USDA Launches Pilot to Help More Processors Access High-Value Beef Grading
DENVER, Colo., Jan. 19, 2024 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a pilot program to allow more cattle producers and meat processors to access better markets through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) official beef quality grading and certification.
Administrator Regan to Highlight Climate, Equity, and Youth Leadership in Visits to Mozambique and Ghana
WASHINGTON – This weekend, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will travel to Mozambique and Ghana to build partnerships and share solutions on a range of environmental priorities, including the development of clean energy, protecting clean air, encouraging responsible mining of critical minerals, and recycling of materials from plastics and electronic waste. Administrator Regan’s mission to Africa responds to President Biden’s call to action at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to expand substantive and meaningful partnerships with African countries, institutions, and people across the continent.
“I am thrilled to be representing the Biden-Harris Administration on this mission to Africa, to further the longstanding and enduring relationship between the United States and this thriving continent,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Mozambique and Ghana are important partners in our collective work to ensure that economic development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. We all have a stake in developing clean energy, protecting vital natural resources, and ensuring there’s equal access to clean air and clean water.”
While in Africa, Administrator Regan will also meet with youth leaders in both countries to learn about their efforts to confront global challenges of climate change and environmental justice. In Ghana, Administrator Regan will be joined by Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP.
“The NAACP applauds the administration for taking the necessary steps to advance climate justice on a global scale,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “We have long advocated for the centering of Black voices in all conversations about climate, as our diaspora stands to be most impacted by the increasingly extreme effects of the climate disaster the world is facing. The NAACP looks forward to supporting the cultivation of these crucial partnerships and advancing the priorities of Black and frontline communities in the United States and abroad.”
Highlights of key events as well as expected announcements during the trip include:
January 22-24 in Mozambique
Administrator Regan will join Peter Vrooman, U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, for the inauguration of a new air quality monitor at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo.
EPA will engage with Mozambican government officials to share updates on the use of its AERMOD Air Modeling to identify pollution challenges and ways to address them.
EPA will be providing technical assistance and guidance to help Mozambique government and civil society more meaningfully engage in public processes around responsible mining operations.
EPA experts will partner with counterparts from the US Geological Society to host a webinar with a community that is struggling with the impacts of Coastal Erosion.
January 25-29 in Ghana
Administrator Regan and Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation will participate in an event in Accra and release a joint statement memorializing efforts around climate change and tackling other challenges, such as cleaner household energy use, plastics pollution, and vehicle and fuel emissions.
Administrator Regan and President Johnson will tour the home of Dr. W.E.B Du Bois, as well as tour Cape Coast Castle. The leaders will lay wreaths at both sites.
EPA will support expanded Cookstoves Collaboration by supporting a conference for lab and field research on cookstoves, as well as provide technical assistance to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Cookstove Lab.
EPA will help build capacity for E-Waste management by featuring Ghana at an upcoming International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Africa Regional E-Waste Webinar and by providing support for an e-waste technical expert from the Government of Ghana to participate in the annual IEMN meeting.
EPA, in partnership with the Peace Corps, will develop a twinning program between schools in America and Ghana to foster cultural and environmental exchanges of information.
Ahead of the trip, EPA is also announcing a series of deliverables to support and advance key environmental efforts across the continent:
Urban Air Quality Partnership: Building on EPA's longstanding relationship with the State Department in addressing air quality around the world, this work will be aimed at helping multiple African cities strengthen their capacity to manage air quality effectively.
ARC-X Transfer: EPA will transfer this climate adaptation software to a ready partner, either in Sierra Leone or Ghana, which will help them better adapt to impacts due to climate change. This database provides specific climate solutions and success stories from cities that have similar environmental challenges.
Clean Cookstoves: Based on its engagement with EPA, the Clean Cooking Alliance is funding an expert to work within the Sierra Leonian government on cookstoves issues and is helping Sierra Leone develop a clean cooking and energy strategy.
Trash Free Waters: This is an EPA-developed international guide to reduce the volume of trash entering waterways both domestically and internationally. This program has been successfully implemented in parts of Asia and South America and with this video series, EPA is planning to expand its adoption in Africa.
Peace Corps MOU: EPA has signed an MOU with the Peace Corps focusing on community assistance, capacity building, and environmental health. EPA may provide technical support in areas of expertise including, but not limited to, cookstoves, wastewater management, and solid waste management.
Photos, videos, and readouts from the Administrator’s activities and events will be available through his Twitter and Instagram accounts during and following the trip.
About EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. federal government agency that was created in 1970 to protect human health and the environment. EPA’s nearly 15,000 environmental professionals fight the climate crisis, safeguard America’s air and water, regulate chemicals and pesticides, respond to chemical emergencies, enforce U.S. environmental laws, and lead innovative research. Because pollution transcends international boundaries, EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs works with international organizations and countries to address shared environmental challenges.
“I am thrilled to be representing the Biden-Harris Administration on this mission to Africa, to further the longstanding and enduring relationship between the United States and this thriving continent,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Mozambique and Ghana are important partners in our collective work to ensure that economic development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. We all have a stake in developing clean energy, protecting vital natural resources, and ensuring there’s equal access to clean air and clean water.”
While in Africa, Administrator Regan will also meet with youth leaders in both countries to learn about their efforts to confront global challenges of climate change and environmental justice. In Ghana, Administrator Regan will be joined by Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP.
“The NAACP applauds the administration for taking the necessary steps to advance climate justice on a global scale,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “We have long advocated for the centering of Black voices in all conversations about climate, as our diaspora stands to be most impacted by the increasingly extreme effects of the climate disaster the world is facing. The NAACP looks forward to supporting the cultivation of these crucial partnerships and advancing the priorities of Black and frontline communities in the United States and abroad.”
Highlights of key events as well as expected announcements during the trip include:
January 22-24 in Mozambique
Administrator Regan will join Peter Vrooman, U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, for the inauguration of a new air quality monitor at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo.
EPA will engage with Mozambican government officials to share updates on the use of its AERMOD Air Modeling to identify pollution challenges and ways to address them.
EPA will be providing technical assistance and guidance to help Mozambique government and civil society more meaningfully engage in public processes around responsible mining operations.
EPA experts will partner with counterparts from the US Geological Society to host a webinar with a community that is struggling with the impacts of Coastal Erosion.
January 25-29 in Ghana
Administrator Regan and Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation will participate in an event in Accra and release a joint statement memorializing efforts around climate change and tackling other challenges, such as cleaner household energy use, plastics pollution, and vehicle and fuel emissions.
Administrator Regan and President Johnson will tour the home of Dr. W.E.B Du Bois, as well as tour Cape Coast Castle. The leaders will lay wreaths at both sites.
EPA will support expanded Cookstoves Collaboration by supporting a conference for lab and field research on cookstoves, as well as provide technical assistance to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Cookstove Lab.
EPA will help build capacity for E-Waste management by featuring Ghana at an upcoming International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) Africa Regional E-Waste Webinar and by providing support for an e-waste technical expert from the Government of Ghana to participate in the annual IEMN meeting.
EPA, in partnership with the Peace Corps, will develop a twinning program between schools in America and Ghana to foster cultural and environmental exchanges of information.
Ahead of the trip, EPA is also announcing a series of deliverables to support and advance key environmental efforts across the continent:
Urban Air Quality Partnership: Building on EPA's longstanding relationship with the State Department in addressing air quality around the world, this work will be aimed at helping multiple African cities strengthen their capacity to manage air quality effectively.
ARC-X Transfer: EPA will transfer this climate adaptation software to a ready partner, either in Sierra Leone or Ghana, which will help them better adapt to impacts due to climate change. This database provides specific climate solutions and success stories from cities that have similar environmental challenges.
Clean Cookstoves: Based on its engagement with EPA, the Clean Cooking Alliance is funding an expert to work within the Sierra Leonian government on cookstoves issues and is helping Sierra Leone develop a clean cooking and energy strategy.
Trash Free Waters: This is an EPA-developed international guide to reduce the volume of trash entering waterways both domestically and internationally. This program has been successfully implemented in parts of Asia and South America and with this video series, EPA is planning to expand its adoption in Africa.
Peace Corps MOU: EPA has signed an MOU with the Peace Corps focusing on community assistance, capacity building, and environmental health. EPA may provide technical support in areas of expertise including, but not limited to, cookstoves, wastewater management, and solid waste management.
Photos, videos, and readouts from the Administrator’s activities and events will be available through his Twitter and Instagram accounts during and following the trip.
About EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. federal government agency that was created in 1970 to protect human health and the environment. EPA’s nearly 15,000 environmental professionals fight the climate crisis, safeguard America’s air and water, regulate chemicals and pesticides, respond to chemical emergencies, enforce U.S. environmental laws, and lead innovative research. Because pollution transcends international boundaries, EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs works with international organizations and countries to address shared environmental challenges.
Biden-Harris Administration announces availability of $3 million in grants to establish National Stormwater Centers of Excellence
WASHINGTON As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $3 million through its Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies grant program to expand stormwater infrastructure solutions across the country. EPA is seeking applicants to establish national Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Eligible applicants for the funding include institutions of higher education, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution as it can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils and sediment and move them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events. Once selected, the Stormwater Centers of Excellence will develop and enhance stormwater best practices by conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches; providing technical assistance to state, Tribal and local governments; and collaborating with regional institutions.
“Climate stress is often felt as water stress, and improving stormwater infrastructure is critical to helping communities and ecosystems be resilient for the future,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has enabled EPA to establish Centers of Excellence to help reduce flooding and improve local water quality by supporting both new investments in infrastructure and the latest research and best practices on technologies and solutions to meet their needs.”
“Milwaukee is home to a growing clean water economy that is supporting cutting edge technologies. The National Stormwater Centers of Excellence program will fund vital water research efforts in institutions across the country, helping us better protect our communities from stormwater runoff that can pollute local waterways, especially as changing climate may result in stronger storms. I have supported this initiative because I understand how this important research and development, which our region is leading, has the potential to help us meet water challenges and support jobs and innovation here in Wisconsin,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04).
“In New Hampshire and across the country, outdated and inadequate stormwater management systems can lead to less resilient communities and increased public health risks,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I fought to include the National Stormwater Centers of Excellence program in the bipartisan infrastructure law and secured funding through the annual appropriations process so that we can support and coordinate research and development in stormwater control technology. These centers will help increase climate resiliency and safeguard water quality in our communities.”
Many communities struggle to address stormwater issues because of the costs associated with construction, operation and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure, and because their systems were built for the rain and storm patterns of the last century. In addition, a number of communities across the nation need practical stormwater technologies and the scientific understanding of those technologies to effectively implement stormwater management solutions.
The Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies grant program was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which also invests more than $50 billion in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure solutions across the country to protect public health and treasured waterways and create new green opportunities for communities.
In addition to the new Centers for Excellence, funding will also support the creation of a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information relating to new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence request for applications.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution as it can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils and sediment and move them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events. Once selected, the Stormwater Centers of Excellence will develop and enhance stormwater best practices by conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches; providing technical assistance to state, Tribal and local governments; and collaborating with regional institutions.
“Climate stress is often felt as water stress, and improving stormwater infrastructure is critical to helping communities and ecosystems be resilient for the future,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has enabled EPA to establish Centers of Excellence to help reduce flooding and improve local water quality by supporting both new investments in infrastructure and the latest research and best practices on technologies and solutions to meet their needs.”
“Milwaukee is home to a growing clean water economy that is supporting cutting edge technologies. The National Stormwater Centers of Excellence program will fund vital water research efforts in institutions across the country, helping us better protect our communities from stormwater runoff that can pollute local waterways, especially as changing climate may result in stronger storms. I have supported this initiative because I understand how this important research and development, which our region is leading, has the potential to help us meet water challenges and support jobs and innovation here in Wisconsin,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04).
“In New Hampshire and across the country, outdated and inadequate stormwater management systems can lead to less resilient communities and increased public health risks,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I fought to include the National Stormwater Centers of Excellence program in the bipartisan infrastructure law and secured funding through the annual appropriations process so that we can support and coordinate research and development in stormwater control technology. These centers will help increase climate resiliency and safeguard water quality in our communities.”
Many communities struggle to address stormwater issues because of the costs associated with construction, operation and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure, and because their systems were built for the rain and storm patterns of the last century. In addition, a number of communities across the nation need practical stormwater technologies and the scientific understanding of those technologies to effectively implement stormwater management solutions.
The Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies grant program was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which also invests more than $50 billion in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure solutions across the country to protect public health and treasured waterways and create new green opportunities for communities.
In addition to the new Centers for Excellence, funding will also support the creation of a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information relating to new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence request for applications.
MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA to highlight over $56 million in BIL funding for Southside Chattanooga Lead Site cleanup at press event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 19, 2024) - On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a press event highlighting cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site (SSCL) and over $56 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds issued by the Biden-Harris Administration to accelerate the cleanup.
SSCL has used Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding since 2022. This is the largest residential lead site in the region. The site consists of residential neighborhoods and non-residential communal areas (parks, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers), where soils have been impacted by lead-bearing foundry material. The pace of cleanup is being significantly accelerated due to the increased funding from BIL.
As of January 17, 2024, a total of 813 properties of 1,346 properties known to have lead concentrations exceeding the site-specific cleanup level have been remediated. To date 3,032 of approximately 5,424 properties within the Site boundary have been sampled. Cleanups are on track to meet or exceed the fiscal year 2024 cleanup goal of 250 properties. As of December 2023, we have disposed of ~154,091 tons of contaminated soil.
WHO: EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
Greg Young, Deputy Commissioner TDEC
Mayor Tim Kelly
Remedial Project Manager Rusty Kestle
WHAT: Press event to highlight cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site and showcase results from investments in the area funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
WHEN: 10:00 AM Monday, January 22, 2024
WHERE: Southside Chattanooga Lead Site Staging Area, outside/tent, 915 East 38th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37410)
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by COB Sunday, January 21, 2024.
***Reporters will have interview opportunities following the event.
SSCL has used Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding since 2022. This is the largest residential lead site in the region. The site consists of residential neighborhoods and non-residential communal areas (parks, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers), where soils have been impacted by lead-bearing foundry material. The pace of cleanup is being significantly accelerated due to the increased funding from BIL.
As of January 17, 2024, a total of 813 properties of 1,346 properties known to have lead concentrations exceeding the site-specific cleanup level have been remediated. To date 3,032 of approximately 5,424 properties within the Site boundary have been sampled. Cleanups are on track to meet or exceed the fiscal year 2024 cleanup goal of 250 properties. As of December 2023, we have disposed of ~154,091 tons of contaminated soil.
WHO: EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
Greg Young, Deputy Commissioner TDEC
Mayor Tim Kelly
Remedial Project Manager Rusty Kestle
WHAT: Press event to highlight cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site and showcase results from investments in the area funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
WHEN: 10:00 AM Monday, January 22, 2024
WHERE: Southside Chattanooga Lead Site Staging Area, outside/tent, 915 East 38th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37410)
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by COB Sunday, January 21, 2024.
***Reporters will have interview opportunities following the event.
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Meeting with China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2024 – Agriculture Secretary Vilsack offered the following statement following his meeting today with People’s Republic of China Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian:
USDA Names Participants in 2024 Future Leaders in Agriculture Program
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the selection of 20 undergraduate and graduate students as the 2024 winners of the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture program. The selected students hail from land-grant universities and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI).
USDA Appoints New Members to the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces the appointment of 15 new members to the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers (ACMF). The newly appointed members serve terms of up to two years.
“Minority farmers face unique challenges in accessing the land, credit, and training they need to succeed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This committee is part of USDA’s commitment to ensure that all farmers have equal access to USDA programs and services, especially minority farmers and producers in underserved communities.”
“Minority farmers face unique challenges in accessing the land, credit, and training they need to succeed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This committee is part of USDA’s commitment to ensure that all farmers have equal access to USDA programs and services, especially minority farmers and producers in underserved communities.”
Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of lower screening levels, EPA expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Today’s action delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities facing multiple sources of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s environmental justice goals.
“Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil.”
EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level.
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site.
The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water.
From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA’s agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan.
While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage.
“Every family and child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to live without worrying about the life-long health effects from exposure to lead pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil.”
EPA is lowering the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level.
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site.
The science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level in children. In infants and children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. Communities often face multiple sources of lead exposure, including from lead-based paint, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water.
From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made protecting public health and advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates that follow the science. Updating the residential soil lead guidance is a significant milestone in EPA’s agencywide Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, and aligns with the goals outlined in the Federal Lead Action Plan.
While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public that may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in the public docket (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0664) for 60 days from January 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
For more information, visit the updated guidance webpage.