EPA Completes Mercury Cleanup at Vo-Toys Site in Harrison, New Jersey
NEW YORK – Today, EPA announced that it has completed a major milestone in the cleanup of the Vo-Toys site in Harrison, New Jersey. Under EPA oversight, General Electric Company (GE) contractors have successfully decontaminated and demolished all three mercury-contaminated buildings at the site and have removed building debris.
“After years of hard work, EPA has mitigated the mercury threats from the Vo-Toys site and ensured the safety of this community,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This project will have a positive impact on the health and economy of Harrison and its surrounding areas.”
The Vo-Toys site is a former manufacturing facility that occupied a city block in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood just north of Route 280. The site had three large, empty buildings that had been contaminated with mercury from past industrial practices. Exposure to mercury can be harmful to human health and the environment.
In response to the May 2018 request of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), EPA became involved in the cleanup of the site. EPA and GE conducted a series of assessments to determine the amount of mercury within the buildings and the potential impact on the neighborhood in case of a fire. The results showed that a fire could expose people to a significant amount of mercury. To prevent this, EPA and NJDEP collaborated with local officials and first responders to create a plan to protect the public from a mercury release. GE, which was responsible for performing the removal action at the site, placed a 24-hour fire watch at the site until a plan for site cleanup was finalized.
Under a legal agreement with EPA, GE began removing mercury-contaminated structures at the site in March 2020. Decontamination and demolition of the above grade structures was completed in May 2022. In 2023, GE removed and disposed of numerous mercury-contaminated concrete footers and related contaminated soil. Below-slab piping contaminated with mercury was also removed and disposed of off-site. During all the work EPA and GE contractors monitored the air for mercury vapor and dust and collected air samples in the community to ensure that air quality was safe.
Today’s announcement marks the end of the cleanup work overseen by EPA at the Vo-Toys site, which has successfully removed the risk of mercury exposure from the three contaminated buildings. GE will submit a final report on the removal action to EPA as the site is transitioned to NJDEP oversight for further action to ensure the safe redevelopment and future use of the site.
For more information, site documents and photos, please visit the Vo Toys site response page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“After years of hard work, EPA has mitigated the mercury threats from the Vo-Toys site and ensured the safety of this community,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This project will have a positive impact on the health and economy of Harrison and its surrounding areas.”
The Vo-Toys site is a former manufacturing facility that occupied a city block in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood just north of Route 280. The site had three large, empty buildings that had been contaminated with mercury from past industrial practices. Exposure to mercury can be harmful to human health and the environment.
In response to the May 2018 request of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), EPA became involved in the cleanup of the site. EPA and GE conducted a series of assessments to determine the amount of mercury within the buildings and the potential impact on the neighborhood in case of a fire. The results showed that a fire could expose people to a significant amount of mercury. To prevent this, EPA and NJDEP collaborated with local officials and first responders to create a plan to protect the public from a mercury release. GE, which was responsible for performing the removal action at the site, placed a 24-hour fire watch at the site until a plan for site cleanup was finalized.
Under a legal agreement with EPA, GE began removing mercury-contaminated structures at the site in March 2020. Decontamination and demolition of the above grade structures was completed in May 2022. In 2023, GE removed and disposed of numerous mercury-contaminated concrete footers and related contaminated soil. Below-slab piping contaminated with mercury was also removed and disposed of off-site. During all the work EPA and GE contractors monitored the air for mercury vapor and dust and collected air samples in the community to ensure that air quality was safe.
Today’s announcement marks the end of the cleanup work overseen by EPA at the Vo-Toys site, which has successfully removed the risk of mercury exposure from the three contaminated buildings. GE will submit a final report on the removal action to EPA as the site is transitioned to NJDEP oversight for further action to ensure the safe redevelopment and future use of the site.
For more information, site documents and photos, please visit the Vo Toys site response page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Issues Final Rule to Strengthen Water Protections, Support Clear and Timely Reviews of Infrastructure and Development Projects
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to restore the fundamental authority granted by Congress to states, territories, and Tribes to protect water resources that are essential to healthy people and thriving communities. The agency’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule will support clear, efficient, and focused water quality reviews of infrastructure and development projects that are key to economic growth.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting economically secure, healthy, and sustainable communities” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this goal, we must protect our water resources while also making investments that move our nation forward. With EPA’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 rule, we are affirming the authority of states, territories, and Tribes to protect precious water resources while advancing federally permitted projects in a transparent, timely, and predictable way.”“Clean water is critical to the health and success of our communities,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “This rule will help provide North Carolina with the ability to protect our water quality and strengthen our infrastructure.”
“Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act gives states and Tribes an important role regarding federally licensed or permitted projects. As Attorney General, I stood up to efforts to undermine this and now, as Governor, I'm grateful to see it restored," said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts thanks the U.S. EPA for strengthening the partnership envisioned by the Clean Water Act with today’s rule, helping us fulfill our commitment to protecting waterways across Massachusetts.”
“Connecticut is very happy to see EPA release this final rule,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “We thank EPA for partnering with states to protect our vital water resources while enabling us to move forward quickly on our critical infrastructure projects.”
“EPA’s action will better protect New Mexico’s water quality at a time when federal and state protections are needed most,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “New Mexico must do all it can to protect our most precious resource - our water.”
“In my state, clean water is the keystone of our economy - from tourism to seafood to small business growth," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. "I applaud the Biden Administration's commitment to working in partnership with state leaders to protect our waters from harmful pollution. By collaborating across all levels of government, we will build cleaner and more economically vibrant communities that benefit everyone for decades to come."
“DEC applauds the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA Administrator Regan for continuing to prioritize the protection of water quality and giving states a critical role in protecting our natural resources,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York State will fully review the final requirements announced today and continue working with EPA to further implement this and other proven Clean Water Act initiatives.”
"This new rule will allow states to fulfill the role Congress established for them in the Clean Water Act to protect water quality within their borders," said Laura Watson, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. "I applaud EPA's willingness to work with states and restore the partnership that Congress designed."
“The Clean Water Act has been a valuable tool for states to protect their waters,” said Environmental Council of States Executive Director Ben Grumbles. “We appreciate EPA’s renewed engagement under section 401 and will continue to strive for regulatory partnerships that safeguard states’ rights and clean water.”
For 50 years, the Clean Water Act has protected water resources that are essential to thriving communities, vibrant ecosystems, and sustainable growth. This final rule strengthens that foundation while recognizing the essential partnership among the federal government, states, territories, and Tribes in protecting our waters.
Clean Water Act Section 401 enables states, territories, and authorized Tribes to protect their water quality from adverse impacts of construction or operation of federally permitted projects. Under Section 401 of the Act, a federal agency may not issue a license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in any discharge into a water of the United States, unless the appropriate state, territory, or authorized Tribe issues a CWA Section 401 water quality certification or waives certification. EPA’s 2023 rule realigns the scope of Section 401 certification with decades of established practice and restores and strengthens the role of states, territories, and authorized Tribes.
The rule enhances certification review and provides regulatory certainty to advance federally permitted projects. For example, the rule establishes a 6-month default timeframe (when the federal agency and certifying authority fail to reach an agreement) and a 1-year maximum timeframe for certification review (the statutory maximum). The rule emphasizes that states, territories, and Tribes may only consider the adverse water quality-impacts from the activity. To limit delays, the rule also provides a clear approach to defining the required contents in a request for certification.For more information, including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice, fact sheets, and information on upcoming trainings on the final rule, visit EPA’s CWA section 401 website.Background
Executive Order 13990 on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis directed EPA to review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take action to revise or replace the 2020 CWA Section 401 Certification Rule. On June 2, 2022, EPA announced the signing of a proposed rule to update the regulatory requirements for water quality certification under Clean Water Act Section 401. EPA conducted pre-proposal engagement and provided a 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule to help inform the content of the final rule.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting economically secure, healthy, and sustainable communities” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this goal, we must protect our water resources while also making investments that move our nation forward. With EPA’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 rule, we are affirming the authority of states, territories, and Tribes to protect precious water resources while advancing federally permitted projects in a transparent, timely, and predictable way.”“Clean water is critical to the health and success of our communities,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “This rule will help provide North Carolina with the ability to protect our water quality and strengthen our infrastructure.”
“Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act gives states and Tribes an important role regarding federally licensed or permitted projects. As Attorney General, I stood up to efforts to undermine this and now, as Governor, I'm grateful to see it restored," said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts thanks the U.S. EPA for strengthening the partnership envisioned by the Clean Water Act with today’s rule, helping us fulfill our commitment to protecting waterways across Massachusetts.”
“Connecticut is very happy to see EPA release this final rule,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “We thank EPA for partnering with states to protect our vital water resources while enabling us to move forward quickly on our critical infrastructure projects.”
“EPA’s action will better protect New Mexico’s water quality at a time when federal and state protections are needed most,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “New Mexico must do all it can to protect our most precious resource - our water.”
“In my state, clean water is the keystone of our economy - from tourism to seafood to small business growth," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. "I applaud the Biden Administration's commitment to working in partnership with state leaders to protect our waters from harmful pollution. By collaborating across all levels of government, we will build cleaner and more economically vibrant communities that benefit everyone for decades to come."
“DEC applauds the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA Administrator Regan for continuing to prioritize the protection of water quality and giving states a critical role in protecting our natural resources,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New York State will fully review the final requirements announced today and continue working with EPA to further implement this and other proven Clean Water Act initiatives.”
"This new rule will allow states to fulfill the role Congress established for them in the Clean Water Act to protect water quality within their borders," said Laura Watson, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. "I applaud EPA's willingness to work with states and restore the partnership that Congress designed."
“The Clean Water Act has been a valuable tool for states to protect their waters,” said Environmental Council of States Executive Director Ben Grumbles. “We appreciate EPA’s renewed engagement under section 401 and will continue to strive for regulatory partnerships that safeguard states’ rights and clean water.”
For 50 years, the Clean Water Act has protected water resources that are essential to thriving communities, vibrant ecosystems, and sustainable growth. This final rule strengthens that foundation while recognizing the essential partnership among the federal government, states, territories, and Tribes in protecting our waters.
Clean Water Act Section 401 enables states, territories, and authorized Tribes to protect their water quality from adverse impacts of construction or operation of federally permitted projects. Under Section 401 of the Act, a federal agency may not issue a license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in any discharge into a water of the United States, unless the appropriate state, territory, or authorized Tribe issues a CWA Section 401 water quality certification or waives certification. EPA’s 2023 rule realigns the scope of Section 401 certification with decades of established practice and restores and strengthens the role of states, territories, and authorized Tribes.
The rule enhances certification review and provides regulatory certainty to advance federally permitted projects. For example, the rule establishes a 6-month default timeframe (when the federal agency and certifying authority fail to reach an agreement) and a 1-year maximum timeframe for certification review (the statutory maximum). The rule emphasizes that states, territories, and Tribes may only consider the adverse water quality-impacts from the activity. To limit delays, the rule also provides a clear approach to defining the required contents in a request for certification.For more information, including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice, fact sheets, and information on upcoming trainings on the final rule, visit EPA’s CWA section 401 website.Background
Executive Order 13990 on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis directed EPA to review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take action to revise or replace the 2020 CWA Section 401 Certification Rule. On June 2, 2022, EPA announced the signing of a proposed rule to update the regulatory requirements for water quality certification under Clean Water Act Section 401. EPA conducted pre-proposal engagement and provided a 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule to help inform the content of the final rule.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $4.5 million in Maryland Recycling Infrastructure Projects Through Investing in America Agenda
Philadelphia (September 13, 2023) - This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $4.5 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Maryland.
EPA has selected one community in Maryland to receive a grant of $4 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $500,000 for Maryland to improve recycling, and organics collection and management. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible – what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is addressing environmental challenges throughout our nation, and this is another historic investment to address waste management issues in our local communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These additional resources are critical to improving recycling efforts, preventing waste, and improving reuse capabilities that will address climate change, support local economies, and help build a cleaner Maryland.”
“I am committed to ensuring that the federal government is a solid partner with state and local governments in reducing waste and implementing management strategies that are inclusive of communities,” said Senator Ben Cardin (Maryland). “By resourcing critical infrastructure like composting facilities and recycling programs, we can create quality jobs and protect Maryland’s air, water and land.”
“We fought to pass the infrastructure modernization law to rebuild everything from our roads and bridges to our outdated recycling and waste management systems. These investments will boost our efforts to reduce pollution while deploying more sustainable recycling and composting capabilities across Baltimore and the state,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland).
“This Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant award from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency will be critical asset that will empower the City of Baltimore to move closer to reaching our sustainability and equity goals. As we continue our all-of-the-above approach to combatting the climate crisis and improving city services at the same time. Through this grant award, we will have the ability to develop a solar-powered composting facility that will create jobs and make investments in a historically underserved area of our City. I want to thank the EPA for their support in this process, and look forward to continuing our collaboration and partnership on this project,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. The SWIFR for Communities grant located in Maryland that was selected for award is:
$4 million for Bowley’s Lane Composting Facility: The City of Baltimore will develop a new composting facility co-located with the new East Side Transfer Station at Bowley’s Lane. Establishing this composting capacity will prevent organic materials from being landfilled or burned, reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses and other toxic pollutants emitted in South Baltimore, where many industrial waste processing facilities are currently located, creating a disproportionate environmental impact on low-income communities. Additionally, this facility will be solar powered, effectively reducing long-term energy costs, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing Baltimore’s dependence on combustion-based power.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will receive $551,877 to advance post-consumer materials management by addressing market development and identifying pathways to improve recycling and organics collection and management. MDE will identify gaps in the state’s recycling infrastructure through analysis of current Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) commodity collection tonnage and existing processing infrastructure. MDE will coordinate a comprehensive review of commercial waste generated within the state and commodities returned for recyclable content manufacturing. MDE will also identify source reduction and reuse applications to fortify the need for specific infrastructure within urban environments to drive a circular economy and prevent waste generated in overburdened and underserved communities.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Fundable activities under this grant program included improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
Additional Background
This week’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced this week once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
EPA has selected one community in Maryland to receive a grant of $4 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $500,000 for Maryland to improve recycling, and organics collection and management. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible – what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is addressing environmental challenges throughout our nation, and this is another historic investment to address waste management issues in our local communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These additional resources are critical to improving recycling efforts, preventing waste, and improving reuse capabilities that will address climate change, support local economies, and help build a cleaner Maryland.”
“I am committed to ensuring that the federal government is a solid partner with state and local governments in reducing waste and implementing management strategies that are inclusive of communities,” said Senator Ben Cardin (Maryland). “By resourcing critical infrastructure like composting facilities and recycling programs, we can create quality jobs and protect Maryland’s air, water and land.”
“We fought to pass the infrastructure modernization law to rebuild everything from our roads and bridges to our outdated recycling and waste management systems. These investments will boost our efforts to reduce pollution while deploying more sustainable recycling and composting capabilities across Baltimore and the state,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland).
“This Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant award from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency will be critical asset that will empower the City of Baltimore to move closer to reaching our sustainability and equity goals. As we continue our all-of-the-above approach to combatting the climate crisis and improving city services at the same time. Through this grant award, we will have the ability to develop a solar-powered composting facility that will create jobs and make investments in a historically underserved area of our City. I want to thank the EPA for their support in this process, and look forward to continuing our collaboration and partnership on this project,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. The SWIFR for Communities grant located in Maryland that was selected for award is:
$4 million for Bowley’s Lane Composting Facility: The City of Baltimore will develop a new composting facility co-located with the new East Side Transfer Station at Bowley’s Lane. Establishing this composting capacity will prevent organic materials from being landfilled or burned, reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses and other toxic pollutants emitted in South Baltimore, where many industrial waste processing facilities are currently located, creating a disproportionate environmental impact on low-income communities. Additionally, this facility will be solar powered, effectively reducing long-term energy costs, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing Baltimore’s dependence on combustion-based power.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will receive $551,877 to advance post-consumer materials management by addressing market development and identifying pathways to improve recycling and organics collection and management. MDE will identify gaps in the state’s recycling infrastructure through analysis of current Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) commodity collection tonnage and existing processing infrastructure. MDE will coordinate a comprehensive review of commercial waste generated within the state and commodities returned for recyclable content manufacturing. MDE will also identify source reduction and reuse applications to fortify the need for specific infrastructure within urban environments to drive a circular economy and prevent waste generated in overburdened and underserved communities.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Fundable activities under this grant program included improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
Additional Background
This week’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced this week once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $4.5 million in Virginia Recycling Infrastructure Projects Through Investing in America Agenda
PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 14, 2023) – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $4.5 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Virginia.
EPA has selected one community organization in Virginia to receive a grant of just under $4 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available more than $500,000 for Virginia to improve solid waste management and data collection. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is addressing environmental challenges throughout our nation, and this is another historic investment to address waste management issues in our local communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These additional resources are critical to improving recycling efforts, preventing waste and improving reuse capabilities that will address climate change, support local economies and help build a cleaner Virginia.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues delivering for Virginia communities,” said U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). “I’m glad to see nearly $4 million awarded to the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Planning Commission to assist with recycling efforts, create jobs, and promote sustainability.”
“Recycling helps us keep the environment clean, and the industry plays an important role in our regional economies by supporting jobs,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad this funding will help the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Planning Commission upgrade their recycling infrastructure and reestablish curbside service to make recycling more convenient throughout the region.”
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. The SWIFR for Communities grant located in Virginia that was selected for award is:
$3,999,992 for Expanded and Optimized Recycling Services in the Northern Shenandoah Valley: The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission will upgrade current tire grinding operations that will lead to a marketable end product for reuse, re-establish curbside recycling in towns throughout the region, and purchase upgraded recycling receptacles for use throughout the region to increase recycling capacity and improve operational efficiency.
“This highly competitive grant award reinforces the value of regional collaboration, which is at the heart of NSVRC’s core mission,” said Dennis Morris, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission chairman. “This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our exceptional staff and solid waste professionals serving our localities. The results of these major investments in the region’s critical infrastructure will modernize recycling in the Shenandoah Valley for years to come, by re-establishing curbside recycling in small towns, improving recycling opportunities in rural areas, and diverting millions of tons of tires from our landfills.”
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will also provide $531,690 in grant funding to Virginia.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) will update the state’s Solid Waste Management Plan through a series of actions that include working with stakeholders, analyzing current measurement and tracking capabilities, and identifying connections to circular economy and climate goals. VADEQ will also develop an online recycling data collection and analysis application to measure solid waste recycling conducted by permitted facilities and solid waste planning units in the State.
Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced this week once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
EPA has selected one community organization in Virginia to receive a grant of just under $4 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available more than $500,000 for Virginia to improve solid waste management and data collection. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is addressing environmental challenges throughout our nation, and this is another historic investment to address waste management issues in our local communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These additional resources are critical to improving recycling efforts, preventing waste and improving reuse capabilities that will address climate change, support local economies and help build a cleaner Virginia.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues delivering for Virginia communities,” said U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). “I’m glad to see nearly $4 million awarded to the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Planning Commission to assist with recycling efforts, create jobs, and promote sustainability.”
“Recycling helps us keep the environment clean, and the industry plays an important role in our regional economies by supporting jobs,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad this funding will help the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Planning Commission upgrade their recycling infrastructure and reestablish curbside service to make recycling more convenient throughout the region.”
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. The SWIFR for Communities grant located in Virginia that was selected for award is:
$3,999,992 for Expanded and Optimized Recycling Services in the Northern Shenandoah Valley: The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission will upgrade current tire grinding operations that will lead to a marketable end product for reuse, re-establish curbside recycling in towns throughout the region, and purchase upgraded recycling receptacles for use throughout the region to increase recycling capacity and improve operational efficiency.
“This highly competitive grant award reinforces the value of regional collaboration, which is at the heart of NSVRC’s core mission,” said Dennis Morris, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission chairman. “This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our exceptional staff and solid waste professionals serving our localities. The results of these major investments in the region’s critical infrastructure will modernize recycling in the Shenandoah Valley for years to come, by re-establishing curbside recycling in small towns, improving recycling opportunities in rural areas, and diverting millions of tons of tires from our landfills.”
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will also provide $531,690 in grant funding to Virginia.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) will update the state’s Solid Waste Management Plan through a series of actions that include working with stakeholders, analyzing current measurement and tracking capabilities, and identifying connections to circular economy and climate goals. VADEQ will also develop an online recycling data collection and analysis application to measure solid waste recycling conducted by permitted facilities and solid waste planning units in the State.
Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced this week once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
EPA Region 7 Celebrates Nearly $2M Clean School Bus Award in Cassville, Missouri
EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division Director DeAndré Singletary (second from left) celebrates the delivery of five new electric buses, funded by a nearly $2 million Clean School Bus Award, with Cassville R-IV School District Director of Operations Dusty Reid, Cassville R-IV School District Superintendent Dr. Merlyn Johnson, and Cassville R-IV School District Transportation Director Jake Kloss. (U.S. EPA photo)LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 14, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 celebrated the delivery of five new electric school buses to Cassville R-IV. The Missouri school district received nearly $2 million in funding to purchase the five electric buses and charging equipment infrastructure through the Agency’s 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program.
Cassville R-IV is one of 25 districts in Missouri benefiting from EPA’s first round of Clean School Bus Program funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In total, Missouri districts received approximately $22.5 million in funding to purchase 57 electric buses across the state.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5 billion for decarbonizing our nation’s school bus fleet,” said EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division Director DeAndré Singletary. “EPA Region 7 is proud to see a portion of this historic funding go to the Cassville school district, providing a cleaner mode of transportation for students.”
“This visit marks a significant milestone for our district as we proudly showcase the successful integration of five state-of-the-art electric buses into our fleet," said Cassville R-IV Superintendent Dr. Merlyn Johnson. "We believe that these federally funded buses will enhance the overall safety and comfort of our students. We are thankful to the EPA for recognizing our efforts and for approving our grant application."
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program results in school districts saving money on maintenance and fuel as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritized low-income, rural, and tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.
EPA is also funding clean school buses through a grant competition for which the first application period closed Aug. 22, 2023. EPA expects to announce awards in early 2024. EPA is planning to open a second rebate program application period this fall.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
Cassville R-IV is one of 25 districts in Missouri benefiting from EPA’s first round of Clean School Bus Program funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In total, Missouri districts received approximately $22.5 million in funding to purchase 57 electric buses across the state.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5 billion for decarbonizing our nation’s school bus fleet,” said EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division Director DeAndré Singletary. “EPA Region 7 is proud to see a portion of this historic funding go to the Cassville school district, providing a cleaner mode of transportation for students.”
“This visit marks a significant milestone for our district as we proudly showcase the successful integration of five state-of-the-art electric buses into our fleet," said Cassville R-IV Superintendent Dr. Merlyn Johnson. "We believe that these federally funded buses will enhance the overall safety and comfort of our students. We are thankful to the EPA for recognizing our efforts and for approving our grant application."
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program results in school districts saving money on maintenance and fuel as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritized low-income, rural, and tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.
EPA is also funding clean school buses through a grant competition for which the first application period closed Aug. 22, 2023. EPA expects to announce awards in early 2024. EPA is planning to open a second rebate program application period this fall.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients.
# # #
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 Seeks Applicants for 2023 Environmental Education Grants
WASHINGTON (Sept. 14, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that up to $3.6 million in funding for locally-focused environmental education grants is now available under the 2023 Environmental Education (EE) Local Grant Program. EPA will award grants in each of EPA’s 10 Regions, between $50,000-$100,000 each, for a total of 30-40 grants nationwide. The program includes support for projects that reflect the intersection of environmental issues with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, preventing future water quality and human health issues, in addition to other environmental topics.
“It is more important now than ever that we understand the environmental changes happening around us,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Investing in environmental education is investing in America’s future, and these grants will ensure that communities have access to quality tools to get involved – and stay involved – at a local level.”
Funded projects will increase public awareness of those topics and help participants to develop the skills needed to make informed decisions. Each of the 10 EPA Regions published a solicitation notice with their respective regional details. Applicants must apply to the Regional NOFO that corresponds with the location of their proposed project. Through this grant program, EPA intends to provide financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, that will serve to increase environmental literacy and encourage behavior that will benefit the environment in local communities, especially underserved communities. This grant program recognizes underserved communities as high-poverty areas, persistent poverty counties, communities the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool identifies as disadvantaged communities, and Title I schools.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 and $3.5 million in grant funding per year under this program, supporting more than 3,920 grants and making the grant program one of the most utilized in the agency.
Visit the new EPA Grants Community Library of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the EE grant FAQ webpages to learn more about the current competition and the federal grant process. Find out background information on the EE Grants Program and resources for applicants on EPA’s EE Grant Homepage.
Applications are due on November 8, 2023, and the Notice of Funding Opportunities are now posted on www.grants.gov and the EE Grant Solicitation Notice webpage.
The Office of Environmental Education will also host at least one webinar during the open solicitation period on how to write a competitive application and to address commonly asked questions. Once confirmed, webinar registration details will be available on https://www.epa.gov/education/grants#webinar. Stay up to date on all EE grant information, including announcements related to upcoming webinar registration, by subscribing to the EE Grants Listserv.
“It is more important now than ever that we understand the environmental changes happening around us,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Investing in environmental education is investing in America’s future, and these grants will ensure that communities have access to quality tools to get involved – and stay involved – at a local level.”
Funded projects will increase public awareness of those topics and help participants to develop the skills needed to make informed decisions. Each of the 10 EPA Regions published a solicitation notice with their respective regional details. Applicants must apply to the Regional NOFO that corresponds with the location of their proposed project. Through this grant program, EPA intends to provide financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, that will serve to increase environmental literacy and encourage behavior that will benefit the environment in local communities, especially underserved communities. This grant program recognizes underserved communities as high-poverty areas, persistent poverty counties, communities the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool identifies as disadvantaged communities, and Title I schools.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 and $3.5 million in grant funding per year under this program, supporting more than 3,920 grants and making the grant program one of the most utilized in the agency.
Visit the new EPA Grants Community Library of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the EE grant FAQ webpages to learn more about the current competition and the federal grant process. Find out background information on the EE Grants Program and resources for applicants on EPA’s EE Grant Homepage.
Applications are due on November 8, 2023, and the Notice of Funding Opportunities are now posted on www.grants.gov and the EE Grant Solicitation Notice webpage.
The Office of Environmental Education will also host at least one webinar during the open solicitation period on how to write a competitive application and to address commonly asked questions. Once confirmed, webinar registration details will be available on https://www.epa.gov/education/grants#webinar. Stay up to date on all EE grant information, including announcements related to upcoming webinar registration, by subscribing to the EE Grants Listserv.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $2.6 Million in Connecticut Recycling Infrastructure Projects Through Investing in America Agenda
BOSTON (Sept. 14, 2023) –- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $2.6 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Connecticut.
EPA has selected Stamford, Connecticut to receive a grant of more than $2 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $592,000 for Connecticut to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment totaling is a part of EPA's largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA's National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what's known as a "circular economy."
"President Biden's Investing in America Agenda tackles our most pressing environmental challenges including climate change and lead in drinking water, and today we add another historic investment to better manage waste in communities across America," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "By investing in better recycling, EPA is deploying resources to provide recycling services across the country, including in disadvantaged communities, while preventing waste that contributes to the climate crisis, supporting local economies and creating good-paying jobs."
"Connecticut's recycling efforts are commendable, and the City of Stamford's project will more than quadruple the City's composting capability," said EPA New England Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. "The project will benefit historically marginalized communities in Stamford by making food composting and recycling accessible and convenient."
"This federal funding will help cut food waste going to landfills and strengthen recycling services in underserved communities," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "It will also create good-paying jobs. Overall, it's a win-win, fighting the climate crisis and expanding the economy. I'm thrilled by this award and look forward to fighting for more."
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, "Connecticut produces more trash than our system can currently handle, and a lot of that waste comes from food scraps. This more than $2 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help Stamford make it more convenient for residents to start composting and improve waste management across the state," said Murphy."
"Proper waste management, recycling systems, compost infrastructure – these are the essential, often unglamorous, nitty-gritty of what makes a city run, and what makes it a wonderful, clean place to live," said U.S. Representative Jim Himes. "With this $2 million grant made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Stamford can purchase new recycling collection vehicles and bins, ensure that every community has access to recycling services, and remove food waste and plastics to create a cleaner, climate resilient, and sustainable city."
"The City of Stamford's food composting program has been a great success, with over 43,000 pounds of food waste composted last year alone," said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. "With this critical funding, we will be able to increase our capacity, expand the program for residents across the city, save taxpayers money, and most importantly, protect our environment from harmful waste. We are grateful to the EPA, our federal delegation, and the Biden Administration for this funding, their commitment to tackling climate change, and their once-in-a-generation investments in critical infrastructure across the country."
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. Connecticut's selected project will:
Reduce the Amount of Food Waste that Stamford sends to Landfills by Collecting and Composting it and through Education and Outreach.
Make it More Convenient for Residents and Businesses to Recycle Food
Facilitate Use of Recycled Food Waste
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia via grants ranging from $360,000 to $750,000; with the highest grant amounts supporting those states and territories that need it the most.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) will use the funding to develop and implement a new data storage system to track the flow of municipal solid waste, recyclables, and construction and demolition waste materials; evaluate the efficacy of recently implemented municipal diversion programs through targeted waste characterizations and support a solid waste and recycling training program for state and local staff.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA's National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Funded activities include improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
More information is available at https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-09/Connecticut_SWIFR.pdf (98 KB).
Additional Background
Today's announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA's new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA's annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
EPA has selected Stamford, Connecticut to receive a grant of more than $2 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $592,000 for Connecticut to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment totaling is a part of EPA's largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA's National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what's known as a "circular economy."
"President Biden's Investing in America Agenda tackles our most pressing environmental challenges including climate change and lead in drinking water, and today we add another historic investment to better manage waste in communities across America," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "By investing in better recycling, EPA is deploying resources to provide recycling services across the country, including in disadvantaged communities, while preventing waste that contributes to the climate crisis, supporting local economies and creating good-paying jobs."
"Connecticut's recycling efforts are commendable, and the City of Stamford's project will more than quadruple the City's composting capability," said EPA New England Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. "The project will benefit historically marginalized communities in Stamford by making food composting and recycling accessible and convenient."
"This federal funding will help cut food waste going to landfills and strengthen recycling services in underserved communities," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "It will also create good-paying jobs. Overall, it's a win-win, fighting the climate crisis and expanding the economy. I'm thrilled by this award and look forward to fighting for more."
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, "Connecticut produces more trash than our system can currently handle, and a lot of that waste comes from food scraps. This more than $2 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help Stamford make it more convenient for residents to start composting and improve waste management across the state," said Murphy."
"Proper waste management, recycling systems, compost infrastructure – these are the essential, often unglamorous, nitty-gritty of what makes a city run, and what makes it a wonderful, clean place to live," said U.S. Representative Jim Himes. "With this $2 million grant made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Stamford can purchase new recycling collection vehicles and bins, ensure that every community has access to recycling services, and remove food waste and plastics to create a cleaner, climate resilient, and sustainable city."
"The City of Stamford's food composting program has been a great success, with over 43,000 pounds of food waste composted last year alone," said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. "With this critical funding, we will be able to increase our capacity, expand the program for residents across the city, save taxpayers money, and most importantly, protect our environment from harmful waste. We are grateful to the EPA, our federal delegation, and the Biden Administration for this funding, their commitment to tackling climate change, and their once-in-a-generation investments in critical infrastructure across the country."
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 driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, 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.
EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. Connecticut's selected project will:
Reduce the Amount of Food Waste that Stamford sends to Landfills by Collecting and Composting it and through Education and Outreach.
Make it More Convenient for Residents and Businesses to Recycle Food
Facilitate Use of Recycled Food Waste
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia via grants ranging from $360,000 to $750,000; with the highest grant amounts supporting those states and territories that need it the most.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) will use the funding to develop and implement a new data storage system to track the flow of municipal solid waste, recyclables, and construction and demolition waste materials; evaluate the efficacy of recently implemented municipal diversion programs through targeted waste characterizations and support a solid waste and recycling training program for state and local staff.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA's National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Funded activities include improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
More information is available at https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-09/Connecticut_SWIFR.pdf (98 KB).
Additional Background
Today's announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA's new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA's annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $1 Billion for Nearly 400 Projects to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces in Communities and Neighborhoods Nationwide through Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2023 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is awarding more than $1 billion in competitive grants to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play. Communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S.