Biden-Harris Administration Announces $76 Million WIFIA Loan to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Northern Monterey County, California
WASHINGTON – Today, at an event near Marina, California, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox joined City of Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson and other local officials to announce a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Monterey One Water. This $76 million loan will expand existing water reuse capacity from 5 million gallons per day to 7.6 million gallons per day while ensuring residents and businesses in the surrounding areas have a climate resilient water supply.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support 113 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
“Congratulations to Monterey One Water for securing this $76 million WIFIA loan to expand water reuse. This project will provide vital drinking water and strengthen nearby water resources—including the Carmel River and the Seaside Groundwater Basin—while creating family-supporting jobs,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “With EPA’s WIFIA loan, additional funding from President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and investments by the State of California, this project exemplifies how federal, state, and local partnership can benefit communities.”
EPA’s WIFIA loan will save Monterey One Water approximately $15 million while construction and operation are estimated to create 650 jobs. Additionally, Monterey One Water and Monterey Peninsula Water Management District have secured a combined $42 million in state and federal grants, including over $10 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which they estimate represents all construction-related costs for this project.
“Following years of historic drought, it is imperative that treatment plants like Monterey One Water have the resources they need to provide clean water and protect the public health of thousands of California residents and businesses,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif). “I applaud today’s significant EPA loan to Monterey One Water, which will allow the plant to safely reuse and reintroduce 50 percent more water in order to bolster the region’s climate resilient water supply.”
“Congratulations to Monterey One Water for the impressive accomplishment of providing half of its drinking water supply from recycled water to benefit the community and to help restore steelhead in the Carmel River,” said Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif). “I also appreciate EPA’s approval of a low-interest loan which makes funding this project possible.”
“Our water sources across our 19th Congressional District are very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and droughts,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “Through this sizable federal loan to Monterey One Water, we are ensuring that the federal government plays its part by investing in our local infrastructure to bolster our water supply and enhance our sustainability efforts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided historic investments in our nation’s water resiliency, and I will continue to fight for the funding that our community deserves to ensure a diversity of sustainable water sources.”
“Monterey One Water is proud to be the first potable reuse producer in northern California and to be optimizing local resources to create sustainable and cooperative water solutions,” said Paul Sciuto, General Manager of Monterey One Water. “Purified recycled water will represent more than 50% of a local water supply and will help create a more climate resilient community.”
With this funding, Monterey One Water will increase production capacity at its Advanced Water Purification Facility and groundwater injection well site with additional treatment technology and infrastructure. Together, these upgrades will ensure a drought-proof supply of potable water and help protect the local aquifer from saltwater intrusion.
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. $6.5 billion is 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.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support 113 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
“Congratulations to Monterey One Water for securing this $76 million WIFIA loan to expand water reuse. This project will provide vital drinking water and strengthen nearby water resources—including the Carmel River and the Seaside Groundwater Basin—while creating family-supporting jobs,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “With EPA’s WIFIA loan, additional funding from President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and investments by the State of California, this project exemplifies how federal, state, and local partnership can benefit communities.”
EPA’s WIFIA loan will save Monterey One Water approximately $15 million while construction and operation are estimated to create 650 jobs. Additionally, Monterey One Water and Monterey Peninsula Water Management District have secured a combined $42 million in state and federal grants, including over $10 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which they estimate represents all construction-related costs for this project.
“Following years of historic drought, it is imperative that treatment plants like Monterey One Water have the resources they need to provide clean water and protect the public health of thousands of California residents and businesses,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif). “I applaud today’s significant EPA loan to Monterey One Water, which will allow the plant to safely reuse and reintroduce 50 percent more water in order to bolster the region’s climate resilient water supply.”
“Congratulations to Monterey One Water for the impressive accomplishment of providing half of its drinking water supply from recycled water to benefit the community and to help restore steelhead in the Carmel River,” said Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif). “I also appreciate EPA’s approval of a low-interest loan which makes funding this project possible.”
“Our water sources across our 19th Congressional District are very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and droughts,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “Through this sizable federal loan to Monterey One Water, we are ensuring that the federal government plays its part by investing in our local infrastructure to bolster our water supply and enhance our sustainability efforts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided historic investments in our nation’s water resiliency, and I will continue to fight for the funding that our community deserves to ensure a diversity of sustainable water sources.”
“Monterey One Water is proud to be the first potable reuse producer in northern California and to be optimizing local resources to create sustainable and cooperative water solutions,” said Paul Sciuto, General Manager of Monterey One Water. “Purified recycled water will represent more than 50% of a local water supply and will help create a more climate resilient community.”
With this funding, Monterey One Water will increase production capacity at its Advanced Water Purification Facility and groundwater injection well site with additional treatment technology and infrastructure. Together, these upgrades will ensure a drought-proof supply of potable water and help protect the local aquifer from saltwater intrusion.
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. $6.5 billion is 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.
Export rebound, manufacturing imports keeping Gulf Coast volumes afloat
Amid a down year overall, Gulf Coast port volumes are holding up thanks to petrochemical exports, as well as growing imports related to energy projects and specialized manufacturing in the region.
USDA Announces 2024 Tribal Scholarships and Fellowships
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced two tribal higher education opportunities to train the next generation of agricultural professionals and strengthen ties with tribal higher education institutions. The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program offers a fast-track career path with USDA, and the Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Faculty Fellowship engages tribal college faculty with USDA resources and research.
EPA Seeks Applications for 2024 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is requesting applications for the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The 1990 National Environmental Education Act established PEYA, which recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from students in Grades K–12 that promote environmental awareness and encourage community involvement. The act also established PIAEE, which recognizes outstanding Grade K–12 educators who integrate environmental education and place-based learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country.
“Environmental education is the foundation of a meaningful climate movement, and I’m thrilled to recognize the students and educators who do this important work,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We hope that by honoring these dedicated leaders, we encourage them to expand their efforts beyond the classroom and continue to inspire critical environmental action in their communities.”
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with EPA, administers the PIAEE awards program.
“Across the country, young people are channeling their energy, curiosity and creativity into tackling our nation's most pressing climate and environmental challenges,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “The Presidential awards celebrate the work of these young environmental stewards and the educators who help them learn ways to build a better future for generations to come – a future where every community has access to clean drinking water, clean air, and green space.”
Applications for both awards are due no later than Monday, January 15, 2024. Projects eligible for the awards can apply to a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to):
Climate change
Environmental justice
Water infrastructure
Lead in drinking water
A reduction in contributions to ocean and marine litter
Recycling solutions
The use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to teach environmental education
Environmental sustainability and agricultural practices
Healthy school environments
The reduction of food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.
Additional Information on the 2024 Awards
For PEYA, EPA will select up to two winners in each of the agency’s 10 regions: one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6–12. Winning projects will be highlighted on EPA’s website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. If the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA’s PEYA page.
For PIAEE, up to two teachers from each of EPA’s 10 regions, each from different states, will be selected to receive the award. Teachers will receive a presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. The winners’ local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Winners will be highlighted on EPA’s website. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA’s PIAEE page.
For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please email PEYA@epa.gov. For more information on the teacher awards (PIAEE), please email PIAEE@epa.gov.
“Environmental education is the foundation of a meaningful climate movement, and I’m thrilled to recognize the students and educators who do this important work,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We hope that by honoring these dedicated leaders, we encourage them to expand their efforts beyond the classroom and continue to inspire critical environmental action in their communities.”
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with EPA, administers the PIAEE awards program.
“Across the country, young people are channeling their energy, curiosity and creativity into tackling our nation's most pressing climate and environmental challenges,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “The Presidential awards celebrate the work of these young environmental stewards and the educators who help them learn ways to build a better future for generations to come – a future where every community has access to clean drinking water, clean air, and green space.”
Applications for both awards are due no later than Monday, January 15, 2024. Projects eligible for the awards can apply to a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to):
Climate change
Environmental justice
Water infrastructure
Lead in drinking water
A reduction in contributions to ocean and marine litter
Recycling solutions
The use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to teach environmental education
Environmental sustainability and agricultural practices
Healthy school environments
The reduction of food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.
Additional Information on the 2024 Awards
For PEYA, EPA will select up to two winners in each of the agency’s 10 regions: one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6–12. Winning projects will be highlighted on EPA’s website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. If the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA’s PEYA page.
For PIAEE, up to two teachers from each of EPA’s 10 regions, each from different states, will be selected to receive the award. Teachers will receive a presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. The winners’ local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Winners will be highlighted on EPA’s website. Application and eligibility information is available on EPA’s PIAEE page.
For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please email PEYA@epa.gov. For more information on the teacher awards (PIAEE), please email PIAEE@epa.gov.
EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Enhanced PFAS Reporting to the Toxics Release Inventory
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that improves reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by eliminating an exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are used at low concentrations in many products, and as a result of removing this reporting exemption, covered industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, and chemical manufacturing, as well as federal facilities that make or use any of the 189 TRI-listed PFAS, will no longer be able to avoid disclosing the quantities of PFAS they manage or release into the environment.
“People deserve to know if they’re being exposed to PFAS through the air they breathe, the water they drink, or while they’re on the job,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Under this new rule, EPA will receive more comprehensive data on PFAS and looks forward to sharing that data with our partners and the public.”
The rule reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals, and advances EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront the human health and environmental risks of PFAS.
TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste treatment, as well as federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use notable quantities of TRI-listed chemicals. The data include quantities of chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected also help support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Among the updated online TRI tools, communities can use EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker to map the locations of TRI-reporting facilities and find out about their chemical releases, other chemical waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) initially added 172 PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by TRI for the 2021 reporting year and provided a framework to automatically add other PFAS in future years. The NDAA also required facilities to report on those chemicals if they manufacture, process or otherwise use more than 100 pounds of the substance, which is lower than the reporting threshold for most other TRI-listed chemicals. However, the previous Administration codified the NDAA provisions in a manner that did not address the availability of the de-minimis exemption or other burden reduction provisions to the reporting requirement that allowed facilities that report to TRI to disregard and avoid reporting on minimal concentrations of PFAS chemicals.
By designating PFAS as “chemicals of special concern” for TRI-reporting purposes, this rule eliminates the availability of that exemption for TRI-listed PFAS and requires facilities to report on PFAS regardless of their concentration in mixtures, since many PFAS are used in low concentrations in mixtures, and the continued availability of the exemption for PFAS would permit facilities to discount those uses when determining their TRI reporting responsibilities. The rule also makes the previous exemption unavailable for purposes of supplier notification requirements to downstream facilities for all chemicals on the list of chemicals of special concern, which also includes additional chemicals that, like PFAS, remain in the environment for long periods of time and build up in the body like lead, mercury, and dioxins. This change helps ensure that purchasers of mixtures and trade name products containing these chemicals are informed of their presence in mixtures and products they purchase.
The public can view supporting materials in the docket once the rule publishes in the Federal Register.
Learn more about the final rule.
“People deserve to know if they’re being exposed to PFAS through the air they breathe, the water they drink, or while they’re on the job,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Under this new rule, EPA will receive more comprehensive data on PFAS and looks forward to sharing that data with our partners and the public.”
The rule reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals, and advances EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront the human health and environmental risks of PFAS.
TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste treatment, as well as federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use notable quantities of TRI-listed chemicals. The data include quantities of chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected also help support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Among the updated online TRI tools, communities can use EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker to map the locations of TRI-reporting facilities and find out about their chemical releases, other chemical waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) initially added 172 PFAS to the list of chemicals covered by TRI for the 2021 reporting year and provided a framework to automatically add other PFAS in future years. The NDAA also required facilities to report on those chemicals if they manufacture, process or otherwise use more than 100 pounds of the substance, which is lower than the reporting threshold for most other TRI-listed chemicals. However, the previous Administration codified the NDAA provisions in a manner that did not address the availability of the de-minimis exemption or other burden reduction provisions to the reporting requirement that allowed facilities that report to TRI to disregard and avoid reporting on minimal concentrations of PFAS chemicals.
By designating PFAS as “chemicals of special concern” for TRI-reporting purposes, this rule eliminates the availability of that exemption for TRI-listed PFAS and requires facilities to report on PFAS regardless of their concentration in mixtures, since many PFAS are used in low concentrations in mixtures, and the continued availability of the exemption for PFAS would permit facilities to discount those uses when determining their TRI reporting responsibilities. The rule also makes the previous exemption unavailable for purposes of supplier notification requirements to downstream facilities for all chemicals on the list of chemicals of special concern, which also includes additional chemicals that, like PFAS, remain in the environment for long periods of time and build up in the body like lead, mercury, and dioxins. This change helps ensure that purchasers of mixtures and trade name products containing these chemicals are informed of their presence in mixtures and products they purchase.
The public can view supporting materials in the docket once the rule publishes in the Federal Register.
Learn more about the final rule.
EPA Announces Nearly $800K to Southern University for Pollution Prevention Project
DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 20, 2023) – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is selected for a nearly $800,000 pollution prevention grant. Nationwide, 24 recipients were selected for $16 million in grants through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. Southern University’s grant will fund a project to reduce water pollution from industrial facilities.
“EPA values the partnership of Southern University in working to bring the benefits of pollution reduction to all communities, especially those like East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East that are historically overburdened and underinvested,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “The Southern University team designed a project that will leverage EPA programs like Safer Choice and help mitigate the air and water pollution that these communities experience.”
“The Southern University Ag Center is excited to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pollution Prevention grant in the category of Environmental Justice in Communities,” said Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Ag. “This grant will assist the Ag Center in ensuring that underinvested communities have access to clean water and air through educating manufacturers on solutions to reduce hazardous substances that are released in the waters of East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East”.
“This is great news for Louisianians who have endured environmental injustice for far too long. All Americans – no matter where they live – deserve to breathe clean air, drink safe water, and live in a healthy environment. That's why I worked so hard to craft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am proud to see underserved communities access this critical funding and technical assistance to improve public health at the local level. As the Member for Region 7 of the Regional Leadership Council, I will continue to work closely with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure these transformative environmental protection policies and programs reach every American in every community in our region,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
The grant selectees include a diverse set of projects that will tackle pollution prevention at the community level. Southern University plans to partner with Louisiana State University and local community leaders to conduct workshops and onsite water quality assessments to find ways to reduce contaminated discharges to local aquifers, including through EPA’s Safer Choice program. Their work will be focused in East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East, two areas suffering from underinvestment. The project will also include outreach to local communities to identify and track pollution prevention strategies.
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Ensuring greater availability and use of safer and more sustainable products can reduce harmful chemical exposures and their human health and the environmental impacts in disadvantaged communities and create a more sustainable and accessible marketplace. These efforts will continue to benefit businesses and communities across the nation by capturing what works and what can be adjusted in other communities. Recipients will share successful practices that are new or not widely known, as well as lessons learned, so that future businesses and communities can continue to innovate.
These grants will be fully funded upon being awarded. Individual grant awards may range from $100,000 to $800,000 for state- and city-level projects, or up to $1.2 million for multi-state projects over the funding period. EPA anticipates awarding the grants once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. The list of selections and the proposed summaries of proposed grantee projects can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“EPA values the partnership of Southern University in working to bring the benefits of pollution reduction to all communities, especially those like East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East that are historically overburdened and underinvested,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “The Southern University team designed a project that will leverage EPA programs like Safer Choice and help mitigate the air and water pollution that these communities experience.”
“The Southern University Ag Center is excited to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pollution Prevention grant in the category of Environmental Justice in Communities,” said Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Ag. “This grant will assist the Ag Center in ensuring that underinvested communities have access to clean water and air through educating manufacturers on solutions to reduce hazardous substances that are released in the waters of East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East”.
“This is great news for Louisianians who have endured environmental injustice for far too long. All Americans – no matter where they live – deserve to breathe clean air, drink safe water, and live in a healthy environment. That's why I worked so hard to craft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am proud to see underserved communities access this critical funding and technical assistance to improve public health at the local level. As the Member for Region 7 of the Regional Leadership Council, I will continue to work closely with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure these transformative environmental protection policies and programs reach every American in every community in our region,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
The grant selectees include a diverse set of projects that will tackle pollution prevention at the community level. Southern University plans to partner with Louisiana State University and local community leaders to conduct workshops and onsite water quality assessments to find ways to reduce contaminated discharges to local aquifers, including through EPA’s Safer Choice program. Their work will be focused in East Baton Rouge and New Orleans East, two areas suffering from underinvestment. The project will also include outreach to local communities to identify and track pollution prevention strategies.
EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Ensuring greater availability and use of safer and more sustainable products can reduce harmful chemical exposures and their human health and the environmental impacts in disadvantaged communities and create a more sustainable and accessible marketplace. These efforts will continue to benefit businesses and communities across the nation by capturing what works and what can be adjusted in other communities. Recipients will share successful practices that are new or not widely known, as well as lessons learned, so that future businesses and communities can continue to innovate.
These grants will be fully funded upon being awarded. Individual grant awards may range from $100,000 to $800,000 for state- and city-level projects, or up to $1.2 million for multi-state projects over the funding period. EPA anticipates awarding the grants once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. The list of selections and the proposed summaries of proposed grantee projects can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
Prince Rupert to build large export transload facility to balance cargo mix
Construction of the C$750 million, 400,000-TEU facility for Canadian and US agricultural and resin exports will be key to achieving more balanced two-way trade through the Western Canadian port.
India-US rates pushed lower amid excess capacity, muted peak season
After jettisoning previously planned October rate hikes, some India-USEC carriers have published new, modest rate increase plans for November.