EPA kicks off in-person regional roadshows to help communities access historic Investing in America funding for local climate and environmental justice solutions
WASHINGTON – As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA will host the first in a national series of in-person, community-based Regional Roadshow events, starting tomorrow, January 18 in Albany, New York. These events provide community leaders the opportunities to engage with their peers to develop or leverage community-based partnerships to access funding and technical assistance to implement local climate and environmental justice solutions.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities.
“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we’ll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America.”
“We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most.”
“I’m thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA’s commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I’m proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20).
“Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA.”
“Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State’s efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state.”
“We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region,” said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources.
Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York.
Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events
EPA’s second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) will support the Albany, New York Roadshow. As a TCTAC, WEACT for Environmental Justice helps environmental justice communities across EPA Region 2 by providing trainings and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding. Community members in Albany will have the opportunity to dream big on local climate action with peers and learn more about the technical assistance available to help turn ideas into realities.
“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act created the largest investment in climate action and environmental justice in U.S. history,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through this next phase of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, we’ll continue meeting communities that have historically been left behind and locked out of climate and clean energy investments where they are, and equip them with resources to access these historic investments in America.”
“We delivered historic funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities make major investments to fight climate change at the local level, create good paying jobs, and make a cleaner more accessible environment for all, and this is how local leaders can learn how to tap this once in a generation investment. I am thrilled to see the EPA kicking off the first in a national series of in-person, community-based events right here in Albany,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “This day focused on climate action and advancing environmental justice will help ensure disadvantaged communities and community groups get the technical assistance they need to fund long desired green initiatives. I want to sincerely thank the EPA for their leadership and commitment to working with communities across New York to get this money where it is needed most.”
“I’m thrilled to see our Capital Region hosting this initiative that bolsters EPA’s commitment to fostering community-driven partnerships and facilitating access to the historic resources provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Regional Roadshow presents a valuable chance for community partners and potential grant applicants to engage, learn about funding opportunities, and collaborate on advancing environmental justice in our communities. I’m proud of my work to help bring the Roadshow to Albany, and I look forward to continuing my partnership with EPA and Administrator Regan to bring critical federal investments home to our region,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20).
“Region 2 is happy to kickoff this roadshow that will showcase the historic funding that is available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discuss opportunities on how communities can access it,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The funding has many opportunities to advance Environmental justice which is a key focus of the EPA.”
“Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is vital to the State’s efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York is primed and ready to get resources to communities facing known and emerging threats to public health and the environment, especially vulnerable communities with a legacy of environmental degradation. With support from the Biden administration, New York is tackling the climate crisis head-on. These community-based events will provide great insight from New Yorkers on next steps moving forward and on-the-ground progress across the state.”
“We are excited to participate in the first EPA Roadshow to discuss ways to support and build capacity for organizations to navigate federal grant application systems, write strong grant proposals, and effectively manage grant funding. We will also leverage this opportunity to build power and capacity in environmental justice organizations working in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York and to develop networks and partnerships throughout the region,” said Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
The Regional Roadshow is a part of EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative – a new innovative effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s once-in-a-lifetime new funding opportunities. Through this initiative, EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is providing spaces for communities to develop new or deeper community-based partnerships. Regional Roadshow attendees will learn about historic funding and technical assistance through programming that is designed to be especially helpful for overburdened communities. These events will help them confront the climate crisis and advance environmental justice locally as they learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access these extraordinary resources.
Learn more and register for the Regional Roadshow event in Albany, New York.
Upcoming Regional Roadshow Events
EPA’s second roadshow event is scheduled in Region 9 on February 16 in San Bernardino, California, and we will soon announce a third to take place this winter in EPA Region 8. To learn more about the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, watch the Virtual Open House panel discussions and fireside chats, access resources to help communities and register for upcoming events, visit EPA’s Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.
Swinerton Builders Reaches Agreement to Address Clean Water Act Violations and Offset Environmental Harm at Solar Farm Construction Sites in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Justice Department today announced that Swinerton Builders has agreed to pay a $2.3 million penalty – divided between the United States, Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and State of Illinois – to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act and related state laws during the construction of solar farms in Alabama, Idaho and Illinois.
The company has also agreed to undertake mitigation actions to help restore the Portneuf River in Idaho and to purchase stream credits to improve the watershed surrounding the Alabama site. The states of Alabama and Illinois joined the United States in the settlement.
“Illegal stormwater discharges from construction projects can contaminate municipal drinking water systems and harm aquatic life, which is why EPA, DOJ, and our state partners worked together to hold Swinerton Builders accountable for the company’s violations of the Clean Water Act,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Solar farms are vital to slowing the effects of climate change, but companies building solar farms must comply with environmental protection requirements just as companies must do for any other construction project.”
“This settlement holds Swinerton accountable for its widespread Clean Water Act violations and ensures that nearby communities in Alabama and Idaho will benefit from projects to restore the waterways and enhance recreation,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We’re grateful for the work and cooperation of our state partners in helping reach this agreement.”
“My office was pleased to work with the United States Department of Justice to resolve the alleged water pollution violations,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Clean water is a critical resource, and I will continue the work to protect Illinois water sources.”
“We are pleased with today’s announced settlement, which holds the builder to task for serious stormwater violations that harmed the watershed and its ecosystem,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “The settlement not only requires Swinerton to pay civil penalties to both the state and federal government, it also obligates the company to mitigate the environmental damage it caused by taking steps to protect water quality and preserve habitats through the purchase of stream credits. Those credits are an investment that will provide long-term benefits to the watershed.”
Background
Swinerton is a California-based construction company that operates nationwide. Until 2021, its Swinerton Renewable Energy division was the country’s leading constructor of utility-scale solar farms.
Solar farm construction involves clearing and grading large sections of land, which can lead to significant erosion and major runoff of sediment into waterways if stormwater controls at the site are inadequate. Increased sediment in waterways can injure, suffocate or kill aquatic life, damage aquatic ecosystems and cause significant harm to drinking water treatment systems. To avoid these harms to the environment and public health, parties responsible for construction of solar farms must obtain construction stormwater permits under the Clean Water Act and comply with the terms of those permits. A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues. At the Alabama and Idaho sites, Swinerton’s actions led to unauthorized discharges of large volumes of sediment-laden stormwater into nearby waterways. The United States previously settled cases against the owners of the four solar farm sites.
Settlement Details
To resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations at these sites, Swinerton will pay a civil penalty of $1,614,600 to the United States, $540,500 to ADEM and $144,900 to the State of Illinois. In addition, Swinerton will fund substantial mitigation projects to redress the excess sediment discharges at the Idaho and Alabama sites. In Idaho, Swinerton will provide $600,000 in funding towards a restoration project on the Portneuf River in nearby Pocatello. The project will capture sediment, reconnect riparian and wetland habitat, and will provide a host of other environmental and recreational benefits. In Alabama, Swinerton will purchase 14,020 stream credits in the surrounding watershed, which will help preserve the watershed to promote healthier water quality and aquatic habitats.
The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree can be viewed on the The consent decree can be viewed on the Justice Department’s website.
The company has also agreed to undertake mitigation actions to help restore the Portneuf River in Idaho and to purchase stream credits to improve the watershed surrounding the Alabama site. The states of Alabama and Illinois joined the United States in the settlement.
“Illegal stormwater discharges from construction projects can contaminate municipal drinking water systems and harm aquatic life, which is why EPA, DOJ, and our state partners worked together to hold Swinerton Builders accountable for the company’s violations of the Clean Water Act,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Solar farms are vital to slowing the effects of climate change, but companies building solar farms must comply with environmental protection requirements just as companies must do for any other construction project.”
“This settlement holds Swinerton accountable for its widespread Clean Water Act violations and ensures that nearby communities in Alabama and Idaho will benefit from projects to restore the waterways and enhance recreation,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We’re grateful for the work and cooperation of our state partners in helping reach this agreement.”
“My office was pleased to work with the United States Department of Justice to resolve the alleged water pollution violations,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Clean water is a critical resource, and I will continue the work to protect Illinois water sources.”
“We are pleased with today’s announced settlement, which holds the builder to task for serious stormwater violations that harmed the watershed and its ecosystem,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “The settlement not only requires Swinerton to pay civil penalties to both the state and federal government, it also obligates the company to mitigate the environmental damage it caused by taking steps to protect water quality and preserve habitats through the purchase of stream credits. Those credits are an investment that will provide long-term benefits to the watershed.”
Background
Swinerton is a California-based construction company that operates nationwide. Until 2021, its Swinerton Renewable Energy division was the country’s leading constructor of utility-scale solar farms.
Solar farm construction involves clearing and grading large sections of land, which can lead to significant erosion and major runoff of sediment into waterways if stormwater controls at the site are inadequate. Increased sediment in waterways can injure, suffocate or kill aquatic life, damage aquatic ecosystems and cause significant harm to drinking water treatment systems. To avoid these harms to the environment and public health, parties responsible for construction of solar farms must obtain construction stormwater permits under the Clean Water Act and comply with the terms of those permits. A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues. At the Alabama and Idaho sites, Swinerton’s actions led to unauthorized discharges of large volumes of sediment-laden stormwater into nearby waterways. The United States previously settled cases against the owners of the four solar farm sites.
Settlement Details
To resolve the alleged Clean Water Act violations at these sites, Swinerton will pay a civil penalty of $1,614,600 to the United States, $540,500 to ADEM and $144,900 to the State of Illinois. In addition, Swinerton will fund substantial mitigation projects to redress the excess sediment discharges at the Idaho and Alabama sites. In Idaho, Swinerton will provide $600,000 in funding towards a restoration project on the Portneuf River in nearby Pocatello. The project will capture sediment, reconnect riparian and wetland habitat, and will provide a host of other environmental and recreational benefits. In Alabama, Swinerton will purchase 14,020 stream credits in the surrounding watershed, which will help preserve the watershed to promote healthier water quality and aquatic habitats.
The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree can be viewed on the The consent decree can be viewed on the Justice Department’s website.
EPA Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites in Region 7
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 (RCRA). 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 lifelong 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 Jan. 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
For more information, visit the updated guidance page.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
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 (RCRA). 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 lifelong 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 Jan. 17, 2024, to March 17, 2024.
For more information, visit the updated guidance page.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites
DENVER (Jan. 17, 2024) – 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.
“Blood lead levels in children have seen a nationwide decline which is a testament to decades of dedicated efforts including extensive Superfund cleanups throughout our region. However, the science is clear that we must continue to reduce lead exposure where children live, learn, and play,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “With the introduction of the updated lead soil guidance the EPA is embarking on the next crucial step in our continuous efforts to protect kids health.”
“For far too long, lead was allowed to infiltrate our communities unchecked,” said U.S. Representative Diana DeGette. “It impacted lives across the United States and, perhaps most critically, it impacted children as their lives were just beginning. I’m pleased to see EPA continue their work of addressing lead pollution. This work will protect so many young people today and pay dividends for future generations tomorrow.”
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.
“Blood lead levels in children have seen a nationwide decline which is a testament to decades of dedicated efforts including extensive Superfund cleanups throughout our region. However, the science is clear that we must continue to reduce lead exposure where children live, learn, and play,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “With the introduction of the updated lead soil guidance the EPA is embarking on the next crucial step in our continuous efforts to protect kids health.”
“For far too long, lead was allowed to infiltrate our communities unchecked,” said U.S. Representative Diana DeGette. “It impacted lives across the United States and, perhaps most critically, it impacted children as their lives were just beginning. I’m pleased to see EPA continue their work of addressing lead pollution. This work will protect so many young people today and pay dividends for future generations tomorrow.”
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.
Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Families and Children from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites (Butte, Montana)
Butte, Montana -- The EPA site team would like to share that the agency's headquarters has just released new national guidance for soil-lead contamination at Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites. This new guidance lowers 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. It is anticipated that the new guidance will result in a significant reduction in residential action levels in Butte.
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect 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.
These screening levels will help select residential action levels that are protective of human health, factoring in risk factors and bioavailability (how much of a substance the body can absorb if ingested). This conservative approach is meant to reduce potential exposure that could lead to harmful elevated blood-lead levels.
“Blood lead levels in children have seen a nationwide decline which is a testament to decades of dedicated efforts including extensive Superfund cleanups throughout Montana. However, the science is clear that we must continue to reduce lead exposure where children live, learn, and play,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “With the introduction of the updated lead soil guidance the EPA is embarking on the next crucial step in our continuous efforts to protect kids' health throughout the state.”
EPA designs our cleanups to address the unique conditions at each site. The project team will continue working with all parties to direct the efforts to implement this new national guidance. While there are many details to be worked out on how this will be implemented, these updates will ensure the Butte community is protected and the remedy remains consistent with the latest science.
“The EPA's announcement that the residential screening levels in Butte-Silver Bow will be lowered is exciting news for our community. This change is evidence that new science is considered as the EPA implements remedial projects. Throughout my administration, we've consistently questioned the development and effectiveness of the action levels utilized in our community,“ said J.P Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive. “This revised lead level standard for Butte- Silver Bow and all communities is a positive change, providing a safer and healthier cleanup for our residents.”
EPA will continue to be in touch with the community and stakeholders as we develop next steps. For more information now, please check out the new national guidance.
While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public which may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in public docket on www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0644) for 60 days from January 17, 2024 – March 17, 2024.
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect 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.
These screening levels will help select residential action levels that are protective of human health, factoring in risk factors and bioavailability (how much of a substance the body can absorb if ingested). This conservative approach is meant to reduce potential exposure that could lead to harmful elevated blood-lead levels.
“Blood lead levels in children have seen a nationwide decline which is a testament to decades of dedicated efforts including extensive Superfund cleanups throughout Montana. However, the science is clear that we must continue to reduce lead exposure where children live, learn, and play,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “With the introduction of the updated lead soil guidance the EPA is embarking on the next crucial step in our continuous efforts to protect kids' health throughout the state.”
EPA designs our cleanups to address the unique conditions at each site. The project team will continue working with all parties to direct the efforts to implement this new national guidance. While there are many details to be worked out on how this will be implemented, these updates will ensure the Butte community is protected and the remedy remains consistent with the latest science.
“The EPA's announcement that the residential screening levels in Butte-Silver Bow will be lowered is exciting news for our community. This change is evidence that new science is considered as the EPA implements remedial projects. Throughout my administration, we've consistently questioned the development and effectiveness of the action levels utilized in our community,“ said J.P Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive. “This revised lead level standard for Butte- Silver Bow and all communities is a positive change, providing a safer and healthier cleanup for our residents.”
EPA will continue to be in touch with the community and stakeholders as we develop next steps. For more information now, please check out the new national guidance.
While the guidance goes into effect immediately, EPA welcomes feedback from the public which may be considered in any future updates to the guidance. Please submit written feedback on the guidance in public docket on www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2023-0644) for 60 days from January 17, 2024 – March 17, 2024.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Senior Staff Appointments
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
Kumar Chandran, Acting Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
Kumar Chandran, Acting Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Applications To Be Accepted Through Jan. 17, 2024
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2024 – Due to a number of circumstances on Saturday, January 13, 2024, including severe winter weather in the Midwest that may have prevented some applicants from reaching local program offices as well as a brief outage of the e-filing platform in the evening, the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program will accept applications through Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Proposed Rule to Reduce Wasteful Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector to Drive Innovation and Protect Communities
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to tackle wasteful methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, delivering on Congress’ directive in the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize adoption of industry best practices that reduce pollution. The proposed rule will assess a charge on certain large emitters of waste methane from the oil and gas sector that exceed emissions intensity levels set by Congress. Working in tandem with unprecedented funding secured by President Biden under the Inflation Reduction Act and recently finalized technology standards for the industry issued in December 2023, the proposed Waste Emissions Charge encourages the early deployment of available technologies and best practices to reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollutants before the new standards take effect.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, EPA is delivering on a comprehensive strategy to reduce wasteful methane emissions that endanger communities and fuel the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s proposal, when finalized, will support a complementary set of technology standards and historic resources from the Inflation Reduction Act, to incentivize industry innovation and prompt action. We are laser-focused on working collectively with companies, states, and communities to ensure that America leads in deploying technologies and innovations that aid in the development of a clean energy economy.”
“I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration move forward with this critical program to slow climate change and protect our one and only planet,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “We know methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in our atmosphere in the short term. Thankfully, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program – which Congress adopted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act – will incentivize producers to cut wasteful and excessive methane emissions during oil and gas production.”
“For too long it has been cheaper for oil and gas operators to waste methane rather than make the necessary upgrades to prevent leaks and flaring. Wasted methane never makes its way to consumers, but they are nevertheless stuck with the bill,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “The Methane Emissions Reduction Program and the proposed Waste Emissions Charge will ensure consumers no longer pay for wasted energy or the harm its emissions can cause. I commend EPA for taking the next step to hold the largest polluters accountable and protect American families from dangerous methane pollution.”
“EPA’s proposal for a fee on oil and gas methane pollution implements the clean air protections for Americans that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund. “It’s common sense to hold oil and gas companies accountable for this pollution. Proven solutions to cut oil and gas methane and to avoid the fee are being used by leading companies in states across the country.”
Methane is a climate “super pollutant” that is more potent than carbon dioxide and responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. The oil and natural gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane emissions in the United States. Quick reduction of these methane emissions is one of the most important and cost-effective actions the United States can take in the short term to slow the rate of rapidly rising global temperatures.
EPA issued a final rule in December 2023 to sharply reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollution from new and existing oil and gas operations. In addition, EPA is working to implement the three-part framework of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program.
First, EPA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to utilize resources provided by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide over $1 billion dollars in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to no- and low- emitting oil and gas technologies, including funds for activities associated with low-producing conventional wells, support for methane monitoring, and funding to help reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
Second, EPA is working with industry and other stakeholders to improve the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and increase the accuracy of reported methane emissions.
Third, with today’s proposal, EPA seeks to encourage facilities with high methane emissions to meet or exceed the levels of performance set by Congress – performance that is already being achieved by leading oil and gas companies. The Inflation Reduction Act established a Waste Emissions Charge for methane from certain oil and gas facilities that report emissions of more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. As directed by Congress, the Waste Emissions Charge starts at $900 per metric ton of wasteful emissions in 2024, increasing to $1,200 for 2025, and $1,500 for 2026 and beyond, and only applies to emissions that exceed the statutorily specified levels.
EPA’s proposed rule addresses details regarding how the charge will be implemented, including the calculation of the charge and how exemptions from the charge will be applied. Facilities in compliance with the recently finalized Clean Air Act standards for oil and gas operations would be exempt from the charge after certain criteria set by Congress are met. The agency expects that over time, fewer facilities will face the charge as they reduce their emissions and become eligible for this regulatory compliance exemption.
In the meantime, the Waste Emissions Charge will help encourage the oil and gas industry to stay on target to lower emissions. Oil and natural gas operations with methane emissions in excess of the emissions intensity levels established in the Inflation Reduction Act can reduce or eliminate any charge by deploying readily available technologies to reduce harmful and wasteful emissions. This program will help to level the playing field for industry leaders already employing best practices and drive near-term opportunities for more widespread methane reductions while EPA and states work toward full implementation of the Clean Air Act standards.
Together, EPA’s Clean Air Act rule and the three Inflation Reduction Act provisions will advance the adoption of clean, cost-effective technologies, reduce wasteful practices, and yield significant economic and environmental benefits, while driving continued innovation in methane detection, monitoring, and mitigation techniques.
For more information, please visit the Methane Emissions Reduction Program website.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, EPA is delivering on a comprehensive strategy to reduce wasteful methane emissions that endanger communities and fuel the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s proposal, when finalized, will support a complementary set of technology standards and historic resources from the Inflation Reduction Act, to incentivize industry innovation and prompt action. We are laser-focused on working collectively with companies, states, and communities to ensure that America leads in deploying technologies and innovations that aid in the development of a clean energy economy.”
“I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration move forward with this critical program to slow climate change and protect our one and only planet,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “We know methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in our atmosphere in the short term. Thankfully, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program – which Congress adopted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act – will incentivize producers to cut wasteful and excessive methane emissions during oil and gas production.”
“For too long it has been cheaper for oil and gas operators to waste methane rather than make the necessary upgrades to prevent leaks and flaring. Wasted methane never makes its way to consumers, but they are nevertheless stuck with the bill,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “The Methane Emissions Reduction Program and the proposed Waste Emissions Charge will ensure consumers no longer pay for wasted energy or the harm its emissions can cause. I commend EPA for taking the next step to hold the largest polluters accountable and protect American families from dangerous methane pollution.”
“EPA’s proposal for a fee on oil and gas methane pollution implements the clean air protections for Americans that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund. “It’s common sense to hold oil and gas companies accountable for this pollution. Proven solutions to cut oil and gas methane and to avoid the fee are being used by leading companies in states across the country.”
Methane is a climate “super pollutant” that is more potent than carbon dioxide and responsible for approximately one third of the warming from greenhouse gases occurring today. The oil and natural gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane emissions in the United States. Quick reduction of these methane emissions is one of the most important and cost-effective actions the United States can take in the short term to slow the rate of rapidly rising global temperatures.
EPA issued a final rule in December 2023 to sharply reduce methane emissions and other harmful air pollution from new and existing oil and gas operations. In addition, EPA is working to implement the three-part framework of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program.
First, EPA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to utilize resources provided by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide over $1 billion dollars in financial and technical assistance to accelerate the transition to no- and low- emitting oil and gas technologies, including funds for activities associated with low-producing conventional wells, support for methane monitoring, and funding to help reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
Second, EPA is working with industry and other stakeholders to improve the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and increase the accuracy of reported methane emissions.
Third, with today’s proposal, EPA seeks to encourage facilities with high methane emissions to meet or exceed the levels of performance set by Congress – performance that is already being achieved by leading oil and gas companies. The Inflation Reduction Act established a Waste Emissions Charge for methane from certain oil and gas facilities that report emissions of more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. As directed by Congress, the Waste Emissions Charge starts at $900 per metric ton of wasteful emissions in 2024, increasing to $1,200 for 2025, and $1,500 for 2026 and beyond, and only applies to emissions that exceed the statutorily specified levels.
EPA’s proposed rule addresses details regarding how the charge will be implemented, including the calculation of the charge and how exemptions from the charge will be applied. Facilities in compliance with the recently finalized Clean Air Act standards for oil and gas operations would be exempt from the charge after certain criteria set by Congress are met. The agency expects that over time, fewer facilities will face the charge as they reduce their emissions and become eligible for this regulatory compliance exemption.
In the meantime, the Waste Emissions Charge will help encourage the oil and gas industry to stay on target to lower emissions. Oil and natural gas operations with methane emissions in excess of the emissions intensity levels established in the Inflation Reduction Act can reduce or eliminate any charge by deploying readily available technologies to reduce harmful and wasteful emissions. This program will help to level the playing field for industry leaders already employing best practices and drive near-term opportunities for more widespread methane reductions while EPA and states work toward full implementation of the Clean Air Act standards.
Together, EPA’s Clean Air Act rule and the three Inflation Reduction Act provisions will advance the adoption of clean, cost-effective technologies, reduce wasteful practices, and yield significant economic and environmental benefits, while driving continued innovation in methane detection, monitoring, and mitigation techniques.
For more information, please visit the Methane Emissions Reduction Program website.