Rate spread between US East-West coasts erodes amid shifts in volume, sourcing
The long-standing spread, typically around $1,000, is now half that as volume growth returns to West Coast ports and shippers increasingly tap into Southeast Asia manufacturing.
East-West coast rate spread erodes amid shifts in volume, sourcing
The long-standing spread, typically around $1,000, is now half that as volume growth returns to West Coast ports and shippers increasingly tap into Southeast Asia manufacturing.
GPA invests $262 million to upgrade Brunswick’s ro/ro facilities
GPA's ability to handle growing volumes has attracted the likes of Rivian and Hyundai, both planting roots in Georgia to export vehicles from new facilities through Brunswick.
USDA Contributes to the Fifth National Climate Assessment, Highlighting Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Rural Communities and Adaptation Needs
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its important contributions to the Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA5) demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing the effects of climate change.
Regional Tribes receive over $4M in EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
DENVER – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a total of $4,027,500 to eleven Tribes in EPA’s Mountains and Plains (Region 8) states – Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming – to help fund climate pollution reduction action plans.
Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRGs) program provides $25 million in Tribal grants nationwide through the first of two funding phases. CPRG Phase 1 includes noncompetitive funding for Tribes and U.S. territories to design greenhouse gas reduction plans across all sectors of their economies. EPA Region 8 finalized its CPRG Phase 1 Tribal grant allocations last month.
“EPA is focused on helping our Tribal partners plan for and address increasingly harmful effects of climate change,” said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. “This CPRG funding will accelerate greenhouse gas reductions and advance environmental justice efforts in Tribal communities across the Mountains and Plains region.”
Ten Tribes in the EPA Mountains and Plains region each received $371,750 in CPRG planning grants: Blackfeet Nation; Chippewa Cree Tribe; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; Northern Arapaho Tribe; Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation; Rosebud Sioux Tribe; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Spirit Lake Nation; and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The Fort Peck Tribe requested and received a $310,000 CPRG planning grant.
Phase 1 of the CPRG program supports Tribes regardless of where they are in their climate planning and implementation process. Planning grant recipients will use the funding to design action plans to reduce emissions in economic sectors such as electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, waste management and agriculture/natural and working lands.
The second CPRG phase is open through May 1, 2024, and involves competitions for grants to help Tribes and territories implement their climate action plans.
More information about the CPRG Phase 1 planning grants for Tribes and territories and a national list of all grantees are available online.
Authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRGs) program provides $25 million in Tribal grants nationwide through the first of two funding phases. CPRG Phase 1 includes noncompetitive funding for Tribes and U.S. territories to design greenhouse gas reduction plans across all sectors of their economies. EPA Region 8 finalized its CPRG Phase 1 Tribal grant allocations last month.
“EPA is focused on helping our Tribal partners plan for and address increasingly harmful effects of climate change,” said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. “This CPRG funding will accelerate greenhouse gas reductions and advance environmental justice efforts in Tribal communities across the Mountains and Plains region.”
Ten Tribes in the EPA Mountains and Plains region each received $371,750 in CPRG planning grants: Blackfeet Nation; Chippewa Cree Tribe; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; Northern Arapaho Tribe; Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation; Rosebud Sioux Tribe; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Spirit Lake Nation; and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The Fort Peck Tribe requested and received a $310,000 CPRG planning grant.
Phase 1 of the CPRG program supports Tribes regardless of where they are in their climate planning and implementation process. Planning grant recipients will use the funding to design action plans to reduce emissions in economic sectors such as electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, waste management and agriculture/natural and working lands.
The second CPRG phase is open through May 1, 2024, and involves competitions for grants to help Tribes and territories implement their climate action plans.
More information about the CPRG Phase 1 planning grants for Tribes and territories and a national list of all grantees are available online.
EPA Penalizes Home Renovators in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for Lead-Based Paint Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 14, 2023) – Five Midwest home renovation companies have agreed to pay over $38,000 collectively in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
EPA has found that the following companies failed to comply with regulations that reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations:
Astoria Design Build LLC in Mission, Kansas
CAM Home Contracting LLC in St. Louis, Missouri
DRS Contracting LLC in Springfield, Missouri
Davis Contracting LLC in Omaha, Nebraska
Dynasty Restoration Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska
According to EPA, among other alleged violations, each of the companies performed renovations on properties built prior to 1978 without an EPA-certified renovator, as required by federal law.
“Certification is a key requirement to ensure the use of safe work practices when dealing with lead-based paint,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Reducing exposure to lead – especially among children and pregnant women and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure – is a top priority for EPA.”
Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as window installation, demolishing painted surfaces such as walls or porches, and scraping and repainting of homes.
Companies and individuals that perform home renovations or hire subcontractors to perform renovations on pre-1978 housing are required to comply with regulations under EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP). The regulations include requirements to train employees in proper work practices, obtain certification from EPA prior to performing renovations, as well as compliance with lead safety practices, records retention, and notification to homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.
Learn more about EPA’s Lead-Based Paint RRP Rule.
Learn more about EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule.
Find a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Apply for Lead-Safe Certification.
Report Lead-Based Paint Complaints, Tips and Violations.
# # #
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 has found that the following companies failed to comply with regulations that reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations:
Astoria Design Build LLC in Mission, Kansas
CAM Home Contracting LLC in St. Louis, Missouri
DRS Contracting LLC in Springfield, Missouri
Davis Contracting LLC in Omaha, Nebraska
Dynasty Restoration Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska
According to EPA, among other alleged violations, each of the companies performed renovations on properties built prior to 1978 without an EPA-certified renovator, as required by federal law.
“Certification is a key requirement to ensure the use of safe work practices when dealing with lead-based paint,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Reducing exposure to lead – especially among children and pregnant women and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure – is a top priority for EPA.”
Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as window installation, demolishing painted surfaces such as walls or porches, and scraping and repainting of homes.
Companies and individuals that perform home renovations or hire subcontractors to perform renovations on pre-1978 housing are required to comply with regulations under EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP). The regulations include requirements to train employees in proper work practices, obtain certification from EPA prior to performing renovations, as well as compliance with lead safety practices, records retention, and notification to homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.
Learn more about EPA’s Lead-Based Paint RRP Rule.
Learn more about EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule.
Find a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Apply for Lead-Safe Certification.
Report Lead-Based Paint Complaints, Tips and Violations.
# # #
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 Makes $52 Million Investment to Support Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements Across Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding Puerto Rico over $52 million to support cleaner water across the Island, of which almost $30 million is funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Puerto Rico’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides interest-free or low-interest rate financing for wastewater and sewer infrastructure projects to municipalities. A variety of projects are eligible for financing, including construction or restoration of sewers and wastewater treatment facilities and piping, stormwater management projects and habitat restoration and protection projects.
“Across Puerto Rico, EPA is investing in communities by supporting modern, stronger and more resilient infrastructure, which also provide good local jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA’s investment in Puerto Rico’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water across the island.”
Under the CWSRF program, EPA provides grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for waste water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water infrastructure projects. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that can help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“Across Puerto Rico, EPA is investing in communities by supporting modern, stronger and more resilient infrastructure, which also provide good local jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA’s investment in Puerto Rico’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water across the island.”
Under the CWSRF program, EPA provides grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for waste water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water infrastructure projects. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that can help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Announces $45 Million WIFIA Loan to Provide Centralized Wastewater Infrastructure in Sarpy County, Nebraska
LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 14, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $45 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency in eastern Nebraska.
Currently, residents of Sarpy County lack access to centralized wastewater treatment. With EPA’s WIFIA financing, the South Sarpy Wastewater System Project will connect residences and businesses to the city of Omaha’s wastewater system. This action will better protect residents and the environment from potential wastewater contamination.
“Safely managing wastewater is essential to healthy, thriving communities. With EPA’s $45 million WIFIA loan, nearly 200,000 residents will be connected to reliable wastewater treatment. This project will reduce costs for homeowners while protecting public health and the environment,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. In addition to the WIFIA program, EPA is investing $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management while creating good-paying local jobs.”
The South Sarpy Wastewater System Project will install a new wastewater transmission system that will move nearly 13 million gallons of wastewater per day for treatment. The project is designed to be climate-resilient – lift stations will be constructed above the 100-year flood elevation and will feature backup engine generators for use during significant weather events. The Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency will save approximately $15 million by financing with a WIFIA loan and investing in its infrastructure will create approximately 450 jobs.
"Southern Sarpy County is a critical frontier for economic opportunity in our region and the state of Nebraska," said Don Kelly, Sarpy County commissioner and chairman of the Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency. “This investment from the WIFIA program will accelerate a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project to support that growth, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with the EPA on this effort.”
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support more than 110 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 135,000 jobs. Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.EPA recently made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available. The Agency is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans, with $6.5 billion available through WIFIA and $1 billion available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for state infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.In addition to WIFIA loans, many federal funding resources are available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness, which provides an historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
Currently, residents of Sarpy County lack access to centralized wastewater treatment. With EPA’s WIFIA financing, the South Sarpy Wastewater System Project will connect residences and businesses to the city of Omaha’s wastewater system. This action will better protect residents and the environment from potential wastewater contamination.
“Safely managing wastewater is essential to healthy, thriving communities. With EPA’s $45 million WIFIA loan, nearly 200,000 residents will be connected to reliable wastewater treatment. This project will reduce costs for homeowners while protecting public health and the environment,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. In addition to the WIFIA program, EPA is investing $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management while creating good-paying local jobs.”
The South Sarpy Wastewater System Project will install a new wastewater transmission system that will move nearly 13 million gallons of wastewater per day for treatment. The project is designed to be climate-resilient – lift stations will be constructed above the 100-year flood elevation and will feature backup engine generators for use during significant weather events. The Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency will save approximately $15 million by financing with a WIFIA loan and investing in its infrastructure will create approximately 450 jobs.
"Southern Sarpy County is a critical frontier for economic opportunity in our region and the state of Nebraska," said Don Kelly, Sarpy County commissioner and chairman of the Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency. “This investment from the WIFIA program will accelerate a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project to support that growth, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with the EPA on this effort.”
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support more than 110 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 135,000 jobs. Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.EPA recently made the seventh round of WIFIA financing available. The Agency is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans, with $6.5 billion available through WIFIA and $1 billion available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for state infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.In addition to WIFIA loans, many federal funding resources are available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness, which provides an historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7