Biden-Harris Administration finalizes ban on ongoing uses of asbestos to protect people from cancer
WASHINGTON – Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States. The ban on ongoing uses of asbestos is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which received near-unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The action marks a major milestone for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and serious delays during the previous administration to implement the 2016 amendments.
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Ending the ongoing uses advances the goals of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government initiative to end cancer as we know it.
“The science is clear – asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health. President Biden understands that this concern that has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That’s why EPA is so proud to finalize this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Under the President’s leadership, EPA has been working expeditiously to put the nation’s chemical safety program back on track and finally realize the protections of the 2016 law. This action is just the beginning as we work to protect all American families, workers, and communities from toxic chemicals.”
“Asbestos has harmed people across the country for decades, and under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to ban its use and advance this administration’s historic environmental justice agenda,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This action marks a major step to improve chemical safety after decades of inadequate protections, helping advance President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot goal to end cancer as we know it.”
Chrysotile asbestos is found in products including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets. The use of asbestos in the United States has been declining for decades, and its use is already banned in over 50 countries.
Although there are several known types of asbestos, the only form known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the United States is chrysotile. Raw chrysotile asbestos was imported into the United States as recently as 2022 for use by the chlor-alkali industry. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.
“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health,” said Senator Jeff Merkley.
“It is long past time for the U.S. to ban asbestos, and unacceptable this known carcinogen continues to threaten Americans and devastate families,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’ve been spent years advocating for asbestos to be banned and am grateful for the steps the EPA is taking today to finalize its rule to prohibit the import and use of chrysotile asbestos. Banning asbestos will save lives.”
“The Biden Cancer Moonshot is a key pillar of the President’s Unity Agenda. Cancer impacts nearly every American family, and it will take all of us to reach the President and First Lady’s ambitious but achievable goals to prevent more than four million cancer deaths by 2047 and improve the experience of people who are touched by cancer. Banning the use of asbestos will help prevent cancer before it begins—saving and improving American lives across the country,” said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot Dr. Danielle Carnival.
“It’s been more than 50 years since EPA first sought to ban some uses of asbestos and we’re closer than ever to finishing the job,” said Environmental Working Group senior vice president Scott Faber. “For too long, polluters have been allowed to make, use, and release toxics like asbestos and PFAS without regard for our health. Thanks to the leadership of the Biden EPA, those days are finally over.”
This public health protection is long overdue. A 1991 court decision that largely struck down EPA’s 1989 ban on asbestos and significantly weakened EPA’s authority under TSCA to address risks to human health from asbestos or from any other existing chemical. The 2016 amendments to TSCA transformed the law with clear requirements and a mandate to comprehensively prioritize and evaluate the risks of chemicals and put in place strong and timely health protections against any unreasonable risks.
EPA has set compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period, which the law requires.
Chlor-alkali Sector
The chlor-alkali sector uses asbestos diaphragms to make sodium hydroxide and chlorine, a critical use of which is to disinfect drinking water and wastewater. There are other ways to disinfect water and other ways to produce chlorine; in fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the U.S. is produced without using asbestos. While there are only eight chlor-alkali plants in the United States that still use asbestos diaphragms, EPA must still ensure that the eight facilities have a reasonable transition time for the phase out of asbestos that does not inadvertently adversely impact drinking or wastewater purification efforts.
EPA is banning the import of asbestos for chlor-alkali use immediately to close the door forever on the use of asbestos by this sector. The eight remaining facilities that use asbestos must transition to either non-asbestos diaphragms or to non-asbestos membrane technology, and the final rule ensures that six of the eight will have completed this transition within five years, with the remaining two to follow.
EPA has determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to those that do not within five years provides both a reasonable transition time and is as soon as practicable without disrupting the supply of chlorine that is needed for water purification purposes. EPA also believes that five of the eight facilities likely plan to undergo such conversions.
EPA has also determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to non-asbestos membrane technology requires extensive construction, additional permits, specialized expertise and parts for which there are limited suppliers. EPA has therefore determined that a reasonable transition time for companies that plan to transition multiple facilities to non-asbestos membrane technology is five years to convert their first facility, eight years to convert their second and 12 years to convert their third, and the facilities will be required to certify their continued progress with EPA.
Remaining Uses
The final rule also:
Bans most sheet gaskets that contain asbestos two years after the effective date of the final rule, with five-year phase-outs for sheet gaskets to be used to produce titanium dioxide and for the processing of nuclear material.
Allows asbestos-containing sheet gaskets to continue to be used through CY 2037 at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site to ensure that the safe disposal of nuclear materials can continue on schedule while continuing to protect workers from exposure to radioactive materials.
Bans the use of asbestos in oilfield brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets six months after the effective date of the final rule.
EPA is requiring strict workplace safety measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure during any phaseout periods longer than two years. EPA is also ensuring that asbestos is disposed of properly, in line with industry standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, and the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The agency is also requiring recordkeeping.
Separately, EPA is also evaluating other types of asbestos fibers (in addition to legacy uses and associated disposal of chrysotile, and asbestos-containing talc) in part 2 of the asbestos risk evaluation. EPA will release part 2 of the draft risk evaluation soon and will publish the final risk evaluation by Dec. 1, 2024.
Learn more about risk management for asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Ending the ongoing uses advances the goals of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government initiative to end cancer as we know it.
“The science is clear – asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health. President Biden understands that this concern that has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That’s why EPA is so proud to finalize this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Under the President’s leadership, EPA has been working expeditiously to put the nation’s chemical safety program back on track and finally realize the protections of the 2016 law. This action is just the beginning as we work to protect all American families, workers, and communities from toxic chemicals.”
“Asbestos has harmed people across the country for decades, and under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to ban its use and advance this administration’s historic environmental justice agenda,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This action marks a major step to improve chemical safety after decades of inadequate protections, helping advance President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot goal to end cancer as we know it.”
Chrysotile asbestos is found in products including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets. The use of asbestos in the United States has been declining for decades, and its use is already banned in over 50 countries.
Although there are several known types of asbestos, the only form known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the United States is chrysotile. Raw chrysotile asbestos was imported into the United States as recently as 2022 for use by the chlor-alkali industry. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.
“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health,” said Senator Jeff Merkley.
“It is long past time for the U.S. to ban asbestos, and unacceptable this known carcinogen continues to threaten Americans and devastate families,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’ve been spent years advocating for asbestos to be banned and am grateful for the steps the EPA is taking today to finalize its rule to prohibit the import and use of chrysotile asbestos. Banning asbestos will save lives.”
“The Biden Cancer Moonshot is a key pillar of the President’s Unity Agenda. Cancer impacts nearly every American family, and it will take all of us to reach the President and First Lady’s ambitious but achievable goals to prevent more than four million cancer deaths by 2047 and improve the experience of people who are touched by cancer. Banning the use of asbestos will help prevent cancer before it begins—saving and improving American lives across the country,” said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot Dr. Danielle Carnival.
“It’s been more than 50 years since EPA first sought to ban some uses of asbestos and we’re closer than ever to finishing the job,” said Environmental Working Group senior vice president Scott Faber. “For too long, polluters have been allowed to make, use, and release toxics like asbestos and PFAS without regard for our health. Thanks to the leadership of the Biden EPA, those days are finally over.”
This public health protection is long overdue. A 1991 court decision that largely struck down EPA’s 1989 ban on asbestos and significantly weakened EPA’s authority under TSCA to address risks to human health from asbestos or from any other existing chemical. The 2016 amendments to TSCA transformed the law with clear requirements and a mandate to comprehensively prioritize and evaluate the risks of chemicals and put in place strong and timely health protections against any unreasonable risks.
EPA has set compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period, which the law requires.
Chlor-alkali Sector
The chlor-alkali sector uses asbestos diaphragms to make sodium hydroxide and chlorine, a critical use of which is to disinfect drinking water and wastewater. There are other ways to disinfect water and other ways to produce chlorine; in fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the U.S. is produced without using asbestos. While there are only eight chlor-alkali plants in the United States that still use asbestos diaphragms, EPA must still ensure that the eight facilities have a reasonable transition time for the phase out of asbestos that does not inadvertently adversely impact drinking or wastewater purification efforts.
EPA is banning the import of asbestos for chlor-alkali use immediately to close the door forever on the use of asbestos by this sector. The eight remaining facilities that use asbestos must transition to either non-asbestos diaphragms or to non-asbestos membrane technology, and the final rule ensures that six of the eight will have completed this transition within five years, with the remaining two to follow.
EPA has determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to those that do not within five years provides both a reasonable transition time and is as soon as practicable without disrupting the supply of chlorine that is needed for water purification purposes. EPA also believes that five of the eight facilities likely plan to undergo such conversions.
EPA has also determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to non-asbestos membrane technology requires extensive construction, additional permits, specialized expertise and parts for which there are limited suppliers. EPA has therefore determined that a reasonable transition time for companies that plan to transition multiple facilities to non-asbestos membrane technology is five years to convert their first facility, eight years to convert their second and 12 years to convert their third, and the facilities will be required to certify their continued progress with EPA.
Remaining Uses
The final rule also:
Bans most sheet gaskets that contain asbestos two years after the effective date of the final rule, with five-year phase-outs for sheet gaskets to be used to produce titanium dioxide and for the processing of nuclear material.
Allows asbestos-containing sheet gaskets to continue to be used through CY 2037 at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site to ensure that the safe disposal of nuclear materials can continue on schedule while continuing to protect workers from exposure to radioactive materials.
Bans the use of asbestos in oilfield brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets six months after the effective date of the final rule.
EPA is requiring strict workplace safety measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure during any phaseout periods longer than two years. EPA is also ensuring that asbestos is disposed of properly, in line with industry standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, and the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The agency is also requiring recordkeeping.
Separately, EPA is also evaluating other types of asbestos fibers (in addition to legacy uses and associated disposal of chrysotile, and asbestos-containing talc) in part 2 of the asbestos risk evaluation. EPA will release part 2 of the draft risk evaluation soon and will publish the final risk evaluation by Dec. 1, 2024.
Learn more about risk management for asbestos.
Public meeting scheduled to update community on a final design plan and a monitoring and maintenance plan for Upland Disposal Facility
LEE, MASS. (Mar. 18, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host an informational public meeting at Lee Middle and High School auditorium, April 3, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. for General Electric to present and explain the plans and answer questions.
The community is invited to attend in person:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024
300 Greylock Street
Lee, MA 01238
Those unable to attend can watch the meeting live on:
Community Television for the Southern Berkshires – CTSB:https://ctsbtv.org/government-channel-1303/
Background
For more information about the plans, as well as general site information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ge-housatonic.
The community is invited to attend in person:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024
300 Greylock Street
Lee, MA 01238
Those unable to attend can watch the meeting live on:
Community Television for the Southern Berkshires – CTSB:https://ctsbtv.org/government-channel-1303/
Background
For more information about the plans, as well as general site information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ge-housatonic.
16th annual Fix a Leak Week reminds businesses to reduce water waste
WASHINGTON — Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program is celebrating the 16th annual Fix a Leak Week. Minor leaks account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. During the third week of March each year, WaterSense and its utility, government, retail, builder, and manufacturer partners remind consumers and businesses to look for leaks and make simple repairs to save water.
“Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.”
Participating in Fix a Leak Week is simple. Take 10 minutes each day during Fix a Leak Week to look for leaks and save water using the following tips:
Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is probably a leak.
Place a drop of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet. If color shows up in the bowl in 5-10 minutes, there’s a leak; flush afterward to avoid staining the tank.
If the rubber flapper in your toilet tank is more than five years old, replace it with a new one, as worn flappers can cause toilets to run or have silent leaks.
Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary. Leaky showerhead connections can be tightened using pipe tape and a wrench.
Outside, check hose spigots for drips and look for broken or missing sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.
For plumbing and irrigation fixtures that cannot be repaired, EPA recommends replacing them with products that have earned the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, visit EPA's Fix a Leak Week website.
Background
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, helps preserve the nation’s water supply by offering the public advice on simple ways to use less water. The WaterSense label makes it easy to choose products, homes, and services that deliver affordable water savings and performance. More than 42,000 models of toilets, showerheads, faucets/faucet accessories, urinals, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies have earned the WaterSense label. Learn more about WaterSense and follow them on X and Facebook.
“Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.”
Participating in Fix a Leak Week is simple. Take 10 minutes each day during Fix a Leak Week to look for leaks and save water using the following tips:
Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is probably a leak.
Place a drop of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet. If color shows up in the bowl in 5-10 minutes, there’s a leak; flush afterward to avoid staining the tank.
If the rubber flapper in your toilet tank is more than five years old, replace it with a new one, as worn flappers can cause toilets to run or have silent leaks.
Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary. Leaky showerhead connections can be tightened using pipe tape and a wrench.
Outside, check hose spigots for drips and look for broken or missing sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.
For plumbing and irrigation fixtures that cannot be repaired, EPA recommends replacing them with products that have earned the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, visit EPA's Fix a Leak Week website.
Background
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, helps preserve the nation’s water supply by offering the public advice on simple ways to use less water. The WaterSense label makes it easy to choose products, homes, and services that deliver affordable water savings and performance. More than 42,000 models of toilets, showerheads, faucets/faucet accessories, urinals, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies have earned the WaterSense label. Learn more about WaterSense and follow them on X and Facebook.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $24 million in pollution prevention grants under President’s Investing in America agenda
WASHINGTON – Today, March 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices. The funding is available through two Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA’s Pollution Prevention program, with approximately $14 million in grants available at no cost share/match requirement, thanks to funding made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Pollution prevention practices are an important and cost-effective strategy to protect communities and the environment by helping businesses prevent pollution before it’s even created,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “Thanks to the historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping to spur economic growth by expanding and accelerating the practices that are win-wins for human health, the environment and American businesses.”
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling it. Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American businesses while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in communities and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
Two grant opportunities are being announced today:
$14 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $14 million NOFO is the third of five annual installments of P2 grant funding provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This opportunity does not include the fifty percent grantee funds matching requirement required by traditional P2 grants, increasing access to the funding for all communities. Grants supported with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be fully funded at the time grants are awarded (rather than receiving funding in installments). The maximum amount of each grant is $350,000.
$9.94 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $9.94 million NOFO is part of the traditional P2 grants program that has been administered by the Agency for over 25 years. The funding is over a two-year funding cycle with individual grant awards up to $700,000 for the two-year funding period or $350,000 funded per year and includes a cost share/match requirement of fifty percent.
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program is advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. For both grant funding opportunities, EPA is encouraging applicants to address environmental justice in their project(s) to help transform disadvantaged communities, as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, into healthy, thriving communities capable of addressing the environmental and public health challenges they have historically faced, as well as current and future challenges.
EPA’s P2 Hub Resources Center webpage includes links to resources for grantees including webinars, writing guidance, networking tools, and helpful templates. Additionally, EPA’s P2 Grant Partner Connection List can be used by potential applicants and partners to identify each other and create partnerships.
Grant applications will need to address at least one of six National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) which were established to generate the most beneficial economic, environmental and health impacts when applying P2 practices, and to facilitate sharing of information among grantees working on similar issues:
Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
Chemical Manufacturing, Processing and Formulation
Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Maintenance
Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication
Supporting Pollution Prevention in Indian Country and for Alaska Native Villages
Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider partnering with others in the P2 stakeholder community to strengthen their ability to provide P2 technical assistance to businesses and facilitate the development, adoption and dissemination of P2 solutions.
Applications are due by May 17, 2024. Additional information is available on grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcements EPA-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-001 and EPA-I-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-002. Please consult the solicitation for further details.
EPA will host three informational webinars for potential applicants and interested stakeholders. The webinars will review information about the P2 Grant Program and the application process to help potential applicants submit a high-quality application to EPA for consideration. Time will be provided during the webinars for questions from participants.
March 26, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.
March 27, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET for Tribal entities Register here.
April 11, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.
Background
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Program has issued nearly 500 grants between 2011-2021, totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop and adopt P2 approaches. The results include 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases eliminated, 52 billion gallons of water saved, 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials reduced, and $2.3 billion in savings for business.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023. These grants are supporting businesses to tackle pollution at the community level. For example, a P2 grant to Kansas State University funded projects to prevent pollution including in disadvantaged communities, by identifying simple, cost-effective ways Kansas companies - in industries ranging from aerospace to flour milling - could save more than $400,0000.
Similarly, EPA’s traditional P2 grants have helped strengthen economic growth while cutting pollution. For example, under an EPA P2 grant, the Washington State Department of Ecology helped a metal finisher cut more than 50,000 pounds of hazardous materials from its production even while its production volume tripled. A grant to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency helped an employee-owned manufacturing company reuse coolant, saving up to $30,000 annually and reducing coolant waste by 11,000 gallons.
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.
“Pollution prevention practices are an important and cost-effective strategy to protect communities and the environment by helping businesses prevent pollution before it’s even created,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “Thanks to the historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping to spur economic growth by expanding and accelerating the practices that are win-wins for human health, the environment and American businesses.”
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling it. Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American businesses while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in communities and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
Two grant opportunities are being announced today:
$14 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $14 million NOFO is the third of five annual installments of P2 grant funding provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This opportunity does not include the fifty percent grantee funds matching requirement required by traditional P2 grants, increasing access to the funding for all communities. Grants supported with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be fully funded at the time grants are awarded (rather than receiving funding in installments). The maximum amount of each grant is $350,000.
$9.94 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $9.94 million NOFO is part of the traditional P2 grants program that has been administered by the Agency for over 25 years. The funding is over a two-year funding cycle with individual grant awards up to $700,000 for the two-year funding period or $350,000 funded per year and includes a cost share/match requirement of fifty percent.
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program is advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. For both grant funding opportunities, EPA is encouraging applicants to address environmental justice in their project(s) to help transform disadvantaged communities, as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, into healthy, thriving communities capable of addressing the environmental and public health challenges they have historically faced, as well as current and future challenges.
EPA’s P2 Hub Resources Center webpage includes links to resources for grantees including webinars, writing guidance, networking tools, and helpful templates. Additionally, EPA’s P2 Grant Partner Connection List can be used by potential applicants and partners to identify each other and create partnerships.
Grant applications will need to address at least one of six National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) which were established to generate the most beneficial economic, environmental and health impacts when applying P2 practices, and to facilitate sharing of information among grantees working on similar issues:
Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
Chemical Manufacturing, Processing and Formulation
Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Maintenance
Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication
Supporting Pollution Prevention in Indian Country and for Alaska Native Villages
Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider partnering with others in the P2 stakeholder community to strengthen their ability to provide P2 technical assistance to businesses and facilitate the development, adoption and dissemination of P2 solutions.
Applications are due by May 17, 2024. Additional information is available on grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcements EPA-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-001 and EPA-I-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-002. Please consult the solicitation for further details.
EPA will host three informational webinars for potential applicants and interested stakeholders. The webinars will review information about the P2 Grant Program and the application process to help potential applicants submit a high-quality application to EPA for consideration. Time will be provided during the webinars for questions from participants.
March 26, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.
March 27, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET for Tribal entities Register here.
April 11, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.
Background
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Program has issued nearly 500 grants between 2011-2021, totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop and adopt P2 approaches. The results include 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases eliminated, 52 billion gallons of water saved, 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials reduced, and $2.3 billion in savings for business.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023. These grants are supporting businesses to tackle pollution at the community level. For example, a P2 grant to Kansas State University funded projects to prevent pollution including in disadvantaged communities, by identifying simple, cost-effective ways Kansas companies - in industries ranging from aerospace to flour milling - could save more than $400,0000.
Similarly, EPA’s traditional P2 grants have helped strengthen economic growth while cutting pollution. For example, under an EPA P2 grant, the Washington State Department of Ecology helped a metal finisher cut more than 50,000 pounds of hazardous materials from its production even while its production volume tripled. A grant to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency helped an employee-owned manufacturing company reuse coolant, saving up to $30,000 annually and reducing coolant waste by 11,000 gallons.
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.
Ft. Lewis College students receive $75K EPA award for water sampling project to better detect bacteria in surface waters
DURANGO, Colo. - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $75,000 to a team of Ft. Lewis College students for a water bacteria detection research project.
As part of EPA’s People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Program, the award will provide funding for the students to develop and validate a scientific system to rapidly detect specific waterborne bacteria from environmental water samples, known as an open-source Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction. The students will test water samples from the Animas River and communicate the importance of water resource protection to communities in the Four Corners area.
“Access to clean water is critical for protecting human health and the environment,” said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. “Congratulations to these Fort Lewis College students, whose ground-breaking project develops innovative solutions to some of the most difficult water-quality challenges facing our region.”
This award is part of nearly $1.2 million in funding granted to 16 college student teams across the nation. The two-year project funding promotes hands-on experience, enabling students to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while helping solve real-world environmental challenges. Students will propose innovative and sustainable ideas and concepts and carry them through the research, design and demonstration stages. During the second year of the award, student teams will showcase their designs at EPA’s National Student Design Expo.
Teams from the following institutions are also receiving funding via EPA’s 20th Annual P3 awards:
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, for Biochar-Enabled Platform for Enhanced Destruction and Defluorination of Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, for Developing Reusable and Antiviral Face Masks from Plastic Waste
Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, for Navigating the Food-Energy-Water Nexus through the Conversion of Food Waste to Biocrude
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Zirconium-modified Mica Coupled with Nanobubbles for Enhanced Phosphorus Removal, Recovery, and Reuse
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, for Production of Lithium Carbonate from Geothermal Brine by Selective Extraction of Lithium Using a Novel Ion Sieve Method
Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, for Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Glycerol: a Living Laboratory for STEM Students
The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, for Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, for Solar-driven Photodegradation of Microcystin Using a Novel Gold-decorated Nickel Metalorganic Framework (Au/Ni-MOF)
University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, for 100% Compostable Packaging Film
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, for Enhancement of PFAS-Contaminated Organic Wastes Treatment in Anaerobic Digestion by Carbon Materials
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, for Understanding and Predicting Disparities in Organic Contaminant Levels in Blood among the U.S. Population
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, for Cellulose-Metal Organic Frameworks Hybrid Adsorbent for PFAS Removal from Water
Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, for Developing Geopolymer Cement using Sewage Sludge Ash as Precursors
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, for 3D-Printed Floating Photocatalyst Structures that Mimic Natural Objects to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms
More information about this year’s recipients, EPA’s P3 Program and the EPA National Student Design Expo Experience is available online.
As part of EPA’s People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Program, the award will provide funding for the students to develop and validate a scientific system to rapidly detect specific waterborne bacteria from environmental water samples, known as an open-source Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction. The students will test water samples from the Animas River and communicate the importance of water resource protection to communities in the Four Corners area.
“Access to clean water is critical for protecting human health and the environment,” said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. “Congratulations to these Fort Lewis College students, whose ground-breaking project develops innovative solutions to some of the most difficult water-quality challenges facing our region.”
This award is part of nearly $1.2 million in funding granted to 16 college student teams across the nation. The two-year project funding promotes hands-on experience, enabling students to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while helping solve real-world environmental challenges. Students will propose innovative and sustainable ideas and concepts and carry them through the research, design and demonstration stages. During the second year of the award, student teams will showcase their designs at EPA’s National Student Design Expo.
Teams from the following institutions are also receiving funding via EPA’s 20th Annual P3 awards:
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, for Biochar-Enabled Platform for Enhanced Destruction and Defluorination of Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, for Developing Reusable and Antiviral Face Masks from Plastic Waste
Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, for Navigating the Food-Energy-Water Nexus through the Conversion of Food Waste to Biocrude
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Zirconium-modified Mica Coupled with Nanobubbles for Enhanced Phosphorus Removal, Recovery, and Reuse
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, for Production of Lithium Carbonate from Geothermal Brine by Selective Extraction of Lithium Using a Novel Ion Sieve Method
Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, for Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Glycerol: a Living Laboratory for STEM Students
The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, for Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, for Solar-driven Photodegradation of Microcystin Using a Novel Gold-decorated Nickel Metalorganic Framework (Au/Ni-MOF)
University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, for 100% Compostable Packaging Film
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, for Enhancement of PFAS-Contaminated Organic Wastes Treatment in Anaerobic Digestion by Carbon Materials
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, for Understanding and Predicting Disparities in Organic Contaminant Levels in Blood among the U.S. Population
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, for Cellulose-Metal Organic Frameworks Hybrid Adsorbent for PFAS Removal from Water
Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, for Developing Geopolymer Cement using Sewage Sludge Ash as Precursors
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, for 3D-Printed Floating Photocatalyst Structures that Mimic Natural Objects to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms
More information about this year’s recipients, EPA’s P3 Program and the EPA National Student Design Expo Experience is available online.
Chinese niche carrier to launch Shanghai-Los Angeles expedited service next week
The entry of Hede International in the eastbound trans-Pacific comes as US imports from Asia have been rising on a year-over-year basis since October.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $145M from Investing in America agenda to help landowners access climate markets
PINE BLUFF, Ark., March 15, 2024 — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the USDA Forest Service is investing nearly $145 million from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—to connect forest landowners with emerging climate markets as part of the Investing in America agenda.
EPA Settles Chemical Accident Prevention Case in New Bedford
New Bedford, Mass. (Mar.15, 2024) – Today, EPA announced a proposed consent agreement and final order (CAFO) that will settle EPA's administrative enforcement case against Northern Wind, LLC (Northern Wind) for alleged violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention requirements.
Under the proposed CAFO, Northern Wind will pay a settlement penalty of $72,000.
"The thousands of people who live and work near this facility have the right to feel safe from the serious health issues and other consequences of chemical accidents," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This action reduces the risks of chemical accidents in neighborhoods that already have shouldered a greater share of environmental concerns."
Background:
Northern Wind is a private company that primarily engages in the storage and wholesale distribution of fresh and frozen seafood products. The company operates a cold storage warehouse and distribution center at 75 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, Mass (Facility) that uses anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant to maintain appropriate temperatures for the storage of seafood products.
On August 4, 2020, an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia occurred at the Facility. The building was evacuated (12 employees), and no injuries were reported. The ammonia leaked from a faulty isolation valve on the drain of the pilot receiver.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act: EPA alleges that Northern Wind violated EPCRA Section 312 by failing to timely submit the required Tier 2 form for anhydrous ammonia to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission, and the local fire department for calendar year 2019. That year, Northern Wind's Facility stored at least 1,050 pounds of anhydrous ammonia (the Tier 2 reporting threshold for ammonia is 500 pounds). The Facility's Tier 2 report for anhydrous ammonia was due by March 1 of 2020. Northern Wind filed the missing report on August 10, 2020.
Clean Air Act 112(r)(1): EPA alleges that Northern Wind violated the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act by failing to properly identify hazards that may result from accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia using appropriate, industry recognized hazard assessment techniques. After being notified of the violation, Northern Wind completed a process hazard review in September 2020.
A copy of the CAFO is available upon request.
Additional Resources:
Facility reporting requirements under Section 312 of Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
EPA information on the General Duty Clause requirements of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act
Accident Prevention and Response Manual for Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration System Operators
Under the proposed CAFO, Northern Wind will pay a settlement penalty of $72,000.
"The thousands of people who live and work near this facility have the right to feel safe from the serious health issues and other consequences of chemical accidents," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This action reduces the risks of chemical accidents in neighborhoods that already have shouldered a greater share of environmental concerns."
Background:
Northern Wind is a private company that primarily engages in the storage and wholesale distribution of fresh and frozen seafood products. The company operates a cold storage warehouse and distribution center at 75 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, Mass (Facility) that uses anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant to maintain appropriate temperatures for the storage of seafood products.
On August 4, 2020, an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia occurred at the Facility. The building was evacuated (12 employees), and no injuries were reported. The ammonia leaked from a faulty isolation valve on the drain of the pilot receiver.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act: EPA alleges that Northern Wind violated EPCRA Section 312 by failing to timely submit the required Tier 2 form for anhydrous ammonia to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission, and the local fire department for calendar year 2019. That year, Northern Wind's Facility stored at least 1,050 pounds of anhydrous ammonia (the Tier 2 reporting threshold for ammonia is 500 pounds). The Facility's Tier 2 report for anhydrous ammonia was due by March 1 of 2020. Northern Wind filed the missing report on August 10, 2020.
Clean Air Act 112(r)(1): EPA alleges that Northern Wind violated the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act by failing to properly identify hazards that may result from accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia using appropriate, industry recognized hazard assessment techniques. After being notified of the violation, Northern Wind completed a process hazard review in September 2020.
A copy of the CAFO is available upon request.
Additional Resources:
Facility reporting requirements under Section 312 of Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
EPA information on the General Duty Clause requirements of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act
Accident Prevention and Response Manual for Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration System Operators