USDA Invests Funds to Support Hispanic-serving Institutions, Students on the Road to Educational Success
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced an investment of $15.5 million in USDA’s Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program.
USDA Appoints New Members to Food Safety Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the appointment of 21 new members and nine returning members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). The purpose of the committee is to provide impartial scientific advice and recommendations to federal food safety agencies that assures the safety of foods.
Port of Montreal labor talks head to mediation at longshore union’s request
While neither side has made public its terms for a new collective bargaining agreement, sources familiar with the talks say the union is looking for a 20% increase in wages over four years and a faster seniority path for dockworkers.
EPA Launches Prize Challenge to Showcase Electric Transportation in Action
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched “My Electric Ride: An EV Transportation Video Challenge,” an exciting prize competition that encourages people to share their personal experiences with electric transportation. The challenge aims to showcase real-world experiences of those who use electrified transportation in everyday life and help inform the public about more sustainable transportation. Interested participants are asked to submit a short (1- to 2-minute) video for a chance to win up to $3,000.
Participants can submit videos in one of three categories:
Personal Mobility: Electric 2- and 3-wheel personal mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-trikes, e-scooters, or e-cargo bikes.
Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles such as cars, trucks, or SUVs.
Electric Buses: Electric buses such as school buses, shuttle buses, or transit buses.
The videos will be judged on their creativity, originality, and effectiveness in conveying the positive aspects of electric transportation. EPA will select up to nine winning videos, with each of the three categories having a first, second, and third place winner. Selected videos may be featured on EPA's website and social media channels.
Information about the video challenge and instructions on how to submit a video can be found on the EV Transportation Video Challenge webpage.
Submissions are due by January 23, 2024.
Background
The transportation sector is currently the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Electrifying transportation is key to a more sustainable future by moving people and goods more efficiently. With their increased energy efficiency and zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles (including battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles) can help improve air quality in communities and lower total GHG emissions.
For more information on why we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation (i.e., decarbonize), visit: Why We Need to Decarbonize Transportation.
Participants can submit videos in one of three categories:
Personal Mobility: Electric 2- and 3-wheel personal mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-trikes, e-scooters, or e-cargo bikes.
Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles such as cars, trucks, or SUVs.
Electric Buses: Electric buses such as school buses, shuttle buses, or transit buses.
The videos will be judged on their creativity, originality, and effectiveness in conveying the positive aspects of electric transportation. EPA will select up to nine winning videos, with each of the three categories having a first, second, and third place winner. Selected videos may be featured on EPA's website and social media channels.
Information about the video challenge and instructions on how to submit a video can be found on the EV Transportation Video Challenge webpage.
Submissions are due by January 23, 2024.
Background
The transportation sector is currently the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Electrifying transportation is key to a more sustainable future by moving people and goods more efficiently. With their increased energy efficiency and zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles (including battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles) can help improve air quality in communities and lower total GHG emissions.
For more information on why we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation (i.e., decarbonize), visit: Why We Need to Decarbonize Transportation.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Durham-area press tour to highlight $15M investment in Superfund cleanups and recycling infrastructure
DURHAM, N.C (October 27, 2023) – Next week, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) will join senior U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials at two events highlighting Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in the Durham area.
Under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, a total of $3.5 billion BIL funds are being invested nationally to clean up priority hazardous waste sites. On Monday, officials will recognize a $11.3 million investment to support the cleanup of Cristex Drum in Oxford and GHM Electronics in Roxboro.
WHAT: Press event highlighting how BIL funding is advancing Superfund cleanups
WHERE: Cristex Drum Superfund Site, 500 W. Industry Drive, Oxford, NC 27565
WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2023, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. EST
*Optional tour of GMH Electronics Superfund Site to immediately follow. GHM is approx. 30 min away at 1800 Virgilina Rd., Roxboro, NC 27574.*
WHO: U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
John Nicholson, Chief of Staff, EPA Region 4
Chair Russ May, Granville County Commissioners
Meredith Clark, Superfund Section Manager, EPA Region 4
Jeffrey Crowley, Superfund Project Manager, EPA Region 4
And on Tuesday, officials will recognize North Carolina recipients of a newly created BIL-funded recycling opportunity that is investing nearly $4 million in state.
WHAT: Press event recognizing North Carolina recycling infrastructure projects
WHERE: Redwood Convenience Center, 100 Electra Road, Durham, NC 27704
WHEN: Tuesday October 31, 2023, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. EST
WHO: U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
John Nicholson, Chief of Staff, EPA Region 4
Secretary Elizabeth Biser, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Chair Brenda Howerton, Durham Board of County Commissioners
Dr. Kimberly Sowell, Durham County Manager
Chrissie Koroivui, Durham County Solid Waste Program Manager
Tara Nattress, Management Analyst, Central Pines Regional Council
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by noon Monday, October 30, 2023.
Under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, a total of $3.5 billion BIL funds are being invested nationally to clean up priority hazardous waste sites. On Monday, officials will recognize a $11.3 million investment to support the cleanup of Cristex Drum in Oxford and GHM Electronics in Roxboro.
WHAT: Press event highlighting how BIL funding is advancing Superfund cleanups
WHERE: Cristex Drum Superfund Site, 500 W. Industry Drive, Oxford, NC 27565
WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2023, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. EST
*Optional tour of GMH Electronics Superfund Site to immediately follow. GHM is approx. 30 min away at 1800 Virgilina Rd., Roxboro, NC 27574.*
WHO: U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
John Nicholson, Chief of Staff, EPA Region 4
Chair Russ May, Granville County Commissioners
Meredith Clark, Superfund Section Manager, EPA Region 4
Jeffrey Crowley, Superfund Project Manager, EPA Region 4
And on Tuesday, officials will recognize North Carolina recipients of a newly created BIL-funded recycling opportunity that is investing nearly $4 million in state.
WHAT: Press event recognizing North Carolina recycling infrastructure projects
WHERE: Redwood Convenience Center, 100 Electra Road, Durham, NC 27704
WHEN: Tuesday October 31, 2023, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. EST
WHO: U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
John Nicholson, Chief of Staff, EPA Region 4
Secretary Elizabeth Biser, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Chair Brenda Howerton, Durham Board of County Commissioners
Dr. Kimberly Sowell, Durham County Manager
Chrissie Koroivui, Durham County Solid Waste Program Manager
Tara Nattress, Management Analyst, Central Pines Regional Council
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by noon Monday, October 30, 2023.
EPA to host Public Meeting and Information Session for Billings PCE Superfund Site
Billings, Mont. — Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invite Billings, Montana community members to attend a public meeting at Broadwater Elementary School on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:00 pm. The meeting, which will be hosted by EPA staff and contractors and attended by representatives from Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), will provide residents and stakeholders with updates on the Billings PCE Superfund Site, including current and planned sampling and cleanup efforts.
Primary topics of discussion include an overview of potential contaminants of concern within the Site study area, this fall’s sampling and monitoring efforts, recent time-critical removal activities and the Superfund process. Residents and property owners are welcomed to ask questions throughout the meeting.
Please join EPA at Broadwater Elementary on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:00 pm:
15 Broadwater Ave
Billings, MT 59101
Background
The Billings PCE Superfund Site (Site) consists of a plume of shallow groundwater contamination, consisting mainly of chlorinated solvents from historic laundry and dry-cleaning businesses, extending from 24th and Central Avenue approximately three miles, east-northeast, through several mixed-use neighborhoods to the east of downtown Billings. While groundwater is not used for drinking water in Billings, chlorinated solvents in the groundwater can vaporize and seep into homes and businesses, causing potential indoor air concerns that could adversely affect human health.
In September 2021, EPA added the Site to the Superfund National Priorities List, making the Site eligible for federal funding to expand environmental investigation and cleanup activities. Since then, EPA has worked with the City of Billings, state-level agencies and contractors to conduct cleanup efforts, sample groundwater and indoor air and characterize the extent of the groundwater contamination. Major highlights from this year include screening 146 structures with EPA’s mobile laboratory, sampling existing groundwater wells and 12 existing residential irrigation wells and installing vapor mitigation systems for 15 impacted structures. Another ten vapor mitigation system installations are planned beginning November 1st. EPA is developing a proposed plan to address the indoor air exposure pathway and will continue to engage the community in the Superfund process.
Information about the Site, including timelines, operable units and cleanup efforts, is available on the EPA Superfund page.
Primary topics of discussion include an overview of potential contaminants of concern within the Site study area, this fall’s sampling and monitoring efforts, recent time-critical removal activities and the Superfund process. Residents and property owners are welcomed to ask questions throughout the meeting.
Please join EPA at Broadwater Elementary on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:00 pm:
15 Broadwater Ave
Billings, MT 59101
Background
The Billings PCE Superfund Site (Site) consists of a plume of shallow groundwater contamination, consisting mainly of chlorinated solvents from historic laundry and dry-cleaning businesses, extending from 24th and Central Avenue approximately three miles, east-northeast, through several mixed-use neighborhoods to the east of downtown Billings. While groundwater is not used for drinking water in Billings, chlorinated solvents in the groundwater can vaporize and seep into homes and businesses, causing potential indoor air concerns that could adversely affect human health.
In September 2021, EPA added the Site to the Superfund National Priorities List, making the Site eligible for federal funding to expand environmental investigation and cleanup activities. Since then, EPA has worked with the City of Billings, state-level agencies and contractors to conduct cleanup efforts, sample groundwater and indoor air and characterize the extent of the groundwater contamination. Major highlights from this year include screening 146 structures with EPA’s mobile laboratory, sampling existing groundwater wells and 12 existing residential irrigation wells and installing vapor mitigation systems for 15 impacted structures. Another ten vapor mitigation system installations are planned beginning November 1st. EPA is developing a proposed plan to address the indoor air exposure pathway and will continue to engage the community in the Superfund process.
Information about the Site, including timelines, operable units and cleanup efforts, is available on the EPA Superfund page.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $120 Million WIFIA Loan to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Florida
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $120 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This funding will improve stormwater management and bolster climate resilience in the city’s most flood-prone neighborhoods. Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support 114 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
“With this investment, Fort Lauderdale will strengthen its climate resilience, develop innovative green infrastructure projects and upgrade traditional stormwater systems to reduce flood risk for local residents and businesses,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic $50 billion investment in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the availability of innovative financing options like WIFIA, EPA continues to provide funding so communities across the country can address urgent water infrastructure concerns.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project will enhance climate resilience, upgrade stormwater infrastructure, and reduce water pollution. The City of Fort Lauderdale is at elevated risk of climate impacts, including sea-level rise, elevated groundwater, and more frequent and severe rain events. This WIFIA loan supports implementation of green and gray infrastructure to help manage stormwater in impacted neighborhoods, including many with environmental justice concerns. Additionally, the city will improve water quality in intercoastal waterways by replacing aging, corroding pipelines that leach heavy metals and contaminants.
“We are tremendously grateful to the EPA for granting our city this generous loan as we recover from April’s historic flooding and prepare for a resilient future,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “Neighborhoods that are hardest hit by storms including River Oaks, Dorsey-Riverbend, Durrs, Progresso Village, Victoria Park, Melrose Manors, and Southeast Isles will greatly benefit from the stormwater improvements these funds will finance.”
“Fort Lauderdale continues its historic commitment to investing in climate resiliency and stormwater mitigation,” said District 1 Commissioner John Herbst. “This funding from our federal partners will assist us in doing more to improve our infrastructure for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”
“A large portion of my district is waterfront with some locations just a short walk from the ocean,” said District 2 Commissioner Steven Glassman. “As sea level rises, we are grateful for the support from our federal partners in fortifying our beautiful City and will continue to work with the EPA to keep our neighbors safe and resilient.”
“No community is left behind, including my district; 15 communities which were hit hard during April’s historic floods,” said Vice Mayor Pam Beasley-Pittman. “I am grateful as this much-needed support will help us build a stronger and more resilient community for future generations.”
“I was out there with my constituents who were some of the hardest hit during April’s historic floods, most notably in Edgewood and River Oaks, and it was heartbreaking to see the devastation,” said District 4 Commissioner Warren Sturman. “Being able to share this wonderful news with my district means so much to me as we continue to recover together.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale will save approximately $26 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in local water infrastructure will create approximately 200 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 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 recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. There is $6.5 billion available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources 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. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
“With this investment, Fort Lauderdale will strengthen its climate resilience, develop innovative green infrastructure projects and upgrade traditional stormwater systems to reduce flood risk for local residents and businesses,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic $50 billion investment in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the availability of innovative financing options like WIFIA, EPA continues to provide funding so communities across the country can address urgent water infrastructure concerns.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project will enhance climate resilience, upgrade stormwater infrastructure, and reduce water pollution. The City of Fort Lauderdale is at elevated risk of climate impacts, including sea-level rise, elevated groundwater, and more frequent and severe rain events. This WIFIA loan supports implementation of green and gray infrastructure to help manage stormwater in impacted neighborhoods, including many with environmental justice concerns. Additionally, the city will improve water quality in intercoastal waterways by replacing aging, corroding pipelines that leach heavy metals and contaminants.
“We are tremendously grateful to the EPA for granting our city this generous loan as we recover from April’s historic flooding and prepare for a resilient future,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “Neighborhoods that are hardest hit by storms including River Oaks, Dorsey-Riverbend, Durrs, Progresso Village, Victoria Park, Melrose Manors, and Southeast Isles will greatly benefit from the stormwater improvements these funds will finance.”
“Fort Lauderdale continues its historic commitment to investing in climate resiliency and stormwater mitigation,” said District 1 Commissioner John Herbst. “This funding from our federal partners will assist us in doing more to improve our infrastructure for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”
“A large portion of my district is waterfront with some locations just a short walk from the ocean,” said District 2 Commissioner Steven Glassman. “As sea level rises, we are grateful for the support from our federal partners in fortifying our beautiful City and will continue to work with the EPA to keep our neighbors safe and resilient.”
“No community is left behind, including my district; 15 communities which were hit hard during April’s historic floods,” said Vice Mayor Pam Beasley-Pittman. “I am grateful as this much-needed support will help us build a stronger and more resilient community for future generations.”
“I was out there with my constituents who were some of the hardest hit during April’s historic floods, most notably in Edgewood and River Oaks, and it was heartbreaking to see the devastation,” said District 4 Commissioner Warren Sturman. “Being able to share this wonderful news with my district means so much to me as we continue to recover together.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale will save approximately $26 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in local water infrastructure will create approximately 200 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 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 recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. There is $6.5 billion available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources 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. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Hobbled Panama Canal pinched further as eastern Asia factory growth favors Suez
The Panama Canal faces the prospect of transit and loading limitations becoming a regular feature of all-water transits to eastern North America, while a shift of trade out of China increasingly favors Suez Canal routings in the longer-term, writes Journal of Commerce Executive Editor Mark Szakonyi.