EPA Awards Nearly $3.2M to Small Businesses to Research Complex Environmental Issues and Help Grow the Green Economy
Washington–Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,196,530 in research funding to eight small businesses to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies. Recipients of this year's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding include companies developing a nature-based treatment for graywater reuse, a system to remotely sense fugitive methane emissions in abandoned wells, field-deployable devices to rapidly screen drinking water for PFAS, and more.
“EPA is prioritizing American small businesses, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic growth can go hand-in-hand,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “In bringing effective environmental solutions to the market these small businesses will support local economic growth while addressing urgent national environmental needs.”
Each year, EPA issues an SBIR solicitation for technology proposals for targeted environmental topics. The SBIR program consists of two phases of funding. The companies announced today have received Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months during the “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Now, during Phase II companies are awarded up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
This year’s SBIR Phase II award recipients
LeapFrog Design (Bend, Ore.) to develop a nature-based treatment technology for onsite non-potable graywater reuse.
Aquarius Systems (North Prarie, Wis.) to develop an in-water system to capture and remove aquatic trash.
Forever Analytical Services, Inc. (South Bend, Ind.) to develop field-deployable devices to rapidly screen drinking water for PFAS.
Censys Technologies Corporation (Daytona Beach, Fl.) to develop an innovative system for remote sensing of fugitive methane in abandoned oil and gas wells.
Hydrova Inc. (Santa Ana, Calif.) to develop a novel process to recover resources and produce hydrogen from secondary aluminum processing waste.
Kamilo, Inc. (San Francisco, Calif.) to develop an innovative approach to track, calculate and verify the percentage of recycled content used in new plastic products.
Zabble, Inc. (Walnut Creek, Calif.) to develop an artificial intelligence-based tagging platform to improve recycling by monitoring contamination audits.
VISIMO (Carnegie, Penn.) to develop a machine learning toolkit that can screen published research to improve systematic reviews for chemical risk assessment.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
“EPA is prioritizing American small businesses, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic growth can go hand-in-hand,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “In bringing effective environmental solutions to the market these small businesses will support local economic growth while addressing urgent national environmental needs.”
Each year, EPA issues an SBIR solicitation for technology proposals for targeted environmental topics. The SBIR program consists of two phases of funding. The companies announced today have received Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months during the “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Now, during Phase II companies are awarded up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
This year’s SBIR Phase II award recipients
LeapFrog Design (Bend, Ore.) to develop a nature-based treatment technology for onsite non-potable graywater reuse.
Aquarius Systems (North Prarie, Wis.) to develop an in-water system to capture and remove aquatic trash.
Forever Analytical Services, Inc. (South Bend, Ind.) to develop field-deployable devices to rapidly screen drinking water for PFAS.
Censys Technologies Corporation (Daytona Beach, Fl.) to develop an innovative system for remote sensing of fugitive methane in abandoned oil and gas wells.
Hydrova Inc. (Santa Ana, Calif.) to develop a novel process to recover resources and produce hydrogen from secondary aluminum processing waste.
Kamilo, Inc. (San Francisco, Calif.) to develop an innovative approach to track, calculate and verify the percentage of recycled content used in new plastic products.
Zabble, Inc. (Walnut Creek, Calif.) to develop an artificial intelligence-based tagging platform to improve recycling by monitoring contamination audits.
VISIMO (Carnegie, Penn.) to develop a machine learning toolkit that can screen published research to improve systematic reviews for chemical risk assessment.
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
EPA penalizes Boise company $74,000 for asbestos violations
SEATTLE (November 8, 2023) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that First Team Restoration Inc. of Boise, Idaho, has agreed to pay a $74,500 penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act.
In May 2021, First Team Restoration Inc., an asbestos abatement contractor, was hired to remove asbestos-containing roof shingles from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Boise. The roof shingles were removed using tools that shattered and crumbled the roof shingles in the process.
EPA alleged that the company violated federal laws for asbestos under the Clean Air Act by:
Allowing cracked and broken shingles to fall from the roof to the ground resulting in emissions of asbestos dust and debris
Not applying enough water to control dust and debris
Not marking a waste trailer with warning signs while it was being loaded
“Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “When you fail to follow those procedures, your job site can become contaminated and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen.”
Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by EPA to protect public health. Asbestos fibers are commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, and heat resistant fabrics. In general, exposure may occur when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.
First Team Restoration Inc. previously settled with EPA for violations of the federal asbestos regulations in January 2021.
Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
In May 2021, First Team Restoration Inc., an asbestos abatement contractor, was hired to remove asbestos-containing roof shingles from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Boise. The roof shingles were removed using tools that shattered and crumbled the roof shingles in the process.
EPA alleged that the company violated federal laws for asbestos under the Clean Air Act by:
Allowing cracked and broken shingles to fall from the roof to the ground resulting in emissions of asbestos dust and debris
Not applying enough water to control dust and debris
Not marking a waste trailer with warning signs while it was being loaded
“Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “When you fail to follow those procedures, your job site can become contaminated and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen.”
Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by EPA to protect public health. Asbestos fibers are commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, and heat resistant fabrics. In general, exposure may occur when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.
First Team Restoration Inc. previously settled with EPA for violations of the federal asbestos regulations in January 2021.
Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
Mobile looks to boost container terminal capacity to handle intermodal demand
Once fully complete by 2025, the current expansion project would allow the port to handle 1.1 million TEUs annually, up from 650,000 TEUs.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Get the Lead Out Initiative to Accelerate Removal of Lead Service Lines Nationwide as Part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – Today in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative that will help ensure safer drinking water for communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Through the GLO initiative, which is funded entirely by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is in partnership with the Department of Labor, EPA will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide to provide the technical assistance they need to identify and remove lead service lines. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. GLO will specifically help participating communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out. Communities seeking to access GLO Initiative resources can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA’s WaterTA website.
“An estimated 9.2 million pipes that provide drinking water to homes across the United States still contain lead, and they are most commonly found in older homes. This means they disproportionately impact families with the fewest resources to remove them. That’s why this new initiative is so critical – it will provide the kind of assistance that’s needed to accelerate the removal of lead where it’s needed most,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is positioned to help connect more communities to historic federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and move our country closer to President Biden’s goal of getting 100% of lead pipes out of water-once and for all.”
“Clean water is essential to our health and wellbeing. Yet, lead service lines exist in every state across our country, carrying drinking water to millions of homes and putting families at risk of a number of serious health problems,” said Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (DE). “Thanks to our unprecedented investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping provide more communities with the necessary tools to find and replace sources of lead in their drinking water systems. I applaud the Biden Administration for their work to ensure that more Americans have access to safe, reliable, and clean drinking water, especially those with the greatest need.”
“Every American has a fundamental right to clean, safe drinking water. That’s why I fought to make sure that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding to remove and replace dangerous lead service lines that continue to contaminate millions of Americans’ drinking water,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr (NJ-06). “Today’s announcement from EPA ensures that hundreds of communities across the country will soon get the resources they need and the relief they deserve to address this public health crisis. I’m grateful that EPA and the Biden Administration have been such strong partners in this fight, and I look forward to the day when every family can trust the water coming out of their tap.”
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no parent should have to worry that their child might be exposed to lead when they take a sip of water,” said Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “That’s exactly why the President’s Investing in America agenda includes a historic $50 billion to deliver safe, clean water across America. Through this initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can provide resources needed to reach our goal of removing every lead service line in the country.”
“President Biden launched the most ambitious strategy in history to replace all lead service lines across the country. Today, less than a year after piloting the Get the Lead Out Initiative, we celebrate another milestone on our way to meeting that historic goal – bringing five times as many communities nationwide into the fold for lead service line replacement,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “The ‘GLO’ initiative is a bright example of the President’s progress in delivering clean, safe drinking water to all communities through and with partners.”
Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs, such as GLO.
EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through GLO, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the Agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.
Communities can learn more about EPA’s WaterTA programs, apply to become a GLO Initiative community, and find other assistance on EPA’s WaterTA website.
Background
Through its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and Get the Lead Out Partnership, the Biden-Harris Administration has made accelerating the removal of lead service lines a top priority, with a goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines. EPA is committed to using every tool available including our statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water technical assistance, infrastructure investments, and more to replace lead pipes and protect children and communities across America from lead in drinking water.
The GLO Initiative also builds on EPA’s “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Through the Accelerators, EPA provides hands-on support to guide 40 communities in those states through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This includes support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.
Learn more about EPA’s WaterTA services and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $50 billion investment in America.
“An estimated 9.2 million pipes that provide drinking water to homes across the United States still contain lead, and they are most commonly found in older homes. This means they disproportionately impact families with the fewest resources to remove them. That’s why this new initiative is so critical – it will provide the kind of assistance that’s needed to accelerate the removal of lead where it’s needed most,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is positioned to help connect more communities to historic federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and move our country closer to President Biden’s goal of getting 100% of lead pipes out of water-once and for all.”
“Clean water is essential to our health and wellbeing. Yet, lead service lines exist in every state across our country, carrying drinking water to millions of homes and putting families at risk of a number of serious health problems,” said Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (DE). “Thanks to our unprecedented investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping provide more communities with the necessary tools to find and replace sources of lead in their drinking water systems. I applaud the Biden Administration for their work to ensure that more Americans have access to safe, reliable, and clean drinking water, especially those with the greatest need.”
“Every American has a fundamental right to clean, safe drinking water. That’s why I fought to make sure that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding to remove and replace dangerous lead service lines that continue to contaminate millions of Americans’ drinking water,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr (NJ-06). “Today’s announcement from EPA ensures that hundreds of communities across the country will soon get the resources they need and the relief they deserve to address this public health crisis. I’m grateful that EPA and the Biden Administration have been such strong partners in this fight, and I look forward to the day when every family can trust the water coming out of their tap.”
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no parent should have to worry that their child might be exposed to lead when they take a sip of water,” said Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “That’s exactly why the President’s Investing in America agenda includes a historic $50 billion to deliver safe, clean water across America. Through this initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can provide resources needed to reach our goal of removing every lead service line in the country.”
“President Biden launched the most ambitious strategy in history to replace all lead service lines across the country. Today, less than a year after piloting the Get the Lead Out Initiative, we celebrate another milestone on our way to meeting that historic goal – bringing five times as many communities nationwide into the fold for lead service line replacement,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “The ‘GLO’ initiative is a bright example of the President’s progress in delivering clean, safe drinking water to all communities through and with partners.”
Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs, such as GLO.
EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. Through GLO, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the Agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.
Communities can learn more about EPA’s WaterTA programs, apply to become a GLO Initiative community, and find other assistance on EPA’s WaterTA website.
Background
Through its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and Get the Lead Out Partnership, the Biden-Harris Administration has made accelerating the removal of lead service lines a top priority, with a goal of replacing 100% of lead service lines. EPA is committed to using every tool available including our statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water technical assistance, infrastructure investments, and more to replace lead pipes and protect children and communities across America from lead in drinking water.
The GLO Initiative also builds on EPA’s “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative, which is in partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Through the Accelerators, EPA provides hands-on support to guide 40 communities in those states through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This includes support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.
Learn more about EPA’s WaterTA services and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $50 billion investment in America.
EPA takes action against Connecticut company for Clean Water Act violations
DURHAM, CONN. (Nov. 7, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached an agreement with a Connecticut company resolving alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act related to the unpermitted filling of wetlands and other waters of the United States. The alleged violations, which occurred between 2018 and 2021, involve the mechanical clearing and filling of wetlands and tributaries covered by the Clean Water Act to create farm fields.
"One of EPA's most important jobs is to protect water resources, such as wetlands, for both communities and wildlife," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash." EPA is committed to protecting clean water resources like wetlands and holding accountable those who fail to follow laws that ensure their protection. This settlement will ensure the restoration of vital wetlands that provide a range of important ecological benefits for wildlife and local communities."
Under the terms of the settlement, Silenex Associates, LLC will restore and/or mitigate eight and a half acres of freshwater wetlands and around 3,000 linear feet of the impacted tributaries to their natural condition. In addition, Silenex Associates, LLC will pay a civil penalty of $24,500.
Background
Natural wetlands are vital to protecting the integrity of our nation's waters and help to protect the health and safety of people and their communities by providing a natural filtration system for pollution before it gets into our rivers, lakes and ponds, and by preventing flooding after storms. Wetlands also provide valuable wildlife habitat, offering breeding and feeding grounds for a broad array of fish, birds and other wildlife. Converting natural wetlands to other uses can thus profoundly alter flood flows, undermine the pollutant-filtering abilities of wetlands, and reduce important habitat.
More information:
Clean Water Act Section 404
Clean Water Act
EPA Water Enforcement
"One of EPA's most important jobs is to protect water resources, such as wetlands, for both communities and wildlife," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash." EPA is committed to protecting clean water resources like wetlands and holding accountable those who fail to follow laws that ensure their protection. This settlement will ensure the restoration of vital wetlands that provide a range of important ecological benefits for wildlife and local communities."
Under the terms of the settlement, Silenex Associates, LLC will restore and/or mitigate eight and a half acres of freshwater wetlands and around 3,000 linear feet of the impacted tributaries to their natural condition. In addition, Silenex Associates, LLC will pay a civil penalty of $24,500.
Background
Natural wetlands are vital to protecting the integrity of our nation's waters and help to protect the health and safety of people and their communities by providing a natural filtration system for pollution before it gets into our rivers, lakes and ponds, and by preventing flooding after storms. Wetlands also provide valuable wildlife habitat, offering breeding and feeding grounds for a broad array of fish, birds and other wildlife. Converting natural wetlands to other uses can thus profoundly alter flood flows, undermine the pollutant-filtering abilities of wetlands, and reduce important habitat.
More information:
Clean Water Act Section 404
Clean Water Act
EPA Water Enforcement
EPA Protects Community's Right to Know About Chemical Hazards Through Settlement With Lawrence, Mass. Food Company
BOSTON (Nov. 7, 2023) – Under a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a local food production manufacturer will be required to pay a penalty and fully comply with environmental community-right-to-know requirements regarding its use of anhydrous ammonia within its Lawrence, Mass. facility. Anhydrous ammonia has toxic properties, and this settlement further protects community members, employees, and the environment from the dangers of accidental chemical exposure by making emergency responders and planners aware of the presence of ammonia at the facility.
Artisan Chef Manufacturing, a specialty foods company located in Lawrence, Mass., has agreed to pay a penalty of $63,837 for violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and certify compliance with that statute. Artisan uses anhydrous ammonia in its Lawrence facility for refrigeration purposes. While an effective and efficient refrigerant, EPA regulates the chemical due to its hazardous nature. Anhydrous ammonia is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs and can cause vomiting, blindness, or death.
"It's imperative that facilities that use, store or generate hazardous chemicals carefully follow EPA safety practices designed to notify communities and responders of the presence of those chemicals and prevent accidental situations and spills from happening," said EPA New England Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. "Carefully following chemical accident prevention and community notification regulations is necessary to safeguard workers and nearby communities. EPA works to protect all communities, including vulnerable populations who shoulder a disproportionate share of these risks. This settlement will result in accurate information being available to the community, which will enhance public safety."
EPA found that the company allegedly failed to file an EPCRA "Tier II" chemical inventory report for anhydrous ammonia for the 2020 and 2021 calendar years to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the State Emergency Response Commission, and the local fire department. The company's failure to report put the local community and first responders at risk in the event of an accidental chemical release at the facility. EPA attempted to establish contact with the company several times. Artisan eventually filed its 2020 and 2021 Tier II reports in December of 2022.
EPCRA Tier II submissions are required to adequately inform local officials and responders of the presence of hazardous chemicals in the case of an emergency. This information is also available to the public, upon request, so that members of the public can be informed of the presence of hazardous chemicals in their communities.
More information:
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting, Section 312
Reporting in Massachusetts
Artisan Chef Manufacturing, a specialty foods company located in Lawrence, Mass., has agreed to pay a penalty of $63,837 for violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and certify compliance with that statute. Artisan uses anhydrous ammonia in its Lawrence facility for refrigeration purposes. While an effective and efficient refrigerant, EPA regulates the chemical due to its hazardous nature. Anhydrous ammonia is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs and can cause vomiting, blindness, or death.
"It's imperative that facilities that use, store or generate hazardous chemicals carefully follow EPA safety practices designed to notify communities and responders of the presence of those chemicals and prevent accidental situations and spills from happening," said EPA New England Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. "Carefully following chemical accident prevention and community notification regulations is necessary to safeguard workers and nearby communities. EPA works to protect all communities, including vulnerable populations who shoulder a disproportionate share of these risks. This settlement will result in accurate information being available to the community, which will enhance public safety."
EPA found that the company allegedly failed to file an EPCRA "Tier II" chemical inventory report for anhydrous ammonia for the 2020 and 2021 calendar years to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the State Emergency Response Commission, and the local fire department. The company's failure to report put the local community and first responders at risk in the event of an accidental chemical release at the facility. EPA attempted to establish contact with the company several times. Artisan eventually filed its 2020 and 2021 Tier II reports in December of 2022.
EPCRA Tier II submissions are required to adequately inform local officials and responders of the presence of hazardous chemicals in the case of an emergency. This information is also available to the public, upon request, so that members of the public can be informed of the presence of hazardous chemicals in their communities.
More information:
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting, Section 312
Reporting in Massachusetts
EPA holds Roundtable to mark opening of RTI International’s $10M Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center at North Carolina Central University
DURHAM, N.C (November 7, 2023) – Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined local, state, and federal leaders at a roundtable on North Carolina Central University’s campus to mark the opening of the Region 4 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TC TAC).
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International is among the 16 organizations selected by EPA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, that will receive $177 million to help underserved and overburdened communities across the country. RTI’s grant of $10M will help community-based organizations throughout the Southeast access funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Investing in American agenda.
To accomplish this goal, RTI is partnering with eight universities across the Southeast: Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, North Carolina Central University, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Memphis, and University of South Carolina.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will assist in removing barriers and improving accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns in the Southeast area, “said EPA Region 4’s Chief of Staff, John Nicholson.
“We are here today as partners because of our shared values and purpose,” said Amy Roussel RTI International executive vice president. “We are thrilled to be part of this effort to support communities and individuals to lift up their voices, lift up their stories, connect them with resources and work together for environmental justice across our region.”
"North Carolina Central University takes great pride in its role as the university lead for the Resource For Assistance and Community Training – Region 4 (REACT4EJ) Center in the state of North Carolina," said Undi Hoffler, Ph.D., distinguished health equity researcher and director of NCCU's Research Compliance and Technology Transfer office. “In collaboration with RTI International and seven other prestigious southeastern universities, our mission at NCCU is clear: to empower community-based organizations with exceptional resources to remove barriers that hinder equitable protection from environmental and health hazards. We are committed to a future where no one is left behind in the pursuit of environmental justice."
Background
The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network that is working towards a holistic government-wide framework for providing technical assistance and capacity building resources those most in need to improve and foster thriving communities throughout the country. The program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The new technical assistance centers will help ensure communities with environmental justice concerns can access President Biden’s historic investments in America to address generational disinvestment, legacy pollution, infrastructure challenges, and build a clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, strengthen our energy security, and meet our climate goals.
Learn more about the selectees, their partners, and the EJ TCTAC program.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International is among the 16 organizations selected by EPA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, that will receive $177 million to help underserved and overburdened communities across the country. RTI’s grant of $10M will help community-based organizations throughout the Southeast access funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Investing in American agenda.
To accomplish this goal, RTI is partnering with eight universities across the Southeast: Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, North Carolina Central University, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Memphis, and University of South Carolina.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will assist in removing barriers and improving accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns in the Southeast area, “said EPA Region 4’s Chief of Staff, John Nicholson.
“We are here today as partners because of our shared values and purpose,” said Amy Roussel RTI International executive vice president. “We are thrilled to be part of this effort to support communities and individuals to lift up their voices, lift up their stories, connect them with resources and work together for environmental justice across our region.”
"North Carolina Central University takes great pride in its role as the university lead for the Resource For Assistance and Community Training – Region 4 (REACT4EJ) Center in the state of North Carolina," said Undi Hoffler, Ph.D., distinguished health equity researcher and director of NCCU's Research Compliance and Technology Transfer office. “In collaboration with RTI International and seven other prestigious southeastern universities, our mission at NCCU is clear: to empower community-based organizations with exceptional resources to remove barriers that hinder equitable protection from environmental and health hazards. We are committed to a future where no one is left behind in the pursuit of environmental justice."
Background
The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network that is working towards a holistic government-wide framework for providing technical assistance and capacity building resources those most in need to improve and foster thriving communities throughout the country. The program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The new technical assistance centers will help ensure communities with environmental justice concerns can access President Biden’s historic investments in America to address generational disinvestment, legacy pollution, infrastructure challenges, and build a clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, strengthen our energy security, and meet our climate goals.
Learn more about the selectees, their partners, and the EJ TCTAC program.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
ONE finalizes terminal deals in Los Angeles, Oakland, Rotterdam
The Singapore-based carrier has now expanded its access to capacity in the strategic locations of the US West Coast, North Europe and Southeast Asia.