CBP Seizes Vehicle Smuggled from Mexico into Puerto Rico
The individual, a US citizen, purchased in Mexico a 2022 Suzuki “Jimny” and obtained Mexican plates driving the vehicle across the Southwest border all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. A US flagged ship transported the vehicle to Puerto Rico.…
CBP Releases August 2022 Monthly Operational Update
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for August 2022, which can be viewed online here.
“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across…
“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across…
QB 22–305 2023 Specialty Sugar Period 1
COMMODITY:
Specialty Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5
QUOTA PERIOD:
October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023
OPENING DATE:
Monday, October 3, 2022 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) for all time zones.
RESTRAINT…
Specialty Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5
QUOTA PERIOD:
October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023
OPENING DATE:
Monday, October 3, 2022 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) for all time zones.
RESTRAINT…
EPA Region 7 Opens Application Period for 2022 Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards Program
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 7 , 2022) – Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 2022 Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Awards Program. The application deadline is Nov. 4, 2022.
P2 is a successful, non-regulatory approach to energy conservation, water conservation, reduction of toxic materials used, and money savings. This award program recognizes demonstrated leadership in innovative P2 practices, and is designed to encourage other entities to consider a P2 approach.
“Pollution prevention benefits the environment and creates healthier communities by decreasing waste and conserving our resources,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “Help us recognize local leadership and waste reduction efforts by nominating a worthy organization today.”
Businesses, industry, tribes, and nonprofits in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska are eligible to apply. 2021 awardees include the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, Kansas Dairy Ingredients, and Doherty Steel Inc. in Kansas.
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary award program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for an award should submit a complete application describing the nominee’s P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, pounds of hazardous chemicals reduced, energy conserved, or gallons of water saved, as well as the replicability of their approach.
For information on how to apply, visit the P2 Awards page.
Background
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly costs associated with waste management, disposal, and cleanup. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities, and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
EPA’s annual P2 Week was held Sept. 19-23, 2022. This annual recognition week celebrates the diverse and creative ways businesses, academic institutes, local governments, and other organizations are working to prevent pollution. In support of the Pollution Prevention Act and P2 Week, EPA congratulates entities for the progress they have made and encourages them to renew P2 efforts to save resources and enhance sustainability through innovation, furthering EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment.
For more information on P2, visit EPA’s website.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
P2 is a successful, non-regulatory approach to energy conservation, water conservation, reduction of toxic materials used, and money savings. This award program recognizes demonstrated leadership in innovative P2 practices, and is designed to encourage other entities to consider a P2 approach.
“Pollution prevention benefits the environment and creates healthier communities by decreasing waste and conserving our resources,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “Help us recognize local leadership and waste reduction efforts by nominating a worthy organization today.”
Businesses, industry, tribes, and nonprofits in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska are eligible to apply. 2021 awardees include the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, Kansas Dairy Ingredients, and Doherty Steel Inc. in Kansas.
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary award program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for an award should submit a complete application describing the nominee’s P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, pounds of hazardous chemicals reduced, energy conserved, or gallons of water saved, as well as the replicability of their approach.
For information on how to apply, visit the P2 Awards page.
Background
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly costs associated with waste management, disposal, and cleanup. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities, and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
EPA’s annual P2 Week was held Sept. 19-23, 2022. This annual recognition week celebrates the diverse and creative ways businesses, academic institutes, local governments, and other organizations are working to prevent pollution. In support of the Pollution Prevention Act and P2 Week, EPA congratulates entities for the progress they have made and encourages them to renew P2 efforts to save resources and enhance sustainability through innovation, furthering EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment.
For more information on P2, visit EPA’s website.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines that Operate on Leaded Fuel
EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines that Operate on Leaded Fuel
Proposed Endangerment Finding, if finalized, is an important step forward to address the largest remaining source of lead pollution to air
WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA reviews information on air pollutants and sources of air pollution to determine whether they threaten human health or welfare. This is referred to as an “endangerment finding” – a first step in using EPA’s authority to address this source of lead pollution.
“When it comes to our children the science is clear, exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions to air in the country. Today’s proposal is an important step forward as we work to reduce lead exposure and protect children’s health.”
While levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99 percent since 1980, aircraft that operate on leaded fuel are the largest remaining source of lead emissions into the air. The majority of aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are piston-engine aircraft. These are typically small aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport do not operate on a fuel containing lead.
This proposed endangerment finding will undergo public notice and comment, and after evaluating comments on the proposal, EPA plans to issue any final endangerment finding in 2023. EPA is not proposing aircraft engine lead emission standards with this action. EPA’s consideration of endangerment is a first step toward application of EPA’s authority to address lead pollution. If the proposed finding is finalized, EPA would subsequently propose regulatory standards for lead emissions from aircraft engines.
Lead exposure can come from multiple sources, including leaded paint, contaminated soil, industrial emissions from battery recycling or metals processing, and the combustion of fuel or waste containing lead. Children’s exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. In adults, health impacts from lead exposure can include cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken major steps toward the safe replacement of leaded aviation gas. Earlier this year, the FAA and aviation and energy industries announced the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, an effort to transition piston-engine aircraft to unleaded fuel. Already, the FAA has approved the safe use of an unleaded fuel that can be used in a large number of piston-engine aircraft, along with other unleaded fuels for specific aircraft.
Learn more about EPA’s proposed endangerment finding here.
Additional information regarding FAA’s initiatives to transition safely away from the use of leaded fuels can be found here.
Proposed Endangerment Finding, if finalized, is an important step forward to address the largest remaining source of lead pollution to air
WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA reviews information on air pollutants and sources of air pollution to determine whether they threaten human health or welfare. This is referred to as an “endangerment finding” – a first step in using EPA’s authority to address this source of lead pollution.
“When it comes to our children the science is clear, exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions to air in the country. Today’s proposal is an important step forward as we work to reduce lead exposure and protect children’s health.”
While levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99 percent since 1980, aircraft that operate on leaded fuel are the largest remaining source of lead emissions into the air. The majority of aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are piston-engine aircraft. These are typically small aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport do not operate on a fuel containing lead.
This proposed endangerment finding will undergo public notice and comment, and after evaluating comments on the proposal, EPA plans to issue any final endangerment finding in 2023. EPA is not proposing aircraft engine lead emission standards with this action. EPA’s consideration of endangerment is a first step toward application of EPA’s authority to address lead pollution. If the proposed finding is finalized, EPA would subsequently propose regulatory standards for lead emissions from aircraft engines.
Lead exposure can come from multiple sources, including leaded paint, contaminated soil, industrial emissions from battery recycling or metals processing, and the combustion of fuel or waste containing lead. Children’s exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. In adults, health impacts from lead exposure can include cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken major steps toward the safe replacement of leaded aviation gas. Earlier this year, the FAA and aviation and energy industries announced the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, an effort to transition piston-engine aircraft to unleaded fuel. Already, the FAA has approved the safe use of an unleaded fuel that can be used in a large number of piston-engine aircraft, along with other unleaded fuels for specific aircraft.
Learn more about EPA’s proposed endangerment finding here.
Additional information regarding FAA’s initiatives to transition safely away from the use of leaded fuels can be found here.
EPA Seeks Nominations for Local Government Advisory Committee
EPA Seeks Nominations for Local Government Advisory Committee
Contact: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov
WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a solicitation for nominations to serve on its Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), which advises EPA on critical environmental issues impacting local governments. The agency is also accepting nominations for LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS).
“EPA works closely with local governments in our work to deliver public health and environmental protections to all communities in the United States, including communities that have been underserved for far too long,” said Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The Local Government Advisory Committee and its subcommittees have provided critical advice to the agency over the past year and I look forward to engaging more with our local partners on the issues most important to them as we advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s bold environmental agenda.”
Members of the LGAC and SCAS will provide advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues, including but not limited to: advancing environmental justice, developing capacity for technical assistance at the local level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience to the impacts of climate change, enhancing the infrastructure needed to provide drinking water and wastewater services, and supporting local governments in the assessment and remediation of PFAS chemicals.
Candidates must be current elected officials representing local, state, tribal, or territorial governments; officials working full-time for a government who have been appointed directly by an elected official will also be considered. EPA expressly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the nominations of individuals from diverse backgrounds, so that the LGAC and SCAS look like America and reflect the country’s rich diversity. Members will be appointed for one or two-year terms.
To be considered for 2023 appointments, nominations should be submitted by October 31, 2022.
Learn more about the nomination process here
Background
Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.
For more information about the LGAC
For more information about the SCAS
Contact: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov
WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a solicitation for nominations to serve on its Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), which advises EPA on critical environmental issues impacting local governments. The agency is also accepting nominations for LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS).
“EPA works closely with local governments in our work to deliver public health and environmental protections to all communities in the United States, including communities that have been underserved for far too long,” said Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The Local Government Advisory Committee and its subcommittees have provided critical advice to the agency over the past year and I look forward to engaging more with our local partners on the issues most important to them as we advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s bold environmental agenda.”
Members of the LGAC and SCAS will provide advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues, including but not limited to: advancing environmental justice, developing capacity for technical assistance at the local level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience to the impacts of climate change, enhancing the infrastructure needed to provide drinking water and wastewater services, and supporting local governments in the assessment and remediation of PFAS chemicals.
Candidates must be current elected officials representing local, state, tribal, or territorial governments; officials working full-time for a government who have been appointed directly by an elected official will also be considered. EPA expressly values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the nominations of individuals from diverse backgrounds, so that the LGAC and SCAS look like America and reflect the country’s rich diversity. Members will be appointed for one or two-year terms.
To be considered for 2023 appointments, nominations should be submitted by October 31, 2022.
Learn more about the nomination process here
Background
Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities.
For more information about the LGAC
For more information about the SCAS
EPA aims to reduce lead exposure with free Lead-Safe Renovation Training for Billings-area contractors on October 17-18
BILLINGS – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is targeting its Enhancing Lead-Safe Work Practices through Education and Outreach (ELSWPEO) initiative to raise awareness about childhood lead exposure and protect communities in Montana. The next opportunity is scheduled for Billings, Montana, on October 17-18 with two free EPA Lead-Safe Certification for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Training Courses offered to renovation contractors.
"EPA is committed to reducing lead exposure using all available programs, resources, and tools with our partners in Montana’s public health agencies and business community," said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. "This EPA training will reduce childhood lead exposure in communities across the Billings area by enhancing local expertise and capacity to deliver lead-safe work practices during renovation and repair work. This means safer homes, schools and buildings where lead-based paint is a concern."
October is Children’s Health Month and the last week of October is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The agency is hosting a variety of events and outreach focused on reducing lead exposure. This includes efforts to increase consumer awareness and demand for lead-safe work practices and the pool of RRP-certified contractors in communities across the United States and its territories.
WHAT:
8-hour Initial Lead-Safe Renovator Certification Trainings for Billings-area contractors
Note: The individual free training sessions will cover the same content, there is no need to sign up for both sessions. Sign-up soon because seats are limited, and this free training certification opportunity normally costs $275.
Register:
Sign up for October 17: (www.bit.ly/BillingsRRPOct17)
Sign up for October 18: (www.bit.ly/BillingsRRPOct18)
WHERE:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 27 N 27th Street, Billings, Montana, 59101
WHEN:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Background
Many homes, apartments and child-care facilities built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. When disturbed, lead-based paint can release toxic lead dust and cause lead exposure, which is particularly harmful to children. While lead is dangerous to all children, lead exposure disproportionately impacts low-income families and their communities, making the free EPA trainings an important step toward achieving environmental justice. EPA conducts inspections and evaluates compliance with the RRP rule requirements to address to identify and address lead exposure risks that occur in communities across the nation.
EPA is also hosting an online, one-hour presentation focused on an overview of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule on October 26. Register here.
More details on the full suite of EPA National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week resources and activities.
More on the National Enhancing Lead-Safe Work Practices through Education and Outreach (ELSWPEO) Initiative.
"EPA is committed to reducing lead exposure using all available programs, resources, and tools with our partners in Montana’s public health agencies and business community," said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. "This EPA training will reduce childhood lead exposure in communities across the Billings area by enhancing local expertise and capacity to deliver lead-safe work practices during renovation and repair work. This means safer homes, schools and buildings where lead-based paint is a concern."
October is Children’s Health Month and the last week of October is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The agency is hosting a variety of events and outreach focused on reducing lead exposure. This includes efforts to increase consumer awareness and demand for lead-safe work practices and the pool of RRP-certified contractors in communities across the United States and its territories.
WHAT:
8-hour Initial Lead-Safe Renovator Certification Trainings for Billings-area contractors
Note: The individual free training sessions will cover the same content, there is no need to sign up for both sessions. Sign-up soon because seats are limited, and this free training certification opportunity normally costs $275.
Register:
Sign up for October 17: (www.bit.ly/BillingsRRPOct17)
Sign up for October 18: (www.bit.ly/BillingsRRPOct18)
WHERE:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 27 N 27th Street, Billings, Montana, 59101
WHEN:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Background
Many homes, apartments and child-care facilities built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. When disturbed, lead-based paint can release toxic lead dust and cause lead exposure, which is particularly harmful to children. While lead is dangerous to all children, lead exposure disproportionately impacts low-income families and their communities, making the free EPA trainings an important step toward achieving environmental justice. EPA conducts inspections and evaluates compliance with the RRP rule requirements to address to identify and address lead exposure risks that occur in communities across the nation.
EPA is also hosting an online, one-hour presentation focused on an overview of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule on October 26. Register here.
More details on the full suite of EPA National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week resources and activities.
More on the National Enhancing Lead-Safe Work Practices through Education and Outreach (ELSWPEO) Initiative.
EPA penalizes DDM Imports $41k for importing tampered truck
SEATTLE (October 7, 2022) -- For the fourth time in less than three years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has penalized DDM Imports of Airway Heights, Washington for another attempt to import from Canada a diesel pickup truck lacking required emission controls.
Under the terms of the Consent Agreement and Final Order filed September 23, the company agreed to pay a $41,582 penalty for an attempt to import a 2016 Ford F-350 diesel pickup that had been stripped of its major emissions control devices.
In 2020 the company paid a $2,400 penalty for importing a tampered vehicle and later paid a $65,000 penalty for importing three tampered vehicles. In 2021, DDM paid a $66,662 penalty for importing two tampered vehicles. In each case, the violations were uncovered after officers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection inspected U.S.-bound diesel pickups at the U.S.-Canada border in Eastport, Idaho and found the vehicles’ emissions control systems had been tampered with or removed. The Clean Air Act requires all used vehicles imported to the U.S. be outfitted with the emission controls required at the time of their manufacture.
Tampering with vehicle engines, including installation of aftermarket defeat devices intended to bypass manufacturer emission controls, results in significantly higher releases of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. These problems include premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function. Numerous studies also link diesel exhaust to increased incidence of lung cancer.
“Diesel emissions are known health threats,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA Region 10’s Enforcement and Compliance Assistance Division. “Importers of vehicles are responsible for ensuring required pollution controls are intact. We appreciate the partnership with the Customs and Border Protection agents in ensuring compliance with these important laws to protect public health.”
In recognition of the substantial excess pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles and engines, EPA is implementing a National Compliance Initiative entitled Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines. In furtherance of this initiative, EPA will continue to vigorously pursue enforcement against those who violate the defeat device and tampering prohibitions of the Clean Air Act. In addition, EPA has and will continue to prosecute criminal activity related to the illegal sale and installation of defeat devices.
Learn more about EPA’s regulations for onroad vehicles and engines.
Under the terms of the Consent Agreement and Final Order filed September 23, the company agreed to pay a $41,582 penalty for an attempt to import a 2016 Ford F-350 diesel pickup that had been stripped of its major emissions control devices.
In 2020 the company paid a $2,400 penalty for importing a tampered vehicle and later paid a $65,000 penalty for importing three tampered vehicles. In 2021, DDM paid a $66,662 penalty for importing two tampered vehicles. In each case, the violations were uncovered after officers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection inspected U.S.-bound diesel pickups at the U.S.-Canada border in Eastport, Idaho and found the vehicles’ emissions control systems had been tampered with or removed. The Clean Air Act requires all used vehicles imported to the U.S. be outfitted with the emission controls required at the time of their manufacture.
Tampering with vehicle engines, including installation of aftermarket defeat devices intended to bypass manufacturer emission controls, results in significantly higher releases of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. These problems include premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function. Numerous studies also link diesel exhaust to increased incidence of lung cancer.
“Diesel emissions are known health threats,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA Region 10’s Enforcement and Compliance Assistance Division. “Importers of vehicles are responsible for ensuring required pollution controls are intact. We appreciate the partnership with the Customs and Border Protection agents in ensuring compliance with these important laws to protect public health.”
In recognition of the substantial excess pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles and engines, EPA is implementing a National Compliance Initiative entitled Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines. In furtherance of this initiative, EPA will continue to vigorously pursue enforcement against those who violate the defeat device and tampering prohibitions of the Clean Air Act. In addition, EPA has and will continue to prosecute criminal activity related to the illegal sale and installation of defeat devices.
Learn more about EPA’s regulations for onroad vehicles and engines.