The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its Investing in America Report, showcasing the agency's achievements under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. These legislative measures aim to advance clean energy, pollution prevention, and environmental justice initiatives.
Since President Biden signed these laws into effect, the EPA has announced nearly $83 billion and awarded almost $69 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, lower energy costs, and assist communities affected by pollution. "I am incredibly proud of how efficiently and effectively EPA has mobilized efforts to invest nearly $69 billion into communities across America," said EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida. She emphasized that these investments are enhancing public health while creating jobs and advancing clean technologies.
The EPA's programs are aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of federal investment benefits reach disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
The report highlights several key accomplishments:
- The EPA awarded $38.4 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for projects reducing pollution and supporting clean energy.
- Over $30 billion was allocated from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water infrastructure improvements and clean school buses.
- Nearly half a million lead pipes have been replaced nationwide since President Biden took office.
- More than 8,700 clean school buses have been funded across 1,300 districts.
- The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program saw 96% of its funding awarded to support community-driven solutions for climate issues.
Specific projects include Dalton Utilities in Georgia receiving over $1.5 million for PFAS removal pilot projects and Lansing Board of Water and Light in Michigan investing $20 million in water system upgrades.
In addition to addressing environmental concerns, the report details funding for cultural restoration efforts like those undertaken by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho at Ambush Rock.
These investments will continue impacting communities nationwide as detailed in the full Investing in America Report available on the EPA website.