Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Nearly $50 Million to Strengthen Forest Products Economy, Forest Sector Jobs as part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2023 — Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is making nearly $50 million in grant funding available for proposals that support crucial links between resilient, healthy forests, strong rural economies and jobs in the forestry sector.
EPA Administrator Regan and National Tribal Caucus Chair Wagner Co-Chair 2023 National Tribal Operations Committee Meeting
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the annual National Tribal Operations Committee (NTOC) meeting. National Tribal Caucus (NTC) Chair Gerald Wagner of the Blackfeet Tribe co-chaired the meeting with EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Members of the NTOC include the EPA Administrator, senior leaders across EPA, and Tribal representatives from across Indian country.
The Administrator Regan highlighted the Agency’s commitment to supporting Tribes as they access and implement funding – including funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act – addressing emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 6PPD, minimizing the environmental impacts of critical minerals mining, and strengthening Tribal and EPA partnerships.
“EPA is proud to collaborate with Tribal Nations to protect human health and the environment in Indian Country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Ensuring that investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda reach tribal communities, which are often at the front lines of the effects of climate change, remains one of our top priorities.”
The Administrator also shared some of the current and future funding opportunities that are available to EPA’s Tribal partners through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, including in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Some highlights of funding that is available to Tribal communities include:
EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million in funding from the Clean School Bus rebate competition that is transforming school bus fleets across America and protecting children from air pollution. This second round of funding will build on the previous nearly $1 billion investment to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future. EPA is accepting rebate applications from September 28, 2023, until January 31, 2024.
EPA’s Advancing Water Equity and Access for All Commitment will invest $500 million, including funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for technical assistance to help communities invest in water infrastructure to close America’s water equity gap. This commitment builds on EPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community water infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presented an unprecedented opportunity to address water infrastructure needs with $50 billion in new funding – the largest ever federal investment in water. The announcement leverages EPA’s new water technical assistance (WaterTA) pilot programs and over $150 million in awards through its Environmental Finance Centers program to scale technical assistance and reach hundreds of communities, including Tribal communities.
EPA’s $ 5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program will enable states, municipalities, Tribes, and territories to develop community-driven solutions to dramatically cut climate pollution, transition key sectors, and position communities to be more resilient and sustainable. EPA has already made $250 million available to fund the development of climate action plans, and nearly all states, plus major cities opted in to receive these flexible planning resources. In September, EPA launched two competitions totaling $4.6 billion to fund initiatives developed under the first phase of the program. The general deadline for implementation grant applications is April 1, 2024, and the deadline for Tribes and territories to apply for funding is May 1, 2024.
EPA launched a $7 billion grant competition through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy for millions of low-income households. The Solar for All competition, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), will expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment by awarding up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits to create and expand low-income solar programs that provide financing and technical assistance, such as workforce development, to enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from residential solar. The application period for this funding opportunity closed on October 12, 2023.
In the spring of 2023, EPA announced the selection of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy that will receive $177 million to help underserved and overburdened communities, including Tribal communities, across the country access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, including historic investments to advance environmental justice. The National Indian Health Board, one of the selected TCTACs, is focused on efforts to aid Tribal communities.
For more information about the EPA’s programs in Indian country, visit: https://www.epa.gov/tribal.
The Administrator Regan highlighted the Agency’s commitment to supporting Tribes as they access and implement funding – including funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act – addressing emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 6PPD, minimizing the environmental impacts of critical minerals mining, and strengthening Tribal and EPA partnerships.
“EPA is proud to collaborate with Tribal Nations to protect human health and the environment in Indian Country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Ensuring that investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda reach tribal communities, which are often at the front lines of the effects of climate change, remains one of our top priorities.”
The Administrator also shared some of the current and future funding opportunities that are available to EPA’s Tribal partners through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, including in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Some highlights of funding that is available to Tribal communities include:
EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million in funding from the Clean School Bus rebate competition that is transforming school bus fleets across America and protecting children from air pollution. This second round of funding will build on the previous nearly $1 billion investment to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future. EPA is accepting rebate applications from September 28, 2023, until January 31, 2024.
EPA’s Advancing Water Equity and Access for All Commitment will invest $500 million, including funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for technical assistance to help communities invest in water infrastructure to close America’s water equity gap. This commitment builds on EPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community water infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presented an unprecedented opportunity to address water infrastructure needs with $50 billion in new funding – the largest ever federal investment in water. The announcement leverages EPA’s new water technical assistance (WaterTA) pilot programs and over $150 million in awards through its Environmental Finance Centers program to scale technical assistance and reach hundreds of communities, including Tribal communities.
EPA’s $ 5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program will enable states, municipalities, Tribes, and territories to develop community-driven solutions to dramatically cut climate pollution, transition key sectors, and position communities to be more resilient and sustainable. EPA has already made $250 million available to fund the development of climate action plans, and nearly all states, plus major cities opted in to receive these flexible planning resources. In September, EPA launched two competitions totaling $4.6 billion to fund initiatives developed under the first phase of the program. The general deadline for implementation grant applications is April 1, 2024, and the deadline for Tribes and territories to apply for funding is May 1, 2024.
EPA launched a $7 billion grant competition through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy for millions of low-income households. The Solar for All competition, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), will expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment by awarding up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits to create and expand low-income solar programs that provide financing and technical assistance, such as workforce development, to enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from residential solar. The application period for this funding opportunity closed on October 12, 2023.
In the spring of 2023, EPA announced the selection of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy that will receive $177 million to help underserved and overburdened communities, including Tribal communities, across the country access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, including historic investments to advance environmental justice. The National Indian Health Board, one of the selected TCTACs, is focused on efforts to aid Tribal communities.
For more information about the EPA’s programs in Indian country, visit: https://www.epa.gov/tribal.
EPA Region 6 Celebrates Children’s Health Month
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 18, 2023) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 is proudly celebrating Children’s Health Month this October by spreading awareness about the importance of protecting children from environmental threats where they live, learn and play. Improving children’s environmental health now means healthier people in the future.
“Protecting future generations from long-term environmental damage is pivotal to EPA’s overall mission,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “By upgrading to clean school buses, educating communities about environmental hazards, and strengthening regulations to reduce lead exposure in children, EPA has and will continue to safeguard children’s health in all communities across the nation.”
Early exposure to environmental pollutants can have lifelong health implications. Children’s developing bodily systems are more sensitive to pollutants and their unique behaviors can often expose them more environmental hazards. EPA recognizes that children, especially those in under-resourced communities are often the most vulnerable to environmental harm and can suffer the most.
We continue to advance the protection of children’s health in our work across Region 6. Some highlights from this year include:
Awarded over $72 million in clean school bus rebates, providing for the replacement of over 180 buses that service school districts in socio-economically disadvantaged, rural and tribal communities, improving air quality and reducing climate pollution in these communities.
Trained hundreds of community members, childcare providers, school nurses, pediatric health care providers and health workers on how to protect children from exposure to environmental hazards by hosting Children’s Environmental Health Symposiums and Healthy Homes trainings around the region.
Protected our most vulnerable communities through our partnership with Head Start – training childcare center operators and staff, hosting “reading time” and providing books to children and providing educational material for parents.
Educated migrant farmworkers and their families on how to protect themselves from the health effects of pesticide exposure.
Championed the prevention of childhood lead exposure by holding twelve lead-poisoning prevention training sessions reaching approximately 250 participants, including members of 26 tribal organizations.
Utilized a risk-based cleanup process for the Superfund program which includes child specific exposure factors and toxicity benchmarks. Specifically, the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for lead is used to evaluate the risk from lead by estimating children’s blood level from exposure to soil, dust, air, tapwater and food and aids in developing protective cleanup levels at Superfund sites.
Lowered the exposure risk for children and families to hazardous chemicals by sampling, monitoring and remediating contaminated sites such as the San Antonio Lead site and assessing risk through the Louisiana Lead Cable Assessment Initiative.
Join us in protecting children this October and learn more about children’s environmental health.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“Protecting future generations from long-term environmental damage is pivotal to EPA’s overall mission,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “By upgrading to clean school buses, educating communities about environmental hazards, and strengthening regulations to reduce lead exposure in children, EPA has and will continue to safeguard children’s health in all communities across the nation.”
Early exposure to environmental pollutants can have lifelong health implications. Children’s developing bodily systems are more sensitive to pollutants and their unique behaviors can often expose them more environmental hazards. EPA recognizes that children, especially those in under-resourced communities are often the most vulnerable to environmental harm and can suffer the most.
We continue to advance the protection of children’s health in our work across Region 6. Some highlights from this year include:
Awarded over $72 million in clean school bus rebates, providing for the replacement of over 180 buses that service school districts in socio-economically disadvantaged, rural and tribal communities, improving air quality and reducing climate pollution in these communities.
Trained hundreds of community members, childcare providers, school nurses, pediatric health care providers and health workers on how to protect children from exposure to environmental hazards by hosting Children’s Environmental Health Symposiums and Healthy Homes trainings around the region.
Protected our most vulnerable communities through our partnership with Head Start – training childcare center operators and staff, hosting “reading time” and providing books to children and providing educational material for parents.
Educated migrant farmworkers and their families on how to protect themselves from the health effects of pesticide exposure.
Championed the prevention of childhood lead exposure by holding twelve lead-poisoning prevention training sessions reaching approximately 250 participants, including members of 26 tribal organizations.
Utilized a risk-based cleanup process for the Superfund program which includes child specific exposure factors and toxicity benchmarks. Specifically, the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for lead is used to evaluate the risk from lead by estimating children’s blood level from exposure to soil, dust, air, tapwater and food and aids in developing protective cleanup levels at Superfund sites.
Lowered the exposure risk for children and families to hazardous chemicals by sampling, monitoring and remediating contaminated sites such as the San Antonio Lead site and assessing risk through the Louisiana Lead Cable Assessment Initiative.
Join us in protecting children this October and learn more about children’s environmental health.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
Kansas Ethanol Producer Agrees to Pay Penalty for Alleged Environmental Law Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 18, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will collect a $12,234 penalty from ethanol producer Pratt Energy LLC to resolve alleged violations of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
EPA says that the company failed to submit required annual reports listing releases of toxic chemicals at the company’s facility in Pratt, Kansas. As part of the settlement with EPA, the company also agreed to purchase emergency response equipment for local responders.
“Communities have a right to know about toxic chemicals in their area,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Failure to report such data also prevents governments and industry from using this important information for research and in the development of regulations, guidelines, and air quality standards.”
EPA’s review of Pratt Energy’s records showed that the company manufactured, processed, or otherwise used quantities of toxic chemicals above thresholds that require the company to submit annual reports to EPA. But the company failed to timely submit reports for the toxic chemicals acrolein, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, hexane, and benzene for 2020. After EPA informed Pratt Energy of its failure to report, the company submitted the required forms.
Pratt Energy’s settlement with EPA includes the purchase of two utility terrain vehicles and a fire and rescue cot to be donated to Pratt County Emergency Management and Pratt County Emergency Medical Services.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires facilities to report on the storage, use, and releases of hazardous substances. The information submitted is compiled in the Toxics Release Inventory, which supports informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
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Learn more about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA says that the company failed to submit required annual reports listing releases of toxic chemicals at the company’s facility in Pratt, Kansas. As part of the settlement with EPA, the company also agreed to purchase emergency response equipment for local responders.
“Communities have a right to know about toxic chemicals in their area,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Failure to report such data also prevents governments and industry from using this important information for research and in the development of regulations, guidelines, and air quality standards.”
EPA’s review of Pratt Energy’s records showed that the company manufactured, processed, or otherwise used quantities of toxic chemicals above thresholds that require the company to submit annual reports to EPA. But the company failed to timely submit reports for the toxic chemicals acrolein, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, hexane, and benzene for 2020. After EPA informed Pratt Energy of its failure to report, the company submitted the required forms.
Pratt Energy’s settlement with EPA includes the purchase of two utility terrain vehicles and a fire and rescue cot to be donated to Pratt County Emergency Management and Pratt County Emergency Medical Services.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires facilities to report on the storage, use, and releases of hazardous substances. The information submitted is compiled in the Toxics Release Inventory, which supports informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
# # #
Learn more about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA Orders Norfolk Southern to Conduct Additional Creek Investigation and Cleanup in East Palestine, Ohio
CHICAGO (October 18, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered Norfolk Southern to conduct additional cleanup and sheen investigations focused on oily sheens and sediments in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run creeks in East Palestine, Ohio, and surrounding areas. This order under EPA’s Clean Water Act authority will build on the assessment and cleanup work already conducted in the creeks over the last several months and represents a progression of response actions at the site based on data collected and analyzed. Work done under this order will determine if more cleanup is necessary to ensure any potential long-term impacts are addressed.
“Since the start of the cleanup, we’ve made tremendous progress, but we know there is more work to be done,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “As many folks have seen, the sediment in the creeks in some areas may generate a sheen when disturbed or agitated. In addition to the sampling and clean-up work over the last eight months, EPA will require that contamination from the derailment is identified along the impacted length of the creeks. Through this order, Norfolk Southern will take a thorough look at the waterways to ensure there are no lasting impacts from the derailment.”
In February, EPA issued a Superfund unilateral administrative order requiring Norfolk Southern to remove spilled substances and impacted soils from the derailment site. This new order will require a similarly comprehensive investigation of oil-contaminated sediments in the creeks. The order was issued under authorities of the Clean Water Act, which EPA uses to conduct and enforce cleanups when oil is spilled into surface waters.
Surface water data have been collected regularly since the derailment. While data indicate that surface water is no longer significantly impacted, disturbance of stream sediments can still result in the appearance of oily sheen at the water surface. Weekly surface water sampling and visual surface water inspections will continue. This order will lead to a better, more complete understanding of where sediments are contaminated and will assist in evaluating how to address any remaining contamination in the creeks. Drinking water is not covered by the order as there is no indication of risk to East Palestine public water customers or private wells. Treated drinking water shows no detection of contaminants associated with the derailment. The sheen investigation will be conducted along a roughly 5-mile length extending along impacted areas of both creeks. The order requires using a sediment agitation technique every 25 feet down the creeks to map where sheening occurs. Documenting observed sheen and sediment sampling will also be required to understand what contamination remains in the creeks.
In addition, the creek cleanup will be conducted in several culverts spanning approximately 1,200 feet to remove impacted sediment in Sulphur Run downstream of the derailment site.
This order builds on the assessment and cleanup work already conducted in the creeks. Over the last several months, work plans covering surface water bodies (Sulphur Run, Leslie Run and downstream creeks) were prepared and implemented by Norfolk Southern under EPA’s Superfund unilateral administrative order. Earlier in the response cleanup crews addressed contamination in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. Work performed included:
Surface water aeration to more rapidly reduce levels of volatile organic compounds in the creek and allow aquatic life to restore more quickly.
Sediment washing to bring recoverable contamination to the surface for collection.
Sewer flushing to remove contaminants and sediment buildup.
Qualitive assessments where sediments were intentionally agitated to produce sheen.
Sheen and sediment sample collections for analysis of contaminants to better understand the contamination profile in the creeks.
The latest order follows Administrator Regan’s fourth visit to East Palestine earlier this week to meet with local officials and to see cleanup progress first-hand. During his visit, Administrator Regan noted the significant amount of environmental cleanup that has been accomplished to date, with 98 percent of the derailment site excavation completed. EPA responders were on site within hours of the February 3 derailment, and on February 21 the agency issued a unilateral administrative order to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for cleaning up the mess it created. Since then, EPA has been directing and overseeing the extensive cleanup activities.
To learn more, visit the EPA East Palestine website.
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“Since the start of the cleanup, we’ve made tremendous progress, but we know there is more work to be done,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “As many folks have seen, the sediment in the creeks in some areas may generate a sheen when disturbed or agitated. In addition to the sampling and clean-up work over the last eight months, EPA will require that contamination from the derailment is identified along the impacted length of the creeks. Through this order, Norfolk Southern will take a thorough look at the waterways to ensure there are no lasting impacts from the derailment.”
In February, EPA issued a Superfund unilateral administrative order requiring Norfolk Southern to remove spilled substances and impacted soils from the derailment site. This new order will require a similarly comprehensive investigation of oil-contaminated sediments in the creeks. The order was issued under authorities of the Clean Water Act, which EPA uses to conduct and enforce cleanups when oil is spilled into surface waters.
Surface water data have been collected regularly since the derailment. While data indicate that surface water is no longer significantly impacted, disturbance of stream sediments can still result in the appearance of oily sheen at the water surface. Weekly surface water sampling and visual surface water inspections will continue. This order will lead to a better, more complete understanding of where sediments are contaminated and will assist in evaluating how to address any remaining contamination in the creeks. Drinking water is not covered by the order as there is no indication of risk to East Palestine public water customers or private wells. Treated drinking water shows no detection of contaminants associated with the derailment. The sheen investigation will be conducted along a roughly 5-mile length extending along impacted areas of both creeks. The order requires using a sediment agitation technique every 25 feet down the creeks to map where sheening occurs. Documenting observed sheen and sediment sampling will also be required to understand what contamination remains in the creeks.
In addition, the creek cleanup will be conducted in several culverts spanning approximately 1,200 feet to remove impacted sediment in Sulphur Run downstream of the derailment site.
This order builds on the assessment and cleanup work already conducted in the creeks. Over the last several months, work plans covering surface water bodies (Sulphur Run, Leslie Run and downstream creeks) were prepared and implemented by Norfolk Southern under EPA’s Superfund unilateral administrative order. Earlier in the response cleanup crews addressed contamination in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. Work performed included:
Surface water aeration to more rapidly reduce levels of volatile organic compounds in the creek and allow aquatic life to restore more quickly.
Sediment washing to bring recoverable contamination to the surface for collection.
Sewer flushing to remove contaminants and sediment buildup.
Qualitive assessments where sediments were intentionally agitated to produce sheen.
Sheen and sediment sample collections for analysis of contaminants to better understand the contamination profile in the creeks.
The latest order follows Administrator Regan’s fourth visit to East Palestine earlier this week to meet with local officials and to see cleanup progress first-hand. During his visit, Administrator Regan noted the significant amount of environmental cleanup that has been accomplished to date, with 98 percent of the derailment site excavation completed. EPA responders were on site within hours of the February 3 derailment, and on February 21 the agency issued a unilateral administrative order to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for cleaning up the mess it created. Since then, EPA has been directing and overseeing the extensive cleanup activities.
To learn more, visit the EPA East Palestine website.
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EPA Hazardous Materials Removal, First Stage of Multi-Phase Cleanup, is 75% Complete
LĀHAINĀ, MAUI, Hawai'i – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has removed hazardous materials from over 75 percent of the burned properties in Lāhainā, Maui – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
EPA’s work to identify, assess, and remove hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the two-phased federal response to dealing with debris on burned properties. Phase 2 is the removal of all debris from the affected properties, which will occur after EPA’s work is complete and will be overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
EPA crews have expanded their operational focus to include ash stabilization efforts in Lāhainā and electric and hybrid vehicle battery deconstruction.
Cultural monitors continue to assist EPA personnel on-site during household hazardous material and soil stabilization efforts.
Soil Stabilization Efforts
On October 13 EPA began the application of soil stabilizer on the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and many burned vehicles with damaged lead-acid batteries. The application of soil stabilizer will help reduce mobility of the toxic ash that could impact peoples’ health and the environment if it spreads to surrounding properties and water.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Deconstruction
EPA is working with the County of Maui to identify, recover, transport, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles. Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles should not attempt to start, work on, or sit in their vehicle remaining in the disaster area. Fire-damaged electric and hybrid vehicle batteries need to be handled with specific care to ensure the protection of response personnel and the community.Learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
View EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Visit the official County of Maui website for recovery efforts.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA crews upend an electric vehicle to remove the battery pack. Any remaining energy will be discharged before preparation for shipping.
Crews sifting through the ash and debris footprint of a property sprayed with the soil stabilizer on Oct. 13.
Crews sifting through an unsprayed ash and debris footprint on Oct. 13.
EPA’s work to identify, assess, and remove hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the two-phased federal response to dealing with debris on burned properties. Phase 2 is the removal of all debris from the affected properties, which will occur after EPA’s work is complete and will be overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
EPA crews have expanded their operational focus to include ash stabilization efforts in Lāhainā and electric and hybrid vehicle battery deconstruction.
Cultural monitors continue to assist EPA personnel on-site during household hazardous material and soil stabilization efforts.
Soil Stabilization Efforts
On October 13 EPA began the application of soil stabilizer on the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and many burned vehicles with damaged lead-acid batteries. The application of soil stabilizer will help reduce mobility of the toxic ash that could impact peoples’ health and the environment if it spreads to surrounding properties and water.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Deconstruction
EPA is working with the County of Maui to identify, recover, transport, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles. Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles should not attempt to start, work on, or sit in their vehicle remaining in the disaster area. Fire-damaged electric and hybrid vehicle batteries need to be handled with specific care to ensure the protection of response personnel and the community.Learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
View EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Visit the official County of Maui website for recovery efforts.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA crews upend an electric vehicle to remove the battery pack. Any remaining energy will be discharged before preparation for shipping.
Crews sifting through the ash and debris footprint of a property sprayed with the soil stabilizer on Oct. 13.
Crews sifting through an unsprayed ash and debris footprint on Oct. 13.
EPA Hazardous Materials Removal, First Stage of Multi-Phase Cleanup, is 75% Complete on Maui
LĀHAINĀ, MAUI, Hawai'i – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has removed hazardous materials from over 75 percent of the burned properties in Lāhainā, Maui – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.
EPA’s work to identify, assess, and remove hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the two-phased federal response to dealing with debris on burned properties. Phase 2 is the removal of all debris from the affected properties, which will occur after EPA’s work is complete and will be overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
EPA crews have expanded their operational focus to include ash stabilization efforts in Lāhainā and electric and hybrid vehicle battery deconstruction.
Cultural monitors continue to assist EPA personnel on-site during household hazardous material and soil stabilization efforts.
Soil Stabilization Efforts
On October 13 EPA began the application of soil stabilizer on the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and many burned vehicles with damaged lead-acid batteries. The application of soil stabilizer will help reduce mobility of the toxic ash that could impact peoples’ health and the environment if it spreads to surrounding properties and water.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Deconstruction
EPA is working with the County of Maui to identify, recover, transport, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles. Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles should not attempt to start, work on, or sit in their vehicle remaining in the disaster area. Fire-damaged electric and hybrid vehicle batteries need to be handled with specific care to ensure the protection of response personnel and the community.Learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
View EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Visit the official County of Maui website for recovery efforts.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA crews upend an electric vehicle to remove the battery pack. Any remaining energy will be discharged before preparation for shipping.
Crews sifting through the ash and debris footprint of a property sprayed with the soil stabilizer on Oct. 13.
Crews sifting through an unsprayed ash and debris footprint on Oct. 13.
EPA’s work to identify, assess, and remove hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the two-phased federal response to dealing with debris on burned properties. Phase 2 is the removal of all debris from the affected properties, which will occur after EPA’s work is complete and will be overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
EPA crews have expanded their operational focus to include ash stabilization efforts in Lāhainā and electric and hybrid vehicle battery deconstruction.
Cultural monitors continue to assist EPA personnel on-site during household hazardous material and soil stabilization efforts.
Soil Stabilization Efforts
On October 13 EPA began the application of soil stabilizer on the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and many burned vehicles with damaged lead-acid batteries. The application of soil stabilizer will help reduce mobility of the toxic ash that could impact peoples’ health and the environment if it spreads to surrounding properties and water.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Deconstruction
EPA is working with the County of Maui to identify, recover, transport, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles. Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles should not attempt to start, work on, or sit in their vehicle remaining in the disaster area. Fire-damaged electric and hybrid vehicle batteries need to be handled with specific care to ensure the protection of response personnel and the community.Learn more about EPA’s work in Maui.
View EPA’s Story Map for the 2023 Maui Wildfire Response.
Visit the official County of Maui website for recovery efforts.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA crews upend an electric vehicle to remove the battery pack. Any remaining energy will be discharged before preparation for shipping.
Crews sifting through the ash and debris footprint of a property sprayed with the soil stabilizer on Oct. 13.
Crews sifting through an unsprayed ash and debris footprint on Oct. 13.
EPA Determines that Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final determination that emissions of lead from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act.
“The science is clear: exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects in children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions in our air. With today’s action, the Biden-Harris Administration can move forward in the process to propose new standards to protect all communities from the serious threat of lead pollution from aircraft.”
“I commend EPA for prioritizing public health and safety with the finalization of this endangerment determination,” said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “EPA’s conclusion confirms what constituents in my district and Americans across the country know all too well — emissions from leaded aviation fuel contribute to dangerous lead air pollution. Communities near general aviation airports — like Reid-Hillview Airport in my district — experience disproportionate exposure to lead from leaded aviation fuel emissions. EPA’s determination must now set forth swift action from the Congress and industry to stop the use of leaded aviation fuel. While today’s announcement is a step forward, we cannot be complacent. We must finish the job and protect our nation’s children from all sources of lead.”
“Communities where general aviation airports are located –– including in East San Jose –– have suffered from lead exposure and pollution for years,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). “Children living near the Reid-Hillview Airport, which has a flight path over my district, have been found to have lead in their blood. This is a public health and environmental crisis. I held a hearing in the House Oversight Committee last year about the urgent need for action. I’m glad to see the EPA release its findings today that confirm the harmful impact of leaded aviation fuel on public health and welfare. I also thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for her decades of strong leadership on this issue.”
Aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are typically small piston-engine aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. These aircraft are approximately 45 to 47 years old, on average, depending on the type of aircraft. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport, on the other hand, do not operate on leaded fuel. Levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99% since 1980, but emissions from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel may still pose risks to nearby communities, including those with environmental justice concerns.
This final determination advances EPA’s Lead Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. With this finding, EPA is now obligated under the Clean Air Act to propose and promulgate regulatory standards for lead emissions from certain aircraft engines. Under its own statutes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must develop standards that address the composition, chemical, or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft lead emissions.
EPA and FAA have already begun work to consider regulatory options to address lead emissions from aircraft engines and will announce timelines as soon as possible. EPA and FAA will work in partnership and engage all interested stakeholders and the general public as the two agencies develop their separate regulatory actions.
Lead emissions from aircraft are an important and urgent public health issue. Protecting children’s health and reducing lead exposure are two of EPA’s top priorities. Lead exposure can have harmful effects on cognitive function, including reduced IQ, decreased academic performance, as well as increased risk for additional health concerns. There is no evidence of a threshold below which there are no harmful effects on cognition from lead exposure.
Additionally, the U.S. government takes seriously the objective of maintaining a high level of aviation safety. EPA and FAA also understand that piston-engine aircraft play a significant role in transportation in the United States.
Separate from EPA’s endangerment finding, in support of the objective to remove lead from aviation gasoline, in early 2022, the FAA and industry announced the program “Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions” (EAGLE). This program aims to achieve a lead-free aviation system no later than 2030. The FAA has approved the use of a 100 Octane unleaded fuel (G100UL) that can be widely used by piston-engine fleet, that is not yet commercially available. The FAA has also approved for use a lower octane fuel (UL 94), currently available at approximately 35 airports in the U.S., and the FAA is working to expand and streamline the process for eligible aircraft to use this fuel.
This final endangerment finding does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution, dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures regarding aircraft lead emissions. EPA announced its proposed determination on October 7, 2022, which then underwent public notice and comment.
Additional information regarding EPA’s final finding can be obtained here: Regulations for Lead Emissions from Aircraft.
“The science is clear: exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects in children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions in our air. With today’s action, the Biden-Harris Administration can move forward in the process to propose new standards to protect all communities from the serious threat of lead pollution from aircraft.”
“I commend EPA for prioritizing public health and safety with the finalization of this endangerment determination,” said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “EPA’s conclusion confirms what constituents in my district and Americans across the country know all too well — emissions from leaded aviation fuel contribute to dangerous lead air pollution. Communities near general aviation airports — like Reid-Hillview Airport in my district — experience disproportionate exposure to lead from leaded aviation fuel emissions. EPA’s determination must now set forth swift action from the Congress and industry to stop the use of leaded aviation fuel. While today’s announcement is a step forward, we cannot be complacent. We must finish the job and protect our nation’s children from all sources of lead.”
“Communities where general aviation airports are located –– including in East San Jose –– have suffered from lead exposure and pollution for years,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). “Children living near the Reid-Hillview Airport, which has a flight path over my district, have been found to have lead in their blood. This is a public health and environmental crisis. I held a hearing in the House Oversight Committee last year about the urgent need for action. I’m glad to see the EPA release its findings today that confirm the harmful impact of leaded aviation fuel on public health and welfare. I also thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for her decades of strong leadership on this issue.”
Aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are typically small piston-engine aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. These aircraft are approximately 45 to 47 years old, on average, depending on the type of aircraft. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport, on the other hand, do not operate on leaded fuel. Levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99% since 1980, but emissions from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel may still pose risks to nearby communities, including those with environmental justice concerns.
This final determination advances EPA’s Lead Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. With this finding, EPA is now obligated under the Clean Air Act to propose and promulgate regulatory standards for lead emissions from certain aircraft engines. Under its own statutes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must develop standards that address the composition, chemical, or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft lead emissions.
EPA and FAA have already begun work to consider regulatory options to address lead emissions from aircraft engines and will announce timelines as soon as possible. EPA and FAA will work in partnership and engage all interested stakeholders and the general public as the two agencies develop their separate regulatory actions.
Lead emissions from aircraft are an important and urgent public health issue. Protecting children’s health and reducing lead exposure are two of EPA’s top priorities. Lead exposure can have harmful effects on cognitive function, including reduced IQ, decreased academic performance, as well as increased risk for additional health concerns. There is no evidence of a threshold below which there are no harmful effects on cognition from lead exposure.
Additionally, the U.S. government takes seriously the objective of maintaining a high level of aviation safety. EPA and FAA also understand that piston-engine aircraft play a significant role in transportation in the United States.
Separate from EPA’s endangerment finding, in support of the objective to remove lead from aviation gasoline, in early 2022, the FAA and industry announced the program “Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions” (EAGLE). This program aims to achieve a lead-free aviation system no later than 2030. The FAA has approved the use of a 100 Octane unleaded fuel (G100UL) that can be widely used by piston-engine fleet, that is not yet commercially available. The FAA has also approved for use a lower octane fuel (UL 94), currently available at approximately 35 airports in the U.S., and the FAA is working to expand and streamline the process for eligible aircraft to use this fuel.
This final endangerment finding does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution, dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures regarding aircraft lead emissions. EPA announced its proposed determination on October 7, 2022, which then underwent public notice and comment.
Additional information regarding EPA’s final finding can be obtained here: Regulations for Lead Emissions from Aircraft.