EPA Press Office:

EPA and Virginia Agriculture Forge First-Ever Memorandum of Understanding

Agreement highlights joint effort to deliver environmental and socioeconomic benefits to Virginia communities

PHILADELPHIA (October 6, 2025) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the first-ever signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and expand their collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment, regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education. 

 

 “Establishing a strong relationship with our state regulators is a win for all farmers and ranchers. This MOU lays the groundwork to ensure farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to protecting our environment and Powering the Great American Comeback,” said EPA’s Senior Advisor for Agricultural and Rural Affairs Turner Bridgforth. 

 

 “This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement.” 

 

The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and VDACS to well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.  

 

"We are happy to partner with the EPA to develop solutions for environmental protection and to keep Virginia agriculture productive," said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural community." 

 

Today, the Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB) hosted EPA and VDACS for a roundtable discussion with Virginia agriculture and forestry industry leaders and stakeholders at their offices in Richmond.  

 “Virginia Farm Bureau appreciates EPA seeking farmers’ and foresters’ perspectives when it comes to requirements impacting the No. 1 industry in the commonwealth,” said VFB President Scott Sink. “It is important for farmers and foresters to have their questions answered, their input considered, and the door opened for future dialogue.” 

Photo Gallery from the event can be found on EPA Region 3 Flickr Account.

 

About the Memorandum of Understanding 

The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and VDACS: 

• Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program activities.  

• Encourage honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by participating in roundtables, farm tours, and events. 

• Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing agriculture best practices and case studies with farmers. 

• Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities. 

EPA and VDACS will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year. 

 

About EPA  

EPA’s Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA) serves as the primary liaison between rural and agricultural stakeholders and the agency. OARA works closely with EPA Region 3 to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system. 

 

EPA Region 3 serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. The agency is currently updating similar agreements with other states in Region 3.  

 

Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram, X and Facebook. 

 

About VDACS  

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond, Va. and has several field offices, four regional animal health laboratories, and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally. 

 

Follow VDACS on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For more information about VDACS, visit https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/index.shtml.  

For further information: Contact Information Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (Michael.Wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA and HUD Protect Newark Housing Authority Residents from Lead Paint

Newark, N.J. (September 29, 2025) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have reached concurrent settlements with the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) in New Jersey to correct violations of federal lead-based paint regulations and improve protections for residents and staff. The agreements require NHA to conduct lead testing and abatement where lead-based paint is found across the housing authority’s 11 pre-1978 properties with a total of about 5,500 residents. In addition, NHA must comply with lead hazard disclosure practices, improve staff training and ensure safer renovations. EPA’s settlement assesses a $170,000 penalty, which EPA will waive if NHA takes the actions necessary to comply with the federal lead requirements. The waiver will help ensure NHA’s ability to direct its limited funds towards tenants’ housing needs. HUD’s settlement assesses a civil penalty of $7,500.   

 

“We have made progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels over the past 50 years, but potential exposures to lead in the home and our environment still present a risk, especially for our children, and settlements like this ensure that we are continuing to address this pathway,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Children are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of exposure to lead in dust, and our partnership with HUD is critical to protecting them in their homes.”  

    

“With over two-thirds of New Jersey’s housing stock built before 1980, the risks from lead remain real,” said HUD Region II Administrator Jason Loughran. “This agreement ensures that the Newark Housing Authority takes steps to protect residents, especially children, from the harmful dangers of lead exposure. HUD is committed to working alongside EPA to make the homes of American families healthier, safer, and a source of stability.” 

 

The settlement follows EPA inspections at the John W. Hyatt Court and Pennington Court properties in Newark. EPA found that NHA did not provide tenants with complete lead hazard disclosures, or ensure renovations were properly done under EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.  

 

To resolve these violations, NHA has agreed to implement corrective actions across all eleven of its housing developments, including:   

• Developing and following detailed compliance plans to meet and maintain compliance with the federal Lead Disclosure Rule, the RRP Rule and HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule; 

• Submitting quarterly reports to EPA and HUD to demonstrate compliance with disclosure requirements for new leases and lease renewals as well as compliance with lead safe work practice standards under the RRP and HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule; 

• Creating and following a plan for abatements of all lead-based paint building components (interior, exterior, common areas); 

• Leading worker training sessions to train and certify NHA staff to perform renovations under the RRP Rule and to educate maintenance staff on lead safe work practice standards in day-to-day operations to protect themselves and residents from lead dust; 

• Holding tenant education sessions to educate tenants on the hazards of lead-based paint and methods to minimize potential exposures that tenants can implement in addition to NHA’s obligations under the rules; 

• Distributing an EPA and HUD approved fact sheet to NHA maintenance staff and contractors on required RRP certifications and a summary of the lead disclosure requirements and lead safe work practices; and 

• Posting all written materials for the worker training and tenant education sessions on NHA’s website www.newarkha.org. 

 

Given the shared and independent authorities for enforcing lead paint rules and regulations, EPA and HUD entered into a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU outlines coordination between the agencies for inspections, investigations, and enforcement of judicial and administrative enforcement cases. These coordinated settlements are the first in the country with a public housing authority since the issuance of this MOU. 

 

EPA and HUD will continue to work together to provide technical assistance and oversight to ensure that the NHA meets its obligations. 

 

Lead paint was banned from use in homes in 1978, but it remains on the walls and woodwork of millions of homes and buildings across the country. Exposure to improperly managed lead-based paint can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Federal law requires landlords and contractors to provide tenants with lead-paint hazard information and to use certified and trained personnel during renovations. 

 

Learn more about lead-based paint rules by visiting EPA’s lead webpage. For information about compliance, visit Enforcing Lead Laws and Regulations.  

 

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EPA Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Francine

 US EPA News Release:

EPA Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Francine

DALLAS, TEXAS (September 11, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds residents of Louisiana to take steps now to be ready before, during, and after Hurricane Francine.

Before:

• Make a plan with your family and discuss how to contact each other if communications are limited; what to do if you get separated; and where you’ll go if you have to evacuate.
• Make an emergency kit with canned food, bottled water, first aid supplies, flashlights, pet supplies, and any other items you might need.
• Prepare your home by securing or properly storing harsh cleaning agents, paints and solvents, and other hazardous materials to prevent chemical spills or releases.
• Talk to your neighbors to make sure your community is prepared.

During:

• As a storm develops, pay close attention to local news and announcements from emergency response officials, and follow all shelter-in-place or evacuation instructions.
• Review your family plans and location of emergency supplies.
• If you run a generator, ensure it’s outside and set back from open windows, doors, or balconies. Generator fumes that get inside can cause illness or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

After:

• Watch for instructions from local response officials on when shelter-in-place or evacuation orders are lifted.
• Watch for instructions from responding agencies on how to handle debris, especially household hazardous waste or other potentially hazardous materials.
• Avoid flood waters, and do not enter your home or other flooded buildings.

Hurricane preparation tips are available in 12 languages on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/tips-hurricane-preparedness

For more information on disaster preparedness, including cleanup tips, visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters

EPA Issues Draft Permits for Underground Injection Control Class VI Wells in Texas

 US EPA News Release:

EPA Issues Draft Permits for Underground Injection Control Class VI Wells in Texas

Draft permits seek public input to ensure local communities and the environment are protected

DALLAS, TEXAS (September 4, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued draft Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three proposed wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas. These are the first draft permits that EPA has issued in Texas for Class VI wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program, which establishes requirements to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination.

Class VI injection wells store carbon dioxide deep underground that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. The proposed project, on former ranch land about 14 miles from the city of Odessa, includes three wells that will store about 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year at a depth of about 4,400 feet.

As part of its central role delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda, EPA is following a rigorous, science-based process in implementing its Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program.

In developing the draft permit, EPA required the company to provide specific analysis of the site to ensure that constructing and operating the proposed wells remains protective of the environment, including preventing contamination to underground sources of drinking water and human-caused seismicity. EPA evaluated these technical analyses, with support from experts at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and additional data to verify that the site’s geology, other nearby underground activity, and project scope and operations would ensure that the permitted activity meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. EPA also required the company to ensure the plans are appropriate for conditions at and around the site, including construction materials, mechanical integrity, and emergency response planning.

Once permitted, Class VI wells require extensive monitoring for well integrity, ground water quality and CO2 movement. Well operators are also required to plan for emergencies and for how the well will be plugged after its lifespan. EPA also ensured the language in the draft permit is clear and enforceable under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. While developing the draft permit, EPA met with local elected officials and emergency responders, community members, and property owners to explain the Class VI well program, listen to concerns, and answer questions. The draft permit is now open for public comment until October 7. EPA will host a public hearing on October 3. More details on the hearing will be available here: https://www.epa.gov/tx/uic-class-vi-permit-intent-issue-oxy-low-carbon-ventures-llc.

Comments on the draft permit can be submitted at www.regulations.gov under docket #EPA-R06-OW-2024-0410.

For more information on EPA’s Class VI Program visit https://www.epa.gov/uic/class-vi-wells-used-geologic-sequestration-carbon-dioxide      

Background

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA developed specific criteria to ensure that when carbon dioxide is stored underground to reduce greenhouse gases and confront climate change, underground sources of drinking water are protected. UIC Class VI injection wells are used to store underground carbon dioxide that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. Class VI injection wells—when used as a part of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects—are a critical tool for reducing carbon emissions to meet mid-century climate goals. CO2 is injected through specially constructed wells that deposit and store material deep beneath the earth in rock formations. These formations must be tested and evaluated to ensure that geologic formations are suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term storage. This technology will provide well-paying jobs and can be implemented in an environmentally responsible way.

EPA Announces About $70 Million in Grant Funding for Dillard University and the City of New Orleans

 US EPA News Release:

EPA Announces About $70 Million in Grant Funding for Dillard University and the City of New Orleans

DALLAS, TEXAS (August 27, 2024)— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19,944,576 in community grant funding for Dillard University and their partner United Way of Southeast Louisiana. The City of New Orleans will receive $49,975,589 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG) to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis.

“New Orleans, more than any other city, knows the importance of climate resilience. Projects funded through Climate Pollution Reduction and Community Change grant programs will not only strengthen infrastructure to build resilience, but will also cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act brings historic amounts of funding to community groups on the frontlines of climate change who are ready to implement solutions to the challenges they face.”

“I’m excited to celebrate the tremendous strides being made in our fight against the climate crisis and to recognize the impactful work being done right here in Southeast Louisiana. The grants we are highlighting today represent more than just financial support – they symbolize our collective commitment to environmental justice, sustainability, and the health of our communities. Together, we are building a brighter, greener future,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

"Our community's strength lies in our collaboration, and today we celebrate the transformative climate investments made possible by the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This historic level of funding will empower us to create a more resilient, sustainable New Orleans while directly addressing the needs of our residents. Together, we are leading the charge toward a brighter, greener future."

"Today marks a pivotal moment for Dillard University and the Greater New Orleans community as we celebrate this transformational grant from the EPA,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, Interim President of Dillard University. "This funding reflects our dedication to sustainability and resilience and highlights the power of collaboration with our community partners. Together, we are poised to address critical environmental challenges and empower our community, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all." 

“At United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we are committed to fostering financial stability for our families and empowering them to take meaningful action toward environmental resilience. Through initiatives like the new monthly orientations, job referrals, and sustainable infrastructure improvements at our Prosperity Centers, together with our partners, we are creating a community where every family has the resources and opportunities to thrive,” said Michael Williamson, President and CEO, United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

"Louisiana Green Corps is thrilled to be part of these historic awards for our city and is committed to shaping a sustainable future where racial equity, economic growth and environmental stewardship all go hand in hand. To grow the equity we seek for our region we need workforce development partnerships like these to ensure local residents benefit from our city's current and future economic and environmental revitalization efforts,” said Ryan Mattingly, Executive Director Louisiana of Green Corps.  

"With over 70% of ridership by New Orleans locals, Blue Bikes provides a healthy, sustainable, and fun way for folks to move around town," said Interim Co-Executive Director Patrick Urbine. "We are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of New Orleans and Dillard University to continue to expand access to bikeshare and improve healthy, sustainable, and fun mobility options for the larger New Orleans community."

A total of $19 million is being given to Dillard University and their partners to reduce pollution and strengthen community resilience to natural disasters in the St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. This funding will improve transportation access by providing up to 300 families with e-bikes; expanding bike sharing programs; and installing EV chargers. Several buildings will be retrofit with energy efficient HVAC systems, solar, and energy storage so they can serve as community resilience hubs during emergencies. The university will also launch new non-degree certificate programs in clean energy and climate resilience.

The City of New Orleans will develop projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors by improving access to non-vehicle transportation, supporting adoption of energy efficiency measures in large buildings, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing urban forestry programs. This nearly $50 million in funding will help New Orleans increase the Blue Bikes share fleet to 2,000 with a focus on historically underserved areas; construct seven miles of protected bikeways adjacent to downtown New Orleans to protect bikers from traffic; plant 7,500 trees in underserved neighborhoods over five years; and retrofitting 41 City buildings by installing rooftop solar panels on 14 municipal properties.

Both of these grant announcements advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. To learn more about the CPRG program, please visit this webpage and for more information on the community change grant, visit this webpage.

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