OSRA 2.0 bill targets China, leaves shipping antitrust exemption untouched
Recently passed House legislation amending landmark shipping reform takes a hard tact to China’s maritime influence on US ports but holds back on reigning in the limited antitrust exemption container lines use to participate in alliances, writes Executive Editor Mark Szakonyi.
EPA Fines Scrap Metal Facility in Kansas City, Kansas, for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 28, 2024) – Scrap Management LLC, doing business as Rivers Edge Scrap Management of Kansas City, Kansas, will pay $144,500 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company failed to adequately control stormwater runoff from its scrap metal recycling and processing facility. EPA says that these failures could result in illegal discharges of pollution into the Kansas River.
“Uncontrolled runoff from scrap yards harms streams and rivers and limits the public’s use and enjoyment of those waters,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting vital watersheds in urban communities, especially in areas overburdened by pollution.
In the settlement documents, EPA alleges that Scrap Management failed to comply with certain terms of its Clean Water Act permit, including failure to update and implement practices to prevent runoff of pollution; failure to perform inspections; and failure to train employees on stormwater management practices.
In addition to paying the penalty, Scrap Management is correcting the alleged violations through implementation of an EPA compliance order.
EPA identified the community surrounding Scrap Management’s facility as a potentially sensitive location for multiple pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Under the Clean Water Act, industrial facilities that propose to discharge into protected water bodies are required to obtain permits and follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Water Act
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company failed to adequately control stormwater runoff from its scrap metal recycling and processing facility. EPA says that these failures could result in illegal discharges of pollution into the Kansas River.
“Uncontrolled runoff from scrap yards harms streams and rivers and limits the public’s use and enjoyment of those waters,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting vital watersheds in urban communities, especially in areas overburdened by pollution.
In the settlement documents, EPA alleges that Scrap Management failed to comply with certain terms of its Clean Water Act permit, including failure to update and implement practices to prevent runoff of pollution; failure to perform inspections; and failure to train employees on stormwater management practices.
In addition to paying the penalty, Scrap Management is correcting the alleged violations through implementation of an EPA compliance order.
EPA identified the community surrounding Scrap Management’s facility as a potentially sensitive location for multiple pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Under the Clean Water Act, industrial facilities that propose to discharge into protected water bodies are required to obtain permits and follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Water Act
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 $194M to King County to improve wastewater infrastructure resiliency, protect Puget Sound
SEATTLE – Today, at an event at the West Point Treatment Plant, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott announced a $194 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to King County in Washington.
This loan is the first installment of funding available to King County under a new master agreement, where EPA has committed to provide almost $500 million in low-interest funding for future water infrastructure projects.
Pigott was joined by EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller and King County Executive Daw Constantine in celebrating the announcement. EPA’s loan will support critical wastewater infrastructure updates to make the system more reliable and continue to protect Puget Sound.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced over $20 billion in financing to support over $43 billion in water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 140,000 jobs.
“EPA’s WIFIA loans have a track record of success and nowhere is that clearer than here in King County, where two loans have already reduced the amounts of sewage and untreated stormwater entering local waterways,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This $194 million loan is just the latest in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Through WIFIA and with $50 billion for water under President Biden’s infrastructure law, EPA is making unprecedented investments and making strides toward a clean and safe water future for all communities.”
“Making critical improvements in wastewater infrastructure is vital to protecting communities and the environment from pollution emergencies,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell. “The investment being made to the West Point Wastewater Treatment plant will allow the largest wastewater facility in the state of Washington make needed upgrades to help it safely serve the growing Seattle region and protect against untreated wastewater discharges that can harm the Puget Sound ecosystem.”
“An efficient wastewater treatment plant is critical to protecting the environment and reducing pollution,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “I’m thrilled to have helped secure this loan for King County to make much needed upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant that is responsible for over 100 millions of gallons per day. Not only will this help make the plant more efficient, it will help to keep costs down for every single ratepayer in King County.”
"I applaud King County for securing this federal loan to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure, while better preparing its system for the climate crisis,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “Communities in my district rely on the health of our waterways and natural environment, and the Biden-Harris Administration's nearly $500 million commitment to King County is a victory investment that will better protect Puget Sound for decades to come."
King County has already used WIFIA resources twice before to improve stormwater treatment with the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station and to build an underground storage tunnel for the Ship Canal Water Quality Project with Seattle Public Utilities.
The majority of the latest WIFIA loan will go toward various clean-water investments at West Point Treatment Plant, which cleans wastewater and stormwater. This project makes several improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, including removing corroded pipes, upgrading raw sewage pumps, and implementing structural upgrades to the administrative building to protect against future seismic events. As a result, West Point will protect Puget Sound, a culturally important waterbody to Coast Salish Tribes, and better manage daily and peak flows, which are anticipated to be more intense and frequent due to climate change.
"The Biden administration is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to protecting the natural environment throughout the country, including one of the nation’s premier waterbodies, the Puget Sound,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Earning a half-billion-dollar commitment for clean-water infrastructure reflects King County’s reputation as a trusted fiscal and environmental steward, producing the best results for each public dollar we invest for people, salmon, and orcas.”
King County was EPA’s first WIFIA borrower, closing their first loan in 2018, and this will be their third WIFIA loan. With this $194 million loan, King County expects to save nearly $20 million and create about 1,500 jobs. It is the first WIFIA loan under a master agreement that will commit $498 million to accelerate the implementation of the county’s Wastewater 2024 Improvement Project. Future financing will support other critical projects across the regional wastewater system.
Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
In 2018, King County was the first loan recipient under the federal act, when the EPA issued a $134.5 million loan to help construct the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station. In 2021, King County closed on a $96.8 million loan to help design and construct the Ship Canal Water Quality Project, which is a partnership with Seattle Public Utilities.
EPA recently made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. A total of $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
This loan is the first installment of funding available to King County under a new master agreement, where EPA has committed to provide almost $500 million in low-interest funding for future water infrastructure projects.
Pigott was joined by EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller and King County Executive Daw Constantine in celebrating the announcement. EPA’s loan will support critical wastewater infrastructure updates to make the system more reliable and continue to protect Puget Sound.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced over $20 billion in financing to support over $43 billion in water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 140,000 jobs.
“EPA’s WIFIA loans have a track record of success and nowhere is that clearer than here in King County, where two loans have already reduced the amounts of sewage and untreated stormwater entering local waterways,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This $194 million loan is just the latest in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Through WIFIA and with $50 billion for water under President Biden’s infrastructure law, EPA is making unprecedented investments and making strides toward a clean and safe water future for all communities.”
“Making critical improvements in wastewater infrastructure is vital to protecting communities and the environment from pollution emergencies,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell. “The investment being made to the West Point Wastewater Treatment plant will allow the largest wastewater facility in the state of Washington make needed upgrades to help it safely serve the growing Seattle region and protect against untreated wastewater discharges that can harm the Puget Sound ecosystem.”
“An efficient wastewater treatment plant is critical to protecting the environment and reducing pollution,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “I’m thrilled to have helped secure this loan for King County to make much needed upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant that is responsible for over 100 millions of gallons per day. Not only will this help make the plant more efficient, it will help to keep costs down for every single ratepayer in King County.”
"I applaud King County for securing this federal loan to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure, while better preparing its system for the climate crisis,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “Communities in my district rely on the health of our waterways and natural environment, and the Biden-Harris Administration's nearly $500 million commitment to King County is a victory investment that will better protect Puget Sound for decades to come."
King County has already used WIFIA resources twice before to improve stormwater treatment with the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station and to build an underground storage tunnel for the Ship Canal Water Quality Project with Seattle Public Utilities.
The majority of the latest WIFIA loan will go toward various clean-water investments at West Point Treatment Plant, which cleans wastewater and stormwater. This project makes several improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, including removing corroded pipes, upgrading raw sewage pumps, and implementing structural upgrades to the administrative building to protect against future seismic events. As a result, West Point will protect Puget Sound, a culturally important waterbody to Coast Salish Tribes, and better manage daily and peak flows, which are anticipated to be more intense and frequent due to climate change.
"The Biden administration is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to protecting the natural environment throughout the country, including one of the nation’s premier waterbodies, the Puget Sound,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Earning a half-billion-dollar commitment for clean-water infrastructure reflects King County’s reputation as a trusted fiscal and environmental steward, producing the best results for each public dollar we invest for people, salmon, and orcas.”
King County was EPA’s first WIFIA borrower, closing their first loan in 2018, and this will be their third WIFIA loan. With this $194 million loan, King County expects to save nearly $20 million and create about 1,500 jobs. It is the first WIFIA loan under a master agreement that will commit $498 million to accelerate the implementation of the county’s Wastewater 2024 Improvement Project. Future financing will support other critical projects across the regional wastewater system.
Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
In 2018, King County was the first loan recipient under the federal act, when the EPA issued a $134.5 million loan to help construct the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station. In 2021, King County closed on a $96.8 million loan to help design and construct the Ship Canal Water Quality Project, which is a partnership with Seattle Public Utilities.
EPA recently made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. A total of $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
EPA starts lead inspection sweep in the greater Manchester New Hampshire area to prevent childhood lead poisoning
BOSTON (Mar. 28, 2024) – The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) initiative to prevent childhood lead poisoning in communities with a higher risk of lead exposure is coming to the greater Manchester, New Hampshire area. Lead is particularly harmful to children because they are more vulnerable to its effects, which include damage to the brain and nervous system.
The aim of the EPA's lead paint initiative is to reduce childhood lead exposure through increased awareness and improved compliance with federal lead paint requirements, in particular the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) and Lead Disclosure Rules.
"If you live someplace built before 1978, which is quite possible in New England, be aware and share with family and friends how toxic old lead paint chips and dust can be for yourselves and your children," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "EPA is excited to collaborate with state and local partners who continue to tackle this preventable issue - we will use all available tools possible, including assistance, enforcement, and grant opportunities focused on communities with environmental justice concerns."
"Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, it can impact their unborn children's health as well," said Iain Watt, Interim Director of the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services.
"The City of Manchester is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive. Healthy housing is one part of that equation," said Mayor Jay Ruais. "To that end, in 2023 the Board of Mayor and Aldermen established the Manchester Lead Exposure Prevention Commission. This Commission, which is made up of community members from various disciplines and lived experience, will be working to identify strategies to reduce lead poisoning and increase lead hazard awareness and prevention in our community."
As part of the lead paint initiative in Manchester, inspectors will evaluate compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint RRP Rule, which is applicable to renovation job sites involving housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
Field staff will also be checking to confirm that landlords, including property management and real estate companies, are providing prospective tenants or buyers with proper lead disclosure about the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. Lead disclosures are required, under Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, before the lease or sale of most housing built before 1978.
These efforts will be supported by an increased focus on education, outreach, and compliance assistance in the greater Manchester area and beyond to ensure that regulated parties and the public are aware of the federal lead-based paint requirements.
Background
EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule is designed to prevent children's exposure to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards resulting from renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 residences, schools and other buildings where children are present. If lead painted surfaces are to be disturbed at a job site, the RRP Rule requires individual renovators to complete an initial 8-hour accredited training course and the company or firm that they work for to be certified by EPA. These baseline requirements are critical to ensuring that companies take responsibility for their employees following proper lead-safe work practices by containing and managing lead dust and chips created during such projects. Further, the RRP Rule requires that specific records be created and maintained to document compliance with the law.
EPA's Lead Disclosure Rule is designed to ensure that potential buyers and renters of housing built prior to 1978 receive certain information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent, and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.
More information
Lead
Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead
EPA Lead Enforcement
Report a Violation of Lead Paint Rules in New England
Environmental Justice grant opportunities:
Healthy Communities Grant Program
Community Change Grant Program
The aim of the EPA's lead paint initiative is to reduce childhood lead exposure through increased awareness and improved compliance with federal lead paint requirements, in particular the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) and Lead Disclosure Rules.
"If you live someplace built before 1978, which is quite possible in New England, be aware and share with family and friends how toxic old lead paint chips and dust can be for yourselves and your children," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "EPA is excited to collaborate with state and local partners who continue to tackle this preventable issue - we will use all available tools possible, including assistance, enforcement, and grant opportunities focused on communities with environmental justice concerns."
"Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. When pregnant women are exposed to lead, it can impact their unborn children's health as well," said Iain Watt, Interim Director of the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services.
"The City of Manchester is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive. Healthy housing is one part of that equation," said Mayor Jay Ruais. "To that end, in 2023 the Board of Mayor and Aldermen established the Manchester Lead Exposure Prevention Commission. This Commission, which is made up of community members from various disciplines and lived experience, will be working to identify strategies to reduce lead poisoning and increase lead hazard awareness and prevention in our community."
As part of the lead paint initiative in Manchester, inspectors will evaluate compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint RRP Rule, which is applicable to renovation job sites involving housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
Field staff will also be checking to confirm that landlords, including property management and real estate companies, are providing prospective tenants or buyers with proper lead disclosure about the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. Lead disclosures are required, under Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, before the lease or sale of most housing built before 1978.
These efforts will be supported by an increased focus on education, outreach, and compliance assistance in the greater Manchester area and beyond to ensure that regulated parties and the public are aware of the federal lead-based paint requirements.
Background
EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule is designed to prevent children's exposure to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards resulting from renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 residences, schools and other buildings where children are present. If lead painted surfaces are to be disturbed at a job site, the RRP Rule requires individual renovators to complete an initial 8-hour accredited training course and the company or firm that they work for to be certified by EPA. These baseline requirements are critical to ensuring that companies take responsibility for their employees following proper lead-safe work practices by containing and managing lead dust and chips created during such projects. Further, the RRP Rule requires that specific records be created and maintained to document compliance with the law.
EPA's Lead Disclosure Rule is designed to ensure that potential buyers and renters of housing built prior to 1978 receive certain information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent, and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.
More information
Lead
Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead
EPA Lead Enforcement
Report a Violation of Lead Paint Rules in New England
Environmental Justice grant opportunities:
Healthy Communities Grant Program
Community Change Grant Program
Northeast ports prepare for Baltimore-bound freight as shippers scramble
Some of the 18 container ships that were due to arrive at the now-closed Port of Baltimore over the next couple of weeks are now scheduled for new calls at New Jersey, Norfolk and Philadelphia.
Trucking squeezed, but not crushed, by Baltimore port closure
Freight diversions to more distant ports will raise trucking costs for US importers and shippers, but excess truckload capacity is expected to dilute the disruption.
Digital Media Kit for EPA funding announcement for Chesapeake Bay Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a ceremony alongside federal, state, and local leaders to announce historic funding selections under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to implement local projects to restore the Chesapeake Bay and advance environmental justice.
In August 2023, EPA announced it was seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the innovative nutrient and sediment reduction grant program, small water grant program, and community capacity building grant program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
Press Kit Attachments:
Press release (available after 10 a.m.)
Organizational Fact Sheet
Speakers Photos & Bios
NFWF Chesapeake Fund Stewardship Fund
NFWF Chesapeake Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants Program
NFWF Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program
Chesapeake Bay Trust Community Capacity Building Background
In August 2023, EPA announced it was seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the innovative nutrient and sediment reduction grant program, small water grant program, and community capacity building grant program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
Press Kit Attachments:
Press release (available after 10 a.m.)
Organizational Fact Sheet
Speakers Photos & Bios
NFWF Chesapeake Fund Stewardship Fund
NFWF Chesapeake Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants Program
NFWF Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program
Chesapeake Bay Trust Community Capacity Building Background
Biden-Harris Administration announces $206 million to selectees to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay through community partnerships
PHILADELPHIA (March 27, 2024) – Today, in Arlington, Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust have been awarded approximately $206 million in grants to fund local projects and technical assistance to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay over the next four years and advance environmental justice.
EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program announced the grant awards which include $96 million in funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Thanks to this historic boost in funding, today’s announcement marks the most significant single contribution to the Chesapeake Bay Program. This funding announcement is part of the President’s broader effort to protect ecosystems, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has been selected to receive $193 million to administer the Small Watershed Grant and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction programs. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. The funding for these grants is provided by an $83 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the remaining $110 million was provided by regular appropriations. Examples of projects these investments will fund include installing three green stormwater infrastructure practices to intercept stormwater runoff, building capacity for community-led urban tree canopy planting projects, and the collection of native seed stocks for nurseries.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust has been selected receive $13 million to administer a new Community Capacity Building grant program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985, the Chesapeake Bay Trust is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays and Youghiogheny River. Through its grant programs, the Trust engages hundreds of thousands of students and volunteers in projects that have a measurable impact on the natural resources of our region.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the lifeblood of this region, supporting all those across six states and the District of Columbia who call the Chesapeake Bay watershed home – and those who visit,” said EPA Assistant Deputy Administrator Mark Rupp. “The funding announced today is strategically focused to support conservation projects -- and the people who will implement them – over the next four years to restore both water quality and habitat.”
“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This historic investment by the Biden-Harris Administration enables EPA to continue to provide game-changing funding for our partners who are equally committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the communities, people and businesses who rely on the Bay.”
“I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I helped pass, $206 million in Chesapeake Bay Program funding is being awarded to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Trust,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest treasures and a key part of our economy. Not only will this funding bring jobs and infrastructure investments to Virginia, but these grants will support clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Bay through various multi-year projects to protect and restore our wetlands and waterways for generations to come. That’s a win-win.”
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is not just an environmental responsibility, it’s an economic imperative for our whole region because countless lives and livelihoods throughout the watershed depend on it,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). “This record investment, made possible through our passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is crucial to reducing the flow of pollution into the Bay, protecting native wildlife habitats, and addressing environmental injustices of the past.”
“Celebrating this historic funding is not just about the present, but about securing a legacy for the future,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “These projects will serve as guardians, ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains a treasure for generations to come. By investing in restoration and education initiatives, we are not only ensuring we meet our Bay pollution reduction goals, but also cultivating a sense of stewardship for the Bay that will resonate for years to come.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is a vital and diverse ecosystem that not only serves as a cultural hallmark, but also drives economic prosperity in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8). “As we continue to face the escalating environmental challenges in a warming planet, this historic investment – much of which was funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I strongly supported in Congress – will bolster critical efforts to preserve and restore the Bay. I thank the EPA and its partners for their collective commitment to safeguarding the resilience and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.”
“This federal investment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Virginia’s communities,” said U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-7). “The Bay is vital to Virginia’s economy and environment — and one of our Commonwealth’s natural treasures. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, the NFWF and Chesapeake Bay Trust are receiving a significant investment to help preserve the Bay, improve the health of the watershed, and continue one of our region’s great success stories. I look forward to seeing this investment in action.”
“Without strong communities and strong nonprofits realizing multiple benefits from and participating in natural resources efforts, we will not be able to realize our vision of a restored watershed,” said Jana Davis, Chesapeake Bay Trust President. “The Bay Trust will be investing these resources in a wide range of community-based organizations and local governments, many of them historically excluded, to build their capacity to restore watersheds and improve public health.”
In August 2023, EPA announced it is seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant Program, Small Watershed Grant Program, and Community Capacity Building Grant Program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
These awards reflect EPA’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program and demonstrate its focus on strengthening partnerships to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for these programs will empower communities to implement local programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality while advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program
The Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program funds projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.
The SWG Program has provided more than $130 million to 560 projects that have permanently protected 180,000 acres under conservation easement, restored more than 1,600 miles of riparian habitat and 14,000 acres of wetlands, and engaged more than 150,000 watershed residents in volunteer conservation and restoration efforts.
Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction program
The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate the implementation of water quality improvements, specifically through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships and networks of practitioners with a shared focus on water quality restoration and protection.
Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $150 million to 346 projects that have reduced 25 million pounds of nitrogen, four million pounds of phosphorus, and 500,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Community Capacity Building program
The new Community Capacity Building program aims to increase the effectiveness of community and frontline organizations working collaboratively to protect and restore rivers and local watersheds by addressing their organizational capacity needs.
Background:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership made up of federal agencies, six states, local governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations that lead and direct the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed.
Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about its support for the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available funding opportunities.
EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program announced the grant awards which include $96 million in funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Thanks to this historic boost in funding, today’s announcement marks the most significant single contribution to the Chesapeake Bay Program. This funding announcement is part of the President’s broader effort to protect ecosystems, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has been selected to receive $193 million to administer the Small Watershed Grant and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction programs. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. The funding for these grants is provided by an $83 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the remaining $110 million was provided by regular appropriations. Examples of projects these investments will fund include installing three green stormwater infrastructure practices to intercept stormwater runoff, building capacity for community-led urban tree canopy planting projects, and the collection of native seed stocks for nurseries.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust has been selected receive $13 million to administer a new Community Capacity Building grant program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985, the Chesapeake Bay Trust is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays and Youghiogheny River. Through its grant programs, the Trust engages hundreds of thousands of students and volunteers in projects that have a measurable impact on the natural resources of our region.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the lifeblood of this region, supporting all those across six states and the District of Columbia who call the Chesapeake Bay watershed home – and those who visit,” said EPA Assistant Deputy Administrator Mark Rupp. “The funding announced today is strategically focused to support conservation projects -- and the people who will implement them – over the next four years to restore both water quality and habitat.”
“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This historic investment by the Biden-Harris Administration enables EPA to continue to provide game-changing funding for our partners who are equally committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the communities, people and businesses who rely on the Bay.”
“I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I helped pass, $206 million in Chesapeake Bay Program funding is being awarded to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Trust,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “The Chesapeake Bay is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest treasures and a key part of our economy. Not only will this funding bring jobs and infrastructure investments to Virginia, but these grants will support clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Bay through various multi-year projects to protect and restore our wetlands and waterways for generations to come. That’s a win-win.”
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is not just an environmental responsibility, it’s an economic imperative for our whole region because countless lives and livelihoods throughout the watershed depend on it,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). “This record investment, made possible through our passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is crucial to reducing the flow of pollution into the Bay, protecting native wildlife habitats, and addressing environmental injustices of the past.”
“Celebrating this historic funding is not just about the present, but about securing a legacy for the future,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “These projects will serve as guardians, ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains a treasure for generations to come. By investing in restoration and education initiatives, we are not only ensuring we meet our Bay pollution reduction goals, but also cultivating a sense of stewardship for the Bay that will resonate for years to come.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is a vital and diverse ecosystem that not only serves as a cultural hallmark, but also drives economic prosperity in our region,” said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8). “As we continue to face the escalating environmental challenges in a warming planet, this historic investment – much of which was funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I strongly supported in Congress – will bolster critical efforts to preserve and restore the Bay. I thank the EPA and its partners for their collective commitment to safeguarding the resilience and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.”
“This federal investment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Virginia’s communities,” said U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-7). “The Bay is vital to Virginia’s economy and environment — and one of our Commonwealth’s natural treasures. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, the NFWF and Chesapeake Bay Trust are receiving a significant investment to help preserve the Bay, improve the health of the watershed, and continue one of our region’s great success stories. I look forward to seeing this investment in action.”
“Without strong communities and strong nonprofits realizing multiple benefits from and participating in natural resources efforts, we will not be able to realize our vision of a restored watershed,” said Jana Davis, Chesapeake Bay Trust President. “The Bay Trust will be investing these resources in a wide range of community-based organizations and local governments, many of them historically excluded, to build their capacity to restore watersheds and improve public health.”
In August 2023, EPA announced it is seeking applications from eligible community-based organizations for funding opportunities through the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office to administer the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant Program, Small Watershed Grant Program, and Community Capacity Building Grant Program. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these requests for applications marked the largest single investment in local assistance in the history of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
These awards reflect EPA’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program and demonstrate its focus on strengthening partnerships to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for these programs will empower communities to implement local programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality while advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program
The Small Watershed Grant (SWG) program funds projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.
The SWG Program has provided more than $130 million to 560 projects that have permanently protected 180,000 acres under conservation easement, restored more than 1,600 miles of riparian habitat and 14,000 acres of wetlands, and engaged more than 150,000 watershed residents in volunteer conservation and restoration efforts.
Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction program
The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate the implementation of water quality improvements, specifically through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships and networks of practitioners with a shared focus on water quality restoration and protection.
Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $150 million to 346 projects that have reduced 25 million pounds of nitrogen, four million pounds of phosphorus, and 500,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Community Capacity Building program
The new Community Capacity Building program aims to increase the effectiveness of community and frontline organizations working collaboratively to protect and restore rivers and local watersheds by addressing their organizational capacity needs.
Background:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership made up of federal agencies, six states, local governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations that lead and direct the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed.
Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about its support for the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available funding opportunities.