Biden-Harris Administration Announces $600M to 11 Grantmakers to Fund Thousands of Environmental Justice Projects Across the Nation as Part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration announced on Wednesday $600 million for 11 selected Grantmakers under EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in history. This new grant program, which will make it easier for small community-based organizations to access federal environmental justice funding, responds to community feedback about the need to reduce barriers to federal funds and improve the efficiency of the awards process to ensure communities that have long faced underinvestment can access the benefits of the largest climate investment in history. Communities will be able to apply to a Grantmaker for a subgrant to fund a range of different environmental project activities, including (but not limited to) small local clean ups, local emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency programs, environmental workforce development programs for local jobs reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fenceline air quality and asthma related projects, healthy homes programs, and projects addressing illegal dumping.
President Biden is delivering the most ambitious environmental justice agenda in our nation’s history. Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan were joined by Dr. Robert Bullard, a Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University to announce the historic Grantmaker awards.
“Every person has a right to drink clean water, breathe clean air, and live in a community that is healthy and safe,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “For too long, however, low-income communities, immigrant communities, Native communities, and communities of color have endured disproportionate levels of air, water, and soil pollution. That is why President Joe Biden and I have put equity at the center of our nation’s largest investment in climate in history. Today’s announcement puts that commitment into action by ensuring critical resources to fund environmental justice projects across the country reach the organizations that know their communities best.”
“For years, community advocates have been calling for federal support and resources to help address our country’s most pressing environmental justice concerns,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, we’re responding to these calls by removing barriers that have traditionally held communities and applicants back from accessing these historic investments in America. Together, in partnership with these Grantmakers, we are taking a giant step toward a future where every person in America has equal opportunity to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live a healthy, productive life.”
The Grantmakers will work in collaboration with EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to issue subgrants to community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible organizations representing disadvantaged communities. The 11 Grantmakers will design comprehensive application and submission processes, award environmental justice subgrants, implement tracking and reporting systems, and provide resources and support to communities. The subgrants are expected to become available by summer of 2024.
The 11 Grantmakers consist of regional selectees (i.e., Regional Grantmakers) who will issue subgrants to communities in specific EPA Regions, as well as national selectees (i.e., National Grantmakers) who will provide additional support, coordination, and oversight to the subgrantees, applicants, and the Regional Grantmakers themselves, as well as issue additional subgrants to fill potential gaps in the regions. Ten Grantmakers are receiving $50 million each with one selectee, Research Triangle Institute, receiving $100 million to serve as both a Regional Grantmaker serving communities in EPA Region 4 and as a National Grantmaker in which part of their responsibility is providing subgrants to communities in EPA Region 7. Collectively, the 11 Grantmakers will issue thousands of subgrants to disadvantaged communities over the next three years.
EPA has selected the following nine organizations to serve as Regional Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers:
Health Resources in Action, Massachusetts (EPA Region 1)
Fordham University, New York (EPA Region 2)
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Inc., Maryland (EPA Region 3)
Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina (EPA Region 4)
The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota (EPA Region 5)
Texas Southern University, Texas (EPA Region 6)
JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., Colorado (EPA Region 8)
Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE), Inc., California (EPA Region 9)
Philanthropy Northwest, Washington (EPA Region 10)
In addition, EPA has selected three National Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers, including:
Institute For Sustainable Communities, Vermont (EPA Regions 1-3)
Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina (EPA Regions 4-7)
Climate Justice Alliance, California (EPA Regions 8-10)
Grantmakers are expected to begin opening competitions and awarding subgrants by summer 2024. Community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible organizations seeking subgrant funding will be able to apply for subgrants through three concurrent tiers offered by the Grantmakers. Tier One will consist of grants for $150,000 for assessment, Tier Two will consist of grants for $250,000 for planning, and Tier Three will consist of grants for $350,000 for project development. In addition, $75,000 will be available for capacity-constrained community-based organizations through a noncompetitive process under Tier One. Each Grantmaker will design and implement a distribution program best suited for their region and communities.
The Grantmakers program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Grantmakers will work in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers to create a robust support network to assist eligible entities when applying.
Learn more about the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers.
Background
From day one of their administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris have made achieving environmental justice a top priority. In August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in total to award grants and fund related technical assistance to benefit disadvantaged communities.
EPA has since launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 EJ TCTACs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.
EPA announced nearly $128 million to fund 186 projects across the country that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations, which EPA has selected through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
EPA also announced approximately $2 billion in funding available to support community-driven projects that deploy clean energy, strengthen climate resilience, and build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges last month. The Community Change Grants are the single largest investment in environmental justice going directly to communities in history, and will advance collaborative efforts to achieve a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for all.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
For up-to-date information on when Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking subgrants will be available, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow OEJECR on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.
President Biden is delivering the most ambitious environmental justice agenda in our nation’s history. Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan were joined by Dr. Robert Bullard, a Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University to announce the historic Grantmaker awards.
“Every person has a right to drink clean water, breathe clean air, and live in a community that is healthy and safe,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “For too long, however, low-income communities, immigrant communities, Native communities, and communities of color have endured disproportionate levels of air, water, and soil pollution. That is why President Joe Biden and I have put equity at the center of our nation’s largest investment in climate in history. Today’s announcement puts that commitment into action by ensuring critical resources to fund environmental justice projects across the country reach the organizations that know their communities best.”
“For years, community advocates have been calling for federal support and resources to help address our country’s most pressing environmental justice concerns,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, we’re responding to these calls by removing barriers that have traditionally held communities and applicants back from accessing these historic investments in America. Together, in partnership with these Grantmakers, we are taking a giant step toward a future where every person in America has equal opportunity to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live a healthy, productive life.”
The Grantmakers will work in collaboration with EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to issue subgrants to community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible organizations representing disadvantaged communities. The 11 Grantmakers will design comprehensive application and submission processes, award environmental justice subgrants, implement tracking and reporting systems, and provide resources and support to communities. The subgrants are expected to become available by summer of 2024.
The 11 Grantmakers consist of regional selectees (i.e., Regional Grantmakers) who will issue subgrants to communities in specific EPA Regions, as well as national selectees (i.e., National Grantmakers) who will provide additional support, coordination, and oversight to the subgrantees, applicants, and the Regional Grantmakers themselves, as well as issue additional subgrants to fill potential gaps in the regions. Ten Grantmakers are receiving $50 million each with one selectee, Research Triangle Institute, receiving $100 million to serve as both a Regional Grantmaker serving communities in EPA Region 4 and as a National Grantmaker in which part of their responsibility is providing subgrants to communities in EPA Region 7. Collectively, the 11 Grantmakers will issue thousands of subgrants to disadvantaged communities over the next three years.
EPA has selected the following nine organizations to serve as Regional Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers:
Health Resources in Action, Massachusetts (EPA Region 1)
Fordham University, New York (EPA Region 2)
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Inc., Maryland (EPA Region 3)
Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina (EPA Region 4)
The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota (EPA Region 5)
Texas Southern University, Texas (EPA Region 6)
JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., Colorado (EPA Region 8)
Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE), Inc., California (EPA Region 9)
Philanthropy Northwest, Washington (EPA Region 10)
In addition, EPA has selected three National Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers, including:
Institute For Sustainable Communities, Vermont (EPA Regions 1-3)
Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina (EPA Regions 4-7)
Climate Justice Alliance, California (EPA Regions 8-10)
Grantmakers are expected to begin opening competitions and awarding subgrants by summer 2024. Community-based nonprofit organizations and other eligible organizations seeking subgrant funding will be able to apply for subgrants through three concurrent tiers offered by the Grantmakers. Tier One will consist of grants for $150,000 for assessment, Tier Two will consist of grants for $250,000 for planning, and Tier Three will consist of grants for $350,000 for project development. In addition, $75,000 will be available for capacity-constrained community-based organizations through a noncompetitive process under Tier One. Each Grantmaker will design and implement a distribution program best suited for their region and communities.
The Grantmakers program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Grantmakers will work in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers to create a robust support network to assist eligible entities when applying.
Learn more about the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers.
Background
From day one of their administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris have made achieving environmental justice a top priority. In August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in total to award grants and fund related technical assistance to benefit disadvantaged communities.
EPA has since launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 EJ TCTACs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.
EPA announced nearly $128 million to fund 186 projects across the country that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations, which EPA has selected through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
EPA also announced approximately $2 billion in funding available to support community-driven projects that deploy clean energy, strengthen climate resilience, and build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges last month. The Community Change Grants are the single largest investment in environmental justice going directly to communities in history, and will advance collaborative efforts to achieve a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for all.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
For up-to-date information on when Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking subgrants will be available, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow OEJECR on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.
QB 24-107 2024 Colombia FTA
Commodity
Goods of Colombia under the terms of General Note 34 to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Restraint Levels:
Certain TRQs that…
Goods of Colombia under the terms of General Note 34 to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Restraint Levels:
Certain TRQs that…
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Agreement between Seven Federal Agencies to Implement the American Climate Corps
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2023 – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking critical steps to advance the American Climate Corps, a landmark initiative announced by President Biden earlier this year to train the next generation of clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience workers, while putting them on a path to good-paying union jobs.
Biden-Harris Administration Proposes First-of-its Kind National Forest Plan Amendment to Conserve and Steward Old Growth Forests
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2023 – Today, consistent with direction from President Biden in Executive Order 14072 to conserve and restore old and mature forests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a proposal to amend all 128 forest land management plans to conserve and steward old-growth forest conditions on national forests and grasslands nationwide.
EPA Awards Austin’s Molecular Rebar Design With Small Businesses Innovation Research Funding
DALLAS, TEXAS (December 19, 2023) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Molecular Rebar Design in Austin, Texas, is among 23 small businesses that received part of $2,298,867 in research funding to develop technologies that will help protect human health and the environment. The 23 small businesses will use EPA funding to develop their novel projects, including an AI-based mapping tool to support first responders during disasters, a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste, and a self-cleaning indoor air purification system for use during wildfires.
“EPA’s small business research funding allows us to harness the cutting-edge technology these small companies are developing to help solve complex environmental issues,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA’s funding will help these businesses move their designs from concept to reality and help grow the green economy.”
Molecular Rebar Design will receive Phase I funding under EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program for developing carbon nanotubes as an alternative to 6PPD to strengthen tires, preventing microcracks and premature tire failure. The 23 small businesses are receiving funding of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
The following other small businesses are receiving SBIR Phase I awards:
Creekside Environmental Products (Starkville, Miss.) to develop low-cost adsorbents from waste products like rice hulls and biochar to reduce PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and agricultural systems.
Fourth State, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a plasma reactor that destroys PFAS and removes heavy metals in landfill leachate and other wastewaters.
IM Technologies (Shoreham, N.Y.) to develop a plasma system to degrade PFAS levels for water purification and reuse.
River Otter Renewables, Inc. (Stow, Mass.) to develop a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste and transform it into a renewable energy source.
Water Illumination, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) to develop technology using UV light to destroy PFAS in wastewater without producing harmful byproducts.
Triton Systems, Inc. (Chelmsford, Mass.) to develop a microsensor technology to remotely identify harmful algae blooms and toxins in terrestrial water.
DiPole Materials (Baltimore, Md.) to develop affordable, adaptable, and effective biodegradable filters made from nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires.
Metalmark Innovations, PBC (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop a low-maintenance, low-waste, self-cleaning air purification system to protect against wildfire smoke.
Rotoheater, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a modular and cost-effective regenerative air pollutant control system for small sources in urban areas.
Holochip Corporation (Torrance, Calif.) to develop a mobile mapping application that does not require access to GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for users in disaster areas.
VISIMO, LLC (Carnegie, Penn.) to develop an AI-based indoor mapping tool to support first responders and other response personnel in disaster areas.
GreenLifeTech Corporation (Banner Elk, N.C.) to develop a system for increasing the shelf-life of produce by recirculating oxygen in refrigerators.
SafetySpect, Inc. (Grand Forks, N.D.) to develop a handheld device to determine the shelf life of red meat to reduce unnecessary waste.
ChemFinity Technologies, Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to develop a method to extract and recycle precious metals from solid waste, including from catalytic converters.
KLAW Industries, LLC (Binghamton, N.Y.) to develop an autonomous robotic system for sorting recycling that improves recovery and reduces cost.
Recirclable, LLC (Arlington, Mass.) to develop an innovative approach to increase reuse in restaurant takeout practices and reduce single-use container waste.
Valis Insights, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.) to develop an AI-powered software tool to recover valuable materials from metal recycling.
Acadian Research & Development, LLC (Laramie, Wyo.) to develop an environmentally friendly, low-cost method of producing graphene oxide from wood waste to increase concrete strength and reduce the amount of concrete needed for construction projects.
Lab to Market Fund, LLC, DBA Adhesion Technologies (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop novel bio-based adhesives for wood products in the construction industry to mitigate carbon dioxide and other emissions.
Material Reuse, LLC (Gainesville, Fla.) to develop a time-efficient and robust assessment of existing buildings for salvageable and reusable products and materials prior to demolition.
The SMART Tire Company, Inc. (Akron, Ohio) to develop an innovative and safe process for the reuse and recycling of superelastic shape memory alloys for airless, never-flat tires.
GreenTechnologies, LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.) to develop a technology to transform food waste into enhanced efficient fertilizers.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“EPA’s small business research funding allows us to harness the cutting-edge technology these small companies are developing to help solve complex environmental issues,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA’s funding will help these businesses move their designs from concept to reality and help grow the green economy.”
Molecular Rebar Design will receive Phase I funding under EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program for developing carbon nanotubes as an alternative to 6PPD to strengthen tires, preventing microcracks and premature tire failure. The 23 small businesses are receiving funding of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
The following other small businesses are receiving SBIR Phase I awards:
Creekside Environmental Products (Starkville, Miss.) to develop low-cost adsorbents from waste products like rice hulls and biochar to reduce PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and agricultural systems.
Fourth State, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a plasma reactor that destroys PFAS and removes heavy metals in landfill leachate and other wastewaters.
IM Technologies (Shoreham, N.Y.) to develop a plasma system to degrade PFAS levels for water purification and reuse.
River Otter Renewables, Inc. (Stow, Mass.) to develop a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste and transform it into a renewable energy source.
Water Illumination, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) to develop technology using UV light to destroy PFAS in wastewater without producing harmful byproducts.
Triton Systems, Inc. (Chelmsford, Mass.) to develop a microsensor technology to remotely identify harmful algae blooms and toxins in terrestrial water.
DiPole Materials (Baltimore, Md.) to develop affordable, adaptable, and effective biodegradable filters made from nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires.
Metalmark Innovations, PBC (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop a low-maintenance, low-waste, self-cleaning air purification system to protect against wildfire smoke.
Rotoheater, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a modular and cost-effective regenerative air pollutant control system for small sources in urban areas.
Holochip Corporation (Torrance, Calif.) to develop a mobile mapping application that does not require access to GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for users in disaster areas.
VISIMO, LLC (Carnegie, Penn.) to develop an AI-based indoor mapping tool to support first responders and other response personnel in disaster areas.
GreenLifeTech Corporation (Banner Elk, N.C.) to develop a system for increasing the shelf-life of produce by recirculating oxygen in refrigerators.
SafetySpect, Inc. (Grand Forks, N.D.) to develop a handheld device to determine the shelf life of red meat to reduce unnecessary waste.
ChemFinity Technologies, Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to develop a method to extract and recycle precious metals from solid waste, including from catalytic converters.
KLAW Industries, LLC (Binghamton, N.Y.) to develop an autonomous robotic system for sorting recycling that improves recovery and reduces cost.
Recirclable, LLC (Arlington, Mass.) to develop an innovative approach to increase reuse in restaurant takeout practices and reduce single-use container waste.
Valis Insights, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.) to develop an AI-powered software tool to recover valuable materials from metal recycling.
Acadian Research & Development, LLC (Laramie, Wyo.) to develop an environmentally friendly, low-cost method of producing graphene oxide from wood waste to increase concrete strength and reduce the amount of concrete needed for construction projects.
Lab to Market Fund, LLC, DBA Adhesion Technologies (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop novel bio-based adhesives for wood products in the construction industry to mitigate carbon dioxide and other emissions.
Material Reuse, LLC (Gainesville, Fla.) to develop a time-efficient and robust assessment of existing buildings for salvageable and reusable products and materials prior to demolition.
The SMART Tire Company, Inc. (Akron, Ohio) to develop an innovative and safe process for the reuse and recycling of superelastic shape memory alloys for airless, never-flat tires.
GreenTechnologies, LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.) to develop a technology to transform food waste into enhanced efficient fertilizers.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
EPA Fines Cobalt Boats for Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations in Kansas
LENEXA, KAN. (DEC. 19, 2023) – Cobalt Boats LLC will pay $133,780 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company generates large amounts of hazardous waste at its Neodesha, Kansas, boat manufacturing facility and failed to comply with regulations intended to prevent releases of hazardous waste, including:
Failure to maintain and operate the facility to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or unplanned release of hazardous waste.
Failure to monitor pumps and valves to detect potential leaks of hazardous waste.
Failure to maintain required records.
Storage of potentially incompatible hazardous wastes.
“This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protect communities from releases of hazardous waste,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The Agency is also committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law.”
EPA discovered the alleged violations during a February 2022 inspection. In response to EPA’s findings, Cobalt Boats promptly took the necessary steps to return to compliance.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste.
# # #
Learn more about the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company generates large amounts of hazardous waste at its Neodesha, Kansas, boat manufacturing facility and failed to comply with regulations intended to prevent releases of hazardous waste, including:
Failure to maintain and operate the facility to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or unplanned release of hazardous waste.
Failure to monitor pumps and valves to detect potential leaks of hazardous waste.
Failure to maintain required records.
Storage of potentially incompatible hazardous wastes.
“This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protect communities from releases of hazardous waste,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The Agency is also committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law.”
EPA discovered the alleged violations during a February 2022 inspection. In response to EPA’s findings, Cobalt Boats promptly took the necessary steps to return to compliance.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste.
# # #
Learn more about the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA New England advances three air permits for offshore wind farm projects
BOSTON (Dec. 19, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its issuance of draft Clean Air Act Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) air quality permits for Sunrise Wind, Park City Wind (NEW1) and Park City Wind (NEW2). The draft permits allow for construction to begin on these three offshore "wind development areas" located in federal waters. EPA is seeking public comment before draft permits are finalized.
EPA's approval is in concert with other federal approvals for the project, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Record of Decision.
"When built, these projects will contribute 3 gigawatts of energy – powering 1.8 million homes and leaping toward the Biden-Harris administration's goal of generating 30 gigawatts of clean, abundant energy from offshore wind by 2030," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "New England continues to lead the way to our clean energy future, growing clean tech jobs, and making sure our communities most overburdened by air pollution can breathe clean air and take advantage of green workforce development."
The permits regulate pollutants from OCS sources during the construction phase - such as jack-up barges that will construct each wind turbine and the electrical service platforms. Additionally, emissions associated with air-emitting devices used during the operation of the windfarm, including generators used as a source of back-up electricity for space conditioning where sensitive electronics are housed, and for emission standards for all vessels used within 25 nautical miles of the projects are also regulated.
Public comment deadline is January 24, 2024 for Sunrise Wind, and January 25, 2024 for Park City Wind projects.
More information
Electronic copies of the permits, fact sheets, virtual public hearing information, and all supporting materials can be found on EPA's website at: https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting/caa-public-comment-opportunities-region-1
Clean Air Act Permitting by EPA: https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting
EPA's approval is in concert with other federal approvals for the project, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Record of Decision.
"When built, these projects will contribute 3 gigawatts of energy – powering 1.8 million homes and leaping toward the Biden-Harris administration's goal of generating 30 gigawatts of clean, abundant energy from offshore wind by 2030," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "New England continues to lead the way to our clean energy future, growing clean tech jobs, and making sure our communities most overburdened by air pollution can breathe clean air and take advantage of green workforce development."
The permits regulate pollutants from OCS sources during the construction phase - such as jack-up barges that will construct each wind turbine and the electrical service platforms. Additionally, emissions associated with air-emitting devices used during the operation of the windfarm, including generators used as a source of back-up electricity for space conditioning where sensitive electronics are housed, and for emission standards for all vessels used within 25 nautical miles of the projects are also regulated.
Public comment deadline is January 24, 2024 for Sunrise Wind, and January 25, 2024 for Park City Wind projects.
More information
Electronic copies of the permits, fact sheets, virtual public hearing information, and all supporting materials can be found on EPA's website at: https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting/caa-public-comment-opportunities-region-1
Clean Air Act Permitting by EPA: https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting
EPA Awards Nearly $2.2M to Small Businesses to Advance Innovative Environmental Technologies
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $2,198,867 in research funding to 22 small businesses to develop technologies that will help protect human health and the environment. The 22 small businesses will use EPA funding to develop their novel projects, including an AI-based mapping tool to support first responders during disasters, a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste, and a self-cleaning indoor air purification system for use during wildfires.
“EPA’s small business research funding allows us to harness the cutting-edge technology these small companies are developing to help solve complex environmental issues,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA’s funding will help these businesses move their designs from concept to reality and help grow the green economy.”
The companies announced today are receiving Phase I awards as part of EPA’s annual Small Business Innovation Research program. The 22 small businesses are receiving funding of up to $100,000 for six months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
The following small businesses are receiving SBIR Phase I awards:
Creekside Environmental Products (Starkville, Miss.) to develop low-cost adsorbents from waste products like rice hulls and biochar to reduce PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and agricultural systems.
Fourth State, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a plasma reactor that destroys PFAS and removes heavy metals in landfill leachate and other wastewaters.
IM Technologies (Shoreham, N.Y.) to develop a plasma system to degrade PFAS levels for water purification and reuse.
River Otter Renewables, Inc. (Stow, Mass.) to develop a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste and transform it into a renewable energy source.
Water Illumination, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) to develop technology using UV light to destroy PFAS in wastewater without producing harmful byproducts.
Triton Systems, Inc. (Chelmsford, Mass.) to develop a microsensor technology to remotely identify harmful algae blooms and toxins in terrestrial water.
DiPole Materials (Baltimore, Md.) to develop affordable, adaptable, and effective biodegradable filters made from nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires.
Metalmark Innovations, PBC (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop a low-maintenance, low-waste, self-cleaning air purification system to protect against wildfire smoke.
Holochip Corporation (Torrance, Calif.) to develop a mobile mapping application that does not require access to GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for users in disaster areas.
VISIMO, LLC (Carnegie, Pa.) to develop an AI-based indoor mapping tool to support first responders and other response personnel in disaster areas.
GreenLifeTech Corporation (Banner Elk, N.C.) to develop a system for increasing the shelf-life of produce by recirculating oxygen in refrigerators.
SafetySpect, Inc. (Grand Forks, N.D.) to develop a handheld device to determine the shelf life of red meat to reduce unnecessary waste.
ChemFinity Technologies, Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to develop a method to extract and recycle precious metals from solid waste, including from catalytic converters.
KLAW Industries, LLC (Binghamton, N.Y.) to develop an autonomous robotic system for sorting recycling that improves recovery and reduces cost.
Recirclable, LLC (Arlington, Mass.) to develop an innovative approach to increase reuse in restaurant takeout practices and reduce single-use container waste.
Valis Insights, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.) to develop an AI-powered software tool to recover valuable materials from metal recycling.
Acadian Research & Development, LLC (Laramie, Wyo.) to develop an environmentally friendly, low-cost method of producing graphene oxide from wood waste to increase concrete strength and reduce the amount of concrete needed for construction projects.
Lab to Market Fund, LLC, DBA Adhesion Technologies (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop novel bio-based adhesives for wood products in the construction industry to mitigate carbon dioxide and other emissions.
Material Reuse, LLC (Gainesville, Fla.) to develop a time-efficient and robust assessment of existing buildings for salvageable and reusable products and materials prior to demolition.
The SMART Tire Company, Inc. (Akron, Ohio) to develop an innovative and safe process for the reuse and recycling of superelastic shape memory alloys for airless, never-flat tires.
Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (Austin, Texas) to develop carbon nanotubes as an alternative to 6PPD to strengthen tires, preventing microcracks and premature tire failure.
GreenTechnologies, LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.) to develop a technology to transform food waste into enhanced efficient fertilizers.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
“EPA’s small business research funding allows us to harness the cutting-edge technology these small companies are developing to help solve complex environmental issues,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA’s funding will help these businesses move their designs from concept to reality and help grow the green economy.”
The companies announced today are receiving Phase I awards as part of EPA’s annual Small Business Innovation Research program. The 22 small businesses are receiving funding of up to $100,000 for six months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
The following small businesses are receiving SBIR Phase I awards:
Creekside Environmental Products (Starkville, Miss.) to develop low-cost adsorbents from waste products like rice hulls and biochar to reduce PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and agricultural systems.
Fourth State, LLC (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to develop a plasma reactor that destroys PFAS and removes heavy metals in landfill leachate and other wastewaters.
IM Technologies (Shoreham, N.Y.) to develop a plasma system to degrade PFAS levels for water purification and reuse.
River Otter Renewables, Inc. (Stow, Mass.) to develop a reactor to remove PFAS from sewage waste and transform it into a renewable energy source.
Water Illumination, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) to develop technology using UV light to destroy PFAS in wastewater without producing harmful byproducts.
Triton Systems, Inc. (Chelmsford, Mass.) to develop a microsensor technology to remotely identify harmful algae blooms and toxins in terrestrial water.
DiPole Materials (Baltimore, Md.) to develop affordable, adaptable, and effective biodegradable filters made from nanofibers to clean indoor air during wildfires.
Metalmark Innovations, PBC (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop a low-maintenance, low-waste, self-cleaning air purification system to protect against wildfire smoke.
Holochip Corporation (Torrance, Calif.) to develop a mobile mapping application that does not require access to GPS, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for users in disaster areas.
VISIMO, LLC (Carnegie, Pa.) to develop an AI-based indoor mapping tool to support first responders and other response personnel in disaster areas.
GreenLifeTech Corporation (Banner Elk, N.C.) to develop a system for increasing the shelf-life of produce by recirculating oxygen in refrigerators.
SafetySpect, Inc. (Grand Forks, N.D.) to develop a handheld device to determine the shelf life of red meat to reduce unnecessary waste.
ChemFinity Technologies, Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to develop a method to extract and recycle precious metals from solid waste, including from catalytic converters.
KLAW Industries, LLC (Binghamton, N.Y.) to develop an autonomous robotic system for sorting recycling that improves recovery and reduces cost.
Recirclable, LLC (Arlington, Mass.) to develop an innovative approach to increase reuse in restaurant takeout practices and reduce single-use container waste.
Valis Insights, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.) to develop an AI-powered software tool to recover valuable materials from metal recycling.
Acadian Research & Development, LLC (Laramie, Wyo.) to develop an environmentally friendly, low-cost method of producing graphene oxide from wood waste to increase concrete strength and reduce the amount of concrete needed for construction projects.
Lab to Market Fund, LLC, DBA Adhesion Technologies (Cambridge, Mass.) to develop novel bio-based adhesives for wood products in the construction industry to mitigate carbon dioxide and other emissions.
Material Reuse, LLC (Gainesville, Fla.) to develop a time-efficient and robust assessment of existing buildings for salvageable and reusable products and materials prior to demolition.
The SMART Tire Company, Inc. (Akron, Ohio) to develop an innovative and safe process for the reuse and recycling of superelastic shape memory alloys for airless, never-flat tires.
Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (Austin, Texas) to develop carbon nanotubes as an alternative to 6PPD to strengthen tires, preventing microcracks and premature tire failure.
GreenTechnologies, LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.) to develop a technology to transform food waste into enhanced efficient fertilizers.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.