) that addresses a source of contaminated soil at the former Shaffer Equipment Company (SEC) property in Minden, West Virginia. Today’s ROD, which applies to the polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) located at the SEC property at the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Superfund Site (Site), lays out in detail why EPA has concluded that the proposed plan and selected cleanup method will meet the needs of the project.
“EPA’s Record of Decision is a significant step forward in protecting the community and waterway from the threat of contaminants like PCBs, and there is still more work to be done,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA will continue to investigate and study the remaining portions of the site and will work with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare for the cleanup of the property.”
The site is comprised of the SEC property, Arbuckle Creek sediments, and a handful of other areas where related contamination may be located. Site soils and sediment were historically contaminated with PCBs, which were used by the Shaffer Equipment Company from 1970 to 1984 to manufacture electrical substations for the local coal mining industry.
The components of the SEC property cleanup plan include the excavation, removal, and disposal of the contaminated soil and cap, and backfilling with clean soil as needed. The cleanup method will be designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once the design is complete, the remedial action, or property cleanup, can begin.
The EPA is also continuing to direct a very detailed investigation of the contamination in Arbuckle Creek and the New River watershed and properties adjacent the creek (see map below).
In 2017, the EPA, hearing concerns from the community about residual contamination, resampled the site and held public meetings in 2017 and 2018 to share and review the results. Testing found low PCB levels that did not indicate an immediate threat to human health. Most of the contamination was found in the creek floodplains and had moved down and deposited into land parcels along the creek. The EPA listed the Site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List in 2019.
EPA released the proposed SEC property cleanup plan for public comment in March 2023. During the public comment period, EPA held a public meeting to inform the community of the plan and to receive public comments. To read the EPA’s ROD and to view EPA’s responses to public comments, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/shaffer.
EPA in West Virginia
The EPA has a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores the infrastructure, community, and revitalization work in West Virginia. This easy-to-use tool shows where some of the $500 million the EPA has invested in West Virginia is being used, what communities and environmental resources are benefiting from infrastructure projects, and how the public and stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state. Learn more about how the EPA works in West Virginia by visiting our new public Story Map here!
“EPA’s Record of Decision is a significant step forward in protecting the community and waterway from the threat of contaminants like PCBs, and there is still more work to be done,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA will continue to investigate and study the remaining portions of the site and will work with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare for the cleanup of the property.”
The site is comprised of the SEC property, Arbuckle Creek sediments, and a handful of other areas where related contamination may be located. Site soils and sediment were historically contaminated with PCBs, which were used by the Shaffer Equipment Company from 1970 to 1984 to manufacture electrical substations for the local coal mining industry.
The components of the SEC property cleanup plan include the excavation, removal, and disposal of the contaminated soil and cap, and backfilling with clean soil as needed. The cleanup method will be designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once the design is complete, the remedial action, or property cleanup, can begin.
The EPA is also continuing to direct a very detailed investigation of the contamination in Arbuckle Creek and the New River watershed and properties adjacent the creek (see map below).
In 2017, the EPA, hearing concerns from the community about residual contamination, resampled the site and held public meetings in 2017 and 2018 to share and review the results. Testing found low PCB levels that did not indicate an immediate threat to human health. Most of the contamination was found in the creek floodplains and had moved down and deposited into land parcels along the creek. The EPA listed the Site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List in 2019.
EPA released the proposed SEC property cleanup plan for public comment in March 2023. During the public comment period, EPA held a public meeting to inform the community of the plan and to receive public comments. To read the EPA’s ROD and to view EPA’s responses to public comments, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/shaffer.
EPA in West Virginia
The EPA has a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores the infrastructure, community, and revitalization work in West Virginia. This easy-to-use tool shows where some of the $500 million the EPA has invested in West Virginia is being used, what communities and environmental resources are benefiting from infrastructure projects, and how the public and stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state. Learn more about how the EPA works in West Virginia by visiting our new public Story Map here!
U.S. EPA Signs New Bargaining Agreement with AFGE
PHILADELPHIA – Today, July 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed a new collective bargaining agreement with its largest union, the American Federation of Government Employees, Council 238. The new agreement was unanimously ratified by the union in May and implemented on June 14, 2024. It incorporates historic firsts for EPA and AFGE including articles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Scientific Integrity.
“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with AFGE Council 238. AFGE represents over 8,400 EPA employees who work every day to improve public health and protect our environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The new agreement demonstrates this Administration’s strong support of unions and our commitment to providing a work environment that attracts and retains the best qualified employees so that we can protect all of the communities that we serve.”
“We are proud of the groundbreaking firsts and other protections gained in this agreement. We need a strong workforce that has the resources and protections required to combat climate change, address natural disasters, and support affected communities,” said Marie Owens Powell, President, AFGE Council 238. “We wanted a contract that fosters a healthy work-life balance, enhances workforce retention and talent recruitment, and supports the vital work of EPA’s workforce. And we got it.”
In addition to the new DEIA and Scientific Integrity Articles, other highlights of the agreement include extensions of current procedures and requirements for remote work, telework and work schedules. The new contract expires in 2028.
More information on the agreement.
“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with AFGE Council 238. AFGE represents over 8,400 EPA employees who work every day to improve public health and protect our environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The new agreement demonstrates this Administration’s strong support of unions and our commitment to providing a work environment that attracts and retains the best qualified employees so that we can protect all of the communities that we serve.”
“We are proud of the groundbreaking firsts and other protections gained in this agreement. We need a strong workforce that has the resources and protections required to combat climate change, address natural disasters, and support affected communities,” said Marie Owens Powell, President, AFGE Council 238. “We wanted a contract that fosters a healthy work-life balance, enhances workforce retention and talent recruitment, and supports the vital work of EPA’s workforce. And we got it.”
In addition to the new DEIA and Scientific Integrity Articles, other highlights of the agreement include extensions of current procedures and requirements for remote work, telework and work schedules. The new contract expires in 2028.
More information on the agreement.
Biden-Harris Administration Establishes Four Stormwater Centers of Excellence with $5 Million in Grants under Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – Today, July 9, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would award $5 million in grants to establish four new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technologies and a national clearinghouse for new and emerging stormwater control technologies. The Centers of Excellence will play an important role in improving stormwater infrastructure across the country by conducting research and providing technical assistance to State, Tribal and local governments.
“Our waterways are treasured resources and economic engines for communities, and at EPA we strive to make sure waterways are both fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Stormwater runoff carries pollution from streets and land into our waterways and poses a significant challenge for water quality. Thanks to this investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are working with our partners to advance critical stormwater technology and solutions that will protect communities across the country.”
The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Four of the awards are to establish new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater, which will enhance efforts to support the nation’s water infrastructure and protect water quality. EPA anticipates that once all the legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, it will award funding to establish the new Stormwater Centers of Excellence to the following recipients:
The University of New Hampshire,
The University of Oklahoma,
The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education, and
The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
EPA has also selected the Center for Watershed Protection, Inc., to establish a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information about new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and funding approaches. The national electronic clearinghouse will be populated with research, best practices, and outreach from each Center of Excellence, and promoted with other organizations to expand the availability of water technical assistance, including States, Tribes, local government and disadvantaged communities.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and a threat to the health of waterways across the country. It is a complicated problem for communities to manage, however, because of the engineering and financial challenges associated with stormwater. These grant recipients will play an important role in conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches. As Centers for Excellence, they will also provide technical assistance and support stormwater infrastructure improvements that safeguard the environment, improve stormwater management and climate resilience, and advance environmental justice.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence Request for Applications.
“Our waterways are treasured resources and economic engines for communities, and at EPA we strive to make sure waterways are both fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Stormwater runoff carries pollution from streets and land into our waterways and poses a significant challenge for water quality. Thanks to this investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are working with our partners to advance critical stormwater technology and solutions that will protect communities across the country.”
The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Four of the awards are to establish new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater, which will enhance efforts to support the nation’s water infrastructure and protect water quality. EPA anticipates that once all the legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, it will award funding to establish the new Stormwater Centers of Excellence to the following recipients:
The University of New Hampshire,
The University of Oklahoma,
The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education, and
The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
EPA has also selected the Center for Watershed Protection, Inc., to establish a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information about new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and funding approaches. The national electronic clearinghouse will be populated with research, best practices, and outreach from each Center of Excellence, and promoted with other organizations to expand the availability of water technical assistance, including States, Tribes, local government and disadvantaged communities.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and a threat to the health of waterways across the country. It is a complicated problem for communities to manage, however, because of the engineering and financial challenges associated with stormwater. These grant recipients will play an important role in conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches. As Centers for Excellence, they will also provide technical assistance and support stormwater infrastructure improvements that safeguard the environment, improve stormwater management and climate resilience, and advance environmental justice.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence Request for Applications.
Multi-agency settlement resolves Clean Air Act violations at Meeker Gas Plant
DENVER – The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Colorado today announced a settlement with Enterprise Gas Processing, LLC, and Enterprise Products Operating, LLC (jointly, “Enterprise”). The agreement, which includes a $1 million civil penalty, will protect community health and the environment by strengthening leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements in accordance with the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. The violations resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants to the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions and pay the $1 million civil penalty. Half of the penalty will go to the federal government and half will go to the State of Colorado, where a portion will fund projects to benefit disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
The EPA and CDPHE signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to enhance coordination while working to protect clean air for all.
“We are grateful for the partnership between the EPA, Department of Justice and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in working together to protect Colorado’s air quality," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. "This enforcement package requires not only a fine to be paid, but for the facility to conduct more frequent air measurements and respond more quickly to leaks, which will continue to reduce air pollution.”
Under the settlement, Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant. These commitments include:
installing equipment that leaks less pollution to the atmosphere,
reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements and
repairing leaking equipment faster.
Enterprise will also improve staff training and use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks to address them more quickly.
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
Equipment leaks at the Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs, which lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone contributes to serious public health concerns, including respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease and temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma. Young children and older people are especially sensitive to these impacts. Leaks from equipment at the Meeker Gas Plant also emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The EPA investigated the case. Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
The Justice Department filed the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and is available on the Justice Department’s website.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements in accordance with the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. The violations resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants to the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions and pay the $1 million civil penalty. Half of the penalty will go to the federal government and half will go to the State of Colorado, where a portion will fund projects to benefit disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
The EPA and CDPHE signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to enhance coordination while working to protect clean air for all.
“We are grateful for the partnership between the EPA, Department of Justice and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in working together to protect Colorado’s air quality," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. "This enforcement package requires not only a fine to be paid, but for the facility to conduct more frequent air measurements and respond more quickly to leaks, which will continue to reduce air pollution.”
Under the settlement, Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant. These commitments include:
installing equipment that leaks less pollution to the atmosphere,
reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements and
repairing leaking equipment faster.
Enterprise will also improve staff training and use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks to address them more quickly.
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
Equipment leaks at the Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs, which lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone contributes to serious public health concerns, including respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease and temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma. Young children and older people are especially sensitive to these impacts. Leaks from equipment at the Meeker Gas Plant also emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The EPA investigated the case. Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
The Justice Department filed the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and is available on the Justice Department’s website.