Latest News

HELENA, Mont. (May 29, 2024) – Today, 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. The rebates will help selectees purchase 23 clean school buses in eight school districts across Montana. The Program will help Montana accelerate the transition to zero-emission buses from existing diesel-fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities. 

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs. 

• East Helena K-12 has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase 3 clean school buses. 

• Bozeman Elementary has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.  

• Stanford K-12 Schools has been selected to receive $690,000 in rebate funding to purchase 2 clean school buses.  

• Livingston Elementary has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase 2 clean school buses. 

• Big Sky School K-12 has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase 1 clean school bus. 

• Lone Rock Elementary has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase 1 clean school bus. 

• Anderson Elementary has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase 1 clean school bus. 

• Alberton K-12 Schools has been selected to receive $620,000 in rebate funding to purchase 3 clean school buses. 

 “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.” 
  

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 here: epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards. 

PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2024) – Today, 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. The rebates will help selectees purchase 116 clean school buses in 18 school districts across Virginia.  

The Program will help Virginia accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities. 

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs. 

• Loudoun County Public Schools has been selected to receive $3,975,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.  
• Fredericksburg City Public Schools has been selected to receive $3,490,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses. 
• Henrico County Public Schools has been selected to receive $3,450,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses. 
• Westmoreland County Public Schools has been selected to receive $2,070,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses. 
• Brunswick County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.  
• Martinsville City Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.  
• Wise County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses. 
• Northampton County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses. 
• Manassas City Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses.  
• Arlington County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,020,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses. 
• Culpeper County Public Schools has been selected to receive $800,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses. 
• Lee County Public Schools has been selected to receive $690,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.  
• Harrisonburg City Public Schools has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses. 
• Virginia Beach City Public Schools has been selected to receive $450,000 in rebate funding to purchase 18 clean school buses.  
• Charlottesville City Public Schools has been selected to receive $420,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses. 
• Alexandria City Public Schools has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses. 
• Augusta County Public Schools has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses. 
• Falls Church City Public Schools has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses. 

“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 will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.” 

“I’m thrilled to see this federal funding headed to Virginia to help provide students with safe, reliable transportation while combatting climate change and reducing pollution,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA).  

“I’m excited 18 school districts across Virginia will be receiving funding to purchase clean school buses thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “This will help reduce emissions and protect our air.” 

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, the 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 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 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.  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.  

PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2024) – Today, 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. The rebates will help selectees purchase 213 clean school buses in 21 school districts (SD) across Pennsylvania. The Program will help accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which  have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

• Bethlehem Area SD has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.

• Reading SD has been selected to receive $8,985,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.

• Wilkes-Barre Area SD has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.

• Erie City SD has been selected to receive $4,140,000 in rebate funding to purchase 12 clean school buses.

• Philadelphia City SD has been selected to receive $8,965,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.

• Pine-Richland SD has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.

• Greater Johnstown SD has been selected to receive $3,450,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.

• Unionville-Chadds Ford SD has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.

• Rose Tree Media SD has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.

• Valley View SD has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.

• Woodland Hills SD has been selected to receive $7,370,000 in rebate funding to purchase 22 clean school buses.

• Lake-Lehman SD has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.

• South Fayette Township SD has been selected to receive $1,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.

• Bethel Park SD has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 clean school buses.

• Northwest Area SD has been selected to receive $3,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 15 clean school buses.

• Moon Area SD has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses.

• Mid Valley SD has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.

• Homer-Center SD has been selected to receive $25,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

• Kiski Area SD has been selected to receive $75,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.

• Pennsbury SD has been selected to receive $125,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.

• Plum Borough SD has been selected to receive $,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses.

“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 will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.”

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, the 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.

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 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 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.  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.

PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2024) – Today, 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. The rebates will help selectees purchase five clean school buses in four school districts across West Virginia. The Program will help accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which  have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

• Calhoun County Schools has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

• Randolph County Schools has been selected to receive $730,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.

• McDowell County Schools has been selected to receive $365,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

• Summers County Schools has been selected to receive $365,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

“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 will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.”

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, the 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.

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 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 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.  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.

PORTLAND (May 29, 2024) – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. In Oregon, ten school districts will receive over $22.6 million to replace 96 older  school buses with new electric or propane buses. The Program will help Oregon 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.

“EPA’s Clean School Bus Program is a breath of fresh air for our students, schools and communities,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Diesel pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health, with impacts felt disproportionately in communities of color and Tribal communities. Clean School Bus grants provide much-needed resources for school districts to upgrade aging fleets, replacing diesel buses with new zero-emission and clean school buses. Pulling older diesel buses off the road will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff.”

“Every child—regardless of the color of their skin, their zip code, or how much money their parents make—should be able to travel to and from school without having to be exposed to toxins and dangerous air pollution that drives asthma and other diseases,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “These continued historic investments will help support several Oregon school districts to purchase electric school buses to keep the air cleaner for our kids and save school districts money. I’ll keep fighting for the investments and legislation we need to upgrade school bus fleets around Oregon.”

• Eugene School District has been selected to receive $100,000 in rebate funding to purchase four propane school buses.
• Gresham-Barlow School District has been selected to receive $2,020,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 electric school buses.
• North Marion School District has been selected to receive $910,000 in rebate funding to purchase five electric school buses.
• Elkton School District has been selected to receive $2,070,000 in rebate funding to purchase six electric school buses.
• Ashland School District has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.
• Pendleton School District has been selected to receive $4,165,000 in rebate funding to purchase 13 electric school buses.
• McMinnville School District has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 electric school buses.
• North Douglas School District has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four electric school buses.
• La Grande School District has been selected to receive $2,020,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 electric school buses.
• Hood River County School District has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two electric school buses.
• Morrow School District has been selected to receive $2,800,000 in rebate funding to purchase 14 electric school buses.
• Neah-Kah-Nie School District has been selected to receive $1,725,000 in rebate funding to purchase five electric school buses.
• Yoncalla School District has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three electric school buses.
• Umatilla School District has been selected to receive $1,600,000 in rebate funding to purchase eight electric school buses.
• Corbett School District has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.

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 and Tribal nations, 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, along with several federally recognized Tribes. 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.

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 July 25 – 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.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.

SEATTLE (May 29, 2024) – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. In Washington, 16 school districts will receive over $24 million to replace 111 older school buses with new electric or propane buses. The Program will help Washington accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which  have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

“EPA’s Clean School Bus Program is a breath of fresh air for our students, schools and communities,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Diesel pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health, with impacts felt disproportionately in communities of color and Tribal communities. Clean School Bus grants provide much-needed resources for school districts to upgrade aging fleets, replacing diesel buses with new zero-emission and clean school buses. Pulling older diesel buses off the road will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff.”

“I am excited to announce that dozens of clean school buses will soon be heading to communities across Washington state thanks to funding from my Clean School Bus Act,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Clean school buses are a huge improvement over diesel buses—they’re better for the environment, better for public health, they save school districts money on fuel, and we’re building them here in America—which is why I worked so hard to get my bill passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Soon, kids from Seattle to Spokane will be riding to school in clean buses and breathing in cleaner air as a result. This is a big win for our kids, our environment, and our economy—and I’m proud to have helped make it happen.”

• Seattle School District No. 1 has been selected to receive $7,825,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 electric school buses.
• Spokane School District has been selected to receive $9,125,000 in rebate funding to purchase 25 electric school buses.
• Lake Washington School District has been selected to receive $690,000 in rebate funding to purchase two electric school buses.
• Liberty School District has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.
• Republic School District has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.
• College Place School District has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two electric school buses.
• North Shore School District has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three electric school buses.
• Issaquah School District has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase six electric school buses.
• Woodland School District has been selected to receive $2,800,000 in rebate funding to purchase 14 electric school buses.
• Sultan School District has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.
• Northport School District has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one electric school bus.
• Oak Harbor School District has been selected to receive $75,000 in rebate funding to purchase three propane school buses.
• Snohomish School District has been selected to receive $275,000 in rebate funding to purchase 11 propane school buses.
• Mount Vernon School District has been selected to receive $100,000 in rebate funding to purchase four propane school buses.
• Sedro-Woolley School District has been selected to receive $50,000 in rebate funding to purchase two propane school buses.
• Peninsula School District has been selected to receive $250,000 in rebate funding to purchase 10 propane school buses.

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 and Tribal nations, 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, along with several federally recognized Tribes. 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.

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 July 25 – 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.

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here – epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards.

WASHINGTON — Hoy, 29 de mayo, la Administración Biden-Harris anunció los beneficiarios del concurso de descuentos del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023 de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU., financiado por la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden. La EPA seleccionó aproximadamente 530 distritos escolares que abarcan casi todos los estados, Washington, D.C. y varias tribus y territorios estadounidenses para recibir casi $900 millones en fondos destinados a reemplazar los autobuses escolares más antiguos que funcionan con diésel y que se han relacionado con el asma y otras afecciones que dañan la salud de los estudiantes y las comunidades circundantes.

Estos reembolsos ayudarán a los distritos escolares a comprar más de 3,400 autobuses escolares limpios, 92% de los cuales serán eléctricos, para acelerar la transición a vehículos de cero emisiones y producir aire más limpio dentro y alrededor de las escuelas y comunidades. Gracias a las múltiples oportunidades de financiamiento de subvenciones y descuentos del Programa hasta la fecha, la EPA ha otorgado casi $3 mil millones para financiar aproximadamente 8,500 reemplazos de autobuses escolares en más de 1,000 escuelas.

El administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan, el presidente y director ejecutivo de la NAACP, Derrick Johnson, y el representante federal Bennie Thompson se unirán a escolares, líderes de distrito y miembros de la comunidad en Jackson, Mississippi, más tarde hoy para hacer el anuncio y destacar cómo el programa reducirá las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, ahorrará dinero a las escuelas y protegerá mejor la salud de los niños, especialmente en las comunidades que ya están sobrecargadas por la contaminación. La inversión también impulsará la demanda de baterías y vehículos fabricados en Estados Unidos, impulsará la fabricación nacional y creará empleos bien remunerados para los estadounidenses.

“El presidente Biden cree que todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de llevar una vida saludable y respirar aire limpio, y su agenda de Invertir en Estados Unidos 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 de la nación para proteger mejor nuestra carga más preciada, nuestros niños, ahorrando dinero a los distritos escolares, mejorando la calidad del aire y reforzando la fabricación estadounidense, todo al mismo tiempo.”

“Agradezco a la Administración Biden-Harris por ampliar las oportunidades de proporcionar autobuses escolares limpios a las escuelas y estudiantes del Segundo Distrito Congresional de Mississippi”, indicó el Congresista Bennie G. Thompson. “Esta iniciativa garantiza que los niños tengan un medio de transporte escolar más limpio, seguro y eficiente y contribuye a proteger nuestro medioambiente. Al lograr un progreso significativo y ofrecer oportunidades valiosas para nuestros estudiantes, estamos allanando el camino hacia un mayor éxito estudiantil.”

En septiembre de 2023, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de al menos $500 millones para sus descuentos de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 2023. El periodo de solicitud de reembolso se cerró en febrero de 2024 con una respuesta abrumadora de los distritos escolares de todo el país que procuraban comprar autobuses escolares eléctricos y limpios. Dado el nivel de demanda, incluso de comunidades de bajos ingresos, naciones tribales y territorios estadounidenses, la EPA duplicó la cantidad inicial de fondos disponibles en esta ronda a un total de casi $ 1,000 millones.

Esta tercera ronda de financiación se basará en las inversiones anteriores de casi 2,000 millones de dólares a través de los Descuentos 2022 del Programa de Autobuses Escolares y las 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 selecciones anunciadas hoy proporcionarán 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 priorizados en comunidades de bajos ingresos, rurales y tribales representan aproximadamente el 45 por ciento de los proyectos seleccionados y recibirán aproximadamente el 67 por ciento de los fondos totales. El programa avanza la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden que tiene como objetivo entregar el 40 por ciento 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 está asociando con otras agencias federales a través de la Oficina Conjunta de Energía y Transporte para proporcionar a los distritos escolares asistencia técnica sólida a fin de garantizar una implementación efectiva.

La EPA continúa revisando las solicitudes seleccionadas y puede otorgar subvenciones adicionales a partir de este anuncio. La EPA está trabajando con esos solicitantes y les notificará 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 adjudicaciones de CSB.

La EPA también hará selecciones 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 la EPA hasta $932 millones en fondos de subvenciones disponibles y se prevé que aproximadamente el 70% de los fondos disponibles será para ayudar a pagar los nuevos autobuses escolares Clase 6 o 7 de cero emisiones. La EPA alienta a los distritos escolares que no fueron seleccionados para el Programa de Reembolso de CSB de 2023, y a aquellos que no lo 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 Bipartidista de Infraestructura del presidente Biden, que proporciona una financiación sin precedentes 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 del tubo de escape, así como autobuses de propano y gas natural comprimido (GNC), que producen menos emisiones del tubo 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 dañan la salud de los estudiantes y hacen que falten a la escuela, particularmente en las comunidades de color y las comunidades tribales. La eliminación gradual de estos motores más antiguos que usan 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 gracias a estos reemplazos de autobuses también ayudará a abordar el papel preponderante del sector del transporte en el fomento de la crisis climática. El Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios 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.

Adjudicaciones del Programa de Autobuses Escolares Limpios | EPA de EE. UU.

Contact Information:
EPA Press Office (R3Press@epa.gov)

PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2024) – Today, 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. The rebates will help selectees purchase over 53 clean school buses in five school districts across Maryland. The Program will help Maryland accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and to replace older, diesel fueled school buses, which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Miss., today to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

• Baltimore County Public Schools has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase over 25 clean school buses.

• Prince George's County Public Schools has been selected to receive $5,215,000 in rebate funding to purchase over 15 clean school buses.

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,320,000 in rebate funding to purchase over six clean school buses.

• Allegany County Public Schools has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

• Charles County Public Schools has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase over six clean school buses.

“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 will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.”

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, the 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 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 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.  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.

WASHINGTON — Today, May 29, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. EPA selected approximately 530 school districts spanning nearly every state, Washington, D.C., and several Tribes and U.S. territories to receive nearly $900 million in funds 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 and CEO Derrick Johnson and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, later today 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.”

“I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for expanding opportunities to provide clean school buses to schools and students in Mississippi's Second Congressional District,” said Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. “This initiative ensures that children have a cleaner, safer, and more efficient means of school transportation and contributes to protecting our environment. By making meaningful progress and offering valuable opportunities for our students, we are paving the way toward stronger student success.”

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 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 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.

WATERBURY, CONN. (May 28, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash joined U.S. Representative Hayes, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Mayor of Waterbury, and local community members to commemorate the groundbreaking of the cleanup at the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site in Waterbury, Connecticut.

"I'm so pleased to see the start of this cleanup finally happen for the community of Waterbury, a community which has historically had more than its fair share of pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This cleanup is long overdue, but the unprecedented funding from Congress and President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will ensure EPA and our partners can protect the community from legacy contamination, as well as restore the property for future reuse."

EPA selected a cleanup plan for the Scovill Industrial Landfill Site in 2016, but the project lacked the funding needed to execute the cleanup. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding allotted for this project allows the cleanup to finally be implemented. Remedial Action (i.e., construction) work will begin this spring.

The $11.88 million allotted for the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund the following activities:

• Excavation and consolidation of waste into a central location;
• Construction of a protective cover system cap over the consolidated, contaminated material in the northern portion of the site (referred to as the Calabrese parcel);
• And wetlands restoration.

What They Are Saying

"For years, the Scovill Industrial Landfill in Waterbury has posed serious health and environmental risks to nearby residents and I am thrilled that it will finally be cleaned up thanks to $11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Today's groundbreaking is a landmark occasion for the Waterbury community who will finally get the environmental justice they deserve. No one should live near contaminated sites and I will keep fighting for federal funding to support these long overdue and much needed remediation projects," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

"With today's announcement, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is keeping our promise to clean up backlogged sites and provide our communities with the peace of mind they deserve," said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). "The groundbreaking today is a fantastic illustration of the good things that collaboration between concerned citizens, elected politicians, and committed government institutions can accomplish. Now the EPA, the City of Waterbury, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, can move forward to restore the Scovill Industrial Landfill for future use and safeguard the neighborhood from legacy contamination.

"For years, Waterbury has attempted to address the Scovill Industrial Landfill Site. Today, funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow the real work to begin," said U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05). "Over the next eighteen months, this site will be remediated so it can be enjoyed by the surrounding community. Addressing these toxic sites scattered throughout the city is now and has always been a priority for me."

"The state of Connecticut is so appreciative of the action by the US Environmental Protection Agency to restore this community that has long been seeking a final remedy for this historical industrial landfill, providing clarity and protection of owners and users of these properties," Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Without funding being made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the wait for this final remedy may have stretched many years into the future."

"Having grown up in Waterbury, I have witnessed firsthand how this site has been plagued with contamination and delays in cleanup efforts," said Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. "I am very excited to see the bipartisan infrastructure bill deliver on the promise to clean up this backlogged site and give our East End neighbors the peace of mind and quality of life improvement they deserve."

Background

From 1919 to the mid-1970's, The Scovill Manufacturing Company, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, made various metal parts, including brass buttons, belt buckles, clasps, and other products, using aluminum, chromium, copper, silver, tin, and zinc. In addition, they also produced appliances, small motors, watches, injection molded plastics, and photographic equipment. The company used the current Superfund Site at as a landfill during this time for disposal of ash, cinders, demolition debris, and other by-products. By the mid-1990s, several capacitors, ash, cinder, crushed drums containing sludge material, metal waste, demolition debris and other waste materials were found on the property. The waste materials contained elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other metals. The 25-acre Scovill Industrial Landfill Site was added to the Superfund "National Priorities List" (NPL) in 2000.

More information:

Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site webpage: epa.gov/superfund/scovill

WASHINGTON — Today, May 28, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of five recipients from across the country for grants to tackle the climate crisis by reclaiming and destroying hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Collectively, recipients will receive nearly $15 million in HFC Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.

“This diverse set of projects will tackle the destruction and reclamation of HFCs in innovative ways to help protect our climate and bolster American technologies,” said Joe Goffman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation.

The funding made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will range from $1,500,000 to $3,801,100 and support broader Biden-Harris Administration efforts to support a growing American industry on effectively managing HFCs. The selectees for this grant program are The University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Drexel University, University of California-Riverside, and the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute. By increasing the reuse of existing HFCs, selected projects are expected to further reduce our economy’s need for new HFCs and reduce overall HFC impacts on our climate.

HFCs are a class of potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. Their climate impact can be hundreds to thousands of times stronger than the same amount of carbon dioxide. Under the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is phasing down HFCs to achieve an 85% reduction below historical levels by 2036. President Biden also signed the U.S. ratification of the Kigali Amendment, and international agreement to phase down these super-polluting HFCs and avoid up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100. 

With today’s announcement, this Administration is continuing to deliver win-wins for climate action and U.S. manufacturing competitiveness while ensuring that American workers reap the benefits of a growing global market for HFC reclamation and destruction. These projects help facilitate the phasedown of HFCs under the AIM Act by helping increase the amount of HFCs that can be reclaimed and reused in the economy and by developing innovative techniques to destroy unusable HFCs, ensuring they do not contribute to climate change.

EPA anticipates that grants to the selected applicants will be finalized and awarded in the summer of 2024 once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, and that selected applicants will begin projects in the fall and winter of this year.

To learn more about the Hydrocarbon Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants, visit the HFC Reclaim and Innovative Destruction grants webpage.

Selected Grant Applicants

University of Washington

• Seattle, Washington 

University of Washington’s project will evaluate and demonstrate via alkaline hydrolysis a novel way to destroy HFCs. The project aims to reduce the pollution emissions associated with HFC destruction since it does not release hydrogen fluoride or gaseous carbon dioxide. UW has an outreach plan to engage with disadvantaged communities and intends to hold workshops, public input meetings, and community consultations and incorporate that feedback into the methodologies of the project. 

Texas A&M University  

• College Station, Texas 

Texas A&M’s project aims to reduce the time and cost of reclaiming HFCs in two ways: 1) by designing and testing a technology capable of separating a range of HFC mixtures and 2) by incorporating a data-driven decision framework for reverse logistics with high supply chain visibility that includes quality, cost efficiency, changing market dynamics, stakeholder collaboration, safety, and environmental regulation. This project intends to achieve a 30% increase in reclaimed HFC and at least a 25% reduction in cost from the baseline operation.

Drexel University 

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Drexel University’s project aims to develop a portable and energy efficient HFC destruction device by integrating liquid injection incinerator and nonthermal gliding arc plasma, which will provide refrigerant reclamation companies with an on-site treatment option for the reduction of HFC emissions. The project intends to develop a community engagement plan to evaluate environmental impacts on local communities. 

University of California - Riverside

• Riverside, California

University of California – Riverside’s project aims to develop scalable catalytic and assisting technologies for efficient HFC destruction, which would create a competitive and cost-effective integrated destruction system. The project intends to contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable practices in disadvantaged communities by advancing an innovative and replicable HFC destruction technique through pilot scale demonstration.

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute

• Arlington, Virginia 

Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute is developing a pilot project to chemically convert and destroy mixed HFCs back into components for new commercial use. This zero-emission technique would thereby create value from the destruction process, while also lowering the costs and energy required to destroy HFCs compared to conventional incineration methods. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $3,150,770 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in South Carolina while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.

EPA selected two communities in South Carolina to receive two grants totaling more than $3,150,770 in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce the awards in Philadelphia today alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile.

For over 60 years, the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.
 

“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”

“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and bring them back into productive use.” 

“Today’s announcement by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflect this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” said Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”

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 percent 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 percent of the MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include disadvantaged communities.

State Funding Breakdown:

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program Selection

The following organizations in South Carolina have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs.

• The City of Hartsville has been selected to receive a $500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds also will be used to develop four cleanup plans and support reuse planning and community engagement activities. Assessment activities will occur in the Oakdale Neighborhood and College Heights communities within the City of Hartsville.

 

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.

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.     

###

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $8,387,710 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Florida while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.

EPA selected six communities in Florida to receive six grants totaling more than $8,387,710 in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs. In addition, the agency is announcing $3,500,000 in supplemental funding to one existing, high-performing Brownfields RLF Grant Programs to help expedite their continued work at sites in Florida.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce the awards in Philadelphia today alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile.

For over 60 years, the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.

“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”

“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and bring them back into productive use.” 

 

“Today’s announcement by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflect this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” said Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”

"We are thrilled that the Environmental Protection Agency has granted East Central Florida Regional Planning Council $1,500,000 for Brownsfield assessment which includes the Downtown Kissimmee CRA/Vine Street Corridor,” said Congressman Soto. “This is not just an investment in cleanup; it's an investment in revitalization, sustainability, and the health of future generations."

 

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.

State Funding Breakdown:

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program Selection

The following organizations in Florida have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs. East Central Florida Regional Planning Council has been selected to receive a $3,500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to develop seven cleanup plans and one revitalization plan, and support community engagement activities. Assessment activities will focus on the Cities of Palm Bay, Apopka, Kissimmee, and Melbourne. Priority sites include various vacant and underused properties within the Downtown Apopka Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)/Main Street Corridor, the Downtown Kissimmee CRA/Vine Street Corridor, Melbourne’s Booker Heights community, and Palm Bay’s Coldside community.

• Hillsborough County has been selected to receive a $1,500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to develop site redevelopment strategies and cleanup plans, and support community engagement activities. Assessment activities will focus on three Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas along the Interstate-4 corridors in the county: East Lake-Orient Park, University Area, and Ruskin. Priority sites include a 1.93-acre former maintenance yard located in a residential neighborhood, a 2.82-acre abandoned set of mixed-use zoned contiguous lots, and a 2.38-acre former car wash.

• Wimauma Community Development Corporation has been selected to receive a $500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Community-wide grant funds will be used to develop five cleanup plans and two site reuse plans and to support community engagement activities. The target area for this grant is the Wimauma community within Hillsborough County with a focus on three disadvantaged census tracts.

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.

Non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program

The Agency is announcing $3,500,000 in non-competitive supplemental funding to one successful existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant programs that have already achieved success in their work to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. RLF Grants provide funding for recipients to offer loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The funding announced today will help communities continue to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfield sites. The following Florida organizations have been selected to receive non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program.

South Florida Regional Planning Council has been selected to receive $3,500,000. Potential projects highlighted for use of the BIL funding include 1960 NW 27th Avenue in Miami and the old Baltuff Dump on Middle Torch Key. The BIL funding will extend the capacity of the program to provide funding for more cleanups in the most underserved areas in Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward Counties.

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.

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.    

 

###

ATLANTA, GA. – On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $5,500,000 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Georgia while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.

EPA selected four communities in Georgia to receive four grants totaling more than $5,500,000 in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce the awards in Philadelphia today alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile.

For over 60 years, the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.
 

“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”

“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and bring them back into productive use.”

“Today’s announcement by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflect this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” said Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”

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 percent 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 percent of the MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include disadvantaged communities.

State Funding Breakdown:

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program Selection

The following organizations in Georgia have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs.

• The Columbus Consolidated Government has been selected to receive a $1,000,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to clean up the Bradley Circle Properties, 8.29 acres of land comprised of eight properties: 2838 Bradley Circle, 2 27th Street, 5 27th Street, 9 27th Street, 2711 1st Avenue, 2715 1st Avenue, 2719 1st Avenue, and 2805 1st Avenue.

• The Middle Georgia Regional Commission has been selected to receive a $1,500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to create a thorough site inventory, conduct community engagement activities, and prepare six site reuse and three brownfields revitalization plans. Assessment activities will focus on the Cities of Macon and Milledgeville.

• The City of Warner Robins has been selected to receive a $1,000,000 multipurpose grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to conduct 19 Phase I and 14 Phase II environmental site assessments; develop an inventory of brownfield sites, prepare a Community Involvement Plan, Brownfields Revitalization Plan, and four site reuse plans; and conduct community engagement activities.

 

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.

Non-competitive Supplemental Funding Through the Existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program

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.

###

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $7,830,500 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Alabama while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs will help transform once-polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, while helping to create good jobs and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities. 

EPA selected seven communities in Alabama to receive seven grants totaling more than $7,830,500 in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant programs.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce the awards in Philadelphia today alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at a local brownfield side near Bartram’s Mile.

For over 60 years, the site was used as an oil terminal, filled with storage tanks full of petroleum and other semi-volatile organic compounds. The City of Philadelphia has been working to reclaim brownfield sites along Bartram’s Mile, turning them into a community hub where residents can access trails for hiking and biking, as well as areas for fishing, gardening, farming and more.
 

“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most. I am proud that my Administration is helping Philadelphia clean up and transform this area into an economic engine, while tackling a longstanding environmental injustice and creating good-paying jobs.”

 

“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities and bring them back into productive use.” 

“The announcement made by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflect this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” said Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”

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 percent 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 percent of the MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include disadvantaged communities. 

State Funding Breakdown:

 

Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Program Selection

 

The following organizations in Alabama have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs. Alabama Department of Environmental Management has been selected to receive a $2,000,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to develop a strategic Redevelopment Plan and conduct community engagement activities. The target areas for this grant are the City of York and the Towns of Union Springs and Autaugaville, which have been impacted by an economic shift in the State of Alabama from agriculture to industrial manufacturing.

• East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) has been selected to receive a $1,500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds also will be used to prepare a Community Involvement Plan and seven reuse/area-wide plans, create a brownfields site inventory and a prioritization process, and conduct community engagement activities. Assessment activities will occur throughout EARPDC’s 10-county area with a focus on the Talladega Education Gateway, Avondale Mills Village, and Alabama City/Downtown Corridor in Gadsden.

• The City of Montgomery has been selected to receive a $500,000 assessment grant from EPA. Grant funds will be used to inventory and prioritize sites, prepare four cleanup and three reuse plans, develop a Community Involvement Plan, and support community engagement activities. Assessment activities will occur in the West Montgomery and Centennial Hill communities. Priority sites include the historic Ben Moore Hotel, two abandoned dry cleaners, and a 3-acre former gas station and auto repair shop.

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.

 

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: [link to webpage] 
• To see the list of RLF Supplemental funding recipients: [link to webpage] 
• To learn more about RLF Technical Assistance grant recipient: [Grow America, in partnership with International City/County Management Association (ICMA).] 
• For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields 
   

  

###

WASHINGTON – Today, May 24, the Friday before the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, is recognizing the 16th annual “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage Americans to take a few simple steps to protect their skin and eye health while outdoors. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can increase the risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts, so it is important to be aware of the strength of the sun’s UV rays and take simple steps to protect your skin and eyes while outdoors.

“Remember to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays before you go outdoors,” said Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “Don’t Fry Day is a great annual reminder of the importance of sun safety, and you can use the EPA’s UV Index app to get the UV forecast for your location and tips on how to be sun safe.” 

Almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer. Since many skin cancer cases are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, protecting your skin outdoors is an important step to reducing your skin cancer risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, more than 100,600 new cases of invasive melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in the United States. This is approximately 3,000 more cases than were estimated in 2023.

All people are equally at risk of eye damage and developing cataracts, but some people may be at greater risk of contracting skin cancer depending on the color of their skin, a history of blistering sunburns in early childhood, the presence of many moles, or a family history of skin cancer. Also, although sun safety is especially important in summer when we spend more time outdoors, UV can be high throughout the year depending on factors such as location, elevation, and reflective surfaces like sand and snow.

The EPA, the National Weather Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention work together to make the UV Index forecast available in the United States. The EPA’s UV Index app (search for the EPA’s UV Index in the App Store and on Google Play) is a convenient tool to let you know the strength of the sun’s skin cancer-causing UV rays. The app gives daily and hourly UV intensity forecasts for your location, provides recommendations on sun safety, and is also available in Spanish. Reduce your risk of skin cancer and eye damage by remembering to:

• SLIP! – Slip on a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that covers your skin.
• SLOP! – Slop on a handful of sunscreen with sun protection factor 15 or higher, and re-apply every two hours, or sooner if in the water.
• SLAP! – Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to cover the back of your neck and the tips of your ears.
• WRAP! – Wrap on a pair of sunglasses. The kind that wrap around the sides of your face provide more sun protection.
• Avoid tanning beds and minimize sunbathing.
• Check the UV Index before spending time outdoors and dress appropriately.

Download Don’t Fry Day and sun safety posters, sign up for a daily UV Index forecast via email, or check the UV Index online daily on the EPA’s sun safety webpage.

SAN FRANCISCO —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a series of enforcement actions to address deficiencies in safety plans at eight facilities in Arizona, California and Nevada that store or use certain types of chemicals. The Clean Air Act requires facilities that use extremely hazardous substances to develop and implement risk management plans that identify the potential effects of a chemical accident, steps the facility is taking to prevent an accident, and emergency response procedures should an accident occur.

“It’s imperative to the safety of local communities and emergency responders – and it’s the law – that facilities with flammable and toxic chemicals act to prevent accidents and to have proper response procedures in place,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These enforcement actions represent EPA’s commitment to holding accountable facilities that have failed to follow our nation’s critical chemical safety laws.”

At the K2 Pure Solutions Nocal facility in Pittsburg, Calif., which manufactures bleach, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid, EPA found significant safety issues during an investigation that began in 2020. These issues included an incomplete documentation of the facility’s pressure relief system, failure to address the safety recommendations in a timely manner and inadequate procedures for testing of emergency response equipment.

In August 2021, EPA ordered the facility to address the deficiencies identified during the inspection, which K2 has mostly since done. In April 2024, EPA reached a settlement agreement with K2 that requires the company to pay a $85,189 civil penalty and address remaining deficiencies. That work includes:

• Replacing instruments in an electrical hazardous area;
• Moving a chlorine pressure relief device discharge location to a safe location;
• Completing and implementing the results of a safety study on discharge locations for a dozen safety pressure relief devices;
• Addressing safety recommendations from recent process hazards analyses;
• Updating leak repair procedures;
• Certifying that all critical interlocks and instruments testing is current.

Under the agreement, K2 will also provide Contra Costa Health Services with emergency response resources through a supplemental environmental project (SEP). The SEP includes $264,990 in emergency response equipment, including devices for the detection, identification, and quantification of toxic industrial chemicals, and $98,041 in chlorine emergency response training. Both of these projects will provide needed equipment and training for local responders near the K2 facility.

EPA also assessed penalties to the following facilities that were late in submitting RMPs:

• Tolleson Dairy (Tolleson, Ariz.); $2,000 penalty; the facility, which is owned by Kroger Company, processes milk and uses anhydrous ammonia.
• Holcim Solutions and Products US, LLC (Garden Grove, Calif.): $2,000 penalty; the facility is involved in paint and coating manufacturing and uses toluene diisocyanate.
• North Brawley Geothermal Project (Brawley, Calif.); $1,600 penalty; the facility is a geothermal electric power generating plant and uses isopentane.
• City of Pasadena Water and Power (Pasadena, Calif.); $2,000 penalty; the facility is a water treatment plant that uses chlorine.
• Hazen Nevada Terminal (Hazen, Nev.): $1,600 penalty; the facility is a petroleum bulk terminal owned by South 49 Holdings that stores propane.
• Carlin Nevada Terminal (Carlin, Nev.): $1,600 penalty; the facility is a petroleum bulk terminal owned by South 49 Holdings that stores propane.
• PPG Reno DC (McCarran, Nev.): $2,000 penalty; the facility is a chemical distribution center that stores flammable products.

Learn about the National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives on reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities.

Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister delivers remarks at an event on May 23, 2024, to mark ongoing cleanup work at the PCE Southeast Contamination Superfund Site in York, Nebraska. McCollister emphasized that the cleanup was made possible by funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Photo by U.S. EPA)

LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 23, 2024) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 officials were joined by York Mayor Barry Redfern, York City Administrator Sue Crawford, and representatives from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) to recognize the third and final wave of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Superfund sites in the region.

Seven Superfund sites on EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL) in Region 7 have received Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to start new construction projects or fund ongoing cleanup projects:

• 57th and North Broadway Streets in Wichita, Kansas
• Caney Residential Yards in Caney, Kansas
• Cherokee County in Kansas
• Plating Inc. in Great Bend, Kansas
• Valley Park TCE in Valley Park, Missouri
• Vienna Wells in Vienna, Missouri
• PCE Southeast Contamination in York, Nebraska

Following a meet-and-greet and remarks at York City Hall, officials from EPA Region 7, city of York, and NDEE took a walking tour of the PCE Southeast Contamination Superfund Site and its two operable units in downtown York.

“It was truly amazing to see the work being performed in York and the care the EPA team has taken to minimize disruption to the community and the potential displacement of local businesses during the cleanup of the site,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “The attention to detail our team has put into the remedial design and remedial action is a testament to how EPA Region 7 strives to work with our community partners throughout the Superfund process.”

Site Background

The primary contaminants of concern at the PCE Southeast Contamination Superfund Site in York are tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Taking measures to protect human health and the environment, EPA Region 7 has installed 27 vapor mitigation systems and connected 16 residential properties to the public water supply.

At Operable Unit 2, located at 5th Street and North Platte Avenue, EPA Region 7 has installed vertical, angled, and horizontal in-situ thermal remediation (ISTR) wells; temperature sensor wells; and vapor extraction wells. After a supply chain delay, the ISTR system started operations in the spring with site restoration planned for the fall of this year.

For Operable Unit 1, located at the corner of West 7th Street and North Platte Avenue, EPA Region 7 plans to install an ISTR system to heat, remove, capture, and treat soil contamination from PCE.

• Learn more about the PCE Southeast Contamination Superfund Site.
• Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Superfund sites.

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram

Follow us on X: @EPARegion7

WASHINGTON – Today, May 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing its final decision to deny Alabama’s application to run a federally approved state permit program to manage coal ash landfills and impoundments. Following extensive engagement with Alabama and a robust review of its application, the agency is issuing a denial because the state’s permit program is significantly less protective of people and waterways than federal law requires.

“EPA is laser focused on protecting people from exposure to pollution, like coal ash, that can cause cancer risks and other serious health issues,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our job is to work closely with states to make sure that every community is protected from contamination, and that’s especially true for those that have been overburdened by pollution for too long. EPA stands ready to continue working with Alabama so that they can submit an approvable application and implement a program that is as protective of public health as the federal standards.”

Federal law provides protective requirements for public health and the environment at coal ash units (i.e., landfills and surface impoundments) across the country. EPA can approve a state to implement a federally authorized coal ash permit program only if the state provides an equivalent or greater level of protection as federal law. This creates a level playing field for industry and strong, minimum protections for communities, including communities already overburdened by pollution.

EPA is denying the Alabama application to implement a coal ash permit program because state permitting decisions do not meet this standard for approval under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Under this law, each coal ash unit in the state must achieve compliance with either federal law or state criteria that EPA has determined are at least as protective as the federal criteria. EPA reviewed Alabama’s coal ash permits and found that the permits were significantly less protective than federal law.

Under federal regulations, coal ash units cannot be closed in a way that allows coal ash to continue to spread contamination in groundwater after closure. In contrast, Alabama’s permit program does not require that groundwater contamination be adequately addressed during the closure of these coal ash units.

Specifically, EPA identified deficiencies in Alabama’s permits with closure requirements for unlined surface impoundments, groundwater monitoring networks, and corrective action (i.e., investigation and clean up) requirements. EPA discussed these issues with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management; however, the state agency has not revised its permits or supplemented its application to demonstrate how such permits are as protective as the federal requirements.

To learn more about this denial, visit the Alabama Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program webpage. EPA solicited comments on the proposal to deny Alabama’s permit program for 60 days, during which EPA held in-person and online public hearings for interested persons to present information and comments about this proposal.

Background

Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal in coal-fired power plants that, without proper management, can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water and the air. Coal ash contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic associated with cancer and other serious health effects. Preventing and reducing exposures to these contaminants is of particular importance to children’s health as they grow and develop.

EPA issued a final rule in April of 2015 regulating coal combustion residuals under RCRA and establishing minimum national standards governing the disposal of CCR from electric utilities in landfills and surface impoundments. At the time the CCR rule was issued, EPA did not have authority under RCRA to approve state permit programs for CCR units. Instead, utilities were responsible for directly implementing the requirements of EPA’s 2015 CCR rule, which were enforceable only through citizen suits.

Congress recognized the essential role of the states in its passage of the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Among other changes, the act amended RCRA to provide EPA with authority to approve state permit programs to operate in lieu of the federal regulations, provided the state requirements meet the federal standards.

Applications must provide evidence of permit programs or other systems of prior approval and be as protective as the federal regulations. Once approved, the state permit programs operate in place of the federal program for coal ash disposal.

Once states have approved CCR permit programs in place, the WIIN Act contains provisions for how and when states must update their approved programs when changes are made to the CCR requirements at the federal level. EPA encourages states with coal ash facilities to apply to establish their permit programs. Many states have engaged with EPA on how to set up their programs and how their current state regulations could be revised to incorporate the federal requirements. Visit the Permit Programs for CCR webpage for details.

DALLAS, TEXAS (May 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will receive $18,900,000 to assess the extent of emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems and disadvantaged communities and implement measures to protect communities from these dangerous chemicals. The funding comes from President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has addressed significant pollution issues across the nation.

“Clean, safe drinking water is something every person in New Mexico deserves,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the New Mexico Environment Department will be able to take crucial steps to safeguard New Mexico’s drinking water from PFAS and other emerging contaminants.”

"Contamination and pollution from forever chemicals like PFAS threaten clean drinking water supplies that New Mexico communities depend upon. I am proud to welcome $18.9 million that we secured through the Infrastructure Law to ramp up New Mexico's urgent efforts to detect pollution and protect our precious water resources from PFAS and other emerging contaminants,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich.

“I’m proud to welcome this pivotal investment of more than $18 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help New Mexico communities safeguard themselves from PFAS,” said U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján. “This funding will help examine PFAS levels across the state and implement remediation and mitigation methods to help protect New Mexico's public water system while helping educate New Mexicans on the public health and environmental risks that these chemicals cause."

“Combating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals or PFAS, in our public water systems is essential to provide safe water for communities in New Mexico," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). "Under the Biden Administration, the EPA is working quickly to end the decades of destructive, and sometimes, deadly practices by corporate polluters, and the $18.9 million coming to our state will continue the progress of cleaning up our water systems. New Mexicans know water is life, and they also know the state's Democratic leaders are dedicated to cleaning the water supply for generations to come.”

“When clean water flows, New Mexico grows,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “This $18.9 million EPA award is an investment in the health and safety of New Mexico’s residents. The testing and engineering for PFAS remediation were exactly the kind of projects we envisioned when we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Biden Administration knows these projects are essential to protect clean water in our state and help communities who need it most.”

NMED will perform sampling of public water systems to assess the extent of PFAS contamination throughout the state. During the sampling process, which the NMED anticipates will take two years to complete, the state will evaluate communities to determine which areas need critical assistance. The NMED will also plan and coordinate outreach efforts for communities during this time. Remediation and mitigation efforts will begin once sampling and evaluation is complete, with an emphasis on small and disadvantaged communities.

This funding has a lifespan of five years, with the opportunity for additional funding throughout this time. The five-year workplan includes the identification of PFAS and other emerging contaminants in public water systems, removing all hazardous substances from drinking water sources, and educating communities on how emerging contaminates threaten public health and the environment. The final phase of this funding will be the implementation of plans that assist water systems in maintaining clean water compliance and building resiliency for long-term sustainability.

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Exposure to certain PFAS over a long period of time pose a significant public health risk. The economic and environmental impact of PFAS has already been felt in New Mexico and continues to have an impact nationwide. Through some preliminary testing PFAS has been detected in multiple locations across the state. This funding will allow for more research into the presence of PFAS and other contaminants in source and drinking water.

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.