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  • 13 Apr 2023 11:08 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Josh LaBella, Connecticut insider

    The town is trying to get state funds to help clean up a site on Black Rock Turnpike where a local developer wants to build hundreds of apartments. 

    Mark Barnhart, the community and economic development director, said the town has an opportunity to apply for grants from the state to help remediate and redevelop the property at 81 Black Rock Turnpike, noting it is next to Fairfield Metro Station. 

    "The site was once home to the Bullard Machine Tool Company, as was much of the surrounding area, including the existing train station," he said. "Earlier this year, the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development put out funding availability. We would like to apply.



    For the entire article, see

    https://www.ctinsider.com/fairfield/article/fairfield-brownfield-development-black-rock-trnpke-17880964.php

    Posted April 13, 2023


  • 13 Apr 2023 11:06 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    by Cassie Miller, Pennsylvania Capital Star

    The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will host five more town halls across the commonwealth this month to hear from environmental justice communities about efforts to combat climate change. 

    Environmental justice communities are disproportionately affected by factors such as poor air quality, old housing and infrastructure, and limited transportation.

    More than 4 million Pennsylvanians live in environmental justice communities statewide, according to the department. 

    Read more...

    Posted April 13, 2023

  • 03 Apr 2023 1:59 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    A Miami real estate developer paid $89 million for the lot and plans to erect a 50 story affordable housing tower on the financial district site near the WTC–but first needs to clear the brownfield site of pollutants left behind by past commercial occupants. That work is just getting underway.

    Kay Bontempo, Our Town (Downtown New York City)

    A new 50-story, 400-unit affordable housing development is a step closer to reality now that the cleanup of a brownfield site has begun with plans to wrap it up before the end of the year.

    The contaminated brownfield site of the former Kasser Scrap Metal and Rector Cleaners is finally being cleaned up. The location at 111-121 Washington Street, (a.k.a. 8 Carlisle Street), is located two blocks north of the World Trade Center and comprises a 11,255-square-foot vacant lot (just over a quarter-acre.) The developer Carlisle New York Apartments, LLC, purchased the lot in 2021 for $89 million from the Ohebshalom family, which was involved in a bitter family feud pitting father against son that ultimately was resolved with the son buying out the father’s stake.

    The Miami-based developer plans to start construction on the quarter acre plot once the cleanup is completed, expected in seven to eight months.



    For the entire article, see

    https://www.otdowntown.com/news/new-50-story-affordable-housing-tower-to-rise-after-brownfield-cleanup-ends-BH2458254

    Posted April 3, 2023

  • 30 Mar 2023 7:51 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Funds from EPA’s New Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program were made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will award $3 million for New York to plan innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across the state. Earlier this month, EPA announced the availability of the funds, which represent the first funding going to states, local governments, Tribes, and territories from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for $4.6 billion in funding to implement projects and initiatives included in the plans. New York will be eligible to receive that implementation funding because it has opted in to receive the planning grant.

    New York is among the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that are eligible to receive $3 million each in EPA Climate Pollution Reduction planning grant funds. New York will use the funds to augment climate planning in collaboration with municipalities statewide and to conduct meaningful engagement with communities, including with overburdened communities throughout the state. New York State’s Climate Act passed in 2019 is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation. New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. New York’s participation in the CPRG program will support its ongoing efforts to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions and ensure all communities equitably benefit in the clean energy transition.

    “New York is once again proving itself to be a national climate leader. By signing on to this program, it is positioning communities across the state, large and small, to holistically reduce climate pollution and its impacts, especially for those most overburdened by environmental pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Inflation Reduction Act represents the most unique and important opportunity we have ever had to tackle the climate crisis. We’re happy to provide this critical support to New York State to establish healthier communities and create job opportunities.”

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "New York continues to lead the nation in our efforts to fight the climate crisis, creating good-paying jobs in the energy sector and cutting pollution that impacts some of our most vulnerable communities. Thanks to the leadership of the Biden Administration and our Congressional Delegation, New York is set to receive significant federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act that will advance innovative climate action and ensure a cleaner, greener environment for future generations."

    Basil Seggos, Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Co-Chair of the State’s Climate Action Council said, “With this support from our federal partners, New York will continue our collaborative, groundbreaking efforts to improve air quality, spur innovation, create jobs, and address the impacts of climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act will help us to reach our ambitious climate targets while ensuring those historically burdened by pollution are prioritized to achieve equity and justice, improve public health and quality of life, and create opportunities for the future. Thank you to the Biden Administration, EPA Administrator Regan, and EPA Region 2 Administrator Garcia for this continued partnership and support on climate.”

    Doreen Harris, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Co-Chair of the State’s Climate Action Council said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the opportunity to leverage current and future federal funding opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act will allow us to deliver critical benefits to communities across the state, including those historically underserved, as we establish an equitable and just transition to a growing green economy. Our economy-wide efforts to advance clean energy and climate initiatives that address the most pressing climate challenges of our time are stronger thanks to the leadership and partnership from the Biden Administration and the EPA, and are providing meaningful health, economic, and environmental benefits that will be felt for generations to come.”

    “This award for New York State will continue the incredible work of the CLCPA – which I helped get over the finish line – as New York continues to lead the pack in climate action,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer. “This funding opens the way for even more federal assistance as the EPA continues administering the billions I secured for climate action through the Inflation Reduction Act. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure New York gets the funding it needs to reduce emissions while promoting environmental justice and the workforce of tomorrow.” 

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “New York State is leading the fight to tackle climate change and is paving the way to a greener future. I fought hard to pass the Inflation Reduction Act to bring home the most significant climate investment in our nation’s history. This $3 million investment from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was created by the IRA, will help New York continue its ambitious work in clean energy and will help New York reach its goal to reduce carbon emissions 40% by 2030. I thank President Biden for his leadership and I remain a committed partner in the Senate on achieving our decarbonization targets and protecting our environment for generations to come.” 

    “The impacts of climate change have touched communities all across the nation from Queens to areas throughout our state, but through groundbreaking and innovative strategies, we will continue to build clean energy economies and fight back against climate pollution,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). “I am proud to have helped establish the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program through my support of the Inflation Reduction Act, and am thrilled that New York will be receiving $3 million through this program. New York State has some of the most ambitious climate laws in the nation. This grant will help continue New York’s efforts to develop strategies that fight climate change and further be a national leader on this issue." 

    “Climate change is an existential threat to our state, nation, and planet. That’s why New York needs bold solutions to tackle this crisis head on,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07). “The $3 million in funding announced today will help develop innovative plans to increase renewable energy use and achieve net-zero emissions. This investment in cutting pollution and supporting our clean energy economy was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, which I was a proud supporter of.” 

    “Studies have proven time and time again that Black and Brown communities disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change. I was proud to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act last Congress, which was the largest investment in both combatting climate change and promoting environmental justice in American history. The announcement by the EPA today shows that these historic investments in tackling air pollution and combatting climate change are coming to the people of Brooklyn and New York State. I’m pleased to see that progress come to fruition, and I look forward to continuing to champion climate justice legislation to deliver for our communities and our environment,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09).  

    “New York City is on the frontlines of the climate crisis so we must be a leader in innovation and the advancement of strategies to curtail pollution and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change,” Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) said. “New York State has some of the most rigorous climate laws in the nation and I’m thankful that funding in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will help us meet our ambitious goals. I’m looking forward to continuing to push the envelope at the federal level in the fight against climate change and for a clean energy future.” 

    “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, New York will continue to be at the forefront of our nation’s fight against the climate crisis,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12). “I’m proud to have voted to deliver this funding which will allow New York State to discover new ways to address climate pollution while creating good-paying jobs by expanding our clean-energy economy. I applaud both the EPA and NYSDEC for our shared commitment to advancing environmental justice, and will look forward to working with them as IRA funds continue to make their way to New York.” 

    “Combating both indoor and outdoor pollution to protect and improve the health and safety of people living in the Bronx, particularly those in public housing and adjacent to major highways, has been one of my highest priorities in Congress,” said U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15).“This substantial investment from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will help communities like mine develop innovate strategies to not only fight pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but build clean energy economies for the future. It’s just one of the many reasons I’m proud to have supported the landmark Inflation Reduction Act – the most significant piece of climate-related legislation in American history.” 

    “This federal funding is desperately needed to help New York navigate the climate crisis and invest in strategies that will both reduce pollution and create good-paying, middle class jobs across the Hudson Valley,” said Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18). “I’m looking forward to working alongside our partners at EPA and NYSDEC to implement the Inflation Reduction Act and continue to lower carbon emissions. 

    “Last year, we took a powerful, critically-needed climate action by advancing our Inflation Reduction Act,” Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20) said. “Now, New York can access these investments and build upon their comprehensive planning efforts to ensure a just, equitable, and rapid clean energy transition. I’m proud of my work to deliver this funding, and it is my hope that, by making the most of this grant, New York will be empowered to secure future IRA funding and continue down its path in leading our nation in tackling the climate crisis.” 

    “It’s going to take concrete steps to combat the climate crisis, which is why I fought to pass the most significant climate bill in the history of our nation,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25). “I’m grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency for awarding this Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to New York state so we can develop and implement innovative strategies to accelerate our transition to a clean economy.” 

    Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) said, “This is a $3 million investment in the health of New York residents and communities.  The Inflation Reduction Act is continuing to deliver on the promise of a cleaner environment for our children as well as opportunity and jobs in a robust green U.S. economy.” 

    About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

    The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. These climate plans will include:

    • Greenhouse gas emissions inventories;
    • Emissions projections and reduction targets;
    • Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities;
    • Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act;
    • Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy; and
    • Future government staffing and budget needs.

    In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.

    Next Steps 

    This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies created by the CPRG planning grants, programs, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

    By summer 2023, EPA Regional Offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

    More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

    CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

    Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

    More information about New York’s Climate Scoping Plan and New York’s framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions.

    Posted March 30, 2023

  • 30 Mar 2023 7:48 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    by Deyi Hou et al, Nature 

    Abstract

    Widespread pollution from industrial activities has driven land degradation with detrimental human health effects, especially in urban areas. Remediation and redevelopment of the estimated 5 million brownfield sites globally is needed to support the sustainable transition and increase urban ecosystem services, but many traditional strategies are often environmentally harmful. In this Review, we outline sustainable remediation strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soil and groundwater at brownfield sites. Conventional remediation strategies, such as dig and haul, or pump and treat, ignore secondary environmental burdens and socioeconomic impacts; over their life cycle, some strategies are more detrimental than taking no action. Sustainable remediation technologies, such as sustainable immobilization, low-impact bioremediation, new forms of in-situ chemical treatment and innovative passive barriers, can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of remediation and maximize overall net benefits. Compared with traditional methods, they can typically reduce the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by ~50–80%. Integrating remediation with redevelopment through nature-based solutions and sustainable energy systems could further increase the socioeconomic benefit, while providing carbon sequestration or green energy. The long-term resilience of these systems still needs to be understood, and ethics and equality must be quantified, to ensure that these systems are robust and just.



    For the entire article, see

    https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-023-00404-1

    Posted March 30, 2023

  • 14 Mar 2023 4:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Generation Bridge 

    Generation Bridge, LLC (the "Company") today announced plans to remove an inactive oil tank farm in Oswego, New York to make way for close to 25 megawatts ("MW") of solar energy by the year 2027. Generation Bridge, together with its affiliate, Generation Bridge II, LLC, is the owner of electric power generation facilities totaling more than 5,900 MW of installed capacity across New York and Connecticut. 

    The multi-year Oswego solar project will utilize land owned by and located roughly threeand-a-half miles south of the Oswego Harbor Power plant, which is the Company's latest commitment to hasten the transition from fossil fuel generation to clean, renewable energy.

    The project is being developed by asset manager Eastern Generation, LLC. Generation Bridge and Eastern Generation are affiliates of ArcLight Capital Partners, a leading power infrastructure investor with an existing portfolio containing over 25 gigawatts of installed generating capacity. 



    For the entire release, see 

    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/generation-bridge-announces-plans-to-convert-oswego-ny-brownfield-site-into-solar-project-301763470.html

    Posted March 14, 2023

  • 08 Mar 2023 2:15 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    By DON R. STACOM, Hartford Courant (CT)

    Now that the former Ames headquarters in Rocky Hill has been demolished, the state has awarded a nearly $1 million grant for Belfonti Companies to clean up hazardous debris and build a 213-unit apartment building there.

    Along with a previous grant, the new funding means Connecticut will have put approximately $1.5 million toward the estimated $60 million or more redevelopment.

    For the town and its legislative delegation, getting rid of the long-vacant 225,000 Ames building has been a priority for years. Most recently though Rocky Hill has developed a long-range plan to create a walkable town center directly around the 12-acre parcel on Main Street.



    For the entire article, see
    https://www.courant.com/2023/03/03/with-old-ames-hq-in-rocky-hill-demolished-state-kicks-in-nearly-1-million-for-multi-use-development/

    Posted March 8, 2023

  • 27 Feb 2023 4:25 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Region’s three states work to redevelop a District of Columbia-sized heap of contaminated brownfields

    By Frank Carini, ecoRI News staff (RI)

    Southern New England’s three states cover 17,322 square miles and a significant portion of that space has been adulterated by two-plus centuries of incineration, smelting, metal plating, textile manufacturing, etching, electroplating, and dumping.

    Much of the environmental harm and public health deterioration that followed came after laws had been enacted but were often ignored and inadequately enforced.

    The combination of apathy, selfishness, and greed that continues to place profit over the well-being of both nature and humans has led to polluted landscapes — the worse of those identified as Superfund sites or brownfields — often surrounded by marginalized neighborhoods that predominantly house low-wealth families and people of color. The remediation of these sites is frequently funded by taxpayers via government grants and/or bond funding, robbing budgets of money that could have been used to educate, house, and care for people to cover the expense of cleaning up after careless others.



    For the entire article, see

    https://ecori.org/southern-new-englands-contaminated-landscape-costs-plenty-to-clean-up/

    Posted February 27, 2023

  • 17 Feb 2023 9:46 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PHILADELPHIA (February 16, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding a virtual listening session on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap for residents living in EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region on Thursday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m.

    This Zoom meeting will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for the mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.  

    The session will provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA representatives about the actions described in the Roadmap. Residents interested in participating can register online at: https://pfascommunityengagement.org/register .

    Background

    In October 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap—laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The Roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and commits to bolder new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions.

    In November 2022, EPA released “A Year of Progress Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” which underscores key actions taken by the agency during the first year of implementing the PFAS Roadmap. EPA continues to implement a whole-of-agency approach, advancing science, and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. Concurrently with this one-year progress report, EPA announced that it will hold virtual community engagement events in each EPA Region in 2023, which EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region is announcing today.

    These engagements align with recommendations from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and EPA’s Roadmap commitment to engage directly with stakeholders. Recognizing the unique and pervasive impacts of PFAS on Tribal communities, EPA is also planning to hold a session specifically designed to hear from our Tribal partners.

    More information on EPA’s efforts on PFAS is available at www.epa.gov/pfas

    Posted February 17, 2023

  • 15 Feb 2023 1:03 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 14, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today $75,086,000 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to Pennsylvania to address emerging contaminants, like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water. A total investment of $2 billion is allocated to states and territories and will be made available to communities as grants through EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program.  The funding will promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies.

    “Too many American communities, especially those that are small, rural, or underserved, are suffering from exposure to PFAS and other harmful contaminants in their drinking water,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we are investing in America and providing billions of dollars to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health and boosting local economies. These grants build on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and will help protect our smallest and most vulnerable communities from these persistent and dangerous chemicals."

    "We cannot wait any longer to address water quality and the health impacts of PFAS in our neighborhoods,” said Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator.  “This federal funding will help Pennsylvania communities impacted by PFAS to get access to clean, safe drinking water.”

    “For years I have I urged multiple presidents’ administrations to get ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS out of Pennsylvania drinking water and keep them out,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “This major investment, made possible by the infrastructure law, is a strong start to clean up PFAS contamination in Pennsylvania’s waters. I’m going to keep working with the Biden Administration to build on this progress and we won’t stop until every Pennsylvanian has safe, clean water in their communities.”

    “The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will promote environmental justice and transform Pennsylvania for generations to come — and I’m thrilled that our region will receive infrastructure funding to specifically address contaminants, like PFAS, in our drinking water,” said U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA 4th). “Pennsylvanians have a right to clean water, as guaranteed by our Constitution — yet our communities have suffered the harmful consequences of PFAS for decades. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for directing investments to ensure the health and safety of our neighbors, and I will continue to work with officials, on every level, to protect Pennsylvanians from PFAS.” 

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $5 billion over five years to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination reduce PFAS in drinking water. The $2 billion announced today to states and territories can be used to prioritize infrastructure and source water treatment for pollutants, like PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and to conduct water quality testing.

    “Pennsylvania has been working to protect residents from PFAS contamination in drinking water and soil, and we welcome the resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will help further these efforts for our communities,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Rich Negrin. “This federal funding will help upgrade the public water systems in Pennsylvania to filter out these harmful chemicals and ensure clean drinking water across the Commonwealth. The Biden administration’s efforts will protect Pennsylvanians for generations to come.” 

    EPA is also releasing the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Implementation document. The implementation document provides states and communities with the information necessary to use this funding to address local water quality and public health challenges. These grants will enable communities to improve local water infrastructure and reduce emerging contaminants in drinking water by implementing solutions such as installing necessary treatment solutions.

    Today’s actions represent a significant milestone within the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitments to combat PFAS pollution and safeguard drinking water, and specifically EPA’s October 2021 PFAS Strategic Roadmap. Under the Roadmap, EPA is working across the agency to protect the public from the health impacts of PFAS. EPA has taken a number of actions to deliver progress on PFAS including: 

    In addition to this new grant, EPA is also working to propose a PFAS National Priority Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) in the coming weeks. The draft proposed rule is currently undergoing interagency review and EPA will issue the proposed rule for public comment when it clears the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The agency anticipates finalizing the rule by the end of 2023. Together, with today’s announcement, these actions highlight EPA’s commitments outlined in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap to protect public health and the environment from the impacts of PFAS.  They also illustrate the benefits of investing in water—protecting public health and the environment, addressing key challenges facing communities, and creating jobs.

    #             #             #

    Posted February 15, 2023


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