EPA, FDA and USDA Issues Updates to the Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology
WASHINGTON – Today, May 8, 2024, in response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have developed a plan to update, streamline and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology.
The plan helps meet the President’s goals of ensuring public confidence in the biotechnology regulatory system and improving its transparency, predictability, coordination and efficiency. Through engagement with developers and stakeholders, as well as horizon scanning for novel biotechnology products, the agencies worked collaboratively to develop a cohesive plan. The plan incorporates processes and timelines to implement regulatory reform, such as identifying guidance and regulations to update, streamline, or clarify, and identifying the potential need for new guidance or regulations. The plan supports a whole-of-government approach to the regulation of biotechnology products.
The agencies have identified five major areas of biotechnology product regulation where these actions will focus:
Modified plants
Modified animals
Modified microorganisms
Human drugs, biologics and medical devices
Cross-cutting issues
EPA, the FDA and USDA intend to implement the following joint efforts:
Clarify and streamline regulatory oversight for genetically engineered plants, animals and microorganisms;
Update and expand their information sharing through an MOU to improve and broaden communication and coordination of oversight of modified microbes; and
Undertake a pilot project focused on modified microbes to explore and consider the feasibility and costs of developing a web-based tool that informs developers about which agency may regulate a given product category.
The federal government established the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology in 1986 and most recently updated it in 2017. It describes the comprehensive federal regulatory policy for ensuring the safety of biotechnology products, including how EPA, the FDA and USDA share responsibility for regulating many of the products of biotechnology in the United States. The Executive Order directs the three agencies to improve how they implement the Coordinated Framework.
In response to the Executive Order, the three regulatory agencies, in consultation with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, issued a Request for Information to the public to solicit information on regulatory ambiguities, gaps, uncertainties or inefficiencies in the Coordinated Framework. The agencies received 88 distinct public comments, including a sign-on letter from over 6,000 members from biotechnology developers, producers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations and academia. The agencies will continue to engage with all interested stakeholders as they implement the plan.
Visit the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for additional information on modernizing the regulatory system for biotechnology products and Executive Order 14081.
The plan helps meet the President’s goals of ensuring public confidence in the biotechnology regulatory system and improving its transparency, predictability, coordination and efficiency. Through engagement with developers and stakeholders, as well as horizon scanning for novel biotechnology products, the agencies worked collaboratively to develop a cohesive plan. The plan incorporates processes and timelines to implement regulatory reform, such as identifying guidance and regulations to update, streamline, or clarify, and identifying the potential need for new guidance or regulations. The plan supports a whole-of-government approach to the regulation of biotechnology products.
The agencies have identified five major areas of biotechnology product regulation where these actions will focus:
Modified plants
Modified animals
Modified microorganisms
Human drugs, biologics and medical devices
Cross-cutting issues
EPA, the FDA and USDA intend to implement the following joint efforts:
Clarify and streamline regulatory oversight for genetically engineered plants, animals and microorganisms;
Update and expand their information sharing through an MOU to improve and broaden communication and coordination of oversight of modified microbes; and
Undertake a pilot project focused on modified microbes to explore and consider the feasibility and costs of developing a web-based tool that informs developers about which agency may regulate a given product category.
The federal government established the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology in 1986 and most recently updated it in 2017. It describes the comprehensive federal regulatory policy for ensuring the safety of biotechnology products, including how EPA, the FDA and USDA share responsibility for regulating many of the products of biotechnology in the United States. The Executive Order directs the three agencies to improve how they implement the Coordinated Framework.
In response to the Executive Order, the three regulatory agencies, in consultation with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, issued a Request for Information to the public to solicit information on regulatory ambiguities, gaps, uncertainties or inefficiencies in the Coordinated Framework. The agencies received 88 distinct public comments, including a sign-on letter from over 6,000 members from biotechnology developers, producers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations and academia. The agencies will continue to engage with all interested stakeholders as they implement the plan.
Visit the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for additional information on modernizing the regulatory system for biotechnology products and Executive Order 14081.
EPA announces $3.5M for Nampa wetlands stormwater treatment projects, community engagement
NAMPA, Idaho – Today, Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe announced a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program Toxics Reduction Lead Grant for $3.5 million to the City of Nampa, a project funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The grant is for a stormwater treatment project to improve water quality, reduce toxics and protect salmon.
“Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enhancing our local partnership with the City of Nampa to help restore the Columbia River Basin, protect public health, improve water quality, and support salmon threatened by harmful pollution,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is committed to investing in innovative infrastructure to reduce toxic contaminants, improve watershed health, respect Tribal treaty rights, and ensure that the Basin can remain a vital economic engine that supports a wide range of recreational activities.”
In partnership with regional stakeholders, the City of Nampa’s Columbia River Basin Tributaries Water Quality Improvements Project will use a free water surface wetland to capture and treat stormwater runoff. This innovative, constructed wetland will improve water quality, reduce runoff, and promote citizen engagement through the process of “Measure – Treat – Implement – Educate.”
“EPA has been collaborating with the City of Nampa for years on stormwater management with the goal of improving water quality in the Columbia River Basin,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This grant will support our project partners as they advance innovative strategies to reduce toxics.”
This permanent project will serve as a pilot to help determine viable treatment options for all of Canyon County through the development of a regional online repository titled “One Water, One People.” Partners include the City of Caldwell, Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
“The City of Nampa is excited for the opportunity to utilize this ground for the Karcher Wetland Project and greatly appreciate EPA's support through Columbia River Basin grant funds,” said Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling. “This innovative project will improve water quality on Indian Creek and is another example of Nampa's good stewardship of our environmental resources."
Treating stormwater before it reaches area waterways is essential for improving water quality and environmental health for the local community, as well as those downstream in the Columbia River Basin. This project will focus on improvements that contribute to water quality in Indian and Mason creeks in Nampa.
Background on the Columbia River Basin
The Columbia River Basin covers 260,000 square miles, 16 federally recognized tribes, across seven states including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The Basin provides benefits including commercial fisheries, agriculture, forestry, recreation, and electric power generation. Human activities have contributed toxic contaminants to the environment and throughout the Basin, fish species have accumulated contaminant levels that are harmful to people and wildlife. Toxics in fish are a primary health concern for Columbia River Basin tribal people and other high fish consumers.
Congress amended the Clean Water Act in 2016 by adding Section 123, establishing a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program to develop a voluntary, competitive grant program for eligible entities to fund environmental protection and restoration programs throughout the Basin. In 2020, EPA awarded $2,053,903 in 14 grants throughout the Basin to tribal and state governments, municipalities, NGOs, universities, and other entities. These grant projects are implementing and developing monitoring, promoting agricultural best practices, building green infrastructure, and increasing pollution prevention and public engagement and education.
In 2022, the EPA Columbia River Basin Program received $79 million over five years from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding provides EPA the ability to grow the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program and significantly increase competitive grants throughout the Basin to reduce toxics.
Last September, President Biden issued a Memorandum on Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin. In the memo, the President called for “a sustained national effort to restore healthy and abundant native fish populations in the Basin.”
The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program is focused on engaging tribal and underserved communities in efforts to identify and reduce threats to their environment and community health. EPA’s commitment to reducing toxics in fish and water in the Columbia River Basin is key to EPA’s ongoing trust responsibility to tribal governments. Toxics reduction will support climate resilience for the Columbia River Basin ecosystem by reducing aquatic ecosystem and human health stressors in an environment stressed by severe climatic events.
The grant is for a stormwater treatment project to improve water quality, reduce toxics and protect salmon.
“Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enhancing our local partnership with the City of Nampa to help restore the Columbia River Basin, protect public health, improve water quality, and support salmon threatened by harmful pollution,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is committed to investing in innovative infrastructure to reduce toxic contaminants, improve watershed health, respect Tribal treaty rights, and ensure that the Basin can remain a vital economic engine that supports a wide range of recreational activities.”
In partnership with regional stakeholders, the City of Nampa’s Columbia River Basin Tributaries Water Quality Improvements Project will use a free water surface wetland to capture and treat stormwater runoff. This innovative, constructed wetland will improve water quality, reduce runoff, and promote citizen engagement through the process of “Measure – Treat – Implement – Educate.”
“EPA has been collaborating with the City of Nampa for years on stormwater management with the goal of improving water quality in the Columbia River Basin,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This grant will support our project partners as they advance innovative strategies to reduce toxics.”
This permanent project will serve as a pilot to help determine viable treatment options for all of Canyon County through the development of a regional online repository titled “One Water, One People.” Partners include the City of Caldwell, Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
“The City of Nampa is excited for the opportunity to utilize this ground for the Karcher Wetland Project and greatly appreciate EPA's support through Columbia River Basin grant funds,” said Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling. “This innovative project will improve water quality on Indian Creek and is another example of Nampa's good stewardship of our environmental resources."
Treating stormwater before it reaches area waterways is essential for improving water quality and environmental health for the local community, as well as those downstream in the Columbia River Basin. This project will focus on improvements that contribute to water quality in Indian and Mason creeks in Nampa.
Background on the Columbia River Basin
The Columbia River Basin covers 260,000 square miles, 16 federally recognized tribes, across seven states including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The Basin provides benefits including commercial fisheries, agriculture, forestry, recreation, and electric power generation. Human activities have contributed toxic contaminants to the environment and throughout the Basin, fish species have accumulated contaminant levels that are harmful to people and wildlife. Toxics in fish are a primary health concern for Columbia River Basin tribal people and other high fish consumers.
Congress amended the Clean Water Act in 2016 by adding Section 123, establishing a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program to develop a voluntary, competitive grant program for eligible entities to fund environmental protection and restoration programs throughout the Basin. In 2020, EPA awarded $2,053,903 in 14 grants throughout the Basin to tribal and state governments, municipalities, NGOs, universities, and other entities. These grant projects are implementing and developing monitoring, promoting agricultural best practices, building green infrastructure, and increasing pollution prevention and public engagement and education.
In 2022, the EPA Columbia River Basin Program received $79 million over five years from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding provides EPA the ability to grow the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program and significantly increase competitive grants throughout the Basin to reduce toxics.
Last September, President Biden issued a Memorandum on Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin. In the memo, the President called for “a sustained national effort to restore healthy and abundant native fish populations in the Basin.”
The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program is focused on engaging tribal and underserved communities in efforts to identify and reduce threats to their environment and community health. EPA’s commitment to reducing toxics in fish and water in the Columbia River Basin is key to EPA’s ongoing trust responsibility to tribal governments. Toxics reduction will support climate resilience for the Columbia River Basin ecosystem by reducing aquatic ecosystem and human health stressors in an environment stressed by severe climatic events.
USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. USDA will accept nominations from May 1, 2024, to July 1, 2024. The 12-member Committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production.
USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers through the 2501 Program
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $22.3 million available to community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities that help underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program. This program is administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).
EAPA Case 7853: Just About Foods LLC (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, April 29, 2024)
EAPA Action: Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures in EAPA Case 7853 – Xanthan Gum from China
Washington - On April 29, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notice of initiation of investigation and interim…
Washington - On April 29, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notice of initiation of investigation and interim…
EPA Announces ENERGY STAR® NextGen™ Certification for New Homes and Apartments
WASHINGTON—Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially announced the launch of ENERGY STAR® NextGen™ Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary, leading-edge certification program for the nation’s residential new construction sector. Developed with funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, ENERGY STAR NextGen will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies.
“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is addressing climate challenges head-on and accelerating the adoption of clean, affordable technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By collaborating with developers and home builders nationwide, ENERGY STAR NextGen is set to act as a catalyst for the construction of new, energy-efficient homes and apartment buildings. Strategic partnerships like this are not just cutting costs for American families and greenhouse gas emissions — they’re paving the way for a clean energy future for current and future generations.”
Building on the 30-year legacy of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will recognize homes and apartments with increased energy efficiency; reduced on-site emissions through heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances; and residential electric vehicle charging. Compared to typical code-level construction, homes earning the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will be 20% more efficient and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%–80%.
Across the country, several early adopters have already begun to build to the ENERGY STAR NextGen specification:
Beazer Homes (Maryland)
GreenSmith Builders (Minnesota)
New Tradition Homes (Washington)
Quantum Equities, LLC (Washington)
Thrive Home Builders (Colorado)
Additionally, several utilities have announced early incentives for builders to adopt the specification:
EmPOWER Maryland, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), and Potomac Edison (PE) (Maryland)
Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (Washington)
Utah Clean Energy (Utah)
Xcel Energy (Minnesota)
Xcel Energy (Colorado)
Energy used in commercial and residential buildings accounts for one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. An EPA study last fall estimated that these same buildings have the potential to cut their emissions by up to 63% by 2030 and up to 70% by 2035. By encouraging efficient, electric technologies, the new ENERGY STAR NextGen certification can play an important role in achieving this goal.
Learn more about the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY 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 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. Nearly 2.5 million energy-efficient new homes and apartments have earned ENERGY STAR certification to date, and about 10% of all U.S. homes built in America earned the ENERGY STAR label last year.
Learn more:
ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program
Federal Tax Credits for Builders of Energy-Efficient Homes
“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is addressing climate challenges head-on and accelerating the adoption of clean, affordable technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By collaborating with developers and home builders nationwide, ENERGY STAR NextGen is set to act as a catalyst for the construction of new, energy-efficient homes and apartment buildings. Strategic partnerships like this are not just cutting costs for American families and greenhouse gas emissions — they’re paving the way for a clean energy future for current and future generations.”
Building on the 30-year legacy of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will recognize homes and apartments with increased energy efficiency; reduced on-site emissions through heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances; and residential electric vehicle charging. Compared to typical code-level construction, homes earning the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification will be 20% more efficient and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%–80%.
Across the country, several early adopters have already begun to build to the ENERGY STAR NextGen specification:
Beazer Homes (Maryland)
GreenSmith Builders (Minnesota)
New Tradition Homes (Washington)
Quantum Equities, LLC (Washington)
Thrive Home Builders (Colorado)
Additionally, several utilities have announced early incentives for builders to adopt the specification:
EmPOWER Maryland, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), and Potomac Edison (PE) (Maryland)
Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (Washington)
Utah Clean Energy (Utah)
Xcel Energy (Minnesota)
Xcel Energy (Colorado)
Energy used in commercial and residential buildings accounts for one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. An EPA study last fall estimated that these same buildings have the potential to cut their emissions by up to 63% by 2030 and up to 70% by 2035. By encouraging efficient, electric technologies, the new ENERGY STAR NextGen certification can play an important role in achieving this goal.
Learn more about the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY 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 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. Nearly 2.5 million energy-efficient new homes and apartments have earned ENERGY STAR certification to date, and about 10% of all U.S. homes built in America earned the ENERGY STAR label last year.
Learn more:
ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program
Federal Tax Credits for Builders of Energy-Efficient Homes
EPA Region 7 Hosts Environmental Justice Tour and Listening Session in Omaha, Nebraska
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 7, 2024) – On Monday, May 6, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined representatives from the African American, Hispanic, and refugee communities, as well as local nonprofit and governmental organizations working to address environmental justice concerns in Omaha, Nebraska, on an environmental justice tour across the city followed by a listening session.
“The opportunity to meet with local leaders to see and hear their concerns in person is invaluable,” McCollister said. “The knowledge our team gained through this experience will help inform our future conversations and actions as we continue our work to advance clean air, water, and land for every person across the city of Omaha, regardless of their background.”
The tour and listening session were designed to better understand community leaders’ perspectives regarding areas with environmental justice concerns across Omaha and to give those leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to EPA. During the tour, McCollister joined the community leaders in gaining firsthand knowledge of identified areas for further discussion during the listening session.
The tour and listening session included participants from Black Men United, Charles Drew Health Center, City Sprouts, Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Conservation Nebraska, Creighton University, Douglas County, Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, Heartland Workers Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, Latino Economic Development Council, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Omaha Refugee Task Force, One World Omaha, Refugee Empowerment Center, Refugee Housing Committee, Restoring Dignity, Spark CDI, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Learn more about EPA’s Environmental Justice grants, funding, and technical assistance.
Join us for our next virtual R7 Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting by registering here.
# # #
Learn more about environmental justice
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
“The opportunity to meet with local leaders to see and hear their concerns in person is invaluable,” McCollister said. “The knowledge our team gained through this experience will help inform our future conversations and actions as we continue our work to advance clean air, water, and land for every person across the city of Omaha, regardless of their background.”
The tour and listening session were designed to better understand community leaders’ perspectives regarding areas with environmental justice concerns across Omaha and to give those leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to EPA. During the tour, McCollister joined the community leaders in gaining firsthand knowledge of identified areas for further discussion during the listening session.
The tour and listening session included participants from Black Men United, Charles Drew Health Center, City Sprouts, Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Conservation Nebraska, Creighton University, Douglas County, Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, Heartland Workers Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, Latino Economic Development Council, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Omaha Refugee Task Force, One World Omaha, Refugee Empowerment Center, Refugee Housing Committee, Restoring Dignity, Spark CDI, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Learn more about EPA’s Environmental Justice grants, funding, and technical assistance.
Join us for our next virtual R7 Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting by registering here.
# # #
Learn more about environmental justice
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
EPA Announces $9M in Grants Available for Tribes and Eligible US Territories to Replace Diesel Equipment and Reduce Harmful Emissions
WASHINGTON — Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of grant funding available to Tribal governments and eligible territories to implement projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions from older diesel engines. Legacy diesel engines emit large amounts of NOx and PM2.5, which contribute to serious public health problems, including asthma, lung disease, and various other cardiac and respiratory diseases. Through the 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Tribal and Territory Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $9 million in total DERA funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds.
“EPA is pleased to support the air quality goals of Tribes and territories as they work to improve public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman. “Replacing older, more polluting diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner new alternatives will reduce harmful diesel exhaust in nearby communities while supporting local economies.”
A total of $8 million will be made available to federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native Villages, and $1 million will be made available to territories, including government agencies of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Matching funds are not required for eligibility to the program. These grants are specifically tailored to expand access to diesel emission reduction projects to those Tribes and territories with more limited resources. The DERA program has worked with Tribes to tailor the DERA Tribal competition to meet their specific needs since 2014 and opened the program to territories (formerly known as insular areas) in 2021. This allows for Tribes and territories to pursue more robust and impactful projects.
Nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines are in use in the United States and emissions from these engines are a significant source of health problems. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face challenging air quality issues, especially those projects that benefit underserved communities or populations that have faced or are facing environmental health or environmental justice disparities.
Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for funding. Although funding for both Tribes and territories is being announced under this single Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applications for each group will be reviewed separately.
EPA will host several information sessions regarding this funding opportunity. Webinar links and dial-in information for the information sessions can be found on the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage.
More than 73,700 engines, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment were replaced or retrofitted to run cleaner with DERA funds during fiscal years 2008 to 2018, according to the DERA Fifth Report to Congress.
For more information and to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage. For general information on the DERA Program, visit the DERA Program webpage.
“EPA is pleased to support the air quality goals of Tribes and territories as they work to improve public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman. “Replacing older, more polluting diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner new alternatives will reduce harmful diesel exhaust in nearby communities while supporting local economies.”
A total of $8 million will be made available to federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native Villages, and $1 million will be made available to territories, including government agencies of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Matching funds are not required for eligibility to the program. These grants are specifically tailored to expand access to diesel emission reduction projects to those Tribes and territories with more limited resources. The DERA program has worked with Tribes to tailor the DERA Tribal competition to meet their specific needs since 2014 and opened the program to territories (formerly known as insular areas) in 2021. This allows for Tribes and territories to pursue more robust and impactful projects.
Nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines are in use in the United States and emissions from these engines are a significant source of health problems. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face challenging air quality issues, especially those projects that benefit underserved communities or populations that have faced or are facing environmental health or environmental justice disparities.
Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for funding. Although funding for both Tribes and territories is being announced under this single Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applications for each group will be reviewed separately.
EPA will host several information sessions regarding this funding opportunity. Webinar links and dial-in information for the information sessions can be found on the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage.
More than 73,700 engines, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment were replaced or retrofitted to run cleaner with DERA funds during fiscal years 2008 to 2018, according to the DERA Fifth Report to Congress.
For more information and to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage. For general information on the DERA Program, visit the DERA Program webpage.