Biden-Harris Administration Announces 2024 Recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators and Youth
WASHINGTON – Today, June 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA).
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions educators and students across our country make every day,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.
The PEYA was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
From across the country, 9 educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens to teach about environmental sustainability. The winners also effectively demonstrated how they inspire members of their communities to participate in environmental education activities.
Additionally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions educators and students across our country make every day,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.
The PEYA was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
From across the country, 9 educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens to teach about environmental sustainability. The winners also effectively demonstrated how they inspire members of their communities to participate in environmental education activities.
Additionally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.
EPA Celebrates Two California Winners of the Presidential Environmental Youth Award
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is pleased to recognize two California student group recipients – based in Solana Beach and Ventura -- of the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA).
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
The California winners are:
Go Greenish – Solana Beach, CA
Go Greenish is a youth-led environmental organization in the San Dieguito High School District (SDHSD) working to bridge student empowerment and sustainability through policy, advocacy, and research. Powered by passionate student volunteers, Go Greenish implements and/or funds school site projects and guides the development of positive district policies by equipping students with resources to fight climate change and giving them opportunities to volunteer. Go Greenish has led the initiative to introduce blue and green bins to thirteen schools in SDHSD by the end of 2024, and has established a standing climate committee of students from multiple high schools throughout the district. The organization now boasts 150+ volunteers across 10 school districts and has cultivated two handbooks guiding students across California and the United States on environmentally friendly district policy implementation and site projects.
EnvironMound Club – Ventura, CA
While on a trip to an airport museum, fourth graders Paloma Alpern, Sophia Kuipers, Oscar Smith, and Ivan Kuipers discovered the hidden ecological hazard of lead pollution from small aircraft emissions in their community. They began researching the problem, talked to local pediatricians, and then took action in their school and community by starting an awareness campaign and forming an environmental club at their school. As part of the EnvironMound Club, students have created and installed battery recycling containers at the school, and are in the process of expanding their campaign to promote environmental stewardship and reduce the amount and effects of lead pollution in their community.
Background
The PEYA award program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth. Each year, EPA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
This year, 29 students nationwide who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects are receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
The California winners are:
Go Greenish – Solana Beach, CA
Go Greenish is a youth-led environmental organization in the San Dieguito High School District (SDHSD) working to bridge student empowerment and sustainability through policy, advocacy, and research. Powered by passionate student volunteers, Go Greenish implements and/or funds school site projects and guides the development of positive district policies by equipping students with resources to fight climate change and giving them opportunities to volunteer. Go Greenish has led the initiative to introduce blue and green bins to thirteen schools in SDHSD by the end of 2024, and has established a standing climate committee of students from multiple high schools throughout the district. The organization now boasts 150+ volunteers across 10 school districts and has cultivated two handbooks guiding students across California and the United States on environmentally friendly district policy implementation and site projects.
EnvironMound Club – Ventura, CA
While on a trip to an airport museum, fourth graders Paloma Alpern, Sophia Kuipers, Oscar Smith, and Ivan Kuipers discovered the hidden ecological hazard of lead pollution from small aircraft emissions in their community. They began researching the problem, talked to local pediatricians, and then took action in their school and community by starting an awareness campaign and forming an environmental club at their school. As part of the EnvironMound Club, students have created and installed battery recycling containers at the school, and are in the process of expanding their campaign to promote environmental stewardship and reduce the amount and effects of lead pollution in their community.
Background
The PEYA award program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth. Each year, EPA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
This year, 29 students nationwide who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects are receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
EPA announces new funding for North Carolina to protect children from lead in drinking water
Contact: EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
RALEIGH (June 18, 2024) – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a new grant totaling more than $1 million to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for lead testing in schools and daycare centers. The new funding will be highlighted at an event in Durham today where EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing commitment to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.
“At EPA, our mission is to protect all people and our planet, and fulfilling that mission requires that every single person in this country – especially our children – have clean water to drink when they turn on their tap,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Last year, Durham was awarded $1 million dollars for a lead service line inventory Field Verification Project for disadvantaged areas; this year alone, North Carolina was alloted more than $200 million dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with more than $76 million dollars of that funding to be used specifically for lead pipe identification and replacement; and EPA has awarded over $2 million dollars to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to test for lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities. Because in order to get the lead out, its essential that we know where the remaining service lines are.”
“Today, we are excited to welcome EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to Durham, NC,” said Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams. “This visit exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring that families in Durham and across the country have access to safe, lead-free drinking water. We are grateful for this commitment and welcome continued investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.”
The State of North Carolina will use this award to assist with continuing to implement its program to test for lead contamination in drinking water at all licensed childcare centers including Head Start/pre-Kindergarten programs in elementary schools. The Department of Health and Human Services’ goal is to reduce lead exposure by utilizing the Environmental Protection Agency's 3Ts: Training, Testing, and Taking action. The program works with childcare centers to provide education about lead and mitigation recommendations, and they have initiated a second round of follow up testing to understand the changes in lead exposure over time, post remediation and education.
“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves clean and lead-free drinking water,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Thanks to the Biden Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina will receive nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to continue testing for lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities across the state. Lead in water is never acceptable, and I am incredibly pleased to see significant investments being made to better protect the health of our children and our communities.”
“Ensuring the health and safety of our children is a top priority and why we are committed to rigorous lead testing in our schools and childcare centers,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “I am grateful to our federal and state partners that help us in detecting and eliminating potential exposure that guarantees the safety of our children. This is public health in action – working together to for the health and well-being of North Carolinians.”
Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country.
Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The $9 billion in total funding announced to date through EPA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.
The Lead Service Line-specific formula used to allot these funds allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. The formula and allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more funding.
EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes.
For more information on North Carolina’s lead testing in water and paint in schools program: https://www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org/
For more information on recent grant funding for North Carolina’s lead in water hazard mitigation program: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/about_funding/
###
RALEIGH (June 18, 2024) – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a new grant totaling more than $1 million to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for lead testing in schools and daycare centers. The new funding will be highlighted at an event in Durham today where EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing commitment to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.
“At EPA, our mission is to protect all people and our planet, and fulfilling that mission requires that every single person in this country – especially our children – have clean water to drink when they turn on their tap,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Last year, Durham was awarded $1 million dollars for a lead service line inventory Field Verification Project for disadvantaged areas; this year alone, North Carolina was alloted more than $200 million dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with more than $76 million dollars of that funding to be used specifically for lead pipe identification and replacement; and EPA has awarded over $2 million dollars to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to test for lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities. Because in order to get the lead out, its essential that we know where the remaining service lines are.”
“Today, we are excited to welcome EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to Durham, NC,” said Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams. “This visit exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring that families in Durham and across the country have access to safe, lead-free drinking water. We are grateful for this commitment and welcome continued investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.”
The State of North Carolina will use this award to assist with continuing to implement its program to test for lead contamination in drinking water at all licensed childcare centers including Head Start/pre-Kindergarten programs in elementary schools. The Department of Health and Human Services’ goal is to reduce lead exposure by utilizing the Environmental Protection Agency's 3Ts: Training, Testing, and Taking action. The program works with childcare centers to provide education about lead and mitigation recommendations, and they have initiated a second round of follow up testing to understand the changes in lead exposure over time, post remediation and education.
“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves clean and lead-free drinking water,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Thanks to the Biden Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina will receive nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to continue testing for lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities across the state. Lead in water is never acceptable, and I am incredibly pleased to see significant investments being made to better protect the health of our children and our communities.”
“Ensuring the health and safety of our children is a top priority and why we are committed to rigorous lead testing in our schools and childcare centers,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “I am grateful to our federal and state partners that help us in detecting and eliminating potential exposure that guarantees the safety of our children. This is public health in action – working together to for the health and well-being of North Carolinians.”
Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country.
Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The $9 billion in total funding announced to date through EPA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.
The Lead Service Line-specific formula used to allot these funds allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. The formula and allotments are based on need — meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more funding.
EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes.
For more information on North Carolina’s lead testing in water and paint in schools program: https://www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org/
For more information on recent grant funding for North Carolina’s lead in water hazard mitigation program: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/about_funding/
###
EPA Announces Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Awarded to Science Teacher at Pine Intermediate School in North Olmsted, Ohio
CHICAGO (June 18, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced that Shari Insley, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Pine Intermediate School in North Olmsted Ohio, has won the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
With more than 18 years of teaching experience, Shari Insley, prioritizes dynamic and engaging learning environments for her students. Her work as an educator extends beyond the classroom, as she integrates service-learning experiences into her curriculum to inspire curiosity and insightfulness from her students. She possesses a keen awareness of her students' needs, ensuring that she meets them at their individual levels and tailors her curriculum accordingly. Through a blend of outdoor activities, research endeavors, and collaborations with local experts, Insley's students actively participate in hands-on learning experiences.
“I'm honored to be a PIAEE awardee and help inspire the next generation of aquatic scientists,” said Shari Insley, teacher at Pine Intermediate School.
In collaboration with her fellow educators, Insley created the North Olmsted Middle School Water Guardians Project for students to use scientific equipment for research and water sample testing to gain practical insights into environmental science and conservation. Insley's students exhibit confidence, enthusiasm, and eagerness as they leave the confines of the classroom to test the campus creek. During these outdoor studies, students collaborate with field experts, professionals, and educators who encourage them to ask questions and nurture their innate curiosity. In addition to this project, Insley also hosts a field trip to the Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory. The laboratory, in the western basin of Lake Erie, is where Stone Lab scientists share their expertise with students and discuss topics relevant to the Lake Erie ecosystem. Through these activities, students gain tangible experience and knowledge about the importance of preventing and reducing water pollution. Ultimately, Insley is dedicated to serving as a model for students and fellow educators, sharing her knowledge and best practices to promote excellence in teaching.
The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.
From across the country, nine educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens to teach about environmental sustainability. The winners also effectively demonstrated how they inspire members of their communities to participate in environmental education activities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PIAEE Winners.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
With more than 18 years of teaching experience, Shari Insley, prioritizes dynamic and engaging learning environments for her students. Her work as an educator extends beyond the classroom, as she integrates service-learning experiences into her curriculum to inspire curiosity and insightfulness from her students. She possesses a keen awareness of her students' needs, ensuring that she meets them at their individual levels and tailors her curriculum accordingly. Through a blend of outdoor activities, research endeavors, and collaborations with local experts, Insley's students actively participate in hands-on learning experiences.
“I'm honored to be a PIAEE awardee and help inspire the next generation of aquatic scientists,” said Shari Insley, teacher at Pine Intermediate School.
In collaboration with her fellow educators, Insley created the North Olmsted Middle School Water Guardians Project for students to use scientific equipment for research and water sample testing to gain practical insights into environmental science and conservation. Insley's students exhibit confidence, enthusiasm, and eagerness as they leave the confines of the classroom to test the campus creek. During these outdoor studies, students collaborate with field experts, professionals, and educators who encourage them to ask questions and nurture their innate curiosity. In addition to this project, Insley also hosts a field trip to the Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory. The laboratory, in the western basin of Lake Erie, is where Stone Lab scientists share their expertise with students and discuss topics relevant to the Lake Erie ecosystem. Through these activities, students gain tangible experience and knowledge about the importance of preventing and reducing water pollution. Ultimately, Insley is dedicated to serving as a model for students and fellow educators, sharing her knowledge and best practices to promote excellence in teaching.
The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.
From across the country, nine educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens to teach about environmental sustainability. The winners also effectively demonstrated how they inspire members of their communities to participate in environmental education activities.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PIAEE Winners.
EPA Announces President's Environmental Youth Award to a High School Student from Novi, Michigan
CHICAGO (June 18, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced that Vishal Swamy, a high school student from Novi, Michigan, has won the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
Vishal Swamy founded the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club, a youth program headquartered at Michigan State University’s Tollgate Farm dedicated to educating and involving students in their community. Its primary objective is confronting a lack of confidence and direction among youth against challenges as large as climate change. As a remedy, the program connects students to experts in the field to facilitate their projects. To date, the program has executed several projects by securing more than 30 community partnerships and $16,000 in funding. In 2023, over 15 projects were undertaken, encompassing a diverse array of missions, including an education program for composting that successfully reached over 100 community members. Vishal also spearheaded the establishment of a community pollinator garden at Tollgate Farm, planting more than 250 flowers and shrubs. The leadership institute is also collaborating with a local high school to implement strategies for reducing food waste in school cafeterias. These endeavors represent just a glimpse of Vishal’s multifaceted approach to environmental activism. Vishal hopes to inspire the younger generation to take actions for a sustainable future.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award from the EPA and am so proud of what we have accomplished at the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club in building a sustainable future for everyone," said Vishal Swamy.
Nationally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
The President’s Environmental Youth Award was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, the award honors a variety of projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
Vishal Swamy founded the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club, a youth program headquartered at Michigan State University’s Tollgate Farm dedicated to educating and involving students in their community. Its primary objective is confronting a lack of confidence and direction among youth against challenges as large as climate change. As a remedy, the program connects students to experts in the field to facilitate their projects. To date, the program has executed several projects by securing more than 30 community partnerships and $16,000 in funding. In 2023, over 15 projects were undertaken, encompassing a diverse array of missions, including an education program for composting that successfully reached over 100 community members. Vishal also spearheaded the establishment of a community pollinator garden at Tollgate Farm, planting more than 250 flowers and shrubs. The leadership institute is also collaborating with a local high school to implement strategies for reducing food waste in school cafeterias. These endeavors represent just a glimpse of Vishal’s multifaceted approach to environmental activism. Vishal hopes to inspire the younger generation to take actions for a sustainable future.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award from the EPA and am so proud of what we have accomplished at the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club in building a sustainable future for everyone," said Vishal Swamy.
Nationally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.
The President’s Environmental Youth Award was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, the award honors a variety of projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.
To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners.
EPA Region 7 to Host June 25 Community Meetings About St. Louis Airport Site and Coldwater Creek
LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 18, 2024) – Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will host two community meetings on June 25 to present the findings of the Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANA) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-managed St. Louis Airport Site (SLAPS) and Coldwater Creek.
A TANA is a site-specific process that identifies whether a community requires additional support from EPA to understand technical information and to enable meaningful community involvement in the Superfund decision-making process.
The community meetings will be held:
Tuesday, June 25
Session 1: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
JFK Community Center – Lilac Room
315 Howdershell Rd.
Florissant, MO 63031
EPA Region 7 officials held a series of kickoff meetings in January 2024 to provide members of the public with information about a TANA and opportunities to sign up to be interviewed, as part of the TANA process.
EPA Region 7 has provided USACE with a copy of the draft TANA report. While USACE is responsible for the cleanup process at SLAPS and Coldwater Creek, EPA maintains an oversight and technical advisory role to ensure that the Superfund cleanup process is followed.
Learn more about the St. Louis Airport Site (SLAPS).
Visit USACE’s website to learn about the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
Read more about Community Involvement at Superfund sites.
Learn more about Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANAs).
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Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
A TANA is a site-specific process that identifies whether a community requires additional support from EPA to understand technical information and to enable meaningful community involvement in the Superfund decision-making process.
The community meetings will be held:
Tuesday, June 25
Session 1: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
JFK Community Center – Lilac Room
315 Howdershell Rd.
Florissant, MO 63031
EPA Region 7 officials held a series of kickoff meetings in January 2024 to provide members of the public with information about a TANA and opportunities to sign up to be interviewed, as part of the TANA process.
EPA Region 7 has provided USACE with a copy of the draft TANA report. While USACE is responsible for the cleanup process at SLAPS and Coldwater Creek, EPA maintains an oversight and technical advisory role to ensure that the Superfund cleanup process is followed.
Learn more about the St. Louis Airport Site (SLAPS).
Visit USACE’s website to learn about the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
Read more about Community Involvement at Superfund sites.
Learn more about Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANAs).
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
EPA Marks National Pollinator Week, Emphasizing Commitment to Protecting Pollinators
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, June 17, 2024, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a proclamation announcing June 17-23, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. This year’s proclamation underscores EPA’s commitment to protecting pollinators from pesticides, including through mitigation measures for several pesticides and the upcoming issuance of the final Herbicide Strategy to protect over 900 federally threatened and endangered species, including pollinators.
“Pollinators are essential to human and ecological survival, with more than 150 food crops depending on pollinators in the United States alone,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “They also help plants reproduce, which in turn helps keep the air we breathe clean, purifies the water we drink, and prevents erosion of the soils, protecting us from climate disasters. Now more than ever, we must act to protect them.”
EPA has taken many steps to address the potential effects of pesticides on pollinators. The agency proposed to register four new pesticide active ingredients that include protections for federally listed threatened or endangered species and for pollinators. EPA has also implemented measures to protect listed species and their critical habitats from the effects of three organophosphate insecticides. Those measures also help to protect pollinators.
This year, EPA expects to finalize the Herbicide Strategy, which will describe whether, how much, and where mitigations are needed to protect listed plant species and those listed species that depend on plants, including pollinators, from agricultural uses of most herbicides. EPA will use this strategy to proactively adopt mitigations as part of the registration of new herbicides and the reevaluation of currently registered herbicides – often years before EPA is required to adopt those mitigations under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2024, EPA also plans to release the first draft of its Insecticide Strategy focused on minimizing impacts to listed insect species, including many pollinators, for most insecticides.
Pollinator protection is everyone’s job. EPA remains committed to protecting pollinators from the effects of pesticides, and will continue working with our federal, state, and tribal partners, non-governmental organizations, and the public to support pollinator health and habitat.
Learn more about EPA’s pollinator protection efforts and how you can help pollinators by visiting Protecting Bees and Other Pollinators from Pesticides.
“Pollinators are essential to human and ecological survival, with more than 150 food crops depending on pollinators in the United States alone,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “They also help plants reproduce, which in turn helps keep the air we breathe clean, purifies the water we drink, and prevents erosion of the soils, protecting us from climate disasters. Now more than ever, we must act to protect them.”
EPA has taken many steps to address the potential effects of pesticides on pollinators. The agency proposed to register four new pesticide active ingredients that include protections for federally listed threatened or endangered species and for pollinators. EPA has also implemented measures to protect listed species and their critical habitats from the effects of three organophosphate insecticides. Those measures also help to protect pollinators.
This year, EPA expects to finalize the Herbicide Strategy, which will describe whether, how much, and where mitigations are needed to protect listed plant species and those listed species that depend on plants, including pollinators, from agricultural uses of most herbicides. EPA will use this strategy to proactively adopt mitigations as part of the registration of new herbicides and the reevaluation of currently registered herbicides – often years before EPA is required to adopt those mitigations under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2024, EPA also plans to release the first draft of its Insecticide Strategy focused on minimizing impacts to listed insect species, including many pollinators, for most insecticides.
Pollinator protection is everyone’s job. EPA remains committed to protecting pollinators from the effects of pesticides, and will continue working with our federal, state, and tribal partners, non-governmental organizations, and the public to support pollinator health and habitat.
Learn more about EPA’s pollinator protection efforts and how you can help pollinators by visiting Protecting Bees and Other Pollinators from Pesticides.
EPA Issues Final Update on Cleanup Plan for Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund Site in New Jersey
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the final Explanation of Significant Differences that explains changes to the cleanup plan to address contaminated soil and debris at the Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund site in South Plainfield, New Jersey.
“Today, we are announcing our update to the cleanup plan for the Woodbrook Road Dump site, which confirms our original plan to remove the contaminated soil to an approved off-site disposal facility,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This plan will protect the health and environment of the people and wildlife living near the site, which is now part of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.”
The update to the final cleanup plan being announced today documents that the estimated cost of the original cleanup rose from $45.4 million in 2018 to $70 million in 2023 due in part to inflation and increased disposal costs. In addition, EPA updated the cleanup goal to 1.1 parts per million (ppm) for the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in the soil and debris at the site. The cleanup plan update also recognizes that in 2021, New Jersey created the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve which includes the Woodbrook Road Dump site.
EPA’s cleanup plan for the site was originally documented in a 2013 Record of Decision and modified in a 2018 Explanation of Significant Differences.
In 2020, then-Administrator Andrew Wheeler asked EPA Region 2 to review the selected cleanup plan for the site. The results of EPA’s review, carried out in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, confirmed that the 2013 selected cleanup plan remains the best option, but the costs had increased due to inflation and increased disposal costs.
The final cleanup plan includes:
Removing an estimated 4,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains capacitors, capacitor parts and PCB-contaminated soil and debris with PCB concentrations greater than 100 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
Removing an estimated 143,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains PCBs at concentrations greater than 1.1 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
Establishing restrictions to prevent a change in land use, such as residential development.
For additional background and to see the final Explanation of Significant Differences, as well as EPA’s responses to the public comments that were received on the proposed Explanation of Significant Differences, visit the Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“Today, we are announcing our update to the cleanup plan for the Woodbrook Road Dump site, which confirms our original plan to remove the contaminated soil to an approved off-site disposal facility,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This plan will protect the health and environment of the people and wildlife living near the site, which is now part of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.”
The update to the final cleanup plan being announced today documents that the estimated cost of the original cleanup rose from $45.4 million in 2018 to $70 million in 2023 due in part to inflation and increased disposal costs. In addition, EPA updated the cleanup goal to 1.1 parts per million (ppm) for the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in the soil and debris at the site. The cleanup plan update also recognizes that in 2021, New Jersey created the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve which includes the Woodbrook Road Dump site.
EPA’s cleanup plan for the site was originally documented in a 2013 Record of Decision and modified in a 2018 Explanation of Significant Differences.
In 2020, then-Administrator Andrew Wheeler asked EPA Region 2 to review the selected cleanup plan for the site. The results of EPA’s review, carried out in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, confirmed that the 2013 selected cleanup plan remains the best option, but the costs had increased due to inflation and increased disposal costs.
The final cleanup plan includes:
Removing an estimated 4,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains capacitors, capacitor parts and PCB-contaminated soil and debris with PCB concentrations greater than 100 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
Removing an estimated 143,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains PCBs at concentrations greater than 1.1 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
Establishing restrictions to prevent a change in land use, such as residential development.
For additional background and to see the final Explanation of Significant Differences, as well as EPA’s responses to the public comments that were received on the proposed Explanation of Significant Differences, visit the Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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