University of Arizona Wins EPA Grant to Advance Statewide Environmental Education Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including a grant for $96,000 to the University of Arizona.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Arizona,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Arizona. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to the University of Arizona will fund a roving, interactive exhibit on the groundwater system for underserved communities across Arizona and include a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about the groundwater system. The exhibit will travel to 12 underserved communities, one per month, and each location will feature an opening movie night showcasing newly developed videos on the groundwater system combined with a guest speaker who will discuss specific groundwater conditions in their community. Educators will be provided with ready-to-implement lessons on the groundwater system and have an opportunity to use groundwater models with their students while the exhibit is on display.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Arizona,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Arizona. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to the University of Arizona will fund a roving, interactive exhibit on the groundwater system for underserved communities across Arizona and include a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about the groundwater system. The exhibit will travel to 12 underserved communities, one per month, and each location will feature an opening movie night showcasing newly developed videos on the groundwater system combined with a guest speaker who will discuss specific groundwater conditions in their community. Educators will be provided with ready-to-implement lessons on the groundwater system and have an opportunity to use groundwater models with their students while the exhibit is on display.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
La EPA invita al público a opinar sobre el plan de limpieza propuesto para el sitio Superfund de Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico
NUEVA YORK - La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) exhorta al público a comentar sobre su plan de limpieza propuesto para abordar el suelo contaminado con plomo y el agua subterránea en el Sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico. El periodo de comentarios públicos de 30 días para el plan propuesto comienza el 15 de agosto de 2023. La EPA organizará una reunión pública en Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marín #7, Arecibo el martes, 29 de agosto de 2023 entre 5-7 pm para explicar la nueva propuesta de limpieza.
“El plomo es un metal tóxico que puede causar daño a la capacidad de aprendizaje de un niño y una variedad de problemas de salud en los adultos”, señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. “La EPA abordó hace años por primera vez los riesgos más graves planteados por este sitio, y ahora estamos enfocados en finalizar una limpieza a gran escala del sitio para proteger la salud pública en el futuro. El plan propuesto por la EPA para el sitio es eliminar el suelo contaminado restante y monitorear y restringir el acceso a las aguas subterráneas que podrían representar un riesgo a la salud pública. Alentamos al público a unirse a nuestra reunión, hacer preguntas y comunicar sus puntos de vista sobre el plan propuesto”.
La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto hoy atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del sitio. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentran fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del sitio se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.
La propiedad principal en el sitio operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el sitio se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con Battery Recycling Company Inc. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el sitio; sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el sitio a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.
Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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“El plomo es un metal tóxico que puede causar daño a la capacidad de aprendizaje de un niño y una variedad de problemas de salud en los adultos”, señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. “La EPA abordó hace años por primera vez los riesgos más graves planteados por este sitio, y ahora estamos enfocados en finalizar una limpieza a gran escala del sitio para proteger la salud pública en el futuro. El plan propuesto por la EPA para el sitio es eliminar el suelo contaminado restante y monitorear y restringir el acceso a las aguas subterráneas que podrían representar un riesgo a la salud pública. Alentamos al público a unirse a nuestra reunión, hacer preguntas y comunicar sus puntos de vista sobre el plan propuesto”.
La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto hoy atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del sitio. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentran fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del sitio se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.
La propiedad principal en el sitio operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el sitio se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con Battery Recycling Company Inc. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el sitio; sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el sitio a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.
Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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Educational Organizations in California’s Orange and Tulare Counties Win EPA Grants to Advance Environmental Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including two organizations in California.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in California,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in California. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The California recipients and projects are:
Orange County Coastkeeper (Orange County, $98,492 grant) – This grant will enable Orange County Coastkeeper and Inside the Outdoors to develop and implement a solutions-based climate resilience curriculum for middle and high school students in underserved communities in Orange County. The program will provide students a combination of in-class lessons and field trips to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Participating students will also complete a community action project and attend a symposium where they share their stewardship projects with the members of their community.
Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Tulare County, $100,000 grant) – This grant will support EARTH Academy, a year-long, project-based learning program offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to high school students in Tulare County. Tulare County is one of the top agriculturally productive counties in the country, and has regularly suffered from severe droughts, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and poor air quality. The majority of students in the county come from immigrant or migratory families, live in rural areas, and are low-income. The EARTH Academy program aims to address these issues by increasing awareness and understanding about ecosystem health and management techniques that can improve water quality, air quality, and carbon sequestration.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in California,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in California. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The California recipients and projects are:
Orange County Coastkeeper (Orange County, $98,492 grant) – This grant will enable Orange County Coastkeeper and Inside the Outdoors to develop and implement a solutions-based climate resilience curriculum for middle and high school students in underserved communities in Orange County. The program will provide students a combination of in-class lessons and field trips to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Participating students will also complete a community action project and attend a symposium where they share their stewardship projects with the members of their community.
Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Tulare County, $100,000 grant) – This grant will support EARTH Academy, a year-long, project-based learning program offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to high school students in Tulare County. Tulare County is one of the top agriculturally productive counties in the country, and has regularly suffered from severe droughts, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and poor air quality. The majority of students in the county come from immigrant or migratory families, live in rural areas, and are low-income. The EARTH Academy program aims to address these issues by increasing awareness and understanding about ecosystem health and management techniques that can improve water quality, air quality, and carbon sequestration.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA Invites Public Input on Proposed Cleanup Plan for Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging the pubic to comment on its proposed cleanup plan to address lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A 30-day public comment period for the proposed plan begins August 15, 2023. EPA will host a public meeting at Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marin #7, Arecibo on Tuesday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to explain the cleanup proposal.
“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of health problems in adults,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA first addressed the most serious risks posed by this site years ago, and now we are focused on finalizing a full-scale clean-up of the site to protect public health well into the future. EPA’s proposed plan for the site is to remove the remaining contaminated soil and monitor and restrict groundwater that could pose a risk to public health. We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
The cleanup outlined in today’s proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for on-site treatment and containment. Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.
The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile 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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“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of health problems in adults,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA first addressed the most serious risks posed by this site years ago, and now we are focused on finalizing a full-scale clean-up of the site to protect public health well into the future. EPA’s proposed plan for the site is to remove the remaining contaminated soil and monitor and restrict groundwater that could pose a risk to public health. We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
The cleanup outlined in today’s proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for on-site treatment and containment. Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.
The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile 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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Asia-US container spot rates keep rising amid more blank sailings
Spot rates in the eastbound trans-Pacific continue to move higher, although a planned general rate increase this week could be the last one for a while as carriers are scheduled to add a significant amount of new capacity into the global fleet beginning later this year.
Latest push in House for US shipping reform stalls, for now
Stalled since May, the Ocean Shipping Reform Technical Act of 2023 may never be taken up by the House of Representatives as regulators are still struggling to implement last year’s original legislation.
EPA Awards $11M in Research Grants to Address Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11 million in grant funding to 11 institutions for research to address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved and Tribal communities.
“Addressing climate change and environmental justice issues are two priorities that are integral to EPA’s mission,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will help us understand how transitioning away from fossil-based energy systems may impact communities and can help pave the way to a just and equitable energy future.”
Energy and transportation systems are rapidly shifting away from fossil-based energy systems. These changes will help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The evolving energy and transportation systems provide both challenges as well as opportunities to improve environmental and public health in ways that also reduce inequities such as environmental health burdens.
This research will increase understanding of the environmental impacts of shifting energy and transportation systems on underserved and Tribal communities as well as what drives decisions to adopt renewable energy sources, energy efficient technologies, and new transportation options. Grantees will engage with communities and Tribes in these projects, learning from their lived experience and expertise to better respond to community needs. These efforts will improve the scientific foundation for the design of robust, behaviorally informed policies and programs to support the sustainable transition to renewable and low-carbon energy systems.
The following institutions are receiving awards:
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Mass., to engage with lower income households and neighborhoods in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to improve knowledge on drivers, barriers, and environmental benefits of shifting to using electric sources of energy within households.
University of Maine, Orono, Maine, to engage with indigenous, rural, and low-income communities in Maine to understand the role of statewide Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) in supporting and advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., to work with rural and urban community members in New England to deliver information and tools that empower community-based environmental organizations to identify and advocate for renewable energy projects that are consistent with community values.
Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, N.C., to partner with communities living near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in eastern North Carolina to determine the environmental, public health, economic, and environmental justice impacts of large-scale swine waste-to-energy operations.
Green Umbrella, Cincinnati, Ohio, to evaluate the effects of using electrical power and energy efficiency on household energy consumption, security, and behavior, as well as on indoor air quality for residents of multi-family dwelling units in urban Cincinnati.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Ill., to investigate the air quality and public health impacts of transitioning to electric freight vehicles, with a focus on the Little Village neighborhood in southwest Chicago.
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., to engage with Tribal and rural community leaders in forest-dependent communities in northern Michigan to study the impacts of current energy systems and pathways for energy transitions that enhance community well-being through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice outcomes.
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, to engage with underserved communities in the Columbus Metropolitan Area to understand community use of electrical power and mobility needs, and to develop assessments and toolkits to support decision-makers on energy transitions that improve health, environmental and social conditions in underserved communities.
University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif., to assess and communicate the air quality and health implications of a transition from oil refining to biofuel for energy production and to engage with communities near oil refineries in the northeast San Francisco Bay area to develop a web-based tool for informing petroleum refinery conversions or retirement.
Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., to develop a framework for evaluating neighborhood air pollution changes arising from shifting to alternative public transportation and electricity generation, using Maricopa County, Arizona, as a case study.
Portland State University, Portland, Ore., to engage with communities in the western U.S. to understand the environmental justice impacts of renewable energy storage from a community-engaged perspective, focusing on different nodes spanning the life cycle of renewable energy storage infrastructures, activities, and technologies.
Learn more about the funded grant recipients.Learn more about EPA research grants.
“Addressing climate change and environmental justice issues are two priorities that are integral to EPA’s mission,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will help us understand how transitioning away from fossil-based energy systems may impact communities and can help pave the way to a just and equitable energy future.”
Energy and transportation systems are rapidly shifting away from fossil-based energy systems. These changes will help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The evolving energy and transportation systems provide both challenges as well as opportunities to improve environmental and public health in ways that also reduce inequities such as environmental health burdens.
This research will increase understanding of the environmental impacts of shifting energy and transportation systems on underserved and Tribal communities as well as what drives decisions to adopt renewable energy sources, energy efficient technologies, and new transportation options. Grantees will engage with communities and Tribes in these projects, learning from their lived experience and expertise to better respond to community needs. These efforts will improve the scientific foundation for the design of robust, behaviorally informed policies and programs to support the sustainable transition to renewable and low-carbon energy systems.
The following institutions are receiving awards:
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Mass., to engage with lower income households and neighborhoods in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to improve knowledge on drivers, barriers, and environmental benefits of shifting to using electric sources of energy within households.
University of Maine, Orono, Maine, to engage with indigenous, rural, and low-income communities in Maine to understand the role of statewide Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) in supporting and advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., to work with rural and urban community members in New England to deliver information and tools that empower community-based environmental organizations to identify and advocate for renewable energy projects that are consistent with community values.
Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, N.C., to partner with communities living near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in eastern North Carolina to determine the environmental, public health, economic, and environmental justice impacts of large-scale swine waste-to-energy operations.
Green Umbrella, Cincinnati, Ohio, to evaluate the effects of using electrical power and energy efficiency on household energy consumption, security, and behavior, as well as on indoor air quality for residents of multi-family dwelling units in urban Cincinnati.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Ill., to investigate the air quality and public health impacts of transitioning to electric freight vehicles, with a focus on the Little Village neighborhood in southwest Chicago.
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., to engage with Tribal and rural community leaders in forest-dependent communities in northern Michigan to study the impacts of current energy systems and pathways for energy transitions that enhance community well-being through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice outcomes.
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, to engage with underserved communities in the Columbus Metropolitan Area to understand community use of electrical power and mobility needs, and to develop assessments and toolkits to support decision-makers on energy transitions that improve health, environmental and social conditions in underserved communities.
University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif., to assess and communicate the air quality and health implications of a transition from oil refining to biofuel for energy production and to engage with communities near oil refineries in the northeast San Francisco Bay area to develop a web-based tool for informing petroleum refinery conversions or retirement.
Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., to develop a framework for evaluating neighborhood air pollution changes arising from shifting to alternative public transportation and electricity generation, using Maricopa County, Arizona, as a case study.
Portland State University, Portland, Ore., to engage with communities in the western U.S. to understand the environmental justice impacts of renewable energy storage from a community-engaged perspective, focusing on different nodes spanning the life cycle of renewable energy storage infrastructures, activities, and technologies.
Learn more about the funded grant recipients.Learn more about EPA research grants.
United States Files Complaint Against Oasis Mobile Home Park for Alleged Safe Drinking Water Act Violations
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a civil complaint in the United States District Court for the Central District of California today against the operators of Oasis Mobile Home Park, located in the Eastern Coachella Valley in Southern California. The complaint alleges that the Administrator of the Estate of Scott Lawson and a corporation called Lopez to Lawson, Inc. failed to properly maintain and operate Oasis’ primary drinking water well, treatment and distribution systems and wastewater system, and failed to perform corrective measures to protect the health of those who consume the drinking water. Today’s legal action seeks a judicial order that will require Oasis Mobile Home Park to address the imminent and substantial endangerment conditions related to the drinking and wastewater systems, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act and pay a civil penalty.
“This complaint is an outcome of many years of failure by the operators of the Oasis Mobile Home Park to follow EPA’s orders and provide safe drinking water and sanitation to the families living in their park”, said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We now seek action by a federal court to enforce our orders, to provide justice to the residents that have lived for so long without safe drinking water.”
The Oasis Mobile Home Park is designed to house up to 1,500 people. The Park’s drinking water system uses groundwater that has naturally occurring arsenic. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and drinking high levels over many years can increase the chance of lung, bladder, and skin cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and neurological damage.
In August 2019, EPA issued an emergency order to Scott Lawson, the owner and operator of the Park, for providing drinking water that contained impermissibly high levels of arsenic as provided by the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. In September 2020, EPA issued a second emergency order for failure to comply with arsenic levels after Oasis switched to a backup well that continued to provide water with prohibitively high arsenic levels. The 2020 Order required the respondents to provide consumers with alternative drinking water, fix its treatment system, reduce arsenic levels in the drinking water distribution system, and monitor the water for contamination. After the death of Scott Lawson in May 2021, EPA issued another emergency order against the defendants named in the complaint, largely mirroring the requirements of the 2020 emergency order. In April 2023, EPA conducted sampling of the drinking water system and found arsenic still present, thereby determining that the problems with arsenic and the drinking water system remain unabated. As a result, EPA issued an amended order that requires the defendants to address issues with the drinking water storage tanks.
In addition to the drinking water system compliance failures, Oasis has failed to properly operate and maintain a wastewater system that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. The chronic issues related to the design and operation of Oasis’s wastewater system have created an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the environment because contaminants, such as E. Coli and other disease-causing organisms, are likely to threaten groundwater sources and enter the drinking water system.
EPA’s February 2021 and May 2022 wastewater inspections found the Park lacked a dedicated wastewater operator and a septic maintenance and pumping program for approximately 90 septic tanks located there. EPA also observed evidence of sewage overflows and wastewater line breaks. EPA visited Oasis in May 2023 and observed that the wastewater system issues remain unabated.
For more information on EPA’s drinking water standards, visit EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
“This complaint is an outcome of many years of failure by the operators of the Oasis Mobile Home Park to follow EPA’s orders and provide safe drinking water and sanitation to the families living in their park”, said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We now seek action by a federal court to enforce our orders, to provide justice to the residents that have lived for so long without safe drinking water.”
The Oasis Mobile Home Park is designed to house up to 1,500 people. The Park’s drinking water system uses groundwater that has naturally occurring arsenic. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and drinking high levels over many years can increase the chance of lung, bladder, and skin cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and neurological damage.
In August 2019, EPA issued an emergency order to Scott Lawson, the owner and operator of the Park, for providing drinking water that contained impermissibly high levels of arsenic as provided by the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. In September 2020, EPA issued a second emergency order for failure to comply with arsenic levels after Oasis switched to a backup well that continued to provide water with prohibitively high arsenic levels. The 2020 Order required the respondents to provide consumers with alternative drinking water, fix its treatment system, reduce arsenic levels in the drinking water distribution system, and monitor the water for contamination. After the death of Scott Lawson in May 2021, EPA issued another emergency order against the defendants named in the complaint, largely mirroring the requirements of the 2020 emergency order. In April 2023, EPA conducted sampling of the drinking water system and found arsenic still present, thereby determining that the problems with arsenic and the drinking water system remain unabated. As a result, EPA issued an amended order that requires the defendants to address issues with the drinking water storage tanks.
In addition to the drinking water system compliance failures, Oasis has failed to properly operate and maintain a wastewater system that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. The chronic issues related to the design and operation of Oasis’s wastewater system have created an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the environment because contaminants, such as E. Coli and other disease-causing organisms, are likely to threaten groundwater sources and enter the drinking water system.
EPA’s February 2021 and May 2022 wastewater inspections found the Park lacked a dedicated wastewater operator and a septic maintenance and pumping program for approximately 90 septic tanks located there. EPA also observed evidence of sewage overflows and wastewater line breaks. EPA visited Oasis in May 2023 and observed that the wastewater system issues remain unabated.
For more information on EPA’s drinking water standards, visit EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.