EPA Announces New Draft Framework to Advance Consideration of Cumulative Impacts on Communities
WASHINGTON — Today, November 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts, providing agency programs and regional offices with tools and principles to consider cumulative impacts in their work. This work is based on the best available science on how pollution and other burdens interact to affect individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being. Cumulative impacts are defined scientifically by the totality of exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors and their effects on health and quality of life outcomes. This may include several factors such as culture, subsistence practices, socioeconomics, and other social determinants of health.
The draft is now available for public comment to ensure meaningful engagement, including Tribal consultation, to help EPA develop and implement approaches to incorporate cumulative impacts in delivering public health and environmental protections for communities and Tribes. EPA is advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, including through the Justice40 Initiative, and historic investments in communities overburdened by pollution and marginalized by under investment. The Framework is the latest step in a larger effort to integrate cumulative impacts research and work across the agency, and to advance its goals of meaningful engagement and Tribal consultation.
“Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges. The Biden-Harris Administration and our office have made it a priority to ensure that the needs of the most overburdened and underserved communities in our nation are not overlooked,” said Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. “This framework is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our staff and sets a clear path for our agency to engage meaningfully with local communities and seek input from Tribes on cumulative impacts as we continue working to understand and address the cumulative impacts communities can face.”
“Over the past two years, the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council has engaged with EPA on the important issue of cumulative impacts because the issue is so central to addressing the environmental plight of overburdened communities,” said Jerome Shabazz, Overbrook Environmental Education Center. “I am excited that EPA is releasing this framework and eager to work with EPA to advance the concepts within it.”
“In communities like those I serve in Houston, people face shorter life expectancy and higher rates of diseases because of pollution and environmental inequalities. We owe it to them to take meaningful action to ensure everyone has access to clean air and water,” said Harris County, TX Attorney Christian Menefee. “I support the EPA's new framework, as we lay a foundation to tackle cumulative impacts. I’m excited to keep working with the EPA to make a real difference and improve the health and quality of life for all.”
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts describes principles for EPA to consider cumulative impacts in EPA decisions. These principles include:
Centering cumulative impacts work on improving human health, quality of life, and the environment in all communities.
Ensuring the disproportionate and adverse burden of cumulative impacts are not ignored or overlooked.
Applying a fit-for-purpose approach grounded in science to assessing and addressing cumulative impacts.
Engaging communities, consulting with Tribes, and considering and incorporating their lived experience.
Using the best available data, science, and information to make decisions and take action.
Operationalizing and integrating ways to highlight, consider and address cumulative impacts.
By evaluating and taking cumulative impacts into account, EPA can undertake actions and make decisions that help achieve the following goals:
Communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.
All people are protected from adverse environmental health effects and hazards, including cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens.
No community bears a disproportionate share of adverse environmental and public health impacts.
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts provides examples of EPA actions that incorporate some of the principles listed above and are protective of children who are especially vulnerable. These include water permitting processes that consider Tribal cultural and subsistence use of resources, more robust analysis for the recent air pollution rule on synthetic organic chemicals, which will protect the health of communities near facilities from cancer and other harm, and EPA’s updated residential soil lead guidance.
EPA has released a number of key tools to support this work, including Cumulative Impacts Research (pdf), a report issued by the Office of Research and Development with recommendations to enhance cumulative impacts research. Additionally, EPA programs and regions provide technical assistance and funding for cumulative impacts assessments to address long-standing environmental issues in rural and urban locations, including examples resulting in eight place-based demonstration efforts across the country. Learn more about cumulative impacts at EPA.
The release of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts furthers the agency’s efforts to take a comprehensive scientific view of cumulative impacts as outlined in the agency’s FY2022-FY2026 Strategic Plan. In addition, it advances the goals of Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, to ensure that all communities will be able to have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.
EPA welcomes public feedback on the draft Framework by February 19, 2025, through the Federal Register notice, and the link that will be available at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0360 on Regulations.gov.
Read the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts.
The draft is now available for public comment to ensure meaningful engagement, including Tribal consultation, to help EPA develop and implement approaches to incorporate cumulative impacts in delivering public health and environmental protections for communities and Tribes. EPA is advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, including through the Justice40 Initiative, and historic investments in communities overburdened by pollution and marginalized by under investment. The Framework is the latest step in a larger effort to integrate cumulative impacts research and work across the agency, and to advance its goals of meaningful engagement and Tribal consultation.
“Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges. The Biden-Harris Administration and our office have made it a priority to ensure that the needs of the most overburdened and underserved communities in our nation are not overlooked,” said Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. “This framework is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our staff and sets a clear path for our agency to engage meaningfully with local communities and seek input from Tribes on cumulative impacts as we continue working to understand and address the cumulative impacts communities can face.”
“Over the past two years, the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council has engaged with EPA on the important issue of cumulative impacts because the issue is so central to addressing the environmental plight of overburdened communities,” said Jerome Shabazz, Overbrook Environmental Education Center. “I am excited that EPA is releasing this framework and eager to work with EPA to advance the concepts within it.”
“In communities like those I serve in Houston, people face shorter life expectancy and higher rates of diseases because of pollution and environmental inequalities. We owe it to them to take meaningful action to ensure everyone has access to clean air and water,” said Harris County, TX Attorney Christian Menefee. “I support the EPA's new framework, as we lay a foundation to tackle cumulative impacts. I’m excited to keep working with the EPA to make a real difference and improve the health and quality of life for all.”
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts describes principles for EPA to consider cumulative impacts in EPA decisions. These principles include:
Centering cumulative impacts work on improving human health, quality of life, and the environment in all communities.
Ensuring the disproportionate and adverse burden of cumulative impacts are not ignored or overlooked.
Applying a fit-for-purpose approach grounded in science to assessing and addressing cumulative impacts.
Engaging communities, consulting with Tribes, and considering and incorporating their lived experience.
Using the best available data, science, and information to make decisions and take action.
Operationalizing and integrating ways to highlight, consider and address cumulative impacts.
By evaluating and taking cumulative impacts into account, EPA can undertake actions and make decisions that help achieve the following goals:
Communities are safe, healthy, and thriving.
All people are protected from adverse environmental health effects and hazards, including cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens.
No community bears a disproportionate share of adverse environmental and public health impacts.
The Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts provides examples of EPA actions that incorporate some of the principles listed above and are protective of children who are especially vulnerable. These include water permitting processes that consider Tribal cultural and subsistence use of resources, more robust analysis for the recent air pollution rule on synthetic organic chemicals, which will protect the health of communities near facilities from cancer and other harm, and EPA’s updated residential soil lead guidance.
EPA has released a number of key tools to support this work, including Cumulative Impacts Research (pdf), a report issued by the Office of Research and Development with recommendations to enhance cumulative impacts research. Additionally, EPA programs and regions provide technical assistance and funding for cumulative impacts assessments to address long-standing environmental issues in rural and urban locations, including examples resulting in eight place-based demonstration efforts across the country. Learn more about cumulative impacts at EPA.
The release of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts furthers the agency’s efforts to take a comprehensive scientific view of cumulative impacts as outlined in the agency’s FY2022-FY2026 Strategic Plan. In addition, it advances the goals of Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, to ensure that all communities will be able to have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.
EPA welcomes public feedback on the draft Framework by February 19, 2025, through the Federal Register notice, and the link that will be available at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0360 on Regulations.gov.
Read the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution
WASHINGTON - Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released the “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution,” outlining opportunities for action to protect communities from the impacts of plastic production and waste and detailing how government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and communities can take additional action to prevent plastic pollution. This strategy also aligns with the United States’ commitment to negotiating an ambitious international agreement with the aim of protecting public health and the environment by reducing plastic pollution around the world. The strategy is the third pillar of EPA’s “Building a Circular Economy for All” effort, following national strategies on recycling and reducing food loss and waste.
“EPA’s new strategy to prevent plastic pollution will have a profound impact on public health and our environment, especially in overburdened communities hit hardest,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From reducing cancer-causing pollution from plastic manufacturing facilities, to increasing industry’s accountability to take back recycled plastic packaging, to capturing waste before it ends up in our bodies and the environment, this strategy lays out the path forward for EPA and our partners to tackle this persistent challenge.”
“As a city that has been leading the way on reducing plastic pollution, we are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to eliminate plastic waste,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “We are proud of our plastic bag ban that unanimously passed in 2022. So many of these bags were used just once, rarely recycled properly, littered our streets, sidewalks and rivers and negatively impacted the health of our residents. We look forward to continuing to find new and innovative strategies to ensure that Pittsburgh is clean and pollution-free for generations to come.”
“Plastics have many uses but also create a huge impact on our environment,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray. “’The National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution’ presents an excellent road map to prevent these types of pollution by creating circular economies, returning these materials to supply chains for recycling and reuse. We recognize and appreciate the leadership by EPA in developing and finalizing this strategy, considering comments and feedback from thousands of stakeholders. It will have big benefits to our environment as we move forward to implementation.”
Example actions from the strategy include:
Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic products and increasing the U.S. capacity to reuse and refill products, including in the federal government.
Measuring the environmental and human health impacts throughout the lifecycle of single-use products.
Enhancing public policies and incentives to decrease plastic pollution, including working with others to create a national extended producer responsibility framework.
These actions are in addition to steps that are already underway to reduce plastic waste:
EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program will strengthen its emphasis on preventing trash from entering the environment, removing trash in and around waterways, and disseminating research findings.
EPA set enforceable wastewater standards for industry and has developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. In 2024, EPA finalized new requirements for facilities to develop and submit response plans for worst-case discharges of hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act, including many chemicals used in plastic manufacturing.
EPA finalized rules in 2024 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants including ethylene oxide and chloroprene, which will result in significant reductions in harmful air pollution in local communities near plastic production facilities, including communities with environmental justice concerns.
EPA’s Risk Management Program rule sets requirements to protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates, including certain plastic manufacturing facilities. In the spring of 2024, EPA finalized the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule.
EPA’s Environmental Justice Grants and Technical Assistance Program offers a variety of funding opportunities for projects that focus on plastic pollution reduction.
In addition, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided EPA with funding to support implementing this strategy through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling and Recycling Education and Outreach grant programs. This includes funding for improvements to reuse and recycling infrastructure, for education and outreach, and for waste reduction plans.
EPA launched a new platform containing the initial actions EPA is taking to implement our series of strategies on “Building a Circular Economy for All.”
EPA is issuing this national strategy as the international community gathers in Busan, South Korea, for the final meeting of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The strategy will help inform the international community of the wide range of actions available and already taken in the United States.
In the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020, Congress charged EPA with developing a strategy to reduce plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans. EPA published the draft strategy in April of 2023 and received nearly 92,000 comments during the public comment period. Today’s updated strategy incorporates that feedback and affirms EPA’s commitment to eliminating the release of plastic waste into the environment by 2040. The opportunities for action in this strategy are designed to combat climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with the lifecycle of plastic products and to reduce public health impacts to communities overburdened by pollution.
EPA, with input from industry and trade organizations, national and community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribes, and private individuals, identified objectives and actions to address environmental and human health concerns by eliminating U.S. release of plastic into the environment and reducing exposure to plastic pollution.
The “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” follows the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” and builds on EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” by identifying actions needed to reduce and recover plastic and other materials, as well as prevent plastic pollution from harming human health and the environment. These actions support a circular economy approach to the management of plastic products—an approach that is regenerative by design, ensuring resources retain value for as long as possible. It aligns with the White House’s 2024 Report: Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities, which presents a plan for federal action.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development projects that, without interventions, global plastic use and waste will almost triple by 2060. Because most plastic products are not reused or recycled, many will end up incinerated, disposed of in landfills, or “leaked” into the environment, negatively impacting human health and ecosystems. Plastic products also contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, and there are significant human health concerns associated with plastic pollution across the lifecycle of plastic products. These concerns impact many fence line communities, disproportionally low-income and communities of color, near plastic, chemical and petrochemical processing facilities.
Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in many parts of the body. Studies show micro- and nanoplastics negatively impact fertility and reproductive health; potentially put people at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, or death; and that some micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, some studies raise concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects from chemicals that leach out of plastic products, and whether some plastic polymers cross the blood-brain barrier. There are growing concerns associated with potential threats to children’s health from micro- and nanoplastics. Microplastics have been found in human placentas after birth, even following a plastic-free birthing protocol. Researchers have also found microplastics in human breastmilk.
Learn more about:
Reducing plastic waste
Specific EPA data on plastics
The Circular Economy
EPA’s Trash Free Waters program
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiatives
“EPA’s new strategy to prevent plastic pollution will have a profound impact on public health and our environment, especially in overburdened communities hit hardest,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From reducing cancer-causing pollution from plastic manufacturing facilities, to increasing industry’s accountability to take back recycled plastic packaging, to capturing waste before it ends up in our bodies and the environment, this strategy lays out the path forward for EPA and our partners to tackle this persistent challenge.”
“As a city that has been leading the way on reducing plastic pollution, we are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to eliminate plastic waste,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “We are proud of our plastic bag ban that unanimously passed in 2022. So many of these bags were used just once, rarely recycled properly, littered our streets, sidewalks and rivers and negatively impacted the health of our residents. We look forward to continuing to find new and innovative strategies to ensure that Pittsburgh is clean and pollution-free for generations to come.”
“Plastics have many uses but also create a huge impact on our environment,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray. “’The National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution’ presents an excellent road map to prevent these types of pollution by creating circular economies, returning these materials to supply chains for recycling and reuse. We recognize and appreciate the leadership by EPA in developing and finalizing this strategy, considering comments and feedback from thousands of stakeholders. It will have big benefits to our environment as we move forward to implementation.”
Example actions from the strategy include:
Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic products and increasing the U.S. capacity to reuse and refill products, including in the federal government.
Measuring the environmental and human health impacts throughout the lifecycle of single-use products.
Enhancing public policies and incentives to decrease plastic pollution, including working with others to create a national extended producer responsibility framework.
These actions are in addition to steps that are already underway to reduce plastic waste:
EPA’s Trash Free Waters Program will strengthen its emphasis on preventing trash from entering the environment, removing trash in and around waterways, and disseminating research findings.
EPA set enforceable wastewater standards for industry and has developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters. In 2024, EPA finalized new requirements for facilities to develop and submit response plans for worst-case discharges of hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act, including many chemicals used in plastic manufacturing.
EPA finalized rules in 2024 to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants including ethylene oxide and chloroprene, which will result in significant reductions in harmful air pollution in local communities near plastic production facilities, including communities with environmental justice concerns.
EPA’s Risk Management Program rule sets requirements to protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates, including certain plastic manufacturing facilities. In the spring of 2024, EPA finalized the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule.
EPA’s Environmental Justice Grants and Technical Assistance Program offers a variety of funding opportunities for projects that focus on plastic pollution reduction.
In addition, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided EPA with funding to support implementing this strategy through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling and Recycling Education and Outreach grant programs. This includes funding for improvements to reuse and recycling infrastructure, for education and outreach, and for waste reduction plans.
EPA launched a new platform containing the initial actions EPA is taking to implement our series of strategies on “Building a Circular Economy for All.”
EPA is issuing this national strategy as the international community gathers in Busan, South Korea, for the final meeting of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The strategy will help inform the international community of the wide range of actions available and already taken in the United States.
In the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020, Congress charged EPA with developing a strategy to reduce plastic waste and other post-consumer materials in waterways and oceans. EPA published the draft strategy in April of 2023 and received nearly 92,000 comments during the public comment period. Today’s updated strategy incorporates that feedback and affirms EPA’s commitment to eliminating the release of plastic waste into the environment by 2040. The opportunities for action in this strategy are designed to combat climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with the lifecycle of plastic products and to reduce public health impacts to communities overburdened by pollution.
EPA, with input from industry and trade organizations, national and community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribes, and private individuals, identified objectives and actions to address environmental and human health concerns by eliminating U.S. release of plastic into the environment and reducing exposure to plastic pollution.
The “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” follows the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” and builds on EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” by identifying actions needed to reduce and recover plastic and other materials, as well as prevent plastic pollution from harming human health and the environment. These actions support a circular economy approach to the management of plastic products—an approach that is regenerative by design, ensuring resources retain value for as long as possible. It aligns with the White House’s 2024 Report: Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities, which presents a plan for federal action.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development projects that, without interventions, global plastic use and waste will almost triple by 2060. Because most plastic products are not reused or recycled, many will end up incinerated, disposed of in landfills, or “leaked” into the environment, negatively impacting human health and ecosystems. Plastic products also contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, and there are significant human health concerns associated with plastic pollution across the lifecycle of plastic products. These concerns impact many fence line communities, disproportionally low-income and communities of color, near plastic, chemical and petrochemical processing facilities.
Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in many parts of the body. Studies show micro- and nanoplastics negatively impact fertility and reproductive health; potentially put people at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, or death; and that some micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, some studies raise concerns about endocrine-disrupting effects from chemicals that leach out of plastic products, and whether some plastic polymers cross the blood-brain barrier. There are growing concerns associated with potential threats to children’s health from micro- and nanoplastics. Microplastics have been found in human placentas after birth, even following a plastic-free birthing protocol. Researchers have also found microplastics in human breastmilk.
Learn more about:
Reducing plastic waste
Specific EPA data on plastics
The Circular Economy
EPA’s Trash Free Waters program
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiatives
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Mexico State University to Receive $350,000 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 the New Mexico State University has been selected to receive $350,000 in grants to provide technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities.
“Since the creation of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has used these P2 grants across the country to substantially reduce emissions in overlooked communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant funding, communities can tackle air pollution problems head-on and implement long-term green solutions in their infrastructure. I would like to thank this Administration for continuing to be the leads in environmental stewardship and green advocacy.”
The New Mexico State University will provide on-site technical assistance to breweries in communities with environmental justice concerns. The project will focus on reduction of toxic chemicals, waste, water and energy conservation practices, and reduction of emissions. They will also develop outreach materials which will be translated into Spanish, Navajo, or Tewa to broaden program engagement.
In total, EPA announced 48 selectees across the country that will collectively receive nearly $19 million in grants to support states, Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices in local communities. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the funds awarded this year were made available with no cost share/match requirement.
Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American business’ efforts to reduce costs, while protecting communities from exposure to toxic chemicals and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.
Between 2011-2022, EPA’s Pollution Prevention program issued over 500 grants totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop, and adopt P2 approaches. These approaches have resulted in 31.9 billion kWh in energy savings, eliminated 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, saved 52 billion gallons of water, reduced 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials, and saved businesses more than $2.3 billion.
The agency expects to award funds once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Once awarded, selected grantees will document and share P2 best practices that they identify and develop through these grants, so that others can replicate these practices and outcomes. Each selected grantee will also develop at least one case study during the grant period on P2 practices that are new or not widely known or adopted, or where detailed information on the P2 practices could benefit other businesses or P2 technical assistance providers.
The grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be fully funded upon being awarded, with individual grant awards as high as $350,000. Grants that are a part of the traditional P2 grants program will be funded over a two-year funding cycle and require a cost share/match of fifty percent. EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The full list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website.
Background
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA’s P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023.
The list of selections can be found below, and the selected project summaries can be found on EPA’s Pollution Prevention website. Read more about P2 and EPA’s P2 Grant Program.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Since the creation of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has used these P2 grants across the country to substantially reduce emissions in overlooked communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant funding, communities can tackle air pollution problems head-on and implement long-term green solutions in their infrastructure. I would like to thank this Administration for continuing to be the leads in environmental stewardship and green advocacy.”
The New Mexico State University will provide on-site technical assistance to breweries in communities with environmental justice concerns. The project will focus on reduction of toxic chemicals, waste, water and energy conservation practices, and reduction of emissions. They will also develop outreach materials which will be translated into Spanish, Navajo, or Tewa to broaden program engagement.
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 $32 Million in Oklahoma Through Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $32,943,000 for the state of Oklahoma under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $26 Million in Arkansas Through Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 21, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $26,830,000 for the state of Arkansas under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“This transformative funding safeguards critical water infrastructure systems and addresses local water quality concerns,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With the threat of PFAS and emerging contaminants in our water, we must continue to remove these hazardous chemicals and inform communities of the dangers they pose. I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to protect water infrastructure and for providing communities with economic opportunities.”
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. This announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds ($2.6 billion) and Emerging Contaminant funds ($225 million), and $800 million under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding (pdf) and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces 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.
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“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.
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