U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler will advance his Cleaner Trucks Initiative, outlined in November 2018, with a proposed rulemaking to establish new, more stringent oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutant emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel engines powering on-highway trucks.
Read MoreWith the backdrop of the 2020 National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Clearly defining “waters of the United States,” it lays to rest one of the most contentious EPA actions—a 2015 Clean Water Act reinterpretation expanding federal authority over bodies of water small and large—attempted under the Obama administration. The new definition will see fewer residential and commercial building development projects subject to federal Clean Water Act (CWA) permits.
Read MoreThe Portland Cement Association and National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association are among 35 members of Unlocking American Investment, a new U.S. Chamber of Commerce-led coalition supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) revisions that will help cut typical infrastructure project permitting phases by more than 50 percent against current metrics.
Read MoreSource: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The inaugural Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) annual report shows the program financing more than $3.5 billion in loans behind projects valued in excess of $8 billion and helping improve water quality for more than 20 million citizens. Through 2019, the program closed 14 loans, ranging from $20.7 million to $699 million and saving borrowers $1.2 billion.
Read MoreSources: Environmental Protection Agency; National Association of Home Builders, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
With the backdrop of the 2020 NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. A clear definition for “waters of the United States,” it lays to rest one of the most contentious EPA actions—a 2015 Clean Water Act reinterpretation expanding federal authority over bodies of water minuscule and massive—attempted under the Obama administration.
Read MoreSources: White House Briefing Room; Unlocking American Investment Coalition, Washington, D.C.
The Portland Cement Association and National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association are among 35 members of Unlocking American Investment, a new U.S. Chamber of Commerce-led coalition supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) revisions that will help cut typical infrastructure project permitting phases by more than 50 percent against current metrics.
Read MoreSource: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler will advance his Cleaner Trucks Initiative, outlined in November 2018, with a proposed rulemaking to establish new, more stringent oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutant emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel engines powering on-highway trucks.
Read MorePresident Donald Trump signed the Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act last month, authorizing states to steer up to 5 percent of their Clean Water State Revolving Fund federal grant dollars to their Drinking Water State Revolving Fund through October 2020. Transferred funds may be used to provide financial support in the form of forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans or grants. New provisions are in addition to the existing transfer authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Read MoreSources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; CP staff
EPA has kicked off a year-long celebration leading to observance of a 50th anniversary, December 2, 2020. “Since the agency’s inception under the leadership of the late Administrator William Ruckelshaus, EPA staff have worked tirelessly to clean up our air, water, and land for the American people,” says Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Together, we have achieved significant milestones in support of our mission to protect human health and the environment.”
Read MoreSources: Environmental Protection Agency; CP staff
Changes sweeping the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump Administration range from implementing lean management systems and creating an Office of Continuous Improvement to harmonizing regional office activities and reforming science advisory committees to ensure integrity.
Read More