EAPA Action: Notification of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures in EAPA Cons Case 7819
WASHINGTON — On October 31, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation of investigation and interim measures as to evasion by Besttn Industry Inc. (the Importer) in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA)…
EAPA Action: Notice of Investigation and Interim Measures in EAPA Case 7814 – Xanthan Gum from China
WASHINGTON—On November 8, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation and interim measures as to evasion by Texas United Chemical Company, LLC (Importer) in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigation 7814,…
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $15 Million to Tackle the Climate Crisis by Cutting Hydrofluorocarbon Pollution as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $15 million in grant funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for projects that tackle the climate crisis by reclaiming and destroying hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases. The funding was made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act— the most ambitious climate law in U.S. history— and includes a $1.5 million set aside for federally recognized Tribes. Last year, President Biden signed the U.S. ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to phase down HFCs and help avoid up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100.
HFCs are a class of greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. Their climate impact can be hundreds to thousands of times stronger than the same amount of carbon dioxide. EPA anticipates making four to nine awards to eligible applicants for projects that would reduce HFC emissions and increase reclaimed HFCs through new and improved technologies and strategies.
“These grants under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will spur far-reaching innovation that aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and expand the use of new and existing HFC reclamation and destruction technologies,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “Destroying unwanted HFCs helps prevent climate-damaging emissions, and reclaiming HFCs helps reduce the need for new production. That helps us fight climate change and meet our targets under the HFC phasedown program.”
EPA is soliciting applications nationwide under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The application’s program areas include:
Pilot projects for new or better technologies to increase reclamation of otherwise useable HFCs;
Programs or pilot projects for innovative strategies that lower barriers to increasing reclamation; and
Pilot projects for innovative technologies to destroy unusable and/or unwanted HFCs.
EPA is seeking projects that will thoughtfully and actively engage with disadvantaged communities, while providing them benefits and mitigating potential negative impacts and risks.
A global HFC phasedown is expected to prevent up to 0.5 °C in global warming by 2100. Under the AIM Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is phasing down HFC production and consumption to reduce emissions by 40% below historic levels starting in 2024, as well as an 85% reduction by 2036. Increasing HFC reclamation for reuse will reduce the need for additional production and support the national phasedown. Last month, EPA announced a proposed rule to better manage and reuse existing HFCs, supporting a growing American industry for HFC reclamation.
The grant funding opportunity is open until February 16, 2024. EPA will hold a one-hour public informational webinar on December 7, 2023.
Find out about applicant eligibility and more on the grant website.
HFCs are a class of greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. Their climate impact can be hundreds to thousands of times stronger than the same amount of carbon dioxide. EPA anticipates making four to nine awards to eligible applicants for projects that would reduce HFC emissions and increase reclaimed HFCs through new and improved technologies and strategies.
“These grants under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will spur far-reaching innovation that aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and expand the use of new and existing HFC reclamation and destruction technologies,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “Destroying unwanted HFCs helps prevent climate-damaging emissions, and reclaiming HFCs helps reduce the need for new production. That helps us fight climate change and meet our targets under the HFC phasedown program.”
EPA is soliciting applications nationwide under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The application’s program areas include:
Pilot projects for new or better technologies to increase reclamation of otherwise useable HFCs;
Programs or pilot projects for innovative strategies that lower barriers to increasing reclamation; and
Pilot projects for innovative technologies to destroy unusable and/or unwanted HFCs.
EPA is seeking projects that will thoughtfully and actively engage with disadvantaged communities, while providing them benefits and mitigating potential negative impacts and risks.
A global HFC phasedown is expected to prevent up to 0.5 °C in global warming by 2100. Under the AIM Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is phasing down HFC production and consumption to reduce emissions by 40% below historic levels starting in 2024, as well as an 85% reduction by 2036. Increasing HFC reclamation for reuse will reduce the need for additional production and support the national phasedown. Last month, EPA announced a proposed rule to better manage and reuse existing HFCs, supporting a growing American industry for HFC reclamation.
The grant funding opportunity is open until February 16, 2024. EPA will hold a one-hour public informational webinar on December 7, 2023.
Find out about applicant eligibility and more on the grant website.
Biden-Harris Administration Awards $8.8 Million in Funding to Measure Pollution from Wood Heaters as Part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a direct award of $8.8 million through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and a nationwide network of partner air agencies, including in Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. The grant is provided by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—and will support independent testing and data analysis of emissions from new models of woodstoves and wood heating devices. Data collected will help create a ranked listing of appliance performance for certified wood heater models available at retail stores in the United States. This ranking will help consumers and air agencies make decisions about changing out old dirty woodstoves for cleaner models or switching to other heating options.“Studies estimate that residential wood smoke emissions account for 10,000 – 40,000 premature deaths annually in the United States,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “Through this investment under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we will help improve our understanding of residential wood smoke so we can better address emissions that primarily impact disadvantaged communities in rural areas.”
Residential wood heating (RWH) emissions contribute to increased ambient particulate matter (PM) concentrations. In some areas, they cause substantial fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations, including rural, underserved communities where air quality may not meet air quality standards for PM2.5. Information gained from this grant will inform state, local, Tribal, and regional decision-making on wood heater change out programs. The data will also help EPA determine Clean Air Act emissions limits in a new wood heater standard, which could lower wood heater emissions and improve air quality for areas across the country.For more information, please visit EPA’s website for air grants and funding.BackgroundSection 60105(d) of the Inflation Reduction Act provides funding “for testing and other agency activities to address emissions from wood heaters.”NESCAUM, a longtime leader in addressing wood heater emissions, provided public comment during EPA’s public outreach on the Inflation Reduction Act. The organization submitted a plan to collaborate with state, local and Tribal air agencies in testing emissions from residential wood heating devices. NESCAUM has a history of forming coalitions and partnerships with states, local agencies, and Tribal nations around the country.
Residential wood heating (RWH) emissions contribute to increased ambient particulate matter (PM) concentrations. In some areas, they cause substantial fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations, including rural, underserved communities where air quality may not meet air quality standards for PM2.5. Information gained from this grant will inform state, local, Tribal, and regional decision-making on wood heater change out programs. The data will also help EPA determine Clean Air Act emissions limits in a new wood heater standard, which could lower wood heater emissions and improve air quality for areas across the country.For more information, please visit EPA’s website for air grants and funding.BackgroundSection 60105(d) of the Inflation Reduction Act provides funding “for testing and other agency activities to address emissions from wood heaters.”NESCAUM, a longtime leader in addressing wood heater emissions, provided public comment during EPA’s public outreach on the Inflation Reduction Act. The organization submitted a plan to collaborate with state, local and Tribal air agencies in testing emissions from residential wood heating devices. NESCAUM has a history of forming coalitions and partnerships with states, local agencies, and Tribal nations around the country.
EPA Announces First-Ever ENERGY STAR Certified Distilleries
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing eight distilleries for being the first to earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance. On average, a large distillery—one that produces more than 750,000 proof gallons per year—consumes as much energy as 7,000 American homes. Distilleries that earn the ENERGY STAR use significantly less energy, and contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions, than their peers.
“To solve the climate crisis, we need every sector of American manufacturing to demonstrate leadership in reducing emissions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate these ENERGY STAR-certified plants for leading the way and showing that distilleries can reduce emissions by operating in a more energy efficient and cost-effective way.”
The first distilleries to earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification are:
Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery; Bardstown, Ky.
Brown Forman’s Jack Daniel Distillery; Lynchburg, Tenn.
Rabbit Hole Distillery, Louisville, Ky.
Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery; Louisville, Ky.
Heaven Hill’s Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery; Buda, Texas
MGP/Lux Row Distillery; Bardstown, Ky.
Heaven’s Door Distillery; Pleasureville, Ky.
Westland Whiskey Distillery, Seattle, Wash.
Last year, EPA worked with industry to identify nearly 180 ways distilleries can save energy. The ENERGY STAR-certified distilleries achieved top performance by implementing efficiency measures such as right-sizing equipment, recovering cooling water, reducing steam usage in their cookers, recommissioning equipment, and improving insulation.
“Heaven Hill is honored to receive ENERGY STAR certification at two of our production facilities in Kentucky and Texas,” said Allan Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “We have invested millions of dollars to update our facilities with LED lighting, water recycling, and heat recovery components and technologies, making these facilitates more energy efficient and helping us do our part to contribute to a truly sustainable distilled spirits industry.”
The distilleries EPA is recognizing today scored 75 or higher using ENERGY STAR’s Energy Performance Indicator (EPI). EPA worked with the distilled spirits industry to develop the EPI, which any distillery can use to benchmark its energy performance on a scale of 1–100. The EPI adjusts for the size of the distillery, climate, percentage of purchased spirits, and percentage of byproducts where moisture is removed—enabling fair comparisons among distilleries. A distillery that earns 75 or higher is eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification. It must obtain independent verification of its energy performance.
“MGP uses the EPI not only to get scores for our facilities’ current levels of energy performance, but also to forecast the scores for future projects,” said Munim Hussain, MGP's Corporate Director, Environmental Sustainability. “For our employees, the certification is a source of pride.”
EPA has partnered with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) to raise awareness of ENERGY STAR certification and the importance of energy efficiency within the spirits sector.
“We applaud the EPA and DISCUS member distillers who worked together to create this important new tool and for leading the way in helping other distilleries measure and reduce their energy usage,” said Christine LoCascio, DISCUS Chief of Policy and Strategy. “The careful stewardship of the environment and our natural resources along with energy efficiency are key to ensuring a sustainable and successful spirits industry.”
EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification is available for 21 types of manufacturing plants. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
Learn more:
Impacts of EPA’s ENERGY STAR program
EPA's focus on energy efficiency in distilleries
“To solve the climate crisis, we need every sector of American manufacturing to demonstrate leadership in reducing emissions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate these ENERGY STAR-certified plants for leading the way and showing that distilleries can reduce emissions by operating in a more energy efficient and cost-effective way.”
The first distilleries to earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification are:
Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery; Bardstown, Ky.
Brown Forman’s Jack Daniel Distillery; Lynchburg, Tenn.
Rabbit Hole Distillery, Louisville, Ky.
Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery; Louisville, Ky.
Heaven Hill’s Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery; Buda, Texas
MGP/Lux Row Distillery; Bardstown, Ky.
Heaven’s Door Distillery; Pleasureville, Ky.
Westland Whiskey Distillery, Seattle, Wash.
Last year, EPA worked with industry to identify nearly 180 ways distilleries can save energy. The ENERGY STAR-certified distilleries achieved top performance by implementing efficiency measures such as right-sizing equipment, recovering cooling water, reducing steam usage in their cookers, recommissioning equipment, and improving insulation.
“Heaven Hill is honored to receive ENERGY STAR certification at two of our production facilities in Kentucky and Texas,” said Allan Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “We have invested millions of dollars to update our facilities with LED lighting, water recycling, and heat recovery components and technologies, making these facilitates more energy efficient and helping us do our part to contribute to a truly sustainable distilled spirits industry.”
The distilleries EPA is recognizing today scored 75 or higher using ENERGY STAR’s Energy Performance Indicator (EPI). EPA worked with the distilled spirits industry to develop the EPI, which any distillery can use to benchmark its energy performance on a scale of 1–100. The EPI adjusts for the size of the distillery, climate, percentage of purchased spirits, and percentage of byproducts where moisture is removed—enabling fair comparisons among distilleries. A distillery that earns 75 or higher is eligible to earn ENERGY STAR certification. It must obtain independent verification of its energy performance.
“MGP uses the EPI not only to get scores for our facilities’ current levels of energy performance, but also to forecast the scores for future projects,” said Munim Hussain, MGP's Corporate Director, Environmental Sustainability. “For our employees, the certification is a source of pride.”
EPA has partnered with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) to raise awareness of ENERGY STAR certification and the importance of energy efficiency within the spirits sector.
“We applaud the EPA and DISCUS member distillers who worked together to create this important new tool and for leading the way in helping other distilleries measure and reduce their energy usage,” said Christine LoCascio, DISCUS Chief of Policy and Strategy. “The careful stewardship of the environment and our natural resources along with energy efficiency are key to ensuring a sustainable and successful spirits industry.”
EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification is available for 21 types of manufacturing plants. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
Learn more:
Impacts of EPA’s ENERGY STAR program
EPA's focus on energy efficiency in distilleries
USDA Announces Planned Trade Missions for 2024, Shares Next Steps for Regional Agricultural Promotion Program
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced next steps in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to bolster U.S. agricultural trade, including the department’s planned trade missions for 2024 and the opening of a public comment period for the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). These efforts will help to support further growth in U.S. agricultural exports and introduce high-quality U.S. agricultural products to new markets.
US imports from Asia hit 2023 high in October despite muted peak season
While October is typically one of the busiest months of the year for West Coast ports, the region’s market share of imports from Asia slipped markedly from September, but carrier executives said that was an anomaly linked to capacity cuts in the eastbound trans-Pacific.
EPA Administrator Regan Announces Members of First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of 16 members to the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The newly established federal advisory committee will provide independent policy advice and recommendations to Administrator Regan on how to increase the effectiveness of EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues impacting youth. The council is the first ever at EPA to be exclusively occupied by young people, with all members between the ages of 16 and 29.
“Young people have been at the forefront of every movement for political and social change in American history, and the environmental movement is no different. Today we are cementing seats for young leaders at EPA’s table as we tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come. With the support of the spectacular young leaders selected today, we will deliver on his clear vision for a brighter and healthier future.”
EPA issued a request for nominations to the council in the summer of 2023 and received over 1,000 applications. EPA selected new members from a pool of highly qualified candidates to represent a variety of interests, lived experiences, partisan affiliation, and geographic locations, and whose backgrounds include extensive experience with EPA priority issues including climate change, environmental justice, conservation, air quality, clean water, agriculture, food security, and workforce development. NEYAC members represent all 10 EPA regions, including urban, rural and Tribal communities, and hail from 13 states and the District of Columbia.“Young people understand the urgency of addressing climate change, as they will be the generation most directly affected by its devastating consequences,” said U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT). “I am pleased that the EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council will give young people a voice to address this existential crisis. We must act aggressively to move away from fossil fuels and make sure the planet we leave for our kids and future generations is healthy and habitable.”
“While young people didn’t cause the climate crisis, they will be the most affected if we fail to act,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “Solutions to climate injustice must be crafted and led by the voices of the future, particularly young people who have seen that injustice in their communities. That’s why I am beyond proud to see a constituent from Hyde Park, Massachusetts be named a Council Member of EPA’s inaugural National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. I can’t wait to see the great things to come from these 16 young leaders.”
“The climate crisis is here and it’s time our leaders took a whole-of-government approach that brings young people to the table and ensures all voices are heard in the fight to save our planet,” said U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL). “Under the leadership of President Biden, I’m thrilled to see the EPA bring young people into the fold in such a critical way. When clean air, clean water, and clean communities are on the line, we can’t and won’t give up in the fight against climate change.”
Administrator Regan will announce his appointments at a launch event in Washington, D.C., that will rally young leaders from across the country to celebrate their critical role in addressing the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Administrator Regan and the new members will be joined by talent including DJ Heat, Little Bacon Bear and elected officials including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost, the youngest Member of Congress and first member from Generation Z to serve. Administrator Regan will also participate in a fireside chat with young leaders moderated by ESPN’s Sheila Matthews.
New Members of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
Alexandra Angerman, 25, Wrangell, AK
Asada Rashidi, 22, Newark, NJ
Colton Buckley, 29, Gatesville, TX
Emmanuel Alcantar, 27, Los Angeles, CA
Gabriel Nagel, 18, Denver, CO
Kiera O’Brien, 25, Washington, DC
Kristy Drutman, 28, Weehawken, NJ
Lisette Perez, 24, Chicago, IL
Meghana Kunapareddy, 18, Katy, TX
Nicholas Blumenthal, 21, Sioux City, IA
Osasenaga Idahor, 20, Hyde Park, MA
Page Tsirigotis, 19, Chapel Hill, NC
Rachel Billiot-Bruleigh, 27, Gretna, LA
Shannen Maxwell, 27, Mexico, MO
Sophia Kianni, 21, McLean, VA
Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, 24, Philadelphia, PA
View the full list of NEYAC members and read additional information about the committee.
The NEYAC will meet at least twice a year, with the first meeting of the council to be scheduled next year. As they become available, additional details will post to EPA’s website.
About the NEYAC
The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) provides advice and recommendations on environmental issues impacting young people directly to EPA Administrator Regan. The NEYAC includes 16 members, who are appointed for a two-year term. As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40.
“Young people have been at the forefront of every movement for political and social change in American history, and the environmental movement is no different. Today we are cementing seats for young leaders at EPA’s table as we tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come. With the support of the spectacular young leaders selected today, we will deliver on his clear vision for a brighter and healthier future.”
EPA issued a request for nominations to the council in the summer of 2023 and received over 1,000 applications. EPA selected new members from a pool of highly qualified candidates to represent a variety of interests, lived experiences, partisan affiliation, and geographic locations, and whose backgrounds include extensive experience with EPA priority issues including climate change, environmental justice, conservation, air quality, clean water, agriculture, food security, and workforce development. NEYAC members represent all 10 EPA regions, including urban, rural and Tribal communities, and hail from 13 states and the District of Columbia.“Young people understand the urgency of addressing climate change, as they will be the generation most directly affected by its devastating consequences,” said U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT). “I am pleased that the EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council will give young people a voice to address this existential crisis. We must act aggressively to move away from fossil fuels and make sure the planet we leave for our kids and future generations is healthy and habitable.”
“While young people didn’t cause the climate crisis, they will be the most affected if we fail to act,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “Solutions to climate injustice must be crafted and led by the voices of the future, particularly young people who have seen that injustice in their communities. That’s why I am beyond proud to see a constituent from Hyde Park, Massachusetts be named a Council Member of EPA’s inaugural National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. I can’t wait to see the great things to come from these 16 young leaders.”
“The climate crisis is here and it’s time our leaders took a whole-of-government approach that brings young people to the table and ensures all voices are heard in the fight to save our planet,” said U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL). “Under the leadership of President Biden, I’m thrilled to see the EPA bring young people into the fold in such a critical way. When clean air, clean water, and clean communities are on the line, we can’t and won’t give up in the fight against climate change.”
Administrator Regan will announce his appointments at a launch event in Washington, D.C., that will rally young leaders from across the country to celebrate their critical role in addressing the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Administrator Regan and the new members will be joined by talent including DJ Heat, Little Bacon Bear and elected officials including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost, the youngest Member of Congress and first member from Generation Z to serve. Administrator Regan will also participate in a fireside chat with young leaders moderated by ESPN’s Sheila Matthews.
New Members of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
Alexandra Angerman, 25, Wrangell, AK
Asada Rashidi, 22, Newark, NJ
Colton Buckley, 29, Gatesville, TX
Emmanuel Alcantar, 27, Los Angeles, CA
Gabriel Nagel, 18, Denver, CO
Kiera O’Brien, 25, Washington, DC
Kristy Drutman, 28, Weehawken, NJ
Lisette Perez, 24, Chicago, IL
Meghana Kunapareddy, 18, Katy, TX
Nicholas Blumenthal, 21, Sioux City, IA
Osasenaga Idahor, 20, Hyde Park, MA
Page Tsirigotis, 19, Chapel Hill, NC
Rachel Billiot-Bruleigh, 27, Gretna, LA
Shannen Maxwell, 27, Mexico, MO
Sophia Kianni, 21, McLean, VA
Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, 24, Philadelphia, PA
View the full list of NEYAC members and read additional information about the committee.
The NEYAC will meet at least twice a year, with the first meeting of the council to be scheduled next year. As they become available, additional details will post to EPA’s website.
About the NEYAC
The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) provides advice and recommendations on environmental issues impacting young people directly to EPA Administrator Regan. The NEYAC includes 16 members, who are appointed for a two-year term. As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40.