News and reports from the Environmental Protection Agency.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On September 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $7.5 billion in funding through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). This program provides long-term loans to assist communities in implementing essential water infrastructure projects, aiming to protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 jobs, safeguard waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies at a reduced cost.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Federal Cartridge Co., located at 900 Bob Ehlen Drive in Anoka, Minnesota, for alleged Clean Air Act violations. The EPA estimates that the settlement will reduce air emissions by more than 1,700 pounds of particulate matter per year and over 400 pounds of lead annually. Under the terms of the settlement, Federal Cartridge is required to reduce lead and particulate matter emissions and pay $349,471 in penalties.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Enforcement Alert under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) to address the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This action is part of a broader effort to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to global warming.

On September 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $232 million in grant funding through its Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (ARC) program. This initiative represents the fourth wave of funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at assessing and cleaning up polluted brownfield sites nationwide. The new grants are intended to advance environmental justice and transform once-polluted, vacant properties into community assets while promoting economic revitalization in...

La EPA aumenta los esfuerzos de aplicación de la ley civil y penal debido a la eliminación global de los HFC, un súper contaminante climático

Financiada por la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden, la EPA anuncia 34 solicitudes tribales y territoriales seleccionadas a través del competitivo programa de Subvenciones para la Reducción de la Contaminación Climática.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of the final "Achieving Health and Environmental Protection Through EPA’s Meaningful Engagement Policy" on September 5, 2024. The updated policy aims to enhance public participation in the agency's programs and regions by ensuring that EPA actions are informed by the experiences of communities and individuals it serves.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed consent decree to cover the cleanup costs of the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site in Old Bridge Township and Sayreville, New Jersey. The settlement, totaling $151.1 million, will be paid by parties identified as potentially responsible for the site contamination, including NL Industries, Inc., its former customers, Old Bridge Township, several federal agencies, and the state.

El mapa actualizado se carga más rápidamente, incluye información adicional para ayudar a proteger a las personas del humo de los incendios forestales

On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Blue Lake Rancheria in California for an $11,498,810 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda and aims to combat climate change through a project named “Empowering Tribal Sovereignty: Creating Climate Resilience through Carbon Sequestration.”