US importers dabbling in frontloading ahead of new tariff threat
While there is some frontloading of US imports from China to get ahead of expected tariffs in the coming Trump administration, most cargo owners appear to be holding their fire, writes Journal of Commerce Executive Editor Mark Szakonyi.
EPA, Justice Department and Pennsylvania Announce Settlements to Reduce Climate and Health Harming Emissions
WASHINGTON – Today, Nov. 21, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice announced two settlements with oil and gas operators in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In separate agreements, XTO Energy Inc. (XTO) and Hilcorp Energy Company (Hilcorp), agreed to resolve alleged Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act violations involving their oil and gas production operations in Pennsylvania.
Under the settlements, XTO agrees to pay a $4 million civil penalty and Hilcorp agrees to pay a $1.275 million civil penalty. Each of these amounts will be shared equally by the United States and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is a co-plaintiff in both cases. In addition to the civil penalties, both companies will undertake compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions at their oil and gas production facilities in Butler County, Lawrence County and Mercer County.
“Hilcorp and XTO Energy’s violations contributed to smog that reduces air quality, as well as methane releases that are a primary driver of near-term climate change,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “These settlements are the latest in EPA’s urgent efforts to limit the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and hold corporate polluters accountable for jeopardizing public health.”
“These actions are the result of our continuing efforts to ensure that oil and gas operators comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The commitments under the settlements will significantly reduce pollution from these companies’ operations, including volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone, and methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”
“Today’s settlements reinforce a simple message: if your company contaminates the air in this district with harmful pollution, you will be held accountable under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Through the hard work of our office and our law enforcement partners, XTO Energy and Hilcorp will be required not only to pay penalties related to the pollutants they already released, but also to protect against future harm through compliance measures that will reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect the people of western Pennsylvania and the air they breathe.”
“Pennsylvanians have a right to clean air, and the Shapiro administration continues to hold polluters accountable for infringing on that right,” said Acting Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These settlements will result in lower emissions and cleaner air for the people of the commonwealth.”
As part of the settlement, XTO must also undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to XTO’s alleged violations under its agreement. Specifically, by Dec. 31, 2027, XTO will be required to work with PADEP to identify the heaviest polluting abandoned oil and gas wells in western Pennsylvania and spend at least $1.4 million to plug or remediate them. Many of these “orphan” wells are existing significant sources of methane.
The work that XTO will do will result in the reduction of over 1,960 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane, similar to the reductions achieved by taking 420 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 120 tons of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions annually.
The XTO settlement resolves allegations by the EPA and PADEP that XTO failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from 11 of its oil and gas production facilities in Butler County. The EPA identified the alleged violations through field investigations conducted in 2018 and 2019.
Hilcorp must also undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to the company’s alleged violations. Hilcorp will retrofit at least 164 pneumatic controllers that emit pollution with non-emitting process controllers at eight of the company’s facilities located in Lawrence and Mercer counties at least three years earlier than required under law.
EPA projects that the Hilcorp agreement will result in the reduction of over 160 tons of VOC emissions annually and 5,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane. The reductions in methane from the settlement are similar to the reductions that would be achieved by taking 1,100 cars off the road for one year.
The Hilcorp settlement resolves allegations by the EPA and PADEP that the company failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from six of its oil and gas production facilities in Lawrence and Mercer counties.
As a result of these alleged violations, both XTO and Hilcorp released methane and VOCs directly into the air instead of capturing and controlling the gas using specially designed equipment. Methane, a climate super pollutant, is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone, which adversely affects human health.
XTO is a natural gas extraction and production company that is a directly held, wholly owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil. Its operations stretch from the Great Plains to Appalachia. It holds interests in more than 50,000 producing oil and natural gas wells. Among these holdings includes operations in 15 counties (including Butler County), covering 534,000 acres in western Pennsylvania.
Hilcorp is a privately-owned company registered to do business in Pennsylvania and headquartered in Houston, Texas. Hilcorp engages in oil and gas exploration, development and production across the United States, with active production operations in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.
These settlements are part of the EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative Mitigating Climate Change. This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources.
The consent decrees were filed with the United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, and are each subject to a 30-day comment period. The complaint and the proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s Proposed Consent Decree webpage.
More information on these settlement agreements is available on the agency’s Hilcorp Energy (Pennsylvania) Company Settlement webpage and XTO Energy Inc. Settlement Summary webpage.
Under the settlements, XTO agrees to pay a $4 million civil penalty and Hilcorp agrees to pay a $1.275 million civil penalty. Each of these amounts will be shared equally by the United States and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is a co-plaintiff in both cases. In addition to the civil penalties, both companies will undertake compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions at their oil and gas production facilities in Butler County, Lawrence County and Mercer County.
“Hilcorp and XTO Energy’s violations contributed to smog that reduces air quality, as well as methane releases that are a primary driver of near-term climate change,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “These settlements are the latest in EPA’s urgent efforts to limit the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and hold corporate polluters accountable for jeopardizing public health.”
“These actions are the result of our continuing efforts to ensure that oil and gas operators comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The commitments under the settlements will significantly reduce pollution from these companies’ operations, including volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone, and methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”
“Today’s settlements reinforce a simple message: if your company contaminates the air in this district with harmful pollution, you will be held accountable under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Through the hard work of our office and our law enforcement partners, XTO Energy and Hilcorp will be required not only to pay penalties related to the pollutants they already released, but also to protect against future harm through compliance measures that will reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect the people of western Pennsylvania and the air they breathe.”
“Pennsylvanians have a right to clean air, and the Shapiro administration continues to hold polluters accountable for infringing on that right,” said Acting Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These settlements will result in lower emissions and cleaner air for the people of the commonwealth.”
As part of the settlement, XTO must also undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to XTO’s alleged violations under its agreement. Specifically, by Dec. 31, 2027, XTO will be required to work with PADEP to identify the heaviest polluting abandoned oil and gas wells in western Pennsylvania and spend at least $1.4 million to plug or remediate them. Many of these “orphan” wells are existing significant sources of methane.
The work that XTO will do will result in the reduction of over 1,960 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane, similar to the reductions achieved by taking 420 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 120 tons of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions annually.
The XTO settlement resolves allegations by the EPA and PADEP that XTO failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from 11 of its oil and gas production facilities in Butler County. The EPA identified the alleged violations through field investigations conducted in 2018 and 2019.
Hilcorp must also undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to the company’s alleged violations. Hilcorp will retrofit at least 164 pneumatic controllers that emit pollution with non-emitting process controllers at eight of the company’s facilities located in Lawrence and Mercer counties at least three years earlier than required under law.
EPA projects that the Hilcorp agreement will result in the reduction of over 160 tons of VOC emissions annually and 5,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane. The reductions in methane from the settlement are similar to the reductions that would be achieved by taking 1,100 cars off the road for one year.
The Hilcorp settlement resolves allegations by the EPA and PADEP that the company failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from six of its oil and gas production facilities in Lawrence and Mercer counties.
As a result of these alleged violations, both XTO and Hilcorp released methane and VOCs directly into the air instead of capturing and controlling the gas using specially designed equipment. Methane, a climate super pollutant, is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone, which adversely affects human health.
XTO is a natural gas extraction and production company that is a directly held, wholly owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil. Its operations stretch from the Great Plains to Appalachia. It holds interests in more than 50,000 producing oil and natural gas wells. Among these holdings includes operations in 15 counties (including Butler County), covering 534,000 acres in western Pennsylvania.
Hilcorp is a privately-owned company registered to do business in Pennsylvania and headquartered in Houston, Texas. Hilcorp engages in oil and gas exploration, development and production across the United States, with active production operations in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.
These settlements are part of the EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative Mitigating Climate Change. This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources.
The consent decrees were filed with the United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, and are each subject to a 30-day comment period. The complaint and the proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s Proposed Consent Decree webpage.
More information on these settlement agreements is available on the agency’s Hilcorp Energy (Pennsylvania) Company Settlement webpage and XTO Energy Inc. Settlement Summary webpage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $184 Million in Texas Through Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $184,464,000 for the state of Texas under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $40 Million in Louisiana Through Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $40,145,000 for the state of Louisiana under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage
Biden-Harris Administration Announces the University of Texas at Arlington to Receive $349,435 in Grant Funding to Help Prevent Pollution as Part of Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced University of Texas at Arlington has been selected to collectively receive $349,435 in grants to provide technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities.
“Since the creation of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has used these P2 grants across the country to substantially reduce emissions in overlooked communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant funding, communities can tackle air pollution problems head-on and implement long-term green solutions in their infrastructure. I would like to thank this Administration for continuing to be the leads in environmental stewardship and green advocacy.”
The University of Texas Arlington Extension and Extended Campus will be working with automotive businesses within communities with environmental justice concerns to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to reduce use of hazardous materials use and air admissions. They will also conduct trainings to educate workers on handling solvents, paint thinners, and product substitutions. In addition, they will pilot an internship program to train emerging environmental professionals on P2 practices and projects.
In total, EPA announced 48 selectees across the country that will collectively receive nearly $19 million in grants to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the funds awarded this year were made available with no cost share/match requirement.
Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American business’ efforts to reduce costs, while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
Between 2011-2022, EPA’s Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop, and adopt P2 approaches. These approaches have resulted in 31.9 billion kWh in energy savings, eliminated 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved 52 billion gallons of water, reduced 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials, and saved businesses more than $2.3 billion.
The agency expects to award funds once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Once awarded, selected grantees will document and share P2 best practices that they identify and develop through these grants, so that others can replicate these practices and outcomes. Each selected grantee will also develop at least one case study during the grant period on P2 practices that are new or not widely known or adopted, or where detailed information on the P2 practices could benefit other businesses or P2 technical assistance providers.
The grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully funded upon being awarded, with individual grant awards as high as $350,000. Grants that are a part of the traditional P2 grants program will be funded over a two-year funding cycle and require a cost share/match of fifty percent. EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The full list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
Background
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023.
The list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website. Read more about P2 and EPA’s P2 Grant Program.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Since the creation of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has used these P2 grants across the country to substantially reduce emissions in overlooked communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant funding, communities can tackle air pollution problems head-on and implement long-term green solutions in their infrastructure. I would like to thank this Administration for continuing to be the leads in environmental stewardship and green advocacy.”
The University of Texas Arlington Extension and Extended Campus will be working with automotive businesses within communities with environmental justice concerns to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to reduce use of hazardous materials use and air admissions. They will also conduct trainings to educate workers on handling solvents, paint thinners, and product substitutions. In addition, they will pilot an internship program to train emerging environmental professionals on P2 practices and projects.
In total, EPA announced 48 selectees across the country that will collectively receive nearly $19 million in grants to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the funds awarded this year were made available with no cost share/match requirement.
Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American business’ efforts to reduce costs, while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
Between 2011-2022, EPA’s Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop, and adopt P2 approaches. These approaches have resulted in 31.9 billion kWh in energy savings, eliminated 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved 52 billion gallons of water, reduced 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials, and saved businesses more than $2.3 billion.
The agency expects to award funds once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Once awarded, selected grantees will document and share P2 best practices that they identify and develop through these grants, so that others can replicate these practices and outcomes. Each selected grantee will also develop at least one case study during the grant period on P2 practices that are new or not widely known or adopted, or where detailed information on the P2 practices could benefit other businesses or P2 technical assistance providers.
The grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully funded upon being awarded, with individual grant awards as high as $350,000. Grants that are a part of the traditional P2 grants program will be funded over a two-year funding cycle and require a cost share/match of fifty percent. EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The full list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
Background
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023.
The list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website. Read more about P2 and EPA’s P2 Grant Program.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
EPA Fines AB&I Foundry Operator in Oakland Clean Air Act Violations Case
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with McWane Inc., dba AB&I, over claims of Clean Air Act violations at its iron foundry in Oakland, CA. The company will pay a $274,000 fine and has since closed the Oakland foundry, ending its operations in late 2022.
“Excess and untested air emissions from facilities like this have caused harm to our East Bay communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA will continue to pursue and fine facilities that do not comply with federal clean air laws.”
In April 2022, EPA issued a Finding and Notice of Violation to AB&I over five violations between 2018 and 2020 of its facility’s operating permit and the National Emission Standards for Iron and Steel Foundries.
In December 2019, EPA inspectors observed smoke coming from an asphalt coating line and exhausting into the foundry building. Inspectors detected no inward draw into the control system, and also detected chemical resin odors. This violation was corrected after investigation into the causes.
Additionally, for nearly one year the facility failed to continuously monitor and record multiple baghouse leak detection events (a baghouse works to remove harmful particulate matter). Detection systems ensure that excess emissions from the baghouses do not go undetected and must include an alarm to alert facility staff. However, the facility installed incorrect monitors that were not capable of meeting their compliance requirements. Two other baghouses operated for at least 16 days without compliant monitors.
Other violations included:
Two separate performance test failures in December 2018 and January 2019, causing excess particulate matter emissions.
Failure to continuously monitor emissions and operating conditions of its metal melting cupola furnace in October 2019, in violation of its operating permit.
Particulate matter contains microscopic droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into the lungs and some may even get into the bloodstream. These particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States.
Please visit the EPA’s Iron and Steel Foundries Emissions Standards website for more information.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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“Excess and untested air emissions from facilities like this have caused harm to our East Bay communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA will continue to pursue and fine facilities that do not comply with federal clean air laws.”
In April 2022, EPA issued a Finding and Notice of Violation to AB&I over five violations between 2018 and 2020 of its facility’s operating permit and the National Emission Standards for Iron and Steel Foundries.
In December 2019, EPA inspectors observed smoke coming from an asphalt coating line and exhausting into the foundry building. Inspectors detected no inward draw into the control system, and also detected chemical resin odors. This violation was corrected after investigation into the causes.
Additionally, for nearly one year the facility failed to continuously monitor and record multiple baghouse leak detection events (a baghouse works to remove harmful particulate matter). Detection systems ensure that excess emissions from the baghouses do not go undetected and must include an alarm to alert facility staff. However, the facility installed incorrect monitors that were not capable of meeting their compliance requirements. Two other baghouses operated for at least 16 days without compliant monitors.
Other violations included:
Two separate performance test failures in December 2018 and January 2019, causing excess particulate matter emissions.
Failure to continuously monitor emissions and operating conditions of its metal melting cupola furnace in October 2019, in violation of its operating permit.
Particulate matter contains microscopic droplets that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into the lungs and some may even get into the bloodstream. These particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States.
Please visit the EPA’s Iron and Steel Foundries Emissions Standards website for more information.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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EPA Announces New Draft Framework to Advance Consideration of Cumulative Impacts on Communities
WASHINGTON — Today, November 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts, providing agency programs and regional offices with tools and principles to consider cumulative impacts in their work. This work is based on the best available science on how pollution and other burdens interact to affect individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being. Cumulative impacts are defined scientifically by the totality of exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors and their effects on health and quality of life outcomes. This may include several factors such as culture, subsistence practices, socioeconomics, and other social determinants of health.
The draft is now available for public comment to ensure meaningful engagement, including Tribal consultation, to help EPA develop and implement approaches to incorporate cumulative impacts in delivering public health and environmental protections for communities and Tribes. EPA is advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, including through the Justice40 Initiative, and historic investments in communities overburdened by pollution and marginalized by under investment. The Framework is the latest step in a larger effort to integrate cumulative impacts research and work across the agency, and to advance its goals of meaningful engagement and Tribal consultation.
“Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges. The Biden-Harris Administration and our office have made it a priority to ensure that the needs of the most overburdened and underserved communities in our nation are not overlooked,” said Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. “This framework is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our staff and sets a clear path for our agency to engage meaningfully with local communities and seek input from Tribes on cumulative impacts as we continue working to understand and address the cumulative impacts communities can face.”
“Over the past two years, the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council has engaged with EPA on the important issue of cumulative impacts because the issue is so central to addressing the environmental plight of overburdened communities,” said Jerome Shabazz, Overbrook Environmental Education Center. “I am excited that EPA is releasing this framework and eager to work with EPA to advance the concepts within it.”
“In communities like those I serve in Houston, people face shorter life expectancy and higher rates of diseases because of pollution and environmental inequalities. We owe it to them to take meaningful action to ensure everyone has access to clean air and water,” said Harris County, TX Attorney Christian Menefee. “I support the EPA's new framework, as we lay a foundation to tackle cumulative impacts. I’m excited to keep working with the EPA to make a real difference and improve the health and quality of life for all.”
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts describes principles for EPA to consider cumulative impacts in EPA decisions. These principles include:
Centering cumulative impacts work on improving human health, quality of life, and the environment in all communities.
Ensuring the disproportionate and adverse burden of cumulative impacts are not ignored or overlooked.
Applying a fit-for-purpose approach grounded in science to assessing and addressing cumulative impacts.
Engaging communities, consulting with Tribes, and considering and incorporating their lived experience.
Using the best available data, science, and information to make decisions and take action.
Operationalizing and integrating ways to highlight, consider and address cumulative impacts.
By evaluating and taking cumulative impacts into account, EPA can undertake actions and make decisions that help achieve the following goals:
Communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.
All people are protected from adverse environmental health effects and hazards, including cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens.
No community bears a disproportionate share of adverse environmental and public health impacts.
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts provides examples of EPA actions that incorporate some of the principles listed above and are protective of children who are especially vulnerable. These include water permitting processes that consider Tribal cultural and subsistence use of resources, more robust analysis for the recent air pollution rule on synthetic organic chemicals, which will protect the health of communities near facilities from cancer and other harm, and EPA’s updated residential soil lead guidance.
EPA has released a number of key tools to support this work, including Cumulative Impacts Research (pdf), a report issued by the Office of Research and Development with recommendations to enhance cumulative impacts research. Additionally, EPA programs and regions provide technical assistance and funding for cumulative impacts assessments to address long-standing environmental issues in rural and urban locations, including examples resulting in eight place-based demonstration efforts across the country. Learn more about cumulative impacts at EPA.
The release of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts furthers the agency’s efforts to take a comprehensive scientific view of cumulative impacts as outlined in the agency’s FY2022-FY2026 Strategic Plan. In addition, it advances the goals of Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, to ensure that all communities will be able to have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.
EPA welcomes public feedback on the draft Framework by February 19, 2025, through the Federal Register notice, and the link that will be available at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0360 on Regulations.gov.
Read the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts.
The draft is now available for public comment to ensure meaningful engagement, including Tribal consultation, to help EPA develop and implement approaches to incorporate cumulative impacts in delivering public health and environmental protections for communities and Tribes. EPA is advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, including through the Justice40 Initiative, and historic investments in communities overburdened by pollution and marginalized by under investment. The Framework is the latest step in a larger effort to integrate cumulative impacts research and work across the agency, and to advance its goals of meaningful engagement and Tribal consultation.
“Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges. The Biden-Harris Administration and our office have made it a priority to ensure that the needs of the most overburdened and underserved communities in our nation are not overlooked,” said Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. “This framework is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our staff and sets a clear path for our agency to engage meaningfully with local communities and seek input from Tribes on cumulative impacts as we continue working to understand and address the cumulative impacts communities can face.”
“Over the past two years, the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council has engaged with EPA on the important issue of cumulative impacts because the issue is so central to addressing the environmental plight of overburdened communities,” said Jerome Shabazz, Overbrook Environmental Education Center. “I am excited that EPA is releasing this framework and eager to work with EPA to advance the concepts within it.”
“In communities like those I serve in Houston, people face shorter life expectancy and higher rates of diseases because of pollution and environmental inequalities. We owe it to them to take meaningful action to ensure everyone has access to clean air and water,” said Harris County, TX Attorney Christian Menefee. “I support the EPA's new framework, as we lay a foundation to tackle cumulative impacts. I’m excited to keep working with the EPA to make a real difference and improve the health and quality of life for all.”
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts describes principles for EPA to consider cumulative impacts in EPA decisions. These principles include:
Centering cumulative impacts work on improving human health, quality of life, and the environment in all communities.
Ensuring the disproportionate and adverse burden of cumulative impacts are not ignored or overlooked.
Applying a fit-for-purpose approach grounded in science to assessing and addressing cumulative impacts.
Engaging communities, consulting with Tribes, and considering and incorporating their lived experience.
Using the best available data, science, and information to make decisions and take action.
Operationalizing and integrating ways to highlight, consider and address cumulative impacts.
By evaluating and taking cumulative impacts into account, EPA can undertake actions and make decisions that help achieve the following goals:
Communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.
All people are protected from adverse environmental health effects and hazards, including cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens.
No community bears a disproportionate share of adverse environmental and public health impacts.
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts provides examples of EPA actions that incorporate some of the principles listed above and are protective of children who are especially vulnerable. These include water permitting processes that consider Tribal cultural and subsistence use of resources, more robust analysis for the recent air pollution rule on synthetic organic chemicals, which will protect the health of communities near facilities from cancer and other harm, and EPA’s updated residential soil lead guidance.
EPA has released a number of key tools to support this work, including Cumulative Impacts Research (pdf), a report issued by the Office of Research and Development with recommendations to enhance cumulative impacts research. Additionally, EPA programs and regions provide technical assistance and funding for cumulative impacts assessments to address long-standing environmental issues in rural and urban locations, including examples resulting in eight place-based demonstration efforts across the country. Learn more about cumulative impacts at EPA.
The release of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts furthers the agency’s efforts to take a comprehensive scientific view of cumulative impacts as outlined in the agency’s FY2022-FY2026 Strategic Plan. In addition, it advances the goals of Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, to ensure that all communities will be able to have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.
EPA welcomes public feedback on the draft Framework by February 19, 2025, through the Federal Register notice, and the link that will be available at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0360 on Regulations.gov.
Read the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution
WASHINGTON - Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released the “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution,” outlining opportunities for action to protect communities from the impacts of plastic production and waste and detailing how government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and communities can take additional action to prevent plastic pollution. This strategy also aligns with the United States’ commitment to negotiating an ambitious international agreement with the aim of protecting public health and the environment by reducing plastic pollution around the world. The strategy is the third pillar of EPA’s “Building a Circular Economy for All” effort, following national strategies on recycling and reducing food loss and waste.
“EPA’s new strategy to prevent plastic pollution will have a profound impact on public health and our environment, especially in overburdened communities hit hardest,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From reducing cancer-causing pollution from plastic manufacturing facilities, to increasing industry’s accountability to take back recycled plastic packaging, to capturing waste before it ends up in our bodies and the environment, this strategy lays out the path forward for EPA and our partners to tackle this persistent challenge.”
“As a city that has been leading the way on reducing plastic pollution, we are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to eliminate plastic waste,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “We are proud of our plastic bag ban that unanimously passed in 2022. So many of these bags were used just once, rarely recycled properly, littered our streets, sidewalks and rivers and negatively impacted the health of our residents. We look forward to continuing to find new and innovative strategies to ensure that Pittsburgh is clean and pollution-free for generations to come.”
“Plastics have many uses but also create a huge impact on our environment,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray. “’The National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution’ presents an excellent road map to prevent these types of pollution by creating circular economies, returning these materials to supply chains for recycling and reuse. We recognize and appreciate the leadership by EPA in developing and finalizing this strategy, considering comments and feedback from thousands of stakeholders. It will have big benefits to our environment as we move forward to implementation.”
Example actions from the strategy include:
Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic products and increasing the U.S. capacity to reuse and refill products, including in the federal government.
Measuring the environmental and human health impacts throughout the lifecycle of single-use products.
Enhancing public policies and incentives to decrease plastic pollution, including working with others to create a national extended producer responsibility framework.
These actions are in addition to steps that are already underway to reduce plastic waste:
EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program will strengthen its emphasis on preventing trash from entering the environment, removing trash in and around waterways, and disseminating research findings.
EPA set enforceable wastewater standards for industry and has developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. In 2024, EPA finalized new requirements for facilities to develop and submit response plans for worst-case discharges of hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act, including many chemicals used in plastic manufacturing.
EPA finalized rules in 2024 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants including ethylene oxide and chloroprene, which will result in significant reductions in harmful air pollution in local communities near plastic production facilities, including communities with environmental justice concerns.
EPA’s Risk Management Program rule sets requirements to protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates, including certain plastic manufacturing facilities. In the spring of 2024, EPA finalized the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule.
EPA’s Environmental Justice Grants and Technical Assistance Program offers a variety of funding opportunities for projects that focus on plastic pollution reduction.
In addition, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided EPA with funding to support implementing this strategy through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling and Recycling Education and Outreach grant programs. This includes funding for improvements to reuse and recycling infrastructure, for education and outreach, and for waste reduction plans.
EPA launched a new platform containing the initial actions EPA is taking to implement our series of strategies on “Building a Circular Economy for All.”
EPA is issuing this national strategy as the international community gathers in Busan, South Korea, for the final meeting of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The strategy will help inform the international community of the wide range of actions available and already taken in the United States.
In the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020, Congress charged EPA with developing a strategy to reduce plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans. EPA published the draft strategy in April of 2023 and received nearly 92,000 comments during the public comment period. Today’s updated strategy incorporates that feedback and affirms EPA’s commitment to eliminating the release of plastic waste into the environment by 2040. The opportunities for action in this strategy are designed to combat climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with the lifecycle of plastic products and to reduce public health impacts to communities overburdened by pollution.
EPA, with input from industry and trade organizations, national and community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribes, and private individuals, identified objectives and actions to address environmental and human health concerns by eliminating U.S. release of plastic into the environment and reducing exposure to plastic pollution.
The “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” follows the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” and builds on EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” by identifying actions needed to reduce and recover plastic and other materials, as well as prevent plastic pollution from harming human health and the environment. These actions support a circular economy approach to the management of plastic products—an approach that is regenerative by design, ensuring resources retain value for as long as possible. It aligns with the White House’s 2024 Report: Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities, which presents a plan for federal action.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development projects that, without interventions, global plastic use and waste will almost triple by 2060. Because most plastic products are not reused or recycled, many will end up incinerated, disposed of in landfills, or “leaked” into the environment, negatively impacting human health and ecosystems. Plastic products also contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, and there are significant human health concerns associated with plastic pollution across the lifecycle of plastic products. These concerns impact many fence line communities, disproportionally low-income and communities of color, near plastic, chemical and petrochemical processing facilities.
Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in many parts of the body. Studies show micro- and nanoplastics negatively impact fertility and reproductive health; potentially put people at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, or death; and that some micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, some studies raise concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects from chemicals that leach out of plastic products, and whether some plastic polymers cross the blood-brain barrier. There are growing concerns associated with potential threats to children’s health from micro- and nanoplastics. Microplastics have been found in human placentas after birth, even following a plastic-free birthing protocol. Researchers have also found microplastics in human breastmilk.
Learn more about:
Reducing plastic waste
Specific EPA data on plastics
The Circular Economy
EPA’s Trash Free Waters program
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiatives
“EPA’s new strategy to prevent plastic pollution will have a profound impact on public health and our environment, especially in overburdened communities hit hardest,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From reducing cancer-causing pollution from plastic manufacturing facilities, to increasing industry’s accountability to take back recycled plastic packaging, to capturing waste before it ends up in our bodies and the environment, this strategy lays out the path forward for EPA and our partners to tackle this persistent challenge.”
“As a city that has been leading the way on reducing plastic pollution, we are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to eliminate plastic waste,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “We are proud of our plastic bag ban that unanimously passed in 2022. So many of these bags were used just once, rarely recycled properly, littered our streets, sidewalks and rivers and negatively impacted the health of our residents. We look forward to continuing to find new and innovative strategies to ensure that Pittsburgh is clean and pollution-free for generations to come.”
“Plastics have many uses but also create a huge impact on our environment,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray. “’The National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution’ presents an excellent road map to prevent these types of pollution by creating circular economies, returning these materials to supply chains for recycling and reuse. We recognize and appreciate the leadership by EPA in developing and finalizing this strategy, considering comments and feedback from thousands of stakeholders. It will have big benefits to our environment as we move forward to implementation.”
Example actions from the strategy include:
Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic products and increasing the U.S. capacity to reuse and refill products, including in the federal government.
Measuring the environmental and human health impacts throughout the lifecycle of single-use products.
Enhancing public policies and incentives to decrease plastic pollution, including working with others to create a national extended producer responsibility framework.
These actions are in addition to steps that are already underway to reduce plastic waste:
EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program will strengthen its emphasis on preventing trash from entering the environment, removing trash in and around waterways, and disseminating research findings.
EPA set enforceable wastewater standards for industry and has developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. In 2024, EPA finalized new requirements for facilities to develop and submit response plans for worst-case discharges of hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act, including many chemicals used in plastic manufacturing.
EPA finalized rules in 2024 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants including ethylene oxide and chloroprene, which will result in significant reductions in harmful air pollution in local communities near plastic production facilities, including communities with environmental justice concerns.
EPA’s Risk Management Program rule sets requirements to protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates, including certain plastic manufacturing facilities. In the spring of 2024, EPA finalized the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule.
EPA’s Environmental Justice Grants and Technical Assistance Program offers a variety of funding opportunities for projects that focus on plastic pollution reduction.
In addition, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided EPA with funding to support implementing this strategy through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling and Recycling Education and Outreach grant programs. This includes funding for improvements to reuse and recycling infrastructure, for education and outreach, and for waste reduction plans.
EPA launched a new platform containing the initial actions EPA is taking to implement our series of strategies on “Building a Circular Economy for All.”
EPA is issuing this national strategy as the international community gathers in Busan, South Korea, for the final meeting of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The strategy will help inform the international community of the wide range of actions available and already taken in the United States.
In the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020, Congress charged EPA with developing a strategy to reduce plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans. EPA published the draft strategy in April of 2023 and received nearly 92,000 comments during the public comment period. Today’s updated strategy incorporates that feedback and affirms EPA’s commitment to eliminating the release of plastic waste into the environment by 2040. The opportunities for action in this strategy are designed to combat climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with the lifecycle of plastic products and to reduce public health impacts to communities overburdened by pollution.
EPA, with input from industry and trade organizations, national and community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribes, and private individuals, identified objectives and actions to address environmental and human health concerns by eliminating U.S. release of plastic into the environment and reducing exposure to plastic pollution.
The “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” follows the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” and builds on EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” by identifying actions needed to reduce and recover plastic and other materials, as well as prevent plastic pollution from harming human health and the environment. These actions support a circular economy approach to the management of plastic products—an approach that is regenerative by design, ensuring resources retain value for as long as possible. It aligns with the White House’s 2024 Report: Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities, which presents a plan for federal action.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development projects that, without interventions, global plastic use and waste will almost triple by 2060. Because most plastic products are not reused or recycled, many will end up incinerated, disposed of in landfills, or “leaked” into the environment, negatively impacting human health and ecosystems. Plastic products also contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, and there are significant human health concerns associated with plastic pollution across the lifecycle of plastic products. These concerns impact many fence line communities, disproportionally low-income and communities of color, near plastic, chemical and petrochemical processing facilities.
Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in many parts of the body. Studies show micro- and nanoplastics negatively impact fertility and reproductive health; potentially put people at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, or death; and that some micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, some studies raise concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects from chemicals that leach out of plastic products, and whether some plastic polymers cross the blood-brain barrier. There are growing concerns associated with potential threats to children’s health from micro- and nanoplastics. Microplastics have been found in human placentas after birth, even following a plastic-free birthing protocol. Researchers have also found microplastics in human breastmilk.
Learn more about:
Reducing plastic waste
Specific EPA data on plastics
The Circular Economy
EPA’s Trash Free Waters program
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiatives