EPA takes action against Bethel, Connecticut company for lead renovation rule violations
BOSTON (April 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with WestFair Painting Corp., a local franchisee of CertaPro Painters located in Bethel, Connecticut, for alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). As a result of EPA's action, the company will be required to come into compliance with the RRP Rule and agreed to pay a penalty of $13,122.
"Companies certified under the Lead RRP Rule know the dangers of renovating properties with lead paint hazards and hiring contractors without proper lead training and certification is unacceptable," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thankfully EPA's action will help ensure children, who are the most vulnerable to lead exposure and its health effects, are further protected where they live and play."
In March 2023, EPA conducted a routine inspection of WestFair Painting Corp, an RRP-certified firm that employs a certified, RRP-trained renovator. EPA alleges that, at the time of inspection, the company failed to provide the Renovate Right pamphlet and retain RRP Rule records, both required under the RRP Rule. Additionally, WestFair allegedly hired subcontractors that were not certified as a firm by EPA or renovator certified in lead-safe work practices under the RRP Rule. EPA alleges that the violations occurred in at least five renovation jobs, including one property that was child-occupied.
Background
The federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule aims to protect occupants from lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing. The regulations require contractors, property owners, managers, and others who perform repairs and renovations of target housing for compensation that disturb more than six square feet of interior or twenty square feet of exterior painted surface to provide notification to owners and occupants; ensure that renovators, contractors, and dust sampling technicians are properly trained; obtain proper certification for renovators, contractors, and dust sampling technicians; use lead-safe renovation work practices; obtain certification for the firm from EPA; and, keep records for at least three years.
More information:
Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Report a Lead RRP Rule violation in New England
EPA Lead Information
"Companies certified under the Lead RRP Rule know the dangers of renovating properties with lead paint hazards and hiring contractors without proper lead training and certification is unacceptable," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thankfully EPA's action will help ensure children, who are the most vulnerable to lead exposure and its health effects, are further protected where they live and play."
In March 2023, EPA conducted a routine inspection of WestFair Painting Corp, an RRP-certified firm that employs a certified, RRP-trained renovator. EPA alleges that, at the time of inspection, the company failed to provide the Renovate Right pamphlet and retain RRP Rule records, both required under the RRP Rule. Additionally, WestFair allegedly hired subcontractors that were not certified as a firm by EPA or renovator certified in lead-safe work practices under the RRP Rule. EPA alleges that the violations occurred in at least five renovation jobs, including one property that was child-occupied.
Background
The federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule aims to protect occupants from lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing. The regulations require contractors, property owners, managers, and others who perform repairs and renovations of target housing for compensation that disturb more than six square feet of interior or twenty square feet of exterior painted surface to provide notification to owners and occupants; ensure that renovators, contractors, and dust sampling technicians are properly trained; obtain proper certification for renovators, contractors, and dust sampling technicians; use lead-safe renovation work practices; obtain certification for the firm from EPA; and, keep records for at least three years.
More information:
Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Report a Lead RRP Rule violation in New England
EPA Lead Information
EPA fines PMI of Baltimore MD $230,000 for Violations of Pollution Laws
PHILADELPHIA (April. 23, 2024) –Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced settlement of a multi-media case against a Maryland oil recycling facility. Petroleum Recovery and Remediation Management, Inc. (PMI) will pay a $230,000 penalty to settle alleged Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Clean Water Act violations at its Baltimore, Maryland facility.
Included violations are related to processing, recycling and disposal of waste oil material including operation of bulk storage tanks, with concomitant risks of emissions of hazardous air pollutants, among other risks to human health and the environment.
The processing facility, located at 5200 and 5218 Curtis Avenue, receives, separates, and stores petroleum contaminated hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials, including liquids, sludge and solids for disposal, processing and recycling.
Prior to this settlement, PMI and EPA entered a compliance order requiring PMI to take actions to come into compliance with the CAA, RCRA, and CWA. The Facility now only stores used oils and diesel fuels, no longer receives volatile liquids and no longer has the processing equipment that was the main cause of the underlying violations.
The facility is in an area of potential Environmental Justice concern. Protecting communities with potential EJ concerns is a shared goal and responsibility of EPA and our partner agencies, including the Maryland Department of the Environment. EPA conducts joint planning with states and other co-regulators and, whenever possible, endeavors to perform enforcement and compliance work in partnership with them.
Included violations are related to processing, recycling and disposal of waste oil material including operation of bulk storage tanks, with concomitant risks of emissions of hazardous air pollutants, among other risks to human health and the environment.
The processing facility, located at 5200 and 5218 Curtis Avenue, receives, separates, and stores petroleum contaminated hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials, including liquids, sludge and solids for disposal, processing and recycling.
Prior to this settlement, PMI and EPA entered a compliance order requiring PMI to take actions to come into compliance with the CAA, RCRA, and CWA. The Facility now only stores used oils and diesel fuels, no longer receives volatile liquids and no longer has the processing equipment that was the main cause of the underlying violations.
The facility is in an area of potential Environmental Justice concern. Protecting communities with potential EJ concerns is a shared goal and responsibility of EPA and our partner agencies, including the Maryland Department of the Environment. EPA conducts joint planning with states and other co-regulators and, whenever possible, endeavors to perform enforcement and compliance work in partnership with them.
EPA（美國國家環境保護局）發布線上環境正義資源集合
華盛頓特區—今天（4 月 23 日），EPA 宣布成立 Environmental Justice Clearinghouse（環境正義資訊交換中心），這是首個集結所有環境正義相關資源的線上中心。根據拜登總統重振國家對全民環境正義承諾的行政命令，環境正義資訊交換中心將協助大眾在線上取得聯邦與非聯邦資源，以此作為拜登與賀錦麗政府遠大的環境正義計畫的舉措之一。
「推動拜登與賀錦麗政府的遠大環境正義計畫，需要大家一同決心締結更穩固的關係，以及解決方案導向的計畫。環境正義資訊交換中心提供開創性的資源指南，旨在幫助我們實現全機構共同的環境正義目標。」—The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights（環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室）首席副總德瑞莎·賽葛維亞 (Theresa Segovia) 表示。「建立容易存取的線上資訊庫，可確保所有環境正義相關人士和倡議者只需動動手指即可輕鬆取得全國資源。且在納入美國人民的建議後，這項資訊庫將變得更加強大。」
EPA 環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室會持續在資訊交換中心增添資訊，也歡迎大眾提供意見和任何資訊以供審查，以及可收錄其中的潛在資訊。
環境正義資訊交換中心所列的初步資源由各聯邦政府機構提交，包含資金補助機會、篩選與製圖工具還有技術協助。環境正義資訊交換中心提供可搜尋的分類，以簡化結果，讓大眾能更有效率也更輕鬆地存取環境正義相關資訊。
「拜登總統要求聯邦政府上下打破資源和資訊藩籬，幫助社群追求環境正義。EPA 的環境正義資訊交換中心將成為實用的線上工具，整合多種資訊來源，讓所有對環境正義有興趣者，皆可在網站上找到資源。」White House Council on Environmental Quality（白宮環境品質委員會）聯邦環境正義官員雅隆·L·懷特-紐斯姆 (Jalonne L. White-Newsome) 博士說道。
請造訪 EPA 網站，查看環境正義資訊交換中心或提交潛在資源。
背景
2023 年 4 月 21 日，拜登總統簽署了重振國家對全民環境正義承諾的 14906 號行政命令，其中包括成立「環境正義資訊交換中心」，此為公開的線上全政府資訊交換中心，其中收錄的環境正義相關資料不僅兼具文化和語言適當性且容易取得，包括：
White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council（白宮環境正義跨部門委員會）成員的環境正義相關活動資訊。
協助有環境正義疑慮的社群培養公眾參與能力的技術支援、工具和資源等資訊。
白宮環境正義跨部門委員會或其成員制定的訓練素材，可協助個人與員工理解和落實環境正義活動。
EPA 局長與白宮環境正義跨部門委員會協調後認為適當的任何其他資訊。
詳細瞭解 EPA 在推動環境正義方面的措施。
參閱白宮環境正義跨部門委員會以及拜登-賀錦麗政府的整體政府環境正義承諾。
如需環境正義資金補助機會、活動與網路研討會的最新資訊，請將自己加入環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室的郵寄名單，方法為寄送空白電子郵件至 join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov。在 X（前身為推特）上追蹤 @EPAEnvJustice。
「推動拜登與賀錦麗政府的遠大環境正義計畫，需要大家一同決心締結更穩固的關係，以及解決方案導向的計畫。環境正義資訊交換中心提供開創性的資源指南，旨在幫助我們實現全機構共同的環境正義目標。」—The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights（環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室）首席副總德瑞莎·賽葛維亞 (Theresa Segovia) 表示。「建立容易存取的線上資訊庫，可確保所有環境正義相關人士和倡議者只需動動手指即可輕鬆取得全國資源。且在納入美國人民的建議後，這項資訊庫將變得更加強大。」
EPA 環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室會持續在資訊交換中心增添資訊，也歡迎大眾提供意見和任何資訊以供審查，以及可收錄其中的潛在資訊。
環境正義資訊交換中心所列的初步資源由各聯邦政府機構提交，包含資金補助機會、篩選與製圖工具還有技術協助。環境正義資訊交換中心提供可搜尋的分類，以簡化結果，讓大眾能更有效率也更輕鬆地存取環境正義相關資訊。
「拜登總統要求聯邦政府上下打破資源和資訊藩籬，幫助社群追求環境正義。EPA 的環境正義資訊交換中心將成為實用的線上工具，整合多種資訊來源，讓所有對環境正義有興趣者，皆可在網站上找到資源。」White House Council on Environmental Quality（白宮環境品質委員會）聯邦環境正義官員雅隆·L·懷特-紐斯姆 (Jalonne L. White-Newsome) 博士說道。
請造訪 EPA 網站，查看環境正義資訊交換中心或提交潛在資源。
背景
2023 年 4 月 21 日，拜登總統簽署了重振國家對全民環境正義承諾的 14906 號行政命令，其中包括成立「環境正義資訊交換中心」，此為公開的線上全政府資訊交換中心，其中收錄的環境正義相關資料不僅兼具文化和語言適當性且容易取得，包括：
White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council（白宮環境正義跨部門委員會）成員的環境正義相關活動資訊。
協助有環境正義疑慮的社群培養公眾參與能力的技術支援、工具和資源等資訊。
白宮環境正義跨部門委員會或其成員制定的訓練素材，可協助個人與員工理解和落實環境正義活動。
EPA 局長與白宮環境正義跨部門委員會協調後認為適當的任何其他資訊。
詳細瞭解 EPA 在推動環境正義方面的措施。
參閱白宮環境正義跨部門委員會以及拜登-賀錦麗政府的整體政府環境正義承諾。
如需環境正義資金補助機會、活動與網路研討會的最新資訊，請將自己加入環境正義與外部公民權利辦公室的郵寄名單，方法為寄送空白電子郵件至 join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov。在 X（前身為推特）上追蹤 @EPAEnvJustice。
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Two Texas Groups will Receive Over $405 Million to Deliver Residential Solar, Lowering Energy Costs and Advancing Environmental Justice
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 23, 2024) - As the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates Earth week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Texas Solar For All Coalition will receive $249.7 million and the Clean Energy Fund of Texas will receive $156.120 million through the Solar for All grant competition to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar. This award is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to lower energy costs for families, create good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
“This is a game-changing opportunity for us," said Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez. "The grant allows us to deliver better, more reliable, and more cost-effective power to our communities. What a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day!”
“We are grateful to the EPA for selecting this multifaceted project as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Solar For All program,” said Billy Briscoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. “This partnership with minority serving institutions of higher education will lower energy burden for low-income communities, jumpstart the green economy with the creation of jobs through workforce training programs, and provide energy resiliency after a climate event.”
The Texas SFA Coalition includes Texas municipalities serving the low-income and disadvantaged community population (over 11 million people). The Texas SFA program will leverage federal funds, tax credits, and other sources to provide financial assistance and access to private capital to support residential multifamily and single family solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency deployments to improve community well-being and resilience to power system failures. The Texas program will support workforce training to serve low-income and disadvantaged residents, support minority-and women-owned businesses, and collaborate with community-based organizations. The coalition’s SFA programs can be extended within the member jurisdictions and expanded to other parts of Texas during and beyond the SFA grant period.
The Clean Energy Fund of Texas (TxCEF), in partnership with the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University (BCECJ; jointly, CEFBC), will deploy technical assistance, private capital, and grants to minority-serving institutions. Together, these organizations will facilitate the development of residential-serving community solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of energy policy and grid vulnerability challenges. Projects will drive expected emissions reductions, household utility bill savings, generate direct shared revenues through community ownership, and mobilize private capital. Projects will deploy solar and energy storage, delivering grid and community benefits by powering community resilience centers. These outcomes will deliver the benefits of greenhouse gas and air pollution-reducing projects to American communities. Based in Texas, TxCEF will operate in 19 states across the United States South and Southeast.
The grants are among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
“This is a game-changing opportunity for us," said Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez. "The grant allows us to deliver better, more reliable, and more cost-effective power to our communities. What a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day!”
“We are grateful to the EPA for selecting this multifaceted project as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Solar For All program,” said Billy Briscoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. “This partnership with minority serving institutions of higher education will lower energy burden for low-income communities, jumpstart the green economy with the creation of jobs through workforce training programs, and provide energy resiliency after a climate event.”
The Texas SFA Coalition includes Texas municipalities serving the low-income and disadvantaged community population (over 11 million people). The Texas SFA program will leverage federal funds, tax credits, and other sources to provide financial assistance and access to private capital to support residential multifamily and single family solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency deployments to improve community well-being and resilience to power system failures. The Texas program will support workforce training to serve low-income and disadvantaged residents, support minority-and women-owned businesses, and collaborate with community-based organizations. The coalition’s SFA programs can be extended within the member jurisdictions and expanded to other parts of Texas during and beyond the SFA grant period.
The Clean Energy Fund of Texas (TxCEF), in partnership with the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University (BCECJ; jointly, CEFBC), will deploy technical assistance, private capital, and grants to minority-serving institutions. Together, these organizations will facilitate the development of residential-serving community solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of energy policy and grid vulnerability challenges. Projects will drive expected emissions reductions, household utility bill savings, generate direct shared revenues through community ownership, and mobilize private capital. Projects will deploy solar and energy storage, delivering grid and community benefits by powering community resilience centers. These outcomes will deliver the benefits of greenhouse gas and air pollution-reducing projects to American communities. Based in Texas, TxCEF will operate in 19 states across the United States South and Southeast.
The grants are among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
EPA signs agreement for cleanup of the Bradford Island National Priorities List site
SEATTLE (April 23, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it signed a Federal Facility Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oregon and Washington for the Bradford Island National Priorities List site cleanup.
The agreement includes an enforceable schedule for USACE to conduct the cleanup. It also includes a public comment period that begins April 24 and concludes June 10.
The agreement follows Bradford Island’s addition to the National Priorities List in 2022. The NPL is the list of Superfund sites of national priority among the known or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories. EPA, with Oregon and Washington, will oversee the work and USACE will remain the federal agency responsible for implementing the cleanup on behalf of the United States.
The agreement defines a clear dispute resolution process where, in the event EPA and USACE are unable to reach agreement on the selection of a remedy, EPA is authorized to select the remedy following exhaustion of the dispute resolution process. It also specifies that EPA concurrence is required on important site work, key remedial documents throughout the site investigation and cleanup process, and cleanup decisions. Under the agreement, USACE committed to requesting any funds needed to perform work necessary to complete the investigation and cleanup process.
“This agreement supports all parties working together to expeditiously investigate and address contamination at the Bradford Island site and reflects the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “We remain committed to ensuring that Tribal Nations have a seat at the table throughout this collective effort to help protect the Columbia River and we are looking forward to advancing a timely response to contamination and reducing risks to people’s health and the environment."
Bradford Island, located in the Columbia River, is part of the Bonneville Dam complex operated by USACE. USACE historical operations at the site resulted in waste disposal on the island and in the Columbia River that resulted in contamination of soil, groundwater, stormwater, sediments and biota. Contaminants at Bradford Island include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and other hazardous
substances. Cleanup of the site will address contamination that poses risk to human health and the environment.
“We are excited the Federal Facilities Agreement is signed," said Portland District Commander Col. Larry "Dale" Caswell, Jr. "This Agreement, which includes specific milestones, is a roadmap for all parties as we continue to move forward in the cleanup of Bradford Island. We appreciate the involvement of the Agreement parties, Tribes and representatives of the community which makes this work possible.”
Due to high levels of PCBs in fish and shellfish in the vicinity of the island, the Oregon Health Authority and Washington Department of Health issued a resident fish advisory recommending that no one eat resident fish from the Bonneville Dam area between Bradford Island and Ruckel Creek, which is one mile upstream.
“Oregon DEQ is pleased that the Federal Facility Agreement for the Bradford Island Superfund site has been signed by the respective agencies," said Director of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Leah Feldon. "We look forward to hearing feedback through Tribal consultation and public comments, so that this important project can move forward.”
“This is an important milestone for protection of the Columbia River,” said Director of the Washington Department of Ecology Laura Watson. “We’re looking forward to new energy and resources going toward the cleanup of this highly contaminated site, and to seeing a cleaner river with healthier salmon and resident fish.”
The site is a traditional hunting and fishing ground for seven Tribal nations, some with treaty-protected rights. The enforceable schedule detailed in the site management plan supports cleanup of the site in a comprehensive and timely manner. Two Tribes have also entered into Memorandums of Understanding with USACE and EPA to ensure a meaningful participation role in the Superfund remedial process. These are the first such MOUs between Tribal Nations and USACE at a federal facility NPL site.
“Cleaning up the land and water at Bradford Island is long overdue, but must be done properly and to the highest standards,” said Yakama Nation Tribal Chairman Gerald Lewis. “We look forward to working with our federal and state partners to ensure that happens.”
Public comment period and next steps
The agreement announced today has a 45-day public comment period from April 24 to June 10. The public is invited to review the agreement and submit comments. More information is available at EPA’s Bradford Island website.
Upon completion of the comment period and review of the public comments, EPA and USACE will consider whether changes should be made to the agreement and will develop a responsiveness summary to address significant public comments received.
Technical assistance grant and community involvement opportunities
On April 1, EPA awarded a $50,000 Technical Assistance Grant to Columbia Riverkeeper to help community members participate in cleanup decision making at Bradford Island.
"Columbia Riverkeeper is committed to holding polluters accountable and fighting for clean water and healthy communities. We are dedicated to providing people who are impacted by the Army Corps' pollution with accurate and clear information about the long-needed cleanup at the Columbia River’s newest Superfund Site," said Kate Murphy, senior community organizer at Columbia Riverkeeper. "Partnering with a technical advisor will facilitate our ability to help community members to feel confident engaging in the process and understanding the complexities of cleaning up polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, and other contaminants in the area. A safe and healthy Columbia River is not only possible, it's critical."
TAGs provide funding to community groups to contract their own, independent technical advisor to interpret and explain technical reports, site conditions, as well as the proposed cleanup plan and other documents related to the cleanup process. Columbia Riverkeeper is now working to procure their independent technical advisor via a Request for Proposals.
For more information about Columbia Riverkeeper’s search for a technical advisor and their overall work, please visit Columbia Riverkeeper’s website or email info@columbiariverkeeper.org.
Restoration Advisory Board
USACE has established a Restoration Advisory Board to improve public participation by involving the community in the restoration process. Dedicated members of interested community groups and Tribal members have been participating as members since early 2023. Everyone is welcome to attend monthly Restoration Advisory Board meetings. Restoration Advisory Board members will review and comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at Bradford Island. Restoration Advisory Board members will have the opportunity to provide input on activities that will accelerate the restoration.
For more information about the Bradford Island cleanup actions, site cleanup actions to date, and the Restoration Advisory Board, visit the USACE Bradford Island website.
History of the site
Since 1998, USACE has been leading the investigation and cleanup efforts at Bradford Island. USACE has completed actions to remove electrical equipment and some contaminated sediment from the river and has also conducted several studies aimed at characterizing sources of contamination in the river and upland portions of the site. EPA received requests from multiple parties to place Bradford Island on the NPL, including the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, Oregon, Washington and community and environmental groups.
For more information, visit EPA’s Bradford Island website.
The agreement includes an enforceable schedule for USACE to conduct the cleanup. It also includes a public comment period that begins April 24 and concludes June 10.
The agreement follows Bradford Island’s addition to the National Priorities List in 2022. The NPL is the list of Superfund sites of national priority among the known or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories. EPA, with Oregon and Washington, will oversee the work and USACE will remain the federal agency responsible for implementing the cleanup on behalf of the United States.
The agreement defines a clear dispute resolution process where, in the event EPA and USACE are unable to reach agreement on the selection of a remedy, EPA is authorized to select the remedy following exhaustion of the dispute resolution process. It also specifies that EPA concurrence is required on important site work, key remedial documents throughout the site investigation and cleanup process, and cleanup decisions. Under the agreement, USACE committed to requesting any funds needed to perform work necessary to complete the investigation and cleanup process.
“This agreement supports all parties working together to expeditiously investigate and address contamination at the Bradford Island site and reflects the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “We remain committed to ensuring that Tribal Nations have a seat at the table throughout this collective effort to help protect the Columbia River and we are looking forward to advancing a timely response to contamination and reducing risks to people’s health and the environment."
Bradford Island, located in the Columbia River, is part of the Bonneville Dam complex operated by USACE. USACE historical operations at the site resulted in waste disposal on the island and in the Columbia River that resulted in contamination of soil, groundwater, stormwater, sediments and biota. Contaminants at Bradford Island include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and other hazardous
substances. Cleanup of the site will address contamination that poses risk to human health and the environment.
“We are excited the Federal Facilities Agreement is signed," said Portland District Commander Col. Larry "Dale" Caswell, Jr. "This Agreement, which includes specific milestones, is a roadmap for all parties as we continue to move forward in the cleanup of Bradford Island. We appreciate the involvement of the Agreement parties, Tribes and representatives of the community which makes this work possible.”
Due to high levels of PCBs in fish and shellfish in the vicinity of the island, the Oregon Health Authority and Washington Department of Health issued a resident fish advisory recommending that no one eat resident fish from the Bonneville Dam area between Bradford Island and Ruckel Creek, which is one mile upstream.
“Oregon DEQ is pleased that the Federal Facility Agreement for the Bradford Island Superfund site has been signed by the respective agencies," said Director of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Leah Feldon. "We look forward to hearing feedback through Tribal consultation and public comments, so that this important project can move forward.”
“This is an important milestone for protection of the Columbia River,” said Director of the Washington Department of Ecology Laura Watson. “We’re looking forward to new energy and resources going toward the cleanup of this highly contaminated site, and to seeing a cleaner river with healthier salmon and resident fish.”
The site is a traditional hunting and fishing ground for seven Tribal nations, some with treaty-protected rights. The enforceable schedule detailed in the site management plan supports cleanup of the site in a comprehensive and timely manner. Two Tribes have also entered into Memorandums of Understanding with USACE and EPA to ensure a meaningful participation role in the Superfund remedial process. These are the first such MOUs between Tribal Nations and USACE at a federal facility NPL site.
“Cleaning up the land and water at Bradford Island is long overdue, but must be done properly and to the highest standards,” said Yakama Nation Tribal Chairman Gerald Lewis. “We look forward to working with our federal and state partners to ensure that happens.”
Public comment period and next steps
The agreement announced today has a 45-day public comment period from April 24 to June 10. The public is invited to review the agreement and submit comments. More information is available at EPA’s Bradford Island website.
Upon completion of the comment period and review of the public comments, EPA and USACE will consider whether changes should be made to the agreement and will develop a responsiveness summary to address significant public comments received.
Technical assistance grant and community involvement opportunities
On April 1, EPA awarded a $50,000 Technical Assistance Grant to Columbia Riverkeeper to help community members participate in cleanup decision making at Bradford Island.
"Columbia Riverkeeper is committed to holding polluters accountable and fighting for clean water and healthy communities. We are dedicated to providing people who are impacted by the Army Corps' pollution with accurate and clear information about the long-needed cleanup at the Columbia River’s newest Superfund Site," said Kate Murphy, senior community organizer at Columbia Riverkeeper. "Partnering with a technical advisor will facilitate our ability to help community members to feel confident engaging in the process and understanding the complexities of cleaning up polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, and other contaminants in the area. A safe and healthy Columbia River is not only possible, it's critical."
TAGs provide funding to community groups to contract their own, independent technical advisor to interpret and explain technical reports, site conditions, as well as the proposed cleanup plan and other documents related to the cleanup process. Columbia Riverkeeper is now working to procure their independent technical advisor via a Request for Proposals.
For more information about Columbia Riverkeeper’s search for a technical advisor and their overall work, please visit Columbia Riverkeeper’s website or email info@columbiariverkeeper.org.
Restoration Advisory Board
USACE has established a Restoration Advisory Board to improve public participation by involving the community in the restoration process. Dedicated members of interested community groups and Tribal members have been participating as members since early 2023. Everyone is welcome to attend monthly Restoration Advisory Board meetings. Restoration Advisory Board members will review and comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at Bradford Island. Restoration Advisory Board members will have the opportunity to provide input on activities that will accelerate the restoration.
For more information about the Bradford Island cleanup actions, site cleanup actions to date, and the Restoration Advisory Board, visit the USACE Bradford Island website.
History of the site
Since 1998, USACE has been leading the investigation and cleanup efforts at Bradford Island. USACE has completed actions to remove electrical equipment and some contaminated sediment from the river and has also conducted several studies aimed at characterizing sources of contamination in the river and upland portions of the site. EPA received requests from multiple parties to place Bradford Island on the NPL, including the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, Oregon, Washington and community and environmental groups.
For more information, visit EPA’s Bradford Island website.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Arkansas’ Hope Enterprise Corporation to Receive over $62 Million to Deliver Residential Solar, Lowering Energy Costs and Advancing Environmental Justice
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 23, 2024) - As the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates Earth week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Hope Enterprise Corporation in Arkansas has been selected to receive $62,250,000 through the Solar for All grant competition to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar. This award is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to lower energy costs for families, create good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
Hope Enterprise Corporation (HEC) will advance affordable and resilient solar energy access for low-income and disadvantaged households across Arkansas, using several approaches. The first strategy targets the development of a residential rooftop solar leasing market in areas served by the state’s investor-owned utilities, aiming to ensure savings for every low-income household while enhancing the local solar installer ecosystem. The second approach focuses on multifamily buildings, seeking to lower energy costs for low-income tenant households through strategic financial mechanisms and partnerships with local housing developers. All strategies hinge upon innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and HEC’s experience and expertise in serving disadvantaged communities in the state.
The Hope Enterprise Corporation’s grant is among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
Hope Enterprise Corporation (HEC) will advance affordable and resilient solar energy access for low-income and disadvantaged households across Arkansas, using several approaches. The first strategy targets the development of a residential rooftop solar leasing market in areas served by the state’s investor-owned utilities, aiming to ensure savings for every low-income household while enhancing the local solar installer ecosystem. The second approach focuses on multifamily buildings, seeking to lower energy costs for low-income tenant households through strategic financial mechanisms and partnerships with local housing developers. All strategies hinge upon innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and HEC’s experience and expertise in serving disadvantaged communities in the state.
The Hope Enterprise Corporation’s grant is among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
A EPA anuncia uma coleção on-line de recursos sobre justiça ambiental
WASHINGTON — Hoje, 23 de abril, a Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos EUA (EPA, na sigla em inglês) anunciou a Central de Justiça Ambiental (em inglês, Environmental Justice Clearinghouse), uma coleção on-line inédita de recursos relacionados à justiça ambiental. Liderada pela Ordem Executiva do Presidente Biden sobre a Revitalização do Compromisso da Nossa Nação com a Justiça Ambiental para Todos, a Câmara de Compensação de Justiça Ambiental ajudará o público a acessar recursos federais e não federais on-line como parte da pauta ambiciosa de justiça ambiental da Administração Biden-Harris.
“Cumprir a pauta ambiciosa de justiça ambiental do governo Biden-Harris exige dedicação compartilhada para construir relacionamentos sólidos e criar projetos com foco em encontrar soluções. A Câmara de Compensação de Justiça Ambiental é um guia de recursos transformador criado para nos ajudar a atingir nossas metas de justiça ambiental em toda a agência”, Theresa Segovia, Diretora Assistente Adjunta Principal do Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos. “Ter uma biblioteca de informações on-line e de fácil acesso garantirá que os recursos de todo o país estejam ao alcance de todas as partes interessadas e defensores da justiça ambiental. E isso só será fortalecido com as sugestões do povo dos EUA.”
O Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos da EPA continuará a adicionar informações à central de informações de forma contínua e agradece as contribuições e quaisquer envios do público para análise e possível inclusão.
Os recursos preliminares listados na Clearinghouse de Justiça Ambiental foram enviados por órgãos de todo o governo federal, incluindo oportunidades de financiamento, ferramentas de triagem e mapeamento e auxílio técnico. A Central de Justiça Ambiental apresenta categorias pesquisáveis para simplificar os resultados para o público e garantir um processo mais eficiente e acessível de acesso a informações relacionadas à justiça ambiental.
“O presidente Biden determinou que todo o governo federal eliminasse as barreiras aos recursos e às informações que ajudam as comunidades a alcançar a justiça ambiental. A Central de Justiça Ambiental da EPA será uma ferramenta on-line útil que compila várias fontes de informação para que todos os interessados em justiça ambiental possam encontrar recursos em um único site”, afirmou o Dr. Jalonne L. White-Newsome, Diretor Federal de Justiça Ambiental do Conselho de Qualidade Ambiental da Casa Branca.
Acesse o site da EPA para ver a Central de Justiça Ambiental ou sugerir um possível recurso.
Histórico
Em 21 de abril de 2023, o Presidente Biden assinou a Ordem Executiva 14906 Reforçando o Compromisso de Nossa Nação com a Justiça Ambiental para Todos , que incluiu o estabelecimento da Central de Justiça Ambiental para ser uma central pública, disponível na Internet, de todo o governo, composta de materiais acessíveis e apropriados do ponto de vista cultural e linguístico relacionados à justiça ambiental, incluindo:
Informações que descrevem as atividades dos membros do Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca para tratar de questões relacionadas à justiça ambiental.
Informações sobre auxílio técnico, ferramentas e recursos para ajudar as comunidades com preocupações de justiça ambiental a desenvolver a capacidade de participação pública.
Cópias de materiais de treinamento desenvolvidos pelo Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca ou por seus membros para ajudar indivíduos e funcionários a entender e realizar atividades de justiça ambiental.
Qualquer outra informação considerada apropriada pelo Administrador da EPA, em coordenação com o Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca.
Saiba mais sobre o tema justiça ambiental no site da EPA.
Leia sobre o Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca e sobre o compromisso de toda a administração do governo Biden-Harris com a justiça ambiental.
Para obter informações atualizadas sobre oportunidades de financiamento para a Justiça Ambiental, eventos e webinars, assine a lista de discussão do Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos enviando um e-mail em branco para: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Siga-nos no X (antigo Twitter) @EPAEnvJustice.
“Cumprir a pauta ambiciosa de justiça ambiental do governo Biden-Harris exige dedicação compartilhada para construir relacionamentos sólidos e criar projetos com foco em encontrar soluções. A Câmara de Compensação de Justiça Ambiental é um guia de recursos transformador criado para nos ajudar a atingir nossas metas de justiça ambiental em toda a agência”, Theresa Segovia, Diretora Assistente Adjunta Principal do Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos. “Ter uma biblioteca de informações on-line e de fácil acesso garantirá que os recursos de todo o país estejam ao alcance de todas as partes interessadas e defensores da justiça ambiental. E isso só será fortalecido com as sugestões do povo dos EUA.”
O Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos da EPA continuará a adicionar informações à central de informações de forma contínua e agradece as contribuições e quaisquer envios do público para análise e possível inclusão.
Os recursos preliminares listados na Clearinghouse de Justiça Ambiental foram enviados por órgãos de todo o governo federal, incluindo oportunidades de financiamento, ferramentas de triagem e mapeamento e auxílio técnico. A Central de Justiça Ambiental apresenta categorias pesquisáveis para simplificar os resultados para o público e garantir um processo mais eficiente e acessível de acesso a informações relacionadas à justiça ambiental.
“O presidente Biden determinou que todo o governo federal eliminasse as barreiras aos recursos e às informações que ajudam as comunidades a alcançar a justiça ambiental. A Central de Justiça Ambiental da EPA será uma ferramenta on-line útil que compila várias fontes de informação para que todos os interessados em justiça ambiental possam encontrar recursos em um único site”, afirmou o Dr. Jalonne L. White-Newsome, Diretor Federal de Justiça Ambiental do Conselho de Qualidade Ambiental da Casa Branca.
Acesse o site da EPA para ver a Central de Justiça Ambiental ou sugerir um possível recurso.
Histórico
Em 21 de abril de 2023, o Presidente Biden assinou a Ordem Executiva 14906 Reforçando o Compromisso de Nossa Nação com a Justiça Ambiental para Todos , que incluiu o estabelecimento da Central de Justiça Ambiental para ser uma central pública, disponível na Internet, de todo o governo, composta de materiais acessíveis e apropriados do ponto de vista cultural e linguístico relacionados à justiça ambiental, incluindo:
Informações que descrevem as atividades dos membros do Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca para tratar de questões relacionadas à justiça ambiental.
Informações sobre auxílio técnico, ferramentas e recursos para ajudar as comunidades com preocupações de justiça ambiental a desenvolver a capacidade de participação pública.
Cópias de materiais de treinamento desenvolvidos pelo Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca ou por seus membros para ajudar indivíduos e funcionários a entender e realizar atividades de justiça ambiental.
Qualquer outra informação considerada apropriada pelo Administrador da EPA, em coordenação com o Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca.
Saiba mais sobre o tema justiça ambiental no site da EPA.
Leia sobre o Conselho Interagencial de Justiça Ambiental da Casa Branca e sobre o compromisso de toda a administração do governo Biden-Harris com a justiça ambiental.
Para obter informações atualizadas sobre oportunidades de financiamento para a Justiça Ambiental, eventos e webinars, assine a lista de discussão do Escritório de Justiça Ambiental e Direitos Civis Externos enviando um e-mail em branco para: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Siga-nos no X (antigo Twitter) @EPAEnvJustice.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces the state of New Mexico will Receive Over $156 Million to Deliver Residential Solar, Lowering Energy Costs and Advancing Environmental Justice
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 23, 2024) - As the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates Earth week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department has been selected to receive $156,129,000 through the Solar for All grant competition to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar. This award is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to lower energy costs for families, create good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
To help overcome barriers to widespread adoption of distributed solar generation, the state of New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and its partners will expand access to shared solar to bring the most isolated and off-grid residents online, and support grid resilience with on-site solar. The program is designed to meet low-income and disadvantaged communities, both owners and renters, where they are with direct grants and financing options for solar projects that decrease energy burden through household annual electric bill savings. The project will leverage New Mexico’s existing programs such as workforce development providers, community-based organizations, and government partners that understand and represent New Mexico’s diverse, majority-minority population.
EMNRD’s grant is among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.”
To help overcome barriers to widespread adoption of distributed solar generation, the state of New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and its partners will expand access to shared solar to bring the most isolated and off-grid residents online, and support grid resilience with on-site solar. The program is designed to meet low-income and disadvantaged communities, both owners and renters, where they are with direct grants and financing options for solar projects that decrease energy burden through household annual electric bill savings. The project will leverage New Mexico’s existing programs such as workforce development providers, community-based organizations, and government partners that understand and represent New Mexico’s diverse, majority-minority population.
EMNRD’s grant is among 49 state-level awards EPA announced totaling approximately $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling approximately $1 billion.
A complete list of the selected applicants can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All website.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
EPA estimates that the 60 Solar for All recipients will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This $7 billion investment will generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively, from over four gigawatts of solar energy capacity unlocked for low-income communities over five years. Solar and distributed energy resources help improve electric grid reliability and climate resilience, which is especially important in disadvantaged communities that have long been underserved.
Solar for All will deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for workers across the United States. This $7 billion investment in clean energy will generate an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country. All selected applicants intend to invest in local, clean energy workforce development programs to expand equitable pathways into family-sustaining jobs for the communities they are designed to serve. At least 35% of selected applicants have already engaged local or national unions, demonstrating how these programs will contribute to the foundation of a clean energy economy built on strong labor standards and inclusive economic opportunity for all American communities.
The Solar for All program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. All of the funds awarded through the Solar For All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program will also help meet the President’s goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
The 60 selected applicants have committed to delivering on the three objectives of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: reducing climate and air pollution; delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities; and mobilizing financing to spur additional deployment of affordable solar energy. Solar for All selected applicants are expanding existing low-income solar programs and launching new programs. In at least 25 states and territories nationwide, Solar for All is launching new programs where there has never been a substantial low-income solar program before. In these geographies, Solar for All selected applicants will open new markets for distributed solar by funding new programs that provide grants and low-cost financing for low-income, residential solar.
Review and Selection Process Information
The 60 applicants selected for funding were chosen through a competition review process. This multi-stage process included review from hundreds of experts in climate, power markets, environmental justice, labor, and consumer protection from EPA, Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Energy’s National Labs – all screened through ethics and conflict of interest checks and trained on the program requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications were scored and selected through dozens of review panels and an interagency senior review team.
EPA anticipates that awards to the selected applicants will be finalized in the summer of 2024, and selected applicants will begin funding projects through existing programs and begin expansive community outreach programs to launch new programs in the fall and winter of this year. Selections are contingent on the resolution of all administrative disputes related to the competitions.
Informational Webinars
EPA will host informational webinars as part of the program’s commitment to public transparency. EPA has scheduled a public webinar for the Solar for All program, and registration details are included below. Information on other GGRF webinars can be found on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Engagement Opportunities webpage.
Solar for All webinar: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:30pm ET. Register for the April 29 meeting.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.