Environmental Protection News
Environmental Protection
Earlier this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe and Undersecretary Alonso Jiménez of Mexico's Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) participated in the 2025 United States-Mexico Border Program’s National Coordinators Meeting. The event marked 40 years of cooperation under the La Paz Agreement and was held at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico from September 10-11. The meeting included state, local, Indigenous, and Tribal leaders from both sides of the...

Environmental Protection
EPA to recognize $15 million grant to Miccosukee Tribe for GHG reduction measures
On Friday, September 20, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials will join Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress at a press event to recognize a $15 million grant to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida for community-driven solutions to reduce climate pollution.

Environmental Protection
EPA proposes adding New Mexico site to National Priorities List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the Carlisle Village Cleaners Superfund Site to the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL identifies sites across the United States where historical releases of hazardous substances pose significant threats to human health and the environment.

Environmental Protection
EPA initiates asbestos cleanup at former textile printing site in Paterson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will commence the removal of asbestos and hazardous materials from the abandoned Allied Textile Printing (ATP) site in Paterson, New Jersey. The cleanup, aimed at safeguarding the health of nearby residents and visitors, is set to begin on September 16, 2024, and is expected to take several months.

Environmental Protection
EPA awards $3.2 million for research on reducing agricultural exposure to 'forever chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.2 million in research grant funding for two Texas institutions to study and mitigate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in agriculture. Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University will each receive $1,600,000 to conduct community-engaged research projects aimed at understanding PFAS bioaccumulation in agricultural plants and livestock and exploring strategies for reducing PFAS exposure.

Environmental Protection
EPA issues safety guidelines for communities affected by Hurricane Francine
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a reminder to communities affected by Hurricane Francine to be aware of potential safety concerns in homes and other buildings. The agency emphasizes the importance of operating portable generators according to instructions and always running them outside, far away from buildings. Using a portable generator inside or too close to a home can lead to injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Environmental Protection
EPA selects Pueblo of Sandia for climate pollution reduction grant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Pueblo of Sandia as one of the selected applicants for funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The Pueblo's project, "Implementing Solutions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions," aims to install a commercial-scale solar photovoltaic system and electric vehicle charging stations at the Sandia Resort and Casino, which is the largest single source of energy consumption on the Pueblo.

Environmental Protection
EPA partners with Fostoria on lead pipe replacement under infrastructure law
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a collaboration with the city of Fostoria, Ohio, to identify and replace drinking water lead pipes as part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. This initiative is funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims for 100% lead service line replacement nationwide.

Environmental Protection
EPA awards $17 million grant to tackle indoor air pollution in Cleveland
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a grant exceeding $17 million to MetroHealth System and seven partnering community organizations in Cleveland. This funding aims to reduce indoor air pollution and tackle environmental and climate justice challenges in disadvantaged communities.

Environmental Protection
EPA settles with Aloha Petroleum over Clean Water Act violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Aloha Petroleum LLC over Clean Water Act violations at its oil storage and distribution facility in Kahului, Maui. Under the settlement, Aloha Petroleum will pay a $103,377 penalty.

Environmental Protection
Chattanooga receives $20 million EPA grant for Alton Park Connector extension
Chattanooga, Tenn. — [September 11, 2024] — The Tennessee office of Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the City of Chattanooga are celebrating their selection as recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grant – part of the largest environmental justice investment in U.S. history.

Environmental Protection
EPA launches website to aid development of climate-resilient projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of a new website, the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Funding Toolbox (CRAFT), on September 11, 2024. This resource aims to assist technical assistance providers working with federal funding applicants and recipients in developing, applying for, and implementing climate-resilient investments. The website offers resources to help users consider climate adaptation and resilience throughout the process of applying for EPA funding opportunities.

Environmental Protection
EPA approves groundbreaking rule targeting warehouse pollution in Southern California
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a rule adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) aimed at reducing air pollution generated by warehouse operations in Southern California. This includes emissions from freight vehicle trips to and from warehouses.

Environmental Protection
EPA advises Louisiana residents on Hurricane Francine preparedness steps
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a reminder to residents of Louisiana to take precautionary measures in anticipation of Hurricane Francine.

Environmental Protection
North Carolina auto parts seller fined $10M for emission control violations
On September 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice announced a Clean Air Act settlement with Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc. (Rudy’s), a North Carolina automotive parts manufacturer and seller, and its owner, Aaron Rudolf. The settlement involves paying $10 million in criminal fines and civil penalties for manufacturing, selling, and installing devices known as "defeat devices" that disable truck emissions controls.
Environmental Protection
EPA proposes updates to guidelines aiding sustainable product purchases
On September 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed update to its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. These guidelines assist federal government purchasers and other buyers in utilizing private sector standards and ecolabels to acquire more sustainable, climate-friendly products with safer chemical ingredients. This marks the first comprehensive evaluation of standards and ecolabels by the EPA in nearly a decade.

Environmental Protection
EPA seeks community input on final cleanup plan for Diamond Alkali Superfund Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting public feedback on its proposal to finalize a cleanup plan for the 80-120 Lister Ave. portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site in Newark, NJ. The site spans 5.8 acres between 80-120 Lister Ave., the Lower Passaic River, and part of Newark Bay, and has been contaminated with soil, debris, and groundwater from past activities.

Environmental Protection
EPA fines Hawkins Inc. $51K for alleged hazardous waste violations
Hawkins Inc. of Camanche, Iowa, will pay $51,158 in civil penalties and purchase equipment for local emergency responders to resolve alleged violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The company manufactures, distributes, and sells industrial chemicals, including bleach.

Environmental Protection
EPA completes $2 million contaminated soil cleanup at Michigan's Belanger Park
CHICAGO (Sept. 9, 2024) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore and City of River Rouge Mayor William L. Campbell announced the completion of a $2 million cleanup addressing elevated levels of lead and cadmium in soil at Belanger Park, located on the banks of the Detroit River at 2 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge, Michigan.

Environmental Protection
EPA emergency response team honored with public service award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pacific Southwest Region Emergency Response Team has been awarded the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal in Safety, Security, and International Affairs for their efforts in responding to the Maui wildfires. The award was presented by the Partnership for Public Service on September 9, 2024.

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