EPA Announces more than $6.3 Million in Rebates for Clean School Buses in Orangeburg, South Carolina
ORANGEBURG, SC (Nov 1, 2022) – Today at an event in Orangeburg, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Orangeburg County School District (OSCD) will receive $6,320,000 in funding for Clean School Bus Program rebates. The funds will allow the district to purchase 16 electric school buses, accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, and producing cleaner air for children and communities. Seventy five percent of the District’s 12,000 children travel by bus during the school year.
EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman joined Congressman James Clyburn, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman and Orangeburg officials in recognizing the award. Statewide, South Carolina will receive nearly $59 million for clean school bus rebates which will help 16 school districts in South Carolina purchase over 148 clean school buses. This funding is the third highest of any state in the country.
EPA's investment in zero-emission school buses highlights how districts will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.
“The infrastructure bill is delivering critical resources for the communities I represent, which has always been my top priority,” said Congressman Clyburn. “This initial investment of $58 million for South Carolina, including $25.3 million for the Sixth District, will have a lasting impact on rural communities by providing students with reliable and climate-friendly transportation. South Carolina received the third greatest allocation of all the states in this round of awards, and there will be additional funding to come over the next four years of this program to assist even more communities across the state.”
“With this historic investment, schools in Orangeburg and across the southeast will be able to reduce pollution and provide our children with cleaner safer air,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “This is especially critical for children in historically disadvantaged communities who deserve healthy air.”
“We are grateful for the award and what it means for students and residents in our state,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “South Carolina can now tout having a modern state fleet, with plans to have one of the largest fleets of electric school buses in the country. We look forward to the cost savings and many ways this will benefit our state, and we take pride in knowing that the next generation of school bus mechanics, bus drivers, STEM leaders and inventors will be riding on electric school buses very soon.
“The significant investment that the EPA is making in South Carolina, but especially in Orangeburg County School District, is a gift that our students and families will benefit from for years to come," said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, OCSD Superintendent. “Some of the current buses in our fleet are nearly 15 years old, and the addition of these buses will greatly improve our student's travel to and from school in a clean, safe, and, most importantly, healthy environment,” Foster continued.
EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the selected projects. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.
Those school districts that received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, including an ambitious grant competition. Through future funding rounds, EPA will make another $1 billion available for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with new clean school buses while freeing up needed school resources.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.
EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman joined Congressman James Clyburn, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman and Orangeburg officials in recognizing the award. Statewide, South Carolina will receive nearly $59 million for clean school bus rebates which will help 16 school districts in South Carolina purchase over 148 clean school buses. This funding is the third highest of any state in the country.
EPA's investment in zero-emission school buses highlights how districts will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.
“The infrastructure bill is delivering critical resources for the communities I represent, which has always been my top priority,” said Congressman Clyburn. “This initial investment of $58 million for South Carolina, including $25.3 million for the Sixth District, will have a lasting impact on rural communities by providing students with reliable and climate-friendly transportation. South Carolina received the third greatest allocation of all the states in this round of awards, and there will be additional funding to come over the next four years of this program to assist even more communities across the state.”
“With this historic investment, schools in Orangeburg and across the southeast will be able to reduce pollution and provide our children with cleaner safer air,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “This is especially critical for children in historically disadvantaged communities who deserve healthy air.”
“We are grateful for the award and what it means for students and residents in our state,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “South Carolina can now tout having a modern state fleet, with plans to have one of the largest fleets of electric school buses in the country. We look forward to the cost savings and many ways this will benefit our state, and we take pride in knowing that the next generation of school bus mechanics, bus drivers, STEM leaders and inventors will be riding on electric school buses very soon.
“The significant investment that the EPA is making in South Carolina, but especially in Orangeburg County School District, is a gift that our students and families will benefit from for years to come," said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, OCSD Superintendent. “Some of the current buses in our fleet are nearly 15 years old, and the addition of these buses will greatly improve our student's travel to and from school in a clean, safe, and, most importantly, healthy environment,” Foster continued.
EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the selected projects. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.
Those school districts that received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, including an ambitious grant competition. Through future funding rounds, EPA will make another $1 billion available for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with new clean school buses while freeing up needed school resources.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.
EPA, MDE Lead Tour of Hagerstown Superfund Site
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 1, 2022) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), joined by U.S. Congressman David Trone, led stakeholders, contractors, responsible parties and others on a tour today of ongoing cleanup work at the Central Chemical Superfund Site, located along Mitchell Avenue in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Central Chemical is contaminated with remnants from agricultural pesticides and fertilizers that were blended at a plant located at the site from the 1930s until 1965. All operations at the plant stopped in 1984, and the buildings were eventually demolished, but contaminants remained in the groundwater. EPA added it to the Superfund National Priorities List in September 1997.
“Central Chemical is a great example of the private sector stepping up and taking responsibility for cleaning up a contaminated site,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “MDE has been an outstanding partner with EPA, overseeing the cleanup so that this site can eventually be reused and redeveloped for the benefit of the Hagerstown community and local economy.”
“After years of work to correct decades of damage, a new future for the Hagerstown superfund site is within reach. But now is not the time to let up and I applaud the EPA for continuing to work with all parties to ensure the clean-up is successfully completed,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“It was great to tour the Central Chemical Superfund Site in Hagerstown to review their environmental cleanup efforts,” said Congressman David Trone. “In Congress, I’m proud to be an advocate for bold action on climate, including the cleanup of sites like this one. When we work together at all levels of the government, we can solve some of the biggest problems impacting our community.”
The tour included observation of the groundwater treatment plant, which is capturing contaminated groundwater around the former lagoon to reduce contamination before discharging treated water to the City’s storm sewer system. There was also a demonstration of how waste in the former lagoon is being treated using a process called in-situ Solidification/Stabilization (ISS). ISS entails turning the lagoon waste into a solid block. Afterwards, the lagoon area will be covered with a cap to prevent water from contacting the treated waste. The ISS work is expected to be completed by the end of December 2022.
The EPA website provides more details on the history and ongoing work at the Central Chemical (Hagerstown) Superfund Site .
Central Chemical is contaminated with remnants from agricultural pesticides and fertilizers that were blended at a plant located at the site from the 1930s until 1965. All operations at the plant stopped in 1984, and the buildings were eventually demolished, but contaminants remained in the groundwater. EPA added it to the Superfund National Priorities List in September 1997.
“Central Chemical is a great example of the private sector stepping up and taking responsibility for cleaning up a contaminated site,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “MDE has been an outstanding partner with EPA, overseeing the cleanup so that this site can eventually be reused and redeveloped for the benefit of the Hagerstown community and local economy.”
“After years of work to correct decades of damage, a new future for the Hagerstown superfund site is within reach. But now is not the time to let up and I applaud the EPA for continuing to work with all parties to ensure the clean-up is successfully completed,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“It was great to tour the Central Chemical Superfund Site in Hagerstown to review their environmental cleanup efforts,” said Congressman David Trone. “In Congress, I’m proud to be an advocate for bold action on climate, including the cleanup of sites like this one. When we work together at all levels of the government, we can solve some of the biggest problems impacting our community.”
The tour included observation of the groundwater treatment plant, which is capturing contaminated groundwater around the former lagoon to reduce contamination before discharging treated water to the City’s storm sewer system. There was also a demonstration of how waste in the former lagoon is being treated using a process called in-situ Solidification/Stabilization (ISS). ISS entails turning the lagoon waste into a solid block. Afterwards, the lagoon area will be covered with a cap to prevent water from contacting the treated waste. The ISS work is expected to be completed by the end of December 2022.
The EPA website provides more details on the history and ongoing work at the Central Chemical (Hagerstown) Superfund Site .
ICYMI: EPA Administrator Regan, Congressman Pat Ryan visit Ulster County, New York, Highlight Expedited Removal of Asbestos Contamination Under the Superfund Program
NEW YORK – In case you missed it, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-19), traveled to Ulster County, New York on Friday to see firsthand the expedited removal of asbestos contamination under EPA’s Superfund program, as well as highlight the economic benefits being delivered thanks to the public-private partnership between federal, state, and local officials.
The deterioration of the site and its existing buildings were the result of improper demolition of buildings and mishandling of material that contains asbestos. The site - which once housed the area’s largest employer, IBM - has been an economic liability for over two decades because of asbestos contamination. Piles of asbestos sat on the site for six years, hampering redevelopment and risked contaminating the community because the former owner and other responsible parties refused to accept responsibility.
“Thanks to a dynamic public-private partnership, after years of sitting idle due to contamination, the former TechCity site is being reimagined as a burgeoning economic hub,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through EPA’s Superfund Program, we are making progress quickly to turn blight into might, protect people’s health, and safeguard the environment. This is a shining example of what can happen when federal, state, and local officials and business leaders come together in common pursuit. After touring the new iPark87 site, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for Ulster County. Thanks to President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will turn even more communities impacted by legacy pollution into thriving economic assets.”
EPA issued a Unilateral Order directing six responsible parties, including the two companies that owned/operated TechCity Site and Alan Ginsberg, their principal, to address the threats posed by the asbestos. The parties violated the Order, and EPA filed a superfund lien to secure its costs. Leaving the asbestos debris in its present state was a threat to the community and was unacceptable. EPA changed the dynamic and worked with our local and state partners to help transform the site for the sake of this community.
More than 7,000 tons of asbestos contaminated debris were transported for landfilling more than a month ahead of schedule, thereby ensuring that the ongoing threat of exposure to asbestos by the public has been eliminated. The associated Superfund removal action was partly funded by taxpayers, but EPA will recover 100% of those funds as well as its costs of overseeing the current work.
“As we all feel the strain of rising costs, iPark87 is an example of both the present and future of economic development in the Hudson Valley,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “After decades in disrepair and asbestos contamination, I am proud to say that this site is finally open for business, with hundreds of jobs soon to follow. I want to thank EPA Administrator Regan, our local elected officials, and National Resources CEO Joe Cotter for all their hard work on this project, which I have helped champion since my time as County Executive. Between the investment at IBM in Poughkeepsie, the groundbreaking yesterday at the Cresco facility in Ellenville, and this announcement today, we are making a statement that the Hudson Valley will be at the forefront of economic development in New York State for decades to come.”
“This is an exciting moment for the entire community, and I want to thank Congressman Ryan for his leadership in driving this project forward, as well as the EPA for their efforts which got us here today,” said Joe Cotter, President and CEO, National Resources. “Congressman Ryan brought everyone to the table after decades of mismanagement, and now we are primed to deliver thousands of good-paying jobs and an economic development hub for years to come. This is a model for public-private partnerships at old industrial sites across the country, and I look forward to working with Congressman Ryan, Acting County Executive Contreras and our other local partners as we continue to grow iPark87.”
“For far too long the former IBM site in the Town of Ulster was a symbol of the past and a constant reminder of better economic times that lay behind us,” said Acting Ulster County Executive Johanna Contreras. “Although there is still work ahead to realize a full transformation of the site, I am grateful to Mr. Cotter, Ms. Ward and the entire National Resources team for their vision and commitment, as evidenced by their achievements so far. Within months of purchasing the properties, National Resources has made good on their commitment to remove the asbestos-laden debris piles left behind by the property’s former owner. They have proposed a master plan for the campus that aligns with our Ulster 2040 economic development strategy, not only by seeking out tenants like Upriver Studios and Zinc8, who represent our priority industries, but also by incorporating housing, transportation and educational partners into their plans. Ulster County will continue to partner with National Resources in every way possible to see this exciting transformation through to its ultimate conclusion – a revitalized campus that once again serves as the heart of Ulster County’s economy.”
Administrator Regan celebrated with key local partners EPA and iPark’s on-going asbestos cleanup and job creation and discussed how the efforts to fund Superfund, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, can support more projects like this in Ulster and around the country.
For details on the cleanup and additional background, visit EPA’s TechCity Response page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, Congressman Pat Ryan, Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and other dignitaries at the revitalized office park site.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan at office park site revitalized under the Superfund program.
BEFORE: Pile of covered asbestos containing material.
AFTER: A last load of asbestos containing material is removed from the site.
The deterioration of the site and its existing buildings were the result of improper demolition of buildings and mishandling of material that contains asbestos. The site - which once housed the area’s largest employer, IBM - has been an economic liability for over two decades because of asbestos contamination. Piles of asbestos sat on the site for six years, hampering redevelopment and risked contaminating the community because the former owner and other responsible parties refused to accept responsibility.
“Thanks to a dynamic public-private partnership, after years of sitting idle due to contamination, the former TechCity site is being reimagined as a burgeoning economic hub,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through EPA’s Superfund Program, we are making progress quickly to turn blight into might, protect people’s health, and safeguard the environment. This is a shining example of what can happen when federal, state, and local officials and business leaders come together in common pursuit. After touring the new iPark87 site, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for Ulster County. Thanks to President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will turn even more communities impacted by legacy pollution into thriving economic assets.”
EPA issued a Unilateral Order directing six responsible parties, including the two companies that owned/operated TechCity Site and Alan Ginsberg, their principal, to address the threats posed by the asbestos. The parties violated the Order, and EPA filed a superfund lien to secure its costs. Leaving the asbestos debris in its present state was a threat to the community and was unacceptable. EPA changed the dynamic and worked with our local and state partners to help transform the site for the sake of this community.
More than 7,000 tons of asbestos contaminated debris were transported for landfilling more than a month ahead of schedule, thereby ensuring that the ongoing threat of exposure to asbestos by the public has been eliminated. The associated Superfund removal action was partly funded by taxpayers, but EPA will recover 100% of those funds as well as its costs of overseeing the current work.
“As we all feel the strain of rising costs, iPark87 is an example of both the present and future of economic development in the Hudson Valley,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “After decades in disrepair and asbestos contamination, I am proud to say that this site is finally open for business, with hundreds of jobs soon to follow. I want to thank EPA Administrator Regan, our local elected officials, and National Resources CEO Joe Cotter for all their hard work on this project, which I have helped champion since my time as County Executive. Between the investment at IBM in Poughkeepsie, the groundbreaking yesterday at the Cresco facility in Ellenville, and this announcement today, we are making a statement that the Hudson Valley will be at the forefront of economic development in New York State for decades to come.”
“This is an exciting moment for the entire community, and I want to thank Congressman Ryan for his leadership in driving this project forward, as well as the EPA for their efforts which got us here today,” said Joe Cotter, President and CEO, National Resources. “Congressman Ryan brought everyone to the table after decades of mismanagement, and now we are primed to deliver thousands of good-paying jobs and an economic development hub for years to come. This is a model for public-private partnerships at old industrial sites across the country, and I look forward to working with Congressman Ryan, Acting County Executive Contreras and our other local partners as we continue to grow iPark87.”
“For far too long the former IBM site in the Town of Ulster was a symbol of the past and a constant reminder of better economic times that lay behind us,” said Acting Ulster County Executive Johanna Contreras. “Although there is still work ahead to realize a full transformation of the site, I am grateful to Mr. Cotter, Ms. Ward and the entire National Resources team for their vision and commitment, as evidenced by their achievements so far. Within months of purchasing the properties, National Resources has made good on their commitment to remove the asbestos-laden debris piles left behind by the property’s former owner. They have proposed a master plan for the campus that aligns with our Ulster 2040 economic development strategy, not only by seeking out tenants like Upriver Studios and Zinc8, who represent our priority industries, but also by incorporating housing, transportation and educational partners into their plans. Ulster County will continue to partner with National Resources in every way possible to see this exciting transformation through to its ultimate conclusion – a revitalized campus that once again serves as the heart of Ulster County’s economy.”
Administrator Regan celebrated with key local partners EPA and iPark’s on-going asbestos cleanup and job creation and discussed how the efforts to fund Superfund, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, can support more projects like this in Ulster and around the country.
For details on the cleanup and additional background, visit EPA’s TechCity Response page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, Congressman Pat Ryan, Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and other dignitaries at the revitalized office park site.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan at office park site revitalized under the Superfund program.
BEFORE: Pile of covered asbestos containing material.
AFTER: A last load of asbestos containing material is removed from the site.
EPA Announces 2022 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award Winners; New Jersey and New York Winners Highlighted
NEW YORK (November 1, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing 26 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 14 states and the District of Columbia for achievement in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals. In EPA Region 2, our winners are Case Medical, Bloomfield, N.J., Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Ewing, N.J. and Colgate-Palmolive, New York, N.Y. The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers for facilities, such as schools and office buildings, find products containing chemical ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. This year’s awardees represent a wide variety of organizations, including small- and medium-sized businesses, women-owned companies, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and trade associations. This year’s winners have all shown a commitment to preventing pollution by reducing, eliminating, or stopping pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.
“Cleaning and other products made with safer chemicals – like those certified by the Safer Choice program - help protect workers, families, communities, and the planet,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “This year, we’re pleased to recognize a variety of organizations for their support of safer chemistry and sustainability, many of which have worked to advance the central priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration of addressing environmental justice and climate change.”
Applicants for this year’s awards were encouraged to show how their work promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, or improves drinking water quality. Many of the organizations being recognized today addressed climate change, like working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, several winners offer products with concentrated formulas which reduces water consumption and plastic use. This practice also lowers greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of product that must be transported.
Additionally, many awardees increased access to products with safer chemical ingredients in communities with environmental justice concerns. For example, one nonprofit winner conducted targeted outreach in both English and Spanish to promote safer cleaning techniques and products, including Safer Choice-certified products, in food trucks. Many of these businesses are owned and operated by immigrant entrepreneurs. Another winner made its Safer Choice-certified product line more accessible to lower income shoppers by offering affordable prices and making these products available at retailers that often serve low-income communities.
In early 2023, EPA will build on this work by announcing a grant opportunity for projects that can increase supply and demand for safer, environmentally preferable products such as those certified by the Safer Choice program or identified by EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program.
Case Medical, Bloomfield, NJ
Case Medical is recognized as an outstanding Formulator-Product Manufacturer. Case Medical has been a Safer Choice partner since 2011. Case Medical displays the Safer Choice label on its product containers and packaging, marketing materials, catalogs, literature and website. Case Medical highlights Safer Choice throughout its website like on the homepage and a blog post. Case Medical includes Safer Choice messaging in email blasts and regularly published articles. In 2021, Case Medical hosted monthly webinars encouraging the use of Safer Choice-certified products by consumers and in the healthcare industry. These webinars also educated the healthcare community on cleaning best practices, safety and sustainability. Case Medical uses the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) and GreenBlue’s CleanGredients when formulating new products. Case Medical’s Safer Choice-certified product offering includes concentrated formulas which reduce water consumption and plastic use. These products also lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of product that must be transported. This supports EPA’s goal of addressing climate change. Case Medical promotes environmental justice by limiting the environmental impact of their manufacturing facility, which is located in a lower-income residential neighborhood. Case Medical takes responsibility for the safety of their workers and neighbors by using technologies to reduce air and water pollution, filtering and recycling wastewater, creating greenspace adjacent to their facility and reducing energy consumption. Safer Choice commends Case Medical for their promotion of the Safer Choice label and commitment to protecting worker and community health.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Ewing, NJ
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) is recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Formulator-Product Manufacturer. CHD has been a Safer Choice partner since 2015. In 2021, CHD prominently displayed the Safer Choice label on its Safer Choice-certified laundry detergent and in its marketing materials. CHD features Safer Choice messaging on its website, as well as in its social media and national TV and print advertisements. CHD’s marketing campaign leveraged social media channels that reach about 700 million individuals. CHD also expanded its Safer Choice-certified product line in 2021 and made its Safer Choice-certified product line more accessible to lower income shoppers by offering affordable prices and making these products available at retailers that often serve low-income communities. These efforts support EPA’s goal of advancing environmental justice. CHD’s produces its product line using 100% renewable energy, contributing to EPA’s goal of addressing climate change. Safer Choice applauds CHD for its environmental stewardship and efforts to increase consumer awareness of the Safer Choice label.
Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY
Colgate-Palmolive is recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Formulator-Product Manufacturer. Palmolive became a Safer Choice partner in 2021. It’s Safer Choice-certified products were reformulated to use only chemicals listed on the Safer Chemical Ingredient List (SCIL). Colgate-Palmolive promotes the Safer Choice program by placing the Safer Choice label on the front panel of its products. The company also developed a “Shopper Toolkit” in 2021, designed to help communicate Safer Choice messaging both online and in stores. With a vision to make efficacy and sustainability more affordable, Colgate-Palmolive’s Safer Choice-certified products were sold at a lower price point, making them accessible to retailers in markets that serve disadvantaged communities. This supports EPA’s focus on environmental justice. Colgate-Palmolive is also committed to addressing climate change, having reduced plastic waste by 5,200 tons by reducing the size of its bottles and using 100% post-consumer recycled and recyclable plastic bottles. Safer Choice commends Colgate-Palmolive’s dedication to formulating and promoting products with safer chemical ingredients.
A list of the 2022 Partner of the Year award winners can be found below. Learn more about the 2022 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners and summaries of their accomplishments.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
22-087
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“Cleaning and other products made with safer chemicals – like those certified by the Safer Choice program - help protect workers, families, communities, and the planet,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “This year, we’re pleased to recognize a variety of organizations for their support of safer chemistry and sustainability, many of which have worked to advance the central priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration of addressing environmental justice and climate change.”
Applicants for this year’s awards were encouraged to show how their work promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, or improves drinking water quality. Many of the organizations being recognized today addressed climate change, like working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, several winners offer products with concentrated formulas which reduces water consumption and plastic use. This practice also lowers greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of product that must be transported.
Additionally, many awardees increased access to products with safer chemical ingredients in communities with environmental justice concerns. For example, one nonprofit winner conducted targeted outreach in both English and Spanish to promote safer cleaning techniques and products, including Safer Choice-certified products, in food trucks. Many of these businesses are owned and operated by immigrant entrepreneurs. Another winner made its Safer Choice-certified product line more accessible to lower income shoppers by offering affordable prices and making these products available at retailers that often serve low-income communities.
In early 2023, EPA will build on this work by announcing a grant opportunity for projects that can increase supply and demand for safer, environmentally preferable products such as those certified by the Safer Choice program or identified by EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program.
Case Medical, Bloomfield, NJ
Case Medical is recognized as an outstanding Formulator-Product Manufacturer. Case Medical has been a Safer Choice partner since 2011. Case Medical displays the Safer Choice label on its product containers and packaging, marketing materials, catalogs, literature and website. Case Medical highlights Safer Choice throughout its website like on the homepage and a blog post. Case Medical includes Safer Choice messaging in email blasts and regularly published articles. In 2021, Case Medical hosted monthly webinars encouraging the use of Safer Choice-certified products by consumers and in the healthcare industry. These webinars also educated the healthcare community on cleaning best practices, safety and sustainability. Case Medical uses the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) and GreenBlue’s CleanGredients when formulating new products. Case Medical’s Safer Choice-certified product offering includes concentrated formulas which reduce water consumption and plastic use. These products also lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of product that must be transported. This supports EPA’s goal of addressing climate change. Case Medical promotes environmental justice by limiting the environmental impact of their manufacturing facility, which is located in a lower-income residential neighborhood. Case Medical takes responsibility for the safety of their workers and neighbors by using technologies to reduce air and water pollution, filtering and recycling wastewater, creating greenspace adjacent to their facility and reducing energy consumption. Safer Choice commends Case Medical for their promotion of the Safer Choice label and commitment to protecting worker and community health.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Ewing, NJ
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) is recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Formulator-Product Manufacturer. CHD has been a Safer Choice partner since 2015. In 2021, CHD prominently displayed the Safer Choice label on its Safer Choice-certified laundry detergent and in its marketing materials. CHD features Safer Choice messaging on its website, as well as in its social media and national TV and print advertisements. CHD’s marketing campaign leveraged social media channels that reach about 700 million individuals. CHD also expanded its Safer Choice-certified product line in 2021 and made its Safer Choice-certified product line more accessible to lower income shoppers by offering affordable prices and making these products available at retailers that often serve low-income communities. These efforts support EPA’s goal of advancing environmental justice. CHD’s produces its product line using 100% renewable energy, contributing to EPA’s goal of addressing climate change. Safer Choice applauds CHD for its environmental stewardship and efforts to increase consumer awareness of the Safer Choice label.
Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY
Colgate-Palmolive is recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Formulator-Product Manufacturer. Palmolive became a Safer Choice partner in 2021. It’s Safer Choice-certified products were reformulated to use only chemicals listed on the Safer Chemical Ingredient List (SCIL). Colgate-Palmolive promotes the Safer Choice program by placing the Safer Choice label on the front panel of its products. The company also developed a “Shopper Toolkit” in 2021, designed to help communicate Safer Choice messaging both online and in stores. With a vision to make efficacy and sustainability more affordable, Colgate-Palmolive’s Safer Choice-certified products were sold at a lower price point, making them accessible to retailers in markets that serve disadvantaged communities. This supports EPA’s focus on environmental justice. Colgate-Palmolive is also committed to addressing climate change, having reduced plastic waste by 5,200 tons by reducing the size of its bottles and using 100% post-consumer recycled and recyclable plastic bottles. Safer Choice commends Colgate-Palmolive’s dedication to formulating and promoting products with safer chemical ingredients.
A list of the 2022 Partner of the Year award winners can be found below. Learn more about the 2022 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners and summaries of their accomplishments.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $13 Million from EPA's Clean School Bus Program for 13 Maine School Districts
WELLS, MAINE (October 31, 2022) — Flanked by local officials, parents and school children, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England Regional Administrator David Cash announced the Biden-Harris Administration's Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of EPA's Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, including $13,340,000 from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 13 school districts in Maine, including a significant investment for the community of Wells.
The grants in Maine will help school districts purchase 34 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. The community of Wells will receive $4,345,000 to assist purchasing 11 clean, zero-emission school buses.
EPA's investment in zero-emission school buses highlights how they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.
"President Biden's historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating our nation's transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "As many as 25 million children rely on the bus to get to school each day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are making an unprecedented investment in our children's health, especially those in communities overburdened by air pollution. This is just the beginning of our work to build a healthier future, reduce climate pollution, and ensure the clean, breathable air that all our children deserve."
"With the new Clean School Bus program, EPA is delivering significant funding to Maine school districts for clean electric school buses, with a particular focus on reducing air pollution in several areas with a large proportion of historically-disadvantaged communities with priority needs," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "These zero-emission vehicles will help provide cleaner and healthier air for school children, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."
Today's announcement includes funding for buses and infrastructure for the following school districts in Maine:
Bar Harbor, Mt Desert CSD, one school bus, $395,000
Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Blue Hill, Castine Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Calais, Pleasant Point, three school buses, $1,095,000
Baileyville, Waite Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Bingham, RSU 83/MSAD 13, one school bus, $395,000
Searsport, RSU 20, two school buses, $790,000
Baileyville, East Range CSD, one school bus, $395,000
Dayton Public Schools, four school buses, $1,580,000
Waterboro RSU 57/MSAD 57, two school buses, $790,000
Wells-Ogunquit CSD, 11 school buses, $4,345,000
Somerville, RSU 12, two school buses, $790,000
Winthrop Public Schools, four school buses, $1,580,000
"From Baileyville to Wells, these 34 electric buses funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help towns cut costs, reduce emissions, and protect the health of their students," said Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden." This is a significant investment in the future of our state and our students that demonstrates the immediate positive impacts of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law across Maine."
"What a tremendous opportunity this is for our district and communities. Anytime we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, GHG emissions, and pollution into the environment, it's a win for our children and community," said James Daly, Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wells.
In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.
At this time, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.
Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.
The grants in Maine will help school districts purchase 34 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. The community of Wells will receive $4,345,000 to assist purchasing 11 clean, zero-emission school buses.
EPA's investment in zero-emission school buses highlights how they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children's health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.
"President Biden's historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating our nation's transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "As many as 25 million children rely on the bus to get to school each day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are making an unprecedented investment in our children's health, especially those in communities overburdened by air pollution. This is just the beginning of our work to build a healthier future, reduce climate pollution, and ensure the clean, breathable air that all our children deserve."
"With the new Clean School Bus program, EPA is delivering significant funding to Maine school districts for clean electric school buses, with a particular focus on reducing air pollution in several areas with a large proportion of historically-disadvantaged communities with priority needs," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "These zero-emission vehicles will help provide cleaner and healthier air for school children, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."
Today's announcement includes funding for buses and infrastructure for the following school districts in Maine:
Bar Harbor, Mt Desert CSD, one school bus, $395,000
Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Blue Hill, Castine Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Calais, Pleasant Point, three school buses, $1,095,000
Baileyville, Waite Public Schools, one school bus, $395,000
Bingham, RSU 83/MSAD 13, one school bus, $395,000
Searsport, RSU 20, two school buses, $790,000
Baileyville, East Range CSD, one school bus, $395,000
Dayton Public Schools, four school buses, $1,580,000
Waterboro RSU 57/MSAD 57, two school buses, $790,000
Wells-Ogunquit CSD, 11 school buses, $4,345,000
Somerville, RSU 12, two school buses, $790,000
Winthrop Public Schools, four school buses, $1,580,000
"From Baileyville to Wells, these 34 electric buses funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help towns cut costs, reduce emissions, and protect the health of their students," said Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden." This is a significant investment in the future of our state and our students that demonstrates the immediate positive impacts of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law across Maine."
"What a tremendous opportunity this is for our district and communities. Anytime we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, GHG emissions, and pollution into the environment, it's a win for our children and community," said James Daly, Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wells.
In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.
At this time, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.
Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
View the full list of Clean School Bus award recipients here.
EPA and Senator Chuck Schumer Highlight the Transition to Clean School Buses After Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investment for New York City Children
NEW YORK – Tomorrow, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and other state and local leaders will celebrate New York City School District recipients of EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program. With nearly $18,500,000, 51 new electric school buses will shuttle New York City children to and from school.
Who:
Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer
State and local leaders
What:
Celebration of New York City School Districts Clean School Bus Rebate award. Photo opportunity with yellow electric school bus and press conference to follow.
When:
Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 11:15 am.
Media should be set by 11:00 am, with press conference to follow at 11:15 am.
Where:
New York City Hall
City Hall Park
New York, NY 10007
(Map)
Credentialed press who would like to attend should RSVP to Stephen McBay at McBay.Stephen@epa.gov.
Reporters are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the press conference. TV crews and cameras will be responsible for their own technical and sound requirements.
Consistent with CDC guidance, individuals are encouraged to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at this event.
# # #
Who:
Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer
State and local leaders
What:
Celebration of New York City School Districts Clean School Bus Rebate award. Photo opportunity with yellow electric school bus and press conference to follow.
When:
Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 11:15 am.
Media should be set by 11:00 am, with press conference to follow at 11:15 am.
Where:
New York City Hall
City Hall Park
New York, NY 10007
(Map)
Credentialed press who would like to attend should RSVP to Stephen McBay at McBay.Stephen@epa.gov.
Reporters are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the press conference. TV crews and cameras will be responsible for their own technical and sound requirements.
Consistent with CDC guidance, individuals are encouraged to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at this event.
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New Orleans Kicks Off Holiday Season with Counterfeit Seizures
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, working with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Food and Drug Administration, have begun their seasonal operations targeting intellectual property rights (IPR) violations.…
DOT awards $703 million for US port upgrades
The US Department of Transportation will provide record funding for 41 port projects, including infrastructure upgrades and emissions improvements.