Secretaries of Education, Agriculture Call on Governors to Equitably Fund Land-Grant HBCUs
WASHINGTON, September 18, 2023 - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack today sent letters to 16 governors emphasizing the over $12 billion disparity in funding between land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their non-HBCU land-grant peers in their states.
The 16 governors receiving the letter are:
The 16 governors receiving the letter are:
Lower demand from China, high prices stunting US ag exports
West Coast ports are bearing the brunt of a steep decline in US agriculture exports, as are carriers like CMA CGM that pivoted to serving exporters amid weaker import demand.
USDA Seeks Nominations for Membership on the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a call for nominations to the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. First established in 1992, the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR) advises the Secretary of Agriculture to enhance USDA’s goals for new farming and ranching operations. Members of the public are invited to submit nominations for themselves or other qualified experts by October 10, 2023.
EPA Kicks Off Eleventh Annual SepticSmart Week
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is joining state and local partners to launch SepticSmart Week 2023, a week-long annual campaign to educate homeowners and renters on how to properly maintain their septic systems. When septic systems are well-functioning, the health of the nation’s communities and ecosystems is better protected. By being SepticSmart, homeowners can also avoid thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
“Everyone plays a role in protecting themselves, their neighbors, and the environment from wastewater contamination,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, Radhika Fox. “During the eleventh annual SepticSmart week, I encourage homeowners to learn about EPA’s simple strategies to save money and safeguard communities.”
Running from September 18 through September 22 this year, SepticSmart week is a partnership between EPA, state, Tribal, and local officials, wastewater professionals, and homeowners. See below for SepticSmart tips to follow:
Think at the Sink: What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
Don’t Overload the Commode: A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
Don’t Strain Your Drain: Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
Shield Your Field: Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drainfield.
Keep It Clean: Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks due to improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
Protect It and Inspect It: Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and protect public health.
Pump Your Tank: Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regularly intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority.
In addition to the SepticSmart program, resources and support are available for communities that face challenges with their decentralized wastewater systems. Through the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative, EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are jointly leveraging technical assistance resources to help disadvantaged communities identify and pursue federal funding opportunities to address their wastewater needs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents a historic opportunity to invest in septic upgrades, community wastewater systems, and sewer connections.
Learn more about SepticSmart Week and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Workforce.
Background
More than one-fifth of U.S. households utilize an individual onsite (septic) system or small community cluster septic system to treat their wastewater. These systems treat and dispose of relatively small volumes of wastewater and include a wide range of individual and cluster treatment options to process household and commercial sewage. These systems go by such names as septic, decentralized wastewater treatment, cluster, package plants, on-lot, individual sewage disposal, and private sewage. Onsite systems provide a cost-effective, long-term option for treating wastewater, particularly in sparsely populated areas. When properly installed, operated, and maintained, these systems help protect public health, preserve valuable water resources, and maintain a community’s economic vitality.
“Everyone plays a role in protecting themselves, their neighbors, and the environment from wastewater contamination,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, Radhika Fox. “During the eleventh annual SepticSmart week, I encourage homeowners to learn about EPA’s simple strategies to save money and safeguard communities.”
Running from September 18 through September 22 this year, SepticSmart week is a partnership between EPA, state, Tribal, and local officials, wastewater professionals, and homeowners. See below for SepticSmart tips to follow:
Think at the Sink: What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
Don’t Overload the Commode: A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
Don’t Strain Your Drain: Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
Shield Your Field: Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drainfield.
Keep It Clean: Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks due to improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
Protect It and Inspect It: Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and protect public health.
Pump Your Tank: Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regularly intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority.
In addition to the SepticSmart program, resources and support are available for communities that face challenges with their decentralized wastewater systems. Through the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative, EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are jointly leveraging technical assistance resources to help disadvantaged communities identify and pursue federal funding opportunities to address their wastewater needs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents a historic opportunity to invest in septic upgrades, community wastewater systems, and sewer connections.
Learn more about SepticSmart Week and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Workforce.
Background
More than one-fifth of U.S. households utilize an individual onsite (septic) system or small community cluster septic system to treat their wastewater. These systems treat and dispose of relatively small volumes of wastewater and include a wide range of individual and cluster treatment options to process household and commercial sewage. These systems go by such names as septic, decentralized wastewater treatment, cluster, package plants, on-lot, individual sewage disposal, and private sewage. Onsite systems provide a cost-effective, long-term option for treating wastewater, particularly in sparsely populated areas. When properly installed, operated, and maintained, these systems help protect public health, preserve valuable water resources, and maintain a community’s economic vitality.
EPA, State and Local Officials Celebrate 25 Zero-Emission Clean School Buses Awarded to City of West Springfield, Mass.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England Regional Administrator David Cash joined elected officials and school leaders in West Springfield to celebrate the award of 25 zero-emission school buses to the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative. The new buses for West Springfield are part of nearly $1 Billion in rebates already awarded nationwide to school districts and school bus companies last year under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Clean School Bus Program that is providing funding for nearly 2,500 zero-emission buses across the country.
Under the Clean School Bus program, EPA is providing $9,375,000 in bus rebates and $500,000 in charging infrastructure, for a total of $9,875,000 going to the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
"President Biden's Investing in America agenda is delivering significant funding to Massachusetts school districts for clean electric school buses, with a particular focus on reducing air pollution in disadvantaged communities overburdened by dirty air," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "These zero-emission vehicles will help provide cleaner and healthier air for school children, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and save money for our communities. Investing in America means investing in communities so that a parent waiting at the bus stop with their kid is not worried what their child is breathing."
"President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for the people of Massachusetts," said U.S. Congressman Richard Neal. "The Ways and Means Committee played a prominent role in the drafting of this legislation, a pillar of which was investing in clean, environmentally friendly initiatives such as the Clean Bus Program. With nearly $10 million being delivered to the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative, parents will have a cleaner and healthier transportation option for their children, one that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality throughout our communities."
"Protecting air quality and public health are top priorities of the Healey-Driscoll Administration," said Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. "As we kick off Climate Week in Massachusetts, the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in electric school buses will help students in West Springfield and across the Pioneer Valley breathe easier and help combat climate change with every ride to and from school."
"The West Springfield Public School District is thrilled to be part of the Clean School Bus Program as part of the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative. We're excited by the prospect of these zero emission buses helping to improve the air quality within the communities of Hampden County," said West Springfield Schools Superintendent Stefania Raschilla.
"The Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) is excited to be connected with this local, state, and national initiative of reducing our carbon footprint and making our environment cleaner and healthier. Most important with the introduction of 25 electric buses to our fleet, it is a great opportunity for the LPVEC and its seven member Districts, which includes West Springfield, to take a step towards a less polluted and greener future. With the LPVEC being a part of this initiative through the US Environmental Protection Agency Clean Bus Program, it educates and empowers us, our member Districts, our communities, and our children about the importance of environmental conservation. Lastly, we, the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative would like to thank the EPA and the Mass DEP for acknowledging us and West Springfield for our small contribution to making our communities less contaminated and healthier for all," said Alvin W. Morton, Executive Director of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
"As the West Springfield district member of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) Board of Directors, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the LPVEC $9,875,000 EV bus and infrastructure awards come to fruition. These 25 buses will serve West Springfield and member LPVEC districts, promoting healthier and quieter bus rides for students. This will also translate into district school budget savings. A win-win for all. Thank you to the EPA and MA DEP for recognizing LPVEC and West Springfield," said Diana Coyne, Member of the West Springfield, MA School Committee & LPVEC Board of Directors.
Emission reductions from buses made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Clean School Bus Program will result in cleaner air for students riding the buses, bus drivers, school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities the buses drive through each day. Beyond the community, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacement projects will help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector on climate change.
Over the past summer, EPA also announced the second round of funding under BIL Clean School Bus Program. Nationwide, $400 million in grants was made available for cleaner school buses, as part of the unprecedented $5 billion investment to transform the nation's fleet of school buses. The new buses purchased under this program will reduce harmful pollution and help to protect children's health, especially in communities already overburdened with air pollution. Under President Biden's Investing in America agenda, funding from EPA's BIL Clean School Bus Program will improve air quality in and around schools and communities. These projects save schools money, create good-paying clean energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution, protecting people and the planet.
President Biden's Investing in America agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good-paying jobs that don't require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
To learn more about the upcoming grant and rebate funding opportunities including informational webinars and listserv signup, visit EPA's Clean School Bus Program webpage.
Under the Clean School Bus program, EPA is providing $9,375,000 in bus rebates and $500,000 in charging infrastructure, for a total of $9,875,000 going to the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
"President Biden's Investing in America agenda is delivering significant funding to Massachusetts school districts for clean electric school buses, with a particular focus on reducing air pollution in disadvantaged communities overburdened by dirty air," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "These zero-emission vehicles will help provide cleaner and healthier air for school children, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and save money for our communities. Investing in America means investing in communities so that a parent waiting at the bus stop with their kid is not worried what their child is breathing."
"President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for the people of Massachusetts," said U.S. Congressman Richard Neal. "The Ways and Means Committee played a prominent role in the drafting of this legislation, a pillar of which was investing in clean, environmentally friendly initiatives such as the Clean Bus Program. With nearly $10 million being delivered to the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative, parents will have a cleaner and healthier transportation option for their children, one that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality throughout our communities."
"Protecting air quality and public health are top priorities of the Healey-Driscoll Administration," said Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. "As we kick off Climate Week in Massachusetts, the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in electric school buses will help students in West Springfield and across the Pioneer Valley breathe easier and help combat climate change with every ride to and from school."
"The West Springfield Public School District is thrilled to be part of the Clean School Bus Program as part of the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative. We're excited by the prospect of these zero emission buses helping to improve the air quality within the communities of Hampden County," said West Springfield Schools Superintendent Stefania Raschilla.
"The Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) is excited to be connected with this local, state, and national initiative of reducing our carbon footprint and making our environment cleaner and healthier. Most important with the introduction of 25 electric buses to our fleet, it is a great opportunity for the LPVEC and its seven member Districts, which includes West Springfield, to take a step towards a less polluted and greener future. With the LPVEC being a part of this initiative through the US Environmental Protection Agency Clean Bus Program, it educates and empowers us, our member Districts, our communities, and our children about the importance of environmental conservation. Lastly, we, the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative would like to thank the EPA and the Mass DEP for acknowledging us and West Springfield for our small contribution to making our communities less contaminated and healthier for all," said Alvin W. Morton, Executive Director of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
"As the West Springfield district member of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) Board of Directors, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the LPVEC $9,875,000 EV bus and infrastructure awards come to fruition. These 25 buses will serve West Springfield and member LPVEC districts, promoting healthier and quieter bus rides for students. This will also translate into district school budget savings. A win-win for all. Thank you to the EPA and MA DEP for recognizing LPVEC and West Springfield," said Diana Coyne, Member of the West Springfield, MA School Committee & LPVEC Board of Directors.
Emission reductions from buses made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Clean School Bus Program will result in cleaner air for students riding the buses, bus drivers, school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities the buses drive through each day. Beyond the community, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacement projects will help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector on climate change.
Over the past summer, EPA also announced the second round of funding under BIL Clean School Bus Program. Nationwide, $400 million in grants was made available for cleaner school buses, as part of the unprecedented $5 billion investment to transform the nation's fleet of school buses. The new buses purchased under this program will reduce harmful pollution and help to protect children's health, especially in communities already overburdened with air pollution. Under President Biden's Investing in America agenda, funding from EPA's BIL Clean School Bus Program will improve air quality in and around schools and communities. These projects save schools money, create good-paying clean energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution, protecting people and the planet.
President Biden's Investing in America agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good-paying jobs that don't require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
To learn more about the upcoming grant and rebate funding opportunities including informational webinars and listserv signup, visit EPA's Clean School Bus Program webpage.
EPA Announces Completion of Naval Base Guam 12-year, $130 million Infrastructure Update Under Compliance Agreement
GUAM – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that the U.S. Navy has successfully completed a 2011 Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement (FFCA) at Naval Base Guam. For over 12 years and at a cost of $130 million, the Navy carried out significant infrastructure upgrades to the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewer system along with modifications to a water plant. In addition, the Navy improved pollution monitoring and completed technical studies.
“EPA appreciates the Navy’s important accomplishment in fulfilling the compliance agreement and finishing a range of projects to protect Tipalao Bay and Apra Harbor," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The completion of this work is critical to preserving public health, water quality, and coral reefs in Guam.”
"We value the partnership with the EPA over the years to assist us with our compliance responsibilities. The successful completion of the FFCA shows our commitment to environmental compliance that meets or exceeds applicable local and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies,” said Capt. Michael Luckett, Naval Base Guam commanding officer. “The Navy is committed to being good stewards of the environment. We will continue working with our community partners to help preserve and protect our natural resources and environment in which we live and work.”
In November 2008, under the Clean Water Act and EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, EPA issued a Finding of Violation at Naval Base Guam covering the discharge from the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, EPA found discharge exceedances from leaking sewer collection pipes and inadequate treatment from ship bilge (waste holding area) collection systems. On March 25, 2011, EPA and the Navy entered into an FFCA.
EPA conducted an inspection in February 2023 and verified that the Navy had completed all requirements of the agreement, including:
Upgrading the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Instituting a base-wide pollution prevention program to minimize the release of metals, oils, and other pollutants into the sewer system.
Constructing and operating a bilge oily water treatment system to treat ship discharges.
Modifying the drinking water plant to curtail the discharge of aluminum-based treatment chemicals into the sewers and to prevent the leaching of copper from household piping.
Replacing and rehabilitating over 30 miles of sewer pipes, hundreds of sewer manholes, force mains, and pump stations.
Completion of the agreement means the discharge from the Naval Base Guam’s Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant is now meeting Clean Water Act requirements .
Read more about the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and the NPDES permit for the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“EPA appreciates the Navy’s important accomplishment in fulfilling the compliance agreement and finishing a range of projects to protect Tipalao Bay and Apra Harbor," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The completion of this work is critical to preserving public health, water quality, and coral reefs in Guam.”
"We value the partnership with the EPA over the years to assist us with our compliance responsibilities. The successful completion of the FFCA shows our commitment to environmental compliance that meets or exceeds applicable local and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies,” said Capt. Michael Luckett, Naval Base Guam commanding officer. “The Navy is committed to being good stewards of the environment. We will continue working with our community partners to help preserve and protect our natural resources and environment in which we live and work.”
In November 2008, under the Clean Water Act and EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, EPA issued a Finding of Violation at Naval Base Guam covering the discharge from the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, EPA found discharge exceedances from leaking sewer collection pipes and inadequate treatment from ship bilge (waste holding area) collection systems. On March 25, 2011, EPA and the Navy entered into an FFCA.
EPA conducted an inspection in February 2023 and verified that the Navy had completed all requirements of the agreement, including:
Upgrading the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Instituting a base-wide pollution prevention program to minimize the release of metals, oils, and other pollutants into the sewer system.
Constructing and operating a bilge oily water treatment system to treat ship discharges.
Modifying the drinking water plant to curtail the discharge of aluminum-based treatment chemicals into the sewers and to prevent the leaching of copper from household piping.
Replacing and rehabilitating over 30 miles of sewer pipes, hundreds of sewer manholes, force mains, and pump stations.
Completion of the agreement means the discharge from the Naval Base Guam’s Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant is now meeting Clean Water Act requirements .
Read more about the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and the NPDES permit for the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
CBP to temporarily suspend operations at Bridge of the Americas cargo lot
EL PASO, Texas – Beginning Monday, Sept. 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s El Paso Office of Field Operations will temporarily suspend cargo processing at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry. The BOTA cargo lot is typically open…
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Lee
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Lee that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help.