November—December 2021 Newsletter
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action
EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently announced funding that states, tribes, and territories throughout the Pacific Southwest and nation, will receive in 2022 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding, provided through EPA’s State Revolving Fund programs, will create jobs while upgrading America’s aging water infrastructure and addressing key challenges like lead in drinking water and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
- The Daily Guam Post: $26M in federal funds OK'd for Guam jobs, water infrastructure
- KYMA: EPA announces over $109 million in water infrastructure funding for Arizona
- Associated Press: EPA outlines $7.4B for water infrastructure headed to states
- Water & Wastes Digest: EPA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
- EPA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Reducing Pollution at the U.S.-Mexico Border
In November, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar met with Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Head of International Affairs, and other senior Mexican public officials to coordinate and plan actions to reduce pollution in the Tijuana River basin. The U.S. and Mexican officials agreed to a Joint Statement committing to mechanisms for financing long term operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects in San Diego and Tijuana.
- San Diego Tribune: Ambassador Ken Salazar visits San Diego and Tijuana, focuses on transborder pollution
- Joint Statement from the U.S. – Mexico Binational Meeting on Transborder Water Pollution
A National Recycling Strategy
Natural resource extraction and processing accounts for approximately half of global greenhouse gas emissions and also affects vulnerable communities disproportionately. Developing a circular economy is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. EPA is developing a series of strategies to build a circular economy for all. The first part of this series is the National Recycling Strategy, which identifies actions to address challenges facing the U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.
Protecting People from Pesticides
Monsanto Company has agreed to plead guilty to environmental crimes related to the use of a pesticide on corn fields in Hawaii. The company also agreed to plead guilty to two other charges related to the storage of a banned pesticide. The plea agreement calls for Monsanto to serve three years of probation, pay a total of $12 million and continue for another three years a comprehensive environmental compliance program that includes a third-party auditor.
A New Regional Administrator
EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently announced that Martha Guzman, currently Commissioner at the California Public Utilities Commission, will soon serve as EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.
Alert
Drinking Water Emergency in Honolulu
EPA is working with the U.S. Navy and the Hawaii Department of Health in responding to the drinking water emergency affecting users of the Navy Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Drinking Water System. EPA has sent emergency response experts to Honolulu to provide technical support, including sampling analysis, laboratory support, and drinking water safety support. See the U.S. Navy and Hawaii Department of Health websites for updates.
No Wasted Food During the Holidays
The holiday season is a great time to gather with friends and families for special meals. As you make plans, be sure to consider what you can do to reduce wasted food.
Climate Change and Social Vulnerability
Read the report about how four socially vulnerable populations – defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age – may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change.