USDA Launches New Online Civil Rights Tool for USDA Customers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new online portal to manage civil rights discrimination complaints more efficiently and transparently. The USDA Civil Rights Management System (CRMS) Program Discrimination Complaint electronic submission portal will streamline the filing of complaints by USDA customers who believe they have experienced discrimination when they apply for USDA services or participate in USDA programs or USDA-funded programs.
Lack of consolidation driving freight visibility differentiation, competition
A dearth of consolidation means there are still plenty of visibility vendors for shippers to choose from, but it also means the market as a whole is on somewhat unsteady ground.
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.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Louisiana Selectees to Receive Over $1 Million 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 Louisiana State University and Delgado Community College have been selected to collectively receive $1,049,700 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.”
Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Agricultural Center will receive $350,000 to work with food and agricultural processors in rural Louisiana communities (e.g., sugar mills, seafood production). These businesses will aim to create a more sustainable manufacturing footprint with limited resources. LSU will focus on chemical reduction and bio-based substitutions as well as conduct field days to educate company staff on best practices.
Delgado Community College will receive $699,700 to develop pollution prevention practices and will partner with Louisiana Tech, Dillard University, Xavier University and the Love Your City Initiative to provide support to communities with environmental justice concerns in Louisiana. The project will provide training and technical assistance to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in food and beverage, chemical, and metal manufacturing businesses identified using publicly available tools.
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.”
Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Agricultural Center will receive $350,000 to work with food and agricultural processors in rural Louisiana communities (e.g., sugar mills, seafood production). These businesses will aim to create a more sustainable manufacturing footprint with limited resources. LSU will focus on chemical reduction and bio-based substitutions as well as conduct field days to educate company staff on best practices.
Delgado Community College will receive $699,700 to develop pollution prevention practices and will partner with Louisiana Tech, Dillard University, Xavier University and the Love Your City Initiative to provide support to communities with environmental justice concerns in Louisiana. The project will provide training and technical assistance to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in food and beverage, chemical, and metal manufacturing businesses identified using publicly available tools.
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.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $20 Million in New Mexico Through Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $20,910,000 for the state of New Mexico 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
EPA Amends 2023 Red Hill Order with the Navy, Defense Logistics Agency to Improve Community Engagement
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Navy, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) have finalized amendments to the 2023 Red Hill Administrative Consent Order (ACO) that implement steps to improve public outreach during closure and cleanup of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, as well as continued efforts to safeguard drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
“Transparency and direct communication with communities is paramount to our collective work to serve the public,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These amendments ensure that the Navy and DLA are working to engage the public on the difficult environmental challenges at Red Hill.”
“We remain committed to productive and transparent engagements with the community as we work together toward the permanent closure of Red Hill,” said Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment and Mission Readiness. “The Navy, in close coordination with DLA, will continue to keep the community informed as we proceed with our work to protect human health and the environment on Oahu.”
The amendments will provide for improved community engagement. The 2023 ACO established twice-quarterly meetings among Navy, DLA and the elected members of the Community Representation Initiative (CRI) but did not include structure or guidance to support productive community engagement, which resulted in ineffective and unfocused meetings.
EPA offered mediation to all groups participating in the monthly meetings in order to establish ground rules to have more productive meetings. After the Community Representation Initiative elected members declined to participate in mediation, EPA moved forward with renegotiating the Consent Order and ground rules directly with the Navy and DLA in order to re-establish these engagements. In the interim, EPA has continued to participate in all monthly CRI meetings.
As part of the amended Order, an EPA-provided facilitator must run the meetings, and the agenda must be limited to topics covered by the ACO. Under these conditions, Navy and DLA will participate in the meetings on a quarterly basis to provide answers to the public related to work under the 2023 Consent Order.
All members will provide input for quarterly meeting agendas. If the CRI participants do not follow the ground rules, the Navy and DLA shall not be required to attend the quarterly CRI meeting or perform their roles or responsibilities under the ground rules.
Under the amended Order the Navy and DLA will also:
Submit an annual Community Engagement Plan to EPA by January 15 each year for review and approval.
Post information submitted to EPA under the 2023 Consent Order on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Safe Waters Website within fourteen days of providing the redacted document to EPA.
Include on the Safe Waters website an email address and phone number where the public may provide comments or questions to the Navy and DLA for consideration; on the first week of each month, the Navy and DLA will publish responses to frequently asked public comments or questions on the Safe Waters Website.
Publish sampling data in an electronic form approved by EPA no later than thirty (30) days after Navy receives validated results generated pursuant to this 2023 Consent Order and this Statement of Work.
Read the amended 2023 Consent Order and Statement of Work on EPA’s website.
Read about EPA’s work at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawai‘i.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
###
“Transparency and direct communication with communities is paramount to our collective work to serve the public,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These amendments ensure that the Navy and DLA are working to engage the public on the difficult environmental challenges at Red Hill.”
“We remain committed to productive and transparent engagements with the community as we work together toward the permanent closure of Red Hill,” said Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment and Mission Readiness. “The Navy, in close coordination with DLA, will continue to keep the community informed as we proceed with our work to protect human health and the environment on Oahu.”
The amendments will provide for improved community engagement. The 2023 ACO established twice-quarterly meetings among Navy, DLA and the elected members of the Community Representation Initiative (CRI) but did not include structure or guidance to support productive community engagement, which resulted in ineffective and unfocused meetings.
EPA offered mediation to all groups participating in the monthly meetings in order to establish ground rules to have more productive meetings. After the Community Representation Initiative elected members declined to participate in mediation, EPA moved forward with renegotiating the Consent Order and ground rules directly with the Navy and DLA in order to re-establish these engagements. In the interim, EPA has continued to participate in all monthly CRI meetings.
As part of the amended Order, an EPA-provided facilitator must run the meetings, and the agenda must be limited to topics covered by the ACO. Under these conditions, Navy and DLA will participate in the meetings on a quarterly basis to provide answers to the public related to work under the 2023 Consent Order.
All members will provide input for quarterly meeting agendas. If the CRI participants do not follow the ground rules, the Navy and DLA shall not be required to attend the quarterly CRI meeting or perform their roles or responsibilities under the ground rules.
Under the amended Order the Navy and DLA will also:
Submit an annual Community Engagement Plan to EPA by January 15 each year for review and approval.
Post information submitted to EPA under the 2023 Consent Order on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Safe Waters Website within fourteen days of providing the redacted document to EPA.
Include on the Safe Waters website an email address and phone number where the public may provide comments or questions to the Navy and DLA for consideration; on the first week of each month, the Navy and DLA will publish responses to frequently asked public comments or questions on the Safe Waters Website.
Publish sampling data in an electronic form approved by EPA no later than thirty (30) days after Navy receives validated results generated pursuant to this 2023 Consent Order and this Statement of Work.
Read the amended 2023 Consent Order and Statement of Work on EPA’s website.
Read about EPA’s work at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawai‘i.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
###
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.