Documents

Community-led FOIA is a process led by people within communities who are primarily knowledgeable about and accountable to their communities. Community members (or their representatives) ask questions, and those questions are directed (by community members or their advocates) to the proper government agencies to get answers. Community-led processes reflect and represent the lived experiences, values, perspectives, and voices of community constituencies. The method aims for transparency and full accountability to communities. Community-led research is self-determining, not influenced by government, industry, or donors. Obtaining community-led FOIA information is one step. The follow-up should include full transparency, education, and information sharing, advocacy, and monitoring of policies. Find here a PDF resource to know more.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 8, Date Received July 2023
Year: December 1992
Pages: 96
Document Title: Inventory Report for Gambell Formerly Used Defense Site
Agency/Organization: US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Ecology and Environment, Inc.

Document Summary:
This inventory documents materials deemed eligible for either investigation or cleanup under the present Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) at formerly used defense sites in the vicinity of Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Previous investigations performed at Gambell in 1985 and 1986 by URS Corporation identified 13 sites that potentially qualified for investigation or cleanup under a previous DERP program. Five additional sites were identified following a site reconnaissance and interviews performed by Ecology and Environment, Inc., (E & E) in 1991 and 1992 with Gambell residents who were present during the Department of Defense occupation. Fifteen of the 18 sites contain significant amounts of material eligible for either investigation or cleanup under DERP guidelines.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 9, Date Received July 2023
Year: February 1993
Pages: 173
Document Title: Chemical Data Acquisition Plan, Site Inventory Update for Gambell
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Ecology and Environment, Inc.

Document Summary:
The chemical data acquisition plan (CDAP) provides a plan, and chemical testing to determine potential contamination attributable to the military can be determined. The conclusion: "There are 3 known OEW burial locations at this site: Site 2 - the former military housing/operations site; Site 8 - West Beach; and Site 15 - Troutman Lake Ordnance burial site."

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 15, Date Received July 2023
Year: January 1995
Pages: 1133
Document Title: Final Remedial Investigation for Gambell
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Montgomery Watson

Document Summary:
This report presents the results of Remedial Investigation (RI) studies performed at eighteen sites near the village of Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 16, Date Received July 2023
Year: November 6, 1995
Pages: 45
Document Title: Phase II Remedial Investigation, Remedial Action Alternatives
Technical Memorandum
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Montgomery Watson

Document Summary:
The purpose of this Remedial Action Alternatives Technical Memorandum is to identify areas where a collection of additional data is desired to refine the extent of contamination and identify areas where presumptive remedies or interim removal actions will eliminate areas of concern. This Technical Memorandum addresses only those sites that were retained for further evaluation based on the 1994 RI sampling results.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 5, Date Received July 2023
Year: December 1997
Pages: 344
Document Title: Final Investigation of Geophysical Anomaly Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Agency/Organization: Montgomery Watson (contractor from Anchorage of the U.S. Department of Defense)

Document Summary:
The report is a contracted request by the US Army Engineer District, Alaska (Alaska District), for Montgomery Watson to investigate a geophysical anomaly reported to be buried transformers located near the only active drinking water supply in the village of Gambell, Sivaquq (St. Lawrence Island, Alaska). The report includes local training, meetings, lab results, and final work done: "The field investigation summarized in this report demonstrated that the geophysical anomalies noted in earlier investigations at Site 5 were caused by non-hazardous metallic debris consisting of cable, empty drums used for tramway anchor points, and Quonset hut roofing material. An intact military-type battery was also found. No transformers were found at the investigated geophysical anomalies or in a supplementary metal detection scan of the area. All debris from Site 5 (with the exception of deeply buried non-hazardous anchor points) was removed from the island. Three transformers within the drainage area of the village water supply were also removed."

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 6, Date Received July 2023
Year: December 23, 1998
Pages: 123
Document Title: Final Phase II Remedial Investigation
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Montgomery Watson

Document Summary:
This report presents the results of the Phase II Remedial Investigation (RI) performed at the Gambell Site, during July and August 1996. Five sites were included in Phase II: North Beach (1), Former Military Housing (2), Former Communications Site (3), Sevuokuk Mountain (4), and Former Tramway Site (5). A summary of remediations is included.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 19, Date Received July 2023
Year: March 26, 1999
Pages: 268
Document Title: Remedial Investigation, Site 5, Gambell, Groundwater Sampling
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Montgomery Watson

Document Summary:
The objective of this round of groundwater sampling was to determine if hydrocarbons might be present in the potable water system in Gambell. The scope of work consisted of collecting and analyzing water samples from the four monitoring wells (MW) constructed in 1998 and two samples from the village water well. In summary, DRO, RRO, GRO, and BTEX were a non-detect (ND). The Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) contaminant level was below the ADEC Drinking Water Regulation.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 1, Received July 2023
Year: September 2000
Pages: 62
Document Title: Gambell Sites, GIS-Based Historical Time Sequence Analysis (Historical Photographic Analysis)

Agency/Organization: USACE Engineer Research and Development Center and Topographic Engineering Center

Document Summary:
Report of historical aerial photograph analysis (from the 1950s to the 1990s), historical maps, and ancillary data/documents for the 2,542-acre FUDS sites around Gambell, looking at possible disturbed grounds for toxic burial/disposal sites.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 2, Date Received July 2023
Year: December 2000
Pages: 130
Document Title: Final Strategic Project Implementation Plan
Agency/Organization: Montgomery Watson (contractor from Anchorage of the U.S. Department of Defense)

Document Summary:
The Native Village of Gambell (IRA) entered into a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD) under the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP). This agreement includes the development of a Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP). The report includes community knowledge in a survey about toxics at Gambell. Includes an Appendix with a Geophysical Report from Golder Associates, August 2000, asbestos survey, and cost estimations for toxics removal.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 10,
Date Received July 2023
Year: September 2001
Pages: 220
Document Title: Work Plan, 2001 Supplemental Remedial Investigation
Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Montgomery Watson

Document Summary:
The report documents the work plan for further study of some sites at Gambell. New information warranted the investigation. New information about sites at Gambell comes primarily from three sources. The first source of new information is a document entitled "GIS-Based Historical Time Sequence Analysis" (HTSA), completed in September 2000 by the U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center (TEC). The HTSA combined information from historical aerial photographs and other documents with current aerial maps of the Gambell area and identified previously unknown locations of past military equipment and operations. The second source of new information is the Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP) prepared by Montgomery Watson in December 2000. The SPIP included a questionnaire completed by Gambell residents to identify potentially contaminated areas not identified in previous investigations; many such sites were identified and investigated via geophysical surveys in 1999. The third source of new information is a report of remedial actions performed by Oil Spill Consultants, Inc. (OSCI,) during the summer of 1999. Samples collected to confirm that contaminated soils had been removed indicated that contamination may remain at several sites.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 11, Date Received July 2023
Year: November 2001
Pages: 816
Document Title: Final Remedial Action Report for Debris Removal and Containerized Hazardous Waste and Toxic Waste Removal
Agency/Organization: Oil Spill Consultants, Inc.

Document Summary:
On June 30, 1998, the U .S . Army Engineer District, Alaska (USAEDA) contracted Oil Spill Consultants, Inc . (OSCI) to remove and dispose of metal debris, containerized hazardous and toxic waste ( HTW), and contaminated soil located at Gambell, Alaska. The report details the 45 days of work (completed mostly by local citizens). The work completed included HTW Removal (Approximately 26.8 tons of HTW (battery, parts, dried paint, drums, and transformer carcasses) were collected from five locations at the project site; Metal Debris. Based on field weights, 142,234 pounds of metal debris consisting of runway matting, cable, fuel tanks, and equipment parts were removed from sites identified by USAEDA; Contaminated Soil. Workers using picks and shovels excavated 52 tons of contaminated soil from Sevuokuk Mountain; Stained Soil. A total of 20 tons of petroleum-stained soil were excavated from several sites at Gambell.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 12, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2003
Pages: 15
Document Title: Public meeting slides and notes for Proposed Remedial Action Plan for Gambell

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
PowerPoint slides and a few notes with community questions for the Proposed Remedial Action Plan in July 2004; also includes a few notes from an earlier meeting in 2003. Slides focus on a handful of sites that will require excavation or other work.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 13, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 74
Document Title: Feasibility Study: Gambell, St Lawrence Island, Alaska

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Feasibility Study for Gambell, form letter inviting feedback, and three comments on the F.S.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 14 Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 3
Document Title: USACE response to ADEC initial comments on proposed plan
Agency/Organization:
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; US Army Corps of Engineers

Document Summary:
USACE responses to ADEC Jeff Brownlee's brief comments on the proposed remedial action plan for Gambell.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 15, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 4
Document Title: ADEC review comments and USACE responses on Gambell proposed plan
Agency/Organization:
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; US Army Corps of Engineers

Document Summary:
ADEC Jeff Brownlee comments and specific USACE responses for the proposed remedial action plan for Gambell. One comment of interest is that ADEC suggests that elevated As levels represent high background concentrations, and elevated Cr levels were anomalous.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 16, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 42
Document Title: Proposed Plan for Remedial Action: Gambell Formerly Used Defense Site

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Describes sites, results of their surveys, and preferred remedial actions

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 17, Date Received July 2023
Year: July 21-22, 2004
Pages: 26
Document Title: US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska) Gambell FUDS Site Trip Report
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
A team from the Alaska District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (the District or the Corps) traveled to Nome, Alaska, and the Village of Gambell on St. Lawrence Island to conduct a site visit, hold a public meeting, distribute ordnance posters/pamphlets, conduct oversight for the ongoing Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP) project, collect a groundwater sample, and move the Nome Information Repository to a new location. The objectives of the July 2004 trip included ongoing community relations activities, a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Plan for Remedial Action in Gambell (FUDS), a site visit for the remedial design engineer, distribution of ordnance safety posters/pamphlets, and collection of a potential fuel free product sample from groundwater near the washeteria, and oversight of the ongoing NALEMP debris excavation activities.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 18, Date Received July 2023
Year: August 25 2004
Pages: 3
Document Title: Memo and testing results of fuel spill (and disputed cause)
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Memo and testing results of fuel spill (and disputed cause), noted at too fresh for military contamination. Blaming the city for the spill.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 19, Date Received July 2023
Year: August 25, 2004
Pages: 4
Document Title: ERP-52 Site l 8 Gambell RIFS, Product Sampling
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Zymax Forensics

Document Summary:
Fuel Sample test from Site-18, characterized as "artic diesel."

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 20, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 3
Document Title: Comments by Vi Waghiyi on Proposed Plan for Remedial Action

Agency/Organization:
Environmental Health Justice Project

Document Summary:
Pubic comments including detailed questions about whether sampling designs and numbers of samples are sufficient.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 21, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 2
Document Title: Comments by Pam Miller on Proposed Plan for Remedial Action

Agency/Organization:
Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Document Summary:
The public comment indicates the USACE plan does not address community concerns, arsenic, and other contaminants have elevated concentrations, and there has not been adequate sampling and plan for remediation.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 22, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 1
Document Title: Comments by Ron Scrudato on Proposed Plan for Remedial Action

Agency/Organization:
State University of New York at Oswego

Document Summary:
Public comment discusses the complex hydrology of Gambell and, thus, the challenges in environmental characterization and recommends a robust monitoring program.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 23, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 2
Document Title: Comments by Morgan Apatiki on Proposed Plan for Remedial Action

Agency/Organization:
Gambell community members

Document Summary:
Public comment indicates the sites were not appropriately characterized, and eyewitness observations identify remaining contamination

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 24, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 4
Document Title: Draft Record of Decision Comments by ADEC

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Comments by Jeff Brownlee on the draft Record of Decision document for Gambell. The most encompassing comment is to address the lack of community support for the No Further Action decision at most sites.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 25, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2004
Pages: 8
Document Title: Response by USACE Alaska District to ADEC comments on Draft Record of Decision

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska); Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Document Summary:
Response by Alaska District to ADEC's comments on the Draft Record of Decision document. Response document dated next day after ADEC comments were submitted.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 26, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2005
Pages: 2
Document Title: Fact Sheet: Decision Document for Gambell FUDS
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Duplicate of ACAT FOIA Repository 25. "There were no significant changes between the Preferred Alternative that was submitted for public comment in the Proposed Plan and the Selected Remedy" except further investigation into Site 5. For contamination/concerns that didn't meet FUDS eligibility requirements, USACE recommends using the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP).

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 27, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2005
Pages: 89
Document Title: Decision Document: Gambell Formerly Used Defense Site F10AK0696

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Decision Document for Gambell FUDS. Only 3 of 28+ sites were determined to require additional cleanup, and since those included the removal of contaminated soil and debris off the island, it was decided that no follow-up testing was necessary.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 28, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2005
Pages: 4
Document Title: Fact Sheet: Decision Document for Gambell FUDS

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
"There were no significant changes between the Preferred Alternative that was submitted for public comment in the Proposed Plan and the Selected Remedy" except further investigation into Site 5. For contamination/concerns that didn't meet FUDS eligibility requirements, USACE recommends using the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP).

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 29, Date Received July 2023
Year: August 2-4, 2005
Pages: 21
Document Title: Trip Report. Gambell FUDS and NALEMP Site Visit
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Lisa Geist (EN-EE) and Carey Cossaboom (PM-C-FUDS) from the Alaska District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (the District or the Corps) traveled to the Village of Gambell to conduct a site visit, hold a public briefing, and provide oversight for the ongoing Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP) project. The primary objective of the August 2005 trip was a public briefing regarding the signed Decision Document for performing the final remedial actions in Gambell under the FUDS program. A second objective of the trip was to perform ongoing oversight of the NALEMP debris excavation activities being conducted by the Native Village of Gambell IRA.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 30
Year: September 15-17, 2005
Date Received: July 2023
Pages: 25
Document Title:
Trip Report. Gambell FUDS and NALEMP Site Visit
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Lisa Geist (EN-EE) and Carey Cossaboom (PM-C-FUDS) from the Alaska District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (the District or the Corps), and Janesse Brewer of The Keystone Group (meeting facilitator) traveled to Nome, Alaska, and the Village of Gambell to attend a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting. The trip also included conducting a site visit, and providing oversight for the ongoing Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP) project. The primary objective of the September 2005 trip was to attend the St. Lawrence Island RAB Meeting. A second objective of the trip was to perform ongoing oversight of the NALEMP debris excavation activities being conducted by the Native Village of Gambell IRA. A third objective of the trip was to investigate reported buried debris or ammunition near the base of Sevuokuk Mountain with Mr. Winnie James, Sr.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 31, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2005
Pages: 1
Document Title: Comments by ADEC on Gambell FUDS Remedial Action project Rev 0 planning documents

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska); Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Document Summary:
Letter from Jeff Brownlee to Carey Cossaboom acknowledging receipt of the Rev 0 planning documents for the Gambell FUDS Remedial Action project and listing a handful of minor comments.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 32, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2005
Pages: 15
Document Title: Response by Bristol Construction Services to ACED comments on Rev 0 planning documents for Gambell FUDS Remedial Action project

Agency/Organization:
Bristol Construction Services; Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Document Summary:
Responses by Bristol Construction Services to the ACED's comments (corrected version) on BCS' Rev 0 planning documents for the Gambell FUDS Remedial Action project. Most responses accept suggested changes, with the exception of a couple regarding the number of monitoring wells and chromium concentration.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 33, Date Received July 2023
Year: January 4, 2006
Pages: 1
Document Title: Memo reviewing the Groundwater Monitoring Report
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska) to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Document Summary:
Comments on the Gambell Groundwater Monitoring Report December 2005.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 34, Date Received July 2023
Year: June 2006
Pages: 5
Document Title: Memo: Environmental Compliance Status, 2006 FUDS and NALEMP Activities at Gambell
Agency/Organization:
NEPA Planner

Document Summary:
The memorandum summarizes the environmental compliance review and NEPA status of the FUDS and NALEMP environmental cleanup activities planned in and around Gambell for the summer of 2006. The memo also includes a letter asking about the impacts on Essential Fish Habitats.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 35, Date Received July 2023
Year: July 2007 (Revised from August 2006)
Pages: 1424
Document Title: Gambell FUDS Remedial Investigation, August 2006 Groundwater Sampling Report
Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), Bristol Construction

Document Summary:
This Groundwater Monitoring Report documents groundwater sampling performed three times during 2005-2006. By sampling in different months, groundwater monitoring was planned to coincide with both high and low water events. This report discusses the third of three groundwater sampling events. Groundwater sampling was performed by Bristol Construction Services, LLC (Bristol), in Gambell, Alaska, in August 2006. Field activities were conducted on August 16 and 17, 2006. The primary objective of the groundwater sampling was to monitor the concentrations of target analytes in the area adjacent to the City of Gambell’s water supply (Site 5), groundwater depths, and flow direction. Gambell’s water is supplied by a single infiltration gallery, located approximately 2,000 feet east of the townsite, at the base of Sevuokuk Mountain. Water derived from the gallery is considered to be surface-influenced and potentially susceptible to contamination.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 36, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2007
Pages: 2
Document Title: Comments by ADEC on Site 5 Decision Document

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska); Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Document Summary:
Comments by Jeff Brownlee on the Site 5 Decision Document. Comments are largely related to specific wording and typos.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 37, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2007
Pages: 3
Document Title: Form letter to RAB about Site 5 testing

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Form letter follow-up testing at Gambell Site 5 showing no contamination about ADEC limits; also a list of recipients of the letter.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 38, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 3
Document Title: Form letter to leaders of RAB about Site 5 Decision Document

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
A letter stating the final Site 5 Decision Document had been sent

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 39, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 3
Document Title: Form letter to RAB members about Site 5 Decision Document

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Letter stating the final Site 5 Decision Document had been sent

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 40, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 5
Document Title: Form letters to RAB leaders and members about the Site 5 Decision Document

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Combination of letters in ACAT FOIA Repository 26 and 27

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 41, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 31
Document Title: Technical Memorandum plan to decommission monitoring wells

Agency/Organization:
Bristol Environmental Remediation Services; US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Technical memorandum from Bristol Environmental Remediation Services (Matthew Faust) to US Army Corps of Engineers (Carey Cossaboom) about decommissioning the 21 monitoring wells at Gambell. BERS will remove the well casing and fill the borehole with bentonite.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 42, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 22
Document Title: Project Closeout Report

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
The Project Closeout Report for the FUDS Hazardous Toxic and Radioactive Waste project at Gambell, including edits to a paragraph describing the military's use of the site, corrected by Sivuqaq Inc.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 43, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 21
Document Title: Technical Memorandum results from decommissioning monitoring wells

Agency/Organization:
Bristol Environmental Remediation Services; US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Document Summary:
Technical memorandum from Bristol Environmental Remediation Services (Matthew Faust) to US Army Corps of Engineers (Carey Cossaboom) with results from decommissioning wells. BERS and their sub-contractor Native Village of Gambell, were able to locate and decommission 17 of the reported 21 monitoring wells. The other four were not found.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 44, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2008
Pages: 3
Document Title: Form letter to RAB regarding Gambell FUDS technical memos

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska)

Summary:
Form letter to the Restoration Advisory Board members about archiving two technical reports regarding monitoring well decommissioning at the Gambell FUDS.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 5, Date Received July 2023
Year: January 28, 2009
Pages: 2
Document Title: Memo: Project Closeout Report for Gambell Comments and Questions
Agency/Organization: FUDS Project Manager US Army Corps of Engineers

Document Summary:
Memo from Jerald Reichlin (Fortier & Mikko, P.C.) to Carey Cossaboom, FUDS Project Manager, after Sivuqaq Inc. reviewed the Closeout Report requesting changes or asking for further information.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 46, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2009
Pages: 2
Document Title: Edited paragraph in Project Closeout Report

Agency/Organization:
US Army Corps of Engineers; Sivuqaq Inc

Document Summary:
A letter including edits to a paragraph describing the military's use of the site, corrected by Sivuqaq Inc.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 47, Date Received July 2023
Year: 2009
Pages: 12
Document Title: Communications between EPA Region 10 and USACE regarding ACAT and Tribal concerns

Agency/Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency Region 10; US Army Corps of Engineers; Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Document Summary:
A letter from the EPA Region 10 Administrator to the Alaska district commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers asking questions based on ACAT's concerns about the extent of clean up and future monitoring at Gambell and the Northeast Cape, the response from the USACE, and the letter from ACAT to the EPA detailing the concerns. The EPA letter mentions that EPA's 2002 decision not to list Gambell on the NPL depended on USACE's planned remediation since the evaluation and cleanup under NPL would not be substantially different from that under FUDS. USACE states that, with the exception of two issues to be addressed in 2010 and 2011 and long-term drinking water contamination at one site that will not be addressed, Gambell is considered fully remediated.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 48, Date Received July 2023
Year: March 23, 2010
Pages: 8
Document Title: Memo: To ACAT from US EPA Region 10 Administrator, Dennis J. McLerran
Agency/Organization: US EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Response to a request on November 11, 2009, on cleanup actions and the request for NPL status of the Northeast Cape site.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 49, Date Received July 2023
Year: February 14, 2013
Pages: 24
Document Title: Memo: To Valerie Palmer, USACE Alaska, from EPA Region 10, Richard Albright, Director, Office of Environmental Cleanup
Agency/Organization: US Army Corps of Engineers (Alaska), EPA Region 10, Office of Environmental Cleanup

Document Summary:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10’s Evaluation of Army Corps of Engineers Cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) at NE Cape and Gambell. Significantly it states the NPL issue, "After reviewing the information, EPA also assessed how the cleanup would have been performed if the site had been a formal Superfund Site. EPA’s conclusion is that generally the approach would not be significantly different."

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 50, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1985
Page(s): 1
Document Title: Memo on Initial Site Visit to Northeast Cape and Gambell
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Memo within EPA Alaska Office regarding an initial site visit to take photos and note spill sites etc at the former military bases at Northeast Cape and Gambell, which were now listed as Defense Environmental Restoration Project (DERP) sites.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 51, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1985
Page(s): 9
Document Title: EPA Potential Hazardous Waste Site Preliminary Assessment for Gambell
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Preliminary Assessment form indicating suspected and/or confirmed contamination across multiple media; set as medium priority for inspection.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 52, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1986
Page(s): 2
Document Title: EPA Potential Hazardous Waste Site Disposition for Gambell
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Form indicating sampling and analyses to be done to help determine the extent of contaminated soil after the initial Environmental Assessment.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 53, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1986
Page(s): 2
Document Title: EPA Potential Hazardous Waste Site Disposition for Gambell
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Form indicating sampling and analyses to be done to help determine the extent of contaminated soil after the initial Environmental Assessment. By Jacques Gusmano. It appears to be the typed version of the same document from December 1986 (ACAT FOIA Repository 52).

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 54, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1989
Page(s): 2
Document Title: Site Inspection Notes for Anvil Mountain
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Site inspection notes for Anvil Mountain. The same watchman for the Anvil Mountain site was the watchman for the Northeast Cape site and shared the knowledge that the only wastes on the site were PCBs and oils and that they had been cleaned up.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 55, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1991
Page(s): 1
Document Title: Letter from EPA to PRC Environmental Management
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Letter from EPA to the contractor company PRC Environmental Management stating the current work assignment, including HRS scores on a handful of sites, including the White Alice site at Northeast Cape.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 56, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1992
Page(s): 1
Document Title: Letter from EPA to PRC Environmental Management
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Letter from EPA to the contractor company PRC Environmental Management requesting they complete preliminary HRS scores on a handful of sites, including the White Alice site at Northeast Cape.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 57, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1992
Page(s): 2
Document Title: EPA Potential Hazardous Waste Site Disposition for Northeast Cape
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Potential Hazardous Waste Site Disposition states that it was determined that the Northeast Cape site did not score high enough to be included on the National Priorities List.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 58, Date Received November 2023
Year: 1992
Page(s): 1
Document Title: EPA Potential Hazardous Waste Site Assessment Form for Northeast Cape
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Potential Hazardous Waste Site Assessment Form for Northeast Cape that simply says, "For more information regarding this site, see Federal Facilities Docket Files."

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 59, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2000
Page(s): 2
Document Title: Field Notes by EPA R10
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Very brief field notes by Mark Ader noting that there is likely contamination by former military activities.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 60, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 1
Document Title: Correspondence from EPA R10 to Senator Stevens
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Senator Ted Stevens regarding being in touch with the lawyer representing the Village of Savoonga and explaining the status of the EPA assessment of the Northeast Cape cleanup plans and progress.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 61, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 4
Document Title: Correspondence from EPA R10 to Senator Stevens
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Fritz Waghiyi (President of Savoonga) with a summary of an earlier meeting. EPA listed the RAB's concerns and noted that EPA was in the process of determining whether or not to list the Northeast Cape on the National Priorities List (NPL).

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 62, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 3
Document Title: Correspondence from EPA R10 to Soonagrook
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Gerald Soonagrook (President of Gambell) with a summary of an earlier meeting. EPA listed the RAB's concerns and noted that EPA was in the process of determining whether or not to list the Northeast Cape on the National Priorities List (NPL).

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 63, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 3
Document Title: Correspondence from EPA R10 to Soonagrook
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Gerald Soonagrook (President of Gambell) with a summary of an earlier meeting. EPA listed the RAB's concerns and noted that EPA was in the process of determining whether or not to list the Northeast Cape on the National Priorities List (NPL). Identical to ACAT FOIA Repository 62.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 64, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 2
Document Title: Correspondence EPA R10 to Waghiyi
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Fritz Waghiyi (President of Savoonga) to ask for formal government-to-government meetings in advance of deciding whether or not to list the Northeast Cap on the NPL.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 65, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2001
Page(s): 2
Document Title: Correspondence EPA R10 to Soonagrook
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Gerald Soonagrook, Sr (President of Gambell) to ask for formal government-to-government meetings in advance of deciding whether or not to list the Northeast Cap on the NPL.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 66, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2002
Page(s): 2
Document Title: Correspondence from EPA R10 to Waghiyi
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Fritz Waghiyi (President of Savoonga) with a brief update regarding EPA's assessment of whether or not to list the Northeast Cape on the NPL.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 67, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2002
Page(s): 1
Document Title: Data Entry Form Corrections for Northeast Cape
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
Data entry form corrections to more clearly identify the location and nearest community of Savoonga.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 68, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2002
Page(s): 4
Document Title: Correspondence and Decision from EPA R10 to Waghiyi
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Fritz Waghiyi (President of Savoonga) explaining the EPA decision to not list the Northeast Cape on the National Priorities List (NPL). The decision reflects EPA's assessment that the clean-up process and final result would not be significantly different from what the Corps was doing to remediate the site.

Document: ACAT FOIA Repository 69, Date Received November 2023
Year: 2002
Page(s): 4
Document Title: Correspondence and Decision from EPA R10 to Soonagrook
Agency/Organization: EPA Region 10

Document Summary:
EPA correspondence to Gerald Soonagrook Sr (President of Gambell) explaining the EPA decision to not list the Northeast Cape on the National Priorities List (NPL). The decision reflects EPA's assessment that the clean-up process and final result would not be significantly different from what the Corps was doing to remediate the site.

A People's EPA (APE)

November Newsfeed

-

- 

November 30, 2021

EPA Funds Research Key to Environmental Justice Mapping Tool (E&E News, November 30, 2021). 

PFAS Drinking Water Issues get $10 Billion in Funding (The National Law Review, November 30, 2021). 

November 29, 2021

EPA Announces Legally Mandated Changes to TSCA Fees (JD Supra, November 29, 2021). 

Environmental Justice, Climate Change Enforcement is Ramping Up (Bloomberg Law, November 29, 2021). 

November 28, 2021

‘Cancer has decimated our community.’ EPA’s Regan vows to help hard-hit areas, but residents have doubts. (The Washington Post, November 28, 2021). 

Montana’s Change in Water Quality Standards Draw EPA Scrutiny (Independent Record, November 28, 2021). 

November 27, 2021

Elizabeth Mine Cleanup Cost $103M, More than 4 times Initial Estimate (Valley News, November 27, 2021). 

November 26, 2021

Automakers Have Miles to go to Reach Biden’s Fuel Economy Goals (Ohio News Times, November 26, 2021). 

November 24, 2021

The EPA Administrator Visited Cancer-Causing Air Pollution Hot Spots Highlighted by ProPublica and Promised Reforms (ProPublica, November 24, 2021). 

EPA Indefinitely Extends COVID-19 Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance (JD Supra, November 24, 2021). 

Biden’s EJ promises Might Not Cover Other Countries (E&E News, November 24, 2021). 

November 23, 2021

EPA Forces Natural Gas Plants to Make Pollution Data Public (E&E News, November 23, 2021). 

November 20, 2021

EPA, Corps, Announce Proposed WOTUS Rule (The Waterways Journal, November 20, 2021).

November 19, 2021

Biden appoints Blackman to regional EPA post after he fell short in PSC bid (The Current, November 19, 2021).

November 18, 2021

Biden Administration Takes Step Toward Reversing Trump Water Regulations Rollback (The Hill, November 18, 2021).

Biden Administration Acts to Restore Clean-Water Safeguards (PBS, November 18, 2021). 

EPA Sets Timeline to Weigh Next Steps Related to Pebble Mine (AP News, November 18, 2021). 

November 17, 2021

EPA, Biden Administration Block Yazoo Pumps Project (The Vicksburg Post, November 17, 2021). 

Residents of Louisiana’s Cancer Alley Hopeful for Action After EPA Head’s Visits (The Guardian, November 17, 2021).

November 16, 2021

Biden Administration Signals it will Keep Trump-Era Aircraft Emissions Rule (The Hill, November 16, 2021).

EPA Finds PFAS are More Toxic than Previously Thought (EWG, November 16, 2021). 

EPA Fines MSC and Bulker Over Ballast Water Violations (The Maritime Executive, November 16, 2021). 

November 15, 2021

EPA Unveils New Recycling Push Pegged to Climate, Justice (E&E News, November 15, 2021). 

EPA FInes Gas Facility in Kapolei over Clean Air Act Violations (KHON2, November 15, 2021). 

EPA Finalizes First National Recycling Strategy (The Washington Post, November 15, 2021). 

November 14, 2021

CDC Again Tightens Blood Lead Standard for Young Children: EPA’s Action Levels for Lead in Butte Soil Now Even More Outdated (Montana Standard, November 14, 2021). 

November 13, 2021

EPA Finds Herbicide May Harm Endangered Species, Angering AG Groups (AgriPulse, November 13, 2021).

November 11, 2021

EPA Fines Hawaii County for Missing Sewage Plan Deadline (AP News, November 11, 2021). 

Infrastructure Bill Contains More than $350M for Recycling, but Local Effects are still Years Away (Waste Dive, November 11, 2021). 

EPA Plans ‘Even More Ambitious’ Methane Rules (E&E News, November 11, 2021).

November 11, 2021

EPA Fines Pesticide Applicator for Alleged Violations of Federal Pesticide Law on Kansas Farms (EPA, November 11, 2021).

November 10, 2021

EPA Air Reg’s Price Tag: Huge, Politically Toxic, and Wrong (E&E News, November 10, 2021). 

November 9, 2021

EPA Rules May Spark Legal War Over Social Cost of Methane (E&E News, November 9, 2021). 

EPA to Review Public Comments on Lower Neponset Superfund Designation (WBUR News, November 9, 2021). 

Waste Not, Want Not: EPA’s Impending National Recycling Strategy (The National Law Review, November 9, 2021). 

‘Drinking Through a Lead Straw’ — $15B Approved to Fix Dangerous Water Pipes (US News, November 9, 2021). 

November 8, 2021

Supreme Court’s Unusual Decision to Hear a Coal Case Could Deal President Biden’s Climate Plans Another Setback (InsideClimate News, November 8, 2021). 

EPA Outlines $630M Vision for Curbing Tijuana Sewage Pollution in San Diego (The San Diego Union Tribune, November 8, 2021). 

November 7, 2021

Climate Pledges Built on Flawed Data, Post Investigation Finds (The Washington Post, November 7, 2021). 

EPA to Begin Testing Water at 300 Benton Harbor Homes (US. News, November 7, 2021). 

November 6, 2021

Advocates: EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule will Complement New Mexico's Efforts to Curb Pollution (Santa Fe New Mexican, November 6, 2021). 

House Passes Massive Infrastructure Bill with Big Boost for Chesapeake Bay Program, Governor Hogan issues statement (NottinghamMD.com, November 6, 2021). 

November 5, 2021

ProPublica Report Highlights Philadelphia-area Locations where Industrial Air Pollution Exceeds EPA ‘Cancer Risk’ (The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 5, 2021).  

EPA Fines Iowa Fertilizer Distributor for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations (EPA, November 5, 2021). 

November 4, 2021

With New Settlements, EPA May Finally Protect Americans from Asbestos (Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, November 4, 2021). 

Environmentalists Call on EPA to Take Lead in Carson Stench Investigation (LA Times, November 4, 2021). 

EPA Cites Republic Steel for Lead Air Pollution in Canton, Ohio (EPA, November 4, 2021). 

November 3, 2021

How Methane Rule Hits Energy, from Pipeline to Politics (E&E News, November 3, 2021). 

EPA Pressed on ‘Toxic Cocktail’ in Tap Water (E&E News, November 3, 2021). 

November 2, 2021

Biden EPA Unveils New Rules to Curb Methane, a Potent Greenhouse Gas, from Oil and Gas Operations (The Washington Post, November 2, 2021). 

EPA Region 7 Responding to Mercury Spill at Residences in Wentzville, Missouri, Area (EPA, November 2, 2021). 

EPA Orders Benton Harbor Take 'Immediate Actions' to Fix Lead-tainted Drinking Water (Detroit Free Press, November 2, 2021). 

Poison in the Air (Propublica, November 2, 2021) 

November 1, 2021

EPA to help schools in Oregon and Washington become Community Cleaner Air and Cooling Centers (EPA, November 1, 2021).
October 31, 2021

EPA Asks DC Cir. to Pause States’ Ozone Standards Challenge While it Reconsiders Rule Extension (Law Street, October 31, 2021). 

A People's EPA (APE)

June Newsfeed

-

-

July 2, 2021

EPA Withdraws Rule Allowing Use of Radioactive Material in Road Construction (The Hill, July 2, 2021).

-

July 1, 2021

House Democrats Unite to Send Firm Climate Signal to Biden (Politico, July 1, 2021).

Biden EPA to Reassess Trump-Era Chemical Health Findings (The Hill, July 1, 2021).

EPA Employees Fight for Contract That Will Protect Them Against Future Administrations (The Hill, July 1, 2021)

-

June 30, 2021

The EPA Must Follow Canada's Lead and Issue New Rules for Ballast Water to Protect the Great Lakes (The Hill, June 30, 2021).

The Department of Yes (The Intercept, June 30, 2021).

U.S. EPA Weighs Taseko Copper Mining Process Akin To Fracking (Nasdaq, June 30, 2021).

-

June 29, 2021

Study: EPA Underestimated Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Development (The Hill, June 29, 2021)

EPA Detects Toxic Levels of Pollution from Pearl Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant (Hawaii News Now, June 29, 2021).

Here's How Biden Is Spending His First Big Environmental Justice Investment (Grist, June 29, 2021).

Groups Urge EPA to Spell Out RFS Waiver Rules (Successful Farming, June 29, 2021).

-

June 28, 2021

White House Delays Agency Changes to Environmental Law Procedures Under Trump Rule by Two Years (The Hill, June 28, 2021)

U.S. EPA Issues Warnings Over Caribbean Refinery Shutdown Plan (Reuters, June 28, 2021)

EPA Announces Plan to Strengthen Environmental Justice Through Criminal Enforcement (Lexology, June 28, 2021)

Dolton Plant Owner to Pay $350,000 After Hazardous Waste Citations (Chicago Sun Times, June 28, 2021).

-

June 25, 2021

As Democrats Spar Over Advancing Biden's Climate Agenda, They Move to Cut Methane (The Washington Post, June 25, 2021).

-

June 24, 2021

Acting United States Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis Announces Formation of Environmental Justice Team in the Office's Civil Division (US Department of Justice, June 24, 2021).

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Omits Big Climate Measures (The New York Times, June 24, 2021).

-

June 23, 2021

EPA Orders Cleanup After Tons of Sand Washes into Sandhill Stream (Omaha World-Herald, June 23, 2021).

Governor Petitions EPA to List PFAS as Hazardous Waste (NM Political Report, June 23, 2021).

EPA's Environmental Justice Boss Touts Early Actions for Biden (Bloomberg Law, June 23, 2021).

-

June 22, 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting the Air We Breathe (Open Access Government, June 22, 2021)

Judge Rejects Challenge to Trump Environmental Review Rule Rewrite (The Hill, June 22, 2021).

What if American Democracy Fails the Climate Crisis? (The New York Times Magazine, June 22, 2021).

EPA Reaches Settlement to Close Asbestos Reporting Loopholes (EHS Daily Advisor, June 22, 2021).

-

June 21, 2021

Obama BLM Director: Biden Needs a New Nominee (E&E News, June 21, 2021).

Boulder Continues to Work Toward Greater Climate Equity as EPA Bestows No. 8 Ranking (Boulder Daily Camera, June 21, 2021)

US Senators Urge Biden to Support Biomass Industry (Bioenergy Insight, June 21, 2021).

-

June 20, 2021

EPA Coordinator Shares the Process of Air Quality Tests in Rockton (mystateline.com, June 20, 2021)

-

June 17, 2021

Biden EPA May Offer Refiners Small Biofuel Concession (Rigzone, June 17, 2021).

-

June 16, 2021

Federal Judge Overturns Leasing Freeze in Blow to Biden (E&E News, June 16, 2021).

Public Schools Help Des Moines, Sioux City Rank Near Top Nationally for Number of Energy Efficient Buildings (Des Moines Register, June 16, 2021).

Senate Confirms Radhika Fox to Lead EPA's Water Office (The Hill, June 16, 2021).

Biden EPA Delays Trump-Era Lead and Copper Rule Again (NRDC, June 16, 2021).

-

June 15, 2021

EPA Budget to Increase for FY 2022 (EHS Daily Advisor, June 15, 2021).

EPA to Repeal Controversial Water Rule Impacting New Mexico (Santa Fe New Mexican, June 15, 2021).

Federal Judge Says Biden Cannot Pause New Leases for Drilling on Public Lands (The New York Times, June 15, 2021).

EPA Refers Chemical Plant Owner to Attorney General for Violations After Fire (WISN, June 15, 2021).

-

June 14, 2021

EPA to Reinstate Air Pollution Panel Disbanded Under Trump (The Hill, June 14, 2021).

EPA & Army Announce Intent to Revise Definition of Waters of the United States (Water and Wastes Digest, June 14, 2021).

Haaland Urges Biden to Fully Protect Three National Monuments Weakened by Donald Trump (The Washington Post, June 14, 2021).

Fire at Illinois Chemical Plant Could Cause "Environmental Nightmare," Fire Chief Says (NBC News, June 14, 2021).

-

June 13, 2021

13 Refineries Emit Dangerous Benzene Emissions that Exceed the EPA's 'Action Level,' A Study Finds (Inside Climate News, June 13, 2021).

G7 Nations Take Aggressive Climate Action but Hold Back on Coal (The New York Times, June 13, 2021).

-

June 10, 2021

E.P.A to Review Rules on Soot Linked to Deaths, Which Trump Declined to Tighten (The New York Times, June 10, 2021). 

Volkswagen U.S. CEO Meets with EPA Administrator on EVs (WTVB, June 10, 2021). 

EPA Yanking Toms River Reich Farm from Superfund List (Ashbury Park Press, June 10, 2021).

-
June 9, 2021

EPA Fines Honolulu-Based Home Remodeler for Lead Safety Violations (Honolulu Star Advertiser, June 9, 2021).

Keystone XL Pipeline Developer Pulls Plug on Controversial Project (The Washington Post, June 9, 2021). 

Rebuilding EPA Through Its Climate Programs (The Hill, June 9, 2021). 

EPA Budget Request Emphasizes Recycling (Plastics Recycling Update, June 9, 2021). 

Court Blocks Trump-era, Toxic Citrus Pesticide, Defended by Biden EPA (Beyond Pesticide, June 9, 2021). 

Biden Administration to Restore Clean-Water Protections Ended by Trump (The New York Times, June 9, 2021). 

-

June 8, 2021

Environmental Protection Agency Fines 2 Hawaii Companies Over Jet Fuel Release (Honolulu Star Advertiser, June 8, 2021).  

FMC’s Fluindapyr Fun Fungicide Gets EPA Registration (FMC Corporation, June 8, 2021). 

EPA Agrees to Disclose Data on Products Containing Asbestos, Reversing Trump Protocol (San Francisco Chronicle, June 8, 2021). 

‘Energy Justice’ Nominee Brings Activist Voice to Biden’s Climate Plans (NPR, June 8, 2021).

-

June 7, 2021

Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere Hits Record High Despite Pandemic Dip (The New York Times, June 7, 2021). 

-

June 6, 2021

Ohio EPA: Trumbull Drinking Water has Small Amounts of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ (Mahoning Matters, June 6, 2021).

-

June 4, 2021

EPA Awards $388 Million Loan for East County Water Purification System (NBC 7 San Diego, June 4, 2021). 

EPA Releases 2022 Construction General Permit for Public Comment (The National law Review, June 4, 2021). 

President Biden’s FY 2022 Budget Request Includes $11.2 Billion for EPA (The National Law Review, June 4, 2021). 

EPA Alerts Wisconsin, Fond du Lac Band that PolyMet Mine “May Affect” Their Waters (MPR News, June 4, 2021). 

-

June 3, 2021

California Urges EPA to Let State Set Car-Emissions Standard (The Times Leader, June 3, 2021). 

Local Leaders Press EPA on Lead Water Needs and Fixes (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 3, 2021). 

Justice Department, EPA and the State of Indiana Reach Clean Air Act Settlement with Lone Star Industries (The Department of Justice, June 3, 2021).

EPA Plans Superfund Cleanup for Bear Creek Near Baltimore (Bay Journal, June 3, 2021).

Brownfields/Arkansas: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Announces Chicot County and Western Arkansas Planning & Development District Grants (JDSUPRA, June 3, 2021). 

-

June 2, 2021

Environmental Protection Agency to Conduct Listening Sessions on Chemical Accident Prevention (Environmental Protection, June 2, 2021)

Biden Aims to End Arctic Drilling. A Trump-Era Law Could Foil His Plans (The New York Times, June 2, 2021). 

EDF Calls for Restoration of California’s Clean Car Waiver at EPA Hearing (Environmental Defense Fund, June 2, 2021). 

-

June 1, 2021

Biden Suspends Drilling Leases in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (The New York Times, June 1, 2021). 

Bristol Bay Tribes to EPA: Veto Pebble Mine Now and Forever (NRDC, June 1, 2021). 

A People's EPA (APE)

May Newsfeed

-

-

May 31, 2021

Dane County Joins EPA Green Power Program (DeForest Times-Tribune, May 31, 2021). 
-
May 28, 2021: 

Biden’s Fossil Fuel Moves Clash With Pledges on Climate Change (The New York Times, May 28, 2021). 

-

May 27, 2021: 

E.P.A. to Modify Trump-Era Limits on States’ Ability to Oppose Energy Projects (The New York TImes, May 27, 2021). 

-

May 26, 2021

Biden Administration Defends Huge Alaska Oil Drilling Project (The New York Times, May 26, 2021). 

EPA Officially Nixes Trump “Secret Science” Rule (The Hill, May 26, 2021). 

-

May 25, 2021

Why is the House Taking So Long to Undo Trump Methane Rule? (E&E News, May 25, 2021). 

Biden Looks to California for Next Phase of Offshore Wind (The Washington Post, May 25, 2021).

Addressing Environmental Justice Through EPA Enforcement Tools (JDSUPRA, May 25, 2021). 

EPA Considering Creek on Former Bethlehem Steel Site in Sparrows Point for National Pollution Priority List (The Baltimore Sun, May 25, 2021). 

EPA Discusses Project to Clean Up Former Allied Paper Landfill (News Channel 3, May 25, 2021). 

For the Second Time in Four Years, the Ninth Circuit Has Ordered the EPA to Set New Lead Paint and Dust Standards (InsideClimate News, May 25, 2021). 

-

May 24, 2021

Scranton Manufacturing Fined $50K BY EPA (Carroll Times Herald, May 24, 2021). 

Trump EPA Dodged Science Policy for Weedkiller (E&E News, May 24, 2021). 

-

May 23, 2021

EPA Approves Fungicide to Combat Coffee Leaf Rust (Hawai’i Public Radio, May 23, 2021)

-

May 21, 2021

Biden Requires Climate Considerations in Budget Process (Government Executive, May 21, 2021). 

-

May 20th:

U.S. EPA to Keep Biofuel Mandates Steady in 2021-22 Due to Coronavirus - Sources (May 20, 2021). 

-

May 19th:

White House Brings Back Climate Scientist Forced Out by Trump Administration (The Washington Post, May 19, 2021).

-

May 18th:

What to Save? Climate Change Forces Brutal Choices at National Parks (The New York Times, May 18, 2021). 

EPA Watchdog Audits Cite Agency Enforcement Falloff in Recent Years (ENR, Engineering News-Record, May 18, 2021). 

EPA to End Week-Long Suspension of Emissions Regulations After Pipeline Hack (Foreign Brief Geopolitical Risk Analysis, May 18, 2021). 

EPA Expands Zone of Potential Lead Contamination in West Atlanta (Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 18, 2021). 

EPA Shuts Polluting Caribbean Refinery Reopened Under Trump (The Guardian, May 18, 2021). 

EPA Cracks Down on Landfill Methane Emissions (E&E News, May 18, 2021).

-

May 17th:

EPA Urging Communities, Stakeholders to Participate as Scrutiny of Natural Gas, Oil Industry Methane Emissions Begins (Natural Gas Intel, May 17, 2021). 

EPA Will Rescind Final Rule Establishing Administrative Procedures for Issuing Guidance Documents (The National Law Review, May 17, 2021).

Supreme Court Gives Big Oil a Win in Climate Fight with Cities (The New York Times, May 17, 2021). 

EPA Proposes to Remove Barrels Inc. Site in Lansing from Superfund List (WILX, May 17, 2021).

EPA Grants to Allow Monitoring of Beach Water Quality in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington (EP Magazine, May 17, 2021). 

-

May 16th: 

For the EPA, A Moment of Reckoning (Salon, May 16, 2021). 

John Kerry: US Climate Envoy Criticised for Optimism on Clean Tech (BBC, May 16, 2021).

-

May 14th: 

EPA Orders Virgin Islands Refinery to Shut Down, Citing “Imminent” Health Threat (The Washington Post, May 14, 2021). 

-

May 13th:

In a Report Suppressed Under Trump, the EPA Has Said for the First Time that Humans Caused the Climate Crisis (Business Insider, May 13, 2021)

Biden Administration to Repeal Trump Rule Aimed at Curbing E.P.A’s Power (The New York Times, May 13, 2021)

EPA Begins Environmental Justice Consultations on Risk Management Rulemakings for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos and PV29 (The National Law Review, May 13, 2021). 
-

May 12th: 

EPA Relaunches Website Tracking Climate Change Indicators (The Hill, May 12, 2021). 

U.S. Has Entered Unprecedented Climate Territory, EPA Warns (The Washington Post, May 12, 2021) 

Hill Democrats May Have More Time to Scrap Trump Rules (E&E News, May 12, 2021). 

EPA, DOT Move to Boost Gasoline Availability after Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack (May 11, 2021, Politico). 

-

May 11th:

EPA Grants Will Fund Cleanups in Western Montana (Montana Public Radio, May 11, 2021). 

Wisconsin’s Attorney General Calls for Federal Regulation of “Forever Chemicals” (Wisconsin State Journal, May 11, 2021). 

Biden Administration Approves Nation’s First Major Offshore Wind Farm (The New York Times, May 11, 2021). 

U.S. Waives Environmental Rule to Ease Mid-Atlantic Fuel Shortages (Reuters, May 11, 2021). 

EPA to Jackson, Mississippi: Water Safe to Drink Despite Numerous Problems with System (Clarion Ledger, May 11, 2021). 

-

May 10th

Biden’s Climate Bet Rests on a Clean Electricity Standard (E&E News, May 10, 2021).

EPA Enforcement Policies Prioritize Environmental Justice and Embrace ‘NextGen’ Compliance Tools (The National Law Review, May 10, 2021). 

-

May 7th: 

New EPA Coolant Rule is a No-Brainer for Addressing the Climate Crisis (The Hill, May 7, 2021).

Interior Department Withdraws Trump Rule Loosening Arctic Drilling Regulations (The Hill, May 7, 2021). 

-

May 6th:

Inspector General Rebukes EPA For Failing to Protect Communities from Carcinogenic Air Pollution (The Intercept, May 6, 2021). 

Meet 5 Republican AGs Fighting Biden on Climate (E&E News, May 6, 2021). 

-

May 5th:

How to Fast-Track Climate Action? EPA Cutting Super Pollutant HFCs (The Hill, May 5, 2021). 

Early Messaging from USEPA Enforcement HQ (Micahel Best & Friedrich LLP via Lexology, May 5, 2021)

-

May 4th:

EPA and Des Moines Move to Rehab Polluted Eyesore (San Francisco Gate May 4, 2021).

EPA Wants To Retract Three Last-Minute RFS Waivers (Agriculture.com, May 4, 2021). 

Federal Officials to Address Issues with Water System at Council Meeting  (The Northside Sun, May 4, 2021). 

EPA Official Directs Agency to Ramp Up Enforcement in Communities Hit Hard by Pollution (The Hill, May 4, 2021). 

-

May 3rd:

EPA to Announce Sharp Limits on Powerful Greenhouse Gases (The New York Times, May 3, 2021). 

EPA May Craft Groundwater Rule to Pass Supreme Court Test (E&E News, May 3, 2021).  
Congress on Track to Reject Trump EPA Revisions to Oil and Gas Methane Standards (Gibson Dunn, May 3, 2021).

A People's EPA (APE)

April Newsfeed

-

-

April 30

EPA to Expand Scope of TRI Reporting Requirements (The National Law Review, April 30, 2021)

-

April 29

9th Circuit to EPA: Find Pesticide Safe or Ban It (Courthouse News Service, April 29, 2021)

EPA Staff Warned of Factual, Legal Issues in Trump Vehicle Climate Rollback, Watchdog Says (The Hill, April 29, 2021)

-

April 28

PFAS Exemptions Eliminated by EPA (April 28, 2021, The National Law Review)

Senate Reinstates Obama-Era Regulations on Methane - The New … (The New York Times, April 28, 2021) 

Biden Races Courts for Chance to Torpedo Trump Water Rule (E&E News, April 28, 2021)

Eastern Kentucky Oil Refinery Exceeds EPA Emissions Limit for Cancer-Causing Chemical (Lexington Herald Leader, April 28, 2021) 

-

April 27

EPA Releases 28th Annual GHG Inventory (EHS Daily Advisor April 27, 2021)

Kilmer Pushes for EPA to Invest in Puget Sound Restoration and Recovery (The Suburban Times, April 27, 2021)

Regan's Contentious Bid to Reset EPA Scientific (E&E News, April 27, 2021) 

EPA, U.S. Virgin Islands Officials Launch Probe after Second St. Croix Refinery Accident (Washington Post, April 27, 2021)

 Senate Confirms Janet McCabe as Deputy EPA Chief (The Hill, April 27, 2021)

-

April 26, 2021

EPA Moves to Scrap Trump Rule Preventing N.J. from requiring cars to get better gas mileage (NJ.com, April 26, 2021)

Biden Infrastructure Proposal Prioritizes Equity and Environmental Justice (The National Law Review, April 26, 2021)

EPA Moves to Give California Right to Set Climate Limits on Cars, SUVs (Washington Post, April 26, 2021)

The Fight to Clean Up the EPA(The Intercept, April 26, 2021)

-

April 12, 2021

Scientists Fear Trump Wood-Burn Stance to Stay Under Regan EPA (Bloomberg Law, April 12, 2021)

-

April 11, 2021

Schumer calls on EPA to address Rockland PFAS issue ASAP (Mid Hudson News, April 11, 2021)

Biden’s EPA set to take up Issue of Dangerous "Forever" Poisons (Salon, April 11, 2021)

-

April 10, 2021

Our View: New EPA Head Shows Promise (Winston-Salem Journal, April 10, 2021) 

-

April 9, 2021

Biden Budget's $14 bln Hike for Climate includes Big Boosts for EPA (Reuters, April 9, 2021)

Biden EPA, Climate Budget Ask Starts Debate: Jobs Vs. Deficits (Bloomberg Law, April 9, 2021) 

-

April 8, 2021

New EPA chief Michael Regan Relishes ‘Clean Slate’ after Chaos of Trump Era (The Guardian, April 8, 2021) 

EPA Awards $100K to Ann Arbor-based PFAS Remediation Business (Michigan Live, April 8, 2021) 

-

April 7, 2021

EPA Reverses Trump Stance in Push to Tackle Environmental Racism (The Guardian, April 7, 2021)

Petition Calls for EPA Regulation of Large Dairy and Hog Farms (Successful Farming, April 7, 2021)

EPA’s New Chief Gets to Work on Climate Goals—and Hiring Scientists (Bloomberg Green, April 7, 2021)

-

April 6, 2021

EPA Announces $400,000 in Funding to Small Businesses in Alaska and Washington to Develop Innovative Environmental Technologies (EPA Press Release, April 6, 2021)

Environmental Justice makes Return to EPA (Arizona Capitol Times, April 6, 2021)

-

April 5, 2021

EPA to Outline Proposed Cleanup for Groundwater, Soil Contamination in York (Nebraska TV, April 5, 2021)

-

April 1, 2021

Clean Slate for EPA Scientific Advisory Committees (C&E News, April 1, 2021)

Dismissing Trump’s EPA Science Advisors, Regan Says the Agency Will Return to a ‘Fair and Transparent Process’ (Inside Climate News, April 1, 2021)

A People's EPA (APE)

March Newsfeed

-

-

March 31, 2021

EPA to start Environmental Justice Training Program in Dayton (WDTN Dayton, March 31, 2021)

EPA Dismisses Dozens of Key Science Advisers Picked under Trump (Washington Post, March 31, 2021)

-

March 30, 2021

EPA Far Underestimates Methane Emissions (E&E News March 30, 2021)

-

March 29, 2021

US EPA to issue more Orders for TSCA new Chemical Reviews (Chemical Watch, March 29, 2021)

White House Announces Environmental Justice Advisory Council Members (White House Briefing Room, March 29, 2021)

-

March 26, 2021

Federal Action is Needed to Protect Citizens from Lead in Water (Chicago Tribune, March 26, 2021)

-

March 22, 2021

Years of Workforce Losses at Federal Scientific Agencies Spark Bipartisan Concern (Federal News Network, March 22, 2021)

-

March 24, 2021

EPA's Regan Stresses Importance of Biofuels, Calls for Ag Input (Agri, March 24, 2021)

-

March 19, 2021

The EPA’s Website Makes Climate Change a Priority Again (The Verge, March 19, 2021)

-

March 11, 2021

The Mess that Biden’s EPA Chief Michael Regan will Inherit, Explained (Vox News, March 11, 2021)

-

March 10, 2021

Senate Confirms Biden’s Pick to Lead E.P.A. (New York Times, March 10, 2021)

-

March 4, 2021

EPA, CEQ Nominees Set for Senate Grilling (Politico, March 4, 2021)

-

March 3, 2021

EPA Announces Availability of up to $6 million in Annual Environmental Justice Grants (Niagara Frontier, March 3, 2021) 

-

March 2, 2021

EPA Awards Contracts to Clean Abandoned Uranium Mines on the Navajo Nation (Navajo Hopi Observer, March 2, 2021)

GAO Report States EPA Has Completed Some Regulatory-Related Actions for PFAS (The National Law Review, March 2, 2021)

A People's EPA (APE)

January Newsfeed

-

-

January 29, 2021

Biden's Climate Order Moves the Spotlight Away from the EPA (E&E News, January 29, 2021)

Biden's Climate Order Moves the Spotlight Away from EPA (E&E News, January 29, 2021)

-

January 28, 2021

Lawyer Who Repped Chevron in Climate Cases among EPA's New Top Hires (Reuters, January 28, 2021)

-

January 27, 2021

Industry Braces for Tougher Toxic Chemical Rules Under Biden EPA (Bloomberg Law, January 27, 2021)

-

January 26, 2021

Feds Investigating State EPA For Approving Permit For Southeast Side Scrapper Planned By General Iron Owner (Block Club Chicago, January 26, 2021)

The Battle Lines Are Forming in Biden’s Climate Push (New York Times, January 26, 2021)

-

January 25, 2021

Pingree Elected as Chair of House Subcommittee that Oversees Interior, EPA (News Center Maine, January 25, 2021)

-

January 23, 2021

Biden Leans on Obama-era Appointees on Climate (The Hill, January 23, 2021)

-

January 22, 2021

Radhika Fox appointed to lead EPA’s Office of Water (Water & Finance Management, January 22, 2021)

Overnight Energy: Biden EPA asks Justice Dept. to Pause Defense of Trump-era Rules (The Hill, January 22, 2021)

-

January 21, 2021

Biden Could use TSCA to Meet Environmental Justice Goals  (E&E News, January 21, 2021)

-

January 20, 2021

Fact Sheet: List of Agency Actions for Review (The White House Briefing Room, January 20, 2021)

EDGI and Toxic Docs are collecting thousands of internal government documents on the environment obtained by public interest groups through the Freedom of Information Act. Search the repository at the link below.

This memo from the President's Advisory Council on Executive Organization (PACEO), better known as the "Ash Council,” recommended that "key anti-pollution programs be merged into an Environmental Protection Administration, a new independent agency of the Executive Branch." This new agency would be the "principal instrument" for fulfilling the president’s pledge to "repair the damage already done, and to establish new criteria to guide us in the future."

The memo claimed that the "environmental crisis" was the result of "vastly increased per capita consumption, intensified by population growth, urbanization, and changing industrial processes." The rationale presented for an independent EPA was that: 1) There was a need to consider environmental protection in a unified way; 2) There should be a separate agency for setting key standards for other agencies so that the interests of those other agencies would not affect the standards. Consolidating these functions in a single agency would also have the benefit of simplifying intergovernmental and business relationships.

The Ash Council proposed that the key functions of the agency should be: scientific research, standard-setting, monitoring, and enforcement. It also proposed reorganizing the agency around those functions as opposed to organizing offices by the source, media, location, or effects of pollution. Doing the latter would mean not recognizing the interrelated aspects of pollution and environmental problems. The memo outlined why it rejected alternative organizational plans: A combined Department of Natural Resources and Environment would, the memo said, subject standard-setting to pressures of resource development. Putting the agency in any existing department would result in one department regulating others, which would not be ideal. Nor would creating a small, strictly standard-setting agency. This would leave monitoring and enforcement fragmented across departments.

Follow the link below to read the full text.

President Nixon's message, which drew substantially on the Ash Council memo from April 29, 1970, noted that the government's approach to the environment had grown up piecemeal over the years. It was necessary to reorganize the federal government to effectively ensure environmental protection. To that end, the federal government needed an agency that could take a coordinated approach to pollution. That would mean abandoning anti-pollution approaches that were designed primarily along lines of media (air, water, land) or types of pollutants. The proposed new agency, the EPA, could do this, provided it had sufficient support for research, monitoring, standard-setting, enforcement and aid to states.

In proposing this new agency, the president said he was "making an exception to one of my own principles: "new independent agencies normally should not be created." There was a compelling reason for doing this for the EPA, according to Nixon however, because putting these functions in a department with other goals could unduly influence the anti-pollution functions. It would require that department to constantly make decisions affecting other departments. Nixon also noted the difference between the EPA and the Council on Environmental Quality: "the Council focuses on what our broad policies in the environmental field should be; the EPA would focus on setting and enforcing pollution control standards."

Follow the link below to read the full text.

In this speech to Congress, President Nixon argued that abuse of the natural environment had gone on too long. He called for, among other things, "stricter regulations," "expanded government action," "greater citizen involvement," and "new programs to ensure that government, industry and individuals" do their jobs and pay their share of costs. He laid out a 37-point program that would comprehensively consider pollution, waste and recreation, rather than treating these in isolation. Under the subject of "Organizing for Action," he argued that deep, widespread environmental problems could only be solved through a "full national effort embracing not only sound, coordinated planning, but also an effective follow-through that reaches into every community." He announced he had directed the Ash Council to study how best to organize the executive to deal with environmental issues.

Follow the link below to read the full text.

A People's EPA (APE)

February Newsfeed

-

-

February 22, 2021

EPA Changes Stand, Sides with Ethanol Industry in Court Cases (Iowa AP, February 22, 2021)

-

February 16, 2021

EPA Awards $220M Contracts for Uranium Mine Cleanup (Albuquerque Journal, February 16, 2021)

-

February 12, 2021

Biden EPA Asks D.C. Circuit to Freeze Mandate on Clean Power Plan (Bloomberg Law, February 12, 2021)

-

February 9, 2021

Biden won't Revive Obama's Clean Power Plan. So Now What? (E&E News, February 9, 2021)

EPA Alleges Political Interference by Trump Officials over Toxic Chemical (The Hill, February 9, 2021)

Mary Nichols was the Early Favorite to Run Biden’s EPA, Before She Became a ‘Casualty’(Inside Climate News, February 9, 2021)

-

February 8, 2021

EPA Nominee Regan Touts Collaboration during Senate Confirmation Hearing (The Great Lakes Now, February 8, 2021)

-

February 5, 2021

Biden’s EPA Ends Appeal, Cementing DTE Energy-Sierra Club Settlement (The Detroit News, February 5, 2021)

-

February 3, 2021

Biden’s EPA Nominee Vows ‘Urgency’ on Climate Change (Washington Post, February 3, 2021)

Sen. Duckworth Wants EPA To Install Metal Emission Monitors At Sauget Incinerator (St. Louis Public Radio, February 3, 2021)

-

February 1, 2021

Judge Throws Out Trump Rule Limiting What Science EPA Can Use (Washington Post, February 1, 2021)

This article argues for the need to remake, not just restore, the EPA in order to tackle growing problems with climate exchange, environmental justice, and toxic pollutants, among other things. It offers ten fixes: 1) take quick action on climate by rejoining the Paris Climate agreement and reversing regulatory rollbacks; 2) restore EPA staff and budget; 3) keep industry out of EPA decision-making; 4) make environmental justice a priority; 5) strengthen safeguards for toxic like lead and vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children; 6) reinvigorate science by funding research, attracting scientists, and incorporating more into decision-making; 7) enforce the law vigorously; 8) better collect, integrate and make accessible data on enforcement and monitoring; 9) steward educational information better; 10) partner with the public on citizen science and public communication and education programs.

The PRHE collaborated with scientists and chemical policy experts to develop recommendations to improve hazard and risk assessment, and prevent harms from chemicals and pollutants. Its key recommendations were: 1) Assessing hazards and risks of chemicals using more representative definitions of susceptible populations and quantification of risks for all health effects, both cancer and noncancer, at all anticipated levels of exposure. 2) Adoption of a “science-based, validated systemic review” method for evaluation of chemical harms. 3) Ensure outcomes of environmental laws and policies result in equal protection, not environmental disparities. 4) Laws to make science free from financial conflicts of interest from industry. 5) Invest in up-to-date research and data infrastructure to better identify and prioritize harms, risks and interventions.

Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign laid out a plan for environmental justice that would utilize an “All-of-Government” approach; use data and science to drive decisions; prioritize environmental justice in use of resources; and assess risks to communities from future public health emergencies. Among other things, the plan called for the creation of an Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the Department of Justice to pursue EJ-related cases in concert with the EPA’s Office of Civil Rights. The plan also included an overhaul of the EPA’s External Civil Rights Compliance Office to increase its effectiveness in mitigating impacts for frontline and fenceline communities. Along the same lines, the plan sought public input how the agency should handle Title VI (anti-discrimination) complaints. And it sought to reinstitute a private right of action to sue under Title VI. Regarding the use of data and science, the plan stated that the administration will resuscitate and expand the EPA’s EJSCREEN tool, which would assist government agencies and communities in identifying threats to communities. Expansion of data collection and dissemination would include mandated monitoring of frontline and fenceline communities and requirements that industries directly notify communities, in real time, about releases of hazardous and toxic chemicals. The plan included several other policies and programs, some especially relevant to the EPA such as regulations relating to air pollution in disadvantaged communities and water pollution from PFAS.

This plan emphasized the transition to a 100% clean energy economy; infrastructure investments to boost the economy and climate resilience; a recommitment to the Paris Agreement; action against fossil fuel polluters, especially in context of environmental justice; and not leaving workers and communities behind in the transition. The EPA’s role in this plan was noted in regard to action against fossil fuel polluters. The Biden plan stated that he would direct the DOJ to pursue criminal cases against violators, including holding corporate executive personally accountable.

The EDF called not only repairing, but rebuilding the federal government’s approach to the environment. The organization outlined three priorities: 1) Policies that will allow a fast shift toward renewable energy, including making electrical vehicles and their infrastructure more available. 2) Taking responsibility for climate change, including rejoining the Paris climate agreement and rebuilding scientific staff at the EPA. 3) Protecting communities from environmental health threats, including having the EPA “fulfill its commitment” to President Clinton’s executive order on environmental justice (EO 12898). “It’s not enough to make up for four lost years, we have to rebuild an America that’s healthier and more equitable than it has ever been,” the EDF concluded.

This extensive report, with several substantial supporting documents, from former EPA staff outlined six priorities for renewing the EPA: 1) a reaffirmation from the agency of its commitment to public health and the environment; 2) scientific and economic analysis free from political interference; 3) the incorporation of environmental justice into all aspects of the agency’s work; 4) a focus on the most significant and pervasive public health and environmental risks; 5) innovation and collaboration with other federal agencies, stakeholders and local, state and tribal governments; 6) re-establishment of public trust in the agency through demonstrated action and transparency.

This report suggested five actions the Biden administration could take early on to protect the environment: 1) rejoin the Paris Climate agreement; 2) repeal the “Dirty Water Rule” (the Trump EPA’s CWA rule from 2020); 3) strengthen EPA fuel economy standards and affirm California’s authority to set emissions standards; 4) withdraw Trump draft 5-year plan on offshore drilling; and 5) restore DOE energy efficiency policy for appliances weakened by the Trump administration.

This report analyzed the Trump administration’s management of federal websites related to environmental regulation and made recommendations for the Biden administration moving forward. The suggestions included: 1) Creating meaningful resources to expand civic and scientific literacy. This would include building ladders of information on websites, incorporating the scientific basis for regulations on websites, and providing mechanisms for public feedback about web resources. 2) Ensuring that resources are available, discoverable and navigable. And that the public is made aware of opportunities for civic engagement. 3) Preserving public web resources. This would include an accessible archive of web resources, requirements for notice and explanation of content removal, and a database describing changes to websites.

The World Resources Institute argued that it would not be enough to simply reverse the rollbacks of the Trump administration. The lost time for action during the Trump administration and looming threats meant that the administration needs to “roll forward.” The key ways to do this, the WRI, stated were: 1) return science to the center of decision-making and elevate frontline voices; 2) establish the U.S. as a global climate leader; 3) reinstate emission standards and advance zero-emissions vehicle performance standards; 4) rescind the replacement rule for the Clean Power Plan and develop new standards; 5) reinstate and strengthen methane rules for oil and gas; 6) repeal new methane rule for low-carbon steel and cementer and set new standards; 7) set stronger efficiency standards and encourage building electrification. The recommendations noted the role of the EPA in rescinding and developing regulations and the need to better include frontline community members in decision-making processes at the EPA.

Safer Chemicals, Health Families group was encouraged by President Biden’s initial executive orders directing EPA to review actions by the Trump administration related to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). They were also encouraged to see three items on Biden’s “Build Back Better” list that accorded with their priorities: 1) Develop a ban, or stronger protections, for methylene chloride; 2) revisit regulations related to persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals to comply with TSCA; 3) reconsider chemical risks to include all conditions of use when evaluating chemicals.

Moms Clean Air Force argued that the “Biden administration must leap into the future with a bold, ambitious plan to cut climate and air pollution.” MCAF was encouraged by the early actions of the Biden administration including rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and issuing executive orders related to the restoration of the role of the federal government in environmental protection. Going forward, MCAF wanted “bold and ambitious action” from the EPA. The top priorities include: 1) restoration of science as the foundation guiding the CAA; 2) fix Trump rollbacks that threaten air quality; 3) cut pollution from cars, trucks and buses; 4) cut pollution from power generators; 5) cut methane emissions from oil and gas development; 6) properly implement the Toxic Substances Control Act; 7) reconsider regulation of the Chlorpyrifos pesticide; 8) tighten and enforce regulations of refiners and cracker plants.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argued that the next president after Trump needed to show leadership in restoring and strengthening the use of science in government. The UCS outlined four general areas of focus: 1) promoting science-based decision making; 2) strengthening scientific integrity; 3) enforcing transparency in decision making; 4) addressing conflicts of interest; 5) safeguarding government scientists; 6) fostering public participation in decision making; and 7) protecting democratic processes. Within these areas, the UCS identified dozens of specific policy recommendations, many of which targeted the EPA. These included ways to better include frontline communities in decision making; maintaining transparency in science at the EPA without obstructing or sidelining the use of good scientific data; and reducing the influence of industrial interests who undermine scientific decision making.

A People's EPA (APE)

July Newsfeed

-

-

July 31, 2021

Enbridge's Pipeline 3 Threatens an Endangered Species - Contact The EPA (CleanTechnica, July 31, 2021)

Agency Wrong to Stop Regulating Rosemont Mine Site's Streams, Washes, EPA Says (Tucson.com, July 31, 2021).

July 30, 2021

Is Kyrsten Sinema Going to Think About Arizona's (Scary) Future When It Comes to These Infrastructure Bills? (Esquire, July 30, 2021).

James Reaches Agreement with EPA to Crack Down on Air Pollution (WWTI, July 30, 2021).

-

July 29, 2021

EPA Requires Manufacturers to report PFAS Exposures and Hazards (National Law Review, July 29, 2021).

-

July 28, 2021

Momentum Builds for Permanent End to Pebble Mine (NRDC, July 28, 2021).

Defense Department Is Not Protecting Service Members From Toxic "Forever Chemicals" (US News, July 28, 2021).

EPA Fines Oelwein Company for Hazardous Waste Violation (Radio Iowa, July 28, 2021).

Helena Says Ten Mile Creek Was Much More Contaminated than EPA Reported (Helena Independent Record, July 28, 2021).

-

July 27, 2021

EPA: Elmira Heights Site That's Been on Superfund List Almost 40 Years Needs More Work (Star Gazette, July 27, 2021).

Biden Plan Would Tighten Mileage For New Cars Over the Next Four Years (Washington Post, July 27, 2021).

The EPA Will Revise a Trump-Era Rule on Toxic Wastewater From Coal Plants (The New York Times, July 27, 2021).

EPA Begins Hazardous Waste Cleanup in Rock Island (NPR wvik, July 27, 2021).

Nearly 140 Democrats Urge EPA to "Promptly" Allow California to Set Its Own Vehicle Standards (The Hill, July 27, 2021).

-

July 26, 2021

EPA Fine Sours Yakima Cold-Storage Owner (Capital Press, July 26, 2021).

-

July 24, 2021

Biden Administration's Environmental Justice Initiative Kicks Into Gear (Newsone, July 24, 2021).

-

July 23, 2021

EPA Orders $65,250 Penalty For Pesticide Company (Associate Press, July 23, 2021).

-

July 22, 2021

EPA Gives Jackson City Officials Timeline to Begin Addressing City's Water Issues (The Clarion-Ledger, July 22, 2021).

-

July 21, 2021

The Western Drought Is Worse Than You Think. Here's Why (E&E News, July 21, 2021).

US: Groups Sue Environmental Protection Agency Over Approval of Toxic Herbicide (hortidaily.com, July 21, 2021).

Residents Express Outrage at Republic Over Lead, EPA Promises More Measures (The Canton Repository, July 21, 2021).

House Passes Bill Requiring EPA to Regulate "Forever Chemicals" in Drinking Water (The Hill, July 21, 2021).

-

July 20, 2021

PFAS/RCRA: New Mexico Petitions U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Initiate Hazardous Waste Listing (JDSUPRA, July 20, 2021).

Detection of Toxic PFAS Chemicals Increases to 2,790 Communities (EWG, July 20, 2021).

Biden Will Not Back Down on Climate Plans, EPA Chief Says (Financial Times, July 20, 2021).

The EPA Needs to Reject Louisiana's Regional Haze Plan Until It Complies With The Clean Air Act (CleanTechnica, July 20, 2021).

-

July 19, 2021

Trump Administration's Clean Water Rule to Remain as Agencies Seek Its Revision (JD Supra, July 19, 2021).

EPA Orders Clarksburg to Provide Clean Water Amidst Lead Cases (West Virginia Daily News, July 19, 2021).

EPA Takes Up Environmental Justice Complaint Against Philly's Permit for SEPTA Power Plant in Nicetown (WHYY PBS, July 19, 2021)

-

July 18, 2021

EPA to Squeeze on Aftermarket Car Part Sellers Hurts Classic Car Industry, Lankford Says (Yahoo News, July 18, 2021).

-

July 17, 2021

Milwaukee and Madison Receive $200,000 Each from EPA for Environmental Justice Initiatives (Milwaukee Courier, July 17, 2021).

-

July 15, 2021

Biden to Restore Protections for Tongass National Forest in Alaska (The New York Times, July 15, 2021).

New Data on "Forever Chemicals" Prompts Calls for More Transparency (The Hill, July 15, 2021).

-

July 14, 2021

EPA Considers Placing Limits on "Forever Chemicals" in Drinking Water (The Guardian, July 14, 2021).

Senate Committee Approves EPA, Commerce Nominees (E&E News, July 14, 2021).

-

July 13, 2021

EPA: Tenmile Creek Spill Poses No Environmental Impact (Helena Independent Record, July 13, 2021).

AP Interview: EPA Water Chief on Clean Water Protections (Associated Press, July 13, 2021).

White House Appoints New Director to Steer Key Climate Change Report (The Washington Post, July 13, 2021).

Biden Administration Taps EPA Scientist Allison Crimmins to Lead Key Climate Report (CNN, July 13, 2021).

Your Trash is Emitting Methane In The Landfill. Here's Why It Matters For The Climate (NPR, July 13, 2021).

EPA: 11,000 Facilities Illegally Discharged Pollutants Into Nearby Waters in 2018 (The Hill, July 13, 2021).

-

July 12, 2021

EPA Seeks Public Comments on Legal Petition to Cancel Seresto Flea Collars Linked to Deaths of Nearly 1,700 Pets (Center for Biological Diversity, July 12, 2021).

Documents Show EPA Staff Concerns Over PFAS in Fracking (E&E News, July 12, 2021).

EPA to Expand Groundwater Investigation at Landfill Superfund Site in Lapeer County (mlive.com, July 12, 2021).

EPA Agrees to Reevaluate Trump-Era Washington State Water Quality Rollbacks (Earthjustice, July 12, 2021).

E.P.A. Approved Toxic Chemicals for Fracking a Decade Ago, New Files Show (The New York Times, July 12, 2021).

-

July 9, 2021:

EPA Joins West Virginia DHHR in Assisting with Lead Water Lines in Clarksburg Water System (WVNews, July 9, 2021).

EPA Dumps Trump-Backed COVID-19 Disinfectant (E&E News, July 9, 2021).

SOCMA Asks EPA to Uphold Revisions Made in 2019 RMP Final Rule (Yahoo Finance, July 9, 2021).

-

July 8, 2021:

EPA Opposes Permit for Pipeline Crossings (WDBJ.com, July 8, 2021).

-

July 7, 2021:

"We Know That People Need Help" - EPA Administrator Visits Flint (ClickOn Detroit, July 7, 2021).

Use Radioactive Gypsum Waste for Road Construction? Never mind, EPA Says (nola.com, July 7, 2021).

War on Science Persists Within Biden EPA as Staffers Allege Chemical Reports Altered (Common Dreams, July 7, 2021).

-

July 6, 2021

EPA Chief Visits Milwaukee, Leaders Say Federal Funding Provides Opportunity to Replace Lead Lines (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 6, 2021).

Federal Court Reverses EPA Rule on Year-Round E15 (NorthDakota.com, July 6, 2021).

EPA Faces Challenges Addressing SIPs (EHS Daily Advisor, July 6, 2021).

EPA Planning a Public Meeting on the Cleanup of Exide Superfund Site in Berks (Reading Eagle, July 6, 2021).

-

July 5, 2021

Focus Shifts to EPA on Methane Regulation After Biden Action (The Hill, July 5, 2021).

-

July 4, 2021

Former Obama EPA Official: Biden Infrastructure Plan "Strips Out" Black and Brown Communities (MSNBC, July 4, 2021).

-

July 3, 2021

Court Strikes Trump EPA Rule for Full-Year 15 Percent Ethanol Sales (The Independent, July 3, 2021).

-

July 2, 2021

EPA Withdraws Rule Allowing Use of Radioactive Material in Road Construction (The Hill, July 2, 2021).

-

July 1, 2021

House Democrats Unite to Send Firm Climate Signal to Biden (Politico, July 1, 2021).

Biden EPA to Reassess Trump-Era Chemical Health Findings (The Hill, July 1, 2021).

EPA Employees Fight for Contract That Will Protect Them Against Future Administrations (The Hill, July 1, 2021)

In his article, Joel Mintz identifies that the work to restore the EPA must include the reinstitution of effective practices which were curtailed by the Trump administration, while simultaneously expanding the agency’s workforce and talent. Specifically, the EPA should 1) significantly increase its full-time equivalent workforce; 2) return to a model of scientifically-based policy to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis; 3) assign a team of agency scientists to identify the most harmful Trump administration policies for priority action and reversal; 4) restore the prior EPA model of deterrent enforcement; 5) recruit new personnel, especially criminal investigators, lawyers, and engineers; and 6) augment punitive deterrence by publicizing enforcement work.

Cohen begins the article by reviewing that environmental policy emerged in the 1970s, around when the United States began to shift to a service economy. Although contemporary Americans are open to arguments that green policies kill jobs, most still desire healthy and safe communities. To restore the EPA after it was dismantled in the Trump era, President Biden must 1) restore competent nonpartisan management of the EPA, NOAA, and Department of the Interior; 2) draw mission-driven professionals to federal service; 3) replace weakened environmental regulations with more effective and tougher policies than those lost in the Trump era; 4) decarbonize the American energy system through an infrastructure program that offers tax incentives to industries; 5) re-start American leadership in climate diplomacy; 6) accommodate businesses who are making efforts in good faith to comply with environmental policy; 7) develop a hardline position against environmental poisons. Creativity is key in environmental policy, undertaken by both the government and corporations working in concert.

This blog post by Earthjustice highlights the organization’s courtroom battles—and victories—over the last four years. The page offers links to several court cases: 1) the prevention of a corporate ploy to weaken the Clean Water Act in Hawai’i; 2) the protection of the Arctic against industrial exploitation, especially dirty energy such as oil and gas drilling; 3) the revocation of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s permits at Standing Rock and requirement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the pipeline project’s environmental impact; 4) providing assistance to grassroots organizations to end and resist dirty energy companies from establishing oil or coal terminals in Washington state; 5) the protection of grizzly bears populations in Yellowstone from trophy hunting; 6) the prevention of the Pebble Mine project from being granted a permit in Bristol Bay, protecting its waters and wild salmon; 7) advancing the transition from fossil fuels to 100% clean energy; and 8) protecting endangered species and regional biodiversity by reducing fossil fuel development, deforestation, and industrial development.

This Nature editorial reviews the long attack, exacerbated by the Trump administration, on the EPA under the guise of economic growth. The authors argue for a return to science, competent leadership, and the construction of an administrative structure that can and will exist in perpetuity. To do so, President Biden must 1) strengthen the agency’s existing structure to prevent any future administrations from strangling science-based evidence and policy; 2) rebuild the EPA’s in-house science team, filling and strengthening positions such as the assistant administrator for the EPA’s research division (the Office of Research and Development), a separate chief scientist for the agency, and the scientific-integrity official; 3) structure staffing to promote honesty and transparency over obedience; 4) appoint competent staff in the White House Office of Science and Technology to oversee scientific integrity across federal agencies; 4) insulate the agency by codifying scientific integrity in congressional policy through legislation; and 5) appoint a competent, visionary, and dedicated EPA administrator to lead the EPA according to a long-term mission of environmental protection.

In this article, Meiburg begins by reviewing the Trump administration’s unprecedented commitment to undermine the EPA. Not only did senior Trump officials, consumed by climate denial, use their understanding of the EPA’s regulatory structure to enact far-reaching changes to the agency, the challenges of climate change, environmental injustice, and chemical harm to the environment create a bureaucratic and environmental challenge for President Biden. Likewise, the Trump EPA worked to curtail state’s powers to legislate and enforce environmental policies through cutting operating grants, limiting the Clean Water Act, and opposing state climate initiatives. Rebuilding the EPA will require forward-looking businesses who recognize the threats of climate change, market systems that generate efficient environmental protection, and that the EPA re-embrace Ruckelshaus’s core values of science, law, and transparency to regenerate confidence in the agency both inside and out.

Hersher’s article begins by reviewing how, historically, the U.S. government has been either involved in, or a perpetrator, or environmental racism, with race the strongest predictor of proximity to toxic sites and inequitable environmental regulation. To address both historic and Trump era damages, Hersher quotes academics, advocates, and government officials to provide a series of suggestions on how to strengthen human and environmental protection. 1) The EPA must listen to, and build relationships of trust with vulnerable communities, especially those disproportionately suffering from the effects of pollution; 2) Clinton’s 1994 executive order addressing environmental racism must be expanded and updated; 3) funds must be provided to assist communities afflicted by both the COVID19 pandemic and chronic pollution; 4) legislation must be enacted to allow low-income communities and communities of color to sue the government regarding disproportionate pollution.

A People's EPA (APE)

August Newsfeed

-

-

August 31, 2021

Interior Department Posts New Lease Sales a Week After Resumption Announcement (The Hill, August 31, 2021). 

At a Fossil Fuels Summit, the Climate Crisis Is Totally Under Control (Jacobin, August 31, 2021). 

To Save Lake Tahoe, They Spared No Expense. The Fire Came Over the Ridge Anyway (The New York Times, August 31, 2021)

EPA Expected to Act Soon on Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (Environmental Defense Fund, August 31, 2021).

EPA Eyes Risk More People Face From Two Plastic Softeners (Bloomberg Law, August 31, 2021).

Judge Scraps Red State Lawsuit Over Biden Carbon Metric (E&E News, August 31, 2021). 

August 30, 2021

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Rule Governing Water Pollution (The New York Times, August 30, 2021). 

U.S. Regulator Tells White House it will Step Up Enforcement of Oil and Gas Conglomerates (The Washington Post, August 30, 2021). 

U.S. EPA approves emergency fuel waivers for Louisiana, Mississippi during Hurricane Ida (Reuters, August 30, 2021).

EPA Reissues Temperature TMDLs in the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers (National Law Review, August 30, 2021).

August 27, 2021

California's 'Cantaloupe Center' Struggles to Reign Supreme As Drought Pummels Agriculture Across the West (The Washington Post, August 27, 2021).

Trump EPA Ignored Scientists Warnings On Miss. Project: Docs (E&E News, August 27, 2021)

EPA: Bee-Killing Pesticide Harms Most Endangered Species (E&E News, August 27, 2021).

EPA is Falsifying Risk Assessments for Dangerous Chemicals, Says Whistleblowers (The Guardian, August 27, 2021).

-

August 26, 2021

EPA Takes Over Raritan Bay Superfund Study from Company Responsible for Cleanup (nj.com, August 26, 2021)

-

August 25, 2021

EPA Receives 50 New Requests for WIFIA Financing Totaling Over $8 Billion Dollars (Water & Wastes Digest, August 25, 2021).

EPA Takes Action to Protect Pacific Salmon from Pesticides (EcoWatch, August 25, 2021).

County of Santa Clara Files Petition Urging EPA to Initiate Nationwide Ban on Leaded Aviation Gasoline (County of Santa Clara Newsroom, August 25, 2021).

Interior Keeps Slashing Royalty Rates for Coal Companies (E&E News, August 25, 2021)

Interior Announces First Oil Drilling Sales of the Biden Era (E&E News, August 25, 2021).

-

August 24, 2021

Biden Aims to Remove All Lead Pipes. Will EPA Follow Suit? (E&E News, August 24, 2021)

Scientists Say the World Urgently Needs to Cut Methane Emissions. The Politics Aren't As Simple (Politico, August 24, 2021).

Groups Ask EPA to Regulate Lead Pollution Around Nation's Airports (Earthjustice, August 24, 2021).

Calls for Ninth Circuit to Revoke EPA CWA Delegation of NPDES Authority to the State of Washington (National Law Review, August 24, 2021).

White House Warned EPA Its Auto Emissions Plan Was Too Weak (Bloomberg Law, August 24, 2021).

-

August 23, 2021

As the West Bakes Utah Forges Ahead With Water Pipeline (E&E News, August 23, 2021).

EPA: 1.6 Billion RINs Generated in July (Ethanol Producer Magazine, August 23, 2021).

Bay Area Gets $168 Million EPA Water Investment Loans (ENR, August 23, 2021).

Historic Visit from EPA Chief Puts Spotlight on Environmental Disaster in South Bay (KUSI, August 23, 2021).

-

August 22, 2021

EPA Expected to Send Biofuel Quota Draft to White House (Oilprice.com, August 22, 2021).

-

August 20, 2021

Fracking linked to surface water quality for the first time (The Hill, August 20, 2021).

The EPA just ordered this Illinois city to fix its sewage problem again (Grist, August 20, 2021).

EPA Announces Electronic Process for Submitting Foreign Purchaser Acknowledgement Statements (JDSupra, August 20, 2021).

-

August 19, 2021

NPS Pick Has Never Managed a Park, But That May Not Matter (E&E News, August 19, 2021).

As Biden Urges Global Warming Action, Courts Shape Climate Policy at Home (Washington Post, August 19, 2021).

More fires, weather events cause strain on fire and smoke computers (KCRA2, August 19, 2021).

Formaldehyde causes leukemia, according to EPA assessment suppressed by Trump officials (The Intercept, August 19, 2021).

-

August 18, 2021

Court Blocks a Vast Alaskan Drilling Project, Citing Climate Dangers (The New York Times, August 18, 2021).

EPA to Block Pesticide Tied to Neurological Harm in Children (The New York Times, August 18, 2021).

-

August 17, 2021

Three Things Are Clear About Biden's Latest Move on Oil Leasing (E&E News, August 17, 2021).

House Environment and Commerce Leaders Request Information About New Chemical Review Progress from EPA (National Law Review, August 17, 2021).

The EPA and the City of Wapato settle over wastewater treatment discharge violations (Environmental Protection Online, August 17, 2021).

-

August 16, 2021

EPA Wants Property Owners of Erie Coke Corporation to Pay for Property Clean Up (YourErie.com, August 16, 2021).

Booker Aide Zach McCue is Contender for Top EPA Job (New Jersey Globe, August 16, 2021).

In A First, U.S. Declares Shortage On Colorado River, Forcing Water Cuts (The New York Times, August 16, 2021).

Course Rejects CWA Challenge, Tees Up Supreme Court Showdown (E&E News, August 16, 2021).

Biden Wants a National Efficiency Standard, Would it Work? (E&E News, August 16, 2021).

-

August 13, 2021

EPA New Mexico announces new air quality initiative (Sante Fe New Mexican, August 13, 2021).

-

August 12, 2021

Chemical supplier loses certification after nearly contaminating Michigan community water (Michigan Live, August 12, 2021).

After Review, EPA Keeps Three Coal Combustion Residue Rules in Place (National Law Review, August 12, 2021).

EPA Levies Penalties for Lead-Related Violations in L.A. Schools (Random Lengths News, August 12, 2021).

State-Level Permitting Primary May Boost Carbon Capture and Storage (JDSupra, August 12, 2021).

-

August 11, 2021

Environment Group Sue EPA for Failing to Address Sulfur Dioxide in Air In Maryland and Michigan (Baltimore Fishbowl, August 11, 2021).

EPA Adds 36 New Chemicals to the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (National Law Review, August 11, 2021).

-

August 10, 2021

EPA Asked to Stop Barring Employees From Sharing Scientific Finding With Each Other (Government Executive, August 10, 2021).

Will The Supreme Court Take On EPA'S Climate Rule (E&E News, August 10, 2021).

EPA Ordered to Update Rules on Oil Spill-Fighting Chemicals (Associated Press, August 10, 2021).

EPA Funds Research to Better Understand Exposure of Young Children to Chemicals in Soil and Dust (Lexology, August 10, 2021).

Pesticide Companies Should Pay Attention to Federal PFAS Activities (National Law Review, August 10, 2021).

-

August 9, 2021

Biden Rushes to Pick Judges, But One Major Opening Remains (E&E News, August 9, 2021).

Biden Administration Begins Process of Revising Waters of U.S. Rule (JDSupra, August 9, 2021).

Clean Up Settlement Reached on Hazardous Waste Site Near Arkansas River in Fort Smith (TB&P, August 9, 2021).

-

August 6, 2021

US EPA Shoots to push vehicle fuel efficiency to 52 mpg by 2026 (Reuters, August 6, 2021).

In Three Predominantly Black North Birmingham Neighborhoods, Residents Live Inside An Environmental Nightmare (Inside Climate News, August 6, 2021).

EPA Plans to Start Cleaning Up Soil With Lead and Arsenic in Garland Neighborhood by End of August (The Dallas Morning News, August 6, 2021).

-

August 5, 2021

Biden, in a Push to Phase Out Gas Cars, Will Tighten Pollution Rules (The New York Times, August 5, 2021).

-

August 4, 2021

White House Reviewing Revamp to Trump’s Power Plant Rule (E&E News, August 4, 2021).

Leaked Audio Shows Pressure to Overrule Scientists in “Hair-On-Fire” Cases (The Intercept, August 4, 2021).

Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan Accepted by EPA (Houston Chronicle, August 4, 2021).

EPA Unveils Its Power Plants And Neighboring Communities Mapping Tool (JDSupra, August 4, 2021).

-

August 3, 2021

Biden Administration Kicks Off Second Look at Arctic Refuge Drilling (The Hill, August 3, 2021).

EPA Orders Cahokia Heights to Take “Immediate Actions” to Prevent Drinking Water Contamination (STLtoday.com, August 3, 2021).

EPA Backtracks on Aerial Pesticide Ban (E&E News, August 3, 2021).

In Reversal, EPA Won’t Allow Radioactive Fertilizer Byproducts in Roads (Tampa Bay Times, August 3, 2021).

Senate Votes Down NEPA Amendment to Bipartisan Bill (E&E News, August 3, 2021).

-

August 2, 2021

Biden’s Climate Plans Are Stunted After Dejected Experts Fled Trump (The New York Times, August 2, 2021).

EPA Announces New Members of Science Board After Firing Trump Appointees (The Hill, August 2, 2021).

“A Perfect Storm: When Tropical Storms Meet Toxic Waste,” released by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund and the Environment America Research & Policy Center, reports that, so far, only “dumb luck” has prevented Superfund toxic waste sites in the path of hurricanes from causing an environmental and public health catastrophe. Rumpler, echoing the report, calls for the EPA to reinstate the “Polluter Pays” tax to expand, improve, and expedite cleanup of these toxic sites. The report itself also recommends that: the effects of climate change should be considered when prioritizing cleanup; state and local governments should work more closely with the EPA; and individuals should find out if they live near a Superfund site to protect themselves.

Biden’s Justice40 Plan promises to direct forty percent of federal environmental investments to people in need, potentially directing millions of dollars to disadvantaged communities if executed properly. The Plan itself comes from the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, which recommended investment in national energy efficiency, sustainable and affordable housing, training the national workforce to transition to green energy, and pollution reduction. However, the project can still fail if individual states mismanage the funds directed to them, or if slush-fund projects are prioritized over an active investment in communities in need. Though Green, a journalist, does no offer specific advice, she does note the potential pitfalls of the plan the Biden administration should be wary of: 1) Republican-led states may thwart federal plans for political reasons; 2) the current plan for Justice40 potentially pits communities in need against each other in the screening process for aid; 3) frontline advocates were not consulted in the planning process of Justice40; 4) the ‘forty percent’ part of the plan should serve as a baseline, not a limit for climate justice; and 5) funding may be limited due to a contentious congressional environment.

Terry Yosie, the former head of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board, begins this article with a warning: years of bipartisan neglect, anti-science and anti-regulation decisions have weakened public institutions leaving many lives susceptible to pollution and disease. After a historic reduction of the EPA’s resources in the Trump era, five investments must be made in the EPA to protect both the environment and public health. First, The EPA must be repopulated with talented staff to assess threats, perform cost-benefit analysis on regulatory actions, and achieve compliance with regulated entities. Second, public health must be directly linked to the detrimental and compounding effects of global climate change and domestic pollution at home. Third, cutting edge technology must be proactively implemented to track pollutants throughout America to prevent another health crisis such as the one in Flint, Michigan. Fourth, environmental action must meet the digital age by incorporating big data or analytical software. Finally, social justice must be integral to environmental protection, as communities of color and lower income neighborhoods still receive disproportionately lower governmental aid yet experience disproportionately greater exposure to industrial pollutants.

Cheryl Wasserman, a former EPA employee and current president of the Environmental Governance Institute International, calls on the Biden administration to repeal Trump-era restrictions on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); invest in America’s infrastructure with green energy technology; and reinstate higher taxes on the wealthy for future Americans. The United State’s lack of investment in infrastructure has negatively affected the economy and public health, according to Wasserman. Lead-contaminated water systems are detrimental to brain development, for example, and dated wastewater treatment systems inflict gastrointestinal problems and pollute aquatic ecosystems. It is critical that NEPA’s original purpose—the requirement that federal agencies seek better alternatives to their missions, cooperate with each other along with tribal, local, and state governments, and conserve and optimize our limited natural resources—be reinstated to guide large investments in infrastructure.

Wagner and Walker propose that the federal government institute proactive regulation of potentially toxic chemicals and shift the responsibility of national chemical safety to chemical manufacturers and from the underfunded EPA and victims who file tort claims for damages. According to the authors, at this time, unanalyzed and ‘forever’ chemicals are freely pumped into the environment, with manufacturers having no responsibility to evaluate the effects of their products. Currently, manufacturers have the power to inhibit current EPA regulation by classifying their chemicals as “trade secrets'' to conceal chemical name and design, sue the EPA when criticized, manipulate internal studies in the absence of conflict-of-interest standards, hire compliant scientists to critique independent studies, and substitute known toxins with unknown—potentially more toxic—chemicals without testing. To amend this, the authors assert that manufacturers must be required to test their chemicals according to an established, mandatory set of guidelines before a product hits the market. Likewise, independent third-party analysts must be employed to assure that these tests are credible.

A People's EPA (APE)

September Newsfeed

-

-

September 29, 2021

After Alleged Violations of Clean Water Act at Jayhawk Club, EPA Reaches Settlement with Company Controlled by Thomas Fritzel (Lawrence-Journal World, September 29, 2021).

EPA to Hold Biweekly National Environmental Justice Calls (Coastal Review, September 29, 2021)

September 28, 2021

EPA’s ‘Scientific Integrity’ Program Lacks Teeth, Group Alleges (USRTK, September 28, 2021).

Environmentalists Urge Biden to Toughen Auto Emission Proposal (Yahoo Finance, September 28, 2021).

September 27, 2021

EPA Publishes Proposed Amendments to Aerosol Coatings Rule (EHS Daily Advisor, September 27, 2021).

Biden to Restore Legal Case for Mercury Limits Trump Discredited (Yahoo Finance, September 27, 2021).

Oil States Brace for Biden Methane Rule (E&E News, September 27, 2021).

U.S. Environment Agency Urged by 21 States to Toughen Vehicle Emissions Rewrite (Reuters, September 27, 2021).

EPA Tossed Trump-era Memo that Cuffed Watchdog (E&E News, September 27, 2021).

September 26, 2021

AgLines: Farm, Biofuel Leaders Concern About Possible EPA Actions Concerning Ethanol (The Grand Island Independent, September 26, 2021).

September 24, 2021

Defense Policy Bill Would Require ‘Forever Chemical’ Testing at Military Sites (The Hill, September 24, 2021).

What Will EPA Do with Its New Superfund Money? (JD Supra, September 24, 2021).

Coalition Sues Biden EPA Over Approval of ‘Highly Toxic’ Pesticide Linked to Parkinson’s (Common Dreams, September 24, 2021).

September 23, 2021

Biden Picks Trump Critic to Lead EPA Science Office (E&E News, September 23, 2021).

September 23, 2021

White House is Set to Announce New Limits on HFCs, a Powerful Driver of Climate Change (The New York Times, September 23, 2021).

September 22, 2021

Biden Announces New Cadre of Outside Science Advisers (E&E News, September 22, 2021). 

EPA to Propose Cuts to Biofuel Blending Requirement: Report (The Hill, September 22, 2021).

September 21, 2021

Methane Fee Collides with EPA Rules. ‘It’s Very Unusual’ (E&E News, September 21, 2021). 

Federal Court Strikes Down EPA Permits for Idaho Factory Farms (Boise State Public Radio, September 21, 2021).

Federal Court Rejects Idaho Pollution Permit for Dairies (AP News, September 17, 2021).

EPA Proposes Superfund Cleanup for Bear Creek (The Dundalk Eagle, September 21, 2021).

September 20, 2021

EPA Administrator Talks WOTUS, Dicamba, Plans to Appoint AG Adviser (Capital Press, September 20, 2021).

EPA Bringing Temporary Disinfectant Supply Chain Flexibilities to a Close (The National Law Review, September 20, 2021).

Biden Confronts Extreme Heat, A Silent Killer (The Washington Post, September 20, 2021). 

EPA Removes PCB-laced Bloomington Sites from Superfund List (wlfi.com, September 20, 2021).

What to Expect from Interior and EPA this Fall (E&E News, September 20, 2021).

Back to the Drawing Board on WOTUS: Federal Court Vacates Trump Administration's Navigable Waters Protection Rule (The National Law Review, September 20, 2021).

Doherty Steel Inc. in Paola, Kansas, Receives EPA Region 7 Pollution Prevention Award (EPA, September 20, 2021).

September 19, 2021

This Powerful Democrat Linked to Fossil Fuels Will Craft the U.S. Climate Plan (The New York Times, September 19, 2021).

September 17, 2021

EPA Rescinds Trump Guidance That Created Exceptions to Water Pollution Protections (The Hill, September 17, 2021). 

Bureau of Land Management Headquarters to Return to D.C., Reversing Trump Decision (The Washington Post, September 17, 2021). 

EPA Science Board “Reset” Renews Tensions Over Bias (E&E News, September 17, 2021). 

September 16, 2021

EPA Removes 3 Bloomington Waste Sites from Superfund List. Why That Matters (Bloomington Herald Times, September 16, 2021). 

Former EPA Chief to Chair Pro-Trump Think Tank’s Environmental Center  (The Hill, September 17, 2021). 

Allegations of Racism, Abuse Cloud EPA Whistleblower Hearing (E&E News, September 16, 2021). 

EPA Recommends Further Study Before Genesee Township Asphalt Plant Gets Permit (mlive.com, September 16, 2021). 

September 15, 2021

EPA Fines Oregon’s Largest Glass Container Recycler Nearly $39,000 (OregonLive.com, September 16, 2021). 

Biden Calls for Climate Action Ahead of Historic Legislation (E&E News, September 15, 2021). 

September 14, 2021

Carlton Waterhouse is Fighting For Environmental Justice At The EPA - And Getting Called A “Racist” (E&E News, September 14, 2021). 

September 13, 2021

Biden’s EPA Finds a New Weapon in the War Against Alaska’s Pebble Mine (Post Alley The View from Seattle, September 13, 2021). 

September 12, 2021

“The Harm to Children is Irreparable”: Ruth Etzel Speaks Out Ahead of EPA Whistleblower Hearing (The Guardian, September 12, 2021). 

September 11, 2021

Denver Ozone in Violation of EPA Health Standards (9News, September 17, 2021). 

Trump May Be Gone, But the Fight Against His Border Wall Goes On (The New York Times, September 11, 2021) 

September 10, 2021

Groups Seek Federal Help with Lead in Michigan City's Water (AP News, September 10, 2021).

September 9, 2021

Democrats Want a "Climate Corps." They Just Can't Agree How to Create It (The New York Times, September 8, 2021)

CU Boulder Researchers Receive $1.1M EPA Grant to Study Wildfire Smoke (Boulder Daily Camera, September 9, 2021).

EPA Considers More Permanent Protection For Bristol Bay by Resuming Pebble "Veto" Process (Alaska Public Media, September 9, 2021).

EPA Recommends Superfund Status for Lower Neponset River (WBUR News, September 9, 2021).

EPA Wastewater Rules to Set First PFAS Limits (E&E News, September 9, 2021).

Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaska's Bristol Bay (The New York Times, September 9, 2021).

EPA to Protect Alaska's Bristol Bay, Blocking Major Gold Mine (The Washington Post, September 9, 2021).

September 8, 2021

Lead Contamination Lands Atlanta Neighborhood on EPA's Superfund Priority List (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 8, 2021).

Interior Will Launch Review of Trump's Arctic Oil Plan (E&E News, September 8, 2021).

From 4% to 45%: Biden Releases an Ambitious Plan for Solar Energy (E&E News, September 8, 2021).

Methane Rule to Eclipse Past Regulations, Including Obama's (E&E News, September 8, 2021).

California Recall Vote Could Weaken the State's Aggressive Climate Policies (The New York Times, September 8, 2021).

September 7, 2021

Booming Utah's Weak Link: Surging Air Pollution (The New York Times, September 7, 2021)

More National Parks? Summer of Overcrowding Could Spur Push (E&E News, September 7, 2021).

September 5, 2021

Advocates Push White House to Nominate Energy Regulator (The Hill, September 5, 2021).

September 3, 2021

EPA sends surveillance aircraft to possible oil spill reported in wake of Ida (Reuters, September 3, 2021).

Flat rock odor still unknown as officials expand area of concern perimeter (FOX Detroit, September 3, 2021).

September 2, 2021

U.S. Reconciliation Energy Bill Slowed by Flurry of Republican Amendments (Reuters, September 2, 2021). 

EPA Just Detailed All The Ways Climate Change Will Hit U.S. Racial Minorities the Hardest. It’s a Long List (The Washington Post, September 2, 2021). 

Climate Change is Bankrupting America’s Small Towns (The New York Times, September 2, 2021). 

District Court Vacates the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule as the EPA and Corps WOTUS Definition Rulemaking Continues (National Law Review, September 2, 2021).

People of color face disproportionate harm from climate change, EPA says (USA News, September 2, 2021).

September 1, 2021

Provincetown Town Manager Named to EPA Advisory Committee (Cape Cod Times, September 1, 2021). 

U.S. EPA Asks Court to Allow it to Reconsider Some Biofuel Blending Waivers (Reuters, September 1, 2021). 

A People's EPA (APE)

October Newsfeed

-

-

October 31, 2021

EPA Asks DC Cir. to Pause States’ Ozone Standards Challenge While it Reconsiders Rule Extension (Law Street, October 31, 2021). 

October 30, 2021

What the EPA’s Plan to Regulate ‘Forever Chemicals’ Means for Minnesota (Faribault Daily News, October 30, 2021)

October 29, 2021

Supreme Court to Hear Case on E.P.A.’s Power to Limit Carbon Emissions (The New York Times, October 29, 2021). 

October 28, 2021

Biden Should Declare a Climate Emergency, EPA Midwest Employees Say (Chicago Sun Times, October 28, 2021). 

EPA Unveils New Strategy for Reducing Lead Exposure (The Hill, October 28, 2021).

October 27, 2021

Biden to Unveil Strategy that Triggered Trump Turmoil (E&E News, October 27, 2021). 

Commission to Examine Extent, History of Illegal Maumee Sewer Discharge (WTOL, October 27, 2021). 

October 26, 2021

Ohio EPA Reports Increase of Salt in Drinking Water (Springfield News-Sun, October 26, 2021). 

EPA Again Monitoring Air in Response to Odor Complaints (Bristol Herald Courier, October 26, 2021). 

EPA: GenX Far More Toxic that Originally Thought, Could Prompt NC to Significantly Reduce Health Advisory Goal (NC Policy Watch, October 26, 2021). 

Biden EPA Decides to Keep a Trump EPA NSR Rule...For Now (JD Supra, October 26, 2021). 

Los Angeles Receives $224 Million Loan from EPA for Water Recycling Project (CBSLA, October 26, 2021). 

October 25, 2021

EPA Finally has an Action Plan to Improve Water Infrastructure and Sanitation for US Tribes (Grist, October 25, 2021).

The key for EPA rules? Inside the Methane Tech Revolution (E&E News, October 25, 2021).

EPA Reaches Settlements with 41 Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Home Renovators for Lead-based Paint Violations (U.S. EPA, October 25, 2021). 

Tacoma Company must Pay $214k for Environmental Violations, Fire that Hospitalized Worker (The News Tribune, October 25, 2021). 

October 24, 2021

EPA Seeks Input on Proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (The National Law Review, October 24, 2021). 

October 22, 2021

Biden EPA Starting to Make Environmental Justice Goals More Concrete (Mondaq, October 22, 2021). 

Biden Crafts a Climate Plan B: Tax Credits, Regulation, and State Action (The New York Times, October 22, 2021). 

October 21, 2021

AG Leaders Say Withdrawal of Chlorpyrifos by EPA Hurts American Farmers (Food Safety News, October 21, 2021).

October 20, 2021

Unchecked Growth of Industrial Animal Farms Spurs Long Fight Environmental Justice in Eastern NC (NC Health News, October 20, 2021). 

EPA’s New PFAS Strategic Roadmap Could Present Potholes for the Unprepared (JD Supra, October 20, 2021). 

In Benton Harbor, Residents’ Complaints of Lead-Tainted Water Carry Echoes (Circle of Blue, October 20, 2021). 

How Chemical Companies Avoid Paying for Pollution (The New York Times, October 20, 2021).

October 19, 2021

People Exposed to PFAS Criticize EPA Action Plan as Too Little, Too Late (The Intercept, October 19, 2021). 

Biden PFAS Plan Contains New Pathways for Litigators (E&E News, October 19, 2021). 

October 18, 2021

Biden Administration Launches Roadmap to Tackle Pollution from Widely Used ‘Forever Chemicals’ (CNN, October 18, 2021). 

Biden Administration Moves to Curtail Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ (Washington Post, October 18, 2021). 

U.S. EPA Wants Information on Toxic Gas from Cobb Sterigenics Facility (WABE, October 18, 2021).

New Equipment Allows Austin Water to Test for Cyanobacteria, Cyanotoxins in House (KXAN, October 18, 2021). 

October 15, 2021

EPA Signs Off on Major Changes to Minnesota’s Water Quality Rules (Minn Post, October 15, 2021). 

Michigan Acts on Lead Crisis, Urges EPA to ‘Jump In’ (E&E News, October 15, 2021).

LyondellBasell Companies Agree to Reduce Harmful Air Pollution at Six U.S. Chemical Plants (EPA, October 15, 2021). 

October 14, 2021

Justice Department, EPA and Texas Settle with DuPont and PMNA and Require Action to Address Violations of Waste, Water and Air Environmental Laws at Texas Facility (U.S. Justice Department, October 14, 2021)

October 13, 2021

EPA Eyes Broader Oversight of Cancer-causing Gas (E&E News, October 13, 2021).

CEQ Chief Touts Climate Goals, Laments ‘Ping-ponging Policy’ (E&E News, October 13, 2021).

EPA May Increase Reporting Requirements for Carcinogen Used in Plastic Production (The Hill, October 13, 2021).

EPA Advances WOTUS Rewrite (E&E News, October 13, 2021). 

EPA Fires Back in D.C. Circuit Appellate Brief on Coal Ash Rules (Law Street, October 13, 2021).

October 12, 2021

EPA to Give an Update on Butte Projects in Virtual Meeting Thursday (NBC Montana, October 12, 2021). 

Biden Taps Montgomery County Environmental Chief Ortiz for Key EPA Post (Maryland Matters, October 12, 2021). 

October 11, 2021

EPA Finds Evidence for Tightening Key Air Quality Standard (The Hill, October 11, 2021).

October 10, 2021

EPA Closer to Unveiling Plan for Tackling ‘Forever Chemicals’ (The Hill, October 10, 2021)

October 8, 2021

EPA Agrees to Further Phase Down Superpollutant (E&E News, October 8, 2021).

EPA Announces Appointment of Rod Snyder as EPA Agricultural Advisor (NewsDakota.com, October 8, 2021).

EPA Challenges Decision on Water Clean Up Standards (Reuters, October 8, 2021).

Biden EPA to Tighten Soot Standards Trump Left Unchanged (E&E News, October 8, 2021).

EPA Grants Petitions to Stem Climate Pollutants in Future Rules (Bloomberg Law, October 8, 2021).

PFAS Comment by Michael Regan Show EPA’s Clear Intent (The National Law Review, October 8, 2021).

October 7, 2021

EPA Power Plant Rules Could be Part of Bigger Initiative (E&E News, October 7, 2021).

Biden Takes Big Step on Rules for Environmental Reviews (The Hill, October 7, 2021).

October 6, 2021

U.S. States Push to Surpass World Emissions Norms on Aviation (US News, October 6, 2021).

EPA Awards $335,000 for Pollution Prevention and Sustainability Projects in Pacific Northwest Communities (U.S. EPA, October 6, 2021).

October 4, 2021

EPA Targets Potent Greenhouse Gases, Putting a Louisville Company in its Crosshairs (Courier Journal, October 4, 2021).

Landmark EJ Ruling Sparks Legislative Reckoning in VA (E&E News, October 4, 2021).

EPA Strategic Plan Touts Climate, Environmental Justice Goals (E&E News, October 4, 2021).

EPA Announces Updates on its Efforts to Address PFAS in Pesticides Packaging (The National Law Review, October 4, 2021).

EPA Moves to Elevate Tribal Rights in Water Quality: Changes Could Modify CWA Implementation (Lexology, October 4, 2021).

October 3, 2021

Maryland to Resume Use of Pesticide after EPA Testing Doesn’t Detect PFAS (Capital Gazette, October 3, 2021).

October 2, 2021

Biden is Protecting the Land Where the Fat Bears Thrive (Mashable, October 2, 2021).

EPA Begins Five Year Review of Verona Pollution (The Monett Times, October 2, 2021).

EPA Fines Riverbend Landfill in McMinnville $104,482 for Air Pollution Violations (Statesman Journal, October 2, 2021).

October 1, 2021

EPA Will Reconsider Requiring Chemours to Fund PFAS Testing, a Petition Rejected by Outgoing Trump Administration (WHQR, October 1, 2021).

Texas Natural Gas Co. Settles with EPA After Worker Deaths (Reuters, October 1, 2021).