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EPA Announces More Than $3.4 Million in Brownfield Grants to Rehabilitate and Revitalize Communities in Puerto Rico
Furthering its investments in Puerto Rico’s communities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced five selectees to receive over $3.4 million to assess and clean up brownfield sites in Puerto Rico while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields programs will help transform polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while creating good jobs and spurring economic revitalization in overburdened communities.
EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe, Deputy Assistant Administrator Cliff Villa and Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia announced the selections at the Río Piedras Farmers Market with local community leaders.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Puerto Rico as we channel historic investment from the President’s Investing in America agenda towards the swift assessment and cleanup of sites that have burdened communities for far too long,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “These funds, a significant portion of which stem from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, equip Puerto Rican communities with the resources to convert polluted lands into beacons of progress and optimism. It’s a commitment to not only revitalize these areas but to also foster a legacy of health, prosperity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.”
“The Brownfields program is a powerful tool that helps communities in Puerto Rico address local inequities by providing a means to revitalize abandoned properties and promote environmental health, economic growth, and job creation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This new funding gives the program a huge shot in the arm – with a historic $1.5 billion dollars that will be leveraged to make a real and lasting on-the-ground difference for communities across the country.”
The following organizations in Puerto Rico have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding:
Asociación de Residentes de La Margarita, Salinas, PR has been selected to receive more than $401,000 to inventory, prioritize and assess sites in the La Margarita neighborhood of Salinas. The funding will support nine initial assessments and up to 10 detailed assessments that include sampling. Funds also will be used to develop six cleanup and reuse plans and to engage the community. The La Margarita neighborhood in Salinas includes a 7.9-acre former industrial site, a 6-acre former multifamily residential complex, a former supermarket, an abandoned residential property, and a former hospital.
Barceloneta, PR has been selected to receive $500,000 to inventory, prioritize and assess sites in Barceloneta’s Northern District. The funding will support up to 11 initial and second detailed assessments including sampling. Grant funds also will be used to develop up to 10 cleanup and reuse plans and to engage the community. Barceloneta’s Northern District includes an abandoned hardware store, a former hospital, a 10-acre vacant business incubator, a 4.7-acre former recreation center, and a 3.2-acre vacant clothing manufacturing building.
Fideicomiso Para el Desarrollo de Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR has been selected to receive $1,000,000 to inventory, prioritize, assess and clean up sites in the Rio Piedras Urban Center in the City of San Juan. Funds will support 13 initial assessments and one detailed assessment that includes sampling. Grant funds also will be used to develop six cleanup plans, clean up the 2.6-acre Colegio La Milagrosa site, and engage the community. The Colegio La Milagrosa site is a former school facility that includes 14 buildings and is known to be contaminated. Other priority sites include a vacant former theater that sustained hurricane damage and a vacant lot adjacent to a residential neighborhood.
Isabela, PR has been selected the to receive $500,000 to inventory, prioritize and assess sites in Isabela’s Central District. The funding will support 12 initial assessments and up to 11 detailed assessments that include sampling. Grant funds also will be used to develop up to 10 cleanup plans. Priority sites in Isabela’s Central District include a 5.7-acre former industrial site, a 7-acre former paper manufacturer, two former school buildings, and a 14-acre vacant commercial site adjacent to a residential neighborhood.
Naranjito, PR has selected to receive $1,000,000 to conduct 11 initial assessments and 11 detailed assessments that include sampling of sites in Naranjito’s Mountain District. The funding will also support six cleanup plans and six remediation plans. Grant funds also will be used to clean up five of the priority sites and engage the community. Priority sites include a 0.6-acre former hospital, a 0.3-acre closed gas station located on the banks of the La Plata River, a 27- acre community that lacks proper infrastructure, and two vacant and deteriorating school buildings.
Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs, promote economic revitalization and transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.
Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.
EPA’s Brownfields Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The Brownfields Program strives to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations in all aspects of its work. Approximately 86% of the MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include disadvantaged communities.
Additional Background:
EPA has selected these organizations to receive funding to address and support the reuse of brownfield sites to address the health, economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields. EPA anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment nearly 400 percent. More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment has also allowed the MAC grants’ maximum award amounts to increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award.
To see the list of the FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants selected for funding visit EPA’s FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.
To see the list of RLF Supplemental funding recipients visit EPA’s FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicants webpage.
To learn more about RLF Technical Assistance grant recipient visit EPA’s Brownfields Grow America webpage.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program visit EPA’s Brownfields webpage.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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La EPA anuncia más de $3.4 millones en subvenciones Brownfields para rehabilitar y revitalizar comunidades en Puerto Rico
NUEVA YORK – Con el fin de promover sus inversiones en las comunidades de Puerto Rico, la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA) anunció cinco seleccionados que recibirán más de $3.4 millones para evaluar y limpiar terrenos de Brownfields en Puerto Rico, avanzando así la justicia ambiental. Estas inversiones a través de los programas de Brownfields de la EPA ayudarán a transformar propiedades contaminadas, vacantes y abandonadas en bienes comunitarios, creando a la vez buenos empleos y estimulando la revitalización económica en comunidades agobiadas por la contaminación.
La subadministradora de la EPA, Janet McCabe, el subadministrador adjunto, Cliff Villa, y la administradora regional, Lisa F. García, anunciaron las selecciones en la Plaza del Mercado, en el casco de Río Piedras con líderes de la comunidad local.
“Hoy es un momento crucial para Puerto Rico, ya que canalizamos una inversión histórica de la agenda del Presidente Invertir en América hacia la rápida evaluación y limpieza de los sitios que han sido una carga para las comunidades durante demasiado tiempo”, señaló subadministradora de la EPA, Janet McCabe. “Estos fondos, una parte significativa de los cuales proceden de la histórica Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructuras, dotan a las comunidades puertorriqueñas de los recursos necesarios para convertir las tierras contaminadas en faros de progreso y optimismo. Es un compromiso no sólo para revitalizar estas zonas, sino también para fomentar un legado de salud, prosperidad y protección del medio ambiente para las generaciones venideras.”
“El programa de Brownfields es una herramienta poderosa que ayuda a las comunidades en Puerto Rico a atender las desigualdades locales al proporcionar un medio para revitalizar propiedades abandonadas y promover la salud ambiental, el crecimiento económico y la creación de empleos”, indicó la administradora regional de la EPA Lisa F. García. “Este nuevo financiamiento le da al programa una excelente inyección, con una cifra histórica de $1,500 millones que se aprovecharán para marcar una diferencia real y duradera para las comunidades de todo el país.”
Se seleccionaron a las siguientes organizaciones en Puerto Rico para recibir fondos de Brownfields de la EPA:
La Asociación de Residentes de La Margarita, Salinas, Puerto Rico ha sido seleccionada para recibir más de $401,000 para hacer un inventario, dar prioridad y hacer evaluaciones ambientales en lugares del vecindario La Margarita de Salinas. Los fondos apoyarán nueve evaluaciones iniciales y hasta 10 evaluaciones detalladas que incluyen muestreo. Los fondos también se utilizarán para desarrollar seis planes de limpieza y reutilización y para involucrar a la comunidad. El vecindario de La Margarita en Salinas incluye un lugar industrial antiguo de 7.9 acres, un complejo antiguo residencial multifamiliar de 6 acres, un antiguo supermercado, una propiedad residencial abandonada y un antiguo hospital.
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, fue seleccionad para recibir $500,000 para hacer un inventario, dar prioridad y hacer evaluaciones ambientales en lugares del distrito norte de Barceloneta. Estos fondos financiarán hasta 11 evaluaciones iniciales y segundas evaluaciones detalladas, que incluirán un muestreo. Los fondos de la subvención también se utilizarán para desarrollar hasta 10 planes de limpieza y reutilización y para involucrar a la comunidad. El distrito norte de Barceloneta incluye una ferretería abandonada, un antiguo hospital, una incubadora de empresas vacante de 10 acres, un antiguo centro de recreación de 4.7 acres y un edificio vacante de fabricación de ropa de 3.2 acres.
El Fideicomiso Para el Desarrollo de Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico ha sido seleccionado para recibir $1,000,000 para crear un invenario, dar prioridad y hacer evaluaciones ambientales y limpiar sitios en Casco Urbano de Río Piedras de San Juan. Los fondos apoyarán 13 evaluaciones iniciales y una evaluación detallada que incluye muestreo. Los fondos de la subvención también se utilizarán para desarrollar seis planes de limpieza, limpiar el sitio de 2.6 acres del Colegio La Milagrosa e involucrar a la comunidad. El Colegio La Milagrosa fungía como escuela y cuenta con 14 edificios y se sabe que está contaminado. Otros lugares prioritarios incluyen un antiguo teatro que sufrió daños por el huracán y un terreno vacante adyacente a un vecindario residencial.
Isabela, Puerto Rico ha sido seleccionada para recibir $500,000 para hacer un inventario, crear prioridades y hacer evaluaciones ambientales en ciertos lugares del distrito central de Isabela. Los fondos costearán 12 evaluaciones iniciales y hasta 11 evaluaciones detalladas que incluyen muestreo; también se desarrollarán hasta 10 planes de limpieza. Los lugares prioritarios en el distrito central de Isabela incluyen una antigua área industrial de 5.7 acres, una antigua fábrica de papel de 7 acres, dos edificios escolares antiguos y un lugar comercial vacante de 14 acres adyacente a un vecindario residencial.
Naranjito, Puerto Rico fue seleccionado para recibir $1,000,000 y llevar a cabo 11 evaluaciones iniciales y 11 evaluaciones detalladas que incluyen el muestreo de lugares en el distrito de la montaña de Naranjito. Los fondos también apoyarán seis planes de limpieza y seis planes de acción correctiva. Los fondos de la subvención también se utilizarán para limpiar cinco de los sitios prioritarios e involucrar a la comunidad. Los sitios prioritarios incluyen un antiguo hospital de 0.6 acres, una gasolinera cerrada de 0.3 acres ubicada a orillas del río La Plata, una comunidad de 27 acres que carece de infraestructura adecuada y dos edificios escolares vacíos y deteriorados.
Muchas comunidades que están bajo presión económica, particularmente aquellas ubicadas en áreas que han experimentado largos periodos de desinversión, carecen de los recursos necesarios para iniciar proyectos de limpieza y reurbanización de terrenos de Brownfield. A medida que los terrenos de Brownfield se convierten en bienes comunitarios, atraen empleos, promueven la revitalización económica y transforman las comunidades en lugares sostenibles y ambientalmente justos.
Gracias al histórico impulso de $1,500 millones de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden, el Programa de Brownfields de la EPA ayuda a más comunidades, como nunca antes, a poder comenzar a luchar contra los desafíos económicos, sociales y ambientales causados por las zonas industriales abandonadas y estimular las oportunidades económicas y la revitalización ambiental en comunidades históricamente agobiadas por estos retos.
El Programa de Brownfields de la EPA adelanta la Iniciativa Justice40 del president Biden que estableció el objetivo de que el 40% de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales fluyan a las comunidades desventajadas que se ven marginadas por la falta de inversión y agobiadas por la contaminación. El Programa de Brownfields se esfuerza por cumplir con este compromiso y promover la justicia ambiental y las consideraciones de equidad en todos los aspectos de su trabajo. Aproximadamente el 86% de las solicitudes de los programas suplementarios de multiuso, evaluación y acción correctiva (MAC, por sus siglas en inglés) y subvenciones de fondos de préstamos rotativos (RLF, siglas en inglés) seleccionadas para recibir fondos propusieron trabajar en áreas que incluyen comunidades desventajadas.
Antecedentes adicionales:
La EPA seleccionó estas organizaciones a fin de recibir fondos para abordar y apoyar la reutilización de terrenos de Brownfields con el objetivo de enfrentar los desafíos de salud, económicos, sociales y ambientales causados por los terrenos de Brownfields. La EPA prevé que se otorgarán todos los premios anunciados hoy una vez que se cumplan todos los requisitos legales y administrativos.
El Programa de Brownfields de la EPA comenzó en 1995 y ha aportado casi $2,700 millones en subvenciones destinados a evaluar y tomar acción correctiva en propiedades contaminadas y poder devolver a estas su uso productivo. Antes de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, este programa ofrecía aproximadamente $60 millones cada año. Gracias a las inversiones históricas del presidente en Estados Unidos, la EPA ha aumentado esa inversión anual casi en un 400%. Más de la mitad de los fondos disponibles para este ciclo de subvenciones (aproximadamente $160 millones) provienen de la inversión histórica de $1,500 millones de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden. Esta inversión también permite que los montos máximos de adjudicación de las subvenciones MAC aumenten significativamente de $500,000 a un nuevo máximo de $5 millones por adjudicación.
Para ver la lista de los solicitantes de fondos para multiuso, evaluación y acción correctiva del año fiscal 2024 seleccionados para recibir fondos, visite la página web Solicitantes de fondos multiuso, evaluación y acción correctiva (MAC) del año fiscal 2024 de la EPA.
Para ver la lista de beneficiarios de fondos suplementarios de RLF, visite la página web Solicitantes de subvenciones de fondos de préstamos rotativos del año fiscal 2024 de la EPA.
Para obtener más información sobre los beneficiarios de la subvención de Asistencia Técnica de RFL, visite la página web Brownfields Grow America de la EPA.
Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de Brownfields de la EPA, visite la página web Brownfields de la EPA.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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EPA penalizes Murfreesboro-based seller of automobile ‘defeat devices’
NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 4, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined an automotive aftermarket parts distributor based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for allegedly selling illegal “defeat devices” designed to render automobile emission controls inoperative, in violation of the federal Clean Air Act.
Full Force Diesel Performance, Inc. (FFDP), paid $525,438 in civil penalties to settle the claims brought by the EPA. Over a period of two years, FFDP sold at least 1,719 aftermarket defeat devices, including 406 exhaust emission control delete hardware kits, 337 exhaust gas recirculation delete kits, 21 throttle valve delete hardware kits, and 955 tuning products.
“Cracking down on sellers of illegal defeat devices is a top enforcement priority for EPA,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “These illegal practices contribute to harmful air pollution and impede federal, state, and local efforts to implement air quality standards that protect public health. Emissions from mobile sources play a particularly important role in EPA’s Southeastern region, and the use of these defeat devices hampers our ability to maintain compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.”
As part of the settlement, FFDP agreed to certify that they have stopped selling devices that disable vehicle emission controls and removed from their webpages and social media accounts all advertisements, photos, videos, and information that relates to performing tampering and/or selling, offering to sell, and/or installing defeat devices.
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.
Stopping aftermarket defeat devices for vehicles and engines is a top priority for EPA.
Learn more: EPA’s efforts to stop the sale of illegal defeat devices
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EPA Announces Settlement with Smith Foundry to Cease Furnace and Casting Operations within 12 Months and Pay $80,000
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Smith Foundry to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its iron foundry in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Within the next 12 months, the company will shut down its furnace and casting processes and convert to a metal finishing facility, which will drastically reduce emissions. The foundry will also pay an $80,000 penalty.
“Shutting down the furnace and casting operations is a win for this community, which has been historically disenfranchised and overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “East Phillips residents deserve to breathe clean air and to live in a healthy, thriving community.”
“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency remains committed to ensuring clean air for all Minnesotans and working collaboratively with the EPA toward that goal,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This settlement is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of residents in the East Phillips community. The MPCA remains invested in the community and will monitor, in partnership with the EPA, ongoing emissions from Smith Foundry and air quality in the East Phillips neighborhood to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. We will continue to engage with and communicate frequently with residents."
After an unannounced inspection in May 2023, EPA alleged Smith Foundry failed to properly operate its pollution control equipment and maintain required records. EPA also alleged the foundry exceeded particulate matter emission limits for its industrial process equipment and violated airborne particulate matter rules.
Under the terms of the settlement, Smith Foundry will:
- Immediately shut down two of the foundry’s pouring and cooling lines.
- Limit the total amount of liquid metal poured at the remaining lines to 2884 tons before they are shut down.
- Permanently shut down the furnace, all remaining pouring/cooling lines, all mullers, and the shakeout system within the next 12 months.
Smith Foundry will also take measures to ensure its baghouses are properly monitored and operated, including installing continuous pressure drop monitors, recording equipment and a bag leak detection system on the main baghouse for the facility’s finishing operations. The foundry will develop and implement an updated operations and maintenance plan.
EPA has worked closely with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to improve air quality in the East Phillips community and ensure Smith Foundry’s compliance with the Clean Air Act. EPA will continue to work with MPCA to monitor the foundry and address other air quality concerns in Minneapolis.
For more information about the EPA’s enforcement program, visit the Agency’s website.
For more information on inspections and enforcement actions in your area, visit ECHO.
To report a suspected violation, visit ECHO.
Animal Breeding and Testing Company Pleads Guilty to Animal Welfare and Pollution Crimes and Will Pay More than $35M, Including Record Fine in an Animal Welfare Case
WASHINGTON – Today, June 3, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Envigo RMS LLC pleaded guilty to conspiring to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act, and Envigo Global Services Inc. pleaded guilty to a felony of conspiring to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act. Both pleas are in relation to a dog breeding facility located in Cumberland County, Virginia, from which the Justice Department secured the surrender of over 4,000 beagles in 2022.
As part of the resolution, Inotiv – of which Envigo RMS and Envigo Global Services are subsidiaries – will guarantee more than $35 million in payments, be subject to increased animal care standards, and be subject to a compliance monitor. This resolution marks the largest ever fine in an Animal Welfare Act case.
“Envigo compounded the heartbreaking nature of its animal welfare crimes by committing egregious Clean Water Act violations that undermined public health and the wellbeing of the animals in their care,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Everyone victimized in this precedent-setting animal welfare case deserved better: the workers, the beagles, the environment and the community. Envigo deserves every dollar of its record fine.”
“Our nation’s animal welfare and clean water laws exist to prevent suffering and harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “That’s why we secured the transfer of thousands of beagles from Envigo’s Cumberland facility into adoption, and that’s why today’s plea agreement is so significant. The plea agreement includes the largest ever fine in an animal welfare case as well as heightened standards of care for facilities across the country.”
“Envigo promoted a business culture that prioritized profit and convenience over following the law. This callous approach led to dire consequences: the inhumane treatment of animals and the contamination of our waterway,” said United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. “The historic monetary penalties and significant compliance measures as part of these guilty pleas send a clear message: every company, in every industry, must have compliance and corporate responsibility as a critical part of their business model.”
According to court documents, Envigo RMS conspired to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide, among other things, adequate veterinary care, adequate staffing and safe living conditions for dogs housed at the Cumberland County facility.
In addition, Envigo Global Services conspired to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act by failing to properly operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant at the Cumberland County facility that exposed the facility workers and dogs to insufficiently treated wastewater contaminated with fecal matter, which was also discharged into a local waterway. In addition, the investigation into the environmental violations found that contaminated well water was provided to the dogs for drinking water and was used to power wash kennels, creating an increased risk of disease.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the entities will serve from three to five years of probation and pay a total criminal fine of $22 million – that is, $11 million for each violation. In addition, the entities will pay approximately $1.1 million to the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force and approximately $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for direct assistance provided to the investigation.
An additional $3.5 million will be paid to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to benefit and restore the environment and ecosystems in Cumberland County, at least $500,000 of which will be spent on purchasing riparian wetland or riparian land located in or near Cumberland.
The entities will spend at least $7 million to improve their facilities and personnel beyond the standards imposed by the Animal Welfare Act.
Finally, the entities will pay all costs associated with a compliance monitor, which will oversee the entities’ compliance with these enhanced animal welfare standards, the Animal Welfare Act, the Clean Water Act, a nationwide compliance plan and additional terms of the agreements and probation.
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the USDA’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The Virginia State Police provided security assistance during a multi-day federal search in May 2022 of the dog breeding facility. Senior trial attorneys in the Environmental Crimes Section of DOJ’s Environmental and National Resources Division, and assistant and special assistant U.S. attorneys prosecuted the case.
EPA Announces $111 Million in Funding for New York State to Upgrade School Bus Fleet and Revitalize Communities
NEW YORK – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is investing $111 million to address polluted sites and put clean school buses on the roads across New York State. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide the majority of this historic funding through two transformational programs. Nearly $96 million will be provided through EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate program to replace existing school buses with cutting-edge, clean and electric models. About $15 million, including $9.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, will be awarded through EPA’s Brownfields program to assess and clean up polluted sites.
EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia made the announcement on the shores of Lake Erie in Buffalo, New York, alongside Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore and Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz. U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy and local community leaders joined the event. The gathering of officials and award selectees marked a celebration of these historic investments at the end of a multi-state trip around Lake Erie that highlighted the far-reaching and lasting impact these investments promise for communities.
“Kids deserve a clean ride to school, and people deserve clean and healthy neighborhoods. For many New York communities, this also means a healthy lake or river front and a safe path to get there,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Today’s announcement shows how EPA is investing in Buffalo's communities and its kids and highlights the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s ability to deliver transformative results in underserved communities throughout New York.”
“This $111 million federal surge will help revitalize New York communities by powering schools across New York with clean, low- and zero-emission school buses and boosting localities to clean up contaminated eyesores across the state. This major fed funding will give our students the clean air on the ride to school they deserve, while also injecting new life into blighted brownfield sites for reuse and redevelopment, opening the door to new economic opportunities,” said Senator Majority Leader Schumer. “From Buffalo to the Bronx, we are putting our kids, families, and communities on the path to a healthier and brighter future thanks to the historic investments from our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.”
“Transitioning to a zero-emission school bus fleet not only represents our commitment to a greener future but shows our commitment to the health and well-being of the next generation. New York communities are benefiting from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, including this substantial funding to help school districts make the switch to electric buses. Thank you to President Biden and our partners at the EPA for supporting New York's investments to reduce pollution and build healthy communities," said Governor Kathy Hochul.
“As the former Chair of the New York State Senate Transportation Committee, I made transitioning our school bus fleet to zero emissions a priority,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “With this latest funding, parents and students can breathe easier know they on safe, clean, electric buses. I’m also pleased to see new funding coming to Western New York to help clean up our industrial legacy of lake and river pollution, ensuring that environmental justice communities can enjoy access to our region’s most important natural resource. Thank you to President Biden for continuing to fight for families and our future.”
Clean School Bus Rebate Program
To further modernize New York’s school transportation, EPA has selected 47 communities to benefit from rebates totaling about $95.7 million for the purchase of over 350 electric buses and five propane buses. Of this total, the Buffalo School District is slated to receive over $8 million to purchase 25 buses. The Clean School Bus Rebate program provides upfront payments to eligible entities to subsidizes buying zero-emission or clean school buses, fund the necessary charging infrastructure, and pay for related expenses like professional training. Recipients get the money upfront to ensure a smooth purchasing process.
School Districts in New York that will benefit:
School District: Organization Name
Total Buses
Total Rebate
Alexandria Central School District
2
$420,000.00
Arlington Central School District
1
$145,000.00
Belleville-Henderson Central School District
1
$345,000.00
Bemus Point Central School District
2
$400,000.00
Bethlehem Central School District
6
$1,200,000.00
Buffalo City School District
25
$8,625,000.00
Canajoharie Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Colton-Pierrepont Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Connetquot Central School District
10
$2,000,000.00
Copenhagen Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Depew Union Free School District
5
$145,000.00
Downsville Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Fairport Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Haverstraw-Stony Point CSD (North Rockland)
10
$2,000,000.00
Hyde Park Central School District
17
$3,400,000.00
Ithaca City School District
4
$800,000.00
Jericho Union Free School District
10
$2,020,000.00
Kings Park Central School District
4
$690,000.00
Lafayette Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Lansingburgh Central School District
22
$7,590,000.00
Margaretville Central School District
1
$345,000.00
Mexico Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Moriah Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Nassau Boces
1
$145,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 2
21
$6,305,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 3
21
$6,225,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 4
21
$6,225,000.00
New York City Geographic District # 7
25
$8,625,000.00
New York City Geographic District #23
25
$6,625,000.00
New York City Geographic District #25
25
$8,625,000.00
North Colonie CSD
2
$290,000.00
North Shore Central School District
6
$1,200,000.00
NYC Chancellor’s Office
25
$6,625,000.00
Pine Valley Central School District (South Dayton)
8
$2,760,000.00
Plattsburgh City School District
1
$345,000.00
Queensbury Union Free School District
4
$800,000.00
Saranac Central School District
2
$400,000.00
Sauquoit Valley Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Scarsdale Union Free School District
4
$800,000.00
South Glens Fall Central School District
10
$2,000,000.00
Spencerport Central School District
2
$400,000.00
Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District
2
$400,000.00
Sweet Home Central School District
8
$1,600,000.00
Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns
5
$1,020,000.00
Union Springs Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Van Hornesville-Owen Young Central School District
1
$200,000.00
Westbury Union Free School District
10
$2,020,000.00
For more details about rebate selections, visit EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program webpage.
Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants
Accelerating the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in New York, EPA has selected 13 communities that will receive $15.3 million. One of the winners, Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust, will receive a $500,000 Brownfield grant to assess three neighborhoods with environmental justice concerns in the City of Buffalo with the goal of improving water quality and connecting underserved community members to the lake and river waterfronts. EPA will provide the majority of this funding to New York communities through a $1.5 billion investment into Brownfields sites from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, designed to fast-track site assessments and cleanups, promoting environmental justice.
Grant selectees in New York are:
Organization
Location
Amount
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency
NY
$500,000
Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust
NY
$500,000
Family Services, Inc.
Poughkeepsie, NY
$4,970,806*
Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Inc.
NY
$500,000
Gloversville
NY
$1,000,000*
Greene County
NY
$1,500,000
Livingston County
NY
$1,500,000
Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation
NY
$500,000
Niagara County
NY
$1,500,000
RLF Supplemental
Community-Wide
Orange County Industrial Development Agency
NY
$500,000
Seneca County
NY
$1,500,000
Sullivan County Land Bank Corporation
NY
$300,000
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Inc.
Bronx
$500,000
* Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding + RLF Supplemental Funding is non-competitive funding for existing, high-performing RLF recipient
To see details about the grantee selections, visit EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup Applicant webpage.
What They’re Saying:
"Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped get done, is delivering real-life improvements for the people I serve. Upgrading to clean electric energy school buses that save money and are funded with our federal dollars, and not school taxes, are what we need to undo the years of environmental damage and move our country forward," said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
“From implementing clean transportation to addressing decades of pollution, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are creating a sustainable future across New York State,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). “Today we are yet again making historic investments in electric school buses to help school districts across the state make the transition to clean energy, while also providing critical funding for communities to remediate and reverse pollution. As New York's representative on the House of Representatives’ Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden – I am proud to see federal funding supporting a cleaner and healthier future for our students, families, and neighborhoods.”
"No child should be exposed to the harmful impacts of pollution on their daily ride to school. That’s why I am proud to celebrate the EPA’s announcement of $111 million in transformative funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver clean school buses to students across our state and begin to address the crisis of brownfield sites that have, for too long, marred the health of our communities. I am grateful to have partners like Regional Administrator Garcia and the EPA fighting for the resources our students need to reach the futures they deserve," said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09).
"Building the future our children will inherit starts now," Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) said. "I applaud President Biden and the EPA for using the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to invest in electric school buses and to clean up pollution sites across the State. We will work together to ensure a cleaner, greener future for children and families."
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for NY! Today, I’m proud to join the EPA in announcing that NYC School Districts #2 and 3 in Manhattan have been selected for a combined $12 million in Clean School Bus funding to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air for students and our communities. Altogether, this funding will allow for purchasing and maintaining 42 new electric school buses.” said Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12).
“I commend EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia on today’s announcement furthering the agency’s investment to ensure a clean school bus fleet for New York State,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “The Clean School Bus Program is accelerating our transition to zero-emission and clean school buses by replacing older buses with electric and clean school bus replacements. These upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead to cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and will have tremendous positive impacts on the communities that the buses drive through each day.”
“It is essential that our kids have safe, healthy spaces to learn and our communities have clean, pollution-free neighborhoods,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “We are facing a climate catastrophe that disproportionately impacts our most marginalized communities who have experienced redlining and institutional discrimination. We have a responsibility to our young people, who will inherit the world we create for them, to make bold investments in climate resilience, clean energy, and environmental justice. This $111 million investment to address polluted sites and put clean school buses on roads across New York is an important step forward for children and communities throughout the state. I’m proud to join EPA Administrator Lisa Garcia and my colleagues in celebrating this funding. We must keep pushing for transformational legislation to invest in safe, healthy, clean spaces for everyone, especially our kids.”
“As Ulster County Executive, I brought a fleet of green buses to our communities. From energy cost savings to cleaner air to help our kids breathe easier, our communities are reaping the benefits,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (N-18). “I’m proud that this funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing those benefits to Hyde Park and Arlington, too. I’ll keep working every day for every single family in the Hudson Valley to have the cleaner air they deserve.”
“Investing in the health and vitality of our environment and the safety of our young people are two of the greatest investments we can make,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25). “This $111 million in federal funding for New York State—a significant portion of which I helped secure in Washington through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—will help improve transportation and infrastructure here in Rochester and provide peace of mind for families. I’m grateful to Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia and the Biden Administration for their ongoing commitment to investing in projects to protect and restore our environment, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Learn more about EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate program.
Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields program.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Begins Sediment Impacts Investigation in Grand Calumet River Area of Concern in Gary, Indiana
CHICAGO (May 30, 2024) – Next week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin investigating sediment impacts in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern in Gary, Indiana. EPA is investing more than $3 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the project in a cost-sharing partnership with United States Steel Corp.
EPA and U.S. Steel will sample sediment and water from the Marquette Park Lagoons, Grand Calumet River channel and nearby wetlands. Sampling is expected to continue until early July and will help define the nature and extent of sediment impacts in the “Eastern 5 Miles” of the Grand Calumet River.
The Eastern 5 Miles of the Grand Calumet River flows adjacent to the 4,000-acre U.S. Steel Gary Works facility and has been subject to historical industrial and municipal discharges. In 1998, EPA began supervising a cleanup under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to address pollutants including heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs which may impair beneficial uses of the water. U. S. Steel completed sediment dredging of the Eastern 5 Miles in the early 2000s.
Once sampling is completed, EPA will make cleanup decisions aimed at restoring beneficial uses and the ecosystem’s health to support delisting of the Grand Calumet River as an Area of Concern.
This project will help to address the following Area of Concern impairments:
- Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption
- Degradation of fish and wildlife populations
- Fish tumors or other deformities
- Bird or animal deformities or reproduction problems
- Degradation of benthos (organisms living at the bottom of bodies of water)
- Loss of fish and wildlife habitat
In February 2022, President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan announced a $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to significantly accelerate cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes. EPA projected that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with funds from annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources will enable the agency and its partners to complete cleanups at 22 of the 25 remaining AOCs. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding is directed at 11 of the 22 sites, including the Grand Calumet River AOC.
For more information on the Grand Calumet River AOC, please visit EPA's website.
EPA Region 7 Begins Process for Sixth Five-Year Review at Findett Corp. Superfund Site
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is beginning the Five-Year Review process for the Findett Corp. Superfund Site in St. Charles, Missouri.
This is the site's sixth Five-Year Review and will include Operable Units 1, 2, and 3. Operable Unit 4, Ameren Substation, will not be included in this Five-Year Review as construction of a remedy has not yet started.
Five-Year Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the implementation and performance of a remedy and to determine if that remedy remains protective of human health and the environment.
EPA Region 7 will hold a public kickoff meeting on Thursday, June 27, to provide members of the community with a general overview of the Five-Year Review process and an opportunity to sign up for in-person interviews with members of the EPA site team.
“EPA Region 7 is committed to meaningful community involvement and engagement with the Superfund cleanup process,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Bob Jurgens. “Input from community members provides us with valuable feedback about the site and our processes that can be implemented in our team’s approach to the cleanup of the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.”
The Sixth Five-Year review for the site is due by July 20, 2025. EPA Region 7’s site team has developed an extensive schedule to ensure that the Five-Year Review will be finalized before the due date, while managing several other cleanup milestones at the site.
EPA Region 7 will host a public availability session to discuss the findings of the Five-Year Review once the report is finalized and published in summer 2025.
Learn more about the Findett Corp. Superfund Site.
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EPA visits Erie to celebrate, highlight historic investment of $5.5 million in Brownfields grants to be used throughout the county
ERIE (May 30, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz joined Erie County Redevelopment Authority President Tina Mengine, Erie Mayor Joe Schember, and Erie County Executive Brenton Davis to celebrate the $5.5 million in grants that have been selected for the area.
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz speaks at a podium.Last week, EPA Administrator Regan announced a total grant package for $300 million in Brownfields grants that would soon be awarded across the country; two of those grants are coming to Erie through a $5 million clean-up grant and $500,000 assessment grant.
“EPA is honored to play a role in the remarkable revitalization of this city,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "Erie will be cleaner and safer, its corridors more vibrant and prosperous, and its economy stronger than ever.”
“These grants are truly transformative for our community. They will allow us to finish the work we started on two major bighted industrial properties and to begin the critical work necessary at Erie Coke,” said Tina Mengine, President of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. “We are very grateful for the support of the EPA and of Administrator Ortiz and his team, who have been on this journey with us every step of the way.”
“We are especially thankful to the EPA for their support in recognizing the importance of this work and providing this crucial funding to enable ECRDA to continue to cleanup and redevelop these sites,” said Erie Mayor Joe Schember. “Thanks to this significant grant from the EPA, we are taking another step on the journey to ensure that future generations of Erieites can live in a community free from pollution and contamination.”
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the $5 million cleanup grant will be used to clean up the Former Erie Malleable Iron Site and Former Quin-T Site in the City of Erie. The former Quin-T facility manufactured asbestos products, including roofing, building, and automotive materials from the mid-1800s until the early 2000s and is contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The EMI Site is a former iron foundry and manufacturing facility that also operated as an electronics parts facility until the early 2000s and has been vacant since closure. It is contaminated with tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and PCBs. PCE has also been identified in groundwater. Grant funds also will be used to conduct community engagement activities.
The second award, a $500,000 assessment grant, will be used to update and maintain a site inventory, prioritize sites, and conduct environmental site assessments. Grant funds also will be used to develop cleanup plans and support community engagement activities. Assessment activities will occur throughout Erie County with a focus on the Cities of Erie and Corry and the Boroughs of Lake City and Union City. Priority sites include a former coke facility, two vacant industrial sites, and two former office spaces.
EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment nearly 400 percent. More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment has also allowed the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) grants’ maximum award amounts to increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award for cleanup grants.
Today’s celebration is also part of a larger effort, a “Lake Erie Road Trip,” in which Ortiz and the Regional Administrators from the two neighboring EPA regions are traveling this week through cities along Lake Erie, highlighting and celebrating reinvestment, revitalization, and reinvigoration. Ortiz is joined by Regional Administrators Debra Shore and Lisa Garcia, making stops in Cleveland, Ashtabula, Erie, and Buffalo. Prior to the celebration, EPA leaders visited Presque Isle State Park and discussed remediation and revitalization efforts along the Bayfront with local partners.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields program, please visit: www.epa.gov/brownfields.
Photo of inside the Former Erie Malleable Iron building. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz at a podium with Tina Mengine, President of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.
EPA Announces Funding Update for Drinking Water, Wastewater and Flood Prevention in Cahokia Heights/Metro East, Illinois
CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it had developed a comprehensive list of drinking-water, wastewater and flood-prevention infrastructure funding and projects for the Cahokia Heights/Metro East, Illinois, area. At the request of Rep. Nikki Budzinski, EPA worked closely with more than 35 stakeholders to compile for the first-time information about how the communities have identified funding needs, accessed funding, and developed and completed projects.
“This matrix is one critical tool to address the flooding, wastewater and drinking water issues in the Metro East area,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “While these issues will not be solved overnight, knowing what funding and projects are available to the Metro East area is a crucial step in making progress.”
“I’m thrilled to join the Environmental Protection Agency as they release a new funding matrix that brings unprecedented transparency to our response efforts in Cahokia Heights,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “For the first time in decades, we have local, state and federal officials working together in a coordinated response to the environmental health and safety crisis in Cahokia Heights. This major step forward would not have been possible without the appointment of a full-time federal coordinator through the EPA. I’m so grateful to Administrator Michael Regan for granting my request for this position and I thank Beth Murphy for the thoughtful and collaborative work to make this funding matrix a reality. These issues won’t be solved overnight, but I look forward to working closely with our incoming coordinator, Betsy Nightingale, to build on this progress as we continue to elevate our response to this crisis.”
“For far too long, Metro-East residents have endured dangerous sewage flooding during rain storms because of dilapidated water infrastructure in the region. This is a public health crisis that has been decades in the making,” said Sen. Dick Durbin. “My colleagues and I have worked alongside EPA to address these serious flooding concerns, as well as spoken directly to community leaders and residents. Today, we are launching a new ‘matrix’ to assist Metro-East communities in tracking federal investments allocated to improve water and flood-prevention infrastructure.”
“The Cahokia Heights community has been saddled with inhumane conditions for decades,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth said. “My office, along with the offices of my Congressional colleagues, have been working together on a comprehensive approach to bring an end to this suffering. While our work is far from done, this EPA Region 5-created project funding database can help us understand the progress made and what still needs to be done. The cross jurisdictional oversight and information of this matrix will be critical as we continue to work toward a safe, reliable, equitable future for the people of Cahokia Heights and the surrounding areas.”
Cahokia Heights is a town in Southern Illinois that faces numerous environmental challenges. Community advocates and residents raised their concerns to U.S. EPA, including their concerns about environmental justice. The Agency is committed to work toward environmental justice, which is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The information in the spreadsheet will be updated and circulated on a routine basis. EPA collects voluntarily provided details for funding and projects and will continue to rely upon stakeholders to keep the information current. A copy is available to any requestor after they acknowledge disclaimers and rules of engagement. To request access, please email EPA’s Cahokia Heights coordinator, Betsy Nightingale, at nightingale.elizabeth@epa.gov.
EPA will host webinars to answer questions on June 5th from 12:00-1:00 PM CST and June 15th from 6:00-7:00 PM CST. EPA is also planning an in-person meeting and will be announced at a later date.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $11,030,000 for Arkansas Schools to Purchase Clean School Buses as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 30, 2024) — The Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected the Quitman school district to receive $820,000, Little Rock school district to receive $8,625,000, Batesville school district to receive $365,000, and the Farmington school district to receive $1,220,000. The overall funding amount for the state is $11,030,000 which will be used to purchase a total of 36 new and clean school buses to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
These rebates will help school districts purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric— to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Under the Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, the EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson joined schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs for Americans.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Today’s announcement is good news for children in Arkansas, especially those in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Replacing diesel fueled buses with clean school buses reduces harmful emissions and improves air quality in communities throughout the nation. I want to offer our congratulations to the selected school districts for their partnership and for implementing environmentally friendly practices.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an overwhelming response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the level of demand, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial amount of available funding in this round to a total of nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous investments of almost $2 billion via the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.
The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $10,360,000 for Oklahoma Schools to Purchase Clean School Buses as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 30, 2024) — The Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected Granite to receive $690,000, Timberlake to receive $690,000, Pawhuska to receive $1,035,000, Sequoyah to receive $95,000, Colcord to receive $1,380,000, Dale to receive $1,745,000, Coweta to receive $600,000, Kiamichi Tech Center Atoka to receive $1,035,000, Hilldale to receive $1,420,000, Shawnee $1,420,000, Broken Arrow to receive $125,000, and Broken Bow to receive $125,000. The overall funding amount for the state is $10,360,000 which will be used to purchase a statewide total of 44 new and clean school buses to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
These rebates will help school districts purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric— to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Under the Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, the EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson joined schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs for Americans.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Today’s announcement is good news for children in Oklahoma, especially those in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Replacing diesel fueled buses with clean school buses reduces harmful emissions and improves air quality in communities throughout the nation. I want to offer our congratulations to the selected school districts for their partnership and for implementing environmentally friendly practices.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an overwhelming response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the level of demand, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial amount of available funding in this round to a total of nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous investments of almost $2 billion via the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.
The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
EPA Fines Pesticide Seller in Paris, Missouri, for Allegedly Violating Federal Law
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penalized Logan Agri-Service Inc. for allegedly repackaging pesticide products, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The Illinois-based pesticide dealer, which operates a branch in Paris, Missouri, will pay a civil penalty of $74,806.
According to EPA, employees at Logan Agri-Services’ Paris branch were repackaging pesticides from bulk containers into containers provided by customers, without required repackaging agreements from the pesticide manufacturers. Further, Logan Agri-Services failed to obtain a registration number from EPA for its Paris branch in order to produce pesticides at that location.
“Registering pesticide products with EPA helps to ensure that, when used according to label directions, the products will not harm people, non-target species, or the environment,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Proper pesticide labeling is critical to protecting public health so consumers are aware of a product’s ingredients, how the product can be safely used, and how the product should be properly stored and disposed.”
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, pesticide manufacturers, distributors, and appliers are required to comply with the law’s registration, labeling, packaging, and application regulations.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $31,510,000 for Texas Schools to Purchase Clean School Buses as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 30, 2024) — The Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected Oakland ISD to receive 690,000, Salado ISD to receive $1,950,000, Bluff Dale ISD to receive $690,000, Hitchcock to receive $345,000, Tatum ISD to receive $1,930,000, Excelsior ISD to receive $710,000, Miller Grove ISD to receive $1,035,000, Natalia ISD to receive $1,725,000, Valley View ISD to receive $2,760,000, Cedar Hill ISD to receive $1,945,000, Evadale ISD to receive $400,000, Princeton ISD to receive $2,200,000, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD to receive $2,200,000, West Hardin County ISD to receive $400,000, Longview ISD to receive $3,450,000, Kermit ISD to receive $90,000, Queen City ISD to receive $1,725,000, Wyle ISD to receive $4,400,000, San Marcos CISD to receive $2,070,000, and Gary ISD to receive $795,000. The overall funding for the state is $31,510,000 which will be used to purchase a statewide total of 123 new and clean school buses to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
These rebates will help school districts purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric— to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Under the Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, the EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson joined schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs for Americans.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Today’s announcement is good news for children in Texas, especially those in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Replacing diesel fueled buses with clean school buses reduces harmful emissions and improves air quality in communities throughout the nation. I want to offer our congratulations to the selected school districts for their partnership and for implementing environmentally friendly practices.”
“The new San Marcos CISD buses will make sure our children can get to school safely while breathing cleaner air than the generations before them,” said Rep. Greg Casar (TX). “The Biden Administration is making critical investments like this to protect the children of Texas.”
“President Biden has made a clear commitment to the health of North Texas students and the protection and preservation of the environment in which they live. This latest investment of nearly $2 million for Cedar Hill ISD will mean cleaner air and safer students and roads for decades to come,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX).
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an overwhelming response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the level of demand, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial amount of available funding in this round to a total of nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous investments of almost $2 billion via the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.
The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.
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Biden Administration Strengthens Commitment to Reducing Food Loss and Waste
WASHINGTON – Today, May 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration renewed their formal agreement created in 2018 to collaborate on reducing food loss and waste. The three agencies are joined this year by the U.S. Agency for International Development, further strengthening and expanding the agencies’ federal and global commitment to leverage government resources, protect the environment, reduce food waste, and feed more people. These collective efforts will save taxpayer dollars and will address issues the agencies have in common in pursuit of the national goal to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by the year 2030.
“When food is wasted, so are the resources that were used to produce, process, distribute, and prepare that food,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We are excited to continue this collaboration with our partners at USDA, FDA, and now welcome USAID, to join our efforts to reduce food waste, protect our environment, and address critical climate impacts, while saving families and businesses money and improving food security across the globe.”
Reducing food loss and waste is critically important for the climate and also provides social and economic benefits, contributing to improvements in food security across the globe. With the renewal of the agreement, collaborating agencies will strengthen coordination to continue to produce educational and guidance materials, conduct outreach, community investments, voluntary programs, technical assistance, policy discussion, and public-private partnerships. The addition of USAID enables the U.S. government to expand its efforts and reach a broad range of international audiences while better leveraging government resources. The agencies will also work together with external partners to leverage the private and the non-governmental sectors to drive national and global change to reduce food loss and waste. Read the formal agreement on EPA’s Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste webpage.
The U.S. Government seeks to reduce food loss and waste to meet our national goal and to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3 to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses by 2030.
New EPA research demonstrates the impact wasted food in landfills has on methane emissions; 58% of methane emissions released to the atmosphere from landfills are from food waste. Each year in the U.S., food loss and waste create potent greenhouse gas pollutants equal to the emissions of 60 coal-fired power plants.
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La EPA anuncia más de $7 millones en reembolsos para autobuses escolares limpios en todo Puerto Rico
NUEVA YORK — Hoy, la Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA) anunció los seleccionados para recibir reembolsos del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023, que incluye un descuento para beneficiar a Puerto Rico. El Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico se beneficiará de más de $7.6 millones en reembolsos para comprar 25 autobuses escolares limpios.
La selección ayudará a Puerto Rico a acelerar la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones (ZE) y a reemplazar los autobuses escolares más antiguos que usan diésel, que se han relacionado con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y las comunidades circundantes.
“El presidente Biden cree que todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de llevar una vida saludable y respirar aire limpio, y su agenda “Investing in America” está diseñada para ofrecer precisamente eso”, señaló el administrador de la EPA Michael S. Regan. “Con la última ronda de financiamiento de hoy, estamos transformando la flota de autobuses escolares del país para proteger mejor nuestra carga más preciada, nuestros niños, ahorrando dinero a los distritos escolares, mejorando la calidad del aire y fortaleciendo la fabricación estadounidense, todo al mismo tiempo.”
“Proteger a nuestros niños mediante la entrega de más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios en Puerto Rico no solo protege la salud pública, sino que también es otro paso adelante en la lucha contra el cambio climático al reducir las emisiones nocivas de diésel”, comentó la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Todos los niños deben poder respirar profundamente aire fresco, ya sea en el autobús o en la parada del autobús.”
En septiembre de 2023, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de aproximadamente $500 millones en reembolsos para autobuses escolares limpios. El periodo para solicitar reembolsos se cerró en febrero de 2024 con una respuesta sobresaliente de los distritos escolares de toda la nación que procuraban comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y limpios. Dada la abrumadora demanda, incluso en comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios de los Estados Unidos, la EPA duplicó la cantidad de fondos disponibles a casi $ 1,000 millones.
Esta tercera ronda de financiamiento se basará en la inversión anterior de casi $2 mil millones a través de los Reembolsos 2022 y Subvenciones 2023 para mejorar aún más la calidad del aire dentro y alrededor de las escuelas, reducir la contaminación de gases de efecto invernadero que agrava la crisis climática y ayudar a acelerar el liderazgo de Estados Unidos en el desarrollo de los vehículos limpios del futuro.
Las entidades seleccionadas aportarán fondos a distritos escolares en 47 estados y Washington D.C., junto con varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses reconocidos por el gobierno federal. Los distritos escolares prioritarios en comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales representan aproximadamente el 45 % de los proyectos seleccionados y recibirán aproximadamente el 67 % de los fondos totales. El programa cumple con los objetivos de la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, la cual planifica entregar el 40 % de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales a las comunidades desventajadas que están marginadas, desatendidas y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
La EPA también se haasociado con la Oficina Conjunta de Energía y el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida destinada a garantizar una implementación efectiva.
Además,la EPA pondrá a disposición más fondos para autobuses escolares limpios este año. Hay un pequeño subconjunto de solicitantes seleccionados tentativamente que todavía participan en el proceso de revisión de la solicitud. La EPA está trabajando con ellos y notificará a estos solicitantes de una adjudicación si su solicitud cumple con todos los requisitos del programa. A medida que se finalicen las selecciones adicionales, la EPA actualizará la página web de CSB.
La EPA también seleccionará a través de rondas adicionales de financiamiento, así como a través de otros programas de financiamiento. Por ejemplo, la EPA actualmente está aceptando solicitudes para el Programa de Subvenciones de Vehículos Pesados Limpios 2024 hasta las 11:59 PM, hora local del Este, el 25 de julio de 2024 – ofreciendo casi $ 1 mil millones en fondos de subvenciones disponibles, y se prevé que aproximadamente 70% de los fondos estará disponible para financiar nuevos autobuses escolares Clase 6 o 7 de cero emisiones. La EPA exhorta a los distritos escolares que no fueron seleccionados para el Programa de Reembolso de CSB de 2023, y a aquellos que no solicitaron, a participar en los programas de financiamiento actualmente abiertos y en futuras rondas de financiamiento de CSB.
Acerca del programa de autobuses escolares limpios
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios de la EPA fue creado por la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista (BIL) del presidente Biden, que proporciona fondos históricos de $5 mil millones para transformar la flota de autobuses escolares del país. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios financia autobuses eléctricos, que producen cero emisiones de escape, así como autobuses de propano y gas natural comprimido (GNC), que generan menos emisiones de escape en comparación con sus predecesores más antiguos que usan diésel.
El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares y producirá aire más limpio. La contaminación del aire por diésel está relacionada con el asma y otras afecciones que perjudican la salud de los estudiantes y resultan en ausentismo, particularmente en las comunidades de minorías y tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores de diésel garantizará un aire más limpio para los estudiantes, los conductores de autobuses y el personal escolar que trabaja cerca de las áreas de carga de autobuses y las comunidades por las que pasan los autobuses todos los días.
La reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a atender el papel preponderante del sector del transporte en el fomento de la crisis climática. El programa ahorrará dinero a los distritos escolares a medida que actualicen las flotas de autobuses escolares, reemplazando los autobuses existentes por otros autobuses escolares nuevos de cero emisiones y limpios, liberando a la vez los recursos necesarios para las escuelas.
Ver la lista completa de adjudicaciones del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios.
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EPA Fines Brockton, Mass. Company for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations
BOSTON (May 30, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached an agreement with an auto dealer, warehouser, and scrap metal seller based in Brockton, Massachusetts for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. As a result of EPA's action, Everett's Auto Parts, Inc. agreed to come into compliance and pay a penalty of $74,551.
"It is of the utmost importance for companies to understand the permits they need and what they mean so that we can protect oceans, rivers, and streams as well as the surrounding community from contaminated water and oil spills," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Companies have an even greater responsibility when it comes to communities who have had more than their fair share of pollution. Let this action serve as a reminder to companies who have obligations under the Clean Water Act to follow the regulations closely to protect human health and the environment."
In August 2022, EPA conducted an inspection of Everett's Auto Parts three co-located facilities in Brockton and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. As part of its industrial operations, Everett's Auto Parts discharges stormwater to waters of the United States and is therefore subject to EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (MSGP). In addition, Everett's Auto Parts has an aboveground oil tank storage capacity that subjects it to the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation.
At the time of EPA's inspection, the company had authorization to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity from its facility under three separate MSGP permits. EPA alleged that while Everett's Auto Parts had coverage to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity under these permits, it failed to list its scrap metal activities under the permit, which requires additional sampling parameters.
In addition, EPA alleged that the company failed to identify all discharge points (also known as outfalls) and to conduct sufficient monitoring efforts. EPA also alleged that Everett's Auto Parts failed to fully implement its Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan including failing to have adequate secondary containment for its storage tanks.
Background
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants to navigable waters unless in compliance with, among other things, a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES Permit.
For stormwater discharges, facilities can apply for coverage under a general permit. In states not authorized to administer the NPDES program, such as Massachusetts, the EPA's MSGP applies. The MSGP requires facilities to submit a Notice of Intent to be covered under the general permit; prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); conduct inspections, monitoring, and sampling; and meet other requirements, all designed to prevent or reduce the discharge of stormwater containing pollutants to surface waters. As previously stated, Everett's Auto Parts had applied and received coverage under the MSGP.
Under the Clean Water Act, EPA promulgated the Oil Pollution Prevention regulations to establish procedures to prevent the discharge of oil from non-transportation related onshore facilities into the waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines. Owners or operators of onshore facilities that, due to their location, could reasonably be expected to discharge oil in "harmful quantities" into the waters of the United States, must prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan as required under the Clean Water Act. They must also provide adequate secondary containment for all aboveground storage tanks.
More information:
Clean Water Act Enforcement: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/water-enforcement
U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program Launches New Resources to Help Americans Make Energy Efficient Home Improvements
WASHINGTON – Today, May 30, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced the launch of two new ENERGY STAR resources to help households across America take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy-saving home upgrades. Together, a new home improvement savings web tool and the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership address two of the largest barriers Americans face when it comes to upgrading their homes with energy efficient products and equipment – the cost and complexity associated with purchase and installation. These resources will make it easier for all Americans to take advantage of upgrades that will help them save energy and money while enjoying a healthier and more comfortable home for years to come.
“For decades, the ENERGY STAR program has guided consumers towards efficient products that reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in substantial savings for both the individual and the nation as a whole," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These new resources are key to making progress in fighting the climate crisis and will help make energy efficient options more affordable and accessible, particularly for millions of low-income and disadvantaged households across the nation.”
The new home savings web tool is a zip code-based resource that allows people to identify all of the energy efficiency incentives available in their area. It highlights utility rebates, federal income tax credits, and – starting today – Inflation Reduction Act state rebates for home efficiency improvements. More than that, it is a one-stop-shop that includes energy efficiency incentives, buying guidance, information on eligible products, and links to local retailers and installers.
- The federal tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs, up to $3,200, for products such as heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, windows and insulation.
- New York is the first state to launch its Inflation Reduction Act rebate program, which offers incentives targeted to low-income households. Several other states are following closely behind.
To help American families navigate the challenging home improvement process, the EPA is pleased to announce the new ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership and six charter members. This partnership features companies and community-based organizations that specialize in offering concierge services that help customers with sales, installation, incentives, and financing for more comprehensive efficiency upgrades. To be recognized by the ENERGY STAR program, they have been screened based on their Quality Control procedures, installer qualifications and oversight, and fair financing practices. The charter partners are:
- Air Service Professionals
- Pearl Certification
- Philadelphia Energy Authority
- QuitCarbon
- Sealed Inc.
- Sears Home Improvement
ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partners bring added value to their customers by helping them adopt elements of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade – a set of six high-impact improvements that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings by addressing the biggest energy users in most homes. They include an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump, heat pump water heater, smart thermostat and windows – plus a well-insulated and sealed attic and electric-ready wiring/panel improvements. These improvements can be made all at once or as equipment needs replacing. Once completed, they are estimated to deliver average energy bill savings of over $500 each year. Accelerating the adoption of these upgrades and capitalizing on incentives presents an opportunity for almost every home in America to lower energy bills while improving home comfort and health.
As our nation continues to embrace cleaner and more renewable energy sources, taking advantage of these ENEGY STAR tools and resources can help American households of all income levels prepare for a clean energy future, while enjoying energy savings and a more comfortable home today.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state and local organizations rely on their partnership with the EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts.
EPA Announces More Than $7 million in Rebates for Clean School Buses Across Puerto Rico
NEW YORK — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections to receive rebates under the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, including a rebate to benefit Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Education will benefit from over $7.6 million in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses. The selection will help Puerto Rico accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Protecting our kids by delivering more funding for clean school buses in Puerto Rico is not only protective of public health, but also another leap forward in the fight against climate change by reducing harmful diesel emissions, “said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Every child, should be able to open their school bus window and take a deep breath of fresh air, whether on the bus or at the bus stop.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an outstanding response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the overwhelming demand, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, EPA doubled the amount of available funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous almost $2 billion investment via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses this year. There is a small subset of tentatively selected applicants still engaged in the application review process. EPA is working with them and will notify these applicants of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, EPA will update the CSB webpage.
EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with EPA offering nearly $1 billion in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to fund new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15,560,000 for Louisiana Schools to Purchase Clean School Buses as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 30, 2024) — The Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected the KIPP East Community to receive $1,035,000, KIPP Central City to receive $1,400,000, Sophie B. Wright Institute of Academic Excellence to receive $4,140,000, Vernon Parish to receive $280,000, and St. James Parish is to receive $8,705,000. The overall state funding amount is $15,560,000 which will be used to purchase a statewide total of 52 new and clean school buses to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.
These rebates will help school districts purchase over 3,400 clean school buses—92% of which will be electric— to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities. Under the Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, the EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson joined schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs for Americans.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Today’s announcement is good news for children in Louisiana, especially those in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Replacing diesel fueled buses with clean school buses reduces harmful emissions and improves air quality in communities throughout the nation. I want to offer our congratulations to the selected school districts for their partnership and for implementing environmentally friendly practices.”
“I’m excited to announce this funding which will put more electric buses on the road and reduce carbon emissions in Louisiana. This will improve air quality for students and our communities. Investments like these are why I championed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Let’s get moving, LA-02!” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
In September 2023, the EPA announced the availability of at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The rebate application period closed in February 2024 with an overwhelming response from school districts across the country seeking to purchase electric and clean school buses. Given the level of demand, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial amount of available funding in this round to a total of nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding will build on the previous investments of almost $2 billion via the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
The selections announced will provide funds to school districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities make up approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is also partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards from this announcement. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.
The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds.
About the Clean School Bus Program
The EPA Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Clean School Bus Program will save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.
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