The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces nearly $200 million in funding to fight new drinking water contaminants in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas.

DALLAS, TX (March, 6th2023) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $199,701,000 from President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Act to address new contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water in Arkansas, Louisiana, New -Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. These investments will be made available to communities in the form of grants through the EPA New Pollutants in Small or Low-Income Communities Grants Program (EC-SDC) and will promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural and disadvantaged communities while supporting the local economy.

“Too many American communities, especially small, rural or underserved ones, are suffering from exposure to PFAS and other harmful contaminants in drinking water.” said EPA administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through President Biden’s leadership, we are investing in America and committing billions of dollars to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure while protecting people’s health and stimulating the local economy. These grants are based on the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and will help protect our smallest and most vulnerable communities from these persistent and hazardous chemicals.”

“Access to clean water is a key component of a healthy nation; without it, we risk compromising public health and economic growth.” said regional administrator Dr. Ertie Nancy. “As environmental quality leaders, we must work with local and state agencies to secure funding for all communities, especially those most at risk. We thank the Biden administration for their commitment to improving public health and water quality.”

The bipartisan Infrastructure Act is investing $5 billion over five years to help communities that are on the front lines of PFAS pollution reduce PFAS in their drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency announced funds as part of a $2 billion allocation to states and territories that can be used to prioritize infrastructure and source water treatment of contaminants such as PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and conduct water quality audits.

Below is a breakdown of funding by state:

  • Arkansas will receive $18,914,000
  • Louisiana will receive $26,300,000
  • New Mexico will receive $18,914,000
  • Oklahoma will receive $20,877,000
  • Texas will receive $114,696,000

The Environmental Protection Agency also issues New pollutants in small or disadvantaged communities Grant implementation document. The Implementation Document provides states and communities with the information they need to use this funding to address local water quality and public health issues. These grants will enable communities to improve local water supply infrastructure and reduce new contaminants in drinking water through the implementation of solutions such as installing the necessary treatment facilities.

This action represents a major milestone in the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to PFAS pollution control And protect drinking waterand in particular the October 2021 EPA PFAS Strategic Roadmap. Under the roadmap, the EPA is working through the agency to protect the public from the health effects of PFAS. EPA has taken a number of actions to make progress on PFAS, including:

In addition to this new grant, EPA is also working on a PFAS NPDWR proposal in the coming weeks. The draft proposed rule is currently undergoing interagency review, and EPA will post the proposed rule for public comment when approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The agency expects to complete the development of the rule by the end of 2023. Along with these actions, EPA’s commitment, as outlined in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap, to protect public health and the environment from the impact of PFAS is underscored. They also illustrate the benefits of investing in water—protecting public health and the environment, addressing major challenges facing communities, and creating jobs.

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