U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program Launches New Resources to Help Americans Make Energy Efficient Home Improvements
WASHINGTON – Today, May 30, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced the launch of two new ENERGY STAR resources to help households across America take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy-saving home upgrades. Together, a new home improvement savings web tool and the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership address two of the largest barriers Americans face when it comes to upgrading their homes with energy efficient products and equipment – the cost and complexity associated with purchase and installation. These resources will make it easier for all Americans to take advantage of upgrades that will help them save energy and money while enjoying a healthier and more comfortable home for years to come.
“For decades, the ENERGY STAR program has guided consumers towards efficient products that reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in substantial savings for both the individual and the nation as a whole," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These new resources are key to making progress in fighting the climate crisis and will help make energy efficient options more affordable and accessible, particularly for millions of low-income and disadvantaged households across the nation.”
The new home savings web tool is a zip code-based resource that allows people to identify all of the energy efficiency incentives available in their area. It highlights utility rebates, federal income tax credits, and – starting today – Inflation Reduction Act state rebates for home efficiency improvements. More than that, it is a one-stop-shop that includes energy efficiency incentives, buying guidance, information on eligible products, and links to local retailers and installers.
The federal tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs, up to $3,200, for products such as heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, windows and insulation.
New York is the first state to launch its Inflation Reduction Act rebate program, which offers incentives targeted to low-income households. Several other states are following closely behind.
To help American families navigate the challenging home improvement process, the EPA is pleased to announce the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership and six charter members. This partnership features companies and community-based organizations that specialize in offering concierge services that help customers with sales, installation, incentives, and financing for more comprehensive efficiency upgrades. To be recognized by the ENERGY STAR program, they have been screened based on their Quality Control procedures, installer qualifications and oversight, and fair financing practices. The charter partners are:
Air Service Professionals
Pearl Certification
Philadelphia Energy Authority
QuitCarbon
Sealed Inc.
Sears Home Improvement
ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partners bring added value to their customers by helping them adopt elements of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade – a set of six high-impact improvements that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings by addressing the biggest energy users in most homes. They include an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump, heat pump water heater, smart thermostat and windows – plus a well-insulated and sealed attic and electric-ready wiring/panel improvements. These improvements can be made all at once or as equipment needs replacing. Once completed, they are estimated to deliver average energy bill savings of over $500 each year. Accelerating the adoption of these upgrades and capitalizing on incentives presents an opportunity for almost every home in America to lower energy bills while improving home comfort and health.
As our nation continues to embrace cleaner and more renewable energy sources, taking advantage of these ENEGY STAR tools and resources can help American households of all income levels prepare for a clean energy future, while enjoying energy savings and a more comfortable home today.
About ENERGY STARENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state and local organizations rely on their partnership with the EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts.
“For decades, the ENERGY STAR program has guided consumers towards efficient products that reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in substantial savings for both the individual and the nation as a whole," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These new resources are key to making progress in fighting the climate crisis and will help make energy efficient options more affordable and accessible, particularly for millions of low-income and disadvantaged households across the nation.”
The new home savings web tool is a zip code-based resource that allows people to identify all of the energy efficiency incentives available in their area. It highlights utility rebates, federal income tax credits, and – starting today – Inflation Reduction Act state rebates for home efficiency improvements. More than that, it is a one-stop-shop that includes energy efficiency incentives, buying guidance, information on eligible products, and links to local retailers and installers.
The federal tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs, up to $3,200, for products such as heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, windows and insulation.
New York is the first state to launch its Inflation Reduction Act rebate program, which offers incentives targeted to low-income households. Several other states are following closely behind.
To help American families navigate the challenging home improvement process, the EPA is pleased to announce the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership and six charter members. This partnership features companies and community-based organizations that specialize in offering concierge services that help customers with sales, installation, incentives, and financing for more comprehensive efficiency upgrades. To be recognized by the ENERGY STAR program, they have been screened based on their Quality Control procedures, installer qualifications and oversight, and fair financing practices. The charter partners are:
Air Service Professionals
Pearl Certification
Philadelphia Energy Authority
QuitCarbon
Sealed Inc.
Sears Home Improvement
ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partners bring added value to their customers by helping them adopt elements of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade – a set of six high-impact improvements that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings by addressing the biggest energy users in most homes. They include an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump, heat pump water heater, smart thermostat and windows – plus a well-insulated and sealed attic and electric-ready wiring/panel improvements. These improvements can be made all at once or as equipment needs replacing. Once completed, they are estimated to deliver average energy bill savings of over $500 each year. Accelerating the adoption of these upgrades and capitalizing on incentives presents an opportunity for almost every home in America to lower energy bills while improving home comfort and health.
As our nation continues to embrace cleaner and more renewable energy sources, taking advantage of these ENEGY STAR tools and resources can help American households of all income levels prepare for a clean energy future, while enjoying energy savings and a more comfortable home today.
About ENERGY STARENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state and local organizations rely on their partnership with the EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts.
EPA Fines Brockton, Mass. Company for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations
BOSTON (May 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached an agreement with an auto dealer, warehouser, and scrap metal seller based in Brockton, Massachusetts for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. As a result of EPA's action, Everett's Auto Parts, Inc. agreed to come into compliance and pay a penalty of $74,551.
"It is of the utmost importance for companies to understand the permits they need and what they mean so that we can protect oceans, rivers, and streams as well as the surrounding community from contaminated water and oil spills," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Companies have an even greater responsibility when it comes to communities who have had more than their fair share of pollution. Let this action serve as a reminder to companies who have obligations under the Clean Water Act to follow the regulations closely to protect human health and the environment."
In August 2022, EPA conducted an inspection of Everett's Auto Parts three co-located facilities in Brockton and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. As part of its industrial operations, Everett's Auto Parts discharges stormwater to waters of the United States and is therefore subject to EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (MSGP). In addition, Everett's Auto Parts has an aboveground oil tank storage capacity that subjects it to the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation.
At the time of EPA's inspection, the company had authorization to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity from its facility under three separate MSGP permits. EPA alleged that while Everett's Auto Parts had coverage to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity under these permits, it failed to list its scrap metal activities under the permit, which requires additional sampling parameters.
In addition, EPA alleged that the company failed to identify all discharge points (also known as outfalls) and to conduct sufficient monitoring efforts. EPA also alleged that Everett's Auto Parts failed to fully implement its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan including failing to have adequate secondary containment for its storage tanks.
Background
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants to navigable waters unless in compliance with, among other things, a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES Permit.
For stormwater discharges, facilities can apply for coverage under a general permit. In states not authorized to administer the NPDES program, such as Massachusetts, the EPA's MSGP applies. The MSGP requires facilities to submit a Notice of Intent to be covered under the general permit; prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); conduct inspections, monitoring, and sampling; and meet other requirements, all designed to prevent or reduce the discharge of stormwater containing pollutants to surface waters. As previously stated, Everett's Auto Parts had applied and received coverage under the MSGP.
Under the Clean Water Act, EPA promulgated the Oil Pollution Prevention regulations to establish procedures to prevent the discharge of oil from non-transportation related onshore facilities into the waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines. Owners or operators of onshore facilities that, due to their location, could reasonably be expected to discharge oil in "harmful quantities" into the waters of the United States, must prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan as required under the Clean Water Act. They must also provide adequate secondary containment for all aboveground storage tanks.
More information:
Clean Water Act Enforcement: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/water-enforcement
"It is of the utmost importance for companies to understand the permits they need and what they mean so that we can protect oceans, rivers, and streams as well as the surrounding community from contaminated water and oil spills," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Companies have an even greater responsibility when it comes to communities who have had more than their fair share of pollution. Let this action serve as a reminder to companies who have obligations under the Clean Water Act to follow the regulations closely to protect human health and the environment."
In August 2022, EPA conducted an inspection of Everett's Auto Parts three co-located facilities in Brockton and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. As part of its industrial operations, Everett's Auto Parts discharges stormwater to waters of the United States and is therefore subject to EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (MSGP). In addition, Everett's Auto Parts has an aboveground oil tank storage capacity that subjects it to the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation.
At the time of EPA's inspection, the company had authorization to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity from its facility under three separate MSGP permits. EPA alleged that while Everett's Auto Parts had coverage to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity under these permits, it failed to list its scrap metal activities under the permit, which requires additional sampling parameters.
In addition, EPA alleged that the company failed to identify all discharge points (also known as outfalls) and to conduct sufficient monitoring efforts. EPA also alleged that Everett's Auto Parts failed to fully implement its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan including failing to have adequate secondary containment for its storage tanks.
Background
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants to navigable waters unless in compliance with, among other things, a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES Permit.
For stormwater discharges, facilities can apply for coverage under a general permit. In states not authorized to administer the NPDES program, such as Massachusetts, the EPA's MSGP applies. The MSGP requires facilities to submit a Notice of Intent to be covered under the general permit; prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); conduct inspections, monitoring, and sampling; and meet other requirements, all designed to prevent or reduce the discharge of stormwater containing pollutants to surface waters. As previously stated, Everett's Auto Parts had applied and received coverage under the MSGP.
Under the Clean Water Act, EPA promulgated the Oil Pollution Prevention regulations to establish procedures to prevent the discharge of oil from non-transportation related onshore facilities into the waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines. Owners or operators of onshore facilities that, due to their location, could reasonably be expected to discharge oil in "harmful quantities" into the waters of the United States, must prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan as required under the Clean Water Act. They must also provide adequate secondary containment for all aboveground storage tanks.
More information:
Clean Water Act Enforcement: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/water-enforcement
EPA Announces More Than $7 million in Rebates for Clean School Buses Across Puerto Rico
NEW YORK — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections to receive rebates under the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, including a rebate to benefit Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Education will benefit from over $7.6 million in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses. The selection will help Puerto Rico accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Protecting our kids by delivering more funding for clean school buses in Puerto Rico is not only protective of public health, but also another leap forward in the fight against climate change by reducing harmful diesel emissions, “said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Every child, should be able to open their school bus window and take a deep breath of fresh air, whether on the bus or at the bus stop.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses this year. There is a small subset of tentatively selected applicants still engaged in the application review process. EPA is working with them and will notify these applicants of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the CSB webpage.
EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering nearly $1 billion in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards.
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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“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Protecting our kids by delivering more funding for clean school buses in Puerto Rico is not only protective of public health, but also another leap forward in the fight against climate change by reducing harmful diesel emissions, “said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Every child, should be able to open their school bus window and take a deep breath of fresh air, whether on the bus or at the bus stop.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses this year. There is a small subset of tentatively selected applicants still engaged in the application review process. EPA is working with them and will notify these applicants of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the CSB webpage.
EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering nearly $1 billion in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards.
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 Orders Southern California Water Company to Comply with Safe Drinking Water Law
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to the Havasu Water Company to take a series of steps to prevent further violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. In taking this action to protect the health of the community served by the Havasu Water Company, the EPA specifically cited the company’s failure to adhere to the Act’s drinking water regulations, including violation of the maximum allowable level for total trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes are byproducts that may form during the disinfection process and may threaten human health through long-term exposure at levels above the federal limits.
“A top priority under EPA’s public health mission is to ensure that the drinking water of all of our communities – no matter how big or small, or wealthy or disadvantaged – is safe and reliable,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We will continue to fully utilize our authority to make sure that safe drinking water standards are met.”
The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act set a maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes at 80 micrograms per liter. Long-term exposure to levels above that may lead to increased risk of cancer, along with liver, kidney, or central nervous problems. Additional Havasu Water Company violations cited by the EPA include the company’s failure to have qualified personnel operate the water system, failure to provide required public notifications, failure to correct significant deficiencies with the system, and failure to report appropriate surface water treatment data.
The Havasu Water Company is a privately-owned community water system located along the western shore of Lake Havasu and within the boundaries of the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation. The system relies on surface water filtration treatment to serve drinking water to approximately 361 people.
The Unilateral Administrative Order requires the company to develop a plan, according to EPA-imposed deadlines, to come into compliance with the total trihalomethanes limit, retain an appropriately certified operator, issue required public notices, address any remaining significant deficiencies, and submit appropriate and timely surface water treatment data.
EPA can issue a Unilateral Administrative Order as an enforceable instrument to require violators to address outstanding violations with corrective actions on an established schedule. F or more information about this order and EPA’s actions, visit Regulatory Oversight of the Havasu Water Company Public Water System, Needles, CA.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“A top priority under EPA’s public health mission is to ensure that the drinking water of all of our communities – no matter how big or small, or wealthy or disadvantaged – is safe and reliable,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We will continue to fully utilize our authority to make sure that safe drinking water standards are met.”
The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act set a maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes at 80 micrograms per liter. Long-term exposure to levels above that may lead to increased risk of cancer, along with liver, kidney, or central nervous problems. Additional Havasu Water Company violations cited by the EPA include the company’s failure to have qualified personnel operate the water system, failure to provide required public notifications, failure to correct significant deficiencies with the system, and failure to report appropriate surface water treatment data.
The Havasu Water Company is a privately-owned community water system located along the western shore of Lake Havasu and within the boundaries of the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation. The system relies on surface water filtration treatment to serve drinking water to approximately 361 people.
The Unilateral Administrative Order requires the company to develop a plan, according to EPA-imposed deadlines, to come into compliance with the total trihalomethanes limit, retain an appropriately certified operator, issue required public notices, address any remaining significant deficiencies, and submit appropriate and timely surface water treatment data.
EPA can issue a Unilateral Administrative Order as an enforceable instrument to require violators to address outstanding violations with corrective actions on an established schedule. F or more information about this order and EPA’s actions, visit Regulatory Oversight of the Havasu Water Company Public Water System, Needles, CA.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Asia-US container ship reliability climbed to six-month high in April: Sea-Intelligence
The West Coast’s sharp jump in on-time performance – the highest gain of the 34 trade lanes covered by the analyst’s monthly report -- is a sign ports along the coast have not been directly impacted by the ongoing ship diversions around southern Africa.
EPA Fines Pesticide Seller in Paris, Missouri, for Allegedly Violating Federal Law
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penalized Logan Agri-Service Inc. for allegedly repackaging pesticide products, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The Illinois-based pesticide dealer, which operates a branch in Paris, Missouri, will pay a civil penalty of $74,806.
According to EPA, employees at Logan Agri-Services’ Paris branch were repackaging pesticides from bulk containers into containers provided by customers, without required repackaging agreements from the pesticide manufacturers. Further, Logan Agri-Services failed to obtain a registration number from EPA for its Paris branch in order to produce pesticides at that location.
“Registering pesticide products with EPA helps to ensure that, when used according to label directions, the products will not harm people, non-target species, or the environment,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Proper pesticide labeling is critical to protecting public health so consumers are aware of a product’s ingredients, how the product can be safely used, and how the product should be properly stored and disposed.”
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, pesticide manufacturers, distributors, and appliers are required to comply with the law’s registration, labeling, packaging, and application regulations.
Learn more about EPA and pesticides.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
According to EPA, employees at Logan Agri-Services’ Paris branch were repackaging pesticides from bulk containers into containers provided by customers, without required repackaging agreements from the pesticide manufacturers. Further, Logan Agri-Services failed to obtain a registration number from EPA for its Paris branch in order to produce pesticides at that location.
“Registering pesticide products with EPA helps to ensure that, when used according to label directions, the products will not harm people, non-target species, or the environment,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Proper pesticide labeling is critical to protecting public health so consumers are aware of a product’s ingredients, how the product can be safely used, and how the product should be properly stored and disposed.”
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, pesticide manufacturers, distributors, and appliers are required to comply with the law’s registration, labeling, packaging, and application regulations.
Learn more about EPA and pesticides.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
La EPA anuncia más de $7 millones en reembolsos para autobuses escolares limpios en todo Puerto Rico
NUEVA YORK — Hoy, la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA) anunció los seleccionados para recibir reembolsos del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023, que incluye un descuento para beneficiar a Puerto Rico. El Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico se beneficiará de más de $7.6 millones en reembolsos para comprar 25 autobuses escolares limpios.
La selección ayudará a Puerto Rico a acelerar la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones (ZE) y a reemplazar los autobuses escolares más antiguos que usan diésel, que se han relacionado con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y las comunidades circundantes.
“El presidente Biden cree que todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de llevar una vida saludable y respirar aire limpio, y su agenda “Investing in America” está diseñada para ofrecer precisamente eso”, señaló el administrador de la EPA Michael S. Regan. “Con la última ronda de financiamiento de hoy, estamos transformando la flota de autobuses escolares del país para proteger mejor nuestra carga más preciada, nuestros niños, ahorrando dinero a los distritos escolares, mejorando la calidad del aire y fortaleciendo la fabricación estadounidense, todo al mismo tiempo.”
“Proteger a nuestros niños mediante la entrega de más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios en Puerto Rico no solo protege la salud pública, sino que también es otro paso adelante en la lucha contra el cambio climático al reducir las emisiones nocivas de diésel”, comentó la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Todos los niños deben poder respirar profundamente aire fresco, ya sea en el autobús o en la parada del autobús.”
En septiembre de 2023, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de aproximadamente $500 millones en reembolsos para autobuses escolares limpios. El periodo para solicitar reembolsos se cerró en febrero de 2024 con una respuesta sobresaliente de los distritos escolares de toda la nación que procuraban comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y limpios. Dada la abrumadora demanda, incluso en comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios de los Estados Unidos, la EPA duplicó la cantidad de fondos disponibles a casi $ 1,000 millones.
Esta tercera ronda de financiamiento se basará en la inversión anterior de casi $2 mil millones a través de los Reembolsos 2022 y Subvenciones 2023 para mejorar aún más la calidad del aire dentro y alrededor de las escuelas, reducir la contaminación de gases de efecto invernadero que agrava la crisis climática y ayudar a acelerar el liderazgo de Estados Unidos en el desarrollo de los vehículos limpios del futuro.
Las entidades seleccionadas aportarán fondos a distritos escolares en 47 estados y Washington D.C., junto con varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses reconocidos por el gobierno federal. Los distritos escolares prioritarios en comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales representan aproximadamente el 45 % de los proyectos seleccionados y recibirán aproximadamente el 67 % de los fondos totales. El programa cumple con los objetivos de la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, la cual planifica entregar el 40 % de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a las comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas, desatendidas y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
La EPA también se haasociado con la Oficina Conjunta de Energía y el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida destinada a garantizar una implementación efectiva.
Además,la EPA pondrá a disposición más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios este año. Hay un pequeño subconjunto de solicitantes seleccionados tentativamente que todavía participan en el proceso de revisión de la solicitud. La EPA está trabajando con ellos y notificará a estos solicitantes de una adjudicación si su solicitud cumple con todos los requisitos del programa. A medida que se finalicen las selecciones adicionales, la EPA actualizará la página web de CSB.
La EPA también seleccionará a través de rondas adicionales de financiamiento, así como a través de otros programas de financiamiento. Por ejemplo, la EPA actualmente está aceptando solicitudes para el Programa de Subvenciones de Vehículos Pesados Limpios 2024 hasta las 11:59 PM, hora local del Este, el 25 de julio de 2024 – ofreciendo casi $ 1 mil millones en fondos de subvenciones disponibles, y se prevé que aproximadamente 70% de los fondos estará disponible para financiar nuevos autobuses escolares Clase 6 o 7 de cero emisiones. La EPA exhorta a los distritos escolares que no fueron seleccionados para el Programa de Reembolso de CSB de 2023, y a aquellos que no solicitaron, a participar en los programas de financiamiento actualmente abiertos y en futuras rondas de financiamiento de CSB.
Acerca del programa de autobuses escolares limpios
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la EPA fue creado por la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista (BIL) del presidente Biden, que proporciona fondos históricos de $5 mil millones para transformar la flota de autobuses escolares del país. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios financia autobuses eléctricos, que producen cero emisiones de escape, así como autobuses de propano y gas natural comprimido (GNC), que generan menos emisiones de escape en comparación con sus predecesores más antiguos que usan diésel.
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares y producirá aire más limpio. La contaminación del aire por diésel está relacionada con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y resultan en ausentismo, particularmente en las comunidades de minorías y tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores de diésel garantizará un aire más limpio para los estudiantes, los conductores de autobuses y el personal escolar que trabaja cerca de las áreas de carga de autobuses y las comunidades por las que pasan los autobuses todos los días.
La reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a atender el papel preponderante del sector del transporte en el fomento de la crisis climática. El programa ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares a medida que actualicen las flotas de autobuses escolares, reemplazando los autobuses existentes por otros autobuses escolares nuevos de cero emisiones y limpios, liberando a la vez los recursos necesarios para las escuelas.
Ver la lista completa de adjudicaciones del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook.
Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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La selección ayudará a Puerto Rico a acelerar la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones (ZE) y a reemplazar los autobuses escolares más antiguos que usan diésel, que se han relacionado con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y las comunidades circundantes.
“El presidente Biden cree que todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de llevar una vida saludable y respirar aire limpio, y su agenda “Investing in America” está diseñada para ofrecer precisamente eso”, señaló el administrador de la EPA Michael S. Regan. “Con la última ronda de financiamiento de hoy, estamos transformando la flota de autobuses escolares del país para proteger mejor nuestra carga más preciada, nuestros niños, ahorrando dinero a los distritos escolares, mejorando la calidad del aire y fortaleciendo la fabricación estadounidense, todo al mismo tiempo.”
“Proteger a nuestros niños mediante la entrega de más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios en Puerto Rico no solo protege la salud pública, sino que también es otro paso adelante en la lucha contra el cambio climático al reducir las emisiones nocivas de diésel”, comentó la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Todos los niños deben poder respirar profundamente aire fresco, ya sea en el autobús o en la parada del autobús.”
En septiembre de 2023, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de aproximadamente $500 millones en reembolsos para autobuses escolares limpios. El periodo para solicitar reembolsos se cerró en febrero de 2024 con una respuesta sobresaliente de los distritos escolares de toda la nación que procuraban comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y limpios. Dada la abrumadora demanda, incluso en comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios de los Estados Unidos, la EPA duplicó la cantidad de fondos disponibles a casi $ 1,000 millones.
Esta tercera ronda de financiamiento se basará en la inversión anterior de casi $2 mil millones a través de los Reembolsos 2022 y Subvenciones 2023 para mejorar aún más la calidad del aire dentro y alrededor de las escuelas, reducir la contaminación de gases de efecto invernadero que agrava la crisis climática y ayudar a acelerar el liderazgo de Estados Unidos en el desarrollo de los vehículos limpios del futuro.
Las entidades seleccionadas aportarán fondos a distritos escolares en 47 estados y Washington D.C., junto con varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses reconocidos por el gobierno federal. Los distritos escolares prioritarios en comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales representan aproximadamente el 45 % de los proyectos seleccionados y recibirán aproximadamente el 67 % de los fondos totales. El programa cumple con los objetivos de la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, la cual planifica entregar el 40 % de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a las comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas, desatendidas y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
La EPA también se haasociado con la Oficina Conjunta de Energía y el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida destinada a garantizar una implementación efectiva.
Además,la EPA pondrá a disposición más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios este año. Hay un pequeño subconjunto de solicitantes seleccionados tentativamente que todavía participan en el proceso de revisión de la solicitud. La EPA está trabajando con ellos y notificará a estos solicitantes de una adjudicación si su solicitud cumple con todos los requisitos del programa. A medida que se finalicen las selecciones adicionales, la EPA actualizará la página web de CSB.
La EPA también seleccionará a través de rondas adicionales de financiamiento, así como a través de otros programas de financiamiento. Por ejemplo, la EPA actualmente está aceptando solicitudes para el Programa de Subvenciones de Vehículos Pesados Limpios 2024 hasta las 11:59 PM, hora local del Este, el 25 de julio de 2024 – ofreciendo casi $ 1 mil millones en fondos de subvenciones disponibles, y se prevé que aproximadamente 70% de los fondos estará disponible para financiar nuevos autobuses escolares Clase 6 o 7 de cero emisiones. La EPA exhorta a los distritos escolares que no fueron seleccionados para el Programa de Reembolso de CSB de 2023, y a aquellos que no solicitaron, a participar en los programas de financiamiento actualmente abiertos y en futuras rondas de financiamiento de CSB.
Acerca del programa de autobuses escolares limpios
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la EPA fue creado por la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista (BIL) del presidente Biden, que proporciona fondos históricos de $5 mil millones para transformar la flota de autobuses escolares del país. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios financia autobuses eléctricos, que producen cero emisiones de escape, así como autobuses de propano y gas natural comprimido (GNC), que generan menos emisiones de escape en comparación con sus predecesores más antiguos que usan diésel.
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares y producirá aire más limpio. La contaminación del aire por diésel está relacionada con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y resultan en ausentismo, particularmente en las comunidades de minorías y tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores de diésel garantizará un aire más limpio para los estudiantes, los conductores de autobuses y el personal escolar que trabaja cerca de las áreas de carga de autobuses y las comunidades por las que pasan los autobuses todos los días.
La reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a atender el papel preponderante del sector del transporte en el fomento de la crisis climática. El programa ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares a medida que actualicen las flotas de autobuses escolares, reemplazando los autobuses existentes por otros autobuses escolares nuevos de cero emisiones y limpios, liberando a la vez los recursos necesarios para las escuelas.
Ver la lista completa de adjudicaciones del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook.
Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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EPA Region 7 Begins Process for Sixth Five-Year Review at Findett Corp. Superfund Site
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is beginning the Five-Year Review process for the Findett Corp. Superfund Site in St. Charles, Missouri.
This is the site's sixth Five-Year Review and will include Operable Units 1, 2, and 3. Operable Unit 4, Ameren Substation, will not be included in this Five-Year Review as construction of a remedy has not yet started.
Five-Year Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the implementation and performance of a remedy and to determine if that remedy remains protective of human health and the environment.
EPA Region 7 will hold a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, June 27, to provide members of the community with a general overview of the Five-Year Review process and an opportunity to sign up for in-person interviews with members of the EPA site team.
“EPA Region 7 is committed to meaningful community involvement and engagement with the Superfund cleanup process,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Bob Jurgens. “Input from community members provides us with valuable feedback about the site and our processes that can be implemented in our team’s approach to the cleanup of the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.”
The Sixth Five-Year review for the site is due by July 20, 2025. EPA Region 7’s site team has developed an extensive schedule to ensure that the Five-Year Review will be finalized before the due date, while managing several other cleanup milestones at the site.
EPA Region 7 will host a public availability session to discuss the findings of the Five-Year Review once the report is finalized and published in summer 2025.
Learn more about the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
This is the site's sixth Five-Year Review and will include Operable Units 1, 2, and 3. Operable Unit 4, Ameren Substation, will not be included in this Five-Year Review as construction of a remedy has not yet started.
Five-Year Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the implementation and performance of a remedy and to determine if that remedy remains protective of human health and the environment.
EPA Region 7 will hold a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, June 27, to provide members of the community with a general overview of the Five-Year Review process and an opportunity to sign up for in-person interviews with members of the EPA site team.
“EPA Region 7 is committed to meaningful community involvement and engagement with the Superfund cleanup process,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Bob Jurgens. “Input from community members provides us with valuable feedback about the site and our processes that can be implemented in our team’s approach to the cleanup of the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.”
The Sixth Five-Year review for the site is due by July 20, 2025. EPA Region 7’s site team has developed an extensive schedule to ensure that the Five-Year Review will be finalized before the due date, while managing several other cleanup milestones at the site.
EPA Region 7 will host a public availability session to discuss the findings of the Five-Year Review once the report is finalized and published in summer 2025.
Learn more about the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7