Statement from EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on EPA’s approach to the power sector
WASHINGTON – EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement today on EPA’s approach to the power sector:
“As EPA works towards final standards to cut climate pollution from existing coal and new gas-fired power plants later this spring, the Agency is taking a new, comprehensive approach to cover the entire fleet of natural gas-fired turbines, as well as cover more pollutants including climate, toxic and criteria air pollution,” said Administrator Regan.
“This stronger, more durable approach will achieve greater emissions reductions than the current proposal. EPA proposals on criteria pollutants and air toxics also will help address local air quality impacts to better protect vulnerable frontline communities. This comprehensive approach to reducing climate and air pollution will also consider flexibilities to support grid operators and will recognize that ongoing technological innovation offers a wide range of decarbonization options. EPA will immediately begin a robust stakeholder engagement process, working with workers, communities with environmental justice concerns, and all interested parties to help create a more durable, flexible, and affordable proposal that protects public health and the environment.”
Additional Background
The final rules that EPA will send to OMB soon will protect public health, reduce harmful pollutants, and deliver billions of dollars in climate and public health benefits. These final rules will cover existing coal-fired power plants that continue to be among the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, while ensuring that new natural gas turbines are clean. EPA received more than 1.3 million comments and had extensive and productive discussions with many groups of stakeholders to develop effective and workable climate standards that follow the law and are based on available and cost-effective technologies.
What They Are Saying
Washington Governor Jay Inslee:
“This is excellent news from Administrator Regan, and I commend him for his continued leadership. We cannot mitigate emissions and pollution from power plants by ignoring our country’s largest source of electricity generation: existing gas plants. Washington state is eager to support EPA in undertaking this rulemaking as quickly as possible.”
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth:
“I applaud the Biden Administration for once again prioritizing the inclusion of environmental justice communities into the rule making process. These ambitious GHG reductions will help benefit the communities that have been most impacted by toxic emissions, and Administrator Regan understands they must be at the table to inform these decisions as we shift to a greener tomorrow for all.”
Representative Kathy Castor:
“I commend the EPA for moving forward with historic power plant emissions rules that will reduce air pollution and save lives. Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to protect Americans from air pollution sources that endanger the public, and to listen to workers, frontline communities, and other stakeholders as it develops rules. EPA is making substantial progress after starting from scratch—following former President Trump’s roll back of air quality rules at the behest of polluters and the fossil fuel industry. Cleaner, cheaper energy is America’s future. And I look forward to working with EPA on new rules for existing gas-fired power plants so that Americans can breathe easier and avoid the worst consequences and growing costs of the climate crisis.”
Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice:
“Moving forward with standards for existing coal plants and new gas plants will address two burning priorities. Tackling dirty coal plants is one of the single most important moves the president and EPA can make to rein in climate pollution. As utilities propose new fossil gas plants, we absolutely have to get ahead of a big new pollution problem.”
Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice:
“We are pleased to see that the voices and considerations of environmental justice communities are being factored into this monumentally impactful area of environmental rulemaking. The EPA has a responsibility to our communities and to our future - the power sector is one of the top sources of carbon emissions and pollution - we have a limited amount of time to not only create an energy transition but also to do it the right way with clean and renewable sources and communities in mind. With this pause to take a deeper dive into developing the most comprehensive and thoughtful rulemaking for existing gas plants, we have an opportunity to do this work correctly and effectively to protect the human and environmental health of the most overburdened, neglected, and vulnerable people across the country - which in turn benefits everyone. We are wholly appreciative of the EPA’s leadership in demonstrating the need for further review, and at the same time request a clear and transparent process as we look forward to collaborating for its improved realization. Only when this rule is finalized can we truly know we are on a path to resilience and justice. Our movement being recognized and included in the EPA’s process will indeed create a world in which we don’t have to dare to breathe, but instead live and breathe more easily today and tomorrow.”
Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice:
“We are grateful to have EPA’s leadership to reduce power plant pollution in a way that is protective of nearby communities. Power plants are disproportionately located near Black and other communities of color, and release massive amounts of pollution that cause asthma and contribute to climate change. Allowing these existing plants to employ carbon capture and storage or hydrogen co-firing would increase health risks and set back progress on renewable energy. We look forward to participating in regulations for existing power plants that advance environmental and climate justice.”
Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University:
"We applaud EPA for taking an important step toward mitigating pollution from the fossil fuel power generation sector, and we implore the agency to go further down this path. Curtailing pollution is of the utmost urgency as communities of color and low-wealth struggle under the weight of historical and continued pollution and injustice. We call on the EPA to continue enacting anti-racist policies that result in real justice for real people. We don’t need any false solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture that will add to the pollution burden that already exists in our communities. Instead, we need only those solutions that improve environmental conditions for the most vulnerable people."
Dr. Ana Baptista, Co-Director of the Tishman Environment & Design Center at The New School and Associate Professor at The New School University:
"US EPA’s decision to address existing natural gas plants in a supplemental rulemaking process is a critical opportunity to take up the substantive environmental justice concerns voiced by communities in the comment period. A large majority of natural gas plants contribute to the existing, disproportionate burdens already faced by environmental justice communities. This decision allows for a more comprehensive approach to tackling both climate change and the cumulative impacts that these plants pose to overburdened communities."
Dr. Nicky Sheats, Ph.D, MPP, Esq., Director, Center for the Urban Environment at the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University:
“In addition to fighting climate change, climate change mitigation policy should be used to improve the health of communities by improving local air quality. Re-considering the portion of the power plants rule that applies to existing natural gas plants will provide EPA with more opportunity to ensure that overburdened environmental justice communities are not sacrificed as the nation fights climate change. We need to make sure the rule does, in fact, improve local air quality in these communities and does not make it worse.”
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President and CEO, Hip Hop Caucus:
"The rule as proposed did not address the concerns of environmental justice communities. Therefore, it is encouraging to see the EPA and Biden Administration pause to reflect on environmental justice needs rather than push out regulations that do not address the climate crisis, as it is a racial justice matter. We look forward to continuing to engage on this existing gas plant rule and others to ensure community concerns are uplifted and harmful impacts are addressed.”
Maria Lopez-Nuñez, Deputy Director, Organizing and Advocacy, Ironbound Community Corporation:
"Environmental Justice communities can breathe a little bit easier with this delay in the release of the ‘New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units (EGU); Emissions Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units.’ We are hopeful that this delay will allow a reconsideration that fully embraces Environmental Justice in order to ensure healthy outcomes for our communities."
Melissa Miles, Executive Director, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance:
“Delaying the existing natural gas plants part of the power plants rule will give EPA a better opportunity to make sure the rule helps environmental justice communities in their fight to improve local air quality. There needs to be protections in the rule to ensure that environmental justice communities already overburdened by air pollution are not further burdened by this rule.”
“As EPA works towards final standards to cut climate pollution from existing coal and new gas-fired power plants later this spring, the Agency is taking a new, comprehensive approach to cover the entire fleet of natural gas-fired turbines, as well as cover more pollutants including climate, toxic and criteria air pollution,” said Administrator Regan.
“This stronger, more durable approach will achieve greater emissions reductions than the current proposal. EPA proposals on criteria pollutants and air toxics also will help address local air quality impacts to better protect vulnerable frontline communities. This comprehensive approach to reducing climate and air pollution will also consider flexibilities to support grid operators and will recognize that ongoing technological innovation offers a wide range of decarbonization options. EPA will immediately begin a robust stakeholder engagement process, working with workers, communities with environmental justice concerns, and all interested parties to help create a more durable, flexible, and affordable proposal that protects public health and the environment.”
Additional Background
The final rules that EPA will send to OMB soon will protect public health, reduce harmful pollutants, and deliver billions of dollars in climate and public health benefits. These final rules will cover existing coal-fired power plants that continue to be among the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, while ensuring that new natural gas turbines are clean. EPA received more than 1.3 million comments and had extensive and productive discussions with many groups of stakeholders to develop effective and workable climate standards that follow the law and are based on available and cost-effective technologies.
What They Are Saying
Washington Governor Jay Inslee:
“This is excellent news from Administrator Regan, and I commend him for his continued leadership. We cannot mitigate emissions and pollution from power plants by ignoring our country’s largest source of electricity generation: existing gas plants. Washington state is eager to support EPA in undertaking this rulemaking as quickly as possible.”
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth:
“I applaud the Biden Administration for once again prioritizing the inclusion of environmental justice communities into the rule making process. These ambitious GHG reductions will help benefit the communities that have been most impacted by toxic emissions, and Administrator Regan understands they must be at the table to inform these decisions as we shift to a greener tomorrow for all.”
Representative Kathy Castor:
“I commend the EPA for moving forward with historic power plant emissions rules that will reduce air pollution and save lives. Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to protect Americans from air pollution sources that endanger the public, and to listen to workers, frontline communities, and other stakeholders as it develops rules. EPA is making substantial progress after starting from scratch—following former President Trump’s roll back of air quality rules at the behest of polluters and the fossil fuel industry. Cleaner, cheaper energy is America’s future. And I look forward to working with EPA on new rules for existing gas-fired power plants so that Americans can breathe easier and avoid the worst consequences and growing costs of the climate crisis.”
Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice:
“Moving forward with standards for existing coal plants and new gas plants will address two burning priorities. Tackling dirty coal plants is one of the single most important moves the president and EPA can make to rein in climate pollution. As utilities propose new fossil gas plants, we absolutely have to get ahead of a big new pollution problem.”
Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice:
“We are pleased to see that the voices and considerations of environmental justice communities are being factored into this monumentally impactful area of environmental rulemaking. The EPA has a responsibility to our communities and to our future - the power sector is one of the top sources of carbon emissions and pollution - we have a limited amount of time to not only create an energy transition but also to do it the right way with clean and renewable sources and communities in mind. With this pause to take a deeper dive into developing the most comprehensive and thoughtful rulemaking for existing gas plants, we have an opportunity to do this work correctly and effectively to protect the human and environmental health of the most overburdened, neglected, and vulnerable people across the country - which in turn benefits everyone. We are wholly appreciative of the EPA’s leadership in demonstrating the need for further review, and at the same time request a clear and transparent process as we look forward to collaborating for its improved realization. Only when this rule is finalized can we truly know we are on a path to resilience and justice. Our movement being recognized and included in the EPA’s process will indeed create a world in which we don’t have to dare to breathe, but instead live and breathe more easily today and tomorrow.”
Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice:
“We are grateful to have EPA’s leadership to reduce power plant pollution in a way that is protective of nearby communities. Power plants are disproportionately located near Black and other communities of color, and release massive amounts of pollution that cause asthma and contribute to climate change. Allowing these existing plants to employ carbon capture and storage or hydrogen co-firing would increase health risks and set back progress on renewable energy. We look forward to participating in regulations for existing power plants that advance environmental and climate justice.”
Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University:
"We applaud EPA for taking an important step toward mitigating pollution from the fossil fuel power generation sector, and we implore the agency to go further down this path. Curtailing pollution is of the utmost urgency as communities of color and low-wealth struggle under the weight of historical and continued pollution and injustice. We call on the EPA to continue enacting anti-racist policies that result in real justice for real people. We don’t need any false solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture that will add to the pollution burden that already exists in our communities. Instead, we need only those solutions that improve environmental conditions for the most vulnerable people."
Dr. Ana Baptista, Co-Director of the Tishman Environment & Design Center at The New School and Associate Professor at The New School University:
"US EPA’s decision to address existing natural gas plants in a supplemental rulemaking process is a critical opportunity to take up the substantive environmental justice concerns voiced by communities in the comment period. A large majority of natural gas plants contribute to the existing, disproportionate burdens already faced by environmental justice communities. This decision allows for a more comprehensive approach to tackling both climate change and the cumulative impacts that these plants pose to overburdened communities."
Dr. Nicky Sheats, Ph.D, MPP, Esq., Director, Center for the Urban Environment at the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University:
“In addition to fighting climate change, climate change mitigation policy should be used to improve the health of communities by improving local air quality. Re-considering the portion of the power plants rule that applies to existing natural gas plants will provide EPA with more opportunity to ensure that overburdened environmental justice communities are not sacrificed as the nation fights climate change. We need to make sure the rule does, in fact, improve local air quality in these communities and does not make it worse.”
Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President and CEO, Hip Hop Caucus:
"The rule as proposed did not address the concerns of environmental justice communities. Therefore, it is encouraging to see the EPA and Biden Administration pause to reflect on environmental justice needs rather than push out regulations that do not address the climate crisis, as it is a racial justice matter. We look forward to continuing to engage on this existing gas plant rule and others to ensure community concerns are uplifted and harmful impacts are addressed.”
Maria Lopez-Nuñez, Deputy Director, Organizing and Advocacy, Ironbound Community Corporation:
"Environmental Justice communities can breathe a little bit easier with this delay in the release of the ‘New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units (EGU); Emissions Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Fossil Fuel–Fired Electric Generating Units.’ We are hopeful that this delay will allow a reconsideration that fully embraces Environmental Justice in order to ensure healthy outcomes for our communities."
Melissa Miles, Executive Director, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance:
“Delaying the existing natural gas plants part of the power plants rule will give EPA a better opportunity to make sure the rule helps environmental justice communities in their fight to improve local air quality. There needs to be protections in the rule to ensure that environmental justice communities already overburdened by air pollution are not further burdened by this rule.”
EPA Advances Climate Action in the Virgin Islands
NEW YORK – (February 29, 2024) The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is directly investing in strategies to reduce climate pollution and build clean energy economy across the US Virgin Islands through the ground-breaking Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia joined Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle D. Fleming, and others today to celebrate the official award of a half million dollars to the Virgin Islands Energy Office under EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, a program funded through IRA.
Earlier this year, EPA awarded a $500,000 Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant to the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) which will provide support for USVI’s climate planning process. VIEO will use the planning grant to design a climate action plan for USVI that may include a variety of measures to reduce GHG emissions from across key sectors. Those sectors include electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste management. This award will help USVI identify greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and quantify the benefits of energy efficiency programs.
“Caribbean islands have unique opportunities to tackle climate change which is why EPA is happy to be here in St. Thomas to celebrate with the Virgin Islands Energy Office receiving this planning grant,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “People living in the U.S. Virgin Islands understand the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emission sources and this funding is an important step forward in our joint efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.
“The Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant award marks a transformative step forward for the U.S. Virgin Islands in our fight against climate change. The program is not just an investment in our environment but a commitment to our future. I am immensely proud of the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) and VIEO Director Fleming for securing this planning grant, which will aid in creating a more sustainable and resilient Virgin Islands,” said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.
“The US Virgin Islands are situated on the front lines of climate change and face the most immediate and severe consequences of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation,” said Virgin Island Energy Office Director Kyle D. Fleming. “Strategically planning and implementing effective pollution reduction strategies is not merely an option but a critical imperative for the territory's sustainable development. Through the successful award of the CPRG planning funds, the Virgin Islands Energy Office strives to be the catalyst of safeguarding our vulnerable ecosystem while preserving our economic viability & cultural heritage for generations to come.”
In September 2023, EPA launched a $4.6 competition for the second phase of the CPRG program, the Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants. This funding can be used to implement projects and initiatives identified in the Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) that were developed by CPRG planning grant recipients. Approximately $300 million will be specifically reserved for Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants for territories and Indian Nations. The Virgin Islands Energy Office and other territorial agencies will be eligible to receive this implementation funding because USVI has opted in to receive the planning grant.
If you would like to learn more about the CPRG Program, please visit this webpage.
To learn more about CPRG training, tools, and technical assistance, please visit this webpage.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
Earlier this year, EPA awarded a $500,000 Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant to the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) which will provide support for USVI’s climate planning process. VIEO will use the planning grant to design a climate action plan for USVI that may include a variety of measures to reduce GHG emissions from across key sectors. Those sectors include electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste management. This award will help USVI identify greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and quantify the benefits of energy efficiency programs.
“Caribbean islands have unique opportunities to tackle climate change which is why EPA is happy to be here in St. Thomas to celebrate with the Virgin Islands Energy Office receiving this planning grant,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “People living in the U.S. Virgin Islands understand the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emission sources and this funding is an important step forward in our joint efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.
“The Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant award marks a transformative step forward for the U.S. Virgin Islands in our fight against climate change. The program is not just an investment in our environment but a commitment to our future. I am immensely proud of the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) and VIEO Director Fleming for securing this planning grant, which will aid in creating a more sustainable and resilient Virgin Islands,” said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.
“The US Virgin Islands are situated on the front lines of climate change and face the most immediate and severe consequences of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation,” said Virgin Island Energy Office Director Kyle D. Fleming. “Strategically planning and implementing effective pollution reduction strategies is not merely an option but a critical imperative for the territory's sustainable development. Through the successful award of the CPRG planning funds, the Virgin Islands Energy Office strives to be the catalyst of safeguarding our vulnerable ecosystem while preserving our economic viability & cultural heritage for generations to come.”
In September 2023, EPA launched a $4.6 competition for the second phase of the CPRG program, the Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants. This funding can be used to implement projects and initiatives identified in the Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) that were developed by CPRG planning grant recipients. Approximately $300 million will be specifically reserved for Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants for territories and Indian Nations. The Virgin Islands Energy Office and other territorial agencies will be eligible to receive this implementation funding because USVI has opted in to receive the planning grant.
If you would like to learn more about the CPRG Program, please visit this webpage.
To learn more about CPRG training, tools, and technical assistance, please visit this webpage.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
EPA Opens $1.5M Grant Competition for Pollution Source Reduction Projects, Apply By April 15th
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites eligible applicants in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington D.C. to apply for a Regional Source Reduction Assistance grant by April 15, 2024. This regional competitive grant provides awardees with up to $240,000 in funding for projects that promote practical source reduction practices, tools and training, or Pollution Prevention (P2) approaches to measurably improve the environment.
In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, these grants will emphasize projects that support environmental justice and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions. EPA anticipates awarding between seven and 27 awards ranging from $40,000 to $240,000. Eligible applicants include states, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, federally recognized Tribes, inter-tribal consortia, and non-profit organizations.
Every year, the United States produces billions of pounds of pollution and spends billions of dollars controlling this pollution. Source reduction activities can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly waste management, and cleanup.
The agency is particularly interested in receiving applications for projects in that result in reduced generation and use of hazardous materials, projects that address reducing use of natural resources such as energy or water, and projects that support underserved communities. All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of one of EPA Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
EPA may make additional awards under this solicitation if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Applications require a cost share or match of 5% of the federal funds requested.
For more information or to apply, visit www.grants.gov and go to Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-REGIONS-LCRD-2024-01.
In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, these grants will emphasize projects that support environmental justice and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions. EPA anticipates awarding between seven and 27 awards ranging from $40,000 to $240,000. Eligible applicants include states, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, federally recognized Tribes, inter-tribal consortia, and non-profit organizations.
Every year, the United States produces billions of pounds of pollution and spends billions of dollars controlling this pollution. Source reduction activities can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly waste management, and cleanup.
The agency is particularly interested in receiving applications for projects in that result in reduced generation and use of hazardous materials, projects that address reducing use of natural resources such as energy or water, and projects that support underserved communities. All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of one of EPA Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
EPA may make additional awards under this solicitation if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Applications require a cost share or match of 5% of the federal funds requested.
For more information or to apply, visit www.grants.gov and go to Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-REGIONS-LCRD-2024-01.
EPA announces additional $11.5M for Superfund site in Oregon
SEATTLE — Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $1 billion for cleanup projects across the country, including Oregon.
An additional $11.5 million is now available to address the 53-acre Northwest Pipe & Casing/Hall Process Company Superfund site located in Clackamas, Oregon. The site is the source of a persistent plume of chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater. The original cleanup plan for groundwater included a remedy that was found to be ineffective after several years of operation. In the years since the original cleanup plan, groundwater cleanup technologies have progressed and new approaches are now viable. New funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be used to support the design and implementation of one of these newer approaches, and ultimately reduce the size of the contaminated groundwater plume and the areas subject to restrictions.
“Yesterday’s funding announcement is the latest example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling EPA to address legacy pollution in communities across the Pacific Northwest,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “With this funding EPA will be able to deploy new technologies, reduce ongoing impacts to the area, and accelerate cleanup of the site.”
“The EPA’s major investments to clean up Superfund sites across the nation—including federal funding needed to help address soil and groundwater contamination at the Northwest Pipe & Casing/Hall Process Company Superfund site in Clackamas County—is a win to protect our natural resources, community members’ health, and the local economy,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees annual funding for the EPA’s Superfund program. “Funding projects like these that clean up enduring pollution, advance environmental justice, and invest in the long-term health, safety, and revitalization of our communities is just what the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was intended to do.”
Today’s investment is the final wave of funding from the $3.5 billion allocated for Superfund cleanup work in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So far, EPA has deployed more than $2 billion for cleanup activities at more than 150 Superfund National Priorities List sites. In 2023, EPA continued to fund Superfund pre-construction activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial designs, and community involvement at double pre-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law levels.
EPA is committed to continuing to carry out this work advancing environmental justice and incorporating equity considerations into all aspects of the Superfund cleanup process. More than one in four Black and Hispanic Americans live within three miles of a Superfund site. These investments are restoring the health and economic vitality of communities that have been exposed to pervasive legacy pollution.
In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, EPA steps in to address risks to human health and the environment using funds appropriated by Congress, like the funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
To see a list of the 25 sites nationwide receiving funding, visit EPA’s Superfund webpage.
An additional $11.5 million is now available to address the 53-acre Northwest Pipe & Casing/Hall Process Company Superfund site located in Clackamas, Oregon. The site is the source of a persistent plume of chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater. The original cleanup plan for groundwater included a remedy that was found to be ineffective after several years of operation. In the years since the original cleanup plan, groundwater cleanup technologies have progressed and new approaches are now viable. New funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be used to support the design and implementation of one of these newer approaches, and ultimately reduce the size of the contaminated groundwater plume and the areas subject to restrictions.
“Yesterday’s funding announcement is the latest example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling EPA to address legacy pollution in communities across the Pacific Northwest,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “With this funding EPA will be able to deploy new technologies, reduce ongoing impacts to the area, and accelerate cleanup of the site.”
“The EPA’s major investments to clean up Superfund sites across the nation—including federal funding needed to help address soil and groundwater contamination at the Northwest Pipe & Casing/Hall Process Company Superfund site in Clackamas County—is a win to protect our natural resources, community members’ health, and the local economy,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees annual funding for the EPA’s Superfund program. “Funding projects like these that clean up enduring pollution, advance environmental justice, and invest in the long-term health, safety, and revitalization of our communities is just what the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was intended to do.”
Today’s investment is the final wave of funding from the $3.5 billion allocated for Superfund cleanup work in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So far, EPA has deployed more than $2 billion for cleanup activities at more than 150 Superfund National Priorities List sites. In 2023, EPA continued to fund Superfund pre-construction activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remedial designs, and community involvement at double pre-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law levels.
EPA is committed to continuing to carry out this work advancing environmental justice and incorporating equity considerations into all aspects of the Superfund cleanup process. More than one in four Black and Hispanic Americans live within three miles of a Superfund site. These investments are restoring the health and economic vitality of communities that have been exposed to pervasive legacy pollution.
In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, EPA steps in to address risks to human health and the environment using funds appropriated by Congress, like the funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
To see a list of the 25 sites nationwide receiving funding, visit EPA’s Superfund webpage.
EPA Plans Sampling for Cleanup of Residential Areas at the Iron King Mine – Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site
PHOENIX – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the next step to initiate its final cleanup plan, or Record of Decision, in Dewey-Humboldt, Ariz. Soil sampling in residential yards is needed to determine where residential cleanups can occur. In March, EPA will ask property owners for access to sample their properties. Providing access will benefit owners and tenants because it will determine whether cleanup is necessary to protect health and ensure site-related contamination does not remain on their property. Samples of shallow soils will be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the EPA will contact owners to discuss property-specific cleanup plans if cleanup is necessary. The cleanup will involve removing and replacing contaminated soil with clean soil before property restoration.
EPA has already performed cleanup actions for soil in residential properties that eliminated the highest contamination levels. The agency will now perform a final cleanup action at properties aiming to reach the lower levels of contamination set out in the Iron King Mine – Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site in its plan. This action will help ensure the long-term protection of residents’ health concerning the Superfund site.
“The residential soil and mine waste cleanups, taken together, are the key elements of EPA’s final plan for protecting residents and wildlife from harmful contamination,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA remains committed to finishing our cleanup efforts for the Dewey-Humboldt community and using our Superfund program in Arizona and across the nation to safeguard public health.”
The overall cleanup will also address mine and smelter waste in non-residential areas. EPA is advancing the cleanup project’s engineering design to cleanup non-residential areas using repositories – waste-holding cells that permanently seal off contamination from infiltrating water and exposing people. This design will address the extensive tailings pile at the former mine, the wastes remaining at the former smelter, tailings and contaminated soils in the Chaparral Gulch drainage, and other contamination left behind by the mine and former smelter.
For more information on the Iron King Mine – Humboldt Smelter, visit epa.gov/superfund/ironkingmine.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region x. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
EPA has already performed cleanup actions for soil in residential properties that eliminated the highest contamination levels. The agency will now perform a final cleanup action at properties aiming to reach the lower levels of contamination set out in the Iron King Mine – Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site in its plan. This action will help ensure the long-term protection of residents’ health concerning the Superfund site.
“The residential soil and mine waste cleanups, taken together, are the key elements of EPA’s final plan for protecting residents and wildlife from harmful contamination,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA remains committed to finishing our cleanup efforts for the Dewey-Humboldt community and using our Superfund program in Arizona and across the nation to safeguard public health.”
The overall cleanup will also address mine and smelter waste in non-residential areas. EPA is advancing the cleanup project’s engineering design to cleanup non-residential areas using repositories – waste-holding cells that permanently seal off contamination from infiltrating water and exposing people. This design will address the extensive tailings pile at the former mine, the wastes remaining at the former smelter, tailings and contaminated soils in the Chaparral Gulch drainage, and other contamination left behind by the mine and former smelter.
For more information on the Iron King Mine – Humboldt Smelter, visit epa.gov/superfund/ironkingmine.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region x. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
EPA invests $3B into clean ports
SEATTLE -- Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the launch of the $3 billion Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission equipment, infrastructure and climate planning at U.S. ports.
The funding opportunities were created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act — the largest climate investment in history — and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel pollution from U.S. ports in surrounding communities, while creating good-paying jobs.
"Few areas in the country understand the importance of ports more than those of us in the Pacific Northwest,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “They bring jobs, goods and connect us to the world. Through the Clean Ports Program, EPA wants to assist this vital industry in transitioning to cleaner technology and creating healthier communities. We encourage all the ports in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to apply.”
“Washington state knows better than anyone just how important our ports are—they truly are the gateway to the world for so many people and businesses,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I was at the Port of Tacoma last week and have seen firsthand how our ports are putting to good use funding we passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including major investments in decarbonization—I’ve also heard directly from Port Commissioners across our state about how excited they are to apply to the Clean Ports Program. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this program is an exciting opportunity for Washington state ports to compete for major federal funding to help them transition to fully zero-emissions operation, reducing pollution in nearby communities and helping to tackle climate change—I encourage ports everywhere in Washington state to apply.”
The Clean Ports Program is designed to help ports across the country transition to fully zero-emissions operations — serving as a catalyst for transformational change across the freight sector. To achieve this, EPA is releasing two separate Notice of Funding Opportunities:
The nearly $2.28 billion Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will directly fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions at U.S. ports. Eligible uses of funding include human-operated and maintained zero-emission cargo handling equipment, harbor craft and other vessels, electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and a number of other technology investments. Applications under this competition will be evaluated under multiple tiers in order to ensure that funds are distributed across ports of different sizes and types, and to ensure funding for ports serving Tribal communities.
The approximately $150 million Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition will fund climate and air quality planning activities at U.S. ports — including emissions inventories, strategy analysis, community engagement, and resiliency measure identification.
Together, these opportunities will advance next-generation, clean technologies that will more safely and efficiently drive the movement of goods and passengers at our nation’s ports, a critical part of America’s supply chain infrastructure while reducing pollution and advancing environmental justice.
The funding for the two grant competitions is available to port authorities; state, regional, local, or Tribal agencies that have jurisdiction over a port authority or port; air pollution control agencies; and private entities that apply in partnership with an eligible entity above, and that own, operate or use facilities, cargo-handling equipment, transportation equipment, or related technology of a port. The funding can be used for projects at water ports (coastal and inland) as well as projects at facilities where goods are transferred between rail cars and trucks (dry ports).
Ports are the transportation and commerce hubs that make the U.S. economy hum. In our global economy, efficient and effective ports are central to our economic viability and prosperity. At the same time, they are places where large concentrations of diesel equipment converge — including ships, trucks, rail, and non-road machinery. These diesel engines, particularly older engines found in many ports, operate near where people live, work, and play, emitting air pollution that can harm human health and contribute to climate change. This historic investment in clean technologies at ports that reduce exposure to air pollution will protect public health, particularly for communities surrounding ports. The Clean Ports Program will also help to ensure that meaningful community engagement and emissions reduction planning are port industry standard practices.
The new program builds on the success of EPA’s Ports Initiative and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs, which have invested over $196 million to implement 207 diesel emissions reduction projects at ports with an additional $88 million to multi-sector projects that involve ports. Using the Ports Initiative and DERA’s strong foundation as a launchpad, the Clean Ports Program will drive transformational change across the freight sector. This new Clean Ports Program is one of several complementary programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that can help reduce emissions at ports, including the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, which will be releasing a NOFO shortly. Visit a new interagency webpage summarizing federal funding opportunities for low- to zero-emission port technologies.
In addition to protecting human health and the environment, the program will create new jobs in the domestic clean energy sector and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, through innovation, installation, maintenance, and operation of zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure. The program’s historic investment in zero-emission port technology will promote and ensure the U.S. position as a global leader in clean technologies.
The funding opportunities were created under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act — the largest climate investment in history — and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel pollution from U.S. ports in surrounding communities, while creating good-paying jobs.
"Few areas in the country understand the importance of ports more than those of us in the Pacific Northwest,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “They bring jobs, goods and connect us to the world. Through the Clean Ports Program, EPA wants to assist this vital industry in transitioning to cleaner technology and creating healthier communities. We encourage all the ports in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to apply.”
“Washington state knows better than anyone just how important our ports are—they truly are the gateway to the world for so many people and businesses,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I was at the Port of Tacoma last week and have seen firsthand how our ports are putting to good use funding we passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including major investments in decarbonization—I’ve also heard directly from Port Commissioners across our state about how excited they are to apply to the Clean Ports Program. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this program is an exciting opportunity for Washington state ports to compete for major federal funding to help them transition to fully zero-emissions operation, reducing pollution in nearby communities and helping to tackle climate change—I encourage ports everywhere in Washington state to apply.”
The Clean Ports Program is designed to help ports across the country transition to fully zero-emissions operations — serving as a catalyst for transformational change across the freight sector. To achieve this, EPA is releasing two separate Notice of Funding Opportunities:
The nearly $2.28 billion Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will directly fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions at U.S. ports. Eligible uses of funding include human-operated and maintained zero-emission cargo handling equipment, harbor craft and other vessels, electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and a number of other technology investments. Applications under this competition will be evaluated under multiple tiers in order to ensure that funds are distributed across ports of different sizes and types, and to ensure funding for ports serving Tribal communities.
The approximately $150 million Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition will fund climate and air quality planning activities at U.S. ports — including emissions inventories, strategy analysis, community engagement, and resiliency measure identification.
Together, these opportunities will advance next-generation, clean technologies that will more safely and efficiently drive the movement of goods and passengers at our nation’s ports, a critical part of America’s supply chain infrastructure while reducing pollution and advancing environmental justice.
The funding for the two grant competitions is available to port authorities; state, regional, local, or Tribal agencies that have jurisdiction over a port authority or port; air pollution control agencies; and private entities that apply in partnership with an eligible entity above, and that own, operate or use facilities, cargo-handling equipment, transportation equipment, or related technology of a port. The funding can be used for projects at water ports (coastal and inland) as well as projects at facilities where goods are transferred between rail cars and trucks (dry ports).
Ports are the transportation and commerce hubs that make the U.S. economy hum. In our global economy, efficient and effective ports are central to our economic viability and prosperity. At the same time, they are places where large concentrations of diesel equipment converge — including ships, trucks, rail, and non-road machinery. These diesel engines, particularly older engines found in many ports, operate near where people live, work, and play, emitting air pollution that can harm human health and contribute to climate change. This historic investment in clean technologies at ports that reduce exposure to air pollution will protect public health, particularly for communities surrounding ports. The Clean Ports Program will also help to ensure that meaningful community engagement and emissions reduction planning are port industry standard practices.
The new program builds on the success of EPA’s Ports Initiative and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs, which have invested over $196 million to implement 207 diesel emissions reduction projects at ports with an additional $88 million to multi-sector projects that involve ports. Using the Ports Initiative and DERA’s strong foundation as a launchpad, the Clean Ports Program will drive transformational change across the freight sector. This new Clean Ports Program is one of several complementary programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that can help reduce emissions at ports, including the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, which will be releasing a NOFO shortly. Visit a new interagency webpage summarizing federal funding opportunities for low- to zero-emission port technologies.
In addition to protecting human health and the environment, the program will create new jobs in the domestic clean energy sector and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, through innovation, installation, maintenance, and operation of zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure. The program’s historic investment in zero-emission port technology will promote and ensure the U.S. position as a global leader in clean technologies.
EPA to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Soil Sampling Efforts at the Town of Pines Superfund Site in Indiana
CHICAGO (February 29, 2024) - On Thursday, March 14, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a community meeting to discuss residential soil sampling for properties within the Town of Pines Superfund site, Town of Pines, Indiana. The meeting will be held in the Michigan City Council Chambers, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, from 6-7:30 p.m.
The public meeting will provide an update on site activities, including information about ongoing soil sampling efforts and an opportunity for residents to request soil sampling by signing a document granting EPA outdoor property access. Residents do not need to be present at this meeting to request soil sampling. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/town-pines-groundwater.
Under the direction of EPA, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, or NIPSCO, has conducted soil sampling on private properties at the site since 2014. To date, about 200 properties have been tested for the presence of coal ash, also known as coal combustion residuals, or CCRs. Results from this testing showed evidence of coal ash-related metals at levels capable of impacting human health at a few of the properties sampled. Due to these results, EPA is looking to continue its investigation within the community.
For any questions or concerns in advance of the meeting, please contact the site’s community involvement coordinator, Kirstin Safakas, at 312-919-4621 or safakas.kirstin@epa.gov.
For more information about the Town of Pines Superfund, please visit the Town of Pines Site.
The public meeting will provide an update on site activities, including information about ongoing soil sampling efforts and an opportunity for residents to request soil sampling by signing a document granting EPA outdoor property access. Residents do not need to be present at this meeting to request soil sampling. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/town-pines-groundwater.
Under the direction of EPA, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, or NIPSCO, has conducted soil sampling on private properties at the site since 2014. To date, about 200 properties have been tested for the presence of coal ash, also known as coal combustion residuals, or CCRs. Results from this testing showed evidence of coal ash-related metals at levels capable of impacting human health at a few of the properties sampled. Due to these results, EPA is looking to continue its investigation within the community.
For any questions or concerns in advance of the meeting, please contact the site’s community involvement coordinator, Kirstin Safakas, at 312-919-4621 or safakas.kirstin@epa.gov.
For more information about the Town of Pines Superfund, please visit the Town of Pines Site.
APM looks to ease trucker woes over New Jersey terminal appointment system
APM Terminals will make more slots available for retrieving import containers at its Port Elizabeth site as truckers say delays in booking appointments are worsening.