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Apr. 11, 2018
A reminder of important FedCenter information and services that FedCenter offers to its federal and partner members.
Mar. 21, 2024
EPA announced a final rule, Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, that sets new, more protective standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. The final rule builds upon EPA's final standards for federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026 and leverages advances in clean car technology to unlock benefits to Americans ranging from improving public health through reducing smog- and soot-forming pollution from vehicles, to reducing climate pollution, to saving drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. These standards will phase in over model years 2027 through 2032.
Mar. 20, 2024
EPA announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States. The ban on ongoing uses of asbestos is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which received near-unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The action marks a major milestone for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and serious delays during the previous administration to implement the 2016 amendments. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Mar. 19, 2024
Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices. The funding is available through two Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA's Pollution Prevention program, with approximately $14 million in grants available at no cost share/match requirement, thanks to funding made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Mar. 19, 2024
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Authorized under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act, this two-phase program provides $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.
Mar. 18, 2024
On March 12, 2024, EPA announced proposed amendments to the regulations for the open burning and open detonation of waste explosives. The proposed rule would improve implementation of requirements for how facilities must evaluate and use alternative technologies determined to be safe and available for treating waste explosives in lieu of OB/OD. EPA is also proposing changes to the OB/OD requirements for: • Waste analysis and characterization. • Wastes prohibited from OB/OD. • Minimum technical standards for OB/OD units. • Potential de minimis exemption to evaluating and implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Delay of closure applicability to OB/OD units. • Applicability to emergencies. • Timelines for implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Permitting of mobile treatment units. EPA will be taking public comment for 60 days once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. During the comment period, EPA will host a public webinar about this proposal and will post that information on this webpage.
Mar. 12, 2024
The National Defense Center for Energy & Environment (NDCEE) program cordially invites you to our upcoming focus group meeting. This session will feature active projects offering comprehensive overviews, highlighting recent milestones achieved, current project status, and forthcoming deliverables and next steps. Your attendance at this virtual event is highly encouraged. The Safety and Occupational Health projects will occur on March 19th, 2:00 PM ET, with the Energy projects starting at 2:20 PM ET. The Environment-focused projects will occur on March 20th, 2:00 PM ET. Connect to the meeting through Microsoft Teams or a Call in (audio only) option.
Mar. 4, 2024
The Department of Defense's National Defense Center for Energy and Environment (NDCEE) is excited to announce the opening of proposals for demonstrations of environmental, safety, occupational health, and energy technologies from March 1st to April 1st. They welcome submissions from all DoD Services, inviting innovative technologies, processes, and strategies that enhance energy security, Warfighter protection, military operations efficiency, or reduce environmental impacts. NDCEE wants your help shaping the future of defense through initiatives that bolster national security, safeguard our planet, and contribute to a more robust, greener, and secure tomorrow.
Feb. 28, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published a new compliance advisory titled Federal Facility Compliance with the Asbestos NESHAP. The Asbestos NESHAP requirements protect the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during building renovations and demolitions. This compliance advisory reminds federal facilities of their compliance obligations under the Asbestos NESHAP and the Clean Air Act during building renovations and demolitions, even when those activities are performed by contractors.
Feb. 15, 2024
Fedcenter.gov will be down between 5p-6p EST TODAY (2/15/24) for system maintenance.
Feb. 9, 2024
EPA finalized amendments to the 2018 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Fees Rule that will strengthen the agency's ability to successfully implement the law in a sustainable way, will improve the efficiency of EPA's chemical reviews, and ensure these reviews result in necessary health and safety protections. The amendments update how EPA will recover authorized costs of the law's implementation and ensure that collected fees provide the Agency with 25% of authorized costs consistent with direction from Congress. The 2016 amendments to TSCA greatly increased EPA's authority and responsibility to protect people and the environment from toxic chemicals. While Congress provided EPA with new authority to collect fees to offset up to 25% of authorized TSCA implementation costs, the 2018 TSCA Fees Rule resulted in collection of less than half of the costs EPA had the authority to collect, adding to implementation challenges caused by insufficient resources.
Feb. 8, 2024
For the first time, Pollution Prevention and Source Reduction Assistance Grants (between 2011 and 2022) have topped the one-billion-pound mark for reductions in hazardous materials and pollutants. In addition, cost savings of $2.3 billion resulted from companies buying fewer hazardous materials and shipping less hazardous waste, reducing regulated air emissions, treating less wastewater and buying less water, fuel and energy. Further success from these grants includes 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions and 31.9 billion kilowatt hour savings achieved mostly through energy efficiency and reduced use of energy.
Feb. 6, 2024
Facilities that need to submit SDSs or the list of hazardous chemicals under Section 311, also need to submit an annual inventory report for the same chemicals (EPCRA Section 312). This inventory report must be submitted to the State or Tribal Emergency Response Commission (SERC or TERC), Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC or TEPC), and the local fire department by March 1 of each year. Most States require the Tier II form. Tier II forms require basic facility identification information, employee contact information for both emergencies and non-emergencies, information about chemicals stored or used at the facility, and additional data elements which would be useful to local planners and responders.
Feb. 5, 2024
EPA announced the latest efforts to protect communities and the environment from the health risks posed by certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly over time, and they have been used in many different consumer, commercial and industrial products. Scientific studies show that some PFAS exposure is linked to harmful health effects. EPA is proposing two rules that would add to the agency's comprehensive approach to tackling PFAS pollution across the country. EPA is proposing to modify the definition of hazardous waste as it applies to cleanups at permitted hazardous waste facilities. This modification would assure that EPA's regulations clearly reflect EPA's and authorized states' authority to require cleanup of the full range of substances that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) intended. Currently, the regulations do not clearly and accurately reflect the full authorities granted to EPA by Congress. EPA is also proposing to amend its RCRA regulations to add multiple PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents. These PFAS would be added to the list of substances identified for consideration in facility assessments and, where necessary, further investigation and cleanup through the corrective action process at hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Jan. 31, 2024
EPA launched enhancements to an online search tool for its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. The search tool makes it easier to view and sort standards and ecolabels that EPA recommends U.S. federal government purchasers use to meet sustainable acquisition goals and mandates. It allows users to identify the types of products or services covered by an ecolabel or standard, provides information on product and supplier availability, and links to product registries. The tool also includes a new feature to highlight how the standards and ecolabels address per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and plastics reduction. Consistent with the federal government's goal to avoid procurement of products containing any type of PFAS, EPA will no longer highlight ecolabels or standards that only address individual chemicals like PFOA and/or PFOS. These enhancements are an important step in the federal government's ongoing efforts to address PFAS in products and procurement and underscores the accelerated priority to combat PFAS. EPA's Recommendations for federal purchasing are an important resource for implementing the Biden-Harris Administration's Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs federal agencies to maximize the procurement of sustainable products and services and follow EPA's Recommendations.
Jan. 19, 2024
The formation of battery recycling working sessions alongside experts from state governments, manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental groups. The entire working group session is presented. Speakers include EPA Senior Advisor for Implementation for the Office of Land and Emergency Management, and the Director of EPA's Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division they highlighted the Agency's leading role in battery recycling efforts.
Jan. 18, 2024
Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Supports Energy Conservation Measures at 31 Facilities, Saving Taxpayers $29 Million in the First Year and Drastically Reducing the Federal Carbon Footprint. DOE announced $104 million for energy conservation and clean energy projects at 31 Federal facilities--the latest step in President Biden's strategy to reestablish the Federal Government as a sustainability leader. The funding represents the first of three disbursements from the historic $250 million in funding for the program in President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Jan. 12, 2024
The White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy (Climate Policy Office), through the U.S. Department of Energy, seeks to create a standardized, verifiable basis for defining a zero emissions building. A broadly accepted common minimum definition for a zero emissions building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to efforts by public and private entities to transition the building sector to zero emissions. The definition may serve as a framework that users can achieve through multiple pathways to influence the design and operation of buildings to substantially reduce building sector emissions.
Jan. 12, 2024
This letter summarizes the recommendations of the Green Building Advisory Committee (the Committee), based on the third phase of work of its Federal Building Decarbonization Task Group (FBDTG).
Jan. 12, 2024
GSA's Green Proving Ground and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) published LED lighting and controls guidance for Federal buildings. This guidance is in support of the BRIGHT Act. The material explains the decision flow chart, as well as the many elements for Federal agencies to take into consideration when selecting the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available.
Jan. 10, 2024
EPA announced the automatic addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in designated industry sectors and federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above set quantities. The data include quantities of such chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected is available online and helps to support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the public, and advances the Adminstration commitments to ensuring environmental justice through improved accountability and transparency for families, workers, and communities across the country. The addition of these seven PFAS helps to further the Administration's commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals, and advances EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront the human health and environmental risks of PFAS.
Jan. 3, 2024
EPA released its draft risk evaluation for the flame retardant Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (CASRN 115-96-8) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for public comment. EPA has used the best available science to preliminarily determine that this chemical poses unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. This is the first draft risk evaluation EPA has released for the 20 High-Priority Substances prioritized in 2019. EPA has incorporated improvements to the risk evaluation process announced in 2021 into this risk evaluation including an assessment of exposure to potentially exposed and susceptible subpopulations like workers, children, and subsistence fishers.
Dec. 22, 2023
The Administration announced $600 million for 11 selected Grantmakers under EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, created by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in history. This new grant program, which will make it easier for small community-based organizations to access federal environmental justice funding, responds to community feedback about the need to reduce barriers to federal funds and improve the efficiency of the awards process to ensure communities that have long faced underinvestment can access the benefits of the largest climate investment in history. Communities will be able to apply to a Grantmaker for a subgrant to fund a range of different environmental project activities, including (but not limited to) small local clean ups, local emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency programs, environmental workforce development programs for local jobs reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fenceline air quality and asthma related projects, healthy homes programs, and projects addressing illegal dumping.
Dec. 22, 2023
EPA published the 2023 Mercury Inventory Report on the supply, use, and trade of mercury in the U.S. This is the second inventory report published after finalizing the 2018 mercury inventory reporting rule, adding to the suite of completed mandates related to elemental mercury and mercury compounds per the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The 2023 report is the first report that reflects the January 1, 2020, effective date of the 2016 TSCA amendment to prohibit the export of five mercury compounds. The data in the 2023 report will further assist the U.S. in its implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. High exposure to mercury can cause kidney damage, respiratory failure, and death. Other health effects include difficulty breathing, headaches, muscle weakness, memory loss, and mood swings. Additionally, mercury does not biodegrade and can build up in the environment.
Dec. 20, 2023
The Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a cohort of prototype projects to demonstrate treatment technologies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-impacted media. PFAS are very stable in the environment, due to their unique chemical structure, and are relatively resistant to natural breakdown processes. Spread across three DoD-identified installations, these efforts will demonstrate new technologies targeting these chemicals through a partnership with the DoD's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), the Air Force, the Navy, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Ten companies have been awarded prototype contracts under this effort. The ESTCP and DIU Environmental Remediation & Restoration from PFAS Initiative combines and compares methods that concentrate and destroy PFAS both on and off-site. The selected projects consist of three discrete actions for PFAS-impacted media: water source remediation, soil treatment, and PFAS destruction.
Dec. 19, 2023
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment announces the release of Boots on the Ground: Saving Species, Supporting the Mission--a video that showcases the Department of Defense's (DoD) success in maintaining its national defense and security mission, while conserving military lands and the species that call them home. Filmed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California this seven-minute video tells a story of the unique balance between the vital military testing, training and operational mission and the extraordinary work, commitment, and dedication of the DoD to the conservation of at-risk species.
Dec. 18, 2023
On November 9, 2023, EPA hosted a webinar about the "Alternate PCB Extraction Methods and Amendments to PCB Cleanup and Disposal Regulations" final rule. For those who missed it, you can now access the webinar recording and presentation slides on our website.
Dec. 18, 2023
This compendium draws on information from several sources, including completed alternative technology evaluations and RCRA permits for alternative technologies. It serves as a technical resource for permit agencies, facility owners and operators, and others when evaluating potential alternative treatment options for explosive hazardous wastes.
Dec. 15, 2023
EPA issued a draft memorandum for public comment that communicates EPA's approach on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the PCB approval process under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This memorandum would clarify that, for PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal approvals, our determination of no unreasonable risk is to be inclusive of not only current but future conditions at sites and facilities vulnerable to potential adverse climate change impacts. We identify measures that strengthen the resilience of PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal controls to climate change impacts, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment over time. EPA welcomes comment on the memorandum through 26 January 2024.?
Dec. 15, 2023
EPA issued for public comment a draft memorandum that would provide guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the hazardous waste permitting process under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This draft guidance includes expectations for conducting climate change vulnerability screenings and assessments for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine whether there are climate vulnerabilities that hazardous waste permits should address. The memo's recommendations would ensure that controls provide long-term effectiveness through resilience to adverse climate change impacts into the future. EPA welcomes comment on the memorandum through 26 January 2024.?? ?
Dec. 13, 2023
These advice letter summarizes the recommendations of the Green Building Advisory Committee and are based on the third phase of work of its Federal Building Decarbonization Task Group (FBDTG) and the diligent efforts of its Green Leasing Task Group (GLTG). The letters are titled: Federal Building Decarbonization: Integrated Electrification Solutions and Recommendations for Achieving EO 14057 Green Lease Targets.
Dec. 5, 2023
EPA announced that the U.S. Navy has successfully completed a 2011 Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement (FFCA) at Naval Base Guam. For over 12 years and at a cost of $130 million, the Navy carried out significant infrastructure upgrades to the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewer system along with modifications to a water plant. In addition, the Navy improved pollution monitoring and completed technical studies. EPA conducted an inspection in February 2023 and verified that the Navy had completed all requirements of the agreement, including: Upgrading the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. Instituting a base-wide pollution prevention program to minimize the release of metals, oils, and other pollutants into the sewer system. Constructing and operating a bilge oily water treatment system to treat ship discharges. Modifying the drinking water plant to curtail the discharge of aluminum-based treatment chemicals into the sewers and to prevent the leaching of copper from household piping. Replacing and rehabilitating over 30 miles of sewer pipes, hundreds of sewer manholes, force mains, and pump stations. Completion of the agreement means the discharge from the Naval Base Guam's Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant is now meeting Clean Water Act requirements.
Dec. 1, 2023
EPA announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. The Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out--including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on 16 January 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information about the proposed rule visit the proposed rule webpage.
Nov. 30, 2023
The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is pleased to announce the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). Led by USGCRP and its 14 member agencies, NCA5 draws on the expertise of nearly 500 authors and 250 contributors from every state, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCA5 is the most up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of climate change in the United States, providing authoritative, decision-relevant information on how people across the country are experiencing climate change, the risks we face now and in the future, and actions underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience. USGCRP is providing a series of webinars led by the authors of key chapters of this report. These chapter webinars are an opportunity for you to hear about the findings of a particular chapter from the authors themselves. Each virtual one-hour event is expected to include some time for Q&A.
Nov. 16, 2023
On October 23, 2023, EPA announced a new rulemaking effort to improve the recycling and management of end-of-life solar panels and lithium batteries. EPA is developing a proposed rule to add solar panels to the universal waste regulations and to add tailored universal waste standards for lithium batteries. EPA is working on this rulemaking in part in response to a petition submitted by a broad coalition of industry associations to regulate solar panels as universal waste. EPA is also working on adjustments within the universal waste regulations to improve safety standards and reduce fires from mismanaged end-of-life lithium batteries. Read about this effort on our website.
Nov. 15, 2023
GSA announced a new MOU between GSA and Southern Company to develop carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) options for federal facilities in Southern Company's service territories. The MOU documents the intent of GSA and Southern Company to collaborate on development of a roadmap that, when executed, will lead to federal agencies in that region buying more CFE and achieving reliability and resiliency objectives outlined in Executive Order 14057.
Nov. 7, 2023
This edition highlights fostering sustainability as a way of life, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #1. Content includes commentary from Mr. Pete Perez, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering and Construction Division chief, discussing how USACE is engineering solutions to address a changing climate. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are providing sustainable solutions that support our environment and the global communities we serve.
Oct. 25, 2023
DOE published the "2023 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report," which summarizes the achievements of DOE's Better Buildings public and private sector partners since the initiative's inception in 2011. The report shows that partnering entities, including more than 900 businesses, state and local governments, utilities, housing authorities, and other public and private organizations, to date have collectively saved $18.5 billion through efficiency improvements and cut harmful carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 190 million metric tons-- an amount roughly equivalent to combined annual emissions of 24 million homes. This report also includes the results of the Better Climate Challenge, an initiative that challenges major building portfolio owners and industrial partners to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within 10 years. In year one of the Challenge, partners have reported on nearly 1 billion square feet of buildings and 1,500 industrial plants. Through the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE aims to improve energy efficiency in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors and accelerate cost-effective decarbonization solutions across the economy--supporting the Administration's efforts to lower energy costs for American families and businesses while addressing the climate crisis.
Oct. 25, 2023
EPA announced a proposal to ban all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) an extremely toxic chemical known to cause serious health risks including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. TCE is used in cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, brake cleaners, and tire repair sealants, and a variety of safer alternatives are readily available for many uses. This action, taken under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), would protect people from these health risks by banning the manufacture, processing, and distribution of TCE for all uses. EPA's proposed risk management rule would take effect in one year for consumer products and most commercial uses and would implement stringent worker protections on the limited remaining commercial and industrial uses that would be phased down over a longer period.
Oct. 25, 2023
EPA is announcing the winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, this year's winners have developed solutions to significant environmental challenges such as climate change and spur innovation and economic development. An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute formally judged the 2023 submissions and made recommendations to EPA.
Oct. 23, 2023
EPA finalized a rule that improves reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by eliminating an exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations. Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are used at low concentrations in many products, and as a result of removing this reporting exemption, covered industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, and chemical manufacturing, as well as federal facilities that make or use any of the 189 TRI-listed PFAS, will no longer be able to avoid disclosing the quantities of PFAS they manage or release into the environment.
Oct. 23, 2023
EPA is issuing a supplemental proposed rule to reduce the spread of invasive species that occurs with normal operation of large marine vessels. Following public input on EPA's 2020 proposed rule--including meetings with states, Tribes, and other stakeholders--the agency is now issuing a Supplemental Notice to share new data and control options raised by stakeholders. This supplemental proposal will bolster the development of a final rule to stem the spread of invasive species and better protect our nation's aquatic ecosystems.
Oct. 18, 2023
This year's Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners come from 15 states and the District of Columbia. They were recognized for achievements in the design, manufacture, and the selection and use of cleaners, detergents and other products with safer chemicals. Applicants for this year's awards were encouraged to show how their work promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, improves drinking water quality or advances innovation in packaging.
Oct. 17, 2023
EPA is announcing the availability of reporting instructions for entities required to report on their use of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In July 2023, EPA finalized a rule that requires comprehensive reporting on all six fiber types of asbestos as the agency continues its work to address exposure to this known carcinogen and strengthen the evidence that will be used to further protect people from this dangerous chemical. Importantly, the rule also covers asbestos-containing products (including products that contain asbestos as an impurity, such as asbestos-containing talc) and asbestos that is present as a component of a mixture. Manufacturers (including importers) and processors subject to the rule must submit all required information to EPA during the three-month data submission period beginning February 24, 2024, and ending 24 May 2024. Reporters must use the asbestos section 8(a)(1) reporting tool on EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) to submit information. EPA will not accept paper submissions or electronic media. EPA has released a detailed set of instructions to help potential reporters determine if they need to report and how to use the CDX-based tool to submit their data. While the submission period doesn't begin until February, EPA encourages entities that are required to report or who believe they may be required to report to read the instructions as soon as possible and register with CDX if necessary.
Oct. 16, 2023
EPA announced the selection of 24 recipients across the country that will collectively receive nearly $16 million in pollution prevention grants through the Investing in America agenda. The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support two grant programs for states and state-sponsored colleges to provide businesses with technical assistance to develop and adopt practices that prevent pollution at the source in local communities. The Environmental Justice in Communities grant program will provide pollution prevention technical assistance to businesses to improve human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The Environmental Justice Through Safer and More Sustainable Products grant program will assist businesses to increase the supply, demand, and use of safer and more sustainable products, such as those certified by EPA's Safer Choice program, or that conform to EPA's Recommendations for Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing.
Oct. 12, 2023
The Land Use and Green Infrastructure Scorecard guides municipalities through a review of local plans, policies, and municipal practices to illuminate opportunities to better protect water resources. The goal of the scorecard is to help municipalities protect water resources while maximizing the additional community benefits available through green infrastructure, including flood mitigation, public health, and climate resilience. Local government staff can use the Scorecard to improve their understanding of how local plans, policies, and practices impact water resources and ecosystem services. The Scorecard cuts across multiple departments and scales within a jurisdiction (municipal, neighborhood, and site), to ensure that these plans, policies, and practices work together to protect water resources.
Oct. 11, 2023
EPA announced the latest actions to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, building on the Biden-Harris Administration's progress in accomplishing an initial 10% reduction and helping achieve an 85% reduction by 2036. The first new action is a final rule to accelerate the ongoing transition to more efficient and climate-safe technologies in new refrigeration, heating and cooling systems and other products by restricting the use of HFCs where alternatives are already available. The second action is a proposed rule to better manage and reuse existing HFCs, including by reducing wasteful leaks from equipment and supporting a growing American industry for HFC recycling and reclamation. Under the AIM Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is phasing down HFCs to achieve a 40% reduction of HFCs starting in 2024 and an 85% reduction by 2036. Today's actions will support the national phasedown, including through an additional $4.5 billion in estimated savings for industry and consumers, while supporting good-paying American manufacturing jobs to produce the next generation of equipment and HFC alternatives.
Oct. 5, 2023
The innovative NASA Langley Research Center team developed and piloted a Section 889 compliance tool to help acquisition professionals verify compliance before purchase card transactions or contract awards. Because it could affect federal acquisitions, NASA and GSA made the Section 889 Compliance Tool governmentwide. This compliance tool supports effective implementation of Section 889, paragraphs (a) (1)(A) (Part A) and (a)(1)(B) (Part B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115- 232), Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. The remarkable and practical results of the Section 889 Compliance Tool include: 1) simplifying the process of verifying vendor compliance with Section 889, Parts A & B; 2) delivering fast and dependable confirmation of a vendor's adherence to Section 889; 3) eliminating the need for acquisition professional/other users to navigate the complexities of DUNS numbers or sift through extensive FAR clauses/reps & certs on SAM.gov; 4) reducing market research time; and 5) minimizing risks associated with awarding to noncompliant vendors or contractors.
Oct. 2, 2023
EPA finalized a rule that will provide EPA, its partners, and the public with the largest-ever dataset of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufactured and used in the United States. This rule builds on over two years of progress on the Administration's action plan to combat PFAS pollution, safeguarding public health and advancing environmental justice, and is a key action in EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. PFAS are a category of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS have characteristics that make them useful in a variety of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, as well as in certain manufacturing processes. The reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a statutory requirement under the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that requires all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles in any year since 2011 to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes made and processed, byproducts, environmental and health effects, worker exposure, and disposal to EPA.
Oct. 2, 2023
EPA is adding 10 chemicals to the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL). The SCIL is a living list of chemicals that EPA's Safer Choice program has evaluated and determined meet Safer Choice criteria. With this update, there are a total of 1,071 chemicals on the SCIL, which are among the safest for their functional use. The SCIL provides increased transparency in safer chemistry, helps companies find safer chemical alternatives and increases innovation and growth of safer products. In support of the Administration's goals, the addition of chemicals to the SCIL incentivizes further innovation in safer chemistry, which can promote environmental justice, bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change, and improve water quality.
Sep. 28, 2023
Attention:
Due to the uncertainties of the current Federal government situation, the 2023 Symposium has been postponed until early Spring 2024, at which time the Call for Abstracts will be re-opened and the event will be held virtual-only. We thank you for your understanding.
Note: All current registrations will be honored for the next scheduled event.

Registration to attend the 2023 Federal Environmental Symposium is now open! Federal employees and sponsored contractors are invited to attend the Symposium, a hybrid event to be attended October 23-27, 2023 either virtually or in-person at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. This year's theme for the Symposium "Environment: A Mission Asset" focuses on the sharing of best practices, success stories, partnerships, and challenges and achievements of the federal practitioner community as they apply to your Agency's mission. The event is FREE and registration will end Friday, September 29, 2023, so mark your calendar and register now. For more information, please see FedCenter's Symposium website at https://www.fedcenter.gov/fes2023.
Sep. 25, 2023
This fact sheet outlines new steps that will catalyze action across the federal government to account for climate change impacts in budgeting, procurement, and other agency decisions, and save hardworking families money. Specifically, the President is directing agencies to: 1) consider the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (SC-GHG) in the development and implementation of their budgets, 2) consider the SC-GHG in federal procurement processes, and 3) consider the SC-GHG in environmental reviews conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as appropriate.
Sep. 22, 2023
EPA announced an updated online P2 Hub Resources Center that features an expanded suite of tools and materials to help businesses and technical assistance providers implement P2 practices. The P2 Hub includes links to more than 3,200 case studies, articles and tools related to pollution prevention and, since 2019, EPA has responded to nearly 1,000 requests from P2 practitioners for help with technical assistance through the P2 Hub Helpline. P2 approaches can be applied to all potential and actual pollution-generating activities, including those found in the energy, agriculture, federal, consumer and industrial sectors.
Sep. 21, 2023
The goal of these reports is to provide a guide to a private sector-led, industry-wide decarbonization effort that is deeper and faster than it would otherwise be and that directly benefits fenceline communities by emphasizing environmental justice and the creation of good jobs. Key highlights from the reports: 1) The pressing need for deep decarbonization in carbon-intensive industrial sectors. 2) Current U.S. industrial strategies risk falling behind net-zero targets. 3) Potential pathways for industries to remain on track with decarbonization targets. 4) A call to action for significant capital investment and robust technological adaptation across sectors. The release of these reports underscores the DOE's commitment to providing actionable insights and strategies to drive the U.S. towards a more sustainable industrial future.
Sep. 19, 2023
EPA is joining state and local partners to launch SepticSmart Week 2023, a week-long annual campaign to educate homeowners and renters on how to properly maintain their septic systems. When septic systems are well-functioning, the health of the nation's communities and ecosystems is better protected. By being SepticSmart, homeowners can also avoid thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs. Running from September 18 through September 22 this year, SepticSmart week is a partnership between EPA, state, Tribal, and local officials, wastewater professionals, and homeowners.
Sep. 18, 2023
EPA announced $19 million in new grant funding that will work to improve the climate resilience of the nation's water infrastructure. EPA's Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program will support drinking water systems in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities that are working to prepare for and reduce vulnerability to impacts from climate change ranging from extreme flooding to extreme drought.
Sep. 18, 2023
USACE announced the 2023 Environmental and Sustainability Award winners! USACE's Environmental and Sustainability Awards Program provides the opportunity to mark our significant contributions towards protecting and preserving our environment. Environmental stewardship is ingrained in our culture here at USACE. It is indoctrinated in our Environmental Operating Principles and illustrated through the many actions being taken across our Military, Civil Works and R&D missions. This year's winners exemplify the strength in our collective efforts across the enterprise to shape a sustainable future for current and future generations. More information about these outstanding winners will be provided in future Environmental Community of Practice SITREPs, The Corps Environment, and on the Environmental Community of Practice SharePoint.
Sep. 15, 2023
EPA announced a final rule to restore the fundamental authority granted by Congress to states, territories, and Tribes to protect water resources that are essential to healthy people and thriving communities. The agency's final CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule will support clear, efficient, and focused water quality reviews of infrastructure and development projects that are key to economic growth. Clean Water Act Section 401 enables states, territories, and authorized Tribes to protect their water quality from adverse impacts of construction or operation of federally permitted projects. Under Section 401 of the Act, a federal agency may not issue a license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in any discharge into a water of the US, unless the appropriate state, territory, or authorized Tribe issues a CWA Section 401 water quality certification or waives certification. EPA's 2023 rule realigns the scope of Section 401 certification with decades of established practice and restores and strengthens the role of states, territories, and authorized Tribes. The rule enhances certification review and provides regulatory certainty to advance federally permitted projects. The rule emphasizes that states, territories, and Tribes may only consider the adverse water quality-impacts from the activity. The rule also provides a clear approach to defining the required contents in a request for certification.
Sep. 14, 2023
Join EPA on September 19, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Eastern) to announce and celebrate the 2023 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards. These awards recognize the pollution prevention (P2) best practices of companies that have worked with EPA P2 grantees to implement P2 projects at their facilities. The awards highlight P2 successes that other companies can consider implementing as part of their business to help save money and protect human health and the environment.
Sep. 14, 2023
EPA announced more than $100 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across the country, representing EPA's largest recycling investment in 30 years. EPA has selected 25 communities to receive grants totaling more than $73 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $32 million for states and territories to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country and will range from $500,000 to $4 million per grant. Selected projects include purchasing new fleets of recycling collection vehicles and bins to provide curbside recycling services for communities currently lacking access; upgrades to material recovery facilities to reduce contamination; enhancements to composting and organics programs and infrastructure; and construction of various types of facilities that improve recycling, composting, and reuse infrastructure for materials such as plastics and food waste.
Sep. 14, 2023
EPA resolved longstanding litigation covering over 1,000 pesticide products, allowing EPA to fulfill its obligations to protect endangered species while conducting reviews and approvals of pesticides in a safe and protective manner. This agreement and the prior partial settlement include obligations for EPA, many of which are also described in the ESA Workplan. Those actions include: 1) Development of mitigation measures for listed species that are particularly vulnerable to exposures from pesticides and determine how to apply these mitigations to future pesticide actions, as well as whether this Vulnerable Species Pilot should be expanded to more species. 2) Development and implementation of an Herbicide Strategy, a Rodenticide Strategy, Insecticide Strategy, and Fungicide strategy which will identify mitigation measures for entire classes of pesticides to address their potential impacts to hundreds of ESA-listed species. 3) Completion of the ESA work for eight organophosphates and four rodenticides. 4) Host a workshop for stakeholders to explore how to offset pesticide impacts on ESA-listed species in situations where eliminating or modifying pesticide use may not be feasible.
Sep. 13, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $19 million in new grant funding that will work to improve the climate resilience of the nation's water infrastructure. The funding available under this competitive grant opportunity will assist public water systems in underserved communities, small or disadvantaged, that are working to prepare for and reduce vulnerability to impacts from climate change ranging from extreme flooding to extreme drought.
Sep. 13, 2023
EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards from companies or institutions that have developed a new green chemistry process or product that helps protect human health and the environment. EPA's efforts to speed the adoption of this revolutionary and diverse discipline have led to significant environmental benefits, innovation, and a strengthened economy. The awards program highlights green chemistry that helps prevent pollution before it is even created, making it a preferred approach for providing solutions to some of the nation's most significant environmental challenges. Nominations are due to EPA by Dec. 8, 2023. An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute will formally judge the 2024 nominations and make recommendations to EPA for the 2024 winners. EPA anticipates giving awards to outstanding green chemistry technologies in six categories in fall 2024. Additionally, EPA is announcing a webinar to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT, to educate stakeholders on the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards and the nomination process.
Sep. 13, 2023
EPA released a new report that finds that President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment ever – spurs major carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions from the U.S. electricity sector and across the economy. The report, "Electricity Sector Emissions Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act: Assessment of projected CO2 emissions reductions from changes in electricity generation and use," relies upon results from state-of-the-art models to assess how the Inflation Reduction Act's investments in clean electricity and other climate solutions across sectors will reduce emissions. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered on the most ambitious climate agenda in history, which is lowering energy costs for families, creating jobs across the country, and protecting lands and waters for future generations. This report is consistent with, and incorporates results from, recent reports issued by the Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory, as well as results from a peer-reviewed analysis conducted by external, independent, energy and emissions modeling experts. The reports all show accelerated and significant reductions in U.S. carbon dioxide emissions with the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Sep. 8, 2023
GSA has reported progress toward key sustainability goals in recent years across its buildings portfolio. In this report GSA's aggregated buildings portfolio data show it exceeded prior goals for energy efficiency, water efficiency, emissions reduction, and renewable electricity share in fiscal year 2021, however GSA officials cited lack of access to capital as a challenge it faces in meeting future federal sustainability goals. GSA officials said the scale and scope of the projects needed to achieve net-zero building emissions by 2045 will require resources beyond what has historically been available.
Aug. 31, 2023
EPA and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of "waters of the United States" to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential protections that safeguard the nation's waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities. The Supreme Court's Decision in Sackett v. EPA, issued on 25 May 2023, created uncertainty for Clean Water Act implementation. The agencies are issuing this amendment to the 2023 rule expeditiously--three months after the Supreme Court decision--to provide clarity and a path forward consistent with the ruling. With this action, the Army Corps of Engineers will resume issuing all jurisdictional determinations. Because the sole purpose of this rule is to amend specific provisions of the 2023 Rule that are invalid under Sackett, the rule will take effect immediately.
Aug. 30, 2023
This edition highlights collaboration and partnership, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #6. Content includes commentary from Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Connor, discussing how innovation is being advanced through collaboration and partnerships. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are shaping a sustainable future for current and future generations.
Aug. 23, 2023
The EPA announced its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives for 2024-2027, including for the first time initiatives to mitigate climate change, address exposure to PFAS contamination, and protect communities from cancer-causing coal ash. To advance the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protect disadvantaged communities, EPA also will integrate environmental justice considerations into each of its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives. Every four years, across administrations, EPA selects enforcement and compliance priorities so that the agency and its state partners can prioritize resources to address the most serious and widespread environmental problems facing the United States. In addition to climate change, PFAS contamination, and coal ash initiatives, EPA is modifying its Clean Air Act initiative to focus on hazardous toxic air pollution in overburdened communities in each EPA region and is continuing its drinking water and chemical accident prevention initiatives that began under prior administrations.
Aug. 22, 2023
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to ensure the standards reflect the most current, relevant science and protect people's health from these harmful pollutants. EPA Administrator Michael Regan reached this decision after carefully considering advice provided by the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). In October 2021, EPA announced a reconsideration of the previous Administration's decision to retain the NAAQS for ozone. EPA is incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into the review announced today and will consider the advice and recommendations of the CASAC in that review. The Agency will move swiftly to execute this new review of the underlying science and the standards – prioritizing transparency, scientific integrity, inclusive public engagement, and environmental justice.
Aug. 21, 2023
EPA is releasing the first set of data collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). In the latest action to deliver on EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap, UCMR 5 will provide new data that will improve EPA's understanding of the frequency that 29 PFAS and lithium are found in the nation's drinking water systems, and at what levels. The monitoring data on PFAS and lithium will help the Agency make determinations about future actions to protect public health under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This action advances the Administration's commitment to combat PFAS pollution and safeguard drinking water for all people.
Aug. 16, 2023
Registration is now open for FEMP 50, a special two-day celebration organized by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to commemorate 50 years of federal energy management. FEMP invite you to join them for a virtual training session on 12 and 13 September 2023. FEMP 50 is an opportunity for all energy and water management enthusiasts to come together, learn, collaborate, and celebrate the remarkable achievements made in the realm of federal energy management over the past five decades. This event will feature engaging training sessions, insightful discussions, and the chance to interact with leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and FEMP.
Aug. 9, 2023
DOE unlocked billions of dollars in private capital to improve the efficiency and sustainability of federal facilities. DOE competitively awarded contracts to 20 energy service companies (ESCOs) to provide Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) for federal agencies, marking the fourth generation of such contracts awarded by DOE since 1998. Energy and water infrastructure projects financed through DOE's ESPC indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract offer guaranteed cost savings for federal sites. With a ceiling of $5 billion per ESCO contract, they require no upfront government funding and are designed to pay for themselves over time. Federal agencies interested in initiating their next ESPC project are encouraged to contact the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to get started. Stakeholders, including federal agencies, ESCOs, and the public can visit FEMP's ESPC program page to view the awarded contracts and access further information about ESPCs
Aug. 7, 2023
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) today announced the members of the Electric Vehicle Working Group (EVWG), a collection of EV industry experts and leaders who will help guide the widespread adoption of EVs across the country and solidify America's position as a global leader of clean energy jobs and manufacturing. The EVWG, which will make recommendations directly to the secretaries of Energy and Transportation, includes experts with experience and knowledge across the entire EV ecosystem, including manufacturers of vehicles, components, and batteries; public utility representatives; local and regional elected officials; state energy planners; and labor officials representing transportation industry workers. The committee also includes leadership from the U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Jul. 21, 2023
EPA is hosting three informational webinars on the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) expected to be issued under the Inflation Reduction Act's Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Grant Program in 2023. These webinars will provide information on the NOFO and the ECJ Grant Program including who is eligible for the grants, eligible projects, and more. The Agency is seeking public input on the NOFO during the webinars and hopes to hear ideas on potential projects and the types of resources applicants may need.?These webinars are intended for potential applicants and other interested parties.
Jul. 20, 2023
DOE proudly announced the third round of signatories to the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), demonstrating the ongoing commitment and collaboration between the public and private sectors in fostering innovative vehicle technologies.
Jul. 18, 2023
EPA announced the latest action to phase down the use of climate super-pollutant hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), issuing a final rule to implement a 40% reduction below historic levels from 2024 through 2028. The rule aligns with the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act's goals to reduce the production and consumption of these climate-damaging chemicals by 85% by 2036 and help avoid up to 0.5 ?C of global warming by 2100. The final rule builds on the success of the 10% phasedown step implemented for 2022 and 2023, by establishing a similar allowance methodology to provide regulatory certainty to industry and stakeholders, ensuring the most efficient implementation under the ongoing phasedown. The United States began this historic phasedown on January 1, 2022, with a reduction of HFC production and imports to 10% below historic baseline levels. Since then, allowances are needed to import and produce HFCs. Starting in 2024 the phasedown will be 40% below historic levels, a significant decrease in the number of available production and consumption allowances compared to previous years. HFC allowances for calendar year 2024 will be allocated by September 29, 2023. The phasedown schedule under this program is consistent with the schedule laid out in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which the United States ratified in October 2022.
Jul. 18, 2023
On October 17 and 18, 2023, the EPA and HUD will hold a virtual public workshop to receive stakeholder input on the detection, measurement and characterization of lead-based paint to support efforts to reduce lead exposure. EPA and HUD will use information received during the workshop to inform their joint effort to revisit the federal definition of lead-based paint and propose and finalize a revised definition, if necessary. The workshop will cover several topics related to low levels of lead in existing paint, including the potential health effects, the relationship between lead-based paint and dust-lead, possible exposure pathways (e.g., renovation and maintenance, deteriorating paint and direct ingestion), and emerging detection and measurement technologies used to quantify lead in paint. Additionally, EPA and HUD also seek any available new information on lead-based paint characteristics and medical evidence related to low levels of lead in paint to help with EPA and HUD's reevaluation of the definition of lead-based paint. The information shared will increase awareness of exposure pathways that must be considered, inform models that examine the exposure to lead at various concentrations and provide greater context for the impacts a lower definition may have.
Jul. 17, 2023
EPA announced the launch of two Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for $20 billion across two grant competitions under the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, an Inflation Reduction Act program central to President Biden's Investing in America Agenda and environmental justice goals. The $14 billion National Clean Investment Fund will provide grants to support two-to-three national clean financing institutions, enabling them to partner with the private sector to provide accessible, affordable financing for tens of thousands of clean technology projects nationwide. The $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator will provide grants to support up to seven hub nonprofit organizations, enabling them to provide funding and technical assistance to public, quasi-public, not-for-profit, and non-profit community lenders working in communities with environmental justice concerns--supporting the goal that every community in the country has access to the resources they need to fund clean technology projects. Please find the National Clean Investment Fund NOFO here and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator NOFO here.
Jul. 12, 2023
WASHINGTON (July 12, 2023) -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 buildings and child care facilities, known as abatement activities, to better protect children and communities from the harmful effects of exposure to dust generated from lead paint, advancing President Biden's whole-of-government approach to protecting families and children from lead exposure. If finalized, this rule is estimated to reduce the lead exposures of approximately 250,000 to 500,000 children under age six per year.
Jul. 11, 2023
WASHINGTON (July 11, 2023)  Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest action to phase down the use of climate super-pollutant hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), issuing a final rule to implement a 40% reduction below historic levels from 2024 through 2028. The rule aligns with the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act's goals to reduce the production and consumption of these climate-damaging chemicals by 85% by 2036 and help avoid up to 0.5 ?C of global warming by 2100.
Jul. 11, 2023
EPA announced a final rule to require comprehensive reporting on all six fiber types of asbestos as the agency continues its work to address exposure to this known carcinogen and strengthen the evidence that will be used to further protect people from this dangerous chemical. The rule, issued under section 8(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires asbestos manufacturers (including importers) and processors to report certain use and exposure information from the past four years, including information on asbestos-containing products (including as an impurity). Under the reporting rule, manufacturers (including importers) or processors of asbestos between 2019 and 2022 with annual sales above $500,000 in any of those years are required to report exposure-related information, including quantities of asbestos manufactured or processed, types of use, and employee data. Importantly, the rule also covers asbestos-containing products (including products that contain asbestos as an impurity) and asbestos that is present as a component of a mixture. Manufacturers (including importers) and processors subject to the rule will have nine months following the effective date of the final rule to collect and submit all required information to EPA.
Jul. 3, 2023
EPA announced its framework for addressing new and new uses of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The framework outlines EPA's planned approach when reviewing new PFAS and new uses of PFAS to ensure that, before these chemicals are allowed to enter into commerce, EPA will undertake an extensive evaluation to ensure they pose no harm to human health and the environment. The framework supports the Administration's commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals and advances EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront the human health and environmental risks of PFAS pollution.
Jun. 29, 2023
EPA seeking applications through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to bring solar to millions of homes in low-income and disadvantaged communities, funded by the President's Inflation Reduction Act. Residential distributed solar energy will lower energy costs for families, create good-quality jobs in communities that have been left behind, advance environmental justice, and tackle the climate crisis. The Solar for All competition, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), will expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment by awarding up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits to create and expand low-income solar programs that provide financing and technical assistance, such as workforce development, to enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from residential solar. The deadline to apply to this competitive grant competition is 26 September 2023. Eligible applicants to Solar for All include states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients.
Jun. 29, 2023
Join the EPA for a webinar on the Agency's proposal to ban all consumer uses and many industrial and commercial uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), a majority of which would be fully implemented in 24 months after the rule is finalized, except for dry cleaning which would be subject to a 10-year phaseout with compliance dates depending on the type of machine in which PCE is used. For uses in industrial manufacturing, industrial processing, and certain commercial uses important for national security, aviation, and other critical infrastructure that EPA is not proposing to prohibit, EPA is proposing a workplace chemical protection program with strict exposure limits and workplace controls for laboratory use to better protect workers. This webinar will be useful for anyone looking for an overview of the proposed regulatory action or to provide input on the proposed program, including industry groups, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and other stakeholders. EPA is particularly looking for participation from employers and workers who can give perspective on the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed requirement for worker protections.
Jun. 26, 2023
The Summer 2023 edition of the DoD Cultural Resources Program newsletter, "Cultural Resources Update," is attached. This edition highlights the Department's efforts on climate change. Highlights include articles on Climate Modeling and Archaeological Site Monitoring at Tyndall Air Force Base, a Solar Enhanced Lease Use Project at Edwards Air Force Base, a Climate Adaptation Guide for Cultural Resources, the 2023 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards, announcements, training, and more.
Jun. 26, 2023
EPA is issuing a final rule to update the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemical list to identify nine additional PFAS subject to reporting requirements. TRI data are reported to EPA annually by facilities in certain industry sectors, including federal facilities, that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above certain quantities. The data collected help to support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. The data collected also help inform EPA's efforts to better understand the listed substances. As part of EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the Agency also proposed a rule in December 2022 to enhance PFAS reporting to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations. Because PFAS are used at low concentrations in many products, that rule would ensure that covered industry sectors and federal facilities that make or use TRI-listed PFAS will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid disclosing their PFAS releases and other waste management quantities for these chemicals
Jun. 22, 2023
EPA issued a final rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program that establishes the biofuel volume requirements for 2023 to 2025. This final rule builds on the RFS program's progress over the previous two years and reflects the Administration's commitment to strengthen the nation's energy independence, advance low-carbon fuels, and support agricultural communities. The final rule strengthens U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 130,000 to 140,000 barrels of oil per day over the time frame of the final rule, 2023–2025. The final rule also discusses EPA's intent to monitor the ongoing implementation of the RFS program and its impacts on domestic refineries, which have a critical role to play in our energy security. The Set Rule establishes the biofuel volume requirements and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2023–2025. It also completes EPA's response to a court remand of the 2016 annual rule by establishing a supplemental volume requirement of 250 million gallons of renewable fuel for 2023.
Jun. 21, 2023
GSA announced plans to use $975 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to upgrade federal buildings across the country with emerging and sustainable technologies. These plans will include electrifying the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center – one of the largest in GSA's portfolio – through up to $13.5 million that will use clean energy technologies to lower energy costs, create good-paying local jobs, and reduce harmful carbon pollution. The Administration is leading by example to tackle the climate crisis through the Federal Sustainability Plan, which establishes an ambitious path to achieve net-zero emissions from federal buildings by 2045.
Jun. 15, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity, Supporting Communities to Reduce Lead Poisoning (CDC-RFA-EH-23-005). Applications are due by July 31, 2023. The new 3-year, community-based cooperative agreement will fund approximately 10 local organizations for a period of performance from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026. Through this cooperative agreement, funded applicants will help families avoid the dangers of lead in their homes through community engagement, prevention education, and family support. An informational call for the new funding opportunity will take place June 14, 2023, 2:00-3:00PM ET.
Jun. 14, 2023
EPA has ongoing cleanup and property transfer responsibilities at nearly 2,400 federal facility sites including 175 federal facilities on the Superfund National Priorities List, which are some of the largest and most complex cleanup sites in the U.S. The Agency also promotes innovative, cost-effective cleanups at other federal facilities by working with federal agencies, Tribes, state and local governments, and community representatives to ensure that facilities meet environmental standards and undergo redevelopment for both public and private-sector reuse. To recognize outstanding collaborative outcomes at federal facility sites, EPA created the National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse award. The 2023 Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award winners are: Middlesex Sampling Plant, Middlesex, New Jersey (Department of Energy – Office of Legacy Management) and Former Bannister Federal Complex, Kansas City, Missouri (Department of Energy - National Nuclear Security Administration).
Jun. 13, 2023
As part of the Administration's efforts to protect communities from childhood lead exposure and advance environmental justice, the EPA is announcing a series of free educational sessions on the dangers of lead and ways to reduce and prevent lead exposure. These sessions are based on the Lead Awareness Curriculum, an adaptable resource to protect communities from potential lead exposure, and will be held in English and Spanish. EPA will work with community partners to host two types of community lead awareness sessions: 1. "Understanding Lead" sessions for community members: EPA invites members of the general public to learn about lead, its impacts, actions to reduce and prevent lead exposure and the importance of testing children's blood lead levels. Parents, grandparents, community leaders, Tribal leaders, child care workers, healthcare providers, youth (ages 12 and up) and anyone else interested in learning more about lead are invited to attend. 2. "Train-the-Trainer" sessions for community leaders: These sessions equip community leaders -- with or without prior knowledge about lead -- to educate their communities about lead and preventing lead exposure using the Lead Awareness Curriculum.
Jun. 13, 2023
EPA announced another action to protect public health under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), proposing a ban on most uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), a chemical known to cause serious health risks such as neurotoxicity and cancer. This proposal would protect people from these risks by banning all consumer uses while allowing for many industrial/commercial uses to continue only where strict workplace controls could be implemented, including uses related to national security, aviation and other critical infrastructure, and the Agency's efforts to combat the climate crisis. EPA's proposed risk management rule would rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of PCE for all consumer uses and many industrial and commercial uses, most of which would be fully phased out in 24 months. The uses subject to the proposed prohibitions represent less than 20% of the annual production volume of PCE. For most of the uses of PCE that EPA is proposing to prohibit, EPA's analysis also found that alternative products with similar costs and efficacy to PCE are reasonably available.
May. 26, 2023
This edition highlights protecting and preserving our environment, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #4. Content includes commentary from Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations, discussing how collaboration is essential to addressing climate change. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are protecting and preserving our environment for current and future generations.
May. 24, 2023
EPA released its annual interactive report tracking America's progress in controlling air pollution. "Our Nation's Air: Trends Through 2022" offers readers an opportunity to learn about the health and environmental impacts of air pollution; track trends in air quality and emissions data, explore efforts to improve visibility in treasured national parks; and explore community-level health impacts of air toxics emissions reported for 2020. EPA examines long-term trends to track the nation's progress toward clean air. The report released today shows that, between 1970 and 2022, the combined emissions of six key pollutants dropped by 78%, while the U.S. economy remained strong -- growing 304% over the same time. The report spotlights the projects selected as part of EPA's Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grants, providing information for each project as of November 2022 when selections were announced. These funds will enhance air quality monitoring in communities across the United States  particularly those that are underserved, historically marginalized, and overburdened by pollution. The report includes interactive graphics that enable citizens, policymakers and stakeholders to view and download detailed information by pollutant, geographic location and year.
May. 23, 2023
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the nine winners of the 2022 DoD Fire and Emergency Services Awards. The awards recognize the exceptional achievements of Military Service and Defense Agency fire departments, fire officers, and firefighters in emergency response, customer service, public outreach, innovativeness, quality-of-life initiatives, and health and safety initiatives. DoD applaud the winners' heroic commitments to protecting the lives of military personnel and their families, and supporting DoD's mission to safeguard our Nation!
May. 19, 2023
The Administration announced a $51 million Ride and Drive Electric funding opportunity through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the electrification of the nation's transportation sector and spur private sector investments in clean transportation. The administration also announced the launch of the National Charging Experience Consortium to advance rapid, on-the-ground solutions that ensure a convenient, reliable, equitable, and easy-to-use charging experience for all Americans with chargers that are made in America. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) will administer the Ride and Drive Electric program and has funded DOE's Idaho National Laboratory to lead the National Charging Experience Consortium. Managed by the DOE and DOT, the Joint Office was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build a national electric vehicle charging network that will spark public confidence in EV adoption and fill charging gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations. The announcements support President Biden's Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and middle out--rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, creating good paying jobs, and building a clean energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
May. 17, 2023
EPA proposed amendments to the regulations that govern the Agency's review of new chemicals under the TSCA to improve efficiency and align with the 2016 bipartisan TSCA amendments under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. Under TSCA, EPA plays an important gatekeeper role by reviewing the potential risks of new chemicals before they can enter U.S. commerce and, when necessary, putting safeguards in place to protect human health and the environment. Today's proposal also eliminates eligibility for exemptions from the full safety review process for new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals.
May. 15, 2023
The EPA has announced the availability of $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for restoration projects that advance environmental justice in underserved and overburdened communities across the Great Lakes. Thanks to President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, EPA has published a request for applications for the newly created Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program that will fund implementation of environmental protection and restoration projects that will further the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in communities with environmental justice concerns. Many communities in the Great Lakes Basin lack the resources needed to apply for, obtain, and oversee the implementation of federal grant projects. EPA's new Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program will ease these administrative barriers by funding "principal recipients" who will help underserved communities effectively access federal funding for important local projects. In addition, this investment will encourage even greater environmental, economic, health, and recreational benefits for underserved Great Lakes communities, including those near severely degraded sites, known as "areas of concern." EPA's Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program was made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests $1 billion in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to accelerate Great Lakes restoration and protection.
May. 11, 2023
EPA proposed new carbon pollution standards for coal and natural gas-fired power plants that will protect public health, reduce harmful pollutants and deliver up to $85 billion in climate and public health benefits over the next two decades. The proposal for coal and new natural gas power plants would avoid up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide (CO2) through 2042, which is equivalent to reducing the annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles, roughly half the cars in the United States. Through 2042, EPA estimates the net climate and health benefits of the standards on new gas and existing coal-fired power plants are up to $85 billion. The proposals would also result in cutting tens of thousands of tons of particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, harmful air pollutants that are known to endanger people's health, especially in communities that for too long have disproportionally shouldered the burden of high pollution and environmental injustice.
May. 11, 2023
In 2021, EPA's Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. During 2023, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact vehicle add-on mobile monitoring system (VAMMS) – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request. The equipment is not available for general public use.
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