Sunday, December 31, 2023
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Monday, December 25, 2023
Rashida Tlaib Excoriates Biden Over His Support For Israel | 2023 Rewind
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Chris Christie Drops The Hammer On Nikki Haley During New Hampshire Town...
'Lunatics!': Trump Apoplectic Over Biden's Climate Reparations Plan
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Democrats Rally For And Demand Gun Control Legislation | 2023 Rewind
‘We Have To Keep Improving It’: Nikki Haley Advocates For Election Integ...
Geography around Red Sea will give U.S.-led coalition an advantage: Broo...
Friday, December 22, 2023
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Monday, December 11, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Monday, November 20, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $30 Million to Protect Tucson Residents from PFAS
USEPA News Release:
Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $30 Million to Protect Tucson Residents from PFAS
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is delivering historic resources to upgrade drinking water infrastructure and better protect public health
Contact Information
Joshua Alexander (alexander.joshua@epa.gov)
415-214-5940
TUCSON, AZ (Nov. 16, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tucson Water’s investment of $30 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to protect Tucson area residents from PFAS in their drinking water. EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox and EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman joined state and local officials to highlight how Tucson is leveraging President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to better protect drinking water from forever chemicals and emerging contaminants.
“No person in this country should wonder whether their drinking water is safe from PFAS – also known as forever chemicals. Today, we celebrate Tucson Water for taking action to invest in its drinking water treatment to protect its customers from PFAS,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “This investment demonstrates the kind of protections and infrastructure that EPA is supporting, both through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and through our proposed standard to regulate several PFAS in drinking water and better protect communities across the nation.”
With this funding, Tucson Water will build a second drinking water treatment facility for residents of Tucson, Marana, and other communities in the region, that will bring PFAS levels lower than the proposed standard for PFAS. This will allow Tucson Water to maintain its commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water to its customers in an area where groundwater has been impacted by the presence of emerging contaminants. The project will also increase the resiliency of the water system, which is currently relying on a single pipeline, reducing the need to pump water from a great distance.
“ADEQ welcomes the historic investments being made in Tucson to help ensure clean, reliable drinking water for future generations. These investments are helping Tucson and other Arizona communities on the frontlines safeguard our vital drinking water resources from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Cabinet Executive Officer Karen Peters.
"Tucson’s water project will remediate dangerous emerging chemicals from the water supply in one of Arizona’s largest cities. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s ability to use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to provide more than $30 million in subsidized assistance for this project will help keep water resources affordable for Tucson’s families,” said Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board of Directors Treasurer, Susan Montgomery. “This only scratches the surface of the good work that WIFA's State Revolving Funds make possible not just in Southern Arizona, but across the entire state. WIFA is proud to work with EPA to facilitate critical water projects at affordable rates.”
"I am happy to welcome EPA Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox to the Sonoran Desert and share the work that we are doing together in Tucson to ensure a safe and secure water future," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "I want to thank the Biden Administration for giving cities like Tucson the resources that we need through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to protect our drinking water from PFAS and other forever chemicals while securing the future of Lake Mead. Tucsonans' water conservation ethic is known around the country.”
"In Tucson we have enough water to thrive but not enough to waste,” said Tucson Water Director John Kmiec. “That's why investments in water quality protection projects like these are so important for the future of our community.”
"I am grateful for EPA and the federal government recognizing the importance of protecting our water against PFAS by investing in a new treatment facility," said Yolanda Herrera, Co-Chair of the Unified Community Advisory Board monitoring the Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site. "Tucson Water is taking a proactive approach to secure and deliver safe drinking water to the Tucson and surrounding communities, now and for future generations.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is an unprecedented investment that includes $10 billion in funding dedicated to address emerging contaminants, like PFAS. As EPA deploys these resources with its state and local partners, the Agency recognizes this opportunity to build for the future.
Background
The Biden-Harris Administration and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $50 billion through EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. With this funding, EPA, states, Tribes, and localities have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure. EPA is committed to ensuring that all communities, particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities, get their fair share of this federal water infrastructure investment. More information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available at www.epa.gov/infrastructure.
EPA Announces More than $2 Million for New Mexico Environmental Justice Projects As Part of Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda
USEPA Press Release:
EPA Announces More than $2 Million for New Mexico Environmental Justice Projects As Part of Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda
Three grantees announced as part of largest investments through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 16, 2023) —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2,039,453 to fund three New Mexico projects that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The grantees, which EPA selected through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“These grants are unprecedented in several ways—for the historic amount of funding provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and because money is going directly to communities that are ready to implement solutions to environmental issues,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This means $2 million for projects in New Mexico that might otherwise remain overlooked and unfunded. These recipients are deeply knowledgeable about the issues facing their communities, and are ready to invest these grants in projects that will bring meaningful results.
“Clean air and water are essential to the people and places of New Mexico,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “I’m proud to see the Inflation Reduction Act I fought to pass now delivering another $2 million for environmental projects in our state.”
“New Mexicans understand the importance of safeguarding our environment for generations to come. I’m glad to welcome more than $2 million to New Mexico for environmental justice initiatives to protect our land, air, and water and keep our communities healthy,” said U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján. “New Mexico is a leader in the fight against the climate crisis and this critical funding will help us continue these efforts.”
“New Mexico’s culture is tied to the land we live on, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. I’m excited to welcome over $2 million for projects that will help our communities protect these precious resources,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (NM-3). “The Environmental Protection Agency chose to fund projects that will make us better ancestors. These grants will serve our communities and Pueblos through public education, clean up initiatives, research, and health assessments.”
The grants announced today deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (EJCPS) Program
EPA’s EJCPS program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities. The program builds upon President Biden’s Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, creating a designation of funds exclusively for small nonprofit organizations, which are defined as having 5 or fewer full-time employees, thus ensuring that grant resources reach organizations of lower capacity that historically struggle to receive federal funding. Eleven of the organizations selected for EJCPS this year are small nonprofit organizations, receiving over $1.6 million in total.
EPA EJCPS grant selection in New Mexico include the following:
- Earth Care International in Santa Fe will receive $500,000 to conduct a community-led health assessment for the southside of Santa Fe using collaborative problem-solving to develop concrete urban planning, local policy, and community-driven development solutions to the environmental justice and public health challenges facing the area.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in New Mexico include the following:
- The Santo Domingo Pueblo will receive $539,453 permanently decrease the number of individuals contributing to open dumps as well as eliminating open dumps within the underserved and overburdened Tribal Community of Santo Domingo Pueblo, located in north central New Mexico.
- The New Mexico Environment Department will receive $1 million to help federal, state, county, regional and tribal governments and community-based organizations to carry out a Health Impact Assessment to engage community members and inform actions of NMED to help reduce health impacts on underserved and vulnerable populations in San Juan County due to harmful emissions from recycling facilities.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
###
EPA Announces Over $3 Million in Grants Prioritizing Environmental Justice in Louisiana
USEPA News Release:
EPA Announces Over $3 Million in Grants Prioritizing Environmental Justice in Louisiana
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 16, 2023) —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,149,999 million to fund five projects across Louisiana that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations receiving this funding is the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Thrive New Orleans, Micah Six Eight Mission, Groundwork New Orleans, and the Louisiana Department of Health. These organizations were selected through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs.
“No President has invested more in environmental justice than President Biden, and under his leadership we’re removing longstanding barriers and meaningfully collaborating with communities to build a healthier future for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, these community-driven projects will improve the health, equity, and resilience of communities while setting a blueprint for local solutions that can be applied across the nation.”
“These grants are unprecedented in several ways—for the historic amount of funding provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and because money is going directly to communities that are ready to implement solutions to environmental issues,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This means $3.1 million for projects in Louisiana that might otherwise remain overlooked and unfunded. These recipients are deeply knowledgeable about the issues facing their communities, and are ready to invest these grants in projects that will bring meaningful results.”
“I’m committed to environmental sustainability, and this grant funding is a significant milestone in New Orleans’ journey towards a greener and more environmentally responsible future. I’m also proud that this grant aims to ensure that federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Environmental justice MUST be at the center of any action to address disproportionate health and environmental impacts on communities, especially communities of color. Together, we will make New Orleans a shining example of environmental stewardship, equity, and progress,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in U.S. history—this funding is a part the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year. The grants announced deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States. The two grant programs directly advance the President’s transformational Justice40 initiative to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G)
EPA’s EJG2G provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support government activities in partnership with community-based organizations that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.
EPA EJG2G grant selections in Louisiana include the following:
- Groundwork New Orleans will receive $500,000 to develop a project that aims to prevent tragic deaths during prolonged power outages.
- The Louisiana Department of Health will receive $999,999 and will develop a project focused on asthma patients from areas where high social vulnerability, poor outdoor air quality, housing concerns and high asthma prevalence overlap, providing virtual home visits and in-person home assessments
- The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will receive $1 million to monitor and develop a new air monitoring van will which provide air quality data for compounds such as formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, ethylene oxide, hydrocarbons, oxygenates and nitrogen compounds. This will be used during emergency responses incidents such as hurricanes.
- Thrive New Orleans will receive $500,000 to develop a project that aims to empower BIPOC youth by equipping them with culturally relevant environmental education and skills to transform their communities and life trajectories.
- Micah Six Eight Mission will receive $150,000 to engage with marginalized communities of color in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes that are highly susceptible to and have high levels of exposure to environmental hazards.
Additional Background:
From day one of his administration, President Biden has made achieving environmental justice a top priority. And in August 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Inflation Reduction Act into law, creating the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history. EPA received $3 billion in appropriations to provide grants and technical assistance for activities advancing environmental and climate justice.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has launched and expanded innovative programs to provide more support than ever before to communities that unjustly bear the burdens of environmental harm and pollution. This includes the $177 million for the creation of 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) to remove barriers to federal resources and help communities pursue funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. EPA has also launched and will award funds through the $550 million Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program before the end of 2023.
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
###