WIC is Vital – but Vastly Underutilized, Research Finds
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2023 – The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, is vital to the health and well-being of nearly half of our nation’s babies, along with millions of young children up to age 5 and their mothers. Yet, recent research based on 2021 data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service shows more than 6 million of those who are eligible for the program are missing out on its proven health benefits.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $336 Million Loan to Chicago to Help Remove 30,000 Lead Pipes Across the City
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced a $336 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Chicago. With help from this financing, the water department will replace up to 30,000 lead pipes that deliver water to homes across the city while creating an estimated 2,700 jobs. This action marks a significant step toward replacing all lead service lines—a goal that is shared by the Biden Administration, the State of Illinois, and the City of Chicago.
The Administration announced this WIFIA loan at a lead service line removal site in Chicago, Illinois with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and additional community leaders and stakeholders.
“Whether you are a resident of Chicago or any city across this nation, no person should worry if their water is safe to drink or if it will harm their children. With EPA’s $336 million loan, the City of Chicago will replace up to 30,000 lead pipes so that more local residents can rest assured that their water is safe,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to removing all lead pipes across this country and EPA is using every tool available to address this public health issue. We are strengthening our regulations, investing in lead pipe replacement programs with $15 billion in dedicated funding under the President’s Investing in America agenda, and we are prioritizing lead pipe removal under this program.”
The City of Chicago will use the WIFIA loan to assist with replacing lead service lines serving single family homes and small multi-unit buildings citywide whenever there is a leak or break on a lead line or when performing water and sewer main updates. Although Chicago’s water is in compliance with state and federal safety regulations, the City is committed to replacing all the legacy lead lines to help ensure that the water system is lead-free for generations to come.
“Far too many generations have suffered the devastating effects of lead contamination, with its most tragic consequences visited upon our children,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “The removal of lead pipes in Chicago is not just an investment in our infrastructure; it’s an investment in the future of our city, the well-being of our residents, and the foundation for a healthier, more equitable society.”
“Every American deserves access to clean, safe, reliable water, but all too often, this neglect disproportionately affects underserved, underfunded communities and historically communities of color,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me, it’s why I pushed to ensure my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and why I’m committed to helping ensure Chicago and Illinois have the resources they need to achieve our goal of removing every lead pipe in America. I look forward to doing everything I can to support the city as we work aggressively to transform our bold vision into a new reality.”
“Clean drinking water is not a privilege; it is a right for every American,” said U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson. “Today’s loan will help Black and Brown communities, which disproportionately live in areas with lead pipes. I am appreciative of the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership on this issue, as well as the State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s work to enact this much-needed change.”
“As Governor of this great state, there is nothing more important than keeping Illinoisans safe and healthy—and that includes making sure that every family has access to clean drinking water,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the Biden Administration’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, the City of Chicago will receive a $336 million loan to replace 30,000 lead pipes—an investment that won’t just deliver reliable, clean water to thousands of households, but will also create 2,700 jobs for our first-rate workforce.”
“It is the right of every resident of Chicago to have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Nine of the top 10 Chicago zip codes with the largest percentages of high lead levels were neighborhoods with majority Black and Latinx residents, so I am committed to prioritizing these communities along with our child care centers, and addressing this long-standing danger in an equitable and cost-effective manner. The City of Chicago applauds the Biden Administration’s historic federal investment in lead service line replacements and looks forward to a continued partnership to ensure a more permanent solution.”
The WIFIA loan will be distributed over three years at $112 million a year. By offering the city flexible loan terms, the City of Chicago will be able to maintain affordable water rates while replacing lead service lines.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA 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 is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan. For more information visit EPA’s WIFIA webpage.
Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement Programs
Chicago currently offers five replacement programs. The Equity Program replaces lead service lines for income-qualified residents; the Homeowner-Initiated Program waives up to $5,000 in permit fees; the Daycare Program replaces lines for licensed daycares; the Leaks and Breaks Program will replace lead lines whenever there is a leak or break on a resident’s line; and the Block-Long Program replaces lines when water or sewer mains are updated. More information can be found at the Lead-Safe Chicago website.
The Administration announced this WIFIA loan at a lead service line removal site in Chicago, Illinois with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and additional community leaders and stakeholders.
“Whether you are a resident of Chicago or any city across this nation, no person should worry if their water is safe to drink or if it will harm their children. With EPA’s $336 million loan, the City of Chicago will replace up to 30,000 lead pipes so that more local residents can rest assured that their water is safe,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to removing all lead pipes across this country and EPA is using every tool available to address this public health issue. We are strengthening our regulations, investing in lead pipe replacement programs with $15 billion in dedicated funding under the President’s Investing in America agenda, and we are prioritizing lead pipe removal under this program.”
The City of Chicago will use the WIFIA loan to assist with replacing lead service lines serving single family homes and small multi-unit buildings citywide whenever there is a leak or break on a lead line or when performing water and sewer main updates. Although Chicago’s water is in compliance with state and federal safety regulations, the City is committed to replacing all the legacy lead lines to help ensure that the water system is lead-free for generations to come.
“Far too many generations have suffered the devastating effects of lead contamination, with its most tragic consequences visited upon our children,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “The removal of lead pipes in Chicago is not just an investment in our infrastructure; it’s an investment in the future of our city, the well-being of our residents, and the foundation for a healthier, more equitable society.”
“Every American deserves access to clean, safe, reliable water, but all too often, this neglect disproportionately affects underserved, underfunded communities and historically communities of color,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me, it’s why I pushed to ensure my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and why I’m committed to helping ensure Chicago and Illinois have the resources they need to achieve our goal of removing every lead pipe in America. I look forward to doing everything I can to support the city as we work aggressively to transform our bold vision into a new reality.”
“Clean drinking water is not a privilege; it is a right for every American,” said U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson. “Today’s loan will help Black and Brown communities, which disproportionately live in areas with lead pipes. I am appreciative of the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership on this issue, as well as the State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s work to enact this much-needed change.”
“As Governor of this great state, there is nothing more important than keeping Illinoisans safe and healthy—and that includes making sure that every family has access to clean drinking water,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the Biden Administration’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, the City of Chicago will receive a $336 million loan to replace 30,000 lead pipes—an investment that won’t just deliver reliable, clean water to thousands of households, but will also create 2,700 jobs for our first-rate workforce.”
“It is the right of every resident of Chicago to have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Nine of the top 10 Chicago zip codes with the largest percentages of high lead levels were neighborhoods with majority Black and Latinx residents, so I am committed to prioritizing these communities along with our child care centers, and addressing this long-standing danger in an equitable and cost-effective manner. The City of Chicago applauds the Biden Administration’s historic federal investment in lead service line replacements and looks forward to a continued partnership to ensure a more permanent solution.”
The WIFIA loan will be distributed over three years at $112 million a year. By offering the city flexible loan terms, the City of Chicago will be able to maintain affordable water rates while replacing lead service lines.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA 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 is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan. For more information visit EPA’s WIFIA webpage.
Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement Programs
Chicago currently offers five replacement programs. The Equity Program replaces lead service lines for income-qualified residents; the Homeowner-Initiated Program waives up to $5,000 in permit fees; the Daycare Program replaces lines for licensed daycares; the Leaks and Breaks Program will replace lead lines whenever there is a leak or break on a resident’s line; and the Block-Long Program replaces lines when water or sewer mains are updated. More information can be found at the Lead-Safe Chicago website.
EPA Begins Hazardous Materials Removal on Commercial Properties in Lahaina
LĀHAINĀ, Hawaiʻi – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency started work on commercial property zones to remove hazardous materials in Lahaina, Maui. Commercial properties present unique size, safety, and increased hazardous materials diversity that extend work times on these properties.
“The work is not done, but the completion of EPA’s Phase I work is in sight. We will continue steady and strong until our mission is complete,” said EPA Incident Commander Tara Fitzgerald. "We have started work on the most technically difficult properties, which signal a near transition to the Army Corps work of removing all remaining debris on properties.”
EPA prioritized residential properties to allow local residents to visit their properties as soon as possible after it reduced risks presented by hazardous materials. Removal of hazardous materials can occur on commercial properties that have been identified as not having a risk for the field workers.
The risks include unstable structures, collapsed roofs or other physical hazards. Commercial properties that cannot be addressed during this phase will be addressed in the second phase. The larger size of the properties and the increased likelihood of finding more diverse hazardous materials makes this work more technically difficult.
Controlling the spread of ash and debris remains a focus of EPA teams. The agency continues to apply soil stabilizer to the ash footprint on all impacted properties in Lāhainā (excluding areas of cultural significance) to protect human health and the environment. The stabilizer helps prevent toxic ash and debris from entering the air, nearby properties, waterways, and the ocean.
EPA teams also continue to identify, transport, and safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles, charging stations, and solar power systems. Fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries need to be recovered with specific care, de-energized and disposed of properly.
A common question from community members regards the safety of multistory apartment buildings. Due to the number of layered debris and the difficulty of safely entering and operating within these properties, EPA teams did not begin these hazardous material assessments until this week. It is likely that most of the hazardous waste recovery work will be deferred to the second phase of debris removal.
EPA has removed 90% of hazardous materials from burned residential and commercial properties in Lāhainā, Maui. The milestone signals the agency is drawing closer to completing its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
The updated completion percentage includes a change in the total number of parcels to be cleared by the EPA from 1,601 to 1,620. That change is a normal part of any EPA response process as the agency gets closer to the end of major parcel assessments. During this stage, teams can view smaller areas adjacent to areas being assessed. These small areas were not previously identified during the initial collection of potential properties through remote sensing, but important as they may contain burned sheds or electric vehicles that are revealed when in the field.
EPA staff are conducting outreach efforts across Maui, fielding questions, and providing information to community members about the Phase I Hazardous Materials removal work. The outreach teams operate rotationally at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the Lahaina Civic Center, Nāpili Park Emergency Resource Hub in Lāhainā, Maui Mall Village in Kahului, and the Maui County building in Wailuku.
EPA coordinates closely with the County of Maui as parcels are cleared. This enables to county to accurately manage its re-entry plans. You can view EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Click here to learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
EPA encourages residents with questions about re-entry to visit the Maui Recovers website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“The work is not done, but the completion of EPA’s Phase I work is in sight. We will continue steady and strong until our mission is complete,” said EPA Incident Commander Tara Fitzgerald. "We have started work on the most technically difficult properties, which signal a near transition to the Army Corps work of removing all remaining debris on properties.”
EPA prioritized residential properties to allow local residents to visit their properties as soon as possible after it reduced risks presented by hazardous materials. Removal of hazardous materials can occur on commercial properties that have been identified as not having a risk for the field workers.
The risks include unstable structures, collapsed roofs or other physical hazards. Commercial properties that cannot be addressed during this phase will be addressed in the second phase. The larger size of the properties and the increased likelihood of finding more diverse hazardous materials makes this work more technically difficult.
Controlling the spread of ash and debris remains a focus of EPA teams. The agency continues to apply soil stabilizer to the ash footprint on all impacted properties in Lāhainā (excluding areas of cultural significance) to protect human health and the environment. The stabilizer helps prevent toxic ash and debris from entering the air, nearby properties, waterways, and the ocean.
EPA teams also continue to identify, transport, and safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles, charging stations, and solar power systems. Fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries need to be recovered with specific care, de-energized and disposed of properly.
A common question from community members regards the safety of multistory apartment buildings. Due to the number of layered debris and the difficulty of safely entering and operating within these properties, EPA teams did not begin these hazardous material assessments until this week. It is likely that most of the hazardous waste recovery work will be deferred to the second phase of debris removal.
EPA has removed 90% of hazardous materials from burned residential and commercial properties in Lāhainā, Maui. The milestone signals the agency is drawing closer to completing its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
The updated completion percentage includes a change in the total number of parcels to be cleared by the EPA from 1,601 to 1,620. That change is a normal part of any EPA response process as the agency gets closer to the end of major parcel assessments. During this stage, teams can view smaller areas adjacent to areas being assessed. These small areas were not previously identified during the initial collection of potential properties through remote sensing, but important as they may contain burned sheds or electric vehicles that are revealed when in the field.
EPA staff are conducting outreach efforts across Maui, fielding questions, and providing information to community members about the Phase I Hazardous Materials removal work. The outreach teams operate rotationally at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the Lahaina Civic Center, Nāpili Park Emergency Resource Hub in Lāhainā, Maui Mall Village in Kahului, and the Maui County building in Wailuku.
EPA coordinates closely with the County of Maui as parcels are cleared. This enables to county to accurately manage its re-entry plans. You can view EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Click here to learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
EPA encourages residents with questions about re-entry to visit the Maui Recovers website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA Begins Hazardous Materials Removal on Commercial Properties in Lāhainā, Maui
LĀHAINĀ, Hawaiʻi – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency started work on commercial property zones to remove hazardous materials in Lahaina, Maui. Commercial properties present unique size, safety, and increased hazardous materials diversity that extend work times on these properties.
“The work is not done, but the completion of EPA’s Phase I work is in sight. We will continue steady and strong until our mission is complete,” said EPA Incident Commander Tara Fitzgerald. "We have started work on the most technically difficult properties, which signal a near transition to the Army Corps work of removing all remaining debris on properties.”
EPA prioritized residential properties to allow local residents to visit their properties as soon as possible after it reduced risks presented by hazardous materials. Removal of hazardous materials can occur on commercial properties that have been identified as not having a risk for the field workers.
The risks include unstable structures, collapsed roofs or other physical hazards. Commercial properties that cannot be addressed during this phase will be addressed in the second phase. The larger size of the properties and the increased likelihood of finding more diverse hazardous materials makes this work more technically difficult.
Controlling the spread of ash and debris remains a focus of EPA teams. The agency continues to apply soil stabilizer to the ash footprint on all impacted properties in Lāhainā (excluding areas of cultural significance) to protect human health and the environment. The stabilizer helps prevent toxic ash and debris from entering the air, nearby properties, waterways, and the ocean.
EPA teams also continue to identify, transport, and safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles, charging stations, and solar power systems. Fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries need to be recovered with specific care, de-energized and disposed of properly.
A common question from community members regards the safety of multistory apartment buildings. Due to the number of layered debris and the difficulty of safely entering and operating within these properties, EPA teams did not begin these hazardous material assessments until this week. It is likely that most of the hazardous waste recovery work will be deferred to the second phase of debris removal.
EPA has removed 90% of hazardous materials from burned residential and commercial properties in Lāhainā, Maui. The milestone signals the agency is drawing closer to completing its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
The updated completion percentage includes a change in the total number of parcels to be cleared by the EPA from 1,601 to 1,620. That change is a normal part of any EPA response process as the agency gets closer to the end of major parcel assessments. During this stage, teams can view smaller areas adjacent to areas being assessed. These small areas were not previously identified during the initial collection of potential properties through remote sensing, but important as they may contain burned sheds or electric vehicles that are revealed when in the field.
EPA staff are conducting outreach efforts across Maui, fielding questions, and providing information to community members about the Phase I Hazardous Materials removal work. The outreach teams operate rotationally at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the Lahaina Civic Center, Nāpili Park Emergency Resource Hub in Lāhainā, Maui Mall Village in Kahului, and the Maui County building in Wailuku.
EPA coordinates closely with the County of Maui as parcels are cleared. This enables to county to accurately manage its re-entry plans. EPA encourages residents with questions about re-entry to visit the Maui Recovers website.
Click here to learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
You can view EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“The work is not done, but the completion of EPA’s Phase I work is in sight. We will continue steady and strong until our mission is complete,” said EPA Incident Commander Tara Fitzgerald. "We have started work on the most technically difficult properties, which signal a near transition to the Army Corps work of removing all remaining debris on properties.”
EPA prioritized residential properties to allow local residents to visit their properties as soon as possible after it reduced risks presented by hazardous materials. Removal of hazardous materials can occur on commercial properties that have been identified as not having a risk for the field workers.
The risks include unstable structures, collapsed roofs or other physical hazards. Commercial properties that cannot be addressed during this phase will be addressed in the second phase. The larger size of the properties and the increased likelihood of finding more diverse hazardous materials makes this work more technically difficult.
Controlling the spread of ash and debris remains a focus of EPA teams. The agency continues to apply soil stabilizer to the ash footprint on all impacted properties in Lāhainā (excluding areas of cultural significance) to protect human health and the environment. The stabilizer helps prevent toxic ash and debris from entering the air, nearby properties, waterways, and the ocean.
EPA teams also continue to identify, transport, and safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles, charging stations, and solar power systems. Fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries need to be recovered with specific care, de-energized and disposed of properly.
A common question from community members regards the safety of multistory apartment buildings. Due to the number of layered debris and the difficulty of safely entering and operating within these properties, EPA teams did not begin these hazardous material assessments until this week. It is likely that most of the hazardous waste recovery work will be deferred to the second phase of debris removal.
EPA has removed 90% of hazardous materials from burned residential and commercial properties in Lāhainā, Maui. The milestone signals the agency is drawing closer to completing its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
The updated completion percentage includes a change in the total number of parcels to be cleared by the EPA from 1,601 to 1,620. That change is a normal part of any EPA response process as the agency gets closer to the end of major parcel assessments. During this stage, teams can view smaller areas adjacent to areas being assessed. These small areas were not previously identified during the initial collection of potential properties through remote sensing, but important as they may contain burned sheds or electric vehicles that are revealed when in the field.
EPA staff are conducting outreach efforts across Maui, fielding questions, and providing information to community members about the Phase I Hazardous Materials removal work. The outreach teams operate rotationally at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the Lahaina Civic Center, Nāpili Park Emergency Resource Hub in Lāhainā, Maui Mall Village in Kahului, and the Maui County building in Wailuku.
EPA coordinates closely with the County of Maui as parcels are cleared. This enables to county to accurately manage its re-entry plans. EPA encourages residents with questions about re-entry to visit the Maui Recovers website.
Click here to learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
You can view EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
Secretary Vilsack Highlights USDA’s Commitment to Future Generations in Agriculture
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 2, 2023 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed students, agricultural educators, and guests at the opening session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo before signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the organization formalizing a partnership to prepare more students for careers in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces State and Tribal Allocations for $48 Million Grant Program to Protect Groundwater Resources and Tackle Climate Change
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant allocations for states and Tribes to tap into over $48 million in funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to develop and implement Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs. This program is a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to reach a net zero emissions economy by 2050, particularly for the industrial sector. The $48,250,000, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be allocated evenly among the 25 interested states and Tribes, with an allotment of $1,930,000 for each program. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Class VI programs ensure that groundwater resources are protected while supporting the permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis.
“Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have committed to providing support and resources to states, Tribes, and territories to help them reduce climate pollution in an environmentally responsible way that reflects the input of local communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This program boosts state and regional efforts to develop clean energy solutions while ensuring that critical water supplies are protected.”
EPA’s mission to protect the environment and public health is fundamental to its work in the UIC Class VI program. On December 9, 2022, and January 11, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan sent letters to governors and Tribal leaders calling for partnership to advance the twin goals of combatting climate change and supporting environmental justice. Additionally, on August 17, 2023, EPA released a Memorandum on Environmental Justice Guidance for Class VI Permitting and Primacy.
As a condition of receiving funding, applicants to the new UIC Class VI grant program must demonstrate how environmental justice and equity considerations will be incorporated into their UIC Class VI primacy programs. Primacy program commitments may include identifying communities with potential environmental justice concerns, enhancing public involvement, developing appropriately scoped environmental justice assessments, enhancing transparency throughout the permitting process, and minimizing adverse effects associated with permitting actions. Through this grant program, EPA is ensuring state UIC Class VI programs follow the Safe Drinking Water Act mandate to protect underground sources of drinking water.
EPA is supporting state, Tribal and territory efforts to obtain primacy - primary responsibility (primacy) for implementing and enforcing their UIC Class VI program - under the Safe Drinking Water Act and to develop UIC Class VI programs that incorporate environmental justice and equity as core principles. Participating states and Tribes can use this one-time funding opportunity to establish and implement UIC Class VI programs. EPA is committed to working closely with each state and Tribe pursuing Class VI primacy to help them create a Class VI program that upholds a high standard of community and environmental stewardship. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that carbon management projects are designed, built, and operated safely and responsibly, and in a way that reflects the best science and responds to the needs and inputs of local communities.
On January 19, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan sent letters inviting states, Tribes, and territories to submit letters of intent (LOI) to indicate their interest in the new grant program. 25 states and Tribes submitted LOIs in response and are now eligible for the grant funding: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, MHA Nation, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Each state or Tribe may apply for funding, with 100% of federal funding provided as grants with no state match requirement. Recipients will use funding to cover expenses related to the establishment and operation of a Class VI program.
EPA is also releasing the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI Wells Grant Program Implementation document to provide states and Tribes with information on how to apply for and use this funding. The implementation document describes requirements for grantees to implement programs, including specific actions designed to advance environmental justice in overburdened and undeserved communities. These grants will enable states and Tribes to manage the permitting of carbon dioxide geologic sequestration injection wells while protecting the environment, drinking water supplies, public health, and safety. Effectively designed and deployed projects deliver climate benefits, create good-paying jobs, and address cumulative pollution impacts in historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities.
For information on the grant program visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/underground-injection-control-grants#ClassVI_Grants
Background
The geologic sequestration of CO2 in UIC Class VI wells is used in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration to prevent CO2 emissions from industrial sources from reaching the atmosphere. The CO2 is injected through specially constructed wells that extend into deep rock formations. These formations must be tested and selected based on geologic characteristics suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term sequestration.
EPA has, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, developed stringent federal requirements for injecting CO2 that protect public health by ensuring injection wells do not contaminate underground sources of drinking water. These UIC regulations mandate using a variety of measures to assure that injection activities will not endanger these drinking water sources. Additional tools, resources and information about Class VI wells are available here.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion to invest in the nation’s water infrastructure for all communities. For more information, visit EPA’s webpage on https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure.
“Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have committed to providing support and resources to states, Tribes, and territories to help them reduce climate pollution in an environmentally responsible way that reflects the input of local communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This program boosts state and regional efforts to develop clean energy solutions while ensuring that critical water supplies are protected.”
EPA’s mission to protect the environment and public health is fundamental to its work in the UIC Class VI program. On December 9, 2022, and January 11, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan sent letters to governors and Tribal leaders calling for partnership to advance the twin goals of combatting climate change and supporting environmental justice. Additionally, on August 17, 2023, EPA released a Memorandum on Environmental Justice Guidance for Class VI Permitting and Primacy.
As a condition of receiving funding, applicants to the new UIC Class VI grant program must demonstrate how environmental justice and equity considerations will be incorporated into their UIC Class VI primacy programs. Primacy program commitments may include identifying communities with potential environmental justice concerns, enhancing public involvement, developing appropriately scoped environmental justice assessments, enhancing transparency throughout the permitting process, and minimizing adverse effects associated with permitting actions. Through this grant program, EPA is ensuring state UIC Class VI programs follow the Safe Drinking Water Act mandate to protect underground sources of drinking water.
EPA is supporting state, Tribal and territory efforts to obtain primacy - primary responsibility (primacy) for implementing and enforcing their UIC Class VI program - under the Safe Drinking Water Act and to develop UIC Class VI programs that incorporate environmental justice and equity as core principles. Participating states and Tribes can use this one-time funding opportunity to establish and implement UIC Class VI programs. EPA is committed to working closely with each state and Tribe pursuing Class VI primacy to help them create a Class VI program that upholds a high standard of community and environmental stewardship. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that carbon management projects are designed, built, and operated safely and responsibly, and in a way that reflects the best science and responds to the needs and inputs of local communities.
On January 19, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan sent letters inviting states, Tribes, and territories to submit letters of intent (LOI) to indicate their interest in the new grant program. 25 states and Tribes submitted LOIs in response and are now eligible for the grant funding: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, MHA Nation, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Each state or Tribe may apply for funding, with 100% of federal funding provided as grants with no state match requirement. Recipients will use funding to cover expenses related to the establishment and operation of a Class VI program.
EPA is also releasing the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI Wells Grant Program Implementation document to provide states and Tribes with information on how to apply for and use this funding. The implementation document describes requirements for grantees to implement programs, including specific actions designed to advance environmental justice in overburdened and undeserved communities. These grants will enable states and Tribes to manage the permitting of carbon dioxide geologic sequestration injection wells while protecting the environment, drinking water supplies, public health, and safety. Effectively designed and deployed projects deliver climate benefits, create good-paying jobs, and address cumulative pollution impacts in historically disadvantaged and overburdened communities.
For information on the grant program visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/underground-injection-control-grants#ClassVI_Grants
Background
The geologic sequestration of CO2 in UIC Class VI wells is used in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration to prevent CO2 emissions from industrial sources from reaching the atmosphere. The CO2 is injected through specially constructed wells that extend into deep rock formations. These formations must be tested and selected based on geologic characteristics suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term sequestration.
EPA has, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, developed stringent federal requirements for injecting CO2 that protect public health by ensuring injection wells do not contaminate underground sources of drinking water. These UIC regulations mandate using a variety of measures to assure that injection activities will not endanger these drinking water sources. Additional tools, resources and information about Class VI wells are available here.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion to invest in the nation’s water infrastructure for all communities. For more information, visit EPA’s webpage on https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure.
EPA settlement with Hingham, Mass. company stops distribution and use of unregistered pesticides
BOSTON (Nov. 2, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with a Hingham, Mass. company for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and will require the company to maintain compliance under federal law.
Astec Bio USA Inc. (Astec Bio), located in Hingham, Mass., imports and sells disinfectant products to customers in the in-vitro fertilization industry for use on IVF equipment.
"At EPA, our mission every day is to further protect the health of communities, women and children," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "When people go to the doctor, they should be certain that they are not coming into contact with harmful chemicals. It is unacceptable to put vulnerable people at risk, especially when they are making important decisions for their growing families."
EPA's settlement alleged that Astec Bio had product registration and import violations under FIFRA. An EPA inspection found that the company had imported disinfectant products without previously filing Notice of Arrival forms, required under the rules and regulations of FIFRA. Investigators also confirmed that the imported products were not registered with EPA under Section 3 of FIFRA. Section 3 requires all pesticide products to be registered with EPA so that the agency can examine the ingredients, use of the product, storage practices and other associated logistics, to ensure there are no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
Earlier this year, EPA issued a Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order to Astec Bio, which required to company to stop all distribution and imports of the disinfectant products. The company complied and, with prior approval from EPA, disposed of its inventory safely.
In addition to maintaining FIFRA compliance, Astec Bio agreed to pay a penalty of $74,594.
Background
First enacted in 1947, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is a statute that covers the registration, distribution, sale and use of pesticides in the United States. With regulations and safety provisions, FIFRA protects communities, the environment and those who handle these products. Pesticides must be registered with EPA, under FIFRA, to ensure that there are no unreasonable effects with use. Applicants must show that the use of such pesticides will not cause adverse effects on the environment.
More information:
Overview of FIFRA: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act-fifra-and-federal-facilities#Summary
Types of FIFRA Registration: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/types-registrations-under-fifra
Astec Bio USA Inc. (Astec Bio), located in Hingham, Mass., imports and sells disinfectant products to customers in the in-vitro fertilization industry for use on IVF equipment.
"At EPA, our mission every day is to further protect the health of communities, women and children," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "When people go to the doctor, they should be certain that they are not coming into contact with harmful chemicals. It is unacceptable to put vulnerable people at risk, especially when they are making important decisions for their growing families."
EPA's settlement alleged that Astec Bio had product registration and import violations under FIFRA. An EPA inspection found that the company had imported disinfectant products without previously filing Notice of Arrival forms, required under the rules and regulations of FIFRA. Investigators also confirmed that the imported products were not registered with EPA under Section 3 of FIFRA. Section 3 requires all pesticide products to be registered with EPA so that the agency can examine the ingredients, use of the product, storage practices and other associated logistics, to ensure there are no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
Earlier this year, EPA issued a Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order to Astec Bio, which required to company to stop all distribution and imports of the disinfectant products. The company complied and, with prior approval from EPA, disposed of its inventory safely.
In addition to maintaining FIFRA compliance, Astec Bio agreed to pay a penalty of $74,594.
Background
First enacted in 1947, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is a statute that covers the registration, distribution, sale and use of pesticides in the United States. With regulations and safety provisions, FIFRA protects communities, the environment and those who handle these products. Pesticides must be registered with EPA, under FIFRA, to ensure that there are no unreasonable effects with use. Applicants must show that the use of such pesticides will not cause adverse effects on the environment.
More information:
Overview of FIFRA: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act-fifra-and-federal-facilities#Summary
Types of FIFRA Registration: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/types-registrations-under-fifra
Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $17 Million to Restore Health of Milwaukee Rivers and Lake Michigan
MILWAUKEE, WI (November, 2, 2023) – Today, at an event in Milwaukee, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox and Regional Administrator Debra Shore for Region 5 announced that Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage Distract (MMSD) will be investing $17 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to protect and improve water quality in Milwaukee rivers and Lake Michigan.
“Protecting our Great Lakes is critical to the economic, environmental and recreational vitality of countless communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in America continue to preserve treasured waters like Lake Michigan and ensure families and businesses have access to all of the opportunity that clean water can generate.”
This investment will enable MMSD to address decades of pollution that has accumulated in Milwaukee harbor, and the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. Ultimately this will result in improved water quality, healthier fish and wildlife, improved recreational opportunities, and full community revitalization.
“Here in Wisconsin, our freshwater resources are critical to our Made in Wisconsin economy, environment, and way of life,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I am thrilled to have helped deliver this federal funding for Milwaukee to reverse decades of legacy pollution and revitalize our communities – making an investment in our health, our economy, and our future.”
“Though the Milwaukee Estuary is an area of concern now, it does not have to remain that way,” said Representative Gwen Moore. “Thanks to this $17 million investment, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) can now move forward on a critical project to finally remove contaminated sediments from our local waterways, benefitting our community in many ways once this threat is removed, so residents and visitors can once again enjoy these areas. The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for my constituents by empowering our community with the resources it needs.”
“In Milwaukee, MMSD understands that protecting our rivers and Lake Michigan will improve the health, economy, and environment for everyone in the region, said Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize these improvements now!”
Today’s announcement comes after EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan joined U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) earlier this month to announce the largest cleanup project to ever be implemented under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Legacy Act, thanks to historic resources from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Under a new project agreement between EPA and five non-federal sponsors, an estimated investment of $450 million will go toward the cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. This funding is part of a $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to significantly accelerate cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes. EPA projected that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with funds from annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources, will enable the agency and its partners to complete work at 22 of the 25 remaining AOCs, with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding directly supporting 11 of these sites, including the Milwaukee Estuary AOC.
Background
The Biden-Harris Administration and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $50 billion through EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. With this funding, EPA, states, Tribes, and localities have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure. EPA is committed to ensuring that all communities, particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities, get their fair share of this federal water infrastructure investment. More information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available at www.epa.gov/infrastructure.
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“Protecting our Great Lakes is critical to the economic, environmental and recreational vitality of countless communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in America continue to preserve treasured waters like Lake Michigan and ensure families and businesses have access to all of the opportunity that clean water can generate.”
This investment will enable MMSD to address decades of pollution that has accumulated in Milwaukee harbor, and the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. Ultimately this will result in improved water quality, healthier fish and wildlife, improved recreational opportunities, and full community revitalization.
“Here in Wisconsin, our freshwater resources are critical to our Made in Wisconsin economy, environment, and way of life,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I am thrilled to have helped deliver this federal funding for Milwaukee to reverse decades of legacy pollution and revitalize our communities – making an investment in our health, our economy, and our future.”
“Though the Milwaukee Estuary is an area of concern now, it does not have to remain that way,” said Representative Gwen Moore. “Thanks to this $17 million investment, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) can now move forward on a critical project to finally remove contaminated sediments from our local waterways, benefitting our community in many ways once this threat is removed, so residents and visitors can once again enjoy these areas. The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for my constituents by empowering our community with the resources it needs.”
“In Milwaukee, MMSD understands that protecting our rivers and Lake Michigan will improve the health, economy, and environment for everyone in the region, said Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize these improvements now!”
Today’s announcement comes after EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan joined U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) earlier this month to announce the largest cleanup project to ever be implemented under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Legacy Act, thanks to historic resources from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Under a new project agreement between EPA and five non-federal sponsors, an estimated investment of $450 million will go toward the cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. This funding is part of a $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to significantly accelerate cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes. EPA projected that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with funds from annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources, will enable the agency and its partners to complete work at 22 of the 25 remaining AOCs, with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding directly supporting 11 of these sites, including the Milwaukee Estuary AOC.
Background
The Biden-Harris Administration and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $50 billion through EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. With this funding, EPA, states, Tribes, and localities have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure. EPA is committed to ensuring that all communities, particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities, get their fair share of this federal water infrastructure investment. More information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available at www.epa.gov/infrastructure.
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