United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Fiscal Year 2021
Justification of Appropriation
Estimates for the Committee
on Appropriations
EPA-190-S-20-001 February 2020
www.epa.gov/cj
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EPA's Mission
The FY 2021 Budget coincides with EPA's 50th anniversary on December 2, 2020, culminating a
celebration which will begin on Earth Day—April 22, 2020. Over the last 50 years, the Agency
has worked to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment by improving the
nation's air, cleaning up land and water resources, and providing a cleaner, healthier environment.
Our Nation has come a long way since EPA was established in 1970. We have made great progress
in ensuring community water systems meet all health-based drinking water standards, making
rivers and lakes safe for swimming and boating, reducing the smog that clouded city skies, cleaning
up lands that were once used as chemical dumps, and providing Americans greater access to
information on the safety of the chemicals all around us. Today we can see enormous progress—
yet we still have important work to do.
The Budget provides the direction and resources to support the Agency's mission, based upon
robust scientific research and analysis in advancing core environmental protections with respect
to statutory and regulatory obligations. The EPA engages with state, local, and tribal partners as it
creates and implements sensible regulations that also work to enhance economic growth.
Three strategic goals1 guide EPA's work to protect human health and the environment:
• Goal 1 - A Cleaner, Healthier Environment: Deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier
environment for all Americans and future generations by carrying out the Agency's core
mission.
• Goal 2 - More Effective Partnerships: Provide certainty to states, localities, tribal
nations, and the regulated community in carrying out shared responsibilities and
communicating results to all Americans.
• Goal 3 - Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness: Increase certainty,
compliance, and effectiveness by applying the rule of law to achieve more efficient and
effective agency operations, service delivery, and regulatory relief.
Environmental stewardship that supports a growing economy is essential to the American way of
life and key to economic success and competitiveness. The Agency's regulations, policies, and
decisions will continue to incorporate robust input from the public through formal and informal
mechanisms to ensure fuller understanding of the impact on public health, the environment, the
economy, jobs, families, and our communities.
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Budget2 of $6,658 billion represents a $2,399
billion or 26% percent reduction from the Agency's FY 2020 Enacted Budget level. This resource
level, which supports 12,610.2 FTE, will enable EPA to address our highest priorities and fulfill
our critical mission for the American people. The Budget largely maintains the policy choices of
1 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-09/documents/fv-2018-2Q22-epa-strategic-plan.Ddf.
2 The Budget includes a $159 million cancellation of funds.
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the FY 2020 President's Budget, and continues to support long-term performance goals in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals (APGs), FY 2021 annual
performance goals, and a focused set of priority areas.
The FY 2021 Budget supports our core programs for a cleaner healthier environment. A major
component of the Budget request is for infrastructure funding, including drinking water and clean
water infrastructure funding, as well as for funding brownfields and Superfund projects. The
Budget also includes $82 million for grants to support implementation of America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), $3 5 million for grants to support the 2016 Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN), and $25 million to support loans through the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) credit program. The federal investment
in infrastructure, which also includes the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds,
has leveraged significant private investment, improving economic and environmental outcomes in
communities across the country.
Environmental protection is a shared responsibility and funds are provided to our state and tribal
partners through categorical grant programs. EPA recognizes that states require flexibility in
addressing their unique environmental priorities, and the Budget includes funding for
Multipurpose Grants to enable states to implement core mission work in a flexible manner. E-
Enterprise for the Environment provides a shared governance forum where states, tribes, and EPA
work together to streamline processes and leverage technology with the goal to provide accessible,
reliable information and to deliver better environmental results, often with lower costs and less
burden for the benefit of the public, the regulated community, and government agencies.
A priority area for EPA is to create consistency and certainty for the regulated community and to
remove unnecessary or redundant regulations. Removing unnecessary regulatory burdens allows
EPA to be a catalyst for economic growth while strengthening our focus on protecting human
health and the environment. The Budget supports continued implementation of Executive Order
13783, Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth, which directs all federal agencies
to identify and propose measures to suspend, revise, or rescind regulatory barriers that impede
progress towards energy independence. The Budget also provides essential resources to equip EPA
in delivering vital emergency response services in environmental disasters that no one state can
handle alone.
EPA will continue to modernize its permitting practices to increase the timeliness of reviews and
decisions, while working more collaboratively, transparently, and cost effectively to achieve the
Agency's mission. At the same time EPA will seek to improve internal operations to create more
efficient and effective administrative processes and better leverage modern technology to
accomplish its mission.
EPA also will continue the work it began in FY 2019 of implementing the new Foundations for
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. Implementation of the Act will enhance strategic planning
under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRMA). EPA will
systematically identify the most important evidence the Agency needs to advance its goals and
ensure the Agency uses high quality data and information to inform policy and decision making.
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In FY 2021, EPA will develop its first full draft learning agenda, in coordination with the
development of the FY 2022-FY 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals
The Budget highlights EPA's six FY 2020-2021 APGs3 that advance EPA priorities and the FY
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
Goal 1, Objective 1.1: Improve air quality by reducing the number of areas not meeting air
quality standards. By September 30, 2021, EPA, in close collaboration with states, will reduce
the number of nonattainment areas to 121 from a baseline of 147.
Goal 1, Objective 1.2: Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure
investments. By September 30, 2021, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars
leveraged by the EPA water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water State Revolving Fund
[CWSRF], Drinking Water State Revolving Fund [DWSRF], and the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act [WIFIA] Program).
Goal 1, Objective 1.3: Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in
their communities. By September 30, 2021, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund (SF)
sites and 1,368 brownfields (BF) sites ready for anticipated use (RAU).
Goal 3, Objective 3.4: Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2021, EPA
will reduce the backlog of new permitting-related decisions to zero from a baseline of 65; and
reduce the backlog of permit renewals by 50% from a baseline of 147. Note: The work under all
strategic goals contributes to this APG, which is agencywide in scope.
Cross-Cutting (supports multiple strategic goals and objectives): Reduce childhood lead
exposures and associated health impacts. By September 30, 2021, EPA will: establish drinking
water lead testing programs for schools in all states and the District of Columbia; reduce the
number of lead nonattainment areas to 10 from a baseline of 13; complete 48 cleanup actions at
sites where lead is a contaminant of concern; and increase the recertification rate of lead-based
paint renovation, repair, and painting firms to 28 percent from a baseline of 23 percent.
Cross-Cutting (supports multiple strategic goals and objectives): Reduce per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) risks to the public. By September 30, 2021, EPA will meet
several of the designated Priority Action milestones in the EPA PFAS Action Plan to establish a
framework to understand and address PFAS.
FY 2021 Funding Priorities
The FY 2021 President's Budget largely continues the policy direction of prior years while
providing funding dedicated to a focused set of emerging national and global environmental
challenges that include: Reducing Ocean Pollution and Plastic; Improving the U.S. Recycling
3 Agency Priority Goals reflect the top two-year priorities that the Agency will implement to advance progress towards the three
strategic goals.
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System and Reducing Food Loss and Waste; Supporting Opportunity Zones; Advancing Shared
Services and Systems Modernization; Implementing Electronic Records; Supporting Circuit
Riders Technical Assistance; Taking Action on PFAS; Reducing Nutrients and Harmful Algal
Blooms (HABs); and a cross-office Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative. The Budget provides an
additional $116.8 million with 35 FTE to address these focus areas, which help to advance EPA's
and the Administration's policy priorities; support long-term performance goals in the FY 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan, the FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals (APGs), and the FY 2021
annual performance goals; as well as help us to meet government-wide management directives and
goals.
Protecting our Children
Protecting children's health where children live, learn, and play is important to all Americans. EPA
is committed to aggressively addressing lead issues across America by working with communities
and partners to further identify and reduce lead exposure. This is especially important for children
who are most vulnerable to long-term adverse effects. The Budget includes an additional $45
million to support the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative and aligns funding to the goals of the
Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure 4, to advance pending regulatory actions
on lead including revision of the Lead and Copper rule, and to conduct research and provide
technical assistance regarding lead issues. To concentrate efforts, the Agency developed
a FY 2020-2021 APG focused on reducing childhood lead exposures and associated health
impacts. Through the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure, EPA is
coordinating with other federal agencies to reduce exposure to lead with the aim of ultimately
improving children's health. However, beyond lead, children may be exposed to additional
environmental hazards in public and faith-based schools and childcare centers, particularly in
outdated schools and educational centers.
Nearly 50 million children and 6 million teachers and other adults spend their days in over 100,000
K-12 schools and faith-based educational facilities. Many of these buildings are old, in poor
condition, and may contain environmental conditions that pose increased risks to the health of
children and staff. To address this multifaceted issue, the FY 2021 Budget proposes $50 million to
support a Healthy Schools Grant Program that is intended to address these potential gaps in school
environmental health by working with and through our state, tribal, and community partners. This
flexible grant program will enable our implementing partners to target their highest-priority efforts
to protect human health and the environment in school and other settings. Funding would be
available to identify and help prevent, reduce, and resolve environmental hazards and reduce
childhood lead exposure, reduce asthma triggers, promote integrated pest management, and reduce
or eliminate childhood exposure to one or more toxics in schools across all environmental media.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of the Nation is not limited to roads and bridges. The infrastructure needs of our
communities are broader and include making improvements to drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure as well as restoring the Nation's land and waterways. In FY 2021, EPA will focus
4 https://www.epa.gov/lead/federal-action-plan-reduce-childhood-lead-exposure.
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on making infrastructure and public health protection investments in communities by working with
and through our state and tribal partners.
Recognizing the importance of modernizing the aging water infrastructure on which the American
public depends every day, the Budget supports the President's commitment to infrastructure repair
and replacement and would allow states, municipalities, and private entities to finance high-
priority infrastructure investments. The FY 2021 Budget includes $1.98 billion for the State
Revolving Funds (SRF), approximately $82 million to implement sections of the America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) legislation, $35 million for grants to support the 2016 Water
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), and $25 million for the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) P
rogram.
The SRF funding directly supports infrastructure repair, rehabilitation and replacement and would
allow states, municipalities, and private entities to continue to finance high-priority infrastructure
investments that protect human health and the environment. The SRFs are a primary source of
low-cost capital for small and rural communities that otherwise struggle to obtain resources to
build or upgrade wastewater or drinking water infrastructure construction. These resources
additionally help to bring national, state and local water systems into compliance with
environmental rules and regulations. SRF resources provide critical funding to help replace lead
pipes that may leach lead into the Nation's drinking water supply. The Federal Government has
invested over $65 billion in grants to help capitalize the SRFs. With the required state match,
additional state contributions, and funds from program leveraging, funds made available for loans
total over $185 billion since their inception.
Clean and safe drinking water is critical to the health of communities across the Nation. Although
most systems consistently provide safe and reliable drinking water, many small systems face
challenges with aging infrastructure, increasing costs and decreasing rates bases. To address the
needs of a more robust water infrastructure framework, President Trump signed the bipartisan
AWIA legislation on October 23, 2018. AWIA was enacted to help address numerous drinking
water and wastewater issues in large municipalities and small rural communities. In FY 2021, EPA
continues to work with partners in developing implementation guidelines for five new grant
programs created by AWIA, including: Drinking Fountain Lead Testing, Drinking Water
Infrastructure Resilience, Sewer Overflow Control Grants, Technical Assistance for Treatment
Works, and Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment. Proposed FY 2021 funding for
continued implementation of WIIN supports activities to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water
and in schools.
With $25 million provided in FY 2021 under the WIFIA appropriation, EPA could potentially
provide up to $2 billion in direct credit assistance, which, when combined with other funding
sources, could spur over an estimated $4 billion in total infrastructure investment.5 The WIFIA
program is designed to offer credit assistance with flexible terms in order to attract private
participation, encourage new revenue streams for infrastructure investment, and allow increased
overall infrastructure investment. This makes the WIFIA program's credit assistance a powerful
tool to help address a variety of existing and new water infrastructure needs. As of October 2019,
5 This approximation is based on notional calculations. Subsidy cost is determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
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this relatively new program at EPA had issued 14 WIFIA loans totaling over $3.5 billion in credit
assistance to help finance over $8 billion for water infrastructure projects and create over 15,000
jobs. The WIFIA Program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that may,
once approved, result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of
jobs.
Implementing the Opportunity Zone provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is a priority
for the President, and EPA is focused on advancing this work. The FY 2021 Budget proposes an
additional $23.1 million with 12 FTE for the Agency to support revitalization efforts in
Opportunity Zone communities. Of this amount, $5.1 million is dedicated to increase technical
assistance and coordination in Opportunity Zones. $18 million is included as a set-aside within the
Brownfields Projects program to support Opportunity Zone development. Opportunity Zones are
a catalyst for redevelopment and environmental improvements and the Agency has a role in
helping communities attract private sector capital to better solve their environmental challenges.
Opportunity Zones also can spur capital investment and business development in economically
distressed places, leading to diversified economies, improved job opportunities, and better
environmental outcomes. Through the combined funding of SRFs, AWIA, WIFIA, and projects in
Opportunity Zones, EPA will ensure that it is serving disadvantaged communities by leveraging
private investment to improve the economy and protect human health and the environment.
EPA's infrastructure investments are catalysts for economic growth and environmental protection
in communities across America and the Agency will continue to support private and public
investment in economic revitalization that improves environmental outcomes across the country.
EPA will work to link infrastructure and community assistance program resources to spur similar,
non-Agency investments with the goal of enhancing the collective impact those resources have in
communities.
Improving Air Quality
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to advance activities in support of the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) and implementation of stationary source regulations to support state,
local, and tribal air quality programs. The Agency will continue its Clean Air Act (CAA) mandated
responsibilities to administer the NAAQS and will provide a variety of technical assistance,
trainings, and information to support implementation of state clean air plans. EPA will continue to
prioritize statutorily mandated responsibilities and court-ordered actions. The Agency will
continue to focus on states achieving attainment, with an emphasis on improved processes for State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) and implementation options. EPA will continue to conduct periodic
technology reviews and conduct risk assessments to determine whether Maximum Achievable
Control Technology-based National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (MACT-
based NESHAP) appropriately protect public health. The FY 2021 Budget includes $437.3 million
to support the objective of improving air quality efforts through common sense standards,
guidelines and grant assistance.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to perform its compliance oversight functions on priority
areas where there is evidence to suggest noncompliance and conduct testing activities for pre-
certification confirmatory testing for emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars. The Federal
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Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program requests funding of $80.9 million and
296.7 FTE to focus its efforts on certification decisions, which directly support environmental
protection and commerce.
The Budget proposes new authority for EPA to establish user fees for entities that participate in
the ENERGY STAR Program. By administering the ENERGY STAR Program through the
collection of user fees, EPA would continue to provide a trusted resource for state and local
governments, consumers, businesses, and other interested parties to reduce energy usage, save
money and help protect the environment.
The Agency will continue to focus on air monitoring, which provides critical information to states
when developing clean air plans, conducting air research, and communicating with the public. In
FY 2021, EPA will provide grants to state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies to manage
and implement their air quality programs. We will work with our state and tribal partners to
approve their implementation plans for attaining air quality standards, consistent with statutory
obligations, to reduce contaminants that cause or exacerbate health issues. To support our co-
regulating partners, $151.9 million is included in the Budget for State and Local Air Quality
Management grants, and $8.9 million for Tribal Air Quality Management grants.
Clean and Safe Water
EPA will continue to provide scientific water quality criteria information, review and approve state
water quality standards, and review and approve state lists of impaired waters. In FY 2021, the
Agency will work with states and other partners on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) as
required by the Clean Water Act, as well as on waterbody restoration plans for listed impaired
waterbodies. EPA also will continue to implement and support core water quality programs that
control point-source discharges through permitting and pre-treatment programs. EPA will continue
to coordinate and support the protection of the Nation's critical water infrastructure from terrorist
threats and all-hazard events through ongoing Homeland Security programs.
EPA will continue to partner with states, drinking water utilities, and other stakeholders to identify
and address current and potential sources of drinking water contamination. These efforts are
integral to sustainable infrastructure efforts as source water protection can reduce the need for
additional drinking water treatment and the associated costs. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue
to support small and rural community water systems. For example, EPA will provide circuit rider
technical assistance to Indian tribes and rural water systems to help achieve compliance with
drinking water and wastewater regulations.
On a larger domestic and international scale, marine litter represents a cross-border environmental
waste issue that necessitates immediate action. The Budget calls for a coordinated funding effort
to expand trash capture programs, deepen recycling systems, and expand the leadership role of the
Agency in international fora like the G7 and G20 to help address this pressing global challenge.
The Budget includes an additional $8.4 million with 7 FTE to support reducing ocean pollution
and plastic waste.
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The Budget requests $320 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and $7.3
million for the Chesapeake Bay program to support federal coordination and monitoring of these
water bodies of national significance. Through the coordinated effort of the GLRI, EPA and other
federal agencies are helping to restore the environmental, health and economic benefits the Great
Lakes provide to the region's more than 30 million residents. The Budget establishes a cost-share
requirement for all grant funding awarded by EPA using GLRI allowing for a provision to waive
this requirement for cases of demonstrated financial hardship on the part of the grant recipient. In
addition, $3.2 million and 1.2 FTE are requested to coordinate restoration activities in South
Florida, including ongoing restoration efforts in the Everglades and the Florida Keys where water
quality and habitat are directly affected by land-based sources of pollution.
Nutrients and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Reductions
The FY 2021 Budget proposes an additional $22.4 million with 5.5 FTE to address and reduce
harmful algal blooms, which can be caused by nutrient pollution. Included in the request, EPA will
establish a new $15 million grant program designed to target both prevention and response actions
for harmful algal blooms (HABs) that pose significant health or economic risks. The program will
provide data standards and geo-referencing expertise for EPA's research, predictive modeling and
monitoring tools and analyses, and policy approaches to target and reduce nutrient pollution that
causes HABs and impacts water quality across the country.
Taking Action on PFAS
The Budget allows EPA to continue to aggressively implement the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) Action Plan—the Agency's first multi-media, multi-program, national
research, management and risk communication plan to address this class of emerging chemicals.6
The Agency will coordinate and support stakeholders, including states, tribes, and communities,
to identify PFAS in the environment and take actions to prevent or remediate its presence. The
Budget request will enable EPA to address needs for policy, regulatory, and enforcement actions
across multiple statutory authorities, as well as develop analytical methods, toxicity values, and
additional treatment and remediation options that will help states and communities to address
PFAS exposures. To elevate PFAS as an area of focus for the Agency, EPA established a new
FY 2020-2021 APG to reduce PFAS risks to the public. In FY 2021, an additional $5.9 million
with 5 FTE is requested to advance the implementation of the Agency's PFAS Action Plan.
Revitalizing Land and Reducing Waste
The cleanup and reuse of contaminated lands often can play an important role in economically
revitalizing a community. EPA's cleanup programs, including Superfund and brownfields, protect
human health and the environment and return sites to productive use, which is important to the
economic wellbeing of communities. Working collaboratively with partners across the country,
EPA engages with communities in site cleanup decisions, fosters employment opportunities in
communities during and after remedy construction, promotes the redevelopment of blighted areas,
and protects human health and the environment.
6 https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epas-pfas-action-plan.
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The FY 2021 Budget includes $1,104 billion to revitalize land and prevent future contamination.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to emphasize its top priority list of Superfund sites.7 These sites
are targeted for immediate and intensive action to accelerate cleanup and promote site reuse while
addressing risks to human health and the environment. The Agency will accelerate cleanup by re-
prioritizing some resources to focus on remedial actions, construction completions, ready-for-
anticipated-use determinations, and National Priorities List site deletions. Further, the Agency will
emphasize efforts to clean up and propel development at Superfund sites that offer the greatest
expected redevelopment and commercial potential, as outlined in the recently released Superfund
Redevelopment Opportunity Sites webpage,8 and will promote additional private investment in
cleanup activities as recommended by the Superfund Task Force.9
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to invest in communities through brownfields grants so they can
make progress toward their visions for environmental health, economic growth, and job creation.
As of January 2020, brownfields grants awarded by EPA have led to over 88,900 acres of idle land
made ready for productive use and over 156,500 jobs and $29.5 billion leveraged. In FY 2021
alone, brownfields program activities have the potential to leverage over 5,500 more jobs and over
$1 billion in other funding sources.
Improving the U.S. Recycling System and Reducing Food Loss and Waste
Recycling programs reduce waste, conserve resources for the future, and protect our land and
waters. Managing materials sustainably promotes economic growth and reduces environmental
impacts, while food waste reduction programs are needed to help reach the Nation's goal of
reducing food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030.10 In the United States, around 30-40 percent
of all available food goes uneaten through loss or waste. Discarded food ends up in communities'
landfills and produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, communities and
businesses are spending unnecessary resources to manage materials that are ultimately wasted.
Keeping excess food out of landfills not only helps the environment, but it also can be used to feed
people, feed animals, or create energy.
The Agency will advance recycling by providing national leadership and direction on approaches
to reduce environmental impacts and increase safe and effective reuse and recycling of materials.
EPA also is focused on food loss and waste prevention. These initiatives complement ongoing
EPA work in managing materials more sustainably, promoting economic growth, and reducing
environmental impacts. Additional resources will be used to conduct a needs assessment of the
U.S. recycling industry to inform future work, support grant programs, and encourage the use of
recycled materials in manufacturing through a pilot incentive program. One proposed grant
program, the Community Recycling Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant, will support pilots
and infrastructure in communities seeking to enhance their capacity to recover and recycle
materials. In FY 2021, $5.8 million with 5.5 FTE are requested to support this Agency priority.
Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals
7 https: //www, epa. gov/ superfund/ superfund- site s-targeted-immediate- intense-action.
8 https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/superfund-redevelopment-opportunitv-sites.
9 https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations.
10 https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/united-states-food-loss-and-waste-203Q-champions.
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In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to prioritize its significant and new responsibilities under
The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act for ensuring that new and
existing chemicals are evaluated in a timely manner, and that any unreasonable risks are addressed.
EPA will focus on meeting its statutory requirements and mandatory deadlines under the Toxic
Substances Control Act and ensure reviews are efficient, effective, and transparent to stakeholders.
For chemicals in commerce, EPA will maintain an ambitious schedule for initiating and
completing chemical risk evaluations and, where risks are identified, for initiating and completing
regulatory actions to address those risks. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to evaluate risks on the
next 20 chemicals and begin to develop risk management approaches for any unreasonable risks
identified in the first 10.
New chemicals will be evaluated before they are allowed to be commercialized. Decisions will be
based on the best available science and weight of evidence. EPA's toxics program will maintain
its 'zero tolerance' goal for preventing the introduction of any unsafe new chemicals into
commerce. EPA also will implement the new mandates related to determinations on claims for
confidentiality for chemical identities. In addition to fees, $69 million is requested in FY 2021 for
the TSCA Chemical Risk Review and Reduction program to support this high priority work. EPA
will focus on meeting its statutory requirements and mandatory deadlines.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to provide firm and individual certifications for safe work
practices for lead-based paint abatement and renovation and repair efforts. The program also will
provide for the operation and maintenance of the online Federal Lead-Based Paint program
database (FLPP) that supports the processing of applications for training providers, firms, and
individuals.
Identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks presented by the pesticides on which our society and
economy rely is integral to ensuring environmental and human safety. In FY 2021, EPA will
continue to meet its statutory requirements for pesticide registration and registration review, and
will invest resources to improve the compliance of pesticide registrations with the Endangered
Species Act. Funding also will ensure that pesticides are correctly registered and applied in a
manner that protects water quality. Pesticides help provide for effective pest control for homes,
schools, gardens, highways, utility lines, hospitals, and drinking water treatment facilities, while
also controlling vectors of disease and supporting food production. EPA will continue to
implement its responsibility to ensure that pesticides available in the U.S. are safe when used as
directed.
Regulatory and Permitting Priorities
The Budget provides resources to ensure EPA is able to meet pressing demands in priority areas,
including reviewing and revising regulations, improving the permitting process, and enhancing
collaboration with state, tribal, and federal partners. Efforts to identify and address potential hold-
ups in the permitting process will continue to ensure that unnecessary delays do not get in the way
of environmental protection or economic growth. By the end of FY 2019, EPA reduced the backlog
of new permit applications by 65 percent (from 149 to 52 applications, excluding Clean Air Act
New Source Review and Title V Operating Permits) through a series of targeted efforts to improve
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the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting programs. The Agency will continue this focus and
has established an FY 2020-2021 APG to accelerate permitting-related decisions. EPA will
continue to be a leader in the government to advance deregulation, accelerate permitting work, and
provide technical assistance for our partners. Specific deregulatory and permitting actions and
progress are highlighted in program project fact sheets.
Expansion of Fee Funding
EPA proposes several fees in FY 2021 to better align appropriated resources to the Agency's core
mission, to provide dedicated funding sources for specific activities, and to better align program
costs with beneficiaries. By administering select EPA programs through the collection of user fees,
entities benefiting from those programs would directly pay for the services and benefits that the
programs provide. EPA is proposing two voluntary user fees that will enable the Agency to provide
compliance assistance services to both Risk Management Plan facilities and Facility Response
Plan and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure facilities. EPA also is proposing to
establish ENERGY STAR as a fee-funded program in FY 2021. This fee would allow the Agency
to continue to provide a trusted resource for state and local governments, consumers, businesses,
and other interested parties, helping them to reduce energy usage, save money and protect the
environment. In addition, EPA will continue to work with OMB, other Agencies, and key
stakeholders to review potential areas where fee-funding may be an appropriate mechanism to
reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Implementing the PMA and Reducing Regulatory Burden
The Administration is committed to creating a leaner, more accountable, less intrusive, and more
effective Government. EPA will continue to place an emphasis on reducing unnecessary or
duplicative burden to the regulated community. This will be advanced through implementation of
the President's Management Agenda and through common sense deregulatory actions that provide
greater certainty and better communication to our partners. In support of the PMA, the FY 2021
Budget includes support for upgrading the Agency's enterprise-wide records management system.
Efforts to digitize hardcopy records and transition to centralized records centers will ultimately
reduce costs, address space needs, and support ongoing program needs for information. The FY
2021 President's Budget request supports ongoing efforts to transition to existing and proposed
shared-services such as Treasury's G-Invoicing system which will require upgrades to the
Agency's accounting system and related interfaces to support inter-agency work with our federal
partners. Furthermore, EPA has eliminated certain programs and activities to focus on the core
Agency mission. Programs and activities eliminated in the FY 2021 Budget total approximately
$680 million compared to Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget levels.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Resource Summary Tables
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY 3
Budget Authority 3
Full-time Equivalents (FTE) 4
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Budget Authority
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019 Estimated FY FY 2021 Pres
Actuals 2020 Enacted Budget
Science & Technology
$695,063.1
$716,449.0
$484,733.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$2,596,472.2
$2,663,356.0
$2,236,224.0
Inspector General
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
Building and Facilities
$27,276.9
$33,598.0
$39,553.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$17,368.1
$19,581.0
$16,631.0
IG Transfer
S& T Transfer
Superfund Program
$8,875.9
$15,050.4
$1,185,757.1
$11,586.0
$30,747.0
$1,142,422.0
$9,747.0
$19,075.0
$1,049,789.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,209,683.4
$1,184,755.0
$1,078,611.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$98,172.9
$91,941.0
$48,218.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$4,068,673.6
$4,246,232.0
$2,848,310.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
SUB-TOTAL, EPA
$8,799,691.4
$9,057,401.0
$6,817,128.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
$0.0
-$159,057.0
TOTAL, EPA
$8,799,691.4
$9,057,401.0
$6,658,071.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents (FTE)
FY 2019 Estimated FY FY 2021 Pres
Actuals 2020 Enacted Budget
Science & Technology
1,892.9
1,983.7
1,501.0
Environmental Programs & Management
8,562.2
8,808.6
7,643.7
Inspector General
218.4
227.5
201.4
Inland Oil Spill Programs
79.7
84.8
75.7
IG Transfer
S& T Transfer
Superfund Program
50.3
61.3
2,407.8
42.5
63.1
2,530.9
40.6
86.3
2,466.7
Hazardous Substance Superfund
2,519.4
2,636.5
2,593.6
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
41.1
46.6
40.7
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
8.1
7.0
5.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
6.9
11.0
16.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
22.1
28.4
12.0
Rereg. & Exped. Proc. Rev Fund
104.8
137.3
221.5
WCF-Reimbursable
156.3
200.6
236.0
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource
Damage Assessment
3.6
0.0
0.0
Pesticide Registration Fund
68.9
0.0
0.0
TSCA Service Fee Fund
0.0
0.0
63.6
UIC Injection Well Permit BLM
2.5
0.0
0.0
SUB-TOTAL, EPA
13,686.9
14,172.0
12,610.2
TOTAL, EPA
13,686.9
14,172.0
12,610.2
Tor ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
4
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Q
8
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Goal and Objective Overviews
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY 7
Budget Authority 7
Authorized Full-time Equivalents (FTE) 8
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment 10
More Effective Partnerships 36
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness 46
5
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6
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Budget Authority
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated FY
2020 Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
$6,618,509.1
$6,851,819.0
$4,846,285.0
Science & Technology
$166,758.4
$169,839.0
$138,978.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$1,447,438.4
$1,550,252.0
$1,121,508.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$13,715.1
$15,700.0
$12,965.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$883,255.8
$828,324.0
$717,974.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$96,188.6
$89,649.0
$45,989.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$3,964,101.4
$4,138,055.0
$2,783,848.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
More Effective Partnerships
$318,487.7
$323,893.0
$243,870.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$220,903.1
$222,571.0
$184,826.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$82.8
$139.0
$0.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$2,549.3
$2,338.0
$1,004.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$94,952.5
$98,845.0
$58,040.0
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and
Effectiveness
$1,862,694.6
$1,881,689.0
$1,726,973.0
Science & Technology
$528,304.7
$546,610.0
$345,755.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$928,130.7
$890,533.0
$929,890.0
Inspector General
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
Building and Facilities
$27,276.9
$33,598.0
$39,553.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$3,570.2
$3,742.0
$3,666.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$323,878.3
$354,093.0
$359,633.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,984.3
$2,292.0
$2,229.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$9,619.7
$9,332.0
$6,422.0
Sub-Total
$8,799,691.4
$9,057,401.0
$6,817,128.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
$0.0
-$159,057.0
TOTAL, EPA
$8,799,691.4
$9,057,401.0
$6,658,071.0
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Authorized Full-time Equivalents (FTE)
FY 2019 Estimated FY FY 2021 Pres
Actuals 2020 Enacted Budget
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment 6 684 1 6 805 2 6 091 2
Science & Technology 482.o 508.5 462.0
Environmental Programs & Management 4 531 2 4 666 4 3 886 0
Inland Oil Spill Programs 66 7 79 6 62 3
Hazardous Substance Superfund \ 352 0 1 337 2 1 342 2
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks 355 333 336
State and Tribal Assistance Grants g \ 70 50
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund 6.9 11.0 15.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund 22.1 28.4 12.0
Rereg. & Exped. Proc. Rev Fund 104 8 137 3 221 5
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource
Damage Assessment 34 q 0 0 0
Pesticide Registration Fund 68 9 0 0 0 0
TSCA Service Fee Fund 0 0 0 0 51 6
UIC Injection Well Permit BLM 2 5 0 0 0 0
More Effective Partnerships \ 045 7 1 049 6 855 5
Environmental Programs & Management 1 038 9 1 040 7 852 3
Inland Oil Spill Programs 0 4 0 8 0 0
Hazardous Substance Superfund 57 6 1 12
WCF-Reimbursable 0 7 2 0 2 0
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and
Effectiveness 5,957.1 6,317.2 5,663.5
Science & Technology 1,410.9 1,475.2 1,039.0
Environmental Programs & Management 2 992 1 3 101 5 2 905 4
Inspector General 218.4 227.5 201.4
Inland Oil Spill Programs ^2 6 13 4 13 4
Hazardous Substance Superfund 1 161 7 1 293 2 1 250 2
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks 56 7 8 7 1
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Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
WCF-Reimbursable
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource
Damage Assessment
TSCA Service Fee Fund
TOTAL, EPA
FY 2019 Estimated FY FY 2021 Pres
Actuals 2020 Enacted Budget
0.0 0.0 1.0
155.6 198.6 234.0
0.2 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 12.0
13,686.9 14,172.0 12,610.2
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment: Deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all
Americans and future generations by carrying out the Agency's core mission.
Strategic Objectives:
• Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air quality and ensure that more
Americans are living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards.
• Ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in partnership with
states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking water, aquatic
ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and subsistence activities.
• Provide better leadership and management to properly clean up contaminated sites to
revitalize and return the land back to communities.
• Effectively implement the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are
reviewed for their potential risks to human health and the environment and actions are
taken when necessary.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
$6,618,509.1
$6,851,819.0
$4,846,285.0
-$2,005,534.0
Improve Air Quality
$796,211.0
$813,400.0
$437,265.0
-$376,135.0
Provide for Clean and Safe Water
$4,166,384.0
$4,453,694.0
$3,061,826.0
-$1,391,868.0
Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination
$1,419,194.6
$1,349,146.0
$1,103,839.0
-$245,307.0
Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace
$236,719.5
$235,579.0
$243,355.0
$7,776.0
Total Authorized Workyears
6,684.1
6,805.2
6,091.2
-714.0
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Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all Americans and future generations by
carrying out the Agency's core mission.
Introduction
Pollution comes in many forms with a myriad of impacts on human health and the environment.
From the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the land upon which we live, EPA serves a
critical role in protecting all Americans from environmental and chemical hazards. Building upon
50 years of partnerships, the Agency will continue to work in tandem with our state, tribal, and
local partners to remediate existing environmental contaminants and prevent new contaminants
that may adversely impact human health and the environment.
In FY 2021, the Agency will focus on reducing air pollutants and toxics that can cause or
exacerbate health issues by working more effectively with states and tribes to review their
implementation plans for attaining air quality standards, re-designating areas to attainment of air
quality standards, and streamlining air permitting. In FY 2019, EPA re-designated 12 areas to
attainment for various National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
EPA will work with state and tribal partners to provide for clean and safe water by increasing
investment in infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. In FY 2019,
EPA leveraged more than $10.3 billion in non-federal dollars, increasing the funds available to
improve, repair and modernize the nation's water infrastructure. The revolving nature of the
Drinking Water and Clean Water SRFs and substantial contributions from our state partners have
greatly expanded the scope of federal investment. EPA estimates for every federal dollar
contributed to date, communities have received over three dollars of water infrastructure
investments in return. EPA will continue to optimize and align its relevant programs to catalyze
other resources, support beneficial infrastructure investments, and meet community interests for
thriving economies and improved environmental and human health outcomes. In FY 2021, the
Agency will continue to prioritize the implementation of the America's Water Infrastructure Act
of 2018 (AWIA) and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN)
to improve drinking water and water quality, deepen infrastructure investments, enhance public
health and quality of life, increase jobs, and bolster the economy.
In FY 2021, the Agency will take a broad approach to ensure drinking and surface water is free
from environmental contaminants. EPA will work to reduce Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) risks to the public; implement an initiative to reduce ocean pollution with an emphasis on
plastic; and provide resources dedicated to protecting surface water, including funding to reduce
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Additionally, EPA will provide technical assistance to small and
rural communities which may have different needs than those in urban areas. As an example, EPA
will use circuit riders to provide effective on-the-ground assistance to help smaller and rural public
water systems and wastewater systems, including those in Indian Country, achieve and sustain
environmental compliance.
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The Agency will continue to focus on speeding the cleanup of Superfund and brownfields sites,
concentrating efforts on a list of top priority sites to advance progress on Superfund areas of
concern. In FY 2019, EPA made 48 Superfund sites and 910 brownfields sites ready for anticipated
use. As of January 2020, brownfields grants awarded have led to over 88,900 acres of idle land
made ready for productive use and over 156,500 jobs and $29.5 billion leveraged.1 In FY 2021,
EPA will continue to provide technical assistance and coordinate with the private sector and all
levels of government on a range of air, water, land, and chemical-related issues to help
communities, with an increased focus in Opportunity Zones, to meet their environmental and
economic goals. EPA also will dedicate funding to improve the U.S. recycling system and reduce
food loss and waste.
The Agency's top priority for ensuring the safety of chemicals in the marketplace is the
implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which
modernized the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by creating new standards and processes
for assessing chemical safety within specific deadlines. In FY 2019, EPA achieved key milestones
for TSCA chemical risk evaluations and risk management actions.
With our partners, we will pay attention to vulnerable populations with an understanding that their
needs may differ from those of the general population. Children and the elderly, for example, may
be at significantly greater risk from elevated exposure or increased susceptibility to the harmful
effects of environmental contaminants and pollutants. Some low-income and minority
communities may face greater risks because of proximity to contaminated sites or sources of
emissions. Additionally, traditional ways of life for tribal and indigenous populations such as
subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering also may increase the risk of exposure to contaminants.
Together with our partners, we will continue making progress in protecting human health and the
environment. In FY 2021, EPA will prioritize reducing childhood lead exposure and associated
health impacts through the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure. EPA is
addressing lead on multiple fronts, including important regulatory actions and targeting resources
to the most vulnerable communities. The plan details specific actions to target lead-based paint,
lead in drinking water, and lead-contaminated soil, among other sources. These efforts will be
supported through the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative.
A new Healthy Schools Grant Program is requested to address potential gaps in school
environmental health information by supporting states, federally recognized Indian tribes, public
and faith-based schools and childcare centers, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(30), and non-profit organizations, in the identification and mitigation of potential
environmental health issues. This $50 million grant program would ensure availability of dedicated
resources to identify and address risks to children where they learn and grow.
These efforts will be supported by strong compliance assurance and enforcement in collaboration
with our state and tribal partners, up-to-date training for partners and co-regulators, and the use of
the best available science and research to address current and future environmental hazards and to
improve the foundation for decision-making. The Agency will continue its collaborative efforts
with federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments, communities, and other partners and
stakeholders to address existing pollution and prevent or reduce future problems. EPA will directly
1 EPA's ACRES database.
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implement federal environmental laws where eligible tribes or states have not taken program
responsibility. Furthermore, the Agency will work in tandem with states, tribes, and local partners
to effectively communicate with the public regarding environmental risk and threats. The
American public have a right to understand how environmental threats can impact their health and
to understand what steps the Agency is taking to address those threats.
FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals
The Budget highlights EPA's six FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals (APGs) that advance EPA
priorities and the FY2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.2 All six APGs support work under Goal 1: A
Cleaner, Healthier Environment. Three of the six APGs directly support Goal 1, Objective 1.1:
Improve Air Quality, Objective 1.2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water, and Objective 1.3:
Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination and are included in the narratives for these obj ectives.
Additionally, two cross-cutting APGs support work under Goal 1:
• Cross-Cutting: Reduce childhood lead exposures and associated health impacts. By
September 30, 2021, EPA will: establish drinking water lead testing programs for schools
in all states and the District of Columbia; reduce the number of lead nonattainment areas
to 10 from a baseline of 13; complete 48 cleanup actions at sites where lead is a
contaminant of concern; and increase the recertification rate of lead-based paint renovation,
repair and painting firms to 28 percent from a baseline of 23 percent.
• Cross-Cutting: Reduce per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) risks to the public.
By September 30, 2021, EPA will meet several of the designated Priority Action milestones
in the EPA PFAS Action Plan to establish a framework to understand and address PFAS.
Please note that the APG for accelerating permitting-related decisions, which directly supports
Goal 3, Objective 3.4: Streamline and Modernize involves work under Goal 1 and is agencywide
in scope.
FY 2021 Activities
Objective 1: Improve Air Quality. Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air
quality and ensure that more Americans are living and working in areas that meet high air
quality standards.
Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality, directly supports the following long-term performance goal in
the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 101.3
Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality, directly supports the following FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority
Goal (APG):
2 For EPA's APG Action Plans and Quarterly Updates, see https://www.performance.gov/EPA/.
3 The baseline is 166 nonattainment areas as of 10/1/2017.
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• Improve air quality by reducing the number of areas not meeting air quality
standards. By September 30, 2021, EPA, in close collaboration with states, will reduce
the number of nonattainment areas to 121 from a baseline of 147.
Key priorities for the Agency in FY 2021 continue to be re-designating areas to attainment of
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); improving the efficiency of the State
Implementation Plan review process; and streamlining the air permitting process. This strategic
objective is supported by core air program work highlighted below as well as the progress made
in the FY 2018-2019 APG and progress towards the FY 2020-2021 APG to reduce nonattainment
areas. As of October 2019, the number of nonattainment areas decreased to 143, from a baseline
universe of 166 (as of October 2017).
EPA works in partnership with states to reduce the number of nonattainment areas for the six
common pollutants in the United States - particulate matter up to 2.5 and 10 microns (PM2.5 and
PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone, carbon monoxide (CO) and lead (Pb).
Between 1970 and 2018, the combined emissions of these six criteria pollutants dropped by 74
percent.4 This progress occurred while the U.S. economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product,
grew by 275 percent,5 all while Americans drove more, and population and energy use increased.
However, in 2018, approximately 137 million people nationwide continued to live in counties with
pollution levels that did not meet standards for at least one criteria pollutant.6 This is about 40
percent of the U.S. population (based on 2010 census data). EPA works in cooperation with states,
tribes, and local governments to design and implement air quality standards and programs. EPA
relies on partnerships with other federal agencies, academia, researchers, industry, other
organizations, and the public to achieve improvements in air quality and reduce public health risks.
For FY 2021, EPA requests $437.3 million and 1,270.8 FTE to improve air quality. Highlights
include:
Criteria Pollutant and Air Toxics Standards Development and Implementation
EPA's criteria air pollutant program is critical to continued progress in reducing public health risks
and improving air quality. Listening to and working with state and tribal partners to set and
implement standards is key to achieving progress. The criteria pollutant program sets NAAQS,
which are then implemented by state, local, and tribal air agencies which have primary
responsibility under the Clean Air Act (CAA) for developing clean air plans. For FY 2021, EPA
requests $117.8 million for the Federal Support for Air Quality Management program to advance
this important work.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to prioritize key activities in support of attainment of the NAAQS.
The Agency will fulfill its CAA responsibilities by collaborating with and providing technical
assistance to states and tribes to develop implementation plans for attaining the NAAQS and
visibility improvement requirements; reviewing state and tribal implementation plans; acting on
4 The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common
air pollutants including carbon monoxide, lead, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide.
5 https://www.epa.gov/sites/productioii/files/2019-07/2018 baby graphical970-20IS.png.
6 https://gispub.epa.gOv/air/trendsreport/2019/#home.
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state implementation plan (SIP) and tribal implementation plan (TIP) submittals consistent with
statutory obligations; developing regulations and associated guidance to implement standards; and,
addressing transported air pollution. EPA will continue to focus on ways to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of the SIP/TIP process, including the Agency's internal standards for reviewing
SIPs and TIPs, with a goal of maximizing timely processing of state/tribal-requested
implementation plan actions to help increase progress toward re-designating areas to attainment.
In FY 2019, EPA reviewed and acted upon over 360 submitted SIPs.
EPA will continue to develop and implement national emission standards for stationary and mobile
sources and work with state, tribal and local air agencies to address air toxics problems in
communities. The CAA requires the development of National Emission Standards for Hazardous
Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for major sources and area sources; the assessment and determination
of whether more health-protective standards are necessary to address remaining risks after
implementation of NESHAP; and the periodic review and revision of NESHAP to reflect
developments in practices, processes, and control technologies. In addition, EPA must periodically
review and, where appropriate, revise both the list of air toxics subject to regulation and the list of
source categories for which standards must be developed.
Grants for State, Local and Tribal Air Quality Management
For FY 2021, EPA requests $160.9 million to provide federal support for grants to state and local
air quality management agencies and to tribes, where applicable, to manage and implement air
quality control programs. States, working with EPA, are responsible for SIPs, which provide a
blueprint for the programs and activities that states carry out to attain and maintain the NAAQS
and comply with visibility obligations. States operate and maintain their existing monitoring
networks to collect data used to develop and maintain clean air plans, support research, and inform
the public. Some grant funding also will be used to provide training to states and tribes.
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program
EPA develops, implements, and ensures compliance with national emission standards to reduce
mobile source-related air pollution from light-duty cars and trucks, heavy-duty trucks and buses,
nonroad engines and vehicles, and their fuels. The Program also evaluates new emission control
technology and provides information to state, tribal, and local air quality agencies on a variety of
transportation programs.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $80.9 million for the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and
Certification Program, which will prioritize certification decisions to ensure that manufacturers
are able to enter their engines and vehicles into commerce. In FY 2019, EPA issued over 4,700
certificates of conformity which demonstrate that engines, vehicles, equipment, components, or
systems conform to applicable emission requirements and may be entered in commerce. The
Agency will continue to perform its compliance oversight functions on priority matters, where
there is evidence to suggest noncompliance. EPA will continue to conduct testing activities for
pre-certification confirmatory testing for emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars.
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On November 13, 2018, EPA announced the Cleaner Trucks Initiative, a new rulemaking effort to
address NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks. In FY 2021, as a part of this rulemaking effort,
EPA will evaluate the technologies which can ensure real-world compliance with emissions
standards and also will seek opportunities to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework
for the heavy-duty highway sector.
Atmospheric Protection Program
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement the Atmospheric Protection Program, which requires
mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting from large industrial source categories in the U.S.,
covering a total of 41 sectors and approximately 8,000 reporting entities. The data is used to support
federal and state-level policy development, and to share with industry stakeholders, state and local
governments, the research community, and the public. In FY 2021, EPA also will work to complete
the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, a U.S. treaty obligation. In FY
2021, EPA requests $14.5 million for the Atmospheric Protection Program.
ENERGY STAR Program Fee Proposal
In FY 2021, EPA proposes to implement user fees for entities that participate in the ENERGY
STAR program. By administering the ENERGY STAR Program through the collection of user fees,
EPA would continue to provide a trusted resource for consumers and businesses who want to
purchase products that are energy-efficient, save money and help protect the environment. Entities
participating in the program would pay a fee that would offset the costs for managing and
administering the program. The fee collections would provide funding to replace, to the extent
allowable, an upfront appropriation of $46 million that covers FY 2021 expenses to develop,
operate, and maintain the ENERGY STAR Program.
Radiation
The Agency measures and monitors ambient radiation through RadNet, a fixed ambient
environmental radiation monitoring network that provides near real-time radiation monitoring
coverage near each of the 100 most populous U.S. cities as well as expanded geographic coverage
for a total of 140 monitoring sites. EPA also assesses radioactive contamination in the environment
and provides field support to mitigate radioactive releases and exposures.
The Agency also will support federal radiological emergency response operations under the
National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP). In FY 2021, EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT)
will maintain essential readiness to support federal radiological emergency response and recovery
operations under the NRF and NCP. EPA participates in interagency training and exercises to
maintain the RERT's ability to fulfill EPA's responsibilities. In FY 2021, the Budget includes
$12.2 million for the Radiation: Protection and Radiation: Response Preparedness Program
Projects.
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Objective 2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water. Ensure waters are clean through improved
water infrastructure and, in partnership with states and tribes, sustainably manage
programs to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and
subsistence activities.
Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance
with health-based standards to 2,700.7
• By September 30, 2022, increase by $40 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA
water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water State Revolving Fund [CWSRF],
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund [DWSRF] and Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act [WIFIA]).8
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water
not meeting standards by 37,000 square miles.9
Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water directly supports the following FY 2020-2021
Agency Priority Goal (APG):
• Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure investments. By
September 30, 2021, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by
the EPA water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water State Revolving Fund
[CWSRF], Drinking Water State Revolving Fund [DWSRF], and the Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act [WIFIA] Program).
Providing support to ensure safe drinking water in communities, increasing investment in water
infrastructure projects, and protecting surface water are priorities for EPA. The Nation's water
resources are the lifeblood of our communities, supporting our economy and way of life. Across
the country, we depend upon reliable sources of clean and safe water. Just a few decades ago,
many of the Nation's rivers, lakes, and estuaries were grossly polluted, wastewater received little
or no treatment, and drinking water systems provided very limited treatment to water coming
through the tap. As of September 2019, over 93 percent of the population served by community
water systems received drinking water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water
standards, and formerly impaired waters continue to be restored and now support recreational and
public health uses that contribute to healthy economies.
7 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated
fromFr 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
8 Baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the CWSRF and DWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017 (i.e.,
loans made from recycled loan repayments, bond proceeds, state match, and interest earnings). The baseline does not include
WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY 2018. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA Strategic
Plan published February 12, 2018.)
9 Baseline is 587,536 square miles of impaired waters as of August 30, 2019. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 Strategic
Plan published February 12, 2018.)
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A top priority for EPA is modernizing the outdated and aging water infrastructure on which the
American public depends. The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was recently
enacted to help address numerous drinking water and wastewater issues in large municipalities and
small rural communities. In addition, the WIFIA program will help accelerate investment in our
Nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally
and nationally significant projects. In FY 2021, EPA will focus resources on modernizing outdated
and aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; creating incentives for new
water technologies and innovation; and funding the core requirements of the Clean Water Act
(CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Agency will look to provide states and
tribes with flexibility to best address their priorities.
EPA will continue to provide loans and grants to states and tribes to improve water infrastructure.
Given that investment in infrastructure is necessary for economic growth and environmental
protection and that EPA investments are a catalyst for both, EPA's efforts will support private and
public investment in economic revitalization and improved environmental outcomes across the
country. This requires that EPA strengthen infrastructure in communities through its programs
(e.g., the DWSRF, CWSRF, and WIFIA) to better align EPA investments with each other and with
other investments in pursuit of economic revitalization and improved environmental outcomes. At
the same time, EPA will ensure it is serving disadvantaged communities, leveraging private
investment to grow the economy, and protecting human health and the environment.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $3.06 billion and 1,663.4 FTE to support this strategic objective, which
also is supported by other core water program work. Highlights include:
Water Infrastructure Investment
EPA has made significant progress in advancing water quality since enactment of the Clean Water
Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
Act over 40 years ago. However, serious water quality and water infrastructure challenges remain.
Many communities need to improve and maintain drinking water and wastewater infrastructure as
well as to develop the capacity to comply with new and existing standards. Tens of thousands of
homes, primarily in tribal and disadvantaged communities and the territories, lack access to basic
sanitation and drinking water. EPA will continue to support progress in these communities in FY
2021.
To help drive progress, the Agency has set the FY 2020-2021 APG that by September 30, 2021,
EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure
finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF, and WIFIA). During FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA increased
the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs by $20 billion,
exceeding our two-year FY 2018 - 2019 APG target of $16 billion. In addition to meeting the
APG, EPA met all the contributing indicators: Engagements with the Water Infrastructure
Community; Tools, Training, and Resources Provided to the Water Infrastructure Community; and
SRF State Reviews completed. The success of this metric is due to the collaborative efforts of
EPA, states, and local communities.
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EPA's water infrastructure programs also benefit from a close relationship with states, municipal,
and tribal governments, as well as industry and other public groups. In addition to EPA's long-
standing partnerships through the SRFs, the WIFIA credit program is working with both public
and private eligible borrowers to fund vital infrastructure projects. WIFIA is an innovative and
flexible financing mechanism and, as demonstrated by the first three rounds of applications and
selected projects, the program encourages a wide variety of finance approaches.10 As of October
2019, EPA has issued 14 WIFIA loans totaling over $3.5 billion in credit assistance to help finance
over $8 billion for water infrastructure projects and create over 15,000 jobs. WIFIA loans are wide-
ranging and have been issued to finance a myriad of projects from a new community drinking
water plant in Tennessee, to expanding a groundwater replenishment system in California, to the
development of a long-term water supply in Oregon communities that will be built to the highest
seismic safety standards for earthquake resiliency. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of
pending applications for projects that, when approved, may result in billions of dollars in water
infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. In FY 2021, WIFIA is expected to leverage
significant funding for infrastructure. The $25.0 million requested could provide up to $2 billion
in direct credit assistance, which, when combined with other funding sources, could spur over $4
billion in total infrastructure investment.11
EPA is focused on implementing the mandates included in the AWIA legislation, which
strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in water infrastructure in communities in
every state. AWIA strengthens many existing programs within EPA, while creating new programs
to tackle significant public health concerns and environmental needs. Composed within AWIA are
five program projects including; Drinking Fountain Lead Testing, Drinking Water Infrastructure
Resilience, Sewer Overflow Control grants, Technical Assistance for Treatment Works, and Water
Infrastructure and Workforce Investment. These programs are vital to protect public health, grow
the American economy and ensure that rural and urban communities from coast to coast can access
clean and safe water. AWIA will be critical to advance Agency priorities by increasing water
infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across the country. In
FY 2021, EPA requests $82 million in grant funding to support AWIA across the five program
projects. Of the AWIA grant funding, $10 million will be used to fund the Lead Exposure
Reduction Initiative through the Drinking Fountain Lead Testing program. In addition to the
AWIA grant funding, EPA requests $20 million for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water and $15
million for Lead Testing in Schools, which were authorized under Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the Nation Act, to support the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative.
Categorical Grants to States and Tribes
Protecting the Nation's water from pollution and contaminants relies on cooperation between EPA,
states, and tribes. States and tribes, with EPA support as needed, are best positioned to understand
and implement localized solutions to protect their waters. EPA will work with states, territories,
tribes, and local communities to better safeguard human health; maintain, restore, and improve
water quality; and make America's water systems sustainable and secure, supporting new
technology and innovation wherever possible.
10 https://www.epa.gov/wifia/wifia-letters-interest.
11 This approximation is based on notional calculations. Subsidy cost is determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
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In FY 2021, EPA requests funding for ongoing categorical grants that support state and tribal
implementation of the CWA and SDWA: Public Water System Supervision, Pollution Control
(CWA Section 106), Underground Injection Control (UIC), Wetlands Program Development
Grants, and a new grant program to reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs). These targeted funds
will assist states in reducing the causes and impacts of HABs, further details are described in the
clean water section below. Across all categorical grants, EPA will work with states and tribes to
target the funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to best address their priorities.
Funding for all the categorical grants to states and tribes to support core water programs is $253.3
million.
Geographic Programs
The EPA geographic programs support efforts to protect and restore various communities and
ecosystems impacted by environmental problems. Through a coordinated interagency process led
by the EPA, the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is helping to
restore the Great Lakes ecosystem. The request of $320 million and 68.5 FTE supports restoration
efforts that provide environmental and public health benefits to the region's 30 million Americans
and restores the economic health of the region. In addition, $3.2 million and 1.2 FTE are requested
to coordinate restoration activities in South Florida, including ongoing restoration efforts in the
Everglades and the Florida Keys where water quality and habitat are directly affected by land-
based sources of pollution. Due in part to South Florida funding, in 2019, greater than 90 percent
of Florida Keys homes and business are on advanced wastewater treatment systems and more than
30,000 septic tanks have been eliminated. Finally, $7.3 million is provided to support critical
activities in water quality monitoring in the Chesapeake Bay.
Safe Drinking Water
For FY 2021, EPA requests $101.8 million to support Drinking Water programs. EPA will work
to reduce lead risks through an updated Lead and Copper Rule and by developing regulations to
implement the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN) and the Reduction of
Lead in Drinking Water Act. EPA also will continue to work with states and tribes to protect
underground sources of drinking water from injection of fluids though the UIC program. In
addition, EPA will continue work with states to develop the next generation Safe Drinking Water
Information System (SDWIS) tools used by the majority of state drinking water programs. The
tools will provide many benefits including: improvements in program efficiency and data quality,
greater public access to drinking water data, facilitation of electronic reporting, reductions in
reporting burdens on laboratories and water utilities, reductions in data management burden for
states, and ultimately reductions in public health risk.
EPA's Drinking Water program also supports the FY 2020-2021 Lead APG and the
implementation of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated
Health Impacts. The Action Plan will help federal agencies work strategically and collaboratively
to reduce exposure to lead and improve children's health. As part of the new Lead APG, EPA will
establish drinking water lead testing programs in schools, provide training and technical assistance,
and leverage partnerships that support the use of the Training, Testing, and Taking Action toolkits.
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EPA's Drinking Water program also supports the FY 2020-2021 PFAS APG and the
implementation of elements of EPA's PFAS Action plan related to policy development and
regulatory efforts to address PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane
sulfonate (PFOS) and Gen-X chemicals, in drinking water systems. EPA is moving forward with
the drinking water standard setting process outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act for PFOA and
PFOS. EPA will work across the Agency—and the Federal Government—to develop a PFAS risk
communication toolbox that includes materials that states, tribes, and local partners can use to
effectively communicate with the public. In FY 2021, EPA requests $3.3 million with 2.8 FTE to
support this work.
Clean Water
In FY 2021, EPA requests $201.8 million for the Surface Water Protection Program, $22.6 million
for the Wetlands Program, and $4.7 million for the Marine Pollution Program. The FY 2021
request supports the following core Surface Water Protection program components: water quality
criteria, standards and technology-based effluent guidelines; National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES); water monitoring; Total Maximum Daily Loads; watershed
management; water reuse; water infrastructure and grants management; core wetlands programs
and CWA Section 106 program management. Work under these programs supports EPA's long-
term performance goal to reduce the number of square miles of watersheds with surface waters not
meeting standards. As of September 2019, over 12,700 square miles of waters not attaining water
quality standards, as reported in December 2018, are now achieving standards. EPA will continue
to implement and support the core water quality programs that control point source discharges
through permitting and pre-treatment programs. The NPDES program under the Clean Water Act
will continue to work with states to structure the permit program, support its implementation and
better pursue protection of water quality on a watershed basis. The FY 2021 request also includes
$819 thousand with 0.7 FTE to implement the PFAS Action Plan.
HABs, which can be caused by nutrient pollution, remain a widespread water quality challenge
across the country despite decades of effort to achieve reductions. In FY 2021, EPA requests $15.0
million to establish a new competitive grant program to fund prevention and response efforts for
HABs that pose significant health or economic risks. The request also includes $2.9 million with
2.5 FTE to support the advancement of a more comprehensive approach to addressing harmful
algal blooms, enhancing market mechanisms, and coordinating surveillance pilots, including
through Interagency Agreements with other federal partners to better predict HABs. Work under
these programs supports EPA's metric to reduce the number of square miles of watersheds with
surface waters not meeting standards due to nutrients.
The Agency will continue to ensure waters are clean through partnerships with states and tribes.
EPA will provide support to states and municipalities in coastal regions and on maj or river systems.
The FY 2021 requests $4.7 million with 3.0 FTE to expand trash capture and prevention programs
tied to water quality and waste management goals to reduce ocean pollution and plastics. The
resources would focus on high impact activities, such as expanding trash prevention, clean-up, and
monitoring programs. In addition, EPA will continue to emphasize efforts on small and rural
community water systems. As part of a larger proposal, $50 thousand is provided to the Agency's
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water programs to support circuit rider technical assistance to Indian tribes and rural water systems
to help achieve compliance with drinking water and wastewater regulations.
Congress passed several pieces of legislation at the end of 2018, including the Integrated Planning
Bill and the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), which assign new programming and
oversight responsibilities to EPA. In FY 2021, EPA will continue work to implement the mandates
included in the new legislation.
Homeland Security
In FY 2021, EPA will coordinate and support protection of the Nation's critical water
infrastructure from terrorist threats and all-hazard events. Under the homeland security mission,
EPA will annually train over 2,500 water utilities, state officials, and federal emergency responders
on resiliency to natural or manmade incidents that could endanger water and wastewater services.
EPA will continue to develop the most efficient mechanisms for detecting and addressing harmful
substances in the water distribution system. In addition, EPA will fulfill its obligations under
Executive Order (EO) 13 63 6 - Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity - which designates
EPA as the lead federal agency responsible for cybersecurity in the water sector. In FY 2021, EPA
will conduct nationwide, in-person training sessions in cybersecurity threats and countermeasures
for approximately 200 water and wastewater utilities.
Objective 3: Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination. Provide better leadership and
management to properly clean up contaminated sites to revitalize and return the land back
to communities.
Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination directly supports the following long-
term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, make 255 additional Superfund sites ready for anticipated use
(RAU) site-wide.12
• By September 30, 2022, make 3,420 additional brownfields sites RAU.13
• By September 30, 2022, make 536 additional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) corrective action facilities RAU.14
• By September 30, 2022, complete 56,000 additional leaking underground storage tank
(LUST) cleanups that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater
migration.15
12 By the end of FY 2017, 836 Superfund sites had been made RAU site-wide.
13 From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2017, 5,993 brownfield properties/sites had been made RAU. (Footnote updated fromFJ
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
14 From FY 1987 through FY 2017,1,232 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made
RAU site-wide. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
15 By the end of FY 2017,469,898 LUST cleanups had been completed.
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Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination directly supports the following FY
2020-2021 Agency Priority Goal (APG):
• Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in their communities.
By September 30, 2021, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund sites and 1,368
brownfields sites ready for anticipated use (RAU).
For the FY 2018-2019 APG, EPA made 99 Superfund sites RAU, 97 percent of the two-year goal
of 102 sites and 1,771 brownfields sites RAU, 133 percent of the two-year goal of 1,368 sites.
EPA works to improve the health and livelihood of all Americans by cleaning up and returning
land to productive use, preventing contamination, and responding to emergencies. In FY 2021, the
Agency is accelerating the pace of cleanups and reuse while addressing risks to human health and
the environment. EPA uses its resources to enhance the livability and economic vitality of
neighborhoods in and around hazardous waste sites, by collaborating with and leveraging efforts
of other federal agencies, industry, states, tribes, and local communities. EPA also partners with
states, tribes, local communities, and industry to prevent and reduce exposure to harmful
contaminants. Superfund and RCRA provide the legal authority for EPA's work to protect and
restore land. The Agency and its partners use Superfund authority to clean up uncontrolled or
abandoned hazardous waste sites, allowing land to be returned to productive use which benefits
communities and the economy. Under RCRA, EPA works in partnership with states and tribes to
address risks associated with the generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste,
and to clean up contamination at active sites. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance
and coordinate national efforts to increase the recycling of municipal solid waste and to reduce
food loss and waste. The FY 2021 request includes new resources targeted to advance this work
and realize the goal of cutting food waste in half in the next decade.
EPA will continue to collaborate with international, state, tribal, and local governments while
considering the effects of decisions on communities. The Agency engages communities to help
them understand and address risks posed by intentional and accidental releases of hazardous
substances into the environment and to ensure that communities have an opportunity to participate
in environmental decisions that affect them. Risk communication goes to the heart of EPA's
mission and effective risk communication and community engagement builds trust and often leads
to better decisions. In all this work, EPA's efforts are guided by scientific data, tools, and research
that alert the American people to emerging issues and inform decisions on managing materials and
addressing contaminated properties.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $1,104 billion and 2,073.5 FTE to support this objective. To maximize
effectiveness, EPA will focus on implementing programs where a federal presence is required by
statute. Highlights include:
Cleaning Up Contaminated Sites
EPA's cleanup programs (i.e., Superfund Remedial, Superfund Federal Facilities, Superfund
Emergency Response and Removal, RCRA Corrective Action, Underground Storage Tanks and
Brownfields) work cooperatively with state, tribal, and local partners to take proactive steps to
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facilitate the cleanup and revitalization of contaminated properties. Cleanup programs protect both
human health and the environment and return sites to productive use, which is important to the
economic wellbeing of communities. Working with partners across the country, EPA engages with
communities in site cleanup decisions, fosters employment opportunities in communities, and
promotes the redevelopment of blighted areas.
Superfund Remedial
One of EPA's top priorities is accelerating progress on the cleanup and reuse of Superfund sites.
The reuse of a site often can play a role in economically revitalizing a community. As of FY 2019,
EPA data show that approximately 1,000 Superfund sites are in reuse, more than half the number
of sites ever placed on the National Priority List. EPA has data on over 9,100 businesses at 602 of
these sites. In FY 2019 alone, these businesses generated $58.3 billion in sales. These businesses
employed more than 208,000 people who earned a combined income of over $14 billion. The
Superfund Remedial Program demonstrates that environmental protection and economic
development can grow hand in hand.
In 2017, EPA convened a Superfund Task Force that identified 42 recommendations to streamline
and improve the Superfund process. The recommendations are structured around five goals related
to many aspects of Superfund, including site identification, remedy selection and implementation,
and subsequent reuse. As of September 2019, all 42 recommendations have been implemented by
the Superfund program. Superfund Task Force accomplishments, including detailed information
on implementation efforts and performance measures for tracking progress, can be found in the
Superfund Task Force Recommendations Final Report.16
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to advance cleanup and revitalize once productive
properties. This will be achieved by: removing contamination; enabling economic development;
taking advantage of existing infrastructure; and maintaining and improving quality of life. There
are multiple benefits associated with cleaning up contaminated sites. For example, recent research
indicates that Superfund cleanup lowered the risk of elevated blood lead levels by roughly 8 to 18
percent for children living within two kilometers of a Superfund site where lead is a contaminant
of concern.17 This work supports the FY 2020-FY 2021 Lead APG. Additional research shows
that residential property values within three miles of Superfund sites increased between 18.7 to
24.4 percent when sites were cleaned up and deleted from the National Priorities List (NPL).18
In FY 2021, EPA requests $482.3 million for the Superfund Remedial Program. EPA will continue
its statutory responsibility to provide oversight of potentially responsible parties (PRP)-led
activities at Superfund sites, consistent with legal settlement documents, and statutorily required
five-year reviews. Additionally, in FY 2021, $1.0 million is requested in the Superfund Remedial
Program to support implementation of the PFAS Action Plan, including providing tools to help
states and communities assess and address existing contamination.
16 The Superfund Task Force (SFTF) Recommendations Final Report can be found at:
https: // semspub. epa. go v/work/FtO/100002231 .pdf.
17 Klemick, H., H. Mason and K. Sullivan. January 2019. Superfund Cleanups and Children's Lead Exposure, NCEE Working
Paper 19-01, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-01/documents/2019-01 .pdf.
18 Gamper-Rabindran, Shanti and Christopher Timmons. 2013. Does cleanup of hazardous waste sites raise housing values?
Evidence of spatially localized benefits. Journal ofEnvironmental Economics and Management 65(3): 345-360.
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Superfund Federal Facilities
Federal facility sites are among the largest in the Superfund program, accounting for a high
percentage of the annual program cleanup commitments and encompassing some of the most
dangerous and unique environmental contaminants, including munitions, radiological waste, and
emerging contaminants such as PFAS. EPA works closely with other federal agencies, states,
tribes, and stakeholders to ensure protective and cost-effective cleanups at these NPL sites.
Cleaning up contaminated sites at federal facilities can serve as a catalyst for economic growth
and community revitalization. As part of an FY 2019 study, 22 federal facility Superfund sites in
reuse a total of 1,400 businesses generated $9.4 billion in annual sales and provide 115,000 jobs
and $7 billion in annual employment income.19 To further this work, the FY 2021 Budget requests
$21.6 million for this program.
Superfund Removal
Over the past decade, EPA completed or oversaw over 3,066 Superfund removal actions across
the country. This work is performed as part of the overarching effort to clean up contaminants and
protect human health and the environment. In the event of an emergency, EPA's Superfund
Emergency Response and Removal Program is charged with preventing, limiting, mitigating, or
containing chemical, oil, radiological, biological, or hazardous materials released during and in
the aftermath of an incident. Typical situations requiring emergency response and removal actions
vary greatly in size, nature, and location, and include chemical releases, fires or explosions, natural
disasters, and other threats to people from exposure to hazardous substances. EPA's 24-hour-a-
day response capability is a cornerstone element of the National Contingency Plan.20 In FY 2021,
EPA requests $170.7 million for the Superfund Emergency Response and Removal Program.
RCRA Corrective Action
The RCRA Corrective Action Program is responsible for overseeing and managing cleanups at
active RCRA sites. States have requested EPA participate in work sharing under this program, and
the Agency serves in a lead or support role for a significant number of complex and challenging
cleanups in both non-authorized and authorized states. To date EPA has authorized 44 states and
one territory to directly implement the RCRA Corrective Action Program.21 In FY 2019, EPA
approved 127 RCRA corrective action facilities as ready for anticipated use. To advance this work
in FY 2021, the Budget includes $35.1 million to support the RCRA Corrective Action Program.
Underground Storage Tanks
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) program has achieved significant success in addressing
releases since the beginning of the program. Data show that of the approximately 550,900 releases
reported since the beginning of the UST program in 1988, there have been 493,589 sites cleaned
up (as of the end of FY 2019); 90 percent have reached the equivalent of RAU for this program.
19 For additional information, refer to: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/redevelopment-economics-federal-facilities.
20 For additional information, refer to: https://www.epa.gov/emergencv-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-
pollution-contingency-plan-ncp-overview.
21 State implementation of the RCRA Corrective Action program is funded through the STAG (Program Project 11) and
matching State contributions.
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Approximately 57,300 releases remain that have not reached cleanup completion. EPA is working
with states to develop and implement specific strategies and activities applicable to their specific
sites to reduce remaining UST releases. A 2018 study found that high profile UST releases
decrease nearby property values by 2 to 6 percent. However, once cleanup is completed, property
values rebound by a similar margin.22 EPA requests a total of $52.9 million in FY 2021 for UST
direct cleanup and state cooperative agreements.
Brownfields
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a brownfields site that receives EPA funding.23 By awarding brownfields grants, EPA is
making investments in communities so that they can advance environmental health, economic
growth, and job creation. As of January 2020, grants awarded by the program have led to over
88,900 acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over 156,500 jobs and $29.5 billion
leveraged. From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2019, 7,741 brownfields properties/sites had been
made RAU. During FY 2019, EPA achieved 910 brownfields sites RAU, exceeding the annual
target. Ongoing data cleanup activities have improved the quality of the program's statistics.
This program has a direct economic effect, for instance, a 2017 study found that housing property
values increased 5 to 15.2 percent near brownfields sites when cleanup was completed.24 Another
2017 study of 48 brownfields sites showed an estimated $29 to $97 million in additional tax
revenue generated for local governments in a single year after cleanup; this is 2 to 7 times more
than the $12.4 million EPA contributed to the cleanup of those brownfields.25 The creation of
Qualified Opportunity Zones through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act complements EPA's
brownfields funding by incentivizing private sector investment in the redevelopment of
brownfields located in economically distressed communities. This redevelopment not only
improves environmental quality, but also leads to diversified economies, improved job
opportunities, and restored fiscal health in municipalities. The FY 2021 Budget provides $129.6
million, including $18 million targeted for Opportunity Zones, to advance brownfields work and
continue these positive returns to the environment, public health, and the economy.
Preserving Land
Preventing the release of contamination in the first place can be one of the most cost-effective
ways of providing Americans with clean land. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to work with our
state and tribal partners to prevent releases of contamination, allowing the productive use of
facilities and land and contributing to communities' economic vitality, while avoiding expensive
cleanup costs.
22Guignet, D. R. Jenkins, M. Ranson, and P. Walsh. 2018. Contamination and Incomplete Information: Bounding Implicit Prices
using High-Pro file Leaks, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. 88: 259-282.
https://doi.Org/10.1016/j.jeem.2017.12.003.
23 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of FY16; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
24 Haninger, K., L. Ma, and C. Timmins. 2017. The Value of Brownfield Remediation. Journal of the Association of Environmental
and Resource Economists, 4(1): 197-24L https://ideas.repec.Org/a/ucp/iaerec/doil 0.1.086-689743.htm.
25 Sullivan, Karen A. 2017. Brownfields Remediation: Impact on Local Residential Property Values. Journal of Environmental
Assessment Policy and Management, 19(1), https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/S1464333217500132.
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Chemical Facility Safety
EPA plays a valuable role in working with states and communities to build capacity to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies at chemical facilities. The program establishes a structure
for federal, state, local, and tribal partners to work together with industry to protect emergency
responders, local communities, and property from chemical risks through advanced technologies,
community engagement, and improved safety systems. In FY 2021, the program will prioritize
inspection of facilities required to have a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to ensure compliance
with accident prevention and preparedness activities. In FY 2021, EPA requests $10.9 million for
the State and Local Prevention and Preparedness Program.
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness Fee Proposal
In FY 2021, EPA continues to propose new fee authority in the State and Local Prevention and
Preparedness Program to better support compliance assistance work for RMP facilities. Once
authorized, the new voluntary fee and service would provide support for facilities in complying
with EPA regulations. Authorizing language for the new fee collection accompanies the FY 2021
Budget submission.
RCRA Waste Management
Approximately 60,000 facilities generate and safely manage hazardous waste in the United States.
While states have primary responsibility for efforts related to permitting hazardous waste units
(such as incinerators and landfills), 80 percent of the U.S. population live within three miles of one
of these facilities, making national standards and procedures for managing hazardous wastes a
necessity.26
In FY 2021, permits for these activities will be issued, updated, or maintained as necessary. EPA
will continue to directly implement the entire RCRA program in two states and provides
leadership, work-sharing, and support to the states and territories authorized to implement the
permitting program. In addition, EPA will review and approve polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
cleanup, storage, and disposal activities as this federal authority is not delegable to state programs.
The FY 2021 Budget includes $0.7 million, including 1 FTE, for RCRA Waste Management as
part of a broader EPA effort to reduce sources of ocean pollution, particularly plastics, as part of
the sharing of waste management approaches and technical assistance with select developing
countries and vulnerable communities. In total, the FY 2021 Budget provides $50.4 million to the
RCRA Waste Management program.
Recycling and Food Waste
In FY 2021, EPA will focus on the priority areas of improving the U.S. recycling system and
preventing food waste and loss. Activities will include performing a needs assessment of the U.S.
recycling industry to inform future work for EPA's and/or other agencies' supporting efforts to
26 U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Estimate. 2014. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of
the end of FY 2011 from RCRAInfo; and (2) census data from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey.
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maintain a sustainable and resilient recycling industry. Different definitions and recycling rate
methodologies across the country create challenges to setting goals and tracking progress. EPA
will develop and report new metrics for evaluating recycling system performance. EPA also will
administer two grant programs: The Community Recycling Infrastructure and Capacity Building
Grant for state and local governments to build and enhance recycling capacity and infrastructure
around the country and the Local Government and Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Food
Waste Campaign Strategy Grant to study effective food waste management campaigns and to assist
local entities with educating the public about recycling and organics management. Finally, EPA
will support a pilot innovation incentive program to encourage the creation of products made with
recycled content and increased the use of recycled materials in manufacturing. To support these
efforts, the FY 2021 Budget includes $4.2 million with 5.0 FTEforthe RCRA Waste Minimization
and Recycling program.
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
On October 5, 2012, the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act was enacted,
requiring EPA to develop and maintain a hazardous waste electronic manifest system. The system
is designed to, among other functions, assemble and maintain the information contained in the
estimated two million manifest forms accompanying hazardous waste shipments across the Nation
annually. On June 30, 2018, EPA launched the e-Manifest system, giving generators, transporters,
and receiving facilities the option of using electronic manifests. The e-Manifest system improves
knowledge of waste generation and final disposition, enhances access to manifest information, and
provides greater transparency for the public about hazardous waste shipments. From the e-
Manifest Program launch through November 2019, EPA has received over 2,600,000 manifests
and collected $19.2 million in fees. EPA estimates the e-Manifest system will reduce the burden
associated with paper manifests by between 175,000 and 425,000 hours, saving state and industry
users more than $50 million annually, once electronic manifests are widely adopted.27 In FY 2021,
EPA will operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency will continue to collect and utilize fees
for the full costs of operation of the system and necessary program expenses. EPA will no longer
accept mailed paper manifests after June 30, 2021. To ensure a seamless transition to the e-
Manifest system, EPA will continue to engage industry users through regular webinars and
targeted demonstrations on how to use the e-Manifest system in FY 2021. In addition, EPA will
continue to work with individual generators and associated groups to increase their registration
and use of the e-Manifest system, which will allow for greater electronic adoption.
Oil Spill Prevention Preparedness and Response
Inland oil spills can threaten human health, cause severe environmental damage, and create
financial loss to industry and the public. The Oil Spill program helps protect the American people
by effectively preventing, preparing for, responding to, and monitoring inland oil spills. EPA
serves as the lead responder for cleanup of all inland zone spills, including transportation-related
spills, and provides technical assistance and support to the U.S. Coast Guard for coastal and
maritime oil spills. In FY 2021, EPA requests a total of $13.0 million for the Oil Spill Prevention,
Preparedness and Response Program to continue to ensure compliance with preventative measures
27Details can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/learn-about-hazardous-waste-electronic-manifest-svstem-e-manifest.
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through inspections, deliver required annual oil spill inspector training to federal and state
inspectors, and maintain the National Oil Database and National Contingency Plan product
schedule.
Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Fee Proposal
In FY 2021, EPA continues to propose a new fee authority in the Oil Spill Prevention,
Preparedness, and Response Program to better support compliance assistance work for Facility
Response Plan (FRP) and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) facilities. Once
authorized, the new voluntary fee and service would provide support for facilities in complying
with EPA regulations.
Homeland Security
Terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and natural disasters can result in acutely toxic chemical,
biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) contamination causing sickness or death, disruption
of drinking water and wastewater services, economic hardship in communities, and even shutdown
of urban areas. EPA's Homeland Security work is an important component of the Agency's
prevention, protection, and response activities. The FY 2021 Budget includes $32.0 million to
maintain Agency capability to respond to incidents that may involve harmful CBRN substances.
Resources will allow the Agency to develop and maintain expertise and operational readiness to
respond to emergencies. Funding of $1.5 million also is included to begin formally planning for
the next generation of mobile lab detection and to fund a www.challenge.gov initiative to
crowdsource innovative ideas for creative technology concepts that could replace current
technology.
Objective 4: Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace. Effectively implement the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are reviewed for their potential
risks to human health and the environment and actions are taken when necessary.
Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace, directly supports the following
long-term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, complete all EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations for existing
chemicals in accordance with statutory timelines.28
• By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA risk management actions for existing
chemicals in accordance with statutory timelines.29
• By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations
in accordance with statutory timelines.30
28 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
29 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
30 Baseline is 58.4 percent of determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
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• By September 30, 2022, complete all cases of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-mandated decisions for the pesticides registration review
program.31
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA)
registration decision timeframe by an average of 60 days.32
Chemicals and pesticides released into the environment as a result of their manufacture,
processing, use, or disposal can threaten human health and the environment. To address this threat,
EPA gathers and assesses information about the risks associated with pesticides and other
chemicals and implements risk management strategies when needed. EPA's research efforts will
help advance the Agency's ability to assess chemicals more rapidly and accurately.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $243.4 million and 1,083.5 FTE for this strategic objective. Highlights
include:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
In 2016, TSCA was amended by enactment of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the
21st Century Act. This amendment gave EPA significant new, as well as continuing,
responsibilities for ensuring that chemicals in or entering commerce do not present unreasonable
risks to human health and the environment, including potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulations. EPA works to ensure the safety of: (1) existing chemicals (those already in use
when TSCA was enacted in 1976 and those which have gone through the TSCA new chemical
review since then), by obtaining and evaluating chemical data and taking regulatory action, where
appropriate, to prevent any unreasonable risk posed by their use; and (2) new chemicals, by
reviewing and taking action on new chemical notices submitted by industry, including Pre-
Manufacture Notices, to ensure that no unreasonable risk will be posed by such chemicals upon
their entry into U.S. commerce.
EPA made considerable progress towards meeting the FY 2018-2019 APG for TSCA risk
management actions and TSCA risk evaluations with key milestones achieved or in progress as of
the end of FY 2019.33 The Agency expects to complete risk evaluations under amended TSCA for
the initial set of ten chemicals in FY 2020. Substantial progress has already been made, with the
publication of scoping documents for these evaluations on schedule in June 2017, followed by the
completion of problem formulation documents in June 2018. EPA has released draft risk
evaluations for seven of the 10 chemicals (as of January 2020) for public comment and peer
review. In addition, the Agency recently granted a manufacturer request to undertake risk
evaluations for two chemicals used in plastic production, Diisodecyl Phthalate (DIDP) and
Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP). In FY 2020, EPA will publish scoping documents for risk
evaluations for 20 High-Priority Chemicals designated in December 2019. Going forward, the
31 Baseline is 239 decisions completed by the close of FY 2017 out of the known universe of 725. (Footnote updated from .FT
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
32 Baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients
completed in FY 2015-2017.
33 More details can be found at: https://www.performance.gov/EPA/APG epa 6.html.
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Agency will maintain 20 EPA-initiated evaluations on an on-going basis.34 The Agency has
identified 20 Low-Priority Chemicals which will not undergo risk evaluation. In FY 2021, EPA
will work to develop drafts of the 20 new risk evaluations, commence associated peer reviews, and
develop risk management actions to address any unreasonable risks identified in the risk
evaluations for the first 10 chemicals to be completed in FY 2020. In FY 2021, as required by
statute, EPA also will promulgate five rules to address risks associated with five Persistent,
Bioaccumulative and Toxic chemicals referenced in amended TSCA. A proposed rule was issued
in June 2019.35
Although substantially improved from FY 2018, the performance rate of FY 2019 TSCA pre-
manufacture notice (PMN) final determinations completed within 90 days was 78 percent, slightly
below the 80 percent target for both the FY 2018-2019 APG and FY 2019 annual performance
goal. Contributing factors included frequent submitter requests for suspensions of review,
increased complexity of the review process under amended TSCA, and continuing need for
recruitment and training of new staff. Given the positive year-over-year trend, EPA expects to
meet the long-term performance goal to complete all PMN final determinations within 90 days by
FY 2022. EPA expects continued improvement by applying findings from the Lean assessments
completed in FY 2018 and FY 2019, introducing further information technology enhancements,
and bringing additional staff on board. The Agency continues to meet 100 percent of final TSCA
new chemical determinations within the full timeframes allowable by statute (including statutorily-
allowable extensions).
In FY 2021, TSCA resources also will be used to support the FY 2020-2021 APG on reducing
childhood lead exposures and associated health impacts, including maintaining an adequate supply
of trained and certified lead-based paint professionals. By September 30, 2021, EPA will increase
the recertification rate of lead-based paint renovation, repair, and painting firms to 28 percent from
a baseline of 23 percent. EPA will strive to increase the recertification rate through outreach to
industry and will continue to publish an updated list of certified renovation firms on the agency's
website.36
In FY 2021, EPA will support its chemical safety work through a combination of $69.0 million in
requested appropriated resources and revenue from TSCA user fees.
Promote Children's Environmental Health
Following the Administrator's FY 2019 reaffirmation of EPA's Policy on Evaluating Health Risks
to Children to address their unique vulnerabilities, the Office of Children's Health Protection
(OCHP) has provided assistance and information to EPA program offices to support actions under
TSCA, FPQA, SDWA and other statutes.37 In FY 2019, the Children's Health Protection Advisory
Committee (CHPAC) met three times and began work to provide advice on how EPA can better
34 More details can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/chemical-substances-
undergoing-prioritization-high.
35 More details can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/regulation-chemicals-under-
section-6a-toxic-substances.
36 https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearch.
37https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-10/documents/childrens health policy reaffirmation memo.10.ll.18.pdf.
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communicate risks to children's health to diverse audiences.38 In response to CHPAC's advice,
EPA began working with the National Institute of Environmental Health Services to plan a national
workshop focusing on Children's Health and Wildfires to be held in April 2020. The committee
was reauthorized and is poised to provide further guidance, with opportunity for public input, to
the Agency on topics relevant to the protection of children's environmental health. Overall, EPA
reached more than 118,000 stakeholders in FY 2019. These stakeholders included; parents,
teachers, health care providers, state, tribal, and local government officials, day care providers,
researchers and academia, community-based organizations, industry representatives, and the
general public. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide advice and assistance to assure
appropriate consideration of risks to children at all developmental life stages, from pregnancy
through age 21, and to workers of childbearing ages. As EPA engages with stakeholders during
FY 2021 to promote children's environmental health, emphasis will be placed on implementing
the FY 2020 initiative to address children's environmental health in schools and childcare settings.
Healthy Schools Grant Program
Although EPA provides grant funding to a wide range of initiatives focused on addressing risks to
children's health, the Agency has no comprehensive environmental health management program
to support school administrators and others in identifying and addressing some of the most
common areas of environmental health concerns found in schools. To address this need, the FY
2021 Budget proposes a Healthy Schools Grant Program. This Program is a multi-media grant that
provides funding to identify and help prevent, reduce, and resolve environmental hazards and
prevent childhood lead poisoning, reduce asthma triggers, promote integrated pest management,
and reduce childhood exposure to one or more chemicals in schools, including public and faith-
based schools and childcare centers. EPA recognizes that school environmental health challenges
differ due to variations in geography, age of school infrastructure, population density, and other
factors.
The Healthy Schools Grant Program was designed to protect children and teachers in environments
in which they live, play, and work. In FY 2021, EPA requests $50 million to implement this grant
program which will target the highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment
in school settings.
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program supports EPA's mission, including its chemical
safety program, by annually making available to the public data reported by industrial and federal
facilities on the quantities of toxic chemicals they release each year to air, water or land, or
otherwise manage as waste (e.g., through recycling). These facilities also disclose any pollution
prevention practices they implemented during the year. TRI is the Agency's premiere source of
data on toxic chemicals release and management for communities, non-governmental
organizations, industrial facilities, academia, and government agencies. The data collected by EPA
pertain to more than 650 individual toxic chemicals, and more than 30 chemical categories, from
over 20,000 industrial and federal facilities. The Agency employs targeted system enhancements
38 For additional information, refer to: https://www.epa.gov/children/chpac.
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to better manage information flows and scientific tools and models. EPA's FY 2021 budget
proposal includes $8.1 million to continue to advance the work of this program.
Pesticides
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary federal law
governing oversight of pesticide manufacture, distribution, and use in the United States. FIFRA
requires EPA to register pesticides based on a finding that they will not cause unreasonable adverse
effects on people and the environment. The finding must consider the economic, social, and
environmental costs and benefits of the uses of the pesticides. Each time the law has been amended,
Congress has strengthened FIFRA's safety standards while continuing to require consideration of
pesticide benefits.
Every 15 years, EPA reevaluates previously registered pesticides to ensure they meet current
standards. EPA's Pesticides Program remains on track to meet the statutory completion date for
this 15-year Registration Review period, which is October 1, 2022. As of the end of FY 2019, 383
final decisions of a known universe of 725 cases were completed and 549 draft risk assessments
of a known universe of 725 cases were completed. Through the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act (PRIA), the Program continues to ensure new products meet U.S. safety
standards, expediting the licensing of new products so they are available in the marketplace for
use in agricultural, consumer, and public health pest control needs.
In addition to FIFRA, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) governs the maximum
allowable level of pesticides in and on food grown and sold in the United States. The legal level
of a pesticide residue on a food or food item is referred to as a tolerance. FFDCA requires that the
establishment, modification, or revocation of tolerances be based on a finding of a "reasonable
certainty of no harm." Whereas FIFRA is a risk-based statute that allows for consideration of the
benefits of pesticide use in determining whether to register a pesticide, FFDCA is a risk-only
statute, and benefits cannot be used in determining whether the tolerance meets the safety standard.
When evaluating the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance, EPA seeks to
harmonize the tolerance with the maximum residue levels set by other countries to enhance the
trade of agricultural commodities.
EPA's Pesticide Licensing Program evaluates new pesticides before they reach the market and
ensures that pesticides already in commerce are safe when used in accordance with the label as
directed by FIFRA, FFDCA, and the Food Quality Protection Act. EPA is responsible for licensing
(registering) new pesticides and periodically reevaluating (registration review) older pesticides to
protect consumers, pesticide users, workers who may be exposed to pesticides, children, and other
sensitive populations, while considering the benefits associated with the use of the pesticide.
In FY 2021, $95.1 million in appropriated funds is requested to support EPA's Pesticide
Registration Review and Registration programs. Identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks
presented by the pesticides on which our society and economy relies is integral to ensuring
environmental and human safety. Chemical and biological pesticides help meet national and global
demands for food. They provide effective pest control for homes, schools, gardens, highways,
hospitals, and drinking water treatment facilities, while also controlling vectors of disease. The
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Pesticides Program ensures that the pesticides available in the U.S. are safe when used as directed.
The Program places priority on reduced-risk pesticides that, once registered, will result in
increased societal benefits. In FY 2021, appropriated funding will be augmented by approximately
$49.8 million in pesticides registration and maintenance user fees, as authority to collect fees is
provided through FY 2023 by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018
(PRIA 4).
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing
pesticides, and other registration requests in accordance with all statutory requirements. In
addition, the Agency will review, under the Pesticides Registration Review Program, pesticides
already in the market against current scientific standards for human health. The Agency has been
working on reducing the average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active
ingredients; however, in FY 2019 performance fell short of the annual target for reducing PRIA
registration decision timeframes. In FY 2019, EPA took an average of 686 days to complete PRIA
decisions, 55 days above the target of 631. Contributing factors that added time included: (1) three
of the 14 completions had longer statutory timeframes; (2) the total number of new active
ingredient completions in FY 2019 was somewhat lower than normal; and (3) 12 of the 14
completions required renegotiation of the PRIA due date. Reasons for the renegotiation of the
PRIA due date in FY 2019 included: deficient applications; additional studies required; risk
mitigation issues; public participation process; and the Federal Register Notice publication
process. To bring results back in alignment with annual targets towards the long-term performance
goal, EPA will take steps to support improvements to the new active ingredient review
process. Additionally, the ongoing IT-modernization effort whereby EPA will be moving to an
entirely electronic pesticide review process is expected to result in efficiencies that would reduce
the average registration decision timeframe for new active ingredients.
The Agency will continue to invest resources to improve the compliance of pesticide registrations
with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including continuing its leadership of the FIFRA-ESA
Interagency Working Group formed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Funding will ensure that
pesticides are correctly registered and applied in a manner that protects water quality. EPA will
continue registration and registration review requirements for antimicrobial, biopesticide, and
conventional pesticides. Additionally, the Pesticides Program continues to focus on pollinator
health, working with other federal partners, states, and private stakeholder groups to stem
pollinator declines and increase pollinator habitat.
The Agency's worker protection, certification, and training programs will encourage safe pesticide
application practices. The Certification of Pesticide Applicators regulation requires states, tribes,
and Federal Agencies to submit to EPA by March 4, 2020, revised certification plans to continue
to administer applicator certification programs in their jurisdictions. In FY 2021, EPA will review
more than 50 state, tribal, and Federal Agency certification plans for approval. These updated plans
will strengthen the baseline for applicator certification standards across the country. EPA also will
continue to provide training to state regulators and inspectors and regions on the revised
regulations to ensure accurate implementation and protection of America's workforce.
Through the Pesticides Program implementation, EPA also will continue outreach and training to
healthcare providers in the recognition and management of pesticide-related illnesses. The
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outreach focuses on efforts to train clinicians serving the migrant and seasonal farmworker
community, further improving the treatment of agricultural workers and communities potentially
exposed to pesticides. EPA will continue to emphasize reducing exposures from pesticides used
in and around homes, schools, and other public areas. Together, these activities and programs will
minimize exposure to pesticides, maintain a safe and affordable food supply, address public health
issues, and minimize property damage that can occur from insects, pests, and microbes.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
More Effective Partnerships
More Effective Partnerships: Provide certainty to states, localities, tribal nations, and the
regulated community in carrying out shared responsibilities and communicating results to all
Americans.
Strategic Objectives:
• Improve environmental protection through shared governance and enhanced
collaboration with state, tribal, local, and federal partners using the full range of
compliance assurance tools.
• Listen to and collaborate with impacted stakeholders and provide effective platforms for
public participation and meaningful engagement.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
More Effective Partnerships
$318,487.7
$323,893.0
$243,870.0
-$80,023.0
Enhance Shared Accountability
$304,194.9
$305,126.0
$241,141.0
-$63,985.0
Increase Transparency and Public
Participation
$14,292.8
$18,767.0
$2,729.0
-$16,038.0
Total Authorized Workyears
1,045.7
1,049.6
855.5
-194.1
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Goal 2: More Effective Partnerships
Provide certainty to states, localities, tribal nations, and the regulated community in carrying out
shared responsibilities and communicating results to all Americans.
Introduction
The intent that environmental and human health protection is a shared responsibility between the
states, tribes, and the Federal Government is embedded in our environmental laws. Thus, EPA's
strategic goal of more effective partnerships is vital to advancing the Agency's mission. EPA is
focused on providing certainty to the American people, our co-regulators, and the regulated
community. EPA attention is in three primary areas: certainty to the states and local governments,
including tribes; certainty within EPA programs, such as permitting and enforcement actions; and
certainty in risk communication.
Nearly 50 years after the creation of EPA and the enactment of a broad set of federal environmental
protection laws, most states, and to a lesser extent territories and tribes, are authorized to
implement EPA-administered environmental programs within their jurisdictions. Most of the
major environmental statutes provide states and tribes the opportunity and responsibility for
implementing and sustaining environmental and human health protection programs. Indeed, states
have assumed more than 96 percent of the delegable authorities under federal law.39
Through shared governance, the Agency will work with state and tribal partners to streamline
processes and provide accessible, reliable information and data that benefits co-regulators and the
regulated community. EPA will continue to adapt its practices to reduce duplication of effort with
authorized states, tribes, and territories, and tailor its oversight of delegated programs.
EPA works to protect human health and the environment of federally recognized tribes by
supporting implementation of federal environmental laws, with a special emphasis on helping
tribes administer their own environmental programs. These efforts are consistent with the federal
trust responsibility, the government-to-government relationship, and EPA's 1984 Indian Policy.
As of September 30, 2019, EPA has completed 470 EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans (ETEPs).
The purpose of these, and additional ETEPs under development, is to increase shared governance
through joint planning that informs decisions on financial and technical assistance for
environmental programs. EPA will monitor regional actions to implement ETEPs as part of its
business review process. The Agency will continue to give special consideration to tribal interests
in making Agency policy, and to ensure the close involvement of tribal governments in making
decisions and managing environmental programs affecting reservation lands. Since 2011, EPA has
completed over 500 Tribal Consultations, an important Agency milestone under the EPA Tribal
Consultation Policy. EPA completed 64 tribal consultations in FY 2019.
EPA retains responsibility for directly implementing federal environmental programs in much of
Indian Country where eligible tribes have not yet built capacity to take on program responsibility.
There also are programs which may not be delegated by statute to the states, tribes or territories,
39 Environmental Council of the States Paper, "Cooperative Federalism 2.0." June 2017.
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and programs which are delegable, but for which the state, tribe or territory has not sought
delegation. Taking a renewed look at such programs will facilitate constructive dialogue with
states and tribes to ensure maximum utilization of resources.
The relationship between states, tribes, territories, and EPA is not just about who makes decisions,
but also how decisions are made and affirming and respecting the sense of shared accountability
to provide improvements to protecting human health and the environment which cannot be
achieved by any single actor. Success is derived when the states, tribes, territories, and EPA, in
conjunction with affected communities, work together in a spirit of trust, collaboration, and
partnership. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to strengthen its community-driven approach through
grants, technical assistance, and partnering directly with communities. The Agency will deploy its
resources and expertise to collaborate with states, tribes, and communities to achieve a more
comprehensive understanding of needs and support locally led, community-driven solutions to
improved environmental protection and economic growth through competition of EPA's
Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to strengthen its implementation of the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) to promote transparency and build public trust in Agency actions. EPA will enhance
its efforts to eliminate the FOIA backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding to FOIA
requests by September 30, 2022, EPA's long-term performance goal. In FY 2019, EPA developed
new initiatives to enhance EPA's FOIA program and reduced its FOIA request backlog by 16
percent from the April 2018 baseline. EPA also reduced its FOIA appeals backlog by 51.5 percent,
reversing a two-year trend of increases in both backlogs. With FOIA, community consultations
and other public participation opportunities, the beneficiaries of environmental protection - the
American people - will be able to more meaningfully engage through their communities, local
governments, and state and tribal governments. As the Agency's statutory responsibilities
are implemented, including the public's voice in EPA's policy, regulatory, and assistance work is
essential to meeting the needs of the American people.
FY 2021 Activities
Objective 1: Enhance Shared Accountability. Improve environmental protection through
shared governance and enhanced collaboration with state, tribal, local, and federal partners
using the full range of compliance assurance tools.
Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, increase the number of grant commitments achieved by states,
tribes, and local communities.40
40 Universe (number of grant commitments) and FY 2021 target will be determined in FY 2020. (Footnote updated from .FT
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
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• By September 30, 2022, increase the use of alternative shared governance approaches to
address state, tribal, and local community reviews.41
In part through the Agency's grants and cooperative agreements, EPA and its partners have made
and will continue to make enormous progress in protecting air, water, and land resources. In FY
2019, EPA analyzed grant performance tracking at the headquarters and regional levels, and is
working with program offices to pilot a streamlined method to capture grantees' progress toward
meeting the commitments established in grant and cooperative agreement workplans. EPA
recognizes states and tribes vary in the environmental challenges they face due to geography,
population density, and other factors. The unique relationship among EPA and its co-regulators is
the foundation of the Nation's environmental protection system and each partner fulfills a critical
role based on its expertise, capacity, and responsibilities to protect and improve human health and
the environment. Recognizing this, EPA will maximize the flexibilities provided by law to
accommodate each state's and tribe's unique situation when making regulatory and policy
decisions. The FY 2021 Budget includes funding for the Multipurpose Grants, which are an
example of a commitment to more effective partnerships. These grants afford flexibility to the
Agency's state and tribal partners by allowing them to target funds toward their highest priority
mandatory statutory duties to protect human health and the environment.
EPA recognizes the advances states and tribes have made in implementing environmental laws
and programs. EPA is undertaking a series of initiatives to rethink and reassess the Agency's
current and future position with respect to shared governance. These initiatives are working to
clarify the Agency's statutory roles and responsibilities, and tailoring state and tribal oversight to
maximize our return on investment, reduce the burden on states and tribes, and ensure continued
progress in achieving environmental outcomes. To advance this progress, the Agency will work to
provide more certainty to the states and tribes. For example, the Clean Water Act (CWA) lays out
the process by which EPA can authorize states and tribes to perform many of the permitting and
enforcement aspects of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.
EPA's recent approval of Idaho's NPDES program is an example of EPA developing effective
partnerships that provide states with greater responsibility and control of permitting discharges to
waters.
The Agency will continue to work closely with our state and tribal partners to ensure our mutual
responsibilities under the law are fulfilled. As one example, permitting issues can heavily impact
small and mid-sized businesses, the backbone of the American economy. We are systematically
tracking the time it takes to issue permits to reduce unnecessary burden. The Agency's long-term
performance goal is to reach all permitting-related decisions within six months for CWA NPDES,
Underground Injection Control, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act permits. Clean Air Act (CAA) permits are subject to timeframes described in
the statute for permit issuance (12 months and 18 months, respectively, for NSR and Title V
permits).
41 There is no baseline for this measure. (Footnote updated fromF7 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,
2018.)
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In FY 2021, $44.2 million is included for the Tribal General Assistance Program Grants, which
will continue to assist tribal governments in developing environmental protection program
capacity to assess environmental conditions, use relevant environmental information to improve
long-range strategic environmental program development planning, and develop environmental
programs tailored to tribal government needs consistent with those long-range strategic plans. EPA
directly implements the majority of federal environmental programs in Indian Country. Therefore,
the Agency works with tribes to develop their capacity to administer environmental programs
enabling participating tribes the ability to implement federal environmental laws and programs.
Consistent with the 1984 Indian Policy and EPA policies on consultation, the Agency works on a
government-to-government basis to build tribal capacity to participate with EPA in direct
implementation activities, and implement federal programs through delegations, authorizations,
and primacy designations. This enables tribes to meaningfully participate in the Agency's policy
making, standard setting, and direct implementation activities under federal environmental
statutes.
In FY 2021, EPA requests a total of $241.1 million and 851.5 FTE to enhance EPA's shared
accountability and build more effective partnerships. Highlights include:
Shared Governance
In FY 2021, the Agency will focus on core statutory roles and responsibilities to better develop a
future model of shared governance. This means engaging early and meaningfully with states and
tribes and taking into account the progress they have made in protecting human health and the
environment. The Agency will use shared governance to work with states and tribes to increase
flexibility and to streamline oversight of state and tribal environmental programs. In FY 2019,
EPA coordinated with states and tribes to develop a principles memo42, outlining key tenets of
shared governance. The Agency also piloted the application of this memo using program-specific
templates for reviews conducted as part of the CWA NPDES and Clean Air Act Title V operating
permit programs. After seeking feedback from state partners, EPA implemented the process in all
10 regional offices and will use this process in FY 2021.
EPA continues to work with its co-regulators to identify additional areas of focus. This includes
working to streamline and improve processes where EPA must review and approve state and tribal
actions (e.g., permit reviews, Quality Assurance Project Plans). E-Enterprise for the Environment
provides a shared governance forum where states, tribes and EPA work together to streamline
processes and leverage technology with the goal to provide accessible, reliable information and
data. Furthermore, states, tribes and EPA use E-Enterprise to deliver better results, often with
lower costs and less burden for the benefit of the public, the regulated community, and government
agencies.
The Agency actively works with tribes to develop their capacity to administer environmental
programs for their lands. As of September 30, 2019, EPA has completed 470 ETEPs, which
continues a long-standing commitment to cooperative EPA-tribal environmental planning. EPA
will monitor regional actions to implement ETEPs as part of its business review process. EPA's
42 https: //www, epa. gov/sites/production/files/2019-04/documents/fep oversight memo .10.30.18 .pdf.
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work in FY 2021 will continue to enhance EPA-Tribal partnerships through development and use
of ETEPs that support tribal implementation of federal environmental laws and a continued focus
on tracking and reporting measurable results of Indian Environmental General Assistance Program
(GAP)-funded activities.
EPA, with its state, tribal, and local partners, ensures consistent and fair enforcement of federal
environmental laws and regulations. In July 2019, EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance issued a policy titled "Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the
States in Civil Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Work"43 to create more effective
partnerships with states, localities, and federally-recognized Indian tribes. This policy sets out
expectations and procedures for enhancing effective partnerships in civil enforcement and
compliance assurance work between EPA and states that are implementing federal environmental
programs. EPA will strive to follow these planning and communication practices when working
with federally-recognized Indian tribes, territories, and local governments that have received
approval to implement federal programs. In collaboration with co-regulators, the Agency uses a
full set of compliance assurance tools, such as compliance assistance and monitoring, electronic
reporting, traditional enforcement, grant funding to states and tribes, and building tribal capacity.
EPA, states, and tribes work together to develop and deliver better results, often with lower costs
and less burden for the benefit of the public, the regulated community, and governmental sectors.
Compliance Assurance
As part of its role of assuring compliance with environmental laws, the Agency will continue to
look for cost-effective ways to enhance the compliance assurance toolbox in collaboration with its
state, tribal, local, federal, and industry partners. For example, the E-Enterprise Web Portal offers
a platform or gateway of services available to states, tribes, and EPA to conduct and accomplish
our work. These tools and services are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce burden on the
regulated community, and improve environmental outcomes. In general, an expanded and
modernized compliance assurance toolbox will enhance EPA's ability to tailor compliance
assurance approaches to the differing needs and challenges among authorized states, territories,
tribes, and regulated entities. EPA continues to work closely with authorized states, tribes, and
territories to develop new compliance tools and approaches in order to make programs more
effective and efficient in promoting compliance and remedying violations.
A key component of EPA's overall compliance assurance program is compliance monitoring.
Compliance monitoring allows the regulatory agencies to detect noncompliance, implement timely
and appropriate follow-up actions, and promote compliance with the Nation's environmental laws.
Effective targeting of compliance monitoring plays a central role in achieving the goals that EPA
has set for protecting human health and the environment. On a national level, EPA works closely
with individual states, tribes, and state and tribal associations to develop, modernize, and
implement national compliance monitoring and enforcement response strategies. This approach
ensures a level playing field exists for regulated entities across the country. For example, in FY
2021, EPA will use circuit riders to provide on-the-ground assistance to help public water systems
achieve and sustain compliance. In FY 2021, EPA requests $1.1 million for this program which
would include assistance in Indian Country where systems and facilities are often small or isolated.
43 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-Q7/documents/memoenhancingeffectivepartnerships.pdf.
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Another core element of EPA's compliance assurance program is providing timely and accessible
compliance assistance information to the regulated community. EPA will continue to partner with
third-party organizations and other federal agencies to support the existing web-based, sector-
specific compliance assistance centers44 and other web-based assistance resources. In FY 2021,
EPA, state, and tribal inspectors will continue to use the inspection process as an opportunity to
provide regulated entities with relevant compliance assistance information.
EPA principally focuses compliance monitoring activities on those programs not currently
delegated or delegable to states and tribes, and in delegated or authorized state programs where
the state lacks the equipment, resources, or expertise to take appropriate action to protect public
health and the environment. Compliance monitoring activities include field inspections, electronic
reporting, data analysis tools, and where appropriate, follow-up enforcement actions. In FY 2019,
EPA exceeded its compliance monitoring target (of 10,000) inspections and evaluations by
conducting 10,300 compliance monitoring activities, which included on-site inspections and some
off-site compliance monitoring. The Agency will continue to provide monitoring, program
evaluations, and capacity building to support and complement authorized state, tribal, territorial
and local government programs. The Agency works collaboratively with states in resolving
noncompliance at federal facilities, especially states lacking enforcement authorities or the
capacity to address these issues. In FY 2021, EPA will increase the environmental law compliance
rate by reducing the percentage of CWA NPDES permittees in significant noncompliance (SNC)
with their permit limits to 18.4 percent. In addition, the Agency will continue to implement Phase
2 of the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule which covers the e-reporting rule permitting and
compliance monitoring requirements for EPA and states.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $96.7 million and 427.7 FTE to fund EPA's compliance monitoring
activities.
International Partnerships
To achieve the Agency's domestic environmental and human health obj ectives, the EPA will work
with international partners to address international sources of pollution that impact the United
States or our foreign policy objectives. International sources of pollution impact air, water, food
crops, and food chains, and can accumulate in foods such as fish. EPA will work with international
partners to strengthen environmental laws and governance to more closely align with U.S.
standards and practices of U.S. industry. The FY 2021 Budget includes $10.6 million to support
these efforts through the International Sources of Pollution program, including $3.1 million and
3.0 FTE to support multilateral and bilateral efforts to reduce ocean pollution and plastic, an
increasingly prominent global issue that can negatively impact domestic water quality, tourism,
industry, and public health. The Budget also includes resources to support implementation of the
Environment Chapter of the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement. In addition, in FY
2021, $0.7 million, including 0.5 FTE, is allocated to support EPA's cooperation on food waste
reduction methodologies, and to identify U.S. best practices and technologies that can reduce food
waste with international partners.
44 For more information on compliance assistance centers, see https: //www, epa. gov/compliance/compliance-assistance-centers.
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Objective 2: Increase Transparency and Public Participation. Listen to and collaborate with
impacted stakeholders and provide effective platforms for public participation and
meaningful engagement.
Objective 2.2, Increase Transparency and Public Participation, directly supports the following
long-term performance goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, eliminate the backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding
to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.45
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to strengthen its community-driven approach, which emphasizes
public participation in partnering with states, tribes, and communities. In FY 2021, EPA requests
$2.7 million and 4.0 FTE to support this strategic objective.
EPA will meet community needs through more meaningful engagement and public participation,
and by building community capacity through grants, technical assistance, and partnering directly
with communities. Increasing transparency and public participation in EPA's work, especially at
the early stages of Agency actions, will enhance the Agency's ability to partner with states, tribes,
and local governments and increase responsiveness to the needs of the most vulnerable
communities.
EPA's competitive Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants will support locally led, community-
driven solutions to improve environmental protection and economic growth. In 2019, EPA's EJ
grant projects directly trained, educated, and engaged over 12,000 community residents in grant
activities addressing disproportionate issues specific to their communities. In FY 2019, EPA
implemented a series of training webinars focused on integrating environmental justice at the state
level. Over 4,000 individuals registered for this webinar series with representatives from all fifty
states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, and which included state environmental, public health,
planning, and transportation agencies. EPA plans to offer additional trainings in FY 2021.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to use the Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization
Council (EJCRC) as the central decision making and leadership body for environmental justice
and community revitalization programs' strategic priorities and guiding implementation. The
EJCRC has made Community-Driven Solutions a priority to engage with vulnerable communities
and meet their needs through enhanced coordination across EPA programs and external partners.
Community-Driven Solutions also is the platform that supports the Agency's Opportunity Zone
work.
Environmental Justice and Interagency Coordination
In FY 2021, the Agency will enhance coordination across its programs and with federal partners
to ensure alignment of mutual efforts, including consideration of vulnerable groups and
communities when making decisions. EPA will leverage resources with new and existing partners
to deliver services efficiently and effectively. In FY 2019, the Agency launched a new program
45 As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
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with the USDA Forest Service and Northern Border Regional Commission, called the Recreation
Economy for Rural Communities, which is modeled after the highly successful interagency
programs, Local Foods, Local Places and Healthy Places for Healthy People. The Agency will
continue these partnerships in FY 2021, focusing on economically distressed communities and
Opportunity Zones.
The Agency also will leverage recommendations provided by federal advisory committees, such
as the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), the Local Government
Advisory Council, and the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee. The focus will be
on partnerships representing vulnerable populations, such as youth, elderly, minority, tribal, and
low-income communities. In FY 2019, working with EPA, the NEJAC formed a working group
to make recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiencies of Superfund
cleanups and help to revitalize local communities. In FY 2019, the NEJAC Superfund Working
Group successfully completed a draft phase one recommendations report, sharing it with
Superfund program leadership. In FY 2021, the NEJAC will finalize and transmit these
recommendations. In 2019, EPA collaborated with other federal agencies to provide direct
technical assistance workshops to economically distressed communities. These workshops
supported community-driven solutions to environmental challenges and economic decline in more
than 60 communities and will be expanded to more communities in FY 2021.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue its leadership and involvement in the White House
Opportunity and Revitalization Council. EPA will coordinate with other agencies to develop and
disseminate new and existing tools and resources to support distressed communities. In 2019, half
of all EJ grants awarded by EPA were for projects located within or impacting Opportunity Zones.
The work of the Council will strengthen coordination with the Interagency Working Group on
Environmental Justice (EJ IWG) to better integrate EPA priorities and support and engage
vulnerable and environmentally overburdened communities.
In FY 2021, the EJIWG will focus on implementing FY 2019 recommendations from the
Government Accountability Office on ways to improve the coordination and integration of
environmental justice across the Federal Government. In addition, EPA will support and align its
work with the activities and priorities of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks
and Safety Risks to Children. These efforts will help advance an approach to partnerships that are
more effective, responsive and collaborative in addressing the needs and challenges of our partners
and communities.
Implement the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to strengthen its implementation of the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) to promote transparency and build public trust in agency actions, and will enhance its
efforts to achieve its long-term performance goal: eliminate the FOIA backlog and meet statutory
deadlines for responding to FOIA requests by September 30, 2022.
EPA has made progress in enhancing the FOIA program. In FY 2019, EPA published in the Federal
Register an update to its 17-year old FOIA regulations, bringing its regulations into compliance
with the 2007, 2009, and 2016 FOIA amendments. The regulation update also centralized FOIA
request submissions to EPA's National FOIA Office, enabling EPA to improve efficiency,
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consistency, and quality of its determinations and responses, and to apply best practices in early
communications with requesters. Assignments are made rapidly, expedited processing
determinations are made more quickly, improper or unclear requests are often identified early, and
requesters receive an early, substantive communication from National FOIA Office staff about
their requests. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to focus on improving its processing of FOIA
requests, in particular to address the increasing complexity and volume of electronic documents
required to be searched, collected, and reviewed when responding to FOIA requests. The Agency
will apply Lean management techniques to increase processing speed and will apply new and
enhanced technologies to ensure it supports the timely searching and collection of information for
purposes of responding to FOIA requests and other information needs in a cost-effective and
sustainable manner.
EPA's efforts have yielded substantial results: in FY 2019, EPA reduced its FOIA request backlog
by 16 percent from the April 2018 baseline. EPA also reduced its FOIA appeals backlog by 51.5
percent, reversing a two-year trend of increases in both backlogs. In FY 2019, EPA realigned the
regional FOIA programs into the Regional Counsel Offices to enhance accountability and
streamline organizational structure in EPA's 10 regional offices. This realignment established
clear authority and reporting lines through the Regional Counsels to the Agency's General
Counsel, the Agency's Chief FOIA Officer following the FY 2018 reorganization. EPA's regions
collectively reduced their FOIA request backlog by 22 percent in FY 2019, surpassing the agency-
wide 16 percent FY 2019 backlog reduction.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness: Increase certainty, compliance, and
effectiveness by applying the rule of law to achieve more efficient and effective agency operations,
service delivery, and regulatory relief.
Strategic Objectives:
• Timely enforce environmental laws to increase compliance rates and promote cleanup of
contaminated sites through the use of all of EPAs compliance assurance tools, especially
enforcement actions to address environmental violations.
• Outline exactly what is expected of the regulated community to ensure good stewardship
and positive environmental outcomes.
• Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis to inform policy making.
• Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting and reporting systems.
• Provide proper leadership and internal operations management to ensure that the Agency
is fulfilling its mission.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Greater Certainty, Compliance,
and Effectiveness
$1,862,694.6
$1,881,689.0
$1,726,973.0
-$154,716.0
Compliance with the Law
$376,247.0
$404,452.0
$403,902.0
-$550.0
Create Consistency and Certainty
$67,976.7
$64,426.0
$71,228.0
$6,802.0
Prioritize Robust Science
$466,344.3
$500,029.0
$285,198.0
-$214,831.0
Streamline and Modernize
$38,895.7
$35,996.0
$34,243.0
-$1,753.0
Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness
$913,230.9
$876,786.0
$932,402.0
$55,616.0
Total Authorized Workyears
5,957.1
6,317.2
5,663.5
-653.7
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Goal 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Increase certainty, compliance, and effectiveness by applying the rule of law to achieve more
efficient and effective agency operations, service delivery, and regulatory relief.
Introduction
EPA will enforce the rule of law in a timely and consistent manner and take action against those
that violate environmental laws to the detriment of human health or the environment. Consistency
in how the laws and regulations are applied across the country is important to ensure environmental
protection for industries and citizens. EPA recognizes the importance of applying rules and
policies consistently as well as creating certainty by meeting the statutory deadlines required for
EPA's actions. EPA continues to carry out a broad range of efforts to ensure consistency in the
application of laws and regulations, while respecting the unique circumstances of each state and
tribe. The rule of law also must be built on the application of robust science that is conducted to
help the Agency meet its mission and support the states and tribes in achieving their environmental
goals. Research, in conjunction with user-friendly applications needed to apply the science to real-
world problems, will help move EPA and the states forward in making timely decisions. In FY
2021, EPA scientists will conduct human health, environmental engineering, and ecological
research and translate these into planning and analysis tools for localities throughout the United
States to facilitate regulatory compliance and improve environmental and human health outcomes.
Equally important is creating certainty around timing and requirements for routine processes.
Achieving this goal requires that EPA improve the efficiency of its internal business and
administrative operations. Streamlining EPA's business operations, specifically the permitting
processes established by different environmental statutes, is a key to ensuring economic growth,
human health, and environmental protection. Between June 2018 and September 2019, EPA
reduced the backlog of new permit applications by more than 50 percent (from 149 to 65
applications) through a series of targeted Lean events to improve the efficiency and effectiveness
of permitting programs. EPA continues to focus on improving the Agency's business processes to
align with the President's Management Agenda. In FY 2021, the Agency will advance the
modernization of its information technology systems, help to shift from low to high value work
and provide better customer service to its partners and the public to acquire, generate, manage,
use, and share information.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to seek to increase certainty, compliance and effectiveness. To
accomplish this, EPA will continue to work cooperatively with states and tribes to ensure
compliance with the law, as well as to create consistency and certainty for the regulated
community. To ensure a consistent playing field, the Agency will continue to take civil or criminal
enforcement action against violators of environmental laws. One example of this is the recent
settlement agreement reached between EPA, the Department of Justice, and the State of California
with Fiat Chrysler. Fiat Chrysler agreed to pay a $305 million penalty and implemented a recall
program at an estimated cost of $185 million for violating the Clean Air Act by installing defeat
devices in more than 100,000 vehicles to lessen the effectiveness of the vehicles' emission control
systems. This demonstrates how a robust enforcement program is critically important for
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addressing violations and promoting deterrence and supports the Agency's mission of protecting
human health and the environment. EPA's policies and rules will reflect common sense, in line
with the Agency's statutory authorities, and provide greater regulatory and economic certainty for
the public.
EPA also will continue the work it began in FY 2019 of implementing the new Foundations for
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, coordinated by a Central Evaluation Office. Implementation
of the Act will enhance strategic planning under the Government Performance and Results
Modernization Act (GPRMA). EPA will systematically identify the most important evidence the
Agency needs to gather and generate to advance its goals and ensure the Agency uses high quality
data and other information to inform policy and decision making. In FY 2021, EPA will develop
its first Full Draft Learning Agenda, in coordination with the development of the
FY 2022-FY 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
EPA recognizes that meeting the needs of states, tribes, territories, local governments, and
communities to achieve environmental improvements cannot be accomplished without
consideration of economic growth. The Agency has a responsibility to streamline and reduce
unnecessary burdens and to help communities meet their environmental and economic needs. With
this understanding, EPA will leverage community revitalization in tandem with environmental
protection through targeted investment approaches, such as through Opportunity Zones
redevelopment. Opportunity Zones can spur capital investment into redevelopment of
economically distressed communities, leading to diversified economies, improved job
opportunities, and restored fiscal health in municipalities suffering from disinvestment and
environmental challenges.
FY 2020 - 2021 Agency Priority Goals
The Budget highlights EPA's FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goals (APGs) that advance EPA
priorities and the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan4() One of the six APGs directly supports Goal
3, Objective 3.4\ Streamline and Modernize and is included in the narrative for that objective.
Please note that this APG for accelerating permitting-related decisions is agency wide in scope
and involves work under Goals 1 and 2.
FY 2021 Activities
Objective 1: Compliance with the Law. Timely enforce environmental laws to increase
compliance rates and promote cleanup of contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's
compliance assurance tools, especially enforcement actions to address environmental
violations.
Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law, directly supports the following long-term performance
goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
46 For EPA's APG Action Plans and Quarterly Updates, see https://www.performance.gov/EPA/.
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• By September 30, 2022, reduce the average time from violation identification to
correction.47
• By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate.48
To carry out its mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA, in collaboration with
state and tribal partners, relies on a strong national compliance assurance and enforcement
program. An effective enforcement program is key to ensuring the ambitious goals of the Nation's
environmental statutes are realized. EPA's enforcement program strives to address noncompliance
in an efficient and timely manner, applying a broad range of enforcement and compliance tools to
achieve the goal of reducing noncompliance. EPA also seeks to ensure that communities are
protected from contaminated sites with its Superfund cleanup enforcement program. By cleaning
up hazardous waste sites across the country, ensuring that potentially responsible parties perform
and pay for these cleanups, and encouraging third party investment, EPA is reducing human
exposure to pollutants and facilitating the reuse of Superfund sites.
EPA aims to enhance its partnerships with its state, local, and tribal co-regulators by more
effectively carrying out the Agency's shared responsibilities under environmental laws. EPA is
responsible for addressing violations: (1) in programs that are not delegable to a state or a federally-
recognized tribe; and (2) where the state or tribe has not been authorized to implement a delegable
program. EPA will generally defer to a state as the primary implementer of inspections and
enforcement in authorized programs. EPA, however, retains concurrent enforcement authority and
there are specific situations where EPA may choose to take direct action after consultation with
the authorized state or tribe.49 EPA has been working to improve the processes associated with
enforcement actions to move faster in protecting the environment. In FY 2019, EPA reduced the
number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years
old to 94, below the target of 129. In addition, EPA increased the percentage of inspection reports
that EPA provides to facilities within 70 days of inspection to 81 percent (from a baseline of 46
percent). EPA also increased documentable EPA administrative enforcement actions/activities
producing correction of violations from 74 to 184. These activities serve to increase the speed of
correcting violations.
Through the State Review Framework, EPA periodically reviews authorized state compliance
monitoring and enforcement programs for Clean Air Act (CAA) Stationary Sources, Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Hazardous Waste, and the Clean Water Act (CWA)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This is done using criteria agreed
upon by states to evaluate performance against national compliance monitoring or enforcement
program standards. When states do not achieve standards, the Agency works with them to make
47 As a proxy, EPA is measuring the number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5
years old. EPA is working in close cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure that cases move toward resolution
at an appropriate speed in order to more quickly return violators to compliance.
48 This concept will be piloted by focusing initially on decreasing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. Other program areas
may be included in this long-term performance goal during the FY 2018-2022 timeframe. (Footnote updated fromF7 2018-2022
EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
49 For a list of situations that could warrant EPA involvement in an authorized State, please refer to the July 11, 2019 Memo
Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the States in Civil Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Work
^https://www.epa.gov/compliance/memo-enhancing-effective-partnerships-between-epa-and-states-civil-enforcement-and\
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progress. However, EPA may take a lead implementation role when authorized states have a
documented history of failure to make progress toward meeting national standards.
Civil Enforcement
The overall goal of EPA's civil enforcement program is to maximize compliance with the Nation's
environmental laws and regulations to protect human health and the environment. The Agency
works closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal departments, states, tribes,
territories, and local agencies to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of environmental statutes.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to strengthen environmental partnerships with states and tribes,
encourage regulated entities to correct violations rapidly, ensure that violators do not realize an
economic benefit from noncompliance, and pursue enforcement to deter future violations. In FY
2019, EPA increased compliance in the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) by reducing the percentage of permittees in significant noncompliance with their
permit from 29.4 percent to 25.0 percent. EPA requests $160.8 million and 857.1 FTEfor the Civil
Enforcement program in FY 2021.
Significant environmental progress has been made over the years, much of it due to enforcement
efforts by EPA, states, tribes, and local communities. To maximize EPA's impact, the Agency has
refocused enforcement efforts, in support of the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, to address
significant noncompliance issues and substantial impacts to human health and the environment.
EPA recognizes the role of states and tribes as the primary implementers of federal statutes where
authorized by EPA; therefore, the Agency will focus compliance assurance and enforcement
resources on direct implementation responsibilities, multi-state and national issues, addressing the
most significant violations, and assisting authorized states and tribes with technical and scientific
support. Providing this compliance assistance helps to ensure a level playing field.
EPA is responsible for direct implementation for programs that are not delegable or where a state
or tribe has not sought or obtained the authority to implement a program (or program component).
Examples of non-delegable programs include the Clean Air Act (CAA) mobile source and
stratospheric ozone programs, pesticide labeling and registration under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), virtually all compliance assurance and enforcement in
Indian Country, and enforcement of the Federal Superfund cleanup program. Additionally, the
enforcement of portions of various other laws, including RCRA, CWA, and stratospheric ozone
under CAA are non-delegable. EPA also will pursue enforcement actions at federal facilities where
significant violations are discovered, ensure that federal facilities are held to the same standards
as the private sector, and provide technical and scientific support to states and tribes with
authorized programs.
For FY 2020-FY 2023, the national enforcement and compliance assurance program will be
focusing on six National Compliance Initiatives (NCIs), in addition to pursuing EPA's core
enforcement work.50 These six NCIs will advance the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan
objectives to improve air quality, provide for clean and safe water, ensure chemical safety, and
improve compliance with the Nation's environmental laws while enhancing shared accountability
50 FY 2020- FY 2023 National Compliance /mYMfoVe.srhttps://www.epa.gov/enforcement/fv2020-fv2023-national-compliance-
initiatives.'!
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between EPA, states, and tribes with authorized environmental programs. While compliance
assistance will be a component of each implementation framework, formal enforcement will
remain an important tool in the NCIs to address serious noncompliance and create general
deterrence.
Criminal Enforcement
EPA's Criminal Enforcement program enforces the Nation's environmental laws through targeted
investigation of criminal conduct committed by individual and corporate defendants that threaten
public health and the environment. EPA collaborates and coordinates with the U.S. Department of
Justice, as well as state, tribal, and local law enforcement counterparts to ensure the Agency
responds to violations as quickly and effectively as possible. EPA's Criminal Enforcement
program plays a critical role across the country supporting states and tribes who may have limited
capacity to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. As a result of the collaborative efforts
with our enforcement partners, in FY 2019, the conviction rate for criminal defendants was 98
percent. In FY 2021, the Agency requests $55.1 million and 220.6 FTE to support the Criminal
Enforcement program by targeting investigations on the most egregious environmental cases.
Superfund Enforcement
Through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA, or Superfund), EPA will facilitate prompt site cleanup and use an "enforcement first"
approach that maximizes the participation of liable and viable parties in performing and paying for
cleanups. The Agency will continue to work to protect communities by ensuring that potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) conduct cleanups at Superfund sites, preserving federal taxpayer dollars
for sites where there are no viable contributing parties, and recovering costs if EPA expends
Superfund appropriated dollars to clean up sites. EPA also will address liability concerns that can
be a barrier to potential reuse. Addressing the risks posed by Superfund sites and returning them
to productive use strengthens the economy and spurs economic growth. In 2019, the Superfund
Enforcement program secured private party commitments for cleanup and cost recovery and billed
for oversight amounts totaling more than $961 million. The use of Superfund enforcement tools in
2019 resulted in cleanup and redevelopment at 160 private-party sites.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $162.5 million and 745.3 FTE to support Superfund Enforcement and
will focus its resources on the highest priority sites, particularly those that may present an
immediate risk to human health or the environment. The Agency also will continue to improve
and revitalize the Superfund program to ensure that contaminated sites across the country are
remediated to protect human health and the environment and returned to beneficial reuse as
expeditiously as possible. In FY 2019, Superfund Task Force efforts contributed to achievement
of EPA's annual performance goal, by completing 210 enforcement tools to address cleanup and/or
long-term protection, including reuse of contaminated sites exceeding EPA's target of 170 tools.
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Objective 2: Create Consistency and Certainty. Outline exactly what is expected of the
regulated community to ensure good stewardship and positive environmental outcomes.
Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, meet 100% of legal deadlines imposed on EPA.
• By September 30, 2022, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting burdens to the
regulated community by 10,000,000 hours.51
The environmental regulatory framework is inherently dynamic. For instance, as part of its
statutory obligations, EPA is required to publish many regulations within a set timeframe each
year that implement environmental programs and assist the Agency in meeting its core mission.
These regulations address newly mandated responsibilities as well as updates and revisions to
existing regulations. As EPA meets its obligations to protect human health and the environment
through regulatory action, it also must meet another key responsibility by minimizing regulatory
uncertainty. Regulatory certainty can help businesses and communities avoid delays and ensure
proper planning to comply with environmental regulations. EPA will employ a set of strategies to
reduce regulatory uncertainty while continuing to improve human health and environmental
outcomes consistent with the Agency's authorities as established by Congress and while
considering unique state, tribal, and local circumstances. These strategies, which reflect EPA's
commitment to more effective partnerships and greater certainty, compliance, and effectiveness,
will help advance Agency goals for streamlining and modernizing permitting and enhancing
shared accountability. In FY 2021, EPA requests $71.2 million and 329.0 FTE to support this
objective.
As EPA issues new or revised regulations, businesses and individuals may find it challenging to
know which rules apply to them and to adjust their compliance strategies. EPA will refocus its
approach to regulatory development and prioritize meeting its statutory deadlines to ensure
expectations are clear for the regulated community and the public and Agency actions are
defensible and consistent with its authorities. The Agency will work to support greater consistency
and transparency in consideration of economic costs in the regulatory development process and
implementation of Agency programs. The Agency will use new approaches and flexible tools to
minimize regulatory uncertainty and improve communications to realize more consistent and
better environmental outcomes. EPA will strengthen working relationships with industry sectors
to better understand their needs and challenges in implementing Agency requirements and with
communities to understand their concerns. This knowledge will enable the Agency to develop
better policies and regulations to protect human health and the environment in line with the
authorities given to EPA by Congress.
In FY 2021, EPA will develop and engage stakeholders in reviewing a draft base catalog of
responsibilities that statutes require EPA to perform in programs delegated to states and tribes.
51 Baseline is estimated at 173,849,665 information collection and reporting hours, as of October 2, 2017. (Footnote updated from
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
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This will support the establishment of more effective commitments with partners by minimizing
duplication and overlap among EPA programs, states, and tribes. This effort also leverages another
commitment EPA is making under its goal to develop more effective partnerships—to identify for
all environmental media, an inventory and timeline for state-led permits that EPA reviews.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to review regulatory guidance documents to identify key
opportunities and will clarify and realign Agency approaches to improve consistency and clarity.
For example, the Small Minority Business Assistance program provides expertise in ensuring
small business prime and subcontracting opportunities to expand the EPA's competitive supplier
base in furthering the Agency's mission. The Budget request of $1.1 million and 7.6 FTE supports
statutorily mandated advocacy on behalf of the various categories of small businesses, including
disadvantaged businesses; certified small businesses located in Historically Underutilized
Business Zones (HUBZones); service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs); and
women-owned small businesses. Further, EPA will strengthen its working relationships with
states, tribes, and local communities to transfer knowledge, leveraging its commitments under
more effective partnerships, such as the collaboration under E-Enterprise for the Environment.
EPA will make available tools and services designed by other federal agencies, states, tribes, or
local communities that enhance efficiency and reduce burden on the regulated community, while
ensuring protection of human health and the environment. EPA has been successful in
implementing small business contracting opportunities in carrying out the Agency's mission. FY
2018 marked the tenth consecutive year that EPA has earned an "A" on the Small Business
Administration's Small Business Procurement Scorecard.52
The Agency is continuing to implement its long-term performance goal to eliminate unnecessary
or duplicative reporting burdens to the regulated community by 10,000,000 hours at the end of FY
2022. The baseline is 173,849,665 hours. In FY 2019, EPA increased reporting burden to the
regulated community by 5.9 million hours, compared with a targeted reduction of 2.0 million
hours. Most of the increase in FY 2019 was due to high priority efforts that protect public safety
and health: (1) the microbial rules for drinking water, which reflect full implementation of the
Revised Total Coliform Rule (3.44 million hours); (2) a rule requiring facilities that use extremely
hazardous substances to develop a Risk Management Plan (1.78 million hours); (3) a rule
increasing the number of facilities subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act (1.05 million hours); and (4) revisions to the Renewable Fuels
Standards (0.65 million hours). EPA will continue to work to meet the long-term performance goal
of reducing burden by 10,000,000 hours in our FY 2020 and FY 2021 regulatory efforts.
52 https://www.sba.gov/document/support—environmental-protection-agencv-contracting-scorecard.
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Objective 3: Prioritize Robust Science. Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific
analysis to inform policy making.
Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science, directly supports the following long-term performance
goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, increase the percentage of research products meeting customer
needs.53
EPA's overall research effort is organized around six integrated and transdisciplinary national
research programs. Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that is
developed in collaboration with EPA's program and regional offices to address their specific
needs. EPA's Office of Research and Development is implementing the third generation StRAPs.
These updated StRAPs will continue to reflect the scientific requirements of the Agency as well
as the needs of states and tribes. StRAPs received active collaboration and involvement from
EPA's research program partners to ensure that scientific efforts are responsive to today's
environmental concerns.54 The StRAPs also will help inform the development of EPA's Learning
Agenda required by the new Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. The Learning
Agenda will enhance strategic planning under the GPRMA by helping identify the most important
evidence the Agency needs to gather and generate to advance our goals by ensuring we use high
quality data and other information to inform our policy and decision making.
EPA will identify, assess, conduct, and apply the best available science to address current and
future environmental hazards, develop new approaches, and improve the scientific foundation for
environmental protection decisions. EPA conducts problem-driven, interdisciplinary research to
address specific environmental risks and is committed to using science and innovation to reduce
risks to human health and the environment, based on needs identified by EPA programs as well as
state and tribal partners. Specifically, the Agency will strengthen alignment of its research to
support EPA programs, states, and tribes in accomplishing their top human health and
environmental protection priorities for improved air quality, clean and safe water, revitalized land,
and chemical safety. 55 In FY 2019, 79 percent of EPA's research products met customer needs,
exceeding its performance target of 77 percent. The customers surveyed currently include EPA
program offices, regions and partner federal agencies (including Army Corps of Engineers, the
National Parks Service, DoD, Department of Agriculture, and more). Working closely with the
Environmental Council of States and its subsidiary, the Environmental Research Institute of the
States,56 the Agency will strive to connect state research needs with Agency priorities, and work
to improve communication and dissemination of research results. Through the public-private
coalition Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, 57 EPA will encourage the adoption of
innovative technologies and solutions. The Agency also will emphasize the translation of its work
products for end-user application and feedback.
53 Measure text updated from "By September 30, 2022, increase the number of research products meeting customer needs."
(Footnote updated fromF7 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018).
54 For more information: https://www.epa.gov/research/strategic-research-action-plans-2016-2019. The current updates are not
final and will be published when they are finalized.
55 For more information on EPA's research go to https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord.
56 For more information please go to https://www.ecos.org/eris/.
57 For more information on the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, go to http://www.itrcweb.org/.
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EPA research will be reviewed by various scientific advisory boards, such as the Board of
Scientific Counselors.58 The Board is made up of recognized experts in various scientific,
engineering, and social science fields from industry, business, public and private organizations and
research institutes, academia, governments (federal, state, tribal, and local), nongovernmental
organizations, and other relevant interest groups.
Air Quality
In coordination with the air program, EPA's research efforts will advance the science and provide
information critical to improve air quality and to inform stationary source regulations, vehicle and
fuel standards and certification, emission inventories, air quality assessments, and domestic ozone
actions.59 The results of Agency research to support air quality program priorities will inform EPA
programs, air programs (state, tribal, and local), communities, and individuals about measures and
strategies to reduce air pollution. Researchers will publish peer-reviewed scientific journal articles
to disseminate research findings as appropriate. As one example, the Air and Energy Research
Program is addressing nitrogen and co-pollutant loadings to watersheds via atmospheric
deposition, as well as optimizing approaches to reduce health and risk from uncontrolled wildfires.
In FY 2021, EPA requests $33.5 million and 153.8 FTE to conduct air quality research.
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
In FY 2021, EPA requests $78.9 million and 268.9 FTE for the Safe and Sustainable Water
Resources Research program. EPA will develop innovative, cost-effective solutions to current,
emerging, and long-term water resource challenges for complex chemical and biological
contaminants.60 Using a systems approach to develop scientific and technological solutions for
protecting human health and aquatic ecosystems, EPA researchers partner with program experts,
federal and state agencies, tribes, local communities, academia, nongovernmental organizations,
and private stakeholders. For example, EPA's researchers are developing laboratory analytical
methods, evaluating chemical toxicity, identifying and estimating human exposure to per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), identifying drinking water treatment technologies, and
providing technical support and data to EPA and states that can be used to make informed decisions
about managing PFAS. In FY 2021, EPA directs an additional $236 thousand with 0.5 FTE from
this program area to support science and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action
Plan, which supports the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS APG.
Examples of research include improving methods for rapid and cost-effective monitoring of
waterborne pathogens in recreational waters, investigating the health impacts from exposure to
harmful algal/cyanobacteria toxins, and developing innovative methods to monitor, characterize,
and predict blooms for early action. In FY 2021, EPA will conduct scientific and related research
to support the multi-office effort to reduce and better predict harmful algal blooms (HABs),
including tool development for market-based approaches and pilot projects to reduce exposure and
58 Please see https://www.epa.gov/bosc.
59 For more information on EPA's Air Research program go to https://www.epa.gov/air-research.
60 For more information on EPA's Water Research go to https://www.epa.gov/water-research.
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toxic events that include predictive modeling and monitoring. In FY 2021, this program includes
an increase of $3.3 million with 2.0 FTE for research and technical assistance to address HABs.
In addition, EPA requests an additional $2.5 million to increase research and technical assistance
related to lead issues, which supports the FY 2020 - 2021 APG for reducing childhood lead
exposures and associated health impacts. Work will be guided by the Federal Action Plan to
Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts and support the Lead Exposure
Reduction Initiative.
Sustainable and Healthy Communities
EPA requests $70.9 million and 294.6 FTE in FY 2021 to support the Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Research program. EPA will conduct research to support regulatory activities and
protocol development for the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
and provide on-demand technical support at cleanup sites managed by federal, state or tribal
governments, as well as assistance during emergencies.61 The Agency conducts health,
environmental engineering, and ecological research and develops planning and analysis tools for
localities nationwide to use in facilitating regulatory compliance and improving environmental and
health outcomes.62 Research is being conducted on end-of-life management of PFAS-containing
materials (e.g., industrial waste, household waste) to ensure that PFAS from these materials do not
impact the environment. In addition, the Sustainable and Healthy Communities program supports
a technical assistance function for states, tribes, and local communities on issues pertaining to
ecological and human health risk assessment, as well as site engineering challenges related to
PFAS. In FY 2021, this program includes an additional $238 thousand with 0.5 FTE to support
science and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan which supports the FY
2020-2021 PFAS APG.
In addition, the program supports the multi-office effort to improve the U.S. recycling system and
reduce food loss and waste. EPA will support research that increases the effectiveness of food
waste campaigns and study food waste collection and pretreatment technologies from a lifecycle
perspective. In FY 2021, this program includes an increase of $850 thousand for research
associated with food waste reduction.
EPA requests an additional $1.5 million to increase research and technical assistance related to
lead issues. This funding supports the FY 2020-2021 Lead APG which will be guided by the
Federal Lead Action Plan. Further, these resources will support the Lead Exposure Reduction
Initiative. The program is working to strengthen the scientific basis of EPA's lead-related
regulatory and cleanup decisions; identify locations of high exposures and blood lead levels to
target remaining lead sources for mitigation; and develop innovative methods for cleaning up
Superfund and other contaminated sites. EPA will work to enhance models and methods that
determine key drivers of blood lead levels to inform regulatory decisions, develop tools to identify
and prioritize communities with higher incidence of increased lead blood levels in children, and
provide the data needed to reduce uncertainty in lead exposure and risk analysis.
61 For more information please go to https://www.epa.gov/land-research.
62 For more information please go to https://www.epa.gov/eco-research and https://www.epa.gov/healthresearch.
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Chemical Safety
EPA requests $67.0 million and 241.4 FTE in FY 2021 to support the Chemical Safety Research
program. This funding will advance innovative tools that accelerate the pace of data-driven
evaluations, enable knowledge-based decisions that protect human health, and advance the science
required to anticipate and solve problems. The program will evaluate and predict impacts from
chemical use and disposal and provide states and tribes with information, tools, and methods to
make better informed, more timely decisions about the thousands of chemicals in the United
States.63
In June 2018, EPA released a TSCA Alternative Toxicity Testing Strategy Document.64 This
strategic plan, developed jointly by the Chemical Safety Research program and EPA's Chemical
Safety and Pollution Prevention program promotes development and implementation of test
methods within the TSCA program that are better, faster, less expensive, and reduce the need for
animal use.
In FY 2021, this program includes an increase of $289 thousand with 0.5 FTE to support science
and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and in support of the FY 2020-
2021 PFAS APG.
Human and Environmental Risk Assessment
EPA requests $30.9 million and 111.6 FTE in FY 2021 to support the Human and Environmental
Risk Assessment Program, including $6.2 million and 28.2 FTE from the Superfund transfer. EPA
will focus on the science of assessments that inform Agency, state, and tribal decisions and
policies.65 These risk assessments provide the research and technical support needed to ensure
safety of chemicals in the marketplace, revitalize and return land to communities, provide clean
and safe water, and work with states and tribes to improve air quality. EPA and other health
agencies use Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) human health assessments to inform
national standards, cleanup levels at local sites, and set advisory levels. EPA is working to develop
a responsive risk screening process that would engage a cross-agency team and support a singular
Agency answer for identified emerging contaminants. EPA also requests an additional $1.0 million
to increase research and technical assistance related to lead issues in this domain, in support of the
FY 2020-2021 Lead APG, which will be guided by the Federal Lead Action Plan.
Objective 4: Streamline and Modernize. Issue permits more quickly and modernize our
permitting and reporting systems.
Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize, directly supports the following long-term performance
goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reach all permitting-related decisions within six months.66
63 Please see https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research.
64 https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/alternative-test-methods-and-strategies-reduce.
65 Please see https://www.epa.gov/risk/human-health-risk-assessment.
66 Baseline is 149 new permit applications in backlog as of June 30,2018, and 479 existing permits in backlog as of May 31,
2019. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
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Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize, supports the following FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority
Goal (APG):
• Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2021, EPA will reduce the
backlog of new permitting-related decisions to zero from a baseline of 65; and reduce the
backlog of permit renewals by 50% from a baseline of 417.
EPA implements a host of environmental statutes that affect the regulated community. Permitting
requirements under these statutes can impose a variety of costs, including direct costs and
opportunity costs related to uncertainty, delay, and cancellation. Delays in the review of
applications for permits and modifications by federal, state, or tribal permitting authorities can
postpone or prevent manufacturers from building, expanding, or beginning operations, even if the
affected operations ultimately may be deemed suitable as proposed. Delays also can impact
construction of major infrastructure projects. EPA is committed to speeding up reviews of permits
and modifications to create certainty for the business community, leading to more jobs, increased
economic prosperity, and streamlined permit renewals, which incorporate up-to-date information
and requirements more quickly, thereby improving environmental protection. In FY 2021, EPA
requests a total of $34.2 million and 84.2 FTE in support of this strategic objective.
Through a series of targeted efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting
programs, by the end of FY 2019, EPA reduced the backlog of new applications by 65 percent
(from 149 to 52 applications, excluding Clean Air Act New Source Review and Title V Operating
Permits), meeting the target for the FY 2018-2019 APG. The FY 2020-2021 APG for EPA permits
in backlog is expanded to include applications to renew existing permits as well as new
applications. In addition, the APG now includes reporting for permits issued under the Clean Air
Act (NSR and Title V).67
EPA will continue to systematically collect and report permitting data for each of its permitting
programs. The Agency also will continue efforts to employ business process improvement
strategies, such as Lean management, to improve efficiencies in all permitting processes and meet
commitments. EPA will continue to explore options to modernize permitting and reporting
processes by implementing shared services to reduce the creation of duplicative/redundant systems
and save costs.
In addition to focusing on permits issued by EPA, the Agency will develop a standard, consistent
approach for the evaluation and oversight of the national permitting work performed by delegated,
approved and authorized states and local agencies. This approach will focus on outcome metrics
that are understandable and useful to regulators, the regulated community, and the public while
remaining consistent with statutory objectives and requirements.
This objective demonstrates new approaches to streamline and reduce unnecessary burdens and to
help communities meet their environmental and economic needs. In FY 2021, an additional $5.1
million with 12.0 FTE are requested to continue to deliver tools, technical assistance, and
67 CAA permits will not be subject to the six-month goal but will be held to the statutory timeframes for permit issuance (12
months and 18 months, respectively, from receipt of complete application for NSR and Title V permits).
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meaningful engagement to economically distressed communities. The investment supports
research to support Opportunity Zones across all stakeholders and to hold infrastructure and
revitalization roundtables. EPA creates lasting partnerships between economic development,
environmental protection and public health, and public and private sector investments that can
work together to support locally led, community-driven goals.
EPA's Smart Sectors partnership program provides a platform to collaborate with 13 regulated
sectors of the economy and develop more sensible approaches to protect the environment and
public health. In FY 2021, EPA requests $374 thousand and 2.0 FTE to continue its progress
delivering transparent sector-based environmental and economic performance data to the general
public, highlighting best practices for industry, EPA, and states. The Agency will facilitate cross-
sector dialogues to identify innovative solutions to environmental problems. Additionally, the
program will continue providing sector ombudsmen to connect, facilitate, and convene Agency
experts with sector representatives to solve discrete policy, guidance, and implementation issues
unique to the sectors.
Objective 5: Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness. Provide proper leadership and internal
operations management to ensure that the Agency is fulfilling its mission.
Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square
feet.68
• By September 30, 2022, reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100% of
procurement action lead times (PALT).69
• By September 30, 2022, improve 250 operational processes.
• By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four.70
Process Improvements
To better support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA is improving
the efficiency and effectiveness of its business processes. In FY 2021, priority areas include
financial, facility, human resource, contract, grant, and information technology (IT)/information
management (IM). EPA will take advantage of enhancements and new collaborative and cost-
effective tools and technologies. The Agency will continue to build a modern and secure work
environment to protect critical information and support its efforts to address the environmental
problems of the 21st Century. EPA will continue to modernize and improve business processes and
68 Baseline is 5,264,846 square feet as of FY 2017.
69 Baseline, as of September 30, 2018 is 77 percent for all contract actions awarded within PALT. (Footnote updated fromF7
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
70 Baseline is four administrative systems/operations federal shared services in FY 2017. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022
EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
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operations to promote transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness; enhance collaborative, results-
driven partnerships with internal and external business partners; recruit, develop, and maintain a
highly-skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce; and improve the capabilities and cost-
effectiveness of its IT and IM systems. EPA will build on progress being made to employ
enterprise risk management and increase effective use of data analysis and visualization tools to
inform Agency decision making. To support this strategic objective, EPA requests a total of $932.4
million and 2,225.0 FTE in FY 2021.
EPA will continue to apply EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) principles and leverage input
from customer-focused councils, advisory groups, workgroups, portfolio reviews, and federal
advisory committees to identify business process streamlining opportunities. The Agency is
working to improve its enterprise ethics review process. One aspect of the effort will enhance and
standardize the approach and increase rigor of Agency oversight. To improve the efficiency and
cost effectiveness of its operations, EPA will continue to standardize and streamline internal
business processes in its acquisition and financial management and explore additional federal
shared services. EPA made 66 process improvements in FY 2019 after applying ELMS to
operational processes across the Agency. Process times were reduced by 50 percent on average.
Improving the efficiency of acquisition activities helps maximize the Agency's use of appropriated
resources to implement environmental programs. In FY 2019, EPA met its 85 percent target and
is making progress toward achieving 100 percent of procurement action lead times (PALT) by FY
2022. EPA continues to leverage ELMS to identify process improvement opportunities around
PALT.
Agency Workforce Planning
Effective workforce management is critical to EPA's ability to accomplish its mission. In FY 2021,
EPA will continue to build upon its performance, learning, and succession management activities
by providing access to quality training and development opportunities for employees and
supervisors to improve their skills, knowledge, and performance. The performance and learning
activities are being automated and centralized in FedTalent, a federal shared service tool.
Additionally, EPA will continue to leverage workforce planning dashboards to advance human
capital priorities by giving managers a strategic view of retirement eligibility, diversity
information, occupational series, and grade levels. The dashboards assist EPA with succession
planning by helping identify workforce gaps due to anticipated retirements and attrition trends.
Cybersecurity
To protect critical environmental and human health information, EPA will strengthen its
cybersecurity posture. The Agency will focus on implementing two key cybersecurity priorities—
the mandated federal government-wide Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) effort, and
the complementary EPA-specific Cyber Risk Mitigation Projects (CRMPs). These two priorities
introduce or improve upon dozens of cybersecurity capabilities, enhance the Agency's ability to
respond to threats, and improve EPA's privacy posture in alignment with the Privacy Act of 1974.
EPA will work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and other partners in
implementing CDM capabilities.
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Information Technology Modernization and Shared Services
EPA also will work to transform and modernize its information systems, tools, and processes to
improve how the Agency collaborates internally and with external stakeholders. EPA will enhance
the power of information by delivering on-demand data to the right people at the right time. To
enable the Agency, its partners, and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share
information effectively, EPA will improve its IT/IM capabilities and customer experiences.
EPA deployed three additional federal shared services in FY 2019, including the Department of
Interior's (DOI) FedTalent for talent management services, the General Services Administration's
(GSA) USAccess for identity credentials, and Enterprise Physical Control System (eACS) for
facility access control.
In FY 2021, an additional $500 thousand is included to complete the deployment of EPA's Next
Generation Grants System (NGGS) and retire outdated legacy grants management system.
Additionally, in FY 2021, EPA directs an increase of $500 thousand to support planning for the
migration to a federal shared service provider contract writing system to achieve efficiencies, retire
a legacy system, and leverage existing solutions. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to prepare
for G-invoicing, the new Treasury system for Interagency Agreements. In addition, this will
provide full integration of Treasury's invoice payment process. These systems will integrate with
the Agency's accounting systems and reporting interfaces. $2.2 million is included to support
implementation of G-Invoicing and other Financial Management Payment Processing
Modernization which advance this effort.
To better understand complex interactions between pollutants and the environment and address
the environmental problems of the 21st Century effectively and efficiently, EPA and its partners
analyze large volumes of data. EPA will develop a comprehensive data management strategy that
addresses the collection, management, and use of data generated internally and from external
partners including states, tribes, grantees, the regulated community, and citizen science. The
Agency will deploy new data analysis, data visualization, and geospatial tools in a cloud-based
framework to enable analysis and provide the basis for informed decision making. This work will
support Evidence Act requirements.
Environmental decision making across media programs requires access to high-quality data and
analytical tools. EPA will build shared IT services, maximizing the benefits of Agency investments
and ensuring consistency and scalability in tools and services. EPA programs that receive
submissions from outside the Agency, whether from the reporting community, states, tribes, or
local governments, will rely increasingly on centrally-developed and maintained information
services, decreasing the volume of computer code each program must develop and maintain. For
example, in FY 2021 EPA requests an additional $1.2 million with 1.0 FTE to provide data
standards and geo-referencing expertise for EPA's research, predictive modeling and monitoring
tools and analyses, and policy approaches to target and reduce nutrient pollution that causes
Harmful Algal Blooms and impacts water quality across the country. Shared services will reduce
reporting burden for submitting entities and improve data quality for EPA. EPA programs, states,
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and tribes will work to establish a common catalog of shared services and agree to a minimum set
of common standards and practices.
The Agency will enhance its enterprise-wide records management system (ECMS) to facilitate the
electronic management of data and information, multimodal access, effective searching, and ease
of use, as well as provide support to all EPA offices in meeting statutory requirements under the
Federal Records Act. These services are crucial to Agency operations. In FY 2021, an additional
$4.0 million is requested to continue progress towards upgrading the Agency's enterprise-wide
records management system and enhancing the digitization of paper records. E-Records and
eDiscovery support the long-term performance goal of eliminating the backlog and meeting
statutory deadlines for responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by facilitating
the process of searching and identifying records related to the requests. The Agency's future
information management architecture will support official recordkeeping requirements, as well as
daily document management, business processes, information access, and legal needs of EPA
employees and organizations, while also being flexible, scalable, and cost effective. In addition,
digitization of records and an enterprise-wide records management system will support the
Agency's long-term performance goal of reducing unused office and warehouse space by 850,641
square feet by September 30, 2022. In FY 2021, $3.8 million is requested for resources to support
Discovery Services.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Science and Technology
Program Projects in S&T 65
Clean Air 68
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 69
Atmospheric Protection Program 72
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 73
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification 75
Indoor Air and Radiation 80
Indoor Air: Radon Program 81
Radiation: Protection 82
Radiation: Response Preparedness 84
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air 86
Enforcement 87
Forensics Support 88
Homeland Security 90
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection 91
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 97
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 103
IT / Data Management/ Security 105
IT / Data Management 106
Operations and Administration 108
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 109
Pesticides Licensing Ill
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk 112
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk 116
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability 119
Research: Air and Energy 122
Research: Air and Energy 123
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 128
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 129
Research: Sustainable Communities 136
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Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 137
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 144
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability 145
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment 152
Water: Human Health Protection 158
Drinking Water Programs 159
Congressional Priorities 162
Water Quality Research and Support Grants 163
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Science & Technology
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Estimated FY 2020
Actuals
Enacted
Pres Budget
Enacted
Science & Technology
Budget Authority
$695,063.1
$716,449.0
$484,733.0
-$231,716.0
Total Workyears
1,892.9
1,983.7
1,501.0
-482.7
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
Bill Language: Science and Technology
For science and technology, including research and development activities, which shall include
research and development activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; necessary expenses for personnel and related costs and
travel expenses; procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies; and other operating expenses
in support of research and development, $484,733,000, to remain available until September 30,
2022, of which $19,000,000 shall be derived from the Special Treasury fund established under
section 217(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7552(b).
Program Projects in S&T
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Pro ject
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Clean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
$7,834.8
$7,463.0
$5,739.0
-$1,724.0
Atmospheric Protection Program
$8,044.4
$7,772.0
$0.0
-$7,772.0
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$10,878.2
$6,039.0
$3,712.0
-$2,327.0
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and
Certification
$92,789.2
$94,790.0
$80,932.0
-$13,858.0
Subtotal, Clean Air
$119,546.6
$116,064.0
$90,383.0
-$25,681.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$16.7
$143.0
$0.0
-$143.0
Radiation: Protection
$2,794.7
$1,781.0
$1,047.0
-$734.0
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$2,545.0
$3,089.0
$4,167.0
$1,078.0
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$216.7
$136.0
$0.0
-$136.0
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$5,573.1
$5,149.0
$5,214.0
$65.0
Enforcement
Forensics Support
$11,534.7
$13,592.0
$11,723.0
-$1,869.0
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure
Protection
$7,957.5
$9,053.0
$7,732.0
-$1,321.0
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
$20,492.7
$23,593.0
$25,542.0
$1,949.0
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel
and Infrastructure
$410.0
$443.0
$500.0
$57.0
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$28,860.2
$33,089.0
$33,774.0
$685.0
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
$3,092.6
$3,072.0
$2,890.0
-$182.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide
Risk
$3,098.5
$3,154.0
$2,443.0
-$711.0
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from
Pesticide Risk
$2,415.8
$2,327.0
$2,616.0
$289.0
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide
Availability
$354.6
$405.0
$684.0
$279.0
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
$5,868.9
$5,886.0
$5,743.0
-$143.0
Research: Air and Energy
Research: Air and Energy
$85,895.8
$94,496.0
$33,543.0
-$60,953.0
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
$100,123.7
$110,890.0
$78,948.0
-$31,942.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$135,083.1
$132,477.0
$58,597.0
-$73,880.0
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
$37,003.7
$37,351.0
$24,694.0
-$12,657.0
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Endocrine Disruptors
$15,230.0
$16,021.0
$10,775.0
-$5,246.0
Computational Toxicology
$22,262.3
$21,089.0
$18,181.0
-$2,908.0
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability (other activities)
$49,811.9
$51,807.0
$37,996.0
-$13,811.0
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
$87,304.2
$88,917.0
$66,952.0
-$21,965.0
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
$124,307.9
$126,268.0
$91,646.0
-$34,622.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Drinking Water Programs
$3,227.6
$4,094.0
$4,364.0
$270.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$4,092.0
$6,000.0
$0.0
-$6,000.0
TOTAL S&T
$695,063.1
$716,449.0
$484,733.0
-$231,716.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
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Clean Air
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Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$15,302.4
$13,619.0
$13,231.0
-$388.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
S'.S'.U.S'
S -10.l.n
S.\
-S/. '2-1.0
Total Budget Authority
$23,137.2
$21,082.0
$18,970.0
-$2,112.0
Total Workyears
64.5
63.7
61.7
-2.0
Program Project Description:
This program is responsible for managing the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET),
a long-term ambient monitoring network, which serves as the Nation's primary source for
assessing atmospheric data trends in sulfur and nitrogen deposition, regional ground-level ozone,
and other forms of particulate and gaseous air pollution. Used in conjunction with the National
Atmospheric Deposition Program's wet deposition networks and other ambient air quality
networks, CASTNET's long-term data products are used to determine the effectiveness of national
and regional emission control programs. The CASTNET program provides spatial and temporal
trends in ambient air quality and atmospheric deposition in non-urban areas and sensitive
ecosystems (e.g., National Parks). CASTNET ozone data allow EPA to assess National Ambient
Air Quality Standards compliance in areas not monitored by the State, Local and Tribal Ambient
Monitoring Networks. Maintaining the CASTNET monitoring network continues to be critical for
assessing the environmental benefits realized from regional emission reduction programs (thereby
reducing secondary pollutant formation of ozone and fine particles).
EPA's Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) program was created to assess the health of water bodies in
response to changes in deposition of atmospheric pollutants. Today, it ensures that the Clean Air
Act continues to be effective in reducing the impact of atmospheric pollutants (e.g., strong acid
anions) on surface waters in New England, the Adirondack Mountains, the Northern Appalachian
Plateau (including the Catskill mountains), and the Blue Ridge region. This program is operated
cooperatively with partners in state agencies, academic institutions, and other federal agencies.
The LTM surface water chemistry monitoring program provides field measurements for
understanding biogeochemical changes in sulfur, nitrogen, acid neutralizing capacity, aluminum,
and carbon in streams and lakes in relation to changing pollutant emissions. The LTM program is
one of the longest running programs at EPA, providing a longitudinal dataset based on sampling
and measurements that go back to 1983.
The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs are nationwide and multi-state programs that address
air pollutants that are transported across state, regional, and international boundaries. The
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programs designed to control SO2 and NOx include Title IV (the Acid Rain Program) of the Clean
Air Act, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and the Texas SO2 Trading Program.
Both the CSAPR and the CSAPR Update Rule require 27 states in the eastern U.S. to limit their
statewide emissions of SO2 and/or NOx in order to reduce or eliminate the states' contributions to
fine particulate matter and/or ground-level ozone pollution in other states. The set emissions
limitations that are defined in terms of maximum statewide "budgets" for emissions of annual SO2,
annual NOx, and/or ozone-season NOx from each state's large electric generating units. The Texas
SO2 Trading Program addresses Texas' obligations to implement best available retrofit technology,
reasonable progress, and interstate visibility transport, as those obligations relate to SO2 emissions
from electricity generating units.1
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will:
• Continue to maintain long-term CASTNET monitoring sites that provide atmospheric
deposition and rural ozone concentrations. Provide support to assure high-quality analysis
and reporting of environmental data from CASTNET and LTM surface water monitoring
networks.
• Analyze and assess trends in sulfur and nitrogen deposition, rural ozone concentrations,
surface water quality, and other indicators of ecosystem health and ambient air quality in
non-urban areas of the U.S.
• Assure the continuation of ongoing SO2 and NOx emission reductions from power plants
in the eastern half of the U.S. by implementing CSAPR and the CSAPR update, and across
the contiguous U.S. by implementing the Acid Rain Program.2
• Ensure accurate and consistent results for the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs.
Continue work on performance specifications and investigating monitoring alternatives and
methods to improve the efficiency of monitor certification and emissions data reporting.
• Work with states to implement emission reduction programs to comply with CAA Section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) requirements.3
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
1 Clean Air Act § 110 and § 169A; see 40 CFR 52.2312.
2 Clean Air Act §§ 110(a)(2)(D) and 401.
3 For more information on program performance, please see: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/clean-air-markets-progress.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,724.0) This program change reduces support for activities such as technical analysis,
modeling, and emissions monitoring support to states as they develop, implement, and
assess their state and regional programs to address regional and national air issues from
large stationary sources.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Atmospheric Protection Program
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$90,985.1
$95,436.0
$14,512.0
-$80,924.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
SH.044.4
S '."2.0
S 0.0
-S "2.0
Total Budget Authority
$99,029.5
$103,208.0
$14,512.0
-$88,696.0
Total Workyears
201.3
200.6
120.0
-80.6
Program Project Description:
The Atmospheric Protection Program supports implementation and compliance with greenhouse
gas (GHG) emission standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles developed under EPA's
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program. Resources under this program
also support compliance activities for implementing the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Under
authorities contained in the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act, EPA is responsible for
issuing certificates and ensuring compliance with both the GHG and CAFE standards.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,772.0 / -28.7 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Atmospheric
Protection Program from the S&T appropriation.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), §§ 6602-6605; National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), § 102; Clean Water Act, § 104; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), § 8001; Energy Policy Act of 2005, § 756.
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Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$132,513.9
$130,588.0
$114,095.0
-$16,493.0
Science A- Technology
s in. as. 2
S fi.O.W.O
S3.'12.1)
-S 2.32'M
Total Budget Authority
$143,392.1
$136,627.0
$117,807.0
-$18,820.0
Total Workyears
824.8
842.0
638.8
-203.2
Program Project Description:
Federal support for the criteria pollutant and air toxics programs includes a variety of tools to
characterize ambient air quality and the level of risk to the public from air pollutants and to measure
national progress toward improving air quality and reducing associated risks. The Federal Support
for Air Quality Management Program supports development of State Implementation Plans (SIPs)
through modeling and other tools and assists states in implementing, attaining, maintaining, and
enforcing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants. The
Program also supports development and provision of information, training, and tools to assist state,
tribal, and local agencies, as well as communities, to reduce air toxics emissions and risk specific
to their local areas. In addition, the Program supports activities related to the Clean Air Act (CAA)
stationary source residual risk and technology review program. EPA is required to assess the level
of risk remaining after promulgation of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP) that are based on Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) within eight years
of that promulgation. In addition, the Agency is required to review all NESHAP at least every eight
years to determine if revisions are needed to reflect developments in practices, processes, and
control technologies.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. During FY 2021, as part of implementing key activities in support of
attainment of the NAAQS, EPA will provide states and local air agencies with scientifically and
technically sound assistance in developing SIPs. This assistance includes providing models,
modeling inputs and tools, and technical data and guidance and identifying emission control
options. EPA ensures national consistency in how air quality modeling is conducted as part of
regulatory decision-making, including federal and state permitting programs, SIP-related actions,
as well as how conformity determinations are conducted across the U.S. The Agency will work
with states and local air agencies to ensure that particulate matter (PM) hot-spot analyses are
conducted in a manner consistent with the transportation conformity regulation and guidance.
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One ofEPA's priorities is to fulfill its statutory and court-ordered obligations. In FY 2021, EPA
will continue to conduct the periodically required "technology reviews" of NESHAP and conduct
required risk assessments for MACT-based NESHAP. The Program will prioritize conducting
reviews of NESHAP for 14 source categories for which the statutory deadlines passed and 13 of
which are now subject to court-ordered dates. EPA expects to similarly prioritize reviews for the
five source categories currently subject to litigation.
EPA works with other internal and external stakeholders on improving ambient air monitoring
networks and measurement techniques to fill data gaps and to better estimate population exposure
to criteria and toxic air pollutants. EPA will provide quality assurance proficiency testing for
federal and commercial laboratories that produce data from PM2 5 air monitoring systems to ensure
quality data for use in determining air quality.
In FY 2021, EPA will work with partners to continue improving emissions factors and inventories,
including the National Emissions Inventory. This effort includes gathering improved activity data
from emissions monitoring and using geographic information systems and satellite remote sensing
systems, where possible, for key point, area, mobile, and fugitive sources, and global emission
events.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,217.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,544.0 / -3.1 FTE) This program change is a decrease in EPA's assistance to state, tribal,
and local agencies' Clean Air Act implementation activities, such as SIP/TIP development
as well as activities to reduce air toxic emissions and risks for communities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
N
N,N\O.W2M
-SIJ.SiS.0
Total Budget Authority
$92,789.2
$94,790.0
$80,932.0
-$13,858.0
Total Workyears
287.9
308.5
296.7
-11.8
Program Project Description:
Under the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program, EPA develops,
implements, and ensures compliance with national emission standards to reduce mobile source
related air pollution from light-duty cars and trucks; heavy-duty trucks and buses; nonroad
engines and vehicles; and from the fuels that power these engines. The Program also evaluates
new emission control technology and provides state, tribal, and local air quality managers and
transportation planners with access to information on transportation programs and incentive-
based programs.
As part of ensuring compliance with national emission standards, the Program tests vehicles,
engines, and fuels, and establishes test procedures for federal emissions and fuel economy
standards.
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL): The NVFEL ensures air quality
benefits and fair competition in the marketplace by conducting testing operations on motor
vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and fuels to certify that all vehicles, engines, and
fuels that enter the U.S. market comply with all federal clean air, greenhouse gas, and fuel
economy standards. The NVFEL conducts vehicle emission tests as part of pre-production tests,
certification audits, in-use assessments, and recall programs to ensure compliance with mobile
source programs.
Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS): EPA administers the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
Program. The RFS was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), which amended the
Clean Air Act, and was expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(EISA). The RFS Program requires a certain volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce the
quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil, or jet fuel.
The four renewable fuel categories under the RFS are biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel,
advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. Obligated parties under the RFS Program are refiners
or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel. Compliance is achieved by blending renewable fuels into
75
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transportation fuel, or by obtaining credits (called "Renewable Identification Numbers" or RINs)
to meet an EPA-specified Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO).
Work with State and Local Governments: EPA works with state and local governments to ensure
the technical integrity of the mobile source control emission benefits included in State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) and transportation conformity determinations. EPA develops and
provides information and tools to assist state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as communities,
to reduce air toxics emissions and risks specific to their local areas. Reductions in emissions of
mobile source air toxics, such as components of diesel exhaust, are achieved through establishing
national emissions standards and partnership approaches working with state, local, and tribal
governments, as well as a variety of non-governmental stakeholder groups.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
program supports the Agency's integrated criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG)
compliance programs by operating test cells that simultaneously measure criteria pollutants and
GHG emissions, reviewing certification applications for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty
engines to approve applications for both the criteria pollutant and GHG programs, and examining
potential violations.
In FY 2021, the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program will continue to
focus its efforts on certification decisions. The Agency will continue to perform its compliance
oversight functions on priority matters, conducting compliance oversight tests where evidence
suggests noncompliance. EPA will continue to conduct pre-certification confirmatory testing
activities for emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars. EPA anticipates reviewing and
approving about 5,000 vehicle and engine emissions certification requests, including light-duty
vehicles, heavy-duty diesel engines, nonroad engines, marine engines, locomotives, and others.
There has been a significant increase in demand for EPA's certification services over the last two
decades, due in part to the addition of certification requirements for marine, other nonroad, and
small spark-ignited engines.
EPA utilizes in-use emissions data provided by light-duty vehicle manufacturers to measure
compliance and determine if any follow-up evaluation or testing is necessary. Since calendar year
2000, light-duty vehicle manufacturers have been required to test a number of newer and older
in-use vehicles and provide the data to EPA, which receives over 2,100 test results annually. EPA
reviews the data and determines if there are any specific vehicles, models, or manufacturers that
are failing emissions in-use. The Agency will use this information submitted by light-duty
manufacturers to determine if there are vehicle models that should be identified for testing for the
upcoming model year prior to granting the manufacturer a certificate of conformity, which allows
the manufacturer to sell vehicles in the U.S.
In August 2018, EPA and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) released a notice of proposed rulemaking, the Safer Affordable Fuel
Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, which proposed to amend the federal fuel economy and
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greenhouse gas emissions standards for model years 2021-2026 passenger cars and light trucks.
In addition, SAFE clarified that federal law (Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA))
preempts state and local tailpipe GHG emissions standards and zero emission vehicle (ZEV)
mandates. In the SAFE rule, EPA also proposed to withdraw portions of the Clean Air Act waiver
it had previously granted to California in January 2013, as it relates to California's light-duty
vehicle GHG and ZEV programs.4
In September 2019, EPA and NHTS A finalized Part 1 of the SAFE Rule, in which EPA withdrew
the Clean Air Act preemption waiver for California's GHG and ZEV programs. In the SAFE Part
1 final rule, NHTSA also promulgated regulations to preempt state and local standards related to
fuel economy under EPCA. The SAFE Part 2 final rule, which will establish federal fuel economy
standards and revised GHG emissions tailpipe standards for Model Year (MY) 2021-2026 light-
duty vehicles, is expected to be finalized by April 2020.
The Cleaner Trucks Initiative is a rulemaking effort to address NOx emissions from heavy-duty
trucks. As a part of this rulemaking effort, EPA plans to evaluate the technologies which can
ensure real-world compliance with emissions standards and also will seek opportunities to
modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for the heavy-duty highway sector.
In FY 2021, EPA plans to release the final Fuels Regulatory Streamlining Rule based on the
notice of proposed rulemaking in FY 2020. In addition, EPA will begin implementation of the
rule to streamline and update EPA's existing gasoline, diesel, and other fuels regulations to
improve overall compliance assurance and maintain environmental performance, while reducing
compliance costs for industry as well as EPA. This rule streamlines the existing fuels regulations
by deleting expired provisions, eliminating redundant compliance provisions, removing
unnecessary and out-of-date requirements, and replacing them with a single set of provisions that
will apply across all gasoline, diesel, and other fuels programs under the current regulations.
In FY 2021, EPA also will oversee compliance with vehicle fuel economy labeling requirements.
In past years, EPA conducted in-use audits of manufacturer "coast-down" data, revealing issues
in manufacturer data submitted to EPA and, as a result, inaccurate fuel economy labels on more
than a million vehicles from several well-known manufacturers.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue implementing the Tier 3 standards for light-duty vehicles and
certifying manufacturers' fleets for vehicle MY 2022. EPA is responsible for establishing the test
procedures needed to measure tailpipe emissions and for verifying manufacturers' vehicle fuel
economy data. As a result, the Agency will deploy its laboratory testing resources to ensure that
new cars and trucks are in compliance with the Tier 3 emissions standards.
EPA will continue working with the International Maritime Organization and the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on programs to control conventional pollutant emissions
from marine and aircraft engines, respectively. In FY 2021, the Agency will work with ICAO on
4 Information on the proposal may be found at the following website: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-
engines/safer-affordable-fuel-efficient-safe-vehicles-proposed.
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its program to develop international action plans to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions from
international civil aviation.
The Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) is the Agency's emission modeling system
that estimates emissions for mobile sources at the national, county, and project levels for criteria
air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics. In FY 2021, MOVES will support the Agency's
emission control programs, as well as provide critical support to states in their determination of
program needs to meet air quality standards. The Agency also will support users on any release
of a new model version based on the best available data and science.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide state and local governments with assistance in
developing SIPs and providing assistance with transportation conformity determinations. EPA
will continue to work with states and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of the
mobile source emission estimates in their SIPs. EPA will assist in identifying control options
available and provide guidance, as needed. In addition, EPA will ensure national consistency in
how conformity determinations are conducted across the U.S. and in the development of motor
vehicle emissions budgets in air quality plans, for use in conformity determinations.
EPA will continue to provide assistance to state and local transportation and air quality agencies
working on PM2.5 hot-spot analyses. This will help ensure that analyses use the latest available
information and that a measure of consistency exists across the Nation. Additionally, EPA will
continue partnering with states to support inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs that focus
on in-use vehicles and engines. Basic and/or enhanced I/M testing is currently being conducted
in over 30 states with technical and programmatic guidance from EPA.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to work with a broad range of stakeholders to develop targeted,
sector-based, and place-based incentives for diesel fleets (including school buses, ports, and
freight) to limit emissions from older, pre-2007 diesel engines not subject to stringent emissions
standards. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. currently live and work near ports and can be
exposed to air pollution associated with emissions from diesel engines at ports, including
particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and air toxics.5 Because large numbers of people live
near ports and are vulnerable to mobile source diesel emissions, EPA will focus its efforts on
reducing mobile source emissions in and around ports. EPA also is working with industry to bring
about field testing and emissions testing protocols for a variety of innovative energy-efficient,
emissions reducing technologies for the legacy fleet.
EPA will continue to implement the RFS Program and to carry out actions required by the EPAct
of 2005 and the EISA of 2007, including operating and maintaining the credit trading systems.
EISA expanded the renewable fuels provisions of EPAct and requires additional studies in various
areas of renewable fuel use. EISA requires that EPA set an annual volume standard for renewable
fuels, and the 2021 RFS volume requirements are statutorily required to be promulgated in
FY 2020. In 2021, EPA will promulgate the annual volume standard for 2022.
5 For more information, please see the DERA Fourth Report to Congress, July 2019, which may be found at:
https:/Avww.epa.gov/cleaiidiesel/clean-diesel-ieports-coiigress.
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EISA also requires EPA to develop a comprehensive lifecycle GHG methodology to implement
the Act's GHG threshold requirements for the RFS. Producers of new and advanced biofuels
regularly seek to qualify their fuels under RFS, and EPA will continue to apply its lifecycle
analysis to such fuels to evaluate and determine eligibility for the Program.
In FY 2021, EPA will maintain oversight of the RFS Program and continue to evaluate compliance
with RFS provisions through its system, which is used to track the creation, trades, and use of
billions of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for compliance. The tracking system handles
4,000 to 6,000 submissions per day, typically averaging more than 20,000 transactions per day,
and the generation of more than 1.4 billion RINs per month. RINs are generated with the
production of qualifying renewable fuel and are used to achieve national RFS programmatic goals
of reducing or replacing the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil, or jet fuel
produced.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement its Fuel and Fuel Additive Registration program. The
Agency will prioritize its review and decisions for Part 79 registrations.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM CRT) Number of certificates of conformity issued that demonstrate that the respective engine, vehicle,
equipment, component, or system conforms to all of the applicable emission requirements and may be
entered into commerce.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
5,200
5,000
5,000
5,000
Certificates
Actual
4,225
4,360
4,453
5,109
4,869
4,711
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,633.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$480.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$18,971.0 / -11.8 FTE) This program change streamlines technical assistance to industry,
stakeholders, state and local governments, and other partners and focuses the program on
efficiently and effectively implementing core statutory requirements, including ensuring
compliance with national standards to reduce air pollution from vehicles, engines, and fuels
and assessing the capabilities of new and current vehicle technologies.
Statutory Authority:
Title II of the Clean Air Act; Motor Vehicle Information Cost Savings Act; Alternative Motor
Fuels Act of 1988; National Highway System Designation Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU);
Energy Policy Act of 2005; Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
79
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Indoor Air and Radiation
80
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Indoor Air: Radon Program
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
$2,642.6
S3.136.0
$0.0
-$3,136.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
SH>.~
$1-13.0
S0.0
-SI-13.0
Total Budget Authority
$2,659.3
$3,279.0
$0.0
-$3,279.0
Total Workyears
9.1
9.0
0.0
-9.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risks posed by exposures to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an action level, and advises
the public of steps they can take to reduce exposure. EPA's radon program has provided important
guidance, technical assistance, and funding to help states establish their own programs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$143.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Indoor Air: Radon Program in the
S&T appropriation.
Statutory Authority:
Title HI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act.
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Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$10,880.5
$7,992.0
$2,470.0
-$5,522.0
Science A- Technology
S2, "
SI. ~tS].0
S I.IN'.O
-S'3-1.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$1,768.6
$1,985.0
$2,122.0
$137.0
Total Budget Authority
$15,443.8
$11,758.0
$5,639.0
-$6,119.0
Total Workyears
57.4
53.8
25.0
-28.8
Program Project Description:
EPA supports waste site characterization and cleanup by providing field and fixed laboratory
environmental radiological and radioanalytical data and technical support, radioanalytical training
to state and federal partners, and developing new and improved radioanalytical methods and field
measurement technologies. The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory in
Montgomery, Alabama, and the National Center for Radiation Field Operations in Las Vegas,
Nevada, provide analytical and field operation support for radioanalytical testing, quality
assurance, analysis of environmental samples, and field measurement systems and equipment to
support site assessment, cleanup, and response activities in the event of a radiological accident or
incident. Together, these organizations provide technical support for conducting site-specific
radiological characterizations and cleanups.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA, in cooperation with states, tribes, and other
federal agencies, will provide limited ongoing site characterization and analytical support for site
assessment activities, remediation technologies, and measurement and information systems. EPA
also will provide essential training and direct site assistance, including field surveys and
monitoring, laboratory analyses, health and safety, and risk assessment support at sites with actual
or suspected radioactive contamination.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
82
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$39.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$41.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a reduction due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$732.0 / -4.2 FTE) This program change decreases support activities at the National
Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama and
the National Center for Radiation Field Operations (NCRFO) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act of 1992;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Clean Water Act.
83
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Radiation: Response Preparedness
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$2,078.1
$2,196.0
$2,350.0
$154.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
S 2.5-lxtl
sj.nsv.n
S-I.l (>'.<)
Sl.O'SJ)
Total Budget Authority
$4,623.1
$5,285.0
$6,517.0
$1,232.0
Total Workyears
26.3
33.3
31.5
-1.8
Program Project Description:
The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery,
Alabama, and the National Center for Radiation Field Operations (NCRFO) in Las Vegas, Nevada,
provide laboratory analyses and field sampling and analyses to respond to radiological and nuclear
incidents. This work includes measuring and monitoring radioactive materials and assessing
radioactive contamination in the environment. This program comprises direct scientific field and
laboratory activities to support preparedness, planning, training, and procedure development. In
addition, program personnel are members of EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team
(RERT), a component of the Agency's emergency response program, and are trained to provide
direct expert scientific and technical assistance. EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
program's RERT asset is part of the Nuclear Incident Response Team under the Department of
Homeland Security.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA's RERT will provide limited support for federal
radiological emergency response and recovery operations under the National Response Framework
and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. They will support
basic operations (e.g., on-site technical support/consultation, fixed laboratory, and mobile
laboratory analyses) to provide for the rapid collection of field measurements/samples and
accurate radionuclide analyses of environmental samples.6
In FY 2021, NAREL and NCRFO will: maintain core levels of readiness for radiological
emergency responses; participate in the most critical emergency exercises; and respond, as
required, to radiological incidents. NAREL and NCRFO will prioritize rapid deployment
capabilities to ensure that field teams and laboratory personnel are ready to provide scientific data,
6 For additional information, please visit: fattps://www.epa.gov/radiatioii/radiological-eiriergeiicv-respoiise.
84
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analyses, and updated analytical techniques for radiation emergency response programs across the
Agency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$416.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$392.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (+$270.0 / -0.7 FTE) This net program change reflects an adjustment in support activities
for preparedness work, including basic laboratory analytic functions.
Statutory Authority:
Homeland Security Act of 2002; Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA); Public Health Service Act (PHSA);
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA).
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$10,931.6
$11,627.0
$0.0
-$11,627.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
S 210.'
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sn.n
-S/Mi.O
Total Budget Authority
$11,148.3
$11,763.0
$0.0
-$11,763.0
Total Workyears
34.7
37.2
0.0
-37.2
Program Project Description:
Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) authorizes EPA
to conduct and coordinate research on indoor air quality, develop and disseminate information,
and coordinate risk reduction efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. EPA supports field
measurements and assessments and provides technical support for indoor air quality remediation,
when requested.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$136.0 / -1.4 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Reduce Risks from
Indoor Air program in the S&T account.
Statutory Authority:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA); Clean Air Act.
86
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Enforcement
87
-------
Forensics Support
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science A- li'cluioloxy
Sll.xij.'
si3jv:.o
S H.~23M
-SI.MVM
Hazardous Substance Superfond
$1,402.3
$1,145.0
$1,312.0
$167.0
Total Budget Authority
$12,937.0
$14,737.0
$13,035.0
-$1,702.0
Total Workyears
57.4
68.9
52.1
-16.8
Program Project Description:
The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific and technical support for criminal and
civil environmental enforcement cases, as well as technical support for the Agency's compliance
efforts. EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) is an environmental forensic
center accredited for both laboratory and field sampling operations that generate environmental
data for law enforcement purposes. It is fully accredited under International Standards
Organization (ISO) 17025, the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories, as
recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.7 The NEIC maintains a sophisticated
chemistry and physical science laboratory and a corps of highly trained inspectors and scientists
with expertise across media. The NEIC works closely with EPA's Criminal Investigation Division
to provide technical support (e.g., sampling, analysis, consultation, and testimony) to criminal
investigations. The NEIC also works closely with EPA's programs to provide technical support,
consultation, on-site inspection, investigation, and case resolution services in support of the
Agency's Civil Enforcement Program.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific
and technical support for EPA's criminal and civil enforcement efforts. In FY 2021, NEIC will
continue to streamline its forensics work, and identify enhancements to our sampling and
analytical methods, using existing technology. The Program will build on its progress using the
EPA Lean Management System to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations,
reduce the time for completion of civil inspection reports, improve procurement processes, and
continue to identify and implement further efficiencies in laboratory operations. The results of
these efforts will inform EPA's work in FY 2021 and beyond.
7 Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, National Academy of Sciences, 2009, available at:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php7record id=12589.
88
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,825.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,768.0 / -16.3 FTE) This net decrease reflects a focus on analyzing material to attribute
it to individual sources or facilities and a reduction in other analytical support.
• (+$74.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
rent, utilities, and security or lab fixed costs.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act; Toxic Substances Control Act.
89
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Homeland Security
90
-------
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$444.4
$840.0
$1,361.0
$521.0
Science A- Technology
sv.oxi.n
S
-SIJ2J.fi
Total Budget Authority
$8,401.9
$9,893.0
$9,093.0
-$800.0
Total Workyears
19.4
22.6
21.0
-1.6
Program Project Description:
Under the federal homeland security system, EPA is the Sector-Specific Agency responsible for
implementing statutory and Presidential directives relating to homeland security for the water
sector. EPA's Water Security Program is implemented through close partnerships with the water
sector, state emergency response and water program officials, and other federal agencies—most
notably the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the
Intelligence Community. The Water Security Program engages federal, state, and local entities in
defining annual objectives and identifying high priorities for immediate action.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program provides critical resources to coordinate
and support protection of the Nation's critical water infrastructure from terrorist threats and all-
hazard events. In FY 2021, under this homeland security program, EPA will train about 1,500
water utilities, state officials, and federal emergency responders to become more resilient to any
natural or manmade incident that could endanger water and wastewater services. In FY 2021, EPA
will provide tools, training, and technical assistance which will address the highest risks
confronting the water sector.
Natural Disasters and General Preparedness
Drought, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters represent a high risk to the
water sector owing to their historical frequency of occurrence and their enormous potential for
destruction. As evident from several recent natural disasters, the level of preparedness within the
water sector varies significantly— with many utilities lacking an adequate preparedness capability.
In FY 2021, EPA will improve the preparedness of the water sector by providing nationwide
training sessions to address natural disasters and general preparedness with the objective to train
water and wastewater systems, state officials, and emergency response partners. Specifically, EPA
will:
91
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• Provide in-person trainings and workshops which will include: Incident Command
System/National Incident Management System training; drought response training; flood
response training; state functional exercises (e.g., scenarios of hurricanes, floods, and
earthquakes); resource typing and site access workshops; a regional interstate emergency
response exercise (e.g., hurricane), etc.
• Conduct tabletop and functional exercises to improve the operation of intra-state and inter-
state mutual aid agreements among water utilities.
• Implement lessons learned, of relevance to the water sector, from the most recent hurricane
seasons, as identified by reports from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
Water Agency Response Network, and EPA's Inspector General.
• Continue to address high priority security areas, as identified in the stakeholder generated
2017 Roadmap to a Secure and Resilient Water and Wastewater Sector,8 with an emphasis
on projects addressing the following four priorities: (1) establishing the critical lifeline
status of the water and wastewater sector and translating that definition into strong support
for the sector's needs and capabilities; (2) improving detection, response, and recovery to
contamination incidents; (3) advancing preparedness and improving capabilities of the
water and wastewater sector for area-wide loss of water and power; and (4) advancing
recognition of vulnerabilities and needed responses related to cyber risk management.
• Conduct nationwide training sessions with three critical, inter-dependent sectors: health
care, emergency services, and energy. Most incidents, particularly natural disasters, have
underscored the mutual reliance on the water sector with other lifeline sectors. Through
training sessions with officials at the local, state, and federal levels from these other sectors,
EPA will seek to improve coordination among critical lifeline sectors.
• Sustain operation of the Water Desk in the Agency's Emergency Operations Center in the
event of an emergency by: updating roles/responsibilities; training staff in the incident
command structure; ensuring adequate staffing during activation of the desk; and
coordinating with EPA's regional field personnel and response partners.
• Develop annual assessments, as required under the National Infrastructure Protection Plan,
to describe existing water security efforts and progress in achieving the sector's key
metrics.
Water Security Initiative and Water Lab Alliance
Water Security Initiative. The Water Security Initiative (WSI) designs and demonstrates an
effective system for timely detection and appropriate response to drinking water contamination
threats and incidents through a pilot program that has broad application to the nation's drinking
water utilities in high-threat cities. The FY 2021 request includes $3.45 million for necessary WSI
8Formore information, please see:
littps://www.waterisac.org/sites/default/files/public/2017_CIPAC Water_Sector_Roadmap FINAL 051217.pdf.
92
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Surveillance and Response System (SRS) activities to: 1) continue refining technical assistance
products based on the five full-scale SRS pilots, 2) implement a monitoring and response program
for water utilities focused on source water chemical spills, and 3) provide direct technical
assistance to the dozens of water utilities that seek to leverage EPA's expertise in deploying their
own warning system.
In FY 2021, EPA will train about 50 drinking water utilities in the design, operation, and response
components of early contaminant warning systems. In particular, EPA will:
• Continue efforts to promote the water sector's adoption of Water Quality Surveillance and
Response Systems. This will help to rapidly detect and respond to water quality problems,
such as contamination in the distribution system, in order to reduce public health and
economic consequences through the development of several online training modules and
webinars, as well as the provision of in-person direct technical assistance.
• Build upon the Drinking Water Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters
(DWMAPS)9 and the new chemical spill and storage notification requirements in the
America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. EPA will compile and disseminate chemical
storage data from state and local sources to ensure that drinking water utilities have access
to the basic information (e.g., what chemicals are stored upstream from a surface water
intake) necessary for implementing effective source water contamination detection and
response systems.
• Conduct nationwide training sessions for its SRS Capabilities Assessment Tool,10 a web-
based, easy-to-use, decision support tool that presents the user with a series of questions
by which to assess existing detection and response capabilities, compare these existing
capabilities to a target capability, and identify potential enhancements to address gaps
between the existing and target capabilities.
• Continue the successful SRS implementation pilot program11 within the water sector - the
purpose of which is to: demonstrate the application of SRS tools in designing and operating
an early warning system for contamination events; illustrate additional applications of SRS
tools, such as extending the SRS approach to source water monitoring; and identify
champions, within the industry, for implementing surveillance and response systems.
Water Laboratory Alliance. In a contamination event, the sheer volume or unconventional type of
samples could quickly overwhelm the capacity or capability of a single laboratory. To address this
potential deficiency, EPA has established a national Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) comprised
of laboratories harnessed from the range of existing lab resources from the local (e.g., water utility)
to the federal levels (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Laboratory
Response Network). In FY 2021, EPA will continue to promote, through exercises, expert
9 For more information, please see; https:/Avww.epa.gov/sourcewateiprotection/driiAing-water-mapping-application-pi
source-waters-dwmaps.
10 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/srs_fact sheet.pdf.
11 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterqualitysurveillance.
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workshops, and association partnerships, the Water Laboratory Alliance Plan,12 which provides a
protocol for coordinated laboratory response to a surge of analytical needs. In FY 2021, under
WLA, EPA will train approximately 50 laboratories in improving their ability to handle potential
problems associated with surge capacity and analytical method capabilities during an emergency.
In particular, EPA will:
• Continue work with regional and state environmental laboratories to conduct exercises and
continue efforts to automate the exercises, enabling laboratories and other members of the
water sector to participate in exercises simultaneously and continue the innovative practice
of pursuing validation of methods through exercises.
• Continue to expand the membership of the WLA with the intention of achieving nationwide
coverage. The WLA has 160 member laboratories that are geographically diverse and can
provide a wide range of chemical, biological, and radiological analyses.13 For the WLA to
become a robust infrastructure that can cover major population centers and address a
diverse array of high priority contaminants, membership must continue to increase.
• Continue to target laboratories located in areas where the WLA has both inadequate
membership levels and gaps in laboratory analytical capabilities.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies, primarily DHS, CDC, Food and Drug
Administration, and Department of Defense, on chemical, biological, and radiological
contaminants of high concern and how to detect and respond to their presence in drinking
water and wastewater systems.
• Continue to implement specific recommendations of the Water Decontamination Strategy
as developed by EPA and water sector stakeholders (e.g., defining roles and responsibilities
of local, state, and federal agencies during an event).
Cvbersecuritv
Cybersecurity represents a substantial concern for the water sector, given the ubiquitous access to
critical water treatment systems from the internet. In FY 2021, EPA will fulfill its obligations
under Executive Order 13636 - Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity14 - which
designated EPA as the lead federal agency responsible for cybersecurity in the water sector. EPA
will partner with the water sector to promote cybersecurity practices and gauge progress in the
sector's implementation of these practices as directed by the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of
2014. EPA will be conducting nationwide training sessions in cybersecurity threats and
countermeasures for about 200 water and wastewater utilities. Specifically, EPA will:
12 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterlabnetwork.
13 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabceiVcontact-information-certification-programs-and-certified-
laboratories-drinking-water.
14 For more information, please see: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/executive-order-13636-improving-critical-iiifrastructure-
cybersecurity.
94
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• Conduct a one-day classroom training, at locations distributed nationally, on water sector
cybersecurity. The training will address cybersecurity threats (including ransomware),
vulnerabilities, consequences, best practices, and incident response planning.
• Update and/or develop new course materials owing to the evolving nature of the cyber
threat, such as the recently documented role of Russian state actors in infiltrating water
system industrial control processes and business enterprise functions.
• Develop brief, targeted guidance documents for underserved segments of the water sector,
such as small systems and technical assistance providers.
• Continue to implement a new training program for technical assistance providers that will
create a nationwide, state-level network capable of providing direct assistance to water
utilities in adopting and tracking cybersecurity practices across the water sector.
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA)
In FY 2021, EPA will continue its efforts to fulfill the mandates of the Community Water System
Risk and Resilience section of AWIA requiring community water systems, serving a population
greater than 3,300, to prepare risk assessments and emergency response plans. EPA will provide
technical assistance to these systems on how to conduct resilience assessments, prepare Emergency
Response Plans (ERPs), and certify completion of these assessments and plans. As required by the
law, EPA also will provide guidance to community water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people
on how to develop a risk assessment and ERP. EPA will provide technical assistance to water
systems to address drinking water vulnerabilities where EPA determines an urgent and immediate
need. The EPM Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection Program also can support
AWIA homeland security related work.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$521.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,842.0 / -3.8 FTE) This program change streamlines emergency response efforts for
natural disasters through further coordination with other federal agencies and through
enhanced coordination of activities with work performed in the Homeland Security:
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program.
95
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Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act, §§ 1431-1435; Clean Water Act; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Emergency and Response Act of 2002; Emergency Planning and Community Right-
to-Know Act, §§ 301-305.
96
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Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
N2U.-W2.'
S23JV3.0
S 2x5-12.0
s/,m»
Hazardous Substance Superfond
$31,526.7
$31,599.0
$33,454.0
$1,855.0
Total Budget Authority
$52,019.4
$55,192.0
$58,996.0
$3,804.0
Total Workyears
115.3
124.1
127.1
3.0
Program Project Description:
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, microbial pathogens, and radiological materials released
into the environment could pose catastrophic consequences to the health of first responders and
American citizens. EPA has responsibility, under legislation and Presidential Directives, to
remediate contaminated environments created by incidents such as terrorist attacks, industrial
accidents, or natural disasters.
As part of the FY 2021 President's Budget, EPA's Research and Development Program's six
integrated and transdisciplinary research programs developed and are implementing the third
generation Strategic Research Action Plans (StRAPs). These updated StRAPs continue to reflect
the research needs of the Agency's program and regional offices, states, and tribes. The StRAPs
received active collaboration and involvement from EPA's Research and Development Program's
partners, which ensures that the EPA's scientific efforts are responsive to today's environmental
concerns.
EPA's disaster-related responsibilities are described by the following three objectives in the
Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP)'s 2019-2022 StRAP: 1) contaminant
characterization and consequence assessment; 2) environmental cleanup and infrastructure
remediation; and 3) systems approaches to preparedness and response.
Funding supports EPA in carrying out the primary mission essential functions, including EPA's
efforts to help communities prepare for, endure, and recover from disasters - safeguarding their
economic, environmental, and social well-being. HSRP collaborates with state, local, and private
sector organizations and key federal agencies15 to prioritize research needs and prevent the
duplication of scientific and technical work. HSRP delivers effective tools, methods, information,
and guidance to local, state, and federal decision-makers that address both critical terrorism-related
issues and natural or manmade disasters.
15 Partners include: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation
(NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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EPA also is responsible for operating and maintaining the network of near real-time stationary and
deployable monitors, known as RadNet, under the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the
National Response Framework. This network is critical in responding to large-scale incidents such
as Fukushima and is an EPA Critical Infrastructure/Key Resource asset. This monitoring network is
supported by the IT system known as ARaDS, Analytical Radiation Data System.
Additionally, EPA serves as the Sector-Specific Agency for the water sector, coordinating water
sector-specific risk assessment and management strategies and assessing and mitigating
cybersecurity risks with DHS and the sector under Executive Order 13636: Improving Critical
Infrastructure Cybersecurity.16
Recent accomplishments include:
• Advancing Preparedness for Foreign Animal Disease Outbreaks: Proper management
of livestock carcasses during large-scale foreign animal disease outbreaks can protect
humans, livestock, and wildlife from biological hazards. To effectively respond to large-
scale animal mortality incidents, while minimizing potential environmental and economic
impacts, HSRP studied various livestock carcass management options and provided
decision-making criteria to help manage foreign animal disease outbreaks. Healthy
livestock can become infected by inhaling or ingesting foot-and-mouth virus or African
swine fever virus released from infected animals or carcasses. Carcasses must be managed
immediately after death, otherwise nearby livestock will be exposed, threatening the human
food supply. Site-specific conditions affect which of seven management options17 are most
appropriate in the aftermath of a biological incident. HSRP developed a technical report18
to help make site-specific decisions for dissemination to public health and environmental
agencies, animal farmers, veterinarians, and other diverse groups of professionals, which
is available online through EPA's science inventory.
• Improving Drinking Water Infrastructure Capabilities Response to Contamination:
EPA is the lead federal agency responsible for working with water utility companies to
protect water distribution systems from contamination. Drinking water distribution systems
are vulnerable to intentional or accidental contamination, which presents challenges to
maintaining water quality and availability. Decontamination of drinking water systems is
critical in ensuring system operation and restoring public confidence in the system's safety.
A research concern of EPA is the effect of terrorist anthrax attacks against critical
infrastructure, including the drinking water sector. EPA research, under HSRP, examined
full-scale decontamination demonstration of drinking water infrastructure after a biological
agent contamination event, using a nonpathogenic surrogate for anthrax in collaboration
with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. This research
16 For more information, please see: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/12/executive-order-
improving-critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity.
17 Options include: on-site open burning, on-site air-curtain burning, on-site unlined burial, on-site composting, off-site fixed-
facility incineration, off-site landfilling, and off-site carcass rendering.
18 For more information, please see: Exposure Assessment of Livestock Carcass Management Options During a Foreign Animal
Disease Outbreak, https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?dirEntrvId=342127&Lab=1SlHSRC.
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determined decontamination methodologies best suited for use by water utilities.19
Effective management of contaminated water is needed to improve emergency response,
shorten response time, and improve preparedness.
• Accelerating Response Time with Effective Waste Management: Large-scale natural
disasters have the potential to generate a significant amount of waste. For example,
Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin Missouri tornado resulted in 100 million and 1.5 million
cubic yards of waste. Man-made chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)
incidents, created by acts of terrorism, war, or accidents, have the potential to generate as
much or more hazardous waste. Successful recovery is dependent on effective waste
management. The quantification, segregation, transportation, and storage of waste can be
an arduous and costly undertaking. For example, following an incident, vehicles will be
damaged and/or contaminated to varying degrees and left unattended within the impacted
area. The timely removal process may overwhelm local, state, and federal recovery efforts.
EPA research identified methods to collect, decontaminate, recycle, or dispose of
contaminated vehicles following a wide-area incident in collaboration with federal, state,
and local governments, as well as researchers and experts from the automotive recycling,
scrap recycling, waste management, and insurance industries.20 The research results help
reduce the cost and time associated with the aforementioned process of removing
contaminated vehicles resulting from a wide-area incident.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This work also is subject to evaluation
by the Agency's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), which is an independent expert body
that performs evaluations and lends advice on the strategic research planning for EPA's Research
and Development Program.
The following work is reflected in the HSRP's Strategic Research Action Plan. Research is
planned and prioritized based on the needs of end-users of this science, including regional
On-Scene Coordinators, water utility companies, states, and EPA program and regional
offices.
Characterizing Contamination and Assessing Consequence. Research on contaminant
characterization, coupled with an understanding of exposure potential, can be used to inform the
public health consequences of contaminant exposure. HSRP addresses how contaminants behave
in water systems and the built and natural environment, including the development of capabilities
19 For more information, please see: Full-Scale Decontamination of Bacillus Spores from Drinking Water Infrastructure,
searcli&view=desc&sortB¥=pubDat*eYear&diowCriteria=l&coimt^^^
biologicat%27&.
6 For more information, please see: Management and Disposal of Vehicles Following a Wide Area Incident: Literature Review
and Stakeholder Workshop,
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?dirEntrvId=345827&Lab=lSlHSRC&fed org id=1253&subiect=Homeland
%20SecuiltY%2()Researcli&¥ie'w=desc&sortBY=pubDateYear&slio'wCilteila=1.&comit=25&searcliall='iiidooi%2()outdooi%20d
ecoiitamination.
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to support decision makers in their assessment of contamination threats to public health. HSRP
will develop contaminant detection, environmental sampling, and analytical capabilities. These
research areas provide essential information to support environmental response and remediation
decision making to protect public health and the environment. In FY 2021, HSRP will:
• Study the fate of persistent chemical agents and pesticides in porous or permeable materials
informing remediation options.
• Conduct studies on biological contaminant fate, transport, and inactivation in water and
wastewater systems to inform mitigation decisions.
• Develop biological sample collection methods for environmental matrices and protocols
for target biological agent analysis.
• Develop indoor contaminant mapping capabilities for supporting radiological remediation
decision making.
Environmental Cleanup and Infrastructure Remediation. EPA has extensive expertise in cleaning
up contamination associated with accidental spills and industrial accidents. However, experience
in remediating CBRN contamination, released over wide areas, such as outdoor urban centers or
impacted water systems, is lacking. Such a release can pose a continual challenge for remediation
with long-standing environmental and health consequences. As the lead Agency overseeing the
water sector, EPA addresses water sector research needs identified by the Water Sector Coordinating
Council and the Water Government Coordinating Council's Critical Infrastructure Partnership
Advisory Council.21
EPA research, under HSRP, aims to fill the most critical capability gaps so that EPA can make the
most informed mitigation and remediation decisions. HSRP research will focus on: 1) wide-area
decontamination research to develop capabilities for addressing hazardous contaminants in the
environment, including indoor and outdoor areas, 2) water treatment and decontamination of water
systems, and 3) waste management as part of the response and remediation efforts. In FY 2021,
HSRP will:
• Develop decontamination methods for biological agent contaminated outdoor surfaces and
vehicles.
• Conduct research to test decontamination approaches at the bench, pilot, and the full-scale
water security test bed for contaminated drinking water infrastructure.
• Evaluate methods for homeowner decontamination of plumbing and appliances connected
to the water distribution system.
• Develop methods to determine water treatment and infrastructure decontamination options
for CBR contaminants to assist on-site treatment of CBR contaminated water.
• Develop tools and information to aid in CBR waste and waste water minimization,
staging/storage, treatment, transport, and disposal.
System Approaches to Preparedness and Response. Transitioning the research into field ready
capabilities involves ensuring that decision makers and responders have knowledge of and access
21 The Water Sector Coordinating Council is a "self-organized, self-run, and self-governed council" composed of water utilities.
The Water Government Coordinating Council is responsible for interagency coordination of efforts related to the water sector.
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to the latest information. Decision makers need access to tools and information built from a
systems approach where each of the research areas are brought together through their
interdependencies and relative impacts. Priorities for HSRP address the development of systems-
based tools by pulling together the connected elements of the research products to provide
technical support and decision-support tools and this ensures that information is readily and easily
accessible during an emergency. In FY 2021, EPA's HSRP will:
• Conduct a study to develop resilience tools for community and water networks including
associated case studies. This study will improve community resiliency to man-made and
natural disasters with the ability to respond rapidly.
• Evaluate and develop data management, communication, and characterization for CBRN
response and recovery. New emerging technology to the response community will enhance
the ability to gather necessary information to make informed decisions and greatly reduce
the time necessary to collect information and improve the safety for responders.
Radiation Monitoring. The RadNet fixed monitoring network provides near real-time radiation
monitoring coverage near each of the 100 most populous U.S. cities, as well as expanded
geographic coverage for a total of 140 monitoring sites. The RadNet air monitoring network will
provide the Agency, first responders, and the public with greater access to data, and, should there
be a radiological emergency, improve officials' ability to make decisions about protecting public
health and the environment during and after the incident. Additionally, the data will be used by
scientists to better characterize the effect of a radiological incident.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to operate the RadNet air monitoring network, add exposure
rate meter capability to the network, and provide essential maintenance to the network. In order to
best maximize resources, monitors will add exposure rate meter capability when needed repairs
are called for. This expansion will enhance the federal government's ability to effectively
communicate radiation measurement information to the public and to non-technical decision
makers after a radiological release. In addition to aiding in explaining data to the public and
decision makers, the addition of exposure rate meters aligns EPA's monitoring system with that
of the international community. Fixed stations will operate in conjunction with deployable
monitoring assets available during a radiological incident.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research program.
The HSRP will meet regularly over the next several years with the BOSC HSRP Subcommittee to
seek their input on topics related to research program design, science quality, innovation,
relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys that are distributed to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how
research products are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with
research product quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the
Agency identifies its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
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This work supports the long-term performance goal of percent of research products meeting
customer needs in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
EPA's state engagement22 is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role
within EPA, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States—with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council—and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, as well as state media
associations such as the Association of Clean Water Administrators and the Association of State
Drinking Water Administrators.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$731.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$361.0) This program change is a decrease in resources for addressing radiological
emergency preparedness.
• (+$609.0 / -2.0 FTE) This net program change is a change in resources and FTE for
decontamination research.
• (+$970.0 / +5.0 FTE) This program change is an increase in resources and FTE for a
focused effort to meet EPA's responsibilities as the water Sector-Specific Agency
implementing specific statutory and Presidential directives relating to water security.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act, §§ 102, 103; Safe Drinking Water Act, §§ 1431-1435,
1442; Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997, §§ 1411-1412; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002; Toxic Substances Control Act, § 10; Oil
Pollution Act; Pollution Prevention Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Clean Water Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act; Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Food Quality Protection Act;
Food Safety Modernization Act, §§ 203, 208.
22 For more information, please see: fattps://www.epa.gov/researeh/epa-researcli-sotutions-states.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
$5,755.6
$5,355.0
$4,986.0
-$369.0
Science A- Technology
$410.0
S 443.0
.S 500.0
$57.0
Building and Facilities
$4,259.1
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$979.3
$1,017.0
$915.0
-$102.0
Total Budget Authority
$11,404.0
$13,491.0
$12,577.0
-$914.0
Total Workyears
8.8
9.2
9.2
0.0
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 9.2 FTE to support Homeland Security working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
This program supports activities to ensure that EPA's physical structures and assets are secure and
operational and that physical security measures are in place to help safeguard staff in the event
of an emergency. These efforts also protect the capability of EPA's vital laboratory infrastructure
assets. Specifically, funds within this appropriation support security needs for the National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL).
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to provide enhanced physical security for the NVFEL
and its employees. This funding supports the incremental cost of security enhancements
required as part of an Agency security assessment review.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$57.0) This program change increases resources for infrastructure security at the
NVFEL.
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Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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IT / Data Management/ Security
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$78,748.7
$80,223.0
$79,064.0
-$1,159.0
Science A- Technology
S.\0'J2.0
S3.tr 2.0
S2.SW.0
-S1S2.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$13,755.5
$13,792.0
$13,874.0
$82.0
Total Budget Authority
$95,596.8
$97,087.0
$95,828.0
-$1,259.0
Total Workyears
391.4
459.4
469.9
10.5
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 172.0 FTE to support IT/Data Management working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program
supports human health and the environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data
management. Science and Technology (S&T) resources for EPA's IT/DM Program fund the
following activities: Quality Program,23 EPA National Library Network, and One EPA Web.
The Quality Program provides quality policies and practices intended to ensure all
environmentally-related data activities performed by or for the Agency will result in the production
of data that are of adequate quality to support their intended uses. The Quality Program provides
Quality Assurance (QA) policies, training, oversight, and technical support to assist EPA's
programs in implementing quality management systems for all environmental data operations. It
also oversees the implementation of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines. The EPA National
Library Network provides information resources and services to EPA staff and to the public to
support the mission of EPA.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Quality Program will continue to
provide technical support to all EPA offices and laboratories in implementing EPA quality policies,
procedures, and standards. In FY 2021, the Quality Program will conduct one Quality Management
Plan review and one Quality System Assessment for selected EPA programs. These oversight
activities help ensure the quality of EPA's data for intended uses, including environmental
decision-making.
23 More information about EPA's Quality Program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/qualitv.
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The Quality Program also will continue using an enterprise QA tracking and reporting IT system,
which is expected to be implemented in FY 2020. The enterprise QA tracking and reporting system
simplifies, standardizes, and centralizes the QA annual reporting process by providing a
mechanism for EPA organizations' quality activities throughout the year. Additionally, the Quality
Program will provide oversight of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines and facilitate the
development of the Agency's responses to public requests for correction of information
disseminated by EPA. The Agency's S&T resources for IT/DM also will help provide library
services through the EPA National Library Network to all EPA employees and access to
environmental information to the public, as well as support the hosting of EPA's websites and web
pages. One EPA Web will continue to manage content and support internal and external users with
information on EPA business, support employees with internal information, and provide a
clearinghouse for the Agency to communicate initiatives and successes.
In FY 2021, EPA will work to transform the Agency's libraries to meet the needs of the 21st
Century customer. EPA will streamline library collections and seek to make enhancements to the
physical space to improve the customer service experience.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$579.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$761.0 / -1.5 FTE) This net program change modifies the timeline for development of
new technologies to address agency needs such as new assistive technology tools, ability
to re-platform legacy applications, and replace end of service IT equipment that provides
basic workforce support across the Agency.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
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Operations and Administration
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Science A- Technology
Vi~. N.ici.y
SfoJ ~2.0
srr.ws.o
S
Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
Hazardous Substance Superfond
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Science & Technology (S&T) resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program
fund rent, utilities, and security. The Program also supports centralized administrative activities
and support services, including health and safety, environmental compliance and management,
facilities maintenance and operations, sustainable facilities and energy conservation planning and
support, and space planning. Funding for such services is allocated among the major appropriations
for the Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to invest
in the reconfiguration of EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and
reduce long-term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,24 the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act
of 2016. EPA is implementing a long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number
of occupied facilities, consolidate space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage
wherever practical. EPA also will continue to work to enhance its federal infrastructure and
operations in a manner that increases efficiency.25
24 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
15 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-regarding-
efficient-federal-operationsA Executive Order 13834 "Efficient Federal Operations". For information on EPA's FY 2018
performance for efficient Federal operations/management, please visit: https://www.sustainability.gov/images/scorecards/epa-
scorecard-fv2 01.8 .pug.
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EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide by September 30,
2022. This has the potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of nearly $28 million
across all appropriations. This will help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. In FY
2019, EPA released 128,150 square feet of unused office and warehouse space. Planned
consolidations in FY 2021 will allow EPA to release an expected 319,693 square feet of space.
For FY 2021, the Agency is requesting $27.69 million for rent, $19.78 million for utilities, and
$15.16 million for security in the S&T appropriation. EPA uses a standard methodology to ensure
that rent charging appropriately reflects planned and enacted resources at the appropriation level.
In FY 2021, the Agency will take aggressive action to reconfigure EPA's workplaces with the goal
of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables EPA to reduce
its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically sophisticated workplace.
EPA will continue to manage lease agreements with GSA and private landlords, and fund costs
associated with utilities and building security needs.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,536.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, security, and transit subsidy.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute).
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Pesticides Licensing
ill
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Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
$55,368.2
S58.75.V0
$51.268.0
-$7,485.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
$3,098.5
S3.15-1.0
S2.443.0
-s~u.o
Total Budget Authority
$58,466.7
$61,907.0
$53,711.0
-$8,196.0
Total Workyears
366.4
387.6
416.5
28.9
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 126.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Pesticide Program screens new pesticides before they reach the market and ensures that
pesticides already in commerce are safe. As directed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (F1FRA), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by
the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA), and the Pesticide Registration Improvement
Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA),26 EPA is responsible for registering and re-evaluating pesticides
to protect consumers, pesticide users, workers who may be exposed to pesticides, children, and
other sensitive populations. To make regulatory decisions and establish tolerances (e.g., maximum
allowable pesticide residues on food and feed) for food use pesticides and for residential or non-
occupational use, EPA must find the pesticide safe. This involves considering cumulative and
aggregate risks and ensuring extra protection for children. The Agency must balance the risks and
benefits of other uses. For antimicrobial pesticides with public health claims, the EPA requires that
manufacturers perform tests to ensure the efficacy (i.e., performance) of products per the labelling.
This program operates two laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory,27 and the Analytical
Laboratory,28 that support the goal of protecting human health and the environment through
diverse analytical testing and analytical method development, and validation efforts. These
laboratories provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal and state agencies, tribal
nations, and other organizations to protect human health from pesticide risk.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Microbiology Laboratory
26 On Friday, March 8, 2019, the President signed into law the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA
4), which reauthorizes PRIA for 5 years through fiscal year 2023, and updates the fee collection provisions of the FIFRA.
27 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
28 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl.
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will protect human health by ensuring the availability of scientifically sound efficacy test methods
for antimicrobial pesticides (e.g., hospital disinfectants used to treat surfaces). By developing new
methods for new uses and emerging pathogens, the regulated community can register new products
and new claims for existing products. Specific initiatives for FY 2021 include the following:
• Data collection and analysis on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) quantitative method for bactericidal claims to support adoption of
the method for regulatory purposes, including an analysis of data from the FY 2020 multi-
laboratory studies. The method is currently used by EPA to assess performance of
antimicrobial products against two major public health pests, Clostridioides difficile (C.
diff) and Candida auris, and the laboratory is developing data to expand the use of the
method for testing other human pathogenic bacteria and viruses including drug resistant
strains (e.g., MRSA, human influenza virus).
• Continued development of a method and associated guidance for assessing the
effectiveness of Legionella in recirculating water for cooling tower remediation. Conduct
and coordinate verification studies to confirm the method for evaluation of the performance
of antimicrobial products against Legionella for decontamination and/or remediation
claims.
• Support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by generating data on
a broad range of product formulations (e.g., antimicrobial wipes and ready-to-use
formulations) and active ingredients to inform the CDC and other federal agencies (e.g.,
Veterans Administration) on options for surface decontamination for the emerging fungus
pathogen (iCandida auris) including the drug resistant strain.
• Posting of the final guidance and standard efficacy method for the registration of copper-
containing surface.
• Development of a prototype method for evaluating porous materials found in clinical
environments (room separation curtains, vinyl surfaces, etc.)
• Development of the first workplan for comment on the risk-based post-registration efficacy
testing program (e.g., surveillance testing of C. difficile products) per EPA's response to
the Office of the Inspector General (Report No. 16-P-0316).
• Continued posting and maintenance of a website for existing and new antimicrobial test
methods and guidance documents.29
In FY 2021, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to protect human health by
ensuring the availability of appropriate analytical methods for analyzing pesticide residues in food
and feed and ensuring their suitability for monitoring pesticide residues and enforcing tolerances.
In addition, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will:
• Develop improved analytical methods using state of the art instruments to replace outdated
methods, thus increasing laboratory efficiency and accuracy of the data;
• As needed, provide analytical support to fill in data gaps for the Pesticide Programs' risk
assessments and for Section 18 emergency exemptions, and to perform studies for use in
risk mitigation;
29 For additional information, please refer to the following website: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-analytical-
methods/antimicrobial-testing-methods-procedures-developed-epas-microbiologv.
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• Develop protocols and generate data to improve the Office of Pesticide Programs' dietary
risk assessment of household antimicrobial disinfectant products that require potable water
rinse;
• Provide analytical assistance and technical advice to all regional offices in support of their
enforcement cases;
• Verify that antimicrobial pesticides are properly formulated (as requested); and
• Operate EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository.
Preventing Disease through Public Health Pesticides: Antimicrobial Testing
Antimicrobial pesticides play an important role in public health and safety by killing germs,
bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, and slime. Some of these products are used to sterilize
hard surfaces in hospitals. Chemical disinfection of hard, non-porous surfaces such as floors, bed
rails, and tables is one component of the infection control systems in hospitals, food processing
operations, and other places where disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses,
may be present. In reviewing registrations for antimicrobials, EPA is required to ensure that
antimicrobials maintain their effectiveness.30
EPA's Antimicrobial Testing Program (ATP) has been testing hospital sterilants, disinfectants,
and tuberculocides since 1991 to help ensure that products in the marketplace meet stringent
efficacy standards. EPA is currently in the process of developing a new risk-based testing strategy
in response to OIG recommendations made in FY 2016.31 Consistent with the OIG
recommendations, EPA suspended the ATP in November 2017 and released a draft risk-based
strategy, renamed the Antimicrobial Performance Evaluation Program (APEP), in October 2019
for public comment and will continue to seek public input prior to implementation in FY 2022.
Evidence and Evaluation
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue efficacy method development activities to support
EPA's antimicrobial pesticide regulatory programs. In support of these efforts, the Microbiology
Laboratory submitted several methods for emerging pathogens {Clostridioidesdifficile and
biofilms) and selected formulation types (towelette) to American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) workgroups for technical review in FY 2019. These methods have since been approved
by ASTM. The peer-review process provided during the ASTM workgroup meetings helped
optimize and improve the clarity of the methods, as well as making the methods more robust and
relevant to real-world scenarios. The results of these efforts will help ensure products are available
for control of Clostridioidesdifficile and biofilms and inform EPA's method development activities
in FY 2021 and beyond.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory is developing a protocol to measure the residues of
pesticides left on a kitchen counter that has been sprayed with an antimicrobial product and
followed with a potable water rinse (PWR). This protocol, when approved, will be used by the
manufacturers to collect residue data for active ingredients in antimicrobial products with indirect
30 See, FIFRA section 3(h)(3), 7 U.S.C. 136a(h)(3).
31 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/antimicrobial-testiiig-program.
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food uses. These data will help the Agency refine its dietary risk assessments, which historically,
were based on the assumption of no residue remaining after a PWR.
Through ongoing efficiency reviews of its analytical data processing procedures, the Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory has streamlined its analytical data processing procedures by utilizing
automated data transfer from the instruments and customized spreadsheets for data reporting. In
FY 2021, the Laboratory will continue to identify ways to improve its efficiency, including
streamlining data review processes according to the ISO 17025 guidelines, using electronic media
to store analytical data, and establishing a laboratory LAN. By identifying efficiencies in the
analytical processing procedures, the Laboratory expects to reduce turn-around time and errors
commonly seen with manual data processing, thus providing the Agency with more timely,
traceable, and accurate data for use in assessing risks of pesticides to human health and the
environment.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$16.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$727.0) This net program change is a reduction in funding for pesticide program activities
from annual appropriations with the intent to increase utilization of pesticide user fee
collections.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA), §408.
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Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
$39.444.2
$38.966.0
$32.100.0
-$6,866.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
$2,415.8
S 2J2~.it
S 2.(>K>.t)
S2NV.0
Total Budget Authority
$41,860.0
$41,293.0
$34,716.0
-$6,577.0
Total Workyears
295.3
249.6
268.4
18.8
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 85.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
In compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA),32 EPA
conducts risk assessments using the latest scientific methods to determine the risks that pesticides
pose to human health and the ecological effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems that are not the
targets of the pesticide. The Agency's significant regulatory decisions are posted for review and
comment to ensure that these actions are transparent, and to allow stakeholders, including at-risk
populations, to be engaged in decisions that affect their environment.
EPA's Pesticide Program operates two laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory33 and the
Analytical Laboratory,34 that support the goal of protecting human health and the environment
through diverse analytical testing, and analytical method development and validation efforts.
These laboratories will continue to provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal
and state agencies, tribal nations, and other organizations to ensure the protection of the
environment from pesticide risk.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA must determine that
food and residential uses of pesticides are safe. For other risk concerns, EPA must balance the
risks of the pesticides with benefits provided from the use of the product. To avoid unreasonable
risks, EPA may impose risk mitigation measures such as modifying use rates or application
32 See. FIFRA, Sections 2 and 3, Definitions, Registration of Pesticides (7 U.S.C. §§ 136,136a). Available online at:
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act. Section 3(c)(5) of FIFRA
states that the Administrator shall register a pesticide if it is determined that, when used in accordance with labeling and common
practices, the product "will also not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment." FIFRA defines
"unreasonable adverse effects on the environment", as "any unreasonable risk to man or the environment, considering the
economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide."
33 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
34 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl.
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methods, restricting uses, or denying some or all uses. In some regulatory decisions, EPA may
determine that uncertainties in the risk determination need to be reduced and may require
monitoring of environmental conditions, such as effects on water sources, development of new,
standardized methodologies, or the development and submission of additional laboratory or field
study data by the pesticide registrant.
In addition to FIFRA responsibilities, the Agency has responsibilities under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).35 Under ESA, EPA must ensure that pesticide regulatory decisions will not
destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat or result in jeopardy to the continued
existence of species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS). Where risks are identified, EPA must work with FWS and NMFS in a
consultation process to ensure these pesticide registrations also will meet ESA standard.
EPA's Pesticide Program Laboratories provide a diverse range of environmental data that the
Agency uses to make informed regulatory decisions. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and the
Microbiology Laboratory each provide critical laboratory testing and support activities to assist
the decision-making processes of the Agency. The Laboratories develop standard methods to
evaluate the performance of antimicrobial products such as disinfectants used in hospital settings,
and validate analytical chemistry methods to ensure that EPA, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USD A), and the states have reliable methods
to measure and monitor pesticide residues in food and in the environment.
In FY 2021, the Microbiology Laboratory will continue to work with the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security and USDA to evaluate various environmentally-relevant materials such as
porous materials (e.g., wood, concrete, fabric, tile etc.) which simulate use sites in livestock,
poultry, and other food animal rearing operations. Outbreaks of avian influenza, African swine
fever, Newcastle Disease virus, etc., can be devastating to American agriculture and the persistence
of these viruses on surfaces is not well understood. Currently, due to the unavailability of
standardized quantitative test methods to simulate real-world conditions in the field, the response
to an animal pathogen outbreak and submission of requests under FIFRA Section 18 to address
these outbreaks relies on published, and often antiquated data. Thus, the use of commonly available
chemicals for remediation (e.g., citric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, etc.) of
contaminated sites without extensive knowledge of their environmental impact from such
widespread use is deemed problematic. The goal of the Laboratory is to develop a quantitative
approach for assessing the effectiveness antimicrobial products against high consequence animal
viruses and other pathogens to provide a tool for the development of high quality efficacy data on
relevant surface materials. The availability of the method to the regulated community will support
more effective, targeted chemistries and refined antimicrobial application techniques for porous
materials, and the development of new antimicrobial products following contemporary regulatory
requirements.
In FY 2021, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to focus on analytical method
development and validations as well as special studies to address specific short-term, rapid-
turnaround priority issues. The Laboratory also will continue to provide technical and analytical
35 See. ESA sections 7(a)(l) and 7(a)(2); Federal Agency Actions and Consultations (16 U.S.C. § 1536(a)). Available at the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service ESA internet site: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/section-7.html.
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assistance to EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program and regional offices in
support of their enforcement/complaint cases, including analysis of dicamba and its metabolites in
soil and vegetation samples and analysis of products sold in online commerce. The Laboratory
also will continue to support pesticide registration review by evaluating the accuracy and precision
of sulfuryl fluoride detection devices used to detect the presence of a fumigant prior to re-entry. In
addition, the Laboratory will continue to review the effectiveness of a potable water rinse at
removing residues of antimicrobial active ingredients from different surface types in an effort to
refine the exposure estimates used in risk assessments for these active ingredients. Finally, in FY
2021, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to provide national technical analytical
support for the development of data needed for the Pesticides Program's risk assessments and for
Section 18 emergency exemptions, and to perform studies for use in risk mitigation.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$36.0) This change is a decrease due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$325.0) This change is an increase in laboratory operation and maintenance costs.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$7,193.6
$7,722.0
$6,014.0
-$1,708.0
Science A- Technology
.S -10x0
SOS-I.O
S2~V.O
Total Budget Authority
$7,548.2
$8,127.0
$6,698.0
-$1,429.0
Total Workyears
31.9
35.8
46.3
10.5
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 10.5 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Pesticide Program laboratories provide significant contributions to help the Agency realize
the value of pesticides. They consist of the Microbiology Laboratory36 and the Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory,37 that support the goal of protecting human health and the environment
through diverse analytical testing and analytical method development, and validation efforts.
The primary focus of the Microbiology Laboratory is standardization of existing test methods and
the development and validation of methods for new uses and emerging pathogens for antimicrobial
products with public health claims - products used to kill or suppress the growth of pathogenic
microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces. The Laboratory is instrumental in advancing
the science of antimicrobial product testing and provides technical expertise to standard-setting
organizations and various agency stakeholder groups.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory provides scientific, laboratory, and technical support
through chemical analyses of pesticides and related chemicals to protect human health and the
environment. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory responsibilities include: providing technical
support and chemical analyses of pesticides and related chemicals; developing new multi-residue
analytical methods; and operating EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository, which collects
and maintains pesticide standards {i.e., samples of pure active ingredients or technical grade active
ingredients, regulated metabolites, degradates, and related compounds).
These laboratories provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal and state agencies,
tribal nations, and other organizations to ensure the value of pesticide availability is realized.
36 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
37 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will realize the benefits
of pesticides by ensuring the continued operation of the National Pesticide Standard Repository.
The Laboratories will continue to conduct chemistry and efficacy evaluations for antimicrobials.
As the recognized source for expertise in pesticide analytical method development, EPA's
Pesticide Program Laboratories will continue to provide quality assurance review, technical
support, and training to EPA's regional offices, state laboratories, and other federal agencies that
implement the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
In FY 2021, the Microbiology Laboratory will continue to evaluate FIFRA Section 18 emergency
exemptions and novel protocol requests for new uses and novel pathogens. The Laboratory will
continue the development of data and methods to support Section 18 for high consequence animal
pathogens (e.g., African swine fever, Newcastle disease virus, etc.). In addition, the continued
work to develop new methods for emerging pathogens (e.g., Legionella, Candida auris, etc.) and
clinical porous materials provides a pathway for registrants to add new claims to existing
antimicrobial pesticides. In some cases, the methods lead to the development of new products
when currently registered formulations are not effective against emerging pathogens. The
Laboratory anticipates supporting up to 25 requests for these activities during FY 2021.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue its work in developing and validating
multiresidue methods using state-of-the-art methodology and instrumentation; in providing
chemical analysis for assessing risk to human health and to the environment from agricultural use
of pesticides; and in providing technical support to all EPA regions to ensure that pesticide
products are formulated according to approved labels.
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue to refine and develop methods to support EPA's
Section 3 and Section 18 regulatory programs. In FY 2019, in support of these efforts, the
Laboratory expanded the scope of porous materials (e.g., wood, concrete, rubber etc.) used in a
new quantitative efficacy test method to enable the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to
evaluate chemicals against new high consequence animal pathogens (e.g., Newcastle disease virus)
on hard and porous surfaces. The results of USDA's use of the method will help inform EPA's
method development activities for other emerging and high consequence pathogens in FY 2021
and beyond.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory maintains EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository
pursuant to 40 CFR part 158. This laboratory collects and maintains an inventory of analytical
standards of registered pesticides in the United States, as well as some that are not currently
registered. EPA provides the pesticide standards (approximately 4,000 to 5,000 annually) to
qualified federal, state, territorial, and tribal laboratories for food and product testing and
environmental monitoring. In FY 2018, efficiency reviews showed that the typical turnaround time
for a standard request is approximately 15 working days. Using the results of the efficiency review,
in FY 2021 and beyond, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will implement procedural changes
to identify areas for improvement and reduce the turnaround time to 12 days (for those pesticide
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standard requests that are not complicated and/or standards that are not expiring) to help federal
agencies, states, and tribes laboratories expedite enforcement efforts.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$292.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$13.0) This program change is a slight decrease in funding for pesticide laboratory
operations and maintenance activities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Research: Air and Energy
122
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Research: Air and Energy
Program Area: Research: Air and Energy
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
sttt.Mxtt
S V4.4V0.V
S33.H4A.0
Total Budget Authority
$85,895.8
$94,496.0
$33,543.0
-$60,953.0
Total Workyears
252.8
258.0
153.8
-104.2
Program Project Description:
The Air and Energy (A-E) Research Program provides scientific information to EPA program and
regional offices, states, tribes, and other stakeholders. A-E strives to advance the science needed
to achieve clean air and attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards38 (NAAQS), which
will protect human health and ecosystems throughout the Nation.
The A-E Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in the
Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new A-E FY 2019-2022 StRAP
builds upon prior A-E StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative scientific
research aimed at solving the problems encountered by Agency partners and stakeholders.
The resources requested for A-E will support the analysis of research data, as well as the
publication of scientific journal articles to disseminate findings from prior EPA research related to
air quality, its impacts to health and the environment, and resilience. The A-E Research Program
also will offer critical support to provide essential science and tools for policy decisions and public
awareness on the following research topics: science for air quality decisions, extreme events and
emerging risks, and next-generation methods to improve public health and the environment. The
A-E Research Program relies on successful partnerships with others, including academic and
industry researchers, states, local and private sector organizations, as well as key federal agencies.
38 Section 109 of the Clean Air Act identifies two types of national ambient air quality standards - primary standards provide
public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as children, older adults, and persons
with pre-existing disease such as asthma or cardiovascular disease and secondary standards provide public welfare protection,
including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, wildlife, soils, water, crops, vegetation, and buildings.
Unless otherwise stated, in this document the term NAAQS will refer to both primary and secondary standards.
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Recent Accomplishments of the A-E Research Program include:
• Smoke from Wildland Fires: EPA conducts research on emissions and air quality impacts
from wildland fires. Timely communication of health risks and health protective actions
during wildland fire smoke events also is a commitment for EPA. The interagency
Wildland Fire Sensors Challenge39 involved coordination across multiple agencies and
states to stimulate innovation in the development of multipollutant sensors that can operate
in wildfire conditions. Winners of the challenge were announced in September 2018; and
in 2019, EPA evaluated the winning prototype sensors for their performance compared to
regulatory-grade instruments. The Smoke Sense Project40 (which includes a mobile app, a
web-based data visualization tool, and scientific analyses of citizen science generated data)
is providing valuable insights into where and when people are exposed to wildfire smoke,
the health symptoms they experience, and the types of behaviors they engage in to reduce
exposures. This effort has engaged over 30,000 citizen scientists from all 50 states. In 2019,
EPA also began a collaboration with the Missoula City-County Health Department in
Montana and the Hoopa Valley Tribe in California on a research study to evaluate how air-
handling systems can reduce indoor exposure to wildfire smoke and a laboratory study on
the efficacy of various portable air cleaners during smoke episodes.
• Sensor Technology: EPA conducts a wide range of research that involves the discovery,
evaluation, and the direct integration of novel or experimental air quality monitoring
technology. A wide range of stakeholders have benefited directly from EPA's sensor
research. For example, Agency staff rely on information sharing, performance evaluation
consultation, and the implementation of new technologies whose purposes range from
citizen science to environmental assessment. State agencies often rely upon A-E to provide
technical knowledge on the use of emerging air quality technologies. Sensor manufacturers
regularly consult with A-E on sensor research progress, interactions that were facilitated
by public workshops41 in 2018 and 2019. As of 2019, EPA's Regional Applied Research
Efforts42 and Regional-State-Tribal Innovation43 programs funded sensor projects in
California, Washington, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as states in EPA
Region 5. Through the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program, EPA funded six 'Air
Pollution Monitoring for Communities' grants44 to research organizations working with
communities in five states and the Yakima Nation to set up sensors to monitor local air
quality. To enable broader use of sensors, EPA will develop guides for ensuring data
quality, evaluating sensor performance, and approaching sensor data management, while
engaging with stakeholders to ensure the guides meet their needs.
monitoring-system-prototypes.
40 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-sense-study-citizen-science-project-using-mobile-
app.
41 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/deliberating-performance-targets-air-qualitv-sensors-
42 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-12/documents/rare-201304.pdf.
43 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/innovation/science-imiovation.
44 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa id/587.
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• Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Research: In April 2019, the
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services released a report45 summarizing
the 2018 results for PFAS analyses performed by EPA. The Research and Development
Program evaluated the initial steps toward developing a method to sample for the presence
of PFAS compounds from air emission sources. Field testing was conducted at a site in
New Hampshire and confirmed at least 12 different PFAS compounds in the emission
source. EPA researchers are continuing work with states and other agencies to improve the
technique and to enable emissions to be quantified with greater confidence in support of
efforts to identify and reduce PFAS emissions into the atmosphere. For example, emissions
testing and analysis of a soil incineration process are planned in collaboration with the
Department of Defense in Alaska for 2019 through 2021.
• Community Multi-Scale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) Update:46 EPA released a
publicly available, updated version of the CMAQ on August 28, 2019. A beta version of
the new version was released earlier in 2019. Since its inception in 1998, CMAQ has been
updated regularly to incorporate new science as it emerges. CMAQ is used to evaluate
potential air quality policy management decisions and is currently used by 27 states47 to
develop strategies to meet the NAAQS. The newest version was recently peer reviewed
and will have an emphasis on understanding background contribution of particulate matter
and ground level ozone, improved real-world treatment of organic aerosol formation, and
will allow integration with other modeling systems to understand multimedia interactions
between atmosphere, land, and water. In FY 2020, CMAQ developers will incorporate
updates to allow users to more accurately target emissions reductions to meet air quality
standards that protect human health and the environment and help understand the impacts
of extreme events such as wildland fires.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the A-E Research Program will continue research
in areas that support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment, fulfill the
Agency's legislative mandates, advance cross-agency priorities, and provide research and
scientific analyses to inform policymaking.
The A-E Research Program prioritizes key activities to support attainment of the NAAQS and
implementation of stationary and mobile source regulations, as well as national and multi-state
programs. The A-E Research Program continues to develop, evaluate, and apply methods and
models to support air quality management programs and provides foundational science to inform
decision making. In addition, critical work on PFAS research will be conducted which supports
the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS Agency Priority Goal.
45 For more information, please see: littps://www4.des.state.iih:us/OiieStopPub/Air/330110016504192019TypeCR.pdf.
46 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/cmaq.
47 AK, CA, CO, CT, GA, ID, IL, LA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WY.
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In FY 2021, the A-E Research Program will continue to:
• Deliver state-of-the-art tools for states and tribes to use in identifying effective emission
reduction strategies to meet NAAQS and enhance air quality measurement methods used
to ascertain compliance with the NAAQS.
• Assess human and ecosystem exposures and effects associated with air pollutants on
individual, community, regional, national, and global scales.48
• Develop and evaluate approaches to prevent and reduce pollution, particularly sustainable,
cost-effective, and innovative multi-pollutant and sector-based approaches.
• Provide human exposure and environmental modeling, monitoring, metrics, and
information needed to inform air quality decision making at the federal, state, tribal, and
local level.
• Ensure that the program and regional information needs guide research that will advance
EPA's capabilities and understanding of air pollution sources, fate and transport, and
effects.
• Address emerging areas of concern to EPA and state policymakers, including PFAS,
ethylene oxide, and wildland fires.
• Measure progress toward environmental health goals and translate research results to
inform communities and individuals about measures that can be taken to reduce the impacts
of air pollution.
• Analyze existing data from EPA on air quality, its impacts to health and the environment,
and research to adapt to and prepare for extreme events and environmental change.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The A-E Research Program will continue to meet regularly over the next several years with the
BOSC A-E subcommittee to seek input on topics related to research program design, science
quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
48 Beyond effects associated with ambient air exposures, consideration of potential human and ecosystem exposures and effects
associated with deposition of air pollutants to water and land also are evaluated.
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EPA's state engagement49 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council; the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media
associations, such as the National Association of Clean Air Agencies.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Safe and Sustainable
Water Resources Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,465.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$34,383.0 / -61.7 FTE) This net program change prioritizes research needed to achieve
clean air and attain the NAAQS.
• (-$17,535.0 / -42.5 FTE) This program change eliminates climate change research.
• (-$10,500.0) This program change prioritizes intramural activities over extramural activities
by eliminating funding for the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Title II of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007; Environmental
Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA); National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102; Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Global Change
Research Act of 1990.
49 For more information, please see: fattps://www.epa.gov/researeh/epa-researcli-sotutions-states.
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Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
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Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Program Area: Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science JS li'cluioloxy
SI int. J 2 J. "
si io.s mo
S'fi.V-lfi.O
-SJI.V-/2.II
Total Budget Authority
$100,123.7
$110,890.0
$78,948.0
-$31,942.0
Total Workyears
343.4
358.1
268.9
-89.2
Program Project Description:
The Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program develops cost-effective,
innovative solutions to current, emerging, and long-term water resource challenges for complex
chemical and microbial contaminants. SSWR research targets foreseen, immediate needs and
builds capacity for future capabilities for emergency response science, technical support, and
anticipatory research. The SSWR Research Program takes an integrated approach that evaluates
the entire water cycle. It produces robust research and scientific analysis for decision-making and
inventive, practical solutions for partners and stakeholders.50 This work yields innovative tools
and information needed to protect and restore America's watersheds, aquatic ecosystems, and
water infrastructure.
The SSWR Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in
the Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new SSWR FY 2019-2022
StRAP builds upon prior SSWR StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative
scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered by Agency partners and
stakeholders.
Recent Accomplishments of the SSWR Research Program include:
• Cyanobacteria Assessment Network Application (CyAN app):51 CyAN app (released
in August 2019) aids local and state water quality managers to make faster and better-
informed management decisions related to cyanobacterial blooms using mobile devices. It
provides an easy-to-use and customizable interface for accessing algal bloom satellite data
for over 2,000 of the largest lakes and reservoirs in the United States. The CyAN app can
be used to scan water bodies for changes in cyanobacteria occurrence without requiring
50 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
51 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/cyanobacteria-assessment-network-mobile-applicati'
cvan-app.
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computer programming expertise, allowing users to quickly make informed decisions
regarding recreational and drinking water safety. The research that led to the development
of the CyAN app was conducted in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS).52
• Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs):53 Wastewater treatment plant effluents
contain traces of chemicals that escape the wastewater treatment process. These
contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals,
can potentially persist downstream, ending up in drinking water sources. The potential risks
are not yet clearly understood. SSWR researchers have and continue to conduct studies to
monitor the occurrence of these CECs in wastewater, surface waters, groundwater, and
drinking water, with some studies being done in collaboration with the USGS. The
combined research efforts of EPA and USGS in FY 2018 produced a data set of
approximately 700 chemically-characterized CECs and identified a group of the most
highly contaminated watersheds that may have been impacted by wastewater. SSWR's
continued research efforts to monitor the potential effects of these chemical mixtures will
increase our understanding of wastewater effluent impacts on human and aquatic health
and help to prioritize future research on developing solutions, as necessary, for the removal
of CECs in wastewater treatment operations.
• Rapid E. coli Detection at Beaches Improves Public Health Protection:54 The
development and application of E. coli qPCR55 method provides same-day notification of
fecal contamination at beaches, allowing state agencies and beach managers to make rapid
decisions on beach closures.56 In October 2019, EPA provided training and technical
assistance on the E. coli qPCR method to multiple state water quality laboratories in
Michigan, and assisted EPA's Water Program and the Michigan Department of
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in developing Beach Action Values57 for the E. coli
qPCR method. The State of Michigan implemented the Beach Action Values during the
2019 beach season.
• New PFAS Analytical Method:58'59 In June 2019, EPA completed a multiple laboratory
validation study for a new PFAS analytical method (SW-846 Method 8327) for the rapid
analysis of 24 PFAS in groundwater, surface water, and wastewater.
52 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/cyanobacteria-assessment-network-cyan.
53 For more information, please see: epa.gov/water-research/detemiiiiiiig-prevaleiice-coiitaiiiiiiaiits-treated-aiid-untreated-
drinking-water.
54 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods/other-clean-water-act-test-methods-microbiological.
55 Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay (qPCR) is a laboratory technique of molecular biology based on the
polymerase chain reaction. It monitors the amplification of a targeted DNA molecule during the PGR, not at its end, as in
conventional PGR. For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-
03/documents/method 1.697 draft_2019.pdf.
56 EPA's 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria established criteria to protect the public from exposure to fecal contaminants
at beaches. For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/wqc/recreational-water-qualitv-criteria-and-methods.
57 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-07/documents/beach-guidance-fiiial-
58 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/hw-swfB46/validated-test-method-8327-and-polvfIuoroalkyl-
59 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-update-'vii-amiounceitients.
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• Stormwater Contaminants:60 A nationwide assessment of contaminants in urban storm
water runoff, in collaboration with USGS, was completed in September 2019 for the benefit
of states, cities, municipalities, and water utilities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the SSWR Research Program's work will focus
explicitly on informing EPA's implementation of key environmental regulations by leveraging
research in the areas of nutrients, harmful algal blooms, watersheds, and water infrastructure
(including water reuse).
SSWR work also supports performance results in Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. SSWR primarily supports clean and safe drinking water, but
also supports efforts to: improve air quality through work on nitrogen, phosphorus, and wildland
fires; revitalize land and prevent contamination through work on biosolids and groundwater; and
ensure safety of chemicals through research on PFAS and other contaminants like lead.
SSWR work also supports Goal 2: More Effective Partnerships. EPA works closely with states
and tribes to understand their water resource challenges, which are reflected in SSWR's research
priorities.
In FY 2021, the SSWR Research Program will continue to:
• Assist states, communities, and utilities in addressing stormwater and wastewater
infrastructure needs through applied models and technical assistance and develop risk
assessments on stormwater capture for enhanced aquifer recharge.
• Work with EPA program offices, regions, and states to develop methods for collection,
extraction, characterization, quantification, and evaluation of microplastics in surface
water and sediments. These standard methods will allow comparability across studies, aid
in comprehensive exposure assessment and risk characterization of microplastics, and, if
necessary, support evaluation of effectiveness of approaches, products, and technologies
used to prevent plastics from entering aquatic systems.
• Research and provide technical support to deliver safe drinking water. Efforts will focus
on the complete water cycle including protecting source waters and wetlands to improving
drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and management. Research will assess the
distribution, composition, and potential health risks of known and emerging chemical and
biological contaminants.
• Improve methods for rapid and cost-effective monitoring of waterborne pathogens in
recreational waters. For example, improving rapid low-cost methods for real time
60 For more information, please see: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02867.
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notifications on the presence of pathogens will inform community decisions to close and
reopen beaches more quickly to prevent human illness and unnecessary lost revenue.
• Investigate health impacts from exposure to harmful algal/cyanobacteria toxins, and
develop innovative methods to monitor, characterize, and predict blooms for early action.
• Support states in prioritizing watersheds for nutrient management and in setting water
quality and aquatic life thresholds. These research and communication efforts will help
states verify whether investments in implementing nutrient reduction management
practices achieve their predicted benefits.
• Provide water reuse research support for safe, fit-for-purpose potable and non-potable use
by states.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also conducts research across programs in the
following areas:
• PFAS Research: PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern in the environment,
and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes, and local communities in
understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. A significant challenge
for risk managers at the state and local level is how to identify and remove or treat PFAS
chemicals that are impacting drinking water supplies. Additional knowledge is needed
regarding how to measure and quantify different PFAS chemicals in water, how to remove
or treat PFAS chemicals when detected, and how to estimate the cost of different treatment
alternatives so that utilities can make informed investment decisions. Within the SSWR
Research Program, EPA is: (1) developing and validating standard methods for measuring
different PFAS chemicals in water; (2) reviewing available literature on effectiveness and
cost data for different water treatment technologies applied to different PFAS chemicals;
and (3) conducting pilot- and bench-scale testing of the most promising technologies to
further evaluate effectiveness. This work is being done in collaboration with water utilities
and water treatment technology suppliers. The results of this work will be posted to EPA's
public Drinking Water Treatability Database so the information will be widely available to
stakeholders.61 This work supports the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS Agency Priority Goal
(APG).
• Lead: EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy
of Pediatrics unanimously agree that there is no safe level of lead in a child's blood and
that even low levels can result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, and other
health effects.62 In response to overwhelming scientific consensus and continued public
health concern, reducing childhood lead exposure is one of the highest priorities for EPA.63
SSWR research focuses on: (1) establishing reliable models for estimating lead exposure
from drinking water; (2) developing improved sampling techniques and strategies for
identifying and characterizing lead in plumbing materials, including lead service lines; (3)
61 For more information, please see: https://iaspub.epa.gOv/tdb/pages/general/home.do#content.
62 For more information, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm.
63 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/lead.
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developing guidance on optimizing lead mitigation strategies; and (4) testing and
evaluating treatment processes for removing lead from drinking water. The overall impact
of this research will provide information and tools that EPA, states, tribes, utilities, and
communities can use to minimize or eliminate lead exposure in drinking water. This work
supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Lead APG.
• Excessive Nutrients: The challenge of excessive nutrients is one of the most common
water quality problems facing the United States, with potential consequences for human
and animal health and economic prosperity.64 EPA research comprehensively addresses
the problems of excess nutrients in water bodies, including harmful algal blooms (HABs).
The overall impact of this research will be to provide information and tools that can be
used by EPA's Water Program, Air and Radiation Program, and regions as well as states,
tribes, and local communities. Information and tools can be used to: detect HABs and
mitigate exposure to HABs via predictive modeling and treatment; determine nutrient-
related impacts in watersheds and water bodies across multiple scales; apply best practices
for nutrient management; and monitor the effectiveness of those practices and evaluate
their efficacy. Resources requested in FY 2021 provide scientific and research support to
the multi-office initiative to reduce and better predict harmful algal blooms, including tool
development for market-based approaches and pilot projects to reduce exposure and toxic
events that include predictive modeling and monitoring.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA's Research and Development Program on technical and
management issues of its research programs. The SSWR Research Program and the BOSC SSWR
subcommittee will continue to meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics
related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement65 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council;
the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media associations, such
as the Association of Clean Water Administrators and the Association of State Drinking Water
Administrators.
64 For more information, please see: fattps
65 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
77
80
82
Percent
Actual
77
79
Numerator
171
154
Products
Denominator
222
196
Work under this program supports performance results in the Surface Water Protection Program
under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,744.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$2,500.0) This increase supports research and technical assistance regarding lead issues
and contributes to the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative focus area. This work will be
guided by the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated
Health Impacts, as well as related activities in the 2019-2022 StRAPs and the FY 2020-
2021 Lead APG.
• (+$236.0 / +0.5 FTE) This increase for the PFAS focus area includes resources and FTE
to support science and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and
associated milestones in support of the new FY 2020-2021 PFAS APG.
• (+$3,344.0 / +2.0 FTE) This increase of resources and FTE provides scientific and research
support to the multi-office focus area to reduce and better predict harmful algal blooms,
including tool development for market-based approaches and pilot projects that include
predictive modeling and monitoring to reduce exposure and toxic events.
• (-$10,718.0 / -34.9 FTE) This net program change streamlines funding for research related
to: technical and site-specific support; communication and technology transfer efforts;
translation of nutrient modeling and monitoring data; and research on assisting states in
prioritizing watersheds and differentiating sources of nutrient overloading.
• (-$23,448.0 / -56.8 FTE) This program change: refocuses resources from research on
recovering resources (e.g., nutrients) from wastewater, transformative water systems and
life cycle analysis, and research on advancing water systems technologies; streamlines
research on innovative monitoring systems for drinking water treatment (e.g., bioassays),
small system drinking water treatment, and unregulated disinfection by-products; and
reduces research support for EPA's program offices and states, including work to assist
communities in prioritizing infrastructure improvements.
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• (-$6,600.0) This program change prioritizes intramural activities over extramural activities
by eliminating funding for the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program for FY 2021.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1); Clean Water Act §§ 101(a)(6), 104, 105;
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203; Title II of Ocean Dumping
Ban Act of 1988 (ODBA); Water Resources Development Act (WRDA); Wet Weather Water
Quality Act of 2000; Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (MPPRCA);
National Invasive Species Act; Coastal Zone Amendments Reauthorization Act (CZARA);
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act; Endangered Species Act (ESA); North
American Wetlands Conservation Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Research: Sustainable Communities
136
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Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S
S U2.-/—JI
N5.S
-S -j.SSO.O
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$130.5
$320.0
$304.0
-$16.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$599.6
$664.0
$522.0
-$142.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$11,004.7
$16,463.0
$11,448.0
-$5,015.0
Total Budget Authority
$146,817.9
$149,924.0
$70,871.0
-$79,053.0
Total Workyears
411.9
421.8
294.6
-127.2
Program Project Description:
EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program conducts research to
support community-based solutions to environmental stressors, management of solid waste, clean-
up of contaminated sites, and regulatory activities. SHC provides technical support at federal,
tribal, or state-led contaminated site clean-ups and during environmental emergencies. SHC's
research products emphasize the interrelationships between socio-economic, human health, and
environmental factors. Program scientists conduct health, environmental engineering, and
ecological research and translate results into tools for localities throughout the United States to
facilitate regulatory compliance and improve environmental and health outcomes. These tools aim
to minimize negative unintended consequences to human health and the environment and promote
more robust and efficient infrastructure in built and natural environments.
The SHC Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in the
Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new SHC FY 2019-2022
StRAP builds upon prior SHC StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative scientific
research aimed at solving the problems encountered by Agency partners and stakeholders.
Recent Accomplishments of the SHC Research Program include:
• Publication of "Ingestion of Soils and House Dusts by Children: The Role of Chemical
and Non-chemical Stressors in Determining the Bioaccessibility of Sorbed Organics"
(February 2019):66 Following soil and dust ingestion, the bioaccessibility (percent
mobilization) of sorbed organic toxicants determines the amount of chemical that is
66 For more information, please see: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S00456535183206667via%3Dihub.
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available for uptake into the circulatory system. Previous bioaccessibility estimates used
by the Agency assume all organics are released into the body; however, empirical results
suggest that this may result in an overestimation of dose. This research evaluated different
types of soils, dusts, and organics to estimate bioaccessibility under different exposure
conditions and to reduce uncertainty in bioaccessibility calculations to improve exposure
and risk assessment estimates.
• Development of an Application Programming Interface for an Environmental
Material Flow Accountability Model to Support Multi-Scale Life Cycle Assessments
(September 2019):67 The U.S. Environmentally-Extended Input-Output (USEEIO) model
is a national model for calculating direct and indirect environmental and socioeconomic
impacts of U.S. goods and services. This research provides better automation of the
creation, update, and assembly of model components for the national and state models.
USEEIO provided access for states and others to underlying state model components and
code to enable customization and those model components are used in EPA web
applications like the Sustainable Materials Management Tool Suite and in other external
applications.
• CDDPath: A Method for Quantifying the Loss and Recovery of Construction and
Demolition Debris (CDD) in the United States (February 2019):68 CDDPath
incorporates the best available data and represents the first known method for estimating
final disposition of CDD materials in the Nation. CDD represent a large fraction of U.S.-
generated waste sent to landfills, the sheer mass and variety of which warrant special
attention. Sustainable materials management approaches seek to minimize landfilling of
such waste (e.g., through reuse or recycling) and to manage the toxicity of what must be
landfilled. A strong understanding of the waste's amount and composition, as well as the
usual end-of-life management pathways, is critical to developing an effective plan in
managing it effectively and sustainably.
• Long-Term in Situ Reduction in Soil Lead Bioavailability Measured in a Mouse
Model:69 This is one of a series of peer-reviewed published reports on bioavailability and
soil amendments published by EPA in 2019. Contaminated site remediation currently
involves soil removal and replacement with clean topsoil, which is expensive and difficult
at contaminated sites. Adding soil amendments that combine with lead in soil so that the
human body cannot absorb the lead can be a cost-effective way to reduce human health
risks associated with continued presence of the contaminant. This research showed that the
addition of phosphate and iron to contaminated soil significantly reduced soil lead
bioavailability 16 years after the original soil treatment, showing that soil amendments can
be a long-lasting, low-cost method of reducing toxic exposure to lead. This assessment
used a low cost, rapid bioavailability method developed and validated by EPA to produce
these results.
67 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record Report.cfm?dirEntryId=347251&Lab=NRMRLi
https://github.coin/USEPA/Federal-LCA-Commons-Elementary-Flow-List.
68 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record_report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=344639.
69 For more information, please see: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b04684.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan and the recommendations of the Superfund Task Force of
July 2017.70 The program provides science that supports EPA's FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority
Goal (APG) to accelerate the pace of Superfund and brownfields cleanups and return sites to
beneficial use in their communities. These efforts support regulatory activities and protocol
development for EPA's Land and Emergency Management Program, EPA's regional offices, and
state-delegated programs. EPA research under SHC will provide technical support at federal-,
tribal-, and state-managed cleanup sites, and assistance during emergencies.
SHC's FY 2021 research will focus on three topic areas: (1) Contaminated Sites, (2) Waste and
Sustainable Materials Management, and (3) Healthy and Resilient Communities. This research
will integrate and translate public health, environmental engineering, and ecosystem science to
provide:
• Remediation solutions though permanent remedies and innovative treatment technologies
for returning contaminated sites to safe and productive use;
• Operational tools for waste sites and for sustainable materials management; and
• Approaches for revitalizing communities impacted by contamination and natural disasters.
The SHC Research Program provides state-of-the-science methods, models, tools, and
technologies that the Land and Emergency Management Program uses in programmatic guidance
and that EPA decision makers use in the site cleanup process. These tools will address
contaminated sediments and groundwater, as well as health risks posed by vapor intrusion and
chemicals of immediate concern, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead.
Specifically, in FY 2021, SHC will work in the following areas:
• Waste and Sustainable Materials Management: EPA research under SHC's Waste and
Sustainable Materials Management aims to strengthen the scientific basis for the United
States' materials management decisions and guidance. Primary research efforts will focus
on developing lifecycle-based assessment tools for sustainable materials management,
evaluating the use of landfills and their long-term impact on human health and the
environment, and developing waste-management methodologies that can minimize
adverse impacts to human health and the environment through proposed beneficial use and
reuse. This work will include research that increases the effectiveness of food waste
campaigns and examines food waste collection and pretreatment technologies from a
lifecycle perspective. These efforts are an agencywide initiative on Improving the U.S.
Recycling System and Reducing Food Loss and Waste.
• Remediation, Restoration, and Revitalization: The SHC Research Program will
evaluate and communicate the benefits from remediation, restoration, and revitalization of
contaminated sites and provide community-driven solutions with measurable outcomes.
These efforts will help communities meet their needs for building resilience in socio-
70 For more information, please see: https://www.epa. gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations.
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ecological systems, including the health and well-being of those most vulnerable. Research
under the Healthy and Resilient Communities topic will provide the scientific basis for
guidance, best practices, and tools to support decisions by the Agency, its partners and
stakeholders, states, and tribes to optimize health and well-being outcomes while
minimizing unintended consequences.
• PFAS Research: PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern in the environment,
and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes, and local communities in
understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. A significant challenge
for risk managers at the state and local level is how to remove or treat PFAS at sites
contaminated through: 1) the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam,71 a common fire-
fighting method at military bases and airports; or 2) industrial operations which create,
consume, or dispose of PFAS containing compounds. Within the SHC Research Program,
EPA is developing and testing methods for site remediation including treating or removing
PFAS from groundwater and soil. The research includes examination of in situ chemical
transformation that may take place to better understand which PFAS chemical precursors
might result in the highest risk outcomes. This work is being done in collaboration with the
Department of Defense through participation in their Strategic Environmental Research
and Development Program.72 EPA research under the SHC also is focusing on end-of-life
management of PFAS-containing materials (e.g., industrial waste, household waste) to
ensure that PFAS from these materials do not impact the environment. This work provides
a technical support and assistance function for state, tribes, and local communities on issues
pertaining to ecological and human health risk assessment and site engineering challenges
related to PFAS. Additional resources requested in FY 2021 will support implementation
of the PFAS Action Plan and the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS APG.
• Lead Research: The Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and
Associated Health Impacts was produced by the President's Task Force on Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, comprised of 17 federal agencies and co-led by
EPA. It is a blueprint to reduce lead exposure and associated harms to children.73 EPA's
Research and Development Program has co-led Action Plan efforts to develop science and
technology to support efforts to reduce lead exposures and related health risks. SHC is
working to identify locations of high exposures and blood lead levels to target lead sources
for mitigation; develop innovative methods for cleaning up Superfund and other
contaminated sites; and strengthen the scientific basis of the Agency's lead-related
regulatory and clean-up decisions. The SHC Research Program will work to enhance
models and methods that determine key drivers of blood lead levels to inform regulatory
decisions, develop tools to identify and prioritize communities with higher incidence of
increased blood lead levels in children, and provide the data needed to reduce uncertainty
in lead exposure and risk analysis. EPA's research in this area is essential to support
ongoing EPA regulatory and non-regulatory efforts, as well as filling in the data gaps for
federal partners, states, tribes, and local communities. This work supports the FY 2020 -
2021 Lead APG.
71 For more information, please see: https://pfas-l.itrcweb.ore/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pfas fact sheet_ al'Ff 10 3 18.pdf.
72 About SERDP: https://www.serdp-estcp.org/About-SERDP-and-ESTCP/About-SERDP.
73 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/lead/federal-action-plan-reduce-childhood-lead-exposure.
140
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Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The SHC Research Program will continue to meet regularly over the next several years with the
BOSC SHC subcommittee to seek input on topics related to research program design, science
quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement74 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council;
the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media associations, such
as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
77
80
82
Percent
Actual
77
79
Numerator
171
154
Products
Denominator
222
196
Work under this program supports performance results in the RCRA: Waste Minimization &
Recycling Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,242.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,500.0) This increase supports research and technical assistance regarding lead issues
and contributes to the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative focus area. This work will be
guided by the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated
74 For more information on EPA's work with States, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
141
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Health Impacts, as well as related activities in the 2019-2022 StRAPs and in the FY 2020-
2021 Lead Agency Priority Goal.
(+$850.0) This increase includes $350 thousand for research that increases the
effectiveness of food waste campaigns and $500 thousand to study food waste collection
and pretreatment technologies from a lifecycle perspective. This investment supports the
multi-office focus area of Improving the U.S. Recycling System and Reducing Food Loss
and Waste.
(+$238.0 / +0.5 FTE) This increase for the PFAS focus area includes resources and FTE
to support science and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and
associated milestones in support of the new FY 2020-2021 PFAS APG.
(-$34,142.0 / -60.0 FTE) This net program change streamlines research by eliminating work
related to the following activities:
o The Ecotox database, a source for locating single chemical toxicity data for aquatic
life, terrestrial plants, and wildlife;
o The EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE), which reports on the status and trends
of 85 environmental indicators like cancer rates and air pollution levels;
o The inclusion of a data layer on ecosystem services and their beneficiaries, as well as
research efforts to apply a systems approach (multi-media) to integrating the
environmental impacts of transportation, waste management, and energy and water
infrastructure development at the city-scale of governance;
o Significantly reduces efforts to provide web-based tools, such as EnviroAtlas, to
assess how ecosystem goods and services affect the health and well-being of
residents, particularly those that are vulnerable.
(-$18,447.0 / -51.6 FTE) This program change streamlines research efforts across
environmental media by eliminating work related to: Research on the life cycle of materials
in commerce; and the People, Prosperity & the Planet (P3) program for college-level
competition.
(-$18,821.0 / -24.6 FTE) This net program change streamlines research on the following
areas:
o The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) approach for assessing the impact of major
planned infrastructure development (e.g., use of green infrastructure; highway
construction) at a city scale of governance;
o Human health research into the mechanisms of chemical exposures and effects on
human health outcomes and well-being, especially research into cumulative effects;
o Research into the uptake and distribution of contaminants (e.g., lead, arsenic) within
vulnerable populations, especially children;
o Research into the environmental component of children's asthma.
142
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• (-$7,300.0) This program change proposes to eliminate funding for the Science to Achieve
Results (STAR) Program for FY 2021.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute).
143
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
144
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Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainabilitv
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$131.9
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
ss'jo-i.:
SSS.Vl '.()
ViCi.y.ij.w
-.S 2I.Vf>.\0
Total Budget Authority
$87,436.1
$88,917.0
$66,952.0
-$21,965.0
Total Workyears
259.7
271.9
241.4
-30.5
Total Workyears in FY 2021 include 0.8 FTE funded by TSCA fees.
Program Project Description:
The Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) Research Program provides information, tools, and
methods to make better-informed, more-timely decisions about the chemicals and their potential
risks to human health and the environment.75 EPA's Research and Development Program is
committed to producing research results that address real-world problems, inform implementation
of environmental regulations, and help EPA partners and stakeholders make timely decisions based
on the best available science. CSS products strengthen the Agency's ability to evaluate and predict
human health and ecological impacts from the use, reuse, recycling, and disposal of manufactured
and naturally occurring chemicals and their by-products.
The CSS Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in the
Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new CSS FY 2019-2022 StRAP
builds upon prior CSS StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative scientific
research aimed at solving the problems encountered by Agency partners and stakeholders.
The CSS Research Program works with EPA programs to deliver innovative research that directly
addresses Agency challenges. CSS products inform Agency programs as they implement
environmental regulations that govern Agency actions, including the evaluation of existing and
new chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act [TSCA]), development and use of alternative testing
protocols (TSCA, Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act [FIFRA], Food Quality
Protection Act [FQPA], Federal Food Drug Cosmetics Act), chemical prioritization (TSCA, Safe
Drinking Water Act [SDWA]), evaluation of pesticide registrations (FIFRA), and mitigation
activity at Superfund sites (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act [CERCLA]). The CSS Research Program works in conjunction with the Human and
Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Research Program to improve chemical risk assessments
75 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory/about-tsca-chemical-substance-iiiventory.
145
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conducted by the Agency, reduce uncertainties associated with those assessments and increase the
speed of delivering chemical information to Agency partners. The CSS and HERA Research
Programs will continue to increase collaborative activities to provide the chemical information and
scientifically robust chemical assessments needed by the Agency.
Recent Accomplishments of the CSS Research Program include:
• Engineering a human thyroid organotypic culture model (OCM): FQPA directs the
Agency to screen and test chemicals for potential endocrine disrupting effects. In FY 2019,
EPA scientists developed an in vitro OCM76 of the human thyroid that can be used for
assessing the disruptive effects of chemicals on thyroid hormone synthesis. Integration of
the model into a thyroid-related, high-throughput screening assay battery will enable
testing of chemicals prioritized for targeted key events. This provides critical context to
concentration-response relationships relevant to chemical disruption of normal thyroid
activity. The thyroid is an essential endocrine organ that regulates a number of diverse
physiological processes required for normal growth, development, and metabolism.
Detecting reduction of thyroid hormone levels is a key consideration in hazard
identification for developmental neurotoxicity and in the evaluation of potential endocrine
disrupting effects of chemicals.
• Release of Multiple Digital Information Products to Inform Decision Making: In 2019,
CSS scientists delivered numerous products that inform decision making, including: major
upgrades to the Computational Toxicology Chemicals Dashboard77 (version 3.0.9) which
houses curated information on 875,000 chemicals; major upgrades and improvements to
the ECOTOX Knowledgebase78 (version 5.0); release of the Chemical Transformation
Simulator which now includes predictions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
reactions in the environment; and SeqAPASS79 (version 4.0) to help predict the effects of
chemicals across different species.
• Enabling Cutting Edge Science Through Use of Science to Achieve Results (STAR)
Grants: CSS uses EPA's STAR Grant Program80 to engage with the academic community
through competitive assistance agreements involving grants and cooperative agreements.
These grants support research that contributes to significant advances in the field of
chemical safety, providing cutting-edge science that enables new avenues of investigation
within CSS. In 2019, EPA awarded 5 grants under the Request for Applications (RFA)
titled Advancing Actionable Alternatives to Vertebrate Animal Testing for Chemical Safety
Assessment. The objective of these awards is to develop and apply alternative test methods
and strategies to replace, reduce, and refine vertebrate animal testing. In 2019, EPA also
announced an RFA titled Advancing Toxicokinetics for Efficient and Robust Chemical
Evaluations. The objective of this initiative is to advance the development of chemical
toxicokinetic tools and approaches for broader applicability during chemical evaluations,
16 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record ieport.cfm?Lab=NCCT&dirEntryId=344470.
77 For more information, please see: https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard.
78 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ecotox/.
79 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/sequence-alignment-predict-across-species-
susceptibility.
80 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/safer-chemicals-iesearch-grants.
146
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with an emphasis on their application within new approach methodologies (NAMs)
framework.
• Alternative Toxicity Testing Strategy (TSCA Section 4): The Research and
Development Program's scientists collaborate closely with EPA's Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention Program to implement the June 2018 TSCA Strategic Plan to promote
the development and implementation of alternative test methods. NAMs are focused on
providing better understanding of toxicity with faster, less expensive approaches that
reduce the use of mammals and other vertebrate animals for toxicity testing. EPA maintains
a published list of NAMs and updated this list in December 2019.81 CSS NAMs research
also supports the EPA Administrator's recent goal of reducing the Agency's requests for,
and funding of, mammal studies by 30 percent by 2025.82
In addition to these specific accomplishments, the CSS Research Program provides ongoing
support to the Agency's Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Program for the successful
implementation of TSCA activities related to alternative toxicity testing (Section 4), the evaluation
of new chemicals (Section 5), and the evaluation of existing chemicals in the TSCA active
inventory list (Section 6). The CSS Research Program also provides ongoing support for the
evaluation of pesticides under FIFRA and the development of the Endocrine Disruption Screening
Program under FQPA.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Traditional approaches for evaluating potential chemical
safety have had difficulty in keeping pace with innovations in chemical design, synthesis, and use.
Currently available data do not always provide a complete understanding of the potential risks that
many chemicals present to human health and the environment. This can result in EPA programs,
states, tribes, and others making risk-based decisions with incomplete data for chemical hazard
and exposure. Of particular relevance are "chemicals of emerging concern", such as PFAS, which
heighten the need for rapid, scientifically-sound approaches to evaluate potential chemical safety.
Therefore, the CSS Research Program is focused on developing approaches, tools, models, and
data systems to deliver information about chemicals to address these challenges. CSS research
products use innovative in vitro and in silico approaches to provide more comprehensive
information about chemical hazard and exposure using methods that reduce the need for animal
testing and can be faster and more cost effective compared to existing in vivo approaches.
The CSS Research Program is organized into eight, integrated research areas. Selected research
areas are highlighted below for work in FY 2021:
81 For more information, please see: littps://www.epa.gov/clieiiiicals-mider-tsca/updates-epa-list-alteniative-test-iiietliods-aiiiiiial"
testing.
82 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-wheeler-signs-memo-reduce-animal-
testing-awards-425-million-advance.
147
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• High-Throughput Toxicity (HTT) Testing: In FY 2021, the CSS Research Program will
continue to produce innovative tools that accelerate the pace of data-driven chemical
evaluations, enabling EPA and state decisions to be environmentally sound and protective
of public health and ecological resources. CSS research in the HTT research area is focused
on developing, testing, and applying NAMs. NAMs address the limitations of current
chemical testing methods and fulfill EPA's need to more efficiently evaluate large numbers
of chemicals for potential adverse human and ecological effects. Scientific and
technological advances have paved the way for using additional NAMs in the HTT research
area. These will enable EPA to make better, more timely decisions about chemicals by
increasing toxicological information for more chemicals. These new approaches also
reduce the need to use mammals in chemical testing, which is an Agency priority. This
research directly supports the Agency's efforts to fulfill requirements for: chemical
evaluation under TSCA as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the
21st Century Act; pesticide evaluation under FIFRA; chemical testing for endocrine system
impacts under FQPA; and chemical evaluation as part of SDWA.
• Rapid Exposure Modeling and Dosimetry: In FY 2021, EPA research under the CSS
Research Program will continue to provide data, models, and tools to characterize total
human exposure to environmental chemicals. This will inform Agency chemical
prioritizations and evaluations; Agency implementation of TSCA Section 5 (New
Chemicals) and Section 6 (Existing Chemicals); Agency chemical prioritization efforts;
and identify contaminants of emerging concern. Research in the Rapid Exposure Modeling
and Dosimetry research area parallels work in the HTT research area to provide
information to inform Agency chemical risk assessment activities. Chemical exposure
research also includes the continued development of advanced analytical and
computational tools, such as non-targeted analysis, to detect and identify unknown
chemicals in environmental media, biological media, and consumer products.
• PFAS Research:83 PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern in the environment,
and EPA has committed to action supporting states, tribes, and local communities in
understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals.84 The CSS Research
Program has responded to this Agency priority with research designed to: improve
understanding of the toxicity of PFAS chemicals; evaluate PFAS fate, transport,
occurrence, and persistence in the environment and in consumer products; and deliver
chemical information to partners and stakeholders in the government and private sector. A
significant challenge is understanding potential PFAS chemical toxicity because this class
of chemicals includes thousands of different chemical compounds, most of which have
little or no published toxicity data available.85 CSS is addressing this gap by conducting
high throughput computational toxicological screening assays on an initial set of 150 PFAS
chemicals, which have been selected to represent a broad array of chemical and physical
structural properties of the PFAS universe of compounds. The results will be used to
identify subsets of PFAS chemicals having similar structural and toxicological properties
83 For the EPA PFAS Action Plan, please see: https://www.epa
02/documents/pfas action plan 021.31.9 SOScoiirpliaiit 1. .pdf.
84 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gOv/pfas/t
85 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epa-pfas-researcli.
community-engagement.
148
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thus increasing the strength of predictive toxicological models. Additionally, the results of
these studies will be used to help the Agency prioritize more detailed studies. This work is
being done in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:
National Toxicology Program. Resources requested in FY 2021 will support science and
research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and the EPA FY 2020 - 2021
PFAS Agency Priority Goal (APG).
• Improved Understanding of Biological Impacts: The CSS Research Program will
employ data generated from its chemical evaluation research to develop interpretive
frameworks and models to put complex information into biological, chemical, and
toxicological context. This information is captured in adverse outcome pathways (AOPs)
which link molecular initiating events to apical outcomes. These pathways help decision-
makers understand the significance of chemical impacts on biological systems. Included in
the development of these AOPs are data developed in the HTT and Virtual Tissue
Modeling research areas to capture information on chemical impacts to molecular
pathways, cells, and complex tissues. This is especially important to understanding
chemical impacts on developmental and reproductive biology. CSS also is applying AOP
frameworks to model ecological outcomes across broad taxonomic and ecological scales.
• Delivery of Chemical Information: The CSS Research Program will deliver chemical
data and related information to its partners in a scientifically robust, transparent manner.
The Chemical Safety Analytics research area of CSS provides computational, predictive
tools to estimate physicochemical, toxicological, and exposure information for data poor
chemicals. The Informatics, Synthesis, and Integration research area brings together
chemical information developed by the CSS Research Program with information from
other sources to inform Agency decision makers. Building on this foundation, EPA is
working with its partners to build program-specific applications, such as RapidTox. These
applications will give risk assessors and decision-makers confidence that the new
approaches, data, and tools developed in CSS are both scientifically sound and relevant to
environmental decision making. CSS continues to invest in the CompTox Chemicals
Dashboard86 as a "first-stop-tool" for the delivery of chemical information.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The CSS Research Program and BOSC CSS subcommittee will continue to meet regularly over
the next several years to seek input on topics related to research program design, science quality,
innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
86 For more information, please see: fattps://www.epa.gov/clieiiiical-research/coiiiptox-clieniicals-dasliboard.
149
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EPA's state engagement program87 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and
EPA's research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and
health agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States,
with its Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and
Regulatory Council; the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media
associations, such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
77
80
82
Percent
Actual
77
79
Numerator
171
154
Products
Denominator
222
196
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,130.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$289.0 / +0.5 FTE) This increase for the PFAS focus area includes resources and FTE
to support science and research to advance implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and
associated milestones in support of the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS APG.
• (-$4,200.0) This program change prioritizes intramural activities over extramural activities
by eliminating funding for the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program for FY 2021.
• (-$12,962.0 / -1.8 FTE) This net program change streamlines resources available for the
development of high-throughput toxicity testing, the Agency's development of improved
methods for chemical evaluations, and research efforts focused on endocrine disrupting
chemicals in order to focus on the most pressing chemical evaluations.
• (-$8,222.0 / -30.0 FTE) This net program change streamlines funding for the development
of virtual tissue models and tools to conduct chemical toxicity screening.
• (+0.8 FTE) This FTE increase is a change due to the need to support risk assessment and
evaluation science to support new TSCA requirements.
87 For more information, please see: fattps://www.epa.gov/researeh/epa-researcli-sotutions-states.
150
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Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 104; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA); Children's Health Act; 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development
Act; Clean Water Act; Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA).
151
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Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S3 003. ~
SJ~J5J.lt
S2-t.M-l.il
-S l2.fO~.0
Hazardous Substance Superfond
$2,864.9
$12,824.0
$6,159.0
-$6,665.0
Total Budget Authority
$39,868.6
$50,175.0
$30,853.0
-$19,322.0
Total Workyears
144.0
154.9
111.6
-43.3
Program Project Description:
EPA's Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Research Program is focused on the
science of assessments that inform decisions made by EPA and others, including states and tribes.
These assessments provide the scientific basis for decisions under an array of environmental laws,
including: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA); and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA).
The HERA Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in
the Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new HERA FY 2019-2022
StRAP builds upon prior Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) StRAPs and continues a
practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered
by Agency partners and stakeholders.
For the FY 2021 Budget, EPA renamed the HHRA Research Program to the HERA Research
Program to more accurately reflect the breadth of assessments conducted under this research
program, including exposure and ecological assessments as well as human health hazard
assessments. For example, this research program prepares the Integrated Science Assessments
(ISAs) for both the primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),
the former statutorily related to human health effects and the latter covering human welfare, which
includes ecological and other environmental impacts of the air pollutants. The timing of the name
change to HERA also coincides with, and is supportive of, the Research and Development
Program's reorganization which occurred in September 2019.
152
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The current portfolio of HERA products encompasses these two topic areas:
• Science Assessments and Translation: The Science Assessments and Translation topic
showcases EPA's focus on the science and practice of assessment development. A portfolio
of assessment products will be produced that are responsive to Agency priorities and
timelines. The portfolio will include assessments from among the traditional product lines
- Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), ISAs, and Provisional Peer-Reviewed
Toxicity Values (PPRTVs) - in addition to a wide range of innovative fit-for-purpose
modules, such as those developed for TSCA. Additionally, significant emphasis will be
placed on providing scientific and technical support throughout the lifecycle of decisions,
from development to application of the assessment products.
• Advancing the Science of Risk Assessment: The HERA Research Program is
multidisciplinary and aimed at incorporating scientific innovations to advance analytic
approaches and applications. Research under this topic is targeted at enhancing hazard
characterization, expanding the repertoire of dose-response methods and models, and
characterizing the utility of emerging data and new computational tools as applied to risk
assessment. It also enhances and maintains critical assessment infrastructure, including
database models and software support, to ensure transparency and to facilitate
understanding and translation to Agency partners and external stakeholders. Refinements
to current approaches will be anchored in assessment development and are expected to
improve the accuracy, efficiency, flexibility, and utility of applications across a large
landscape of assessment activities.
Recent Accomplishments of the HERA Research Program include:
The HERA Research Program has been developing new assessment product lines to enhance
timely response, improve screening capabilities, and augment toxicity value derivations for risk
assessments.
• IRIS: In FY 2019, IRIS assessment materials for hexavalent chromium88 and methyl
mercury89 were released publicly. The National Academy of Science (NAS) peer reviewed
the systematic review protocol for inorganic arsenic. Science Advisory Board (SAB) peer
reviews for Ethyl tert-Butyl Ether and tert-Butyl Alcohol IRIS assessments were completed
and the assessments are expected to be finalized in quarter three of FY 2020. Several NAS
workshops were held to continue to advance the science and practice of assessment
development. The draft assessment of Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid and related
compound Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate was released for public comment, revised
in response, and is now expected to be published as final in quarter three of FY 2020.
Additionally, work in FY 2019 facilitated the release of the IRIS assessment materials for
polychlorinatedbiphenyls, mercury salts, and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
in early FY 2020.
88 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris_drafts/recordi splay.cfm?deid=343950.
89 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris drafts/recordisplay.cfm?deid=343693.
153
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• TSCA Risk Evaluation Support: HERA continues to provide targeted support to TSCA
on the first 10 TSCA risk evaluations under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. HERA
also provides information management support utilizing the HERA Health and
Environmental Research Online90 database. Additionally, new workflows to provide
support for the next 20 TSCA high priority risk evaluations are underway in FY 2020.
• ISAs: The draft ISAs for Particulate Matter and Ozone were provided for peer review to
the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. EPA updated the Particulate Matter report
based on comments on the draft and released the final report in December 2019.91 The
Ozone ISA is expected to be finalized in quarter three of FY 2020. HERA also provided
scientific and regulatory support to the Air and Radiation Program in rulemaking and in
the development of the Ozone and Particulate Matter Risk and Exposure and Policy
Assessments.92
• PPRTV Assessments: HERA continues to provide ongoing technical support for EPA's
human health and ecological risk assessment programs. HERA delivered three93 high-
priority PPRTV assessments in FY 2019 to support Superfund priorities; at least five more
assessments are expected in FY 2020. Chapter three of the 2011 Edition of the Exposure
Factors Handbook94 (EFH) was updated to cover ingestion of water and other select liquids,
and ExpoFIRST, a companion tool to the EFH, was updated accordingly. The All Ages
Lead Model95 was provided in September 2019 to the SAB for peer review. The SAB
convened during an October 2019 public meeting and continued advancements were made
to HERA's dose-response analysis tool, Benchmark Dose Software.
• Innovations in Risk Assessment: Having modernized its assessment infrastructure, EPA
research under HERA is using evidence mapping to provide a better understanding of the
extent and nature of data available to address Agency chemical assessment priorities. It
also serves to focus the assessments on support for specific decision contexts (i.e., 'fit for
purpose'). This approach is expected to improve assessment throughput and prioritize more
timely assessments responsive to the priority needs of Agency offices and partners.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the HERA Research Program's work will focus
on efforts integral to achieving EPA priorities and informing the Agency's implementation of key
environmental regulations. Specifically, in FY 2021 HERA will:
90 For more information, please see: https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/content/home.
91 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/isa/recordisplay.cfm7deicN347534.
92 To view assessment documents, please see: https://www.epa.gov/naaqs/carbon-monoxide-co-standards-risk-and-exposure-
assessments-current-review.
93 Please see the HERA Superfund narrative for more information and for links to these three assessments.
94 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm?deid=236252.
95 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordi splay.cfm?deid=343670.
154
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• Continue developing additional assessments through IRIS of perfluorinated compounds as
described in EPA's PFAS Action Plan,96 as well as other priority chemicals of interest to
EPA's Water Program and Land and Emergency Management Program. In addition,
HERA will continue to provide assessments on priority chemicals that include
polychlorinated biphenyls, methylmercury, mercury salts, vanadium compounds,
hexavalent chromium, inorganic arsenic, perfluorononanoate, perfluorobutyrate,
perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and perfluorodecanoate. HERA
will continue to provide scientific and technical support to the Air and Radiation Program
on decisions to retain or revise the NAAQS, and to the Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention Program on TSCA implementation.
• Continue to develop and apply evidence mapping to provide a better understanding of the
extent and nature of evidence available to address priority needs of the Agency and its
partners, and focus the assessments on support for specific decision contexts (i.e., 'fit for
purpose') through a modernized assessment infrastructure.
• Provide the resources and workflow to two of the five Research and Development
Program's technical support centers (TSCs)97 to provide localized and tailored technical
assistance and scientific expertise on human and ecological risk assessments to states,
tribes, and EPA. This includes direct support in cases of emergencies and other rapid
response situations.
• Apply new and alternative approaches, methods, and data to risk assessment products, and
technical support to better respond to the needs of the states, tribes, and EPA, in cooperation
with the Chemical Safety for Sustainability Research Program.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also conducts research across programs in the
following areas:
• PFAS Research: PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern in the environment,
and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes, and local communities in
understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. Decision-making at the
state and local level is hindered by a limited number of standard toxicity values (such as
reference doses and cancer risk estimates) for many PFAS chemicals of interest. Toxicity
values currently exist for PFOA and PFOS.98 The Agency will soon finalize toxicity
assessments for GenX99 chemicals and PFBS,100 but there are other PFAS of high interest
to stakeholders which currently have no federal published, peer-reviewed toxicity values.
Within the HERA Research Program, EPA is prioritizing additional PFAS for development
96 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epas-pfas-action-plan.
97 HERA supports the Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (STSC) and the Ecological Risk Assessment Support
Center (ERASC). For more information on EPA's five TSCs, please see: https://www.epa.gov/land-research/epas-technical-
support-centers.
98 Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulphonic Acid (PFOS).
99 GenX chemical assessments are owned by EPA's Water Program; the timeline for these assessments is different than PFBS.
For more information on the timeline of these assessments, please contact EPA's Water Program.
100 ORD is moving through with the assessment process for Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) as planned and anticipate finalizing
in quarter three of FY 2020.
155
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of peer-reviewed toxicity values. This will result in an expanded set of high-quality peer-
reviewed toxicity values for use by federal, state, and tribal decision makers in making risk
assessment and management decisions. This work supports the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS
Agency Priority Goal (APG).
• Lead: Childhood lead exposure continues to be one of the highest priorities for EPA. To
advance lead exposure and biokinetic models used in EPA regulatory decisions and site
assessments, research focuses on enhancing, evaluating, and applying lead exposure and
biokinetic models used for estimating potential blood lead levels and related analyses for
regulatory determinations. Additionally, the Exposure Factors Handbook101 provides up-
to-date data on various human factors, including soil and dust ingestion rates, used by risk
assessors. This work supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Lead APG.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The HERA Research Program and the BOSC HERA subcommittee will continue to meet regularly
over the next several years to seek input on topics related to research program design, science
quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement102 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council; the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media
associations, such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,141.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
101 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm?deid=2362
102 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
156
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• (+$1,000.0) This increase supports research and technical assistance regarding lead issues
and contributes to the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative focus area. This work will be
guided by the Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and
Associated Health Impacts as well as related activities in the 2019-2022 StRAPs and the
FY 2020-2021 Lead APG.
• (-$12,284.0 / -43.3 FTE) This program change streamlines the HERA Research Program
to focus on the highest priority assessments.
• (-$2,514.0 / -14.7 FTE) This rebalances resources from the S&T appropriation within this
program to the Superfund appropriation for work related to IRIS assessments.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 108, 109, and 112; Clean Water Act §§ 101(a)(6), 104, 105; Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) § 3(c)(2)(A); Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) § 1458; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
157
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Water: Human Health Protection
158
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Drinking Water Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$92,373.1
$100,903.0
$97,462.0
-$3,441.0
Science A- Technology
S 4.0V4M
S4J04.0
S2'(U)
Total Budget Authority
$95,600.7
$104,997.0
$101,826.0
-$3,171.0
Total Workyears
461.6
475.2
459.9
-15.3
Program Project Description:
The Drinking Water Technical Support Center leads the collection of national occurrence data for
unregulated contaminants in drinking water; develops and evaluates analytical methods that are
used to monitor drinking water contaminants accurately and reliably; leads the national program
under which laboratories are certified to conduct the analyses of water contaminants with
designated analytical methods; and works with states and public water systems collaboratively to
implement tools that help systems achieve performance and optimization practices that achieve
compliance and maximize technical capacity while reducing operational costs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA's Drinking Water Technical Support
Center will continue to carry out the following activities:
• Lead the development, revision, evaluation, and approval of chemical and microbiological
analytical methods for unregulated and regulated contaminants to assess and ensure
protection of public health from contaminants in drinking water (e.g., toxins resulting from
harmful algal blooms, and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS].) This work supports the
PFAS FY 2020 - 2021 Agency Priority Goal.
• Implement EPA's Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program,103 which sets
direction for oversight of state, municipal, and commercial laboratories that analyze
drinking water samples. Conduct three regional program reviews during FY 2021 and
deliver two laboratory certification officer training courses (chemistry and microbiology)
for state and regional representatives to ensure the quality of analytical results.
• Partner with states and water systems to optimize their treatment technology and
distribution systems under the drinking water Area Wide Optimization Program
103 For more information, please see: fattps: //www, epa. gov/dwtahcert
159
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(AWOP).104 AWOP is a highly successful technical/compliance assistance and training
program that enhances the ability of small systems to comply with existing microbial,
disinfectant, and disinfection byproduct standards, and addresses distribution system
integrity and water quality issues. During FY 2021, EPA expects to work with states and
tribes to train them how to identify performance limiting factors at public water systems
and develop and apply tailored tools to help them overcome operational challenges, achieve
performance and optimization levels, and address health-based compliance challenges.
• Complete monitoring under the fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule3
(UCMR 4). The UCMR 4 was published in December 2016 and addresses the collection
of data on occurrence of 30 contaminants of interest (e.g., cyanotoxins, disinfection by-
products, pesticides) to assess the frequency and levels at which these contaminants are
found in public water systems. The UCMR 4 is a federal direct implementation program
coordinated by EPA, as directed by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The data
collected are used by EPA as part of the Agency's determination of whether to establish
health-based standards to protect public health. Monitoring and reporting activities for
UCMR 4 started in FY 2018 and will conclude in FY 2021. Key activities for EPA include
ensuring laboratories are available to perform the required analyses, managing the field
sample collection and sample analysis for small systems, and managing data reporting by
large systems. In addition, EPA makes the data available to our state and tribal partners
and to the general public. During FY 2021, EPA also expects to publish the proposed rule
for the fifth cycle of UCMR monitoring (UCMR5) for public comment.
• Conduct pre-monitoring implementation activities to prepare for the UCMR 5 sampling
period from 2023 through 2025. EPA expects UCMR 5 to be the first cycle of UCMR that
will implement the monitoring provisions of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of
2018 (AWIA) which require, subject to the availability of appropriations and adequate
laboratory capacity, sampling at all public water systems (PWSs) serving between 3,300
and 10,000 persons, and a representative sample of PWSs serving fewer than 3,300
persons.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision Programs under the STAG
appropriation and the Drinking Water Programs under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$168.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$102.0 / +4.2 FTE) This program change increases resources and FTE for the
implementation and administration of the requirements of AWIA.
104 For more information, please see: https://www.eiia.gov/dwstandardsregulations/optimization-pro gram-drinking-water-
3Formore information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/leam-about-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.
160
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Statutory Authority:
SDWA.
161
-------
Congressional Priorities
162
-------
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Program Area: Congressional Priorities
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$0.0
$17,700.0
$0.0
-$17,700.0
Scii'iici' A- t echnology
S -I.0V2.0
SO. 000.0
S 0.0
-SO,000.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,092.0
$23,700.0
$0.0
-$23,700.0
Program Project Description:
In FY 2020, Congress appropriated $6.0 million in the Science and Technology appropriation to
fund high priority water quality and water availability research. EPA was instructed to award
grants on a competitive basis, independent of the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program,
and give priority to not-for-profit organizations that: conduct activities that are national in scope;
can provide a 25 percent match, including in-kind contributions; and often partner with the
Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources have been proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$6,000.0) This decrease proposes to eliminate funding for the Water Quality Research and
Support Grants Program.
Statutory Authority:
CAA 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Title 1, Part A - Sec. 103 (a) and (d) and Sec. 104 (c); CAA 42 U.S.C.
7402(b) Section 102; CAA 42 U.S.C. 7403(b)(2) Section 103(b)(2); dinger Cohen Act, 40 U.S.C.
11318; CERCLA (Superfund, 1980) Section 209(a) of Public Law 99-499; Children's Health Act;
CWA, Sec. 101 - 121; CWPPRA; CZARA; CZMA 16 U.S.C. 1451 - Section 302; Economy Act,
31 U.S.C. 1535; EISA, Title H Subtitle B; ERDDA, 33 U.S.C. 1251 - Section 2(a); ESA, 16 U.S.C.
1531 - Section 2; FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. Sec. 346; FIFRA (7 U.S.C. s/s 136 et seq. (1996), as
amended), Sec. 3(c)(2)(A); FQPA PL 104-170; Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, 31 U.S.C.
163
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6502; MPRSA Sec. 203, 33 U.S.C. 1443; NAWCA; NCPA; National Environmental Education
Act, 20 U.S.C. 5503(b)(3) and (b)(ll); NEPA of 1969, Section 102; NISA; ODBA Title II; PPA,
42 U.S.C. 13103; RCRA; SDWA (1996) 42 U.S.C. Section 300j-18; SDWA Part E, Sec. 1442
(a)(1); TSCA, Section 10, 15, 26, U.S.C. 2609; USGCRA 15 U.S.C. 2921; WRDA; WRRA; and
WWWQA.
164
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Environmental Programs and Management
Program Projects in EPM 170
Clean Air 174
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 175
Atmospheric Protection Program 179
Federal Stationary Source Regulations 182
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 186
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs 192
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund 196
Brownfields 197
Brownfields 198
Compliance 201
Compliance Monitoring 202
Enforcement 207
Civil Enforcement 208
Criminal Enforcement 212
Environmental Justice 214
NEPA Implementation 216
Geographic Programs 218
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay 219
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico 221
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain 222
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound 223
Geographic Program: Other 224
Geographic Program: South Florida 226
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay 230
Geographic Program: Puget Sound 231
Great Lakes Restoration 232
Homeland Security 239
Homeland Security: Communication and Information 240
165
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection 244
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 246
Indoor Air and Radiation 248
Indoor Air: Radon Program 249
Radiation: Protection 250
Radiation: Response Preparedness 252
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air 254
Information Exchange 255
Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency Coordination 256
Environmental Education 259
Exchange Network 260
Executive Management and Operations 263
Small Business Ombudsman 267
Small Minority Business Assistance 270
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness 273
TRI / Right to Know 276
Tribal - Capacity Building 279
International Programs 282
International Sources of Pollution 283
Trade and Governance 287
US Mexico Border 289
IT/ Data Management/ Security 291
Information Security 292
IT / Data Management 295
Legal/ Science/ Regulatory/ Economic Review 299
Administrative Law 300
Alternative Dispute Resolution 302
Civil Rights Program 303
Integrated Environmental Strategies 308
Legal Advice: Environmental Program 313
Legal Advice: Support Program 316
Regional Science and Technology 318
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis 319
Science Advisory Board 323
166
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Operations and Administration 325
Acquisition Management 326
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 330
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 334
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management 337
Human Resources Management 340
Pesticides Licensing 344
Science Policy and Biotechnology 345
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk 346
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk 352
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability 359
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 363
RCRA: Corrective Action 364
RCRA: Waste Management 367
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling 371
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention 374
Endocrine Disruptors 375
Pollution Prevention Program 376
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and Reduction 377
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program 385
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST) 387
LUST/UST 388
Water Ecosystems 391
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways 392
Wetlands 393
Water: Human Health Protection 396
Beach / Fish Programs 397
Drinking Water Programs 398
Water Quality Protection 404
Marine Pollution 405
Surface Water Protection 407
Congressional Priorities 413
Water Quality Research and Support Grants 414
167
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168
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Environmental Programs & Management
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &
Management
Budget Authority
$2,596,472.2
$2,663,356.0
$2,236,224.0
-$427,132.0
Total Workyears
8,562.2
8,808.6
7,643.7
-1,164.9
Bill Language: Environmental Program and Management
For environmental programs and management, including necessary expenses, not otherwise
provided for, for personnel and related costs and travel expenses; hire of passenger motor
vehicles; hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft; purchase of reprints; library memberships
in societies or associations which issue publications to members only or at a price to members
lower than to subscribers who are not members; administrative costs of the brownfields program
under the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of2002; and not to
exceed $19,000 for official reception and representation expenses, $2,236,224,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2022. Provided further, That of the funds included in the first
paragraph under this heading, the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction program project shall be
allocated for this fiscal year, excluding the amount of any fees appropriated, not less than the
amount of appropriations for that program project for fiscal year 2014.
In addition, $46,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022, for necessary expenses of
the Energy Star program established by section 324A of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6294a): Provided, That the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
shall collect fees pursuant to section 324A(e) (42 U.S.C. 6294a(e)), as added by this Act, and such
fees shall be credited to this appropriation as offsetting collections: Provided further, That the
sum herein ap- propriated in this paragraph from the general fund shall be reduced as such
collections are received during fiscal year 2021 so as to result in a final fiscal year appropriation
from the general fund estimated at $0: Provided further, That to the extent such collections
received in fiscal year 2021 exceed $46,000,000, those excess amounts shall be deposited in the
general fund.
169
-------
Program Projects in EPM
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Clean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
$15,302.4
$13,619.0
$13,231.0
-$388.0
Atmospheric Protection Program
$90,985.1
$95,436.0
$14,512.0
-$80,924.0
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$19,279.9
$20,093.0
$17,877.0
-$2,216.0
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$132,513.9
$130,588.0
$114,095.0
-$16,493.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
$5,060.4
$4,661.0
$4,087.0
-$574.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
$8,326.0
$8,711.0
$0.0
-$8,711.0
Subtotal, Clean Air
$271,467.7
$273,108.0
$163,802.0
-$109,306.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$2,642.6
$3,136.0
$0.0
-$3,136.0
Radiation: Protection
$10,880.5
$7,992.0
$2,470.0
-$5,522.0
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$2,078.1
$2,196.0
$2,350.0
$154.0
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$10,931.6
$11,627.0
$0.0
-$11,627.0
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$26,532.8
$24,951.0
$4,820.0
-$20,131.0
Brownfields
Brownfields
$22,939.3
$23,647.0
$17,816.0
-$5,831.0
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$100,132.8
$101,665.0
$95,649.0
-$6,016.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$160,202.2
$167,615.0
$157,820.0
-$9,795.0
Criminal Enforcement
$46,342.0
$47,635.0
$46,627.0
-$1,008.0
Environmental Justice
$5,033.5
$9,554.0
$2,729.0
-$6,825.0
NEPA Implementation
$13,827.4
$15,833.0
$17,937.0
$2,104.0
Subtotal, Enforcement
$225,405.1
$240,637.0
$225,113.0
-$15,524.0
Geographic Programs
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
$72,800.7
$85,000.0
$7,300.0
-$77,700.0
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
$17,690.4
$17,553.0
$0.0
-$17,553.0
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
$10,995.0
$13,390.0
$0.0
-$13,390.0
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
$14,232.7
$21,000.0
$0.0
-$21,000.0
Geographic Program: Other
Lake Pontchartrain
$947.0
$1,089.0
$0.0
-$1,089.0
S.New England Estuary (SNEE)
$4,842.8
$5,741.0
$0.0
-$5,741.0
170
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Geographic Program: Other (other
activities)
$1,401.5
$2,736.0
$0.0
-$2,736.0
Subtotal, Geographic Program: Other
$7,191.3
$9,566.0
$0.0
-$9,566.0
Great Lakes Restoration
$292,571.0
$320,000.0
$320,000.0
$0.0
Geographic Program: South Florida
$1,305.2
$4,845.0
$3,206.0
-$1,639.0
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
$8,381.7
$5,922.0
$0.0
-$5,922.0
Geographic Program: Puget Sound
$27,936.8
$33,000.0
$0.0
-$33,000.0
Subtotal, Geographic Programs
$453,104.8
$510,276.0
$330,506.0
-$179,770.0
Flomeland Security
Flomeland Security: Communication and
Information
$4,003.8
$3,818.0
$3,677.0
-$141.0
Flomeland Security: Critical Infrastructure
Protection
$444.4
$840.0
$1,361.0
$521.0
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel
and Infrastructure
$5,755.6
$5,355.0
$4,986.0
-$369.0
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$10,203.8
$10,013.0
$10,024.0
$11.0
Information Exchange / Outreach
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
$12,588.0
$13,594.0
$10,862.0
-$2,732.0
TRI / Right to Know
$12,136.9
$12,155.0
$8,065.0
-$4,090.0
Tribal - Capacity Building
$13,780.0
$13,072.0
$14,099.0
$1,027.0
Executive Management and Operations
$51,243.2
$47,259.0
$43,784.0
-$3,475.0
Environmental Education
$8,597.1
$8,580.0
$0.0
-$8,580.0
Exchange Network
$17,090.3
$15,184.0
$12,328.0
-$2,856.0
Small Minority Business Assistance
$1,411.3
$987.0
$1,080.0
$93.0
Small Business Ombudsman
$1,906.9
$1,824.0
$1,983.0
$159.0
Children and Other Sensitive Populations:
Agency Coordination
$5,903.7
$6,173.0
$2,704.0
-$3,469.0
Subtotal, Information Exchange / Outreach
$124,657.4
$118,828.0
$94,905.0
-$23,923.0
International Programs
US Mexico Border
$3,236.0
$2,693.0
$0.0
-$2,693.0
International Sources of Pollution
$7,011.4
$6,553.0
$10,628.0
$4,075.0
Trade and Governance
$5,716.8
$5,365.0
$0.0
-$5,365.0
Subtotal, International Programs
$15,964.2
$14,611.0
$10,628.0
-$3,983.0
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
$7,649.5
$7,593.0
$14,012.0
$6,419.0
IT / Data Management
$78,748.7
$80,223.0
$79,064.0
-$1,159.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
$86,398.2
$87,816.0
$93,076.0
$5,260.0
171
-------
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Integrated Environmental Strategies
$10,760.9
$10,152.0
$14,200.0
$4,048.0
Administrative Law
$4,527.9
$4,835.0
$5,104.0
$269.0
Alternative Dispute Resolution
$667.4
$870.0
$0.0
-$870.0
Civil Rights Program
$8,972.5
$8,814.0
$9,780.0
$966.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$51,526.8
$47,978.0
$50,263.0
$2,285.0
Legal Advice: Support Program
$14,926.0
$14,478.0
$18,082.0
$3,604.0
Regional Science and Technology
$1,224.3
$808.0
$0.0
-$808.0
Science Advisory Board
$3,154.5
$3,214.0
$4,031.0
$817.0
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
$12,616.7
$13,094.0
$17,294.0
$4,200.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic
Review
$108,377.0
$104,243.0
$118,754.0
$14,511.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$72,920.6
$71,423.0
$76,603.0
$5,180.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Acquisition Management
$33,799.8
$30,945.0
$29,621.0
-$1,324.0
Human Resources Management
$43,339.9
$41,556.0
$44,538.0
$2,982.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
$23,794.8
$23,802.0
$21,452.0
-$2,350.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$495,355.5
$455,321.0
$489,559.0
$34,238.0
Pesticides Licensing
Science Policy and Biotechnology
$1,823.4
$1,605.0
$0.0
-$1,605.0
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide
Risk
$55,368.2
$58,753.0
$51,268.0
-$7,485.0
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from
Pesticide Risk
$39,444.2
$38,966.0
$32,100.0
-$6,866.0
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide
Availability
$7,193.6
$7,722.0
$6,014.0
-$1,708.0
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
$103,829.4
$107,046.0
$89,382.0
-$17,664.0
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
$131.9
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Corrective Action
$34,554.0
$36,973.0
$35,126.0
-$1,847.0
RCRA: Waste Management
$58,728.3
$66,819.0
$50,399.0
-$16,420.0
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
$8,840.2
$8,997.0
$4,253.0
-$4,744.0
Subtotal, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
$102,122.5
$112,789.0
$89,778.0
-$23,011.0
172
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Endocrine Disruptors
$8,178.1
$7,533.0
$0.0
-$7,533.0
Pollution Prevention Program
$11,657.5
$11,127.0
$0.0
-$11,127.0
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and
Reduction
$64,241.5
$60,488.0
$69,004.0
$8,516.0
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
$11,663.0
$11,567.0
$0.0
-$11,567.0
Subtotal, Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
$95,740.1
$90,715.0
$69,004.0
-$21,711.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST / UST
$11,089.8
$10,750.0
$6,863.0
-$3,887.0
Water: Ecosystems
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
$26,425.7
$29,823.0
$0.0
-$29,823.0
Wetlands
$17,234.9
$19,241.0
$22,604.0
$3,363.0
Subtotal, Water: Ecosystems
$43,660.6
$49,064.0
$22,604.0
-$26,460.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Beach / Fish Programs
$1,490.8
$1,584.0
$0.0
-$1,584.0
Drinking Water Programs
$92,373.1
$100,903.0
$97,462.0
-$3,441.0
Subtotal, Water: Human Health Protection
$93,863.9
$102,487.0
$97,462.0
-$5,025.0
Water Quality Protection
Marine Pollution
$9,349.3
$9,258.0
$4,680.0
-$4,578.0
Surface Water Protection
$196,146.1
$198,431.0
$201,799.0
$3,368.0
Subtotal, Water Quality Protection
$205,495.4
$207,689.0
$206,479.0
-$1,210.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$0.0
$17,700.0
$0.0
-$17,700.0
TOTAL EPM
$2,596,472.2
$2,663,356.0
$2,236,224.0
-$427,132.0
173
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Clean Air
174
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Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Science & Technology
$7,834.8
$7,463.0
$5,739.0
-$1,724.0
Total Budget Authority
$23,137.2
$21,082.0
$18,970.0
-$2,112.0
Total Workyears
64.5
63.7
61.7
-2.0
Program Project Description:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are precursors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5),
while NOx also is a precursor for ground-level ozone. Researchers have associated PM2.5 and
ozone (O3) exposure with adverse health effects in toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological
studies. Lowering exposure to PM2.5 and O3 contributes to significant human health benefits.
The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs are nationwide and multi-state programs that address
air pollutants that are transported across state, regional, and international boundaries. The
Programs designed to control SO2 and NOx include Title IV (the Acid Rain Program) of the Clean
Air Act, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and the Texas SO2 Trading Program.
The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs establish a total emission limit that is allocated to
affected emission sources in the form of allowances - authorizations to emit one ton of a pollutant.
The owners and operators of affected emission sources may select among different methods of
compliance - install pollution control equipment, switch fuel types, purchase allowances, or other
strategies. These programs are managed through a centralized database system operated by
EPA.1 Select data, collected under these programs, are made available to the public through EPA's
Air Markets Program Data website2, which provides access to both current and historical data
collected as part of the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs through charts, reports, and pre-
packaged datasets.
To implement the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs, EPA operates the Part 75 emission
measurement program that requires approximately 4,150 affected units to monitor and report
emission and operation data.3 The emission measurement program requires high degrees of
accuracy and reliability from continuous emission monitoring systems or approved alternative
methods at the affected sources. EPA provides the affected emission sources with a software tool,
the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System, to process and assure the quality of data,
1 Clean Air Act § 403(d).
2 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/clean-air-markets-progress.
3 Clean Air Act § 412; Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. P.L. 101-549 § 821.
175
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and facilitate reporting to EPA. The Agency conducts electronic audits, desk reviews, and field
audits of the emission data and monitoring systems. The emission measurement program supports
several other state and federal emission control and reporting programs.
EPA's centralized market operation system (the allowance tracking system) records allowance
allocations and transfers.4 At the end of each compliance period, allowances are reconciled against
reported emissions to determine compliance for every facility with affected emission sources. For
over 20 years, the affected facilities have maintained near-perfect compliance under the trading
programs. In 2018, total annual SO2 emissions from Acid Rain Program-affected emission sources
were 1.2 million tons, or more than 85 percent below the statutory nationwide emissions cap. Total
annual 2018 NOx emissions were 1.0 million tons, a reduction of over 7 million tons from
projected 2000 NOx levels absent the Acid Rain Program, exceeding the Program's total targeted
reduction of 2 million tons.5
The Clean Air Act's Good Neighbor provision6 requires states or, in some circumstances, the
Agency to reduce interstate pollution that interferes with the attainment and maintenance of the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Under this authority, EPA issued the Cross-State Air
Pollution Rule, which requires 27 states in the eastern U.S. to limit their state-wide emissions of
SO2 and/or NOx to reduce or eliminate the states' contributions to PM2.5 and/or ground-level ozone
pollution in downwind states. The emission limitations are defined in terms of maximum statewide
"budgets" for emissions of annual SO2, annual NOx, and/or ozone-season NOx emissions from
certain large stationary sources in each state. In addition, EPA began operating the Texas SO2
Trading Program in 2019 as a means of addressing Texas' obligations with respect to best available
retrofit technology, reasonable progress, and interstate visibility transport as those obligations
relate to sulfur dioxide emissions from electricity generating units.7
EPA relies on the Clean Air Status and Trends Network for monitoring ambient sulfate and nitrate
deposition concentrations, and other air quality indicators. EPA uses the Long-Term Monitoring
program for assessing how water bodies and aquatic ecosystems are responding to reductions in
sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Data from these air quality and environmental monitoring programs,
in conjunction with SO2, NOx, and CO2 emissions data from the Part 75 monitoring program, have
allowed EPA to develop a comprehensive accountability framework to track the results of its air
quality programs. EPA applies this framework to the programs it implements and issues annual
progress reports on compliance and environmental results achieved by the Acid Rain Program and
the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Previous reports have covered progress under the Clean Air
Interstate Rule and the NOx Budget Trading Program. These annual progress reports not only track
reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from affected sources but assess the impacts of these
reductions on air quality (e.g., ozone and PM2.5 levels), acid deposition, surface water acidity,
forest health, and other environmental indicators.
4 Clean Air Act § 403(d).
5 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-02/view 201.8 camel emissions data 3.xlsx.
6 Clean Air Act § 110(a)(2)(D); see also Clean Air Act § 110(c).
7 Clean Air Act § 110 and § 169A; see 40 CFR 52.2312.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to operate the Clean Air
Allowance Trading Programs and the systems to assess the programs' progress toward the
environmental goals required by the Clean Air Act. EPA will work to meet requirements and
requests for modeling in support of the power sector and for legal defense of regulatory actions.
The Program will continue to support emission reporting for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard
Rule and Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.8
Allowance tracking and compliance assessment: EPA will allocate SO2 and NOx allowances to
affected emission sources and other account holders as established in the Clean Air Act9 and state
and federal CSAPR implementation plans. These allowance holdings will be maintained in an
updated allowance tracking system (i.e., central database) that will record allowance transfers.10
At the end of each compliance period, EPA will reconcile each facility's allowance holdings
against its emissions to ensure compliance for all affected sources.11
Emission measurement and data collection and review: EPA will operate the Part 75 Emission
Measurement Program to collect, verify, and track emissions of air pollutants and air toxics from
approximately 4,200 fossil-fuel-fired electric generating units.
Program Assessment: EPA will develop progress reports and other information to communicate
the extent of the progress made by the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs.12
Redesign System Applications: EPA will continue the redesign of its Air Markets Program Data
website and Emission Monitoring Plan System desktop software. These mission critical systems
support the trading programs, as well as other emissions reporting programs operated by the states
and EPA. Reengineering these decade-old systems will enable EPA to enhance the user
experience, comply with EPA security and technology requirements, consolidate software
systems, and reduce operation and maintenance costs.
Assistance to States: EPA will work with states to develop emission reduction programs to comply
with Clean Air Act Good Neighbor Provision and Texas SO2 Trading program requirements.13
8 See, 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart UUUUU (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal and Oil Fired Electric
Utility Steam Generating Units) and 40 C.F.R. Part 98, Subpart D (Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Electricity Generation).
9 Clean Air Act §§ 110 and 403
10 Clean Air Act §§ 110 and 403.
11 Clean Air Act §§110 and 404-405, and state CSAPR implementation plans.
12 Government Performance and Results Act § 1115.
13 Clean Air Act § 110(a)(2)(D).
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
For more information on program performance, please visit:
http ://www. epa. gov/airmarket/progress/progress-reports.htm 1.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$972.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,360.0 / -2.0 FTE) This decrease is a resource shift from the Clean Air Allowance
Trading Program to the Federal Support for Air Quality Management Program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
178
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Atmospheric Protection Program
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Inventory provides information on total annual U.S. emissions and removals by source, economic
sector, and greenhouse gas. EPA leads the interagency process of preparing the Inventory, working
with technical experts from numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Energy's
Energy Information Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, U.S. Geological
Survey, and academic and research institutions.
Managing the Transition from Ozone Depleting Substances: EPA implements efforts directed by
Section 612 of the Clean Air Act to ensure a smooth transition from ozone depleting substances to
safer alternatives.
Science. Economic, and Technical Analyses: EPA conducts a range of economic, scientific, and
technical analyses for CAA regulatory actions and technical input.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will provide technical, analytical, and
scientific support for regulatory action consistent with the Presidential Executive Order on
Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth, dated March 28, 2017.
In FY 2021, EPA would implement user fees for entities that participate in the ENERGY STAR
program. Fee collection would start in FY 2021 after EPA undertakes a rulemaking and finalizes
a fees rule. By requesting an advance appropriation of $46 million for FY 2021, the budget
provides the Program the authority to use fees to operate the program in advance of collections.
The fees would provide for necessary expenses, including payroll to support the development,
operation, and maintenance of the ENERGY STAR Program. The legislative proposal to authorize
collection and spending of the fees is included as an administrative provision in the FY 2021
President's Budget Appendix.
The Agency will continue to implement priorities and efficiencies as called for in the January 24,
2017 Presidential Memorandum on Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Burden to Domestic
Regulatory Manufacturing. These efforts are expected to align with previously identified Executive
Orders, including implementation of Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling
Regulatory Costs and Executive Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda. EPA will
evaluate recommendations, and where appropriate, take action to repeal, replace, or modify existing
regulations to make them less burdensome.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program covering a
total of 41 sectors, with approximately 8,000 reporters. Focus areas for the Program will include:
• Developing and implementing regulatory revisions across multiple sectors, including
oil and gas to reduce burden and streamline reporting where appropriate;
• Aligning the database management systems with those regulatory amendments; and
• Conducting a QA/QC and verification process through a combination of electronic checks,
staff reviews, and follow-up with facilities when necessary.
EPA will work to complete the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and Sinks.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$726.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$81,650.0 / -121.9 FTE) This program change is a decrease that proposes elimination of
appropriated funding for the partnership programs with industry, businesses, states, tribes,
and localities and focuses the program on core requirements to meet CAA obligations and
other statutory requirements.
• (+70.0 FTE) This program change is an increase in reimbursable FTE for the development,
operation, and maintenance of a fee-supported ENERGY STAR Program. By requesting
an advance appropriation of $46 million for FY 2021, the budget allows for the time
involved in both a fee rulemaking and developing and enacting new authorizing legislation
by providing the program the authority to use fees to operate the program in advance of
collections.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Global Change Research Act of 1990; Global Climate Protections Act; Energy
Policy Act of 2005 § 756; Pollution Prevention Act §§ 6602-6605; National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) § 102; Clean Water Act § 104; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001.
181
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Federal Stationary Source Regulations
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$19,279.9
$20,093.0
$17,877.0
-$2,216.0
Total Workyears
98.2
108.5
79.1
-29.4
Program Project Description:
Under the statutory framework of the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is required to undertake actions
pertaining to multiple aspects of air quality. The CAA requires EPA to set National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ambient pollutants considered harmful to public health and the
environment. The six "criteria" pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS are:
particulate matter (PM), ozone (03), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon
monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). The CAA requires EPA to periodically review the science upon
which the NAAQS are based and the standards themselves. These national standards form the
foundation for air quality management and establish goals that protect public health and the
environment. Section 109 of the CAA Amendments of 1990 established two types of NAAQS.
Primary standards are set at a level requisite to protect public health with an adequate margin of
safety. Secondary standards are set at a level requisite to protect public welfare from any known
or anticipated adverse effects.
Sections 111, 112, and 129 of the CAA statutory program direct EPA to undertake activities
targeted at air emissions of toxic, criteria, and other pollutants from stationary sources.
Specifically, to address air toxics, this program provides for the development of National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for major sources and area sources; the
assessment and, as necessary, regulation of risks remaining after implementation of NESHAP that
are based on Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT); the periodic review and revision
of the NESHAP to reflect developments in practices, processes, and control technologies; and
associated national guidance and outreach. In addition, EPA must periodically review, and, where
appropriate, revise both the list of air toxics subject to regulation and the list of source categories
for which standards must be developed. The statutory program also includes issuing, reviewing,
and periodically revising, as necessary, New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for criteria
and a subset of listed pollutants from certain new, modified, or reconstructed sources of air
emissions; issuing emissions guidelines for states to apply to certain existing sources; and
providing guidance on Reasonably Available Control Technology through issuance and periodic
review and revision of control technique guidelines. The CAA further requires EPA to develop
and periodically review standards of performance and emissions guidelines covering air emissions
from waste combustion sources.
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Sections 169 A and 169B of the CAA require protection of air quality related values (AQRV) for
156 congressionally mandated national parks and wilderness areas, known as Class I areas.
Visibility is one such AQRV, and Congress established a national goal of returning visibility in
the Class I areas to natural conditions, i.e., the visibility conditions which existed without
manmade air pollution. The Regional Haze Rule sets forth the requirements that state plans must
satisfy to make reasonable progress towards meeting this national goal.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to implement priorities
and efficiencies called for in the January 24, 2017 Presidential Memorandum, Streamlining
Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing. These efforts are
expected to dovetail with previously identified Executive Orders, including implementation of
Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs and Executive
Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda. EPA will continue to evaluate
recommendations, and, where appropriate, act to repeal, replace, or modify existing regulations to
make them less burdensome and provide greater certainty to regulated entities.
NAAQS: In FY 2021, EPA will continue reviewing the NAAQS and make revisions, as
appropriate. Each review involves a comprehensive reexamination, synthesis, and evaluation of
the scientific information, the design and conduct of complex air quality and risk and exposure
analyses, and the development of a comprehensive policy assessment providing analysis of the
scientific basis for alternative policy options.
EPA will work to achieve and maintain compliance with existing standards. These include the
ozone standards established in 2015, 2008, 1997, and 1979; the 1997 PMi0 standards; the
2012, 2006 and 1997 PM2 5 standards; the 2008 lead standard;14 the 2010 N02 standard;15 the
1971 CO standard; and the 2010 S02 standard16 (Note, pursuant to the May 9, 2018 memorandum,
Back to Basics Process for Reviewing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, EPA is working
to complete reviews of the ozone and PM standards by late CY 2020). EPA, in close collaboration
with states and tribes, will work to reduce the number of areas not in attainment with the NAAQS,
including assisting states and tribes in developing CAA-compliant pollution reduction plans.
Air Toxics: Section 112(d)(6) of the CAA requires EPA to review and revise, as necessary, all
NESHAP (for both major and area sources) every eight years. These reviews include compiling
information and data already available to the Agency; collecting new information and emissions
data from industry; reviewing emission control technologies; and conducting economic analyses
for the affected industries needed for developing regulations. Similarly, Section 112(f) of the CAA
requires EPA to review the risk that remains after the implementation of MACT standards within
eight years of promulgation.
14 In September 2016, EPA completed the review of the 2008 Lead NAAQS and retained the standards without revision.
15 In April 2018, EPA completed the review of the 2010 NO2 NAAQS and retained the standards without revision.
16 In February 2019, EPA completed the review of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS and retained the standards without revision.
183
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In FY 2021, EPA will engage in rulemaking efforts to review and revise, as appropriate, emissions
standards for 14 source categories, pursuant to two separate court orders and statutory obligations.
Additionally, as a result of ongoing litigation, EPA expects to undertake reviews and regulatory
revisions, as applicable, under CAA Section 112 for five other source categories. EPA further
anticipates work to address expected CAA-authorized requests for administrative reconsideration
of some of the rules issued under Section 112 that EPA will be finalizing in 2020. These rules
affect more than 25 source categories.
NSPS: Section 111 of the CAA requires EPA to set NSPS for new, modified, or reconstructed
stationary sources of air emissions in categories that have been determined to cause, or
significantly contribute to, air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. Section 111
of the CAA also requires EPA, at least every eight years, to review and, if appropriate, revise NSPS
for each source category for which such standards have been established. Under CAA Section 111,
EPA must establish emission guidelines for existing sources for which air quality criteria have not
been issued, are not included in the list published under Section 108(a) of the CAA or are emitted
from a source category that is regulated under Section 112 of the CAA but to which a standard of
performance would apply if such an existing source were a new source.
In FY 2021, EPA will work to address NSPS reviews, consistent with the requirements of the
CAA, for sources of air pollutants for multiple source categories, including Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Landfills, and anticipates further NSPS reviews for the Electric Utility Generating Units
(EGUs); Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production, Transmission and Distribution; primary copper;
and primary magnesium source categories. EPA also will address emission guidelines for MSW
Landfills. Additionally, as a result of ongoing litigation, EPA expects to undertake additional
NSPS reviews and regulatory revisions, as applicable, for two other source categories in FY 2021.
EPA also may undertake other projects, such as statutorily mandated, overdue NSPS and area
source technology reviews related to the source categories in addition to those mentioned above.
EPA will continue work on case-by-case regional and national NESHAP and NSPS applicability
determinations. In addition, under Section 129 of the CAA, EPA plans to address the statutorily
mandated reviews and court-ordered regulatory revisions for rules involving solid waste
incineration units, such as the Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incinerators and Other Solid
Waste Incinerators rules, and to review developments regarding incineration and control
technologies to support these rulemaking efforts. In FY 2021, EPA will address program-wide
issues, including court-remanded and court-vacated rules that apply across many industrial
sources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,410.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
184
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• (-$3,626.0 / -29.4 FTE) This program change is a decrease in the Federal Stationary Source
Regulations Program. As a result of this change, the Agency will work to develop a more
efficient approach to meeting Clean Air Act requirements including statutorily-required
NAAQS reviews. In addition, EPA will rely on states and other stakeholders to identify
burden and cost-reduction actions needed to holistically improve the federal-state
partnership.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
185
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Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$10,878.2
$6,039.0
$3,712.0
-$2,327.0
Total Budget Authority
$143,392.1
$136,627.0
$117,807.0
-$18,820.0
Total Workyears
824.8
842.0
638.8
-203.2
Program Project Description:
The Federal Support for Air Quality Management Program assists states, tribes, and local air
pollution control agencies in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs for the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), establishes standards for reducing air toxics,
and sustains visibility protection. EPA develops federal measures and regional strategies that help
to reduce emissions from stationary and mobile sources; whereas delegated states have the primary
responsibility (and tribes may choose to take responsibility) for developing clean air measures
necessary to meet the NAAQS and protect visibility. At the core of this program is the use of
scientific and technical air emissions data. EPA, working with states, tribes, and local air agencies,
develops methods for estimating and measuring air emissions and concentrations, collects these
data, and maintains databases (e.g., Emissions Inventory System, Air Quality System, etc.). EPA
also supports training for state, tribal, and local air pollution professionals.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is required to set the NAAQS for ambient pollutants
considered harmful to public health and the environment. The six "criteria" pollutants for which
EPA has established NAAQS are: particulate matter (PM), ozone (03), sulfur dioxide (S02),
nitrogen dioxide (N02), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). The CAA requires EPA to
periodically review the science upon which the NAAQS are based and the standards themselves.
These national standards form the foundation for air quality management and establish goals that
protect public health and the environment.
NAAQS Development
Section 109 of the CAA Amendments of 1990 established two types of NAAQS - primary and
secondary standards. Primary standards are set at a level requisite to protect public health with an
adequate margin of safety, including the health of at-risk populations. Secondary standards are set
at a level requisite to protect public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects, such
as decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.
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Air Pollution Information Tracking
For each of the six criteria pollutants, under Section 110 of the CAA, EPA tracks two kinds of air
pollution information: air pollutant concentrations based on actual measurements in the ambient
(outside) air at monitoring sites throughout the country; and pollutant emissions based on
engineering estimates or measurements of the total tons of pollutants released into the air each
year. EPA works with state and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of emission
source controls in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and with tribes on Tribal Implementation
Plans (TIPs). EPA also reviews SIPs to ensure they are consistent with applicable requirements of
the CAA and takes regulatory action on SIP submissions consistent with CAA responsibilities.
New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permit Program
The NSR preconstruction permit program in Title I of the CAA is a part of state plans to attain and
maintain the NAAQS. The two primary aspects of this program are the Prevention of Significant
Deterioration Program, described in Section 165 of the CAA and the Nonattainment NSR Program,
described in various parts of the CAA, including Sections 173 and 182.
Protection of Class I Areas
Sections 169A and 169B of the CAA require protection of visibility for 156 congressionally
mandated national parks and wilderness areas, known as Class I areas. The Congress established
a national goal of returning visibility in the Class I areas to natural conditions {i.e., the visibility
conditions which existed without manmade air pollution). The Regional Haze Rule sets forth the
requirements that state plans must satisfy to make reasonable progress towards meeting this
national goal.
Control of Air Toxics
The provisions of the CAA that address the control of air toxics are located primarily in Section
112. This section requires issuing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP) for major sources and area sources; the assessment and, as necessary, regulation of
risks remaining after implementation of NESHAP that are based on Maximum Available Control
Technology (MACT); the periodic review and revision of all NESHAP to reflect developments in
practices, processes, and control technologies; and associated national guidance and outreach. In
addition, EPA must periodically review, and, where appropriate, revise both the list of air toxics
subject to regulation and the list of source categories for which standards must be developed.
Section 129 of the CAA requires a similar approach to review regulations applicable to solid waste
incinerators. In addition to its regulatory work, EPA also provides determinations to states and
industry seeking information about source-specific applicability of these regulations. EPA is
making improvements to the database that tracks applicability determinations.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program also supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Agency
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Priority Goal, "Improve air quality by reducing the number of areas not meeting air quality
standards," and the long-term performance goal, "By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of
nonattainment areas to 101." Air quality has improved significantly for communities across the
country since passage of the CAA in 1970 (with amendments in 1977 and 1990). Since 1990, for
example, national average levels have decreased by 21 percent for ozone, 26 percent for particulate
matter, 89 percent for sulfur dioxide, and 97 percent for lead.17 In FY 2021, EPA will continue to
prioritize key activities in support of attainment of the NAAQS and implementation of stationary
source regulations by state, tribal, and local air agencies.
NAAQS Review
In FY 2021, EPA will review the NAAQS in accordance with the CAA, including completing the
ongoing NAAQS reviews for ozone and particulate matter, as well as continuing the review of the
secondary NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and particulate matter. In addition, EPA
will continue its CAA mandated responsibilities to administer the NAAQS by reviewing state plans
and decisions consistent with statutory obligations; taking federal oversight actions, such as action
on SIP and TIP submittals; and developing regulations and policies to ensure continued health and
welfare protection during the transition between existing and new standards. EPA will work with
air agencies to determine the need for additional federal rulemakings and guidance documents to
support state and tribal efforts to implement CAA SIP requirements, in alignment with capacity and
priorities. EPA will provide technical and policy assistance to states and tribes developing or
revising SIPs/TIPs.
NAAQS Nonattainment Areas
EPA, in close collaboration with states and tribes, will work to reduce the number of areas not in
attainment with the NAAQS. The Agency will look for ways to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the SIP process, including its own review process, with a goal of maximizing timely
processing of state-requested SIP actions and reducing the backlog. In FY 2019, EPA acted on over
360 SIPs, 165 of which were backlogged. The Agency will act on designation or re-designation of
nonattainment areas to attainment in a timely manner. EPA will focus on states achieving
attainment, looking at improved processes and flexible implementation options. EPA is improving
transparency and tracking by continuing development of the State Plan Electronic Collaboration
System or SPeCS.
SIPs for Regional Haze
In FY 2021, EPA will review and take appropriate action on SIPs for regional haze to ensure that
states are making reasonable progress towards their visibility improvement goals, consistent with
statutory obligations. In FY 2021, EPA will provide technical assistance to states that are
developing plan revisions. Under the Regional Haze Rule, states are required to submit updates to
their plans to demonstrate how they have and will continue to make progress towards achieving
their visibility improvement goals. The first state plans were due in 2007 and covered the 2008-
2018 first planning period. The second planning period covers 2018-2028.
17For more information, please see Our Nation's Air: Status and Trends Through 2018, found at: fattps://www.
trends/air-quality-national-summary.
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Regulatory Reform and Burden Reduction
The Agency will implement priorities and efficiencies as called for in the January 24, 2017
Presidential Memorandum, Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burden for
Domestic Manufacturing. These efforts are expected to dovetail with previously identified
Executive Orders, including implementation of Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and
Controlling Regulatory Costs and Executive Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform
Agenda. EPA will evaluate recommendations, and, where appropriate, repeal, replace, or modify
existing regulations to make them less burdensome and provide greater certainty to regulated
entities.
Fulfilling Legal Obligations
One of EPA's priorities is to fulfill its statutory and court-ordered obligations. Section 112 of
the CAA sets deadlines for EPA to review and update, as necessary, all NESHAP every eight years,
accounting for developments in practices, processes, and technologies related to those standards.
Section 112 also requires that EPA conduct risk assessments within eight years of promulgation
of each MACT-based NESHAP to determine if it appropriately protects public health and to revise
it as needed. In FY 2021, EPA will conduct these periodic "technology reviews" and conduct risk
assessments as required. The Program will prioritize conducting reviews of NESHAP for 14 source
categories for which the statutory deadlines passed and 13 of which are now subj ect to court-ordered
dates. EPA expects to similarly prioritize reviews for the five source categories currently subject
to litigation.
Technical Assistance to External Government Partners
EPA will assist other federal agencies and state and local governments in implementing the
conformity regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 176 of the CAA. These regulations require
federal agencies, taking actions in nonattainment and maintenance areas, to determine that the
emissions caused by their actions will conform to the SIP.
In FY 2021, EPA will provide technical assistance to state, local, and tribal air agencies for both
NSR and Title V (operating) permits. This support will occur at appropriate times and as requested,
consistent with applicable requirements, before and during the permitting process. EPA expects to
implement such support in an efficient manner and consistent with established timeframes for
applicable oversight of state, tribal, and local air agencies during the permitting process. EPA will
continue development of the Electronic Permitting System, which is expected to improve EPA
interaction with state, local, and tribal air agencies and improve data availability and transparency.
EPA will assist state, tribal, and local air agencies with various technical activities. EPA develops
and provides a broad suite of analytical tools, such as source characterization analyses, emission
factors and inventories, statistical analyses, source apportionment techniques, quality assurance
protocols and audits, improved source testing and monitoring techniques, source-specific
dispersion and regional-scale photochemical air quality models, and augmented cost/benefit tools,
to assess control strategies.18 The Agency will maintain the core function of these tools (e.g.,
18 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/technical-air-pollution-resources
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integrated multiple pollutant emissions inventory, air quality modeling platforms, etc.) to provide
the technical underpinnings for scientifically sound, more efficient and comprehensive air quality
management by state, local, and tribal agencies.
In FY 2021, state and local air agencies will have the lead in implementing the National Air Toxics
Trends Sites (NATTS). The NATTS is designed to capture the impacts of widespread air toxics
and is comprised of permanent monitoring sites throughout the nation.19 EPA will consult on
priority data gaps to better assess population exposure to toxic air pollution.
Maintaining Analytical Capabilities and Continuing Data Management
EPA will maintain baseline analytical capabilities required to develop effective regulations
including: analyzing the economic impacts and health benefits of regulations and policies;
developing and refining source sampling measurement techniques to determine emissions from
stationary sources; updating dispersion models for use in source permitting; and conducting air
quality modeling that characterizes the atmospheric processes that disperse a pollutant emitted by
a source. Resources from the Science and Technology appropriation component of this program
support the scientific development of these capabilities.
In FY 2021, EPA will maintain the Air Quality System (AQS), one of the Agency's mission-
essential functions, which houses the nation's air quality data. EPA will provide the core support
needed for the AQS Data Mart, which provides access to the scientific community and others to
obtain air quality data via the internet. The Agency's national real-time ambient air quality data
system (AirNow) will maintain baseline operations. EPA will continue to operate and maintain the
Emissions Inventory System (EIS), a system used to quality assure and store current and historical
emissions inventory data, and to support development of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI).
The NEI is used by EPA, states, and others to support state and local air agency SIP development,
to serve as a vital input to air quality modeling, help to analyze the public health risks from air
toxics and develop strategies to manage those risks, as well as support multi-pollutant analysis
covering air emissions. EPA will continue to implement previously identified Lean strategies to
streamline NEI development and reduce the burden for industry to meet their emissions data
reporting requirements through the Combined Air Emissions Reporting (CAER) e-Enterprise
effort. The CAER project, when fully developed and deployed, will streamline multiple emissions
reporting processes and is expected to reduce the cost to industry and government for providing
and managing environmental data and to improve decision-making capacity through more timely
availability of data.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM NAl) Number of Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
155
138
132
121
Nonattain-
ment Areas
Actual
190
182
176
166
159
147
19 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/airtoxpa.html.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$9,580.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$26,409.0 / -202.1 FTE) This program change is a decrease in EPA's technical assistance
to and support of state, tribal, and local air programs, including those that develop and
implement clean air plans, issue air permits, and provide air quality information to the
public. The Agency will prioritize supporting state and local air agencies in obtaining air
quality improvements necessary to bring areas into attainment.
• (+$336.0 / +2.0 FTE) This increase is a resource shift from the Clean Air Allowance
Trading program to the Federal Support for Air Quality Management program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$5,060.4
$4,661.0
$4,087.0
-$574.0
Total Workyears
19.9
18.9
18.0
-0.9
Program Project Description:
The stratospheric ozone layer protects life by shielding the Earth's surface from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Scientific evidence demonstrates that ozone-depleting substances
(ODS) used around the world destroy the stratospheric ozone layer,20 which raises the incidence
of skin cancer and other illnesses through overexposure to increased levels of UV radiation.21
EPA estimates that in the U.S. alone, the worldwide phase out of ODS will avert millions of cases
of non-fatal and fatal skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma), as well as millions of cataract
cases, which is the leading cause of blindness. Full implementation of the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) globally, including its amendments
and adjustments, is expected to avoid more than 280 million cases of skin cancer, approximately
1.6 million skin cancer deaths, and more than 45 million cases of cataracts in the U.S. among
individuals born between 1890 and 2100.22
EPA implements provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) and the Montreal
Protocol, resulting in the reduction of ODS in the U.S. and lower health risks to the American
public. EPA uses a combination of regulatory and partnership programs to protect and restore the
ozone layer. The CAA provides for a phase-out of production and consumption of ODS and
requires controls on their use, including banning certain emissive uses, requiring labeling to
inform consumer choice, and requiring sound servicing practices for the use of refrigerants
in air conditioning and refrigeration appliances. The CAA also prohibits venting ODS and
20 World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014. Global Ozone Research
and Monitoring Project-Report No. 56, Geneva, Switzerland. 2014.
21Fahey, D.W., and M.I. Hegglin (Coordinating Lead Authors), Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer: 2014
Update, In Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project-Report No. 56,
World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2014. Available on the internet at:
https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/assessments/ozone/2014/twentyquestions2014update.pdf.
22 EPA, Updating ozone calculations and emissions profiles for use in the Atmospheric Health Effects Framework Model (2015).
Available on the internet at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201.5-1. l/documents/ahef_2015 update jeport-
final_508.pdf.
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their substitutes and requires listing of alternatives that reduce overall risks to human health and
the environment, ensuring that businesses and consumers have alternatives that are safer for the
ozone layer than the chemicals they replace.
As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. is committed to ensuring that our domestic
program is at least as stringent as international obligations, and to regulating and enforcing the
terms of the Montreal Protocol respective of domestic authority. With U.S. leadership, in 2007
the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to a more aggressive phase-out for ozone-depleting
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) equaling a 47 percent reduction in overall emissions during
the period 2010-2040. The adjustment in 2007 also calls on Parties to promote the selection of
alternatives to HCFCs that minimize environmental impacts, in particular impacts on climate.23
In 2016, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to the Kigali Amendment,24 which will
globally phase down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are
intentionally manufactured fluorinated greenhouse gases used in all the same sectors as ODS such
as air conditioning, refrigeration, fire suppression, solvents, foam blowing agents, and aerosols. In
2018, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to adjust the HCFC phaseout's servicing
provisions to, among other things, allow for servicing of existing fire suppression equipment until
2030.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In carrying out the requirements of the CAA and the Montreal
Protocol in FY 2021, EPA will continue to meet its ODS import caps and work toward the gradual
reduction in production and consumption of ODS. EPA is planning to implement a notice-and-
comment rulemaking finalized in FY 2020 that will allow EPA to issue HCFC allowances and
codify the servicing provision changes under the Montreal Protocol. To meet targets for FY 2021
and beyond, EPA will: issue allocations for HCFC production and import in accordance with the
requirements established under CAA Sections 605 and 606; review petitions to import used ODS
under sections 604 and 605; manage information that industry identifies as Confidential Business
Information under CAA Section 603; and implement regulations concerning the production, import,
and export of ODS and maintenance of the tracking system used to collect the information. EPA
also will prepare and submit an annual report under Article 7 of the Montreal Protocol on U.S.
consumption and production of ODS.25
CAA Section 612 requires continuous review of alternatives for ODS through EPA's Significant
New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program26 to find those that pose less overall risk to human
health and the environment and to promote a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Through these
evaluations, SNAP generates lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for approximately 50
23 Montreal Protocol Decision X1X/6: Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol with regard to Annex C, Group I,
substances (hydrochlorofluorocarbons).
24Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Kigali 15 October 2016, found at:
https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/CN/2016/CN.872.2016-Eng.pdf.
25 The Article 7 report prepared by EPA on behalf of the United States contains chemical-specific production, import and export
data that is not available publicly. To protect potential confidential information the report is not available on the internet;
however, the data included in the report is aggregated and available at: https://ozone.unep.org/countries/profile/usa
26 For more information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html.
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end uses across eight industrial sectors. In Mexichem Fluor v. EPA, the court partially vacated a
2015 rule "to the extent it requires manufacturers to replace HFCs with a substitute substance" and
remanded the rule to EPA for further proceedings. A second court decision applies to a 2016 rule
similarly. EPA expects to finalize a notice-and-comment rulemaking in FY 2020 that would
address the court's decisions, including potentially making changes to the SNAP Program's scope
and applicability. In addition, EPA will consider a number of submissions and petitions that would
expand the list of acceptable alternatives, particularly for end-uses where there is an urgent need
for more options. The schedule for other approvals will be adjusted through FY 2021. Certain
approvals adjusted for FY 2020 will be taken up with other pending approvals in FY 2021, to the
extent practicable, as EPA seeks to minimize the risk to the investment made by companies in
research, and development, and testing phases given that SNAP listings are critical to the
commercialization of many substitutes and alternative technologies in key sectors of use. Final
agency action can include notices of acceptability listings as well as notice-and-comment
rulemaking. EPA also will continue to work towards ensuring the uptake of safer alternatives and
technologies, while supporting innovation, and ensuring adoption through support for changes to
industry codes and standards.
In FY 2021, EPA is planning to implement a revised CAA Section 608 rule that the Agency intends
to finalize in FY 2020. That rule revisits certain aspects of the extension of the Section 608
refrigerant management program to substitute refrigerants. At the same time, EPA will continue
efforts under CAA Section 608 to reduce emissions of refrigerants during the service, maintenance,
repair and disposal of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. EPA will continue to educate
stakeholders about the rules concerning servicing, maintenance, repair and disposal of air
conditioning and refrigeration appliances. EPA will monitor industry standards and may adopt the
standards into its regulations through incorporation by reference, as appropriate.
EPA will continue to support the CAA Section 609 motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC)
servicing program to reduce emissions of refrigerants from MVAC systems. Where industry
consensus standards are available that EPA considers to be sufficient for protection of human
health and the environment, EPA may adopt the standards into its regulations through
incorporation by reference. EPA is aware of such standards developed by the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) for recovery equipment for new alternatives. EPA intends to issue a
proposed rule in FY 2020 to incorporate by reference these industry, consensus-based standards
for MVAC systems that use refrigerants currently listed as acceptable, subject to use conditions.
EPA intends to finalize this rule in FY 2021.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support implementation of the Montreal Protocol domestically
by ensuring U.S. interests are represented at Montreal Protocol meetings by providing technical
expertise. The Agency will provide technical expertise for the Montreal Protocol's Technology
and Economic Assessment Panel and its Technical Options Committees.
With the decline in allowable ODS production, a significant stock of equipment that continues to
use ODS will need access to recovered and recycled/reclaimed ODS to allow for proper servicing.
EPA reviews available market and reported data to monitor availability of recycled and reclaimed
ODS, where production and import of new material is phased out. EPA also will implement other
provisions of the Montreal Protocol, including exemption programs to allow for a continued
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smooth phase out of ODS, in particular HCFCs and halons.
Additionally, EPA will continue to work with federal and international agencies to stem illegal
imports of ODS to support a level playing field for companies that have transitioned to non-ODS
alternatives. This is particularly important in light of recent atmospheric measurements showing
unexpected increased emissions of CFC-11, an ODS phased out of production globally.27'28 EPA
will continue data exchange with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security
Investigations on ODS importers and exporters to determine admissibility and target illegal
ODS shipments entering the United States, as well as reviewing and approving ODS imports
flagged in the Automated Customs Environment.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$53.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$627.0 / -0.9 FTE) This program change is a decrease to program resources and FTE
related to activities for development of outreach and compliance assistance materials.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
27 See, Montzka et al. An unexpected and persistent increase in global emissions of ozone-depleting CFC-11, Nature, volume
557, pages 413-417, 2018. Available on the internet at: https://wvyw.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0106-2.
28 See, Rigby et al. Increase in CFC-11 emissions from eastern China based on atmospheric observations, Nature, volume 569,
pages 546-550, 2019. Available on the internet at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41.586-01.9-11.93-4.
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Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$8,326.0
$8,711.0
$0.0
-$8,711.0
Program Project Description:
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) facilitates
a global phaseout of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The United States implements its treaty
obligations primarily through Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (Multilateral Fund) was
created by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol to provide funds to enable developing countries to
comply with their Montreal Protocol obligations to phase out the use of ODS on an agreed
schedule. The United States and other developed countries contribute to the Multilateral Fund. The
U.S. contribution to the Multilateral Fund is split between EPA and the Department of State.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will continue domestic
ODS reduction work.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,711.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate resources to support EPA
participation in the Multilateral Fund.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
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Brownfields
197
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Brownfields
Program Area: Brownfields
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$22,939.3
$23,647.0
$17,816.0
-$5,831.0
Total Workyears
117.0
127.5
92.6
-34.9
Program Project Description:
Brownfields sites are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be
complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. Brownfields can be found in the heart of America's main streets and former
economic centers. The Brownfields Program supports efforts to revitalize these sites by awarding
grants and providing technical assistance to states, tribes, local communities, and other
stakeholders to work together to plan, inventory, assess, safely cleanup, and reuse brownfields.
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a brownfields site that receives EPA funding.29 As of January 2020, grants awarded by
the Program have led to over 88,900 acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over
156,500 jobs and $29.5 billion leveraged.30
This Program supports the operating expenses for the Brownfields Program. Operating activities
include: 1) conducting the annual, high volume cooperative agreement competitions; 2) awarding
new cooperative agreements; 3) managing the ongoing cooperative agreement workload; 4)
providing technical assistance and ongoing support to grantees; 5) providing contractor supported
technical assistance to non-grantee communities with Brownfields; 6) collaborating with other
agency programs; 7) operating the Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchanges System
(ACRES) online grantee reporting tool; 8) assisting communities to explore land reuse
opportunities under the Land Revitalization Program; and 9) developing guidance and tools that
clarify potential environmental cleanup liabilities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Brownfields Program will
continue to manage approximately 900 assessment, cleanup, revolving loan fund (RLF), multi-
purpose, and Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) cooperative
29 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of 2016; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
30 EPA's ACRES database.
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agreements; as well as state and tribal assistance agreements; training, research, and technical
assistance agreements; Targeted Brownfields Assessments and land revitalization projects.
In FY 2021, the Brownfields Program will support the following activities:
• Compete and Award New Cooperative Agreements: Review, select, and award an
estimated 360 new cooperative agreements which will lead to approximately $1.2 billion
and 7,100 jobs leveraged in future years.
• Oversight and Management of Existing Cooperative Agreements: Continue federal
fiduciary responsibility to manage approximately 900 existing brownfields cooperative
agreements in a reduced capacity, while ensuring the terms and conditions of the
agreements are met and provide limited technical assistance. The Program also will provide
targeted environmental oversight support to grantees (e.g., site eligibility determinations,
review of environmental site assessment and cleanup reports).
• Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to states, tribes, and local communities
in the form of research, training, analysis, and support for community led planning
workshops. This can lead to cost effective implementation of brownfields redevelopment
projects by providing communities with the knowledge necessary to understand market
conditions, economic development and other community revitalization strategies, and how
cleanup and reuse can be catalyzed by small businesses.
• Collaboration: The Program will work collaboratively with our partners at the state, tribal,
and local level on innovative approaches to help achieve land reuse. It also will continue
to develop guidance and tools that clarify potential environmental cleanup liabilities,
thereby providing greater certainty for parties seeking to reuse these properties. The
Program also can provide direct support to facilitate transactions for parties seeking to
reuse contaminated properties.
• Accomplishment Tracking: Support the maintenance of the ACRES online grantee
reporting tool. This enables grantees to track accomplishments and report on the number
of sites assessed and cleaned up, and the amount of dollars and jobs leveraged with
brownfields grants.
• Land Revitalization Program Support: Provide support for approximately two
communities as part of EPA's Land Revitalization Program. The Land Revitalization
Program supports communities in their efforts to restore contaminated lands into
sustainable community assets.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Brownfields Projects Program under
the STAG appropriation.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,856.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$7,687.0 / -34.9 FTE) This net program change reduces funding for managing and closing
out assistance agreements, data collection analysis, and system enhancements.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§
101(39), 104(k), 128(a); Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, § 8001.
200
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Compliance
201
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Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$82.8
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$1,313.8
$995.0
$1,004.0
$9.0
Total Budget Authority
$101,529.4
$102,799.0
$96,653.0
-$6,146.0
Total Workyears
447.1
453.9
427.7
-26.2
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a key component of EPA's Compliance Assurance
Program that allows the controlling regulatory authority to detect noncompliance. The Compliance
Monitoring Program also promotes compliance with the Nation's environmental laws. Effective
targeting of compliance monitoring plays a critical role in achieving the goals EPA has set forth
for protecting health and the environment. The states and EPA use compliance monitoring tools
and activities to identify whether regulated entities are complying with environmental laws enacted
by Congress, as well as applicable regulations and permit conditions. In addition, compliance
monitoring activities, such as inspections, investigations, and review of self-reported compliance
monitoring information, are conducted to determine whether conditions exist that may present
imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. In FY 2019, EPA
exceeded its compliance monitoring target of 10,000 by conducting 10,300 compliance monitoring
activities. This total includes on-site inspections and some off-site compliance monitoring
activities.
In July 2019, EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program issued a policy titled
"Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the States in Civil Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance Work" to create more effective partnerships with states, localities, and
federally-recognized Indian tribes.31 The Compliance Monitoring Program supports enhanced
partnerships and the expanded use of compliance assurance tools (such as compliance assistance)
among state, tribal, local, and federal partners. States, tribes, and EPA have policies/procedures on
the appropriate use of the tools in our compliance assurance tool box, with states undertaking the
majority of enforcement and compliance activities in authorized programs. EPA is working to
implement the Program in the most efficient manner possible by leveraging information
technology systems and improving business processes. Tools in the Compliance Monitoring
Program include:
31 For more information, please see EPA policy: Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the States in Civil
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Work. (July 11,2019).
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• Compliance Assistance: EPA collaborates with state, local, federal, tribal, and industry
partners through the E-Enterprise initiative which allows the states, the regulated
community, and EPA to transact business such as permitting and reporting. EPA also will
continue its compliance assistance work by continuing to partner with third-party
organizations and federal agencies to support existing web-based, sector-specific centers
and other web-based assistance resources.
• Full Electronic Reporting with Compliance Assistance: EPA has a national enforcement
and compliance data system, the Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS), which
supports both the compliance monitoring and civil enforcement programs. ICIS collects
enforcement and compliance data, and EPA utilizes those data and other information
technology tools to: identify potential violations of the federal environmental laws;
facilitate efficient enforcement; and promote compliance with these requirements. EPA
also makes ICIS data available to the public via the internet-accessible Enforcement and
Compliance History Online (ECHO) system. Using ICIS and ECHO to electronically track
its civil enforcement work allows EPA to better ensure that its enforcement resources are
used to facilitate transparency and address the most significant noncompliance problems.
Currently, EPA and states are implementing the National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule through ICIS.32 Phase one of the rule was
implemented in FY 2017 for NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), including
compliance assistance features such as electronic reminders to state and federal permittees
that may have missed their compliance monitoring report deadlines. More than 20 states
currently use EPA's electronic reporting tools for DMR reporting and reporting of other
required information such as General Permit Notices of Intent.
• Smart Tools for Field Inspectors: EPA has developed software solutions to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of how EPA and authorized states conduct compliance
inspections, starting with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Hazardous Waste Program. This will be followed by Smart Tools for the NPDES Program
and the Clean Air Act.
• Circuit Riders: EPA is increasing resources for circuit riders to provide effective on-the-
ground assistance to help public water systems and wastewater systems achieve and sustain
environmental compliance. This program would include assistance in Indian Country
where systems and facilities are disproportionately small and isolated. Circuit riders will
provide in-the-field technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater systems that
have been consistently out of compliance. In addition to supporting drinking water and
wastewater needs, tribes will be offered additional multimedia assistance with respect to
underground injection wells, underground storage tanks, and other programs as
appropriate.
• Compliance Monitoring Inspector Credential Policies and Training for EPA and
States and Tribes: To ensure the quality of compliance monitoring activities, EPA
32 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/npdes-ereporting.
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develops national policies, updates inspection manuals, establishes training requirements
for inspectors, and issues inspector credentials. As a result of EPA audits,
recommendations and findings of the inspector credential possession and training
documentation, in FY 2020, EPA is implementing a new streamlined inspector
credentialing process to ensure greater integrity in the inspector credentialing process and
make the operation more efficient. The findings and recommendations from those audits
are being used to improve the documentation supporting EPA inspector credentials. For
example, EPA estimates that shifting from the current paper process to an electronic one
will decrease the total time it takes to provide credentials to an inspector by approximately
80 percent.33
In addition, EPA delivers critical in-person and online training courses to new and experienced
federal, state, tribal and local inspectors to ensure the integrity of the national Compliance
Monitoring Program, as well as other training for federal and state personnel on critical and
emerging compliance issues. EPA hosts several in-person inspector training programs, such as the
annual Clean Water Act NPDES Technical Inspector Workshop and the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Pesticide Inspector Residential Training Program. These
on-site inspector training programs deliver in-depth technical and programmatic content to
hundreds of inspectors nationwide. EPA's National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI)
provides over one hundred on-line training courses for EPA and state, local, and tribal co-
regulators and enforcement partners. NETI provides webinars, and other relevant training for case
development officers, attorneys, and investigators. NETI also oversees the annual Trial Advocacy
workshop for new EPA attorneys.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to streamline its
compliance monitoring activities such as field inspections, data tools, and assistance. EPA will
focus principally on 1) those programs that are not delegated to states ("direct implementation"),
and 2) where EPA's expertise or unique role is best suited to address the issue. This includes, but
is not limited to, multi-state/multi-regional matters, issues of national significance, and emergency
situations. In addition, EPA will provide some targeted oversight and support to state, local, and
tribal programs. To accomplish this, the Agency will prioritize work with states to develop methods
that successfully leverage advances in both monitoring and information technology. Also, the
Agency will maintain accessibility to ICIS for EPA, states, and tribes.
In addition, the Agency will continue to implement Phase two of the NPDES Electronic Reporting
Rule which covers the e-reporting rule permitting and compliance monitoring requirements for
EPA and states. EPA will work with states to evaluate and prioritize the development of additional
electronic reporting tools that support states. EPA's centralized development of electronic
reporting tools saves the states significant resources in information technology development costs.
33 Based on a technical evaluation from the kaizen event: Leaning the Civil Inspector Credentialing Process, July 17-19,2018. The
current practice takes approximately 127 days. The new process is estimated to take 25 days.
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In FY 2021, EPA will continue its support for the Circuit Riders Program to provide effective on-
the-ground assistance to help public water systems and wastewater systems achieve and sustain
environmental compliance. This includes assistance in Indian Country where systems and facilities
are disproportionately small and isolated. The Program supports circuit riders to provide in-the-
field technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater systems that have been consistently out
of compliance. In addition to supporting drinking water and wastewater needs, tribes will be
offered technical assistance with respect to underground injection wells, underground storage
tanks, and other programs as appropriate.
EPA engaged with states, tribes, and local governments to gather input on the selection of
enforcement and compliance assurance priorities and in June 2019 announced its FY 2020 - FY
2023 National Compliance Initiatives (NCIs).34 EPA will focus its resources on these NCIs to
advance the Agency's strategic objectives to improve air quality, provide for clean and safe water,
ensure chemical safety, continue compliance with the law, and enhance shared accountability.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site
compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Evaluations
Actual
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
10,300
Work under this program supports performance results in the Civil Enforcement Program under
the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,827.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$14,716.0 / -25.4 FTE) This net program change recognizes that states conduct the
majority of inspections, an EPA focus on direct implementation programs, and an increased
reliance on technology rather than on-site inspections to monitor compliance.
• (+$1,100.0) This increase supports on-the-ground technical assistance using circuit riders.
Efforts are targeted to provide compliance assistance at drinking and wastewater systems
across the nation and multi-media assistance in Indian Country.
• (+$2,773.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, and security or lab fixed costs.
34 For more information please see FY2020 - FY2023 National Compliance Initiatives', https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/fy202Q-
fy2023-national-compliance-initiatives.
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act; Toxic Substances Control Act.
206
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Enforcement
207
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Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$678.1
$620.0
$541.0
-$79.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$2,393.3
$2,413.0
$2,462.0
$49.0
Total Budget Authority
$163,273.6
$170,648.0
$160,823.0
-$9,825.0
Total Workyears
908.3
916.2
857.1
-59.1
Program Project Description:
The overall goal of EPA's Civil Enforcement Program is to maximize compliance with the
Nation's environmental laws and regulations to protect human health and the environment. EPA
will seek to strengthen environmental partnerships with its state and tribal partners, encourage
regulated entities to correct violations rapidly, ensure that violators do not realize an economic
benefit from noncompliance, and pursue enforcement to deter future violations.
The Agency works closely with the U.S. Department of Justice, states, tribal governments,
territories, and local agencies to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of all major environmental
statutes, distinct programs under those statutes, and numerous regulatory requirements under those
programs, which apply in various combinations to millions of regulated federal and private entities.
The Civil Enforcement Program develops, litigates, and settles administrative and civil judicial
cases against serious violators of environmental laws. In FY 2019, EPA reduced the number of all
referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old to 94,
below the target of 129. In addition, EPA also increased the percentage of inspection reports that
EPA provides to facilities within 70 days of inspection to 81 percent (from a baseline of 46
percent). EPA also increased documentable EPA administrative enforcement actions/activities,
producing correction of violations from 74 to 184. These activities serve to increase the speed of
correcting violations. In FY 2019, because of EPA enforcement actions, approximately 350 million
pounds of pollutants and waste were reduced, treated, or eliminated.
EPA has a national enforcement and compliance data system, the Integrated Compliance
Information System (ICIS), which supports both the Compliance Monitoring and Civil
Enforcement programs. ICIS collects enforcement and compliance data, and EPA utilizes the data
and other information technology tools to identify potential violations of federal environmental
laws, facilitating efficient enforcement and promoting compliance with these requirements. In
addition, EPA also makes ICIS data available to the public via the internet-accessible Enforcement
and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system. Using ICIS and ECHO to electronically track its
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civil enforcement work allows EPA to ensure its enforcement resources will address the most
significant noncompliance and facilitate transparency.
EPA also maintains a National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI) that is responsible for
training federal, state, and local inspectors, civil and criminal investigators, and technical experts
in the enforcement of the Nation's environmental laws. NETI provides webinars, in-person
training, and e-learning opportunities for trainees. NETI also oversees the Annual Trial Advocacy
Institute, which provides comprehensive trial advocacy training for new EPA attorneys.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Work in this program supports the long-term performance
goal: By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to focus efforts toward areas where, in support of the goals of the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA's enforcement actions can address the most substantial
impacts to human health and the environment. This work supports the Agency's long-term
performance goals to reduce the average time from violation identification to correction and, to
increase the environmental law compliance rate, both by September 30, 2022. EPA engaged with
states, tribes, and local governments to gather their input on the selection of enforcement and
compliance assurance priorities and in June 2019 announced its FY 2020 - FY 2023 National
Compliance Initiatives (NCIs).35 EPA will focus its resources on these NCIs to advance the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan objectives to improve air quality, provide for clean and safe water,
ensure chemical safety, and improve compliance with our nation's environmental laws while
enhancing shared accountability between EPA and states and tribes with authorized environmental
programs.
Recognizing the role of states and tribes as the primary implementers where authorized by EPA to
implement the federal statutes, EPA will focus civil enforcement resources on direct
implementation responsibilities, as well as assisting authorized states and tribes in meeting national
standards, such as by providing expertise and implementing compliance monitoring and civil
enforcement strategies that will ensure a level playing field. EPA is responsible for direct
implementation of programs that are not delegable or where a state or tribe has not sought or
obtained the authority to implement a particular program (or program component). Examples
include the Clean Air Act (CAA) mobile source program, pesticide labeling and registration under
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, enforcement in Indian Country, and
enforcement of non-delegated portions of various other laws, including the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the CAA. On
July 11, 2019, EPA issued a memorandum on enhancing effective partnerships with states that are
authorized to implement federal environmental laws, to effectively carry out our shared
responsibilities under those laws.36
35 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/fv2020-fy2023-national-compliance-iiiitiatives.
36 For more information, please see: Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the States in Civil Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance Work. (July 11,2019).
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In addition, EPA ensures cleanup (corrective action) at RCRA facilities. For example, closely
coordinating with states, EPA can issue cleanup orders to RCRA facilities to help meet the RCRA
Corrective Action Program's goals. EPA also will pursue enforcement actions at federal facilities
where significant violations are discovered and ensure that federal facilities are held to the same
standards as the private sector and will provide technical and scientific support to states and tribes
with authorized programs. The Agency also will carry out its statutory oversight responsibilities
and will offer assistance to states in their implementation of delegated programs when needed or
in cases where the Agency maintains a unique expertise or capability.
In FY 2021, under one of the six NCIs, EPA will continue to track the rate of significant non-
compliance (SNC) with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program
requirements quarterly to assess progress with EPA's goal of reducing the SNC rate. Continuing
efforts initiated in FY 2018, EPA will implement identified approaches in focus areas to achieve
SNC rate reductions with the goal of reducing the rate by 50 percent by the end of FY 2022. In FY
2019, EPA reduced the percentage of permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit
from 29.4 percent to 25 percent. To achieve this goal, the Agency established an EPA-state
workgroup to develop and implement approaches for reducing the SNC rate in areas where EPA
and/or authorized states can have a significant impact. The Agency will continue efforts to reduce
the NPDES SNC rate by a full 50 percent as an EPA FY 2020 - 2023 National Compliance
Initiative. EPA also will continue to review the rate of electronic reporting for each authorized
NPDES state program and work with states to achieve improved reporting.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 432) Percentage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
24
25.7
22.1
18.4
Percent
Actual
22
25.0
Numerator
12,017
10,141
Permittees
Denominator
53,545
40,606
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
325
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
347
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years
old.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
129
120
120
Cases
Actual
94
210
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$9,541.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$24,563.0 / -58.8 FTE) This net program change recognizes that states are primary
implementers of our nation's environmental laws. EPA will focus on matters affecting
multiple states or tribes, serve as a backstop in instances when a state or tribe does not
timely or appropriately address serious noncompliance, and assist a state or tribe in
remedying noncompliance problems when it is unable to address the problem because it
lacks the capability, resources, or will. This change includes a reduction in resources for
cases that do not meet these criteria.
• (+$5,227.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, and security or lab fixed costs.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act; and Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Criminal Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$7,492.9
$7,645.0
$8,479.0
$834.0
Total Budget Authority
$53,834.9
$55,280.0
$55,106.0
-$174.0
Total Workyears
234.6
256.7
220.6
-36.1
Program Project Description:
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program enforces the Nation's environmental laws through targeted
investigation of criminal conduct, committed by individual and corporate defendants, that
threatens public health and the environment. EPA's criminal enforcement agents (Special Agents)
investigate violations of environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United
States Code such as fraud, conspiracy, false statements, and obstruction of justice.
The agents are assisted in the Criminal Enforcement Program by forensic scientists, attorneys,
technicians, engineers, and other experts. EPA's criminal enforcement attorneys provide legal and
policy support for all the Program's responsibilities, including forensics and expert witness
preparation, to ensure that program activities are carried out in accordance with legal requirements
and the policies of the Agency. These efforts support environmental crime prosecutions primarily
by the United States Attorneys and the Department of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section. In
FY 2019, the conviction rate for criminal defendants charged as a result of EPA criminal
enforcement investigations was 98 percent.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to focus its resources on the
most egregious cases (e.g., significant human health, environmental, and deterrent impacts), while
balancing its overall case load across all environmental statutes. The Criminal Enforcement
Program will increase its collaboration and coordination with the Civil Enforcement Program to
ensure that EPA's Enforcement Program identifies the most egregious cases and responds to them
as effectively as possible. The Agency will perform targeted investigations of violations of
environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code to protect
public health and the environment.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,745.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$8,262.0 / -36.1 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on the most egregious
cases and increased coordination with the Civil Enforcement program, and a reduction in
resources for small cases that have limited deterrence value.
• (+$1,509.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, and security or lab fixed costs.
Statutory Authority:
Title 18 of the U.S.C.; 18 U.S.C. § 3063; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Clean Air
Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act;
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; Ocean Dumping Act; Rivers and Harbors
Act; Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990.
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Environmental Justice
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$662.2
$633.0
$0.0
-$633.0
Total Budget Authority
$5,695.7
$10,187.0
$2,729.0
-$7,458.0
Total Workyears
29.1
34.9
4.0
-30.9
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) coordinates the Agency's efforts to address the
needs of vulnerable populations by decreasing environmental burdens, increasing environmental
benefits, and working collaboratively to build healthy, sustainable communities. OEJ provides
financial and technical assistance to communities working constructively and collaboratively to
address environmental justice issues. OEJ also works with local, state, and federal governments;
tribal governments; community organizations; business and industry; and academia to establish
partnerships seeking to achieve protection from environmental and health hazards for all people
regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. In FY 2019, EPA implemented a series of
training webinars focused on integrating environmental justice at the state level. Over 4,000
individuals registered for this webinar series with representatives from all fifty states, Washington
DC and Puerto Rico and included state environmental, public health, planning and transportation
agencies. EPA's FY 2019 Environmental Justice (EJ) grants program focused on disaster
preparedness, response, and recovery; issues related to homelessness and military veterans; and
organizations which have not recently received an EJ grant. EPA's FY 2020 EJ grants program
will again fund our Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreements, which provide a
larger level of support over a longer time period for projects which have attracted dedicated
partnership involvement.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.2, Increase Transparency and Public
Participation in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the 2018 American
Water Infrastructure Act, every EPA regional office employs a dedicated EJ coordinator and the
Agency maintains a list of these persons on EPA's website.37
In FY 2021, EPA will: continue to support the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-
Solving cooperative agreements awarded in FY 2020 to support community-based organizations;
37 For more information on EPA's regional office contacts, please see: https://www.epa.gov/enviroimentaljustice/forms/contact-
us-about-environmental-justice.
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compete the Environmental Justice Small Grants awards; and continue to provide Environmental
Justice Technical Assistance for Communities to support the technical needs of low income,
minority and tribal/indigenous populations. The Agency has five measures of national EJ
significance that are annually tracked. Results are published in EPA's annual EJ reports.38
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support the efforts of the National Environmental Justice
Advisory Council, including completion of its recommendations focused on efficiently and
effectively remediating Superfund sites for future redevelopment and revitalization of neighboring
communities with environmental justice concerns. EPA also will continue to lead the Interagency
Working Group on Environmental Justice (EJ IWG) and work collaboratively on all decisions and
activities of the EJ IWG.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to employ process improvements. In FY 2019, process
improvements led to an immediate improvement in the EJ Hotline's ability to respond within its
established goal of 20 days after receiving a customer inquiry, improving the response rate from
62 percent of the time to 95 percent. EPA has subsequently revised its goal of responding within
20 days from 85 percent to 93 percent of the time. In FY 2019, EPA performed 134 trainings that
reached over 1,400 participants representing at least 290 distinct stakeholder groups. The Agency
additionally held over 400 other engagements such as consultations or educational events which
reached at least 3,700 individuals representing over 1,000 stakeholder groups. In FY 2021, EPA
will continue to use process improvements to strategically enhance and improve EPA's EJ
Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$120.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$6,945.0 / -27.4 FTE) This program change reflects a focus on providing financial
assistance grants to community-based organizations and technical assistance to low
income, minority, and tribal/indigenous populations. This change proposes to eliminate
support for the EJ hotline, engagements with vulnerable and overburdened communities,
and EJ trainings.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
38 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/enviroiimentaliustice/annual-environmental-iustice-progress-i
215
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NEPA Implementation
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Muiiugcmciil
SIS.,S2'.-I
SI 5. SSS.il
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N 2JII-I.il
Total Budget Authority
$13,827.4
$15,833.0
$17,937.0
$2,104.0
Total Workyears
84.1
88.9
95.5
6.6
Program Project Description:
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and §309 of the Clean Air Act (CAA),
EPA's NEPA Implementation Program coordinates and comments on the environmental review
of major federal actions and ensures the §309 draft and final EIS comment letters are made publicly
available. The Program guides EPA's compliance with NEPA, and other related statutes and
executive orders. The Program manages the official Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) filing
system for all federal EISs, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).39 EPA uses e-NEPA, a web-based system, as the
official EIS filing system for federal agencies and EIS clearinghouse to meet the CEQ MOU
commitments. All §309 comment letters are publicly available on e-NEPA. The NEPA
Implementation Program also operates, uses, and promotes NEPAssist, a publicly available
geographic information system to help users (EPA, other federal agencies, and the public) with
environmental reviews under NEPA. The Program also is responsible for managing the review of
Environmental Impact Assessments of non-governmental activities in Antarctica, in accordance
with the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will focus its reviews on areas where
EPA has statutory authority and subject matter expertise. EPA will continue to work with the
Office of Management and Budget, CEQ, and other federal agencies to evaluate ways to
coordinate, streamline, and improve the NEPA process. In FY 2019, the NEPA Implementation
Program reviewed and commented on 286 EISs, numerous environmental assessments, and 25
initial environmental evaluations in Antarctica. EPA was engaged early with the lead federal
agency on 84 percent of projects where a draft EIS was published.
39 Memorandum of Agreement No. 1 Between the Council on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency,
October 1977.
216
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In support of EPA efforts to implement Executive Order 13807: "Establishing Discipline and
Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects40;"
the Memorandum of Understanding Implementing One Federal Decision; Executive Order 13766:
"Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects41;"
and the FAST-41 ACT42; the NEPA Implementation Program will partner with federal agencies
on proposed projects throughout the NEPA process to provide expertise and recommendations and
focus efforts on early engagement prior to the publication of the draft EIS. Early engagement by
stakeholders in the NEPA process can support efficiencies and improved project outcomes. Early
engagement may involve meeting with the lead agency in person or by phone or providing written
comments with recommendations to mitigate impacts of the proposed project or improve the
development of the NEPA analysis.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,829.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$2,500.0 / +15.0 FTE) This program change is an increase to support the implementation
of FAST-41, Executive Order 13807, and the Memorandum of Understanding
implementing One Federal Decision.
• (-$2,225.0 / -8.4 FTE) net program change is an increase to support and improve EPA's
NEPA environmental review and permitting process for infrastructure projects.
Statutory Authority:
NEPA; CAA § 309; Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act; Clean Water Act § 511(c);
Endangered Species Act; National Historic Preservation Act; Archaeological and Historic
Preservation Act; Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act;
Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act.
40 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitdiouse.gov/presideatial-actions/presideatial-executive-order-
establishing-discipline-accountability-environmental-review-permitting-process-infrastructure/.
41 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-
expediting-environmental-reviews-approvals-high-priority-infrastructure-projects/.
42 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-l14publ94/html/PLAW-
1.1.4pubt94.htm.
217
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Geographic Programs
218
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Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
N '2.S00. ~
SS 5.000.0
S -J00.0
-S "'00.0
Total Budget Authority
$72,800.7
$85,000.0
$7,300.0
-$77,700.0
Total Workyears
34.1
38.2
0.0
-38.2
Program Project Description:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a voluntary partnership, initiated in 1983, that now includes the
Chesapeake Bay watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and
West Virginia), the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the federal
government. EPA represents the federal government on the partnership's Chesapeake Executive
Council and, under the authority of Section 117 of the Clean Water Act, works with the Executive
Council to coordinate activities of the partnership. On June 16, 2014, the Chesapeake Bay Program
partners signed the most recent Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,43 which provides for the
first time the Bay's headwater states (Delaware, New York, and West Virginia) with full
partnership in the Bay program. The Agreement establishes 10 goals and 31 outcomes for
sustainable fisheries, water quality, vital habitats, climate change, toxic contaminants, and other
areas.
EPA, the watershed jurisdictions, and other key federal agencies set two-year water quality
milestones that measure progress made in achieving the Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
and the jurisdictions' Watershed Implementation Plans.44 The TMDL satisfies a requirement of
the Clean Water Act and EPA commitments under court-approved consent decrees for Virginia
and Washington, D.C. dating to the late 1990s.45 The TMDL is designed to ensure all nitrogen,
phosphorus, and sediment pollution control efforts needed to restore the Bay and its tidal rivers
are in place by 2025.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA is requesting $7.3 million for support
43 The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (2014) available at:
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/FINAL Ches_Bav Watershed Agreement.withsignatures-HIres.pdf.
44 The federal milestones related to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are available at http://executiveorder.
chesapeakebay.net/EO_13508_Water_Quality_Milestones-2012-01-06.pdf. The jurisdictional milestones are available at:
http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/tmd1/ChesapeakeBav/EnsuringResults.htinl.
45 The Chesapeake Bay TMDL, available at: http://mvw.epa.gov/cliesapeakebaytiiidl/.
219
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of state and local collection of water quality monitoring data and coordination of science, research,
and modeling. The FY 2021 request would support the following activities:
• Water quality monitoring ($5.2 million). This funding would leverage between $10 and
$12 million in combined federal, state, and local funds.
o Tidal and non-tidal monitoring ($4.8 million),
o Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) monitoring ($400 thousand).
• Help build capacity at the state level ($2.1 million).
o Coordinate modeling, decision support services, data collection, analysis,
storage, and access;
o Support information dissemination and transparency; and
o Provide consistency and efficiency in communications and data
management.
Environmental results, measured through data collected by the states and shared with the federal
government, show the importance of the investment that federal, state and local governments have
made in providing clean and safe water. Every year the Chesapeake Bay Program uses available
monitoring information from the 92 segments of the Chesapeake Bay to estimate whether each
segment is attaining criteria for one or more of its designated uses. EPA, along with other federal,
state and academic partners, is using this information to demonstrate progress toward meeting
water quality standards and the Bay TMDL.
At the end of FY 2019, practices were in place to achieve 77 percent of the phosphorus reductions
and 39 percent of the nitrogen reductions necessary to attain applicable water quality standards as
measured through the Partnership's Phase 6 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$720.0) This change is a decrease due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$76,980.0 / -38.2 FTE) This program change reduces funding for the Chesapeake Bay
Program. Remaining resources will support critical activities in water quality monitoring.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act, Section 117; Estuary Restoration Act of 2000; Chesapeake Bay Accountability
and Recovery Act of 2014; Clean Air Act; Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub.
L. 116-94.
220
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Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
si
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SUM
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Total Budget Authority
$17,690.4
$17,553.0
$0.0
-$17,553.0
Total Workyears
12.6
14.7
0.0
-14.7
Program Project Description:
The efforts of EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program Office (GMPO) are dedicated to the protection,
restoration and enhancement of the water bodies and coastal environments associated with the
greater Gulf of Mexico region.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage
the five Gulf of Mexico states to continue to make progress in restoring the Gulf of Mexico from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$17,553.0 / -14.7 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Gulf of Mexico
Program. This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and
programs to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act. Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
221
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Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
SW.WxD
SJJJW.lt
so.o
-S UJWUI
Total Budget Authority
$10,995.0
$13,390.0
$0.0
-$13,390.0
Program Project Description:
EPA supports efforts to protect Lake Champlain through partnerships to implement the
"Opportunities for Action" management plan. The plan was developed to bring together people
with diverse interests in the lake to create a comprehensive pollution prevention, control, and
restoration plan for protecting the future of the Lake Champlain Basin.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage New
York and Vermont to continue to make progress in restoring Lake Champlain from within core
water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$13,390.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Lake Champlain Program. This
change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to
state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909; Clean Water Act; Further Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
222
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Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
S 1-1,2.12.'
S21.000.0
S 0.0
-S21.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$14,232.7
$21,000.0
$0.0
-$21,000.0
Program Project Description:
EPA and the States of Connecticut and New York work in partnership to restore and protect Long
Island Sound. EPA assists states in implementing the Long Island Sound's Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan by coordinating the cleanup and restoration actions of the
Long Island Sound Study Management Conference.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage Long
Island Sound states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Sound from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$21,000.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Long Island Sound Program.
This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs
to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 119.
223
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Geographic Program: Other
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
S -,1V 1.3
S
so.o
-SV.5M.D
Total Budget Authority
$7,191.3
$9,566.0
$0.0
-$9,566.0
Total Workyears
4.7
4.7
0.0
-4.7
Program Project Description:
Under this program, the Agency develops and implements approaches to mitigate pollution for
specific and targeted geographic areas, including the Northwest Forest Program, Lake
Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, and the Southeast New England Coastal Watershed
Restoration Program.
Northwest Forest Program
The Northwest Forest Program supports interagency and intergovernmental efforts that coordinate
and leverage resources for water quality and drinking water efforts in seven46 western states.
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, through a collaborative and voluntary effort,
strives to restore ecological health by developing and funding restoration projects within the
sixteen parishes in the basin.
Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program (SNECWRP)
The Southeast New England Program serves as a hub to enable protection and restoration of the
coastal watersheds of Southeast New England, including the ecosystem services that sustain the
region's communities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage
states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring these major aquatic ecosystems
from within core water programs.
46 California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
224
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$9,566.0 / -4.7 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Geographic Program:
Other. This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and
programs to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act.
225
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Geographic Program: South Florida
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
S 1.30x2
S-Z.N-lxO
S3.20 fi.O
-N I.03V.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,305.2
$4,845.0
$3,206.0
-$1,639.0
Total Workyears
1.3
1.3
1.2
-0.1
Program Project Description:
Rapidly growing South Florida and its nearly 10 million residents represent a multibillion-dollar
economy fueled by outdoor recreational tourism (beaches, fishing, boating and diving);
commercial fishing; waterfront real estate development; and agriculture that depend on clean
oceans, estuaries, rivers, lakes and drinking water. EPA is committed to protecting and restoring
the Everglades, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), Biscayne Bay and the other
extraordinary natural ecosystems in South Florida.
EPA's South Florida program coordinates restoration activities in South Florida, including
ongoing restoration efforts in the Everglades and the Florida Keys where water quality and habitat
are directly affected by land-based sources of pollution. EPA implements, coordinates, and
facilitates activities, including the Clean Water Act Section 404 Wetlands Program, the Everglades
Water Quality Restoration Strategies Program, the Everglades Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection
Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Program, the
Coral Reef Environmental Monitoring Program, the Benthic Habitat Monitoring Program, the
Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, as directed by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, the
Brownfields Program, and other programs.47
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The South Florida Program supports efforts to protect and
restore various communities and ecosystems impacted by environmental problems. EPA's request
includes appropriate workforce support levels. In FY 2021, EPA will focus on the activities listed
below.
• Implementation of the FKNMS Water Quality Protection Program long-term status and
trends monitoring projects (water quality, coral reef, and seagrass) and the web-enabled
47 http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-epa-region-4-southeast.
226
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data management program.48 The monitoring programs have generated an impressive
amount of data on the condition of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's water
quality, seagrass and coral/benthic habitat communities. Data generated from these
programs have documented periodic oceanographic events such as algal blooms, seagrass
die-offs, and coral diseases, and provided the foundational data for the development of
nutrient numeric criteria. Data from these long-term data sets informs resource managers'
understanding of the living marine resources within the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary. The long-term status and trend collected by the Coral Reef Environmental
Monitoring Program is tracking the ongoing Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease that
continues to decimate 20+ reef building corals species of the Florida Reef Tract. To date,
the South Florida program has provided more than $1.5 million to support coral research
to hinder or halt the disease destroying corals reefs vital to Florida's eco-tourism industry
and that serve as a natural mitigation barrier from storms and hurricanes.
• Support of the Everglades Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
(REMAP). REMAP is an extensive assessment of the Everglades' health conducted by
EPA Region 4 since 1993 that measures current and changing conditions for water quality
and ecological resources. Data is used by federal and state agencies, tribes, agriculture, the
public, non-governmental organizations and the National Academies of Sciences to
understand whether conditions are getting better or worse and to assess restoration
progress. The data also helps to explain the effectiveness of control programs for
phosphorus and mercury. The 2014 sampling of 119 Everglades locations represented the
tenth sampling event over the last 20 years. The final assessment report for the 2014
sampling event will be completed in FY 2020. This report will address key questions
related to water management and soil loss, track the effectiveness of restoration efforts
such as the Restoration Strategies Program to control phosphorus, efforts to restore
Everglades' habitat, and efforts to control mercury so fish consumption advisories to
protect human health are no longer necessary.
• Continuation of EPA's National Environmental Policy Act and water quality coordination
with the Jacksonville U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District and South Florida Water
Management District for the ongoing planning and implementation activities associated
with Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan49 (CERP) implementation. CERP is the
largest ecosystem restoration effort in the world.
• Continued implementation of the Florida Keys Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan to
provide Advanced Wastewater Treatment or Best Available Technology services to all
homes and businesses in the Florida Keys through the EPA and State co-chaired FKNMS
Water Quality Protection Program. The goal is to remove from service all non-functioning
septic tanks, cesspits, and non-compliant wastewater facilities. In 2019, greater than 90
percent of Florida Keys homes and business are on advanced wastewater treatment systems
and more than 30,000 septic tanks have been eliminated.
48 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program.
http://ocean.floridamari iie.org/fkiiiiis_wqpp/pages/wqpp.litiiil/.
49 For more information: http://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/.
227
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• Restoration of residential canals in the Florida Keys. Of the 502 canals evaluated, 131
exhibited poor water quality. Local governments are implementing the Monroe County
Canal Management Master Plan developed with funds through the South Florida
Geographic Initiative. Local governments have leveraged $7.1 million to implement weed
barriers, organic removal, culvert installation, backfilling, and pumping technologies at
eight canal demonstration pilot sites to improve water quality and habitat.50 Monroe
County is seeking alternative technologies to restore canals. In April 2019, the Governor
of Florida announced that the state Department of Economic Opportunity will launch a
Canal Restoration Work Program to establish a definitive timeline and milestones for canal
restoration.
• Support of studies related to phosphorus enrichment and chlorophyll increases resulting in
dying seagrass beds and increasing macro algae blooms in North Biscayne Bay. EPA
specifically will fund the development of a sediment and water quality model for the Bay;
expand the State's ecological and water monitoring network; and provide for a strategic
outreach campaign to implement best management practices to address land-based sources
of pollution.
• Enhancement of water quality and seagrass monitoring in the Caloosahatchee Estuary that
has been heavily impacted by harmful algal blooms in recent years. EPA funding will be
leveraged with a $1 million grant from Florida to support the restoration of seagrass habitat
in the upper Caloosahatchee River.
• Support of CWA Section 404 implementation, including wetlands conservation,
permitting, dredge and fill and mitigation banking strategies with U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.
• Continuation of collaborative efforts through interagency workgroups including: South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and Working Group; Florida Bay Program
Management Committee; and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality
Protection Program Steering Committee.
• Continuation of work with the State of Florida on Everglades Water Quality Restoration
Strategies to address phosphorus pollution. Part of this work will be tracking progress on
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and consent orders within the
Everglades, including discharge limits for phosphorus and corrective actions that are
consistent with state and federal law and federal court consent decree requirements.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
50 For more information: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/iiidex.aspx?NID=598
228
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,639.0 / -0.1 FTE) This program change reduces funding for the South Florida
Geographic Program by building on program efficiencies and emphasizing core work.
Statutory Authority:
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act of 1990; National Marine Sanctuaries
Program Amendments Act of 1992; Clean Water Act; Water Resources Development Act of 1996;
Water Resources Development Act of 2000; National Environmental Policy Act.
229
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Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muiiu^l'/hciiI
SSJSI. -
S \ V22.il
Sil.l)
-S5.V22.tl
Total Budget Authority
$8,381.7
$5,922.0
$0.0
-$5,922.0
Total Workyears
1.8
1.8
0.0
-1.8
Program Project Description:
EPA collaborates with agencies and non-governmental organizations to implement the seven-point
Bay Delta Action Plan (2012)51 designed to protect and restore water quality, aquatic life, and
ecosystem processes in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. EPA assists the
State Water Resources Control Board with the comprehensive update of the Bay Delta Water
Quality Control Plan.52
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage
the State of California and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the San Francisco
Bay from within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$5,922.0 / -1.8 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the San Francisco Bay
Program. This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and
programs to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act. Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
51 EPA Bay Delta Action Plan (2012), found at: http://www2.epa.gov/sfbav-delta/bav-delta-action-plan.
52 State Water Board Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan (webpage updated in 2018), found at:
http://www.waterboards.ca. gov/waterrights/water issues/programs/bav delta/.
230
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Geographic Program: Puget Sound
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
sjj.im.it
so.o
-S J J.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$27,936.8
$33,000.0
$0.0
-$33,000.0
Total Workyears
5.0
5.7
0.0
-5.7
Program Project Description:
The Puget Sound Program works with partners to implement the Puget Sound Action Agenda, the
long-term plan for Puget Sound basin protection and restoration. In addition, the Puget Sound
Program funds assistance agreements with the federally recognized tribes in Puget Sound, tribal
consortia, and the North West Indian Fisheries Commission.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage
state, tribal, and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Puget Sound from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$33,000.0 / -5.7 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Puget Sound
Program. This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and
programs to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act. Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
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Great Lakes Restoration
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
S 2^2.5'1.0
sj 20.000.0
S320.000.0
so.o
Total Budget Authority
$292,571.0
$320,000.0
$320,000.0
$0.0
Total Workyears
63.9
68.5
68.5
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Great Lakes are the largest system of surface freshwater on Earth, containing 20 percent of
the world's surface freshwater and 95 percent of the United States' surface freshwater. The
watershed includes two nations, eight U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and 35 tribes.
Through a coordinated interagency process led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is helping to restore the Great
Lakes ecosystem. This restoration effort provides environmental and public health benefits to the
region's 30 million Americans and restores the economic health of the region. This interagency
collaboration accelerates progress, avoids potential duplication of effort, and saves money. In
accordance with the Clean Water Act, EPA and its partners are accomplishing this restoration
through the implementation of five-year GLRI Action Plans. Implementation of GLRI Action Plan
III, covering FYs 2020 through 2024, began in October 2019.
EPA and its partners have achieved significant results since the GLRI started in 2010, including:
• Three Areas of Concern (AOCs) delisted and eight others that have had the cleanup
restoration actions necessary for delisting completed (prior to GLRI, only one Great Lakes
AOC was delisted);
• 75 Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), at 24 AOCs in the eight Great Lakes states, have
been removed, more than seven times the total number of BUIs removed in the preceding
22 years;
• Over 4,000,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment have been remediated;
• 153,000 acres of invasive species control activities implemented;
• Approximately 8,500,000 pounds of Asian Carp have been removed from the Illinois
River, reducing the potential for Asian Carp to invade the Great Lakes;
• Loadings of over 1,100,000 pounds of phosphorus were reduced through implementation
of conservation practices (phosphorus is a major driver of harmful algal blooms in Great
Lakes priority watersheds);
• More than 370,000 acres of habitat have been protected, restored, or enhanced; and
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• About 3,700 educators and educational institutions were given hands-on training in Great
Lakes based education and stewardship - benefiting hundreds of thousands of students
annually.
Under the GLRI, funds are first appropriated to EPA. After annual evaluation and prioritization
consistent with the GLRI Action Plan, EPA then provides a substantial portion of those funds to
its partner federal agencies. Agencies undertake projects themselves, and also fund projects
performed by other entities such as states, tribes, municipalities, counties, universities, and
nongovernmental organizations. GLRI funding can supplement each agency's base funding. In an
effort to conserve GLRI dollars and encourage significant local involvement in and support for
GLRI-funded projects, any GLRI grant issued directly by EPA from the FY 2021 appropriation
will require that the grant recipient provide a "cost-share" amount, including in-kind work,
constituting at least 10 percent of the cost of the project being funded by the grant. For example,
if the expected total cost of the project to be funded by the EPA grant is $500,000.00, the grant
recipient must contribute at least $50,000.00 to the project. This cost-share requirement can be
waived in the event of demonstrated financial hardship on the part of the grant recipient.
EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) was assigned oversight of the Great Lakes
and Lake Champlain Invasive Species Program at the end of calendar year 2018 as a result of
passage of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018. To fulfill this statutory mandate, EPA is
collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS),
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Coast Guard,
and will collaborate with other applicable federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the GLRI will continue to support programs
and projects which target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes.
Emphasis will continue to be placed on: 1) cleaning up and delisting AOCs; 2) reducing
phosphorus contributions that contribute to harmful algal blooms and other water quality
impairments; and 3) invasive species prevention. GLRI Action Plan III targets GLRI restoration
within the Focus Areas, objectives, and performance goals described below.
Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern Objectives:
• Remediate, restore and delist AOCs. EPA, USFWS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(US ACE), USGS, NOAA and other GLRI partners will continue accelerating the pace of U.S.
BUI removals. EPA and its federal partners will work with and fund stakeholders to implement
management actions necessary to remove the BUIs (indicators of poor environmental health)
that will ultimately lead to the delisting of the remaining U.S. AOCs. Agencies target collective
efforts under the GLRI to maximize removal of BUIs and delisting of AOCs. Agencies will
support BUI removal through sediment remediation under the Great Lakes Legacy Act (part
of the GLRI) and other restoration activities. FY 2021 targets are:
o Two AOCs (18 AOCs cumulative since 1987) where all management actions necessary
for delisting have been implemented;
o Eight BUIs (101 BUIs cumulative since 1987) removed in AOCs; and
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o Two AOCs (24 AOCs cumulative since 1987 - more than 75 percent of the 31 total
AOCs) with complete and approved lists of management actions necessary for
delisting.
• Share information on the risks and benefits of consuming Great Lakes fish, wildlife, and
harvested plant resources with the people who consume them. Federal agencies and their
state and tribal partners will continue to help the public make informed decisions about healthy
options for safe fish consumption. Expansion of successful pilot programs will increase the
availability and accessibility of safe fish consumption guidelines to vulnerable populations that
consume Great Lakes fish. Additional emphasis will be placed on the safe consumption of
wildlife and harvested plant resources.
• Increase knowledge about 1) "Chemicals of Mutual Concern" identified pursuant to the
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Annex 3; and 2) other priority chemicals that
have negatively impacted, or have the potential to negatively impact, the ecological or
public health of the Great Lakes. Federal agencies will coordinate with appropriate state and
tribal partners to begin to fill critical monitoring and data gaps for priority chemicals in the
Great Lakes. Monitoring data from this process will provide information on the magnitude and
extent of these chemicals in the Great Lakes and help in evaluation of associated ecological,
economic and recreational consequences.
Invasive Species Objectives:
• Prevent introductions of new invasive species. Federal agencies and their partners will
continue to prevent new invasive species (including Asian Carp) from establishing self-
sustaining populations in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Federal agencies and their partners will
work to increase the effectiveness of existing surveillance programs by increasing detection
abilities. Federal agencies will continue to support state and tribal efforts to develop and
implement Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans which will be used for annual
"readiness exercises" and actual responses to new detections of invasive species. GLRI
partners will be able to use risk assessments in combination with updated "least wanted" lists
to focus prevention activities. Increasing the ability and frequency of Great Lakes states to
quickly address new invasions or range expansion of existing invasive species will be a key
GLRI strategy. FY 2021 target: Eight rapid responses or exercises conducted.
• Control established invasive species. Federal agencies and their partners will bring an
enhanced focus to the quality of acreage to be restored as they restore sites degraded by aquatic,
wetland and terrestrial invasive species. Federal agencies will implement control projects in
national forests, parks and wildlife refuges and will partner with states and neighboring
communities to promote larger scale protection and restoration through applicable control
programs. GLRI funding will help the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Control Program to locate
and address strategic barriers while also advancing new control technologies. FY 2021 target:
Invasive species control on 6,000 acres (171,000 acres cumulative since 2010).
• Develop invasive species control technologies and refine management techniques. Federal
agencies and their partners will continue to develop and enhance technologies to control non-
native phragmites, sea lamprey, and red swamp crayfish so that on-the-ground land managers
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can field test these new approaches. Federal agencies also will develop and enhance invasive
species "collaboratives" to support rapid responses and to communicate the latest control and
management techniques for non-native species such as Hydrilla, Dreissenid mussels, Hemlock
wooly adelgid, and emerald ash borer. Federal agencies and their partners will support a Great
Lakes telemetry network to track aquatic invasive species movements {i.e., grass carp) and
refine rapid response actions.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Impacts on Nearshore Health Objectives:
• Reduce nutrient loads from agricultural watersheds. EPA, federal agencies, and their
partners will continue working on farms and in streams to reduce nutrient loads from
agricultural watersheds, emphasizing utilization of conservation systems and work in priority
watersheds, particularly the Lower Fox River (WI), Saginaw River (MI), Maumee River (OH),
and Genessee River (NY). This work will reduce the most significant loadings from nutrient
runoff. Federal agencies and their partners will improve the effectiveness of existing programs,
encourage the adoption of technologies and performance-based approaches to reduce runoff
and soil losses, expand demonstration farm networks to increase adoption of nutrient
management practices, promote practices for slowing down and filtering stormwater runoff,
and emphasize long-term and sustainable nutrient reductions. EPA and its federal partners will
target resources and activities at locations that are the most significant cause of harmful algal
blooms. FY 2021 targets:
o Reduce 300,000 pounds (1,900,000 pounds cumulative since 2010) of phosphorus from
conservation practice implementation throughout Great Lakes watersheds; and
o 170,000 acres (2,370,000 acres cumulative since 2010) receiving technical or financial
assistance on nutrient management in priority watersheds.
• Reduce untreated stormwater runoff. EPA and its federal partners will continue to
accelerate implementation of green infrastructure projects to reduce the impacts of polluted
urban runoff on nearshore water quality at beaches and in other coastal areas. These projects
will capture or slow the flow of untreated runoff and filter out sediment, nutrients, toxic
contaminants, pathogens and other pollutants prior to entering Great Lakes tributaries and
nearshore waters. Federal agencies and their partners also will continue to support watershed
management projects that slow and intercept runoff, including installation of tributary buffers,
restoration of coastal wetlands, and re-vegetation and re-forestation of areas near Great Lakes
coasts and tributaries. FY 2021 targets:
• 50,000,000 gallons (400,000,000 gallons cumulative since 2015) of untreated
stormwater runoff captured or treated; and
• Seven miles (40 miles cumulative since 2015) of Great Lakes shoreline and riparian
corridors restored or protected.
• Improve effectiveness of nonpoint source control and refine management efforts. EPA
and its federal partners will continue to adaptively manage to maximize nonpoint source-
control efforts. Strategies will include: conducting edge-of-field monitoring studies in
agricultural priority watersheds to test the effectiveness of innovative practices such as
bioreactors; application of previously supported tools and lessons learned to optimize project
results; and development of new strategies, such as nutrient recovery and manure
transformation technologies. FY 2021 targets:
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• 30 nutrient monitoring and assessment activities conducted; and
• Ten nutrient or stormwater runoff reduction practices or tools developed or evaluated.
Habitats and Species Objectives:
• Protect and restore communities of native aquatic and terrestrial species important to
the Great Lakes. EPA and its federal partners will implement protection, restoration and
enhancement projects focused on open water, nearshore, connecting channels, coastal wetland
and other habitats in order to protect and restore native species. They will build upon and shore-
up past investments while advancing protection and restoration in new areas important to
targeted species. Projects will be largely based on priorities in regional-scale conservation
strategies and will include:
• Removing dams and replacing culverts to create fish habitat and reconnect migratory species
to Great Lakes tributaries;
• Restoring habitat necessary to sustain populations of migratory native species; and
• Protecting, restoring, and managing existing wetlands and high-quality upland areas to
sustain diverse, complex, and interconnected habitats for species reproduction, growth, and
seasonal refuge.
FY 2021 targets:
• 12,000 acres (406,000 acres cumulative since 2010) of coastal wetland, nearshore, and
other habitats restored, protected, or enhanced.
• 200 miles (5,900 miles cumulative since 2010) of connectivity for aquatic species.
Increase resiliency of species through comprehensive approaches that complement on-the-
ground habitat restoration and protection. EPA and its federal partners will maintain, restore,
and enhance the habitats of native fish and wildlife species to increase the resiliency and overall
health of these species. Agencies will maximize habitat improvements for aquatic and terrestrial
species through collaborative conservation and monitoring at local and regional scales. Project
benefits are expected to include avoiding species extinction, identification of key habitats and of
limiting factors to species recovery and increasing or protecting population levels. GLRI agencies
and their partners will continue to support protection of native species that have cultural,
subsistence, and economic value.
FY 2021 target: One species (two species cumulative since 2018) benefited where actions have
been completed to significantly protect or promote recovery of populations.
Foundations for Future Restoration Actions Objectives:
• Educate the next generation about the Great Lakes ecosystem. EPA and its federal partners
will promote Great Lakes-based environmental education and stewardship for students and
other interested community members (e.g., courses at parks, nature centers, on board vessels,
museums, and zoos). With an emphasis on educating K-12 youth, GLRI partners will support
experience-based learning opportunities. GLRI agencies and their partners also will continue
to develop Great Lakes-literate educators to maximize the number of youths impacted using
principles and concepts in the Great Lakes Literacy curriculum. These activities will support
the overall goal of impacting youth to foster Great Lakes stewardship, promote conservation,
and expose and prepare under-represented youth for higher education opportunities in natural
resource management.
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• Conduct comprehensive science programs and projects. EPA and its federal partners will
continue to investigate the most significant ecological problems in the Great Lakes. Great
Lakes monitoring will include: contaminants in Great Lakes fish, water quality and the lower
food web in the offshore waters, and nutrient and harmful algal blooms in priority areas.
Federal agencies and their partners will identify and address science priorities to support
implementation of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. They will
continue to: develop new tools for monitoring and forecasting; measure project effectiveness;
prioritize management activities; and consider environmental and health outcomes.
GLRI Funding Allocations. EPA leads the cooperative process by which funding allocations are
determined for programs and projects of GLRI agencies. Under Clean Water Act Section 118,
EPA provides the appropriate authorizing and appropriating committees of the Senate and the
House of Representatives a yearly detailed description of the progress of GLRI and amounts
transferred to participating Federal departments and agencies.
GLRI Funding Allocations. EPA leads the cooperative process by which funding allocations are
determined for programs and projects of GLRI agencies.
Summary of FY 2014 - 2021 Allocations by Focus Area
Focus Area Allocations (Dollars in Thousands)
Focus Area
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021M
Toxic Substances and AOC
$105,000
$120,200
$106,600
$107,500
$107,500
$107,500
$107,500
$107,500
Invasive Species
$54,600
$53,600
$56,400
$62,200
$56,900
$56,900
$56,900
$56,900
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Impacts on Nearshore Health[bl
$59,300
$51,000
$51,700
$47,900
$51,000
$51,700
$51,700
$50,900
Habitat and Species'111
$60,600
$49,000
$54,200
$49,500
$50,000
$50,200
$50,200
$49,400
Foundations for Future
Restoration Actions6111
$20,500
$26,200
$31,100
$32,900
$34,600
$33,700
$33,700
$35,300
To be allocated [el
$20,000
$20,000
TOTAL
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$320,000
$320,000
[a] Based on allocations approved by the Regional Working Group.
|h Nearshore Health and Nonpoint Source Pollution in FY 2010-2014.
[c] Habitat and Wildlife Protection and Restoration in FY 2010-2014.
[d] Accountability, Education, Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication, and Partnerships in FY 2010 - 2014.
[el The Regional Working group has not determined allocations for additional funding provided in FY 2020 and requested for
FY 2021.
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Summary of FY 2014 - 2021 Allocations* by Agency
(Dollars in T
lousands)
Aiicncv
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
FY 2017
I V 20IS
I V 201')
I V 2020
I V 2021
DHS-USCG
$1,278
$2,006
$1,274
$1,580
$500
$1,661
$1,250
$1,300
DOC-NOAA
$35,170
$24,818
$30,740
$12,027
$24,629
$16,967
$9,939
$7,343
DOD-USACE
$28,655
$48,389
$33,369
$55,940
$43,559
$60,336
$11,795
$11,555
DOI-BIA
$3,950
$4,750
$6,203
$10,904
$11,617
$9,842
$15,000
$15,000
DOI-NPS
$3,177
$3,142
$3,799
$4,379
$3,940
$3,822
$3,831
$3,947
DOI-USFWS
$49,038
$41,393
$48,118
$41,794
$52,902
$45,897
$32,247
$32,065
DOI-USGS
$19,832
$23,433
$22,960
$26,817
$25,724
$21,603
$7,653
$7,640
DOT-FHWA
$965
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
DOT-MARAD
$1,791
$1,291
$2,106
$800
$675
$803
$1,000
$750
HHS-ATSDR/CDC
$1,739
$1,738
$1,692
$593
$590
$605
$605
$605
USD A-APHIS
$1,246
$1,246
$1,089
$1,262
$1,176
$1,312
$1,378
$1,378
USDA-NRCS
$24,280
$23,281
$19,062
$22,072
$25,096
$20,697
$22,239
$22,374
USDA-USFS
$6,401
$6,290
$10,822
$11,355
$10,153
$11,646
$9,931
$9,894
Multi-agency
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$58,552
$67,379
IA Totals:
$177,521
$181,776
$181,234
$189,522
$200,560
$195,191
$175,420
$181,231
EPA and Misc IAs
$122,479
$118,224
$118,766
$110,478
$99,440
$104,809
$124,580
$118,769
To be allocated
$20,000
$20,000
Totals:
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$300,000
$320,000
$320,000
* Final allocations for FY 2014 - FY 2017. Allocations for FY 2018 and FY 2019 are as reported in the October 2019 GLRI
Financial Management Updates. Allocations for FY 2020 and FY 2021 are based on budgets approved by GLRI Regional Working
Group agencies and the current allocation does not include the additional funding received in FY 2020 and requested for FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• There is no change in program funding.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act Section 118.
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Homeland Security
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Homeland Security: Communication and Information
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
S-I.003.S
SJ.KJfl.lt
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-SI-/I.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,003.8
$3,818.0
$3,677.0
-$141.0
Total Workyears
11.2
11.3
11.3
0.0
Program Project Description:
This program supports EPA's coordination and communication activities related to national
security and homeland security. The White House, Congress, and the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) have defined responsibilities for EPA in several areas, including critical water
infrastructure protection and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events,
through a series of statutes, presidential directives, and national plans. The EPA's Office of
Homeland Security (OHS) provides technical, policy, and intelligence advice to senior agency
leadership related to National and Homeland Security. OHS also leads and coordinates EPA's
engagement with the White House, National Security Council, and other federal departments and
agencies on the development of new homeland security policy and requirements. As the EPA
Federal Intelligence Coordination Office, OHS coordinates analytical intelligence support capacity
across the Agency to meet EPA requirements and EPA whole-of-government obligations.
OHS focuses on coordination and integration of chemical, biological, and radiological
preparedness and response programs as they relate to protection of air and water quality and the
prevention of land contamination through external engagement with federal departments and
agencies and internal coordination with EPA program offices with Homeland Security
responsibilities. In addition, OHS works closely with the Water Program to coordinate and
integrate water security efforts internally and externally with stakeholders regarding physical
threats and contamination and cyber threats to operations. OHS coordinates with regional, state,
and local Fusion Centers and Joint Terrorism Task Forces to focus on integrating EPA regional
offices with the information sharing environment and DHS intelligence sharing network. OHS also
advances implementation of the EPA Insider Threat, Suspicious Activity Reporting, Operational
Security, Counterintelligence, and Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. Programs.
In addition, this program utilizes several mechanisms to support its ability to implement EPA's
broad range of homeland security responsibilities, ensure consistent development and
implementation of homeland security policies and procedures, avoid duplication, and build a
network of partnerships. OHS provides leadership to ensure coordination and integration of EPA's
homeland security programs engaged in prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery
efforts under the National Preparedness System. OHS regularly convenes meetings of the
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Homeland Security Executive Steering Committee, composed of senior executives from EPA
programs and regional offices; the Homeland Security Collaborative Network, a cross-agency
leadership group, to discuss emerging threats, policies, and intelligence related to national and
homeland security; and the Regional Homeland Security Coordinators to ensure regional
homeland and national security needs are being addressed.
Homeland security information technology efforts are closely coordinated with the agency-wide
information security and infrastructure activities, which are managed in the Information Security
and Information Technology (IT)/Data Management programs. These IT support programs also
enable contact among localities, EPA program and regional offices, and laboratories in emergency
situations.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2021, OHS will:
• Promote a coordinated approach to EPA's homeland security activities and support the
alignment of resources with government-wide homeland security priorities and
requirements.
• Promote a coordinated approach to communicating classified and sensitive information to
EPA programs, laboratories, and regional offices via secure communications systems to
support timely intelligence and information sharing to enable safe and effective operational
preparedness and response.
• Support federal, state, tribal, and local efforts to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and
recover from the impacts of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other emergencies by
providing leadership and coordination across EPA's program offices and regions.
• Ensure appropriate agency representation in various White House and other federal national
security and homeland security policy activities. These efforts include serving as EPA's
representative for homeland security, national disaster response, and mitigation and recovery
policy in monthly meetings of the Domestic Resilience Group, chaired by the National
Security Council, and in weekly meetings for other national homeland security policy
committees. In addition, OHS serves as EPA's representative in monthly meetings of the
Recovery Support Function Leaders Group, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), and the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, also chaired by FEMA,
and on other interagency workgroups.
• Focus on filling critical policy, knowledge, and technology gaps that may be essential for an
effective EPA response, including working with our interagency partners to define collective
capabilities and resources that may contribute to closing common homeland security gaps,
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including emerging chemical threats and cybersecurity concerns for critical water
infrastructure.
• Provide EPA end-users with relevant, accurate, reliable, objective, and timely intelligence
bearing on matters of environmental policy and regulation and domestic threats and
counterintelligence, where EPA functions to preserve or assist in the restoration of human
health and the environment.
• Continue phased implementation of Executive Order 13587 - Structural Reforms to Improve
the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of
Classified Information53 to meet the main pillars of classified information protection with a
focus on the implementation of an Insider Threat Program to address and mitigate threats to
national security.
• Track emerging national/homeland security issues, through close coordination with the U.S.
Intelligence Community, to anticipate and avoid crisis situations and target the Agency's
efforts proactively against threats to the United States.
EPA's FY 2021 resources support national cybersecurity efforts through monitoring across the
Agency's IT infrastructure to detect, remediate, and eradicate malicious activity/software from
EPA's computer and data networks. EPA will continue to enhance internal Computer Security
Incident Response Capability to ensure rapid identification and reporting of suspicious activity
and will increase training and awareness of cybersecurity threats. EPA personnel are active
participants in the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a DHS-led group of
experts from incident response and security response teams. Indicators and warnings are shared
between EPA incident responders and their cleared counterparts in other agencies and with the
Intelligence Community.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$299.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$102.0) This program change streamlines activities related to communication, policies,
and procedures to support and coordinate homeland security efforts across the Agency.
• (-$338.0) This program change refocuses IT efforts coordinating homeland security across
the Agency. The Agency will refocus on core functions that improve foundational
capabilities and close gaps in IT security architecture.
53 For more information, please see: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/201 l/10/07/executive-order-13587-
structural-reforms-improve-security-classified-net.
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Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act §§ 1001, 2001, 3001, 3005; Safe Drinking Water Act;
Clean Water Act §§ 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107; Clean Air Act §§ 102, 103, 104, 108; Toxic
Substances Control Act §§ 201, 301, 401; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act §§
136a-136y; Bio Terrorism Act of 2002 §§ 303, 305, 306, 307; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act; Defense Against Weapons of Mass
Destruction Act; Food Safety Modernization Act § 208.
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Science & Technology
$7,957.5
$9,053.0
$7,732.0
-$1,321.0
Total Budget Authority
$8,401.9
$9,893.0
$9,093.0
-$800.0
Total Workyears
19.4
22.6
21.0
-1.6
Program Project Description:
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Program supports EPA's efforts to coordinate and provide
technical expertise to enhance the protection of the Nation's critical water infrastructure from
terrorist threats and all-hazard events through effective information sharing and dissemination.
This program provides water systems with current information on methods and strategies to build
preparedness for natural and man-made threats.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in the
FY2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will build the capacity to identify and respond
to threats to critical national water infrastructure by:
• Providing timely information on contaminant properties, water treatment effectiveness,
detection technologies, analytical protocols, and laboratory capabilities.
• Supporting effective communication conduits to disseminate threat and incident
information and to serve as a clearinghouse for sensitive information.
• Promoting information sharing between the water sector and environmental professionals,
scientists, emergency services personnel, law enforcement, public health agencies, the
intelligence community, and technical assistance providers. Through this exchange, water
systems can obtain up-to-date information on current technologies in water security,
accurately assess their vulnerabilities to terror acts, and work cooperatively with public
health officials, first responders, and law enforcement officials to respond effectively in
the event of an emergency.
• Providing water utilities, of all sizes, access to a comprehensive range of important
materials, including the most updated information, tools, training, and protocols designed
to enhance the security, preparedness, and resiliency of the water sector.
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• Ensuring that water utilities receive timely and informative alerts about changes in the
homeland security advisory level or about regional and national trends in certain types of
water-related incidents. For example, should there be types of specific, water-related
threats or incidents that are recurring, EPA, in coordination with the Department of
Homeland Security and other appropriate agencies, needs to alert the utilities of the
increasing multiple occurrences or "trends" of these incidents.
Effective information sharing protocols allow the water sector to improve its understanding of the
latest water security and resiliency protocols and threats. They also reduce risk by enhancing the
water sector's ability to prepare for an emergency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$118.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$403.0 / +2.2 FTE) This program change is an increase to carry out EPA's mission as
the Sector-Specific Agency for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure security.
Funding is critical to protect water infrastructure from natural disasters and terrorist threats.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act, §§ 1431-1435; Clean Water Act; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Emergency and Response Act of 2002; Emergency Planning and Community Right-
to-Know Act, §§ 301-305.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$443.0
$500.0
$57.0
Building and Facilities
$4,259.1
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Flazardous Substance Superfiind
$979.3
$1,017.0
$915.0
-$102.0
Total Budget Authority
$11,404.0
$13,491.0
$12,577.0
-$914.0
Total Workyears
8.8
9.2
9.2
0.0
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 9.2 FTE to support Homeland Security working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management resources for the Homeland Security: Protection of
EPA Personnel and Infrastructure Program ensure that EPA maintains a robust physical security
and preparedness infrastructure, ensuring that its numerous facilities are secured and protected in
line with the federally-mandated Interagency Security Committee standards.
In order to secure and protect EPA's personnel and physical infrastructure, the Agency operates a
federally mandated Personal Identity Verification (PIV) program, which adheres to the
requirements as set forth in Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12).54 This
program ensures the Agency complies with government-wide standards for the issuance of secure
and reliable forms of identification to federal employees and contractors who require access to
federally controlled facilities and networks. Additionally, EPA initiates and adjudicates personnel
background investigations, processes fingerprint checks, determines individual eligibility to access
classified National Security Information (NSI), and maintains personnel security records for all
federal and non-federal employees.
The NSI Program manages and safeguards EPA's classified information for its federal workforce
and contractors. The Program ensures federal mandates are followed to protect NSI, conduct
federally mandated training, and conduct NSI inspections.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. As part of the nationwide protection of
buildings and critical infrastructure, EPA performs vulnerability assessments on facilities each
54 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-presidential-directive-12.
246
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year. Through this program, the Agency also recommends security risk mitigations, oversees
access control measures, determines physical security measures for new construction and leases,
and manages the lifecycle of security equipment.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to partner with GSA on the Enterprise Physical Access Control
System (ePACS), which was deployed in FY 2019. ePACS supports the Agency's modernization
of its security infrastructure in compliance with HSPD-12 and ensures that the Agency is
undertaking every effort to enhance safety, security, and efficiency by more effectively controlling
access into all EPA-controlled physical space and networks. ePACS provides EPA the ability to
produce and maintain secure and reliable forms of identification, as required per HSPD-12, for all
EPA employees and contractors. In addition, the Agency will continue to utilize GSA's Managed
Service Office, USAccess, for PIV card enrollment and issuance. USAccess is a shared services
solution which is in line with OMB's Federal IT Shared Services Strategy and the President's
Management Agenda.55
EPA is in compliance with 5 CFR 1400, which requires that federal and non-federal positions are
re-designated for both risk and sensitivity and that personnel have appropriate background
investigations commensurate with their position's risk and sensitivity designation. EPA will
continue to manage the personnel security, suitability, fitness, and NSI programs and conduct
background investigations following appropriate federal guidance, ensuring that personnel are
properly investigated for the positions they encumber and that classified material and activity is
properly handled. As federal guidelines and policies change, or are introduced, the systems
supporting background investigations and the NSI Program will be updated and enhanced (as
needed).
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$369.0) This program change reduces funding for physical security and preparedness
infrastructure. The Agency will focus on performing the highest priority annual facility
assessments.
Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Privacy Act of 1974; REAL ID Act
of 2005; Homeland Security Act of 2002; Americans with Disabilities Act; Reorganization Plan
No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.)
(EPA's organic statute).
55 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploadsQ018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
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Indoor Air and Radiation
248
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Indoor Air: Radon Program
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$143.0
$0.0
-$143.0
Total Budget Authority
$2,659.3
$3,279.0
$0.0
-$3,279.0
Total Workyears
9.1
9.0
0.0
-9.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risk posed by exposure to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an action level, provides
technical assistance, and advises the public of steps they can take to reduce exposure. For over 30
years, EPA's radon program has provided important guidance and significant funding to help
states establish their own programs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,136.0 / -9.0 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Indoor Air: Radon
Program in the EPM account.
Statutory Authority:
Title HI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act.
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Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$2,794.7
$1,781.0
$1,047.0
-$734.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$1,768.6
$1,985.0
$2,122.0
$137.0
Total Budget Authority
$15,443.8
$11,758.0
$5,639.0
-$6,119.0
Total Workyears
57.4
53.8
25.0
-28.8
Program Project Description:
EPA has general and specific duties to protect human health and the environment from harmful
and avoidable exposure to radiation under multiple statutes. This includes the Atomic Energy Act;
Clean Air Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; Energy
Policy Act; Nuclear Waste Policy Act; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act;
Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; and Clean Water Act.
EPA's Radiation Protection Program carries out these responsibilities through its federal guidance
and standard-setting activities, including: regulatory oversight and implementation of radioactive
waste disposal standards at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(WIPP); 56 the regulation of airborne radioactive emissions; and the development and determination
of appropriate methods to measure radioactive releases and exposures under Section 112 of the
Clean Air Act.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will meet its statutory obligation to implement its
regulatory oversight responsibilities for DOE activities at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
facility, as mandated by the Congress in the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act of 1992. EPA also will
review and update regulation or guidance, as necessary.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
56 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/wipp/background.html.
250
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$172.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$5,694.0 / -24.6 FTE) This program change reduces support to activities in the Radiation:
Protection Program to focus agency resources on priority activities, including
implementation of waste disposal standards at the WIPP.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act of 1992;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Clean Water Act.
251
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Radiation: Response Preparedness
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$2,545.0
$3,089.0
$4,167.0
$1,078.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,623.1
$5,285.0
$6,517.0
$1,232.0
Total Workyears
26.3
33.3
31.5
-1.8
Program Project Description:
EPA generates policy guidance and procedures for the Agency's radiological emergency
response under the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The Agency maintains its own Radiological
Emergency Response Team (RERT) and is a member of the Federal Radiological Preparedness
Coordinating Committee (FRPCC) and the Federal Advisory Team for Environment, Food and
Health (the "A-Team"). EPA continues to respond to radiological emergencies; conducts essential
national and regional radiological response planning and training; and develops response
plans for radiological incidents or accidents.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to evaluate its resources and
streamline activities across radiological emergency response activities and assets to focus on
essential preparedness work. The RERT will maintain essential readiness to support federal
radiological emergency response and recovery operations under the NRF and NCP. EPA will
participate in interagency training and exercises to maintain the RERT's ability to fulfill
EPA's responsibilities.
Evaluation of Response Plans
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to work with interagency partners under the FRPCC to revise
federal radiation emergency response plans and develop radiological emergency response
protocols and standards as resources dictate. The Agency will continue to implement the
Protective Action Guidance57 and use guidance addressing lessons learned from incidents and
57 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-
01. /documents/epa_pag manual final revisions J) 1. -1.1.-201.7 cover di sclaimer 8 .pdf.
252
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exercises to ensure the effective delivery of EPA support in coordination with other federal and
state response agencies.
Coordinating Preparedness Efforts
EPA will continue essential planning and participation in interagency table-top and field
exercises, including radiological anti-terrorism activities with the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DoD),
and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Agency also will provide technical
support on priority issues to federal and state radiation, emergency management, solid waste
and health programs responsible for radiological emergency response and preparedness
programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$359.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$205.0 / -1.1 FTE) This program change decreases technical support for stakeholders that
are responsible for radiological emergency response.
Statutory Authority:
Homeland Security Act of 2002; Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA); Public Health Service Act (PHSA);
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA).
253
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$216.7
$136.0
$0.0
-$136.0
Total Budget Authority
$11,148.3
$11,763.0
$0.0
-$11,763.0
Total Workyears
34.7
37.2
0.0
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Program Project Description:
Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) authorizes EPA
to conduct and coordinate research on indoor air quality, develop and disseminate information,
and coordinate risk reduction efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. EPA utilizes a range of
strategies, including partnerships with non-governmental, professional, federal, state and local
organizations, to educate and prepare individuals, school districts, industry, the health care
community, and others to take action to reduce health risks from poor indoor air quality in homes,
schools, and other buildings.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,627.0 / -35.8 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Reduce Risks from
Indoor Air Program in the EPM account.
Statutory Authority:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act; and Title IV of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA).
254
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Information Exchange
255
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Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency Coordination
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$5,903.7
$6,173.0
$2,704.0
-$3,469.0
Total Workyears
17.1
18.4
9.9
-8.5
Program Project Description:
The Program coordinates and advances the protection of children's environmental health across
EPA by: assisting with developing regulations; improving risk assessment and science policy;
implementing community-level outreach and education programs; and tracking indicators of
progress on children's health. In addition, the work of the Program is directed by EPA's recently
reaffirmed Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to Children,58 Executive Order 13045 Protection of
Children's Health from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, statutory authorities
addressing children's environmental health, and other existing guidance.59 The Program supports
the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, co-
chaired by EPA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary. The
Program coordinated the development of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead
Exposures and Associated Health Effects,60 which was finalized in December 2018.
In FY 2019, the Program accomplished the following: contributed to the development of 80
regulations, scientific assessments and/or policies including the Lead and Copper Rule under the
Safe Drinking Water Act, and additional actions under the Food Quality Protection Act, Clean
Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, among others; advanced the state of
understanding by writing and presenting eleven scientific papers and presentations; and
coordinated three in person plenary meetings of the Children's Health Protection Advisory
Committee61 and launched review of charge questions to improve the Agency's risk
communication related to the protection of children's environmental health.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Program will:
58 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201.8-
10/documents/childrens health policy reaffirmation memo. 10.11.18.pdf.
59 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/children/historv-childrens-environmental-health-protection-epa.
60 For more information, please refer to: https: //www, epa. gov/sit es/produc tion/files/2 01.8-
12/documents/fedactionplan lead final.pdf.
61 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/children/childrens-health-protection-advisorv-committee-chpac.
256
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• Continue to serve as co-lead for the interagency efforts of the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children alongside the Department of
Health and Human Services. This effort will focus on co-chairing the Senior Steering
Committee and coordinating cross-federal activities related to topics such as asthma
disparities and implementation of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead
Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. Each of the four goals of the Federal Lead Action
Plan has specific objectives and associated activities which are tracked by member agencies
of the Task Force.62 They are as follows: Goal 1: Reduce children's exposure to lead
sources; Goal 2: Identify lead-exposed children and improve their health outcomes; Goal
3: Communicate more effectively with stakeholders; and Goal 4: Support and conduct
critical research to inform efforts to reduce lead exposures and related health risks. This
work supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Agency Priority Goal: Reduce childhood lead exposures
and associated health impacts.
• Identify both potential health benefits and/or health risks to children during the
development of agency regulations and policies with targeted participation on regulatory
workgroups.
• Coordinate in-person plenary meetings of the Children's Health Protection Advisory
Committee.
• Support and administer the proposed Healthy Schools Grant Program to provide funding
to identify, prevent, reduce, and resolve environmental hazards in public, private not-for-
profit, and faith-based pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, including preventing
childhood lead exposure, reducing asthma triggers, promoting integrated pest management,
and reducing or eliminating childhood exposure to toxics in schools across all
environmental media.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$231.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,700.0 / -8.5 FTE) This net program change concentrates EPA's efforts on the
development of agency regulations and policies with potential health risks to children by
streamlining other activities including Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units,
regionally selected community-based projects addressing local children's environmental
health issues, and other children's health efforts.
62 For more information, please refer to: https://ptfceh.niehs.nih.gov/about/iiidex.htm.
257
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA).
258
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Environmental Education
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$8,597.1
$8,580.0
$0.0
-$8,580.0
Total Workyears
9.2
9.2
0.0
-9.2
Program Project Description:
The Environmental Education (EE) Program provides guidance and financial support to both rural-
and urban-focused grassroots and nonprofit organizations, local educational institutions,
universities, community colleges, and state and local environmental agencies. Financial support
from EE received by these entities is via the competitive grants process and cooperative
agreements. EE also administers the Presidential Environmental Education Awards Program.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will continue
to find ways to streamline education activities and leverage funding outside the Agency for
environmental stewardship activities via existing cooperative agreements and at the state and local
level.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,580.0 / -9.2 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Environmental
Education Program.
Statutory Authority:
National Environmental Education Act (NEEA); Clean Air Act (CAA), § 103; Clean Water Act
(CWA), § 104; Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), § 8001; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), §
1442; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), § 10; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), § 20.
259
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Exchange Network
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$1,424.8
$1,328.0
$1,293.0
-$35.0
Total Budget Authority
$18,515.1
$16,512.0
$13,621.0
-$2,891.0
Total Workyears
27.8
30.2
30.2
0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) is a standards-based, secure approach
for EPA and its state, tribal, and territorial partners to exchange and share environmental data over
the internet. Capitalizing on advanced technology, data standards, open-source software, shared
services for the E-Enterprise business strategy, and reusable tools and applications, the EN offers
its partners tremendous capabilities for managing and analyzing environmental data more
effectively and efficiently, leading to improved decision-making.
The Central Data Exchange (CDX)63 is the largest component of the EN Program and serves as
the point of entry on the EN for environmental data transactions with the Agency. CDX provides
a set of core shared services that promote a leaner and more cost-effective service framework for
the Agency by avoiding the creation of duplicative applications. It enables faster and more efficient
transactions for internal and external EPA clients, resulting in reduced burden. Working in concert
with CDX is EPA's System of Registries, which is a system of shared data services designed to
enhance efficiency, reduce burden on the regulated community, and improve environmental
outcomes.
These shared data services catalog entities routinely referenced by EPA and EN partners, from
commonly regulated facilities and substances to the current list of federally recognized tribes. They
identify the standard or official names for these assets, which, when integrated into EPA and
partner applications, foster data consistency and data quality as well as enable data integration.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support core functions for
the EN information technology (IT) systems, which is in line with the President's Management
Agenda for IT modernization and data, accountability, and transparency.64
63 For more information on the Central Data Exchange, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cdx/.
64 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/pma/.
260
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In FY 2021, the EN Program will continue to be a pivotal component of the E-Enterprise for the
Environment strategy that supports business process change agencywide. The E-Enterprise
strategy - jointly governed by states, tribes, and EPA - rethinks how government agencies deliver
environmental protection. Under this strategy, the Agency is streamlining business processes and
systems to reduce reporting burden on states and regulated facilities, and to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of environmental programs for EPA, states, and tribes. In FY 2019,
the Agency developed an identity management service that eliminated redundant and time-
consuming user registrations across environmental programs and partners. As a result, the E-
Enterprise Portal transforms the EN to a more open platform of services and makes environmental
data reporting, sharing, and analysis faster, simpler, and less expensive.
EPA aims to reduce burden and avoid costs when improving IT. The Agency has provisioned 70
Virtual Exchange Services (VES) or virtual nodes to facilitate large-scale data transactions
supporting 19 states and over 88 tribal partners, with another 20 anticipated by the end of FY 2020.
The VES electronic signature service supports 62 partner exchanges to date and six more are
expected in FY 2020. EPA estimates implementation of these services resulted in cost avoidance
of approximately $2.3 million for the 19 partner states, who otherwise would have built and
managed exchange services independently. EPA will continue to carry out the baseline support for
the adoption and onboarding of VES and associated services for EPA and its partners.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to maintain the EPA Federal Regulation Finder, a public-facing
digital service that was deployed to the E-Enterprise Portal65 in Q2 of FY 2020. The EPA Federal
Regulation Finder integrates multiple shared services into a discovery tool that helps industry and
the public to more easily identify potentially applicable regulations. It integrates three catalogs: a
substance catalog (Substance Registry Services [SRS]); an Enterprise Vocabulary; and a catalog
of federal statutes and regulations (Laws and Regulations Services) to enable a user to search for
laws and regulations by substance or keyword. In FY 2021, enhancements to the EPA Federal
Regulation Finder may include expanding this tool to allow users to search in the North American
Industrial Classification System and establishing additional shared data services, such as zip codes,
countries, and counties, so that EPA systems no longer must manage these data, instead relying on
the centralized services.
Multiple performance efforts also use exchange services and registries (shared data services) to
improve data quality in EPA, state, and tribal program data, and to reduce reporting burden on the
regulated community. EPA will continue to promote the adoption of the Tribal Identification
(TRIBES) shared service by tracking its use by EPA systems that collect tribal names. In FY 2019,
EPA increased the number of EPA systems using TRIBES services by 58 percent, from 12 to 19
systems.
EPA also tracks the number of registry webpages users and web service hits as one measure of
usage. For example, the SRS website is visited by approximately 50,000 users per month; many
of these users visit SRS to understand regulatory information about chemicals. SRS also receives
between 20,000 and 140,000 web service hits per month (depending on reporting cycles), mostly
by EPA systems that have incorporated the web services into their online reporting forms.
65 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.e-mterprise.gov/workbench.
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Priorities for EPA registries include improving registry technologies by moving them into an open-
source platform so they are cloud-ready. In FY 2021, EPA will maintain the registries at FY 2020
levels, and selectively move them into open-source platforms. EPA will expand the number of
EPA and partner systems that integrate registry services into their online reports and systems,
reducing burden and improving data quality. This includes updating EPA's dataset registry to
allow EPA scientists, external partners, and others to share information and make information
easier to find in the cloud.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) to maintain systems that support the importation process of products that
are of dual interest to EPA and CBP. EPA will support mission essential activities of EPA and
CBP data exchanges in FY 2021. Such electronic reporting will aid enforcement coordinators by
automating a currently manual review process and allowing them to focus on key high-value
monitoring and targeting activities for noncompliant imports.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$659.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,515.0) This net program change streamlines quality assurance of registries; refocuses
modernization efforts; and reduces the collection and exchange of environmental data with
states, tribes, and regulated entities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Clean Water Act
(CWA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Government Performance and
Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
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Executive Management and Operations
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$51,243.2
$47,259.0
$43,784.0
-$3,475.0
Total Workyears
290.5
272.9
235.6
-37.3
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.0 FTE to support Executive Management and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The Executive Management and Operations Program supports various offices that provide direct
executive and logistical support to EPA's Administrator. In addition to the Administrator's
Immediate Office (10), the Program supports the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental
Relations (OCIR), Office of Administrative and Executive Services (OAES), Office of the
Executive Secretariat (OEX), the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and the Office of Public
Engagement (OPE).
The Program also supports EPA's Regional Administrators' offices. The Program's management,
coordination, and policy activities link the Agency's engagement with outside entities, including:
Congress, state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, national and community
associations, and the public.
Within the Program, key functions include: responding to congressional requests for information;
coordinating and providing outreach to state and local governments and rural communities; and
supporting press and other communications activities. The Program also supports administrative
management services involving correspondence control and records management systems, human
resources management, budget formulation and execution, and information technology
management services.
In July 2019, EPA completed implementation of centralized FOIA processing, which will provide
greater efficiencies, improved responsiveness and transparency consistent with the statute's intent.
OEX assumed sole responsibility for and control over the centralized organization, processes and
procedures. During FY 2019, OEX closed 731 FOIA requests, nearly as many as FY 2016, FY
2017 and FY 2018 combined. At its height, the backlog of open requests was more than 1,500 with
510 new requests received during the FY. Net backlog at the conclusion of FY 2019 was 1,184
open requests.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2021, the Program will continue providing management, leadership, and direction to all of
EPA's programs and activities and develop the guidance necessary to ensure achievement of the
Agency's core statutory responsibilities. In FY 2021, resources of the Program will primarily
support critical needs for staff, including travel and workforce support.
OCIR serves as EPA's principal point of contact for Congress, regions, states, and local
governments and as the coordination point for interaction with other agency offices and officials.
In FY 2021, OCIR will continue to regularly review and evaluate its processes for responding to
congressional and intergovernmental correspondence and FOIA requests; prepare for hearings or
briefings; provide technical assistance; and coordinate with EPA's program offices, regional
offices, states, local officials, and associations. In FY 2019, OCIR prepared for 12 congressional
hearings and responded to 675 congressional and gubernatorial letters. In addition, OCIR is
advancing the agencywide metric on increasing the number of grant commitments met. OCIR is
comprised of two main components: the Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) and Office of
Intergovernmental Relations (OIR). Interactions with Congress are managed out of the Office of
Congressional Affairs. The Office of Intergovernmental Relations manages interactions with state
and local governments and serves as the liaison for the Agency with national associations for state
and local officials. In FY 2021, OCA will prepare EPA officials for hearings, oversee responses
to written inquiries and oversight requests from members of Congress, and coordinate and provide
technical assistance and briefings on legislative areas of interest to members of Congress and their
staff. OIR will continue to inform state and local governments of regulatory and other EPA
activities. Additionally, OIR will lead the Agency's efforts to support productive working
relationships with states through a renewed focus on more effective partnerships.
The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) facilitates the exchange of information between EPA and the
public, media, Congress, and state and local governments; broadly communicates EPA's mission;
assists in public awareness of environmental issues; and informs EPA employees of important
issues that affect them. Annually, OPA issues nearly 1,500 press releases; responds to
approximately 8,000 media inquiries; and oversees more than 150 audio-visual productions, 500
graphic productions, 2,700 event photographs, and 40 portraits. In addition, in terms of digital
media, OPA receives over 160 million impressions on the internet, including www.epa.eov and
EPA social media accounts, and posts nearly 100 unique EPA homepage internet news
banners. Also, to facilitate communications with EPA employees nationwide, OPA annually posts
over 200 intranet banners; issues 48 issues of a weekly e-newsletter - This Week @ EPA - with a
total of 240 articles; and sends more than 100 agencywide employee Mass Mailers from EPA's
Administrator and other senior leaders. In FY 2021, OPA will continue to inform the media of
agency initiatives and deliver timely, accurate information. The Office will continue to update the
Agency's internet site to provide stakeholders with transparent, accurate, and comprehensive
information on EPA's activities and policies. OPA will continue using social media, multimedia
and new media tools to provide stakeholders with information. The Office also will work with
EPA's programs and regional offices to improve employee communication; external
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communication on relevant environmental and human health risks; collaboration and engagement
with internal and external stakeholders; updates to the Agency's intranet site; and the use of other
communication tools.
As the central administrative management component of the Administrator's Office (AO), the
OAES provides advice, tools, and assistance to the AO's programmatic operations. In FY 2021,
OAES will continue to conduct the following activities: human resources management, budget and
financial management, information technology and security, and audit management.
In FY 2021, OEX will continue to provide critical administrative support to the Administrator,
Deputy Administrator, senior agency officials, and staff to comply with the statutory and
regulatory requirements under the Federal Records Act, FOIA, and related statutes and regulations.
OEX will continue to manage the AO's correspondence, records management, Privacy Act
implementation and FOIA activities. Responsibilities include: processing correspondence for the
Administrator and Deputy Administrator, reviewing and preparing documents for their signature,
and operating the Correspondence Management System, which provides paperless workflow,
tracking and records management capabilities to more than 3,000 EPA employees; managing the
Administrator's primary email account; serving as custodian of the Administrator's, Deputy
Administrator's, and Immediate Office records and overseeing the records management program
for all AO staff offices; and reviewing and issuing ethics determinations for gifts received by the
Administrator and Deputy Administrator. The Office also manages the privacy program for the
AO and monitors, reviews and audits AO systems of records. Finally, OEX manages FOIA-related
operations for the AO.
In FY 2021, OPE will continue providing advice to the Administrator and senior staff on activities
surrounding different stakeholder groups, including generating and distributing outreach plans for
most regulatory actions. Such plans often include: meeting regularly with stakeholder groups to
communicate the Administration's agenda at EPA, providing advance notification
communications to relevant stakeholder groups on upcoming regulatory actions, facilitating in-
state visits by the Administrator and/or senior staff to collect regulatory feedback, communicating
key dates to stakeholders pertaining to opportunities to comment on EPA rulemakings, and
organizing conference calls on regulatory topics with impacted stakeholders.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM STl) Percentage of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
TBD
Percent
Actual
N/A
N/A
Numeralor
Commit-
ments
Denominalor
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(PM ST2) Number of alternative shared governance approaches used to address state, tribal, and local
community reviews.
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Established
3
20
20
Alternative
Approaches
Actual
0
14
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,032.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$5,507.0 / -37.3 FTE) This program change reflects EPA's efforts to focus on carrying
out the Agency's core mission, our shared responsibilities with states, localities, tribal
nations, and regulatory relief.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Environmental Research, Development, and
Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA).
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Small Business Ombudsman
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$1,906.9
$1,824.0
$1,983.0
$159.0
Total Workyears
6.4
4.6
4.6
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Small Business Ombudsman Program includes the Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman
(ASBO),66 as well as the Small Business Advocacy Chair and other small business activities
located in the Office of Policy's Office of Regulatory Policy and Management.67 The Program
provides a comprehensive suite of resources, networks, tools, and forums for education and
advocacy on behalf of small businesses and leads EPA's implementation of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For
example, in FY 2019, ASBO provided a newsletter and worked with state partners to coordinate a
comprehensive environmental compliance and education training conference.
The ASBO serves as the Agency's principal advocate for small business regulatory issues through
its partnership with EPA Regional Small Business Liaisons, state Small Business Environmental
Assistance Programs (SBEAPs)68 nationwide, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of
Advocacy, and hundreds of small business trade associations. These partnerships provide the
information and perspective EPA needs to help small businesses achieve their environmental
goals.
Overall, the core functions of the Small Business Ombudsman Program include assisting EPA's
program offices with analysis and consideration of the impact of their regulatory actions on small
businesses; engaging small entity representatives, and other federal agencies in evaluating the
potential impacts of rules; operating and supporting the Program's hotline and homepage; and
supporting internal and external small business activities. The Program helps small businesses
learn about new actions and developments within EPA and helps the Agency learn about the
concerns and needs of small businesses. Based on the Agency's overall small business regulatory
and environmental compliance assistance efforts, EPA has earned a grade of "A" in the last 13
66 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/resources-small-businesses/asbestos-small-business-
ombudsman.
67 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gOv/aboutepa/about-office-policy-op#ORPM.
68 For more information, please see: https://nationalsbeap.org/.
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Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of the National Ombudsman Annual Reports to
Congress.69
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Program will:
• Improve environmental protection by working with EPA program offices and state
SBEAPs to share information and leverage resources, provide compliance assistance
resources and enhance the compliance assistance tool box available to the small business
community.
• Enhance engagement with state SBEAP partners through a new, expanded cooperative
agreement, which supports collaboration on a national level with state SBEAPs and EPA.
This upcoming ASBO funded cooperative agreement will support the expansion of the
SBEAP website (www.nationalsbeap.org) and other SBEAP communication tools,
including a new compliance assistance web-resource, dedicated to non-English speaking
small businesses. Additionally, this cooperative agreement will allow for financial support
to fund a state SBEAP in hosting and managing the National SBEAP annual training event.
This annual event is an important collaboration and face-to-face opportunity for EPA and
state SBEAP programs to listen to and support one another in their mission to assist small
business regulatory compliance assistance.
• Institute an updated monitoring method for the state SBEAP programs throughout the
country. In the past ASBO has requested each state SBEAP complete an annual reporting
form, which collected small business assistance and budget data, including common
outputs and outcomes for program success, from all state programs. A new, less
burdensome data collection (beta) process will be established to help monitor and
periodically report on the effectiveness of state SBEAPs in assisting small businesses on
environmental regulatory compliance.
• Explore options for reinvigorating and formalizing the collaboration of regional EPA
contacts to engage in localized small business program developments, regulatory updates,
training support and compliance assistance under the ASBO Program.
• Expand communication and outreach to ASBO's stakeholders with a newly developed
ASBO resource guide and updated online communication resources. These new or updated
communication tools will target internal EPA customers, which require assistance in
considering small business impacts in the rule development process. The tools also will
target external customers, such as national trade associations, state SBEAPs and the general
small business community. This will help clarify the services that the program provides to
support small entity environmental compliance.
69 For more information, please see: https://www.sba. gov/sites/default/files/2019-
04/SBA ombudsman Annual Report to Congress 2017.PDF.
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• Strengthen the Agency's collaboration to listen to and follow up on small business industry
issues, as defined by small business trade associations, during the annual EPA Deputy
Administrator Small Business Meeting. This meeting is typically organized and hosted by
ASBO for the Deputy Administrator. ASBO plans to survey participants for this meeting
(along with other ASBO hosted events) to better meet the needs and improve meeting
outcomes for small entity engagement.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$72.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$87.0) This program change is a slight increase to maintain communication with small
businesses about new actions and developments within EPA.
Statutory Authority:
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-121, as amended by
Pub. L. 110-28; Small Business Paperwork Relief Act, 44 U.S.C. 35; 42 U.S.C. § 7661f;
15 U.S.C. §§ 2641-2656.
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Small Minority Business Assistance
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$1,411.3
$987.0
$1,080.0
$93.0
Total Workyears
6.1
7.6
7.6
0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) manages the Agency's
Small Business Contracting Program mandated under Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act, 15
U.S.C. § 644(k). As prescribed under that section, the Program provides expertise in ensuring
small business prime and subcontracting opportunities to expand EPA's competitive supplier base
in furthering the Agency's mission. Under the Program, OSDBU provides EPA's contracting
community statutorily required counseling and training on all aspects of governing small business
requirements throughout the federal acquisition cycle. It also engages in statutorily mandated
advocacy on behalf of the various categories of small businesses, including, disadvantaged
businesses; certified small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
(HUBZones); service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs); and women-owned
small businesses. In accordance with Section 15(k), OSDBU further hosts and participates in an
average of one small business outreach and training conference each month, providing needed
technical assistance to hundreds of small businesses across the country.
In implementing the many statutory responsibilities required under Section 15(k), OSDBU reviews
acquisition strategies to maximize small business procurement opportunities; provides expertise
in conducting market research for EPA acquisitions; performs contract bundling reviews to avoid
unnecessary or unjustified limitations on small business utilization; reviews purchase card
transactions within the statutory threshold; and evaluates large prime contractor subcontracting
plans. In addition, OSDBU reviews unsolicited proposals for agency acquisitions and assists small
businesses in resolving payment issues under EPA acquisitions. It further provides a broad range
of training, outreach, and technical assistance to new and prospective small business awardees.
Historically, data reported in the Federal Procurement Data Systems indicates that EPA awards an
average of 40 percent of total acquisition dollars to small businesses annually - far exceeding the
government-wide goal of 23 percent.
EPA has earned an "A" on SBA's last 10 government-wide Small Business Procurement
Scorecards70 for the Agency's record of excellence in affording small business contracting
opportunities. EPA also received a special Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Small Business
70 For more information, please see: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/EPA.pdf.
270
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Administration for being one of only a handful of federal agencies to achieve that record.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Program will:
• Expand EPA's electronic tools and mechanisms for identifying the projected contracting
spend of individual offices to more effectively align small business contracting
opportunities and structure agencywide small business vehicles to achieve greater
efficiencies, costs savings, and value consistent with the President's Management Agenda
Cross-Agency Goal 7 for Category Management. In FY 2019, OSDBU crafted a strategy
for ensuring the maximum practicable utilization of small businesses in agency acquisitions
of common goods and services within the Category Management framework. Building on
that strategy, in FY 2021, OSDBU will continue efforts to support the implementation of
the government-wide Category Management initiative by training EPA's Small Business
Specialists to serve as designated experts in each of EPA's primary categories of common
contracting spend.
• Strengthen EPA's small business subcontracting program by providing contracting officer
training on maximizing small business subcontracting opportunities and by developing a
monitoring program to ensure large business compliance with their required small business
subcontracting plans. EPA fully implemented the newly enacted provisions of Section
15(k)(20), which require each agency OSDBU to review all subcontracting plans to "ensure
that the plan provides the maximum practicable opportunity for small business concerns."
In addition to dedicating resources to conduct the reviews, in FY 2019, OSDBU
standardized the review procedures. The training and compliance monitoring program
planned for FY 2021 will further assist in expanding the utilization of small businesses on
the subcontracting level.
• Issue a comprehensive small business contracting manual that will streamline, standardize,
and simplify EPA's small business contracting processes and procedures to strengthen
operational efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with governing statutory
requirements. The manual will serve as a centralized and authoritative repository of internal
EPA small business contracting requirements, guidance, processes, and procedures. It will
be accessible electronically agencywide.
• Leverage existing and emerging collaborative tools, resources and technology to provide
important small business technical assistance required under Section 15(k) of the Small
Business Act, including releasing a new small business resource guide and electronic
information to educate a broad and diverse spectrum of small businesses. In addition to
supporting small businesses seeking to do business with the federal government, the
planned access to additional information also will assist EPA in maintaining a qualified
small business industrial base to help meet the Agency's mission needs.
• Continue to build on successes in refining OSDBU's Small Business Contracting
271
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Dashboard issued in FY 2018, by working with a contractor to develop an automated
process to report granular real-time small business goal accomplishments to inform the
Agency's acquisition planning and strategies. In FY 2019, OSDBU explored available
vendor solutions for more granular reporting. During FY 2021, OSDBU will collaborate
with EPA's contracting office to engage contractor support to develop the automated
reporting process.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$290.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$197.0) This program change reflects the fact that EPA will prioritize activities to
maintain compliance with its statutory obligations under the Small Business Act.
Statutory Authority:
15 U.S.C § 644(k).
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State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$12,588.0
$13,594.0
$10,862.0
-$2,732.0
Total Workyears
53.3
63.1
46.9
-16.2
Program Project Description:
The State and Local Prevention and Preparedness Program establishes a structure composed of
federal, state, local, and tribal partners who work together with industry to protect emergency
responders, local communities, facility workers, the environment, and property from chemical
accident risks through accident prevention and emergency response programs, community and
facility engagement, and improved safety systems. This framework provides the foundation for
community and facility chemical hazard response planning, and reduction of risk posed from
chemical facilities.
Under Section 112(r) of the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments, chemical facilities that store
more than a certain amount of listed extremely hazardous substances are required to implement a
Risk Management Plan (RMP) program. These facilities, known as RMP facilities, take preventive
measures; report data; mitigate and/or respond to chemical releases; and work with communities,
response, and planning groups to increase understanding of risks.71
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to
help communities plan for chemical emergencies and to inform the public about chemicals in their
community. Under EPCRA, facilities are required to report about the chemicals they produce, use,
and store to state and local governments. States, tribes, and local governments use this information
to prepare communities for potential releases from these facilities through the development of local
emergency response plans.72
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the State and Local
Prevention and Preparedness Program will perform the following activities:
71 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/rmp.
72 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
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• Inspect RMP and EPCRA facilities to ensure compliance with accident prevention and
preparedness regulations, and work with chemical facilities to reduce chemical risks and
improve safety. There are approximately 12,000 chemical facilities that are subject to the
RMP regulations. Of these, approximately 1,800 facilities have been designated as high-
risk based upon their accident history, quantity of on-site dangerous chemicals stored, and
proximity to large residential populations.73 EPA prioritizes inspections at high-risk
facilities.
• Provide basic and advanced RMP and EPCRA inspector training for federal and state
inspectors.
• Maintain the RMP national database, which is the Nation's premier source of information
on chemical process risks and contains hazard information on all RMP facilities. Industry
electronically submits updated RMPs to this secure database.
• Develop limited updates to the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations
(CAMEO) software suite (i.e., the CAMEO Chemicals, CAMEO//??, Areal Locations of
Hazardous Atmospheres and Mapping Application for Response, Planning, and Local
Operational Tasks applications), which provides free and publicly available information
for firefighting, first aid, emergency planning, and spill response activities.
• Implement provisions of the final RMP Reconsideration rule, including drafting and
revising facility guidance, training EPA regional and delegated state agency inspectors on
revised rule provisions, and revising the RMP database to accept modified submissions.
EPA is proposing to develop a new program that would authorize EPA to collect and use fees for
compliance assistance which can assist RMP facilities in complying with EPA regulations. This
fee and service will be voluntary.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$964.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,696.0 / -16.2 FTE) This net program change reduces resources for technical support
and outreach. This change will eliminate grant support for certified RMP inspectors in FY
2021.
73 Located in the EPA RMP database.
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Statutory Authority:
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); the Clean Air Act (C AA)
§ H2(r).
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TRI / Right to Know
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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-------
EnviroFacts77 and other databases in support of the public's access to TRI data. In FY 2021,
additional activities include continued streamlining of the application and database using the EPA
Lean Management System (ELMS) process to include feedback from users {i.e., communities,
academia, industry, states, and tribes) and the Program.
In FY 2021, the Program intends to collect performance data by conducting at least 600 data
quality checks that ensure the accuracy and completeness of the reported data and thereby improve
the Program's analyses of chemical releases and wastes. The Program will continue to publish the
annual TRI National Analysis78, which describes relevant trends in toxic chemical releases as well
as trends in other waste management practices and innovative approaches by industry to reduce
pollution.
Further, in advancing EPA's commitments as outlined in the FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goal
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan, by September 30, 2021, EPA will meet
several of the designated Priority Action milestones to establish a framework to understand and
address PFAS. The TRI Program will continue to determine whether data and information are
available on PFAS to fulfill the statutory listing criteria and to publish a notice-and-comment
rulemaking should such data and information support the listing of those chemicals.79
As part of EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Program, EPA is working to evaluate the
health and environmental risks of 10 chemicals identified by the Agency in December 2016, as
well as a further 20 high-priority chemicals designated in December 2019 and two other chemicals
pursuant to a manufacturer request. TSCA requires that additional chemicals will be selected for
evaluation in the future, maintaining 20 EPA-initiated evaluations on an on-going basis. Many
chemicals identified for evaluation also are likely to be TRI chemicals, and the TRI database has
provided information to support EPA's risk evaluation work. During FY 2021, as more TRI
chemicals undergo risk evaluation by EPA, the TRI Program will support those risk evaluations
by providing EPA risk assessors with information from the TRI database that can be used to
identify conditions of use, and evaluate and estimate occupational, general population, and
subpopulation exposures.
Since electronic systems that collect and disseminate TRI data largely have been developed
already, the focus will be on operations and maintenance of TRl-MEweb, TRIPS, and the
streamlining of business processes that contribute to quality control processes and the annual TRI
National Analysis. By leveraging Agency cloud services, the TRI systems will improve system
performance, reliability, efficiencies, portability, and administrative services (security, upgrades,
patches etc.) further reducing O&M cost. This also will improve integration/consistency with other
cloud-based systems and applications and will provide quicker data processing and enhance TRI's
analytical capabilities by using applications such as Qlik. Emphasis also will be placed on
optimizing search and data transfers within EnviroFacts, the system that provides public access to
the statutorily required data submitted by industry. Use of enterprise infrastructure and services as
77 EnviroFacts may be accessed at: littps://enviro. epa. gov/.
78 To access the TRI National Analysis, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/triiiationalanalvsis. EPA publishes each National
Analysis approximately six months after that year's data are reports; the National Analysis on RY 2018 data will be made available
in early 2020.
79 Additional information may be found on pp. 18-19 of EPA's PFAS Action Plan, which may be accessed at:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-02/documents/pfas action_plan_021.31.9 508compliant_l.pdf.
277
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well as a commitment to continuous service improvement will allow the Program to meet statutory
requirements for industry reporting and public access to TRI as efficiently as possible.
As required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the
Agency will respond to EPCRA chemical petitions regarding TRI within 180 days after receipt.80
Petitions may request the addition or deletion of chemicals. Petitions also may address industry
sector coverage. The quantity and complexity of petitions are unknown until submitted to EPA.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$635.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,781.0 / -14.1 FTE) This program change: reduces funding for certain TRI trend and
comparative analyses, communication initiatives, and tool enhancements; refocuses the
TRI program to key Agency focus areas, such as supporting Agency PFAS work and the
TSCA Program; and reflects streamlining of the TRI Program as TRI information can
increasingly be accessed remotely via databases and web tools. This program change also
is a reduction in contractual costs for producing TRI annual reports as a result of the TRI
Electronic Reporting Rule.
• (-$944.0 / -2.1 FTE) This net program change reduces resources for operations and
maintenance for TRI tools in EnviroFacts, Data Processing Center operations, Help Desk
activities, and security upgrades. In addition, enhancements for TRI-MEweb and TRIPS
are eliminated, while facilitating the planned streamlining of the TRI Program, as TRI
information can increasingly be accessed remotely via databases and web tools.
Statutory Authority:
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) § 313; Pollution Prevention
Act of 1990 (PPA) § 6607.
80 Additional information on current petitions may be found at: littp
release-inventory-laws-and-regulatory-activities.
epa.gov/tox.ics-release-
- til-pro gram/toxic s-
278
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Tribal - Capacity Building
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$13,780.0
$13,072.0
$14,099.0
$1,027.0
Total Workyears
76.5
74.6
72.0
-2.6
Program Project Description:
EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment in Indian country under
federal environmental statutes. Under the Agency's 1984 Indian Policy,81 EPA works with
federally recognized tribes (tribes) on a government-to-government basis, in recognition of the
federal government's trust responsibility to tribes, to implement federal environmental programs.
In the 1984 Indian Policy, "EPA recognizes tribes as the primary parties for setting standards,
making environmental policy decisions, and managing programs for reservations consistent with
agency standards and regulations," therefore, EPA assists tribes in developing the programs to
make such decisions. In the absence of a program delegation to a tribe, the Agency directly
implements the Program. This program also supports the Categorical Grant: Tribal General
Assistance Grants Program.
EPA's American Indian Environmental Office leads agencywide efforts to ensure environmental
protection in Indian country. Please see http://www.epa.gov/tribal for more information.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Overall, the Agency has made steady progress towards
strengthening human health and environmental protection on tribal lands. EPA will further its
priority of strengthening tribal partnerships and continue to work toward its goal of building tribal
capacity through a number of mechanisms in FY 2021. In addition, the Agency continues the direct
implementation assessment effort to better understand EPA's direct implementation
responsibilities and activities on a program-by-program basis in Indian country.
Capacity Building: EPA will continue to provide assistance and to support mechanisms for tribes
to pursue developing and implementing federal environmental programs, including the "treatment
in a manner similar to a state" (TAS) process and the use of the Direct Implementation Tribal
Cooperative Agreement (DITCA) authority. The Agency will continue to provide technical and
81 EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations, available at
https://www.epa.gov/tribal/epa-policv-administration-environmental-programs-indian-reservations-1984-indian-policv.
279
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financial assistance to ensure tribal governments have the opportunity to build the capacity to
meaningfully participate and engage in environmental protection activities. To date, EPA has
approved 83 TAS regulatory program delegations to tribes, including 20 approvals for compliance
and enforcement authority. EPA had 17 DITCAs with tribes in place in FY 2020.
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) Capacity Building Support: GAP
grants to tribal governments help build the basic components of a tribal environmental program.
The Agency manages GAP grants according to its Guidance on the Award and Management of
General Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia,82 In FY 2021, EPA will
continue to administer GAP financial assistance to build tribal capacity and address environmental
issues in Indian country. EPA's work in FY 2021 also will continue to enhance EPA-Tribal
partnerships through development and implementation of EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans
(ETEPs) and a continued focus on tracking and reporting measurable results of GAP-funded
activities.
GAP Performance Measurement:
In FY 2020, EPA will complete an evaluation of the program implementation under the 2013 GAP
guidance and anticipates developing revised Guidance for tribal consultation. Once revised
Guidance is finalized, in FY 2021, EPA will adjust the performance management application to
align with the revised Guidance and begin compiling and analyzing data. The IT-based
performance application will provide a data-driven basis for supporting funding decisions, funding
priorities and contribute to program accountability.
Tribal Consultation: In working with the tribes, EPA follows its Policy on Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribes. 83 The Consultation Policy builds on EPA's 1984 Indian Policy
and establishes clear agency standards for a consultation process promoting consistency and
coordination. Since 2011, EPA has completed over 500 Tribal Consultations, an important
Agency milestone under the EPA Tribal Consultation Policy. EPA completed 64 tribal
consultations in FY 2019. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support the agency's web-
based Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System, a publicly accessible database used to
communicate upcoming and current EPA consultation opportunities to tribal governments. The
system provides a management, oversight, and reporting structure that helps ensure accountability
and transparency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,138.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
82 Please refer to https://www.epa.gov/tribal/2013-guidance-award-and-management-general-assistance-agreements-tribes-and-
intertribal for further information.
83 Please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/forms/consultation-and-coordiiiation-tribes.
280
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• (-$111.0/ -2.6 FTE) This program change reduces contract program support for some tribal
capacity building efforts.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
281
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International Programs
282
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International Sources of Pollution
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$7,011.4
$6,553.0
$10,628.0
$4,075.0
Total Workyears
35.5
32.4
20.7
-11.7
Program Project Description:
The United States works with international partners to address international sources of pollution,
as well as the impacts of pollution from the United States on other countries and the global
environment. International sources of pollution impact air, water, food crops and food chains, and
can accumulate in foods such as fish. Healthy environments, ecosystems, and communities provide
the foundation for economic development, food security, and sustainable growth.
EPA's work with international partners and organizations is essential to addressing transboundary
pollution adversely impacting the United States. Strengthening environmental protection abroad
so that it is on par with practices in the U.S. helps build a level playing field for industry and
promotes opportunities for technologies and innovation. EPA's international programs also play
an important role in fulfilling national security and foreign policy objectives.
An important example of work under the Program is EPA's engagement in the Group of Seven
(G7) and the Group of Twenty (G20) through environment ministerial meetings, which negotiate
outcomes on key EPA issues such as food waste, marine litter, resource efficiency, and air quality.
In addition, EPA's engagement with the World Health Organization has helped advance
recognition of the critically important role of environmental factors, including air pollution and
toxic chemicals, in the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and of the role that
sound environmental laws can play in reducing these risks.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in the Program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to engage both bilaterally
and through multilateral institutions to improve international cooperation to prevent and address
the transboundary movement of pollution. Specifically, EPA will engage with key priority
countries to address air pollution that contributes significant pollution to the domestic and
international environment. For example, a number of Asian countries are implementing national
air quality monitoring, planning, and control strategies with advice and lessons learned from the
United States. Environmental policies adopted and implemented overseas will improve
283
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competitiveness for U.S. businesses, drive demand for U.S. emissions control technologies, and
expand exports of U.S. environmental goods and services while improving air quality conditions
in the United States.
US-Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA):
In FY 2021, EPA will continue its participation in the North American Commission for
Environmental Cooperation (CEC), which provides regional and international leadership to
advance environmental protection, human health and sustainable economic growth in North
America. EPA also will continue work on implementation of the Environment Chapter of the
USMCA trade agreement, utilizing both redirected base resources and additional investment.
EPA activities will include monitoring and verifying provisions pertaining to global and national
environmental requirements in the agreement and providing subject matter expertise.
Marine Litter
EPA will continue to engage multilaterally and bilaterally to prevent and reduce marine litter, an
increasingly prominent global issue that can negatively impact domestic water quality, tourism,
industry and public health in the U.S. Since 80 percent of marine litter comes from land-based
sources of waste, countries with inadequate waste management contribute to the pollution in our
shared oceans. EPA will build on groundbreaking efforts in the G7, the G20, and the United
Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to support and advance comprehensive approaches
including technology innovation and sharing of best practices. EPA will continue to work with
other federal agencies to advance sound policy approaches for global action on marine litter.
In FY 2021, EPA will share tools and technical assistance related to expanding Trash Free Waters
to key contributing countries in Asia and build on past projects in Latin America and the
Caribbean. Technical support may include: developing action plan(s) to reduce leakage of trash
to the environment and identifying steps to implement relevant and applicable waste collection /
management systems and modest implementation projects where possible.
Food Waste
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to build cooperation with the United Nations and the Office of
Management and Budget to ensure that on methodologies used to track international progress on
reducing food waste accurately reflect U.S. progress. With the additional requested funds, the
Agency also will scope pilot projects to reduce food waste that is an increasing portion of landfill
waste in rapidly urbanizing developing country cities. These projects are aimed at exporting U.S.
technology and innovative strategies to improve the environment. For example, EPA will bring
together experts from the US government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia,
and the private sector to promote programs, best practices and technologies related to food loss
and waste.
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Chemicals:
EPA also will maintain efforts to reduce environmental threats to U.S. citizens from global
contaminants impacting air, water, and food. EPA will continue technical and policy assistance for
global and regional efforts to address international sources of harmful pollutants, such as mercury.
Since 70 percent of the mercury deposited in the U.S. comes from global sources84, both domestic
efforts and international cooperation are important to address mercury pollution. EPA will
continue to work with international partners and key countries to fully implement obligations under
the Minamata Convention on Mercury in order to protect the U.S. population from mercury
emissions originating in other countries, including from artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
EPA will continue to play a leadership role in the Lead Paint Alliance to increase the number of
countries that establish effective laws to limit lead in paint, which remains a priority health concern
following successful efforts to eliminate lead in gasoline worldwide.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM PAMl) Number of EPA actions to address international marine litter priorities.
FY
2014
FY
2015
FY
201(.
FY
20 r
FY
20IS
FY
201')
FY
2020
FY
2021
Units
Target
6
Actions
Actual
Work under this program supports performance results in the Surface Water Protection Program
under the EPM appropriation and, in the RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling Program under
the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$82.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$3,055.0 / +3.0 FTE) This increase supports EPA's participation in international fora,
the development and sharing of tools through technical assistance, and the implementation
of bilateral agreements to reduce ocean pollution and plastic.
• (+$661.0 / +0.5 FTE) This increase supports EPA's work on food waste reduction
methodologies and scoping projects that focus on U.S. best practices and technologies to
reduce food waste with key international partners.
• (+$465.0 / +3.0 FTE) This increase supports work on implementation of the Environment
Chapter of the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, including monitoring and
verification on provisions pertaining to global and national environmental requirements,
coordination with other agencies, and provision of subject matter expertise.
84 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/intematioiial-cooperation/miiiamata-convention-mercury
and www.mercuryconvention.org.
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• (+$450.0) This increase restores EPA's contribution to the Commission for Environmental
Cooperation in FY 2021.
• (-$638.0 / -18.2 FTE) This reduction supports the continued reprioritization of agency
activities. The program will focus efforts on the highest priority international issues.
Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F): Clean Air Act §
103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §10(a);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1); E.O. 13547; E.O. 13689.
286
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Trade and Governance
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$5,716.8
$5,365.0
$0.0
-$5,365.0
Total Workyears
14.4
15.3
0.0
-15.3
Program Project Description:
Since the 1972 Trade Act mandated the U.S. Trade Representative engage in interagency
consultations, EPA has played a key role in trade policy development. Specifically, EPA is a
member of the Trade Policy Staff Committee and the Trade Policy Review Group - interagency
mechanisms that provide advice, guidance, and clearance to the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative in the development of U.S. international trade and investment policy. Trade
influences the nature and scope of economic activity and therefore the levels of pollutant emissions
and natural resource use. EPA's role in trade negotiations is to ensure that agreements have
provisions that are consistent with the Administration's environmental protection goals while not
putting the United States at an economic disadvantage.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will continue
its participation in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and
other international forums, as appropriate, through the International Sources of Pollution
program project.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$5,365.0 / -15.3 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Trade and
Governance Program.
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Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F): Clean Air Act §
103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide Fungicide
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §10(a);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1); E.O. 12915; E.O. 13141;
E.O. 13277.
288
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US Mexico Border
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$3,236.0
$2,693.0
$0.0
-$2,693.0
Total Workyears
12.5
12.4
0.0
-12.4
Program Project Description:
The two thousand-mile border between the United States and Mexico is one of the most complex
and dynamic regions in the world, where the benefits of international programs are perhaps most
apparent. This region accounts for three of the ten poorest counties in the U.S., with an
unemployment rate 250-300 percent higher than the rest of the country.85 In addition, over 430
thousand of the 14 million people in the region live in 1,200 colonias,86 which are unincorporated
communities characterized by substandard housing and unsafe drinking water or wastewater
systems. The adoption of the Border Programs has gone a long way to protect and improve the
health and environmental conditions along a border that extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the
Pacific Ocean.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. Projects historically
funded along the border between the United States and Mexico may be eligible for funding under
the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$2,693.0 / -12.4 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the U.S. Mexico Border
Program.
85 http://www.miirr.org/drupal/sites/default/files/unm_the_us_mexico border_region_at_a glance.pdf
86 Ibid
289
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Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the 1983 Agreement between the United States of America and the Mexican
United States on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the
Border Area (La Paz Agreement) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F):
Clean Air Act § 103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) §§
1442(a)(1); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
§ 10(a); Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1).
290
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IT/ Data Management/ Security
291
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Information Security
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$598.9
$693.0
$5,082.0
$4,389.0
Total Budget Authority
$8,248.4
$8,286.0
$19,094.0
$10,808.0
Total Workyears
18.7
13.1
12.8
-0.3
Program Project Description:
Digital information is a valuable national resource and a strategic asset that enables EPA to fulfill
its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Information Security Program's
mission is to protect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of EPA's information assets. The
information protection strategy includes, but is not limited to: policy, procedure, and practice
management; information security awareness, training, and education; governance and oversight;
risk-based weakness management; operational security management; and incident detection,
response, and recovery.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Cybersecurity is a serious challenge to
our nation's security and economic prosperity. Effective information security requires vigilance
and the ability to adapt to new challenges every day. As reported to the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), in FY 2019, EPA experienced 194 confirmed incidents against its systems. As a
result, the Agency has identified significant gaps in its ability to detect, respond to, protect against,
and recover from attacks, which increase the risk to compromise agency information.
In response to DHS's Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment, EPA will continue to leverage
capabilities through the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program. EPA will focus
on closing existing gaps by identifying and alerting unauthorized hardware and software into the
Agency's networks and systems, checking outbound traffic for unauthorized exfiltration, and
assessing systems with a Security Content Automation Protocol. In addition to protecting EPA
information assets, CDM will help the Agency identify and respond to federal-wide cybersecurity
threats and incidents quicker and more efficiently.
EPA's cost to implement new and maintain existing CDM capabilities as mandated by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) is estimated to be over $12 million in FY 2021 across all
appropriations. In accordance with OMB Memorandum M-20-04 "Fiscal Year 2019-2020
292
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Guidance on Federal Information Security and Privacy Management Requirements",87 EPA also
is developing a plan for the Agency's Security Operations Center to improve incident detection
and response capabilities, which will be implemented by the end of FY 2020.
With available resources, EPA will work to close non-CDM capability gaps essential to adequately
protect agency information assets. Such efforts include analyzing malicious email attachments,
detecting and mitigating effects of insider threats and advanced persistent threats, and conducting
program responsibilities, such as governance, oversight, and risk management. Additionally, the
Agency practices Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure, a standard process to decrease the harm
or time an adversary can use to deny or disrupt services to its networks by working with internal
stakeholders, private industry, and federal organizations to communicate vulnerabilities
discovered or encountered.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment metrics developed by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and industry best practices help prioritize action to adequately protect
agency information assets and provide visibility on vulnerabilities. While EPA's cybersecurity
posture is expected to remain at risk in FY 2021, the Agency will continue to conduct risk
assessments and alternative analyses to determine which protections EPA must maintain or
implement. The Agency is evaluating alternatives for Security Operations as a Service and cloud
security options such as Cloud Access Security Brokers Services for possible implementation.
In FY 2021, the Information Security Program will continue to collect Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA) metrics and evaluate related processes, tools, and personnel
to continue to identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement. The Program will
collect phishing test results and evaluate the effectiveness of awareness efforts. With these data,
the Agency will identify strategies and prioritize areas to mitigate risks. The Agency will expand
strategies for identifying and leveraging common controls while managing system boundaries to
reduce compliance costs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$185.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$6,234.0 / -0.3 FTE) This program change supports mandatory cybersecurity
requirements,88 including CDM funding that will be used to close existing gaps by
improving audit capabilities, ensuring accountability, and adding protections directly
associated with the information.
87 For more information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gOv/wp-contentAiploads/2019/l l/M-20-04.pdf.
88 Including those found in Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 and Federal Information Security
Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Cybersecurity Actof2015; Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);
Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
294
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$3,092.6
$3,072.0
$2,890.0
-$182.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$13,755.5
$13,792.0
$13,874.0
$82.0
Total Budget Authority
$95,596.8
$97,087.0
$95,828.0
-$1,259.0
Total Workyears
391.4
459.4
469.9
10.5
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 172.0 FTE to support IT/Data Management working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program
supports human health and the environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data
management. The Program ensures analytical support for interpreting and understanding
environmental information; exchange and storage of data, analysis, and computation; rapid, secure,
and efficient communication; and access to scientific, regulatory, policy, and guidance information
needed by the Agency, regulated community, and the public.
This Program supports the maintenance of EPA's IT and Information Management (IT/IM)
services that enable citizens, regulated facilities, states, and other entities to interact with EPA
electronically to get the information they need on-demand, to understand what it means, and to
share environmental data. The IT/DM Program also provides support to other IT development
projects and essential technology to EPA staff, enabling them to conduct their work effectively
and efficiently in the context of federal IT requirements, including the Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA); Technology Business Management (TBM);
Capital Planning and Investment Control; and the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary
Government Data Act.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA is committed to enhancing the power
of information and delivering on-demand data to relevant parties. An example of this includes
continued progress on enterprise data architecture and establishing the role of a Chief Data Officer
as required by the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. The Agency's increased
investment in TBM will enable EPA to make sound, data-driven IT investment decisions by
incorporating critical IT expenditure data into EPA Chief Information Officer (CIO) portfolio
reviews.
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In FY 2021, EPA will strengthen further its IT acquisition review process as part of the
implementation of federal Common Baseline Controls for FITARA. FITARA controls include an
established communication and engagement strategy for the CIO with the Agency's programs and
regional offices to ensure their IT plans are well designed, directly drive EPA long-term
performance goals, and follow best practices. These controls also enable the CIO to engage closely
with key IT stakeholders across EPA and to foster plans to refresh IT skills within the Agency.
The Agency will continue to focus on improving customer experiences to allow EPA, its partners,
and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share information as a critical resource. In
line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization and for data, accountability,
and transparency,89 EPA will improve how it supports and manages the lifecycle of information
and information products.
The FY 2021 President's Budget request includes additional resources to support upgrading the
Agency's enterprise-wide records management system. The IT/DM Program will provide
policies/procedures for digitization; IT architecture; and system development, implementation,
and operations and maintenance support, as well as contribute to efforts to digitize hardcopy
records and transition to centralized records/digitization centers. Work done with these additional
resources support the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: By
September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet.
Further, the President's Budget request includes additional resources and FTE to support the cross-
agency effort to reduce and better predict harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Program will provide
data standards and geo-referencing expertise for EPA's research, predicative modeling and
monitoring tools and analyses, and policy approaches to target and reduce nutrient pollution that
causes HABs and impacts water quality across the country. Work done with these additional
resources will support performance results for nutrient and HABs reductions.
In FY 2021, the following IT/DM activities will continue:
• Data Management and Collection: Data management and collection efforts include
support for a variety of essential enterprise information management programs. The
National Records Management Program will continue providing policies/procedures,
coordination, and support to help fulfill EPA's statutory obligations to maintain records.
The Discovery Services Program will continue supporting the search/collection of agency
information needed to help respond to requests for information from external stakeholders.
EPA will continue to coordinate and oversee the Agency's Information Collection Request
(ICR) development and approval process, helping to ensure data collections are submitted
timely and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act. The Section 508 Program will develop training for different
stakeholder communities. This program will assess documentation for all public-facing
EPA systems/applications via an independent third party and acquire a compliance tool to
improve reporting to OMB.
89 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploadsQ018/03/Presidents-Manageiiient-
Agenda.pdf.
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• Mission Software and Digital Services Capabilities: The FY 2021 President's Budget
includes funding to continue to enhance the Agency's software development and
architecture capability, including application development and deployment approaches and
technical platforms. This program continues EPA's adoption of transformative
technologies and practices, including cloud computing, agile development methodologies,
and shared software development services.
• Geospatial: The Agency will continue to support the essential capabilities of GeoPlatform,
a shared technology enterprise for geospatial information and analysis. By implementing
geospatial data, applications, and services, the Agency can integrate and interpret multiple
data sets and information sources to support environmental decisions. GeoPlatform will
continue to publish internal and public mapping tools, which will better inform the public
about EPA's programs to protect the environment and public health. As of December 2019,
EPA has over 5,200 GeoPlatform mapping applications created or modified for public and
internal use, and since calendar year 2014 the number of users has increased tenfold to over
9,000 users.
• Information Access and Analysis: EPA will focus on providing core support to agency
infrastructure and tools that will drive better environmental decision making with data from
across the Agency. EPA will partner with other agencies, states, tribes, and academic
institutions to propose innovative ways to use, analyze, and visualize data. EPA's One EPA
Web will continue to manage content and support internal and external users with
information on EPA business, support employees with internal information, and provide a
clearinghouse for the Agency to communicate initiatives and successes. EPA will continue
to support Envirofacts and data visualization applications, which receive over 50 million
annual application interface requests.
• Information Technology and Infrastructure: EPA will adjust the schedule for
replacement or upgrades to align with resources and will continue to maintain and provide:
desktop computing equipment, network connectivity, e-mail and collaboration tools,
hosting services, remote access, telephone services, web and network services, and other
IT-related equipment. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue efforts to consolidate EPA's
data centers and computer rooms and to optimize operations within EPA's remaining data
centers. In addition, the Agency will continue to modernize IT/IM infrastructure,
applications, and services to empower a mobile workforce using innovative and agile
solutions.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation and the Surface Water Protection Program
under the EPM appropriation.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$6,405.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$4,000.0) This program change is an increase for the Electronic Records focus area to
continue progress towards upgrading the Agency's enterprise-wide records management
system and enhancing the digitization of paper records, including those in support of
implementing the Toxic Substances Control Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act, and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act. This investment can
ultimately reduce costs and space needs and support ongoing program needs for
information.
• (+$1,179.0 / +1.0 FTE) This program change is an increase to support data delivery as part
of the multi-office Harmful Algal Bloom Reductions focus area. Within this total, $179.0
thousand is provided for salary and benefits costs.
• (-$12,743.0 / -13.5 FTE) This net program change modifies the timeline for development
of new technologies to address agency needs such as new assistive technology tools, ability
to re-platform legacy applications, and replace end of service IT equipment that provides
basic workforce support across the Agency.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
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Legal/ Science/ Regulatory/ Economic Review
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Administrative Law
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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The EAB adjudicates administrative appeals in a fair and timely manner in accord with the APA,
ensuring consistency in the application of legal requirements. The EAB also resolves disputes
efficiently, avoiding protracted federal court review. In over ninety percent of matters decided by
the EAB, no further appeal is taken to federal court, providing a final resolution to the dispute. The
EAB also offers an opportunity for alternative dispute resolution.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the ALJ will convene formal hearings in the
location of the alleged violator or violation, as required by statute. In FY 2021, the ALJ will
continue to implement its modernized filing and case management system to reduce mailing delays
and costs. In FY 2021, the EAB will continue to implement its streamlined procedures for
adjudicating permit appeals under all statutes and will continue to expedite appeals in Clean Air
Act New Source Review cases and in FIFRA licensing proceedings.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$393.0) This change to is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$124.0) This net program change reflects a reduction for managing an electronic filing
and case docketing system.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Procedure Act (APA); Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Clean Air Act
(CAA); Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA); Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA); Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA); Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
(MCRBMA); the Act to Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS).
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$573.3
$710.0
$0.0
-$710.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,240.7
$1,580.0
$0.0
-$1,580.0
Total Workyears
4.3
5.9
0.0
-5.9
Program Project Description:
EPA's General Counsel and Regional Counsel Offices provide environmental Conflict Prevention
and Resolution Center (CPRC) services and workplace conflict prevention. EPA utilizes CPRC as
a method for preventing or resolving conflicts prior to engaging in formal litigation. CPRC
includes the provision of legal counsel, facilitation, mediation, and consensus building advice and
support. This program oversees a strategically-sourced contract for these services that provides
mediation, facilitation, public involvement, training, and organizational development support to
all headquarters and regional programs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measures Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$870.0 / -4.5 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the CPRC Program. Programs
across the Agency may pursue ADR support services and training individually.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA) of 1996; Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Civil Rights Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$8,972.5
$8,814.0
$9,780.0
$966.0
Total Workyears
44.6
54.4
48.3
-6.1
Program Project Description:
The Civil Rights Program enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination by
recipients of federal financial assistance and protect employees and applicants for employment
from discrimination.
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which has responsibility for Title VII Equal Employment
Opportunity (EEO) complaints, affirmative employment analysis, and reasonable
accommodations, accomplished the following in FY 2019: 1) submitted the annual Management
Directive 715 (MD-715) report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); 2)
provided MD-715 barrier analysis training to OCR staff and EEO Officers; 3) achieved a
timeliness rate of 91 percent for Title VII investigations; 4) achieved 59 percent participation rate
for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); 5) trained and onboarded a new cadre of collateral duty
EEO counselors; 6) processed over 650 Reasonable Accommodation (RA) requests; and 7) issued
a new Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPMs) manual which provided updated guidance
and policies on effective implementation of civil rights affirmative employment goals to our
SEPMs. OCR also relaunched the Deputy Civil Rights Official cadre which comprises of Senior
Executive Service managers in each program and region who have lead responsibility for ensuring
and advancing compliance with civil rights regulations, programs, and procedures.
OCR provides policy guidance and technical assistance internally on EEO and is responsible for
carrying out the following functions:
• Employment Complaints Resolution including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
and Executive Order 1367290 - address complaints of employment discrimination;
• Affirmative Employment Analysis and Accountability - provide leadership, direction, and
advice to managers to assist them in carrying out equal opportunity and civil rights
responsibilities and report under the EEO Commission's Management Directive 715 (MD-
90 For more information, please see: https://www.eeoc.gOv/eeoc/history/50th/thelaw/l 1478 11246_amend.cfm.
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715)91 which provides guidelines for identifying triggers and conducting barrier analysis
related to EEO within EPA's workforce; and
• Reasonable Accommodation - carry out EPA's responsibilities under the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 which requires the Agency to provide reasonable accommodation for
individuals with disabilities, unless it would cause undue hardship for the Agency.
The External Civil Rights Compliance Office (ECRCO) carries out the external enforcement of
several civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited-English proficiency),
disability, sex, and age, in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from
EPA. ECRCO investigates and resolves external complaints, develops policy, conducts proactive
compliance initiatives and compliance reviews, and provides technical assistance to recipients and
outreach to communities.
During FY 2019, ECRCO developed and refined internal performance measures and successfully
reduced the backlog of complaints under investigation and pending Jurisdictional Reviews.
Currently, ECRCO has a total of two (2) "backlog" complaints pending - down from 17 at the end
of FY 2018. All new complaints accepted for investigation in FY 2019 were resolved within 180
days of acceptance. By the end of FY 2020, ECRCO will have no backlog complaints under
investigation. In addition, by the end of the first quarter of FY 2019, ECRCO had eliminated its
backlog of pending Jurisdictional Reviews - down from four at the end of FY 2018. Furthermore,
all new complaints received during the second, third, and fourth quarters of FY 2019, received
Jurisdictional Reviews within the 20-day regulatory timeframe.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Office of Civil Rights (Internal)
The Civil Rights Program is developing strategic plans for its internal, employment-related
functions, including specific goals, implementation steps, and benchmarks that will serve as
internal performance measures to ensure accountability for all of the functions. In FY 2021, EPA's
Civil Rights Program will continue its strategic planning process with an emphasis on process
improvement, internal performance measures, technology resources, and strategic human capital
planning. These actions are consistent with measures called for in the EPA Report "Developing a
Model Civil Rights Program at the EPA."92
91 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive 715, October 1, 2013.
92 For more information, please see: http://intranet.eDa.gov/civilrights/pdfs/training/ecfr-developing-a-model-civil-rights-
program.pdf.
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Title VII
In FY 2021, EPA will dedicate most of its financial resources to the processing of discrimination
complaints, including EEO counseling, investigations, and drafting Final Agency Decisions. The
Program will focus on process improvements to: 1) ensure prompt, effective, and efficient EEO
complaint docket management; 2) enhance the EEO compliance program through strategic policy
and training development; and 3) continue to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Program. The Program will continue to:
• Conduct the recruitment process for collateral-duty EEO counselors, providing training
and onboarding.
• Evaluate methods implemented to improve the timeliness of Final Agency Decisions, with
a goal of meeting the EEOC's target of 60 days.
• Strengthen the ADR Program by providing training and marketing specific to both
employees and management.
• Implement cross agency training for supervisors and staff to increase global understanding
of the EEO process, and relevant roles and responsibilities.
• Assess how services are provided nationally to ensure their availability and efficient
delivery.
Affirmative Employment Analysis and Accountability (AEAA)
In FY 2021, the Program will continue to focus on process improvements to: 1) ensure prompt,
effective, and efficient development of critical and required reports, such as MD-715; 2) enhance
the Affirmative Employment function through development of strategic policy, training and the
engagement of critical internal EPA partners; and 3) evaluate accomplishments. The Program will
continue to:
• Evaluate effectiveness of measures taken as a result of work completed under OCR's
national priorities.
• Ensure the collection of applicant-flow data for career development opportunities within
the Agency.
• Revitalize the Agency's Special Emphasis Program through an evaluation of its structure,
resources, and effectiveness.
• Work with EEO Officers and other agency stakeholders to improve the process for
developing the MD-715.
• Increase the availability of data from the AEAA Program through visual management (e.g.,
dashboards) and increased use of technology to demonstrate progress.
• Provide effective training and tools for managers in carrying out their responsibilities under
MD-715 and the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Reasonable Accommodations (RA) Program
In FY 2021, the Program will continue to focus on process and technological improvements to
ensure prompt, effective, and efficient RA request docket management. The Program also will
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enhance the RA compliance function through development of strategic policy; training, and the
engagement of critical internal EPA partners. The Program will continue to:
• Evaluate the procedures for providing Personal Assistant Services (PAS) to determine their
effectiveness; as necessary, revise procedures.
• Update reasonable accommodation processes and templates to improve the timeliness,
efficiency, and consistency of communications and to avoid release of sensitive personally
identifiable information.
• Begin delivering more advanced RA training for both employees and management and
incorporate aspects of PAS.
• Apply a user-based approach to the RA Program to enhance customer service ensuring
customer expectations and needs are being met.
External Civil Rights, including Title VI
In FY 2021, the Program will look to update its Strategic Plan and reinvigorate its efforts to
improve its process for and support of complaint docket management through investigations,
informal resolution agreements and mediation consistent with EPA's nondiscrimination regulation
and its revised Case Resolution Manual. The current External Compliance Program Strategic Plan
focuses on three key goals: Enhance Strategic Docket Managements; Develop a Proactive
Compliance Program; and Strengthen ECRCO's Workforce to Promote a High Performing
Organization. The Program will continue to place an emphasis on providing technical assistance
and partnering with states; reviews; outreach to communities; strategic policy development; and
prioritizing its workforce planning and training.
In FY 2021, ECRCO will continue to track internal performance measures to ensure: 1) all
complaints pending under investigation have any "preliminary findings" issued within 180 days
of acceptance for investigation; 2) all cases resolved through informal resolutions are resolved in
a timely manner; and 3) all Jurisdictional Reviews are processed within 20 days. Also, beginning
in FY 2020 and continuing through FY 2021, the Program will continue to deploy and refine an
electronic case and document management system to manage the external civil rights complaint
docket; refine its Case Resolution Manual that was reissued in FY 2020, including more specific
guidance on ECRCO's Informal Resolution Process; provide guidance to recipients of EPA funds
regarding their regulatory obligation to have in place a nondiscrimination program; and implement
a contract to provide language assistance services to limited-English proficient customers
throughout EPA. In FY 2021, ECRCO will continue the work launched in FY 2020 to focus
internal performance measures on the Informal Resolution Process to ensure timely resolution and
minimize any legal vulnerabilities while maximizing accountability and transparency. Specific
initiatives include:
• Deployment of additional proactive technical assistance pilots to work collaboratively with
states to build upon and strengthen each state's nondiscrimination program in light of the
federal civil rights laws.
• Refinement of Chapter II of the Civil Rights Toolkit deployed in FY 2020 to share guidance
regarding EPA recipients' nondiscrimination program responsibilities.
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• Deployment of Chapter III of Civil Rights Toolkit to share guidance and promising
practices with EPA recipients related to "Risk Communication" on environmental civil
rights issues.
• Continued implementation of the Program's Functional Competency Framework which
strengthens the Agency's workforce by promoting the development of a highly effective,
performance-based organization, including individual development plans that include
customized training objectives.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,691.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$725.0 / -6.1 FTE) This net program change reduces the Civil Rights Program through
streamlining support for processing investigations for Title VI and Title VII complaints,
enhancement of mandatory reporting, and improvements in the overall management of
complaints and reporting processes.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972;
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 504; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Federal Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972 § 13; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Equal Pay Act
of 1963; Rehabilitation Act of 1973 §§ 501, 504, 505, 508; Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990; ADA Amendments Act of 2008; Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967;
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
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Integrated Environmental Strategies
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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SI-1.200.0
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Total Budget Authority
$10,760.9
$10,152.0
$14,200.0
$4,048.0
Total Workyears
44.5
48.0
54.0
6.0
Program Project Description:
The Integrated Environmental Strategies (IES) Program advances the Agency's mission of
protecting human health and the environment while promoting economic growth from the national
level to the community level. The IES Program provides tools and resources to transform EPA
into a more effective organization. Nationally, IES is focused on: 1) streamlining EPA's permitting
processes; 2) working with industrial sectors to identify and develop sensible approaches to better
protect the environment and public health; 3) collaborating with federal, state, municipal partners,
communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to implement locally-led, community-driven
approaches to environmental protection through technical assistance, policy analysis, and training;
and 4) applying process improvement techniques and standards to EPA's activities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program demonstrates new approaches to streamline and
reduce unnecessary burdens and to help communities meet their environmental and economic
needs. In FY 2021, the Program will focus on permit streamlining, sector strategies, community-
driven environmental protection, and Opportunity Zones.
Permit Streamlining
One way that EPA implements its statutory authority is through various permitting programs.
These programs are based on a set of processes that vary across EPA program and regional offices.
The Agency is focused on working across EPA program offices and with state and tribal co-
regulators to streamline EPA's permitting processes in support of the President's Memorandum,
"Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing."93 This
work supports the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan to reach
all permitting-related decisions within six months and the FY 2020 - 2021 Agency Priority Goal
(APG) to accelerate permitting-related decisions. Between June 2018 through the end of FY 2019,
93 For more information, please see: https://www.govinfo.gov/conteat/pkg/FR-2017-0 l-30/pdf/2017-02044.pdf
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EPA had reduced the backlog of new permit applications by over 65 percent (from 149 to 52,
excluding Clean Air Act New Source Review and Title V Operating Permits)94 through a series of
targeted Lean events to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting programs, achieving
the target of the FY 2018-2019 APG. In addition, EPA also reduced its number of existing permit
renewals in backlog by 13 percent (from 479 to 417).95 In FY 2021, EPA will continue to improve
its role in addressing cross-cutting permitting and policy issues and, in partnership with state
permitting offices, will continue to streamline our review of state-issued permits. The Program
will continue to facilitate and support the sharing and implementation of permitting best practices
and approaches of environmental co-regulators to achieve efficient and effective permitting. In FY
2021, EPA will continue to coordinate with lead agencies on One Federal Decision and FAST-41
infrastructure project streamlining. In FY 2019, EPA served as either a participating or cooperating
agency on over 40 major infrastructure projects.
Smart Sectors
EPA's Smart Sectors96 is a partnership program that provides a platform for EPA to collaborate
with regulated sectors of the economy to develop sensible approaches to protect the environment
and public health. Since inception of the program the Agency has focused on 13 sectors. In FY
2019, EPA conducted site visits covering the operations of seven sectors, and participated in more
than 700 substantive meetings with a variety of sectors. In FY 2019, and continuing in FY 2020,
the Smart Sectors Program has created a Sector Snapshot97 for each participating sector and will
be making them available on EPA's website. In addition, each EPA regional office has launched
their own Smart Sector initiative focusing on sectors important to that region. In FY 2021, Smart
Sectors will continue to update the Sector Snapshot for each participating sector, providing
environmental and economic data and highlighting best practices. The Smart Sectors Program also
will continue providing sector ombudsmen to connect, facilitate, and convene Agency experts with
sector representatives to solve discrete policy, guidance, and implementation issues unique to the
sectors. EPA also will continue working to reduce recordkeeping and reporting burden where
appropriate.
Community-Driven Environmental Protection
The IES Program delivers technical assistance, training, and tools to economically distressed
communities and coordinates the Agency's work with communities to increase efficiency,
effectiveness, and accountability. In FY 2019, the Program delivered direct technical assistance to
94 The FY2018-2019 APG includes reporting for backlog new permit applications under the following programs: National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES), Underground Injection Control (UIC), Resource Conservation Recovery Act
(RCRA) Subtitle C, and Approvals to Store, Decontaminate or Dispose of Poly chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) under Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA).
95 The FY 2020-2021 APG for EPA permits in backlog has been expanded to include backlogged applications to renew existing
permits as well as pending new applications. In addition, the APG includes reporting of backlogged permits issued under the
Clean Air Act. For the FY 2020-2021 APG, EPA will report backlog for the following permit categories: NPDES, UIC, RCRA
Subtitle C, New Source Review, Title V, and Approvals to Store, Decontaminate or Dispose of PCBs under TSCA.
96 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/smartsectors.
97 The sector snapshots tool is a new, interactive, web-based application that provides environmental and economic information
about several industries participating in EPA's Smart Sectors program. The sector snapshots application employs a novel
approach by assembling a range of environmental and economic data from different publicly-available sources to provide an
integrated, easy-to-understand picture for each sector over the last 20 years. For additional information, please refer to:
https://www.epa.gov/smartsectors/sector-snapshots.
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more than 30 communities: over 60 percent of these communities included Opportunity Zones. In
FY 2020, the Program is developing new technical assistance approaches specifically focused on
enabling communities to take advantage of the Opportunity Zones incentive, attracting private
investment.
In FY 2021, EPA requests an additional $5.1 million (including 12.0 FTE) to support Opportunity
Zone efforts. The new resources will strengthen efforts in economically distressed communities to
leverage public and private sector investments to support improved economic development and
environmental outcomes. Additional FTE located in EPA's regional offices will provide technical
assistance for revitalization projects in Opportunity Zones by 1) assessing actions EPA can take to
prioritize federal investment in these areas; 2) working to minimize regulatory and administrative
burden that discourages investment; 3) helping local applicants identify and apply for EPA and
other federal resources; 4) coordinating EPA's regional efforts; and 5) measuring results. The
additional resources will significantly expand EPA's capacity to hold additional community
workshops and trainings; assist states in adopting policies and programs that support community
revitalization and environmental protection in Opportunity Zones; and work directly with up to 60
communities to help leverage Opportunity Zone incentives and resources to support revitalization.
In FY 2021, the Program will continue to lead, along with the Office of Environmental Justice, the
application of community-driven solutions to local environmental challenges, focusing on the
Administration's priorities, such as leveraging private investment and aligning federal investments
to maximize benefits to deserving communities. Technical assistance and training are the
cornerstone of EPA's cooperative approach to addressing environmental challenges in
communities, particularly communities that are economically distressed. In FY 2021, EPA will
continue to emphasize technical assistance and training, with the objective of helping tribal, state,
and local governments increase their capacity to protect the environment while growing their
economies, creating jobs, and using public and private sector investments and other resources more
efficiently. Where appropriate, EPA will partner with other agencies to help achieve locally led,
community-driven approaches to protecting air, land, and water, while at the same time supporting
economic revitalization.
In FY 2021, the Program will continue analyses on emerging trends, innovative practices, and
tools that support clean air, land, and water outcomes. EPA will continue to develop tools to help
interested communities incorporate innovative approaches to infrastructure and land development
policies. This assistance helps deliver on multiple economic, community, and human health goals
embedded in EPA's core mission, including managing stormwater, reducing combined sewer
overflows, improving local air and water quality, cleaning up and reusing previously developed
sites, and supporting revitalization and redevelopment in economically distressed communities
including those located in Opportunity Zones.
Process Improvement and EPA 's Lean Management System (ELMS)
In FY 2018, EPA introduced the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS), which uses Lean
principles, practices, and tools, and has enhanced the Agency's performance management
framework. ELMS is a means to promote continuous improvement, and paired with routine
monitoring, measurement, and engagement, it supports EPA employees in identifying and solving
problems and sustaining improvement. As part of ELMS, the Agency's senior leaders hold
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monthly business meetings to discuss performance results and actions needed to make
improvements.
The Agency is deploying ELMS to support the accomplishment of the Agency's priorities by
increasing efficiencies and making operational process improvements. Routine monitoring,
measurement, and engagement, enable the Agency to identify problems while they are still small,
solve problems before they become too big, and sustain improvements over time to carry out their
work more efficiently and effectively. The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) is providing
training and technical assistance to EPA offices on deploying visual management and using Lean
and other business process improvement principles and tools to streamline and standardize
processes, analyze root causes of problems, and assess progress monthly towards performance
measures.
Through the deployment of visual management, standard work, and problem solving tools, in FY
2019, EPA completed initial ELMS deployment to 4,522 EPA staff and implemented 66 process
improvements, exceeding its target of 50 and. A process is considered improved when it achieves
a 25 percent improvement over the baseline. Examples of process improvements include:
o EPA Region 5 Great Lakes National Program Office reduced their funding timeframes for
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grants from 34 days to 14 days with more than three
months of sustained improvement (59 percent improvement),
o EPA Region 9 Land Division streamlined the tribal grants process, reducing from 136 steps
to 56 steps (59 percent improvement),
o EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division improved the quality of draft Title V Operating
Permits from a 14 percent first time quality rate to an 84 percent first time quality rate and
is continuing to improve (500 percent improvement),
o EPA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Office of Compliance improved the
Superfund Cost Recovery process by decreasing the number of days to complete a cost
recovery request from 30 days to five days (83 percent improvement).
The Agency expects each EPA regional or program office to report at least 10 process
improvements by FY 2022. Additionally, the expectation is for an increase in process
improvements to be documented in FY 2020 as ELMS expands across the Agency. Related to
improving the permit process, the Agency is deploying ELMS to support states with improving
their environmental permitting processes. EPA deployed ELMS to Maryland Department of
Environment (MDE) in June 2019 and is slated to support numerous other states in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM OZl) Percentage of communities receiving direct technical assistance that have opportunity zones.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
(.0
70
Percent
Actual
Numerator
Communities
Denominator
311
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(PM PE2) Number of new permit applications in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
1 Siablished
33
0
Permits
Actual
1 1 1
65
(PM PE3) Number of existing permit applications in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
313
209
Permits
Actual
417
(PM OP1) Number of operational processes improved.
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
25
50
72
72
Operational
Processes
Actual
N/A
66
FY 2021 Change from the Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$207.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$5,144.0 / +12.0 FTE) This program change supports EPA's Opportunity Zones focus
area and will support states, communities, and investors in implementing the Opportunity
Zone initiative to facilitate community revitalization and environmental protection. The
additional resources support community-based engagement, training, and technical
assistance to advance revitalization efforts in Opportunity Zones.
• (-$1,303.0 / -6.0 FTE) This net program change reduces the Integrated Environmental
Strategies Program through streamlining of the community work and climate adaptation
efforts within the Program.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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$515.0
$543.0
$608.0
$65.0
Total Budget Authority
$52,041.8
$48,521.0
$50,871.0
$2,350.0
Total Workyears
258.2
257.4
242.8
-14.6
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 5.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE to support Legal Advice working
capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The Legal Advice: Environmental Program provides legal representational services, legal
counseling, and legal support for all EPA's environmental activities. The legal support provided
by this program is essential to the Agency's core mission. The personnel assigned to this program
represent essential expertise in the critical fields that the Agency relies on for all decisions and
activities in furtherance of its mission to protect human health and the environment.
This program provides counsel on every major action the Agency takes. It plays a central role in
all statutory and regulatory interpretation of new and existing rules and all rule and guidance
development under EPA's environmental authorities. This program provides essential legal advice
for every petition response, every judicial response, and every emergency response. When the
Agency acts to protect the public from pollutants or health-threatening chemicals in the air we
breathe, in the water we drink, or in the food we eat, this program provides counsel on the Agency's
authority to take that action; it then provides the advice and support necessary to finalize and
implement that action. When that action is challenged in court, this program in coordination with
the Department of Justice, defends it.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty
and the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2019, EPA
began to develop a revised methodology to consider the scope for tracking the long-term measure.
This program provides legal representation in more than 350 defensive judicial cases each year. It
is projected that the number of cases in FY 2021 will exceed this number. The Program will
continue to provide legal representation injudicial and administrative litigation for core Agency
environmental programs and for Agency priorities. The Program also will provide counseling
outside of the litigation context in the highest priority issues arising under all the legal
environmental statutes administered by EPA.
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In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to focus on its core mission to apply the most effective
approaches by implementing EPA's environmental programs under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Food Quality
Protection Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other statutes. This strategy will help ensure that
human health and the environment are protected, including clean air, water, and land, and safe
chemicals and pesticides.
Legal counseling resources also continue to be in high demand to support the Agency's response
to states seeking assistance developing or implementing environmental programs, industrial
facilities seeking permits requiring them to undertake new economic activity, and citizens seeking
actions to protect local environmental quality, among other things. The Program will prioritize
resources after supporting judicial and administrative litigation to counsel Agency clients on these
matters.
The following examples illustrate this program's important role in implementing the Agency's
core mission:
• On June 19, 2019, EPA finalized the Affordable Clean Energy Rule which replaced the
Clean Power Plan.
• EPA is providing critical legal advice and litigation defense in support of EPA's
implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which
modernized and substantially overhauled TSCA.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RGl) Percentage of legal deadlines met by EPA.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
I V 2020
I V 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Targei
Established
Percent
Actual
N/A
N/A
Numerator
Legal
Deadlines
Denominator
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,257.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$972.0 / -17.8 FTE) This program change reduces legal support. EPA will focus on
counseling and legal advice to the highest Agency priorities and focus on litigation support
to help ensure that human health and the environment are protected.
314
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
315
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Legal Advice: Support Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$14,926.0
$14,478.0
$18,082.0
$3,604.0
Total Workyears
76.4
85.7
90.4
4.7
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 3.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 10.7 FTE to support Legal Advice working
capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The Legal Advice: Support Program provides legal representational services, legal counseling, and
legal support for all activities necessary for EPA's operations. It provides legal counsel and support
on issues including, but not limited to: appropriations, claims, contracts, employment law, grants,
information law, intellectual property law, real property, and all aspects of civil rights law.
For example, if an EPA program office needs guidance on how to respond to a Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) request, whether it may spend money on a certain activity, or what to do
when a plaintiff files a tort claim against the Agency, this program provides answers, options, and
legal advice. This program also supports EPA in maintaining high ethical standards and complying
with all laws and policies that govern the Agency's operations.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to address
and manage information requests, as well as provide legal support for work under the Civil Rights
statutes and employment law. There also is an ongoing need for a high level of involvement in
questions related to contracts, ethics, grants, finance, appropriations, and employment.
In addition to the increase in employee and labor relations matters, litigation and appeals under
FOIA have continued to increase steadily in both number and complexity. In FY 2021, EPA will
continue to focus on responding to the increased number of complex and challenging information
requests. Targeted legal counseling will be provided to ensure appropriate responses for FOIA
requests.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to progress toward its long-term performance goal to reduce
its FOIA backlog by FY 2022. By the end of FY 2019, EPA reduced its FOIA backlog to 2,128,
this was 409 (or 16 percent) below the baseline that was set at 2,537 in April 2018, short of the 25
percent targeted reduction.
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This program will continue its efforts in meeting FOIA's requirements and increasing transparency
by:
• Providing various trainings for Agency FOIA professionals to ensure that EPA is
effectively and efficiently responding to the public's FOIA requests. In FY 2021, EPA will
continue to provide FOIA training for the Agency's supervisors to ensure that supervisors
fully understand the relevant legal requirements. EPA also will improve the FOIA intake
and assignment process, process FOIA appeals, and provide FOIA legal counseling, all to
enhance EPA's FOIA response timeliness and accuracy.
• Implementing the Agency's FOIA regulations by updating EPA's FOIA Policy and
Procedures; issuing guidance;98 and providing project management, coordination, and legal
counseling services for EPA's most complicated and challenging FOIA request projects.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM FOl) Percentage reduction in overdue FOIA requests from the April 2018 baseline.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
25
50
75
Percent
Actual
-9
16
Numerator
-224
409
Requests
Denominator
2,537
2,537
Work under this program supports the FOIA long-term performance goal under Goal 2/Objective
2.2, Increase Transparency and Public Participation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,372.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,232.0 / -7.4 FTE) This net program change is an increase to focus on high priority FOIA
cases and provide legal counseling and support for EPA's operations and a reduction in other
legal support.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
98 On June 26, 2019. EPA brought its FOIA regulations into compliance with 2007, 2009, and 2016 amendments to the FOIA.
Freedom of Information Act Regulations Update (the "Rule"), 84 Fed. Reg. 30028 (June 26,2019). EPA's FOIA regulations
were last updated in 2002 and were significantly out of compliance with the amended statute.
317
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Regional Science and Technology
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$1,224.3
$808.0
$0.0
-$808.0
Total Workyears
1.4
1.7
0.0
-1.7
Program Project Description:
The Regional Science and Technology (RS&T) Program provides assistance to programs
implementing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Clean
Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Clean Air Act; and Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The RS&T Program performs laboratory analysis,
field monitoring, and sampling analysis in order to provide credible scientific data on
environmental pollutants and conditions to the Agency's decision makers.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. The Agency
continues to work toward establishing a comprehensive enterprise-wide laboratory approach.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$808.0 / -1.7 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Regional Science and
Technology Program.
Statutory Authorities:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
318
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Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$12,616.7
$13,094.0
$17,294.0
$4,200.0
Total Workyears
60.2
74.0
74.0
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Regulatory/Economic, Management and Analysis Program is responsible for reviewing the
Agency's regulations to ensure that they are developed in accordance with the governing statutes,
executive orders, and Agency commitments and are based on sound technical, economic and
policy assumptions. Further, the Program ensures consistent and appropriate economic analysis of
regulatory actions, conducts analyses of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, and considers
interactions between regulations across different environmental media. The Program establishes
compliance with Executive Order (EO) 13771 by ensuring that the costs and cost savings of EPA's
actions are fully and appropriately estimated. The Program also ensures the Agency's regulations
comply with additional statutory and EO requirements, including the Congressional Review Act,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act), and EOs 12866 and 13563 regarding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
regulatory review. EPA recently built a prototype economy-wide model and assessed under what
circumstances economy wide impacts should be assessed. The Program also includes the Agency's
newly appointed Chief Statistical Officer charged with implementing major elements of the
Foundations for Evidence Based Policy Act.99
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Program assists the Administrator and senior Agency
staff in implementing new regulatory policy priorities, including EO 13771100 (Reducing
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs), EO 13777101 (Enforcing the Regulatory Reform
Agenda), EO 13783102 (Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth), EO 13790103
99 For more information, please see: https://www.congress.gOv/l 1.S/plaws/puM433/.PI.,AW-1.1. Spubl433.pdf.
100 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulatioiis/executive-order-1.3771.-reduciiig-regulatioii-aiid-
101 For more information, please see: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/03/01/2017-04107/enforciiig-the-
regulatory-reform-agenda.
energy-independence-economic-growth/.
103 For more information, please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-promoting-
a gricul ture-rurat-pro speri ty-aiiierica/.
319
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(Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America), and EO 13 891104 (Promoting the Rule
of Law through Improved Agency Guidance Documents).
In FY 2021, EPA will continue its efforts to assess and review the costs and benefits to businesses,
jobs, communities, government entities, and the broader economy associated with each
economically significant regulatory action to maximize the net benefits of policies protecting
human health and the environment. EPA will collect data and build models to assess regulatory
proposals and their impacts on costs, benefits and economic performance. Planned key program
activities include:
• Continue to work on a model of the U.S. economy. This model is ideally suited to assess
how regulations affect the economy, including distributional impacts, costs, and broader
macro-economic performance. EPA also will have the model peer reviewed, available for
public comment and demonstrated in some regulatory analyses. This model will provide
critical evidence-based analyses to inform decision making.
• Continue to build a model to assess the benefits of national regulations that change water
quality. This effort will provide important evidence-based data and analyses, consistent
with economic science best practices to inform decision making.
• Continue to manage EPA's implementation of EOs, including development and
management of the annual regulatory budget, analyzing potential areas of cost savings,
ensuring EPA continues to meet or exceed the goal of repealing two regulations for each
new regulation issued, pursuant to EO 13771, and maintaining a website that provides
information about regulatory and deregulatory actions.
• Review economic analyses prepared by EPA to ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-
4 on Regulatory Analysis, EO 12866, and other related requirements. Provide the
Administrator and the public with high-quality analysis of the costs, benefits, and impacts
on jobs, businesses, and communities to better inform decision-making and ensure
transparency about the consequences of regulation.105
• Continue to work on development of new regulations to support greater consistency and
transparency in consideration of economic costs and benefits in the regulatory development
process and implementation of Agency programs.
• Continue to work on an updated EPA's Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses to
our Science Advisory Board for peer review. The updated guidelines will help ensure that
analyses provide a complete accounting of the impacts of regulatory actions, including
distributional consequences. The guidelines also will help ensure that evidence-based
economic analysis will be done consistently across EPA programs and in accordance with
best economic methods.
104 For more information, please see: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/15/2019-22623/promoting-the-rule-of-
law-through-improved-agency-guidance-documents.
105 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/guidelines-preparing-economic-analvses.
320
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• Apply the best economy-wide modeling tools to assess the economic effects of
environmental regulatory options, including methods designed to examine the distribution
of regulatory burdens. Work to develop open source data and economic models to analyze
impacts of environmental regulations. These updated guidelines will help ensure that
evidence-based economic analysis will be done consistently across EPA programs and in
accordance with best economic methods.
• Pursuant to EPA's Energy Independence Report under EO 13783, conduct more detailed
employment analysis of regulations (both the direct and indirect employment impacts) on
a regular basis, including developing information and models to help conduct ex post
cumulative assessment.
• Continue to develop EPA's semiannual unified Regulatory Agenda, while ensuring EPA
complies with requirements under EO 13771.
• Manage EPA's internal Action Development Process and expand and upgrade regulatory
planning and tracking tools to facilitate timely decisions and coordination across programs.
• Serve as EPA's liaison with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within OMB.
• Serve as EPA's liaison with the Office of the Federal Register by reviewing, editing, and
submitting documents for publication so that the public, states, other agencies, and
Congress are informed about EPA's regulatory activities in a timely manner.
• Support EPA's newly appointed Chief Statistical Officer, who will provide technical
support and review of projects under EPA's evaluation plan and evidence-based policy
agenda; design statistically-sound policy analyses and evaluations, assist in the
development of the evaluation plan; and promote culture of evidence-based decision
making.
• Lead EPA's implementation of EO 13891, including establishing a new website with links
to all EPA guidance documents in effect and the promulgation of a new rule setting forth
processes and procedures for issuing guidance documents.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RG2) Hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting burden to the regulated community eliminated.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
Hours
Actual
2,026,627
-5,893,454
321
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(PM RG3) Number of EO 13771 regulatory actions issued.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Actual
3
6
(PM RG4) Number of EO 13771 deregulatory actions issued.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Actual
10
18
(PM RG5) Total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and deregulatory actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
-40
-50
-2,138
No Target
Established
Millions of
Dollars
Actual
-75
449
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,787.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,413.0) This program change increases resources to implement regulatory policy
priorities and to assess, review, and improve the Agency's regulations and underlying
economic tools in accordance with new Executive Orders.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
322
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Science Advisory Board
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$3,154.5
$3,214.0
$4,031.0
$817.0
Total Workyears
14.6
18.7
18.7
0.0
Program Project Description:
Congress established EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) in 1978, under the Environmental
Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, to advise the Administrator on a wide range of
highly visible and important scientific matters. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
(CASAC) was established in 1977, under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, to provide
independent advice to the EPA Administrator on the technical bases for EPA's National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The SAB and the CASAC, both statutorily-mandated chartered
Federal Advisory Committees, draw from a balanced range of non-EPA scientists and technical
specialists from academia, states, independent research institutions, and industry. The Program
provides management and technical support to these advisory committees. The Committees
provide EPA's Administrator independent advice and objective scientific peer review on the
technical aspects of environmental issues as well as the science used to establish criteria, standards,
regulations, and research planning, as requested.106
In FY 2019, the SAB produced two consultations and three scientific peer reviews while CASAC
produced one consultation and one scientific peer review. SAB topics included a review of
assessments of IRIS chemicals and a review of biogenic carbon emissions from stationary sources.
The CASAC work was a review of the PM Integrated Science Assessment and a consultation of
the ozone Integrated Review Plan. In FY 2019, EPA organized a Lean event focusing on improving
efficiency and effectiveness through a proposed cross-cutting measure. The SAB proposed a seven
percent reduction in the time it takes to develop reports and proposed to post Federal Advisory
Committee Act (FACA) meeting minutes 90 days after the meeting. These actions are intended to
increase transparency and public participation.
106 For more information, please see: littp://www, epa. gov/sab/ and littp: //www, epa. gov/casac/.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. FY 2021 resource levels are an opportunity for EPA's SAB to
reprioritize activities. Authorizing legislation and scientific integrity mandate that each peer
review meets certain minimum standards for a successful independent review. In FY 2021, the
Program will continue federally mandated CASAC reviews of policy assessments, risk exposure
assessments, and health and ecological criteria for primary National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. The CASAC expects to conduct two such NAAQS reviews in FY 2021. The SAB also
anticipates four reviews of supporting science associated with agency rulemakings in FY 2021, six
reviews to accommodate additional requests as made by EPA's Administrator or program, and
five reviews to assist the Agency in its review of toxic chemicals under the reformed Toxic
Substances Control Act. For FY 2021, the SAB and CASAC will continue focusing on efficiency,
increasing transparency and public participation, and expect to complete nine advisory reports.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$970.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$153.0) This program change reduces the Science Advisory Board Program by
streamlining support for conducting peer reviews and assessing Integrated Risk
Information System chemicals. This reduction also incorporates implementation of
business process improvements to assure logistical support is provided to help the SAB
and CASAC adhere to the provisions of FACA.
Statutory Authority:
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA);
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA); Clean Air Act (CAA).
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Operations and Administration
325
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Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
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Enacted
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• The OMB Category Management Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) goal focuses on total
acquisition spend transitioned from contract vehicles that are unaligned with category
management principles to the Spend Under Management (SUM) program. In FY 2019, to
further EPA's ability to meet its FY 2020 Category Management CAP goal, the EPA
revised its Acquisition Guidance section 8.0.100, Requirements for Mandatory Use of
Common Contract Solutions to include the policy mandating the use of enterprise-wide
contract vehicles, in addition to BIC contract solutions and other OMB-designated contract
solutions. Based on this policy change, EPA anticipates greater than 50 percent of total
addressable spend will have been transitioned into the SUM program by the end of FY
2021, relative to the end of FY 2018 result of 26 percent.
• In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement BIC solutions to identify pre-vetted,
government-wide contracts as part of the Agency's effort to utilize more mature, market-
proven acquisition vehicles.107 Through BIC solutions, EPA will leverage acquisition
experts to optimize spending within the government-wide category management
framework and increase the transactional data available for agency level analysis of buying
behaviors.
• In FY 2021, EPA also will continue to maximize its Strategic Sourcing Program (SSP),
thereby enhancing purchase coordination, improving price uniformity and knowledge-
sharing, and leveraging small business capabilities to meet acquisition goals. The SSP
allows the Agency to research, assess, and award contract vehicles that will maximize time
and resource savings. The SSP serves as a foundation for effective financial and resource
management because it simplifies the acquisition process and reduces costs. Long-term
implementation of the SSP is transforming the Agency's acquisition process into a
strategically driven function, ensuring maximum value for every acquisition dollar spent.
In FY 2019, EPA realized a $4.7 million cost avoidance by using data analysis tools to
monitor specific, measurable data related to print services, cellular services, shipping,
Microsoft software, voice services, office supplies, lab supplies, PCs, and furniture. Since
the beginning of the Strategic Sourcing program in FY 2013 through the end of FY 2019,
EPA has achieved cost avoidance of $19.4 million. In FY 2021, EPA anticipates
approximately $4.3 million in additional savings.
In FY 2021, EPA requests an increase to evaluate options for replacing the EPA Acquisition
System (EAS) with an approved government-wide Federal Shared Service Provider (FSSP) for a
contract writing system. This investment will support the Agency's long-term performance goal
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan to increase the adoption of shared services by September
30, 2022. It also is in line with OMB-17-22 "Comprehensive Plan for Reforming the Federal
Government,"108 OMB-19-16 "Centralized Mission Support Capabilities for the Federal
Government,"109 and the President's Management Agenda CAP Goal 5: Sharing Quality
107 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2017/M-
17-29.pdf Best-in-Class Mandatory Solution -Package Delivery Services.
108 For more information, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2017/M-17-
109 For more information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploadsQ019/04/M-19-16.pdf.
327
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Services.110 The Agency is focusing on a solution that reduces costs while increasing efficiency
by standardizing federal procurement planning, contract award, administration, and close-out
processes. Transition preparations include data management strategies, business process reviews,
and user engagement to develop a business case and ensure data elements conform with Federal
Government Procurement standards.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to focus on implementing the Financial Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) by competing contracts with multiple vendors or confining the
scope of the contract to a limited task, thereby avoiding vendor lock-in, and developing acquisition
vehicles that support the Agency in FITARA compliance and implementation.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM PRl) Percentage of contract actions processed within the Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT)
Standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
SA: 75
CP: 65
FAA: 80
85
90
95
Percent
Actual
SA: 70
CP: 88
FAA: 76
85
Numerator
SA: 204
CP: 21
FAA: 3,038
9,269
Actions
Denominator
SA: 1,007
CP: 24
FAA: 4,002
10,906
Work under this program also supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting
and Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$850.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$400.0) This program change is an increase to support planning for the migration to a
Federal Shared Service Provider contract writing system.
• (-$2,574.0 / -11.2 FTE) This program change streamlines contractor support for: helpdesk
services for EPA's Acquisition System; the closeout of contracts; and the Defense Contract
Management Agency for Audit Services and the Virtual Acquisition Office (a source for
up-to-date government acquisition news, research, and analysis). It also proposes to
eliminate funding for Contracts Management Assessment Program Reviews, which enable
110 For more information, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
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EPA to self-identify and remedy internal weaknesses, and reduces the Agency's training
for its acquisition community.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
329
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Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$258.3
$321.0
$450.0
$129.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$23,772.7
$21,971.0
$22,462.0
$491.0
Total Budget Authority
$96,951.6
$93,715.0
$99,515.0
$5,800.0
Total Workyears
421.4
456.0
435.3
-20.7
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 39.0 FTE to support Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance working capital
fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance Program support the management
of integrated planning, budgeting, financial management, performance measurement, risk
assessments and reporting, and financial systems to ensure effective stewardship of resources. This
includes managing and supporting the Agency's financial management systems. Functions include
financial payment and support services for EPA; general and specialized fiscal and accounting
services for many of EPA's programs; strategic planning and accountability for environmental,
fiscal, and managerial results; executing an Enterprise Risk Management program to support
effective and efficient mission delivery and decision-making; providing policy, systems, training,
reports, and oversight essential for EPA's financial operations; managing the agencywide Working
Capital Fund; and managing the Agency's annual budget process. This program supports agency
activities to meet requirements of the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act
(GPRMA) of 2010; the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act of 2014; the Federal
Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) of 2015; the Federal Management
Financial Integrity Act; the Inspector General Act of 1978, as Amended; and the Foundations for
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to provide resource
stewardship to ensure that all agency programs operate with fiscal responsibility and management
integrity, financial services are efficiently and consistently delivered nationwide, and programs
demonstrate results. EPA will maintain key planning, budgeting, performance measurement, and
financial management activities. EPA will sustain basic operations and maintenance of core
agency financial management systems: Compass, PeoplePlus (Time and Attendance), Budget
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Formulation System (including a new Performance Module), and related financial reporting
systems. In line with the President's Management Agenda, the Agency is reviewing its financial
systems for modernization opportunities to support greater efficiencies and effectiveness and
targeting legacy systems for replacement.
EPA will continue to modernize and streamline business processes and operations to promote
transparency and efficiency. The Program will apply Lean principles and leverage input from
customer-focused councils, advisory groups, and technical workgroups to continue improving as
a high-performance organization. EPA will standardize and streamline internal business processes
and use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case
analysis. The requested resources directly support the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared
services by four.
During FY 2021, EPA will focus on implementation of G-Invoicing, Treasury's Interagency
Agreement system. G-Invoicing will integrate into the Agency's accounting system as part of a
governmentwide effort to standardize and improve financial management. For EPA, this will
involve implementing new versions of the accounting systems software in FY 2020 and FY 2021.
Extensive testing and training will be needed.
The goal of G-Invoicing is to align EPA's business processes to deliver the new, more streamlined
approach for the end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for IAs. Over the next several years,
other federal shared services are planned that will impact financial transactions, and EPA will be
working to integrate upcoming new contracts systems. Among other benefits, EPA seeks to adopt
accepted and standardized business processes that will deliver greater streamlining and efficiency
and achieve improved financial and programmatic oversight. Equally important is the ability to
meet increased transparency needs, such as those prescribed in the DATA Act, as well as increased
compliance and reporting standards.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to develop a Central Evaluation Office to advance the goals of the
Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. Key responsibilities include developing the
Agency's learning agenda and evaluation plans that enhance strategic and annual planning. EPA
will systematically identify the most important evidence the Agency needs to gather and generate
to advance its goals and ensure use of high-quality data, evaluation results, and other information
to inform EPA's policy and decision-making. EPA will strengthen its capacity to assess and make
strategic investments in data, data quality, evaluation, and other evidence-building activities at an
enterprise level.
In FY 2021, the Program will continue to focus on core responsibilities in the areas of strategic
planning, performance measurement, assessment and reporting, and enterprise risk management;
budget preparation; financial reporting; and transaction processing. As the agency lead in
designing and implementing performance measurement and risk management strategies that
inform agency decision-making and advance mission results, the Program will focus on driving
progress toward the Administrator's priorities by regularly assessing performance results against
ambitious targets, monitoring and mitigating risks, and adjusting strategies as needed. This
includes: convening regular Performance Reviews to assess progress; promoting an increased use
331
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of data analytics and evidence-based decision-making practices; working collaboratively with
agency programs to assess and analyze performance and risk data; and providing technical
assistance on agencywide measures of governance to enhance data quality. EPA also will continue
to use the performance data and other evidence to answer fundamental business questions and
identify opportunities for service improvements.
EPA will continue to follow OMB Circular A-123 guidance, conduct internal control program
reviews, and use the results and recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to
provide evidence of the soundness of EPA's financial management program and identify areas for
further improvement. The Agency will collect key operational statistics for its financial
management program to further evaluate its operations and for management decision-making. .
For example, since FY 2018, through extensive employee outreach and improved communication
with human resources, EPA reduced the number of payroll payments made outside of the normal
payroll process by 92 percent. EPA also uses its major systems' help desk ticket data to evaluate
ticket durations, urgent ticket responses, ticket escalations, and customer experience to determine
potential improvements and best practices. In addition, EPA is dedicated to reducing fraud, waste,
and abuse, and strengthening internal controls over improper payments. Since the implementation
of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002, EPA has continually reviewed, sampled, and
monitored its payments to protect against erroneous payments and complied with reporting
requirements.
The Program will continue to support FITARA requirements in accordance with EPA's
Implementation Plan.111 The Chief Information Officer will continue to be engaged throughout the
budget planning process to ensure that IT needs are properly planned and resourced in accordance
with FITARA.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM CFl) Number of administrative shared services.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
6
7
8
10
Shared
Services
Actual
4
4
4
4
4
7
(PM CF2) Number of Agency administrative subsystems.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
24
22
22
21
Subsystems
Actual
:<>
29
29
Work supporting performance results under this program also can be found in the Facilities
Infrastructure and Operations Program under the EPM appropriation and the Human Resources
Management Program under the EPM appropriation.
111 For more information please see: http://www.epa.gov/open/fitara-implementation-plan-and-chief-information-officer-
assignment-plan.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,040.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,983.0 / 2.0 FTE) This program change is to support the work of a new Central
Evaluation Office in OCFO with the purpose of coordinating and implementing the
requirements of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.
• (+$2,157.0 / -11.2 FTE) This net program change is an increase to support the
implementation of G-Invoicing (+$1,348.0) and other Financial Management Payment
Processing Modernization (+$1,150.0) efforts including upgrading, testing, and
integrating with the Agency's current accounting systems, offset from savings from the
retirement of legacy financial systems; streamlining efforts in the areas of budget
preparation, financial reporting, and transaction processing; and efficiencies that reduce
need for staffing.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute).
333
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Science & Technology
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program fund the Agency's rent, utilities, and security. The Program also supports
centralized administrative activities and support services, including health and safety,
environmental compliance and management, facilities maintenance and operations, space
planning, sustainable facilities and energy conservation planning and support, property
management, mail, and transportation services. Funding for such services is allocated among the
major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to invest
in the reconfiguration of EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and avoid
long-term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,112 the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
EPA is implementing a long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number of occupied
facilities, consolidate space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage wherever
practical. EPA also will continue to work to enhance its federal infrastructure and operations in a
manner that increases efficiency.113
112 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets
Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
113 For additional information, please refer to: littps://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-regarding-
efficient-federal-operationsA Executive Order 13834 "Efficient Federal Operations". For information on EPA's FY 2018
334
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EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide by September 30,
2022. This has the potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of approximately $28
million across all appropriations. This will help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. In
FY 2019, EPA released 128,150 square feet of unused office and warehouse space. Planned
consolidations in FY 2021 will allow EPA to release an expected 319,693 square feet of space.
For FY 2021, the Agency is requesting $167.27 million for rent, $8.89 million for utilities, and
$28.96 million for security in the EPM appropriation. EPA uses a standard methodology to ensure
that rent charging appropriately reflects planned and enacted resources at the appropriation level.
In FY 2021, the Agency will take aggressive action to reconfigure EPA's workplaces with the goal
of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables EPA to reduce
its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically sophisticated workplace.
However, even if modifications are kept to a minimum, each move requires initial Buildings and
Facilities funding to achieve long-term cost avoidance.
EPA will continue to manage lease agreements with GSA and private landlords, and maintain EPA
facilities, fleet, equipment, and fund costs associated with utilities and building security needs.
EPA also will meet regulatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
obligations and provide health and safety training to field staff (e.g., inspections, monitoring, On-
Scene Coordinators), and track capital equipment of $25 thousand or more.
In addition, the Agency will continue to utilize GSA's Managed Service Office, USAccess, for
PIV card enrollment and issuance. USAccess is a shared services solution which is in line with
OMB's Federal IT Shared Services Strategy and the President's Management Agenda.114
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM FAl) Reduction in EPA Space (sq. ft. owned and leased).
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
241,000
163,626
100,821
319,693
Square Feet
Actual
149,278
128,150
Work under this program also supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting
and Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,362.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$8,665.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, security, and transit subsidy.
performance for efficient Federal operations/management, please visit: https:/Avww.sustainability.gov/images/scorecards/epa-
scorecard-fy2 01.8 .pug.
114 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-
Management-Agenda.pdf.
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• (+$17,723.0 / -2.2 FTE) This net program change increases support for moves and space
reconfiguration. Funds will allow the Agency to release space in Regions 3, 6, 9 and
headquarters and is necessary for the EPA to operate within the appropriation levels in the
President's Budget.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
336
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Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$2,517.7
$2,580.0
$2,903.0
$323.0
Total Budget Authority
$26,312.5
$26,382.0
$24,355.0
-$2,027.0
Total Workyears
129.9
139.5
115.7
-23.8
Program Project Description:
Environmental Program and Management (EPM) resources in the Financial Assistance Grants and
Interagency Agreement (IA) Management Program support the management of grants and IAs,
and suspension and debarment activities. Grants comprise approximately 40 percent of EPA's
overall budget. Resources in this program ensure that EPA's management of grants and IAs meet
the highest fiduciary standards, that the grant and IA funding produces measurable results for
environmental programs, and that the suspension and debarment program effectively protects the
government's business interest.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Accordingly, EPA will continue to
implement activities to achieve efficiencies while enhancing quality and accountability. In FY
2021, EPA will continue investments in modernizing grant and IA information
technology/information management (IT/DM) systems in support of the President's Management
Agenda.115
Work in this program supports the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA
Strategic Plan. By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four.
The Agency will complete activities to align its IA business processes to ensure compatibility with
the government-wide mandate to adopt G-Invoicing by June 2021.
In FY 2021, additional resources are requested for the Agency to complete the deployment of
EPA's Next Generation Grants System (NGGS) and to retire outdated legacy grants management
system. The transition to NGGS has a relatively low deployment time and will require fewer
training resources as the system is based on legacy grant system infrastructure already familiar to
staff. NGGS relies on a flexible platform that will enable it to adapt to changing technology and
115 For more information, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
337
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business processes and will allow it to easily integrate with other agency systems. Prior to moving
forward with the development of NGGS, EPA researched available federal shared service
providers for grants systems and was unable to identify an existing solution that would enable the
Agency to fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities, and ensure proper accountability, oversight,
controls, reporting capability and financial stewardship, of EPA grants.
EPA will continue to focus on reducing the administrative burden on EPA and grants recipients
and on improving grants management procedures by: 1) streamlining EPA's grants management
policies through a new comprehensive framework to guide policy development, implementation,
compliance, and review; 2) using EPA's Lean Management System to refine grants management
processes; and 3) moving to a risk-based method of pre- and post-award monitoring for grants to
more effectively ensure compliance and also reduce burden.
The Agency will continue to make use of discretionary debarments and suspensions as well as
statutory debarments under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to protect the government's
business interests. In FY 2021, EPA will focus suspension and debarment activity on the most
egregious violations. Congress and federal courts have long recognized federal agencies' inherent
authority and obligation to exclude non-responsible parties from eligibility to receive government
contracts and non-procurement awards (for example: grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and
loan guarantees). A number of recent federal statutes, GAO reports, and OMB directives require
that federal agencies administer effective suspension and debarment programs to protect the
public's interest and the integrity of federal programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,471.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$4,221.0 / -21.4 FTE) This program change is a decrease based on the Agency's shift to
focus on core grants management operations, which include pre-award reviews; post-
award monitoring; compliance; administrative advanced monitoring reviews; management
effectiveness reviews; baseline monitoring; and audit follow-up activities on the highest
risk awards.
• (+$400.0) This program change is an investment to support migration to a new grants
administration management system and to retire outdated legacy software.
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act;
Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act § 2455.
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Human Resources Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Hazardous Substance Superfond
$6,163.7
$6,548.0
$5,704.0
-$844.0
Total Budget Authority
$49,503.6
$48,104.0
$50,242.0
$2,138.0
Total Workyears
201.4
228.2
223.0
-5.2
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources for the Human Resources (HR)
Management Program support human capital (HC) activities throughout EPA. To help achieve its
mission and maximize employee productivity and job satisfaction, EPA continually works to
improve business processes for critical HC functions including recruitment, hiring, employee
development, performance management, leadership development and workforce planning. This
includes personnel and payroll processing through the Human Resources Line of Business. EPM
resources also support overall federal advisory committee management and Chief Human Capital
Officer Council activities under applicable statutes and guidance, including the Agency's Human
Capital Operating Plan.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce management is critical to EPA's
ability to accomplish its mission. EPA's efforts in HC functions are focused on sustaining the
workforce, retaining critical expertise, and capturing institutional knowledge. The Agency is
developing and deploying management tools to assist EPA in ensuring the right staff with the
appropriate skills are placed in the most suitable positions. These tools also will be valuable as an
increasing percentage of the workforce becomes retirement eligible. Currently, 25 percent of
EPA's workforce is retirement eligible, increasing to an estimated 50 percent over the next five
years. EPA will continue to support efforts to maintain the high-quality of core operations, improve
efficiencies and achieve greater effectiveness in mission support functions including HC
management.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to build upon its performance, learning, and succession
management activities. EPA will maintain and operate FedTalent, a talent management system
provided through the Department of Interior (DOI)'s Interior Business Center (IBC). FedTalent
serves as a valuable tool to assist with developing, delivering, and tracking high-impact training.
EPA will continue to migrate and consolidate training data from more than 15 disparate training
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repositories to ensure FedTalent is a one-stop-shop for all training needs. Additionally, the Agency
is planning to procure and deploy a performance management system to move from paper to an
automated process for the start of FY 2021.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to maintain and operate three other recent workforce planning tools
- the Mission Critical Occupations dashboard (to be fully launched in FY 2020) and the Workforce
Demographics and Diversity dashboards (both fully deployed and in place). These dashboards
provide data visualizations and easy-to-understand information about the current workforce and
are essential for succession planning and management because they afford managers a strategic
view of retirement eligibility, diversity information, occupational series, and grade levels, as well
as the ability to drill down and access data at lower organizational levels. The dashboards assist
EPA with succession planning by helping identify workforce gaps due to anticipated retirements
and attrition trends.
The Agency will continue the development and piloting of its Talent Enterprise Diagnostics (TED)
tool in FY 2020, which advances human capital priorities by enhancing EPA's ability to make
strategic workforce decisions. In FY 2021, TED data will continue to serve a crucial role in EPA's
Workforce Planning and Succession Management process to identify potential competency gaps
across the Agency and to increase management's understanding of where needed skill sets reside
within EPA.
EPA is working to develop and maintain a high-caliber and modern information technology (IT)
and security workforce though direct hiring authority (DHA) granted by 5 CFR § 337116 for IT
positions. This authority allows EPA to recruit highly skilled candidates in very technical areas of
work without regard to the provisions of Title 5. The Agency hired 23 IT specialists leveraging
this authority in FY 2019. EPA will continue to leverage the use of the DHA across IT specialist
occupation categories in FY 2020 and FY 2021.
EPA will continue to focus on delivering statutorily required services associated with the
Employee Counseling Assistance Program, the Federal Worker's Compensation Program, the
Drug-free Workplace Program, Unemployment Compensation, and Sign Language Interpreting
and Captioning services. Furthermore, the Agency will continue its focus on Labor and Employee
Relations (LER) by administering and/or negotiating national labor agreements and providing
advice, guidance, and assistance to regional and local level negotiations. EPA also will continue
its efforts to strengthen managers' and supervisors' institutional knowledge on LER related matters
through training and outreach; provide advisory and counseling support agencywide; and conduct
analysis of HC information to assist managers and supervisors.
The Agency is strengthening and improving its HR accountability program through internal
assessments with the Office of Personnel Management's HRStat framework. With a focus on
efficient, effective, and accountable systems, EPA is meeting all regulatory requirements and looks
for opportunities for continuous improvement.
116 For more information, please refer to: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=lb430a73fB4957c9flaf2dee2fi9d0d5&rgn=div5&view=text&node=5:1.0.1.2.48&idno=5#5:1. .0.1. .2.48.2.1.6,1.
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EPA has reconstituted an intern program to address the expected retirement wave. The Green
Intern program introduces participants to core mission work. This program is supported by formal
coaching and training programs aimed at sustaining the workforce, expanding professional
development opportunities, and increasing employee productivity. The first intern class began
onboarding at the start of FY 2020. EPA also has expanded its outreach to new potential sources
for future employees. Specifically, EPA reestablished connections with the Washington Center to
bring on rising college seniors to experience working at the Agency; signed a Memo of
Understanding with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers for promoting a diverse
workforce; and initiated participation in the President Management Council's Interagency
Rotational Program to create leadership development assignments for GS 13-15 level employees.
The Agency is actively involved with OPM's Chief Human Capital Officer Council and the
President's Management Council's Agenda to address the challenges of the 21st Century federal
workforce. EPA will continue to collaborate in these forums to maximize the value these
communities add to important government-wide issues. FY 2021 priorities include workforce
planning, succession planning, and employee engagement. The EPA Workforce Plan is being
updated using the dashboards and the TED tool mentioned previously. Succession planning is
taking the form of outreach to potential leaders through expanded partnerships. EPA is building
on current employee engagement efforts through its Engagement Community of Practice and the
creation of an Engagement Officer position.
In FY 2021, EPA's Human Resources Shared Service Centers (HRSSC) in Cincinnati, Ohio and
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina will continue to manage recruitment; employee relations
and advisory services; develop, implement, and enhance training and employee orientation
programs; and provide management guidance on workforce planning and personnel policies.
Additionally, the HRSSCs will continue to coordinate and deliver a comprehensive human
resource management program. Other specific functions of the HRSSCs encompass employee
benefits, retirement counseling, career development, performance management, personnel actions,
and quality of life issues.
EPA's advisory committees, which operate as a catalyst for public participation in policy
development, implementation, and decision making, have proven effective in building consensus
among the Agency's diverse external partners and stakeholders. The Agency will continue its
ongoing efforts to modernize the advisory committee administrative processes by implementing
an electronic committee membership nomination and appointment process to improve operational
efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy, and timeliness.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated the FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,221.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,239.0 / -5.2 FTE) This net program change reduces funding for: operational support
for HR programs being utilized agencywide including the Agency's recruitment and
diversity and inclusion activities, EPA's Human Resources Council and National
Partnership Council, the Leave Bank, and the Workplace Solutions; enhancements and
maintenance of EPA's HR IT Systems including HR Line of Business, data management
and analysis, troubleshooting, and change requests; support for Federal Advisory
Committees not mandated by statute; and centrally-provided, non-mandatory training.
Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Pesticides Licensing
344
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Science Policy and Biotechnology
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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S 1.60x0
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-SI,00x0
Total Budget Authority
$1,823.4
$1,605.0
$0.0
-$1,605.0
Total Workyears
5.9
4.6
0.0
-4.6
Program Project Description:
The Science Policy and Biotechnology Program provides scientific and policy expertise,
coordinates EPA's intra/interagency efforts, and facilitates information-sharing related to core
science policy issues concerning pesticides and toxic chemicals. In addition, the Science Policy
and Biotechnology Program provides for independent, external scientific peer review through the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel, a federal
advisory committee, and the newly-formed Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. Statutory
requirements will be absorbed by the pesticides and toxics programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,605.0 / -4.6 FTE) This program change eliminates the Science Policy and
Biotechnology Program. The science advisory committee oversight, including peer review,
required by FIFRA and the Toxic Substances Control Act, will be conducted by the
pesticides and toxics program offices.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics
Act (FFDCA) § 408; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Science & Technology
$3,098.5
$3,154.0
$2,443.0
-$711.0
Total Budget Authority
$58,466.7
$61,907.0
$53,711.0
-$8,196.0
Total Workyears
366.4
387.6
416.5
28.9
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 126.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)117 and the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996
(FQPA), and the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA),118 EPA is
charged with protecting people from the health risks that pesticide use can pose. FIFRA requires
EPA to register pesticide products before they are marketed for use in the United States.
Registration is based on the review of scientific data sufficient to demonstrate that the product can
perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment.
This program emphasizes the use of reduced risk methods of pest control, including the use of
reduced risk pesticides and helping growers and other pesticide users learn about new, safer
products and methods of using pesticides.
Under FFDCA, if a pesticide is to be used in a manner that may result in pesticide residues in food
or animal feed, EPA must establish a tolerance, or maximum legal residue level or exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance before it can be registered. To establish a tolerance, EPA must find
that the residues are "safe," which, under FFDCA, means that there is a reasonable certainty of no
harm to human health from aggregate exposure to the pesticide residue in food and from all other
exposure except occupational exposure.119 EPA must periodically review the registration and
tolerances that the Agency issues to ensure that the public health is adequately protected.
117 For additional information on FIFRA, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/suminary-rederal-insecticide-
fungicide-and-rodenticide-act.
118 On Friday, March 8, 2019, the President signed into law the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA
4), which reauthorizes PRIA for 5 years through fiscal year 2023, and updates the fee collection provisions of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
119 Additional information related to pesticide registration, the setting of tolerance levels, and the pesticide risk assessment process
can be found at the following location: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-tolerances/setting-tolerances-pesticide-residues-foods.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Pesticide Review and Registration
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing
pesticides, and other registration requests in accordance with statutory requirements. In addition,
the Agency will be evaluating pesticides that are already in the market against current scientific
standards for human health. To further advance EPA's work supporting environmental justice and
children's health, EPA will process these registration requests with special consideration for
susceptible populations, especially children. Under the FQPA, EPA is statutorily required to ensure
that its regulatory decisions are protective of children's health and other vulnerable
subpopulations. EPA will continue to emphasize the registration of reduced risk pesticides,
including biopesticides, to provide farmers and other pesticide users with new, safer alternatives.
The Agency, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will work to
ensure that minor use registrations receive appropriate support and that needs are met for reduced
risk pesticides for minor use crops. EPA will assist farmers and other pesticide users in learning
about new, safer products and methods of using existing products through workshops,
demonstrations, small grants, and materials available on the website and in print.
In FY 2021, EPA also will continue to review the registrations of existing pesticides with a focus
on assessing and ensuring that pesticides can continue to be used safely, without unreasonable
adverse effects to human health and the environment. The goal of the registration review process,
as mandated by statute, is to review pesticide registrations every 15 years to determine whether it
continues to meet the FIFRA standard for registration.120 For pesticides registered before October
1, 2007, EPA has a statutory mandate to make registration review decisions by October 1, 2022.
There is a total of 725 such cases. For each case, the steps in this process include, in this order,
opening dockets, developing work plans, completing risk assessments, and making decisions
regarding any risk management measures. EPA completed the opening of all 725 dockets in FY
2017 and will focus its resources on completing risk assessments and making decisions to meet
the FY 2022 statutory deadline. As of the end of FY 2019, 383 final decisions of a known universe
of 725 cases were completed and 546 draft risk assessments of a known universe of 725 cases were
completed. In working towards meeting the FY 2022 deadline for registration review, EPA expects
to complete approximately 85 draft risk assessments and 110 decisions during FY 2021. The draft
risk assessments will be published for public comments.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue enhancements to the Pesticide Registration Information System
(PRISM). Expanding the capabilities of PRISM via further inclusion of electronic processes will
reduce paperwork burden and maximize efficiency, in accordance with the President's
Management Agenda (PMA), by converting paper-based processes into electronic processes and
corresponding workflows for the Pesticide Program's regulated entities. In addition, PRISM will
create an iterative/inclusive, streamlined electronic workflow to support pesticide product
registration, chemical reviews, and assessments, and will be used as a centralized data repository
120 See. the EPA Pesticide Registration Internet site, found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration.
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to electronically store associated data as they relate to regulatory decisions and scientific
information. Overall, the Agency proj ects that by expanding PRISM and related proj ects, over 150
existing business process workflows supporting the implementation of PRIA will be improved.
Reducing Pesticide Risks to People through the Registration of Lower Risk Pesticides
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to promote reduced risk pesticides by giving registration priority
to pesticides that have lower toxicity to humans and non-target organisms such as birds, fish, and
plants; low potential for contaminating groundwater; lower use rates; low pest resistance potential;
and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM).121
Several other countries and international organizations also have instituted programs to facilitate
registering reduced risk pesticides. EPA works with the international scientific community and the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries to register
new reduced risk pesticides and to establish related tolerances (maximum residue limits). Through
these efforts in FY 2021, EPA will help reduce risks to Americans from foods imported from other
countries.
Protecting Workers from On-the-Job Pesticide Risks
Millions of America's workers are exposed to pesticides in occupations such as agriculture, lawn
care, food preparation, and landscape maintenance. Protecting workers from potential effects of
pesticides is an important role of the Pesticide Program. Workers in several occupations may be
exposed to pesticides when they prepare pesticides for use, such as by mixing a concentrate with
water, or loading and applying the pesticide.
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS)122 and the Certification of Pesticide Applicators rules
finalized in FY 2015 and FY 2017, respectively, are key elements of EPA's strategy for reducing
occupational exposure to pesticides. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide extensive in-person
training to state regulators and inspectors and regions on the revised regulations to ensure accurate
implementation and protection of America's workforce.
Through this program, EPA also will continue outreach and training to healthcare providers in the
recognition and management of pesticide-related illnesses. The outreach focuses on efforts to train
clinicians serving the migrant and seasonal farmworker community, further improving the
treatment of agricultural workers and communities potentially exposed to pesticides.
Preventing Disease through Public Health Pesticides: Antimicrobial Testing
Antimicrobial pesticides play an important role in public health and safety by killing germs,
bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, and slime. Some of these products are used to sterilize
hard surfaces in hospitals. Chemical disinfection of hard, non-porous surfaces, such as floors, bed
121 Se
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rails, and tables is one component of the infection control systems in hospitals, food processing
operations, and other places where disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses,
may be present. In reviewing registrations for antimicrobials, EPA is required to ensure that
antimicrobials maintain their effectiveness.123
EPA's Antimicrobial Testing Program (ATP) has been testing hospital sterilants, disinfectants,
and tuberculocides since 1991 to help ensure that products in the marketplace meet stringent
efficacy standards. EPA is currently in the process of developing a new risk-based testing strategy
in response to EPA Office of the Inspector General recommendations made in FY 2016.124
Consistent with OIG recommendations, EPA suspended the ATP in November 2017 and released
a draft risk-based strategy, renamed the Antimicrobial Performance Evaluation Program (APEP),
in October 2019 for public comment and will continue to seek public input prior to implementation
in FY 2022.
Outreach and Education
Giving priority to reduced risk and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-friendly pesticides are two
steps toward protecting human health. It is essential for people using pesticides to be well
informed, to understand the importance of reading and following label directions, and the
importance of proper disposal. They also need to understand how to protect themselves from pests
that can transmit disease. In FY 2021, the Pesticide Program will continue to invest in
environmental education and training efforts for growers, pesticide applicators, and workers, as
well as the public in general.
Reducing Animal Testing
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to utilize its guiding principles on data needs125 to ensure
that the Agency has enough information to support strong regulatory decisions to protect human
health, while reducing, and eliminating in some cases, unnecessary animal testing. EPA's Hazard
and Science Policy Council (HASPOC) plays an important role in the implementation of the vision
of the 2007 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report on toxicity testing in the 21st century —
moving toward smarter testing strategies by waiving human health toxicity studies that do not
provide useful information. Since its inception, HASPOC has waived hundreds of studies resulting
in the saving of tens of thousands of animals and tens of millions of dollars in the cost of
conducting the studies. In addition, the Agency has continued to develop and implement 21st
century toxicology and exposure methods, including the use of computer-modeling and in vitro
testing techniques, to advance more efficient and effective human health risk assessments that
support sound, risk-based, regulatory decision-making.
123 See, FIFRA section 3(h)(3), 7 U.S.C. 136a(h)(3).
124 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide~registratioii/antiiiiicrobial4estiiig~prograiri.
125 Additional information on reducing animal testing may be found at:
pesticides-will-reduce-animal-testing.
;. go v/pesticides/new-i
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Evidence and Evaluation
EPA will continue, through EPA's Lean Management System (ELMS), to improve the review
process for pesticide new active ingredient applications by reducing the timeframes to review these
types of applications. In FY 2021, EPA will gather additional evidence, building on continuous
efforts to map the process, use data visualization techniques, engage in enhanced collaboration
activities, and identify and address bottlenecks. The Agency expects to reduce decision timeframes
for new active ingredient applications, improve on-time percentages, and leverage those
improvements for other related processes (e.g., new uses).
In FY 2019, EPA completed reviews of over 2,000 PRIA registration actions, with 97.6 percent of
those actions being completed on or before PRIA negotiated due dates; registered 14 new pesticide
active ingredients; published 85 pesticide draft risk assessments and 80 final/interim decisions for
existing pesticides. In FY 2019, EPA took an average of 686 days to complete PRIA decisions, 55
days above the target of 631. Contributing factors included: (1) three of the 14 completions had
longer statutory timeframes; (2) the total number of new active ingredient completions in FY 2019
was somewhat lower than normal; and (3) 12 of the 14 completions required renegotiation of the
PRIA due date, which itself adds time to the overall process. The average exceedance of PRIA
decision timeframes for new active ingredients (due to renegotiation) is 182 days which was
significantly better than the FY 2019 target of 284 days. Reasons for the renegotiation of the PRIA
due date in FY 2019 included: deficient applications; additional studies required; risk mitigation
issues; public participation process; and the Federal Register Notice publication process.
As part of EPA's long-term commitment to ensure the effective advancement of the chemicals
safety program to protect human health and the environment from potential risks of pesticides and
toxic chemicals, the Agency's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will establish
a presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Positions in RTP will be filled
competitively and will not involve reassignments or involuntary moves, and the effort will utilize
existing EPA space and resources. Establishing a presence in RTP is expected to improve
recruitment of scientific staff and increase capacity to meet OCSPP's statutory and regulatory
milestones under FIFRA, FQPA, ESA, and associated statutes.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,763.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$12,248.0 / -13.0 FTE) This net program change is a reduction in funding for pesticide
program activities from annual appropriations by increasing utilization of pesticide user
fee collections.
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Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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-Sh.HMt.O
Science & Technology
$2,415.8
$2,327.0
$2,616.0
$289.0
Total Budget Authority
$41,860.0
$41,293.0
$34,716.0
-$6,577.0
Total Workyears
295.3
249.6
268.4
18.8
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 85.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires EPA to register a
pesticide if, among other things, the product "will also not generally cause unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment" when used in accordance with labeling and common practices. The
goal of this program is to protect the environment from the potential risks posed by pesticide use.
EPA must conduct risk assessments before the initial registration of each pesticide for each use, as
well as re-evaluate each pesticide at least every 15 years, as required by the Food Quality
Protection Act (FQPA). This periodic review is accomplished through EPA's Pesticide
Registration Review Program.
In addition to FIFRA responsibilities, the Agency has distinct obligations under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).126 These obligations include ensuring that pesticide regulatory decisions also
will not destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat or jeopardize the continued
existence of species listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (jointly, "the Services").
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Assessing the Risks Pesticides Pose to the Environment
To accomplish the goals set out in the FIFRA and ESA statutes, in FY 2021, EPA will continue to
conduct ecological risk assessments127 to determine what risks are posed by each pesticide to
126 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species.
127 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/factsheet-
ecological-risk-assessment-pesticides.
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plants, animals, and ecosystems that are not the targets of the pesticide and whether changes are
necessary to protect the environment. EPA has extensive authority to require the submission of
data to support its scientific decisions and uses the latest scientific methods to conduct these
ecological risk assessments. The Agency requires applicants for pesticide registration to conduct
and submit a wide range of environmental laboratory and field studies. These studies examine the
ecological effects or toxicity of a pesticide and its breakdown products on various terrestrial and
aquatic animals and plants, and the chemical fate and transport of the pesticide (how it behaves
and where it enters the soil, air, and water). EPA uses these and other data to prepare an
environmental fate assessment and a hazard, or ecological effects, assessment that interprets the
relevant toxicity information for the pesticide and its degradation products.128
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to examine all toxicity and environmental fate data submitted with
each new pesticide registration application to determine what risks the new active ingredient may
pose to the environment. When complex scientific issues arise, the Agency consults the FIFRA
Scientific Advisory Panel129 for independent scientific advice.
Risk Mitigation
To ensure unreasonable risks are avoided, EPA may impose risk mitigation measures such as
modifying use rates or application methods, restricting uses, or denying uses. In some regulatory
decisions, EPA may determine that uncertainties in the risk determination need to be reduced and
may subsequently require monitoring of environmental conditions, such as effects on water
sources, or the development and submission of additional laboratory or field study data by the
pesticide registrant.
Ensuring Proper Pesticide Use through Labeling
Under FIFRA, it is illegal to use a registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the label
instructions and precautions. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to use pesticide labels to indicate
what uses are appropriate and to ensure that the pesticide is used at the application rates and
according to the methods and timing approved. When EPA registers a pesticide product, it requires
specific labeling instructions and precautions. When risks are identified during the initial
registration or during registration review, the Agency may mitigate those risks by requiring label
changes. For example, EPA may require buffer zones around water sources to prevent
contamination of water or endangering aquatic plants and wildlife. Other examples are changing
the application method, or rate or timing of applications to when pollinators are not present to
prevent risks to pollinators such as bees.
Pesticide Registration Review
In FY 2021, EPA's activities will involve increased efforts on comprehensive risk assessments to
protect the environment. For the 725 cases covering all pesticides registered before October 1,
2007, EPA has a statutory mandate to make registration review decisions by October 1, 2022. For
128 Additional information may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessiiig-pesticide-risks/overview-risk-
assessiiient-pesticide-prograiii.
129 For additional information, please visit: littp://www, epa. gov/scipolv/sap.
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each case, the steps in this process include, in this order: opening dockets, developing work plans,
completing risk assessments, and making decisions regarding any risk management measures.
EPA completed the opening of all 725 dockets in FY 2017 and will focus its resources on
completing risk assessments and making decisions to meet the FY 2022 statutory deadline. As of
the end of FY 2019, 383 final decisions of a known universe of 725 cases were completed and 546
draft risk assessments of a known universe of 725 cases were completed. In working towards
meeting the FY 2022 deadline for registration review, EPA expects to complete approximately 85
draft risk assessments and 110 decisions during FY 2021. The draft risk assessments will be
published for public comments.
Pesticide Registration and Reducing Risk Through the Use of Safer Pesticides and Methods
The review of pesticides currently in the marketplace and implementation of decisions made as a
result of these reviews are a necessary element of meeting EPA's goals. However, attaining risk
reduction would be significantly hampered without availability of alternative products to these
pesticides for consumers.130 Consequently, the success of the Registration Program in ensuring the
availability of reduced risk pesticides plays a significant role in meeting the environmental
outcome of improved ecosystem protection. EPA has promoted reduced risk pesticides since 1993
by giving registration priority to pesticides that have lower toxicity to people and non-target
organisms such as birds, fish, and plants; low potential for contaminating groundwater; lower use
rates; low pest resistance potential; and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM).131
Biological pesticides and biotechnology often represent lower risk solutions to pest problems. In
FY 2021, EPA will continue to assist pesticide users in learning about new, safer products as well
as safer methods for using existing products. The Agency also will continue encouraging the use
of IPM tools.
Reducing Animal Testing
In FY 2021, through stakeholder discussions and participation in intergovernmental working
groups, the Agency will work to identify opportunities to reduce the use of animals in ecological
hazard testing. EPA will reach out to non-governmental organizations to collaborate on projects
(e.g., to retrospectively analyze the results of ecological hazard testing). Based on the results of
those projects, EPA will then develop and disseminate guidance materials for companies to clarify
ecotoxicology testing requirements/needs.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue its efforts for alternative methods to whole animal toxicity testing
for characterizing the effects of pesticide active ingredients on terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates.
EPA will continue the current partnership with the National Toxicology Program Interagency
Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM). A focus will be the
use of Collaborative Acute Toxicity Modeling Suite (CATMoS) estimates of acute oral toxicity to
replace mammal testing in ecological risk assessment. EPA also will complete a study of the
feasibility for reducing the number of tested species of fish used to characterize acute effects for
130 For additional information on pesticide risk, please visit
risks/overview-risk-assessment-pesticide-program.
131 For additional information on IPM, please visit: https:,
principles.
•/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-
-pest-i
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the taxa. The effort is expected to coincide with EPA's collaboration with other federal agencies
to collect, describe, and develop performance-based evaluations for a suite of in-silico and in-vitro
methods for estimating acute lethal endpoints in fish. By addressing both the endpoint needs and
the available estimation tools concurrently, EPA expects to increase the efficiency of performance
evaluation and narrow the scope of needed estimation methods for consideration, thereby speeding
the acceptance process.
With the successful completion of methods development for acute mammal and fish toxicity
estimation efforts as well as the 2020 completion of subacute dietary study waiver guidance, EPA
also will be embarking on projects to evaluate the feasibility of reducing the number of avian
reproduction study species (currently the routing data requirement is testing for two species) and
fish life cycle tests (currently testing for freshwater and estuarine species is a frequent occurrence).
The goal would be to reduce the number of tested species, yet still provide for appropriately
protective terrestrial and aquatic organism risk assessments.
Minimizing Environmental Impacts through Outreach and Education
Through public outreach, the Agency will continue to encourage the use of IPM and other practices
to maximize the benefits pesticides can yield while minimizing the impacts on the environment.
The Agency will develop and disseminate brochures, provide education on potential benefits of
IPM, and promote outreach on the success of IPM to encourage its use.132 To encourage
responsible pesticide use that does not endanger the environment, EPA will reach out to the public
through the Internet, and to workers and professional pesticide applicators through worker training
programs.
Protection of Endangered Species
EPA is responsible for complying with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This presents a great
challenge given that there are approximately 1,200 active ingredients in more than 17,000 pesticide
products - many of which have multiple uses - and over 1,600 listed endangered species in the
U.S. with diverse biological attributes, habitat requirements, and geographic ranges.133 In FY
2021, as part of EPA's determination of whether a pesticide product may be registered for a
particular use, the Agency will assess whether listed endangered or threatened species or their
designated critical habitat may be affected by use of the product. Where risks are identified, EPA
will work with the Services in a consultation134 process to ensure these new or existing pesticide
registrations also will meet the ESA standard.135
During registration review, EPA will support obtaining risk mitigation earlier in the process by
encouraging registrants to agree to changes in uses and applications of a pesticide that are
beneficial to the protection of endangered species prior to completion of EPA's consultations with
the Services. In FY 2021, pesticide registration reviews are expected to contain environmental
132 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles.
133 For additional information, please visit: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecpO/reports/box-score-report.
134 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/eiidaiigered-species/assessiiig-pesticides-uiider-eiidaiigered-
species-act.
135 Additional information on how EPA protects endangered species from pesticides can be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species.
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assessments, including determining potential endangered species impacts. This effort will continue
to expand the Program's workload due to the need to review studies that were received as a result
of data call-ins and the need to conduct additional environmental assessments for pesticides
already in the review pipeline.
In FY 2021, in cooperation with the Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USD A), the
Agency will continue to work on implementing the ESA. To this end, the Agency continues to
implement recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) National Research
Council regarding scientific and technical issues related to the methods and assumptions used by
EPA and the Services to carry out their joint responsibilities under the ESA and FIFRA. Since
receiving the NAS report, the four agencies have developed shared scientific approaches, solicited
input from stakeholders, and presented those approaches to stakeholders. During FY 2021, EPA
will continue to improve the Biological Evaluations methodology and will apply the revised
approaches to selected pesticide risk assessments.
In January 2018, EPA, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Commerce
signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating a Working Group charged with reviewing
statutory requirements, regulations and cases, and making recommendations to improve scientific
and policy approaches. The working group was formalized in the Agricultural Improvement Act
of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill and included USDA and the Council for Environmental Quality [CEQ]).
The Farm Bill also transferred leadership of the working group from CEQ to EPA. Regular process
reports also are required. The first report released in December 2019 outlines the recommendations
and plans for implementation of those recommendations.
The Agency will continue to provide technical support for compliance with the requirements of
the ESA. In FY 2021, EPA will continue the advancement and integration of state-of-the-art
science models, knowledge bases, and analytic processes to increase productivity and better
address the challenge of potential risks of specific pesticides to specific species. Interconnection
of the various databases within the program office also will provide improved support to the risk
assessment process during registration review by allowing risk assessors to more easily analyze
complex scenarios relative to endangered species.
Pollinator Protection
Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in ensuring the production of food. USDA is leading
the federal government's effort to understand the causes of declining pollinator health and identify
actions that will improve pollinator health. EPA is part of this effort and is focusing on the potential
role of pesticides. EPA's emphasis is to ensure that the pesticides used represent acceptable risks
to pollinators and that products are available for commercial beekeepers to manage pests that
impact pollinator health.
EPA continues to carefully evaluate potential effects that pesticides may have on bees through the
registration of new active ingredients and registration review, in cooperation with the Government
of Canada and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. EPA is continuing to work with
USDA to identify and address factors associated with declines in pollinator health. EPA also has
been working with a wide range of stakeholders in the government and private sections, both
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domestically and internationally, to develop and implement strategies to address factors associated
with pollinator declines and to ensure that the best available science serves as a foundation for
regulatory decisions. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to apply the best available science and risk
management methods for sustaining pollinators.136
Protection of Water Resources
Reduced concentration of pesticides in water sources is an indication of the effectiveness of EPA's
risk assessment, management, mitigation, and communication activities. In FY 2021, the Agency
will continue to work to develop sampling plans and refine program goals. Water quality is a
critical endpoint for measuring exposure and risk to the environment and a measure of EPA's
ability to reduce exposure from these key pesticides of concern.137
Evidence and Evaluation
EPA will continue, through EPA's Lean Management System (ELMS), to improve the review
process for pesticide new active ingredient applications by reducing the timeframes to review these
types of applications. In FY 2021, EPA will gather additional evidence, building on continuous
efforts to map the process, use data visualization techniques, engage in enhanced collaboration
activities, and identify and address bottlenecks. The Agency expects to reduce decision timeframes
for new active ingredient applications, improve on-time percentages, and leverage those
improvements for other related processes (e.g., new uses).
In FY 2019, EPA completed reviews of over 2,000 PRIA registration actions, with 97.6 percent of
those actions being completed on or before PRIA negotiated due dates; registered 14 new pesticide
active ingredients; published 85 pesticide draft risk assessments and 80 final/interim decisions for
existing pesticides. In FY 2019, EPA took an average of 686 days to complete PRIA decisions, 55
days above the target of 631. Contributing factors included: (1) three of the 14 completions had
longer statutory timeframes; (2) the total number of new active ingredient completions in FY 2019
was somewhat lower than normal; and (3) 12 of the 14 completions required renegotiation of the
PRIA due date, which itself adds time to the overall process. The average exceedance of PRIA
decision timeframes for new active ingredients (due to renegotiation) is 182 days which was
significantly better than the FY 2019 target of 284 days. Reasons for the renegotiation of the PRIA
due date in FY 2019 included: deficient applications; additional studies required; risk mitigation
issues; public participation process; and the Federal Register Notice publication process.
As part of EPA's long-term commitment to ensure the effective advancement of the chemicals
safety program to protect human health and the environment from potential risks of pesticides and
toxic chemicals, the Agency's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will establish
a presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Positions in RTP will be filled
competitively and will not involve reassignments or involuntary moves, and the effort will utilize
existing EPA space and resources. Establishing a presence in RTP is expected to improve
136 Additional actions EPA is taking to protect pollinators from pesticides can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-
protection.
137 The most sensitive aquatic benchmarks for the chemicals are posted on the website: fattp://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-
assessing-pesticide-risks/aquatic-life-benchmarks-pesticide-registration.
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recruitment of scientific staff and increase capacity to meet OCSPP's statutory and regulatory
milestones under FIFRA, FQPA, ESA, and associated statutes.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 091) Percentage of decisions (registration actions) completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated
due dates).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
97.0
96
96
97
99
99
99
99
Percent
Actual
85
98.4
99
99
99.7
98
Numerator
1,627
2,078
2,157
2,008
2,193
2,034
Decisions
Denominator
1,919
2,111
2,174
2,026
2,199
2,085
(PM FIFRA1) Number of FIFRA decisions completed through pesticides registration review.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
58
75
110
110
Decisions
Actual
22
33
41
56
64
80
(PM FIFRA2) Number of FIFRA registration review draft risk assessments completed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
70
72
80
85
Risk
Assessments
Actual
37
59
59
76
112
85
(PM PRIA1) Average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active ingredients.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
643
631
619
607
Days
Actual
627
687
638
603
686
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,359.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$9,225.0 / -13.0 FTE) This net program change is a reduction for pesticide program
activities from annual appropriations by increasing utilization of pesticide user fee
collections.
• (+31.8 FTE) This program change shifts 31.8 FTE from annual appropriation to pesticides
user fee collections based on the available balance.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$354.6
$405.0
$684.0
$279.0
Total Budget Authority
$7,548.2
$8,127.0
$6,698.0
-$1,429.0
Total Workyears
31.9
35.8
46.3
10.5
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 10.5 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing
Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
The primary federal law that governs how EPA oversees pesticide manufacture, distribution, and
use in the United States is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Originally enacted in 1947, FIFRA has been significantly amended several times, including by the
Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) and the Pesticide Registration Improvement
Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA). FIFRA requires that EPA register pesticides based on a finding
that they will not cause unreasonable adverse effects to people and the environment, taking into
account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide.
This program seeks to realize the value of pesticides that can be used safely to yield many benefits,
such as killing viruses and bacteria in America's hospitals. These benefits also include guarding
the Nation's abundant food supply, protecting the public from disease-carrying pests, and
protecting the environment from the introduction of invasive species from other parts of the world.
In fulfilling its mission, the Program manages the following types of pesticide registrations and
regulatory actions under FIFRA:
• Special Local Needs under FIFRA section 24(c);
• Federal registrations at the national level under FIFRA section 3;
• Experimental Use Permit;
• Emergency, Quarantine, and Crisis Exemption; and
• Periodic review of existing chemicals under the Registration Review Program.138
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
138 Additional information may be found here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/types-registrations-under-fifra.
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Meeting Agriculture's Need for Safe, Effective Pest Control Products
With the passage of FQPA, Congress acknowledged the importance of and need for "reduced-risk
pesticides" and supported expedited agency review to help these pesticides reach the market sooner
and replace older and potentially riskier chemicals. The law defines a reduced risk pesticide as one
that "may reasonably be expected to accomplish one or more of the following: (1) reduces pesticide
risks to human health; (2) reduces pesticide risks to non-target organisms; (3) reduces the potential
for contamination of valued, environmental resources, or (4) broadens adoption of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM)139 or makes it more effective." In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support and
develop procedures and guidelines for expedited review of applications for registration or
amendments for a reduced risk pesticide.
FIFRA's Version of "Generic" Pesticides
FIFRA authorizes EPA to register products that are identical to or substantially similar to already
registered products (also known as "me too products"). Applicants for these products may rely on,
or cite data already submitted by another registrant. The entry of these new products into the
market can cause price reductions resulting from new competition and broader access to products,
benefitting farmers and consumers. The Agency will continue to prioritize and review generic
registrations consistent with the statutory decision-making schedule. Application submissions for
these actions can generally be reviewed in four months. For example, in FY 2019, the Agency
completed just over 200 registrations for the primary PRIA category (R-300) that involves "me
too" conventional chemical registration requests. The Agency expects to complete a similar
volume of registrations in FY 2021.
Outreach and Education
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to encourage IPM, which emphasizes minimizing the use
of broad-spectrum chemicals and maximizing the use of sanitation, biological controls, and
selective methods of application. EPA regions are committed to partnering with states, tribes, and
territories to carry out IPM projects that inform pesticide users about the pest control options and
how to best use them. It is not enough to have pesticide products registered to control pest
infestations. Pesticide users need to know which pesticides to use, how to use them, and how to
maintain the site, so pests do not return. The Pesticide Program is invested in outreach and training
efforts for people who use pesticides and the public in general.
Review and Registration
During FY 2021, EPA will continue to review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing
pesticides, and act on other registration requests in accordance with FIFRA and FFDCA standards
as well as PRIA timeframes. Many of these actions will be for reduced-risk pesticides, which, once
registered and used by consumers, will increase societal benefits. Working together with the
affected communities, through IPM and related activities, the Agency plans to accelerate the
adoption of lower-risk products. EPA also will continue to support implementation of other IPM-
139 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/iiitegrated-pest-management-ipni-principles.
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related activities. The Agency will partner in the development of tools and informational brochures
to promote IPM efforts and provide guidance to schools, farmers, other partners, and stakeholders.
Similarly, the Agency will continue work-sharing efforts with international partners. Through
these collaborative activities and resulting international registrations, international trade barriers
will be reduced. When nations with whom the U. S. trade accept imported crops treated with newer,
lower-risk pesticides, domestic users can more readily adopt these newer pesticides into their Crop
Protection Programs. Work-sharing efforts also reduce the costs of registration to governments by
sharing the expenses.
Emergency. Quarantine, and Crisis Exemptions
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to prioritize emergency exemptions under FIFRA Section 18,
which authorizes EPA to allow an unregistered use of a pesticide for a limited time in the event of
an emergency, such as a severe pest infestation, public health emergency, or invasive pest species
quarantine. The economic benefit of the Section 18 Program to growers is the avoidance of losses
incurred in the absence of pesticides exempted under FIFRA's emergency exemption provisions.
In addition, exemptions serve as important public health controls to avert pests that may cause
significant risk to human health. In FY 2019, the Agency processed just over 110 requests for
emergency uses and expects to process a similar level in FY 2021.
Evidence and Evaluation
The Program will continue, through EPA's Lean Management System (ELMS), to improve the
review process for pesticide new active ingredient applications by reducing the timeframes to
review these applications. In FY 2021, EPA will gather additional evidence to assist the Agency
with: streamlining the process; mapping the process; using data visualization techniques; engaging
in enhanced team collaborations, and identifying and addressing bottlenecks. The review process
also will be streamlined by incorporating special antimicrobial sections and further monitoring the
use of unregistered pesticides under Section 18. By identifying efficiencies in the process, the
Agency expects to: reduce decision timeframes for new active ingredient applications; improve
on-time percentages; and leverage those improvements for other related processes (e.g., new uses).
In FY 2019, EPA completed reviews of over 2,000 PRIA registration actions, with 97.6 percent of
those actions being completed on or before PRIA negotiated due dates; registered 14 new pesticide
active ingredients; published 85 pesticide draft risk assessments and 80 final/interim decisions for
existing pesticides. In FY 2019, EPA took an average of 686 days to complete PRIA decisions, 55
days above the target of 631. Contributing factors included: (1) three of the 14 completions had
longer statutory timeframes; (2) the total number of new active ingredient completions in FY 2019
was somewhat lower than normal; and (3) 12 of the 14 completions required renegotiation of the
PRIA due date, which itself adds time to the overall process. The average exceedance of PRIA
decision timeframes for new active ingredients (due to renegotiation) is 182 days which was
significantly better than the FY 2019 target of 284 days. Reasons for the renegotiation of the PRIA
due date in FY 2019 included: deficient applications; additional studies required; risk mitigation
issues; public participation process; and the Federal Register Notice publication process.
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Following the ELMS implementation in Fall 2019, additional tools and approaches were
developed that will leverage the FY 2020 Lean projects and support the FY 2021 goals.
As part of EPA's long-term commitment to ensure the effective advancement of the chemicals
safety program to protect human health and the environment from potential risks of pesticides and
toxic chemicals, the Agency's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will establish
a presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Positions in RTP will be filled
competitively and will not involve reassignments or involuntary moves, and the effort will utilize
existing EPA space and resources. Establishing a presence in RTP is expected to improve
recruitment of scientific staff and increase capacity to meet OCSPP's statutory and regulatory
milestones under FIFRA, FQPA, ESA, and associated statutes.
Biotechnology
EPA has a critical role in the successful implementation of the Executive Order on Modernizing
the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products (EO 13874). EPA has been
evaluating our current regulatory framework to determine if there are opportunities for
streamlining current approaches to enable these important technologies to get to market efficiently.
The Agency is working on exemptions for plant incorporated protectants (PIPs) engineered using
biotechnology that are indistinguishable from PIPs made using natural plant breeding. EPA's
proposed rule is under review and expected to be issued in Spring 2020. Additionally, in January
2020, EPA, USDA and FDA launched a unified website that provides a one-stop-shop for
information about the actions the federal government is taking to oversee the development of
agricultural biotechnology products.140
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$565.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$2,273.0 / +10.5 FTE) This net program change is a reduction in funding for pesticide
program activities and shifts 10.5 FTE from annual appropriations with the intent to
increase utilization of pesticide user fee collections.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
140 For additional information, please visit: https://usbioteclmologTOgulation.mrp.usda.gov/biotechiiologygov/home/.
362
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
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RCRA: Corrective Action
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$34,554.0
$36,973.0
$35,126.0
-$1,847.0
Total Workyears
183.0
174.4
172.0
-2.4
Program Project Description:
To reduce risks from exposure to hazardous wastes, EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program ensures that contaminated facilities subject to RCRA
requirements are cleaned up by the responsible party, returns contaminated property to productive
use, and keeps costs from being transferred to the taxpayer-funded portion of the Superfund
Program. Pursuant to EPA promulgated regulations and administrative orders under RCRA, EPA
and authorized states will continue to oversee cleanups conducted by facility owner/operators to
ensure that the facilities meet their cleanup obligations and to protect taxpayers from having to pay
the bill. Approximately 111 million Americans live within three miles of a RCRA corrective action
facility (roughly 35 percent of the U.S. population),141 and the total area covered by these
corrective action sites is approximately 18 million acres.142
EPA works in close partnership with 44 states and one territory authorized to implement the
Corrective Action Program143 to ensure that cleanups are protective of human health and the
environment. The Corrective Action Program allows for the return of properties to beneficial use,
which benefits the surrounding communities, reduces liabilities for facilities, and allows facilities
to redirect resources to productive activities. The Agency provides program direction, leadership,
and support to its state partners. This includes specialized technical and program expertise, policy
development for effective program management, national program priority setting, measurement
and tracking, training and technical tools, and data collection/management/documentation. In
addition, through work-sharing, the Agency serves as lead or support for a significant number of
complex and challenging cleanups in both non-authorized and authorized states.
In FY 2019, EPA approved 127 RCRA corrective action facilities as ready for anticipated use
(RAU), bringing the total number of RCRA RAU facilities to 1,476. In addition, 95 percent of the
2020 Baseline priority corrective action facilities achieved protection of human health while 90
percent achieved groundwater protection.
141 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
endofFY 2016 from RCRAInfo; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
142 Compiled RCRAInfo data.
143 State implementation of the Corrective Action Program is funded through the STAG Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste
Financial Assistance and matching state contributions.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Program will focus its
resources on continuing cleanup of 3,924 priority contaminated facilities (the 2020 Baseline plus
145 additional facilities), which include highly contaminated and technically challenging sites. As
of the end of FY 2019, only 38 percent of the 2020 Baseline facilities have completed final and
permanent cleanups, leaving approximately 2,300 facilities still needing oversight and technical
support to reach final site-wide cleanup objectives. Additionally, the 2020 Baseline is a subset of
a larger group of facilities with potential corrective action obligations under RCRA. The Program's
goals are to control human exposures, control migration of contaminated groundwater, complete
final cleanups for the 2020 Baseline facilities, and identify, assess, and clean up additional priority
facilities.
In FY 2021, EPA will:
• Prioritize meeting the RCRA RAU measure targets, ensuring that where possible
properties are returned to productive use and human and the environment are protected
into the future.
• Reassess its universe of cleanup facilities, priorities, and measures to ensure that resources
are focused on addressing those facilities that present the highest risk to human health and
the environment by implementing actions to end or reduce these threats.
• Provide technical assistance to authorized states in the areas of site characterization,
sampling, remedy selection, reaching final cleanup goals, and long-term stewardship for
cleanups with contamination remaining in place.
• Prioritize and focus the Program on completing site investigations to identify the most
significant threats, establish interim remedies to reduce or eliminate exposure, and select
and construct safe, effective long-term remedies that also maintain the economic viability
of the operating facility.
• For high priority facilities, perform cleanup work under work-sharing agreements to assist
with facilities that have complex issues144 or special tasks (e.g. ecological risk
assessments).
• Continue to improve cleanup approaches and share best practices and cleanup innovations,
such as the use of the Lean RCRA FIRST (Facilities Investigation Remedy Selection
Track)145 toolbox, cleanup optimization tools, and other techniques to speed up and
improve cleanups.
144 For example, vapor intrusion, wetlands contamination, or extensive groundwater issues.
145 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/hw/toolbox-corrective-action-resource-conservation-and-recoverv-
act-facilities-investigation-remedv.
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• Maintain RCRAInfo, which is the primary data system that many states rely upon to
manage their RCRA permitting, corrective action, and hazardous waste generator
programs. RCRAInfo receives data from hazardous waste handlers for the National
Biennial RCRA Hazardous Waste Report, which is mandated by RCRA Sections 3002
and 3004. The last biennial report showed there were 26,284 generators of over 33 million
tons of hazardous waste. RCRAInfo provides the only national-level RCRA hazardous
waste data and statistics to track the environmental progress of approximately 20,000
hazardous waste units at 6,600 facilities.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM CA5RC) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
98
98
98
Facilities
Actual
56
60
64
67
70
80
(PM RSRAU) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
75
91
117
133
Facilities
Actual
84
93
75
72
117
127
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,891.0) This change an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$3,738.0 / -2.4 FTE) This net program change will modify the timeline for initiating and
ongoing cleanups. EPA will prioritize resources on those facilities that present the highest
risk to human health and the environment.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
§§ 3004, 3005, 8001.
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RCRA: Waste Management
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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-S If>.-120.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total Budget Authority
$73,213.8
$66,819.0
$50,399.0
-$16,420.0
Total Workyears
290.4
296.8
233.2
-63.6
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 15.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees. FY 2019 Actuals include obligations of e-
Manifest fees. E-Manifest fees are not included in FY 2020 Enacted or FY 2021 President's Budget levels, but EPA
anticipates collecting approximately $26 million in e-Manifest fees in FY 2020 and FY 2021.
Program Project Description:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established EPA's role as a federal leader
in the conservation and recovery of resources. Under RCRA, EPA sets national standards for
managing solid and hazardous wastes and provides federal agencies, state, tribal, and local
governments, and industries with technical assistance on solid waste management, resource
recovery, and resource conservation. Approximately 60,000 facilities generate and safely manage
hazardous waste in the United States.146 Eighty percent of the U.S. population live within three
miles of one of these facilities, making national standards and procedures for managing hazardous
1 47
wastes a necessity.
The Waste Management Program safeguards the American people while facilitating commerce by
supporting an effective waste management infrastructure. Cradle-to-grave hazardous waste
management regulations help ensure safe management practices through the entire process of
generation, transportation, recycling, treatment, storage, and final disposal. The Program increases
the capacity for proper hazardous waste management in states by providing grant funding and
technical support.
EPA and its state partners issue, update, maintain, and oversee RCRA controls for approximately
20,000 hazardous waste units (e.g., incinerators, landfills, and tanks) located at 6,600 treatment,
storage, and disposal facilities.148 Just as businesses innovate and grow, the waste management
challenges they face also evolve; this requires new direction and changes in the federal hazardous
waste program through updated regulations, guidance, and other tools.
146 Memorandum, February 18, 2014, from Industrial Economics to the EPA, Re: Analysis to Support Assessment of Economic
Impacts and Benefits under RCRA Programs: Key Scoping Assessment, Initial Findings and Summary of Available Data (Section
1), pages 5-11.
147 U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Estimate. 2014. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of
theendofFY 2011 from RCRAInfo; and (2) census data from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey.
148 As compiled by RCRAInfo.
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EPA directly implements the entire RCRA Program in Iowa and Alaska and provides leadership,
work-sharing, and support to the states and territories authorized to implement the permitting
program. Additionally, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) cleanup and disposal program is implemented under the Waste Management Program to
reduce PCB exposure from improper disposal, storage, and spills. The Program reviews and
approves PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal activities. This federal authority is not delegated to
state programs. PCBs were banned in 1979, but legacy use and contamination still exists, and
PCBs can still be released into the environment from poorly maintained hazardous waste sites that
contain them.
In FY 2019, EPA permitted, clean-closed, or otherwise had initial controls in place to prevent
release at 33 facilities. Issuance of controls decreases the risk of future releases and enhances
protection of human health and the environment. Additionally, EPA issued RCRA hazardous
waste permit renewals or clean-closures to 124 facilities. Maintaining updated permits and controls
ensures that facilities: 1) have consistent and protective standards to prevent release; 2) have proper
standards for waste management to protect human health, prevent land contamination/degradation;
and 3) avoid future cleanups and associated substantial costs. In FY 2019, EPA and the states are
implementing the Generator Improvement Rule which updated and modernized the regulations for
hazardous waste generators to bring them into the 21st Century.
Marine litter is an increasingly prominent global issue that can negatively affect domestic water
quality, tourism, industry, and public health. Some of this marine debris comes from human
activity at sea, and it makes its way into our waterways from land, creating a direct link between
waste management practices and ocean pollution.149 As part of an EPA effort to reduce ocean
pollution and plastics, the Program will provide technical expertise to support development and
implementation of solid waste management systems and infrastructure to help ensure that trash is
appropriately collected, recycled, reused, or properly disposed of to prevent litter from entering
waterways from land.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the RCRA Waste
Management Program will:
• Provide technical assistance to regions, states, and tribes regarding the development and
implementation of solid waste programs (e.g., the RCRA hazardous waste generator,
transporter, treatment, storage, and disposal regulations and implementing guidance; the
RCRA non-hazardous waste program; the TSCA PCB disposal and cleanup program; and
the hazardous waste import/export program).
• Provide technical and implementation assistance, oversight, and support to facilities that
generate, treat, store, recycle, and dispose of hazardous waste.
149 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, "Ten Things you
should Know about Marine Debris," https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/marinedebris/ten-things.html.
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• Review and approve PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal activities to reduce exposures,
particularly in sensitive areas like schools and other public spaces. EPA will prioritize PCB
approvals and expedite high priority cleanups or address those unaddressed in a timely
fashion. Issuing PCB approvals is a federal responsibility, non-delegable to states.
• Under EPA's Lean Management System, EPA will monitor progress in issuing permits
more quickly in achieving program goals. This includes progress towards meeting the
Agency's goal of reaching all permitting-related decisions in a timely manner.
• Manage the hazardous waste import/export notice and consent process. EPA will continue
to implement the process and data system (the Waste Import Export Tracking System)
improvements and upgrades in order to make shipping hazardous waste across borders
more efficient. Managing hazardous waste imports and exports is a federal responsibility,
non-delegable to states.
• Provide technical hazardous waste management assistance to tribes to encourage
sustainable practices and reduce exposure to toxins from hazardous waste.
• Directly implement the RCRA program in unauthorized states, on tribal lands, and other
unauthorized portions of state RCRA programs. Issue and update permits, including
continuing to improve permitting processes.
• Take action as necessary regarding regulations to ensure protective management of coal
combustion residuals (CCR). The Agency has promulgated regulations specifying
improved management and disposal practices to ensure people and ecosystems are
protected. The Agency will continue to work with our stakeholders as we develop and
implement regulations, through technical assistance and guidance.
• Implement applicable provisions of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation
Act of 2016, which enables states to submit for EPA approval state CCR permit programs.
The Agency will continue to work closely with state partners to review and make
determinations on state programs. Subject to appropriations, EPA will implement a permit
program for CCR disposal facilities on tribal lands as well as participating states.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM HW5) Number of permit renewals issued at hazardous waste facilities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
64
64
105
105
Facilities
Actual
110
100
89
125
109
124
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,460.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$20,579.0 / -68.6 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on PCB cleanup and
hazardous waste disposal programs, while reducing technical assistance to stakeholders
regarding the development, approval, and implementation of solid waste management
programs.
• (+$699.0 / +1.0 FTE) This program change supports the Agency's effort to reduce ocean
pollution and plastic by sharing waste management approaches and technical assistance
with select developing countries and vulnerable communities.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
§§ 3002, 3004, 3005, 3017; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) § 6.
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RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$8,840.2
$8,997.0
$4,253.0
-$4,744.0
Total Workyears
40.7
43.4
5.0
-38.4
Program Project Description:
Managing materials sustainably promotes economic growth and reduces environmental impacts.
The U.S. recycling industry provides more than 757,000 jobs and $6.7 billion annually in tax
revenues and there is opportunity for greater contribution to the economy and environmental
protection, as recent data indicate materials worth as much as $9 billion are thrown away each
EPA will update the RCRA Waste Minimization and Recycling Program in FY 2021 to focus on
efforts to strengthen the U.S. recycling industry and enhance food loss and food waste prevention.
In FY 2020, the Program is conducting the following activities:
• Providing national leadership and direction on approaches to reduce environmental
impacts, increase safe and effective reuse/recycling of materials, and reduce food waste;
• Partnering with a wide range of stakeholders (industry, governments, non-profits, and
others) to implement efficient and innovative solutions that help protect human health and
the environment through improved materials management, reduced waste generation, and
improved waste utilization;
• Improving metrics, identifying critical data gaps, and gathering and providing high-quality
scientific information and data;
• Implementing targeted, incentive-based programs to encourage participants to modify
business practices to increase recycling and reduce food waste, enabling industries to
efficiently conserve resources, save money, and increase competitiveness.
In FY 2019, EPA engaged with stakeholders including recyclers, brands, industry representatives
and associations, state, territorial, tribal, and local government representatives, and trade
associations to identify key challenges facing the U.S. recycling system as well as ways for EPA
to support stakeholders' efforts.
150 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/simii/recycling-economic-iiifonnation-rei-ieport.
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In FY 2018, EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration
launched the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative. EPA along with its partner agencies
affirmed their shared commitment to work towards the national goal of reducing food loss and
food waste by fifty percent by 2030.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will focus $4.25
million to improve the U.S. recycling system and prevent food loss and food waste by
implementing the following actions:
• Perform a needs assessment of the U.S. recycling industry. This assessment will include
the development of metrics to assess national recycling system performance, estimate the
financing gap for recycling infrastructure, and perform regular evaluations to determine
effectiveness and make needed adjustments.
• Use the needs assessment to identify appropriate federal actions, including exercising
national leadership and harmonization of standards, and working with stakeholders to
develop a national strategy designed to help ensure long-term economic and environmental
viability of local recycling programs. Actions will be designed to strengthen markets,
reduce cross contamination and commingling of materials, and prevent recyclable
materials from polluting the environment.
• Administer two grant programs:
o A grant program for state and local governments to build or enhance recycling
capacity and infrastructure around the country. The grant program will support
pilots and infrastructure in communities seeking to enhance their capacity to
recover and recycle materials,
o A grant program to support local governments and/or non-governmental
organizations in developing, implementing, and evaluating effective informational
campaigns that educate the public about food waste and organics management. This
grant program will fund research that provides framework for effective food waste
reduction methods.
• Develop a pilot innovation incentive/prize program to encourage creation of products made
with recycled content, increase use of recycled content in existing products, and increase
use of recycled materials in manufacturing.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RFW) Number of stakeholder actions taken to increase recycling and reduce food loss and waste.
FY
2014
FY
2015
FY
2016
FY
2017
FY
2018
FY
2019
FY
2020
FY
2021
Units
Target
9,750
Actions
Actual
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,218.0 / +2.0 FTE) This program change funds a needs assessment of the U.S.
recycling industry, including the development of metrics to assess recycling system
performance, an estimate of the financing gap for recycling infrastructure, and a review of
existing programs.
• (+$1,518.0 / +2.0 FTE) This program change funds two grant programs. One program will
support recycling infrastructure and capacity and the other program will develop,
implement, and evaluate effective food waste reduction campaigns.
• (+$508.0 / +1.0 FTE) This program change supports a pilot innovation incentive/prize
program to encourage creation of products made with recycled content and increased use
of recycled materials in manufacturing.
• (-$8,988.0 / -43.4 FTE) This funding change refocuses the Program from efforts in
Sustainable Materials Management to the priority areas of recycling and food waste and
loss.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
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Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
374
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Endocrine Disruptors
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$8,178.1
$7,533.0
$0.0
-$7,533.0
Total Workyears
6.6
7.6
0.0
-7.6
Program Project Description:
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) was established in 1996 under authorities
contained in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act
amendments. Current activities within the EDSP include transitioning to the use of high throughput
screening and computational toxicology tools to screen thousands of chemicals for endocrine
activity, establishing policies and procedures for screening and testing, and evaluating data to
ensure chemical safety by protecting public health and the environment from endocrine disrupting
chemicals.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will absorb
the remaining functions within the Pesticides Program using the currently available tiered testing
battery.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,533.0 / -7.6 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the EDSP. The relevant
functions of the Program can be continued within the Pesticides Program.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) § 408(p); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) §
1457.
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Pollution Prevention Program
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$11,657.5
$11,127.0
$0.0
-$11,127.0
Total Workyears
42.5
49.2
0.0
-49.2
Program Project Description:
The Pollution Prevention (P2) Program advances environmental stewardship and sustainability
efforts by federal, state and tribal governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. The
Program seeks to alleviate environmental problems by achieving reductions in: the generation of
hazardous releases to air, water, and land; the use of hazardous materials; the generation of
greenhouse gases; and the use of water. The P2 Program also helps businesses and others leverage
preventative approaches to reduce costs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. Based on previous
investments in P2 made under this program project, partners are expected to be able to continue to
share best practices and pursue additional P2 solutions. EPA will continue to meet core statutory
requirements under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 in other programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,127.0 / -49.2 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Pollution
Prevention Program.
Statutory Authority:
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and Reduction
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$64,241.5
$60,488.0
$69,004.0
$8,516.0
Total Workyears
259.8
280.1
321.6
41.5
Total program workyears in FY 2021 include 51.6 FTE funded by TSCA fees. FY 2019 Actuals include obligations
of TSCA Service Fees and the advance on appropriations for those fees. TSCA Service Fees are not included in FY
2020 Enacted or FY 2021 President's Budget levels, but EPA anticipates collecting approximately $7.75 million in
such fees in FY 2020 and $34.75 million in FY 2021.
Program Project Description:
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended in 2016 by the FrankR. Lautenberg
Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act,151 EPA has significant responsibilities for ensuring that
chemicals in or entering commerce do not present unreasonable risks to human health or the
environment. These responsibilities are executed by the Agency through the Chemical Risk
Review and Reduction (CRRR) Program, which works to ensure the safety of:
• Existing chemicals152 by collecting chemical data, conducting risk evaluations, and by
developing and implementing risk management actions, where appropriate, to prevent any
unreasonable risk posed by their manufacture, use and/or disposal; and
• New chemicals by reviewing new chemical notices submitted by industry, including Pre-
Manufacture Notices (PMNs), Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs), and Microbial
Commercial Activity Notices (MCANs), and taking action, as appropriate, to ensure that
no unreasonable risk will be posed by such chemicals upon their entry into U.S. commerce.
Under amended TSCA, the CRRR Program collects user fees designed to defray 25 percent of its
costs for administering certain sections153 of TSCA.154 Fee levels may be adjusted by regulation
on a recurring three-year basis for inflation and to ensure that fees defray 25 percent of relevant
151 See, Public Law 114-182 (June 22, 2016); 130 Stat. 448.
152 "Existing Chemicals" are those already in use when TSCA was first enacted in 1976 and those which have since gone through
review by the TSCA New Chemicals Program. These include certain prevalent, high-risk chemicals known generally as "legacy
chemicals" (e.g., PCBs, mercury), which were previously covered in a separate Chemical Risk Management (CRM) budget
justification. The CRM program area was combined with Chemical Risk Review and Reduction effective FY 2015.
153 The costs of implementing TSCA (as amended) Sections 4, 5 and 6 are defrayable up to the statutory caps, as are the costs of
collecting, processing, reviewing and providing access to and protecting from disclosure, as appropriate, chemical information
under Section 14.
154 The authority to assess fees is conditioned on appropriations for the CRRR Program, excluding fees, being held at least equal
to the amount appropriated for FY 2014.
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costs. Chemical manufacturers (including importers) and, in limited instances, processors began
incurring TSCA User Fees on October 1, 2018.155
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue
implementation of the amendments to TSCA, with emphasis on the critical mandates and timelines
applicable to pre-market review of new chemicals, chemical risk evaluation and management,
review and make determinations on incoming Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims,
and other statutory priorities. EPA anticipates an increased workload to support these efforts in FY
2021 to perform any necessary risk management regulatory actions in response to the findings of
the first 10 risk evaluations for existing chemicals to be finalized in FY 2020; to develop draft risk
evaluations for the 20 High-Priority Chemicals being initiated by EPA in FY 2020; and to initiate
or continue up to 10 risk evaluations in response to requests by manufacturers. At the same time,
the Agency will work to further reduce review timeframes for PMNs for new chemicals, continue
to review CBI claims, and carry out other required TSCA CRRR activities as described below.
Primary TSCA Implementation Activities
Testing of Chemical Substances and Mixtures. TSCA Section 4, as amended, authorizes EPA to
require testing of a chemical substance or mixture by manufacturers (including importers) or
processors. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to: review test data submitted from prior test
rules and enforceable consent agreements; issue Test Orders, Test Rules, and/or Enforceable
Consent Orders as necessary to support chemical prioritization, risk screening, and risk evaluation
activities; and make use of available data in prioritizing chemicals for collection of testing
information and evaluation of potential risks.
New Chemicals. Under TSCA Section 5, as amended, EPA is responsible for reviewing all new
chemical submissions to determine whether the chemicals may pose unreasonable risks to human
health or the environment. In FY 2021, the Agency will: review and manage the potential risks
from approximately 1,000 new chemicals, prior to their entry into the marketplace; evaluate data
submitted under requirements of Section 5 Consent Orders; and continue to use Section 5
authorities to issue Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) to require notification to EPA for
significant new uses of existing chemicals, where applicable. As part of this work, the CRRR
Program will continue to make improvements to internal data and tracking systems to enhance the
efficiency of the new chemical review process. A kaizen event, as part of the EPA Lean
Management System (ELMS), was conducted by the program in FY 2018 and identified a number
of opportunities to enhance the efficiency of the review process, including: employing a team-
based review approach; improving TSCA CBI Local Area Network (LAN) system performance;
and improving electronic communication with submitters. These improvements have increased the
program's on-time 90-day review performance from 18 percent in FY 2017 to 70 percent in FY
155 The statute authorizes EPA to collect fees from chemical manufacturers (including importers) and, in limited instances,
processors who: are required to submit information (TSCA section 4); submit notification of or information related to intent to
manufacture a new chemical or significant new use of a chemical (TSCA section 5); manufacture, (including import) a chemical
substance that is subject to an EPA-initiated risk evaluation (TSCA section 6); or request that EPA conduct risk evaluation on an
existing chemical (TSCA section 6), subject to the Agency's approval of the request.
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2018 and 78 percent in FY 2019, and will provide increased regulatory certainty to submitters by
enhancing communications about review timeframes and associated risk management actions.
Risk Evaluations. Under TSCA Section 6, as amended, EPA is required to maintain an ambitious
schedule for initiating and completing risk evaluations of existing chemicals. When unreasonable
risks are identified, TSCA sets timelines for initiating and completing risk management regulatory
actions to address those unreasonable risks. In FY 2021, key activities will include:
• Chemical Prioritization and Risk Evaluation: EPA will develop draft risk evaluations for
the 20 High-Priority Chemicals designated in December 2019 to undergo risk evaluation under
the amended law. Scoping documents for these evaluations are scheduled to be released by
EPA in June 2020. Of important note, the law also includes provisions allowing manufacturers
to request that EPA conduct evaluations of specific chemicals. EPA is required to undertake
manufacturer-requested risk evaluations that meet the Agency's acceptance criteria at levels
up to 50 percent of the number of EPA-initiated evaluations underway. In December 2019,
EPA granted manufacturer requests for risk evaluations of two chemicals used in plastic
production (Diisodecyl Phthalate [DIDP] and Diisononyl Phthalate [DINP]) and has proceeded
to initiate the requested evaluations. EPA will continue work on draft risk evaluations for these
chemicals in FY 2021.
• Risk Management: When unreasonable risks are identified in the final risk evaluation, EPA
must finalize risk management action rulemakings under TSCA Section 6(a) to address the
unreasonable risk within two years, or up to four years if an extension is utilized. Accordingly,
the Agency may be proposing risk management actions in FY 2021 for chemicals that have
been found to present an unreasonable risk based upon the first 10 risk evaluations completed
in FY 2020. EPA also will continue work on developing regulations for commercial uses of
methylene chloride for paint and coating removal which began prior to amended TSCA.
• Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Action: In FY 2021, EPA will
pursue risk management regulatory action on certain other chemicals. TSCA Section 6(h)
establishes a fast-track process to address certain PBT chemicals on the 2014 TSCA Work
Plan. EPA proposed a regulation in June 2019 for five such chemicals based upon peer-
reviewed exposure and use assessments. EPA expects to finalize these regulations in FY 2021.
Confidential Business Information. EPA is required under TSCA Section 14 to review and make
determinations on CBI claims contained in TSCA submissions; process requests for and make
certain CBI information available to states, tribes, health and medical professionals, first
responders, and similar persons under defined circumstances; and, assign and publish unique
identifiers for each chemical substance for which a confidentiality claim for specific chemical
identity is approved. EPA is updating policies, regulations, and guidance to implement the
amendments. In FY 2019, the Agency completed reviews of more than 1,900 CBI claims, made
determinations on over 400 cases and concluded that no determination was necessary for over
1,500 cases. In FY 2021, EPA will assign unique identifiers to chemicals where CBI claims for
chemical identity are upheld and will complete CBI claim reviews for: more than 2,500 new cases
anticipated to be associated with Section 4, 5 and 8 submissions; approximately 2,000 chemical
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identity claims associated with Notice of Activity submissions; and more than 2,000 CBI cases
from the backlog that has developed since 2016 pending finalization of EPA's review procedures.
Other TSCA CRRR Mandates and Activities
Information collection under TSCA Section 8. In FY 2021, EPA will: maintain the Mercury
Electronic Reporting Application;156 conduct outreach to stakeholders on how to report required
information by the Application; analyze about 300 Substantial Risk (Section 8(e)) Notifications
submitted by industry;157 and implement a rule158 that establishes a plan for reviewing claims to
protect confidential chemical identities within one year of compiling the initial Inventory with
active and inactive designations.159,160
Work Addressing Mercury. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide responses to any requests
for exemption from export prohibitions under the Mercury Export Ban Act and work to support
compliance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the United States is a party.
TSCA Citizen Petitions. In FY 2021, EPA also will continue to meet the requirements of Section
21 of TSCA, as amended, which authorizes citizen petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal
of certain actions (rules and orders) promulgated under specific components of TSCA sections 4,
5, 6 and 8. The Agency must grant or deny a Section 21 petition within 90 days. If EPA grants a
petition, the requested action must be initiated in a timely fashion.
Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products. In FY 2021, EPA will implement
regulations under the TSCA Title VI Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act
(Public Law 111-199), which established national emission standards for formaldehyde in new
composite wood products.161
Addressing Lead Risk Reduction and Supporting Children's Health. In FY 2021, the Agency will
shift those activities required under TSCA Title IV (the Federal Lead-Based Paint Program) that
are funded through the EPM appropriation into the CRRR Program. Reducing exposure to lead
paint in old housing continues to offer the potential to significantly decrease blood lead levels in
the largest number of children. Efforts to address exposure to lead paint must include homes and
locations outside the home where young children spend significant amounts of time such as child
care settings and schools.162 In FY 2021:
156 The Mercury Electronic Reporting application is an electronic reporting interface and database within the Central Data Exchange
(CDX).
157 TSCA Section 8(e) Notifications require EPA be notified immediately when a company learns that a substance or mixture
presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment.
158 The rule is to be promulgated in February 2020.
159 These are chemical identities reported in retrospective commercial activity notices (the review plan rule must be finalized by
February 18, 2020).
160 CBI claims made by manufacturers or processors for chemical identities in retrospective activity notices must be reviewed and
determinations made no later than five years after the rule is final (compiling the initial Inventory). The current Inventory has
approximately 7,750 chemicals on the confidential portion that have been reported as being active in commerce in the last 10 years.
161 For additional information, please visit: http://www2.epa.gov/formaldehvde/formaldehvde-emission-standards-composite-
wood-products.
162 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2008). Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook (Final Report). Retrieved
from: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm?deid= 1.99243.
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• For states without federal authorization, EPA will provide firm and individual certifications
for safe work practices for lead-based paint abatement and Renovation, Repair, and Painting
(RRP) Program efforts; provide operation and maintenance of the online database (Federal
Lead-Based Paint Program) that supports the processing of applications for training providers,
firms and individuals; and continue efforts to increase the number of certified renovation firms
capable of providing lead-safe renovation, repair, and painting services through targeted
outreach campaigns to contractors. The rate of firm recertifications under the RRP Program
has averaged 23 percent since FY 2017, while the total number of new firms seeking
certification has remained steady from quarter to quarter. As outlined in the FY 2020-2021
Lead Agency Priority Goal (APG) Action Plan, by September 30, 2021, EPA will increase the
recertification rate of lead-based paint renovation, repair, and painting firms to 28 percent from
a baseline of 23 percent. EPA will strive to increase the recertification rate and will continue
to publish an updated list of certified renovation firms on the Agency's website.163 Other forms
of lead exposure are proposed to be addressed through other targeted programs that offer
enhanced flexibility, such as lead pipe replacement, multi-media toxics reduction work under
the Multipurpose Grants Program, and other multi-faceted toxics reduction work under the
Healthy Schools Grant Program.
• In accordance with an order from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, EPA published a
proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 2, 2018,164 to change the dust-lead hazard
standard (also known as the "lead dust hazard standard") from 40 |ig/ft2 and 250 |ag/ft2 to 10
|ig/ft2 and 100 |ag/ft2 on floors and window sills, respectively. EPA did not propose to change
the post-abatement clearance levels in this proposal; however, the Agency noted that it
intended to review the clearance levels at a later date. The Court also ordered the Agency to
propose a rule on the definition of lead-based paint. EPA proposed to make no change to the
definition of lead-based paint because the Agency currently lacks sufficient information to
support such a change. On June 21, 2019, EPA finalized this action at the proposed levels.165
In this rulemaking, EPA also committed to addressing the clearance levels for floors and
window sills in a subsequent proposed rule. In FY 2021, EPA will continue work as necessary
to finalize the rulemaking for clearance levels, with a planned publication date for the final
rule in FY 2021.
• Per a settlement agreement, in FY 2021, EPA will continue to work on determining the extent
to which renovations of pre-1978 public and commercial buildings do or do not create lead-
based paint hazards and develop appropriate work practice standards to the extent they are
deemed necessary.
Information Technology (IT) in Support of TSCA Implementation
In line with the President's Management Agenda, TSCA IT systems development will continue in
FY 2021 with the goal of minimizing reporting burdens on industry, and streamlining data
management by EPA, including the following activities:
163 For additional information, please visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/fIpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearch.
164 For additional information, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/07/02/2018-14094/review-of-the-
dust-lead-hazard-standards-and-the-definition-of-lead-based-paint.
165 For additional information, please visit: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HO-OPPT-2Q 1.8-01.66-0360.
381
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• Continuing enhancement of the TSCA Chemical Information System (CIS) to reduce manual
handling of data, increase internal EPA access to data relevant to chemical assessments, and
expedite review of chemicals;
• Continuing integration of TSCA information management, e-Reporting, and public access
systems with the Agency's E-Enterprise business strategy and leveraging the E-Enterprise
portal to provide better customer service for external users;
• Developing new tools for hazard and exposure identification assessment and characterization,
while improving existing tools to better assess risks from both new and existing chemicals;
and
• Maintaining and enhancing the functionality of ChemView and expanding the information it
makes available to the public to include newly completed chemical assessments, worker
protection information, and other new data reported to EPA under TSCA.
Continuous Improvement of TSCA Implementation
In FY 2021, the Agency will monitor and evaluate its progress on key metrics related to carrying
out its core responsibilities under the amended law in a timely manner. These include TSCA-
related long-term performance goals to complete all EPA-initiated risk evaluations and associated
risk management actions for existing chemicals within statutory timelines, supported by internal
monthly tracking systems. EPA made considerable progress towards meeting the FY 2018-2019
APG for TSCA risk management actions and risk evaluations with key milestones achieved or in
progress as of the end of FY 2019.
In addition, EPA plans to further reduce review times for new PMNs, MCANs, and SNUNs.
Although substantially improved from FY 2018, the performance rate of all TSCA PMN final
determinations completed within 90 days was 78 percent in FY 2019, slightly below the 80 percent
target for both the FY 2018-2019 APG and annual performance goal. The Agency continues to
meet 100 percent of final TSCA new chemical determinations within the full timeframes allowable
by statute (including statutorily-allowable extensions). In FY 2021, EPA will continue its aim of
making 80 percent of all final determinations within the initial 90-day review period.
EPA also will undertake other forms of assessment and evidence gathering in FY 2021. The
Agency's ongoing risk evaluation processes for existing chemicals utilize scientific evidence
obtained from data gathered pursuant to TSCA authorities and systematic review of literature
sources in making the risk determination required under amended TSCA. EPA's approach to
systematic review is described in Application of Systematic Review in TSCA Risk Evaluations
(May 2018)166 and will be the focus of an EPA-initiated review by the National Science
Foundation (NAS) to be initiated in FY 2020. Additional evidence will be obtained by completing
an annual programmatic risk assessment exercise and a statutorily required EPA Office of the
Inspector General audit of TSCA user fees to determine whether fee levels are appropriate.
166For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/productioii/files/2018-
06/documents/final application of sr in tsca 05-31. -1.8.pdf.
382
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Finally, as part of EPA's long-term commitment to ensure the effective advancement of the
chemicals safety program to protect human health and the environment from potential risks of
pesticides and toxic chemicals, the Agency's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
will establish a presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Positions in RTP will
be filled competitively and will not involve reassignments or involuntary moves, and the effort
will utilize existing EPA space and resources. Establishing a presence in RTP is expected to
improve recruitment of scientific staff and increase capacity to meet OCSPP's statutory and
regulatory milestones under TSCA, and associated statutes..
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM TSCAl) Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
N/A
10
N/A
Evaluations
Actual
0
N/A
N/A
(PM TSCA2) Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory
timelines.
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
iy 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
N/A
N/A
1
Actions
Actual
0
N/A
N/A
(PM TSCA3) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices,
Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices completed within the initial 90-day
statutory timeframe.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
65
80
80
80
Percent
Actual
58.4
78
Numerator
45
103
Final
Determin-
ations
Denominator
77
132
(PM TSCA3b) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices,
Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices completed within the full timeframes
allowable by statute.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
100
100
100
Percent
Actual
loo
100
100
Numerator
5<>~
292
429
Final
Determin-
ations
Denominator
5<>~
292
429
383
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,523.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$5,993.0 / +21.3 FTE) This net program change is an increase of 21.3 appropriated FTE
to support the implementation of efforts to meet statutory deadlines for prioritization, risk
evaluation, and risk management of existing chemicals and to streamline and accelerate the
review of premanufacture notices and significant new use notices for new chemicals.
• (+20.2 FTE) This program change reflects increased utilization of TSCA user fee
collections to support the implementation of efforts to meet statutory deadlines for
prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management of existing chemicals and to streamline
and accelerate the review of pre-manufacture and significant new use notices for new
chemicals.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
384
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Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$11,663.0
$11,567.0
$0.0
-$11,567.0
Total Workyears
56.7
62.9
0.0
-62.9
Program Project Description:
Reducing exposure to lead paint in old housing has the potential to significantly decrease blood
lead levels in children. Efforts to reduce lead paint exposure must include homes and locations
outside the home where young children spend significant amounts of time, such as child care
settings and schools.167
EPA's Lead Risk Reduction Program contributes to the goal of reducing childhood lead exposure
by: establishing a national pool of certified firms and individuals who are trained to carry out
renovation and repair and painting projects while adhering to the lead-safe work practice standards,
and to minimize lead dust exposure created during the course of such projects; establishing
standards governing lead hazard identification and abatement practices and maintaining a national
pool of professionals trained and certified to implement those standards; and providing information
and outreach to housing occupants and the public so they can make informed decisions and take
actions about potential lead hazards in their homes.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. With the coordinated
implementation of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated
Health Impacts (Lead Action Plan), other forms of lead exposure are proposed to be addressed
through other targeted programs, such as lead pipe replacement, multi-media toxics reduction work
under the Multipurpose Grants Program, and other multi-faceted toxics reduction work under the
Healthy Schools Grant Program.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide firm and individual certifications for safe work practices
for lead-based paint abatement and renovation and repair efforts through the Chemical Risk
Review and Reduction (CRRR) Program. EPA will continue to provide for the operation and
maintenance of the online database that supports the processing of applications for training
providers, firms and individuals, and finalization of the rulemaking for clearance levels for lead-
167 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2008). Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook (Final Report), retrieved
from: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm?deid= 1.99243.
385
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based dust on floors and window sills, with a planned publication date for the final rule in July
2021, through the CRRR Program. Support for implementation of the Lead Program will continue
at the State level in States with delegated programs from funding under the Categorical Grant:
Lead Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,567.0 /-62.9 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Lead Risk
Reduction Program by leveraging resources and expertise from other programs through
coordinated implementation of the Lead Action Plan and funding direct implementation of
the program in authorized states through STAG funds. Firm and individual certifications
for safe work practices for lead-based paint abatement and renovation and repair efforts
will be funded through the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction Program.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
386
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Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST)
387
-------
LUST / UST
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$10,133.9
$9,240.0
$7,149.0
-$2,091.0
Lotal Budget Authority
$21,223.7
$19,990.0
$14,012.0
-$5,978.0
Lotal Workyears
89.1
91.6
68.8
-22.8
Program Project Description:
Releases of petroleum from Underground Storage Tanks (UST) can contaminate groundwater, the
drinking water source for many Americans. Environmental Program Management funding helps
prevent releases by providing states168 and tribes with technical assistance and guidance, and by
funding work that assists states and tribes.
EPA partners with tribes to maintain information on tribal USTs and is the primary implementer
of the UST Program in Indian Country. With few exceptions, tribes do not have independent UST
program resources. This funding supports direct implementation of UST Program in Indian
Country.
In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act which, along with other release prevention
measures, required states to inspect all facilities in their jurisdictions at least once every three years.
EPA has been supporting states in these efforts (and ensuring these requirements are met before
continuing to grant additional funding for this). A recent EPA study suggests that increased UST
compliance is a result of increasing inspection frequency prompted by the Act. EPA's statistical
analysis, using the State of Louisiana's UST data, showed a positive and statistically significant
effect of increased inspection frequency on facility compliance.169 This evidence supports the data
trends the Agency has been witnessing: compliance rates are higher today than they were a decade
ago as a result of the three-year inspection requirement.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA, with its state and tribal partners,
168 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
169 Sullivan, K. A.; Kafle, A (2017, May). Do more frequent inspections improve compliance? Evidence from underground
storage tank facilities in Louisiana. OCPA Working Paper No. 2017-05. Retrieved from
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-
06/documents/olem_ocpa working paper jiojiiore frequent inspections Jiriprove coiripliaiice.pdf".
388
-------
works to prevent releases of contamination and in partnership with tribes, provides training,
compliance assistance, and inspection support to implement the 2015 UST regulations in Indian
Country. Between the end of 2008 and the end of 2019, the number of annual confirmed releases
has decreased by 27 percent (from 7,364 to 5,375).
EPA will continue to collect data regarding both the compliance rate and the number of new
releases for UST systems in Indian Country. The compliance rate will help determine progress
toward meeting EPA's revised regulations and help identify any areas that need specific attention.
In addition, EPA will continue its work to determine the correlation between inspection frequency
and compliance rates.
In FY 2021, EPA will:
• Continue research studies that identify the compatibility of new fuel formulations with
current tank systems.
• Continue to coordinate with state UST prevention programs.
• Provide technical assistance, compliance help, and expert consultation to state, tribal, and
stakeholders on both policy and technical matters. This support strives to strengthen our
network of federal, state, tribal, and local partners (specifically communities and people
living and working near UST sites) and assists implementation of the UST regulations.
• Provide guidance, training, and assistance to the regulated community to improve
understanding and compliance.
• Provide technical assistance to states and the regulated community regarding compatibility
of UST systems with El 5 and conduct inspections in Indian Country to ensure
compatibility. Work in this area is important given the national growth in biofuels and other
emerging fuels.170
• Continue to work with industry, states, and tribes to identify causes and potential solutions
for corrosion in diesel tanks. Work in this area is important given the significant findings
regarding the increasing prevalence of corrosion of UST system equipment containing
ethanol or diesel fuels.171
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
170 Please see the following EPA website: www.epa.go¥/ust/eiiiergiiig-fuels-aiid-uiidergromid-storage-taiiks-usts#tab-2
171 Please see the following EPA website: www.epa.gOv/ust/eiiiergiiig-fuels-aiid-uiidergrouiid-storage-taiik.s-usts#tab-3
389
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$396.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$500.0) This program change is to enable EPA to continue studies into compatibility of
new fuel formulations with current tank systems.
• (-$4,783.0 / -17.6 FTE) This net program change reflects a reduced workload due to the
proposed elimination of the LUST Prevention and the Categorical Grant Underground
Storage Tanks programs. With available resources, the Program will continue to directly
implement a targeted compliance and release prevention program in Indian Country, and
work with any state partners who choose to maintain an UST Program after the elimination
of the federal grant funds.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act §§ 8001, 9001-9011.
390
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Water Ecosystems
391
-------
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
Program Area: Water: Ecosystems
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$26,425.7
$29,823.0
$0.0
-$29,823.0
Total Workyears
38.0
36.9
0.0
-36.9
Program Project Description:
The National Estuary Program (NEP)/Coastal Waterways Program works to restore the physical,
chemical, and biological integrity of estuaries of national significance and coastal watersheds to
protect and restore water quality, habitat, and living resources.172
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$29,823.0 / -36.9 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the NEP/Coastal
Waterways Program. EPA will encourage states to continue this work and continue to
implement conservation management plans.
Statutory Authority:
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008; Clean Water Act § 320; Estuaries and Clean
Waters Act of 2000; Protection and Restoration Act of 1990; North American Wetlands
Conservation Act of 1989.
172 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/nep.
392
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Wetlands
Program Area: Water: Ecosystems
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$17,234.9
$19,241.0
$22,604.0
$3,363.0
Total Workyears
106.1
116.4
130.0
13.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Wetlands Protection Program has two primary components: 1) the Clean Water Act (CWA)
Section 404 regulatory program and 2) the state and tribal development program. Major activities
of the Wetlands Protection Program include timely and efficient review of CWA Section 404
permit applications submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or authorized states;
engaging and partnering with USACE, states, and other stakeholders to develop stream and
wetland assessment tools, and improving compensatory mitigation effectiveness and availability
of credits; assisting in the development of state and tribal wetlands protection programs under the
CWA; and providing technical assistance to the public on wetland management and legal
requirements.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Working with federal, state, tribal and local partners, EPA
will help to ensure an effective, consistent approach to wetlands protection. This is done through
both the Agency's work with USACE in federal CWA Section 404 permitting and work with states
and tribes to build their wetlands programs.
CWA Section 404
USACE is responsible for managing the day-to-day permit processes nationwide under CWA
Section 404. EPA engages in the USACE process to ensure compliance with the CWA Section
404(b)(1) guidelines as USACE formulates their proposed permits. EPA and USACE will work
together to implement Executive Order 13 807173 and the accompanying Memorandum of
Understanding and will continue to identify options for improving efficiencies in federal CWA
Section 404 permitting that would help reduce potential costs and delays; increase consistency and
predictability; improve protection of public health and the environment; and ensure permit
173 EO 13807 requires Federal agencies to process environmental reviews and authorization decisions for "major infrastructure
projects" as One Federal Decision (OFD) and sets a government-wide goal of reducing the average time for each agency to
complete environmental reviews for such projects to two years.
393
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decisions are legally defensible. In addition, EPA and USACE have initiated a rulemaking to
enhance the efficiency of the compensatory mitigation program. EPA also has initiated a
rulemaking to update the Agency's Section 404(c) regulations to provide greater certainty to
property owners.
EPA also will continue carrying out its responsibilities as a member of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Restoration Council authorized under the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist
Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States (RESTORE) Act, and as a Natural
Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustee for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill under the Oil
Pollution Act (OP A). Under CWA Section 404, the RESTORE Act, and OP A, EPA's
responsibilities include timely, environmentally-sound, and compliant implementation of National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and associated permitting. Under NRDA, EPA is a
cooperating or lead federal agency for NEPA on all Trustee Implementation Group restoration
plans and ensures the appropriate level of NEPA analysis is integrated into those referenced
restoration plans. EPA's RESTORE responsibilities include NEPA analysis for projects that EPA
has been assigned by the Council. As a NRDA Trustee, the Agency undertakes mandatory
independent third-party financial audits every three years to ensure accountability regarding the
use of funds provided under a 2016 Consent Decree.174 The first independent third-party financial
audit was initiated in FY 2018 and concluded in FY 2019.
Building State and Tribal Wetlands Programs
EPA will continue to work with states and tribes to target Wetlands Protection Program funds to
core statutory requirements while providing states and tribes with the flexibility they need to best
address their priorities. This includes providing continued assistance for states and tribes interested
in assuming administration of the CWA Section 404 program. EPA will propose a rule to update
the existing assumption regulations and provide greater clarity to state and tribes on what waters
may be assumed. EPA also will continue to administer Wetlands Program Development Grants in
support of state and tribal wetlands programs, with a focus on working more efficiently with states
and tribes to achieve specific program development outcomes including supporting state and tribal
assumption of the CWA Section 404 program.175
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,762.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$601.0 / +13.6 FTE) This program change is an increase in resources and FTE to support
priority efforts on infrastructure projects, regulatory permitting, and state delegations and
174 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/deepwaterhorizon-cd.pdf.
175 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/wetlands or http://www.cfda.gov.
394
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certifications. This will improve consistency and efficiencies and help ensure predictability
and certainty in the CWA Section 401 and Section 404 programs.
Statutory Authority:
CWA § 404.
395
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Water: Human Health Protection
396
-------
Beach / Fish Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$1,490.8
$1,584.0
$0.0
-$1,584.0
Total Workyears
1.8
3.2
0.0
-3.2
Program Project Description:
The Fish Component of the Beach/Fish Program provides up-to-date-science, guidance, technical
assistance, and nationwide information to state, tribal, and federal agencies on the human health
risks associated with eating potentially contaminated locally caught fish.
The Beach Component of the Beach/Fish Program provides up-to-date science, guidance, technical
assistance and nationwide information to state, tribal, and federal agencies on the human health
risks of swimming in pathogen-contaminated waters.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. The Agency will
encourage states to continue this work within ongoing core programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,584.0 / -3.2 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Beach/Fish Program.
The program objectives can be continued at the local level.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 104.
397
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Drinking Water Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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$3,227.6
$4,094.0
$4,364.0
$270.0
Total Budget Authority
$95,600.7
$104,997.0
$101,826.0
-$3,171.0
Total Workyears
461.6
475.2
459.9
-15.3
Program Project Description:
Safe drinking water is critical for protecting human health and the economic vitality of the Nation.
Approximately 320 million Americans rely on the safety of tap water provided by public water
systems that are subject to national drinking water standards.176 EPA's Drinking Water Program
is based on a multiple-barrier and source-to-tap approach to protect public health from
contaminants in drinking water.177 EPA protects public health through: 1) source water assessment
and protection; 2) promulgation of new or revised National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
(NPDWRs); 3) training, technical assistance, and financial assistance programs to enhance public
water system capacity to comply with regulations and provide safe drinking water; 4) underground
injection control (UIC) programs; 5) supporting implementation of NPDWRs by state and tribal
drinking water programs through regulatory, non-regulatory, and voluntary programs and policies;
and 6) providing states and tribes with resources and tools to support the financing of water
infrastructure improvements.178
Recent events including the detection of lead and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in
drinking water highlights the importance of safeguards to public health and local economies, and
in particular, the need to prioritize threats and protect drinking water sources. The detection of lead
and PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Gen-X
chemicals, exemplifies the increased demand for risk communication and other tools that can help
communities across the country protect public health and address these chemicals.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to improve the
176 For more information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS/FED),
please see: http: //water, epa. gov/scitech/datait/databases/drink/sdwisfed/index. cfm.
177 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-
10/documents/guide swppocket 2002 updated.pdf.
178 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water and https://www.cfda.gov.
398
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effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory programs for states and tribes. Over the five-year period
of the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA is pursuing a 23 percent reduction in the number
systems that have health-based violations from 3,508 in FY 2017 to 2,700 by FY 2022. As of Fall
2019, approximately 1,982 of the 3,508 systems with health-based violations have been returned
to compliance. The Drinking Water Program supports this effort by providing assistance and
training to state drinking water programs, tribal drinking water officials, and technical assistance
providers on: achieving and maintaining compliance at drinking water systems; developing best
practices; strengthening state and tribal program capacity and certifying drinking water operators.
EPA also is enhancing its oversight of state drinking water programs by completing the annual
public water system supervision program review for each primacy agency as required under the
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Information gained during these reviews includes an analysis
of the completion of sanitary surveys by the primacy agency and an evaluation of whether the
primacy agency is implementing the state program in accordance with SDWA. The annual
program review directly supports the work of the states and the Agency to meet the long-term
performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: By September 30, 2022, reduce the
number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards to 2,700.179
Water Infrastructure
Infrastructure investment is essential as the drinking water and wastewater sectors face a
significant challenge to protect public health and the environment despite the Nation's aging
infrastructure. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support funding of the Nation's drinking water
infrastructure, focusing efforts to leverage and encourage public and private collaborative efforts
and investments. EPA will continue to work on the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs
Survey. This Survey provides a 20-year capital investment need for public water systems are
eligible to receive funding from state DWSRF programs.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support financing and construction of drinking water
infrastructure projects by doing the following in addition to supporting the Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund Program:
• Advising states on maintaining their capacity development and operator certification
programs to support compliance by public water systems with SDWA.
• Working with states to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
loans for eligible projects.
• Encouraging states to develop state-centric tools to assist water systems with capacity
development and supporting coordination between Public Water System Supervision
(PWSS) programs and states.
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) and America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) strengthens many existing programs within EPA while creating
new programs to tackle significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These
179 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated
fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
399
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programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow the American economy and
ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range
from the creation of grant programs to promoting water workforce development. WIIN and AWIA
mandates will be critical to achieving the Administration's priorities by increasing water
infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across the country.
Drinking Water Implementation
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to work with states to implement requirements for all
NPDWRs to ensure that systems install, operate, and maintain appropriate levels of treatment and
effectively manage their drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems. In particular,
EPA will continue to focus on working with states to optimize corrosion control treatment and
develop other strategies to minimize exposure to lead. EPA also will continue to focus on the
reduction of the number of community water systems with health-based violations, especially
small systems which have additional challenges.
EPA also continues to support state migration to the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal, which
enables drinking water utilities and laboratories to report drinking water data electronically. In
addition, EPA will continue development of the Safe Drinking Water Information System Prime
program management and reporting tool. Both systems support human health protection through
efficient data management and decision support.
In FY 2021, EPA also will conduct the following activities to facilitate compliance with rules:
• Oversee the national PWSS Program by administering grants to states and measuring
program results based on state reporting of health-based rule violations at public water
systems for over 90 drinking water contaminants.
• Offer training and technical assistance on a prioritized basis to states, tribes, and public
water systems with significant noncompliance with the NPDWRs.
• Directly implement the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, designed to protect millions of
people who travel on approximately 5,700 aircraft in the U.S. annually.
• Directly implement the drinking water program where states and tribes do not have primacy
(e.g., Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and tribal lands excluding the Navajo Nation).
Drinking Water Standards
To assure the American people that their water is safe to drink, EPA's drinking water regulatory
program monitors for a broad array of contaminants, evaluates whether contaminants are a public
health concern, and regulates contaminants when there is a meaningful opportunity for health risk
reduction for persons served by public water systems. In FY 2021, the Agency also will address
drinking water risks, by:
• Publishing preliminary regulatory determinations for contaminants on the fourth
contaminant candidate list (CCL 4) for public comment with the goal of publishing final
determinations in early 2021. The list includes PFOA, PFOS, and other contaminants. In
EPA's 2019 PFAS Action Plan, the Agency committed to making a final regulatory
400
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determination in FY 2021. Making a final regulatory determination is the next regulatory
step in the SDWA to establish a maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS.
• Developing and publishing the draft fifth contaminant candidate list (CCL 5) based on the
analysis of available health effects and occurrence data on unregulated contaminants.
• Conducting an analysis in support of the six-year review of existing NPDRWs utilizing
state data for regulated contaminants collected between 2012-2018.
• Continuing to participate in an interagency effort to address PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, Gen-Xj
to better understand the health impacts, the extent of occurrence in the environment, and
exposures to PFAS.
• Continuing to develop risk communication and other tools to support states, tribes and
localities in managing PFAS in their communities.
• Continuing to support state efforts to manage cyanotoxins in drinking water, including
providing technical assistance.
• Engaging stakeholders and developing draft technical support documents on the scientific
basis for the Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts Rule revisions.
• Providing support to and oversight of drinking water systems and laboratories as they
complete the collection and analysis of samples during the implementation of the fourth
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4).
• Developing the final rule for the next cycle of UCMR monitoring (UCMR 5). This includes
evaluating and addressing public comments on the UCMR 5 proposed rule.
• Measuring progress via the FY 2020-2021 Lead and PFAS APGs.
Source Water Protection
EPA will continue to partner with states, federal counterparts, drinking water utilities, and other
stakeholders to identify and address current and potential impacts to sources of drinking water. In
FY 2021, the Agency will:
• Continue to develop data-layers and decision support tools to assist source water
assessment, planning, and emergency preparation efforts including the Drinking Water
Mapping Application for Protecting Source Waters and an online GIS program available
through EPA's web-based geospatial platform, Geoplatform.180
• Work with state, federal, utility, and local stakeholders to leverage resources, support
efforts to assist communities in source water protection activities and projects, and promote
ongoing efforts to protect drinking water sources.
• Continue to partner with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Natural
Resources Conservation Service and state partners to support implementation of the source
water protection provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill).
This presents an opportunity to forge stronger connections between EPA and USD A to
address agriculture-related impacts to drinking water sources.
• Continue to provide support for workshops that promote source water protection at the
local level and support the integration of source water protection into related programs at
the state and federal levels focusing on reducing nutrient pollution impacts on drinking
water sources.
180 For more information, please see: https: //www, epa. gov/sourcewaterprotection/dwmaps.
401
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• Work with stakeholders to implement source water protection provisions mandated by
AWIA. Support the implementation of the AWIA revisions to the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act as it relates to notification of releases of hazardous
chemicals that potentially affect source water. In addition, support community water
systems having access to hazardous chemical inventory data.
• Continue to serve as an expert on sources of emerging drinking water contaminants and
options for limiting or preventing such contamination through source water protection and
integration of the SDWA and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Provide compliance assistance at drinking water and wastewater systems through the use
of circuit riders with requested additional resources for technical assistance.
Underground Injection Control (UIC)
To safeguard current and future underground sources of drinking water from contamination, the
UIC Program regulates the permitting, construction, operation, and closure of injection wells that
place fluids underground for storage, disposal, enhanced recovery of oil and gas, and minerals
recovery. In FY 2021, activities in the UIC Program include:
• Working with the Ground Water Protection Council, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact
Commission, and the National Rural Water Association to identify best practices in oil and
gas development, such as reuse and recycling of produced water, that can help safeguard
public health.
• Working with authorized state and tribal agencies in their efforts to effectively manage
Class II enhanced oil and gas recovery wells and oil and gas-related disposal wells.
• Supporting states and tribes in applying for primary enforcement responsibility and
implementing UIC Program revisions.
• Working with the State of California to review and approve aquifer exemptions so that the
state program is consistent with the SDWA and UIC regulations.
• Providing technical assistance, tools, and strategies to states for improving implementation
of UIC programs, including development of e-learning material.
• Using national UIC data to assist with promoting nationally consistent approaches to
program oversight of state and EPA UIC programs.
• Streamlining EPA UIC direct implementation permitting, developing standard work,
deploying Lean management principles and reducing the permit application backlog.
Through these efforts, the backlog of EPA-issued new UIC permits decreased from 36 to
26 in FY 2019.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
3,060
CWSs
Actual
4,682
5,050
4,817
3,508
3,480
3,547
Work under this program supports performance results in the Compliance Monitoring Program
under the EPM appropriation.
402
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,394.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$3,274.0 / + 2.8 FTE) This program change is an additional increase to support the PFAS
focus area, including the implementation of the drinking water elements of EPA's PFAS
Action Plan related to policy development and regulatory efforts to address PFAS in
drinking water systems.
• (+$25.0) This program change is an increase under the circuit rider focus area to support
compliance assistance for drinking water and wastewater systems and multi-media
assistance in Indian Country through the use of circuit riders.
• (-$12,134.0 / - 22.3 FTE) This program change is a decrease that refocuses agency efforts
to core Drinking Water Program activities and requirements.
Statutory Authority:
SDWA; CWA.
403
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Water Quality Protection
404
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Marine Pollution
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$9,349.3
$9,258.0
$4,680.0
-$4,578.0
Total Workyears
40.3
31.8
3.0
-28.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's Marine Pollution Program aims to reduce marine litter and improve trash capture activities
across the country and supports the Trash Free Waters Program.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2021 request includes resources and FTE to
expand trash capture and prevention programs across the U.S., tied to water quality and waste
management goals. This program will provide support to states and municipalities in coastal
regions and on major river systems. Work will focus on high impact activities, such as expanding
trash prevention, clean-up, and monitoring programs. Examples include installing trash capture
systems in major stormwater outfalls and tributaries of cities and smaller communities using the
most cost-effective technologies for each municipality; integrating trash prevention goals and
guidelines into state and municipal stormwater management permits and practices; creating a
comprehensive clearinghouse of federal, corporate, and philanthropic funding sources to
implement place-based trash capture projects on a broad scale; creating next generation social
marketing campaigns to reduce litter and improve trash capture; and validating and replicating the
most effective tools, projects, metrics, and partnerships across the U.S. for subsequent application
in countries with the greatest need.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$12.0) This change is a decrease due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
405
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• (+$4,675.0 / +3.0 FTE) This program change is an increase to resources and FTE to support
the reducing ocean pollution and plastic focus area through expanding trash capture and
prevention programs tied to water quality and waste management goals.
• (-$9,241.0 / -31.8 FTE) This program change reduces resources and FTE for the Marine
Pollution Program. Remaining resources will focus on trash capture and prevention
programs tied to water quality and waste management goals.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean Dumping Act);
Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act of 2006; Marine Plastic Pollution
Research and Control Act of 1987.
406
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Surface Water Protection
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
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Total Budget Authority
$196,146.1
$198,431.0
$201,799.0
$3,368.0
Total Workyears
920.3
942.2
962.8
20.6
Program Project Description:
The Surface Water Protection Program, under the Clean Water Act (CWA), directly supports
efforts to protect, improve, and restore the quality of our Nation's coasts, rivers, lakes, and streams.
EPA works with states and tribes to make continued progress toward clean water goals.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will work with states and tribes to target
funds to core requirements while providing states and tribes with flexibility to best address their
priorities for surface water protection.
Program Implementation
Water Quality Criteria and Standards. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to develop and publish new
or revised water quality criteria reflecting the latest scientific knowledge as required by CWA
Section 304. EPA also will continue to review and take action on both state and tribal water quality
standards and state lists of impaired waters as required by CWA Section 303. Water quality criteria
and standards provide the scientific and regulatory foundation for water quality protection
programs under the CWA. EPA will continue to support state and tribal programs by providing
scientific water quality criteria information as required by CWA Section 304. EPA also will
continue to support states and authorized tribes in adopting and implementing water quality
standards in accordance with the water quality standards regulation set forth in 40 CFR part 131.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs). As required under the CWA, EPA will continue to
annually review industrial sources of pollution and publish a preliminary ELG plan for public
review, followed by a final biennial ELG plan informed by public comment. These plans will
identify any industrial categories where ELGs need to be revised or where new ELGs need to be
developed.
407
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Biosolids. EPA will continue to implement the biosolids (sewage sludge) program as required
under CWA Section 405, including reviewing the biosolids regulations not less often than every
two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations
for such pollutants consistent with the CWA. EPA also will continue to develop tools to conduct
risk assessments for chemicals and pathogens found in biosolids.
Impaired Waters Listings and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). EPA will work with states
and other partners on identifying impaired waters and TMDLs, as required by CWA Section
303(d), and on waterbody restoration plans for listed impaired waterbodies. TMDLs focus on
clearly defined environmental goals and establish a pollutant budget, which is then implemented
through local, state, and federal watershed plans and programs to restore waters. EPA also will
work with states and tribes on their CWA Section 303(d) programs and plans to ensure they are
effective. Support will be provided to control nonpoint sources of pollution and ensure the
protection of high-quality waters.
Monitoring and National Aquatic Resource Surveys. EPA will continue working with states and
tribes to support the National Aquatic Resource Survey's statistically representative monitoring of
the condition of the Nation's waters which supports CWA Section 305(b). EPA also will continue
working with states and tribes to support base water quality monitoring programs and priority
enhancements that serve state and tribal CWA programs in a cost-efficient and effective manner.
EPA will continue supporting state and tribal water quality data exchange and tools to maximize
the use of data from multiple organizations to support water quality management decisions.
Waters of the United States. EPA and the Department of the Army have implemented Executive
Order 13778181 directing the Administrator of EPA and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Civil Works to review the 2015 Clean Water Rule (CWR) and publish for notice and comment a
proposed rule rescinding or revising the CWR, as appropriate and consistent with law. The
Agencies signed the final Navigable Waters Protection Rule in January 2020. EPA and the
Department of the Army are developing implementation tools and resources to support the revised
definition and have initiated an effort to develop geospatial datasets to assist in identifying
jurisdictional waters under the CWA.
Water Quality Certification. In response to Executive Order 13868182 issued in April 2019, EPA
issued guidance to assist states, tribes, other federal agencies, and stakeholders in understanding
how to implement and navigate the CWA Section 401 water quality certification process. EPA
proposed a rule in August 2019 to update the Section 401 certification regulations and plans to
take final action in FY 2020. Section 401 of the CWA gives states and authorized tribes the
authority to assess potential water quality impacts of discharges from federally permitted or
licensed infrastructure projects that may affect navigable waters within their borders.
Core Water Quality Programs. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement and support the core
water quality programs that control point source discharges through permitting and pretreatment
programs. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program under the
181 For more information, please refer to Executive Order 13778, "Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth
by Reviewing the 'Waters of the United States' Rule".
182 For more information, please refer to Executive Order 13868, "Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth".
408
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CWA works with states to structure the permit program, support its implementation and better
pursue comprehensive protection of water quality on a watershed basis. EPA is requesting
additional resources for technical assistance through the use of circuit riders to provide compliance
assistance at drinking water and wastewater systems.
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). In December 2018, the VIDA was signed into law
establishing a new framework for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation
of vessels. EPA will propose a rule in FY 2020 to set national performance standards for
approximately 30 different categories of discharges from commercial vessels greater than 79 feet
in length, and for ballast water from commercial vessels of all sizes.
Nutrient and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Reductions. The FY 2021 request directs resources and
FTE to support efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and FLABs, which remain the most significant
widespread water quality challenge across the country, despite decades of efforts to achieve
reductions. The sources and impacts of nutrient pollution and FLABs vary depending on geographic
location, and span urban, rural, and coastal landscapes. Still, in many places nonpoint sources are
responsible for a significant portion of nutrient loads. Federal regulatory programs do not
comprehensively cover these issues, and therefore a more diverse suite of approaches (non-
regulatory, incentive-based, partnership, and market approaches), must be used to complement
EPA's existing regulatory drivers. Harnessing the wealth of information accrued via federal, state,
and local efforts to reduce nutrients, this effective partnership framework engages our state
partners at the forefront of environmental protection. The FY 2021 request also directs resources
to reduce and better predict HABs, which can be caused by nutrient pollution.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS.) EPA is requesting additional funding and FTE to
assist in meeting our goals under the PFAS Action Plan and the FY 2020-FY 2021 PFAS Agency
Priority Goal (APG). The PFAS Action Plan includes the following work: the development of
human health and aquatic life criteria; biosolids risk assessments for PFOA and PFOS;
development of methods for detecting PFAS in wastewater; collecting information on discharges
of PFAS from industrial point sources; and fish tissue monitoring.
Infrastructure
EPA will continue its support of the Nation's infrastructure, focusing on efforts to leverage and
encourage public and private collaborative efforts and investments in improving the Nation's water
infrastructure. This program supports the policy and fiduciary oversight of the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund Loan (CWSRF) Program, which provides low-interest loans to help finance
wastewater treatment facilities and other water quality projects.183 The Program supports policies
and outreach that help ensure the good financial condition of the State Revolving Funds. Federal
capitalization to the SRFs is significantly leveraged; since 1987, CWSRF programs have made
41,234 assistance agreements, funding over $138 billion in wastewater infrastructure and other
water quality projects. The Program also funds implementation of sections of the America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA).
183 For more information, please see https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
409
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This program also supports the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS). The CWNS is an
assessment of the capital investment needed nationwide for publicly-owned wastewater collection
and treatment facilities to meet the water quality goals set in the CWA.
The FY 2021 request supports funding for the Environmental Finance Centers Program which will
help communities across the country improve their wastewater and stormwater systems,
particularly through innovative financing.
Program Oversight/Accountability
States and tribes play a critical role in implementing the CWA. For programs where states and
tribes have primacy, the Agency will focus on providing oversight and assistance. The Agency
will continue to support states in electronically reporting CWA Section 303(d) and Section 305(b)
assessment conclusions through the Assessment TMDL Tracking Implementation System
(ATTAINS) to track improvements in impaired waters. This tool reduces burden on states to track
and report progress in meeting water quality standards in waters targeted for local action and
greatly improves evidence-based tracking of local actions to improve water quality. In addition, as
required under the CWA and Executive Orders 12866, 13638, and 13771, EPA will continue to
support cost-benefit analysis for CWA regulatory and deregulatory actions. EPA will work with
states, tribes, territories, and local communities to safeguard human health; maintain, restore, and
improve water quality; and make America's water systems sustainable and secure, supporting new
technology and innovation wherever possible.
In support of the FY 2018 - 2019 APG to accelerate permitting-related decisions, the Agency
initiated a Lean process improvement effort in FY 2018 focused on NPDES permit streamlining.
This effort identified potential delays in the permitting process, estimated timing of individual
permit issuance steps, and the ideal timing for each step. After process improvements were
implemented, the backlog of EPA-issued new NPDES permits decreased from 106 to 26 as of the
end of FY 2019 and EPA is on track to eliminate the backlog and meet the long-term performance
goal to reach all permitting-related decisions within six months by the end of FY 2022.
The FY 2021 request supports the FY 2020 - 2021 APG to accelerate permitting-related decisions
and the Agency's continued streamlining efforts focused on establishing clear timelines for
permitting processes, ongoing deregulatory efforts, and increasing state delegations. These efforts
will continue to advance support for communities and promote economic growth. Looking
forward, EPA plans to: implement a national strategy to eliminate the NPDES permit backlog,
continue to identify NPDES permits that are delayed due to Endangered Species Act consultation,
and improve consultations processes through efforts such as trainings.
Another process improvement effort focused on streamlining the flow of data from EPA labs to
state partners and data analysts. Improvements are being tracked through an internal process. The
Agency will continue to implement these process improvements and monitor the backlog of water
quality standards (WQS) actions. The Agency will continue to work to decrease the number of
state and tribal WQS revision actions that have been submitted to EPA that EPA neither approved
nor disapproved within the first 60 days after submittal to EPA, and that have yet to be acted upon.
410
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The CWA requires EPA to review state and tribal WQS revisions and either approve within 60
days or disapprove within 90 days.
EPA will continue to track state progress in completing TMDLs, alternative restoration
approaches, or protection plans with the goal of 84 percent of plans in place at state identified
priority waters by the end of 2021. At the end of FY 2019, 51 percent of state priority waters were
addressed by a TMDL, alternative restoration plan, or protection approach. EPA has continued to
support Lean efforts in the states to improve their water quality monitoring, assessment, and
reporting processes. EPA continues to support streamlining efforts to allow states to reduce the
time they spend on administrative reporting and contribute to improved reporting of the Agency's
strategic plan performance goal: By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of
watershed with surface water not meeting standards by 37,000 square miles.184 By the end of FY
2019, the number of square miles of watershed areas that contained impaired waters in 2018 was
reduced by over 12,700 square miles.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM NPDES-03) Number of existing EPA-issued NPDES permits in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
360
280
200
Permits
Actual
45<>
373
(PM SWP-01) Watersheds with surface water not meeting standards (cumulative).
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
497,728
564,536
555,536
Square Miles
Actual
N/A
493,930
(PM SWP-02) Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards because of nutrients (square miles).
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
iy 20 r
I V 2018
I V 2019
I V 2020
1Y 2021
Units
Target
192,096
Square Miles
Actual
(PM TMDL-02) Percentage of priority TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches in
place.
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
50
67
84
Percent
Actual
14
33.3
51.2
Numerator
x.x::
14,045
33,194
48,544
Square Miles
Denominator
mi.i4i
99,424
99,415
94,806
4Universe is 506,728 square miles of impaired waters as of December 31, 2018. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 Strategic
Plan published February 12, 2018.)
411
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$12,756.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$2,925.0 / +2.5 FTE) This program change is an increase of resources and FTE to support
the nutrient and HAB reductions focus area through the advancement of a more
comprehensive approach to addressing nutrient and nonpoint source pollution, which
contributes to the development of HABs. This increase will support enhancing market
mechanisms, efforts to better predict and respond to HABs, and coordination of
surveillance pilots, including through IAs with other federal partners.
• (+$819.0 / +0.7 FTE) This program change is an increase of resources and FTE to support
the PFAS focus area including the implementation of the PFAS Action Plan and associated
milestones in support of the FY 2020 - 2021 PFAS APG.
• (+$25.0) This program change is an increase to support technical assistance through the
use of circuit riders. Efforts are targeted to provide compliance assistance at drinking and
wastewater systems and multi-media assistance in Indian Country under the circuit rider
focus area.
• (-$13,157.0 / +17.4 FTE) This net program change reduces Surface Water Protection
program resources, including the elimination of the WaterSense program. EPA will focus
remaining resources on statutory requirements and highest priority work.
Statutory Authority:
CWA; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Marine Debris Research, Prevention and
Reduction Act of 2006; Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987.
412
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Congressional Priorities
413
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Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Program Area: Congressional Priorities
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
/¦jiviroiniwnlul Programs A- Munagcmcnl
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Science & Technology
$4,092.0
$6,000.0
$0.0
-$6,000.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,092.0
$23,700.0
$0.0
-$23,700.0
Program Project Description:
The purpose of this program is to provide training and technical assistance for small public water
systems to help such systems achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) and to provide training and technical assistance for small publicly-owned wastewater
systems, communities served by onsite/decentralized wastewater systems, and private well owners
to improve water quality under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. States have the ability to
develop technical assistance plans for their water systems using Public Water System Supervision
Program grant funds and set-asides from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$17,700.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Water Quality Competitive
Grant Program. Resources are available through other existing programs and states are best
positioned to develop technical assistance plans for their water systems.
Statutory Authority:
SDWA § 1442(e); Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; Food Quality Protection Act;
Endangered Species Act; CWA § 104(b)(3).
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Inspector General
Program Projects in IG 417
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 418
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 419
415
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416
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Inspector General
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
FY 2021
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Pres
Estimated FY
Actuals
Enacted
Budget
2020 Enacted
Inspector General
Budget Authority
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
-$1,664.0
Total Workyears
218.4
227.5
201.4
-26.1
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
Bill Language: Inspector General
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the provisions of the
Inspector General Act of1978, $39,825,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022.
Program Projects in IG
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY
2020 Enacted
Audits, Evaluations, and
Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and
Investigations
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
-$1,664.0
TOTAL IG
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
-$1,664.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
417
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Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
418
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Program Area: Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Inspector < icncral
S.W.V2V.S
S4I.4SV.V
SJW.X'25. It
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Hazardous Substance Superfond
$8,875.9
$11,586.0
$9,747.0
-$1,839.0
Total Budget Authority
$48,805.7
$53,075.0
$49,572.0
-$3,503.0
Total Workyears
268.7
270.0
242.0
-28.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, created by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. In support of that
independence, Congress provides the OIG with a separate appropriation, within the Agency's
budget. The vision of the OIG is to be a premier oversight organization trusted to speak the truth,
promote good governance, and contribute to improved human health and the environment. This
vision is met through the mission of the OIG. The OIG conducts and supervises independent audits,
evaluations, and investigations while reviewing existing and proposed legislation and regulations
relating to the programs and operations of the Agency; provides leadership and coordination;
makes evidence-based policy recommendations for activities designed to promote economy,
efficiency and effectiveness; and works to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in Agency,
grantee, and contractor operations.
The OIG activities add value and enhance public trust and safety by keeping the head of the
Agency and Congress fully and immediately informed of problems and deficiencies, and the
necessity for and progress of corrective actions. The OIG activities also prevent and detect fraud
in EPA's programs and operations, including financial fraud, laboratory fraud, and cybercrime.
The OIG consistently provides a significant positive return on investment to the public in the form
of recommendations for improvements in the delivery of EPA's mission, reduction in operational
and environmental risks, costs savings and recoveries, and improvements in program efficiencies
and integrity.1 The audit, evaluations and inspection, and investigative services programs are
directly supported through the OIG's management and administrative functions of information
technology, human resources, human capital, budget, planning and performance, legal advice and
counseling, report publishing and communications, and congressional outreach. EPA's OIG plans
its work with a focus on identifying and influencing resolution of the Agency's maj or management
challenges and in support of the Agency's strategic goals and objectives in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
1 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/epa-oig-organization-profile.
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In addition, EPA's Inspector General was designated by Congress in FY 2004 to serve as the
Inspector General for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and
provides the full range of audit and investigative services specified by the Inspector General Act,
as amended. Specifically, the OIG conducts required audits of the CSB's financial statements and
of CSB's compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act. In addition, the OIG
performs audits and evaluations of the CSB's programmatic and management activities and
follow-up on prior audit recommendations.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The activities of the OIG are supported
through the core value to be the best in public service through customer service, integrity, and
accountability. The summary of this value is to contribute to improved EPA and CSB programs
and operations protecting human health and the environment, and enhancing safety; conduct
audits, evaluations, and investigations that enable EPA and the CSB to improve business practices
and accountability to meet stakeholders' needs. The OIG assists the Agency in its efforts to develop
and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws by making recommendations to
improve program operations; save taxpayer dollars; reduce the potential for fraud, waste, and
abuse; respond to cybercrimes; and resolve previously identified major management challenges
and internal control weaknesses resulting in cleaner air, land, and water, and ensured chemical
safety for America. In FY 2021, the OIG will target initiatives supporting EPA's six National
Compliance Initiatives; increase its agility to assess emerging environmental threats; increase its
use of data analytics, business analytics, and business intelligence to better target resources to
address high risk, high vulnerability areas of interest; employ best practices in support of
improving efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and monetary benefits; focus on measurable
impact and will increase its return on investment to the American public.
The OIG carries out its statutory mission by conducting many types of audits, evaluations, and
investigations for both EPA and the CSB. Plans are implemented through audits, evaluations,
investigations, inspections, and follow-up reviews in compliance with the Inspector General Act
(as amended), the Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards, and the Council of
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for Federal Offices of
Inspector General. The OIG conducts the following types of assignments focused on efficiency
and program operations: program performance, including a focus on the award and administration
of grants and contracts; statutorily mandated audits; financial reviews of grantees and contractors;
and information resources management. In addition, program performance audits, evaluations and
inspections are conducted in the areas of EPA's mission objectives for improving and protecting
the environment and public health, including: air; water; land cleanup and waste management;
toxics, chemical management, and pollution prevention; and environmental research programs.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA programs and
operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust, or create an imminent risk
or danger. The OIG investigations are coordinated with the Department of Justice and other
federal, state, and local law enforcement entities. These investigations often lead to successful
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prosecution and civil judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses.
Major areas of investigative focus include: financial fraud, program integrity, threats to the
Agency's resources, employee integrity, cyber-crimes, and theft of intellectual or sensitive data.
The ten directorates within the Office of Audit and Evaluation are responsible for independent
oversight of EPA and CSB programs and recommending improvement to programs and operations.
A significant portion of audit resources will be devoted to statutorily mandated work assessing the
financial statements of EPA, as required by the Chief Financial Officers Act and the Accountability
of Tax Dollars Act of2002, respectively. The OIG work also will include assessing the information
security practices of EPA as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. The
OIG will examine the delivery and performance of national programs, as well as specific cross-
regional and single region or place based issues that represent a risk to public health and the
environment in response to stakeholder concerns.
EPA's OIG continues to balance its workload with the capacity of a reduced workforce, while
meeting statutorily-mandated requirements and delivering a strong return on investment. Three of
the four EPA OIG Annual Performance Goals reported to Congress by way of the Semiannual
Report are being exceeded, however, goals were adjusted to align with available resources. Based
on prior work, cross-agency risk assessment, Agency challenges, future priorities, and extensive
stakeholder input, the OIG will focus its resources on efforts in the following areas of concentration
during FY 2021:
Audits and Evaluations
Sound and Economical Financial Management
• Annual mandated improper payments audit
• Internal controls
• Annual mandated financial statements audits
• Audits of costs claimed by grantees and contractors
• Grant and contract administration
• Maximizing cost efficiencies and process improvement
• Capital investments in information technology, equipment, facilities, and other items
• Technological changes that create transformation opportunities
• Annual mandated travel card program, including risk assessment in accordance with the
Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012
• Annual mandated purchase card and convenience check program, including risk
assessment
• Annual mandated toxic substances fees in accordance with the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
• Efficiency and effectiveness of collection and payment processes
Efficient Processes and Use of Resources
• Management of the Brownfields Program
• Partnering or coordination with other agencies to maximize efficiencies
• Opportunities to reduce duplication, overlap, and fragmentation within EPA
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• Grant, Interagency Agreement Grant, and Interagency Agreement Management
• Efficiency and effectiveness of human capital management programs
Ensuring the Integrity of EPA Information
• Protection from advanced persistent threats to steal/modify data
• Agency efforts to enhance its capability to respond to cyber-attacks
• Cybersecurity/infrastructure development; and assessment of processes to ensure
protection and security of information systems from fraud, waste, and abuse
• File server security
• Processes for Managing Background Investigations and Plan of Action & Milestones
(POA&Ms)
• Annual mandated audit of compliance with the Federal Information Security
Modernization Act
• Oversight of Chief Information Officer's responsibilities under the Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act
• Mandated readiness reviews of Agency Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of
2014
Assessing Risk Management and Performance Measurement
• Implementation of Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act, Federal Information Security
Management Act, and Government Performance and Results Act
• Disaster response and homeland security and emergency preparedness and response
• Construction grants and revolving loan funds awarded to states and territories
• Review of contractor federal performance
• Assistance agreements related to cleanup and Brownfields
Assessing Program Integrity. Results. Oversight Enforcement
• Evaluation of the Management Audit Tracking System
• Evaluation of the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• Oversight of Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds
• Assess EPA's policy, procedures, and internal controls to prevent or reduce improper
computer use
• Evaluations of EPA's programs and activities to protect human health and the environment
through progress toward air quality goals and compliance with requirements
• Evaluation of EPA's programs and adherence to requirements to protect and restore water
that sustains human health and the environment
• Evaluation of EPA's programs, activities, requirements and initiatives to protect human
health and the environment through hazardous waste cleanup, waste management, accident
prevention and emergency response
• Evaluations of EPA's programs and requirements to protect human health and the
environment from chemical risks, including implementation of the TSCA
• Evaluation of controls and processes in EPA's research and development programs that
support EPA's core mission to protect human health and the environment
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Investigations
The Inspector General Act identifies the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations as
responsible for developing and implementing an investigative program that furthers OIG
objectives. The OIG's Office of Investigations (01) conducts independent investigations to detect
and prevent fraud, waste and abuse, while protecting the integrity of EPA and CSB programs,
operations and resources. Investigations focus on allegations of criminal activity and serious
misconduct in EPA and CSB programs and operations. The OIG's investigative process is mostly
reactive, and the 01 performs its proactive work strategically as opportunities and resources allow.
Due to the reactive nature of the 01' s work, investigations are opened in accordance with priorities
set forth in the OIG Strategic Plan for FY 2018 - 2022 and in consideration of prosecutorial
guidelines established by U.S. Attorneys. OIG investigations are governed by th e Attorney General
Guidelines for Offices of Inspector General with Statutory Law Enforcement Authority and by the
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for
Investigations, as well as other federal statutes and regulations.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA programs and
operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust, or create an imminent risk
or danger. Special Agents within the 01 are duly appointed federal criminal investigators and have
statutory authority to carry firearms, make arrests, execute search and seizure warrants, and
perform other law enforcement duties. Special Agents have been trained as armed law enforcement
first responders and are responders in the event of an active shooter or terrorist attack impacting
EPA and CSB facilities. The 01 often collaborates with other law enforcement entities and external
stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of its work. The OIG investigations are coordinated with
the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local law enforcement entities for criminal
and civil litigation or with EPA management for administrative action. Investigative efforts often
lead to successful criminal convictions, administrative sanctions, civil monetary penalties and
judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses. Additionally, during and
at the conclusion of investigations, the 01 works with the Suspension and Debarment Office within
EPA, "whose actions protect the government from doing business with entities that pose a business
risk to the government."
The OIG plays a critical oversight role helping to ensure that EPA and CSB funds are properly
expended and not subject to fraud, waste, or abuse. Major areas of investigative focus in this
oversight include: 1) financial fraud relating to Agency grants and contracts concerning State
Revolving Funds, interagency and cooperative agreements, and fraud related to mischarging,
defective pricing, defective products and collusion on contracts; 2) employee integrity and alleged
criminal conduct or serious administrative misconduct focusing on activities that could undermine
the integrity of Agency programs involving safety and public health, and erode confidence in the
Agency pursuing its mission; 3) threats directed against EPA and CSB employees, facilities, and
assets involving threats to the physical assault upon such employees and contractors; 4) program
integrity focusing; 5) EPA's OIG hotline, deterrence and oversight focusing on managing EPA's
OIG hotline program, which receives complaints, referrals and allegation of fraud, waste, abuse,
mismanagement and misconduct involving EPA and the CSB; 6) other investigative activity for
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which the focus is on providing support to the OIG program offices and participating in
multiagency coordination on urgent matters facing EPA and the Nation.
Finally, the 01 often makes observations or "lessons learned" for EPA's management to reduce
the Agency's vulnerability to criminal activity. The results of 01's investigations are published in
the OIG's semiannual reports and can serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. In addition, the
01's investigations provide measurable results wherein recovery and restitution of financial losses
are achieved, and administrative actions are taken to prevent those involved from further
participation in any of EPA's programs or operation.
The Office of Investigations is proposing to realign its Field Operations Directorate by reducing
the number of field offices from four to three and realigning the offices that are currently under
the purview of the Chicago, Illinois field office to the Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, DC field
offices. The employees in the Chicago office will report to the Washington field office and the
employees in the Dallas and Kansas City offices, who currently report to the Chicago office, will
report to the Atlanta office. Thus, none of the offices will be closed, and each of the three field
offices will continue to have a GS-14 supervisor, a GS-15 supervisor, and a team of Special
Agents. Once fully implemented and operational, this realignment will improve the efficiency,
effectiveness and consistency of 01's operations by allowing the Field Operations Directorate to
better oversee its field operations and investigations. The realignment will move 01 towards an
appropriate manager-to-staff ratio.
Follow-up and Policy/Regulatory Analysis
To further promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, the OIG will conduct follow-up
reviews of Agency responsiveness to the OIG's recommendations to determine if appropriate
actions have been taken and intended improvements have been achieved. This process will serve
as a means for keeping Congress and EPA leadership apprised of accomplishments and
opportunities for needed corrective actions, and facilitate greater accountability for results from
the OIG operations.
Additionally, as directed by the IG Act (as amended), the OIG also conducts reviews and analysis
of proposed and existing policies, rules, regulations and legislation to identify vulnerability to
waste, fraud and abuse. These reviews also consider possible duplication, gaps or conflicts with
existing authority, leading to recommendations for improvements in their structure, content, and
application.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,963.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
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• (-$4,627.0 / -26.1 FTE) This net program change is a decrease to address costs associated
with the reduction in FTEs and other nonpay changes for all activities across the Office of
the Inspector General.
Statutory Authority:
Inspector General Act of 1978.
Inspector General Reform Act:
The following information is provided pursuant to Section 6(g)(2) of the Inspector General Reform
Act:
• The aggregate budget request from the Inspector General for the operations of the OIG is
$59.3 million ($48.6 million Inspector General; $10.7 million Superfund Transfer)
• The aggregate President's Budget for the operations of the OIG is $49.6 million ($39.8
million Inspector General; $9.8 million Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed for training is $500 thousand ($410
thousand Inspector General; $90 thousand Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed to support the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is $122 thousand ($100 thousand Inspector
General; $22 thousand Superfund Transfer)
"I certify as the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency that the amount I have
requested for training satisfies all OIG training needs for FY 2021 "
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426
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Buildings and Facilities
Program Projects in B&F 429
Homeland Security 430
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 431
Operations and Administration 433
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 434
427
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428
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Buildings and Facilities
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Estimated FY 2020
Actuals
Enacted
Pres Budget
Enacted
Buildings and Facilities
Budget Authority
$27,276.9
$33,598.0
$39,553.0
$5,955.0
Total Workyears
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Bill Language: Buildings and Facilities
For construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase offixed equipment or
facilities of, or for use by, the Environmental Protection Agency, $39,553,000, to remain available
until expended.
Program Projects in B&F
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel
and Infrastructure
$4,259.1
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
TOTAL B&F
$27,276.9
$33,598.0
$39,553.0
$5,955.0
429
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Homeland Security
430
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$5,755.6
$5,355.0
$4,986.0
-$369.0
Science & Technology
$410.0
$443.0
$500.0
$57.0
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Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$979.3
$1,017.0
$915.0
-$102.0
Total Budget Authority
$11,404.0
$13,491.0
$12,577.0
-$914.0
Total Workyears
8.8
9.2
9.2
0.0
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 9.2 FTE to support Homeland Security working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Buildings and Facilities resources in the Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel
and Infrastructure program support the protection of federal employees, contractors, grantees, and
private citizens (occupants) who work within or visit EPA facilities nationwide. EPA's buildings
are a combination of headquarters and regional administrative offices, program and research
laboratories, and support facilities/warehouses. These facilities are either EPA owned/leased or
GSA owned/leased. This funding ensures federal mandates are met as they relate to physical
security and local emergency preparedness for all agency locations. These funds support the
physical security protection equipment and mechanisms required to protect occupants during
facility relocation (e.g., moves, new leases, consolidations, etc.), physical equipment
upgrades/modernization, or corrective actions required to address security vulnerabilities
identified during security assessments.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to partner
with GSA for utilization of the Enterprise Physical Access Control System (ePACS), which
enables the Agency to modernize its security infrastructure in compliance with Homeland Security
Presidential Directive-12.1 ePACS allows the Agency to control access in EPA space, including
restricted and secure space. EPA also will ensure the following security projects protect occupants
and comply with federal mandates for physical security: 1) relocation of Criminal Investigation
Division offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 2) consolidation of the Houston, Texas and
Richmond, California labs; 3) fund the second phase of the design of the new entrance for Athens,
Georgia; and 4) various closed circuit television and physical security upgrades in response to
1 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-presideatial-directive-12
431
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vulnerabilities identified by previously conducted physical security assessments. In addition, the
Agency will continue to utilize GSA's Managed Service Office, USAccess, for PIV card
enrollment and issuance. USAccess is a shared services solution which is in line with OMB's
Federal IT Shared Services Strategy and the President's Management Agenda.2
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$500.0) This program change is a reduction which will extend the schedule for
nationwide transition of facility Physical Access Control Systems to the ePACS solution.
Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
2 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
432
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Operations and Administration
433
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Science & Technology
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
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$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Buildings and Facilities (B&F) appropriation supports the design, construction, repair, and
improvement of EPA's federally owned and leased land and structures in accordance with
applicable codes and standards. Construction renovation and alteration projects costing more than
$150 thousand must use B&F funding. B&F resources ensure that the Agency complies with
various mandates and goals including: the Energy Policy Act of 2005; the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA); and regulatory mandates associated with soil and water
pesticides testing.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the National Strategy
for the Efficient Use of Real Property 2015-2020 and HR 4465,3 the Federal Assets Sale and
Transfer Act of 2016, the Agency will continue to review its space needs. EPA is implementing a
long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number of occupied facilities, consolidate
space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage wherever practical. B&F resources
support facility-related construction and the repair and improvement (R&I) of EPA's aging real
estate inventory. Good stewardship practices demand the physical conditions, functionality, safety
and health, security, and research capabilities of the Agency's facilities are adequately maintained
to ensure successful completion of EPA's mission requirements and goals.
3 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
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Through master planning and nationwide efforts to use space more efficiently, EPA identifies B&F
projects to be conducted each fiscal year. These projects support the long-term conditions and
efficiency of EPA facilities. Further, the need for B&F resources will continue to increase to
comply with GSA leasing practices requiring agencies to pay for B&F projects including
sustainable features4 as tenant improvements (TI) or up front and ongoing project costs. This
requirement significantly increases TI cost for new leases while resources are needed to
consolidate space and move into new locations to reduce the Agency's footprint in accordance
with the Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide by September 30,
2022. In FY 2019, EPA released 128,150 square feet of unused office and warehouse space. In FY
2021, the Agency will continue to explore opportunities to reconfigure EPA's workplaces with the
goal of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables EPA to
reduce its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically sophisticated
workplace. Planned consolidations will allow EPA to continue to release an expected 319,693
square feet of space in FY 2021. However, even if modifications are kept to a minimum, each
move requires B&F funding.
The FY 2021 request also includes resources for ongoing projects that will provide critical
maintenance for aging laboratory facilities and are key to ensuring that the Agency has access to
preeminent laboratory science. These projects maintain a safe workplace, provide for high quality
science, support agency priorities, and advance the Agency's mission. Delaying essential repairs
results in the deterioration of EPA's facilities, which increases long-term repair costs and presents
safety risks. EPA will focus on critical facility repairs and infrastructure upgrades to maintain an
acceptable Facility Condition Index (FCI), which measures the current state of EPA owned
facilities and informs B&F investment decisions in line with the Laboratory Study completed in
2014.5
In FY 2021, the Agency proposes to continue or initiate space optimization projects with the
potential for the greatest long-term cost and energy savings, including but not limited to the
following:
• Co-Locating in the Ada, Oklahoma laboratory. EPA will continue its work to
consolidate employees currently in leased laboratory space into owned space. The Agency
is co-locating operations for the regional laboratory in Houston, Texas with the EPA-
owned laboratory in Ada, Oklahoma. As a result of this co-location, EPA expects to save
$1.8 million annually in lease and facility expenses and reduce agency lab space by
approximately 41,000 square feet.
4 Many of these features are required by EISA or executive orders.
5 For additional information on the Synthesis Report of the U.S. EPA Laboratory Enterprise Evaluation, please refer to:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-03/documents/synthesisrepoitoflheusepakboratoryenterprise.pdf.
435
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• Consolidating Operations in Federal Triangle. EPA is in the process of consolidating
office space in Washington, D.C. to accommodate employees relocated from the Potomac
Yard facility. The release of the Potomac Yard facility will reduce the space footprint by
264,935 square feet and avoid over $11 million in annual lease costs.
• Optimizing space at the Athens, Georgia laboratory. EPA has begun to invest in the
design for the optimized layout for the Athens lab prior to reducing its space footprint.
Construction will cost an estimated $3 million in FY 2020 and another $7 million in FY
2021.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue its phased approach to accomplish major B&F projects across the
country including those that involve the replacement of mechanical systems nearing the end of
their useful life that also will ultimately result in energy savings. Using this phased approach, the
Agency completed the first phase of the Athens, Georgia consolidation project in FY 2019.
Completion of phase one created space for staff to relocate out of the EPA-owned lab in
preparation for renovation of the entire lab facility.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$6,455.0) This program change increases funding for the Agency's planned progress in
regional space optimization and laboratory upgrade projects in Ada, OK and Athens, GA,
as well as space consolidations at Washington, D.C. headquarters facilities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute).
436
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Superfund
Program Projects in Superfund 439
Indoor Air and Radiation 442
Radiation: Protection 443
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 445
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 446
Compliance 452
Compliance Monitoring 453
Enforcement 455
Criminal Enforcement 456
Environmental Justice 458
Forensics Support 460
Superfund: Enforcement 462
Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement 465
Homeland Security 467
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 468
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 471
Information Exchange / Outreach 473
Exchange Network 474
IT/ Data Management/ Security 477
Information Security 478
IT / Data Management 481
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review 484
Alternative Dispute Resolution 485
Legal Advice: Environmental Program 486
Operations and Administration 488
Acquisition Management 489
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 492
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 495
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management 498
Human Resources Management 500
437
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Research: Sustainable Communities 503
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 504
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 508
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment 509
Superfund Cleanup 513
Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal 514
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness 517
Superfund: Federal Facilities 519
Superfund: Remedial 522
Superfund Special Accounts 526
Superfund Special Accounts 527
438
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Hazardous Substance Superfund
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Hazardous Substance Superfund
Budget Authority
$1,209,683.4
$1,184,755.0
$1,078,611.0
-$106,144.0
Total Workyears
2,519.4
2,636.5
2,593.6
-42.9
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
Bill Language: Hazardous Substance Superfund
For necessary expenses to carry out the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), including sections 111(c)(3), (c)(5), (c)(6), and (e)(4) (42
U.S.C. 9611), and hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, $1,078,611,000, to remain
available until expended, consisting of such sums as are available in the Trust Fund on September
30, 2020, as authorized by section 517(a) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
of 1986 (SARA) and up to $1,078,611,000 as a payment from general revenues to the Hazardous
Substance Superfundfor purposes as authorized by section 517(b) of SARA: Provided, That funds
appropriated under this heading may be allocated to other Federal agencies in accordance with
section 111(a) of CERCLA: Providedfurther, That of the funds appropriated under this heading,
$9,747,000 shall be paid to the "Office of Inspector General" appropriation to remain available
until September 30, 2022, and $19,075,000 shall be paid to the "Science and Technology"
appropriation to remain available until September 30, 2022.
Program Projects in Superfund
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Indoor Air and Radiation
Radiation: Protection
$1,768.6
$1,985.0
$2,122.0
$137.0
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
$8,875.9
$11,586.0
$9,747.0
-$1,839.0
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$1,313.8
$995.0
$1,004.0
$9.0
Enforcement
439
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Criminal Enforcement
$7,492.9
$7,645.0
$8,479.0
$834.0
Environmental Justice
$662.2
$633.0
$0.0
-$633.0
Forensics Support
$1,402.3
$1,145.0
$1,312.0
$167.0
Superfiind: Enforcement
$135,626.7
$152,591.0
$162,504.0
$9,913.0
Superfond: Federal Facilities Enforcement
$6,046.9
$6,361.0
$7,330.0
$969.0
Subtotal, Enforcement
$151,231.0
$168,375.0
$179,625.0
$11,250.0
Flomeland Security
Flomeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
$31,526.7
$31,599.0
$33,454.0
$1,855.0
Flomeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel
and Infrastructure
$979.3
$1,017.0
$915.0
-$102.0
Subtotal, Flomeland Security
$32,506.0
$32,616.0
$34,369.0
$1,753.0
Information Exchange / Outreach
Exchange Network
$1,424.8
$1,328.0
$1,293.0
-$35.0
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
$598.9
$693.0
$5,082.0
$4,389.0
IT / Data Management
$13,755.5
$13,792.0
$13,874.0
$82.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
$14,354.4
$14,485.0
$18,956.0
$4,471.0
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Alternative Dispute Resolution
$573.3
$710.0
$0.0
-$710.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$515.0
$543.0
$608.0
$65.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic
Review
$1,088.3
$1,253.0
$608.0
-$645.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$23,772.7
$21,971.0
$22,462.0
$491.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Acquisition Management
$18,593.2
$20,533.0
$22,982.0
$2,449.0
Human Resources Management
$6,163.7
$6,548.0
$5,704.0
-$844.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
$2,517.7
$2,580.0
$2,903.0
$323.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$133,290.5
$128,105.0
$130,882.0
$2,777.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$11,004.7
$16,463.0
$11,448.0
-$5,015.0
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
$2,864.9
$12,824.0
$6,159.0
-$6,665.0
440
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Superfund Cleanup
Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal
$215,077.1
$189,306.0
$170,748.0
-$18,558.0
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
$7,679.9
$7,636.0
$7,700.0
$64.0
Superfund: Federal Facilities
$22,544.5
$21,125.0
$21,621.0
$496.0
Superfund: Remedial
$604,659.0
$576,673.0
$482,329.0
-$94,344.0
Subtotal, Superfund Cleanup
$849,960.5
$794,740.0
$682,398.0
-$112,342.0
TOTAL Superfund
$1,209,683.4
$1,184,755.0
$1,078,611.0
-$106,144.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
441
-------
Indoor Air and Radiation
442
-------
Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$10,880.5
$7,992.0
$2,470.0
-$5,522.0
Science & Technology
$2,794.7
$1,781.0
$1,047.0
-$734.0
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Total Budget Authority
$15,443.8
$11,758.0
$5,639.0
-$6,119.0
Total Workyears
57.4
53.8
25.0
-28.8
Program Project Description:
This program addresses potential radiation risks that may be found at Superfund and hazardous
waste sites. Through this program, EPA ensures that Superfund site cleanup activities reduce
and/or mitigate the health and environmental risk of radiation to include support of removal actions
as needed.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA's National Analytical Radiation
Environmental Laboratory in Montgomery, Alabama, and National Center for Radiation Field
Operations in Las Vegas, Nevada, will continue to provide analytical and field support to manage
and mitigate radioactive releases and exposures. These two organizations provide analytical and
technical support for the characterization and cleanup of Superfund and Federal Facility sites.
More specifically, these organizations focus on providing high-quality data to support Agency
decisions at sites across the country. They also develop guidance for cleaning up Superfund and
other sites that are contaminated with radioactive materials.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$112.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
443
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• (-$26.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a reduction due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (+$51.0) This program change is an increase to radiation analytical and technical support.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
444
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Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
445
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Program Area: Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Inspector General
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
-$1,664.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
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Total Budget Authority
$48,805.7
$53,075.0
$49,572.0
-$3,503.0
Total Workyears
268.7
270.0
242.0
-28.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, created by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. In support of that
independence, Congress provides the OIG with a separate appropriation, within the Agency's
budget. The vision of the OIG is to be a premier oversight organization trusted to speak the truth,
promote good governance, and contribute to improved human health and the environment. This
vision is met through the mission of the OIG. The OIG conducts and supervises independent audits,
evaluations, and investigations while reviewing existing and proposed legislation and regulations
relating to the programs and operations of the Agency; provides leadership and coordination;
makes evidence-based policy recommendations for activities designed to promote economy,
efficiency and effectiveness; and works to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in Agency,
grantee, and contractor operations of the Agency's Superfund Program.
The OIG activities add value and enhance public trust and safety by keeping the head of the
Agency and Congress fully and immediately informed about problems and deficiencies, and the
necessity for and progress of corrective actions. The OIG activities also prevent and detect fraud
in EPA's programs and operations, including financial fraud, laboratory fraud, and cybercrime.
The OIG consistently provides a significant positive return on investment to the public in the form
of recommendations for improvements in the delivery of EPA's mission, reduction in operational
and environmental risks, costs savings and recoveries, and improvements in program efficiencies
and integrity.1 The audit, and inspection and investigative services programs are directly supported
through the OIG's management and administrative functions of information technology, human
resources, human capital, budget, planning and performance, legal advice and counseling, report
publishing and communications, and congressional outreach. EPA's OIG plans its work with a
focus on identifying and influencing resolution of the Agency's major management challenges in
support of the Agency's strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
1 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/epa-oig-organization-profile.
446
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The activities of the OIG are supported
through the core value to be the best in public service through customer service, integrity, and
accountability. The summary of this value is to contribute to improved EPA Superfund programs
and operations protecting human health and the environment, and enhancing safety; conduct
audits, evaluations, and investigations that enable EPA to improve business practices and
accountability to meet stakeholders' needs. The OIG assists the Agency in its efforts to develop
and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws by making recommendations to
improve program operations; save taxpayer dollars; reduce the potential for fraud, waste, and
abuse; respond to cybercrimes; and resolve previously identified major management challenges
and internal control weaknesses resulting in cleaner air, land, and water, and ensured chemical
safety for America. In FY 2021, the OIG will target initiatives supporting EPA's six National
Compliance Initiatives; increase its agility to assess emerging environmental threats; increase its
use of data analytics, business analytics, and business intelligence to better target resources to
address high risk, high vulnerability areas of interest; employ best practices in support of
improving efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and monetary benefits; focus on measurable
impact and increase its return on investment to the American public regarding issues related to the
Superfund Program.
The OIG carries out its statutory mission by conducting many types of audits, evaluations, and
investigations for both EPA and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
Plans are implemented through audits, evaluations, investigations, inspections, and follow-up
reviews in compliance with the Inspector General Act (as amended), the Generally Accepted
Government Accounting Standards, and the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and
Efficiency's Quality Standards for Federal Offices of Inspector General.
The OIG conducts the following types of assignments focused on efficiency and program
operations: program performance, including a focus on the award and administration of grants
and contracts; statutorily mandated audits; financial reviews of grantees and contractors; and
information resources management. In addition, program performance audits, evaluations, and
inspections will be conducted in the areas of EPA's mission objectives for improving and
protecting the environment and public health, including: air; water; land cleanup and waste
management; toxics, chemical management, and pollution prevention; and environmental research
programs via reviews of Superfund and other land issues.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA's Superfund Program
and operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust or create an imminent
risk or danger. The OIG investigations are coordinated with the Department of Justice and other
federal, state, and local law enforcement entities. These investigations often lead to successful
prosecution and civil judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses.
Major areas of investigative focus include: financial fraud, program integrity, threats to the
Agency's resources, employee integrity, cyber-crimes, and theft of intellectual or sensitive data.
447
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EPA's OIG continues to balance its workload with the capacity of a reduced workforce, while
meeting statutorily-mandated requirements and delivering a strong return on investment. Based on
prior work, Agency challenges, cross-agency risk assessment, future priorities, and extensive
stakeholder input, the OIG will focus its resources on efforts in the following areas of concentration
during FY 2021:
Audits and Evaluations
The OIG audits and program evaluations and inspections related to Superfund will identify
program and management risks and determine if EPA is efficiently and effectively reducing human
health risks; taking effective enforcement actions; cleaning up hazardous waste; managing waste;
restoring previously polluted sites to appropriate uses; and ensuring long-term stewardship of those
sites. The OIG assignments will include: assessing the adequacy of internal controls in EPA (and
its grantees and contractors) to protect resources and achieve program results; project management
to ensure that EPA (and its grantees and contractors) have clear plans and accountability for
performance progress; enforcement to evaluate whether there is consistent, adequate, and
appropriate application of the laws and regulations across jurisdictions with coordination between
federal, state, and local law enforcement activities; and grants and contracts to verify that such
awards are made based upon uniform risk assessment, and that grantees and contractors perform
with integrity.
Prior audits and evaluations of the Superfund Program have identified numerous barriers to
implementing effective resource management and program improvements. Therefore, the OIG will
concentrate its resources on efforts in the following assignment areas:
• Superfund's human health and environmental indicators (Human Health Exposure Under
Control and Groundwater Migration Under Control) and its key measure (Sites Ready for
Anticipated Use) and optimization of remedies
• EPA's progress in ensuring private party Superfund liabilities are adequately covered by
sufficient financial assurance mechanisms
• EPA Progress Implementing Recommendations for Superfund Improvement in the 2017
Superfund Task Force Report
• Superfund portion of EPA's financial statement and Federal Information Security
Modernization Act (FISMA) audits to include sampling, monitoring, communication, and
opportunities for cleanup efficiencies
• Oversight of Superfund remedial activities under state contracts and assistance agreements
• Assess the effectiveness of actions taken as a result of the 2017 Superfund Task Force
Report
• The OIG also will evaluate ways to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse, with emphasis on
identifying opportunities for cost savings and reducing risk of resource loss, while
maximizing results achieved from Superfund contracts and assistance agreements
448
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Investigations
The Inspector General Act identifies the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations as
responsible for developing and implementing an investigative program that furthers OIG
objectives. The OIG's Office of Investigations (01) conducts independent investigations to detect
and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, while protecting the integrity of EPA's Superfund Program.
Investigations focus on allegations of criminal activity and serious misconduct in EPA Superfund
programs and operations. The OIG's investigative process is mostly reactive, and the 01 performs
its proactive work strategically as opportunities and resources allow. Due to the reactive nature of
the 01's work, investigations are opened in accordance with priorities set forth in the OIG Strategic
Plan for FY 2018 -2022 and in consideration of prosecutorial guidelines established by U.S.
Attorneys. OIG investigations are governed by the Attorney General Guidelines for Offices of
Inspector General with Statutory Law Enforcement Authority and by the Council of the Inspectors
General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for Investigations, as well as other federal
statutes and regulations.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA Superfund programs
and operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust or create an imminent
risk or danger. Special Agents within the 01 are duly appointed federal criminal investigators and
have statutory authority to carry firearms, make arrests, execute search and seizure warrants, and
perform other law enforcement duties. Special Agents have been trained as armed law enforcement
first responders and are responders in the event of an active shooter or terrorist attack impacting
EPA and CSB facilities. The 01 often collaborates with other law enforcement entities and external
stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of its work. The OIG investigations are coordinated with
the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local law enforcement entities for criminal
and civil litigation or with EPA management for administrative action. Investigative efforts often
lead to successful criminal convictions, administrative sanctions, civil monetary penalties and
judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses. Additionally, during and
at the conclusion of investigations, the 01 works with the Suspension and Debarment Office within
EPA, "whose actions protect the government from doing business with entities that pose a business
risk to the government."
The OIG plays a critical oversight role helping to ensure that EPA and CSB funds are properly
expended and not subject to fraud, waste, or abuse. Investigative focus in this oversight include:
1) fraudulent practices in awarding, performing, and paying Superfund contracts, grants, or other
assistance agreements; 2) program fraud or other acts that undermine the integrity of, or confidence
in the Superfund Program and create imminent environmental risks; 3) laboratory fraud relating to
data, and false claims, or erroneous laboratory results that undermine the basis for decision-
making, regulatory compliance, or enforcement actions in the Superfund Program; 4) violent or
criminal threats directed against Superfund Program employees or facilities; 5) criminal conduct
or serious administrative misconduct by EPA employees involved in the Superfund Program; and
6) intrusions into and attacks against EPA's network supporting Superfund Program data, as well
as incidents of computer misuse and theft of intellectual property or sensitive/proprietary
Superfund data. Special attention will be directed towards identifying the tactics, techniques, and
449
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procedures being utilized by cyber criminals to reduce vulnerabilities and infractions, enhance
collective defense efforts, and adapt to the evolving sophistication of the cyber threat landscape.
Finally, the 01 often makes observations or "lessons learned" for EPA's management reduce the
Agency's vulnerability to criminal activity in the Superfund Program. The results of 01's
investigations are published and can serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. In addition, the 01's
investigations provide measurable results wherein recovery and restitution of financial losses are
achieved, and administrative actions are taken to prevent those involved from further participation
in any Superfund Program or operation.
The Office of Investigations is proposing to realign its Field Operations Directorate by reducing
the number of field offices from four to three and realigning the offices that are currently under
the purview of the Chicago, Illinois field office to the Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, DC field
offices. The employees in the Chicago office will report to the Washington field office and the
employees in the Dallas and Kansas City offices, who currently report to the Chicago office, will
report to the Atlanta office. Thus, none of the offices will be closed, and each of the three field
offices will continue to have a GS-14 supervisor, a GS-15 supervisor, and a team of Special
Agents. Once fully implemented and operational, this realignment will improve the efficiency,
effectiveness and consistency of 01's operations by allowing the Field Operations Directorate to
better oversee its field operations and investigations. The realignment will move 01 towards an
appropriate manager-to-staff ratio.
Follow-up and Policy/Regulatory Analysis
To further promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, the OIG will conduct follow-up
reviews of Agency responsiveness to the OIG's recommendations for the Superfund Program to
determine if appropriate actions have been taken and intended improvements have been achieved.
This process will serve as a means for keeping Congress and EPA leadership apprised of
accomplishments and opportunities for needed corrective actions and facilitate greater
accountability for results from the OIG operations.
Additionally, as directed by the IG Act (as amended), the OIG also conducts reviews and analysis
of proposed and existing policies, rules, regulations and legislation pertaining to the Superfund
Program to identify vulnerability to waste, fraud and abuse. These reviews also consider possible
duplication, gaps or conflicts with existing authority, leading to recommendations for
improvements in their structure, content and application.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$314.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
450
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• (-$2,153.0 / -1.9 FTE) This net program change is a decrease to address costs associated
with the reduction in FTEs and other nonpay changes for all activities across the Office of
the Inspector General.
Statutory Authority:
Inspector General Act of 1978; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) § 11 l(k).
Inspector General Reform Act:
The following information is provided pursuant to the requirements of the Inspector General
Reform Act:
• The aggregate budget request from the Inspector General for the operations of the OIG is
$59.3 million ($48.6 million Inspector General; $10.7 million Superfund Transfer)
• The aggregate President's Budget for the operations of the OIG is $49.6 million ($39.8
million Inspector General; $9.8 million Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed for training is $500 thousand ($410
thousand Inspector General; $90 thousand Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed to support the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is $122 thousand ($100 thousand Inspector
General; $22 thousand Superfund Transfer)
"I certify as the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency that the amount I have
requested for training satisfies all OIG training needs for FY 2021."
451
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Compliance
452
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Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$100,132.8
$101,665.0
$95,649.0
-$6,016.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$82.8
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
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Total Budget Authority
$101,529.4
$102,799.0
$96,653.0
-$6,146.0
Total Workyears
447.1
453.9
427.7
-26.2
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a key component of EPA's Compliance Assurance
Program that allows the controlling regulatory authority to detect noncompliance. The Program
also promotes compliance with the Nation's environmental laws. The states and EPA use
compliance monitoring tools and activities to identify whether regulated entities are in compliance
with environmental laws enacted by Congress, as well as applicable regulations and permit
conditions. In addition, compliance monitoring activities, such as investigations, are conducted to
determine whether conditions exist that may present imminent and substantial endangerment to
human health and the environment. The Program also focuses on providing information and
system support for monitoring compliance with Superfund-related environmental regulations and
contaminated site cleanup agreements. The Agency also ensures the security and integrity of its
compliance information systems. Superfund-related enforcement activities are tracked in the
Agency's Integrated Compliance Information System. Electronic tracking of its Superfund
enforcement work allows EPA to better ensure that its enforcement resources are going to address
the most significant concerns and facilitates transparency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will support a variety of tools and
activities for states and EPA to identify the compliance status of regulated entities with
environmental laws enacted by Congress.
453
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site compliance
monitoring activities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Evaluations
Actual
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
10,300
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$87.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$78.0) This net program change reflects adjustments to funding associated with system
support.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA);
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.).
454
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Enforcement
455
-------
Criminal Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$46,342.0
$47,635.0
$46,627.0
-$1,008.0
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S 'J
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Total Budget Authority
$53,834.9
$55,280.0
$55,106.0
-$174.0
Total Workyears
234.6
256.7
220.6
-36.1
Program Project Description:
The Criminal Enforcement Program investigates and helps prosecute criminal violations of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and
associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code such as fraud, conspiracy, false
statements, and obstruction of justice. EPA's criminal enforcement agents (Special Agents) do this
through targeted investigation of criminal conduct, committed by individual and corporate
defendants, that threatens public health and the environment.
Within the Criminal Enforcement Program, forensic scientists, attorneys, technicians, engineers,
and other program experts assist Special Agents in their investigations. EPA's criminal
enforcement attorneys provide legal and policy support for all the Program's responsibilities,
including forensics and expert witness preparation, information law, and personnel law to ensure
that program activities are carried out in accordance with legal requirements and agency policies.
These efforts support environmental crimes prosecutions primarily by the United States Attorneys
and the Department of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section. In FY 2019, the conviction rate
for criminal defendants charged as a result of EPA criminal enforcement investigations was 98
percent.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to streamline its Criminal
Enforcement Program and enforce environmental laws to correct noncompliance and promote
cleanup of contaminated sites. The Agency will perform targeted investigations of violations of
environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code to protect
public health and the environment. The Program will focus its resources on the most egregious
cases (e.g., significant human health, environmental, and deterrent impacts), while balancing its
overall case load.
456
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$347.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$487.0) This net program change reflects a focus on the most egregious cases and
provides additional support for the Agency's investigations of environmental crimes.
Statutory Authority:
Title 18 of the U.S.C.; 18 U.S.C. § 3063; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
457
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Environmental Justice
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
$5,033.5
$9,554.0
$2,729.0
-$6,825.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
$662.2
SOJJ.O
sn.n
-SfiJJ.O
Total Budget Authority
$5,695.7
$10,187.0
$2,729.0
-$7,458.0
Total Workyears
29.1
34.9
4.0
-30.9
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Justice (EJ) Program fosters environmental and public health and
sustainability in communities disproportionately burdened by pollution by integrating and
addressing EJ issues in our programs and policies. The Superfund portion of this program focuses
on issues that affect low income and minority communities at or near Superfund sites. The EJ
Program complements the Agency's community outreach and other work done under the
Superfund Program at affected sites. The Environmental Justice Program at EPA is led and
supported by the Office of Environmental Justice.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Superfund resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EJ work
impacting the Agency will be incorporated into policy work within EPA's Office of the
Administrator.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$633.0 / -3.5 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate Superfund specific funding
for the Environmental Justice Program. Environmental Justice work will continue in the
Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
458
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
459
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Forensics Support
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$11,534.7
$13,592.0
$11,723.0
-$1,869.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
S1.-102.3
S I.I 4X0
SI,312.0
.s ur.o
Total Budget Authority
$12,937.0
$14,737.0
$13,035.0
-$1,702.0
Total Workyears
57.4
68.9
52.1
-16.8
Program Project Description:
The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific and technical support for Superfund
civil and criminal enforcement cases, as well as technical expertise for the Agency's compliance
efforts. EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) is an environmental forensic
center accredited for both laboratory and field sampling operations that generate environmental
data for law enforcement purposes. It is fully accredited under International Standards
Organization (ISO) 17025, the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories, as
recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.2 The NEIC maintains a sophisticated
chemistry and physical science laboratory, and a corps of highly trained inspectors and scientists
with expertise across media. The NEIC works closely with EPA's Criminal Investigation Division
to provide technical support (e.g., sampling, analysis, consultation and testimony) to criminal
investigations. The NEIC also works closely with EPA's programs to provide technical assistance,
consultation, on-site inspection, investigation, and case resolution services in support of the
Agency's Superfund Enforcement Program.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the NEIC will continue to streamline its forensics
work and identify enhancements to our sampling and analytical methods, using existing
technology. In support of that effort, NEIC will build on its progress using the EPA Lean
Management System to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, reduce the
time for completion of civil inspection reports, improve procurement processes, and continue to
identify and implement further efficiencies in laboratory operations. The results of these efforts
will inform EPA's work in FY 2021 and beyond.
The Forensics Support Program will continue to provide expert scientific and technical support for
EPA's criminal and civil enforcement efforts. The Program will continue to focus its work on
2 Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, National Academy of Sciences, 2009, available at:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php7record_icN12589.
460
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collecting and analyzing materials to characterize contamination, and attribute it to individual
sources and/or facilities. The laboratory will continue to coordinate its support for the Superfund
Program with the Agency's Research and Development Program and Land and Emergency
Management Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$23.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$107.0 / -0.5 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on analyzing material to
attribute it to individual sources or facilities.
• (+$37.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of rent,
utilities, and security or lab fixed costs.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
461
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Superfund: Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
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S I52.5VI.0
SI 02.50-1.0
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Total Budget Authority
$135,626.7
$152,591.0
$162,504.0
$9,913.0
Total Workyears
699.0
771.3
745.3
-26.0
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Enforcement Program protects communities by ensuring that responsible parties
conduct cleanups, preserving federal dollars for sites where there are no viable contributing parties.
EPA's Superfund Enforcement Program ensures prompt site cleanup and reuse by maximizing the
participation of liable and viable parties in performing and paying for cleanups. In both the
Superfund Remedial and Superfund Emergency Response and Removal Programs, the Superfund
Enforcement Program obtains potentially responsible parties' commitments to perform and pay
for cleanups through civil judicial and administrative site actions. The Superfund Enforcement
Program works closely with the Superfund Program and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to
combine litigation, legal, and technical skills to bring enforcement actions and address emerging
issues.
The Superfund Enforcement Program:
• develops cleanup enforcement policies;
• provides guidance and tools that clarify potential environmental cleanup liability, with
specific attention to the cleanup, reuse and revitalization of contaminated properties;
• ensures that responsible parties cleanup sites to reduce direct human exposure to hazardous
substances, thereby providing long-term human health protections and making
contaminated properties available for reuse;
• negotiates site cleanup agreements with Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) and, where
negotiations fail, either initiates enforcement actions to require cleanup or initiates cost
recovery if EPA expends Superfund appropriated dollars to remediate the sites; and
• addresses liability concerns of parties who want to clean up and reuse Superfund sites.
In 2019, the Superfund Enforcement Program secured private party commitments for cleanup and
cost recovery and billed for oversight amounts totaling more than $961 million. The use of
Superfund enforcement tools resulted in cleanup and redevelopment at 160 private party sites in
2019.
Special accounts are created when funds are received as part of a settlement to fund a site cleanup.
Funds received in settlements with PRPs are used to clean up the specific Superfund sites that were
462
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the subject of the settlement agreement. Having the ability to use special accounts provides needed
cleanup dollars at many sites that otherwise may not have received funding absent EPA's
enforcement efforts. In FY 2019, EPA created 69 special accounts and collected $374.4 million
for response work. The Agency disbursed or obligated $236.7 million from special accounts for
response work (excluding reclassifications).
Furthermore, the Superfund Enforcement Program assists the Superfund Program to ensure that
contaminated sites across the country are remediated to protect human health and the environment
and returned to beneficial use as expeditiously as possible.
The Superfund Enforcement Program continues to work to encourage and facilitate PRPs'
expeditious and thorough cleanup of sites, create oversight efficiencies and promote the
redevelopment and reuse of sites by encouraging PRPs to invest in reuse outcomes. In addition,
the Superfund Enforcement Program works to encourage new private investment in the cleanup
and reuse of sites by optimizing tools to encourage third-party investment. EPA also works to
ensure that required, legally enforceable, institutional controls and financial assurance requirements
are in place at Superfund sites to ensure the long-term protectiveness of Superfund cleanup
remedies.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency will prioritize its efforts on the most
significant sites in terms of environmental impact (particularly those that may present an
immediate risk) and on increasing private party funding of cleanups. The Agency will continue its
efforts to establish special accounts to facilitate cleanup. As special account funds may only be
used for sites and uses specified in the settlement agreement, both special account resources and
annually appropriated resources are critical to the Superfund Program to clean up Superfund sites.
DOJ support is statutorily mandated for settlements related to remedial action cleanups, most cost
recovery settlements, and is required for all judicial enforcement matters. DOJ's support will be
prioritized to negotiate and enter into consent decrees with PRPs to perform remedial actions, to
pursue judicial actions to compel PRP cleanup, and to pursue judicial actions to recover monies
spent in cleaning up contaminated sites.
Cost Recovery Support
In FY 2020, EPA will continue implementing the e-Recovery system to replace legacy systems
for cost recovery support. This effort will modernize the system and assist with the Agency's
burden reduction efforts. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to standardize and streamline the
financial management processes for the financial management aspects of Superfund cost recovery
and the collection of related collection of debt to the federal government. EPA's financial,
programmatic, and legal offices will continue to maintain the accounting and billing of Superfund
oversight costs attributable to responsible parties. These costs represent EPA's cost of overseeing
Superfund site cleanup efforts by responsible parties as stipulated in the terms of settlement
agreements. In FY 2019, the Agency collected $219.7 million in cost recoveries, of which $73.3
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-------
million were returned to the Superfund Trust Fund and $146.4 million were deposited in site-
specific, interest bearing special accounts.3
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$11,647.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,734.0 / -26.0 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on sites with significant
risks, securing private party funding for cleanups, and a reduction in resources for
Superfund cost recovery to be offset in part by streamlining those functions.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
3 In FY 2019, the Agency earned approximately $36.9 million in interest on the total special account funds invested in the
Superfund Trust Fund.
464
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Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
SO. ()-//>. V
S 0J6I.0
S'JJO.O
SVMM
Total Budget Authority
$6,046.9
$6,361.0
$7,330.0
$969.0
Total Workyears
34.5
40.9
37.4
-3.5
Program Project Description:
EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Enforcement Program ensures that sites where federal entities
are performing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) responses and/or CERCLA sites with federal ownership are monitored and that
appropriate enforcement responses are pursued. After years of service and operation, some federal
facilities contain environmental contamination such as hazardous wastes, unexploded ordnance,
radioactive wastes, or other toxic substances. Enforcement actions can facilitate cleanup and
potential redevelopment of these sites.
Pursuant to CERCLA Section 120, EPA must enter into Interagency Agreements, commonly
referred to as Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs), with responsible federal entities to ensure
protective and timely cleanup of their National Priorities List (NPL) sites. The agreements provide
that EPA oversee the cleanups to ensure that they protect public health and the environment. These
FFAs govern cleanups at 174 federal facility Superfund sites, which include many of the Nation's
largest and most complex cleanup projects.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work under this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will focus its resources on the highest
priority sites, particularly those that may present an imminent and/or substantial endangerment,
have human exposure not yet under control or have the potential for redevelopment. EPA also will
negotiate FFAs for federal facility sites on the NPL, monitor FFAs for compliance and resolve
formal disputes, take enforcement actions at priority sites, and implement the Superfund Task
Force recommendations4 to expedite cleanup and redevelopment of federal facility sites. EPA will
continue to seek ways to improve its engagement with other federal agencies and states,
emphasizing protective, timely cleanups and recognizing site reuse opportunities.
4 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/supeifimd/superfund-task-force-recommendations.
465
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,627.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$658.0 / -3.5 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on facility clean ups and
redevelopment at sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 120.
466
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Homeland Security
467
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Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$20,492.7
$23,593.0
$25,542.0
$1,949.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
S31.5 2/,."
S 3I.5W.II
S33.-I5-I.lt
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Total Budget Authority
$52,019.4
$55,192.0
$58,996.0
$3,804.0
Total Workyears
115.3
124.1
127.1
3.0
Program Project Description:
EPA leads or supports many aspects of preparing for and responding to a nationally significant
incident involving possible chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The
Homeland Security Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program implements a broad range of
activities for a variety of federal efforts, including:
• National trainings;
• Participation in national interagency exercises with federal and state partners;
• Support for headquarters and regional Emergency Operations Centers;
• Support for the Agency's continuity of operations devolution site in the EPA Colorado
office;
• Enhancements for national information technology systems;
• Secured warehouse space for homeland security operations and storage; and
• Laboratory analyses of environmental samples and site decontamination projects.
EPA's homeland security program develops these responsibilities through research and
maintaining a level of expertise, training, and preparedness specifically focused on threats
associated with CBRN. This work is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS) National Response Framework.
EPA assists with multi-media training and exercise development/implementation for responders,
which establishes and sustains coordination with states, local communities, tribes, and other
federal agencies. The Agency also provides technical assistance to other federal agencies,
including DHS, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the
Department of Health and Human Services, with expertise in environmental characterization,
468
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decontamination, and waste disposal methods. In addition, the program operates a national
environmental laboratory for chemical warfare agents and implements EPA's National Approach
to Response.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Homeland Security
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program will:
• Participate in trainings and exercises on CBRN preparedness and response topics with key
federal response partners (e.g., DHS, DOD, and DOJ) on select interagency workgroups.
• Provide expertise on environmental characterization, decontamination, and waste disposal
methods following the release of a CBRN agent.
• Maintain operational support for the Emergency Management Portal and WebEOC
response systems.
• Develop site characterization, decontamination, waste management, and clearance
methods and strategies for priority chemical, biological, and radiological threats that enable
remediation while reducing time and cost and promote site reoccupation.
• Continue the development of sample collection protocols and analysis methods for
inclusion in the Environmental Sampling & Analytical Methods (ESAM)5 on-line tool.
The ESAM detection and sampling and analysis tool helps local, state, tribal, and federal
emergency response field personnel and their supporting laboratories more efficiently
respond to incidents, enabling smooth transitions of samples and data from the field to the
laboratory to the decision makers.
• Utilize the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology
(ASPECT) aircraft. ASPECT aids first responders by detecting chemical and radiological
vapors, plumes, and clouds with real-time data delivery.
• Assist with site characterization during a significant CBRN incident, when EPA mobile
lab capabilities are needed. EPA will maintain mobile lab capabilities with support of
EPA's Portable High-Throughput Integrated Identification Systems (PHILIS) units.
PHILIS can be deployed to sites for high volume, quick turnaround analyses of chemical
and biological capacity and capability.
5 For more information, please see: littps: //www, epa. gov/esam.
469
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• Develop a study to begin formally planning for the next generation of ASPECT and
PHILIS and through a www.challenge.gov initiative to crowdsource innovative ideas
allowing the public to contribute creative technology concepts for the replacement
technology of ASPECT.
• Maintain a highly skilled, well-trained, and well-equipped response workforce that has the
capacity to respond to simultaneous incidents as well as threats involving CBRN
substances. This includes training On-Scene Coordinators and volunteers of the Response
Support Corps (RSC) and members of Incident Management Teams (IMTs). These RSC
volunteers provide critical support to headquarters and regional Emergency Operations
Centers and assist with operations in the field. To ensure technical proficiency, this cadre
of response personnel requires initial training and routine refresher training.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,027.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$500.0) This program change is an increase to study and formally plan for the potential
replacement of ASPECT and PHILIS.
• (+$1,000.0) This program change is an increase for a www.challenge.gov initiative to
crowdsource replacement technology ideas for ASPECT.
• (-$1,672.0) This net program change will result in prioritizing exercises and training held
with federal, state, and local partners. In addition, within this change, there is a reduction
in resources for research related to analysis of chemical agents and decision support for
chemical agent remediation of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN)
agents in the environment.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, §§ 104, 105, and 106;
Homeland Security Act of 2002.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$5,755.6
$5,355.0
$4,986.0
-$369.0
Science & Technology
$410.0
$443.0
$500.0
$57.0
Building and Facilities
$4,259.1
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
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.S V'V.3
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Total Budget Authority
$11,404.0
$13,491.0
$12,577.0
-$914.0
Total Workyears
8.8
9.2
9.2
0.0
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 9.2 FTE to support Homeland Security working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The federal government develops and maintains Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans and
procedures that provide for the continued performance of its essential functions. The Homeland
Security COOP Program works with other government and non-government organizations to
ensure that Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) and Primary Mission Essential Functions
(PMEFs) continue to be performed during emergency situations. The Department of Homeland
Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Continuity Directive-1
requires EPA to develop a continuity plan that ensures its ability to accomplish its MEFs from
an alternate site, during a national disaster, continues and the Agency be able to do so with limited
staffing and without access to resources available during normal activities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will undertake the
following:
• Conduct selected annual reviews of regional COOP plans, PMEFs and MEFs, and make
updates as needed.
• Monitor the continuity programs across the Agency, focusing on testing, training, and exercises
as related to general COOP awareness and procedures.
• Undergo a monthly evaluation of the headquarters COOP Program, including Program Plans
and Procedures, Risk Management, Budgeting, and Essential Functions. Further, FEMA
performs an in-person biannual review of EPA's COOP Program and provides the results to
the Administrator and to the Executive Office of the President.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$102.0) This program change reduces funding for COOP assessment and updates.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, §§ 104, 105, 106;
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
472
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Information Exchange / Outreach
473
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Exchange Network
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$17,090.3
$15,184.0
$12,328.0
-$2,856.0
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SI.-/2-/..S
SIJ2S.0
-SJxO
Total Budget Authority
$18,515.1
$16,512.0
$13,621.0
-$2,891.0
Total Workyears
27.8
30.2
30.2
0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) is a standards-based, secure approach
for EPA and its state, tribal, and territorial partners to exchange and share environmental data over
the internet. Capitalizing on advanced technology, data standards, open-source software, shared
services for the E-Enterprise business strategy, and reusable tools and applications, the EN offers
its partners tremendous capabilities for managing and analyzing environmental data more
effectively and efficiently, leading to improved decision-making.
The Central Data Exchange (CDX)6 is the largest component of the EN Program and serves as the
point of entry on the EN for environmental data transactions with the Agency. CDX provides a set
of core shared services that promote a leaner and more cost-effective service framework for the
Agency by avoiding the creation of duplicative applications. It enables faster and more efficient
transactions for internal and external EPA clients, resulting in reduced burden. Working in concert
with CDX is EPA's System of Registries, which is a system of shared data services designed to
enhance efficiency, reduce burden on the regulated community, and improve environmental
outcomes.
These shared data services catalog entities routinely referenced by EPA and EN partners, from
commonly regulated facilities and substances to the current list of federally recognized tribes. They
identify the standard or official names for these assets, which, when integrated into EPA and
partner applications, foster data consistency and data quality as well as enable data integration.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support core functions for the
EN IT systems, which is in line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization
and data, accountability, and transparency.7
6 For more information on the Central Data Exchange, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cdx/.
7 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/pma/.
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EPA aims to reduce burden and avoid costs when improving IT. The Agency has provisioned 70
Virtual Exchange Services (VES) or virtual nodes to facilitate large-scale data transactions
supporting 19 states and over 88 tribal partners, with another 20 anticipated by the end of FY 2020.
The electronic signature service supports 62 partner exchanges to date and six more are expected
in FY 2020. EPA estimates implementation of these services resulted in cost avoidance of
approximately $2.3 million for the 19 partner states, who otherwise would have had to build and
manage exchange services independently. EPA will continue to carry out the baseline support for
the adoption and onboarding of VES and associated services for EPA and its partners.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to maintain the EPA Federal Regulation Finder, a public-facing
digital service that was deployed to the E-Enterprise Portal8 in Q2 of FY 2020. The EPA Federal
Regulation Finder integrates multiple shared services into a discovery tool that helps industry and
the public to more easily identify potentially applicable regulations. It integrates three catalogs: a
substance catalog (Substance Registry Services [SRS]); an Enterprise Vocabulary; and a catalog
of federal statutes and regulations (Laws and Regulations Services) to enable a user to search for
laws and regulations by substance or keyword. In FY 2021, enhancements to the EPA Federal
Regulation Finder may include expanding this tool to allow users to search in the North American
Industrial Classification System and establishing additional shared data services, such as zip codes,
countries, and counties, so that EPA systems no longer must manage these data, instead relying on
the centralized services.
Multiple performance efforts also use exchange services and registries (shared data services) to
improve data quality in EPA, state, and tribal program data, and to reduce reporting burden on the
regulated community. EPA will continue to promote the adoption of the Tribal Identification
(TRIBES) shared service by tracking its use by EPA systems that collect tribal names. In FY 2019,
EPA increased the number of EPA systems using TRIBES services by 58 percent, from 12 to 19
systems.
EPA also tracks the number of registry webpages users and web service hits as one measure of
usage. For example, the SRS website is visited by approximately 50,000 users per month; many
of these users visit SRS to understand regulatory information about chemicals. SRS also receives
between 20,000 and 140,000 web service hits per month (depending on reporting cycles), mostly
by EPA systems that have incorporated the web services into their online reporting forms.
Priorities for EPA registries include improving registry technologies by moving them into an open-
source platform so they are cloud-ready. In FY 2021, EPA will maintain the registries at FY 2020
levels, and selectively move them into open-source platforms. EPA will expand the number of
EPA and partner systems that integrate registry services into their online reports and systems,
reducing burden and improving data quality. This includes updating EPA's dataset registry to
allow EPA scientists, external partners, and others to share information and make information
easier to find in the cloud.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
8 For additional information, please refer to: fattps://www.e-enterprise.gov/workbench.
475
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$35.0) This net program change is an adjustment that streamlines quality assurance of
registries; refocuses modernization efforts; and reduces the collection and exchange of
environmental data with states, tribes, and regulated entities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA); Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); Government Performance and Results
Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
476
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IT/ Data Management/ Security
All
-------
Information Security
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$7,649.5
$7,593.0
$14,012.0
$6,419.0
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Total Budget Authority
$8,248.4
$8,286.0
$19,094.0
$10,808.0
Total Workyears
18.7
13.1
12.8
-0.3
Program Project Description:
Digital information is a valuable national resource and a strategic asset that enables EPA to fulfill
its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Information Security Program's
mission is to protect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of EPA's information assets. The
information protection strategy includes, but is not limited to: policy, procedure, and practice
management; information security awareness, training, and education; governance and oversight;
risk-based weakness management; operational security management; and incident detection,
response, and recovery.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Cybersecurity is a serious challenge to
our nation's security and economic prosperity. Effective information security requires vigilance
and the ability to adapt to new challenges every day. As reported to the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), in FY 2019, EPA experienced 194 confirmed incidents against its systems. As a
result, the Agency has identified significant gaps in its ability to detect, respond to, protect against,
and recover from attacks, which increase the risk to compromise agency information.
In response to DHS's Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment, EPA will continue to leverage
capabilities through the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program. EPA will focus
on closing existing gaps by identifying and alerting unauthorized hardware and software into the
Agency's networks and systems, checking outbound traffic for unauthorized exfiltration, and
assessing systems with a Security Content Automation Protocol. In addition to protecting EPA
information assets, CDM will help the Agency identify and respond to federal-wide cybersecurity
threats and incidents quicker and more efficiently.
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EPA's cost to implement new and maintain existing CDM capabilities as mandated by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) is estimated to be over $12 million in FY 2021 across all
appropriations. In accordance with OMB Memorandum M-20-04 "Fiscal Year 2019-2020
Guidance on Federal Information Security and Privacy Management Requirements",9 EPA also is
developing a plan for the Agency's Security Operations Center to improve incident detection and
response capabilities, which will be implemented by the end of FY 2020.
With available resources, EPA will work to close non-CDM capability gaps essential to adequately
protect agency information assets. Such efforts include analyzing malicious email attachments,
detecting and mitigating effects of insider threats and advanced persistent threats, and conducting
program responsibilities, such as governance, oversight, and risk management. Additionally, the
Agency practices Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure, a standard process to decrease the harm
or time an adversary can use to deny or disrupt services to its networks by working with internal
stakeholders, private industry, and federal organizations to communicate vulnerabilities
discovered or encountered.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment metrics developed by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and industry best practices help prioritize action to adequately protect
agency information assets and provide visibility on vulnerabilities. While EPA's cybersecurity
posture is expected to remain at risk in FY 2021, the Agency will continue to conduct risk
assessments and alternative analyses to determine which protections EPA must maintain or
implement. The Agency is evaluating alternatives for Security Operations as a Service and cloud
security options such as Cloud Access Security Brokers Services for possible implementation.
In FY 2021, the Information Security Program will continue to collect Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA) metrics and evaluate related processes, tools, and personnel
to continue to identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement. The Program will
collect phishing test results and evaluate the effectiveness of awareness efforts. With these data,
the Agency will identify strategies and prioritize areas to mitigate risks. The Agency will expand
strategies for identifying and leveraging common controls while managing system boundaries to
reduce compliance costs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,389.0) This program change supports mandatory cybersecurity requirements,10
including CDM funding that will be used to close existing gaps by improving audit
capabilities, ensuring accountability, and adding protections directly associated with the
information.
9 For more information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gOv/wp-content/uploads/2019/l l/M-20-04.pdf.
10 Including those found in Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 and Federal Information Security
Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
479
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Cybersecurity Act of 2015; Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);
Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA); Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
480
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$78,748.7
$80,223.0
$79,064.0
-$1,159.0
Science & Technology
$3,092.6
$3,072.0
$2,890.0
-$182.0
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Total Budget Authority
$95,596.8
$97,087.0
$95,828.0
-$1,259.0
Total Workyears
391.4
459.4
469.9
10.5
TotalworkyearsinFY 2021 include 172.0 FTE to support IT/Data Management working capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program is
partially funded by the Superfund program. The IT/DM Program supports human health and the
environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data management. The Program ensures
analytical support for interpreting and understanding environmental information; exchange and
storage of data, analysis, and computation; rapid, secure, and efficient communication; and access
to scientific, regulatory, policy, and guidance information needed by the Agency, regulated
community, and the public.
This Program supports the maintenance of EPA's IT and Information Management (IT/IM)
services that enable citizens, regulated facilities, states, and other entities to interact with EPA
electronically to get the information they need on-demand, to understand what it means, and to
share environmental data. The IT/DM Program also provides support to other IT development
projects and essential technology to EPA staff, enabling them to conduct their work effectively
and efficiently in the context of federal IT requirements, including the Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA); Technology Business Management (TBM);
Capital Planning and Investment Control; and the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary
Government Data Act.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA is committed to enhancing the power
of information by delivering on-demand data to relevant parties. An example of this includes
continued progress on enterprise data architecture and establishing the role of a Chief Data Officer
as required by the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. The Agency's increased
investment in TBM will enable EPA to make sound, data-driven IT investment decisions by
481
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incorporating critical IT expenditure data into EPA Chief Information Officer (CIO) portfolio
reviews.
In FY 2021, EPA will strengthen further its IT acquisition review process as part of the
implementation of federal Common Baseline Controls for FITARA. FITARA controls include an
established communication and engagement strategy for the CIO with the Agency's programs and
regional offices to ensure their IT plans are well designed, directly drive EPA long-term
performance goals, and follow best practices. These controls also enable the CIO to engage closely
with key IT stakeholders across EPA and to foster plans to refresh IT skills within the Agency.
The Agency will continue to focus on improving customer experiences to allow EPA, its partners,
and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share information as a critical resource. In
line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization and for data, accountability,
and transparency,11 EPA will improve how it supports and manages the lifecycle of information
and information products.
In FY 2021, the following IT/DM activities will continue:
• Data Management and Collection: Data management and collection efforts include
support for a variety of essential enterprise information management programs. The
National Records Management Program will continue providing policies/procedures,
coordination, and support to help fulfill EPA's statutory obligations to maintain records.
The Program will invest resources to support digitization efforts for the Agency by
providing records storage facilities and scanning services for converting paper records into
EPA's electronic record keeping systems. In addition, the Program will replace EPA's
enterprise records management solution. The Discovery Services Program will continue
supporting the search/collection of agency information needed to help respond to requests
for information from external stakeholders. EPA will continue to coordinate and oversee
the Agency's Information Collection Request (ICR) development and approval process,
helping to ensure data collections are submitted timely and approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Section
508 Program will develop training for different stakeholder communities. This program
will assess documentation for all public-facing EPA systems/applications via an
independent third party and acquire a compliance tool to improve reporting to OMB.
• Mission Software and Digital Services Capabilities: The FY 2021 President's Budget
includes funding to continue to enhance the Agency's software development and
architecture capability, including application development and deployment approaches and
technical platforms. This program continues EPA's adoption of transformative
technologies and practices, including cloud computing, agile development methodologies,
and shared software development services.
• Geospatial: The Agency will continue to support the essential capabilities of GeoPlatform,
a shared technology enterprise for geospatial information and analysis. By implementing
11 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploadsQ018/03/Presidents-Maiiagement.-
Agenda.pdf.
482
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geospatial data, applications, and services, the Agency can integrate and interpret multiple
data sets and information sources to support environmental decisions. GeoPlatform will
continue to publish internal and public mapping tools, which will better inform the public
about EPA's programs to protect the environment and public health. As of December 2019,
EPA has over 5,200 GeoPlatform mapping applications created or modified for public and
internal use, and since calendar year 2014 the number of users has increased tenfold to over
9,000 users.
• Information Access and Analysis: EPA will focus on providing core support to agency
infrastructure and tools that will drive better environmental decision-making with data from
across the Agency. EPA will partner with other agencies, states, tribes, and academic
institutions to propose innovative ways to use, analyze, and visualize data. EPA will
continue to support Envirofacts and data visualization applications, which receive over 50
million annual application interface requests.
• Information Technology and Infrastructure: EPA will adjust the schedule for
replacement or upgrades to align with resources and will continue to maintain and provide:
desktop computing equipment, network connectivity, e-mail and collaboration tools,
hosting services, remote access, telephone services, web and network services, and other
IT-related equipment. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue efforts to consolidate EPA's
data centers and computer rooms and to optimize operations within EPA's remaining data
centers. In addition, the Agency will continue to modernize IT/IM infrastructure,
applications, and services to empower a mobile workforce using innovative and agile
solutions.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$830.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$748.0 / -2.5 FTE) This net program change modifies the timeline for development of
new technologies to address agency needs such as new assistive technology tools, ability
to re-platform legacy applications, and replace end of service IT equipment that provides
basic workforce support across the Agency.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
483
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Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
484
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs &. Management
S667.4
$870.0
so.o
-S870.0
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S5
$710.0
S 0.0
-$710.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,240.7
$1,580.0
$0.0
-$1,580.0
Total Workyears
4.3
5.9
0.0
-5.9
Program Project Description:
EPA's General Counsel and Regional Counsel Offices provide environmental Conflict Prevention
and Resolution Center (CPRC) services and workplace conflict prevention. EPA utilizes CPRC as
a method for preventing or resolving conflicts prior to engaging in formal litigation. CPRC
includes the provision of legal counsel, facilitation, mediation, and consensus building advice and
support. This program oversees a strategically-sourced contract for these services that provides
mediation, facilitation, public involvement, training, and organizational development support to
all headquarters and regional programs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measures Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$710.0 / -1.4 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the CPRC program.
Programs across the Agency may pursue ADR support services and training individually.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA) of 1996; Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
485
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Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$51,526.8
$47,978.0
$50,263.0
$2,285.0
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Total Budget Authority
$52,041.8
$48,521.0
$50,871.0
$2,350.0
Total Workyears
258.2
257.4
242.8
-14.6
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 5.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE to support Legal Advice working
capital fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
This program provides legal representation, legal counseling, and legal support for environmental
activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA). Funding supports legal advice needed in the Superfund Program's extensive work
with Potentially Responsible Parties and other entities and landowners. For example, this program
provides legal analysis and advice to help inform EPA's decisions regarding the assessment of
certain contaminants at a given Superfund site under federal law, and a party's potential liability
under CERCLA.
This program supports EPA's Superfund work at thousands of sites spanning the wide array of
Superfund legal issues regarding removal and remedial cleanups costing billions of dollars. This
program is essential to providing the high-quality legal work to ensure that EPA's decisions are
defensible and upheld by the courts against judicial challenges.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Program will prioritize its legal support
capabilities to focus support on high profile and critical CERCLA cases for the Superfund
program. The Program will work within available resources to support CERCLA activities, which
includes analyzing defensibility of Agency actions, drafting significant portions of Agency actions,
and participating in litigation in defense of Agency actions. Legal review is critical to the
Superfund program at many points throughout the cleanup process. For example, in support of
Goal 1 of the FY 2018-FY 2022 EPA Strategic Plan (A Cleaner, Healthier Environment) this
program provides legal advice and counseling for final rules adding Superfund sites to the National
Priorities List.
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The following examples illustrate this program's important role in implementing the Agency's
core priorities and mission:
• Participating in and providing legal counsel on the Administrator's Superfund Initiative
Task Force including the development of the Task Force Report.
• Providing critical legal support and advice to the Superfund Remedial, Removal, and
Enforcement programs on complex, high visibility, expensive Superfund cleanups, such as
Gold King Mine.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Legal Advice: Environmental
Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$21.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$44.0) This program change is an increase to focus on legal support and advice for the
Superfund Remedial, Removal, and Enforcement programs.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
487
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Operations and Administration
488
-------
Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$33,799.8
$30,945.0
$29,621.0
-$1,324.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$70.2
$163.0
$138.0
-$25.0
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Total Budget Authority
$52,463.2
$51,641.0
$52,741.0
$1,100.0
Total Workyears
261.2
285.7
259.5
-26.2
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Acquisition Management Program support the Agency's contract
activities for Superfund Emergency Response and Removal, Remedial, Emergency Preparedness,
and Federal Facilities Response programs. These resources enable the Agency to assess and
cleanup Superfund sites, as well as prepare and respond to natural disasters and terrorist incidents.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to process
contract actions in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and guidance from the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP).
Timely procurement processing is crucial to efficient operations. In FY 2019, EPA met its target
of 85 percent for procurement action lead times (PALT). The Agency is continuing work toward
its long-term performance goal to reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100 percent
for PALT by FY 2022. EPA tracks and reviews PALT achievement data on a monthly basis and
works with program offices to determine the causes of delays and to improve processing times. As
a result of the monthly PALT reviews, EPA has developed additional trainings and resources for
the Agency's acquisition community to improve the quality of procurement requests, which is an
indicator for the achievement of PALT.
EPA is fully committed to leveraging category management, Spend Under Management (SUM),
Best-In-Class (BIC), and strategic sourcing principles in each of its programs and purchasing areas
to save taxpayer dollars and improve mission outcomes:
• The OMB Category Management Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) goal focuses on total
acquisition spend transitioned from contract vehicles that are unaligned with category
management principles to the Spend Under Management (SUM) program. In FY 2019, to
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further EPA's ability to meet its FY 2020 Category Management CAP goal, the EPA
revised its Acquisition Guidance section 8.0.100, Requirements for Mandatory Use of
Common Contract Solutions to include the policy mandating the use of enterprise-wide
contract vehicles, in addition to BIC contract solutions and other OMB-designated contract
solutions. Based on this policy change, EPA anticipates greater than 50 percent of total
addressable spend will have been transitioned into the SUM program by the end of FY
2021, relative to the end of FY 2018 result of 26 percent.
• In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement BIC solutions to identify pre-vetted,
government-wide contracts as part of the Agency's effort to utilize more mature, market-
proven acquisition vehicles.12 Through BIC solutions, EPA will leverage acquisition
experts to optimize spending within the government-wide category management
framework and increase the transactional data available for agency level analysis of buying
behaviors.
• In FY 2021, EPA also will continue to maximize its Strategic Sourcing Program (SSP),
thereby enhancing purchase coordination, improving price uniformity and knowledge-
sharing, and leveraging small business capabilities to meet acquisition goals. The SSP
allows the Agency to research, assess, and award contract vehicles that will maximize time
and resource savings. The SSP serves as a foundation for effective financial and resource
management because it simplifies the acquisition process and reduces costs. Long-term
implementation of the SSP is transforming the Agency's acquisition process into a
strategically driven function, ensuring maximum value for every acquisition dollar spent.
In FY 2019, EPA realized a $4.7 million cost avoidance by using data analysis tools to
monitor specific, measurable data related to print services, cellular services, shipping,
Microsoft software, voice services, office supplies, lab supplies, PCs, and furniture. Since
the beginning of the Strategic Sourcing Program in FY 2013 through the end of FY 2019,
EPA has achieved cost avoidance of $19.4 million. In FY 2021, EPA anticipates
approximately $4.3 million in additional savings.
In FY 2021, EPA also will continue supporting the Superfund Remedial Acquisition Framework
(RAF), which modifies EPA's existing approach for acquiring services to support the Superfund
Remedial Program. The RAF consists of three suites of multiple award, indefinite quantity
contracts as the primary means for acquiring remedial services: Design and Engineering Services,
Remediation Environmental Services, and Environmental Services and Operations. In addition to
providing a variety of acquisition tools for Superfund remedial services, RAF aligns with
government-wide directives, maximizes competition to realize cost efficiency, strengthens the
Agency's contract management processes, and helps to improve efficiency across the Superfund
Remedial Program.
In FY 2021, EPA requests an increase to evaluate options for replacing the EPA Acquisition
System (EAS) with an approved government-wide Federal Shared Service Provider (FSSP) for a
contract writing system. This investment will support the Agency's long-term performance goal
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan to increase the adoption of shared services. It also is in
12 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2017/M-
17-2 9 .pdf Best-in-Class Mandatory Solution -Package Delivery Services.
490
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line with OMB-19-16 "Centralized Mission Support Capabilities for the Federal Government"13
and the President's Management Agenda CAP Goal 5: Sharing Quality Services.14 The Agency is
focusing on a solution that reduces costs while increasing efficiency by standardizing federal
procurement planning, contract award, administration, and close-out processes. Transition
preparations include data management strategies, business process reviews, and user engagement
to develop a business case and ensure data elements conform with Federal Government
Procurement standards.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to focus on implementing the Financial Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) by competing contracts with multiple vendors or confining the
scope of the contract to a limited task, thereby avoiding vendor lock-in, and developing acquisition
vehicles that support the Agency in FITARA compliance and implementation.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Acquisition Management Program
under the EPM appropriation and the Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Program under the
EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,625.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$100.0) This program change is an increase to support planning for the migration to a
Federal Shared Service Provider contract writing system.
• (-$2,276.0 / -15.0 FTE) This program change streamlines contractor support for: helpdesk
services for EPA's Acquisition System; the closeout of contracts; and the Defense Contract
Management Agency for Audit Services and the Virtual Acquisition Office (a source for
up-to-date government acquisition news, research, and analysis). It also proposes to
eliminate funding for Contracts Management Assessment Program Reviews, which
enables EPA to self-identify and remedy internal weaknesses, and reduces the Agency's
training for its acquisition community.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
13 For more information, please refer to: https://www. whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/201.9/04/M-1.9-1.6.pdf.
14 For more information, please visit: littps://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
491
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Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$72,920.6
$71,423.0
$76,603.0
$5,180.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$258.3
$321.0
$450.0
$129.0
Utizurtlims Substance Siiperjuml
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S JVI.lt
Total Budget Authority
$96,951.6
$93,715.0
$99,515.0
$5,800.0
Total Workyears
421.4
456.0
435.3
-20.7
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 39.0 FTE to support Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance working capital
fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's financial management community maintains a strong partnership with the Superfund
Program. EPA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) supports this continuing partnership
by providing a full array of financial management support services and systems necessary to pay
Superfund bills and recoup cleanup and oversight costs for the Trust Fund. EPA's OCFO manages
Superfund activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance Program in support of
integrated planning, budget formulation and execution, financial management, performance and
accountability processes, financial cost recovery, and systems to ensure effective stewardship of
Superfund resources. This program supports the requirements of the Digital Accountability and
Transparency (DATA) Act of 2014 and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform
Act (FITARA) of 2015.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to provide resource
stewardship to ensure that all agency programs operate with fiscal responsibility and management
integrity, financial services are efficiently and consistently delivered nationwide, and programs
demonstrate results. EPA will maintain key planning, budgeting, and financial management
activities. EPA will sustain basic operations and maintenance of core agency financial
management systems: Compass, PeoplePlus (Time and Attendance), Budget Formulation System,
and related financial reporting systems. In line with the President's Management Agenda, the
Agency is reviewing its financial systems for modernization opportunities to support greater
efficiencies and effectiveness and targeting legacy systems for replacement.
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EPA will continue to modernize and streamline business processes and operations to promote
transparency and efficiency. The Program will apply Lean principles and leverage input from
customer-focused councils, advisory groups, and technical workgroups to continue improving as
a high-performance organization. EPA will standardize and streamline internal business processes
and use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case
analysis. Since 2014, Department of Interior's (DOI) Interior Business Center (IBC) serves as
EPA's payroll and HR shared service provider. The resources requested directly support the long-
term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: By September 30, 2022,
increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four.
In FY 2021, the Program will continue to focus on core responsibilities in the areas of strategic
planning and budget preparation, financial reporting, transaction processing, and Superfund Cost
Recovery. The Program will continue to implement FITARA requirements in accordance with
EPA's Implementation Plan.15 The Chief Information Officer will continue to be engaged
throughout the budget planning process to ensure that IT needs are properly planned and resourced
in accordance with FITARA.
During FY 2021, EPA will focus on implementation of G-Invoicing, Treasury's Interagency
Agreement system. The goal is to align EPA's business processes to deliver the new, more
streamlined approach for the end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for IAs. Over the next
several years, other federal shared services are planned that will impact financial transactions.
Among other benefits, EPA seeks to adopt accepted and standardized business processes that will
deliver greater streamlining and efficiency and achieve improved financial and programmatic
oversight. Equally important is the ability to meet increased transparency needs, such as those
prescribed in the DATA Act, as well as increased compliance and reporting standards.
EPA will continue to follow OMB Circular A-123 guidance, conduct internal control program
reviews, and use the results and recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to
provide evidence of the soundness of EPA's financial management program and identify areas for
further improvement. The Agency will collect key operational statistics for its financial
management program to further evaluate its operations and for management decision-making. For
example, since FY 2018, through extensive employee outreach and improved communication with
human resources, EPA reduced the number of payroll payments made outside of the normal payroll
process by 92 percent. EPA also uses its major systems' help desk ticket data to evaluate ticket
durations, urgent ticket responses, ticket escalations, and customer experience to determine
potential improvements and best practices. In addition, EPA is dedicated to reducing fraud, waste,
and abuse, and strengthening internal controls over improper payments. Since the implementation
of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002, EPA has continually reviewed, sampled, and
monitored its payments to protect against erroneous payments and complied with reporting
requirements.
15 For more information please see: http://www.epa.gov/open/fitara-implementation-plan-and-chief-information-officer-
assignment-plan.
493
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,126.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$2,826.0 / -12.1 FTE) This net program change is a decrease as the Agency streamlines
in the areas of strategic planning, budget preparation, financial reporting, and transaction
processing including the closure of the Las Vegas Finance Center and related
decommissioning of the LAN and IGMS interface.
• (-$1,034.0) This decrease represents savings from the decommissioning of the Superfund
Cost Recovery Package Imaging and On-line System (SCORPIOS).
• (+$1,225.0) This program increase supports the e-Recovery system to provide cost
recovery support.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
494
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Science & Technology
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
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Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program fund the Agency's
rent, utilities, and security. The Program also supports centralized administrative activities and
support services, including health and safety, environmental compliance and management,
facilities maintenance and operations, space planning, sustainable facilities and energy
conservation planning and support, property management, printing, mail, and transportation
services. Funding for such services is allocated among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to invest
in the reconfiguration of EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and
reduce long-term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,16 the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act
of 2016. EPA is implementing a long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number
of occupied facilities, consolidate space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage
wherever practical. EPA also will continue to work to enhance its Federal infrastructure and
operations in a manner that increases efficiency.17
16 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
17 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-regarding-
efficient-federal-operationsA Executive Order 13834 "Efficient Federal Operations". For information on EPA's FY 2018
performance for efficient Federal operations/management, please visit: https://www.sustainability.gov/images/scorecards/epa-
scorecard-fv2 01.8 .pug.
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EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide by September 30,
2022. This has the potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of nearly $28 million
across all appropriations. This will help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. In FY
2019, EPA released 128,150 square feet of unused office and warehouse space. Planned
consolidations in FY 2021 will allow EPA to release an expected 319,693 square feet of space.
For FY 2021, the Agency is requesting $46.84 million for rent, $2.39 million for utilities, and
$8.64 million for security in the Superfund appropriation. EPA uses a standard methodology to
ensure that rent charging appropriately reflects planned and enacted resources at the appropriation
level.
In FY 2021, the Agency will take aggressive action to reconfigure EPA's workplaces with the goal
of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables EPA to reduce
its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically sophisticated workplace.
EPA will continue to manage lease agreements with GSA and private landlords, and maintain EPA
facilities, fleet, equipment, and fund costs associated with utilities and building security needs.
EPA also will meet regulatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
obligations and provide health and safety training to field staff (e.g., inspections, monitoring, On-
Scene Coordinators), and track capital equipment of $25 thousand or more.
In addition, the Agency will continue to utilize GSA's Managed Service Office, USAccess, for
PIV card enrollment and issuance. USAccess is a shared services solution which is in line with
OMB's Federal IT Shared Services Strategy and the President's Management Agenda.18
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation and the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$283.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,454.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
rent, utilities, and security.
• (-$1,379.0 / -2.3 FTE) This program change reduces environmental management system
activities, comprehensive facility energy audits, and re-commissioning.
18 For additional information, please refer to: https:/Ayww.whitehouse.govAyp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
496
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Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
497
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Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$23,794.8
$23,802.0
$21,452.0
-$2,350.0
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S2.5S0.0
S 2.V03.0
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Total Budget Authority
$26,312.5
$26,382.0
$24,355.0
-$2,027.0
Total Workyears
129.9
139.5
115.7
-23.8
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Financial Assistance Grants and Interagency Agreement (IA)
Management Program support the management of grants and IAs, and suspension and debarment
activities. Resources in this program ensure that EPA's management of grants and IAs meet the
highest fiduciary standards, that the grant and IA funding produces measurable results for
environmental programs, and that the suspension and debarment program effectively protects the
government's business interest. These objectives are critically important for the Superfund
Program, as a substantial portion of the Program is implemented through IAs with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Coast Guard.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Accordingly, EPA will continue to
implement activities to achieve efficiencies while enhancing quality and accountability. In FY
2021, EPA will continue investments in modernizing grant and IA information
technology/information management (IT/IM) systems in support of the President's Management
Agenda.19
Work in this program supports the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA
Strategic Plan: By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four.
The Agency will complete activities to align its IA business processes to ensure compatibility with
the government-wide mandate to adopt G-Invoicing by June 2021.
In FY 2021, additional resources are requested for the Agency to complete the deployment of
EPA's Next Generation Grants System (NGGS) and retiring outdated legacy grants management
system. The transition to NGGS has a relatively low deployment time and will require fewer
training resources as the system is based on legacy grant system infrastructure already familiar to
19 For more information, please visit: https:/Ayww.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
498
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staff. NGGS relies on a flexible platform that will enable it to adapt to changing technology and
business processes and will allow it to easily integrate with other agency systems. Prior to moving
forward with the development of NGGS, EPA researched available federal shared service
providers for grants systems and was unable to identify an existing solution that would enable the
Agency to fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities, and ensure proper accountability, oversight,
controls, reporting capability, and financial stewardship of EPA grants.
EPA will continue to focus on reducing the administrative burden on EPA and grants recipients,
and on improving grants management procedures by: 1) streamlining EPA's grants management
policies through a new comprehensive framework to guide policy development, implementation,
compliance, and review; 2) using EPA's Lean Management System to refine grants management
processes; and 3) moving to a risk-based method of pre- and post-award monitoring for grants to
more effectively ensure compliance and to also reduce burden.
The Agency will continue to make use of discretionary debarments and suspensions to protect the
government's business interests. In FY 2021, EPA will focus suspension and debarment activity
onto the most egregious violations. Congress and federal courts have long recognized federal
agencies' inherent authority and obligation to exclude non-responsible parties from eligibility to
receive government contracts and non-procurement awards (for example: grants, cooperative
agreements, loans, and loan guarantees). A number of recent federal statutes, GAO reports, and
OMB directives require that federal agencies administer effective suspension and debarment
programs to protect the public's interest and the integrity of federal programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$650.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$427.0 / -2.4 FTE) This program change reflects expected efficiencies in the processing
of grant and IA awards, lower requested grant funding levels throughout the Agency, and
a review of unliquidated obligations. EPA will target funds to core grant and IA activities.
• (+$100.0) This program change is an investment to support migration to a new grants
administration management system and retiring outdated legacy software.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act;
Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act § 2455; Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
499
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Human Resources Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$43,339.9
$41,556.0
$44,538.0
$2,982.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
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VO-/.V.W
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-SS-I-I.O
Total Budget Authority
$49,503.6
$48,104.0
$50,242.0
$2,138.0
Total Workyears
201.4
228.2
223.0
-5.2
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources for the Human Resources (HR) Management Program support human capital
(HC) activities throughout EPA. To help achieve its mission and maximize employee productivity
and job satisfaction in the Superfund Program, EPA continually works to improve business
processes for critical HC functions including recruitment, hiring, employee development,
performance management, leadership development and workforce planning. This includes
personnel and payroll processing through the Human Resources Line of Business. Superfund
resources also support Chief Human Capital Officer Council activities under applicable statutes
and guidance, including the Agency's Human Capital Operating Plan.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce management is critical to EPA's
ability to accomplish its mission. EPA's efforts in HC functions are focused on sustaining the
workforce, retaining critical expertise, and capturing institutional knowledge. The Agency is
developing and deploying management tools to assist EPA in ensuring the right staff with the
appropriate skills are placed in the most suitable positions. These tools also will be valuable as an
increasing percentage of the workforce becomes retirement eligible. Currently, 25 percent of
EPA's workforce is retirement eligible, increasing to an estimated to 50 percent over the next five
years. EPA will continue to support efforts to maintain the high-quality of core operations, improve
productivity, and achieve cost savings in mission support functions including HC management.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to build upon its performance, learning, and succession
management activities. EPA will maintain and operate FedTalent, a talent management system
provided through the Department of Interior (DOI)'s Interior Business Center (IBC). FedTalent
serves as a valuable tool that assists with developing, delivering, and tracking high-impact training.
EPA will continue to migrate and consolidate training data from more than 15 disparate training
repositories to ensure FedTalent is a one-stop-shop for all training needs. Additionally, the Agency
500
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is planning to procure and deploy a performance management system to move from paper to an
automatic process for the start of FY 2021.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to maintain and operate two other recent workforce planning tools
- the Mission Critical Occupations dashboard (to be fully launched in FY 2020) and the Workforce
Demographics and Diversity dashboards (both fully deployed and in place). These dashboards
provide data visualizations and easy-to-understand information about the current workforce and
are essential for succession planning and management because they afford managers a strategic
view of retirement eligibility, diversity information, occupational series, and grade levels, as well
as the ability to drill down and access data at lower organizational levels. The dashboards assist
EPA with succession planning by helping identify workforce gaps due to anticipated retirements
and attrition trends.
The Agency will continue the development and piloting of its Talent Enterprise Diagnostics (TED)
tool in FY 2020, which advances human capital priorities by enhancing EPA's ability to make
strategic workforce decisions. In FY 2021, TED data will serve a crucial role in EPA's Workforce
Planning and Succession Management process to identify potential competency gaps across the
Agency and to increase management's understanding of where needed skill sets reside within EPA.
EPA is working to develop and maintain a high-caliber and modern information technology and
security workforce though direct hiring authority (DHA) granted by 5 CFR § 33720 for information
technology (IT) positions. This authority allows EPA to recruit highly skilled candidates in very
technical areas of work without regard to the provisions of Title 5. The Agency hired 23 IT
specialists leveraging this authority in FY 2019. EPA will continue to leverage the use of the DHA
across IT specialist occupation categories in FY 2020 and FY 2021.
In FY 2021, EPA's Human Resources Shared Service Centers (HRSSC) in Cincinnati, Ohio and
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina will continue to manage recruitment, employee relations
and advisory services, develop, implement, and enhance training and employee orientation
programs, and provide management guidance on workforce planning and personnel policies.
Additionally, the HRSSCs will continue to coordinate and deliver a comprehensive human
resource management program. Other, specific functions encompass employee benefits, retirement
counseling, career development, performance management, personnel actions, and quality of life
issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$182.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
20 For more information, please refer to: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=lb430a73fB4957c9flaf2dee2fi9d0d5&rgn=div5&view=text&node=5:1.0.1.2.48&idno=5#5:1. .0.1. .2.48.2.1.6,1.
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• (-$662.0) This net program change reduces funding for: operational support for HR
programs being utilized agencywide including the Agency's recruitment and diversity and
inclusion activities, EPA's Human Resources Council and National Partnership Council,
the Leave Bank, and the Workplace Solutions; enhancements and maintenance of EPA's
HR IT Systems including HR Line of Business, data management and analysis,
troubleshooting, and change requests; support for Federal Advisory Committees not
mandated by statute; and centrally-provided, non-mandatory training.
Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
502
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Research: Sustainable Communities
503
-------
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$135,083.1
$132,477.0
$58,597.0
-$73,880.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$130.5
$320.0
$304.0
-$16.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$599.6
$664.0
$522.0
-$142.0
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-S 5.01x0
Total Budget Authority
$146,817.9
$149,924.0
$70,871.0
-$79,053.0
Total Workyears
411.9
421.8
294.6
-127.2
Program Project Description:
This area of EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program responds
directly to the Superfund law requirements for a comprehensive and coordinated federal "program
of research, evaluation, testing, development, and demonstration of alternative or innovative
treatment technologies... which may be utilized in response actions to achieve more permanent
protection of human health and welfare and the environment."21
The SHC Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in the
Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new SHC FY 2019-2022
StRAP builds upon prior SHC StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative scientific
research aimed at solving the problems encountered by agency partners and stakeholders.
SHC's research under the Superfund appropriation provides federal, regional, and community
decision-makers with: 1) engineering tools, methods, and information to assess current conditions
at Superfund sites; 2) decision support tools to evaluate the implications of alternative remediation
approaches and technologies, and reuse of sites; 3) the latest science to support policy development
and implementation; and 4) rapid access to technical support through EPA's Superfund Technical
Support Centers.
21 42 U.S.C. § 9660(b).
504
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Recent Accomplishments of the SHC Research Program include:
• Superfund Technical Support Centers (TSC) for Engineering22 and Groundwater:23
EPA's Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC) services both National Priorities List
Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites and prepares
Engineering Issue Papers and webinars/presentations on critical topics of broad application
to site remediation across the United States. The Ground Water Technical Support Center
(GWTSC) consists of a group of scientists and engineers with broad expertise who provide
help with subsurface contamination, contaminant fluxes from groundwater to other media,
and ecosystem restoration issues. The ETSC and GWTSC respond to approximately 275
requests for assistance per year, 75-80 percent of which are from National Priority List
sites.24 Requests come from Superfund and RCRA corrective action staff from all 10 EPA
Regions. Most requests are for document review or for technical advice. Some requests
require field work, sampling, or laboratory analysis. The TSC responded to requests for
assistance at some of the Agency's highest priority Superfund sites,25 including the Bonita
Peak Mining district in CO, the Quendell Terminal site in WA, the Tar Creek site in OK,
the L.A. Clarke & Sons site in PA, and the Olin Chemical Superfund site in MA.
• Peer-reviewed journal articles in FY 2019 on geophysical methods to characterize and
monitor groundwater-surface water interactions:26 EPA addresses contaminated
groundwater at approximately 85 percent of Superfund sites27 and at many RCRA28 sites
and Brownfields29 sites. Such contamination can interact with surface water and pollute
drinking water or produce adverse impacts on aquatic species and mobilize contaminants
through the food chain, impacting human health. The two articles published in 2019
support the scientific foundation to map, characterize, and understand groundwater inputs
into surface water bodies. The geophysical methods referenced in the 2019 articles
facilitate Agency decision-making at Superfund and RCRA sites and aid in remediation
and plume capture design. This work supports the Land and Emergency Management
Program priorities for understanding the linkages between contaminant concentrations in
sediment and fish tissue concentrations.
• Peer-reviewed journal publication on Thioarsenite Detection and Implications for
Arsenic Transport in Groundwater (September 2019):30 EPA research addresses
problems encountered at Superfund sites across the country, where groundwater pollution
can result in polluted aquifers, wells, and surface water leading to polluted drinking water.
Arsenic toxicity and mobility in groundwater depend on the chemical compounds that
22 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/laiid-research/eiigineering-technical-support-center-etsc.
23 For more information, please see: https://www. epa.govVwater-research/ground-water-technical-support-center-gwtsc.
24 For more information, please see: Engineering Technical Support Center Annual Reports: Groundwater Technical Support
Center Annual Reports.
25 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/adiiiinistrators-eiiiphasis-list.
26 For more information, please see: https://doi.org/10.51.94/liess-22-6383-2018: https://doi.org/10.1.1.1.1/gwat. 1.2846:
https://doi.org/! 0.1.002/201. SW.R01.821.9.
27 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.goY/superfund/how-superfund-addresses-groundwater-contaiiiination.
28 For more information, please see, for example: https://mvw.epa.gov/lTOi3eniiitting/ground-water-iiioiiitoring-requireiiients-
hazardous-waste-treatirient-storage-aiid-disposal.
29 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-l 1./docuiiients/brownf'ieklsroadiiiapepaS42-
30 For more information, please see: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b04478.
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arsenic forms in groundwater. EPA research describes methods to characterize those
arsenic compounds, especially those containing sulfur. The published, analytical methods
allow better prediction of transport and fate of arsenic in groundwater and the development
of remediation approaches for treating impacted aquifers.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, as well as the recommendations of the Superfund Task Force
of July 2017.31 In FY 2021, EPA research under SHC will support the Land and Emergency
Management Program, regional offices, states, and tribes, by providing technical assistance and
support to help characterize, remediate, and manage contaminated sites and groundwater. The tools
developed under the SHC Research Program will help the Land and Emergency Management
Program and the regional offices address complex contamination problems at Superfund, RCRA,
and Brownfields sites in the United States. EPA research personnel and associated support staff
also will analyze existing research data on vapor intrusion, contaminated groundwater and
sediments, and innovative technologies for site characterization and remediation. Additionally,
scientific journal articles will be published to disseminate findings associated with the data.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA's Research and Development Program on technical and
management issues of its research programs. The SHC Research Program will continue to meet
regularly over the next several years with the BOSC SHC subcommittee to seek input on topics
related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement program32 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and
EPA's research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and
health agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States,
with its Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council; the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media
associations, such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
31 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/superfmd/superfmd-task-force-recommendations.
32 For more information on EPA's state engagement efforts, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-
states.
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$80.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$5,095.0 / +8.5 FTE) This net program change streamlines funding for research
associated with designating chemicals as hazardous substances. It also refocuses the
Agency's scientific and engineering expertise provided to address environmental problems
via Technical Support Centers.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
508
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Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$37,003.7
$37,351.0
$24,694.0
-$12,657.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
9
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Total Budget Authority
$39,868.6
$50,175.0
$30,853.0
-$19,322.0
Total Workyears
144.0
154.9
111.6
-43.3
Program Project Description:
EPA's Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Research Program is focused on the
science of assessments that inform decisions made by EPA and others, including states and tribes.
These assessments provide the scientific basis for decisions under an array of environmental laws,
including: Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA); and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA). HERA supports the risk assessment needs of the Agency's Superfund Program and
regional risk assessors. With funding from Superfund, the HERA Research Program provides
Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTVs) and rapid risk assessments to respond to
emergent scenarios, and technical support on the application of human health and ecological risk
assessment practices at hazardous waste sites for Superfund. These assessment tools and activities
support risk-based management decisions at contaminated Superfund and hazardous waste sites.
The HERA Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs
within the Research and Development Program. The six research programs are each guided by a
Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs of agency program and
regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active collaboration and
involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new HERA FY 2019-2022 StRAP builds upon
prior Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting
innovative scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered by agency partners and
stakeholders.
For the FY 2021 Budget, EPA renamed the HHRA Research Program to the HERA Research
Program, to more accurately reflect the breadth of assessments conducted under this research
program, including exposure and ecological assessments as well as human health hazard
assessments. For example, this research program prepares the Integrated Science Assessments
(ISAs) for both the primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),
the former statutorily related to human health effects and the latter covering human welfare, which
includes ecological and other environmental impacts of the air pollutants. The timing of the
509
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proposed name change to HERA coincides with, and is supportive of, the Research and
Development Program's reorganization which occurred in September 2019.
HERA supports the Agency's mission to protect human health and the environment by identifying
and characterizing the health hazards of chemicals of concern to the Superfund Program and
responding to technical requests on topics relevant to human health or ecological risk assessment
at hazardous waste sites. Scientists in the HERA Research Program synthesize available scientific
information on the potential health and environmental impacts of exposures to individual
chemicals and chemical mixtures in the environment to assist in the Agency's chemical risk
assessment work. PPRTVs are an important source of toxicity information and toxicity values to
ensure improvements in human health and the environment in communities near Superfund sites.
Priorities for PPRTV development are based on the needs of the Agency's Land and Emergency
Management Program, with input from agency regional offices, and are evaluated annually. HERA
research areas include applying new data streams, read-across approaches and computational tools,
enhancement of supporting data/knowledge bases, and efficiency of derivation for PPRTV values.
There are over 1,300 Superfund sites on the National Priorities List.33 Communities near
Superfund sites or in emergency situations are faced with an urgent need for coordinated assistance
to assess and address issues of environmental contamination. The HERA Research Program
anticipates environmental contamination issues and develops new assessment approaches to
enhance rapid response and screening capabilities and to augment toxicity value derivation
procedures for health assessments.
Recent Accomplishments of the HERA Research Program include:
• PPRTV Documents: In FY 2019, the HERA Research Program completed three PPRTV
documents based on the needs and priorities of EPA's Superfund Program. These include,
2-Ethylhexanol,34 2-Nitropropane,35 and p-a,a,a-tetrachlorotoluene.36
• Technical Support: In FY 2019, HERA fielded more than ten requests for scientific
support on human and ecological assessment via the Superfund Health Risk Technical
Support Center and Ecological Risk Assessment Support Center. These requests included
assistance with employing new approach methods and continued stakeholder engagement
on complex science to address needs of Superfund sites across the United States.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the HERA Research Program's work will focus
explicitly on efforts integral to achieving the Agency's priorities and informing EPA's
implementation of key environmental regulations. Examples of this work include:
33 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/superfmd/superfund-national-priorities-list-npl.
34 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/pprtv/recordi splay.cfm?deid=344923.
35 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/pprtv/recordi splay.cfm?deid=347734.
36 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/pprtv/recordisplay.cfm?deid=347733.
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• PPRTV Assessments: Provide at least six additional PPRTV assessments of variable scale
as prioritized by EPA's Land and Emergency Management Program.
• Portfolio of Chemical Evaluation Products: Complement the PPRTVs by providing
additional 'fit-for-purpose' assessment products for priority chemicals, such as for up to
five perfluorinated compounds and lead as prioritized by the Land and Emergency
Management Program. Having modernized its assessment infrastructure, HERA will use
evidence mapping to provide a better understanding of the extent and nature of evidence
available to address agency needs (i.e., 'fit for purpose'). This approach is expected to
improve throughput for PPRTV development.
• Linking Databases and Management Tools: Continue to collaborate with the Chemical
Safety for Sustainability (CSS) Research Program to link the architecture of assessment
databases and literature management tools, including Health and Environmental Research
Online, with the RapidTox Dashboard being developed in CSS.
• Rapid Technical Support: Continue essential technical assistance across EPA to provide
rapid technical support to programs and regions. These activities will provide expedited
health hazard and exposure technical support for evaluating chemical-specific exposures
at Superfund and contaminated sites, as well as incorporating case-specific information
related to urgent situations.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The HERA Research Program and the BOSC HERA subcommittee will meet regularly over the
next several years to seek input on topics related to research program design, science quality,
innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement37 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council; the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media
associations, such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
37 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
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Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$546.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$9,725.0) This program change streamlines funding for research associated with
designating chemicals as hazardous substances. It also streamlines Superfund related
research within the area of health and environmental assessment.
• (+$2,514.0 / +14.7 FTE) This rebalances resources from the S&T appropriation to the
Superfund appropriation within this program for work related to IRIS assessments.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Superfund Cleanup
513
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Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
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-SISJ5S.0
Total Budget Authority
$215,077.1
$189,306.0
$170,748.0
-$18,558.0
Total Workyears
262.9
244.7
244.7
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Emergency Response and Removal Program (SF Removal) is the foundation of federal
emergency response to releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and is
essential to managing the associated risks. In the case of a national emergency, EPA is charged
with preventing, limiting, mitigating, or containing chemical, oil, radiological, biological, or
hazardous materials released during and in the aftermath of an incident. Situations requiring
emergency response and removal actions vary greatly in size, nature, and location, and include
chemical releases, fires or explosions, natural disasters, and other threats to people from exposure
to hazardous substances. EPA's 24-hour-a-day response capability is a cornerstone element of the
National Contingency Plan.38 Further, this program is responsible for the Agency's only Primary
Mission Essential Function.
Over the last 10 years (2010-2019), EPA completed or oversaw more than 3,066 Superfund
removal actions across the country. SF Removal sites can be found in remote rural areas as well
as large urban settings. Approximately 11 million people live within three miles of 221 SF
Removal sites where EPA completed a removal action in FY 2016 - equal to about 3 percent of
the total US population.39 SF Removal clean-ups vary in complexity and contain a wide variety of
contaminants including mercury, lead, and asbestos.40
The SF Removal Program provides technical assistance and outreach to industry, states, tribes,
and local communities as part of the Agency's effort to ensure national safety and security for
chemical and oil responses. EPA trains, equips, and deploys resources in order to manage, contain,
and remove contaminants. These substances, until contained or removed, have the potential to
significantly damage property, endanger public health, and have critical environmental impact on
communities.
38 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/emergencv-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-
39 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes (1) site information as of the
end of FY 2016 and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
40 Data from US EPA Superfund Enterprise Management System.
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Agency On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) make up the core of the SF Removal Program. These
trained and equipped EPA personnel respond to, assess, mitigate, and clean up environmental
releases regardless of the cause. States, local, and tribal communities rely upon the OSC's expertise
and support to deal with environmental emergencies that are beyond their capabilities and
resources.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. During FY 2019, EPA conducted 233
removal actions exceeding its annual target of 175 removals by 33 percent. In FY 2021, the SF
Removal Program will:
• Respond to, and provide technical assistance for, emergency responses, removal
assessments, and limited time critical response actions (non-emergency responses).
• Conduct and participate in selected multi-media training and exercises for emergency
responders. These events ensure readiness by focusing on necessary coordination and
consistency across the Agency, enhance specialized technical skills and expertise, and
strengthen partnerships with state, local, tribal, and other federal responders.
• Support the Environmental Response Team (ERT), which provides nationwide assistance
and consultation for emergency response actions, including unusual or complex incidents.
In such cases, the ERT supplies the OSC, or lead responder, with special equipment and
technical or logistical assistance.
• Continue to deploy its National Incident Management Assistance Team to set up
organizational systems that help with the long-term strategic planning and response efforts.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 137) Number of Superfund removals completed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
275
275
275
175
175
141
141
Removals
Actual
278
226
255
242
233
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$3,704.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$22,262.0) The EPA will prioritize its resources on sites which pose an immediate threat
to human health and the environment.
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Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Sections
104, 105, 106; Clean Water Act (CWA); and Oil Pollution Act (OPA).
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Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
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S '.'IIIUI
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Total Budget Authority
$7,679.9
$7,636.0
$7,700.0
$64.0
Total Workyears
33.5
37.4
37.4
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Emergency Preparedness Program provides for EPA's engagement on the National
Response Team (NRT) and Regional Response Teams (RRT) where it ensures federal agencies
are prepared to respond to national incidents, threats, and major environmental emergencies. EPA
implements the Emergency Preparedness Program in coordination with Department of Homeland
Security and other federal agencies in order to deliver federal hazard assistance to state, local, and
tribal governments.
The Agency carries out its responsibility under multiple statutory authorities as well as the
National Response Framework (NRF), which provides the comprehensive federal structure for
managing national emergencies. EPA is the designated lead for the NRF's Oil and Hazardous
Materials Response Annex - Emergency Support Function #10 which covers responsibilities for
responding to releases of hazardous materials, oil, and other contaminants that are a threat to
human health and the environment. As such, the Agency participates and leads applicable
interagency committees and workgroups to develop national planning and implementation policies
at the operational level.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA continuously works to improve
its management of emergency response assets to be better prepared to handle large unprecedented
incidents in order to increase cost effectiveness and avoid costly cleanup actions. The Superfund
Emergency Preparedness Program participates in national and local exercises and drills,
coordinates with stakeholders to develop Area and Regional Contingency Plans, and provides
technical assistance to industry, states, tribes, and local communities. Specific activities include:
• Chair the NRT41 and co-chair the 13 RRTs. The NRT and RRTs are the only active
environmentally-focused interagency executive committees addressing oil and hazardous
41 For additional information, please refer to: fattps://www.nrt.org/.
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substance emergencies. They serve as multi-agency coordination groups supporting
emergency responders when convened as incident specific teams.
• Participate in the development of limited, scenario-specific exercises and regional drills
designed to assess national emergency response management capabilities. These activities
will involve the RRTs, NRT, and/or principal level participants.
• Continue to implement the National Incident Management System42 which provides the
approach to manage incidents and works hand in hand with the NRF.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,167.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,103.0) This net program change will result in streamlined exercises and training held
with federal, state, and local partners.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§ 104,
105, 106; Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
42 For additional information, please refer to: http://www.fema.gov/national-iiicideiit-managemeiit-systeni.
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Superfund: Federal Facilities
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
S 22.5-1-1.5
S 21.125.0
S2J.02JM
S 4Vh.it
Total Budget Authority
$22,544.5
$21,125.0
$21,621.0
$496.0
Total Workyears
104.5
109.7
114.7
5.0
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 11.5 reimbursable FTE to support Federal Facilities.
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Federal Facilities Program oversees and provides technical assistance for the
protective and efficient cleanup and reuse of Federal Facility National Priorities List (NPL) sites,
pursuant to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) Section 120. Program responsibilities include: 1) inventory and assess potentially
contaminated sites; 2) implement protective remedies; 3) facilitate early transfer of property; and
4) ensure ongoing protectiveness of completed cleanups.
The Federal Facility NPL sites are among the largest in the Superfund Program and can encompass
specialized environmental contaminants such as munitions and radiological waste, and
contaminants of emerging concern such as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To ensure
efficiencies and consistent approaches to cleanup, the Program collaborates with the other federal
agencies and states. The Superfund Federal Facilities Program will continue to work with our
federal partners to target high priority sites, consider best practices, develop innovative solutions
to emerging and unique contaminants, implement strategies to reach cleanup completion at sites,
and bring contaminated land into beneficial reuse.43
Cleaning up contaminated sites at federal facilities can serve as a catalyst for economic growth
and community revitalization. The Superfund Federal Facilities Program facilitates the
redevelopment of federal facility sites across the country by assisting other federal agencies
(OFAs) expedite activities related to CERCLA response actions, while protecting human health
and the environment. Collaborative efforts among OF As; developers; and state, local, and tribal
partners encourages restoration of sites. Since federal facility Superfund sites often encompass
thousands of acres with buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, their effective and efficient
cleanup and reuse can play a pivotal role in a community's economic growth. An FY 2019 study
identified 22 federal facility Superfund sites in reuse with a total of 1,400 businesses that generated
$9.4 billion in annual sales and provide 115,000 jobs and $7 billion in annual employment
44
income.
43 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac.
44 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/redevelopment-economics-federal-facilities.
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. One of the Agency's top priorities is
accelerating progress on Superfund sites. The Program will focus on Superfund Task Force
recommendations including engaging with state, local, and tribal partners; and creating sensible
approaches that enhance economic growth. A program goal is to achieve sites ready for anticipated
use and promote the reuse and restoration of federal facility sites by prioritizing resources to focus
on remedial actions and construction completions to accelerate Site-Wide Ready for Anticipated
Use determinations and NPL deletions. In addition, the Program will prioritize and continue to
partner with OF As, states, tribes, and local communities to limit human exposure to potentially
harmful levels of PFAS and lead in the environment.
EPA also will continue to oversee complex cleanups at Federal Facility NPL sites, such as
contamination in groundwater, munitions and explosives of concern, contaminants of emerging
concern such as PFAS, and contamination from legacy nuclear weapons development and energy
research. While Department of Energy (DOE) has completed cleanup work at many of its sites,
DOE estimates that the remaining legacy Cold War sites will take decades to complete due to
groundwater, soil, and waste processing. Similarly, the Department of Defense (DOD) inventory
includes sites that contain chemical and explosive compounds which require special handling,
storage, and disposal practices, as well as cleanup. EPA will continue to provide oversight and
technical assistance at DOD's military munitions response sites and support DOD's development
of new technologies to streamline cleanups.
In FY 2019, the Program designated remedial decisions at 57 federal facility sites to address
environmental contamination. The Program also achieved 33 Remedial Action Project
Completions and reviewed 53 Five-Year Reviews to confirm protective remedies remain in place.
Additionally, the Program is engaged at 88 Federal Facility NPL sites with PFAS detections,
ensuring consistent and protective responses.
In FY 2021, the Superfund Federal Facilities Program will prioritize the highest risk sites and focus
on activities that bring human exposure and groundwater migration under control. In addition,
EPA manages the Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket (Docket) which contains
information reported by federal facilities that manage hazardous waste or from which hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants have been or may be released. The Docket: 1) identifies
all federal facilities that must be evaluated through the site assessment process; 2) determines
whether they pose a risk to human health and the environment sufficient to warrant inclusion on
the NPL; and 3) provides a mechanism to make the information available to the public.45 The
Docket is updated semi-annually and has over 2,300 facilities listed. To ensure the long-term
protectiveness of the cleanup remedies, EPA will continue monitoring, overseeing progress, and
improving the quality and consistency of Five-Year Reviews conducted at NPL sites where waste
has been left in place and land use is restricted as required under Section 121(c) of CERCLA.
45 EPA developed a website called FEDFacts, where all sites are mapped and linked to available environmental information,
which may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/fedfacts.
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Superfund Remedial Program under
the SF appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,669.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$1,173.0) This net program change may require modified project schedules and cleanup
milestones. The Program will prioritize resources on those facilities that present the highest
risk to human health and the environment.
• (+5.0 FTE) This program change increases reimbursable FTE to support acceleration of
cleanup work at Department of Energy's Hanford NPL Site.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 120.
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Superfund: Remedial
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
s Mt4.o5v.it
S
S4S2J2V.lt
-S V-IJ-I4.U
Total Budget Authority
$604,659.0
$576,673.0
$482,329.0
-$94,344.0
Total Workyears
894.9
868.8
868.8
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Remedial Program addresses many of the worst contaminated areas in the United
States by investigating contaminated sites and implementing long-term clean-up remedies. The
Superfund Remedial Program also oversees response work conducted by potentially responsible
parties (PRPs) at National Priorities List (NPL) and Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) sites.
Completing relatively straightforward response actions, such as soil excavation or capping
remedies, can take a few months, while implementing remedies at complex, large area-wide
groundwater, sediment, or mining sites may take decades.
By addressing the human health and environmental risks posed by releases at NPL and SAA sites,
the Superfund Remedial Program strengthens the economy and spurs economic growth by
returning Superfund sites to productive use. As of FY 2019, EPA data shows that approximately
1,000 Superfund sites are in reuse, more than half the number of sites ever placed on the NPL.
EPA has data on over 9,100 businesses at 602 of these sites. In FY 2019 alone, these businesses
generated $58.3 billion in sales. These businesses employed more than 208,000 people who earned
a combined income of over $14 billion. Over the last eight years, these businesses generated at
least $321 billion in sales.46
While conducting cleanup at NPL and SAA sites, Superfund remedial construction projects can
enhance our national infrastructure while addressing harmful exposures. Cleanup work lowers
human health risk - for example, recent research indicates that Superfund clean-up lowered the
risk of elevated blood lead levels by roughly 8 to 18 percent for children living within two
kilometers of a Superfund NPL site where lead is a contaminant of concern.47 Cleanup work under
the Superfund Remedial Program also improves property values. A study conducted by researchers
at Duke University and University of Pittsburgh found that residential property values within three
46 For more information on Redevelopment Economics, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-
initiative/redevelopment-economics-superfund-sites.
47 Details can be found at https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/research-environmental-economics-ncee-working-
paper-series.
522
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miles of Superfund sites increased between 18.7 and 24.4 percent when sites were cleaned up and
deleted from the NPL.48
In July 2017, EPA's Superfund Task Force developed a report containing 42 recommended actions
in five goal areas: 1) Expediting Cleanup and Remediation; 2) Re-Invigorating Responsible Party
Cleanup and Reuse; 3) Encouraging Private Investment; 4) Promoting Redevelopment and
Community Revitalization; and 5) Engaging Partners and Stakeholders. Since then, EPA has
worked to efficiently implement the recommendations and reach outcome-driven results aimed at
expediting site cleanup, redevelopment, and community revitalization. As of September 2019, all
42 recommendations have been implemented by the Superfund Program. Key accomplishments
related to the Superfund Remedial Program under the Superfund Task Force recommendations
include:
• Increased the number of sites with Human Exposure Under Control;
• Improved public access to information on human exposure status;
• Increased number of sites fully or partially deleted from the NPL compared to prior years;
• Implemented Administrator review of remedy decisions greater than or equal to $50
million;
• Focused optimization evaluations on priority sites;
• Developed a Superfund Risk Communication Improvement Plan;
• Furthered use of new remediation technologies by developing technical information and
presenting webinars and training; and
• Made information on Superfund sites with reuse potential more widely available.
Additional Superfund Task Force accomplishments, including detailed information on
implementation efforts, can be found in the Superfund Task Force Recommendations Final
Report.49
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. For example, EPA made 48 Superfund
sites ready for anticipated use in FY 2019, contributing to a two-year FY 2018-2019 Agency
Priority Goal (APG) of 102 sites. EPA continues to focus on making sites ready for anticipated
use and will report results for the FY 2020 - 2021 APG: Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return
sites to beneficial use in their communities.
In FY 2021, EPA will prioritize resources to execute its non-delegable, federal responsibility to
remediate sites and protect human health, welfare, and the environment. The Superfund Remedial
Program endeavors to maximize the use of special account resources collected from PRPs for site-
specific response actions as stipulated in settlement agreements. More than half of non-federal
48 Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and Christopher Timmons. 2013. "Does cleanup of hazardous waste sites raise housing values?
Evidence of spatially localized benefits," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 65(3): 345-360,
http://dx.doi.org/10.101.6/i .ieem.2012.1.2.001..
49 The Superfund Task Force (SFTF) Recommendations Final Report can be found at:
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/100002231.pdf.
523
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sites on the final NPL do not have an associated open special account and must rely on annually
appropriated funds.
In FY 2021, EPA plans to continue to incorporate activities recommended by the Superfund Task
Force to expedite cleanup while continuing to encourage private investment, promote Superfund
site redevelopment, and build and strengthen partnerships. EPA also will continue to prioritize
ongoing fund-led investigation, remedial design, construction, and long-term response actions to
bring human exposure and groundwater migration under control.
In FY 2021, EPA proposes to direct resources in the Superfund Remedial Program to support
implementation of the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan. This investment
provides additional tools to help states and communities assess PFAS presence. This work supports
the FY 2020 - 2021 APG: Reduce PFAS risks to the public.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 151) Number of Superfund sites with human exposures brought under control.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
10
9
9
9
8
12
10
10
Sites
Actual
9
10
12
24
32
17
(PM 170) Number of remedial action projects completed at Superfund sites.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
115
105
105
105
95
95
80
80
Projects
Actual
115
104
105
97
87
89
(PM S10) Number of Superfund sites made ready for anticipated use site-wide.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
55
45
45
45
51
51
51
51
Sites
Actual
45
45
41
43
51
48
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$9,126.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (+$1,000.0) This program change is an investment supporting cross-agency work on
implementation of the PFAS Action Plan.
• (-$104,470.0) This net program change is a decrease to the Superfund Remedial Program.
Funds will be prioritized for NPL sites that present the highest risk to human health and
the environment, while modifying timelines for completing remedial
investigation/feasibility study, remedial design and new construction projects for other
sites, and reducing discretionary activities.
524
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Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
525
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Superfund Special Accounts
526
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Superfund Special Accounts
Background
EPA has the authority to collect funds from parties to support Superfund investigations and
cleanups. Section 122(b)(3) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) authorizes EPA to retain and use funds received pursuant to a settlement
agreement with a party to carry out the purpose of that agreement. Funds are deposited in
Superfund special accounts for cleanup at the sites designated in individually negotiated settlement
agreements. Through the use of special accounts, EPA ensures responsible parties pay for cleanup
so that annually appropriated resources from the Superfund Trust Fund are generally conserved
for sites where no viable or liable potentially responsible parties (PRPs) can be identified. Each
account is set up separately and distinctly and may only be used for the sites and uses outlined in
the settlement(s) with the party or parties.
Special accounts are sub-accounts in the Superfund Trust Fund. Pursuant to the specific
agreements, which typically take the form of an Administrative Order on Consent or a Consent
Decree, EPA uses special account funds to finance site-specific CERCLA response actions at the
site for which the account was established. Of the current 1,335 Superfund sites listed as final on
the National Priorities List, more than half do not have special account funds available for use (as
of October 1, 2019). As special account funds may only be used for sites and uses specified in the
settlement agreement, both special account resources and annually appropriated resources are
critical to the Superfund Program to clean up Superfund sites.
Special account funds are used to conduct many different site-specific CERCLA response actions,
including, but not limited to, investigations to determine the nature and extent of contamination
and the appropriate remedy, design, construction and implementation of the remedy, enforcement
activities, and post-construction activities. EPA also may provide special account funds as an
incentive to another PRP(s) who agrees to perform additional work beyond the PRP's allocated
share at the site, which EPA might otherwise have to conduct. Because response actions may take
many years, the full use of special account funds also may take many years. Once all site-specific
response work pursuant to the settlement agreement is complete and site risks are addressed,
special account funds may be used to reimburse EPA for site-specific costs incurred using
appropriated resources (i.e., reclassification), allowing the latter resources to be allocated to other
sites. Any remaining special account funds are transferred to the Superfund Trust Fund, where
they are available for future appropriation by Congress to further support response work.
EPA, through the implementation of recommendations from the Superfund Task Force50, is
working to ensure that contaminated sites across the country are remediated to protect human
health and the environment and returned to beneficial use as expeditiously as possible. Maximizing
the use of special accounts to facilitate site cleanup and/or redevelopment is one of the Task
Force's recommendations EPA continues to work on. The "Updated Consolidated Guidance on
the Establishment, Management, and Use of CERCLA Special Accounts" was issued on August
50 The Superfund Task Force Final Report can be found here: littps://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201.9-
09/documents/sflfreport_vl7-9-5_for508s.pdf.
527
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5, 2019.51 The guidance document addressed the Superfund Task Force report's recommendation
specific to special accounts with a more robust discussion about when to establish a special
account; types of funds that can be deposited in a special account; activities that may be funded
through a special account; timing for use of special account funds; providing special account funds
to external parties to conduct response actions; and management of special accounts. The issuance
of this guidance completed this recommendation of the Superfund Task Force report.
FY 2019 Special Account Activity
Since the inception of special accounts through the end of FY 2019, EPA has collected
approximately $7.4 billion from parties and earned more than $585.2 million in interest.
Approximately 56 percent of the funds have been disbursed or obligated for response actions at
sites and plans have been developed to guide the future use of the remaining 44 percent of available
special account funds. In addition, at sites with no additional work planned or costs to be incurred
by EPA, EPA has transferred over $35.8 million to the Superfund Trust Fund. As of the end of FY
2019, over $4.0 billion has been disbursed for site response actions and approximately $388.4
million has been obligated but not yet disbursed.
The Agency continues to receive site-specific settlement funds that are placed in special accounts
each year, so progress on actual obligation and disbursement of funds may not be apparent upon
review solely of the cumulative available balance. In FY 2019, EPA deposited more than $374.4
million into special accounts and disbursed and obligated over $249.9 million from special
accounts (including reclassifications). At the end of FY 2019, the cumulative amount available in
special accounts was approximately $3.45 billion.
Special accounts vary in size. A limited set represent the majority of the funds available. At the
end of FY 2019, 5 percent of open accounts had greater than $10 million available and hold more
than 72 percent of all available funds in open accounts. There are many accounts with lower
available balances. 72 percent of all open accounts with up to $1 million available represent only
5 percent of available funds in all open accounts.
The balance of approximately $3.45 billion is not equivalent to an annual appropriation. The funds
collected under settlements are intended to finance future response work at particular sites for the
length of the project. EPA is carefully managing those funds that remain available for site response
work and develops plans to utilize the available balance. EPA will continue to plan the use of funds
received to conduct site-specific response activities or reclassify and/or transfer excess funds to
the Superfund Trust Fund to make annually appropriated funds available for use at other Superfund
sites.
For some Superfund sites, although funds are readily available in a special account, remedial action
may take time to initiate and complete. This is due to site-specific conditions such as the specific
requirements for special account use set forth in the settlement agreement, the stage of site cleanup,
the viability of other responsible parties to conduct site cleanup, and the nature of the site
contamination. EPA has plans to spend approximately $1.3 billion of currently available special
account funds over the next 5 years, but funds also are planned much further into the future to
51 For a copy of the guidance, please see: https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/100002182.pdf.
528
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continue activities such as conducting five year reviews or remedy optimization where waste has
been left in place.
In FY 2019, EPA disbursed and obligated approximately $236.7 million from special accounts
(excluding reclassifications) for response work at more than 650 Superfund sites. Some examples
include $39.8 million to support work at the New Bedford Harbor site in Massachusetts, $27.3
million for the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle (Camden Radiation) site in New Jersey, and more
than $12 million for the Atlantic Wood Industries, Inc. site in Virginia. Without special account
funds being available, appropriated funds would have been necessary for these response actions to
be funded. In other words, EPA was able to fund approximately $236.7 million in response work
at sites in addition to the work funded through appropriated funds obligated or disbursed in FY
2019.
The summary charts below provide additional information on the status of special accounts.
Exhibit 1 illustrates the cumulative status of open and closed accounts, FY 2019 program activity,
and planned multi-year uses of the available balance. Exhibit 2 provides the prior year (FY 2019),
current year (FY 2020), and estimated future budget year (FY 2021) activity for special accounts.
Exhibit 3 provides prior year data (FY 2019) by EPA regional offices to exhibit the geographic
use of the funds.
529
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Exhibit 1: Summary of FY 2019 Special Account Transactions
and Cumulative Multi-Year Plans for Using Available Special Account Funds
Account Sliilns1
Number of
Accounts
( umukiliw ()|vn
l.|()4
( umukiliw Closed
I'Y 201') Speci:il Account Aclmty
S in Thoiisiiiuls
Beginning Available Balance
$3,287,875.2
FY 2019 Activities
+ Receipts
$374,438.1
- Transfers to Superfund Trust Fund (Receipt Adjustment)
($2,794.5)
+ Net Interest Earned
$36,866.1
- Net Change in Unliquidated Obligations
$68,492.1
- Disbursements - For EPA Incurred Costs
($300,105.6)
- Disbursements - For Work Party Reimbursements under Final Settlements
($5,058.7)
- Reclassifications
($13,268.5)
End of Fiscal Year (EOFY) Available Balance2
$3,446,444.3
\
ulli-Yciir Phins lor KOI-'Y 201') A\;iil;ihlc IJnlitiue4
S in Thoiisiiiuls
2019 EOFY Available Balance
$3,446,444.3
- Estimates for Future EPA Site Activities based on Current Site Plans4
$3,221,681.1
- Estimates for Potential Disbursement to Work Parties Identified in Final
Settlements5
$85,331.1
- Estimates for Reclassifications for FYs 2019-20216
$106,760.3
- Estimates for Transfers to Trust Fund for FYs 2019-20216
$26,719.8
- Available Balance to be Planned for Site-Specific Response7
$5,952.0
1 FY 2019 data is as of 10/01/2019. The Beginning Available Balance is as of 10/01/2018.
2 Numbers may not add due to rounding.
3Planning data were recorded in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS) as of 11/7/2019 in reference to special
account available balances as of 10/01/2019.
4 "Estimates for EPA Future Site Activities" includes all response actions that EPA may conduct or oversee in the future, such as
removal, remedial, enforcement, post-construction activities as well as allocation of funds to facilitate a settlement to encourage PRPs
to perform the cleanup. Planning data are multi-year and cannot be used for annual comparisons.
5 "Estimates for Potential Disbursements to Work Parties Identified in Finalized Settlements" includes those funds that have already
been designated in a settlement document, such as a Consent Decree or Administrative Order on Consent, to be available to a PRP for
reimbursements but that have not yet been obligated.
6 "Reclassifications" and "Transfers to the Trust Fund" are estimated for three FYs only. These amounts are only estimates and may
change as the EPA determines what funds are needed to complete site-specific response activities.
7 These include resources received by the EPA at the end of the fiscal year and will be assigned for site-specific response activities.
530
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Exhibit 2: Actual and Estimated Special Account Transactions FY 2019 - FY 20211
I V 2019
I V 2020
osliiinilo
I V 2021
esliniiilo
S in 1 hoiisiincls
Beginning Available Balance
$3,287,875.2
$3,446,444.3
$3,500,000.0
Receipts2,3
$374,438.1
$290,000.0
$290,000.0
Transfers to Trust Fund (Receipt Adjustment)3
($2,794.5)
($2,300.0)
($2,300.0)
Net Interest Earned3'4
$36,866.1
$44,000.0
$44,000.0
Net Obligations3'5
($236,672.2)
($260,000.0)
($260,000.0)
Reclassifications3
C$13.268.51
C$15.000 01
C$15.000 01
End of Year Available Balance6
$3,446,444.3
$3,500,000.0
$3,550,000.0
1 FY 2019 data is as of 10/01/2019. The Beginning Available Balance is as of 10/01/2018.
2 The estimates for Receipts are in line with more typical years.
3 The estimates for Receipts, Transfers to Trust Fund, Net Interest, Net Obligations, and Reclassifications are based on a three-year
historical average.
4 FY 2019 net interest earned does not include interest earned from an investment which matured in September 2019. Interest
earned was posted in EPA's Special Account Interest database the following month.
5 Net Obligations reflect special account funds no longer available for obligation, excluding reclassifications and receipts
transferred to the Trust Fund.
6Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Exhibit 3: FY 2019 Special Account Transactions by EPA Regional Offices
$ in Thousands
Beginning
Available
Balance
Receipts
Transfers to
Trust Fund
(Receipt
Adjustment)
Net
Interest
Earned
Net
Obligations
Reclassifications
End of Year
Available
Balance2
Region 1
$225,319.0
$27,803.5
($750.9)
$3,326.5
($46,296.9)
($4,415.3)
$204,986.0
Region 2
$524,373.3
$94,389.5
$0.0
$5,919.6
($63,817.2)
($3,536.9)
$557,328.4
Region 3
$138,124.8
$68,972.0
$0.0
$1,505.4
($19,394.7)
($827.0)
$188,380.5
Region 4
$74,907.9
$3,803.7
($1,242.2)
$707.8
($6,718.7)
($542.1)
$70,916.5
Region 5
$400,381.1
$14,517.1
($0.8)
$4,344.1
($16,809.5)
($2,507.0)
$399,925.1
Region 6
$106,200.8
$26,282.8
$0.0
$1,164.0
($10,799.9)
($92.6)
$122,755.1
Region 7
$150,740.2
$14,953.6
$0.0
$1,875.9
($16,707.7)
($708.6)
$150,153.3
Region 8
$204,478.3
$80,125.9
($800.7)
$2,372.6
($13,316.4)
($128.4)
$272,731.3
Region 9
$1,317,793.5
$22,793.2
$0.0
$13,494.9
($25,215.2)
($459.3)
$1,328,407.0
Region 10
$145,556.2
$20,796.8
$0.0
$2,155.2
($17,595.9)
($51.2)
$150,861.1
Total
$3,287,875.2
$374,438.1
($2,794.5)
$36,866.1
($236,672.2)
($13,268.5)
$3,446,444.3
1 FY 2019 data is as of 10/01/2019. The Beginning Available Balance is as of 10/01/2018.
2 Numbers may not add due to rounding.
531
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Program Projects in LUST 535
Enforcement 537
Civil Enforcement 538
Operations and Administration 540
Acquisition Management 541
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 542
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 544
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST) 546
LUST/UST 547
LUST Prevention 550
LUST Cooperative Agreements 551
Program Project Description: 551
Research: Sustainable Communities 554
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 555
533
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534
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Estimated FY 2020
Actuals
Enacted
Pres Budget
Enacted
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Budget Authority
$98,172.9
$91,941.0
$48,218.0
-$43,723.0
Total Workyears
41.1
46.6
40.7
-5.9
Bill Language: Leaking and Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program
For necessary expenses to carry out leaking underground storage tank cleanup activities
authorized by subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, $48,218,000, to remain available until
expended, of which $48,218,000 shall be for carrying out leaking underground storage tank
cleanup activities authorized by section 9003(h) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act: Provided, That
the Administrator is authorized to use appropriations made available under this heading to
implement section 9013 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide financial assistance to federally
recognized Indian tribes for the development and implementation of programs to manage
underground storage tanks.
Program Projects in LUST
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$678.1
$620.0
$541.0
-$79.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$258.3
$321.0
$450.0
$129.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Acquisition Management
$70.2
$163.0
$138.0
-$25.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$1,175.7
$1,352.0
$1,384.0
$32.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST / UST
$10,133.9
$9,240.0
$7,149.0
-$2,091.0
LUST Cooperative Agreements
$59,225.6
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
-$16,200.0
LUST Prevention
$26,829.1
$25,369.0
$0.0
-$25,369.0
Subtotal, Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
$96,188.6
$89,649.0
$45,989.0
-$43,660.0
535
-------
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$130.5
$320.0
$304.0
-$16.0
TOTAL LUST
$98,172.9
$91,941.0
$48,218.0
-$43,723.0
536
-------
Enforcement
537
-------
Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$160,202.2
$167,615.0
$157,820.0
-$9,795.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
v» ~
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
325
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
347
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years
old.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
129
120
120
Cases
Actual
94
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$5.0) This change is a decrease due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$74.0 / -0.3 FTE) The net program change reflects EPA's efforts to target funds to the
highest priority sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic authority); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
539
-------
Operations and Administration
540
-------
Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$33,799.8
$30,945.0
$29,621.0
-$1,324.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
,S 2
SKiXI)
S1JS.0
-S 2x0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$18,593.2
$20,533.0
$22,982.0
$2,449.0
Total Budget Authority
$52,463.2
$51,641.0
$52,741.0
$1,100.0
Total Workyears
261.2
285.7
259.5
-26.2
Program Project Description:
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) resources in the Acquisition Management Program
support the Agency's contract activities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Acquisition Management resources in LUST support
information technology needs and the training and development of EPA's acquisition workforce.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Acquisition Management Program
under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$25.0) This program change reflects a reduction as a result of more effective business
practices in the Acquisition Management Program.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
541
-------
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$72,920.6
$71,423.0
$76,603.0
$5,180.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
S25X.3
S321.il
S-/.Vl.il
.S l2V.il
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$23,772.7
$21,971.0
$22,462.0
$491.0
Total Budget Authority
$96,951.6
$93,715.0
$99,515.0
$5,800.0
Total Workyears
421.4
456.0
435.3
-20.7
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 39.0 FTE to support Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance working capital
fund (WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's financial management community maintains a strong partnership with the Leaking
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Program. Activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting,
and Finance Program support the management of integrated planning, budgeting, financial
management, performance and accountability processes, and systems to ensure effective
stewardship of LUST resources. This includes developing, managing, and supporting a
performance management system consistent with the Government Performance and Results
Modernization Act of 2010 that involves: strategic planning and accountability for environmental,
fiscal, and managerial results; providing policy, systems, training, reports, and oversight essential
for the financial operations of EPA; managing the agencywide Working Capital Fund; providing
financial payment and support services for specialized fiscal and accounting services for the LUST
programs; and managing the Agency's annual budget process.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to ensure sound
financial and budgetary management of the LUST Program through the use of routine and ad hoc
analysis, statistical sampling, and other evaluation tools. Building on the work begun in previous
years, EPA will continue to monitor and strengthen internal controls with a focus on sensitive
payments and property. In addition, the Agency is reviewing its financial systems for efficiencies
and effectiveness, identifying gaps, and targeting legacy systems for replacement.
542
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$164.0) This change is an increase due to recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$35.0 / -0.4 FTE) This net program change is a decrease as the Agency streamlines in
the areas of strategic planning, budget preparation, financial reporting, and transaction
processing.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
543
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Science & Technology
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
S.N
ssos.n
S ~V(>.0
-S '2.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program in the Leaking Underground Storage Tank
(LUST) appropriation supports the Agency's rent, transit subsidy, and facilities management
services. Funding is allocated for such services among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Agency will continue to conduct
rent reviews and verify monthly billing statements for its lease agreements with the General
Services Administration and private landlords. For FY 2021, EPA is requesting a total of $0.62
million for rent in the LUST appropriation. EPA uses a standard methodology to ensure that rent
charging appropriately reflects planned and enacted resources at the appropriation level.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$72.0) This program change is a decrease to basic operations and maintenance costs.
544
-------
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
545
-------
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST)
546
-------
LUST / UST
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$11,089.8
$10,750.0
$6,863.0
-$3,887.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
S IIU3J.V
S <>.2-10.0
S'.I-I'J.O
-s 2jm.o
Total Budget Authority
$21,223.7
$19,990.0
$14,012.0
-$5,978.0
Total Workyears
89.1
91.6
68.8
-22.8
Program Project Description:
The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) resources in the LUST/Underground Storage
Tank (UST) Program ensure that petroleum contamination is properly assessed and cleaned up.
Under this program, EPA issues, monitors, and oversees LUST cleanup cooperative agreements
to states.2 EPA also provides technical assistance and training to states and tribes on how to
conduct cleanups and improve the efficiency of state programs. As of September 2019, 57,308
LUST sites had not achieved cleanup completion.3
In addition, EPA has direct implementation authority and responsibilities in Indian Country. In
that role, EPA oversees cleanups by responsible parties, conducts site assessments, remediates
contaminated water and soil, and provides alternative sources of drinking water when needed.
EPA's funding for Indian Country is the primary source of money for these activities. With few
exceptions, tribes do not have independent program resources to pay for assessing and cleaning up
UST releases, and in many cases, there are no responsible parties available to pay for the cleanups
at sites in Indian Country.
Cleaning up LUST sites protects people from exposure to contaminants such as benzene, a known
carcinogen, and makes land available for reuse. A 2018 study found that high profile UST releases
decrease nearby property values 2 to 6 percent. Then, once a cleanup is completed, nearby property
values rebound by a similar margin.4 In 2019, cleanups were completed at 8,358 LUST sites.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
2 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
3 Please see EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
4 Guignet, D., Jenkins, R., Ranson, M., & Walsh, P. J. (2018). Contamination and incomplete information: Bounding implicit prices
using high-profile leaks. Journal of environmental economics and management, 88, 259-282.
https://doi.Org/10.1016/i.ieem.2017.12.003.
547
-------
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA's ambitious 11,200 annual target
for the number of LUST sites that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater
migration has proven especially challenging. EPA has intensively engaged state partners to
identify long-term strategies to meet the long-term performance goal of completing 56,000
additional LUST cleanups between FY 2018-2022. In FY 2019, LUST cleanups increased to 8,358
representing the first annual increase in such cleanups since FY 2013.
EPA will continue to collect and analyze information about the initiation and cleanup of UST
releases. This information will chart progress toward achieving its annual performance goal of
completing 11,200 cleanups in FY 2021 and inform EPA's work with its state partners to increase
the number of cleanups completed. As part of that effort, EPA and individual states may initiate
Kaizen process improvement events if EPA and the state determine the Kaizen event will help
streamline a state's process.
In FY 2021, EPA will:
• Work with states and tribes within available resources to implement strategies to reduce
the number of sites that have not reached cleanup completion and to address new releases
as they continue to be confirmed.
• Provide targeted training to states and tribes, such as remediation process optimization and
rapid site assessment techniques.
• Monitor the soundness of financial mechanisms, in particular, insurance and state cleanup
funds that serve as financial assurance for LUST releases; ensuring that money is available
to pay for cleanups. In addition, EPA will continue to provide analysis and technical
assistance to states to help them improve the environmental and financial performance of
their cleanup funds.
• Provide support in Indian Country for site assessments, investigations, and remediation of
high priority sites; enforcement against responsible parties; cleanup of soil and
groundwater; alternate water supplies; cost recovery against UST owners and operators;
oversight of responsible party lead cleanups; and technical expertise and assistance to tribal
governments.
• Provide resources and support to states and tribes to quickly address emergency responses
from releases to the environment. Releases from USTs can result in imminent threats to
public safety when petroleum or petroleum vapors reach explosive levels in sewers, utility
corridors, underground parking structures, and basements near a LUST site. Emergency
response incidents across the country show that reporting, initial abatement measures, and
free product removal activities may need to be implemented immediately upon discovery
of a release to protect human health and the environment.5
5 For more information, please see: http://astswmo.org/compendium-of-emergency-response-actions-at-underground-storage-
tank-sites-version-2/.
548
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the LUST Cooperative Agreements
Program under the LUST appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$582.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$2,673.0 / -5.2 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on cleaning up the highest
priority LUST sites in Indian Country and a reduction in resources that provide subject
matter and technical expertise to states and tribes.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act §§ 8001, 9001-9014.
549
-------
LUST Prevention
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S2/i.S2V.J
S 2.\M>V.H
so.o
-S2.\3f>VM
Total Budget Authority
$26,829.1
$25,369.0
$0.0
-$25,369.0
Program Project Description:
The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Prevention Program works to ensure that
groundwater is protected from petroleum and associated chemicals leaking from underground
storage tanks (USTs). The LUST Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding to states to
assess and clean up LUST sites. This program has provided funding to states,6 tribes, and/or
intertribal consortia to inspect, prevent releases, ensure compliance with federal and state laws,
and enforce these laws for the 549,583 federally regulated active USTs.7 The Energy Policy Act
(EPAct) of 2005 requires EPA or states to inspect every UST once every three years.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. States could elect to maintain
core program work with state resources rather than federal resources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$25,369.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the LUST Prevention Program.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, § 2007(f); Energy Policy Act, § 9011.
6 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
7 See EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
550
-------
LUST Cooperative Agreements
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S5V.22S.0
S 55.040M
SJS.S-IO.O
-S lf>. 200.0
Total Budget Authority
$59,225.6
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
-$16,200.0
Program Project Description:
This funding is used to award cooperative agreements to states8 to implement the Leaking
Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program. The LUST Program ensures that petroleum
contamination is properly assessed and cleaned up by providing states with funding to address
releases, including in groundwater.9 LUST funding supports states in managing, overseeing, and
enforcing cleanups at LUST sites. This is achieved by focusing on increasing the efficiency of
LUST cleanups nationwide, leveraging private and state resources, and enabling community
redevelopment. Cleaning up LUST sites protects people from exposure to contaminants and makes
land available for reuse.
EPA's backlog study characterized the national inventory of sites that have not reached cleanup
completion. The study found that almost half of the releases were 15 years old or older, and that
groundwater was contaminated at 78 percent of these sites. Remediating groundwater
contamination is often more technically complex, takes longer, and is more expensive than
remediating soil contamination.10 Potential adverse health effects from chemicals in gasoline such
as benzene as well as methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE), alcohols, or lead scavengers contribute
to the importance of cleaning up these contaminants and increase the cost of cleaning up these
sites.11
In 2016, EPA released a study called "Property Value Study of High-Profile UST Release Sites."
The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of high-profile UST releases on housing
prices. The study found that high profile UST releases decrease nearby property values 2 to 6
percent. Once a cleanup is completed, nearby property values rebound by a similar margin.12
8 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
9 Almost half of the Nation's overall population and 99 percent of the population in rural areas rely on groundwater for drinking
water. (See EPA 2000 Water Quality Inventory Report, https://archive.epa. gov/water/archive/web/html/2000report index.html~l.
10 Please see The National LUST Cleanup Backlog: A Study Of Opportunities, September 2011, http://www.epa.gov/ust/national-
lust-cleanup-backlo g- study-opportunities.
11 Please see Technologies for Treating MtBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates, May 2004, pages 2-6 and 2-7, https://clu-
in.org/download/remed/542r04009/542r04009 .pdf.
12 Guignet, D., Jenkins, R., Ranson, M., & Walsh, P. J. (2018). Contamination and incomplete information: Bounding implicit
prices using high-profile leaks. Journal of environmental economics and management, 88, 259-282.
https://doi.org/1.0.1.01.6/j .ieeiii.2017.1.2.003.
551
-------
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA's ambitious 11,200 annual target
for the number of LUST sites that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater
migration has proven especially challenging. EPA has intensively engaged state partners to
identify long-term strategies to meet the long-term performance goal of completing 56,000
additional LUST cleanups between FY 2018-2022. In FY 2019, LUST cleanups increased to 8,358
representing the first annual increase in such cleanups since FY 2013.
EPA will continue to collect and analyze information about the initiation and cleanup of UST
releases. This information will chart progress toward achieving its annual performance goal of
completing 11,200 cleanups in FY 2021 and inform EPA's work with its state partners to increase
the number of cleanups completed. As part of that effort, EPA and individual states may initiate
Kaizen process improvement events if EPA and the state determine the Kaizen event will help
streamline a state's process.
In FY 2021, EPA will:
• Collaborate with states to develop and implement flexible, state-driven strategies to reduce
the number of remaining LUST sites that have not reached cleanup completion. Through
the cooperative efforts between EPA and states, the backlog was reduced by approximately
44 percent between the end of 2008 and the end of 2019 (from 102,798 to 57,308). As of
September 2019, 57,308 releases remain that have not reached cleanup completion.13
• Provide resources to states to perform core cleanup work. Some states also may be able to
pursue other means to maximize the effectiveness or efficiency in protectively completing
cleanups and reducing their backlogs.
• Leverage funding by developing best practices and supporting management, guidance, and
enforcement activities through LUST Cleanup Cooperative Agreements. LUST Cleanup
Cooperative Agreements help achieve more than 8,000 cleanups annually, whereas, if EPA
were to apply the funding directly, only about 390 cleanups would occur annually
(assuming an average cleanup cost of $141,000 per site).14
• Provide resources and support to states to quickly address emergency responses from
releases to the environment. Emergency response incidents across the country show that
reporting, initial abatement measures, and free product removal activities need to be
implemented immediately upon discovery of a release to protect human health and the
environment.15
13 Please see EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
14 Average cleanup cost per site based on ASTSWMO's 2018 Annual State Fund Survey Results at: http://astswmo.org/state-
fund-survey-results-201.8/.
15 For more information, please see: http://astswmo.org/compendium-of-emergencv-response-actions-at-underground-storage-
tank-sites-version-2/.
552
-------
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 requires that states receiving LUST Cooperative
Agreements funding meet certain release prevention requirements, such as inspecting every
facility at least once every three years. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to factor state compliance
with EPAct requirements into LUST Cleanup Cooperative Agreement decisions.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 112) Number of LUST cleanups completed that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and
groundwater migration.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
9,000
8,600
8,600
8,600
11,200
11,200
11,200
11,200
Cleanups
Actual
10,393
9,869
8,977
8,775
8,128
8,358
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$16,200.0) This program change reflects a focus on cleaning up the highest priority sites.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act § 9003(h)(7).
553
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Research: Sustainable Communities
554
-------
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$135,083.1
$132,477.0
$58,597.0
-$73,880.0
1.caking I ntlcrgronntl Storage Tanks
SIJIK5
S J 20.0
S.W-f.O
-Si 0.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$599.6
$664.0
$522.0
-$142.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$11,004.7
$16,463.0
$11,448.0
-$5,015.0
Total Budget Authority
$146,817.9
$149,924.0
$70,871.0
-$79,053.0
Total Workyears
411.9
421.8
294.6
-127.2
Program Project Description:
EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program under the Leaking
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) appropriation provides federal, regional, and community
decision-makers with tools, methods, and information to prevent leaking underground storage
tanks and mitigate release at LUST sites. Specifically, this research provides information and
tools designed to enable decision-makers to better:
• Assess sites and evaluate the implications of alternative remediation techniques, policies,
and management actions to assess and cleanup leaks at fueling stations.
• Identify the environmental impacts and unintended consequences of existing and new
biofuels available in the marketplace.
• Protect America's land, groundwater resources, and drinking water supplies that could be
impacted by the Nation's more than 550 thousand underground fuel storage tanks.16
The SHC Research Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs in
the Research and Development Program. Each of the six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the research needs
of agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021 Budget, the new SHC FY 2019-2022
StRAP builds upon prior SHC StRAPs and continues a practice of conducting innovative
scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered by Agency partners and
stakeholders.
Recent Accomplishments of the SHC Research Program include:
• Using GIS to Address Vulnerability of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) to
Flooding: Fueling stations are critical in disaster response and are potential sites of fuel
16 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ust.
555
-------
releases in flooding events. In Hurricane Harvey, for example, approximately 1,200
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) containing up to 15.4 million gallons of fuel were
inundated. Across the Nation, there are approximately 33,000 USTs within the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) estimated 100-year floodplains. This research
is focused on systematically assessing storm and flood risk at UST sites to help EPA's
Land and Emergency Management Program identify protection strategies to "harden"
facilities against damage at each location, ensuring readiness and preventing releases. This
research was presented to the Association of State and Territorial Waste Management
Officials in May 2019.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Specifically, this work will aim to characterize sites and
contaminants released from LUSTs identified under the LUST Trust Fund with an emphasis on
assisting the Agency and states in addressing the backlog of sites for remediation. Also, this
research will help communities remediate contaminated sites at an accelerated pace and lower
costs, while reducing human health and ecological impacts. Resulting methodologies and tools
will help localities and states return properties to productive use, thus supporting the Agency's
mission of protecting human health and the environment in the context of communities. Such
work is integral to achieving EPA's priority of revitalizing land and preventing contamination.
In FY 2021, EPA research under SHC will develop models, metrics, and spatial tools for EPA
regions and states to evaluate the vulnerability of groundwater to LUSTs and the subsequent
human health risks that follow contamination. New data collection methods will be used to
identify groundwater wells nationally, which then will be used to develop a groundwater
vulnerability model at local, state, and national scales. SHC also will assist EPA's Underground
Storage Tanks Program, other programs, and states by updating technical guidance manuals and
evaluations of risk to underground storage tank system components from new fuel formulations.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA on technical and management issues of its research programs.
The SHC Research Program will continue to meet regularly over the next several years with the
BOSC SHC subcommittee to seek input on topics related to research program design, science
quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
556
-------
EPA's state engagement17 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council;
the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; as well as state media associations, such
as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$176.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$192.0) This program change streamlines research to characterize and remediate
contaminated leaking UST sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
17 For more information on EPA's engagement with states, please see: https://www.epa.gov/
states.
557
-------
558
-------
3
m
3
a
3 S
a*
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Inland Oil Spill Programs
Program Projects in Inland Oil Spill Programs 561
Compliance 562
Compliance Monitoring 563
Enforcement 565
Civil Enforcement 566
Oil 568
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response 569
Operations and Administration 571
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 572
Research: Sustainable Communities 574
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 575
559
-------
560
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Inland Oil Spill Programs
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Estimated FY 2020
Actuals
Enacted
Pres Budget
Enacted
Inland Oil Spill Programs
Budget Authority
$17,368.1
$19,581.0
$16,631.0
-$2,950.0
Total Workyears
79.7
84.8
75.7
-9.1
Bill Language: Inland Oil Spill Programs
For expenses necessary to carry out the Environmental Protection Agency's responsibilities under
the Oil Pollution Act of1990, including hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, $16,631,000,
to be derivedfrom the Oil Spill Liability trust fund, to remain available until expended.
Program Projects in Inland Oil Spill Programs
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$82.8
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$2,393.3
$2,413.0
$2,462.0
$49.0
Oil
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
$13,715.1
$15,700.0
$12,965.0
-$2,735.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
$17.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$599.6
$664.0
$522.0
-$142.0
TOTAL Inland Oil Spill Programs
$17,368.1
$19,581.0
$16,631.0
-$2,950.0
561
-------
Compliance
562
-------
Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$100,132.8
$101,665.0
$95,649.0
-S6.016.0
In land Oil Spill Programs
Sft2.fl
S /.?«.«
sn.n
-S
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$1,313.8
$995.0
$1,004.0
$9.0
Total Budget Authority
$101,529.4
$102,799.0
$96,653.0
-$6,146.0
Total Workyears
447.1
453.9
427.7
-26.2
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a component of EPA's Compliance Assurance Program
that allows the Agency to detect noncompliance and promotes compliance with the Nation's
environmental laws.
Under this program, EPA integrates the data from the Facility Response Plans and Spill
Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure systems into EPA's Integrated Compliance Information
System.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. Work will be
maintained under the Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program under the Inland
Oil Spill Programs appropriation.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$139.0 / -0.8 FTE) This program change proposes to eliminate the Compliance
Monitoring program under the Inland Oil Spills Trust Fund.
563
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Statutory Authority:
Oil Pollution Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-
80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
564
-------
Enforcement
565
-------
Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$160,202.2
$167,615.0
$157,820.0
-$9,795.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$678.1
$620.0
$541.0
-$79.0
Inland (HI Spill Programs
S 2..W.J
S2.-IU.0
S 2.-102.0
S-!<).<>
Total Budget Authority
$163,273.6
$170,648.0
$160,823.0
-$9,825.0
Total Workyears
908.3
916.2
857.1
-59.1
Program Project Description:
The Civil Enforcement Program's goal is to ensure compliance with the Nation's environmental
laws to protect human health and the environment. The Program collaborates with the U.S.
Department of Justice, states, local agencies, and tribal governments to ensure consistent and fair
enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. The Civil Enforcement Program develops,
litigates, and settles administrative and civil judicial cases against violators of environmental laws.
The Civil Enforcement Program's enforcement of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, as amended
by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, is designed to ensure compliance with the prohibition against oil
and hazardous substance spills that violate the statute, as well as the oil spill prevention, response
planning, and other regulatory requirements. The Civil Enforcement Program develops policies,
issues administrative orders or penalty actions, and refers civil judicial actions to the Department
of Justice to address spills, violations of spill prevention regulations, response planning regulations
and other violations (e.g., improper dispersant use or noncompliance with orders). The Program
also assists in the recovery of cleanup costs expended by the government and provides support for
field investigations of spills, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure, Facility Response
Plan and other requirements.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to streamline the Civil
Enforcement Program, prioritize resources to achieve regulatory compliance, and address oil or
hazardous substance spills in violation of the statute and deter future spills. Civil Enforcement
efforts will focus on facilities where enforcement will promote deterrence, and ensure that spills
are prevented, cleaned up, and, where appropriate, mitigated. The Civil Enforcement Program also
will continue to coordinate with the Criminal Enforcement Program, as appropriate.
566
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
325
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
347
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years
old.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
129
120
120
Cases
Actual
94
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$436.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$387.0) This net program change continues necessary support to the Program's
workforce in carrying out enforcement of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Clean Water Act; Oil Pollution Act.
567
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Oil
568
-------
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Program Area: Oil
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Inland Oil Spill Programs
S l.irixl
N/.\ ~oo.o
SI 2. Vfo.lt
-S2.
Total Budget Authority
$13,715.1
$15,700.0
$12,965.0
-$2,735.0
Total Workyears
66.7
70.6
62.3
-8.3
Program Project Description:
The Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Program protects the American people by
preventing, preparing for, responding to, and monitoring inland oil spills. EPA is the lead federal
responder for inland oil spills, including transportation related spills from pipelines, trucks,
railcars, and other transportation systems. In addition, the Program may provide technical
assistance, assets, and outreach to industry, states, and local communities as part of the Agency's
effort to ensure national safety and security for chemical and oil incidents.1
There are approximately 550,000 Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
facilities, including a subset of 3,800 Facility Response Plan (FRP) facilities identified as high risk
due to their size and location. The Oil Pollution Act requires certain facilities that store and use oil
to prepare response plans that are reviewed by EPA to ensure availability of response resources in
the event of a discharge.
To minimize the potential impacts to human health and the environment, the Agency will target
inspection at facilities that pose the highest risk. The Agency currently inspects approximately
0.12 percent of SPCC facilities per year. By the end of FY 2019, EPA found 79 percent of active
SPCC facilities to be out of compliance at the time of the inspection.2 Inspections are essential in
ensuring that facility staff is knowledgeable about prevention and response plans, and quickly able
to put these plans into action.
EPA is the lead federal response agency for oil spills occurring in inland waters. EPA receives all
spill notifications at the National Response Center and retains the responsibility to ensure that all
inland oil spills are responded to within 12 hours. EPA works closely with state and local first
responders on smaller spills and leads the response on larger spills. EPA accesses the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, to obtain reimbursement funds for
site specific oil spill response activities. During FY 2019, EPA responded to approximately 120
oil spills across the Nation.
1 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-preveiitioii-aiid-preparediiess-regulatioiis.
2 Information from the EPA Oil database.
569
-------
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Oil Spill Prevention,
Preparedness and Response Program will:
• Inspect oil facilities to ensure compliance with preventive measures. Inspections involve
reviewing the facility's preparedness and response plans, discussing key aspects of these
plans with facility staff, and conducting unannounced exercises that test the facility
owner's ability to put these preparedness and response plans into action. EPA will focus
inspections at high risk FRP facilities.
• Maintain the National Contingency Plan's Subpart J product schedule, which identifies a
list of products that may be used to clean oil spills.
• Maintain the National Oil Database, which compiles data for the Program. The database
manages information obtained from new and historical inspections and has streamlined the
process for assisting facilities with compliance and equipping inspectors with more
efficient inspection processes.
• Deliver required annual oil spill inspector training to federal and state inspectors.
EPA is proposing to develop a new program that would authorize EPA to collect and use fees for
compliance assistance to assist FRP and SPCC facilities in complying with EPA regulations. This
fee and service will be voluntary.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
the program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,444.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$4,179.0 / -8.3 FTE) This net program change is to focus on SPCC and FRP facility
inspections on facilities that pose the highest risk. It also reduces specialized training
opportunities for the Agency's On-Scene Coordinators and updates to regional Area
Contingency Plans.
Statutory Authority:
Oil Pollution Act.
570
-------
Operations and Administration
571
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$321,500.4
$287,595.0
$317,345.0
$29,750.0
Science & Technology
$67,856.9
$65,372.0
$67,908.0
$2,536.0
Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$26,922.0
$33,377.0
$6,455.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
-$72.0
Inland (HI Spill Programs
$5"J
SMxO
SOS 2.0
sr.o
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$82,243.2
$76,473.0
$76,831.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$496,042.8
$457,895.0
$496,939.0
$39,044.0
Total Workyears
329.9
315.4
307.6
-7.8
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 2.1 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program in the Inland Oil Spill Programs
appropriation supports the Agency's rent, transit subsidy, and facility operations. Funding is
allocated for such services among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Agency will continue to conduct
rent reviews and verify monthly billing statements for its lease agreements with the General
Services Administration and private landlords. For FY 2021, EPA is requesting $0.51 million for
rent in the Inland Oil Spill Programs appropriation. EPA uses a standard methodology to ensure
that rent charging appropriately reflects planned and enacted resources at the appropriation level.
Performance Measures Target:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$17.0) This program change is an increase for facility operations.
572
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Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Oil Pollution Act.
573
-------
Research: Sustainable Communities
574
-------
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Science & Technology
$135,083.1
$132,477.0
$58,597.0
-$73,880.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$130.5
$320.0
$304.0
-$16.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
S5VV.6
SM-/.0
N 522.0
-S 142.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$11,004.7
$16,463.0
$11,448.0
-$5,015.0
Total Budget Authority
$146,817.9
$149,924.0
$70,871.0
-$79,053.0
Total Workyears
411.9
421.8
294.6
-127.2
Program Project Description:
EPA is the lead federal on-scene coordinator for inland oil spills and provides technical assistance,
when needed, for coastal spills.3 EPA is responsible for oil spill preparedness, response, and
associated research, as well as having the lead role in developing protocols for testing spill
response products and agents, which is planned with the assistance of partner agencies.4
The Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program is one of six integrated and
transdisciplinary research programs in the Research and Development Program. Each of the six
integrated and transdisciplinary research programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan
(StRAP) that reflects the research needs of agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes,
and is implemented with their active collaboration and involvement. As part of the FY 2021
Budget, the new SHC FY 2019-2022 StRAP builds upon prior SHC StRAPs and continues a
practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered
by agency partners and stakeholders.
The SHC Research Program for inland oil spills, funded through the Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund,5 provides federal, state, tribal, and community decision-makers with analysis and tools to
protect human and ecosystem health from the negative impacts of oil spills. EPA assists
communities by supporting local officials in their response to a spill. As a result of EPA's
research, responders can make more informed decisions on approaches and methods to reduce
the spread and impact of coastal and inland oil spills, including pipeline and railway spills.
Additionally, EPA's remediation expertise is critical in addressing potential impacts to
communities and their environmental resources associated with pipeline and railway oil spills.
3 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/epas-scene-coordiiiators-oscs.
4 United States Coast Guard, United States Department of the Interior, United States Department of Transportation, and United
States Department of Commerce.
5 For more information, please see: https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/About NPFC/OSLTF/.
575
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In support of these response efforts, EPA conducts research related to the Agency's National
Contingency Plan (NCP) Product Schedule.6 The NCP is used nationwide by emergency
responders and federal agencies in responding to oil spills. EPA's role is to develop and evaluate
response approaches involving bioremediation, dispersants, and other additives. EPA also
assesses impacts to surface water and groundwater, especially if they affect drinking water
supplies. EPA relies on this research to provide testing procedures that inform cleanup decisions
during an emergency spill response.
Recent Accomplishments of the SHC Research Program include:
• Crude oil dispersion in high salinity waters: Dispersants are response options for
addressing oil spills, and their effectiveness is dependent on the spill scenario. Decision-
makers typically ask whether there will be sufficient dispersion effectiveness in various
levels of water salinity during spills. The response community needs information on
whether dispersants could be a viable response option for subsea releases in hypersaline
waters such as in the Arctic and Northern Gulf of Mexico. This study, completed in FY
2019, provided a more comprehensive picture pertaining to the influence of salinity on
dispersant usage at high salinities.7 Relevant stakeholders that use this information include
states, EPA program and regional offices, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, United States Coast Guard, United States Department of the Interior-
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and the oil industry.
• Screening of two potential reference oils for dispersant effectiveness, chemical
characterization, and toxicity: Oil spill cleanup requires accurate and concrete data (i.e.,
safety, storage, application methods, toxicity and effectiveness data, and physical and
chemical properties data) to help response crews make decisions about dispersants
because each oil responds differently to various dispersants. The technical information
provided by these screenings can more accurately inform the public about the cleanup
process. Specifically, research completed in FY 2019 tested dispersant effectiveness,
chemical properties, and toxicity and the research results improved knowledge that EPA
responders need during oil spill cleanup.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Specifically, FY 2021 research will focus on conducting
research to support regulatory activities and protocol development for EPA's programs and in
support of state-delegated programs. This program will provide on-demand technical support at
federal, tribal, or state-managed cleanup sites, as well as assistance during emergencies. The SHC
Research Program will continue to conduct health, environmental engineering, and ecological
research, and prepare planning and analysis tools for localities nationwide to use in facilitating
regulatory compliance and improving environmental and health outcomes.
6 For more information, please see: http://www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/national-contingency-plan-subpart-j
7 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/land-research/oil-spill-research.
576
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Specific activities in FY 2021 include:
• Conducting studies to develop efficacy protocols for products, refining toxicity
thresholds, and evaluating potential new reference oils. These studies will produce
new protocols for surface washing agent and solidifier effectiveness, set out an
approach for chemical herder effectiveness, and refine toxicity thresholds.
• Conducting research to better understand oil behavior, toxicity thresholds, and
remediation options. This study aims to close information gaps pertaining to oil
behavior and fate. This study will provide valuable information on the behavior of a
variety of oils and treating agents under varying environmental factors. This
information is critical for understanding broader ecological/environmental impacts of
spilled oil.
• Evaluate the performance of surface washing agents, solidifiers, and oil herding agents
used in salt and freshwater responsive to Subpart J of the NCP. EPA also will expand
research efforts regarding oil, the characterization of crude oil, and treating agent
biodegradation.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) is a federal advisory committee that provides
advice and recommendations to EPA's Research and Development Program on technical and
management issues of its research programs. The SHC Research Program and the BOSC SHC
subcommittee will continue to meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics
related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact.
The Agency assesses its research performance through the distribution of research evaluation
surveys to key users of its research products. This provides evidence for how research products
are being used, by whom, and the degree of satisfaction product users have with research product
quality, usability, and timeliness of delivery. Through the evaluation process, the Agency identifies
its strengths and finds targeted areas for improvement to its research programs.
EPA's state engagement8 is designed to inform states about their role within EPA and EPA's
research programs, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental and health
agencies. Key partners at the state level include: the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council;
and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the S&T appropriation.
8 For more information on EPA's engagement with sates, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutioiis-states.
577
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$118.0) This change is an increase due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$260.0) This program change streamlines research to study the performance and behavior
of oil dispersants in deep water and arctic spills, as well as the study of revised protocols
for testing oil spill control agents pursuant to the NCP Product Schedule.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified as Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Oil Pollution Act.
578
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>
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-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Program Projects in STAG 584
Categorical Grants 587
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection 588
Categorical Grant: Brownfields 589
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information 591
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance 594
Categorical Grant: Lead 597
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants 599
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319) 601
Categorical Grant: Nutrients and Harmful Algal Blooms Reduction Grants 602
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement 604
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program Implementation 606
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106) 609
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention 613
Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) 614
Categorical Grant: Radon 616
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality Management 617
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances Compliance 620
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality Management 622
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance Program 624
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection Control (UIC) 627
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks 629
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program Development 630
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) 632
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program 633
Brownfields Projects 636
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages 640
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF 643
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF 647
Gold King Mine Water Monitoring 652
579
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Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border 653
Targeted Airshed Grants 654
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities 655
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water 656
Lead Testing in Schools 658
Healthy Schools 660
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability 662
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing 664
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works 666
Sewer Overflow Control Grants 668
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment 670
580
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021 Pres
Estimated
Budget v.
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Estimated FY 2020
Actuals
Enacted
Pres Budget
Enacted
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Budget Authority
$4,068,673.6
$4,246,232.0
$2,848,310.0
-$1,397,922.0
Total Workyears
8.1
7.0
5.0
-2.0
Bill Language: State and Tribal Assistance Grants
For environmental programs and infrastructure assistance, including capitalization grants for
State revolving funds and performance partnership grants, $2,848,310,000, to remain available
until expended, of which—
(1) $1,119,778,000 shall be for making capitalization grants for the Clean Water State Revolving
Funds under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and of which $863,235,000 shall
be for making capitalization grants for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds under section
1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act: Provided, That notwithstanding section 603(d)(7) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the limitation on the amounts in a State water pollution
control revolving fund that may be used by a State to administer the fund shall not apply to amounts
included as principal in loans made by such fund in fiscal year 2021 and prior years where such
amounts represent costs of administering the fund to the extent that such amounts are or were
deemed reasonable by the Administrator, accounted for separately from other assets in the fund,
and used for eligible purposes of the fund, including administration:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (g)(1),
(h), and (I) of section 201 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, grants made under title II
of such Act for American Samoa, Guam, the commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the United
States Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia may also be made for the purpose ofproviding
assistance: (1) solely for facility plans, design activities, or plans, specifications, and estimates for
any proposed project for the construction of treatment works; and (2) for the construction, repair,
or replacement of privately owned treatment works serving one or more principal residences or
small commercial establishments:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding the provisions of such subsections
(g)(l), (h), and (I) of section 201 and section 518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
funds reserved by the Administrator for grants under section 518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act may also be used to provide assistance: (1) solely for facility plans, design activities,
or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed project for the construction of treatment
works; and (2) for the construction, repair, or replacement of privately owned treatment works
serving one or more principal residences or small commercial establishments:
581
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Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding any provision of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act and regulations issued pursuant thereof, up to a total of $2,000,000 of the
funds reserved by the Administrator for grants under section 518(c) of such Act may also be used
for grants for training, technical assistance, and educational programs relating to the operation
and management of the treatment works specified in section 518(c) of such Act:
Providedfurther, That for fiscal year 2021, funds reserved under section 518(c) of such Act shall
be available for grants only to Indian tribes, as defined in section 518(h) of such Act and former
Indian reservations in Oklahoma (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) and Native
Villages as defined in Public Law 92-203:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding the limitation on amounts in section
518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, up to a total of 2 percent of the funds
appropriated, or $30,000,000, whichever is greater, and notwithstanding the limitation on
amounts in section 1452(i) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, up to a total of 2 percent of the funds
appropriated, or $20,000,000, whichever is greater, for State Revolving Funds under such Acts may
be reserved by the Administratorfor grants under section 518(c) and section 1452(i) of such Acts:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding the amounts specified in section
205(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, up to 1.5 percent of the aggregate funds
appropriated for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program under the Act less any sums
reserved under section 518(c) of the Act, may be reserved by the Administrator for grants made
under title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for American Samoa, Guam, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and United States Virgin Islands:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2021, notwithstanding the limitations on amounts specified
in section 1452(j) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, up to 1.5 percent of the funds appropriated for
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act may be
reserved by the Administrator for grants made under section 1452(j) ofthe Safe Drinking Water Act:
Provided further, That no less than 10 percent but not more than 20 percent of the funds made
available under this title to each State for Clean Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grants
and not less than 20 percent but no more than 30 percent of the funds made available under this
title to each State for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grants shall be used by
the State to provide additional subsidy to eligible recipients in the form of forgiveness of principal,
negative interest loans, or grants (or any combination of these), and shall be so used by the State
only where such funds are provided as initial financing for an eligible recipient or to buy,
refinance, or restructure the debt obligations of eligible recipients only where such debt was
incurred on or after the date of enactment of this Act,
(2) $3,000,000 shall be for grants to the State of Alaska to address drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure needs of rural and Alaska Native Villages: Provided, That of these funds: (A) the
State of Alaska shall provide a match of 25 percent; (B) no more than 5 percent of the funds may
be usedfor administrative and overhead expenses; and (C) the State of Alaska shall make awards
consistent with the Statewide priority list established in conjunction with the Agency and the U.S.
582
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Department of Agriculture for all water, sewer, waste disposal, and similar projects carried out
by the State of Alaska that are funded under section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1301) or the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et
seq.) which shall allocate not less than 25 percent of the funds provided for projects in regional
hub communities;
(3) $80,000,000 shall be to carry out section 104(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), including grants, interagency
agreements, and associated program support costs: Provided, That, to the extent there are
sufficient qualified applications, not less than $18,000,000 of the amount appropriated shall be
for projects located in Qualified Opportunity Zones;
(4) $10,000,000 shall be for grants under title VII, subtitle G of the Energy Policy Act of2005;
(5) $605,347,000 shall be for grants, including associated program support costs, to States,
federally recognized tribes, interstate agencies, tribal consortia, and air pollution control agencies
for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control and abatement and related activities,
including activities pursuant to the provisions setforth under this heading in Public Law 104-134,
and for making grants under section 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act for particulate matter
monitoring and data collection activities subject to terms and conditions specified by the
Administrator, and for grants to address Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), nutrient pollution, and
hypoxia, including research, detection, prediction, monitoring, control, mitigation, response to,
and remediation of HABs, nutrient pollution and hypoxia, including their effects on human health
or the environment, of which: $31,791,000 shall be for carrying out section 128 of CERCLA;
$6,422,000 shall be for Environmental Information Exchange Network grants, including
associated program support costs; $11,884,000 of the funds available for grants under section
106 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall be for State participation in national- and
State-level statistical surveys of water resources and enhancements to State monitoring programs;
$10,000,000 shall be for multipurpose grants for the implementation of mandatory statutory duties
in delegated environmental programs;
(6) $50,000,000 shall be for grants to States, federally recognized Indian tribes, public preschools,
local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30), and non-profit organizations, for
detection, assessment, prevention, control, or abatement of pollution and other environmental
hazards in school buildings as defined in 20 U.S.C. 3610(6), and related activities: Provided, That
the Federal share of the costs of such activities shall not exceed 75 percent: Providedfurther, That
the Administrator may waive such cost share requirement in the case of schools located in
economically distressed communities;
(7) $2,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1459A(l) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300j-19a(l)), as amended by section 2005 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of
2018 (PublicLaw 115-270);
(8) $10,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1465 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
300J-25), as added by section 2006(b) of the America's Water Infra- structure Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-270);
583
-------
(9) $7,500,000 shall be for grants under section 104(b)(8) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(8)), as added by section 4103 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of
2018 (PublicLaw 115-270);
(10) $61,450,000 shall be for grants under section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1301), as amended by section 4106 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-270);
(11) $1,000,000 shall be for grants authorized in section 4304 of the America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-270);
(12) $15,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1464(d) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300j-24(d)), as amended by section 2107 of the Water Infra- structure Improvements for
the Nation Act (Public Law 114-322) and section 2006(a) of the America's Water Infrastructure
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-270); and
(13) $20,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1459(b) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300j-19(b)).
Program Projects in STAG
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
$24,469.5
$29,186.0
$3,000.0
-$26,186.0
Brownfields Projects
$91,319.3
$89,000.0
$80,000.0
-$9,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
$1,625,444.5
$1,638,826.0
$1,119,778.0
-$519,048.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
$1,131,822.3
$1,126,088.0
$863,235.0
-$262,853.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
$14,653.9
$25,000.0
$0.0
-$25,000.0
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
$99,701.8
$87,000.0
$10,000.0
-$77,000.0
Targeted Airshed Grants
$31,736.7
$56,306.0
$0.0
-$56,306.0
Gold King Mine Water Monitoring
$4,687.3
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged
Communities
$167.0
$25,408.0
$0.0
-$25,408.0
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
$62.0
$19,511.0
$20,000.0
$489.0
Lead Testing in Schools
$995.0
$26,000.0
$15,000.0
-$11,000.0
Healthy Schools
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and
Sustainability
$0.0
$3,000.0
$2,000.0
-$1,000.0
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing
$0.0
$0.0
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
$0.0
$12,000.0
$7,500.0
-$4,500.0
584
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Sewer Overflow Control Grants
$0.0
$28,000.0
$61,450.0
$33,450.0
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment
$0.0
$1,000.0
$1,000.0
$0.0
Subtotal, State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
$3,025,059.3
$3,170,325.0
$2,242,963.0
-$927,362.0
Categorical Grants
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319)
$166,360.0
$172,348.0
$0.0
-$172,348.0
Categorical Grant: Public Water System
Supervision (PWSS)
$96,689.7
$106,250.0
$67,892.0
-$38,358.0
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality
Management
$219,874.2
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
-$76,258.0
Categorical Grant: Radon
$7,453.4
$7,789.0
$0.0
-$7,789.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106)
Monitoring Grants
$17,925.5
$17,267.0
$11,884.0
-$5,383.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec.
106) (other activities)
$207,528.7
$206,022.0
$141,799.0
-$64,223.0
Subtotal, Categorical Grant: Pollution Control
(Sec. 106)
$225,454.2
$223,289.0
$153,683.0
-$69,606.0
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program
Development
$12,772.7
$14,183.0
$9,762.0
-$4,421.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection
Control (UIC)
$9,846.2
$10,164.0
$6,995.0
-$3,169.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program
Implementation
$12,435.4
$12,287.0
$8,457.0
-$3,830.0
Categorical Grant: Lead
$13,291.0
$14,049.0
$10,000.0
-$4,049.0
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial
Assistance
$101,345.0
$96,446.0
$66,381.0
-$30,065.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement
$17,510.6
$24,000.0
$10,531.0
-$13,469.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
$5,545.5
$4,610.0
$0.0
-$4,610.0
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances
Compliance
$4,597.4
$4,759.0
$3,276.0
-$1,483.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance
Program
$67,299.0
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
-$21,243.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks
$1,590.1
$1,449.0
$0.0
-$1,449.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality
Management
$12,556.1
$12,829.0
$8,963.0
-$3,866.0
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information
$9,619.7
$9,332.0
$6,422.0
-$2,910.0
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection
$8,985.0
$9,238.0
$0.0
-$9,238.0
Categorical Grant: Brownfields
$49,769.5
$46,190.0
$31,791.0
-$14,399.0
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants
$0.0
$13,000.0
$10,000.0
-$3,000.0
Categorical Grant: Nutrients and Harmfol Algal
Blooms Reduction Grants
$0.0
$0.0
$15,000.0
$15,000.0
Subtotal, Categorical Grants
$1,042,994.7
$1,075,907.0
$605,347.0
-$470,560.0
Congressional Priorities
585
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Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Congressionally Mandated Projects
$619.6
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
TOTAL STAG
$4,068,673.6
$4,246,232.0
$2,848,310.0
-$1,397,922.0
586
-------
Categorical Grants
587
-------
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SS.VSxO
so.o
-S'J.l.is.n
Total Budget Authority
$8,985.0
$9,238.0
$0.0
-$9,238.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Beaches Protection Grant Program awards grants to eligible coastal states, territories, and
tribes to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public, through beach advisories and
closures, when water quality exceeds applicable standards.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. EPA will encourage states to
continue beach monitoring and notification programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$9,238.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Beaches Protection Grant
Program, which supports state beach monitoring and notification programs that are well-
established and can continue to be implemented at the local level.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 406; Beach Act of 2000; Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub.
L. 116-94.
588
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Categorical Grant: Brownfields
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S-IV, "69.5
SJI.'')!.()
-S NJW.t)
Total Budget Authority
$49,769.5
$46,190.0
$31,791.0
-$14,399.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Brownfields Program is a successful model of the Agency working cooperatively with
states, tribes, local governments, and other agencies to help communities oversee, plan, assess, and
cleanup brownfield properties. State and Tribal Response Programs address contaminated sites
that do not require federal action but need assessment and/or cleanup before they can be considered
ready for reuse. This program allocates funding to states and tribes to establish core capabilities
and enhance their response programs.
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a brownfields site that received EPA funding.1 Since its inception, the Brownfields
Program has fostered a community-driven approach to the reuse of contaminated sites. As of the
end of 2018, the State and Tribal Response Programs have leveraged more than 10,300 jobs and
$946 million in other funding. In 2019, EPA provided funding to 165 states, tribes, territories, and
the District of Columbia.2
This funding is a critical source for state and tribal partners to establish and grow their Brownfields
Programs. Over 100 tribes have received brownfields funding to build their programs, and
cumulatively cleaned up over 2,000 properties and made over 47,000 acres ready for reuse.
Addressing brownfields on tribal lands also has leveraged over 1,200 jobs and $218 million.3
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will allocate funding
support to approximately 170 state and tribal response programs to oversee the cleanup at
approximately 24,800 properties.
1 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the end
of FY 2016; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
2 Data from U.S. EPA Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES).
3 Data from U.S. EPA ACRES.
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States and tribes may use categorical grant funding provided under this program in the following
ways:
• Conducting site-specific activities, such as assessments and cleanups at brownfields sites.4
• Developing mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful opportunities for public
participation.
• Developing mechanisms for approval of cleanup plans, and verification and certification
that cleanup efforts are complete.
• Creating an inventory of brownfields sites.
• Capitalizing a Revolving Loan Fund for brownfields-related work.
• Developing a public record.
• Developing oversight and enforcement authorities, or other mechanisms and resources.
• Purchasing environmental insurance.
• Developing state and tribal tracking and management systems for land use, institutional
and engineering controls.
• Conducting public education and outreach efforts to ensure that tribal communities are
informed and able to participate in environmental decision-making.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Brownfields Projects Program under
the STAG appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$14,399.0) This program change reduces federal resources for cleanup oversight by states
and tribes. EPA will work with states and tribes to prioritize funds to establish core
capabilities, enhance their response programs, and identify program efficiencies.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 128(a).
4 For more information, please refer to: https://www.cpa. goy/brownfields/typcs-bro\vnfields-grdiil-runding#SlalcTribalR.esoun;cs.
590
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Categorical Grant: Environmental Information
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S'J.O/V. "
S V J.I 2.0
S 0.-122.0
-S 2.110.0
Total Budget Authority
$9,619.7
$9,332.0
$6,422.0
-$2,910.0
Program Project Description:
The funds provided under this categorical grant support the Environmental Information Exchange
Network (EN), which is a critical component of the Agency's data strategy. The EN is a standards-
based, secure approach for EPA and its state, tribal, and territorial partners to exchange and share
environmental data over the internet. The EN, in tandem with the Agency's E-Enterprise (EE)
efforts, offers its partners tremendous potential for managing, accessing, and analyzing
environmental data more effectively and efficiently.
The Exchange Network Grant Program provides funding to states, territories, and tribes to support
their participation in the EN using technology, data standards, open-source software, shared
services, and reusable tools. EN partners acquire and develop the hardware and software needed
to collect, report, and access environmental data with greater efficiency and integrate information
across programs. The EN is the standard approach to share data across states, tribes, territories,
and EPA. The EN Grant Program also plays a critical role in evolving the EN technology to support
the vision of the Digital Strategy, a strategy endorsed by the E-Enterprise Leadership for the future
information-sharing architecture of EPA and its partners.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Environmental Information programs and
activities will continue to focus on state, local, and tribal partnerships in supporting government
agencies' delivery of environmental protection.
Tribal engagement and participation in EN and EE efforts has significantly increased over the past
few years with tribes participating in all the EE/EN governance groups. As a result, tribes have
requested greater EN program administration support, comparable to what states receive. Given
the continuing growth in tribal participation in the EN and the expansion of rural broadband
through the American Broadband Initiative,5 EPA anticipates many more tribes will engage in data
management and electronic reporting and, consequently, expanded interest in tribal participation
5 For additional information, please refer to: hlto£//wmv.nlia.doe.gov/Mog/2019/american-broadband-inilialive-expand-
conncclivilv-all-amcricans.
591
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in the EN. In response to this need, beginning in FY 2021, EPA will dedicate STAG EN resources
for program administration support to increase tribal engagement in the EN.6 These resources will
support strategic planning and developing implementation approaches for tribes to participate in
the EN, build data management and technical capacity, as well as enabling the EN Grant Program
to measure the effectiveness of these approaches to meet this goal.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support the EN and EE business strategy through a cooperative
agreement with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) under the associated program
support cost authority (Public Law 113-767). This includes direct support to both EN and EE joint
governance, each of which represents a cross-section of EPA, state, and tribal organizations.
Under this strategy of state, local, and tribal partnerships, the Agency will continue to advance its
business processes, data management, and systems to reduce reporting burden on states and
regulated facilities, as well as improve the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental protection
programs for all partners. Currently, a total of 79 state, tribal, and territorial partners administer
qualified EN grants projects. Many will apply the results of Lean efforts within their organizations
to implement these streamlining projects. EPA anticipates awarding 15 EN grants in FY 2021 that
will assist states, tribes, and territories to implement activities that align with the following five
priorities established by the EE/EN governance groups and outlined in the EN Solicitation Notice:
• Expand Data Access and Availability: These activities support the partners' ability to share
cross-state, cross-tribal or state-tribal data. The emphasis is on activities which create
services and tools that make data available and sharable on-demand through portals, web
services, and application programming interfaces.
• Eliminate Industry Paper Reporting and Expand e-Reporting Among Co-Regulators: Grant
projects will support developing and implementing EN air, water, and land data flows that
enable automated reporting to EPA systems.
• Integrate Foundational EN Services into Environmental Business Processes: These include
Virtual Exchange Services, Shared e-Reporting Services, Federated Identity Management
Services, and other data services. These central services hosted by EPA reduce burden and
avoid cost by minimizing duplicative application development by states and tribes as they
develop their business solutions.
• Improve Environmental Management Through Advanced Data Monitoring and
Transmittal Processes: EN partners are encouraged to implement innovative approaches to
collecting, publishing, and sharing data that reduce costs associated with capturing data in
the field while making it more accessible to stakeholders.
• Augment the Information Management Capacity of EN Partners: Some existing and
potential tribal and territorial EN partners have limited experience with electronic data
collection and management. Tribal and territorial governments can use grants to conduct
6 EPA is not requesting additional funding to complete these activities, rather the Agency will adjust existing STAG EN resources
to enhance program administration support for the benefit of tribal engagement in the Exchange Network.
7 For additional information, please refer to: lill.ps:://\vww..epo..eov/l"dsvs/pke/l>I ,AW~ 113publ76/pdl7PI ,AW~ 113pub176.pdf.
592
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coordinated efforts and leverage the EN services given their unique regulatory
responsibilities and data needs.
The "National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program Solicitation Notice"
sets forth the process for awarding grant funding to states, tribes, and territories.8 It is an annual
guidance document that describes eligibility requirements, the process for application preparation
and submission, evaluation criteria, award administration information, and post-award monitoring
procedures.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$2,910.0) This program change focuses funding for states, tribes, and territories to
develop tools, services, and core capabilities, to increase their ability to share data through
the EN and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their environmental program
management.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020,
Pub. L. 116-94.
8 For additional information, please refer to: 1ntps://www.eDa.Bov/exchangenelwork/exchanBe-nelwork-granl-program.
593
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Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S 101.3-1x1)
S V(>.44(>M
SMjsui
-S30M5M
Total Budget Authority
$101,345.0
$96,446.0
$66,381.0
-$30,065.0
Program Project Description:
The Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance Grants help states implement the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Through RCRA, EPA and states protect human health
and the environment by minimizing waste generation, preventing the release of millions of tons of
hazardous wastes, and cleaning up land and water. Authorized states conduct the direct
implementation of permitting, corrective action, and enforcement components of the RCRA
Hazardous Waste Management Program.
This grant funding supports all 50 states and six territories. Currently, 48 states and two territories
are authorized to implement the RCRA Program. EPA directly implements the RCRA Program in
the states of Iowa and Alaska. To ensure statutory requirements are successful, EPA partners with
state and local governments, as well as American businesses and non-governmental organizations,
to significantly improve waste and material management practices. In FY 2020, EPA will revise
the allocation formula for Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance Grants that will take effect in FY
2021. The Agency will pursue appropriate updates, including using the most recent data, to better
align cooperative agreement funding to state needs, maximizing the environmental benefits and
program performance of this funding.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency (and authorized
states) will:
• Issue and renew permits to a portion of the 6,600 hazardous waste treatment, storage and
disposal facilities. This includes working with industry, the public, and states to address
issues related to management of hazardous waste through development and application of
standards, permits, guidance, and training. In FY 2019, EPA achieved 124 permit renewals
issued at hazardous waste facilities which was 194 percent of the annual permit renewal
measure target of 64 renewals.
594
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Process permit modifications to keep pace with evolving business practices, technology,
market conditions, and cleanup decisions.
• Update controls to encourage facilities to modernize technological systems, expand waste
management capability, improve hazardous waste management practices, and make timely
cleanup decisions.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance and safety.
• Oversee cleanups at hazardous waste management facilities and focus on completing
cleanup of the 3,924 priority 2020 Baseline facilities.
• Oversee cleanups at high priority contaminated hazardous waste management facilities and
return cleaned up property to productive use. This includes working with state partners to
ensure that responsible parties conduct effective and efficient cleanups that are protective
of human health and the environment and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
• Draft implementation documents such as permits and orders, review site assessment plans
and results, review remedy selection documents, oversee remedy implementation, oversee
public participation, and track progress of cleanups.
• Continue to improve cleanup approaches, share best practices and cleanup innovations,
such as RCRA FIRST (Facilities Investigation Remedy Selection Track),9 and address
issues of emerging science.
• Under EPA's Lean Management System, EPA will monitor progress in issuing permits
more quickly without sacrificing permit integrity. This includes progress towards meeting
the Agency's goal of reaching all permitting-related decisions in a timely manner. EPA
used Lean tools and ELMS to focus on reducing the permit backlog. As a result, some
states and regions adopted new practices, such as pre-application meetings and earlier
application deadlines, that led to permitting program efficiencies.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the RCRA Corrective Action Program
under the EPM appropriation.
9 For more information, please visit: hUDs://www.a)a.gov/hwAoolbox-€oim;live-aclion-resouree-consCTvalion-and-recoverv-act-
faciliUes-invcstigaUon-remcdv-
595
-------
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$30,065.0) This program change modifies timelines for reaching cleanup milestones and
reviewing facility data, cleanup plans, and permit modifications. Assistance to tribal
communities also is curtailed. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core
requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act § 3011;
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
596
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Categorical Grant: Lead
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile and Tribal Assistance (iranls
S IS. 2VJ.il
Sl-l.tl-iv.il
S lll.illHI.il
-S-l.il-IV.il
Total Budget Authority
$13,291.0
$14,049.0
$10,000.0
-$4,049.0
Program Project Description:
Despite the overall decline of blood lead levels over time, lead exposure remains a significant
public health concern for some children because of persistent lead hazards in the environment.
Sources of lead include lead-based paint,10 lead service lines, lead in plumbing material and soil
contaminated by historical sources.11'12 Children also may be exposed to lead through ingestion
of contaminated food; use of folk remedies, cultural products, and consumer products; recreational
activities; and take-home exposures from workplaces.13'14'15 Reducing exposure to lead paint in
old housing has the potential to significantly decrease blood lead levels in the largest number of
children. Efforts to reduce lead paint exposure must include homes and locations outside the home
where young children spend significant amounts of time, such as child care settings and schools.
The Lead Categorical Grant Program contributes to this goal by providing support to authorized
state and tribal programs that administer training and certification programs for lead professionals
and renovation contractors engaged in lead-based paint abatement and renovation, repair and
painting (RRP) activities, as well as accreditation of training providers. EPA directly implements
these programs in all areas of the country that are not authorized to do so and maintains the Federal
Lead-Based Paint Program Database (FLPP) of trained and certified lead-based paint professionals.
10 Dewalt, F.G., Cox, D.C., O'Haver, R., Salatino, B., Holmes, D., Ashley, P.J., Pinzer, E.A., Friedman, W., Marker, D., Viet,
S.M., & Fraser, A. (2015). Prevalence of Lead Hazards and Soil Arsenic in U.S. Housing. Journal of Environmental Health, 78(5),
22-29. Retrieved from: http://www.neha.org/node/6429.
11 See, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2018a). Lead at Superfund Sites. Retrieved from:
https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lead-superfund-sites. See also. EPA. (2018b). Flint Drinking Water Response. Retrieved from:
12 EPA. (2018c). Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water, https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/ba sic-
information-about-lead-drinking-water.
13 Lin, C.G., Schaider, L.A., Brabander, D.J., & Woolf A.D. (2010). Pediatric Lead Exposure from Imported Indian Spices and
Cultural Powders. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(4), e828-835. Retrieved from:
https://pediatrics.aappublications.Org/content/125/4/e828.
'4 Shah, M.P., Shendell, D.G., Ohman-Strickland, P., Bogden, J.D., Kemp, F.W., & Halperin, W. (2017). Lead Content of Sindoor,
a Hindu Religious Powder and Cosmetic: New Jersey and India, 2014-2015. American Journal of Public Health, 107(10), 1630-
1632. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.303931.
15 President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children (Task Force). (2016). Key Federal Programs
to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure and Eliminate Associated Health Impacts. Retrieved from:
https://ptfceh.niehs.nih.gov/features/assets/files/key federal_programs_to_reduce_ _childhood _lead_exposures_and eliminate _ass
ociated health impactspresidents_508.pdf.
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Activities conducted under the Program will be aligned with the objectives of the Federal Action
Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Lead Action Plan),7
focusing particularly on Goal 1 (Reduce Children's Exposure to Lead Sources). For more
information, please see http://www.epa.gov/lead.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue
implementing those elements of the Lead Action Plan that are supported through this Program. As
in prior years, a key priority will be training and certification of firms and individuals performing
lead-based paint abatement and RRP activities, including accreditation of training providers.
Certified firms are required to apply for recertification every five years in order to maintain their
certified status. The rate of firm recertifications under the RRP Program has averaged 23 percent
since FY 2017, while the total number of new firms seeking certification has remained steady from
quarter to quarter. As outlined in the FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goal Lead Action Plan, by
September 30, 2021, EPA will increase the recertification rate of lead-based paint RRP firms to
28 percent from a baseline of 23 percent. EPA will strive to increase the recertification rate and
will continue to publish an updated list of certified renovation firms on the Agency's website.8
Other forms of lead exposure will continue to be addressed through other targeted programs that
offer enhanced flexibility, such as lead pipe replacement, multi-media toxics reduction work under
the Multipurpose Grants Program, and other multi-faceted toxics reduction work under the Healthy
Schools Grant Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,049.0) This program change reduces lead grants by leveraging resources and expertise
from other programs through coordinated implementation of the Lead Action Plan.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §§ 401-412.
7 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/prodiiction/files/2018-12/documents/fedactionplan lead final.pdf.
See, page 8.
8 For additional information, please visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearch.
598
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Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
N/ J. 000.0
SI 0.000.0
-SJ.OOO.O
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$13,000.0
$10,000.0
-$3,000.0
Program Project Description:
EPA and its partners have made enormous progress in protecting air, water, and land resources.
The recently created Multipurpose Grants Program differs from prior iterations by supporting
states, tribes, and territories in the implementation of mandatory statutory duties in environmental
programs delegated by EPA. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations
in geography, population density, and other factors, the Program provides EPA's partners with
flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the
environment.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, these funds will support the implementation
of environmental programs delegated by EPA under pertinent environmental laws. States, tribes,
and territories have the flexibility to apply the funds toward activities required in a broad array of
environmental statutes, depending on local needs and priorities. Results are tracked as required by
the Environmental Results Order and support critical work across multiple environmental
programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,000.0) EPA will work with states, tribes, and territories to target funds to core
requirements while providing flexibility to target funds to their highest priorities.
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Statutory Authority:
Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141); Indian Environmental General Assistance
Program Act (GAP); Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, and
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRSA); Indoor Radon Abatement Act.
Note: EPA is currently seeking appropriations language to support this program: "Provided
further; That of the funds otherwise available under the heading State and Tribal Assistance
Grants; $10,000,000 shall be for multi-purpose grants for the implementation of mandatory
statutory duties in delegated environmental programs. "
600
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Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S IMiJMUt
s /
so.o
-.S / '2.3-IN. t>
Total Budget Authority
$166,360.0
$172,348.0
$0.0
-$172,348.0
Program Project Description:
Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes states, territories, and tribes to use a range
of tools to implement their nonpoint source programs.16 Grants under Section 319 are provided to
states, territories, and tribes to help them implement their EPA approved nonpoint source
management programs.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources for this program are proposed for elimination in FY 2021. The Agency will continue to
coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture (USD A) on targeting funding where
appropriate to address nonpoint sources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$172,348.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Nonpoint Source Grant
Program. There are other sources of funding that support this type of work across
government and the Agency will partner with USD A to target efforts where appropriate.
Statutory Authority:
CWA § 319.
16 For more information, see: https://www.cfda. gov.
601
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Categorical Grant: Nutrients and Harmful Algal Blooms Reduction Grants
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
SI 5.000.0
S 15.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$15,000.0
$15,000.0
Program Project Description:
Harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can be caused by nutrient pollution, remain a widespread
water quality challenge across the country despite decades of effort to achieve reductions. The
sources and impacts of nutrient pollution vary depending on geographic location, and span urban,
rural, and coastal landscapes.
The FY 2021 request of $15 million will establish a competitive grant program to fund prevention
and response efforts for HABs with significant health or economic risks. Funded projects should
further the implementation of HAB-specific state nutrient reduction strategies and programs and
should include one or more of the following strategic outputs and outcomes: prioritization of high-
impact watersheds; goal setting to support targeting and tracking of implementation efforts;
identification and adoption of state-level actions and programs to better prevent and respond to
HABs; deployment of staff to plan, prioritize, engage partners and stakeholders in priority
watersheds, and manage progress tracking mechanisms; assessment of progress; and reporting and
communicating of state progress to the public. State workplans also could support other priority
actions identified in a harmful algal bloom strategy or program, including developing or
implementing a trading program; modeling and monitoring harmful algal blooms; and watershed
planning support.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2021 request establishes this grant program. EPA
plans to issue the grant awards for this new program beginning in FY 2021. In addition, under the
provisions of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2017, EPA
would be able to declare if a freshwater HAB or hypoxia event is of national significance and assist
the states and tribes with assessing and mitigating the detrimental environmental, economic,
subsistence use, and public health effects of the event of national significance.
602
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM SWP-02) Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards because of nutrients (square miles).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
192,096
Square Miles
Actual
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$15,000.0) This funding establishes a new competitive grant program to fund prevention
and response efforts for HABs with significant health or economic risks and supports the
nutrient and HAB reductions focus area.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act, Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2017.
603
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Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Stale and Tribal Assistance (irants
SI ',510.6
S 2-1.000.0
sio.xii.o
-.S l.i.-IOV.O
Total Budget Authority
$17,510.6
$24,000.0
$10,531.0
-$13,469.0
Program Project Description:
The Pesticides Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Program
supports pesticide product and user compliance with provisions of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) through cooperative agreements17 with states and tribes.
The cooperative agreements support state and tribal compliance and enforcement activities under
FIFRA. Enforcement and pesticides program cooperative agreement guidance is issued to focus
regional, state, and tribal efforts on the highest priorities. EPA's support to state and tribal pesticide
programs18 emphasizes reducing chemical risks by ensuring compliance with: worker protection
standards, pesticide applicator certification and training requirements, pesticide use requirements
designed to protect water quality, pesticide product integrity, and border compliance.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will prioritize and award state and tribal
pesticides cooperative agreements for implementing the compliance monitoring and enforcement
provisions of FIFRA within our resource levels.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
17 For additional information, please refer to: http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act-
state-and-tribal-assistance-grant.
18 For additional information, please refer to: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-advisorv-committees-and-regulatorv-partners/tribal-
pesticide-pro grams.
604
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$13,469.0) This change reflects efforts to work with states and tribes to target funds to
core requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §23(a)(l); Further Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
605
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Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program Implementation
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S I2.-I.1x-I
SI2.2X~.0
SS.-lf-.O
-SJ.SJIU)
Total Budget Authority
$12,435.4
$12,287.0
$8,457.0
-$3,830.0
Program Project Description:
The purpose of EPA's pesticide program implementation grants is to translate pesticide regulatory
decisions made at the national level into results at the local level. Under the pesticide statutes,
responsibility for ensuring proper pesticide use is in large part delegated to states and tribes. Grant
resources allow states and tribes to be more effective regulatory partners.
EPA's mission, as related to pesticides, is to protect human health and the environment from
pesticide risk and to realize the value of pesticide availability by considering the economic, social,
and environmental costs and benefits of the use of pesticides.19 The Agency provides grants to
states, tribes, and other partners, including universities, non-profit organizations, other federal
agencies, pesticide users, environmental groups, and other entities, as necessary, to assist in
strengthening and implementing EPA's pesticide programs. This program focuses on issues such
as worker safety activities (including worker protection and certification and training of pesticide
applicators), protection of endangered species,20 protection of water resources from pesticides,
protection of pollinators, and promotion of environmental stewardship and Integrated Pest
Management related activities.
EPA supports implementation of tribal pesticide programs through cooperative agreements
contributing to tribal capacity to protect human health by reducing risks from pesticides in Indian
Country. The Program is implemented in a manner that recognizes that certain aspects of Native
Americans' lifestyles, such as subsistence fishing or consumption of plants that were not grown as
food and possibly exposed to pesticides, may increase exposure to some chemicals or create unique
chemical exposure scenarios.21
19 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, as amended. Section 3(a), Requirement of Registration (7 U.S.C. 136a).
Available online at: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summarv-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act.
20 The Endangered Species Act of 1973 sections 7(a) 1 and 7(a)2; Federal Agency Actions and Consultations, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1536(a)). Available at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species Act of 1973 internet site:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/section-7.html.
21 For additional information, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-advisorv-committees-and-regulatorv-partners/tribal-
pesticide-pro grams.
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The Agency also funds a multiyear grant in support of the State Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Issues Research and Evaluation Group. The grant ensures the close
coordination of states and EPA on pesticide issues.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Worker Protection Standard and Certification and Training Program
Through the Certification and Training Program and the Worker Protection Standard, EPA protects
workers, pesticide applicators and handlers, employers, and the public from the potential risks
posed by pesticides in their work environments. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to provide
assistance and grants to implement the Certification and Training Program and Worker Protection
Standard, and to address changes to the federal regulations for these programs. In FY 2021, states,
territories, and tribes (certifying authorities) will have submitted their revised Certification and
Training plans to address the new regulations. EPA will work with these certifying authorities to
refine and modify their revised plans as needed. EPA must approve plans by March 4, 2022.
Certifying authorities may need to begin regulatory and program changes in FY2021 to comply
with the 2017 final rule. For worker protection, the states, territories, and tribes will continue to
train their program and inspection staff on the 2017 final revisions to the Worker Protection
Standard, conduct outreach and compliance assistance, and enforce the rule.22
Endangered Species Protection Program
The Endangered Species Protection Program protects federally listed, threatened, or endangered
animals and plants whose populations are threatened by risks associated with pesticide use.23 EPA
complies with Endangered Species Act requirements to ensure that its regulatory decisions likely
will not jeopardize the continued existence of species listed as endangered and threatened, or
destroy or adversely modify habitat designated as critical to those species' survival. EPA will
provide grants to states and tribes, as described above, for projects supporting endangered species
protection. Program implementation includes outreach, communication, education related to use
limitations, review and distribution of endangered species protection bulletins, and mapping and
development of endangered species protection plans. In FY 2021, these activities will continue to
support the Agency's mission to protect the environment from pesticide risk.
Protection of Water Sources from Pesticide Exposure
Protecting the Nation's water sources from possible pesticide contamination is an important
component of EPA's environmental protection efforts. In FY 2021, EPA will provide funding,
through cooperative agreements, to states, tribes, and other partners to investigate and respond, as
needed, to address water resources contaminated by pesticides. Stakeholders and partners,
including states and tribes, are expected to evaluate local pesticide uses that have the potential to
22 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safetv/how-eDa-Drotects-workers-Desticide-risk.
23 For additional information, please visit: http://www. epa. go v/oppfead 1 /endanger/species-info .htm.
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contaminate water resources and take steps to prevent or reduce contamination where pesticide
concentrations approach or exceed levels of concern.
Integrated Pest Management
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to support risk reduction by providing assistance to promote the
use of safer alternatives to traditional chemical pest control methods including Integrated Pest
Management techniques.24 EPA supports the development and evaluation of new pest
management technologies that contribute to reducing both health and environmental risks from
pesticide use.
Pollinator Health
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to work with state and tribal agencies to promote the development
of locally-based plans to help improve pollinator health. State pollinator protection plans in several
states have been an effective communication and collaboration mechanism between stakeholders
at the local level that can lead to reduced pesticide exposure and protection of honey bees, while
maintaining the flexibility needed by growers. EPA believes that these plans, developed through a
robust stakeholder engagement process at the local level, serve as good models for enhanced local
communication and can help accomplish the Agency's overall goal of mitigating exposure of bees
to acutely toxic pesticides.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,830.0) This program change will streamline core activities, leverage efficiencies, and
available resources. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core
requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) § 23(a)(1); Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996; Endangered Species Act
(ESA).
24 For additional information, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesp/.
608
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Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
s/xi.os.i.n
-SM.(><)(>.0
Total Budget Authority
$225,454.2
$223,289.0
$153,683.0
-$69,606.0
Program Project Description:
Section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes EPA to provide federal assistance to states
(including territories and the District of Columbia), tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e),
and interstate agencies to establish and maintain adequate programs for the prevention and control
of surface and groundwater pollution from point and nonpoint sources. Prevention and control
activities supported through these grants include: providing National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits; conducting ambient water quality monitoring, assessing
and listing impaired waters; and developing water quality standards and Total Maximum Daily
Loads (TMDLs), surveillance, and enforcement.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The CWA Section 106 Grant Program supports prevention
and control measures that improve water quality. In FY 2021, EPA will focus on core statutory
requirements while continuing to provide states and tribes with flexibility to best address their
specific priorities.
Monitoring and Assessment
EPA is working with states and tribes to provide monitoring and assessment information to support
multiple CWA programs in a cost-efficient and effective manner. The intent is to have
scientifically defensible monitoring data that are needed to address priority problems at state,
tribal, national, and local levels and to track water quality changes over time.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue working with states and tribes to support their water quality
monitoring programs. Monitoring Initiative funds for states and tribes will support the National
Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) and the enhancement of state and tribal monitoring
programs.25 In FY 2021, the Monitoring Initiative will be funded at $11.9 million for participation
in the NARS and for monitoring program priority enhancements. EPA is implementing
25 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/water-pollution-control-section-106-grants/monitoring-initiative-
grants-under-section-106-clean.
609
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recommendations from a Lean Management exercise to improve the timeliness of monitoring data
processed forNARS partnerships.
Through the Monitoring and Assessment Partnership, EPA will continue working with states to
develop and apply innovative and efficient monitoring tools and techniques to optimize availability
of high-quality data to support priority CWA program needs. In FY 2021, EPA also will continue
working with states to support their water quality assessment programs, including helping to assure
timely submission of state Integrated Reports and 303(d) lists. In FY 2019, EPA supported states
to reduce outstanding state 303(d) lists from 50 to 30 lists. Timeliness of EPA review also has
improved with EPA reducing the backlog of EPA action on state-submitted 303(d) lists from highs
of 25 in FY 2018 and 13 in FY 2019 to 2 total in FY 2019. From FY 2017 to FY 2019, EPA has
supported and acted on more than 80 lists of impaired waters submitted by states under CWA
Section 303(d); these lists help inform progress on restoring water quality. EPA will continue to
work with states to support electronic reporting, including annual reporting of water quality data
through the Water Quality Exchange and submission of Integrated Reports through the Assessment
Total Maximum Daily Load Tracking and Implementation System (ATTAINS).
Reviewing and Updating Water Quality Standards
EPA will work with states and authorized tribes as they review and update their water quality
standards periodically as required by the CWA and EPA regulations in 40 CFR part 131. EPA also
will work with tribes that want to establish water quality standards. For its part, EPA will review
and work to formally act upon all state and tribal submissions of new and revised water quality
standards in accordance with the Agency's statutory obligations and timeline. The Agency also
will continue to track progress by states as they complete triennial reviews of applicable standards
on time as required by the CWA.
Developing TMDLs
EPA will work with states, territories, and authorized tribes to develop and implement TMDLs for
CWA Section 303(d) listed impaired waterbodies as a tool for meeting water quality restoration
goals. TMDLs focus on achieving clearly defined environmental standards and establishing a
pollutant budget, which is then implemented via permit requirements and through local, state, and
federal watershed plans and programs to restore waters. EPA will continue to work with states to
facilitate accurate, comprehensive, and geo-referenced water quality assessment decisions made
available to the public via ATTAINS. In addition, EPA will continue to track state progress in
completing TMDLs, alternative restoration approaches or projection plans with a goal of 100
percent of priority plans in place at state identified priority waters under the State-EPA 303(d)
Program Vision by 2022. As of the end of FY 2019, 48,544 square miles, or 51.2 percent of state
priority waters, were addressed by a priority TMDL, other restoration plan or protection approach.
EPA also is working to ensure timely action by the Agency on TMDLs submitted by states.
Numerous recent and long-standing efforts have helped to substantially reduce the backlog on
TMDLs from 700+ in FY 2018 to 22 in FY 2019. Between fiscal years 2017 and 2019, the EPA
has supported and approved more than 6,000 TMDLs.
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Issuing Permits
The NPDES Program requires point source dischargers of pollutants to waters of the U.S. to be
permitted and pretreatment programs be put in place to control discharges from industrial and other
facilities to the Nation's wastewater treatment plants. Through the Lean Management System,
EPA is working with the states26 to: balance competing opportunities; identify opportunities to
enhance the integrity and effectiveness of NPDES permits; set schedules to address significant
action items; and fine-tune permitting implementation and oversight practices. After program
improvements, between March 2018 and December 2019, the backlog of EPA-issued new and
existing NPDES permits decreased from 106 to 26 and 547 to 373, respectively.
Conducting Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
EPA will work with NPDES-authorized states to implement the 2014 CWA NPDES Compliance
Monitoring Strategy (CMS).27 The NPDES CMS establishes national standards for allocation of
inspection resources across all NPDES regulated entities in order to best protect water quality.
EPA works with states on advanced technologies, such as remote water monitoring sensors to
collect discharge data, to more efficiently identify problem areas. The Agency expects that these
technologies will improve the analytical capabilities of both EPA and the states and enhance the
public's knowledge about the quality of their environment.
Currently, EPA and states are implementing the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule, NPDES
eRule, in a collaborative manner. States have the option to build their own electronic reporting
tools and data systems or they can elect to utilize EPA's tools and systems. EPA and states
implemented Phase 1 of the NPDES eRule in FY 2017 for the following two reports: 1) Discharge
Monitoring Reports; and 2) Federal Biosolids Annual Report, where EPA is the regulatory
authority. For example, currently over 34,000 NPDES permittees in 23 states use EPA's electronic
reporting tool, NetDMR, to submit their Discharge Monitoring Reports. EPA and states started
implementing Phase 2 of the NPDES eRule in FY 2018 for general permit reports and all remaining
program reports. EPA will continue to work collaboratively with states in FY 2021 to ensure a
smooth transition to electronic reporting for the NPDES program. Implementing the NPDES eRule
will help EPA and states clean up the Nation's waters by: saving time and resources for the states
and regulated community improving transparency; and obtaining more accurate, timely, complete,
and consistent information about the NPDES program.
Working with Tribal Water Pollution Control Programs
In FY 2021, EPA will work with tribal programs on activities that address water quality and
pollution problems on tribal lands. Tribes will continue to implement and expand their water
pollution control programs pursuant to CWA Section 518(e).
26 Currently no tribes have authority to implement the NPDES program.
27 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/clean-water-act-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-
svstem-compliance-monitoring.
611
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM SWP-01) Watersheds with surface water not meeting standards (cumulative).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
No Target
Estab-
lished
497,728
564,536
555,536
Square Miles
Actual
N/A
493,930
(PM SWP-02) Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards because of nutrients (square miles).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
192,096
Square Miles
Actual
(PM TMDL-02) Percentage of priority TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches in
place.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
50
67
84
Percent
Actual
9
14
33.3
51.2
Numerator
8,822
14,045
33,194
48,544
Square Miles
Denominator
101,141
99,424
99,415
94,806
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$69,606.0) This program change is a decrease for the CWA Section 106 Grant Program.
EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing
flexibility to address priorities.
Statutory Authority:
CWA § 106.
612
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Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$5,545.5
$4,610.0
$0.0
-$4,610.0
Program Project Description:
The Pollution Prevention (P2) Categorical Grants Program augments the counterpart P2 Program
under the Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) account.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. Based on previous
investments in P2 solutions made under this program project, partners are expected to be able to
continue to share best practices and pursue additional pollution prevention solutions.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,610.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Categorical Grant: Pollution
Prevention.
Statutory Authority:
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) § 6605; Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020,
Pub. L. 116-94.
613
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Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision (PWSS)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$96,689.7
$106,250.0
$67,892.0
-$38,358.0
Program Project Description:
The Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Program provides grants to states and tribes with
primary enforcement authority (primacy) to implement and enforce the National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations (NPDWR) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The NPDWRs set
forth health-based standards, monitoring, reporting, sanitary surveys, and enforcement elements
to ensure that the Nation's drinking water supplies do not pose adverse health risks.
PWSS Program grants support the safety of the Nation's drinking water resources and protect
public health and the environment. Primacy agencies use these grants to fund drinking water
program personnel who:
• Provide training and technical assistance to owners and operators of public water systems;
• Conduct sanitary surveys (i.e., on-site reviews conducted to determine and support a
facility's capacity to deliver safe drinking water) and address significant deficiencies that
may compromise the quality of the finished water;
• Train and certify public water system operators;
• Manage public water system data, facilitate electronic reporting of compliance monitoring
data, and submit compliance data to the database of record, the Safe Drinking Water
Information System;
• Ensure that public water systems conduct the required public notifications to consumers;
and
• Respond to violations and issue enforcement actions.
Funds allocated to states and tribes without primacy are used to support direct implementation
activities by EPA.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will work with states and tribes to target
funds to core statutory requirements while providing primacy agencies with flexibility to best address
their priorities. EPA will provide funds to support state efforts to assist the most vulnerable water
614
-------
systems in meeting drinking water regulations and in developing the financial and managerial capacity
needed to protect federal investments that remedy aging or inadequate infrastructure (e.g., pipe
replacement to prevent failures in distribution systems, installation of treatment to remove drinking
water contaminants).
EPA's PWSS Program is working with states to pursue a reduction of the number of systems that
have health-based non-compliance events. This includes working to decrease the number of
community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards. Over the five-year
period of the FY 2018- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA is pursuing a 23 percent reduction in the
number of systems that have health-based violations from 3,508 in FY 2017 to 2,700 by FY 2022.
As of Fall 2019, approximately 1,982 of the 3,508 systems with health-based violations have been
returned to compliance. The PWSS Program helps to facilitate this effort by supporting state
drinking water programs and technical assistance providers in achieving and maintaining
compliance at drinking water systems, developing best practices, strengthening state capacity, and
certifying drinking water operators.
EPA also is enhancing its oversight of the state drinking water programs by completing the annual
PWSS program review for each primacy agency as required under SDWA. Information gained
during these reviews includes an analysis of the completion of sanitary surveys by the primacy
agency as required by the state and an evaluation of whether the primacy agency is implementing
the state program in accordance with SDWA. The annual program review directly supports the
work of the states and the Agency to meet the Agency's long-term performance goal and annual
performance goal to reduce community water systems out of compliance with health-based
standards.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
3,060
CWSs
Actual
4,682
5,050
4,817
3,508
3,480
3,547
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$38,358.0) This program change is a reduction for the PWSS Program. EPA will work
with states and tribes to target funds to core statutory requirements while providing
flexibility to address priorities.
Statutory Authority:
SDWA § 1443.
615
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Categorical Grant: Radon
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$7,453.4
$7,789.0
$0.0
-$7,789.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risks posed by exposures to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA has assisted states and tribes through technical support and the State Indoor Radon Grants
program, which provided categorical grants to develop, implement, and enhance programs that
assess and mitigate radon risk. For over 30 years, EPA's radon program has provided important
guidance, technical assistance, and funding to help states establish their own programs. EPA also
provided technical support to transfer "best practices" among states that promote effective program
implementation across the Nation.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,789.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Radon program in the STAG
account.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) § 306; Clean Air Act (CAA); Radon Gas and Indoor Air
Quality Research Act; Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA).
616
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Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality Management
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$219,874.2
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
-$76,258.0
Program Project Description:
This program provides funding for state air programs, as implemented by state, multi-state, and
local air agencies. Section 103 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) provides EPA with the authority to
award grants to air agencies, other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and
organizations, to conduct and promote certain types of research, investigations, experiments,
demonstrations, surveys, studies, and training related to air pollution. Section 105 of the CAA
provides EPA with the authority to award grants to state and local air agencies to develop and
implement continuing environmental and public health programs for the prevention and control of
air pollution, implementation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and
improving visibility in our national parks and wilderness areas (Class I areas). The continuing
activities funded under Section 105 include: development and implementation of preconstruction
permit programs; emission reduction measures; development and operation of air quality
monitoring networks, and other air program activities, including training. Section 106 of the CAA
provides EPA with the authority to fund interstate air pollution transport commissions to develop
or carry out plans for designated air quality control regions.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program also supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Agency
Priority Goal, "Improve air quality by reducing the number of areas not meeting air quality
standards," and the long-term performance goal, "By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of
nonattainment areas to 101."28
States are responsible for State Implementation Plans (SIPs), which provide a blueprint for the
programs and activities that states carry out to attain and maintain the NAAQS and comply with
visibility improvement obligations. Affected states will be completing development or revision of
attainment SIPs for areas classified "Moderate" or higher for the 2015 ozone NAAQS and
reclassified to "Serious" for the 2008 ozone NAAQS and areas designated nonattainment effective
April 2018 for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) NAAQS. States also have SIP obligations associated
with visibility improvement requirements, among other requirements identified in the CAA. States
28 The baseline is 166 nonattainment areas as of October 1, 2017.
617
-------
also will continue implementing the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, the 2008 lead NAAQS, the 2010
1-hour nitrogen dioxide (NO2) NAAQS, and the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS.
As appropriate, states also will continue implementing the previous PM2.5 and ozone NAAQS,
including the 1997 annual and 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 2012
annual PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 1-hour and 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS (through anti-backsliding
requirements). EPA, in close collaboration with states and tribes, will work to reduce the number
of areas in nonattainment with the NAAQS. In FY 2021, EPA will work with states to prioritize
activities needed to meet obligations for SIP development and in implementing their plans for
attaining and maintaining the NAAQS and achieving regional haze goals and identifying
streamlining options. States are encouraged to engage with EPA early in their SIP development
processes, so EPA has enough time to provide feedback on SIPs prior to formal submission to
EPA for review.
Air Monitoring Networks. States will operate and maintain their air monitoring networks29 to the
extent possible, balancing competing priorities. The largest part of a state's overall air program
includes the collection, analysis, quality assurance, and submittal of ambient air quality data.
Air Permitting Programs. In FY 2021, states with approved or delegated air permitting programs
will implement these programs. EPA will provide technical assistance as needed.
Emissions Inventories. The development of a complete quality assured emission inventory is an
important step in an air quality management process. These inventories are used to help determine
significant sources of air pollutants and establish emission trends over time, target regulatory
actions, and estimate air quality through dispersion and photochemical modeling. An emission
inventory includes estimates of the emissions from various pollution sources in a specific
geographical area. In FY 2021, states will continue to develop inventories and submit data to EPA
under an adjusted schedule for the next release of the National Emission Inventory (NEI). EPA
plans to release the 2017 NEI in calendar year 2020.
Air Quality Forecasts. This program supports state and local air agency capabilities to provide air
quality forecasts for ozone and PM2.5 that provide the public with information they can use to make
daily lifestyle decisions to protect their health. This information allows people to take
precautionary measures to avoid or limit their exposure to unhealthy levels of air quality. In
addition, many communities use forecasts for initiating air quality "action" or "awareness" days.
EPA will update data on an adjusted schedule to allow for state and local agencies to provide
important public health information to the public.
State and Local Air Toxics Efforts. This program also supports state and local efforts to
characterize air toxics problems and take measures to reduce health risks from air toxics. This
funding also supports characterization work that includes collection and analysis of emissions data
and monitoring of ambient air toxics. In FY 2021, funds also will support the National Air Toxics
Trends Stations (NATTS), consisting of 24 air toxics monitoring sites and including the associated
quality assurance, data analysis, and methods support. Funding may be available to support the
community scale air toxics grant competition.
29 Air Monitoring networks: PM2.5, NCore, ozone, SO2, NO2, carbon monoxide, lead, and air toxics.
618
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Visibility Improvement. States are required to submit periodic plans demonstrating how they have
and will continue to make progress towards achieving their visibility improvement goals required
under the Regional Haze Rule. In FY 2021, states will work collaboratively to submit SIPs for the
second planning period of the regional haze program under the visibility improvement
requirements of the CAA which are due by July 31, 2021. Comprehensive regional haze SIP
revisions are due in FY 2021. In addition, states will be implementing control measures required
from their first planning period SIPs.
Air Quality Training. In FY 2021, states and multi-jurisdictional organizations will use this
funding to establish and maintain training priorities for air quality-related subjects; develop new
and update existing air quality-related training materials; and, provide classroom and other types
of training for air quality professionals.
EPA also proposes to transition the funding of the PM2.5 monitoring network from Section 103
authority of the CAA, which provides 100 percent federal funding, to Section 105 authority of the
CAA, which provides a maximum federal share of 60 percent.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$76,258.0) This program change is a decrease in federal support for CAA grants to state
environmental programs responsible for carrying out air quality implementation activities.
EPA will work with states to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility
to address particular state priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 105, 106.
619
-------
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances Compliance
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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-SI.-ISJ.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,597.4
$4,759.0
$3,276.0
-$1,483.0
Program Project Description:
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Compliance Monitoring Program builds environmental
partnerships30 with states, tribes, and territories to strengthen their ability to address environmental
and public health threats from toxic substances. This assistance is used to prevent or eliminate
unreasonable risks to human health or the environment and to ensure compliance with toxic
substance regulations. The grants support inspection programs associated with lead-based paint
(§402(a), §406(b), and the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule), the Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhanced Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to award state and tribal
assistance grants to assist in the implementation of compliance and enforcement provisions of
TSCA.
In recent years, the Agency has consulted with its state partners in the development of a new
allocation formula for the TSCA State and Tribal Assistance Grants. EPA began implementing the
new formula in FY 2019, using a phased approach over three fiscal years (FY 2019 - FY 2021).
This approach establishes a new weighted formula that better aligns the distribution of funding
with the national program priorities including reducing risks from: (1) lead poisoning or elevated
blood-lead levels; (2) exposure to asbestos; and (3) exposure to PCBs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
30 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/toxic-substances-compliance-monitoring-grant-
guidance-fiscal-vear-2020.
620
-------
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,483.0) This program change reflects a focus on reducing risks from lead-based paint
and maximizing environmental benefits and program performance. EPA will work with
states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to address
particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act.
621
-------
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality Management
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$12,556.1
$12,829.0
$8,963.0
-$3,866.0
Program Project Description:
This program includes funding for tribal air pollution control agencies and/or tribes implementing
projects and programs to address air pollution issues in Indian Country. Using Section 105 authority
of the Clean Air Act (CAA), tribal air pollution control agencies and tribes may develop and
implement programs for the prevention and control of air pollution and implementation of national
primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Using Section 103
authority of the CAA, tribal air pollution control agencies or tribes, colleges, universities, and multi-
tribe jurisdictional air pollution control agencies may conduct and promote research, investigations,
experiments, demonstrations, surveys, studies, and training related to ambient or indoor air
pollution in Indian Country. EPA provides technical assistance and resources to help tribes build
their program capacity and ensure successful project completion.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Tribes will assess environmental and public health conditions in Indian
Country by developing emission inventories and, where appropriate, siting and operating air quality
monitors. Tribes will continue to develop and implement air pollution control programs for Indian
Country to prevent and address air quality concerns. EPA will continue to fund organizations for
the purpose of providing technical support, tools, and training for tribes to build capacity to
develop and implement programs at reduced levels.
Currently, there are 573 federally recognized tribes. Of those, 52 tribes have treatment in a manner
similar to a state status or Treatment as a State with regard to implementing functions pertaining
to the management and protection of air resources within reservation boundaries or other areas
under the tribe's jurisdiction and have the capability to implement the CAA program(s) for which
they have received approval. In addition, EPA awards financial support under the CAA to help
build tribal knowledge and increase tribes" capacity to manage air quality issues and encourages
tribes to partner with the EPA to carry out CAA protections within reservations and tribal
communities.
622
-------
In FY 2021, a key activity is to work to reduce the number of days in violation of the NAAQS.
This program supports the Agency's priority of building stronger partnerships with individual
tribes and with the National Tribal Air Association, whose priorities include tribes' participation
in the Agency's policy and rule development and the Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS)
Center. The TAMS Center supports the tribes' ability to collect and provide monitoring data to
protect the health of their tribal members.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,866.0) This program change is a decrease in federal support for CAA grants to tribal
air pollution control agencies and/or tribes. The EPA will work with tribes to target funds
to core requirements while providing flexibility to best address tribal priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 105.
623
-------
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance Program
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: More Effective Partnerships
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
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Total Budget Authority
$67,299.0
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
-$21,243.0
Program Project Description:
In 1992, Congress established the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), a
program that provides grants and technical assistance to tribes to plan, develop, and establish tribal
environmental protection programs consistent with other applicable provisions of law
administered by EPA. The Agency works collaboratively with tribal partners on mutually
identified environmental and public health priorities to achieve these aims. Funding provided
under the GAP is for the administrative, technical, legal, enforcement, communication, and
outreach capacities tribes need to effectively administer environmental regulatory programs that
EPA may delegate to tribes. GAP funds also may be used to assist in the development and
implementation of solid and hazardous waste programs for Indian lands, including solid waste
service delivery costs.31 Please see https://www.epa.gov/tribal/indian-environmental-general-
assistance-program-gap for more information.
Some uses of GAP funds include:
• Assessing the status of a tribe's environmental conditions;
• Developing appropriate environmental programs, codes, and ordinances;
• Developing the capacity to administer environmental regulatory programs that EPA may
delegate to a tribe;
• Conducting public education and outreach efforts to ensure that tribal communities
(including non-members residing in Indian Country) are informed and able to participate
in environmental decision-making; and
• Establishing tribal program capacity to communicate and coordinate with federal, tribal,
state, and local government officials on environmental and public health actions and issues.
GAP supports tribal capacity development through financial assistance to approximately 525 tribal
governments and inter-tribal consortia. GAP has helped tribes receive 83 program delegations to
administer a variety of programs across a number of statutes, including the Clean Water Act, Safe
Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Air Act. Tribes also have developed capacity to assist EPA in
implementing federal environmental programs in the absence of an EPA-approved tribal program
31 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141).
624
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through Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements (DITCAs). As of FY 2020, there
are 17 active DITCAs supporting EPA's direct implementation activities. Furthermore, GAP funds
have helped to train tribal government inspectors who are able to conduct compliance monitoring
activities under tribal laws and also may have EPA federal inspector credentials. In addition, GAP
also supports tribes with the development of their waste management programs with 256 tribes
having Integrated Waste Management Plans.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in the Program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability, in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, GAP grants will continue to assist tribal
governments in developing environmental protection program capacity to assess environmental
conditions, use relevant environmental information to improve long-range strategic environmental
program development planning, and develop programs tailored to tribal government needs
consistent with those long-range strategic plans.
The Agency's Guidance on the Award and Management of General Assistance Agreements for
Tribes and Intertribal Consortia32 establishes an overall framework for tribes and EPA to follow
in developing tribal environmental program capacity under GAP. Specifically, the guidance
strengthens joint strategic planning through development and implementation of EPA-Tribal
Environmental Plans (ETEPs) to document intermediate and long-range tribal environmental
program development priorities. These tribe-specific strategic planning documents inform funding
decisions by linking annual GAP assistance agreement work plans to ETEP goals and provide a
mechanism to measure tribal progress in meeting their program development goals. As of
September 30, 2019, EPA has completed 470 ETEPs and anticipates completing its 500th ETEP in
2020. EPA will focus on providing assistance to regions and tribal partners in implementing
ETEPs, including training and development of a best practices guide, as well as monitoring
regional actions to implement ETEPs as part of the business review process.
In FY 2020, EPA will complete an evaluation of the program implementation under the 2013 GAP
guidance and anticipates developing revised Guidance for tribal consultation. The evaluation has
been comprehensive, involving gathering of evidence from EPA project officers and tribal
recipients of GAP funding based on their experience using the current guidance, which has helped
inform EPA's understanding of how the program guidance and implementation approaches are
contributing to intended results of tribal capacity development related to EPA-administered
programs. During the evaluation, EPA has specifically requested input related to using the
guidance to develop work plans, connecting GAP funding to tribal environmental program goals,
and approaches for national program performance measurement and reporting.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to implement GAP under a national framework set forth in program
guidance, as modified during FY 2020, and maintain an emphasis on training (internal and
external) to support nationally consistent GAP guidance interpretation and implementation. In
supporting a strong GAP management framework (as referenced under Tribal Capacity Program),
32 The GAP Guidance is available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal/2013-guidance-award-and-management-general-assistance-
agreements-tribes-and-intertribal.
625
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EPA will continue to establish and refine tools to track the progress tribes achieve toward
developing and implementing environmental protection programs in Indian Country.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$21,243.0) This program change reduces funding available for tribes to develop the
capacity to implement environmental protection programs in Indian Country. EPA will
work with states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility
to address priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act.
626
-------
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection Control (UIC)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S V.X-l/,.2
SW.1U4M
SO.'W.O
Total Budget Authority
$9,846.2
$10,164.0
$6,995.0
-$3,169.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Grant Program funds federal, state, and tribal
government agencies that oversee underground injection activities to prevent contamination of
underground sources of drinking water from fluid injection practices, as established by the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
EPA regulates the permitting, construction, operation, and closure of injection wells used to place
fluids underground for storage, disposal, enhanced recovery of oil and gas, and mineral recovery.
EPA will provide grants to states and tribes that have primary enforcement authority (primacy) to
implement and manage UIC programs and ensure safe injection well operations that prevent
contamination of underground sources of drinking water. Eligible tribes that demonstrate an intent
to achieve primacy also may receive grants for the initial development of UIC programs and be
designated for "Treatment as a State" if their programs are approved. Where a jurisdiction does
not have primacy, EPA uses these funds for direct implementation of federal UIC requirements.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2021 request will support implementation of the
UIC Program, which manages approximately 830,000 injection wells33 across six well types to
protect groundwater resources. EPA directly implements UIC programs in eight states and two
territories and shares responsibility in nine states and with two tribes. EPA also administers the
UIC programs for all other tribes and for Class VI wells in all states but North Dakota.34 EPA will
continue its support of state oil and gas programs as they implement or assume responsibility for
UIC Class II programs.
The UIC Program is improving efficiency by reducing the UIC permit application processing time
to 180 days or fewer. The Program will continue implementing the UIC well permit review process
developed as part of EPA's Lean Management System. For the UIC Program, this includes
33As represented in calendar year 2018 annual inventory.
34 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/primarv-enforcement-authoritv-underground-iniection-control-
program.
627
-------
applying identified permit review and processing efficiencies from the Class II effort to all other
well classes, modifying common definitions, as appropriate, to provide greater clarity for all well
classes so that improvements in processing permit applications can be attained. As of October
2019, the backlog of EPA-issued new UIC permits decreased from 3635 to 25.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,169.0) This program change is a reduction for the UIC Grant Program. EPA will work
with states and tribes to target funds to core statutory requirements while providing
flexibility to address priorities.
Statutory Authority:
SDWA § 1443.
35 The baseline is from the beginning of FY 2019.
628
-------
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SJ.5W.1
so.o
-.N/.-/-/V.W
Total Budget Authority
$1,590.1
$1,449.0
$0.0
-$1,449.0
Program Project Description:
Releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks (UST) can contaminate groundwater, the
drinking water source for many Americans. The UST Grant Program provides funding to states36
to bring UST systems into compliance with release prevention and release detection requirements.
STAG funds are used by states to fund such activities as: seeking state program approval to operate
the UST Program in lieu of the federal program; approving specific technologies to detect leaks
from tanks; ensuring that tank owners and operators are complying with notification and other
requirements; ensuring equipment compatibility; conducting inspections; and implementing
operator training.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. States could elect to maintain
core program work with state resources rather than federal resources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,449.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Categorical Grant: Underground
Storage Tanks Program.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act § 2007(f); Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-
94.
36 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
629
-------
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program Development
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S
sn.isj.o
S'A '(>2.0
-S -t.-l21.lt
Total Budget Authority
$12,772.7
$14,183.0
$9,762.0
-$4,421.0
Program Project Description:
The Wetlands Program Development Grants Program assists states, tribes, and local governments
with building or enhancing their wetland protection and restoration programs. Program grants are
used to develop new or refine existing state and tribal wetland programs in one or more of the
following areas: 1) monitoring and assessment; 2) voluntary restoration and protection; 3)
regulatory programs, including Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 certification and Section 404
assumption;37 and 4) wetland water quality standards.
States and tribes develop program elements based on their goals and resources. The grants support
development of state and tribal wetland programs that further the goals of the CWA and improve
water quality in watersheds throughout the country. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis
under the authority of Section 104(b)(3) of the CWA. The grant funding is split among EPA's ten
regional offices according to the number of states and territories per region. Each region is
required, by regulation, to compete the award of these funds to states, tribes, local governments,
interstate agencies, and inter-tribal consortia.38 In addition, EPA sets aside 10 percent of the
appropriation for a grant competition specifically for tribes and inter-tribal consortia.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to assist states and tribes
in their efforts to protect and manage wetlands through documenting stresses or improvements to
wetland condition; developing tools for wetland restoration and the use of natural infrastructure to
mitigate flooding hazards; and developing regulatory controls to avoid, minimize, and compensate
37 State and Tribal assumption of Section 404 is an approach that can be useful in streamlining 404 permitting in coordination with
other environmental regulations. When states or tribes assume administration of the federal regulatory program, Section 404 permit
applicants seek permits from the state or tribe rather than the federal government. States and tribes are in many cases located closer
to the proposed activities and are often more familiar with local resources, issues, and needs. Even when a state assumes permitting
under Section 404, the Army Corps of Engineers retains jurisdiction for a certain portion of waters under the CWA as well as those
waters subject to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act for permits.
38 For more information, please see: http://water.epa.gov/grants funding/wetlands/estp.cfm.
630
-------
for wetland impacts. EPA also will work with interested states and tribes to develop and improve
their wetland program capacity.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,421.0) This program change is a reduction for the Wetland Program Development
Grants Program. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core requirements
while providing flexibility to address priorities.
Statutory Authority:
CWA § 104(b)(3).
631
-------
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
632
-------
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SVV, 1)1.is
SS'.000.0
S10.000.0
-S".000.0
Total Budget Authority
$99,701.8
$87,000.0
$10,000.0
-$77,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program provides support for emission
reductions from existing diesel engines through engine retrofits, rebuilds, and replacements;
switching to cleaner fuels; idling reduction; and other clean diesel strategies. The DERA program
was initially authorized in Sections 791-797 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and reauthorized
by the Diesel Emission Reduction Act of 2010.
Diesel engines are the modern-day workhorse of the American economy (e.g., goods movement,
construction, public transportation). Diesel engines are extremely efficient and power nearly every
major piece of equipment on farms, construction sites, in ports, and on highways. As the Agency's
heavy-duty highway and nonroad diesel engines emissions standards came into effect in 2007 and
2008 respectively, new cleaner diesel engines started to enter the Nation's fleet. However, there
are nearlylO million older engines in use that will continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen
oxides and particulate matter. EPA's DERA program promotes strategies to reduce these emissions
and protect public health by working with manufacturers, fleet operators, air quality professionals,
environmental and community organizations, tribes, and state and local officials. While the DERA
grants accelerate the pace at which dirty engines are retired or retrofitted, pollution emissions from
the legacy fleet also will be reduced over time as portions of the fleet are replaced with new engines
that meet modern emission standards. However, even with attrition through fleet turnover, the
Agency estimates that more than one million old diesel engines will remain in use in 2030.39
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to target its discretionary
funding to direct DERA grants and rebates to reduce diesel emissions in priority areas and areas
of highly concentrated diesel pollution with a primary focus on ports and school buses.
39 DERA Fourth Report to Congress: https: //www, epa. gov/sites/production/files/2019-07/documents/420rl 9005 .pdf.
633
-------
Tens of millions of people in the U.S. currently live and work close to ports.40 These people can
be exposed to air pollution associated with emissions from diesel engines at ports including
particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and air toxics, which can contribute to significant health
problems, including premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart and lung disease,
increased cancer risk, and increased respiratory symptoms, especially for children, the elderly,
outdoor workers, and other sensitive populations.41 School buses provide the safest transportation
to and from school for more than 25 million American children every school day. However, diesel
exhaust from these buses has a negative impact on human health, especially for children, whose
lungs are not yet fully developed and who have a faster breathing rate than adults.42
Using the formula outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, eligible states and territories receive
30 percent of the annual DERA appropriation for the establishment of clean diesel grant, rebate,
and loan programs. The remaining DERA funding is split into two categories. The first category
allocates funds to a rebate program that was first established under DERA's 2010 reauthorization.
Through the rebate mechanism, the Agency will more efficiently and precisely target the awards
toward improving children's health and turning over the Nation's school bus fleet. In addition,
this rebate mechanism can be used to provide funding directly to private fleets. The second
category allocates funds toward national grants focusing on areas with poor air quality, especially
those impacted most severely by ports and goods movement. EPA also will continue to track,
assess, and report the results of DERA grants, such as numbers of engines, emissions benefits,
and cost-benefit information.43 Further, EPA will continue to provide diesel emission reduction
technology verification and evaluation and provide that information to the public.44
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$77,000.0) This program change is a reduction in the overall amount of DERA grant
funding available for grants and rebates to reduce diesel emissions while continuing to
target priority areas such as clean school bus retrofits and rebates.
40 For more information, please see the DERA Fourth Report to Congress, July 2019, which may be found at:
https://www.eDa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-reports-congress.
41 For more information, please see EPA's National Port Strategy Assessment Report of 2016, found at:
https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/national-port-strategv-assessment.
42 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-school-bus.
43 List of all grant awards under DERA can be found at https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.
44 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
634
-------
Statutory Authority:
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act; Energy Policy Act of 2005, Title VII, Subtitle G, as amended and
reauthorized by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-364) and subsequent
appropriations acts and codified at 42 USC 16131, etseq.
635
-------
Brownfields Projects
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile and Tribal Assistance (iranls
SV/JIV.3
SSV.000.0
S SO, 000.0
-SV.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$91,319.3
$89,000.0
$80,000.0
-$9,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Brownfields Program awards grants and provides technical assistance to help states, tribes,
local communities, and other stakeholders involved in environmental revitalization and economic
redevelopment to work together to plan, inventory, assess, safely cleanup, and reuse brownfields.
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a brownfields site that received EPA funding.45 This idle land drags down property values
and can slow down a local economy. Brownfields redevelopment is a key to revitalizing main
streets, neighborhoods, and rural communities; increasing property values and creating jobs. Since
its inception, the Brownfields Program has fostered a community-driven approach to the reuse of
contaminated sites. As of January 2020, grants awarded by the Program have led to over 88,900
acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over 156,500 jobs and $29.5 billion
leveraged.46 By awarding brownfields grants, EPA makes investments in communities so that they
can realize their own visions for land reuse, infrastructure development, economic growth, and job
creation.
Under this program, EPA will focus on core activities, providing funding for: 1) assessment
cooperative agreements and Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBAs); 2) cleanup and
multipurpose cooperative agreements; and 3) research, training, and technical assistance to
communities for brownfields-related activities, including land revitalization assistance and
environmental workforce development and job training cooperative agreements.
A 2017 study found that housing property values increased 5 to 15.2 percent near brownfield sites
when cleanup was completed.47 Analysis of the data near 48 brownfields sites shows that an
estimated $29 to $97 million in additional tax revenue was generated for local governments in a
single year after cleanup. This is 2 to 7 times more than the $12.4 million EPA contributed to the
cleanup of those brownfields.48 In addition, based on historical data provided by the Assessment
45 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of FY 2016; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
46 EPA's ACRES database.
47Haninger, K., L. Ma, and C. Timmins. 2017. The Value of Brownfield Remediation. Journal of the Association of Environmental
and Resource Economists, 4(1): 197-241. https://www.iournals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/689743.
48 Sullivan, K. A. 2017. Brownfields Remediation: Impact on Local Residential Property Tax Revenue. Journal of Environmental
Assessment Policy and Management, 19(3), http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S1464333217500132.
636
-------
Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database, $1 of EPA's Brownfields
funding leverages between $16 and $17 in other public and private funding.49
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. For example, EPA made 910 additional
brownfields sites ready for anticipated use in FY 2019, exceeding FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority
Goal by over 400 sites for a total of 1,771 sites. In FY 2021, EPA will build on current work to
revitalize communities across the country by providing financial and technical assistance to assess,
cleanup, and plan reuse at brownfields sites. The Brownfields Program will continue to foster
federal, state, tribal, local, and public-private partnerships to return properties to productive
economic use, including in Opportunity Zones. The activities described below will leverage
approximately 7,100 jobs and $1.2 billion in other funding sources.50
• Funding will support at least 87 assessment cooperative agreements that recipients may use
to inventory, assess, and conduct cleanup and reuse planning at brownfields sites.
Approximately 520 site assessments will be completed under these agreements.
• EPA will provide funding for TBAs in up to 60 communities without access to other
assessment resources or those that lack the capacity to manage a brownfields assessment
grant. There is special emphasis for small and rural communities to submit requests for this
funding to ensure equal access to brownfields assessment resources. These assessments
will be performed through contracts and interagency agreements.
• Funding will support 26 direct cleanup cooperative agreements to enable eligible entities
to clean up recipient owned properties.
• Funding will support 10 multipurpose cooperative agreements, authorized under the
Brownfields Utilization, Investment and Local Development (BUILD) Act that was passed
in March 2018. Under this cooperative agreement, recipients may conduct assessments and
cleanup at multiple sites, as well as planning activities at the targeted sites under one award.
• The Agency will provide supplemental funding to approximately 13 existing high
performing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) recipients. These awards will lead to
approximately 25 additional sites cleaned up.
• Funding will support 15 Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training (EWDJT)
cooperative agreements. This funding will provide environmental job training for citizens
to take advantage of new jobs created as a result of brownfield assessment, cleanup, and
revitalization in their communities. The request will lead to approximately 735 people
trained and 510 placed in jobs.
49 For more information, please visit www, epa. go v/brownfields.
50 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate. All estimates of outputs and outcomes are supported by the
data that is entered by cooperative agreement recipients via EPA's ACRES database.
637
-------
• Funding also will support assessment and cleanup of abandoned underground storage tanks
and other petroleum contamination found on brownfields properties for up to 30
brownfields assessment cooperative agreements and two cleanup cooperative agreements,
as authorized under CERCLA 104(k)(2) and (3).
• Funding also will support training, research, technical assistance cooperative agreements,
interagency agreements, and contracts to support states, tribes, and communities for both
the Brownfields and Land Revitalization programs and other assistance mechanisms, as
authorized under CERCLA 104(k)(7).
• Funding will be provided for technical assistance to an estimated 50 small and
disadvantaged communities as defined in the recently passed BUILD Act and as authorized
in Section 128(a)(B)(III).
All estimates of outputs and outcomes are supported by the data that is entered by cooperative
agreement recipients via the ACRES database and analyzed by EPA. Maintenance of ACRES
focuses on the input of high-quality data, and robust analysis regarding program outcomes and
performance will continue to be priorities during FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM B30) Number of brownfields sites made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
550
550
600
600
684
684
684
684
Sites
Actual
639
668
547
531
861
910
(PM B37) Billions of dollars of cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged at brownfields sites.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.3
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
1.54
1.71
1.47
1.7
2.2
2.3
Work under this program supports performance results in the Integrated Environmental Strategies
Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$18,000.0) This program change supports EPA's Opportunity Zones focus area by
providing a set-aside for projects located in Qualified Opportunity Zones, to the extent
there are sufficient qualified applications. The Budget proposes appropriation language to
create this set-aside.
• (-$27,000.0) This program change reflects a focus on assessment and direct cleanup grants,
while reducing other program activities.
638
-------
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) §§
101(39) and 104(k).
639
-------
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
N JV.IfifiM
S 3.0MUI
-S2f>J,Sf>.0
Total Budget Authority
$24,469.5
$29,186.0
$3,000.0
-$26,186.0
Program Project Description:
The Alaska Rural and Native Village (ANV) Program reduces disease and health care costs by
providing critical basic drinking water and sanitation infrastructure {i.e., flushing toilets and
running water) in vulnerable rural and Native Alaskan communities that lack such services
disproportionately when compared to the rest of the country. Alaskan rural and native water and
sewer systems face not only the typical challenges associated with small system size, but also the
challenging climactic and geographic conditions, such as permafrost, shortened construction
seasons, and extremely remote locations.
ANV communities look to EPA as a last-resort funding source when they or the State of Alaska
are not able to fully finance the needed water infrastructure improvements. The Program serves
communities that often lack the debt capacity to apply for other funding sources, including EPA
State Revolving Loan Funds. The results from the Indian Health Service's (IHS) November 2019
analysis exemplify the need to assist these communities - the IHS identified $223 million of need
for water and wastewater infrastructure in Alaska in FY 2019.51 Many communities on the
prioritized list have not been able to advance their projects due to lack of funding.
EPA's grant to the State of Alaska funds improvements and construction of drinking water and
wastewater treatment facilities for these small and disadvantaged communities. Investments in
wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in rural Alaskan communities contributed to an
increase of access to water and sewer service from 60 percent in the late 1990s to 97.2 percent in
2019.52 While the gains in the Program have been significant, ANV communities continue to trail
behind the non-tribal/non-native population in the U.S. with access to water and sanitation. In
Alaska, approximately 3 percent of native and rural serviceable households1 are without complete
indoor plumbing, a much higher figure than the national average of 0.4 percent53 of occupied
homes that lack complete indoor plumbing.
51 IHS data from November 2019 indicates a $223 million water and sewer need in Alaska. The 2018 IHS Annual Sanitation
Deficiency Report to Congress
https://www.ihs.gov/sites/newsroom/themes/responsive2017/displav obiects/documents/Report To Congress FY18 Sanitation
FacilitiesDeficiencies.pdf.
52 Based on data from the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the State of Alaska (2019).
53 See, U.S. Census Survey, 2012.
640
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In addition to funding system upgrades and construction to address the aforementioned challenges
Alaskans face, the ANV Program also uniquely supports training, technical assistance, and
educational Programs to improve the financial management and operation and maintenance of
sanitation systems. This is done through leveraging prioritization and implementation expertise
from the State of Alaska54 with ANV Program funds.
The ANV technical assistance Program helps to improve the long-term sustainability of the rural
water utilities, creating transferable job skills in construction and operation and maintenance
activities. The Program also has helped to nearly double the number of properly certified drinking
water treatment plant operators in Alaskan rural villages since FY 1992, and the number of non-
compliant systems has decreased by close to 80 percent since FY 2006.55 Since 2005, the Program,
in collaboration and combination with other federal agencies, has shown significant progress
documenting the number of projects and ANV homes with increased access to safe water and
sanitation. Over this period, the ANV Program contributed about 35 percent56 of all funding
provided from federal agencies.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2021 request of $3 million will provide water and
wastewater services for additional homes and maintain the existing level of wastewater and
drinking water infrastructure that meets public health standards. Based on data from the past three
years of funding to the ANV Program, it is expected that $3 million in ANV funds in FY 2021
would improve the drinking water and/or wastewater services to about 350 homes in rural Alaska
and continue to support training, technical assistance, and educational Programs that protect
existing federal investments in infrastructure by improving operation and maintenance of the
systems.
In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to work with the State of Alaska to address sanitation
conditions and maximize the value of the federal investment in rural Alaska. EPA will continue to
implement the Alaska Rural and Native Village "Management Controls Policy," adopted in June
2007, to ensure efficient use of funds by allocating them to projects that are ready to proceed or
progressing satisfactorily. The Agency has made great strides in implementing more focused and
intensive oversight of the ANV grant Program through cost analyses, post-award monitoring, and
timely closeout of projects.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this Program.
54 The State of Alaska uses a risk-based prioritization process to fund projects that will have the greatest public health and
environmental benefit. Further, the State delivers these services to ANV communities by coordinating across federal agencies and
Programs.
55 As reported by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Remote Maintenance Worker Program outcome
reports (November 2018).
56 Including the required state match.
641
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$26,186.0) This program change reduces support for the Alaska Rural and Native
Villages Program. EPA estimates that the FY 2021 request of $3 million will improve the
drinking water and/or wastewater services to approximately 350 homes in rural Alaska.
The State Revolving Funds are an additional source of infrastructure funding that can
continue to fund water system improvements in Alaska.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 § 303; Clean Water Act § 1263a.
642
-------
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
Sl.f>2.\-I-I-I.5
Sl.fiJS.SJf)./)
SI J IV.—N.V
-S5IV.0-IK.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,625,444.5
$1,638,826.0
$1,119,778.0
-$519,048.0
Total Workyears
3.7
3.6
3.6
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program capitalizes state revolving loan funds
in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to finance infrastructure improvements for public wastewater
systems and projects to improve water quality. These funds directly support the Agency's goal to
ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and sustainable management.
The CWSRF is the largest source of federal funds for states to provide loans and other forms of
assistance for water quality projects including construction of wastewater treatment facilities,
water and energy efficiency projects, green infrastructure projects, and agricultural Best
Management Practices (BMPs). The Program also includes a provision for set-aside funding for
tribes to address serious wastewater infrastructure needs and associated health impacts. In addition,
the CWSRF provides direct grant funding for the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. This
federal investment is designed to be used in concert with other sources of funds to address water
quality needs.57 Additional tools, such as additional subsidization, are available as part of the
CWSRF Program to assist small and disadvantaged communities. The CWSRF Program is a key
component of EPA's efforts to achieve innovative solutions to wastewater infrastructure needs and
realize economic and environmental benefits that will continue to accrue for years in the future.
The revolving nature of the funds and substantial state contributions have greatly multiplied the
federal investment. EPA estimates that for every federal dollar contributed thus far the nation has
received approximately three dollars of investment in water infrastructure. As of June 2019, the
state CWSRFs have provided over $138 billion in affordable financing for a wide variety of
wastewater infrastructure and other water quality projects.58 In 2019, over 1,600 assistance
agreements went to communities of all sizes, funding $6.2 billion in projects aimed at treating
wastewater, addressing stormwater runoff, tackling non-point source pollution, and addressing a
myriad of other environmental issues.59
57 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
58 Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management System. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, National Information
Management System Reports: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Washington, DC (As of June 30,2019).
59 Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management System. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, National Information
Management System Reports: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Washington, DC (As of June 30,2019).
643
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This federal investment will continue to enable progress
toward the Nation's clean water needs and infrastructure priorities and will contribute to the long-
term performance goal to reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not
meeting standards by 37,000 square miles by September 30, 2022. In FY 2019, EPA exceeded its
ambitious target for reducing the square miles of watersheds with surface waters not meeting
standards. Over 12,700 square miles of watershed area that contained impaired waters in FY 2018
are now meeting water quality standards.
EPA continues to work with states to meet several key objectives, such as:
• Linking projects to environmental results;
• Targeting assistance to small and underserved communities with limited ability to repay
loans; and
• Ensuring the CWSRFs remain reliable sources of affordable funding.
The Agency is requesting over $2 billion in the FY 2021 President's Budget to provide funding
for critical wastewater infrastructure. In FY 2021, EPA requests nearly $2 billion for the Clean
Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), combined. These funding levels further
infrastructure repair and replacement and would allow states, municipalities, and private entities
to continue to finance high-priority infrastructure investments that protect human health.
To help drive progress, the Agency has set the FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goal that by
September 30, 2021, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA
water infrastructure finance Programs (CWSRF, DWSRF, and WIFIA). During FY 2018 and FY
2019, EPA increased the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance
Programs by $20.0 billion, exceeding our two-year FY 2018-2019 APG target of $16 billion. In
addition to meeting the APG, EPA met all of the contributing indicators: Engagements with the
Water Infrastructure Community; Tools, Training, and Resources Provided to the Water
Infrastructure Community; and SRF State Reviews completed. The success of this metric is due to
the collaborative efforts of EPA, states, and local communities.
The FY 2021 capitalization of the Clean Water SRF would supplement the more than $138 billion
in assistance provided over the life of the Program. The assistance provided in 2019 from federal
capitalization, state contributions, and repayments was $6.2 billion.
EPA requests that an amount equal to 10-20 percent of the total CWSRF capitalization grant funds
made available to each state be used to provide additional subsidization to eligible recipients in
the form of forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, or grants (or any combination of
these). The CWSRF Program also implements American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements, as
required by law.
In addition to capitalizing the CW SRF, a portion of the appropriation also will provide direct grants
to communities within the tribes and territories. These communities are in great need of assistance
644
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given that their sanitation infrastructure lags behind the rest of the country, causing significant
public health concerns. To ensure sufficient resources are directed toward these communities that
face additional challenges, EPA continues to request a tribal set-aside of 2 percent, or $30 million,
whichever is greatest, of the funds appropriated in FY 2021. EPA also continues to request a
territories set-aside of 1.5 percent of the funds appropriated from the CWSRF for American
Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, and the United States Virgin Islands.
EPA requests that up to $2 million of the tribal set-aside be used for training and technical
assistance related to the operation and management of tribal wastewater treatment works. EPA
also requests the ability to use the tribal and territorial set-asides to support planning and design
of treatment works and for the construction, repair, or replacement of privately-owned
decentralized wastewater treatment systems serving one or more principal residences or small
commercial establishments (e.g., septic systems), authority similar to that already available to
states. Expanded support for planning and design will protect the federal investment in wastewater
infrastructure and ensure access to safe wastewater treatment for tribes and territories that face
significant challenges with sanitation infrastructure. The ability for both the tribes and territories
to construct, repair, or replace decentralized wastewater treatment systems will allow the flexibility
that these communities require to provide wastewater infrastructure that is appropriate for the
unique circumstances of each community.
EPA will partner with states to ensure that the CWSRF continues to play an important role in
promoting efficient system-wide planning; improvements in technical, financial and managerial
capacity; and the design, construction and ongoing management of sustainable water
infrastructure. To streamline data collection and reduce reporting burden, EPA is working to
redesign the databases currently used to collect performance information about the CWSRF and
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Programs. The aim is for this effort to reduce
reporting burden by eliminating redundancy and providing a more user-friendly interface for states
to submit data.
Elsewhere in the FY 2021 budget, EPA requests $25 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. Through WIFIA, EPA will make direct loans to regionally
or nationally significant water infrastructure projects. These combined investments, the SRFs and
WIFIA, further the Agency's ongoing commitment to infrastructure repair and replacement.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM INFRA-01) Number of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
iy 20 r
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
5.6
5.3
8.1
8.6
9.7
10.3
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
The FY 2021 capitalization of the Clean Water SRF would supplement the more than $138 billion
in assistance provided over the life of the program. The assistance provided in 2019 from federal
645
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capitalization, state contributions, and repayments was $6.2 billion. Changes from levels included
in the Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget include:
• (-$519,048.0) This program change is a decrease to the Clean Water SRF Program.
Investments in the two SRFs, combined with the WIFIA Program, will still promote and
leverage water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Water Act; Title V of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of
2014.
646
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Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
sum.it::..*
SIJ2f>J)SS.O
Total Budget Authority
$1,131,822.3
$1,126,088.0
$863,235.0
-$262,853.0
Total Workyears
2.5
1.4
1.4
0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is designed to assist public water systems
to finance the costs of drinking water infrastructure improvements needed to achieve or maintain
compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, to protect public health, and to
support state and local efforts to protect drinking water. The 2015 Drinking Water Infrastructure
Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA), which is conducted every four years, indicated a 20-
year capital investment need of $472.6 billion for public water systems that are eligible to receive
funding from state DWSRF Programs. The capital investment need covers 49,250 community
water systems (CWS), 21,400 not-for-profit non-community water systems (NPNCWS),
American Indian water systems, and Alaska Native Village (ANV) water systems. The 2015
DWINSA need reflects costs for repairs and replacement of leaking transmission pipes and
deteriorated storage and treatment equipment, as well as new infrastructure and other projects (for
example: replacing lead service lines) required to protect public health and to ensure compliance
with the SDWA.
To reduce public health risks and to help ensure safe and reliable delivery of drinking water
nationwide, EPA makes capitalization grants to states so that they can provide low-cost loans and
other assistance to eligible public water systems and maintain robust drinking water protection
Programs. In addition to maintaining the statutory focus on addressing the greatest public health
risks first, states can utilize set-asides to assist small systems and those most in need on a per
household basis according to state affordability criteria.
The DWSRF Program provides communities access to critical low-cost financing and offers a
subsidy to help utilities address long-term needs associated with water infrastructure. Most
DWSRF assistance is offered in the form of loans which water utilities repay from the revenues
they generate through the rates they charge their customers for service. Water utilities in many
communities may need to evaluate the rate at which they invest in drinking water infrastructure
repair and replacement to keep pace with their aging infrastructure, much of which may be
approaching the end of its useful life.
647
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EPA is focusing on the needs of small community systems, while retaining state flexibility in the
management of their funds. EPA continues its small systems emphasis by working closely with
state Programs to improve public water system sustainability and public health protection for
persons served by small water systems.
State Set-Asides
States have considerable flexibility to tailor their DWSRF Program to their unique circumstances.
This flexibility ensures that each state can carefully and strategically consider how best to achieve
the maximum public health protection. To achieve this, states may set aside and award funds for
targeted activities that can help them implement and expand their drinking water Programs. The
four DWSRF set-asides60 are: Small System Technical Assistance (up to 2 percent),
Administrative and Technical Assistance61 (up to 4 percent, $400,000 or l/5th percent of the
current valuation of the fund, whichever is greater), State Program Management (up to 10 percent),
and Local Assistance and Other State Programs (up to 15 percent). Taken together, approximately
31 percent of a state's DWSRF capitalization grant may be set aside for activities other than
infrastructure construction. These set asides enable states to improve water system operation and
management, emphasizing institutional capacity as a means of achieving sustainable water system
operations. Historically, the states have set aside an annual average of 16 percent of the funds
awarded to them for Program development, of which approximately 4 percent is used to administer
the Program; however, over the past three years, states have increased their set-asides to
approximately 22 percent.
Non-Federal Leveraging
The federal investment is designed to be used with other sources of funds to address drinking water
infrastructure needs. States are required to provide a 20 percent match for their capitalization grant.
Some states elect to leverage their capitalization grants through the public debt markets to enable
the state to provide more assistance. These features, including state match leveraging, and the
revolving fund design of the Program, have enabled the states to provide assistance equal to 195
percent of the federal capitalization invested in the Program since its inception in 1997. In other
words, for every dollar the federal government invests in this Program, the states, in total, have
delivered almost $2.00 in assistance to water systems. In addition, the DWSRF's rate of funds
utilized62 was 95.3 percent in 2019, nearly hitting its funds utilization target of 96 percent.
National Set-Asides
Prior to allotting funds to the states, EPA is required to reserve certain national level set-asides.63
Two million dollars must, by statute, be allocated to small systems monitoring for unregulated
contaminants to facilitate small water system compliance with the monitoring and reporting
requirements of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR). Historically, a
three-year sampling period occurs within each five-year monitoring cycle. During the sampling
60 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf/how-drinking-water-state-revolving-fund-works#tab-
5.
61 For more information, please see: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/612/text.
62 The cumulative dollar amount of loan agreements divided by cumulative funds available for projects.
63 Safe Drinking Water Act Sections 1452(i)(l), 1452(i)(2), 1452(j), and 1452(o), as amended.
648
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period, fund utilization exceeds the annual appropriation of $2 million and the carry-over reserve
funds from non-sampling years are essential to complete the small system monitoring efforts.
EPA will reserve up to 2 percent, or $20 million, whichever is greater, of appropriated funds for
tribes and ANVs. These funds are awarded either directly to tribes or, on behalf of tribes, to the
Indian Health Service through interagency agreements. Additionally, EPA will continue to set
aside up to 1.5 percent for territories.
In addition, SDWA requires that no funds made available by a state DWSRF as authorized by
SDWA Section 1452 (42 U.S.C. 300j-12) shall be used for a project for the construction, alteration,
maintenance, or repair of a public water system unless all of the iron and steel products used in the
project are produced in the United States. The Administrator may retain up to 0.25 percent of the
funds appropriated in this Act for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for
carrying out the provisions for management and oversight of the requirements of this section.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water,
of the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan to increase by $40 billion the number of non-federal
dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance Programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).,
and the related FY 2020 - 2021 Agency Priority Goal (APG), established during the FY 2021
budget development process. The goal of the APG - Empower communities to leverage EPA water
infrastructure investments - is to increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by the
EPA water infrastructure finance Programs by September 30, 2021. For FY 2021, EPA requests
$863 million for the DWSRF to help finance critical infrastructure improvement projects to public
drinking water systems. In FY 2021, EPA requests nearly $2 billion for the Drinking Water and
Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), combined. The budget provides robust funding for
critical drinking and wastewater infrastructure.
The requested funding level reflects the documented needs for drinking water infrastructure and
the need to improve infrastructure in small communities. EPA will continue to foster its strong
partnership with the states to provide small system technical assistance, with a focus on compliance
with rules, operational efficiencies, and system sustainability to ensure clean and safe water. In FY
2018-2019, EPA, pursuant to the Annual Priority Goal and long-term performance infrastructure
goals, increased the number of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance
Programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA) by $20B. In FY 2021, EPA also will continue to expand
local utilities' and existing state Programs' knowledge of the funding options available to meet
future infrastructure needs.
EPA will continue to work to target a significant portion of assistance from SRFs to small and
underserved communities with limited ability to repay loans. In FY 2021, EPA will work with
states to ensure not less than 20 and not more than 30 percent of a state's capitalization grant is
provided as additional subsidization. In addition, the America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA)
of 2018 requires that states provide subsidization to assist disadvantaged communities of 6 percent
to 35 percent of the state's capitalization grant.
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In FY 2021, the DWSRF Program will continue to implement the Clean Water and Drinking Water
Infrastructure Sustainability Policy. This policy focuses on promoting system-wide planning that
helps align water infrastructure system goals, analyzing a range of infrastructure alternatives,
including energy efficient alternatives, and ensuring that systems have the financial capacity and
rate structures to construct, operate, maintain, and replace infrastructure over time.
In FY 2021, EPA is continuing emphasis on strengthening small system technical, managerial and
financial capability through the Capacity Development Program, the Operator Certification
Program, the Public Water System Supervision state grant Program, and the DWSRF. The
Capacity Development Program establishes a framework within which states and water systems
can work together to help these small systems achieve the SDWA's public health protection
objectives. The state Capacity Development Programs are supported federally by the Public Water
System Supervision state grant funds and the set-asides established in the DWSRF. In FY 2021,
EPA will work with states to review and update their capacity development strategies to include
asset management as required by (AWIA).
EPA also is seeking more efficient use of federal infrastructure funds by empowering communities
to increase water infrastructure investments and non-federal dollars leveraged by water
infrastructure finance Programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF and WIFIA) to repair and
modernize the outdated American water infrastructure.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
3,060
CWSs
Actual
4,682
5,050
4,817
3,508
3,480
3,547
(PMINFRA-01) Number of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
5.6
5.3
8.1
8.6
9.7
10.3
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
The FY 2021 capitalization of the Drinking Water SRF would supplement more than $41.1 billion
in assistance provided over the life of the Program. The assistance provided in 2019 from federal
capitalization, state contributions, and repayments was $2.8 billion. Changes from levels included
in the Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget include:
• (-$262,853.0) This program change is a decrease to the Drinking Water SRF Program.
Investments in the two SRFs, combined with the WIFIA Program, promote water and
wastewater infrastructure improvements.
650
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Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act § 1452.
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Gold King Mine Water Monitoring
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S-Z/xS'"..?
s-j,oim.o
SO.I)
-S -1.01)0.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,687.3
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Total Workyears
0.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
Program Project Description:
The Gold King Mine Water Monitoring Program supports the development and implementation
of a monitoring program for rivers contaminated by the Gold King Mine Spill.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,000.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Gold King Mine Water
Monitoring Program. There are other sources of funding that support water monitoring
activities, including the Pollution Control (Section 106) Grants Program.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, § 5004(d); Clean Water Act §
106.
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Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SM.foJ.V
S 25.000.0
S 0.0
-.S 25.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$14,653.9
$25,000.0
$0.0
-$25,000.0
Program Project Description:
The U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program supports the planning, design, and
construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities along the border with all projects
benefiting communities on the U.S. side of the border.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021. The State Revolving Funds
are a source of infrastructure funding that can continue to fund water system improvements in U. S.
communities along the border.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$25,000.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the U.S.-Mexico Border Water
Infrastructure Program. Other sources of funding are available to support these efforts in
U.S. communities along the border, most notably the Clean Water and Drinking Water
State Revolving Funds.
Statutory Authority:
Treaty entitled "Agreement between the United States of America and the United Mexican States
on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area,
August 14, 1983."
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Targeted Airshed Grants
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S.11. -
S
so.o
-.S 50JOO.O
Total Budget Authority
$31,736.7
$56,306.0
$0.0
-$56,306.0
Program Project Description:
This program awards competitive grant funding to reduce air pollution in nonattainment areas that
were ranked as the top five most polluted areas relative to annual ozone or PM2.5 National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); as well as the top five areas relative to the 24-hour
PM2.5 NAAQS. In FY 2019, over $50 million in competitive grant funds was allocated for this
program for the same purpose. This program assists air control agencies in developing plans,
conducting demonstrations, and implementing projects to reduce air pollution in these
nonattainment areas.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$56,306.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Targeted Airshed Grants
program.
Statutory Authority:
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
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Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
Slft'.O
SJi.-WS.O
so.o
-S25.-I0S.0
Total Budget Authority
$167.0
$25,408.0
$0.0
-$25,408.0
Total Workyears
0.7
1.0
0.0
-1.0
Program Project Description:
The Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Program provides grants to eligible
entities for use in carrying out projects and activities to assist public water systems.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2021.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$25,408.0 / -1.0 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Safe Water for Small
and Disadvantaged Communities Program. EPA will continue to work on awarding funds
appropriated by Congress in FYs 2018 - 2020; however, in FY 2021, EPA will continue to
request flexible subsidization funding to target small and disadvantaged communities
through the State Revolving Funds.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, Section 2104; Further
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
655
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Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water, Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
Sft2.ll
S iv.51l.lt
S20.0IKUI
s-isv.n
Total Budget Authority
$62.0
$19,511.0
$20,000.0
$489.0
Total Workyears
0.4
1.0
0.0
-1.0
Program Project Description:
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) was enacted to help
communities address numerous drinking water and wastewater infrastructure issues. WIIN was
part of the W ater Resources Development Act of 2016, which includes provi sions to improve water
infrastructure around the country.
The Reducing Lead in Drinking Water grant program was established in Section 2105 of WIIN.
Objectives of the grant program are to reduce the concentration of lead in drinking water by: (1)
replacing publicly owned lead service lines; (2) identifying and addressing conditions that
contribute to increased concentration of lead in drinking water; and (3) providing assistance to
low-income homeowners to replace lead service lines. Priority will be given to applications from
disadvantaged communities.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, as well as the FY 2020-2021 Lead Agency Priority Goal
and the Federal Lead Action Plan. The Lead APG is related to the reduction of childhood lead
exposures and associated health impacts and includes a provision to establish drinking water lead
testing programs for schools in all states and the District of Columbia. The FY 2021 request
includes $20 million for the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water grant program. Funding will be
used to provide grants to eligible entities for lead reduction projects in the United States.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
656
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FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$489.0 / -1.0 FTE) This net program change supports the Lead Exposure Reduction
Initiative including supporting the goals of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood
Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts and EPA's Agency Priority Goal focused
on lead.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, Section 2105; Further
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94.
657
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Lead Testing in Schools
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SW5.0
S2/>.000.0
S 15.000.0
-SI 1.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$995.0
$26,000.0
$15,000.0
-$11,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) was enacted to help
communities address numerous drinking water and wastewater infrastructure issues. WIIN
includes the Water Resource Development Act of 2016, which includes provisions to improve
water infrastructure around the country. This Act specifically authorizes $100 million for
communities facing drinking water emergencies, including helping communities recover from lead
contamination. The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) also strengthened many
existing programs within EPA and various sections of WIIN while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs.
The FY 2021 request of $15 million will continue to fund the Voluntary School and Child Care
Lead Testing Grant Program. This grant program was established in Section 2107 of WIIN and
amended by Section 2006 of AWIA. Objectives of the grant program are to reduce childhood
exposure to lead in drinking water by helping states target funding to schools and child care
programs unable to pay for testing and establishing best practices for preventing lead in drinking
water.
The FY 2021 request includes $5 million to support the Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative
including supporting the goals of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures
and Associated Health Impacts and EPA's APG focused on lead.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Funding will be used to provide grants to assist local
educational agencies in voluntary testing of lead contamination in drinking water at schools and
child care programs. Work in this program project supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Lead Agency
Priority Goal (APG) related to the reduction of childhood lead exposures and associated health
impact with several provisions including establishing drinking water lead testing programs for
schools in all states and the District of Columbia. Work in this program also supports EPA's
implementation of the Federal Lead Action Plan.
658
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,000.0) This program change is an overall reduction to the Voluntary School and
Child Care Lead Testing Grant Program due to the need to prioritize among Administration
priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act § 1464(d), as amended by AWIA, Pub. L. 115-270 § 2006.
659
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Healthy Schools
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S 50.000.0
S 50.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
Program Project Description:
EPA is committed to protecting children where they live, learn, and play. The Agency understands
that to be protective of children's health, as highlighted by the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, it is essential that children be safe from
environmental hazards. Although EPA provides grant funding to a wide range of initiatives
focused on addressing risks to children's health, the Agency has no comprehensive environmental
health management program to support school administrators and others in identifying and
addressing some of the most common areas of environmental health concerns found in schools.
The proposed Healthy Schools Grant Program addresses potential gaps in school environmental
health by supporting states, federally recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local
educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30), and non-profit organizations (including
faith-based schools) in the identification and mitigation of potential environmental health issues.
Recognizing that school environmental health challenges differ due to variations in geography,
age of school infrastructure, population density, and other factors, the Program would provide EPA
and its partners with flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human
health and the environment in school settings. Under this Program, funding would be available to
identify, prevent, reduce, and resolve environmental hazards, including preventing childhood lead
exposure, reducing asthma triggers, promoting integrated pest management, and reducing or
eliminating childhood exposure to toxics in schools across all environmental media.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, funds would support the
implementation of mandatory statutory duties delegated by EPA under pertinent environmental
laws in relation to comprehensive school environmental health programs. States, federally
recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(30), and non-profit organizations would have the flexibility to apply the funds toward school
environmental health activities required in a broad array of environmental statutes, depending on
local needs and priorities. Results would be tracked as required by EPA's Environmental Results
660
-------
Order and would support critical children's health work in school settings across multiple
environmental programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$50,000.0) This investment provides grant funding focused on addressing risks to
children's health across multiple environmental programs to identify, help prevent, reduce,
and resolve environmental hazards in schools in ways responsive to local needs and
priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Annual Appropriation Acts; Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act (GAP);
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
(1972), Section 20; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Section 10; Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA), as amended by section 2104, 2105 and 2107 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements
for the Nation Act (WIIN); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, enacted
as amendments to Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
and Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Note: EPA is currently seeking appropriations language to support this program: "$50,000,000
shall be for grants to States, federally recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local
educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30), and non-profit organizations, for
detection, assessment, prevention, control, or abatement of pollution and other environmental
hazards in school buildings as defined in 20 U.S.C. 3610(6), and related activities; Provided, that
the federal share of the costs of such activities shall not exceed 75 percent; Providedfurther, that
the Administrator may waive such cost share requirement in the case of schools located in
economically distressed communities."
661
-------
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
sj.im.it
S 2,0(10.0
-S 1.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$3,000.0
$2,000.0
-$1,000.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues including projects in small rural communities as well as large
dollar-value projects for all communities. AWIA strengthens the federal government's ability to
invest in water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to
have access to safe drinking water and our Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from
pollution. AWIA strengthens many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs
to tackle significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to
protecting public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and
urban communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development.
The FY 2021 request includes $2 million to fund the Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and
Sustainability Grant Program. Section 2005 of AWIA requires EPA to establish a competitive
grant program to assist eligible entities in the planning, design, construction, implementation,
operation, or maintenance of a program or project that increases resilience to natural hazards.
AWIA mandates, such as this program, will be critical to achieving the Administration's priorities
by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality
across the country.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Activities in FY 2021 include the conservation of water
or the enhancement of water use efficiency; the modification or relocation of existing drinking
water system infrastructure made, or that is at risk of being, significantly impaired by natural
hazards, including risks to drinking water from flooding; the design or construction of desalination
facilities to serve existing communities; the enhancement of water supply through the use of
watershed management and source water protection; the enhancement of energy efficiency or the
use and generation of renewable energy in the conveyance or treatment of drinking water; or the
development and implementation of activities to increase the resilience of the eligible entity to
662
-------
natural hazards. EPA plans to issue grant awards for this program beginning in FY 2020. The FY
2021 request continues this grant program.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Categorial Grant: Public Water System Supervision Programs under the STAG
appropriation and the Drinking Water Programs under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,000.0) This program change is a reduction to the Drinking Water Infrastructure
Resilience and Sustainability Grant Program.
Statutory Authority:
AWIA, P L. 115-270, Section 2005.
663
-------
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
SI 0.000.0
S 10.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. AWIA
strengthened many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs.
The FY 2021 request includes $10 million to create the new Drinking Fountain Lead Testing Grant
Program. Section 2006 of AWIA requires EPA to establish a grant program to help local
educational agencies replace drinking water fountains manufactured prior to 1988. AWIA
mandates will be critical to achieving the Administration's priorities by increasing water
infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across the country, while
also supporting the Administrator's commitment to protecting children where they live, learn, and
play.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, funding priority will be given to local
educational agencies based on economic need. Grants awarded under this program will be used to
pay the costs of replacement of drinking water fountains in schools. The funds may be used to pay
the costs of monitoring and reporting of lead levels in the drinking water of schools and local
educational agencies receiving the funding. EPA plans to issue grant awards for this new program
in FY 2021. Work in this program project supports the FY 2020 - 2021 Lead Agency Priority Goal
(APG) and EPA's implementation of the Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead
Exposures and Associated Health Impacts.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
664
-------
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$10,000.0) This program change reflects the Agency's support of the new Drinking
Water Fountain Lead Testing Program under AWIA Section 2006. This also supports the
Lead Exposure Reduction Initiative focus area including supporting the goals of the
Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts
and EPA's APG focused on lead.
Statutory Authority:
AWIA, P L. 115-270, Section 2006.
665
-------
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
N/2.000.0
S '.500.0
-S -1.500.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$12,000.0
$7,500.0
-$4,500.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. AWIA
strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in water infrastructure in communities in
every state, so that all Americans can continue to have access to safe drinking water and our
Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution. AWIA strengthens many existing
programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns
and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow
the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can
thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant programs to promoting water quality
workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to achieving the Administration's
priorities by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water
quality across the country.
The FY 2021 request of $7.5 million will continue funding for the Technical Assistance for
Treatment Works Grant Program. Section 4103 of AWIA authorizes EPA to provide grants to
nonprofit organizations to help rural, small, and tribal municipalities obtain Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program financing and share information on planning, design,
construction, and operation of wastewater systems. This training and technical assistance will
assist small rural wastewater systems to improve operational performance and sustainable
operations over the long term, thereby improving public health and water quality and protecting
infrastructure investments. This funding will provide training to operators, staff, and managers on
sustainable and effective management, finance, and operations.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will provide grants to nonprofit
organizations to help rural, small, and tribal municipalities obtain CWSRF financing, protect water
quality and ensure Clean Water Act compliance, and share information on planning, design,
construction, and operation of wastewater systems. EPA aims to issue grant awards for this
program beginning in FY 2020. The FY 2021 request continues this grant program.
666
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and CWSRF Programs under the STAG appropriation and the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,500.0) This program change is a reduction to the Technical Assistance for Treatment
Works Grant Program due to the need to reprioritize resources among Administration
priorities.
Statutory Authority:
AWIA, P L. 115-270, Section 4103.
667
-------
Sewer Overflow Control Grants
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
S 2 S. 000.0
SOI.-150.0
S33,-150.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$28,000.0
$61,450.0
$33,450.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. AWIA
strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in water infrastructure in communities in
every state, so that all Americans can continue to have access to safe drinking water and our
Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution. AWIA strengthens many existing
programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns
and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow
the American economy, and ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can
thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant programs to promoting water quality
workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to achieving the Administration's
priorities by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water
quality across the country.
The FY 2021 request of $61.45 million will increase funding for the Sewer Overflow Control
Grants Program. This program provides grants to fund projects at treatment works that reduce the
incidence of combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater issues.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Section 4106 of AWIA re-authorizes and amends the
Clean Water Act grant program components for addressing sewer overflows and stormwater
management. EPA will award grants with a to-be-developed formula that captures stormwater
needs. To the extent eligible projects exist, 20 percent of the appropriated funds must be for
projects utilizing green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements, or other
innovative activities. EPA aims to issue grant awards for this new program beginning in FY 2020.
The FY 2021 request continues this grant program.
668
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund Programs under the STAG appropriation and the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$33,450.0) This increase to the Sewer Overflow Control Grants Program will fund
additional projects at treatment works that reduce the incidence of combined sewer
overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater issues.
Statutory Authority:
AWIA, P L. 115-270, Section 4106.
669
-------
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
sj.im.it
SI.000.0
S 0.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$1,000.0
$1,000.0
$0.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and in small rural communities. AWIA
strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in water infrastructure in communities in
every state, so that all Americans can continue to have access to safe drinking water and our
Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution. AWIA strengthens many existing
programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns
and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow
the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can
thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant programs to promoting water quality
workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to achieving the Administration's
priorities through increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and
water quality across the country.
The FY 2021 request of $1 million will continue funding for the Water Infrastructure and
Workforce Investment Grant Program. Section 4304 of AWIA requires EPA, in consultation with
the United States Department of Agriculture, to establish a competitive grant program to promote
water utility workforce development and increase public awareness of water utilities and careers.
AWIA authorizes EPA to select non-profit, labor, or educational institutions that are experienced
and qualified and that will address diverse types of water utilities. The Water Infrastructure and
Workforce Investment Grant Program will assist in the development and utilization of activities
related to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector. Providing
this funding will promote the direct connection to industry employers for a skilled and diverse
workforce. The funding can support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, on the job
training, test preparation for skilled trade apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.
Water and wastewater utilities provide a unique opportunity to high-quality careers and it is
imperative to invest in a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.
670
-------
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA aims to issue the grant awards for this program
beginning in FY 2020. The FY 2021 request continues this grant program.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund Programs under the STAG appropriation and the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• No change in program funding.
Statutory Authority:
42 U.S.C. 300j-19e, AWIA, P.L. 115-270, Section 4304.
671
-------
672
-------
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Program Projects in WIFIA 676
Water Quality Protection 677
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation 678
673
-------
674
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
Budget Authority
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
Total Workyears
22.1
28.4
12.0
-16.4
Bill Language: WIFIA
For the cost of direct loans and for the cost of guaranteed loans, as authorized by the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, $20,000,000, to remain available until
expended: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of1974: Providedfurther, That these funds
are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans, including
capitalized interest, and total loan principal, including capitalized interest, any part of which is to
be guaranteed, not to exceed $4,170,000,000: Provided further, That the use of direct loans or
loan guarantee authority under this heading for direct loans or commitments to guarantee loans
for any project shall be in accordance with the criteria published pursuant to the fourth proviso
under the heading "Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account" in division D
of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-94).
In addition, fees authorized to be collected pursuant to sections 5029 and 5030 of the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 shall be deposited in this account, to remain
available until expended for the purposes provided in such sections.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs,
notwithstanding section 5033 of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014,
$5,023,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022.
675
-------
Program Projects in WIFIA
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Water Quality Protection
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
TOTAL WIFIA
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
676
-------
Water Quality Protection
677
-------
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
II ulcr Iii/ru.\lrnctnn• i'immce anil
Innovation I'unil
S .iJ.Sfo.v
suu.mm.u
S2.\02J.0
-SJ-I.T'.O
Total Budget Authority
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
Total Workyears
22.1
28.4
12.0
-16.4
Program Project Description:
The WIFIA Program provides and services direct loans to cover up to 49 percent of eligible costs
for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects of regional or national significance. The
Program also is designed to offer credit assistance with flexible terms in order to attract private
participation, to encourage new revenue streams for infrastructure investment, and to allow public
agencies to get more projects done. The WIFIA Program requires a small appropriation compared
to its potential loan volume and is expected to leverage significant funding for infrastructure. For
instance, projects selected in the third round from the FY 2019 appropriations have the potential,
when combined with other funding sources, to support over $12 billion in water infrastructure
projects. With the requested $25 million, including $20 million in credit subsidy, EPA could
provide up to $2 billion in direct credit assistance, which when combined with other funding
sources could potentially help spur over $4 billion in total infrastructure investment.1 This makes
WIFIA Program credit assistance a powerful tool to help address a variety of water infrastructure
needs.
Eligible assistance recipients include: corporations and partnerships, municipal entities, and State
Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs. The WIFIA Program complements the existing SRF Programs
as an additional source of low-cost capital to help meet the growing water infrastructure needs of
the United States and address key national infrastructure priorities. Entities with complex water
and wastewater projects are attracted to the WIFIA Program. EPA expects to provide assistance to
a diverse set of projects.
For the FY 2019 appropriated funds, EPA issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on
April 5, 2019, requesting that prospective borrowers submit Letters of Interest (LOI). In the 2019
NOFA, EPA announced water reuse and recycling as a WIFIA priority for the first time. EPA
received 51 LOIs for direct loans and selected 38 new projects to continue the application process.2
Once reviewed and approved, the selected projects could result in WIFIA loans totaling
approximately $6 billion to help finance over $12 billion in water infrastructure investments.
1 The actual subsidy cost will be determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
2 For more information, please see: fattps: //www, epa. gov/wifia.
678
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As of January 1, 2020, EPA has issued 14 WIFIA loans totaling over $3.5 billion in credit
assistance to help finance over $8 billion for water infrastructure projects and create over 15,000
jobs. Information about the projects that EPA has selected to apply for a WIFIA loan can be found
on EPA's website.3
The FY 2021 request of $25 million supports WIFIA drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
projects (following the requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 and OMB Circulars
A-ll and A-129). While the WIFIA Program provides expansive project eligibilities, particular
project attributes will be emphasized in the project selection process. These attributes will be
identified in the NOFA, published after appropriations, and may include attributes such as the
extent of private financing, the ability to serve regions with significant water resource challenges,
the regional or national significance, the likelihood that the project can proceed at an earlier date
due to WIFIA financing, and the extent to which the project uses new or innovative approaches,
among others.
The America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 reauthorized WIFIA and removed its
characterization as a pilot Program. AWIA made a number of amendments to the WIFIA Program.
FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Of the total $25 million request to implement the Program,
$5 million is for EPA's management and operation administrative expenses, including contract
support and associated Program payroll. The request level, coupled with the fee expenditure
authority, allows EPA to undertake the independent aspects of loan intake and origination; project
technical evaluation, including credit review, engineering feasibility review, and loan term
negotiation; risk management; portfolio management and surveillance; and loan servicing for an
initial set of projects. The funds associated with the management and operation of the Program
will be available for two years.
The FY 2021 budget also includes authority to use fee revenue as outlined in the Water Resources
Reform and Development Act, sections 5029(a), 5030 (b), and 5030(c).4 Fee revenue is for the
cost of contracting with expert services such as financial advisory, legal advisory, and engineering
firms. The fee expenditure authority for the Program is in addition to the $5 million request for
management and operations administrative expenses.
To help drive progress, the Agency has set the FY 2020-2021 Agency Priority Goal that by
September 30, 2021, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA
water infrastructure finance Programs (CWSRF, DWSRF, and WIFIA). During FY 2018 and FY
2019, EPA increased the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance
Programs by $20.0 billion, exceeding our two-year FY 2018-2019 APG target of $16 billion. In
addition to meeting the APG, EPA met all of the contributing indicators: Engagements with the
Water Infrastructure Community; Tools, Training, and Resources Provided to the Water
3 For more information on WIFIA projects, please see: https://www.epa.gov/wifia/wifia-selected-proiects.
4For more information see EPA Fee Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/28/2017-13438/fees-for-water-
infrastructure-project-applications-under-wifia.
679
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Infrastructure Community; and SRF State Reviews completed. The success of this metric is due to
the collaborative efforts of EPA, states, and local communities.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PMINFRA-01) Number of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
5.6
5.3
8.1
8.6
9.7
10.3
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$792.0) This increase is due to the recalculation of base payroll costs.
• (-$35,000.0) This program change decreases the amount of credit subsidy funding available
to make loans.
• (-$769.0 / -16.4 FTE) This program change decreases the FTE and associated payroll
available for the WIFIA Program.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.
680
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m
03
3
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Program Projects in e-Manifest 683
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 684
RCRA: Waste Management 685
681
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682
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Resource Summary Table
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021
Pres Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
Budget Authority
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total Workyears
6.9
11.0
16.0
5.0
Bill Language: E-Manifest
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6939g) for fiscal
year 2021, to remain available until expended.
Note - This language is proposed under the FY 2021 Administrative Provisions.
Program Projects in e-Manifest
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Pro ject
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Waste Management
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
TOTAL e-Manifest
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
683
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
684
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RCRA: Waste Management
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2019
Actuals
Estimated
FY 2020
Enacted
FY 2021 Pres
Budget
FY 2021 Pres
Budget v.
Estimated FY 2020
Enacted
Environmental Programs & Management
$58,728.3
$66,819.0
$50,399.0
-$16,420.0
Hazardous II ash' lllcclronic Mani/csl
System I 'und
SI-l.-IXx*
SO.O
S 0.0
S 0.0
Total Budget Authority
$73,213.8
$66,819.0
$50,399.0
-$16,420.0
Total Workyears
290.4
296.8
233.2
-63.6
Total workyears in FY 2021 include 15.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees. FY 2019 Actuals include obligations of e-
Manifest fees. E-Manifest fees are not included in FY 2020 Enacted or FY 2021 President's Budget levels, but EPA
anticipates collecting approximately $26 million in e-Manifest fees in FY 2020 and FY 2021.
Program Project Description:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires companies that ship hazardous waste to
track and report the estimated two million shipments each year. The Hazardous Waste Electronic
Manifest Establishment Act (e-Manifest Act, Public Law 112-195), enacted on October 5, 2012,
required EPA to develop a fee-based electronic hazardous waste manifest system. EPA launched
the e-Manifest system on June 30, 2018. From the e-Manifest Program launch through December
2019, EPA has received over 2,700,000 manifests and collected over $20 million in fees.
EPA estimates the e-Manifest system will reduce the burden associated with paper manifests by
between 175,000 and 425,000 hours, saving state and industry users more than $50 million
annually, once electronic manifests are widely adopted.1 The e-Manifest system will provide better
knowledge of waste generation and final disposition; enhanced access to manifest information;
and greater transparency for the public about hazardous waste shipments.
In FY 2014, Congress established the "Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund" to
provide appropriated resources necessary to implement the e-Manifest Program, including system
development, fee collection authority, rulemaking, and advisory committee establishment. In FY
2021, e-Manifest continues to be fully supported by user fees, which includes support for
continuing development and operation of the system and agency personnel that support its use and
further its implementation.
1 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/e-iiiaiiifest/leani-about4iazardous-waste-electroiiic-iiiaiiifest-systeni-
e-iiianifest.
685
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FY 2021 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2021, EPA will operate the
e-Manifest system and will collect and deposit user fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic
Manifest System Fund (approximately $26 million is anticipated). The authority to collect and
spend fees requires authorization from Congress in annual appropriations bills.
In FY 2021, EPA plans to perform the following key activities:
• Engage industry users to ensure a seamless transition away from using mailed paper
manifests. EPA will no longer accept mailed paper manifests after June 30, 2021.
• Continue to implement and enhance electronic signature methods that will ease the
logistical burdens of adopting greater use of the electronic and image plus data submission
methods.
• Work with individual generators and generator associated groups to increase their
registration and use of the e-Manifest system, which will allow for greater fully electronic
adoption.
• Continue regular outreach with users and stakeholders to identify new ways to improve the
e-Manifest system. This includes regular webinars and targeted demonstrations on how to
use the e-Manifest system.
• Operate appropriate accounting and financial reporting interfaces needed to collect and
manage user fees, manage and adjust fees as appropriate, and comply with the auditing
requirements of the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act.
• Hold periodic meetings of the e-Manifest Advisory Board, consisting of state and industry
stakeholders and IT experts, to provide input on system operation and implementation of
the user fee regulation.
• Develop and enhance the e-Manifest system software to expand developmental
capabilities, increase ease of use, and improve program efficiencies.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2021 Change from Estimated FY 2020 Enacted Budget (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+5.0 FTE) This net program change reflects an increase in fee-funded reimbursable FTE
that will support and enhance the e-Manifest program in FY 2021.
686
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Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
and the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act.
687
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688
-------
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fu
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Program and Performance Assessment
Introduction 690
Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment 699
Goal 2: More Effective Partnerships 721
Goal 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness 727
689
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FY 2019 Annual Performance Report
Introduction
EPA's FY 2019 Annual Performance Report (APR) describes the second year of progress toward
the strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, available at
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan. This APR presents results against the annual
performance goals and targets in the Agency's FY 2019 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and
Congressional Justification (CJ) as updated in the FY 2020 APP and CJ. Please also refer to EPA's
FY 2019 Agency Financial Report (AFR), available at https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/fv-
2019-agency-financial'-report, for information on financial performance results.
Organization of the FY 2019 APR
EPA's FY 2019 performance results and trend data are integrated throughout the FY 2021 APP
and the CJ in the Budget Introduction, Goal Overviews, and Program Project Fact Sheets. The
Program Performance and Assessment section (Tab 13) is the primary component of EPA's FY
2019 APR. This section also includes EPA's FY 2021 annual performance goal targets and any
revisions to FY 2020 targets. This section is organized by strategic goal. For each strategic goal,
there is a Goal-at-a-Glance Overview and a detailed multiyear table with targets, results, graphs,
and key takeaways for the Agency's strategic objectives and annual performance goals. This
section adopts the terminology and color coding used to measure progress under the EPA Lean
Management System (ELMS), a set of practices and tools that supports Agency employees in
identifying and solving problems for optimal performance results.
690
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FY 2019 Performance Data
FY 2019 Annual Performance Goal
Results
For FY 2019, EPA reduced its number of
annual performance goals (from 114 to 45)
to focus on its most ambitious targets,
including annualized long-term
performance goals and measures
representing key work areas that support
those long-term performance goals. EPA
met 58% of the targets in their entirety for
annual performance goals with FY 2019
targets and data available (22 of 38). For 11
of its annual performance goals with FY
2019 targets and data available (29%), the
Agency achieved between 75-99% of the
target (including nine where the Agency
achieved between 90-99% of the target).
For five of its annual performance goals
with FY 2019 targets and data available (13%), the Agency achieved less than 75% of the target.
In the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA set ambitious targets. While EPA is making
significant progress toward a broad range of policy outcomes, the Agency missed targets for 16
(of 38) annual performance goals that had FY 2019 targets and data available. Reasons for missed
targets include delays in program implementation, the complexity of the environmental challenge,
resource/staffing challenges, the lapse in government appropriations in December 2018 - January
2019, and other factors outside of the Agency's control (such as fewer requests than expected for
EPA actions). In some areas with missed targets, the Agency nevertheless made significant
improvements in its performance over recent years. EPA will continue to make progress toward
its performance targets by applying ELMS to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its
operations. More detail is available throughout the report.
No FY 2019 results are available for four of the Agency's annual performance goals as of February
2020, due to data quality assurance/quality control processes, or no actions due during FY 2019.
As additional results data are received for FY 2019 annual performance goals, the Agency will
include the results in future APRs. Finally, FY 2019 results are reported for three of the Agency's
annual performance goals for which no targets were established.
Performance toward target by goal
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
2 (NT)
10 (Y)
12 (G)
1 (R)
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
1 (Y)
2(G)
Goal 1 Goal 2
A Cleaner, Healthier More Effective
Environment Partnerships
4 (NT)
Goal 3
Greater Certainty,
Compliance, and
Effectiveness
691
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Fiscal Year 2018 Data Now Available
EPA received final results for one of the 16 annual performance goals with missing data at the end
of FY 2018. EPA met the target in its entirety for that annual performance goal.1 The Agency has
no data for the other 15 annual performance goals because the methodology was not fully
established in FY 2019,2 no actions were due in FY 2018,3 or the measures were discontinued.4
Verification/Vaiidation of Performance Data
EPA maintains Data Quality Records (DQRs) to ensure consistency and quality of data used for
annual performance goal reporting. These DQRs outline the results being measured; data sources
and limitations; methods for calculating results; and controls to ensure good data quality. The
Agency developed DQRs for all 26 of the long-term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan, available at https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/results.
FY 2(118-2019 Agency Priority Goals
EPA met targets for three of the six FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals (APGs) in th eFY 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan (water infrastructure, environmental compliance, permitting decisions)
and missed targets for three of the six APGs (redesignation of areas to air quality attainment, site
cleanups, and chemical safety). Complete FY 2018-2019 APG Action Plans and Quarterly
Progress Updates are available at https://www.performance.gov/EPA/APG epa l.html.
• Improve air quality by implementing pollution control measures to reduce the
number of nonattainment areas. By September 30, 2019, EPA, in close collaboration
with states, will reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 138 from a baseline of 166.
Missed FY 2018-2019 target. As anticipated in APG quarterly updates, EPA missed the
APG target of 138 remaining nonattainment areas by nine areas (the APG target was based
on projections prior to FY 2018 - i.e., during calendar year 2017). Based on discussions
with state, tribal, and local air agencies over the past year, EPA projected 146 of the 166
1PM 432: Percentage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in
significant noncompliance with their permit limits.
2 PM SWP-01: Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards (cumulative); PM ST1: Percentage of grant
commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities; PM RG1: Percentage of legal deadlines met by
EPA; and PM OP1: Number of operational processes improved.
3 PM TSCA1: Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines; and PM
TSCA2: Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory timelines.
4 PM DV: Percent of measured air quality improvement in counties not meeting the NAAQS from the 2016 baseline;
PM M92: Cumulative percentage reduction in the number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) values over 100
since 2003, weighted by population and AQI value; PM NOX: Ozone Season emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
from electric power generation sources; PM SO 1: Remaining US Consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs), chemicals that deplete the Earth's protective ozone layer, measured in tons of Ozone Depleting Potential
(ODP); PM NPDES-01: Percentage of high-priority state NPDES permits that are issued in the fiscal year; PM
NPDES-02: Percentage of high-priority EPA and state NPDES permits (including tribal) that are issued in the fiscal
year; PM 426: Number of compliance assurance actions in accordance with EPA's civil enforcement response
policies: PM F02: Percentage of FOIA requests completed within statutory deadlines; and PM PE1: Percentage of
permitting-related decisions issued within 6 months.
692
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nonattainment areas would remain at the end of FY 2019 (166 is the baseline number of
nonattainment areas that was defined in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan in the
beginning of FY 2018). At the end of FY 2019, 147 areas remained in nonattainment.
However, work was also completed during FY 2019 to redesignate four additional areas
that did not become effective until FY 2020 in October 2019. Looking ahead, EPA
projects redesignating a total of 15 nonattainment areas by the end of FY 2020 (including
the four redesignations that recently became effective in October 2019), which should
reduce the remaining amount of nonattainment areas to 132 by September 2020. Overall,
EPA is on track to meet its long-term performance goal of reducing the number of
nonattainment areas to 101 by FY 2022.
• Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure investments. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by
EPA water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act).
Met FY 2018-2019 target. Over the two-year time period, the Clean Water State Revolving
Fund (CW SRF), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programs leveraged more than $20.0 billion of non-
federal dollars, increasing the funds available to improve, repair, and modernize the
nation's water infrastructure. This exceeded the $16 billion goal and demonstrates the
powerful opportunity to leverage non-federal dollars. In addition to meeting the APG, EPA
met all of the contributing indicators: Engagements with the Water Infrastructure
Community; Tools, Training, and Resources Provided to the Water Infrastructure
Community; and State Revolving Fund (SRF) State Reviews completed. The success of
this metric is due to the collaborative efforts of EPA, states, and local communities.
• Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in their communities.
By September 30, 2019, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund sites and 1,368
brownfields sites ready for anticipated use (RAU).
Missed FY 2018-2019 target. Over the two-year time period, EPA made 99 Superfund sites
RAU, 97% of the two-year goal of 102 sites, and 1,771 brownfields sites RAU, 133% of
the two-year goal of 1,368 sites.
The Superfund Task Force released its final report in September 2019. Several
recommendations were especially designed to advance progress toward RAU goals,
including: ensuring that site-wide RAU performance measure information is up-to-date and
readily accessible on the Superfund Redevelopment Initiative website
(https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative) and expanding the list of
confirmed site-wide RAU sites to include site reuse status (Rec 34); improving risk
communication with communities and stakeholders at Superfund sites (Rec 40); enhancing
engagement about cleanup actions at federal facilities (Rec 41); and engaging the National
Environmental Justice Advisory Council, under which a working group developed a series
of draft recommendations to identify barriers and opportunities related to cleanup and reuse
of Superfund sites (Rec 42).
693
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Over the two-year period, EPA used the ELMS deployment process and Lean techniques
to reduce brownfields data entry backlogs. In addition to undertaking an effort to reduce
the work package backlog, the Program established visual management practices and a
standard operating procedure to contact closed grant recipients and update accomplishment
data accordingly.
• Meet new statutory requirements to improve the safety of chemicals in commerce. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will complete in accordance with statutory timelines (excluding
statutorily-allowable extensions): 100% of required EPA-initiated Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluations for existing chemicals; 100% of required TSCA risk
management actions for existing chemicals; and 80% of TSCA pre-manufacture notice
final determinations.
Missed FY 2018-2019 target; some data not available because there were no statutory
deadlines for TSCA risk evaluations or risk management actions in FY 2018-2019. Despite
the continuing need for recruitment and training of new staff for critical work, EPA is on
track toward meeting the long-term performance goals, with key milestones achieved or in
progress. In FY 2019, EPA released draft risk evaluations for four of the 10 chemicals on
the initial priority list (Pigment Violet-29, 1,4-Dioxane, Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster
[HBCD], 1-Bromopropane), and expects to finalize all 10 evaluations in FY 2020. EPA
also released for public comment proposed designations of 20 additional high-priority
chemicals for risk evaluation, along with 20 low-priority chemicals that will not be
evaluated at this time (the final designations are expected in FY 2020); and issued a
proposed rule covering five Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemicals, with
the final rule expected in December 2020.
Although substantially improved from FY 2018, the performance rate of all TSCA pre-
manufacture notice (PMN) final determinations completed within 90 days was 78% in FY
2019, slightly below the 80% target. Contributing factors included frequent submitter
requests for suspensions of review, increased complexity of the review process under
amended TSCA, and continuing need for recruitment and training of new staff. Given the
positive year-over-year trend, EPA expects to meet the long-term performance goal to
complete all PMN final determinations within 90 days by FY 2022. EPA expects
improvement by applying findings from the Lean assessments completed in FY 2018 and
FY 2019, introducing further information technology enhancements, and bringing
additional staff on board.
• Increase environmental law compliance rate. Through September 30, 2019, EPA will
increase compliance by reducing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance
(SNC) with their permit limits to 25.7% from a baseline of 29.4%.
Met FY 2018-2019 target. EPA reduced the NPDES SNC rate from a FY 2018 baseline
rate of 29.4% to 25.0% at the end of FY 2019, exceeding the APG target. To achieve this
goal, the Agency established an EPA-state workgroup to develop and implement
694
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approaches for reducing the SNC rate in areas where EPA and/or authorized states can
have a significant impact. Building on initial workgroup efforts, the workgroup members
from EPA and 15 state government agencies convened a national meeting in spring 2019 to
work collaboratively on refining priority projects and longer-term implementation
strategies to achieve the established targets. EPA and states identified multiple approaches
for attacking this problem. Important over the two years of the APG was the effort to
improve national NPDES Program data quality and completeness through increased
permittee submission of monitoring reports and improved transfer of data from states. The
Agency will continue efforts to reduce the NPDES SNC rate by a full 50% as an OECA FY
2020-2023 National Compliance Initiative.
• Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2019, EPA will reduce by
50% the number of permitting-related decisions that exceed six months.
Met FY 2018-2019 target. EPA conducted comprehensive Lean business process
improvement events to streamline and optimize the Agency's key permitting programs,
reducing the number of permitting-related decisions that exceed six months by 53% in FY
2019 and 65% since June 2018, exceeding the 50% goal. Looking forward, EPA plans
to: finalize a national strategy to eliminate the NPDES permit backlog; continue to identify
NPDES permits that are delayed due to Endangered Species Act consultation, and actions
that may be taken to streamline the process; and expand the scope of the APG to include
backlogged air permits (measured against statutory timelines) and backlogged renewals for
existing permits.
695
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Evidence and Evaluation
Summaries of program evaluations completed during FY 2019, and additional FY 2019
contributions to EPA's portfolio of evidence, are available at
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/results. EPA uses program evaluations and other evidence to
ensure programs are meeting Agency goals, to improve mission delivery, and to utilize evidence
in decision making. Program evaluations and other evidence help EPA identify activities that
benefit human health and the environment, provide the roadmap needed to replicate successes, and
identify areas needing improvement. This is particularly important for fostering transparency and
accountability.
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% PiOl^
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASrtWSION. D.c t(M««
Reliability of the EPA's Performance Data
I attest to the reliability and completeness of the performance data presented in the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Performance Report. Because
improvements in human health and the environment may not become immediately apparent, there
might be delays between the actions we have taken and results we can measure. Additionally, we
cannot provide results data for some of our performance measures for this reporting year. When
possible, however, we have portrayed trend data to illustrate progress over time. We also report
fi 1 ^ ' ,rs that became available in FY 2019.
Andrew R. Wheeler
Administrator
Date
697
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Key to Multiyear Table Annual Performance Goal Data Presentation
(PM #) Annual performance goal language here.
Purple
No Target
Red = <75%
of Target Met
Green = 100%
of Target Met
White (future
year) = No Data
Actuals by Fiscal
Year (Bars)
Targets by Fiscal
Year (Line)
Yellow = 75-99%
of Target Met
Gray = No Annual
Performance Goal;
No Data
White (past year) = No Annual
Performance Goal; Data Available
Actual
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
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GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Goal 1 at a Glance
A Cleaner, Healthier Environment: Deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all Americans and future generations by carrying out the
Agency's core mission.
FY 2019 Enacted Budget (in thousands) by goal and objective
Goal 1 A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Obj 1.1 Improve Air Quality
$813,367
$6,836,276
(of $8,849,488
EPA total)
Obj 1.2 Provide for Clean and Safe Water
$4,432,022
Obj 1.3 Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
$1,348,790
Obj 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace $242,097
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
2 (Y)
Obi 1.1
Obi 1.2
Obi 1.3
Obi 1.4
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GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective 1.1 - Improve Air Quality: Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air quality and ensure that more Americans are
living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
2 (Y)
2 (Y)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Declining National Air Pollutant Concentration
Averages (% above or below NAAQS)
100
50
-50
Most Recent Nationa Standard
-100
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
¦ Pb (3-month)
-N02 (1-hour)
-PM2.5 (24-hour)
-CO (8-hour)
-03 (8-hour)
-PM10 (24-hour)
2015
-N02 (annual)
- PM2.5 (annual)
-S02 (1-hour)
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Redesignated 12 areas to attainment for various National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS). Also took final action to redesignate four additional areas with effective dates
that occurred in October 2019. EPA is on track to meet its long-term performance goal of
101 by FY 2022.
For the 2016-2018 period, 80% of monitored counties in the U.S. met the 2015 ozone
NAAQS, and 98% of monitored counties met the 2010 sulfur dioxide (S02) NAAQS.
Took timely action on State Implementation Plans (SIPs) consistent with Clean Air Act
(CAA) deadlines and reducing the SIP backlog by working closely with state and local air
agencies. Acted on over 360 SIPs, 165 of which were backlogged.
Published Air Trends Report which shows combined emissions of six key pollutants
dropped by 74%, while the U.S. economy grew more than three times between 1970-2018
(see graph on the lower left).
Issued over 4,700 certificates of conformity for engines, vehicles, and complementary
pieces of equipment allowing manufacturers to enter products into commerce in the U.S.
Issued Automotive Trends Report on new light-duty vehicle data and auto manufacturers'
performance in meeting national standards; demonstrating auto manufacturers' continued
innovation to increase fuel economy and reduce pollution.
Issued 4th Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Report to Congress showing 67,300 legacy
diesel vehicles replaced/retrofitted since 2008.
Delivered a reduction of 92% in S02 and 84% in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from
1990 levels through the Acid Rain Program and reduction of 91% in S02 and 73% in
NOx from 2005 levels through the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
Issued Affordable Clean Energy rule to reduce carbon dioxide (C02) emissions while
providing affordable and reliable energy; EPA expects U.S. power sector C02 emissions
to fall by up to 35% below 2005 levels resulting in annual net benefits of $120-730M.
Submitted Final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule to adjust national
automobile fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards.
Launched Cleaner Trucks Initiative to further decrease NOx emissions and help
communities attain NAAQS while reducing regulatory burden to industry.
Saved approximately 370B kWh of electricity and avoided $30B in energy costs with
GHG emission reductions of 290M metric tons through ENERGY STAR.
Challenges:
While EPA is making steady and expected progress redesignating areas to NAAQS
attainment, under the CAA, states are responsible for initiating the redesignation process,
a process that demands time and resources from states.
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GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 1015.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM NA1) Number of Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Mr
Target
155
138
132
121
Nonattain-
ment Areas
Below
T arget
Actual
190
182
176
166
159
147
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, EPA took final action on state requests to redesignate 16 nonattainment areas to attainment. The effective date for 12 of these areas occurred in FY 2019, and the
effective date for four of those areas occurred in the first month of FY 2020.
• The original FY 2019 target of 138 was based on projections that were made prior to FY 2018. Based on additional analysis and discussions EPA held with air agencies, EPA
expected to reach 146 remaining areas at the end of FY 2019.
• Focusing efforts on reducing the number of nonattainment areas helps ensure that states and EPA, in the spirit of maintaining effective partnerships, prioritize taking timely
and necessary actions to improve air quality in nonattainment areas through the implementation of permanent and enforceable pollution control measures, so that states can
submit, and EPA can approve, redesignation requests for areas once they attain a NAAQS.
• Looking ahead, EPA will: (1) work with states to update FY 2020-2022 nonattainment area projections to identify which states intend to submit approvable redesignation
requests; and (2) continue to encourage states with nonattainment areas that are eligible for redesignation to attainment to develop and submit approvable redesignation
requests and accompanying 10-year maintenance plans, as required by the CAA.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the status of 166 areas that were designated nonattainment and listed in 40 CFR Part 81 as of the end of FY 2017. Areas designated to
nonattainment after October 1, 2017 are not included. Nonattainment areas are areas that EPA determined do not meet a primary or secondary NAAQS, or that contribute to air
quality in a nearby area that does not meet a non-revoked primary or secondary NAAQS. Areas are considered redesignated based on the effective date of the redesignation. For
multi-state nonattainment areas, all state portions of the area must be redesignated to attainment for the area to be removed from the list of nonattainment areas. Under the CAA,
states are responsible for initiating the redesignation process and EPA's authority to approve a state's request to redesignate nonattainment areas hinges on the state meeting the
minimum requirements of the CAA, which include: (1) a demonstration that the area has air quality that is attaining the NAAQS; (2) establishing that pollution reductions are due
to implementing permanent and enforceable measures; (3) a 10-year maintenance plan that includes contingency measures to be triggered in the event of a re-violation of the
NAAQS; and (4) satisfying any other applicable and outstanding attainment planning and emissions control requirements. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019
Agency Priority Goal (APG) and tracks progress toward a FY 2020-2021 APG.
5 The baseline is 166 nonattainment areas as of 10/1/2017.
701
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
(PM CRT) Number of certificates of conformity issued that demonstrate that the respective engine, vehicle, equipment, component, or system conforms to all of the
applicable emission requirements and may be entered into commerce.
Preferred
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Direction
III
Target
5,200
5,000
5,000
5,000
Certificates
Above
Actual
4,225
4,360
4,453
5,109
4,869
4,711
T arget
1 1 1 1 1 1
Key Takeaways:
• The total number of certificates issued by EPA in FY 2019 was 158 less than in FY 2018 (when 4,869 certificates were issued) and reflects approximately 70 fewer
manufacturer applications for certification.
• EPA strives to issue vehicle and engine certificates of conformity in a timely manner and in pace with the numbers of requests received.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of certificates of conformity issued in a given year. The CAA requires that engines, vehicles, equipment, components, or systems
receive a certificate of conformity which demonstrates compliance with the applicable requirements prior to introduction to U.S. commerce. EPA reviews all submitted requests
and issues certificates of conformity when the manufacturer demonstrates compliance with all applicable requirements. This measure illustrates EPA's annual certification
workload. The number of certification requests is dictated by the product planning of manufacturers and will fluctuate from year to year.
702
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective 1.2 - Provide for Clean and Safe Water: Ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in partnership with
states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and subsistence
activities.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
1 (NT)
2(G)
2 (Y)
3(G)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Developed and issued EPA's comprehensive cross-agency Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS) Action Plan (https ://www. epa. gov/sites/production/files/2019-
02/documents/pfas action plan 021319 508compliant l.pdf) to help states and
communities address these emerging threats and protect the nation's drinking water.
• Continued implementation of the Federal Lead Action Plan
(https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2Q18-
12/documents/fedactionplan lead final.pdf), including release of the State Lead
Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Testing Grant
implementation document describing requirements for states and territories.
• The Agency also proposed revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule.
• Successfully met $8 billion target for non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water
infrastructure finance programs. The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
Act (WIFIA) Program closed nine transactions for over $2.5 billion in loans to help
finance nearly $6 billion in water infrastructure projects and create over 10,000 jobs.
• Reduced the backlog of new National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(1SIPDES) permit applications from 63 to 26, a 59% reduction, and reduced the
backlog of NPDES permit renewals from 456 to 373, an 18% reduction.
• Reduced the number of square miles of watershed areas that contained impaired
waters in 2018 by over 12,700 square miles.
Challenges:
• Nutrient pollution and Harmful Algal Blooms continue to be a challenge. EPA is
taking a multi-faceted approach to address nutrients, including coordination with
U.S. Department of Agriculture on market-based approaches; efforts on affordable
livestock manure recycling technology; a new water quality trading policy
memorandum; Hypoxia Task Force investments in the Mississippi River/Atchafalaya
River Basin; and workshops for state permit writers.
• The number of drinking water systems out of compliance with health-based
standards increased in FY 2019 due to noncompliance with newer requirements. In
addition to aging infrastructure, degredation of sources of drinking water, extreme
weather events and accidental and intentional incidents continue to challenge
drinking water systems.
• Drinking water systems, especially small systems, often have limited technical
expertise to address operational issues. This contributes to violations for disinfection
byproducts, which could result in lead in the distribution system.
703
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-
based standards to 2,7006.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM DW-01) Community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
1111 n—
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
3,060
CWSs
Below
Actual
4,682
5,050
4,817
3,508
3,480
3,547
T arget
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• Over 93% of the population served by community water systems (CWSs) received drinking water that meets all health-based standards.
• While over 50% (1,982/3,508) of the systems out of compliance in FY 2017 returned to compliance as of September 2019, the total number of CWSs with a health-based
violation increased to 3,547 in FY 2019 due to new violations of the Stage 2 Disinfection By-Product Rule, Ground Water Rule, and Revised Total Coliform Rule.
• To address compliance challenges, EPA continues to implement countermeasures such as conducting trainings for states and systems, conducting file reviews at the state to
help states make accurate compliance determination, and providing technical assistance to state staff to address compliance problems.
• EPA, in addition to providing Public Water System Supervision grants to all states, is dedicating additional resources in Regions 6 and 7 whose states comprise 36% of the
national noncompliance of health-based violations. EPA will use these resources to address the underlying compliance challenges in these states by providing direct technical
assistance to systems in violation.
Metric Details: This measure tracks CWSs out of compliance with the health-based National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Maximum Contaminant Level or treatment
technique) during any part of the year. A CWS is a public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round. There are approximately 50,000 CWSs. Data are
derived from the Safe Drinking Water Information System Federal Data Warehouse (SDWIS-FED), which contains information about violations by public water systems as
reported to EPA by the primacy agencies (states and tribes with EPA-delegated enforcement responsibility).
6 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published
February 12, 2018.)
704
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase by $40 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water
infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA)7.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM INFRA-01) Number of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
¦ ¦
Direction
¦¦
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Above
1
Actual
5.6
5.3
8.1
8.6
9.7
10.3
Dollars
T arget
111111
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, EPA leveraged more than $10.3 billion in non-federal dollars, increasing the funds available to improve, repair and modernize the nation's water infrastructure.
This exceeded the $8 billion goal and demonstrates the power of EPA's water infrastructure programs to leverage funding from non-federal resources.
• The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Programs conducted final review in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The
state reviews are an opportunity for EPA to discuss national priorities with the state-run programs, including increasing the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water
infrastructure finance programs.
Metric Details: Combined, the three primary water infrastructure programs, DWSRF, CWSRF, and WIFIA Program, represent the largest federal source of funds to address this
critical component of our nation's drinking water and clean water infrastructure. SRF data are tracked in the CWSRF Benefits Reporting System and DWSRF Project Reporting
System. The baseline does not include WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY 2018. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term
performance goal by FY 2022. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal (APG) and tracks progress toward a FY 2020-2021 APG.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting
standards by 37,000 square miles8.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM SWP-01) Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards (cumulative).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
497,728
564,536
555,536
Square Miles
Below
T arget
Actual
N/A
493,930
7 Baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the CWSRF and DWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017 (i.e., loans made from recycled loan repayments, bond
proceeds, state match, and interest earnings). The baseline does not include WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY 2018. (Footnote updated from FY
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
8 Baseline is 587,536 square miles of impaired waters as of August 30, 2019. (Footnote updated from FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
705
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Key Takeaways:
• Exceeded the Agency's ambitious target for reducing the square miles of watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards. Over 12,700 square miles of watershed area
that contained impaired waters in FY 2018 are now meeting water quality standards.
• Improvements in EPA's Assessment, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking and Implementation System (ATTAINS) allowed states to submit their integrated reports
electronically and allowed EPA to automatically compile water quality data.
Metric Details: Beginning in FY 2020, this measure tracks the progress of water quality standards attainment in the 587,536 square miles of waters previously identified as
impaired in a state Integrated Report as of August 30, 2019. In FY 2019, the measure tracked progress using a baseline of 506,728 square miles of waters identified as impaired in
a state Integrated Report as of December 31,2018. Progress will be evident by a downward trend in previously impaired waters attaining water quality standards. Water quality
standards attainment means that (1) the impairments have been effectively removed; and (2) the waterbody now either fully supports the use or meets the water quality criterion for
that particular pollutant or stressor for which it had been impaired. Data are tracked in ATTAINS. States submit to EPA their Integrated Report every two years, which includes
information on the status of their waters, and state geospatial data are used to calculate results.
(PM SWP-02) Watersheds with surface waters not meeting standards because of nutrients (square miles).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
192,096
Square Mies
Below
T arget
Actual
Metric Details: This measure tracks the reduction in the baseline of 202,096 square miles of waters identified as impaired due to nutrients in a state Integrated Report as of August
30, 2019. Progress will be evident by a downward trend in previously impaired waters now attaining water quality standards. Water quality standards attainment means that (1) the
impairments have been effectively removed; and (2) the waterbody now either fully supports the use or meets the water quality criterion for nutrients for which it had been
impaired. Data are tracked in ATTAINS. States submit an Integrated Report to EPA every two years, including information on the status of state waters. EPA uses state geospatial
data to calculate results for this measure. There is no FY 2020 target because this is a new measure in FY 2021.
(PM TMDL-02) Percentage of priority TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches in place.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
50
67
84
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
9
14
33.3
51.2
Numerator
8,822
14,045
33,194
48,544
Square Mies
Denominator
101,141
99,424
99,415
94,806
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, 42 of 56 states and territories updated their long-term Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) Program vision priorities to better reflect shifting water quality
needs and goals.
• In FY 2019, EPA continued to improve ATTAINS in order to automatically track and calculate alternative restoration or protection plan in place.
Metric Details: This measure tracks state priority waters with a TMDL, alternative restoration or protection plan in place. EPA, states and tribes cooperatively developed A Long-
Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration and Protection under the CWA Section 303(d) Program, which encourages focused attention on priority waters and acknowledges that
states have flexibility in using available tools - TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches - to restore and protect water quality. The calculation method
706
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
provides 0.5 credit for plans under development and full credit when EPA approves a plan. The goal is to have 100% of priority waters with plans approved or accepted by FY
2022. Data are tracked in ATTAINS. EPA does not expect the universe of waters associated with these long-term priorities to substantially change from FY 2016 to FY 2022.
However, the Agency recognizes that some adjustments may be needed due to unforeseen circumstances or planning processes.
(PM NPDES-03) Number of existing EPA-issued NPDES permits in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
360
280
200
Permits
Below
T arget
Actual
456
373
Key Takeaways:
• EPA reduced its backlog of existing NPDES permits by 18% in FY 2019, narrowly missing the target, and by 32% from the high point in May 2018.
• Improving the timing for issuance and reissuance of NPDES permits provides greater certainty for the regulated community and ensures that permits reflect the most up-to-
date requirements and scientific information to protect water quality across the nation.
• Business process improvements implemented in FY 2019 will facilitate reduction of the backlog and help the Program meet ambitious future year goals.
Metric Details: This measure tracks existing EPA-issued NPDES individual permits that are administratively continued because they have passed their expiration date and are
awaiting reissuance. The CWA limits the length of NPDES permits to five years. However, a permit can be administratively continued if the facility has submitted an application
for reissuance and EPA does not renew the permit before its expiration date through no fault of the permittee. This means that the conditions of the expired permit continue in force
until the effective date of the new or reissued permit. For purposes of this measure, permits are removed from the backlog as soon as the Agency takes final action on the permit
(issuance or denial). Data are tracked in EPA's Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS)-NPDES Database.
707
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective 1.3 - Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination: Provide better leadership and management to properly clean up contaminated
sites to revitalize and return the land back to communities.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
2 (Y)
4(G)
1 (Y)
6(G)
3(Y)
4(G)
4 (Y)
3(G)
1 (Y)
3(Y)
7(G)
6(G)
1 (R)
1 (R)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• The Superfund Task Force released its final report
(https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations-and-
accomplishments) in September 2019. Over the past two years, EPA used the Task Force
recommendations to accelerate Superfund cleanups, to expedite reuse and to
institutionalize Task Force-related performance measures and lessons learned.
• Awarded more than $110 million in grants to brownfields communities. Leveraged $2,287
billion and 13,476 jobs through assessment, cleanup and redevelopment.
• In FY 2019, EPA successfully made sites Ready for Anticipated Use (RAU) under its
cleanup programs: 48 Superfund site-wide RAU; 910 brownfields RAU; 127 Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) RAU; 8,358 Leaking Underground Storage
Tanks (LUST) RAU.
Challenges:
• Complex environmental problems, such as the presence or perceived presence of
hazardous substances in soil, sediment and groundwater, persist at many contaminated
properties, and their actual or perceived presence can threaten the health of American
families and hamper economic redevelopment.
• The potential risks of reduced capacity for federal, state, tribal and local environmental
land and emergency management programs drives EPA to develop operational
improvements to increase effectiveness and efficiency. In FY 2019, the Agency used the
EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) to target opportunities for progress and used
measurement and collaboration to deliver continuous improvement; through ELMS, EPA
addressed more than 25 different processes supporting cleanup programs.
• EPA's ambitious 11,200 end-of-year target for the number of LUST sites that meet risk-
based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration has proven especially
challenging. EPA has intensively engaged state partners to identify long-term strategies to
meet the long-term performance goal by FY 2022. In FY 2019, LUST cleanups increased
to 8,358 representing the first annual increase in such cleanups since FY 2013.
• Emerging contaminants present EPA with strategic risks, which can be a factor delaying
cleanup timelines. To address these risks, EPA is applying developing science to update
its sampling, analytic methods and guidance, as appropriate. The Agency also is
implementing its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan, which
includes actions to: undertake rulemaking to designate and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as hazardous substances, develop sampling and
analytic methods on various PFAS analytes, and understand those analytes' toxic effects.
708
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 255 additional Superfund sites ready for anticipated use (RAU) site-wide9.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM S10) Number of Superfund sites made ready for anticipated use site-wide.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
rnrfP
Target
55
45
45
45
51
51
51
51
Sites
Above
Actual
45
45
41
43
51
48
T arget
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018-2019, the cumulative total number of Superfund sites achieving site-wide RAU was 99, an accomplishment representing 97% of the two-year goal of 102 sites.
• By the end of FY 2019, EPA had designated 935 Superfund sites as having achieved site-wide RAU.
• A government funding lapse delayed work at sites.
• The Superfund Task Force released its final report in September 2019. To ensure integration of Task Force programmatic changes, EPA identified 15 performance metrics by
which the Agency will evaluate its progress in implementing Task Force-related lessons learned.
Metric Details: The sitewide ready for anticipated use (SWRAU) measure tracks EPA's progress in cleaning up and preparing Superfund sites for reuse (both private and federal
facility), while ensuring human health and environmental protection. It measures the number of construction complete National Priorities List (NPL) or Superfund Alternative
Approach (SAA) sites for which all: (1) remedy decision document (e.g., record of decision [ROD]) cleanup goals have been achieved for media that may affect a site's current
and reasonably anticipated future land use, so that there are no unacceptable risks; and (2) institutional or other controls required in remedy decision document(s) have been put in
place. EPA documents the SWRAU determination directly in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS) once a site meets all required criteria and the appropriate
EPA regional personnel have approved the determination. The site universe tracked for this measure includes final and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with
SAA agreements. EPA's universe of sites that have met the SWRAU criteria has a net total of 935 sites, including 923 final and deleted NPL sites and 12 non-NPL sites with SAA
agreements in place. As of the end of FY 2019 there were 1,338 final NPL sites and 48 non-NPL sites with active SAA agreements. Targets represent annual increments needed to
reach the long-term performance goal by FY 2022. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal (APG) and tracks progress toward a FY 2020-
2021 APG.
(PM 170) Number of remedial action projects completed at Superfund sites.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
115
105
105
105
95
95
80
80
Projects
Above
Actual
115
104
105
97
87
89
T arget
111 1 11
Key Takeaways:
• The performance results reflect a variety of challenges, including the universe of remaining sites' complexity, emerging contaminants and changing screening/toxicity values.
• More than 68% of remedial action project completions (RAPCs) over the last five years were federal facility and Potentially Responsible Party (PRP)-lead projects; EPA is
dependent on remedial action work performed by third parties at these sites. Also, over the last five years EPA-funded teams performed work on more than 31 % of RAPCs.
9 By the end of FY 2017, 836 Superfund sites had been made RAU site-wide.
709
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
• Challenges include limited construction seasons, reduced work force (attrition), uncertain remedial action funding and unpredictable weather-related events/disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, fires).
• EPA updated the FY 2018 actual from 86 to 87, due to a data correction.
Metric Details: By tracking the completion of a discrete scope of Superfund cleanup activities (for both private and federal facility sites), this measure documents incremental
progress in reducing risk to human health and the environment. Multiple remedial action projects may be necessary to achieve sitewide construction completion. EPA captures
regional RAPC data in SEMS.
(PM 151) Number of Superfund sites with human exposures brought under control.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
iL
Target
10
9
9
9
8
12
10
10
Sites
Above
mllK
Actual
9
10
12
24
32
17
T arget
111ii i
Key Takeaways:
• Pursuant to Superfund Task Force recommendations, EPA maintained an elevated national emphasis on sites where human exposure was not under control; the Task Force's
attention on these sites contributed to FY 2019 achievements.
Metric Details: This measure documents progress achieved in controlling unacceptable human exposures to contamination at both private and federal facility Superfund sites and
denotes a site-wide accomplishment. The human exposure determination at a site can change over time as conditions across portions (operable units) of a site change. EPA regional
offices enter human exposure determinations and supporting data into SEMS. It is important to note that fiscal year results reflect a net accomplishment as sites can shift between
human exposure under control to human exposure not under control or human exposure insufficient data. The status change often occurs when a previously unknown exposure
pathway (e.g., vapor intrusion) or contaminant is discovered, and a reasonable expectation exists that people could be exposed or that there is insufficient data to make such a
determination until further investigation takes place.
(PM 137) Number of Superfund removals completed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
275
275
275
175
175
141
141
Removals
Above
Ir
Actual
278
226
255
242
233
T arget
11111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA responds to threats as they arise; targets reflect best professional estimates.
• The experience and expertise of EPA's On-Scene Coordinators allows the Agency to quickly and effectively respond to emergencies as they occur.
Metric Details: This measure is a tabulation of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal-related hazardous waste cleanups,
known as Superfund removal actions, including those that are Superfund-lead and PRP-lead. There is no pre-established universe of removal sites, as removal actions take place
after a release has occurred. Data are tracked in SEMS.
710
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 3,420 additional brownfields sites RAU10.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM B30) Number of brownfields sites made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
—
Target
550
550
600
600
684
684
684
684
Sites
Above
mT
Actual
639
668
547
531
861
910
T arget
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018-2019, the cumulative total for brownfields RAU was 1,771 sites, which is 133% of the two-year APG of 1,368 sites.
• From FY 2006 through FY 2019, 7,741 brownfields properties/sites were made RAU. EPA continued a data cleanup initiative that allowed the Agency to exceed this year's
target. This initiative reduced the data backlog and will ensure timely reporting of future data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of properties/sites benefiting from EPA brownfields funding that have been assessed and determined not to require cleanup, or
where cleanup has been completed and institutional controls are in place if required, as reported by cooperative agreement recipients into the Assessment, Cleanup and
Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database. This activity is expected to result in additional sites available for productive reuse, while also helping to quantify the impact
of funding from EPA's Brownfields Program. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term performance goal by FY 2022. This measure tracked progress
toward a FY 2018-2019 APG and tracks progress toward a FY 2020-2021 APG.
(PM B37) Billions of dollars of cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged at brownfields sites.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
unII—
Target
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.3
Billions of
Above
rmrr
Actual
1.54
1.71
1.47
1.7
2.2
2.3
Dollars
T arget
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continued a data cleanup initiative that allowed the Agency to exceed this year's target. This initiative reduced the data backlog and will ensure timely reporting of future
data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of additional dollars leveraged by assessment or cleanup activities conducted with EPA brownfields funding, as reported by
cooperative agreement recipients at a specific property into the ACRES database.
10 From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2017, 5,993 brownfields properties/sites had been made RAU. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
711
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 536 additional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective
action facilities RAU11.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM RSRAU) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Null
Target
75
91
117
133
Facilities
Above
T arget
Actual
84
93
75
72
117
127
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018-2019, the cumulative total for RCRA RAU was 244 sites, which is 147% of the two-year goal of 166 sites.
• EPA exceeded the target through improved data processing for previously unlogged sites.
• By the end of FY 2019, 1,476 RCRA corrective action facilities had been made RAU site-wide.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities made RAU. To be determined RAU, facilities must meet the following criteria: human
exposure under control; final cleanup goals achieved for media that would affect the anticipated use; and if needed, controls in place to ensure long-term protectiveness. The
universe for this measure was established in FY 2009 and includes the 3,779 facilities subject to RCRA corrective action. Information is entered into the RCRAInfo database by
authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term performance goal by FY 2022. EPA
increased the FY 2020 target from 107 to 117 based on recent results.
(PM CA5RC) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Mini
Target
98
98
98
Facilities
Above
T arget
Actual
56
60
64
67
70
80
Key Takeaways:
• EPA made progress in FY 2018 and FY 2019 by applying Lean improvements to the RCRA Facilities Investigation (RFI) and Remedy Selection processes.
• EPA did miss its ambitious target for FY2019. As part of the ELMS process, EPA is working to develop regional strategies to address process issues and share lessons learned.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed. The universe for this measure was established in 2009 and
includes the 3,779 facilities subject to RCRA corrective action. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This
measure tracks a mid-term step in the progression toward completing facility cleanup.
11 From FY 1987 through FY 2017, 1,232 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made RAU site-wide. (Footnote updated from FT 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
712
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
(PM HW5) Number of permit renewals issued at hazardous waste facilities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
miir
Target
64
64
105
105
Facilities
Above
T arget
Actual
110
100
89
125
109
124
Key Takeaways:
• EPA achieved 124 permit renewals which was 194% the FY 2019 target of 64.
• At the end of FY 2019, 992 (74%) of a universe of 1,330 permitted facilities had up-to-date permits.
Metric Details: This measure tracks RCRA hazardous waste permit renewals or clean-closures in the universe of permitted facilities using EPA's RCRAInfo system. This does not
include all permit maintenance since permit modifications cannot be projected and are not included. Maintaining up-to-date permits ensures that permitted facilities have consistent
and protective standards to prevent release. Proper standards for waste management can protect human health, prevent land contamination/degradation and other releases, and
avoid future cleanups and associated costs. EPA increased its FY 2020 target from 64 to 105 as a result of efficiencies implemented. For example, EPA used Lean tools and ELMS
to focus on reducing the permit backlog. As a result, some states and regions adopted new practices, such as pre-application meetings and earlier application deadlines, that led to
permitting program efficiencies.
(PM RFW) Number of stakeholder actions taken to increase recycling and reduce food loss and waste.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
9,750
Actions
Above
T arget
Actual
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of stakeholder actions influenced by EPA to increase recycling and reduce food loss and waste. EPA facilitates and incentivizes
stakeholder action through grants, voluntary partnership programs, and public commitment/pledge initiatives. This measure aggregates the number of stakeholders that: (1) receive
EPA recycling and food waste grants; (2) join and participate in EPA voluntary partnership programs including WasteWise, State Measurement Program, Electronics Challenge,
Federal Green Challenge, and Food Recovery Challenge; or (3) sign EPA public commitment/pledge initiatives including America Recycles Pledge, 2030 Food Loss and Waste
Champions, and Winning on Reducing Food Waste. Stakeholder data are collected via EPA's programmatic webpages and the Sustainable Materials Management data
management system. A weighting factor is applied to the different stakeholder actions to account for more significant contributions and influence on the rate of domestic recycling
and reductions of food loss and waste. The weighting factor for new participants in the challenges and WasteWise is 3:1; for active participants in those programs is 7:1; and for
state participants in the State Measurement Program and grant recipients are each 10:1. There is no FY 2020 target because this is a new measure in FY 2021.
713
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete 56,000 additional leaking underground storage tank (LUST) cleanups that
meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration12.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 112) Number of LUST cleanups completed that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
in
Til
Target
9,000
8,600
8,600
8,600
11,200
11,200
11,200
11,200
Cleanups
Above
T arget
Actual
10,393
9,869
8,977
8,775
8,128
8,358
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018-2019, the cumulative total for LUST RAU was 16,486 sites, which is 74% of the two-year APG of 22,400 sites.
• The annual trend is increasing for the first time in six years; the last time the Agency saw an increase in cleanups from one year to the next was FY 2013.
• By the end of FY 2019, a total of 493,589 LUST cleanups had been completed, out of a cumulative universe of 550,897 confirmed releases. The national number of cleanups
completed is at 90% of total identified releases since the beginning of the Program in 1988. In FY 2019, the cleanup backlog dropped from 64,093 to 57,308.
• As part of ELMS, EPA is working with the states to develop strategies to address issues regarding cleanup progress. The significant increase in backlog reduction is due to
state data cleanup efforts in addition to strategies to increase cleanups.
• As the universe of available cleanups decreases, many of the remaining releases are ones with greater challenges such as a lack of responsible party, technically difficult
cleanups, or lack of available funds.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of petroleum-contaminated sites where the states, tribes and EPA have completed cleanup activities. The totals include cleanups
reported by states as well as EPA cleanups in Indian Country. EPA uses the LUST4 database to track progress. The universe of confirmed releases pending cleanup changes over
time as releases are identified and cleanups are completed. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term performance goal by FY 2022.
12 By the end of FY 2017, 469,898 LUST cleanups had been completed.
714
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Objective 1.4 - Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace: Effectively implement the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are reviewed for their potential risks to
human health and the environment and actions are taken when necessary.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
2 (NT)
1 (Y)
4(G)
2 (NT)
3 (Y)
3(G)
| 1 (Y) | | KG) | | KG) | | KG) |
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• EPA continues to make progress toward all long-term performance goals, with key
milestones achieved or in progress for TSCA chemical risk evaluations and risk
management actions, and continued improvement on timely completion of pre-
manufacture notice final determinations.
• Released the first major update to the TSCA Inventory in 40 years.
• Released draft risk evaluations for four of the 10 chemicals on the initial priority list; all
10 evaluations are expected to be finalized in FY 2020.
• Released for public comment the proposed designations of 20 high-priority chemicals for
risk evaluation (along with 20 low-priority chemicals that will not be evaluated at this
time); final designations are expected in FY 2020.
• Issued a proposed rule covering five Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT)
chemicals and is on track to issue the final rule by the statutory deadline of December
2020.
• Improved timeliness of pre-manufacture notice final determinations (78% completed
within 90 days), while continuing to complete all final determinations within timeframes
allowable by statute.
• Exceeded the annual target for both the number of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-mandated decisions completed and the number of draft risk
assessments completed (completed 80 decisions, target is 75; completed 85 registration
review draft risk assessments, target is 72).
Challenges:
• The new chemical review process under amended TSCA is complex, and the chemical
risk evaluation process requirements are rigorous and data-intensive. EPA continues to
apply findings from its FY 2018 and FY 2019 Lean activities—e.g., introducing further IT
enhancements, recruiting and training additional staff. Given the positive year-over-year
trend, EPA expects to meet its long-term performance goal by FY 2022.
• EPA fell short of the annual targets for reducing the Pesticide Registration Improvement
Act (PRIA) registration decision timeframe (result of 686 days, target is 631) and
percentage of PRIA decisions (registration actions) completed on time (result of 97.6%,
target is 99%). EPA will focus on front-end processing of PRIA applications and the
conventional new active ingredient process to reduce decision timeframes for new active
ingredients.
715
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations for existing chemicals in
accordance with statutory timelines13.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA1) Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
10
N/A
Evaluations
Above
T arget
Actual
0
N/A
N/A
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continues to make progress toward the long-term performance goal, with key milestones achieved or in progress. EPA released draft risk evaluations for four of the 10
chemicals on the initial priority list (Pigment Violet-29, 1,4-Dioxane, Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster [HBCD], 1-Bromopropane), with all 10 evaluations expected to be
finalized in FY 2020.
• EPA also released for public comment proposed designations of 20 additional high-priority chemicals for risk evaluation (along with 20 low-priority chemicals that will not be
evaluated at this time); the final designations are expected in FY 2020.
Metric Details: This measure tracks new risk evaluation activity under TSCA, as amended in 2016 by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. A risk
evaluation is considered complete when the final risk evaluation is published in the Federal Register. The risk evaluation process is the second step, following prioritization and
before risk management, in EPA's existing chemical process under TSCA. The purpose of risk evaluation is to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable
risk to health or the environment, under the conditions of use. As part of this process, EPA must evaluate both hazard and exposure, and ensure decisions are based on the weight-
of-scientific-evidence. The baseline is zero in FY 2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. EPA will initiate the next set of 20 risk evaluations in FY 2020
to be completed within the timeframe of three and a half years as anticipated by statute. FY 2019 and FY 2021 have targets of Not Applicable because there are no statutory
deadlines in those years. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA risk management actions for existing chemicals in accordance
with statutory timelines14.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA2) Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
N/A
1
Actions
Above
T arget
Actual
0
N/A
N/A
13 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
14 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
716
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Key Takeaways:
• EPA is on track to meet the long-term performance goal by FY 2022, with key milestones achieved or in progress. EPA issued a proposed rule covering five Persistent,
Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemicals, with the final rule expected by the statutory deadline of December 2020.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of risk management actions completed within statutory limits under TSCA, as amended by the Lautenberg Act. Risk management
actions are defined under TSCA as amended as actions to address certain PBT chemicals and to address risks from existing chemicals following risk evaluation. Statute requires
EPA to propose a rule under TSCA Section 6 for certain PBT chemicals by June 21, 2019 (in FY 2019), with a final rule to be issued by December 21, 2020 (in FY 2021). For risk
management actions following identification of unreasonable risk to human health or the environment in a risk evaluation, final risk management actions must be completed within
two years after publication of the final risk evaluation. While the statute allows for a two-year extension, this measure tracks performance against the initial deadline only. This
measure also encompasses TSCA risk management actions completed for other reasons, such as to address risks from exposure to chemicals for which risk assessments were
completed prior to enactment of the Lautenberg Act. The baseline is zero in FY 2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. FY 2019 and FY 2020 have
targets of Not Applicable because there are no statutory deadlines in those years. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 APG.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations in accordance with
statutory timelines15.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA3) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity
Notices completed within the initial 90-day statutory timeframe.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
f
Target
65
80
80
80
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
58.4
78
Numerator
45
103
Final Deter-
minations
Denominator
77
132
Key Takeaways:
• Although substantially improved from FY 2018, performance in FY 2019 was two percent below EPA's annual target of 80 percent. Contributing factors included frequent
submitter requests for suspensions of review to provide additional information or amendments, increased complexity of review process under amended TSCA, and continuing
need for recruitment and training of new staff. EPA expects improvement by applying findings from the Lean activities completed in FY 2018 and FY 2019, introducing
further IT enhancements, and bringing additional staff on board. Given the positive year-over-year trend, EPA expects to meet long-term performance goal.
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century
Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals reviews covered by exemptions).
EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use
Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. The statute requires a base review
period of 90 days and allows EPA to extend this period another 90 days or for a different period at the request of a submitter. This measure tracks performance against the initial
90-day deadline only. This measure tracks final determinations for submissions received by EPA in that fiscal year. Additional information and statistics about the New Chemicals
15 Baseline is 58.4% of determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018. (Footnote updated from FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
717
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
Program are available at: https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca/statistics-new-chemicals-review. This measure tracked progress
toward a FY 2018-2019 APG.
(PM TSCA3b) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity
Notices completed within the full timeframes allowable by statute.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
Percent
ir
Actual
100
100
100
Above
Numerator
567
292
429
Final Deter-
T arget
¦¦I
Denominator
567
292
429
minations
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continues to maintain its perfect record of completing all final determinations within the timeframes allowable by statute, including instances when EPA agreed to grant
voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter.
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century
Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals reviews covered by exemptions).
EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use
Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. EPA has the authority to agree to
voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter; these provide additional time to complete the required review pending receipt of additional information that is needed. This
measure tracks performance against the full timeframes authorized under the statute. A performance result of 100% indicates that there were no instances in which EPA failed to
complete a final determination within the period of review agreed to. The baseline is 100% of determinations made within full timeframes allowable by statute in FY 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all cases of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-
mandated decisions for the pesticides registration review program16.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM FIFRA1) Number of FIFRA decisions completed through pesticides registration review.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
.illfl
Target
58
75
110
110
Decisions
Above
T arget
Actual
22
33
41
56
64
80
Key Takeaways:
• EPA efficiently and effectively managed resources and transparently employed rigorous scientific and policy approaches, as well as grouping the nine acetolactate synthase
(ALS)-inhibiting herbicides into one single decision, while remaining consistent with statutory mandates.
16 Baseline is a total of 239 decisions completed through FY 2017 of the known universe of 725. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,
2018.)
718
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
• EPA updated the FY 2018 actual from 65 to 64, due to a data correction.
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program, EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still meets the FIFRA
standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do not cause "unreasonable adverse
effects on man or the environment." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the environment, taking into account the economic, social,
and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first 15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is a
total of 239 decisions completed through FY 2017 of a known universe of 725 cases (33%). Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term performance goal
by FY 2022.
(PM FIFRA2) Number of FIFRA registration review draft risk assessments completed.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
¦ Mill
Target
70
72
80
85
Risk
Assessments
Above
T arget
Actual
37
59
59
76
112
85
Key Takeaways:
• EPA streamlined a significant number of low resource risk assessments by producing qualitative assessments or focusing only on the expected areas of risk, as well as
grouping the soil fumigants into one single assessment, while remaining consistent with statutory mandates.
• EPA updated the FY 2018 actual from 113 to 112, due to a data correction.
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program, EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still meets the FIFRA
standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do not cause "unreasonable adverse
effects on man or the environment." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the environment, taking into account the economic, social,
and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first 15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is a
total of 349 draft risk assessments completed through FY 2017 of a known universe of 725 cases (48%).
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) registration decision
timeframe by an average of 60 days17.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM PRIA1) Average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active ingredients.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
niir
Target
643
631
619
607
Days
Below
Actual
627
687
638
603
686
T arget
¦ 1111
Key Takeaways:
• FY 2019 performance fell short of the annual target for reducing the PRIA registration decision timeframe.
17 Baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017.
719
-------
GOAL 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment
• The standard deviation of decision timeframes for the fourteen completions is 128 days, with some of the variability due to varying statutory timeframes for different new
active ingredient PRIA categories.
• Contributing factors included: (1) three of the 14 completions had longer statutory timeframes; (2) the total number of new active ingredient completions in FY 2019 was
somewhat lower than normal; and (3) 12 of the 14 completions required renegotiation of the PRIA due date, which adds time to the overall process. Reasons for the
renegotiation of the PRIA due date in FY 2019 included: deficient applications; additional studies required; risk mitigation issues; public participation process; and the Federal
Register Notice publication process.
• The Agency is using the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) to focus on front end processing of PRIA applications and the conventional new active ingredient process.
These activities should lead to process changes that reduce decision timeframes for new active ingredient decisions going forward.
Metric Details: To expedite the review and licensing of pesticides' new active ingredients, EPA will reduce the incidence of PRIA negotiations, improve meeting the timeframes
specified in PRIA, and expedite the overall processing of reduced risk pesticides. The baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days, standard deviation of
395 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017. There are 36 different PRIA categories that relate to new active ingredients, with statutory
time frames ranging from 7-24 months.
(PM 091) Percentage of decisions (registration actions) completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated due dates).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
97.0
96
96
97
99
99
99
99
Percent
llllll
Actual
85
98.4
99
99
99.7
98
Above
Numerator
1,627
2,078
2,157
2,008
2,193
2,034
Decisions
T arget
Denominator
1,919
2,111
2,174
2,026
2,199
2,085
Key Takeaways:
• EPA was one percent short of the annual target for percentage of PRIA decisions (registration actions) completed on time.
• EPA was not able to work on or close out actions during the lapse in government funding, nor was EPA able to initiate work on any new applications submitted during that
period. EPA had to review both pending and newly-received applications when the government reopened.
• EPA will continue to monitor on-time performance on a monthly basis in FY 2020.
• Based on prior years and performance following the lapse in government funding in FY 2019, EPA expects to be able to meet the 99% on-time completion target for FY 2020.
Metric Details: Whereas PM PRIA1 tracks performance for new active ingredient decisions only, this measure relates to all PRIA categories described in the fee tables in FIFRA
section 33(b)(3). Additionally, FIFRA section 33(f)(5) allows that EPA and the applicant may mutually agree to extend a decision time review period. Decisions completed on or
before the negotiated due date but after the original PRIA due date are still considered "on-time" under this measure. More information on PRIA can be found on
https://www.epa.gov/pria-fees/pria-overview-and-historv. The baseline is 94% average of decisions completed on-time from FY 2014-2016.
720
-------
GOAL 2: More Effective Partnerships
Goal 2 at a Glance
More Effective Partnerships: Provide certainty to states, localities, tribal nations, and the regulated community in carrying out shared
responsibilities and communicating results to all Americans.
FY 2019 Enacted Budget (in thousands) by goal and objective
Goal 2 Cooperative Federalism
$318,162
(of $8,849,488
EPA total)
Obj 2.1 Enhance Shared Accountability
$302,103
Obj 2.2 Increase Transparency and
Public Participation
$16,059
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
Obj 2.1
Obj 2.2
721
-------
GOAL 2: More Effective Partnerships
Objective 2.1 - Enhance Shared Accountability: Improve environmental protection through shared governance and enhanced collaboration
with state, tribal, local, and federal partners using the full range of compliance assurance tools.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
1 (Y)
1 (Y)
1 (Y)
1 (Y)
2 (NT)
1 (NT)
2(G)
1(G)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this objective as
a focus area for improvement because of the need to clarify the Agency's statutory roles and
responsibilities and to tailor state and tribal oversight to maximize EPA's return on investment
and reduce burden on states and tribes, while ensuring continued progress in meeting
environmental laws.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• EPA is collaborating with state environmental agencies on shared governance approaches,
including a national policy on the oversight of state permitting programs.
• EPA is assessing its direct implementation work in Indian Country.
• EPA is analyzing a snapshot of grant commitment data and exploring options for
centralized tracking and reporting.
• As of September 30, 2019, EPA has completed 470 EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans
(ETEPs). The purpose of these, and additional ETEPs under development, is to increase
shared governance through joint planning that informs decisions on financial and technical
assistance for environmental programs. EPA will monitor regional actions to implement
ETEPs as part of its business review process.
• Completed 64 tribal consultations in FY 2019. Since 2011, EPA has completed over 500
Tribal Consultations, an important Agency milestone under the EPA Tribal Consultation
Policy.
• Issued a final policy on Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between EPA and the states in
Civil Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Work, committing to more effectively
carrying out shared responsibilities with our co-regulators by improving communication,
engaging in joint work planning, and recognizing the primary role of states in
implementing authorized programs while also identifying circumstances where direct EPA
action may be appropriate.
Challenges:
• Multiple tools are used by EPA regions to track state environmental outcomes through
federal financial assistance agreements. EPA is developing a comprehensive system to
track, at a national level, the activities states commit to, in their annual grants, beginning
with piloting grant commitment tracking in select programs in FY 2020.
• EPA is conducting a centralized effort across program offices to establish metrics for
assessing EPA direct implementation activities. EPA anticipates beginning a pilot program
review of regional implementation in Indian Country in FY 2020.
722
-------
GOAL 2: More Effective Partnerships
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local
communities18.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST1) Percentage of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No T arget
Established
No T arget
Established
TBD
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
N/A
N/A
Numerator
Commit-
ments
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, EPA analyzed grant commitment data for a subset of the Agency's grant programs and found commitments varied, based on the diverse nature of its programs.
• In FY 2020, EPA is working with program offices to pilot a method to capture grantees' progress toward meeting the commitments established in grant agreements.
Metric Details: Grant commitments are negotiated by EPA and the state, tribal, or local grant recipient. The metric will be calculated as: number of grant commitments achieved
over the total number of grant commitments for select grant programs.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the use of alternative shared governance approaches to address state,
tribal, and local community reviews19.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST2) Number of alternative shared governance approaches used to address state, tribal, and local community reviews.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
i
Target
No Target
Established
3
20
20
Alternative
Approaches
Above
T arget
Actual
0
14
Key Takeaways:
• EPA coordinated with states and tribes to develop a principles memo, outlining key tenets of shared governance. The memo aligns with the Environmental Council of the
States' Cooperative Federalism principles.
18 Universe (number of grant commitments) and FY 2021 target will be determined in FY 2020. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,
2018.)
19 There is no baseline for this measure. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
723
-------
GOAL 2: More Effective Partnerships
• The Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Clean Air Act Title V operating permit programs piloted the application of this
memo using program-specific templates; after seeking feedback from state partners, EPA implemented the process in all 10 of its regional offices.
• EPA continues to work with states to identify additional areas of focus and will deploy a similar process for each of these areas.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of program areas where EPA has launched the new oversight framework. EPA will define, develop, pilot, evaluate, and launch a
comprehensive system to evaluate state and local implementation of federal environmental programs in FY 2020. Tribes are not included in the pilot at this time. The "oversight
framework" is defined as the overarching principles as laid out in the principles memo (available at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/andrew-wheeler-messages-epa-emplovees),
coupled with a template populated with state-and regional specific details on the review activity in question. The purpose of this effort is twofold: to begin to standardize EPA's
oversight work across EPA regions, and to maximize state and federal resources by focusing on the most important work.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 2.1
Annual performance goals:
(PM PAM1) Number of EPA actions to address international marine litter priorities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
6
Actions
Above
T arget
Actual
Metric Details: This measure covers EPA's efforts to assist international environment ministries to implement tools and approaches to improve water quality, improve solid waste
management and prevent marine litter in our shared oceans. Specifically, the measure will track EPA international actions that could include: facilitating local/regional projects
that focus on improving waste collection practices in significant source countries, recycling, clean-up and capture; participating in/leading international multilateral fora to increase
advancement of EPA policies and positions; assisting in development of marine litter action plan(s) in source countries to reduce leakage of trash to the environment; identification
of steps to implement relevant and applicable waste collection and management systems; and assessment of waste flows and sharing of holistic solid waste management
approaches. There is no FY 2020 target because this is a new measure in FY 2021.
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
rfihi—
Target
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Above
nr
Actual
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
10,300
Evaluations
T arget
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA is using data to target its efforts so that fewer inspections are needed to find noncompliance. EPA also is continuing to expand incentives for self-audit/disclosure.
• EPA formalized its commitment to more effective partnerships and issued a final policy on Enhancing Effective Partnerships Between the EPA and the States in Civil
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Work, committing to more effectively carry out shared responsibilities with our co-regulators.
Metric Details: This measure description was modified in FY 2018 to clarify the types of activities included. The targets reflect a recognition that states conduct the vast majority
of inspections and an EPA focus on direct implementation programs.
724
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GOAL 2: More Effective Partnerships
Objective 2.2 - Increase Transparency and Public Participation: Listen to and collaborate with impacted stakeholders and provide effective
platforms for public participation and meaningful engagement.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
1 (NT)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this objective as
a focus area for improvement due to significant challenges in responding to Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Led the efforts of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council by delivering
community-driven assistance in 33 communities through unique programs such as Local
Foods, Local Places and Building Blocks for Community Revitalization.
• Trained more than 4,000 state level colleagues on best practices for integrating
environmental justice considerations at the state level, including representatives from all
50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
• Collaborated with other federal agencies to provide direct technical assistance workshops
to economically distressed communities. These workshops support community-driven
solutions to environmental challenges and economic decline in more than 60 communities.
• Formed a workgroup to develop effective risk communication strategies and enhance the
Agency's engagement with stakeholders such as parents, other caregivers and healthcare
providers regarding children's environmental health.
• Reduced the Agency's FOIA backlog by 16% from the April 2018 baseline, missing the
target of 25%. EPA updated its FOIA regulations for the first time since 2002 to bring its
regulations into compliance with the 2007, 2009, and 2016 statutory amendments and
centralize FOIA submission to EPA's National FOIA Office. EPA enhanced its FOIA
intake, review, and assignment standard operating procedures, checklists, and templates,
and retrained all FOIA intake review staff, to improve consistency and accuracy in the
FOIA intake and assignment process.
Challenges:
• Available staff and funding limit the number of communities EPA can serve from its
assistance programs.
• EPA continued to face significant challenges in responding to FOIA requests including a
significant FOIA backlog from prior years in certain offices, a substantial increase in the
backlog during the lapse in government appropriations, data quality management
challenges, and challenges maintaining sufficiently trained staff to process FOIA requests.
725
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate the backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding to Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) requests20.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM FOl) Percentage reduction in overdue FOIA requests from the April 2018 baseline.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
/
Target
No Target
Established
25
50
75
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
-9
16
Numerator
-224
409
Requests
Denominator
2,537
2,537
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, EPA made up the ground it lost in FY 2018 and reduced its FOIA backlog to 2,128 at the end of the fiscal year, 409 below the baseline that was set at 2,537 in
April 2018. Even with this substantial 16% FOIA backlog reduction, EPA did not achieve its goal of reducing the backlog to 25% below the baseline. Nevertheless, the
Agency made enough progress that it believes it will meet the long-term performance goal by FY 2022.
• To reduce its FOIA backlog and enhance FOIA processing, EPA completed the realignment of regional FOIA programs into the Regional Counsel Offices to create direct
reporting lines to the General Counsel, who is the Agency's Chief FOIA Officer.
• EPA continued to face significant challenges in responding to FOIA requests including a significant FOIA backlog from prior years in certain offices, a substantial increase in
the backlog during the lapse in government appropriations, data quality management challenges, and challenges maintaining sufficiently trained staff to process FOIA
requests.
• EPA started issuing monthly backlog reports to Agency leaders displaying each program and regional office's FOIA backlog to increase transparency and accountability.
• EPA updated its FOIA regulations for the first time since 2002 to bring its regulations into compliance with the 2007, 2009, and 2016 statutory amendments and to centralize
FOIA submission to EPA's National FOIA Office to streamline the initial intake review and assignment to EPA regions and program offices.
• EPA enhanced its FOIA intake, review, and assignment standard operating procedures, checklists, and templates, and retrained all FOIA intake review staff, to improve
consistency and accuracy in the FOIA intake process.
• EPA completed development of and began delivering training to supervisors on their FOIA responsibilities, thereby strengthening the implementation of the FY 2019
performance appraisal requirements for all managers with FOIA responsibilities.
Metric Details: For purposes of this measure, overdue requests are defined as those EPA deadlines that are not indicated as closed on FOIAonline.gov after 20 working days for
simple requests, 30 days for unusual circumstances, or other requestor agreed upon timeframes. EPA is focusing on reducing the FOIA backlog the Agency built up over the years
and on improving the FOIA process which gives the public the right to make requests for federal agency records. The complexity and volume of electronic documents that must be
searched, collected, and reviewed has increased over time. The Agency will ensure that it can support the timely searching and collection of electronically-stored information for
purposes of responding to FOIA requests and other information needs in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This should not only help the Agency provide the public with the
information requested, but also reduce the fees and lawsuits the Agency incurs from missing FOIA response deadlines. As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests
in the backlog.
20 As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,2018.)
726
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Goal 3 at a Glance
Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness: Increase certainty, compliance, and effectiveness by applying the rule of law to achieve more
efficient and effective agency operations, service delivery, and regulatory relief.
FY 2019 Enacted Budget (in thousands) by goal and objective
Goal 3 Greater Certainty, Compliance, and
Effectiveness
Obj 3.1 Compliance with the Law
$405,392
$1,905,579
(of $8,849,488 EPA
total)
Obj 3.2 Create Consistency and Certainty $64,798
Obj 3.3 Prioritize Robust Science
$485,424
Obj 3.4 Streamline and Modernize $42,466
Obj 3.5 Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
$907,499
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
Obj 3.1 Obj 3.2
727
1(G)
Obj 3.3
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
1 (NT)
Obj 3.4
Obj 3.5
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective 3.1 - Compliance with the Law: Timely enforce environmental laws to increase compliance rates and promote cleanup of
contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's compliance assurance tools, especially enforcement actions to address environmental
violations.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
2(G)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
4(G)
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Selected six National Compliance Initiatives (NCIs) for the FY 2020-2023 cycle that will
advance the strategic objectives in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan to improve air
quality, provide for clean and safe water, ensure chemical safety, and improve compliance
with our nation's environmental laws while enhancing shared accountability. The
enforcement and compliance assurance program also contributes to the Agency's goal of
reducing childhood lead exposures and associated health impacts as part of implementing
the Federal Lead Action Plan.
• Increased the percentage of inspection reports that EPA provides to facilities within 70
days of inspection from 46% to 81%. This will speed the correction of violations.
• Reduced the rate of significant noncompliance (SNC) with Clean Water Act National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to 25.0% from a baseline of
29.4%.
• Increased documentable EPA administrative enforcement actions/activities producing
correction of violations from 74 to 184.
• The Superfund Enforcement Program secured private party commitments for cleanup and
cost recovery and billed for oversight amounts totaling more than $961 million. The use of
Superfund enforcement tools resulted in cleanup and redevelopment at 160 private party
sites.
• EPA and California reached a settlement with Fiat Chrysler, which paid a $305M penalty
and implemented a recall/mitigation program at an estimated cost of $185M for violating
the Clean Air Act by installing defeat devices in more than 100,000 vehicles to lessen the
effectiveness of the vehicles' emission control systems.
• Reached a settlement with New York City's Hillview Reservoir to address drinking water
violations involving potential adverse human health risks posed by Cryptosporidium with
injunctive relief estimated at $2.95B.
Challenges:
• EPA and states continue to find (and resolve) NPDES permit data quality issues (e.g.,
definition, entry, and completeness).
728
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the average time from violation identification to correction21.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
129
120
120
Cases
Below
T arget
Actual
94
Key Takeaways:
• Close cooperation between EPA headquarters and regions and with the Department of Justice ensures that cases move toward resolution at an appropriate speed. EPA is
making progress to more quickly return violators to compliance.
Metric Details: This measure represents the number of all open civil judicial cases (excluding Superfund, bankruptcy, collection action, and access order cases) that are more than
2.5 years old without a complaint filed. The average time from referral to complaint for a complaint filed between FY 2013 and FY 2017 was 2.5 years. The baseline for this
measure is 129 cases that were more than 2.5 years old without a complaint filed in June 2018.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate22.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 432) Percentage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
r
Target
24
25.7
22.1
18.4
Percent
Below
T arget
Actual
22
25.0
Numerator
12,017
10,141
Permittees
Denominator
53,545
40,606
Key Takeaways:
• EPA reduced the rate of SNC of NPDES permits to 25.0% from a revised FY 2018 baseline of 29.4%.
• EPA convened a national EPA-state conference focused on reducing the rate of SNC in the NPDES Program by examining best practices being implemented in EPA regions
and in states.
21 As a proxy, EPA is measuring the number of all referred no complaint filed (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old. EPA is working in close cooperation
with the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure that cases move toward resolution at an appropriate speed in order to more quickly return violators to compliance. (Footnote updated
from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
22 This concept will be piloted by focusing initially on decreasing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (1SIPDES)
permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. Other program areas may be included in this long-term performance goal during the FY 2018-2022 timeframe.
(Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
729
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Metric Details: This purpose of this measure is to track the NPDES SNC/Category 1 noncompliance rate among individually permitted major and non-major (minor) NPDES
permittees. Major and minor permittees that were in SNC/Category 1 noncompliance at any time during the year are counted in the numerator. NPDES SNC/Category 1
noncompliance identifies a specific level of violation, based on duration, severity, and type of violation. Baseline: For FY 2018, EPA estimated 24% of NPDES permittees to be in
SNC. For FY 2019, EPA recalculated the baseline to be 29.4% upon discovery of facilities erroneously included in the universe of regulated permittees counted in the
denominator. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.1
Annual performance goals:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded enforcement actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
. i
Target
325
325
325
325
Millions of
Above
III h-
Actual
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
347
Pounds
T arget
Key Takeaways:
• Results exceeded target but were lower than previous years.
• The target for this measure is an estimate based on cases in development and past results. Results in any given year are dependent on actual case outcomes, which are quite
variable and difficult to predict. Annual totals are often influenced by a few large cases.
Metric Details: This measure combines environmental benefits from pounds of air, water, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and toxics/pesticides pollutants reduced, treated, or
eliminated through concluded enforcement actions. Prior to FY 2018, pounds of pollutants reduced, treated, or eliminated for different media were tracked using separate
measures.
(PM 441) Number of enforcement tools completed to address cleanup and/or long-term protection, including reuse, of contaminated sites.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
170
Tools
Above
T arget
Actual
210
Key Takeaways:
• Superfund Task Force efforts contributed to achievement of the FY 2019 target for this measure.
Metric Details: For Superfund private sites, this measure includes: completed private party enforcement agreements for the performance of site study and cleanup; agreements that
make cash payments toward future site work; cost recovery settlements with funds dedicated for future work; completed agreements with third-party prospective purchasers to help
remove liability barriers to contaminated properties and facilitate redevelopment; and assurances to parties interested in cleaning up, purchasing and developing certain properties
(comfort/status letter). This measure also counts Superfund Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs) and FFA amendments; Records of Decision (RODs) and ROD amendments;
Explanation of Significant Differences (ESDs); and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action cleanup orders. Potentially Responsible Parties and other
parties made an average of 170 commitments to perform or pay for cleanup and/or reuse of contaminated sites from FY 2014 to FY 2018. This measure is discontinued after FY
2019.
730
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective 3.2 - Create Consistency and Certainty: Outline exactly what is expected of the regulated community to ensure good stewardship
and positive environmental outcomes.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% ot target met (G)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
2(G)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
3 (NT)
3 (NT)
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), highlighted this
objective as a focus area for improvement given the increase in reporting burden hours to the
regulated community.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• EPA increased reporting burden to the regulated community by 5.9 million hours,
compared with a targeted reduction of 2.0 million hours.
• To reduce burden hours, EPA developed a guidance document on valuing the cost of time
in Information Collection Request (ICR) burden estimates that will help with consistency
of estimates.
• EPA also developed a list of the 33 ICRs that exceed 1 million hours of burden to help
offices with strategic planning on burden reduction efforts.
Challenges:
• In order to significantly reduce burden hours, EPA would have to change individual
regulations to reduce the information required to be collected. Regulation changes require
FTE resources, extramural dollars, and years to complete and need a high degree of
focused attention at the agency. EPA has more than 400 ICRs.
• EPA faced challenges meeting legal deadlines based on limited staff resources and
focused on deadlines with greatest impact on state planning and environmental benefits.
731
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, meet 100% of legal deadlines imposed on EPA.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG1) Percentage of legal deadlines met by EPA.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No T arget
Established
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
N/A
N/A
Numerator
Legal
Deadlines
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, EPA began to develop a revised methodology to consider the scope for tracking this measure.
Metric Details: The methodology for this measure is under development.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting burdens to the regulated community
by 10,000,000 hours23.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG2) Hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting burden to the regulated community eliminated.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
1
r
Target
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
Hours
Above
T arget
Actual
2,026,627
-5,893,454
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2019, OMB approved 204 EPA actions on ICRs. Of those, 36% of actions decreased burden, 39% increased burden, and 25% represented no change.
• EPA increased net reporting burden to the regulated community by 5.9 million hours, compared with a targeted reduction of 2.0 million hours. Most of the increase was due
to: (1) the microbial rules, which reflect full implementation of the Revised Total Coliform Rule (3.44 million hours); (2) a rule requiring facilities that use extremely
hazardous substances to develop a Risk Management Plan (1.78 million hours); (3) a rule increasing the number of facilities subject to reporting under the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (1.05 million hours); and (4) revisions to the Renewable Fuels Standards (0.65 million hours).
• EPA developed a guidance document on valuing the cost of time in ICR burden estimates that will help with consistency of estimates.
• EPA also developed a list of the 33 ICRs that exceed 1,000,000 hours of burden to help offices with strategic planning on burden reduction efforts. These ICRs represent 85%
of the Agency's overall burden.
23 Baseline is estimated at 173,849,665 information collection and reporting hours as of October 2, 2017. (Footnote updated from FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published
February 12, 2018.)
732
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
• As of the end of FY 2019, total information collection and reporting hours were 177,716,492.
Metric Details: EPA will engage in continuous improvement for managing the paperwork burden on regulated entities associated with EPA's ICRs and reduce the burden, where
possible, with a goal of eliminating 2 million hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting per year toward the goal of 10 million hours by the end of FY 2022. Annual increments
represent permanent changes in reporting burden. The data are tracked in OMB's RegInfo.gov database. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the long-term
performance goal by FY 2022.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.2
Annual performance goals:
(PM RG3) Number of EO 13771 regulatory actions issued.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
il
Target
No Target
Established
No T arget
Established
No T arget
Established
No T arget
Established
Actions
Above
T arget
Actual
3
6
Key Takeaways:
• EPA issued six regulatory actions and 18 deregulatory actions (see PM RG4), exceeding the Executive Order (EO) 13771 two-for-one requirement.
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a two-for-one
requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established per OMB guidance, but results are reported.
(PM RG4) Number of EO 13771 deregulatory actions issued.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
il
Target
No Target
Established
No T arget
Established
No T arget
Established
No T arget
Established
Actions
Above
T arget
Actual
10
18
Key Takeaways:
• EPA issued 18 deregulatory actions and six regulatory actions (see PM RG3), exceeding the EO 13771 two-for-one requirement.
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a two-for-one
requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established per OMB guidance, but results are reported.
733
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
(PM RG5) Total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and deregulatory actions.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
A
Target
-40
-50
-2,138
No T arget
Established
Millions of
Dollars
Below
T arget
Actual
-22
-75
449
Key Takeaways:
• EPA missed the FY 2019 target because some regulatory actions were delayed and some did not have the anticipated costs and savings.
• In FY 2019, EPA finalized deregulatory actions that will save the American people over $58.3 million per year in regulatory burden.
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23. In FY 2017, the total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and
deregulatory actions was -$21.5 million. The incremental cost values are annualized values in 2016 dollars applying a 7% discount rate, discounted to the year 2016 and assuming
a perpetual time horizon. Incremental benefits are not included in this total.
734
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective 3.3 - Prioritize Robust Science: Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis to inform policy making.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
Performance toward target over time • EPA made significant progress toward the objective of aligning its science and research
Number of measures by percent of target achieved portfolio with the needs of its customers, by engaging extensively internally and with
other federal, state, and local stakeholders to direct research priorities and improve
~ 100% ot target met (G) research translation efforts. In addition to delivering over 150 research products that met
~ No target (NT) its customers' needs in FY 2019, EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD)
restructured its organization to align with core research priorities.
Challenges:
• ORD continues to face challenges in retaining expertise and sustaining the right skill mix
to meet its mission. To plan for future human capital needs, ORD will continue its efforts
to increase hiring efficiencies, strengthen diversity and inclusion programs, and implement
leadership succession planning.
• ORD's work is threatened by aging equipment and facility infrastructure. ORD is
evaluating operational efficiencies to lower costs of Agency equipment and facility
management with the intention of using savings for infrastructure maintenance to improve
the long-term viability of the portfolio.
1 (NT)
1(G)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
735
-------
GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the percentage of research products meeting customer needs24.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RD1) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer needs.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
ir
Target
No Target
Established
77
80
82
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
77
79
Numerator
171
154
Products
Denominator
222
196
Key Takeaways:
• Products delivered in FY 2019 which met customer needs included: updates to ORD's EnviroAtlas software tool which provides geospatial data on environmental stressors
and other resources to the public, an updated version of the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard which integrates available information to help decision-makers and scientists
quickly and efficiently evaluate thousands of chemicals, and a series of scientific and regulatory support products developed to support National Ambient Air Quality
Standards programs.
Metric Details: Customer satisfaction is evaluated through a robust survey process. The survey engages approximately 200 key users of ORD products. Survey respondents
evaluate the scientific rigor of research products (quality), product relevance (usability), and timeliness of product delivery. The survey results are estimated at a 90% confidence
interval of ±10 products. In accordance with recommendations made by the EPA Office of the Inspector General, ORD will submit to the Office of Management and Budget an
Information Collection Request (ICR) which, if approved, would allow ORD to survey more than nine non-federal external customers in future rounds of data collection.
24 Measure text updated from "By September 30, 2022, increase the number of research products meeting customer needs." (Footnote updated from FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic
Plan published February 12, 2018.)
736
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective 3.4 - Streamline and Modernize: Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting and reporting systems.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ No target (NT)
1 (NT)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Number of New Permit Applications in Backlog
V a' i/' -/' _/' \/ a'
s? ^ ^ cf O ^ ^ ^ ^ cf
¦ NPDES ¦ UIC all classes ¦ PCB Approvals ¦ RCRA
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Reduced the number of permit decisions that exceed six months by 53% (see graph on the
lower left). Note that these totals do not include permits with statutory timeframes longer
than six months.
• Developed tools, which include a centralized system to track pending permit applications
and an approach to allow the agency to deny permits based on incomplete applications, to
improve permitting efficiency agencywide.
• EPA's regional offices have developed strategies and made significant shifts in resources
to address the backlog of new applications. EPA's program and regional offices created
standard work products for permit writers, established communities of practice, and some
developed work-sharing agreements to better utilize permit writer expertise.
• To modernize permitting systems, EPA developed an electronic system to receive and
collaborate with state agencies on proposed Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V operating
permits. EPA expects this system, which states could use instead of the current paper-
based process, to significantly improve the efficiency and timeliness of required reviews
of proposed Title V permits. The Agency is also exploring the possibility of automating
the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
application form.
Challenges:
• EPA's FY 2022 long term performance goal may be influenced by limited available FTE
and contract resources; some permit applications may take more time due to complex
issues, public interest, and required consultations.
737
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reach all permitting-related decisions within six months25.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM PE2) Number of new permit applications in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
lis
Target
No T arget
Established
33
0
Permits
Below
T arget
Actual
111
65
Key Takeaways:
• EPA conducted comprehensive Lean business process improvement events to streamline and optimize the Agency's key permitting programs: NPDES; Safe Drinking Water
Act (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC); and CAA Title V and New Source Review (NSR). The permitting programs are continuing to implement
recommendations that were identified during those events.
• As part of this effort, the Agency developed a central system to track pending permit applications. Each month the Agency tracks and reports the status of pending permits
(date of application receipt, date of permit decision).
Metric Details: This measure tracks the sum of new permit applications that are over six months old (for NPDES, UIC, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA] and
Poly chlorinated Biphenyls [PCBs]) and NSR and Title V permits that have been pending for longer than the statutory timeframes (12 and 18 months, respectively). The time for a
permitting-related decision is calculated from the date of receipt of a permit application (or the receipt of a complete application for NSR and Title V) to the date of a permit
decision. The baseline for this measure is 149 new permit applications in backlog as of June 30, 2018. Note that the baseline and FY 2018 actual do not include NSR or Title V
permits. This measure tracked progress toward a FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal (APG) and tracks progress toward a FY 2020-2021 APG.
(PM PE3) Number of existing permit applications in backlog.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
313
209
Permits
Below
T arget
Actual
417
Key Takeaways:
• EPA began tracking this measure in May 2019. Over the first four months, the number of existing permits in backlog decreased by 13% from 479 (as of May 31, 2019) to 417
(as of September 30, 2019).
Metric Details: This measure tracks the sum of existing permits that have passed their expiration date and are awaiting reissuance. This measure includes NPDES, UIC, RCRA,
PCBs, and Title V permits. The baseline for this measure is 479 existing permits in backlog as of May 31, 2019. This measure tracks progress toward a FY 2020-2021 APG.
25 Baseline is 149 new permit applications in backlog as of June 30, 2018, and 479 existing permits in backlog as of May 31, 2019. (No footnote in FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic
Plan.)
738
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.4
Annual performance goal
(PM OZ1) Percentage of communities receiving direct technical assistance that have Opportunity Zones.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
60
70
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
Numerator
Communities
Denominator
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of communities (local governments, community organizations or regional agencies, and other locally-based stakeholders) that
receive direct technical assistance from EPA's Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) programs in support of Executive Order (EO) 13853, as a percentage of the total
number of communities that receive support from OCR. This assistance is offered through staff and contractor workshops delivered in partnership with community leaders, public
and private sector actors, and federal, state, and local stakeholders. Opportunity Zones are defined by census tracts in economically distressed communities designated by the
governors of states and territories under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which established a new federal tax incentive to promote long-term investments in these areas. The
purpose of EO 13853 is to facilitate investment in economically distressed communities by streamlining regulations, optimizing the use of federal resources, and stimulating
economic opportunity. This is a new measure for FY 2020 and FY 2021.
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Objective 3.5 - Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness: Provide proper leadership and internal operations management to ensure that the
Agency is fulfilling its mission.
Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
1 (ND)
1 (Y)
3(G)
2 (Y)
1 (R)
2 (R)
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this objective as
a focus area for improvement for the purpose of maximizing the Agency's operational
efficiency.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Released 128,150 square feet of unused office and warehouse space.
• Continued headquarters consolidation work that will lead to the closure of the Potomac
Yards campus by FY 2021.
• Implemented 66 process improvements, exceeding target of 50.
• Completed initial EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) deployment to 4,522 EPA
staff.
• Achieved the 85% target and continued progress toward the long-term performance goal
of 100% Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) achievement by FY 2022.
• Received a clean opinion on EPA's Consolidated Financial Statements for the 20th
consecutive year.
• Obligated $2.5 billion for 10 Water Infrastructure Finance Improvement Act loans,
bringing the total loan amount to $3.56 billion, and processed the first loan disbursement.
• Adopted three additional shared services.
Challenges:
• Developing enterprise-wide systems and tools for current and future business needs
requires significant time, balancing multiple stakeholders, and a deep understanding of
complex Agency needs. It can be challenging to reach a consensus that serves all
organizations but ensures that solutions will be effective in the short and long term.
• Complex and evolving threats require vigilance in cybersecurity protections.
Opportunities exist in maintaining focus on the federal-government-wide Continuous
Diagnostics & Mtigation (CDM) effort and EPA-specific projects that complement CDM.
• EPA has a high number of retirement-eligible staff in the next few years. EPA is
leveraging recently deployed human capital management tools to ensure effective
knowledge transfer and succession planning.
• Achieving the goal of improving 250 operational process by FY 2022 will require ELMS
deployment to 80% of EPA's work units by FY 2020, as compared with 33% in FY 2019.
• EPA missed the target for reducing the number of Agency administrative subsystems, but
is making progress to consolidate agency audit, financial management and payment
tracking systems.
740
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet26.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM FA1) Reduction in EPA Space (sq. ft. owned and leased).
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
iV
Target
241,000
163,626
100,821
319,693
Square Feet
Above
T arget
Actual
149,278
128,150
Key Takeaways:
• EPA is on track to meet the long-term performance goal of releasing over 850,641 square feet of space by the end of FY 2022.
• EPA missed the FY 2019 target by 35,476 square feet, largely due to the release of the Gross lie research facility (35,000 square feet.) being pushed from FY 2019 to FY 2020
as well as logistical delays in other consolidation efforts.
Metric Details: This measure tracks usable square feet of office and warehouse space released with data collected from EPA facility manager notifications, and reports generated
when there is a modification to an Occupancy Agreement. Space consolidation efforts will result in EPA becoming a more efficient and effective Agency by reducing lease, utility,
security and other facility management costs, which will enable the Agency to direct resources to core environmental work.
26 Baseline is 5,264,846 square feet as of FY 2017.
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100% of procurement action
lead times (PALT)27.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM PR1) Percentage of contract actions processed within the Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) Standards.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
SA: 75
CP: 65
FAA: 80
85
90
95
Percent
Above
T arget
Actual
SA: 70
CP: 88
FAA: 76
85
Numerator
SA:704
CP: 21
FAA: 3,038
9,269
Actions
Denominator
SA: 1,007
CP: 24
FAA: 4,002
10,906
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the FY 2019 target and will continue to improve results to meet the long-term performance goal of 100% PALT achievement by FY 2022.
• EPA continues to leverage ELMS to identify process improvement opportunities around PALT.
Metric Details: For FY 2018, this measure tracked the timeliness of the Agency's processing of contract actions for Simplified Acquisitions (SA), Competitive Proposals (CP), and
Funding and Administrative Actions (FAA) with data collected from EPA's Acquisition System (EAS) as well as information from EPA contract officer representatives (CORs)
and contract officers (COs). Timeliness is measured in processing days from the date the procurement request (PR) is released in EAS to the date the contract is awarded. PALT
Standards are outlined in Section 7.1.1 of the EPA Acquisition Guide. As a result of these efforts, EPA became a more efficient and effective agency by reducing processing time
and costs. Beginning in FY 2019, EPA is reporting results for all acquisition categories against the September 30, 2018 baseline of 77% for all contract actions awarded within
PALT. FY 2018 actuals were reported against a January 1, 2018 baseline of: 47% SA; 65% CP; and 67% FAA.
27 Baseline, as of September 30, 2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12,
2018.)
742
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, improve 250 operational processes.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM OP1) Number of operational processes improved.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
r
Target
25
50
72
72
Operational
Above
A
Actual
N/A
66
Processes
T arget
¦
Key Takeaways:
• EPA surpassed its performance target by 32% in FY 2019 by reporting 66 process improvements against a target of 50. The increase in process improvements correlates with
deployment of ELMS agencywide. ELMS is a means to promote continuous improvement and uses Lean principles and tools, paired with routine monitoring, measurement
and engagement to identify problems, solve problems, and sustain improvements. Examples of process improvements include:
o EPA Region 5 Great Lakes National Program Office reduced their funding timeframes in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grants from 34 days to 14 days with more
than three months of sustained improvement (59% improvement),
o EPA Region 9 Land Division streamlined the tribal grants process, reducing from 136 steps to 56 steps (59% improvement).
o EPA Region 7 Air and Radiation Division improved the quality of draft Title V operating permits from a 14% first time quality rate to an 84% first time quality rate and is
continuing to improve (500% improvement),
o EPA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Office of Compliance improved the Superfund Cost Recovery process by decreasing the number of days to complete a
cost recovery request from 30 days to five days (83% improvement).
• The Agency expects each EPA regional or program office to report at least 10 process improvements by FY 2022.
Metric Details: EPA is applying Lean principles to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations. An operational process is a sequence of activities that results in
the delivery of a service. A process is counted as improved if it meets the following criteria: (1) at least 25% improvement over the baseline (stated in measurable/quantifiable
terms); (2) visual management is associated with the process; and (3) standard work was created for the process.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four28.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM CF1) Number of administrative shared services.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
niirT
Target
6
7
8
10
Shared
Services
Above
T arget
Actual
4
4
4
4
4
7
28 Baseline is four administrative systems/operations shared services in FY 2017. (Footnote updated fromFY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan published February 12, 2018.)
743
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GOAL 3: Greater Certainty, Compliance, and Effectiveness
Key Takeaways:
• Three administrative shared services were deployed in FY 2019: FedTalent for employee training, USAccess for employee identification, and Enterprise Physical Access
Systems (ePACS) for federal buildings.
• In FY 2020, EPA plans to adopt one additional shared service: E-Invoicing for vendor payments.
Metric Details: EPA will adopt additional federal shared services when supported by business case analyses. Federal shared services are shared across multiple federal agencies.
Enterprise adoption of shared services will ensure consistency and scalability in tools and services, enabling the Agency to standardize internal operational processes, control costs,
and improve data quality. In FY 2019, EPA refined the scope of this measure to include only systems or services where federal shared service providers (FSSPs) were adopted, and
to no longer include internal agencywide shared services. This revision resulted in a change to the baseline of existing shared services from five to four. The four administrative
shared services in place as of the end of FY 2017 were: Human Resources Line of Business (Interior Business Center/FPPS), Payroll (IBC/PeoplePlus), Travel (Concur), and
Financial Management (CGI Federal/Compass). No additional shared services were adopted in FY 2018, but the FY 2018 actual was changed from five to four as a result of the
revised baseline.
(PM CF2) Number of Agency administrative subsystems.
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
Units
Preferred
Direction
IH-
Target
24
22
22
21
Subsystems
Below
Actual
29
29
29
T arget
III
Key Takeaways:
• EPA missed the FY 2019 target as a result of reevaluating available resources, timelines and feasibility for retiring various administrative systems.
• EPA is making progress to consolidate agency audit, financial management and payment tracking systems, with a planned decrease of seven Agency administrative systems in
2020 in order to meet the FY 2020 target.
Metric Details: Reducing the number of administrative system interfaces allows EPA users to more easily input and access data and standardizes reporting as payment processing
is moved to a federal shared service provider. This has a positive impact on streamlining operational processes and drives the integration of financial transactions across multiple
administrative systems, reducing manual entry, and improving data quality. The focus is currently on establishing an integrated end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for
contracts, grants, and Interagency Agreements into Compass. In FY 2019, EPA adjusted the scope of this measure to include additional administrative subsystems which were not
previously counted. This revision resulted in a change to the baseline of existing administrative subsystems from 26 to 29.
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T3
S
3
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Environmental Protection Agency
2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Appendix
Coordination with Other Federal Agencies 747
Major Management Challenges 774
EPA User Fee Programs 782
Working Capital Fund 787
Acronyms for Statutory Authority 789
FY 2021 STAG Categorical Grant Programs 793
Program Project By Program Area 803
Eliminated Programs 813
Eliminated Program/Projects 813
Eliminated Sub-Program/Projects 817
Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives 818
FY 2021 Administrator's Priorities 823
Proposed FY 2021 Administrative Provisions 824
Attorney Fee and Cost Payments 830
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan 831
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Worksheet 834
IT Resources Statement 835
IG's Comments on the FY 2021 President's Budget 839
EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office 841
FY 2021: Consolidations, Realignments, or Other Transfer or Resources 846
S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act 847
745
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746
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Coordination with Other Federal Agencies
Air and Radiation Programs
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Implementation
EPA cooperates with other agencies to achieve goals related to ground level ozone and particulate
matter (PM), and to ensure the actions of other agencies are compatible with state plans for
attaining and maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Agency
works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USD A), Department of the Interior (DOI),
and Department of Defense (DOD) on issues such as prescribed burning at silviculture and
agricultural operations. EPA, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) also work with state and local agencies to integrate transportation
and air quality plans, reduce traffic congestion, and promote livable communities.
Air Quality in the Agricultural Sector
To improve EPA's understanding of environmental issues in the agricultural sector, the Agency
works with the USD A and others to improve air quality while supporting sustainable agriculture.
Regional Haze
EPA works with the DOI, National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in
implementing its regional haze program and operating the Interagency Monitoring of Protected
Visual Environments (IMPROVE) visibility monitoring network. The operation and analysis of
data produced by this air monitoring system is an example of the close coordination of efforts
between EPA and state and tribal governments. EPA also consults with the DOI's Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on potential endangered species issues.
Air Quality Assessment, Modeling, and Forecasting
For pollution assessments and transport, EPA works with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) on technology transfer using satellite imagery. EPA further distributes
NASA satellite products and NOAA air quality forecast products to states, local agencies, and
tribes to provide a better understanding of daily air quality and to assist with air quality forecasting.
EPA works with NASA to develop a better understanding of PM formation using satellite data.
EPA also has worked with the Department of the Army on advancing emission measurement
technology and with NOAA for meteorological support for our modeling and monitoring efforts.
EPA collects real-time ozone and PM measurements from state and local agencies, which are used
by both NOAA and EPA to improve and verify Air Quality Forecast models.
EPA's AIRNow Program (the national real-time Air Quality Index reporting and forecasting
system) works with the National Weather Service (NWS) to coordinate NOAA air quality forecast
guidance with state and local agencies for air quality forecasting efforts and to render the NOAA
model output in EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI), which helps people determine appropriate air
747
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quality protective behaviors. In wildfire situations, EPA and the USFS work closely with states to
deploy monitors and report monitoring information and other conditions on AIRNow. TheAIRNow
Program also collaborates with the NPS and the USFS in collecting air quality monitoring
observations, in addition to over 130 state, local, and tribal air agency observations, and with
NASA in a project to incorporate satellite data with air quality observations.
EPA, the USD A, and the DOI established a collaborative framework to address issues pertaining
to wildland fire and air quality. The agreement recognizes the key roles of each agency, as well as
opportunities collaboration. For example, the partnership explains that the agencies seek to reduce
the impact of emissions from wildfires, especially catastrophic wildfires, and the impact of those
emissions on air quality. In addition, the partnership highlights opportunities for enhancing
coordination among the agencies through information sharing and consultation, collaboration on
tools and information resources, and working together to collaborate with state and other partners,
among others on strategic goals.
Mobile Sources
EPA works with the DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the
coordinated national program establishing standards to improve fuel efficiency for light-duty
vehicles. Specifically, EPA, in coordination with the DOT's fuel economy and fuel consumption
standards programs, implements vehicle and commercial truck greenhouse gas standards with a
focus on industry compliance to ensure the standards are realized.
To address criteria pollutant emissions from marine and aircraft sources, EPA works
collaboratively with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). EPA also collaborates with the
USCG in the implementation of Emission Control Area (ECA) around the U.S., and with Mexico
and Canada in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to evaluate
the benefits of establishing a Mexican ECA.
To better understand the sources and causes of mobile source pollution, EPA works with the DOE
and DOT to fund applied research projects including transportation modeling projects. EPA also
works closely with the DOE on refinery cost modeling analyses to support clean fuel programs,
and coordinates with the DOE regarding fuel supply during emergency situations.
For mobile sources program outreach, the Agency participates in a collaborative effort with DOT's
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate the public and communities about
the impacts of transportation choices on traffic congestion, air quality, and human health. These
partnerships can involve policy assessments and toxic emission reduction strategies in different
regions of the country. EPA works with the DOE, DOT, and other agencies, as needed, on the
requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA also has worked with other agencies on biofuel
topics through the Biomass Research and Development Institute.
748
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To develop air pollutant emission factors and emission estimation algorithms for military aircraft,
ground equipment, and vehicles, EPA partners with the DOD. This partnership provides for the
joint undertaking of air-monitoring/emission factor research and regulatory implementation.
Air Toxics
EPA works closely with other health agencies such as the CDC, the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) on health risk characterization for both toxic and criteria air pollutants. The
Agency also contributes air quality data to the CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking
Program, which is made publicly available and used by various public health agencies.
Addressing Transboundary Air Pollution
In developing regional and international air quality projects, and in working on regional
agreements, EPA works with the Department of State (DOS), NOAA, NASA, DOE, USD A, U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB), and with regional organizations. In addition, EPA has partnered with other organizations
and countries worldwide, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the
European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the CEC, Canada, Mexico,
China, and Japan. EPA also partners with environment and public health officials and provides
technical assistance through UNEP to facilitate the development of air quality management
strategies to other major emitters and/or to key regional or sub-regional groupings of countries.
Stratospheric Ozone
EPA works closely with the DOS and other federal agencies in international negotiations among
Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, with the goal of
protecting the ozone layer and through managing ozone depleting substances (ODS) it controls.
EPA also supports several multinational environmental agreements working closely with the DOS
and other federal agencies, including OMB, Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP),
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), USDA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
Department of Commerce (DOC), NOAA, and NASA.
EPA works with other agencies, including the Office of the United States Trade Representative
(USTR) and the Department of Commerce (DOC), to analyze potential trade implications in
stratospheric protection regulations that affect imports and exports. EPA has coordinated efforts
with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of
Treasury (U.S. Treasury), and other agencies to curb the illegal importation of ODS.
Radiation and Radiation Preparedness and Response
EPA works primarily with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), DOE, and the DHS on
multiple radiation-related issues. EPA has ongoing planning and guidance discussions with DHS
on emergency response activities, including exercises responding to nuclear related incidents. As
749
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the regulator of DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), EPA is charged with coordinating with
DOE to ensure the facility is operating in compliance with EPA regulations. EPA is a member of
the Interagency Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force, established in the Energy
Policy Act, to improve the security of domestic radioactive sources. EPA also is a working member
of the interagency Nuclear Government Coordinating Council (NGCC), which coordinates across
government and the private sector on issues related to security, communications and emergency
management within the nuclear sector.
For emergency preparedness, EPA coordinates with other federal agencies through the Federal
Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee and the Advisory Team for Environment,
Food and Health which provides federal scientific advice and recommendations to state and local
decision makers, such as governors and mayors, during a radiological emergency. EPA participates
in planning and implementing exercises including radiological anti-terrorism activities with the
NRC, DOE, DOD, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and DHS.
EPA is a charter member and co-chairs the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation
Standards (ISCORS), which was created at the direction of Congress. Through its activities,
member agencies are kept informed of cross-cutting issues related to radiation protection,
radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness and response. ISCORS also helps
coordinate U.S. responses to radiation-related issues internationally.
During radiological emergencies, EPA works with expert members of the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA). EPA also works with OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) on two
committees: the Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) and the Committee on
Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH). Through participation on the CRPPH, EPA is
successful in bringing U.S. perspectives to international radiation protection policy.
Research Supporting the Air and Radiation Program
EPA continues to coordinate with other agencies, such as NOAA, DOE, USD A, National Institutes
of Health (NIH), and FHWA to develop sustainable approaches to manage risks from air pollution.
Water Programs
Collaboration with Public and Private Partners on Water Infrastructure Preparedness, Response
and Recovery
EPA coordinates with other federal agencies, primarily DHS, CDC, FDA, and DOD, on biological,
chemical, and radiological contaminants of high concern, and how to detect and respond to their
presence in drinking water and wastewater systems. EPA maintains a close linkage with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and DHS, particularly with respect to ensuring the timely
dissemination of threat information through existing communication networks.
EPA works with US ACE and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to refine
coordination processes among federal partners engaged in providing emergency response support
to the water sector, including maintaining clear roles and responsibilities under the National
750
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Disaster Recovery Framework. In addition, EPA continues to work with FEMA, USACE, and
other agencies, on the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force regarding water
resources and floodplain management.
As the agency in charge of water sector security, EPA works with DHS Cyber and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) and other government agencies on the Industrial Control System (ICS)
working group to develop an ICS interagency Strategy and Implementation Plan. EPA also
collaborates with CISA on various working groups and cybersecurity issues such as roles and
responsibilities, ICS supply chain, cyber workforce, cybersecurity standards, and cyber response.
Drinking Water Programs
EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established an Interagency Agreement to coordinate
activities and information exchange in the areas of unregulated contaminants occurrence, the
environmental relationships affecting contaminant occurrence, protection area delineation
methodology, and analytical methods. This effort improves the quality of information to support
risk management decision-making at all levels of government, generates valuable new data, and
eliminates potential redundancies. EPA also collaborates with the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) to develop strategies to decrease drinking water lead exposure in
homes. The partnership promotes the exchange of information, leverages funding, and reviews
processes to facilitate better-informed and coordinated decisions and investments.
In addition, EPA collaborates with DHHS to better understand, characterize, and manage public
health risks from Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), with activities spanning from
assessing CDC's waterborne disease surveillance data related to legionella and other biofilm-
related pathogens to partnering with FDA on antibiotic resistance-related issues. EPA collaborates
with multiple federal agencies to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) issues
including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, USD A, FDA, DHHS, the NIH,
the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Small Business Administration (SBA), NASA,
FA A, and OMB.
Sustainable Rural Drinking and Wastewater Systems
EPA and USD A work together to increase the sustainability of rural drinking water and wastewater
systems to ensure the protection of public health, water quality, and sustainable communities. The
two agencies facilitate coordinated funding for infrastructure projects that aid in the compliance
of national drinking water and clean water regulations.
National Water Sector Workforce Development: Department of Veterans Affairs
EPA and Departments of Education, Interior, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (VA) are building
on existing collaborations, exploring new opportunities and actions, and identifying potential
additional federal programs and partners to support the nation's water sector professionals.
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Coordination with Department of Defense on Analytical Methods for Detecting PFAS
EPA's Clean Water Act (CWA) analytical methods program is collaborating with the DOD on
their efforts to develop an analytical method for detecting certain PFAS compounds in wastewater.
Source Water Protection and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
To combat HABs and hypoxia, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control
Amendments Act of 2014 (HABHRCA 2014, P.L. 113-124, recently reauthorized through the
National Integrated Drought Information System [HABHRCA 2017, Public Law 115-423])
emphasizes the mandate to advance the scientific understanding and ability to detect, predict,
control, mitigate, and respond to HABs and hypoxia. This legislation established the Interagency
Working Group on HABHRCA (IWG-HABHRCA). It tasked the group with coordinating and
convening federal agencies to discuss HAB and hypoxia events in the U.S., and to develop action
plans, reports, and assessments of these situations. The IWG-HABHRCA is co-chaired by
representatives from EPA, NOAA, and the OSTP, and it is composed of the following member
agencies and departments: CDC, FDA, NIEHS, USACE, USGS, BOEM, NPS, FWS, NASA,
USD A, DOS, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
2018 Farm Bill Source Water Protection Provisions
EPA collaborates with the USD A Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), state and
utility partners to develop implementation strategies and guidance to comply with the 2018 Farm
Bill provisions. These provisions dedicate at least 10 percent of total funds available for
conservation programs (with the exception of the Conservation Reserve Program) to be used for
source water protection. In addition, the Agency partners with NRCS to foster collaboration at the
state and local levels to identify priority source water protection areas in each state to address
agriculture-related impacts to drinking water sources. EPA also is collaborating with USFS in
developing strategies to implement the 2018 Farm Bill (Title VIII, Subtitle D, Section 8404)
Source Water Protection provisions requiring a "Water Source Protection Program" on National
Forest Service (NFS) lands. EPA is supporting USFS by fostering partnerships with state, utilities,
and other water stakeholders.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
EPA supports the Internal Revenue Service's development of regulations and guidance addressing
45Q, the IRS tax code section that gives companies tax credits for geologic sequestration of CO2.
EPA's role has been to provide them regulatory background on the Underground Injection Control
program. The Agency also participates in quarterly and ad hoc meetings with DOE and DOI to
share information on carbon capture and storage developments. In addition, EPA serves as a liaison
to DOE's National Risk Assessment Partnership to advance its work in developing tools to
improve collective understanding of risk at CO2 storage projects and inform science- and risk-
based decision-making at geologic sequestration projects; and to explore opportunities to integrate
the partnership work into EPA's Class VI permitting process.
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National Water Reuse Action Plan Development and Implementation
EPA is leading the development of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) in close
partnership with federal partners. By FY 2021, the Federal WRAP Team will have held multiple,
multi-stakeholder meetings to guide and facilitate development. The team also uses the
Interagency Water Working Group and the Interagency Sustainability Working Group as forums
to coordinate federal interests in Water Reuse. Federal Partners actively engaged in the
development of the WRAP with EPA include but are not limited to: DOI, DOE, NOAA, USD A,
CDC, FDA, NASA, GSA, and DOS.
Watersheds Restoration and Nonpoint Source Pollution
EPA and USD A are co-implementing the National Water Quality Initiative in about 200
watersheds nationwide. EPA also co-implements the coastal nonpoint source pollution program
with NOAA. EPA also co-chairs, with NOAA, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force's Watershed
Working Group to reduce land-based source pollutants to coral reef watersheds.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program
Since inception of the NPDES Program under the CWA, EPA maintains relationships with various
federal agencies to implement pollution controls for point sources under NPDES. EPA works with
the FWS and NMFS on consultation for protection of endangered species. EPA works with the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on National Historic Preservation Act implementation.
EPA and its stakeholders rely on USGS monitoring data to help inform pollution control decisions.
The Agency also works closely with SBA and OMB to ensure that regulatory programs are fair
and reasonable. The Agency coordinates with NOAA on efforts to ensure that NPDES programs
support coastal and national estuary efforts, and with the DOI on mining issues. The Agency also
coordinates with the FHWA to reduce the impacts of stormwater from roads.
Vessel Discharges
EPA addresses vessel discharges under Section 312 of the CWA. EPA and DOD jointly regulate
incidental discharges from vessels of the Armed Forces, and coordinate with the USCG, FWS, and
NOAA. EPA, in consultation with USCG, is responsible for developing national performance
standards for categories of discharges from certain commercial vessels and for ballast water from
commercial vessels.
Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
EPA's State Revolving Fund programs work with HUD and USD A to foster collaboration on
jointly funded infrastructure projects. In many states, coordination committees have been
established with representatives from the three programs.
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Monitoring and Assessment of Nation's Waters
EPA and USGS co-chair the National Water Quality Monitoring Council, a national forum for
scientific discussion of strategies and technologies to improve water quality monitoring and data
sharing. The Council membership includes other federal agencies, state and tribal agencies, non-
governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. Under an MOU, EPA
and USGS operate the national Water Data Portal, providing USGS and EPA ambient water quality
data in a common format. EPA has an Interagency Agreement with the USGS for the development
of NHDPlus version 2, which includes all U.S. state and territory data, with the exception of
Alaska. EPA also collaborates with the USGS, NOAA, NPS, USD A, FWS, BLM, and the USFS
on implementation, analysis and/or interpretation of the results of the National Aquatic Resource
Surveys - an EPA, state and tribal partnership to assess and report on the condition of the Nation's
waters and changes over time using nationally consistent and regionally relevant methods.
Wetlands
EPA, FWS, USACE, NOAA, USGS, USDA's NRCS, USFS, FEMA, and FHWA coordinate on a
range of wetlands activities, including: studying and reporting on wetlands trends in the U.S.;
diagnosing causes of coastal wetland loss and identifying opportunities to stem the losses;
statistically surveying the condition of the Nation's wetlands; and developing methods for better
protecting wetland function. Additionally, EPA and USACE work together in implementing the
CWA Section 404 regulatory program. EPA also works with the FWS and NOAA on permitting
matters. EPA and USACE are working with other agencies, including USGS, NASA, NOAA,
FWS, and NRCS to develop geospatial maps of wetlands and other aquatic resources.
Natural Resources Damage Assessment and the Restore Council
EPA works in partnership with fellow federal and state trustees and their representatives to support
the ongoing Natural Resources Damage Assessment and the Restore Council (Gulf Coast
Ecosystem Restoration Council). Partners include NOAA, DOI, and USD A.
Water Quality Standards
EPA coordinates with the DOI and DOC to protect listed species and critical habitats. If EPA
determines that its approval of water quality standards may affect listed species or designated
critical habitat, EPA engages with the FWS and NMFS to conduct consultation consistent with
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
Environmental Contaminants in Fish and Shellfish
EPA and FDA work in close cooperation to ensure a unified U.S. Government message regarding
the risks and benefits of consuming commercial and noncommercial fish and shellfish. The two
agencies collaborate on activities intended to address environmental contaminants in fish and
shellfish and the safety of fish and shellfish for consumption by consumers.
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Research to Support Water Programs
While EPA is the federal agency mandated to ensure safe drinking water, other federal and non-
federal entities conduct research that complements EPA's research on priority contaminants in
drinking water. Cooperative research efforts have been ongoing with the American Water Works
Association, Water Research Foundation, and other stakeholders to coordinate drinking water
research where the private sector is conducting research in areas such as analytical methods,
treatment technologies, and the development and maintenance of water resources. EPA also has
worked with the USGS to evaluate performance of newly developed methods for measuring
microbes in potential drinking water sources.
Interagency coordination in research also is occurring in developing sediment criteria. Here, EPA
has joint research initiatives with NOAA and USGS for linking monitoring data and field study
information with available toxicity data and assessment models for developing sediment criteria.
EPA also conducts studies with the USGS to monitor the occurrence of CECs. Research efforts to
monitor the effects of chemical mixtures continue, increasing our understanding of wastewater
effluent impacts to human and aquatic health and prioritizing future research on developing
solutions for the removal of CECs in wastewater treatment operations.
Land and Emergency Management Programs
Brownfields
EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization Programs partner with the Department of Labor
(DOL) and the NIEHS to support environmental workforce development and fund job training and
placement programs in brownfield communities. The Programs work with the USD A, DHHS, and
the ATSDR to identify ways communities can work with federal programs to increase food access
in all communities and improve access to quality health care, in response to community requests.
Improved access to healthy food and health care services can catalyze redevelopment and
employment that contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities. The Programs also
partner with the NPS's River, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program to support Groundwork
USA and individual Groundwork Trust organizations in their efforts to engage youth in
brownfields redevelopment and community revitalization. The Programs participate with DOC's
Economic Development Integration (EDI) team to identify opportunities for greater interagency
collaboration for coordinated and effective investment of federal economic development
resources. EPA leads the Brownfields Federal Partnership, which includes more than 20 federal
agencies dedicated to the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields properties. Partner agencies
work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and redevelop brownfields.
Economically Distressed Communities
EPA provides expertise to HUD, DOT, DOC, DHHS, DHS, DOJ, SBA, DOL, and other agencies
and departments on the importance of land revitalization, the use of green infrastructure strategies,
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green demolition, Opportunity Zone efforts, and sustainable development strategies so that the
federal government can better assist economically distressed communities.
Superfund Remedial Program
The Superfund Remedial Program maintains ongoing coordination with the ATSDR, NIEHS, and
USACE to promote information sharing and greater efficiencies. There are several areas where
collaboration and sharing resources are of mutual benefit. For example, ATSDR has a statutory
mandate to complete health assessments on sites listed on EPA's National Priorities List (NPL),
while EPA conducts site characterization and performs site work. Moreover, EPA site managers
strive to work with their ATSDR counterparts to coordinate messages for the public. For NIEHS,
EPA collaborates with NIEHS in collaborating with academia and conducting research related to
the toxicity of contaminants, site characterization, and site remediation, as well as explaining risk
information to communities and other parties. EPA collaborates with USACE on a wide range of
technical, management, and acquisition support functions to implement or oversee responsible
party Superfund project implementation for the remedial and removal programs. Most notably, the
USACE has the technical design and construction expertise and contracting capability needed to
assist the Superfund Program in implementing complex remedial action projects. USACE also
provides technical on-site support to EPA in the enforcement oversight of numerous construction
projects performed by private Potentially Responsible Parties.
Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program
The Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program coordinates closely with other
Federal Agencies (OFAs), states, tribes, state associations, and others to implement its statutory
responsibilities to ensure protective and efficient cleanup and reuse of federally contaminated land
on the NPL. In addition, EPA continues to work to streamline and improve the Superfund process
through the Superfund Task Force recommendations. Successful implementation of these
recommendations requires strengthening partnerships and enhancing engagement with OF As,
states, and tribes by having regularly-scheduled meetings that focus on targeting and resolving
critical programmatic issues, emphasizing protective cleanups, and recognizing site reuse
opportunities and successes. EPA, OF As, states, and tribes have committed to early meeting
planning and focusing on issues with a problem-solving and action-oriented approach.
The Program coordinates with national organizations that help to improve engagement with other
OFAs such as Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials
(ASTSWMO) and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS). ASTSWMO has a Federal
Facilities Research Center Subcommittee which promotes and improves state and territory
involvement in the cleanup and reuse of contaminated federal facilities and facilitates information
exchange by and between states, territories, and federal agencies. This includes: identifying and
researching emerging issues related to state and federal cleanup programs at federal facilities;
producing and disseminating resource documents, tools; and working with EPA and OFAs on a
variety of federal facilities issues and forums.
EPA participates in a dialogue with ECOS and DOE for the purpose of enhancing ongoing working
relationships among partners involved in the cleanup of DOE Environmental Management sites.
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The Dialogue focuses on the dispute resolution, waste disposition, and environmental indicators.
The Dialogue is an example of how each agency can advance DOE site cleanups and foster an
understanding of challenges and successes nationally. EPA also participates with OF As on the
Munitions Response Dialogue, partners with DOD research and development programs on the
munitions management track, and participates on the Intergovernmental Data Quality Task Force.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Poly chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Programs
The RCRA Corrective Action Program coordinates closely with OF As, primarily DOD and DOE,
which have many corrective action sites. A top Agency priority is to help federal facilities meet
the Program's goals of investigating and cleaning up hazardous releases. EPA also coordinates
with other agencies on cleanup and disposal issues posed by PCBs under the authority of the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Emergency Preparedness and Response
EPA plays a major role in reducing the risks that accidental and intentional releases of harmful
substances and oil pose to human health and the environment. EPA's leadership in federal
preparedness begins with its co-chairing the National Response Team (NRT) and the 13 Regional
Response Teams with the USCG. These teams, which have member participation from other key
federal agencies, deliver federal assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to plan for and
respond to natural disasters and other major environmental incidents. This requires coordination
with many federal, state, and local agencies. The Agency participates with other federal agencies
to develop national planning and implementation policies at the operational level.
The National Response Framework (NRF), under the direction of the DHS, provides for the
delivery of federal assistance to states to help them deal with the consequences of terrorist events,
acts of malfeasance, as well as natural and other significant disasters. EPA maintains the lead
responsibility for the NRF's Emergency Support Function #10 (covering inland hazardous
materials and petroleum releases) and participates in the Federal Emergency Support Function
Leaders Group which addresses NRF planning and implementation at the operational level.
Oil Spills
Under the Oil Spill Program, EPA provides assistance to agencies such as FWS and the USCG
and works in coordination to address oil spills nationwide. EPA also assists agencies with judicial
referrals when enforcement of violations becomes necessary. In addition, EPA and the USCG work
in coordination to address oil spills nationwide.
Strengthen Human Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country
EPA, DOI, DHHS, USDA, and HUD work through several MOUs as partners to improve
infrastructure on tribal lands. All five federal partners have committed to continue federal
coordination in delivering services to tribal communities. The Infrastructure Task Force has built
on prior partner successes, including improved access to funding and reduced administrative
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burden for tribal communities through the review and streamlining of Agency policies, regulations,
and directives as well as improved coordination of technical assistance to water service providers
and solid waste managers through regular coordination meetings and web-based tools.
Homeland Security
EPA's Homeland Security, Preparedness and Response Program continues to develop and
maintain Agency assets and capabilities to respond to and support nationally significant incidents
with emphasis on those involving chemical warfare agents. The Program implements abroad range
of activities for a variety of internal and multi-agency efforts consistent with the NRF and the
Homeland Security Presidential Directives that EPA leads or supports. This includes being the
lead analytical agency for environmental sampling during a CWA incident. EPA also coordinates
its preparedness activities with DHS, FEMA, FBI, and other federal, state and local agencies.
Research to Support Homeland Security
EPA collaborates with numerous agencies on Homeland Security research in order to leverage
funding across multiple programs and produce synergistic results. EPA's Homeland Security
Research Program works with DHS to back decisions made in its role as a lead agency responsible
for cleanup during a Stafford Act declaration under ESF-10 and as the lead agency for water
infrastructure. EPA also works with the DOD and its sub-organizations in its research work related
to biological and chemical warfare agents. Further, EPA participates in a tri-agency research
partnership (Technical Coordination Working Group [TCWG]) with the DOD and DHS that
focuses on chemical and biological defense needs and gaps. TCWG activities include: information
sharing; joint science and technology research projects; and complementing policies. EPA also
collaborates with the CDC in conducting biological agent research.
EPA works with these aforementioned entities and others to address areas of mutual interest and
concern related to both homeland security cleanup and water infrastructure protection issues. The
Program conducts joint research with USDA and DOI focusing on addressing homeland security
threats at the intersection of the environment/public health and agriculture/natural resources. EPA
also works with DOE to access and conduct research at the DOE's National Laboratories
specialized research facilities, such as to establish the Water Security Test Bed and develop
analytical capabilities for biological and chemical agents in environmental matrices.
Research to Support Land and Emergency Management Programs
EPA has complementary and joint programs with the USFS, USGS, USDA, NOAA, BLM, and
many others to minimize duplication, maximize scope, and maintain a real-time information flow
for land and emergency management issues. EPA coordinates its research to support a range of
environmental priorities at other federal agencies, including work with DOD in its Strategic
Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology
Certification Program, and works with DOE and its Office of Health and Environmental Research.
EPA also conducts collaborative laboratory research with DOD, DOE, DOI, and NASA to improve
characterization and risk management options for dealing with subsurface contamination. EPA,
USACE, and the U.S. Navy signed an MOU to increase collaboration and coordination in
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contaminated sediments research. EPA also works through the Interstate Technology Regulatory
Council (ITRC) in defining continuing research needs through its teams on topics including
permeable reactive barriers, radionuclides, and brownfields.
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs
General Coordination for Chemical Safety
Following enactment of the TSCA amendments in June 2016, EPA established an Interagency
Policy Group comprised of other federal agencies with interest and expertise in chemical issues to
hold periodic meetings to obtain input on significant actions such as the TSCA Risk Evaluations
rules and potential existing chemical candidates for Prioritization under TSCA. The agencies on
the Interagency Policy Group include: CPSC, DOD, OMB, NASA, DOL, SBA, NIH, FDA and
CDC. In FY 2021, EPA intends to use this group to review TSCA materials including, but not
limited to: risk evaluations, and documents related to scoping of existing chemicals for risk
evaluation.
EPA also engages in biannual meetings with the OMNE1 Committee, which includes the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mining Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), NIOSH, and the NIEHS. The OMNE Committee exists to provide a
venue for federal agencies to share information and coordinate activities regarding proposed rules,
risk assessments, and risk management strategies for controlling exposure to chemicals.
Federal Lead Action Plan
Established in 1997 by Executive Order 13045, the President's Task Force on Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children comprises 17 federal departments and offices and is
co-chaired by the Secretary of DHHS and the EPA Administrator. In December 2018, through
cross-governmental collaboration, the Task Force unveiled the Federal Action Plan to Reduce
Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Federal Lead Action Plan). The
Federal Lead Action Plan is a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by
working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with
businesses, property owners and parents. In 2019, EPA released the Implementation Status Report
and the Progress Report on EPA-specific goals, objectives and actions under the Federal Lead
Action Plan. In FY 2021, the Agency will continue to lead those goals and actions, coordinate with
federal, state, tribal and community partners to amplify the impacts, and report on activities and
implementation, as appropriate.
Participation in International Agreements addressing Chemical Safety
To participate more effectively in international agreements addressing chemical safety (e.g.,
persistent organic pollutants [POPs] and mercury), EPA coordinates with other federal agencies,
including the USTR, DOS, DOC, and DHHS. EPA also coordinates with ATSDR, NIH, and CPSC
on matters relating to the work of the OECD on test guideline harmonization and other chemical
safety program work. EPA also engages in bilateral cooperation and information exchange with
1 The OMNE Committee is named for the first letter in each participating agency's name.
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the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Canada, China, Australia, and others. EPA works
closely with the DOS in leading the technical and policy engagement for the United States in the
Minamata Convention on Mercury, as well as with the DOE, FDA, and USGS.
EPA engages in trilateral cooperation with Canada and Mexico through the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Pesticides to promote trade and
regional cooperation among governments through harmonization and work sharing. EPA
continues to participate in the development, validation, and adoption of new assays as well as new
test procedures that have led to global harmonization of test guidelines via the OECD Test
Guidelines Programme (TGP). EPA works with EU countries in support of OECD TGP's mutual
acceptance of data in efforts to reduce the need to repeat safety studies due to incompatible test
protocols. Additionally, EPA will continue international engagement in the OECD Working Group
on Pesticides (WGP) to share pesticide registration work and develop tools to monitor and
minimize pesticide risk to human health and the environment. EPA collaborates with international
organizations, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Australian Pesticide
and Veterinary Medicine Authority to provide scientific advice and sett international standards
related to food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, plant health and nutrition.
Certification and Training, Worker Protection, IPM, and Environmental Stewardship
EPA's Pesticide Program will continue to coordinate with USD A, DOD, DOI, DOE, tribes,
territories, and state lead agencies for pesticides, in order to implement the Certification and
Training Program for pesticide applicators who use the riskiest pesticides. EPA provides technical
guidance and assistance to the states and tribes in the implementation of all pesticide program
activities, such as protecting workers, promoting Integrated Pest Management and environmental
stewardship. EPA also provides grants, cooperative agreements with, or interagency agreements
to states, tribes and other partners, including universities, non-profit organizations, other federal
agencies, pesticide users, environmental groups, and other entities, as necessary, to assist in
strengthening and implementing EPA's pesticide activities, such as worker protection, pollinator
protection and certifying pesticide applicators.
Assessing Potential Pesticide Risks with Supplemental Data
EPA relies on data from DHHS and USD A to supplement data from the pesticide industry in order
to assist the Agency in assessing the potential risks of pesticides in the diets of adults and children.
Specifically, EPA relies on food consumption data developed by the DHHS as part of their
NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Survey) survey, and is a part of EPA's dietary risk
assessment for pesticides and pesticide residue (concentration) data in food commodities, which
is generated by the USDA in its Pesticide Data Program (PDP).
Endangered Species & Pollinator Protection
EPA's Pesticides Program will continue collaborating with the USDA, FWS, and NMFS on
developing methods for assessing potential risks and effects of pesticides to endangered and
threatened species. EPA, in cooperation with USDA, other federal agencies, state agencies, tribes,
territories, and other entities, will continue to address pesticide risks to bees and other pollinators
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which are critical to our environment and the production of food crops.
Homeland Security - Protecting Food & Agriculture Sectors
EPA collaborates with the DOD, DHS, USD A, FDA, FEMA, and other federal, tribal and state
organizations on a variety of technical and policy homeland security issues. These issues focus on
protecting the public and food and agriculture sectors from threats associated with use of chemical
and biological agents or from natural disasters. EPA collaborates with these organizations on
research pertaining to effective disinfectants for high threat microorganisms, planning for response
to various potential incidents, training and development of policies and guidelines. EPA continues
to partner with the OSHA, NIOSH, and CPSC on risk assessment and risk mitigation activities.
Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC)
One of the Agency's methods for receiving input on pesticide issues has been the Pesticide
Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC), a Federal Advisory Committee, that brings together a
broad cross-section of knowledgeable individuals from organizations that represent divergent
views in order to discuss pesticide regulatory, policy, and implementation issues. The PPDC
includes members from federal and state governments, industry/trade associations, pesticide user
and commodity groups, consumer and environmental/public interest groups, and others. The
PPDC provides a structured environment for meaningful information exchanges and discussions,
and keeping the public involved in decisions that affect them. Dialogue with outside groups is
essential for the Agency to remain responsive to the needs of its many partners.
General Research to Support Chemical Safety
EPA's Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast™) is part of a multi-agency effort under the Tox21
collaboration MOU. Tox21 pools chemical research, data and screening tools from multiple federal
agencies including EPA, and the NIH and FDA. ToxCast™ utilizes existing resources to develop
faster, more thorough predictions of how chemicals may affect human and environmental health.
Tox21 and ToxCast™ are screening nearly 10,000 environmental chemicals for potential toxicity
in high-throughput screening assays at the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational
Sciences (NCATS). EPA has an agreement to provide funding to support the effort.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs)
in the environment. In collaboration with NIEHS, EPA is conducting high throughput
computational toxicological screening assays on an initial set of 150 PFAS chemicals which have
been selected to represent the full array of chemical and physical structural properties of the entire
PFAS universe of compounds. The results will be used to identify subsets of PFAS chemicals with
potentially high toxicity in order to prioritize those for more detailed study, as well as enable
quantitative analyses to make inferences about toxicity of chemicals for which there are no
experimental data.
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Research to Support the Amended Toxic Substances Control Act
EPA collaborates globally with other federal agencies on research to accelerate the pace of
chemical risk assessment and to provide greater regulatory certainty for the public. EPA is working
with Health Canada and the European Joint Research Center on the development and testing of
new non-animal approach methodologies to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate chemicals for
safety. These new approach methods are a critical part of implementing the TSCA Strategic Plan
to reduce, refine, and replace the use of vertebrates in toxicity testing and evaluation. EPA also
commenced work with Health Canada and ECHA to promote sharing of non-confidential chemical
safety information with the intent of advancing chemical evaluations across regulatory
jurisdictions. This collaborative approach will help EPA and other federal agencies screen,
prioritize and evaluate chemicals, and promote implementation of alternative methods to replace
vertebrate animal testing under TSCA. Finally, EPA is engaged in multiple OECD chemical safety
groups that share information, expertise, and research results related to chemical safety.
Ultimately, these international efforts will work towards creating transparent data requirements for
industry and reducing the regulatory uncertainty of multiple regulatory environments globally.
Research to Support Agencywide Risk Assessment Activities
EPA consults and collaborates routinely with other federal agencies about the science of individual
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessments, as well as efforts to prioritize and
coordinate chemical evaluations. IRIS maintains an interagency working group that consists of
various federal agencies (e.g., DOD, NASA, SBA, DOT, DOE, DOI, etc.), and the White House.
EPA also coordinates, respectively, with: ATSDR, through an MOU on the development of
toxicological reviews and toxicology profiles; NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program, on
assessment methodology, software, and assay development platforms; FDA on advisories and
reports; and DOD on assessment development. In addition, EPA contracts with the National
Academy of Sciences' National Research Council (NRC) on very difficult and complex human
health risk assessments through consultation or review. EPA also participates in the Interagency
Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) to work towards
increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. federal agency test method review, eliminating
unnecessary duplication of effort, sharing experience among U.S. federal regulatory agencies, and
reducing, refining, and replacing the use of animals in testing.
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Programs
General Enforcement Coordination
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program coordinates closely with:
• DOJ on all civil and criminal environmental enforcement matters. In addition, the Program has
coordinated with other agencies on specific environmental issues as described herein;
• The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, OSHA, and ATSDR in preventing and
responding to accidental releases and endangerment situations;
• DOI's Bureau of Indian Affairs, and DHHS's IHS on issues relative to compliance with
environmental laws in Indian country;
• The DOC and SBA on the implementation of SBREFA. In addition, it has collaborated with
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the SBA to maintain current environmental compliance information at Business.gov, a website
initiated as an e-government initiative in 2004, to help small businesses comply with
government regulations. The IRS on cases that require defendants to pay civil penalties,
thereby assisting the IRS in assuring compliance with tax laws;
• USACE on wetlands issues;
• DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on pipeline spills; and,
• USDA on the regulation of animal feeding operations and on food safety issues arising from
the misuse of pesticides and shares joint jurisdiction with the Federal Trade Commission on
pesticide labeling and advertising.
International Trade
EPA works with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on implementing the secure
International Trade Data System (ITDS) across all federal agencies and on pesticide imports and
on hazardous waste and Cathode Ray Tube exports, as well as on a variety of other import/export
issues under the various statutes (e.g., imports of vehicles and engines).
Coordination on Issues Involving Shared Jurisdiction
EPA and FDA share jurisdiction over general-purpose disinfectants used on non-critical surfaces
and some dental and medical equipment surfaces. EPA and FDA also collaborate and share
information on Good Laboratory Program inspections to avoid duplication of inspections and
maximize efficient use of limited resources. The Agency has entered into an agreement with the
HUD concerning enforcement of the TSCA lead-based paint notification requirements. The
Agency has coordinated with the USCG under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and on
discharges of pollutant from ships and oil spills under the CWA. EPA also works with the DOI on
CWA permit enforcement on the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as both the Interior and
Transportation Departments on enforcement of CWA requirements for offshore facilities.
Criminal Enforcement
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program coordinates with the FBI, CBP, DOL, U.S. Treasury,
USCG, DOI and DO J and with international, state, tribal, and local law enforcement organizations
in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes. EPA also works with DOJ to
establish task forces that bring together federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement
organizations to address environmental crimes. EPA has an Interagency Agreement with DOJ's
Environment and Natural Resources Division to develop the first federal Environmental Crime
Victim Assistance Program. This allows both agencies to meet their statutory obligations under
the Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), to
make sure that environmental crime victims are notified of and accorded their rights under the
CVRA and VRRA. In addition, the Program has an Interagency Agreement with the DHS to
provide specialized criminal environmental training to federal, state, local, and tribal law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
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Monitoring the Environmental Compliance of Federal Agencies
Executive Order 12088 on Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards directs EPA to
monitor compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws. The Federal Facility
Enforcement Program coordinates with other federal state, tribal, and local agencies to ensure
compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws. EPA works through the Federal
Facilities Environmental Stewardship and Compliance Assistance Center (www.fedcemter.gov),
which is governed by a board of more than a dozen contributing federal agencies. EPA also
partners with other federal agencies to identify ways to expedite cleanup of Superfund sites and
prevent and address regulatory compliance issues.
Superfund Enforcement
EPA coordinates with OF As in their use of CERCLA enforcement authority. This includes the
coordinated use of such authority at individual hazardous waste sites that are located on both non-
federal land (EPA jurisdiction) and federal lands (other agency jurisdiction). As required by
Executive Order 13016, EPA also reviews and concurs on the use of CERCLA Section 106
authority by other departments and agencies. In addition, EPA coordinates closely with Federal
Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), such as BLM and USFS, at mixed ownership sites {i.e.,
those sites located partially on privately-owned land and partially on federally-owned land)
pursuant to Executive Order 12580. EPA frequently enters into Memoranda of Understanding
(MOUs) with FLMAs designed to provide a framework for agencies to coordinate response
actions. Most recently, as part of the Superfund Task Force Recommendations, EPA has been
working on an MOU with FLMAs to improve the efficient and effective use of federal resources
to cleanup at mixed ownership mining sites. EPA also meets with DOI and USDA as part of the
Federal Mining Dialogue, to discuss developments arising out of the CERCLA work at such sites.
EPA also coordinates with DOI, USDA, DOC, DOE, and DOD to ensure that appropriate and
timely notices, required under CERCLA, are sent to the Natural Resource Trustees notifying them
of potential damages to natural resources. EPA also coordinates with Natural Resource Trustees
on natural resource damage assessments, investigations, and planning of response activities under
Section 104 of CERCLA. When an enforcement action is initiated at a site where hazardous
substances are found to have caused damages to natural resources, EPA coordinates with the
Trustees by including them in negotiations with potentially responsible parties concerning the
releases that have caused those damages.
Under Executive Order 12580, EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Enforcement Program assists
federal agencies in complying with CERCLA, and ensures that: (1) all federal facility sites on the
NPL have interagency agreements, also known as Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs) with
enforceable cleanup schedules; (2) FFAs are monitored for compliance; (3) federal sites are
transferred to new owners in an environmentally responsible manner; and (4) compliance
assistance is available to the extent possible. This program also ensures that federal agencies
comply with Superfund cleanup obligations "in the same manner and to the same extent" as private
entities. To enable the cleanup and reuse of such sites, the Federal Facilities Enforcement Program
also has coordinated creative solutions that help restore facilities, so they can once again serve an
important role in the economy and welfare of local communities, and the country.
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International and Tribal Affairs Programs
Supporting Global Policy to Reduce Pollution and Harmful Chemicals
EPA has a strong network of partners working to achieve reductions in global mercury use and
emissions, particularly when adverse U.S. impacts would be likely. EPA works closely with the
DOS in leading the technical and policy engagement for the United States in the Minamata
Convention on Mercury and the multi-stakeholder Global Mercury Partnership. In addition to the
DOS, EPA collaborates with several federal agencies including USGS and USAID to advance
robust implementation of the Minamata Convention by other countries. EPA also continues to
share information through the Arctic Council on reducing releases of mercury which
disproportionally impact indigenous arctic communities.
Similarly, EPA is engaged in a multi-pronged effort to address the growing global problem of
marine litter. Here, EPA works with the DOS, NOAA, Peace Corps, and USAID to advance policy
and technical solutions for marine litter in global fora. EPA also is working with USDA and FDA
on the Winning on Reducing Food Waste initiative which includes international cooperation on
measuring food waste reductions and pilot activities that can create market opportunities for U.S.
technologies and innovation.
Supporting Environmental Priorities in Global Trade Policy and Implementation of
Environmental Cooperation Agreements
EPA plays a key role in ensuring that trade-related activities sustain environmental protection since
the 1972 Trade Act mandated interagency consultation by USTR on trade policy issues. EPA is a
member of the Trade Policy Staff Committee and the Trade Policy Review Group, interagency
mechanisms that are organized and coordinated by USTR to provide advice, guidance, and
clearance to the USTR in the development of U.S. international trade and investment policy.
EPA works with DOS and other agencies to support implementation of environmental, ecosystem,
and human health protections in environmental cooperation agreements, or their equivalent,
associated with U.S. Trade Agreements. In North America, EPA will be involved in implementing
the Environment Chapter of the new USMCA. EPA represents the U.S. on the CEC and
collaborates with the U.S. interagency (NOAA, CDC, DOI, FWS, DOS, USTR, DOC, and others)
to promote environmental, ecosystem, human health and sustainable growth cooperation with
Canada and Mexico. EPA also works with the DOC to promote the export of U.S. environmental
technologies, and with the Treasury to ensure adherence to environmental safeguards involving
multilateral development bank project lending.
Addressing Transboundary Pollution
EPA collaborates with countries around the world to address foreign sources of pollution in
coordination with DOS, USAID, DOJ, Treasury, and others. EPA works closely with DHHS to
advance recognition of environmental risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and how
to mitigate the risks, including from lead and mercury. In addition, EPA continues to strengthen
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its activities in the Arctic by working with Alaska, tribes, federal agencies, and the private sector
to build international support for U.S. environmental policy objectives through the Arctic Council.
These objectives cover a range of topics, including reducing emissions and exposure to mercury.
EPA also plays a leadership role with other agencies including NOAA, DOS, and USAID in
crafting sound programs to address marine litter globally, ensuring that sound waste management
and recycling strategies are advanced in key source countries.
Working in Indian Country
EPA works under a five-federal agency MOU to better coordinate the federal government's efforts
in providing access to safe drinking water and basic wastewater facilities for tribal communities.
EPA, DOI, DHHS, USD A, and HUD work as the Federal Tribal Infrastructure Task Force (TITF)
to use their combined authorities to maintain a framework to enhance interagency efficiency and
coordination, and to cultivate greater cooperation in carrying out their tribal infrastructure
responsibilities. Since 2007, the TITF has: maintained procedures necessary for a common
understanding of the programs pertaining to funding infrastructure construction, solid waste
management efforts, and technical assistance to tribes; worked together to improve the capacity of
tribal communities to operate and maintain sustainable infrastructure; enhanced the efficient
leveraging of funds; worked directly with tribes to promote an understanding of federal programs;
identified ways to improve construction, operation, and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure;
and worked to allow and facilitate the exchange of data and information amongst partners.2
Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA participates and makes active contributions to standing interagency management committees,
including:
• the Chief Financial Officers Council focuses on improving resources management and
accountability throughout the federal government;
• the Performance Improvement Council coordinates and develops strategic plans, performance
plans, and performance reports as required by law;
• OMB-led E-Government initiatives such as the Financial Management and Budget
Formulation and Execution Lines of Business;
• the Bureau of Census-maintained the Federal Assistance Awards Data System; and
• the President's Management Council oversees developing and implementing Cross-Agency
Priority (CAP) goals.
Provide Government-to-Government Employee Relocation Services
EPA provides government-to-government employee relocation services via interagency
agreements through EPA's Federal Employee Relocation Center (FERC) as a Working Capital
Fund (WCF) activity. EPA-FERC provides "one-stop shop" domestic and international relocation
2 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/tribaWedCTal-infrastructure-task-force-improve-access-safe-
diliiMiig-water-and-basic-saiiitation.
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services to other federal agencies to increase operational efficiency and save the government
money. EPA-FERC currently provides relocation services internally to all EPA offices, and
externally to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), DOL, Office of Personnel
Management (OPM), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), DHHS, and the
USDA. EPA also coordinates appropriately with Congress and other federal agencies, such as the
U.S. Treasury, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and GSA.
Mission Support Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA provides leadership and expertise to government-wide activities in various areas of human
resources, grants management, contracts management, suspension and debarment, and homeland
security. These activities include specific collaboration efforts through:
• The Chief Human Capital Officers Council, a group of senior leaders that discuss human
capital initiatives across the federal government.
• The Legislative and Policy Committee, a committee comprised of other federal agency
representatives who assist OPM in developing plans and policies for training and development.
• The Chief Acquisition Officers Council, the principal interagency forum for monitoring and
improving the federal acquisition system. The Council also is focused on promoting the
President's specific initiatives and policies in all aspects of the acquisition system.
• The Award Committee for E-Government (E-Gov) provides strategic vision for the portfolio
of systems/federal wide supporting both federal acquisition and financial assistance. Support
also is provided to the associated functional community groups, including the Procurement
Committee for E-Gov, the Financial Assistance Committee for E-Gov, and the
Intergovernmental Transaction Working Group.
• The Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC), a representative committee
of federal agency leaders in suspension and debarment. The Committee facilitates lead agency
coordination, serves as a forum to discuss current suspension and debarment related issues,
and assists in developing unified federal policy. Besides participating in the ISDC, EPA: 1)
provides instructors for the National Suspension and Debarment Training Program offered
through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and 2) supports the development of
coursework and training on the suspension and debarment process for the Inspector General
Academy and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
• The Financial Management Line of Business (FMLoB) has been expanded to also encompass
the Grants Management Line of Business. The combined FMLoB, with U.S. Treasury as the
managing partner, will more closely align the financial assistance and financial management
communities around effective and efficient management of funds. EPA also participates in the
Grants.gov Users' Group, as well as the Federal Demonstration Partnership which is designed
to reduce the administrative burdens associated with research grants.
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The Partnership for Sustainable Communities initiative, a collaborative effort with HUD and
DOT, improves the alignment and delivery of grant resources to communities designated under
certain environmental programs. It also helps identify cases in the Program that may warrant
consideration of suspension and debarment.
The Interagency Committee on Federal Advisory Committee Management (Committee
Management Officer Council) provides leadership and coordination on federal advisory
committee issues and promotes effective and efficient committee operations government-wide.
In addition to serving on the Council, EPA works with the GSA Committee Management
Secretariat to establish and renew advisory committees, conduct annual reviews of advisory
committee activities and accomplishments, maintain committee information in a publicly
accessible online database, and develop committee management regulations, guidance, and
training. Further, EPA participates on the GSA Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)
Attorney Council Interagency Workgroup to keep abreast of developments in the statutory
language, case law, interpretation and implementation of the FACA.
The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) is the leading organization for nonmilitary federal
departments and agencies in establishing policies for the security and protection of federal
facilities, developing security standards, and ensuring compliance with those standards. EPA
participates in the ISC as a primary member and in sub-committees and workgroups to
facilitate EPA's compliance with ISC standards for facilities nationwide.
The OPM Background Investigations Stakeholder Group (BISG) is a collaborative
organization that is derived from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004. The BISG is comprised of senior security officials across the federal government who
are responsible for the submission, adjudication and/or oversight of personnel security
programs. EPA works with this group to discuss topics regarding background investigations,
focusing on standardizing and improving the Agency's personnel security program.
EPA manages the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program's interagency
agreements with other federal agencies. The interagency agreements are with the CEQ, the
FHWA, NOAA, and the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. SEE participants provide
administrative, technical, and professional support to these agencies for projects relating to
pollution prevention, abatement, and control.
EPA's Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) partners with the USPTO, NOAA, the
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to serve as Presiding Officers for proceedings to
adjudicate complaints brought before the partner organizations. This collaboration allows
partner organizations the ability to provide constitutionally guaranteed legal due process and
review without staffing and supporting their own office of Administrative Law Judges, while
EPA's judges expand their experience and knowledge in the area of administrative law. The
services OALJ provides to other agencies are reimbursed by the borrowing organization.
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Work with the Department of Interior's Interior Business Center
Throughout FY 2020 and FY 2021, EPA will continue working with DOI's Interior Business
Center (IBC), an OPM- and OMB-approved Human Resources Line of Business shared service
center. IBC offers HR transactional processing, compensation management and payroll
processing, benefits administration, time and attendance, HR reporting, talent acquisition systems,
and talent management systems. EPA also continues its charter membership on the OPM HR Line
of Business Multi Agency Executive Strategy Committee (MAESC), providing advice and
recommendations to the Director of OPM as well as additional government-wide executive
leadership, for the implementation of the HR Line of Business vision, goals, and objectives.
Partnering with GSA on the US Access Program
EPA is partnering with GSA on the USAccess Program for Personal Identity Verification cards
and identity credential solutions, which provides an efficient, economical and secure infrastructure
to support its credentialing needs, and migrations to the Enterprise Physical Access Control
System, allowing the Agency to control access in EPA space, including restricted and secure space.
Environmental Information Programs
To support EPA's overall mission, the Agency collaborates with federal, state, and tribal agencies
on a variety of initiatives focused on making government more efficient and transparent in
protecting human health and the environment. EPA's Environmental Information programs are
primarily involved in the information technology (IT), information management (IM), and
information security aspects of the projects on which it collaborates.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council
The CIO Council is the principal interagency forum for improving practices in the design,
modernization, use, sharing, and performance of federal information resources. The Council
develops recommendations for IT/IM policies, procedures, and standards; identifies opportunities
to share information resources; and assesses and addresses the needs of the federal IT workforce.
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Program's mission encompasses two areas: (1) to improve public access,
participation in, and understanding of the rulemaking process; and (2) to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of Agency partners' notice and comment process when promulgating
regulations. The eRulemaking Program maintains a public website, http: //www, re gut ati on s. gov/.
which enables the public to access and submit comments on various documents that are published
in the Federal Register, including proposed regulations and Agency-specific notices. The Federal
Docket Management System (FDMS) is the agency side of Regulations.gov. FDMS enables
agencies to administer public submissions regarding regulatory and other documents posted by the
agencies on the regulations.gov website. The increased public access to the agencies' regulatory
process enables a more informed public to provide supporting technical/legal/economic analyses
to strengthen the agencies' rulemaking vehicles.
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At the beginning of FY 2020, the Program Managing Organization transitioned from EPA to the
GSA. EPA will partner with GSA to participate in the eRulemaking Program for efficient and
transparent public access to EPA's regulations.
The National Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN)
EPA's EN Program and CBP are coordinating on using the Automated Commercial Environment
(ACE) system. This coordination will lead to automated processing of over 2.8 million EPA-
related electronic filings needed to clear legitimate imports and exports. With the move from paper
filings to electronic filings combined with automated processing through ACE, filing time can be
reduced from weeks/days to minutes/days. This significant processing improvement directly
impacts the movement of goods into commerce and the economy while helping to ensure
compliance with environmental and CBP laws and regulations. It also helps the U.S. Government
keep pace with the speed of business. The EN also is coordinating with multiple agencies via the
Broadband Interagency Working Group chaired by the National Transportation and Information
Agency to increase broadband access. Access to broadband is critical to fully participating in the
EN and is of particular concern for tribes who often lack this access. EPA will participate on
current and future workgroups to implement Presidential actions to promote the use of broadband
in rural America. This includes tribal lands. EPA is currently represented on the Leveraging
Federal Assets workgroup co-chaired by DOI and GSA.
Automated Commercial Environment/International Trade Data System (ACE/ITDS)
ITDS is the electronic information exchange capability, or "single window," through which
businesses will transmit data required by participating agencies for the import or export of cargo.
ACE is the system built by CBP to ensure that its customs officers and other federal agencies have
the information they need to decide how to handle goods and merchandise being shipped into or
out of the United States. It also will be the way those agencies provide CBP with information about
potential imports/exports. ITDS eliminates the need, burden, and cost of paper reporting. It also
allows importers and exporters to report the same information to multiple federal agencies with a
single submission and facilitates movement of cargo by automating processing of the import and
exports. ITDS provides the capability for industry to consolidate reporting for commodities
regulated by multiple agencies. For these consolidated reports, the industry filers will receive the
appropriate status response when their filings meet each agency's reporting requirements. Once
all agency reporting requirements have been met, filers can receive a coordinated single U.S.
government response to proceed into the commerce of the United States.
EPA has the responsibility and legal authority to make sure pesticides, toxic chemicals, vehicles
and engines, ODS, and other commodities entering and hazardous waste exiting the country meet
its human health and environmental standards. EPA's ongoing collaboration with CBP on the
ACE/ITDS effort will improve the efficiency of processing these shipments through information
exchange between EPA and CBP and automated processing of electronic filings. As resources
permit, EPA will continue to work with CBP towards the goal to automate the current manual
paper review process for admissibility so that importers and brokers (referred to collectively as
Trade) can know before these commodities are loaded onto an airplane, truck, train, or ship if their
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shipment meets EPA's reporting requirements. Because of this automated review, trade can greatly
lower its cost of doing business and customs officers at our nation's ports will have the information
on whether shipments comply with our environmental regulations.
Geospatial Information
EPA works with DOI, NOAA, USGS, NASA, USD A, and DHS on developing and implementing
geospatial approaches to support various business areas. It also works with 25 additional federal
agencies through the activities of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the OMB
Geospatial Line of Business (Geo LoB), for which EPA leads several key initiatives. EPA also
participates in the FGDC Steering Committee and Executive Committee and is part of the
Geospatial Data Act Implementation Tiger Team. A key component of EPA's work with FGDC
is developing and implementing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the National
GeoPlatform. The key objective of the NSDI is to make a comprehensive array of national spatial
data - data that portrays features associated with a location or tagged with geographic information
and can be attached to and portrayed on maps - easily accessible to both governmental and public
stakeholders. Use of this data, in tandem with analytical applications, supports several key EPA
and government-wide business areas. These include ensuring that human health and environmental
conditions are represented in the appropriate contexts for targeting and decision making; enabling
the assessment, protection and remediation of environmental conditions; and aiding emergency
first responders and other homeland security activities. EPA supports geospatial initiatives through
efforts such as EPA's Geospatial Platform, EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway, the EN,
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assist, EPA Metadata Editor, Facilities Registry
System (FRS) Web Services, and My Environment. EPA also works closely with its state, tribal,
and international partners in a collaboration that enables consistent implementation of data
acquisition and development, standards, and technologies supporting the efficient and cost-
effective sharing and use of geographically-based data and services.
The Administrator's Office
Regulatory Management and Economic Analyses
EPA's Policy Office (OP) interacts with federal agencies during its rulemaking activities. Per
governing statutes and Agency priorities, OP submits "significant" regulatory actions to OMB for
interagency review prior to signature and publication in the Federal Register. In addition, OP
coordinates EPA's review of other agency's regulatory actions submitted to OMB for review.
Under the Congressional Review Act, rules are submitted to each chamber of Congress and to the
Comptroller General of the United States. For regulations that may have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities, OP collaborates extensively with SBA and OMB.
OP also collaborates with other federal regulatory and natural resource agencies to collect data
used in economic cost-benefit analyses of environmental regulations and policies and to foster
improved interdisciplinary research and reporting. Activities include representing EPA on
interagency workgroups or committees tasked with measuring the economic costs and benefits of
federal policies and programs. Occasionally, OP also provides technical reviews of other agencies
research and analyses.
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Children's Health
The Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of DHHS co-chair the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. The Task Force comprises 17 federal
departments, agencies and White House offices. A senior staff steering committee, co-chaired by
the Director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP), coordinates interagency
cooperation on Task Force priority areas. As part of this effort, OCHP coordinates with other
agencies to improve government-wide support in implementing children's health legislative
mandates and outreach, including providing children's environmental health expertise on
interagency activities and coordinating EPA expertise. OCHP also coordinates with ATSDR to
support provision of training and hands on consultations with doctors, nurses, and other medical
professionals to address issues of potential exposures of children to environmental contaminants,
such as lead and asthma triggers including mold and vermin. OCHP also works with other federal
agencies to address emerging risks to children's environmental health and supports federal
interagency information exchange and cooperation, such as on lead and wildfires.
White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
The Administrator of EPA serves as a member of the Opportunity and Revitalization Council
which was established to encourage public and private investment in urban and economically
distressed areas, including qualified opportunity zones. As part of this effort, EPA coordinates
with other federal agencies to further facilitate investment in economically distressed
communities, protect taxpayers by optimizing use of federal resources, expanding quality
educational opportunities, and improving economic development and environmental outcomes.
The Inspector General
Work with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE)
EPA's Inspector General is a member of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and
Efficiency (CIGIE), an organization comprised of federal Inspectors General (IGs), GAO, and the
FBI. The CIGIE coordinates and improves the way IGs conduct audits, investigations, and internal
operations. The CIGIE also promotes joint projects of government-wide interest and reports
annually to the President on the collective performance of the IG community.
Activity Coordination, Information Exchange and Training
EPA's OIG coordinates criminal investigative activities with other law enforcement organizations
such as the FBI, Secret Service, and DOJ. In addition, the OIG participates with various inter-
governmental audit forums and professional associations to exchange information, share best
practices, and obtain or provide training. The OIG also promotes collaboration among EPA's
partners and stakeholders in its participation of disaster response and its outreach activities.
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Collaborative Work with Inspectors General and Other Partners
EPA's OIG initiates and participates in collaborative audits, program evaluations, and
investigations with OIGs of agencies with an environmental mission such as the DOI, USD A, as
well as other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as prescribed by the IG Act, as
amended.
Statutory Duties
As required by the IG Act, EPA's OIG coordinates and shares information with the GAO. EPA's
OIG currently serves as the Inspector General of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigations Board (CSB). EPA's OIG will continue to perform its duties with respect to the
CSB until otherwise directed.
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Major Management Challenges
Introduction
Consistent with requirements in the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, the Office of Inspector
General identifies what they consider the most serious management challenges facing the Agency
and assesses the Agency's progress in addressing those challenges. The Environmental Protection
Agency has established procedures for addressing its major management challenges. The Agency
uses audits, reviews, and program evaluations conducted internally and by the OIG, the
Government Accountability Office, and the Office of Management and Budget to assess program
effectiveness and identify potential management issues. The Agency recognizes that management
challenges, if not addressed adequately, may prevent the Agency from effectively meeting its
mission. EPA remains committed to addressing all management issues in a timely manner and to
the fullest extent of its authority.
The following discussion summarizes each of the FY 2019 management challenges identified by
the OIG and presents the Agency's responses.
1. EPA Needs to Improve Oversight of States, Territories and Tribes Authorized to
Accomplish Environmental Goals
Summary of Challenge: The OIG believes the EPA leadership needs to demonstrate an
organizational commitment to correcting problems with the Agency's oversight of key state,
territorial and tribal programs by aligning the proper people, resources and processes, and
developing a framework for addressing oversight issues. The Agency also needs to develop a
system for monitoring state, tribal and territorial oversight effectiveness so that it can consistently
work toward demonstrating its progress in correcting this management challenge across all
program offices.
Agency Response: In 2017, an EPA workgroup tasked with improving the oversight of state-
delegated programs determined that EPA lacks a framework for assessing the effectiveness of its
oversight activities. This results in inconsistent application of oversight activities across the
Regions of environmental programs delegated to states.
In October 2018, the Acting Administrator issued a memo to Agency leadership, emphasizing key
principles for EPA's oversight of programs delegated to states and tribes. EPA is working with
two programs to pilot a method for ensuring programmatic reviews adhere to the principles of this
memo and a core set of standardized work elements designed to effectuate a more consistent
approach to oversight activities.
The Agency has taken the following efforts to address this management challenge:
• Regions are using a template to organize discussions with states on NPDES real-time
reviews, and an SOP for CAA Title V programmatic reviews.
• EPA is working with states to identify the next program areas to target for oversight
reviews.
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• The Agency is developing a national permitting oversight policy to standardize its review
of the quality and timeliness of federal permits issued by states.
EPA has a long-term performance goal supporting Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared
Accountability in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: "By September 30, 2022, increase the
use of alternative shared governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community
reviews" and a supporting FY 2020 annual performance goal "Number of alternative shared
governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community reviews." This measure tracks
the number of program areas where EPA has used the oversight framework for EPA's oversight
of state implemented federal programs and/or where EPA has worked with the states to solve a
jointly identified issue. EPA will define, develop, pilot, evaluate, and launch a comprehensive
system to evaluate state and local implementation of federal environmental programs by 2020. The
"comprehensive system" is defined as the overarching principles as laid out in the principles
memo, coupled with a template or checklist populated with state-and regional specific details on
the review activity in question. The purpose of this effort is twofold: to begin to standardize EPA's
oversight work across EPA regions, and to maximize state and federal resources by focusing on
the most important work.
Responsible Agency Official: Robin Richardson, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
2. EPA Needs to Improve Its Workload Analysis to Accomplish Its Mission Efficiently and
Effectively
Summary of Challenge: The EPA has not addressed the workforce planning requirements of 5
CFR Part 250, Subpart B, Strategic Human Capital Management, April 11, 2017. In the rule,
workforce analysis is a component of workforce planning. The EPA's ability to assess its
workload—and subsequently estimate workforce levels necessary to carry out that workload—is
critically important to mission accomplishment. Prior to the rule, the EPA OIG and GAO had
reported that the EPA had not incorporated workload analysis into its resource allocations.
Specifically, the EPA had not fully implemented controls and a methodology to determine
workforce levels based upon analysis of the Agency's workload. Due to the broad implications for
accomplishing the EPA's mission, the Agency has included this management challenge since 2012.
Agency Response: The EPA has addressed the workforce planning requirements of 5 CFR Part
250, Subpart B, Strategic Human Capital Management by completing an EPA FY 2019 HCOP
(Human Capital Operation Plan) and beginning work to update the plan for FY 2020. The EPA
believes it also is using workload analyses as one factor to plan workforce levels and examine
critical processes.
To implement 5 CFR Part 250 "Personnel Management in Agencies", particularly Subpart B
"Strategic Human Capital Management", the Office of Personnel Management requires agencies
to conduct workforce analyses that: 1) describe the current state; 2) project human resources
needed to achieve organizational goals; and 3) identify potential shortfalls.
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To satisfy these requirements, EPA has drafted its FY2020-2023 Workforce Plan, which applies
to all full-time and part-time classified, "at will," and wage employees. The Plan presents an
overview of current and projected workforce trends, profiles core occupations and reflects
contemporary strategies and tools. It also includes proposed gap analyses and strategies to mitigate
and plan for future skill and occupational gaps. Plan implementation will support EPA in
acquiring, engaging, developing, and retaining the workforce talent necessary to meet Agency
goals and objectives, now and in the future.
In addition, to facilitate workforce planning, EPA has developed a Talent Enterprise Diagnostic
tool (a SharePoint web application) to help conduct competency assessments. The tool will collect
and present information to track, update, and assess both current skills required for positions
throughout EPA along with the corresponding skills of incumbents in those positions. EPA
completed two TED pilots over the past two years and updated the tool based on user
feedback. The Agency is implementing TED via a phased approach concentrating on its Mission
Critical Occupations, beginning the 1st Quarter of FY20 with cybersecurity positions, one of the
Agency's priority MCOs.
To further advance workforce planning, EPA developed a Workforce Diversity Dashboard and a
Workforce Demographics Dashboard for EPA managers' use. Both tools include visually dynamic
and integrated reports containing snapshots of the Agency's workforce in various demographic
categories. The Dashboard's data are updated monthly from the EPA's Federal Personnel and
Payroll System and the Office of Management and Budget's approved Applicant Race and
National Origin questionnaire. Data include, but are not limited to, aggregate self-identified
information on race, sex, national origin, age, targeted disability status, and education level as well
as aggregate information on employees' retirement eligibility, grade, salary, and program/office
location. The dashboards provide managers with essential tools to both view the current state of
their workforce and plan for future needs. Both actions are vital to workforce planning and
succession management, which are currently two very high-profile processes within the federal
government and EPA.
The EPA Lean Management System is designed to visualize, examine and understand factors
influencing the Agency's ability to sustain its work across offices and programs. Agency
leadership is building on ongoing ELMS implementation efforts by working with programs and
regional offices to look more comprehensively across Agency FTE allocations and identify
opportunities to standardize work where possible. Related Kaizen projects include state oversight,
EPA's field presence, state and tribal assistance flexibility, community and infrastructure
investments, FOIA responses, reporting requirements, EPA laboratories, environmental
permitting, and acquisitions.
EPA's largest recent workload analysis effort examined Superfund Remedial FTE levels. In FY
2020, the Superfund Program is implementing a multi-year national FTE redistribution plan to
inform the realignment of regional Superfund Remedial and Technical Enforcement FTE as
workloads shift among regions. Also, in the Superfund Program, a Lean Kaizen is looking to
standardize Superfund billing processes.
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Since grants represent the largest type of Agency spending with direct effects on EPA state and
tribal partners, grants management analyses continue to be an Agency priority. In FY 2019, the
Agency surveyed grants Project Officers (POs) to better understand the time required to complete
major components of Project Officer work and major challenges faced by POs at different stages
of the grants process. The Agency analyzed the results to inform continuing efforts to streamline
work and update policies, processes, and procedures. The information is presented to senior
management at semi-annual Grants Management Council meetings for their use in making
resource determinations.
As the OIG has acknowledged, EPA's highly variable, multi-year, and non-linear functions and
activities complicate using FTE-based workload analyses as tools to determine precise FTE levels.
The Agency believes that the IG's proposal "to determine workforce levels based upon analysis of
the agency's workload" doesn't consider that EPA, like all Federal Agencies, must operate within
detailed specifications and constraints of each year's Congressional appropriations.
In conclusion, the Agency believes it complies with the workforce planning requirements of 5 CFR
Part 250, Subpart B, Strategic Human Capital Management and uses workload planning tools
through the Agency efforts outlined above. The Agency believes it is important to design cost
effective workforce and workload efforts that support Agency priorities and streamlining efforts,
while remaining cognizant of Congressional constraints on flexibility.
Responsible Agency Official: Maria Williams, Acting Director, Office of Budget
3. Enhancing Information Technology Security to Combat Cyber Threats
Summary of Challenge: The OIG acknowledges that the Agency continues to initiate actions to
further strengthen or improve its information security program. However, the Agency lacks a
holistic approach to managing accountability over its contractors and lacks follow-up on
corrective actions taken.
Agency Response: The Agency is committed to protecting its information and technology assets.
EPA understands the prevalence and complexity of the ever-growing cyber security attacks and is
aware of the potential impact to the Agency's mission if information assets are compromised. EPA
has established and implemented processes and internal controls for monitoring and managing
contractor support actions to address concerns associated with this management challenge. At a
high level this includes:
• Developing and implementing processes within the Office Mission Support/Office of
Resources and Business operations to improve management and oversight of audits and
corrective actions.
• Working with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to develop standard security language
into the Agency's Environmental Protection Agency Acquisitions Guide (EPAAG) Section
39.1.2.
• Incorporating a verification for the cybersecurity requirements identified in the EPAAG
39.1.2. into the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA)
process.
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• Developing training for contract officers and contract officer representatives on their
responsibilities for identifying contracts that require EPAAG Section 39.1.2 tasks.
• Establishing a tracking and reporting process that ensures all contractors with access to
EPA information systems complete information security awareness training, and that
contractors with significant security responsibilities also complete role-based training.
• Ensuring adequate cybersecurity is implemented on contractor operated systems by:
o Assessing systems for proper implementation and operation of adequate
cybersecurity controls.
o Monitoring for timely completion of corrective actions for identified cybersecurity
weaknesses.
o Managing risks at the tactical, mission and enterprise levels.
In addition, EPA has made significant strides addressing other recommendations highlighted in
the OIG report. At a high level this includes:
• The Agency worked with the Department of Homeland Security regarding the risk of the
Electronic Manifest System. As a result, EPA maintained its original categorization but
agreed to annual reviews and when significant changes to the system occur to review the
system's categorization.
• The Agency replaced the incident tracking system and implemented controls in the new
system to protect the confidentiality of PII and sensitive PII and enforce password
management requirements according to federal and agency guidance.
• The Agency has fully documented the CIO's role in information security through policy
and procedures.
• The Agency has documented and implemented controls to validate plans of action and
milestones for vulnerability testing results.
• The Agency has established a process to periodically review the Agency's tracking
system's security settings to validate each setting meets the Agency's standards and has
implemented audit logging capabilities to capture data changes and a log review process.
These processes were reviewed by the OIG for the FY 2019 FISMA report and found to be
adequate.
Responsible Agency Official: Robert McKinney, Director, Office of Information Security and
Privacy
4. EPA Needs to Improve on Fulfilling Mandated Reporting Requirements
Summary of Challenge: OIG believes that the Agency faces challenges in tracking and submitting
reports mandated by law that contain key program information for Congress, the Administrator
and the public. Specifically, the Agency needs to make a comprehensive effort across the Agency
to identify the causes and implement targeted plans to address those causes. Additionally, EPA
must continue to work with Congress to eliminate duplicative reports.
Agency Response: EPA has taken the corrective actions identified in the 2018 OIG Report
regarding the BEACH Act Report to Congress. That Report has since been issued to Congress.
The Agency continues to implement the OIG's recommendations. For example, a memorandum
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was issued in March 2018 to remind EPA's Assistant Administrators and Associate Administrators
that the Agency's standard practice is to track Reports to Congress by using the Action
Development Process Tracker. The Agency is addressing issues related to the upcoming
replacement of the ADP Tracker. Additionally, EPA continues to provide a list of the unnecessary
and duplicative reports that we suggest eliminating from our statutes to OMB as part of the budget
process, in consultation with Congress. The Agency continues to implement the corrective actions
identified in the 2018 OIG Report, which will improve the tracking of Reports to Congress so that
statutory requirements are not missed in the future.
The Agency has taken the following efforts to address this management challenge:
• In March 2018, a memorandum was issued reminding program offices of their tracking
requirements for Reports to Congress.
• In September 2018, EPA engaged with Congress about eliminating the reporting
requirements for the 14 Reports to Congress that the Agency had identified as duplicative
or unnecessary.
• Throughout 2018 and 2019, EPA coordinated management of the Agency's inventory of
Reports to Congress. The Agency identified the ADP Tracker and its upcoming
replacement as the appropriate tools for tracking statutorily-mandated Reports to Congress
and those required by appropriations law.
• In September 2019, EPA provided OMB with a proposed list of unnecessary or duplicative
reports as part of the FY 2021 budget process.
• In February 2020, EPA is preparing to issue a memorandum identifying new Reports to
Congress that should be included in ADP Tracker, if not already identified by program
offices.
Responsible Agency Official: Robin Richardson, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
5. EPA Needs Improved Data Quality and Should Fill Identified Data Gaps for Program
Performance and Decision-Making
Summary of Challenge: According to recent OIG reports poor data quality negatively impacts
EPA 's effectiveness in overseeing programs that directly impact public health. These reports point
to a systemic problem with data quality, making data analysis more difficult and less reliable.
Agency Response: Under the Clinger Cohen Act (1996), EPA Chief Information Officer in the
Office of Mission Support (OMS) has delegated authority for information quality including
oversight responsibility for the Agency's Quality Program, as described in EPA's Quality Policy
and Procedure. The Agency's Quality Program is decentralized and implemented by the National
Program Offices and Regions with specific responsibilities for assuring the quality of data
produced and used are appropriate for their programmatic decisions.
EPA does not view the data quality issue raised by the OIG as a management challenge. It is critical
that the data supporting enforcement, regulatory and other program decisions be based on sound,
defensible data. OMS has begun revising the Agency's Quality Directives to clarify that it is the
responsibility of program and regional offices senior management to ensure that these data are of
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the appropriate quality for those uses. The revised Directives will include a requirement for
Assistant Administrators and Regional Administrators to certify annually that their organizations
are implementing the Agency's Quality Directives and that the quality of data supporting their
programmatic decisions are appropriate for the intended uses.
Through Quality System Assessments (QSA) OMS identifies findings requiring corrective actions;
areas needing improvement, and best practices that may impact performance of the Agency-wide
Quality Program. OMS is responsible for developing tools and processes to guide consistent
implementation of quality across the Agency. One such tool is the Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP) that defines a documented, systematic approach for planning, collecting and using QA
data and information at the project level. OMS uses SharePoint and holds regular calls with
stakeholders to track progress and results. Cross-cutting Agency issues including risks, successes,
opportunities for improvement and resource needs are reported to the CIO.
Responsible Agency Official: Vincia Holloman, Director, Enterprise Quality Management
Division
6. The EPA Needs to Improve Risk Communication to Provide Individuals and
Communities with Sufficient Information to Make Informed Decisions to Protect their
Health and the Environment
Summary of Challenge: OIG notes that while the Agency has taken important steps to address
this important issue, recent audits indicate risk communication challenges across many EPA
programs. The OIG believes the Agency needs more effective risk communication strategies to
guide, coordinate and evaluate its communication efforts to convey potential hazards. Risk
communication tools can be written, verbal or visual statements containing information about risk.
Agency Response: EPA has established a cross-agency Risk Communication Workgroup charged
with institutionalizing a thoughtful, cohesive approach to how EPA plans for, pays for, and
conducts risk communication across the Agency. The goal is to identify next steps that will inform
and contribute to the development of better risk communications processes, strategies and training.
The strategy included hiring a highly experienced Senior Risk Communication Advisor in the
Agency. The Agency has taken the following efforts to address this management challenge:
• Issued agencywide questionnaire to survey all EPA offices and regions to identify
ongoing risk communications activities, adherence to existing agency risk
communications practices, and consistency of practices across offices.
• Distributed agencywide communications plan template that includes consideration of
risk communication messaging for all actions.
• Presented risk communications charge to Children's Health Protection Advisory
Committee. A key recommendation of the committee is to: Know your audience,
know who the best messenger is for each audience, and measure and track results.
• Presented risk communications charge to Local Government Advisory Committee. A
key recommendation of the committee is for the Agency to: Improve relationships
with state, local, tribal officials before there is a risk to public health; having these
relationships in place in advance will make it easier to coordinate and provide the
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public with one consistent message.
• Met with the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee to establish. A key
recommendation of the committee is to: Keep lines of communications open and
understand that each community is different, which means there is not one-size-fits-all
approach to risk communication.
• Coordinated with E-Enterprise Leadership Council to form a new team on risk
communications to include state and tribal representatives.
• In EPA's 2019 PFAS Action Plan the Agency committed to developing a risk
communication toolbox that includes materials and messaging for federal, state, tribal
and local officials to use to inform the public.
• On-boarded a Senior Risk Communication Advisor in 2019.
• The scoping of a cross-agency risk communication portfolio of activities is in process.
This portfolio will include inter- and intra-agency collaboration and learning
opportunities; the development of content-rich toolkits on priority issues for the
Agency using risk communication best practices; the development of a tiered risk
communication training system; improved evaluation and research mechanisms.
• Both FTE and extramural funding are needed to develop training and implement risk
communications efforts agencywide.
• Continued support from the Risk Communications Workgroup, program offices and
regional offices is critical for the Agency's risk communications efforts.
Responsible Agency Officials: Rosemarie Kelley, Director, Office of Civil Enforcement; and
Nancy Grantham, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs
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EPA User Fee Programs
In FY 2021, EPA will have several user fee programs in operation. These user fee programs and
proposals are referenced below.
Current Fees: Pesticides
Fee collection authority exists under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of
1988, as amended by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (P. L. 116-8)
("PRIA-4"), which was passed in March 2019. PRIA-4 reauthorizes these fee authorities through
fiscal year 2023 and adjusts fee amounts for certain registration activities.
• Pesticides Maintenance Fee (7 U.S.C. §136a-l(i))
The Maintenance Fee provides funding for the registration review programs, and a certain
percentage supports the processing of applications involving inert ingredients and expedited
processing of some applications, such as fast track amendments. PRIA-4 reauthorizes collection
of this fee through 2023 and raises the collection target by $3.2 million to $31 million.
• Enhanced Registration Services (7 U.S.C. §136w-8(b))
Entities seeking to register pesticides for use in the United States pay a fee at the time the
registration action request is submitted to EPA, setting specific timeframes for the registration
decision service. This process has introduced new pesticides to the market more quickly. PRIA-4
reauthorizes collection of these fees through 2023 and adjusts fee amounts for certain types of
registrations. In FY 2021, EPA expects to collect approximately $18 million from this fee program.
Current Fees: Other
• Clean Air Part 71 Operating Permits Program
Title 40 CFR Part 71 § 71.9 authorizes and establishes requirements for the Clean Air Part 71
program - a comprehensive Federal air quality operating permit program for air pollution control
agencies that do not have a delegated Title V program on charging and collecting user fees, as
required by Section 502(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act. All sources subject to the operating permit
requirements of Title V shall have a permit to operate that assures compliance with all applicable
requirements. The owners or operators shall pay annual fees that are sufficient to cover the permit
program costs, in accordance with the procedures described in this section.
• Service Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Fees
Rule)
On June 22, 2016, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" (P.L. 114-
182) was signed into law, amending numerous sections of TSCA, including providing authority
for the establishment of a new, broader TSCA User Fee program that replaces and expands the
former Section 5 Pre-Manufacturing Notification Fee. The law authorizes the Agency to collect
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fee revenues amounting to an estimated 25 percent of the Agency's costs for administering
Sections 4, 5, 6 and 14 of TSCA, as amended, and enables the revenues to be deposited in the
TSCA Service Fee Fund for direct use by EPA. Fees are charged for: issuance of Test Orders,
Test Rules and Enforceable Consent Agreements under TSCA Section 4; submission of Pre-
Manufacturing Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices
and certain submissions for exemptions under TSCA Section 5; and development of Risk
Evaluations (EPA-Initiated and Manufacturer-Requested) under TSCA Section 6.
EPA finalized a rule implementing these fee collection authorities on September 27, 2018 and
began to charge fees on October 1, 2018. FY 2019 fee revenue totaled $2.8 million, all from
Section 5 fees. In FY 2020, fee revenues are estimated to be $7.75 million and will come from
several sources: $3 million estimated for EPA review of new chemical submissions; $3.75 million
for 3 manufacturer-requested risk evaluations (MRREs) for TSCA Work Plan Chemicals; and $1
million estimated for work under TSCA Section 4.
In FY 2021, fee revenues for Section 5 new chemical submissions are estimated to total $3 million
and revenues for work under Section 4 are estimated to total $1 million. For Section 6, $27 million
fee revenue is expected in the first quarter of FY 2021 following planned publication in June 2020
of Scoping documents for the 20 Section 6 EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations that were commenced
in December 2019. However, if all manufacturers associated with one or more of those chemicals
elect and meet the requirements to cease production, estimated fee revenues in this category may
not be realized in FY 2021. Additional fees also may be received in FY 2021 for EPA-approved
MRREs, which do not count toward the 25 percent statutory cap on TSCA fee collections relative
to EPA's costs under TSCA Sections 4, 5, 6 and 14. For planning purposes, EPA is assuming that
it will approve 3 MRREs for Work Plan Chemicals in FY 2020 and FY 2021, for which the down-
payment fee amount for each is $1.25 million ($3.75 million total for each fiscal year). Payment
of remaining portions of 50 percent of EPA's actual costs for those evaluations will not be received
until they are completed three years later.
Fee collections from Section 6 EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations will fluctuate considerably across
fiscal years because the initiations will come in batches corresponding to statutory deadlines for
the completion of ongoing risk evaluations and the implementation of new evaluations. Each risk
evaluation is required by law to be completed within three years, with the option of a six-month
extension. Since the Agency is required to have at least 20 risk evaluations ongoing at all times, a
new batch of evaluations is expected to be initiated at 3-year intervals, resulting in a spike in fee
collections at those times. Despite these fluctuations, the fees are structured to collect up to 25
percent of associated program costs over a three-year average, including agency indirect costs (not
counting fees for MRREs, which can recover 50 percent or 100 percent of the actual costs of those
evaluations).
• Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fee
This fee is authorized by the Clean Air Act of 1990 and is administered by the Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. Fee collections for manufacturers of light-duty vehicles, light- and
heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles began in August 1992. In 2004, EPA promulgated a rule that
updated existing fees and established fees for newly-regulated vehicles and engines. The fees
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established for new compliance programs also are paid by manufacturers of heavy-duty and non-
road vehicles and engines, including large diesel and gas equipment (earthmovers, tractors,
forklifts, compressors, etc.), handheld and non-handheld utility engines (chainsaws, weed-
whackers, leaf-blowers, lawnmowers, tillers, etc.), marine (boat motors, watercraft, jet-skis),
locomotive, aircraft and recreational vehicles (off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles,
snowmobiles) for in-use testing and certification. In 2009, EPA added fees for evaporative
emissions requirements for non-road engines. EPA intends to apply certification fees to additional
industry sectors as new programs are developed. In FY 2021, EPA expects to collect
approximately $23.4 million from this fee program based upon a projection of the original
rulemaking cost study adjusted for inflation. EPA is not currently authorized to expend these
collected funds but is proposing such authority.
• Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (P. L. 112-195) provides EPA with
the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the electronic
submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In accordance with the Act, EPA
established the e-Manifest program. EPA finalized the user fee rule, Hazardous Waste
Management System: User Fees for the Electronic Hazardous Waste Manifest System and
Amendments to Manifest Regulations, in December 2017, and the e-Manifest system launched in
June 2018.
In FY 2021, EPA will continue to operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates
collecting and depositing approximately $26 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous
Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund. Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest
fees provided by Congress in annual appropriations bills, the fees will fully support the e-Manifest
program, including the operation of the system, necessary program expenses, and future
development costs.
• WIFIA Program Fees
The FY 2021 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees
established in accordance with title V, subtitle C, sections 5029 and 5030, of Public Law 113-121,
the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. These funds shall be deposited in the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account and remain available until
expended. WIFIA fee regulations were first promulgated in FY 2017. Fee revenue will be used for
the cost of contracting with expert services such as financial advisory, legal advisory, and
engineering firms.
The requested WIFIA program fee expenditure authority would be in addition to the $5 million
request for administrative and operations expenses. Fee revenue does not take the place of the
request for WIFIA administration. The appropriated administrative level and the anticipated fee
revenue are both needed to successfully implement the WIFIA program. In FY 2021, EPA
estimates that $10 million in WIFIA fees could be collected.
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Fee Proposals: Other
Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fee
The FY 2021 Budget includes a proposal to appropriate a portion of the Federal Vehicle and Fuels
Standards and Certification program project funds from the Environmental Services Fund (ESF).
This change would more directly reflect the relationship between the Program's fee collections for
vehicle and engine certifications and its expenditures as described in the Clean Air Act (42 USC
7552(b)).
• ENERGY STAR
By administering the ENERGY STAR program through the collection of user fees, the EPA would
continue to provide a trusted resource for consumers and businesses who want to purchase products
that save them money and help protect the environment. Product manufacturers who seek to label
their products under the Program would pay a fee that would support EPA's work to set voluntary
energy efficiency standards and to process applications. The fee collections provide funding to
cover an upfront appropriation of $46 million, and continued expenses to develop, operate, and
maintain the ENERGY STAR program.
• FIFRA and PRIA Fee Spending Restrictions
Current statutory language in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) restricts what activities EPA can fund from
collections deposited in the Reregi strati on and Expedited Processing Revolving Fund and Pesticide
Registration Fund. The FY 2021 request carries forward the proposed statutory language from the
FY 2020 President's Budget to expand the range of activities that may be funded with these fees.
Language for pesticide registration service fees is included in the proposed Administrative
Provisions; since pesticide maintenance fees are mandatory, separate language has been prepared
for those fees that will be transmitted at a later date.
• Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
The FY 2021 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for owners or operators of a non-transportation related
onshore or offshore facility located landward of the coastline required to prepare and submit Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans or Facility Response Plans (FRP) under section
311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. There are approximately 3,800 FRP facilities
and over 540,000 SPCC facilities. Allowing these facilities to voluntarily request and pay for a
service will help expand awareness and understanding of accident prevention processes, improve
the safety of industrial operations, and reduce inadvertent regulatory compliance violations. These
fees will be deposited in the Inland Oil Spill Programs account and remain available until expended
for the expenses of providing compliance assistance services. These fees are discretionary, and the
proposed language is included in the Administrative Provisions section. When the Agency receives
Congressional authorization, the Administrator will establish procedures for making and accepting
a facility's request for voluntary assistance.
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• State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
The FY 2021 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for owners or operators of a stationary source required to
prepare and submit a Risk Management Plan (RMP) under Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act.
There are approximately 12,000 RMP facilities. Allowing these facilities to voluntarily request
and pay for a service will help expand awareness and understanding of accident prevention
processes, improve the safety of industrial operations, and reduce inadvertent regulatory
compliance violations. These fees will be deposited in the Environmental Programs and
Management account and remain available until September 30, 2022 for the expenses of providing
compliance assistance services. These fees are discretionary, and the proposed language is
included in the Administrative Provisions section. When the Agency receives Congressional
authorization, the Administrator will establish procedures for making and accepting a facility's
request for voluntary assistance.
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Working Capital Fund
In FY 2021, the Agency will be in its 25th year of operation of the Working Capital Fund (WCF).
The WCF is a revolving fund authorized by law to finance a cycle of operations in which the costs
for goods or services provided are charged to the users. The WCF operates like a commercial
business within EPA where customers pay for services received, thus generating revenue.
Customers include EPA program and regional offices and other federal agencies. EPA's WCF was
implemented under the authority of Section 403 of the Government Management Reform Act of
1994 and the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. EPA received permanent WCF
authority in the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1998. The
Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act3 provided additional authority for information
technology development activities in agency working capital funds.4
EPA's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) initiated the WCF in FY 1997 as part of an effort to: 1) be
accountable to agency offices, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress; 2) increase
the efficiency of the administrative services provided to program offices; and 3) increase customer
service and responsiveness. The Agency has a WCF Board which provides policy and planning
oversight and advises the CFO regarding the WCF financial position. The Board, chaired by a
management representative within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, is comprised of 22
voting members from program and regional offices.
In FY 2021, there will be 10 agency activities provided under the WCF. These are the Agency's
information technology, telecommunications operations, data services, agency postage costs,
Cincinnati voice services, and background investigations managed by the Office of Mission
Support; financial and administrative systems, employee relocations, and a budget formulation
system managed by the Chief Financial Officer; the Agency's Continuity of Operations (COOP)
site managed by the Land and Emergency Management program; regional information technology
service and support managed by EPA Region 8; and a legal services activity managed by the Office
of General Counsel.5
The Agency's FY 2021 budget request includes resources for these 10 activities in each National
Program Manager's submission, totaling approximately $270 million. These estimated resources
may be adjusted during the year to incorporate any program office's additional service needs
during the operating year. To the extent these increases are subject to Congressional
reprogramming notifications, the Agency will comply with all applicable requirements. In FY
2021, the Agency will continue to perform relocation services for other federal agencies in an
effort to deliver high quality services external to EPA.
It is anticipated in FY 2021 that there may be minor increases and decreases due to several IT
improvements, including increased cloud computing, cybersecurity requirements, continuous
diagnostic and mitigation program implementation, and discovery services. Other funding shifts
have been included in the FY 2021 WCF plan that relate to the necessary telecommunications and
3 The MGT Act was enacted as part of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act on December 12, 2017.
4 EPA determined that the Agency's existing WCF meets the requirements of the MGT Act. EPA's WCF provides a range of
integral IT infrastructure, application, and hosting services. In addition, EPA's WCF possesses the structure and governance
framework to satisfy the requirements for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) identified in the MGT Act.
5 In August 2019, the WCF Board approved the creation of the legal services activity to begin in FY 2020, which includes certain
important central functions such as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) management and ethics oversight activities with their
supporting systems.
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computer support needed by every employee. As part of an overall review and rebalancing of these
costs, funds have been shifted across programs to reflect FTE changes as well.
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Acronyms for Statutory Authority
The following is not an exhaustive list of [U.S.] statutory authorities but includes those commonly referred
to by acronym in this document.
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADEA: Age Discrimination in Employment Act
AEA: Atomic Energy Act, as amended, and Reorganization Plan #3
AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
AHPA: Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act
APA: Administrative Procedures Act
ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
ASHAA: Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement Act
ASTCA: Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act
AWIA: America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
BEACH Act of 2000: Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act
BRERA: Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act
BUILD Act: Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act
CAA: Clean Air Act
CAAA: Clean Air Act Amendments (1970 and 1990)
CCA: dinger Cohen Act
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (1980)
CFOA: Chief Financial Officers Act
CICA: Competition in Contracting Act
CRA: Civil Rights Act
CSA: Computer Security Act
CWA: Clean Water Act (1972)
CWPPR: Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act of 1990
CZARA: Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments
CZMA: Coastal Zone Management Act
DPA: Deepwater Ports Act
DREAA: Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
ECRA: Economic Cleanup Responsibility Act
EFOIA: Electronic Freedom of Information Act
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EISA: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
EPAct: Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAA: Environmental Programs Assistance Act
EPCA: Energy Policy and Conservation Act
EPCRA: Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (1986)
ERD&DAA: Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Authorization Act
ESA: Endangered Species Act
ESECA: Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act
FACA: Federal Advisory Committee Act
FAIR: Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act
FASA: Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (1994)
FCMA: Fishery Conservation and Management Act
FEPCA: Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, enacted as amendments to FIFRA
FFDCA: Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
FFMIA: Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996
FGCAA: Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1972)
FLPMA: Federal Land Policy and Management Act
FMFIA: Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (1982)
FOIA: Freedom of Information Act
FPA: Federal Pesticide Act
FPAS: Federal Property and Administration Services Act
FQPA: Food Quality Protection Act (1996)
FRA: Federal Register Act
FSA: Food Security Act
FSMA: Food Safety Modernization Act
FTTA: Federal Technology Transfer Act
FUA: Fuel Use Act
FWCA: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
FWPCA: Federal Water Pollution and Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act [CWA])
GISRA: Government Information Security Reform Act
GMRA: Government Management Reform Act
GPRA: Government Performance and Results Act (1993)
790
-------
GPRAMA: Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010
HMTA: Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HSWA: Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, enacted as amendments to RCRA
IGA: Inspector General Act
IPA: Intergovernmental Personnel Act
IPIA: Improper Payments Information Act
ISTEA: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
ITMRA: Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996-aka Clinger/Cohen Act
MPPRCA: Marine Plastic Pollution, Research and Control Act of 1987
MPRSA: Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
NAWCA: North American Wetlands Conservation Act
NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act
NHPA: National Historic Preservation Act
NISA: National Invasive Species Act of 1996
ODA: Ocean Dumping Act
OPA: Oil Pollution Act of 1990
OWBPA: Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
PBA: Public Building Act
PFCRA: Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act
PHSA: Public Health Service Act
PLIRRA: Pollution Liability Insurance and Risk Retention Act
PPA: Pollution Prevention Act
PR: Privacy Act of 1974
PRA: Paperwork Reduction Act
PREA: Pesticide Registration Extension Act of 2012 (also known as PRIA 3)
PRIA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003
PRIA 4: Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018
PRIRA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act
QCA: Quiet Communities Act
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, enacted as amendments to SWDA
RFA: Regulatory Flexibility Act
RICO: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
RLBPHRA: Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
791
-------
SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SBLRBRERA: Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization and
Environmental Restoration Act
SBREFA: Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act
SICEA: Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act
SMCRA: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
SPA: Shore Protection Act of 1988
SWDA: Solid Waste Disposal Act
TSCA: Toxic Substances Control Act
UMRA: Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
UMTRLWA: Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Land Withdrawal Act
USTCA: Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act
VIDA: Vessel Incidental Discharge Act
WIFIA: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
WIIN: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act
WQA: Water Quality Act of 1987
WRDA: Water Resources Development Act
WSRA: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
WWWQA: Wet Weather Water Quality Act of 2000
792
-------
FY 2021 STAG Categorical Grant Programs
Statutory Authority and Eligible Uses
(Dollars in Thousands)
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
Aiillnirilk-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipiinls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2020
(¦ii;il/()l>jl'l'liW'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulu;il Diilkirs
(XIOOO)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
2020
l'.n;K'U'(l DiilknV'
(\IOOO)
i \ 2021
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilkirs
(\IOOO)
State and
Local Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b) of
the CAA
S/L monitoring and
data collection
activities in support
of the PM2.5
monitoring network
and associated
program costs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$41,875.0
$41,968.0
$29,313.0
State and
Local Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b) of
the CAA
S/L monitoring and
data collection
activities in support
of air toxics
monitoring.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$4,019.0
$4,959.0
$6,271.0
State and
Local Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b) of
the CAA
S/L monitoring
procurement
activities in support
oftheNAAQS.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$3,102.2
$4,772.0
$2,780.0
6 Does not reflect STAG rescissions.
793
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
Aullmrilk-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipiinls
I!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulual Dollars
(\I000)
llslimak-d R
2020
l!iiaiii-d Dollars'1
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsidi-iil's
liud^i'l Dollars
(\I000)
State and
Local Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Sections
103, 105, 106.
Air pollution
control agencies as
defined in section
302(b) of the CAA;
Multi-jurisdictional
organizations (non-
profit organizations
whose boards of
directors or
membership is
made up of CAA
section 302(b)
agency officers and
whose mission is to
support the
continuing
environmental
programs of the
States); Interstate
air quality control
region designated
pursuant to section
107 of the CAA or
of implementing
section 176A, or
section 184
NOTE: only the
Ozone Transport
Commission is
eligible.
Carrying out the
traditional prevention
and control programs
required by the CAA
and associated program
support costs, including
all monitoring activities,
including PM 2.5
monitoring and
associated program costs
(Section 103 and/or
105); Coordinating or
facilitating a multi-
jurisdictional approach
to carrying out the
traditional prevention
and control programs
required by the CAA
(Sections 103 and 106);
Supporting training for
CAA Section 302(b) air
pollution control agency
staff (Sections 103 and
105); Supporting
research, investigative,
and demonstration
projects (Section 103).
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$170,239.0
Section 105
grants
$175,881.0
Section 105
grants
$113,177.0
Section 105
grants
$639.0
Section 106
grants
Total:
$219,874.2
$639.0
Section 106
grants
Total:
$228,219.0
$420.0
Section 106
grants
Total:
$151,961.0
794
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Slallllor\
Aiilhorilk-s
l!li^il>k'
Kiiipiinls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulual Dollars
(\I000)
llslimak-d R
2020
l!iiaiii-d Dollars'1
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsidi-iil's
liud^i'l Dollars
(\I000)
Tribal Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Sections
103 and 105;
Tribal
Cooperative
Agreements
(TCA) in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Tribes; Intertribal
Consortia;
State/Tribal
College or
University
Conducting air quality
assessment activities to
determine a Tribe's
need to develop a CAA
program; Carrying out
the traditional
prevention and control
programs required by
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$8,556.1
Section 103
grants
$8,829.0
Section 103
grants
$6,163.0
Section 103
grants
associated program
costs; Supporting CAA
training for Federally-
recognized Tribes.
$4,000.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$12,556.1
$4,000.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$12,829.0
$2,800.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$8,963.0
Radon
TSCA,
Sections 10
and 306.
State Agencies,
Tribes, Intertribal
Consortia
Assist in the
development and
implementation of
programs for the
assessment and
mitigation of radon.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$7,453.4
$7,789.0
$0.0
Multipurpose
Grants
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141)and
all other major
environmental
legislation
including but
not limited to
CAA, CWA,
SDWA and
CERCLA
State Agencies,
Tribes
Implementation of
mandatory statutory
duties delegated by
EPA under pertinent
environmental laws.
Goal 2
Obj.: 2.1
$0.0
$13,000.0
$10,000.0
795
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
Aiillnirilk-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipiinls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulu;il Diilkirs
(\I000)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DhII.iiV'
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilkirs
(\I000)
Water
Pollution
Control
(Section 106)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 106;
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia,
Interstate
Agencies
Develop and carry out
surface and ground
water pollution control
programs, including
NPDES permits,
TMDLs, WQ
standards, monitoring,
and NPS control
activities.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$225,454.2
$223,289.0
$153,683.0
Nonpoint
Source (NPS -
Section 319)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 319(h);
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement EPA-
approved State and
Tribal nonpoint source
management programs
and fund projects as
selected by the state.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$166,360.0
$172,348.0
$0.0
Wetlands
Program
Development
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 104
(b)(3); TCA in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Local
Governments,
Tribes, Interstate
Organizations,
Intertribal
Consortia, Non-
profit
Organizations
To develop new
wetland programs or
enhance existing
programs for the
protection,
management, and
restoration of wetland
resources.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$12,772.7
$14,183.0
$9,762.0
Public Water
System
Supervision
(PWSS)
SDWA, Section
1443(a); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Assistance to
implement and
enforce National
Primary Drinking
Water Regulations to
ensure the safety of
the Nation's drinking
water resources and
to protect public
health.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$96,689.7
$106,250.0
$67,892.0
796
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
Aiillniriiii-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipicnls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulu;il Diilhirs
(\I000)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DiilhnV'
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilhirs
(\I000)
Underground
Injection
Control (UIC)
SDWA, Section
1443(b); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement and
enforce regulations
that protect
underground sources
of drinking water by
controlling Class I-V
underground injection
wells.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$9,846.2
$10,164.0
$6,995.0
Beaches
Protection
BEACH Act of
2000; TCA in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia, Local
Governments
Develop and
implement programs
for monitoring and
notification of
conditions for coastal
recreation waters
adjacent to beaches or
similar points of
access that are used
by the public.
Goal,
Obj. 1.2
$8,985.0
$9,238.0
$0.0
HABs
Reduction
Grant
Clean Water
Act
Prevention and
response efforts for
harmful algal blooms.
Goal,
Obj. 1.2
$0.0
$0.0
$15,000.0
Hazardous
Waste
Financial
Assistance
Solid Waste
Disposal Act,
as amended by
the Resource
Conservation
and Recovery
Act §3011;
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Development &
Implementation of
Hazardous Waste
Programs
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.3
$101,345.0
$96,446.0
$66,381.0
797
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
Aulhiiriiii-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipiinls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulu;il Diilhirs
(\I000)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DiilhnV'
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilhirs
(\I000)
Brownfields
Comprehensive
Environmental
Response,
Compensation,
and Liability Act
(CERCLA§
128(a).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Establish and enhance
state and tribal
response programs
which will survey and
inventory brownfields
sites; develop
oversight and
enforcement
authorities to ensure
response actions are
protective of human
health and the
environment; develop
ways for communities
to provide meaningful
opportunities for
public participation;
and develop
mechanisms for
approval of a cleanup
plan and verification
and certification that
cleanup is complete.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.3
$49,769.5
$46,190.0
$31,791.0
Underground
Storage Tanks
(UST)
Solid Waste
Disposal Act of
1976, as
amended by the
Superfund
Amendments
and
Reauthorization
Act of 1986, §
2007(f); Energy
Policy Act, §
9011.
States
Provide funding for
States' underground
storage tanks and to
support direct UST
implementation
programs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.3
$1,590.1
$1,449.0
$0.0
798
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Slallllor\
Aiilhorilk-s
I!li^il>k'
Ki'iipiinls
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2020
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
i \ 201 •)
.Ulual Dollars
(\I000)
llslimak-d R
2020
l!iiaiii-d Dollars''
(\I000)
i \ 2021
Pivsidi-iil's
liud^i'l Dollars
(\I000)
Pesticides
Program
Implementation
FIFRA,
Sections
23(a)(1);
Federal Food,
drug and
Cosmetic Act
(FDCA); Food
quality
Protection Act
(FQPA);
Endangered
Species Act
(ESA).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement the
following programs
through grants to
States, Tribes, partners,
and supporters for
implementation of
pesticide programs,
including:
Certification and
Training (C&T);
Worker Protection;
Endangered Species
Protection Program
(ESPP) Field
Activities; Pesticides
in Water; and tribal
Programs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.4
$11,821.5
- States formula
$11,051.0
- States formula
$7,350.0
- States formula
$613.9
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- School IPM
$1,236.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- School IPM
$1,107.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- Pollinator
Protection
Total: $12,435.4
Total: $12,287.0
Total: $8,457.0
Lead
TSCA, Sections
401-412.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Aid states, territories,
the District of
Columbia, and tribes to
develop and implement
authorized lead-based
paint abatement
programs and
authorized Renovation,
Repair, and Painting
(RRP) programs. The
EPA directly
implements these
programs in all areas
of the country that are
not authorized to do so,
and will continue to
operate the Federal
Lead-based Paint
Program Database
(FLPP) of trained and
certified lead-based
paint professionals.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.4
$11,576.9
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$12,384.0
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$8,815.0
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$1,714.1
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$13,291.0
$1,665.0
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$14,049.0
$1,185.0
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$10,000.0
799
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
I!li^il>k'
I!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
i \ 201 •)
r.slim;ik'(l l \
i \ 2021
Aiillmrilk-s
Ki'iipicnls
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
.Ulu;il Diilkirs
(\I000)
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DiilknV'
(\I000)
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilkirs
(\I000)
Toxic
Toxic
States, federally
Assist in developing,
Goal 2,
$4,597.4
$4,759.0
$3,276.0
Substances
Substances
recognized Indian
maintaining, and
Obj.2.1
Compliance
Control Act;
Tribes, Intertribal
implementing
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Consortia, and
Territories of the
U.S.
compliance monitoring
programs for PCBs,
asbestos, and Lead
Based Paint. In
addition, enforcement
actions by: 1) the Lead
Based Paint program
and 2) States that
obtained a "waiver"
under the Asbestos
program.
Pesticide
FIFRA §
States, Federally-
Assist with
Goal 2,
$17,510.6
$24,000.0
$10,531.0
Enforcement
23(a)(1);
recognized Indian
implementation of
Obj.2.1
FY2000
Tribes, Intertribal
cooperative pesticide
Appropriations
Consortia, and
enforcement
Act (P.L. 106-
Territories of the
programs.
74); TCA in
U.S.
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
800
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
I!li^il>k'
l!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
i \ 201 •)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
i \ 2021
Aiillmrilk-s
Ki'iipiinls
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
.Ulu;il Diilkirs
(\I000)
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DiilknV'
(\I000)
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilkirs
(\I000)
Pollution
Pollution
States, Tribes,
Provides assistance to
Goal 2,
$5,545.5
$4,610.0
$0.0
Prevention
Prevention Act
Intertribal
States and State
Obj.2.1
of 1990,
Consortia
entities (z. e., colleges
Section 6605;
and universities) and
TSCA Section
Federally-recognized
10; FY 2000
Tribes and intertribal
Appropriations
consortia to deliver
Act (P.L. 106-
pollution prevention
74); TCA in
technical assistance to
annual
small and medium-
Appropriations
sized businesses. A
Acts.
goal of the program is
to assist businesses and
industries with
identifying improved
environmental
strategies and solutions
for reducing waste at
the source.
Tribal General
Indian
Tribal
Plan and develop
Goal 2,
$67,299.0
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
Assistance
Environmental
Governments,
Tribal environmental
Obj.2.1
Program
General
Assistance
Program Act
(42 U.S.C. §
4368b); TCA in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Intertribal
Consortia
protection programs.
801
-------
(¦mill Tilli-
Sl;illlliir\
l!li^il>k'
I!li^il>k' I si-s
n 2o2o
i \ 201 •)
l'.slilll;iU'(l R
i \ 2021
Aiillmrilk-s
Ki'iipiinls
(¦Ii;il/()l>jl'l'liw'
.Ulu;il Diilkirs
(\I000)
2020
I!ii;kU'(I DhII.iiV'
(\I000)
Pivsiik-iH's
liud^i'l Diilkirs
(\I000)
National
Reorganization
States, U.S.
Helps States, U.S.
Goal 3,
$9,619.7
$9,332.0
$6,422.0
Environmental
Plan No. 3 of
Territories,
Territories, Tribes,
Obj. 3.4
Information
1970, 84 Stat.
Federally
and intertribal
Exchange
Network
2086, as
amended by Pub.
L. 98-80, 97
Recognized Tribes
and Native
Villages, Interstate
consortia develop the
information
(NEIEN, aka
Stat. 485
Agencies, Tribal
management and
"the Exchange
(codified at Title
Consortia, Other
technology (IM/IT)
Network")
5, App.) (EPA's
organic statute)
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141)
Agencies with
Related
Environmental
Information
Activities.
capabilities they need
to participate in the
Exchange Network,
to continue and
expand data-sharing
programs, and to
improve access to
environmental
information.
802
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2021 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Program Project By Program Area
(Dollars in Thousands)
Science & Technology
dean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Atmospheric Protection Program
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Subtotal, Clean Air
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
Radiation: Protection
Radiation: Response Preparedness
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
Enforcement
Forensics Support
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
n 201 ¦> Uliwl-
$7,834.8
$8,044.4
$10,878.2
$92,789.2
$119,546.6
$16.7
$2,794.7
$2,545.0
$216.7
$5,573.1
$11,534.7
$7,957.5
$20,492.7
$410.0
$28,860.2
$3,092.6
$67,856.9
$3,098.5
$2,415.8
$354.6
$5,868.9
l-Mimalcd M
2020 I.IKKlllI
$7,463.0
$7,772.0
$6,039.0
$94,790.0
$116,064.0
$143.0
$1,781.0
$3,089.0
$136.0
$5,149.0
$13,592.0
$9,053.0
$23,593.0
$443.0
$33,089.0
$3,072.0
$65,372.0
$3,154.0
$2,327.0
$405.0
$5,886.0
n 2021 I'll-
liutliii-1
$5,739.0
$0.0
$3,712.0
$80,932.0
$90,383.0
$0.0
$1,047.0
$4,167.0
$0.0
$5,214.0
$11,723.0
$7,732.0
$25,542.0
$500.0
$33,774.0
$2,890.0
$67,908.0
$2,443.0
$2,616.0
$684.0
$5,743.0
n 2021 I'll-
liiidiicl
r.vlimiilrd M
2020 I'liiicU'il
-$1,724.0
-$7,772.0
-$2,327.0
-$13,858.0
-$25,681.0
-$143.0
-$734.0
$1,078.0
-$136.0
$65.0
-$1,869.0
-$1,321.0
$1,949.0
$57.0
$685.0
-$182.0
$2,536.0
-$711.0
$289.0
$279.0
-$143.0
803
-------
I'viiiimiril M
1^ 2 Ulna!" 2M2M l iKKlcd
n 2021 l'iv»
lillilllrl \.
1^ 2021 I'rr- l.vliiiulcd 1^
lilltllil-1 2020 I.IKKlllI
Research: Air and Energy
Research: Air and Energy
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Endocrine Disrupters
Computational Toxicology
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability (other activities)
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Water: Human Health Protection
Drinking Water Programs
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Total, Science & Technology
$85,895.8
$100,123.7
$135,083.1
$37,003.7
$15,230.0
$22,262.3
$49,811.9
$87,304.2
$124,307.9
$3,227.6
$4,092.0
$695,063.1
$94,496.0
$110,890.0
$132,477.0
$37,351.0
$16,021.0
$21,089.0
$51,807.0
$88,917.0
$126,268.0
$4,094.0
$6,000.0
$716,449.0
$33,543.0
$78,948.0
$58,597.0
$24,694.0
$10,775.0
$18,181.0
$37,996.0
$66,952.0
$91,646.0
$4,364.0
$0.0
$484,733.0
-$60,953.0
-$31,942.0
-$73,880.0
-$12,657.0
-$5,246.0
-$2,908.0
-$13,811.0
-$21,965.0
-$34,622.0
$270.0
-$6,000.0
-$231,716.0
Environmental Programs & Management
dean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Atmospheric Protection Program
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
Subtotal, Clean Air
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
Radiation: Protection
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$15,302.4
$90,985.1
$19,279.9
$132,513.9
$5,060.4
$8,326.0
$271,467.7
$2,642.6
$10,880.5
$2,078.1
$13,619.0
$95,436.0
$20,093.0
$130,588.0
$4,661.0
$8,711.0
$273,108.0
$3,136.0
$7,992.0
$2,196.0
$13,231.0
$14,512.0
$17,877.0
$114,095.0
$4,087.0
$0.0
$163,802.0
$0.0
$2,470.0
$2,350.0
-$388.0
-$80,924.0
-$2,216.0
-$16,493.0
-$574.0
-$8,711.0
-$109,306.0
-$3,136.0
-$5,522.0
$154.0
804
-------
Reduce Risks Jrom Indoor \ir
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
Brownfields
Brownfields
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
Criminal Enforcement
Environmental Justice
NEPA Implementation
Subtotal, Enforcement
Geographic Programs
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
Geographic Program: Other
Lake Pontchartrain
S.New England Estuary (SNEE)
Geographic Program: Other (other activities)
Subtotal, Geographic Program: Other
Great Lakes Restoration
Geographic Program: South Florida
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
Geographic Program: Puget Sound
Subtotal, Geographic Programs
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Communication and Information
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
Information Exchange / Outreach
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
TRI / Right to Know
n 21114 Uliwl-
SI 0,931.6
$26,532.8
$22,939.3
$100,132.8
$160,202.2
$46,342.0
$5,033.5
$13,827.4
$225,405.1
$72,800.7
$17,690.4
$10,995.0
$14,232.7
$947.0
$4,842.8
$1,401.5
$7,191.3
$292,571.0
$1,305.2
$8,381.7
$27,936.8
$453,104.8
$4,003.8
$444.4
$5,755.6
$10,203.8
$12,588.0
$12,136.9
I'Mimalcd M
2020 Kindled
$11,627.0
$24,951.0
$23,647.0
$101,665.0
$167,615.0
$47,635.0
$9,554.0
$15,833.0
$240,637.0
$85,000.0
$17,553.0
$13,390.0
$21,000.0
$1,089.0
$5,741.0
$2,736.0
$9,566.0
$320,000.0
$4,845.0
$5,922.0
$33,000.0
$510,276.0
$3,818.0
$840.0
$5,355.0
$10,013.0
$13,594.0
$12,155.0
n 2021 riv.
$0.0
$4,820.0
$17,816.0
$95,649.0
$157,820.0
$46,627.0
$2,729.0
$17,937.0
$225,113.0
$7,300.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$320,000.0
$3,206.0
$0.0
$0.0
$330,506.0
$3,677.0
$1,361.0
$4,986.0
$10,024.0
$10,862.0
$8,065.0
n 2021 I'll-
liiidurl \.
r.NlimiiU'd M
2020 r.niK'Icd
-$11,627.0
-$20,131.0
-$5,831.0
-$6,016.0
-$9,795.0
-$1,008.0
-$6,825.0
$2,104.0
-$15,524.0
-$77,700.0
-$17,553.0
-$13,390.0
-$21,000.0
-$1,089.0
-$5,741.0
-$2,736.0
-$9,566.0
$0.0
-$1,639.0
-$5,922.0
-$33,000.0
-$179,770.0
-$141.0
$521.0
-$369.0
$11.0
-$2,732.0
-$4,090.0
805
-------
I'vliiimlril M 1^ 2021 I'rr-
1^ 2 Ulna!" 2M2M l iKKlcd liiiducl
Tribal - Capacity Building $13,780.0 $13,072.0 SI 4.099.0
Executive Management and Operations $51,243.2 $47,259.0 $43,784.0
Environmental Education $8,597.1 $8,580.0 $0.0
Exchange Network $17,090.3 $15,184.0 $12,328.0
Small Minority Business Assistance $1,411.3 $987.0 $1,080.0
Small Business Ombudsman $1,906.9 $1,824.0 $1,983.0
Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency
Coordination $5,903.7 $6,173.0 $2,704.0
Subtotal, Information Exchange / Outreach $124,657.4 $118,828.0 $94,905.0
n 2021 I'iv-
lillilllrl \.
I.vliiiulcd M
2020 I'.iniclril
$1,027.0
-$3,475.0
-$8,580.0
-$2,856.0
$93.0
$159.0
-$3,469.0
-$23,923.0
International Programs
US Mexico Border
International Sources of Pollution
Trade and Governance
Subtotal, International Programs
$3,236.0
$7,011.4
$5,716.8
$15,964.2
$2,693.0
$6,553.0
$5,365.0
$14,611.0
$0.0
$10,628.0
$0.0
$10,628.0
-$2,693.0
$4,075.0
-$5,365.0
-$3,983.0
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security $7,649.5 $7,593.0
IT / Data Management $78,748.7 $80,223.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security $86,398.2 $87,816.0
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Integrated Environmental Strategies $10,760.9 $10,152.0
Administrative Law $4,527.9 $4,835.0
Alternative Dispute Resolution $667.4 $870.0
Civil Rights Program $8,972.5 $8,814.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program $51,526.8 $47,978.0
Legal Advice: Support Program $14,926.0 $14,478.0
Regional Science and Technology $1,224.3 $808.0
Science Advisory Board $3,154.5 $3,214.0
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis $12,616.7 $13,094.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review $108,377.0 $104,243.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance $72,920.6 $71,423.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations $321,500.4 $287,595.0
Acquisition Management $33,799.8 $30,945.0
Human Resources Management $43,339.9 $41,556.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management $23,794.8 $23,802.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration $495,355.5 $455,321.0
$14,012.0
$79,064.0
$93,076.0
$14,200.0
$5,104.0
$0.0
$9,780.0
$50,263.0
$18,082.0
$0.0
$4,031.0
$17,294.0
$118,754.0
$76,603.0
$317,345.0
$29,621.0
$44,538.0
$21,452.0
$489,559.0
$6,419.0
-$1,159.0
$5,260.0
$4,048.0
$269.0
-$870.0
$966.0
$2,285.0
$3,604.0
-$808.0
$817.0
$4,200.0
$14,511.0
$5,180.0
$29,750.0
-$1,324.0
$2,982.0
-$2,350.0
$34,238.0
Pesticides Licensing
806
-------
Science Policy and Biotechnology
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
n 201 ¦> Uliwl-
SI,823.4
$55,368.2
$39,444.2
$7,193.6
$103,829.4
I'Mimjlcil M
2020 I.IKKlllI
$1,605.0
$58,753.0
$38,966.0
$7,722.0
$107,046.0
n 2021 I'iv-
liutliii-1
$0.0
$51,268.0
$32,100.0
$6,014.0
$89,382.0
n 2021 l'iv»
liud^i l \.
I.vliiiulcd 1^
2020 Kniiclcil
-$1,605.0
-$7,485.0
-$6,866.0
-$1,708.0
-$17,664.0
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
$131.9
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Corrective Action
RCRA: Waste Management
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
Subtotal, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
$34,554.0
$58,728.3
$8,840.2
$102,122.5
$36,973.0
$66,819.0
$8,997.0
$112,789.0
$35,126.0
$50,399.0
$4,253.0
$89,778.0
-$1,847.0
-$16,420.0
-$4,744.0
-$23,011.0
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Endocrine Disruptors
Pollution Prevention Program
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and
Reduction
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
Subtotal, Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
$8,178.1
$11,657.5
$64,241.5
$11,663.0
$95,740.1
$7,533.0
$11,127.0
$60,488.0
$11,567.0
$90,715.0
$0.0
$0.0
$69,004.0
$0.0
$69,004.0
-$7,533.0
-$11,127.0
$8,516.0
-$11,567.0
-$21,711.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST/UST
$11,089.8
$10,750.0
$6,863.0
-$3,887.0
Water: Ecosystems
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
Wetlands
Subtotal, Water: Ecosystems
$26,425.7
$17,234.9
$43,660.6
$29,823.0
$19,241.0
$49,064.0
$0.0
$22,604.0
$22,604.0
-$29,823.0
$3,363.0
-$26,460.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Beach / Fish Programs
Drinking Water Programs
Subtotal, Water: Human Health Protection
$1,490.8
$92,373.1
$93,863.9
$1,584.0
$100,903.0
$102,487.0
$0.0
$97,462.0
$97,462.0
-$1,584.0
-$3,441.0
-$5,025.0
Water Quality Protection
Marine Pollution
Surface Water Protection
Subtotal, Water Quality Protection
$9,349.3
$196,146.1
$205,495.4
$9,258.0
$198,431.0
$207,689.0
$4,680.0
$201,799.0
$206,479.0
-$4,578.0
$3,368.0
-$1,210.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$0.0
$17,700.0
$0.0
-$17,700.0
807
-------
Total, Environmental Programs & Management
n 201 ¦>
$2,596,472.2
I'vlillliilril M
2020 I.IKKlllI
$2,663,356.0
n 2021 I'll-
lillilgrl
$2,236,224.0
n 2021 I'iv-
liud^i l \.
I.vliiiulcd M
2020 I'.niii'lril
-$427,132.0
Inspector General
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Total, Inspector General
$39,929.8
$39,929.8
$41,489.0
$41,489.0
$39,825.0
$39,825.0
-$1,664.0
-$1,664.0
Building and Facilities
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
$4,259.1
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Total, Building and Facilities
$23,017.8
$27,276.9
$26,922.0
$33,598.0
$33,377.0
$39,553.0
$6,455.0
$5,955.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
Indoor Air and Radiation
Radiation: Protection
$1,768.6
$1,985.0
$2,122.0
$137.0
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
Enforcement
Criminal Enforcement
Environmental Justice
Forensics Support
Superfund: Enforcement
Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement
Subtotal, Enforcement
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$8,875.9
$1,313.8
$7,492.9
$662.2
$1,402.3
$135,626.7
$6,046.9
$151,231.0
$31,526.7
$979.3
$32,506.0
$11,586.0
$995.0
$7,645.0
$633.0
$1,145.0
$152,591.0
$6,361.0
$168,375.0
$31,599.0
$1,017.0
$32,616.0
$9,747.0
$1,004.0
$8,479.0
$0.0
$1,312.0
$162,504.0
$7,330.0
$179,625.0
$33,454.0
$915.0
$34,369.0
-$1,839.0
$9.0
$834.0
-$633.0
$167.0
$9,913.0
$969.0
$11,250.0
$1,855.0
-$102.0
$1,753.0
808
-------
Information Exchange / Outreach
Exchange Network
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
IT / Data Management
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Acquisition Management
Human Resources Management
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Superfund Cleanup
Superfiind: Emergency Response and Removal
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
Superfund: Federal Facilities
Superfund: Remedial
Subtotal, Superfund Cleanup
Total, Hazardous Substance Superfund
n 201 ¦> Uliwl-
$1,424.8
$598.9
$13,755.5
$14,354.4
$573.3
$515.0
$1,088.3
$23,772.7
$82,243.2
$18,593.2
$6,163.7
$2,517.7
$133,290.5
$11,004.7
$2,864.9
$215,077.1
$7,679.9
$22,544.5
$604,659.0
$849,960.5
$1,209,683.4
l-Mimalcd M
2020 Limclcd
$1,328.0
$693.0
$13,792.0
$14,485.0
$710.0
$543.0
$1,253.0
$21,971.0
$76,473.0
$20,533.0
$6,548.0
$2,580.0
$128,105.0
$16,463.0
$12,824.0
$189,306.0
$7,636.0
$21,125.0
$576,673.0
$794,740.0
$1,184,755.0
n 2021 I'll-
liinlgcl
$1,293.0
$5,082.0
$13,874.0
$18,956.0
$0.0
$608.0
$608.0
$22,462.0
$76,831.0
$22,982.0
$5,704.0
$2,903.0
$130,882.0
$11,448.0
$6,159.0
$170,748.0
$7,700.0
$21,621.0
$482,329.0
$682,398.0
$1,078,611.0
n 2021 I'iv-
liiidurl \.
r.NlimiiU'd M
2020 Linn-led
-$35.0
$4,389.0
$82.0
$4,471.0
-$710.0
$65.0
-$645.0
$491.0
$358.0
$2,449.0
-$844.0
$323.0
$2,777.0
-$5,015.0
-$6,665.0
-$18,558.0
$64.0
$496.0
-$94,344.0
-$112,342.0
-$106,144.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$678.1
$258.3
$620.0
$321.0
$541.0
$450.0
-$79.0
$129.0
809
-------
n 2019 Uliwl-
2020 Linn-led
n 2021 riv.
Facilities Inlraslriicliire and Operations
$847.2
$868.0
$796.0
Acquisition Management
$70.2
$163.0
$138.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$1,175.7
$1,352.0
$1,384.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST/UST
$10,133.9
$9,240.0
$7,149.0
LUST Cooperative Agreements
$59,225.6
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
LUST Prevention
$26,829.1
$25,369.0
$0.0
Subtotal, Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
$96,188.6
$89,649.0
$45,989.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$130.5
$320.0
$304.0
Total, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$98,172.9
$91,941.0
$48,218.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$82.8
$139.0
$0.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$2,393.3
$2,413.0
$2,462.0
Oil
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
$13,715.1
$15,700.0
$12,965.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$577.3
$665.0
$682.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$599.6
$664.0
$522.0
Total, Inland Oil Spill Programs
$17,368.1
$19,581.0
$16,631.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
$24,469.5
$29,186.0
$3,000.0
Brownfields Projects
$91,319.3
$89,000.0
$80,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
$1,625,444.5
$1,638,826.0
$1,119,778.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
$1,131,822.3
$1,126,088.0
$863,235.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
$14,653.9
$25,000.0
$0.0
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
$99,701.8
$87,000.0
$10,000.0
Targeted Airshed Grants
$31,736.7
$56,306.0
$0.0
n 2021 l'iv»
liud^i l \.
I.vliiiulcd 1^
2020 I.IKKlllI
-S72.0
-$25.0
S32.0
-$2,091.0
-$16,200.0
-$25,369.0
-$43,660.0
-$16.0
-$43,723.0
-$139.0
$49.0
-$2,735.0
$17.0
-$142.0
-$2,950.0
-$26,186.0
-$9,000.0
-$519,048.0
-$262,853.0
-$25,000.0
-$77,000.0
-$56,306.0
810
-------
n 21114 Ulual-
I'Mimjlcil M
2020 r.niK'Icil
n 2021 riv.
n 2021 I'll-
liuilllrl \.
I.vliiiulcd M
2020 r.niK'Icil
Gold King Mine Walor Moniloring
S4,687.3
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities
$167.0
$25,408.0
$0.0
-$25,408.0
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
$62.0
$19,511.0
$20,000.0
$489.0
Lead Testing in Schools
$995.0
$26,000.0
$15,000.0
-$11,000.0
Healthy Schools
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and
Sustainability
$0.0
$3,000.0
$2,000.0
-$1,000.0
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing
$0.0
$0.0
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
$0.0
$12,000.0
$7,500.0
-$4,500.0
Sewer Overflow Control Grants
$0.0
$28,000.0
$61,450.0
$33,450.0
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment
$0.0
$1,000.0
$1,000.0
$0.0
Subtotal, State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
$3,025,059.3
$3,170,325.0
$2,242,963.0
-$927,362.0
Categorical Grants
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319)
$166,360.0
$172,348.0
$0.0
-$172,348.0
Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision
(PWSS)
$96,689.7
$106,250.0
$67,892.0
-$38,358.0
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality
Management
$219,874.2
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
-$76,258.0
Categorical Grant: Radon
$7,453.4
$7,789.0
$0.0
-$7,789.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106)
Monitoring Grants
$17,925.5
$17,267.0
$11,884.0
-$5,383.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec.
106) (other activities)
$207,528.7
$206,022.0
$141,799.0
-$64,223.0
Subtotal, Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec.
106)
$225,454.2
$223,289.0
$153,683.0
-$69,606.0
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program Development
$12,772.7
$14,183.0
$9,762.0
-$4,421.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection Control
(UIC)
$9,846.2
$10,164.0
$6,995.0
-$3,169.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program Implementation
$12,435.4
$12,287.0
$8,457.0
-$3,830.0
Categorical Grant: Lead
$13,291.0
$14,049.0
$10,000.0
-$4,049.0
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial
Assistance
$101,345.0
$96,446.0
$66,381.0
-$30,065.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement
$17,510.6
$24,000.0
$10,531.0
-$13,469.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
$5,545.5
$4,610.0
$0.0
-$4,610.0
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances Compliance
$4,597.4
$4,759.0
$3,276.0
-$1,483.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance Program
$67,299.0
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
-$21,243.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks
$1,590.1
$1,449.0
$0.0
-$1,449.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality Management
$12,556.1
$12,829.0
$8,963.0
-$3,866.0
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information
$9,619.7
$9,332.0
$6,422.0
-$2,910.0
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection
$8,985.0
$9,238.0
$0.0
-$9,238.0
Categorical Grant: Brownfields
$49,769.5
$46,190.0
$31,791.0
-$14,399.0
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants
$0.0
811
$13,000.0
$10,000.0
-$3,000.0
-------
Categorical Uranl: Nulrionls and Harmful \l"al Blooms
Reduction Grants
Subtotal, Categorical Grants
I'MimjIcil 1^
1^ 2 Ulna!" 2020 Kiiaclrd
$0.0
$1,042,994.7
$0.0
$1,075,907.0
n 2021 I'll-
liutliii-1
$15,000.0
$605,347.0
n 2021 I'iv-
liud^i l \.
I'.Nliiiialcil 1^
2020 I'.nai'lril
$15,000.0
-$470,560.0
Congressional Priorities
Congressionally Mandated Projects
Total, State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$619.6
$4,068,673.6
$0.0
$4,246,232.0
$0.0
$2,848,310.0
$0.0
-$1,397,922.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Waste Management
$14,485.5
Total, Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System
Fund
$14,485.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Water Quality Protection
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
Total, Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
Fund
$32,565.9
$60,000.0
$25,023.0
-$34,977.0
Subtotal, EPA
$8,799,691.4 $9,057,401.0 $6,817,128.0 -$2,240,273.0
Cancellation of Funds
-$159,057.0
-$159,057.0
TOTAL, EPA
$8,799,691.4 $9,057,401.0 $6,658,071.0 -$2,399,330.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfiind transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfond account.
812
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Eliminated Programs
Eliminated Program/Projects
Alternative Dispute Resolution (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $1.6 M, 5.9 FTE)
This program provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services to EPA Headquarters, EPA
Regional Offices, and external stakeholders. This elimination of funding reflects the
centralization of conflict prevention and the ADR program. Programs across the Agency may
pursue ADR support services and training individually.
Beach / Fish Programs (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $1.6 M, 3.2 FTE)
This program provides science, guidance, technical assistance and nationwide information to state,
Tribal, and federal agencies on the human health risks associated with eating locally caught
fish/shellfish or wildlife with excessive levels of contaminants, as well as beach monitoring and
notification programs. The Agency will encourage states to continue this work within ongoing
core programs.
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $9.2 M, 0.0 FTE)
Grants authorized under the BEACH Act support continued development and implementation of
coastal recreational water monitoring and public notification programs. After over 17 years of
technical guidance and financial support, state and local governments now have the technical
expertise and procedures to continue beach monitoring without federal support.
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319) (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $172.3 M, 0.0
FTE)
This program provides grants to assist states and tribes in implementing approved elements of
Nonpoint Source Programs including: regulatory and non-regulatory programs, technical
assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfers, and demonstration
projects. The Agency will continue to coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture
to target funding, where appropriate, to address nonpoint sources.
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $4.6 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Pollution Prevention (P2) program is a tool for advancing environmental stewardship by
federal, state and Tribal governments, businesses, communities and individuals. In FY 2021, EPA
will focus its resources on core statutory environmental work.
Categorical Grant: Radon (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $7.8 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Program provides funding for the development of state radon programs and disseminates
public information and educational materials. The program also provides information on
equipment training, data storage and management, and toll-free hotlines. For over 30 years, EPA's
radon program has provided important guidance and funding to help states establish their own
programs. States could elect to maintain core program work by using state resources rather than
using federal resources.
813
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Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $1.5 M, 0.0
FTE)
The Program provides funding for petroleum and hazardous substance release prevention and
detection activities including: compliance assistance, state program approvals, and technical
equipment reviews and approvals. States could elect to maintain core program work with state
resources rather than federal.
Endocrine Disruptors (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $7.5 M, 7.6 FTE)
The Program develops and validates scientific test methods for the routine, ongoing evaluation of
pesticides and other chemicals to determine their potential interference with normal endocrine
system function. The Program recently developed and validated some tier 1 and tier 2 testing
approaches for endocrine disruption. The ongoing functions of the Program will be absorbed into
the pesticides program using the currently available tiered testing.
Environmental Education (EE) (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $8.6 M, 9.2 FTE)
This program promotes delivery of environmental education through science-based methodologies
that promote public engagement. In recognition of the significant guidance and financial support
the EE program has provided to non-profit organizations, local education agencies, universities,
community colleges, and state and local environmental agencies, funding for some of the
environmental stewardship activities could be leveraged at the state or local level.
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $17.6 M, 14.7 FTE)
The Program is a partnership of the five Gulf states, Gulf coastal communities, citizens,
nongovernmental organizations, and federal agencies working together to initiate cooperative
actions by public and private organizations to achieve specific environmental results. EPA will
encourage the five Gulf of Mexico states to continue to make progress in restoring the Gulf of
Mexico from within core water programs.
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $13.4 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Program creates a pollution prevention, control, and restoration plan for protecting the Lake
Champlain Basin. EPA will encourage New York and Vermont to continue to make progress in
restoring Lake Champlain from within core water programs.
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $21.0 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Program supports the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management
Plan for the Long Island Sound National Estuary Program. EPA will encourage Long Island Sound
states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Sound from within core water
programs.
Geographic Program: Other (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $9.6 M, 4.7 FTE)
The Program provides funding to develop and implement community-based approaches to mitigate
diffuse sources of pollution and cumulative risk for geographic areas including: Lake
Pontchartrain, Southern New England Estuary (SNEE), and the Northwest Forest Program. EPA
will encourage states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring these aquatic
ecosystems from within core water programs.
814
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Geographic Program: Puget Sound (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $33.0 M, 5.7 FTE)
The Program works to protect and restore the Puget Sound, focusing on environmental activities
consistent with the State of Washington's 2020 Puget Sound Action Agenda. EPA will encourage
state, tribal, and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Puget Sound from
within core water programs.
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $5.9 M, 1.8 FTE)
The Program is aimed at protecting and restoring water quality and ecological health of the San
Francisco Bay estuary through partnerships, interagency coordination, and project grants. EPA
will encourage the state of California and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring
the San Francisco Bay from within core water programs.
Gold King Mine Water Monitoring (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $4.0 M, 0.0 FTE)
This non-recurring program provided grants that supported the development and implementation
of a program for monitoring of rivers contaminated by the Gold King Mine Spill. The Agency will
continue coordinating with the involved states and tribes from within core water programs.
Indoor Air: Radon Program (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $3.3 M, 9.0 FTE)
Within this program, EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an
action level, provides technical assistance, and advises the public of steps they can take to reduce
exposure to radon. For over 30 years, EPA's radon program has provided important guidance and
funding to help states establish their own programs.
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $25.0 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Program provides for the planning, design, and construction of water and wastewater
treatment facilities along the U.S. Mexico border. The State Revolving Funds are a source of
infrastructure funding that can continue to fund water system improvements in U.S. communities
along the border.
LUST Prevention (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $25.4 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Program provides resources to states, tribes, territories, and intertribal consortia for their
Underground Storage Tank (UST) programs, with a focus on inspections, enforcement,
development of leak prevention regulations, and other program infrastructure. States could elect
to maintain core program work with state resources rather than federal.
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $29.8 M, 36.9
FTE)
The Program works to restore the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of estuaries and
coastal watersheds. EPA will encourage states to continue this work and continue to implement
conservation management plans.
Pollution Prevention Program (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $11.1 M, 49.2 FTE)
The program promotes environmentally sound business practices and the development of safer
(green) chemicals, technologies, and processes. Partners can continue the best practices that have
been shared through this program and continue efforts aimed at reducing pollution.
815
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $11.8 M, 37.2 FTE)
This program addresses indoor environmental asthma triggers, such as secondhand smoke, dust
mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests, household pets, and combustion byproducts through a
variety of outreach, education, training and guidance activities.
Regional Science and Technology (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $808 K, 1.7 FTE)
The Program supplies laboratory analysis, field monitoring and sampling, and builds Tribal
capacity for environmental monitoring and assessment. Central approach will be replaced with ad
hoc efforts.
Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $25.4
M, 1.0 FTE)
The Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Program provides grants to eligible
entities for use in carrying out projects and activities to assist public water systems in small and
disadvantaged communities. EPA will continue to work on awarding the funds appropriated by
Congress in FY 2018 and FY 2019. In FY 2021, EPA will continue to request the use of flexible
subsidization funding authorities to target small and disadvantaged communities through the
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) mechanism.
Science Policy and Biotechnology (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $1.6 M, 4.6 FTE)
The Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) organizes and conducts reviews (typically six to ten each
year) by independent, outside scientific experts of science documents, science policies, and/or
science programs that relate to EPA's pesticide and toxic program activities. Statutory
requirements will be absorbed by the pesticides and toxics programs.
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $8.7 M, 0.0 FTE)
This program promotes international compliance with the Montreal Protocol by financing the
incremental cost of converting existing industries in developing countries to cost-effective ozone
friendly technology. EPA will continue domestic ozone-depleting substances reduction work.
Targeted Airshed Grants (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $56.3 M, 0.0 FTE)
This program offers competitive grants to reduce air pollution in the top five most polluted
nonattainment areas relative to annual ozone or PM 2.5. This program is regional in nature and
affected states can continue to fund work through EPA's core air grant programs and statutes.
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $11.6 M, 62.9
FTE)
The program addresses exposure to lead from lead-based paint through regulations, certification,
and training programs and public outreach efforts. Lead paint certifications will continue under
the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction program and at the State level with support from EPA's
Lead Categorical Grant, a partially restored program in FY 2021. Other forms of lead exposure
are addressed through other targeted programs such as the State Revolving Funds to replace lead
pipes.
816
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Trade and Governance (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $5.4 M, 15.3 FTE)
This program promotes trade related activities focused on sustaining environmental protection. In
FY 2021, EPA will focus its resources on core statutory work.
U.S. Mexico Border (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $2.7 M, 12.4 FTE)
The Program addresses environmental protection of the U.S Mexico border in partnership with the
ten (10) Border States, U.S. Tribal government, and the Government of Mexico. In FY 2021, EPA
will continue to engage both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to improve
international cooperation to prevent and address the transboundary movement of pollution. The
State Revolving Funds also may continue to fund water system improvements in U.S. communities
along the border.
Water Quality Research and Support Grants (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $23.7 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program focuses on the development and application of water quality criteria, the
implementation of watershed management approaches, and the application of technological
options to restore and protect water bodies. States have the ability to develop technical assistance
plans for their water systems using Public Water System Supervision funds and set-asides from
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Eliminated Sub-Program/Projects
Atmospheric Protection Program (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $66.0 M)
The following voluntary climate-related partnership programs are proposed for elimination:
AgSTAR, Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, Coalbed Methane Outreach Program,
Combined Heat & Power Partnership, Global Methane Initiative, GreenChill Partnership, Green
Power Partnership, Landfill Methane Outreach Program, Natural Gas STAR, Responsible
Appliance Disposal Program, SF6 Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems, SmartWay,
State and Local Climate Energy Program, and Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership. (Note:
The FY 2021 President's Budget includes a proposal to authorize the EPA to administer the
ENERGY STAR program through the collection of user fees.)
Global Change Research (Research: AE) (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $19.3 M, 42.5 FTE)
The Program develops scientific information that supports policy makers, stakeholders, and
society-at-large as they respond to climate change. This elimination prioritizes activities that
support decision-making related to core environmental statutory requirements.
STAR Research Grants (Research: AE, CSS, SSWR, SHC) (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted:
$28.6 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Science to Achieve Results, or STAR, funds research grants and graduate fellowships in
environmental science and engineering disciplines through a competitive solicitation process and
independent peer review. EPA will prioritize activities that support decision-making related to core
environmental statutory requirements, as opposed to extramural activities.
WaterSense (Surface Water Protection) (Estimated FY 2020 Enacted: $4.5 M, 8.0 FTE)
WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program to label water-efficient products as a resource for
helping to reduce water use.
817
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Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Line of Business is designed to: enhance public access and participation in the
regulatory process through electronic systems; reduce the burden on citizens and businesses in
finding relevant regulations and commenting on proposed rulemaking actions; consolidate
redundant docket systems; and improve agency regulatory processes and the timeliness of
regulatory decisions. EPA has served as the managing partner for this Line of Business; however,
in FY 2020, EPA transferred management services to the General Services Administration (GSA).
EPA continues to be involved as a partner agency.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,000.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,000.0
2021
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,064.0
Geospatial Line of Business
The Geospatial Line of Business is an intergovernmental project to improve the ability of the
public and government to use geospatial information to support the business of government and
facilitate decision-making. This initiative will reduce costs and improve agency operations in
several areas.
With the implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Strategic Plan, the geospatial
data sets known as National Geospatial Data Assets (NDGA) and associated analytical services
have become available on the National Geospatial Platform. These additional datasets and services
are easily accessible by federal agencies, their partners, and stakeholders. EPA uses the National
Geospatial Platform to obtain data and services for internal analytical purposes as well as to publish
outward-facing geospatial capabilities to the public.
While the Department of the Interior is the managing partner, EPA is a leader in developing the
vision and operational plans for the implementation of the Geospatial Data Act as well as OMB
guidance on Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data Activities and the
National Geospatial Platform which incorporates many national geospatial data and analytical
services for federal agencies, their partners, and stakeholders. EPA is expected to contribute to the
operation of the National Geospatial Platform in FY 2021. The intent is to reduce base costs by
providing an opportunity for EPA and other agencies to share approaches on procurement
consolidation and include shared services for hosting geospatial data, services and applications.
818
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Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2021
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
USA Jobs
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USA Jobs simplifies the process of locating and
applying for federal jobs. USA Jobs is a standard job announcement and resume builder website.
It is the one-stop for federal job seekers to search for and apply to positions on-line. This integrated
process benefits citizens by providing a more efficient process to locate and apply for jobs and
assists federal agencies in hiring top talent in a competitive marketplace. The OPM USA Jobs
initiative has increased job seeker satisfaction with the federal job application process and is
helping the Agency to locate highly-qualified candidates and improve response times to applicants.
The Agency is required to integrate with USA Jobs, to eliminate the need for applicants to maintain
multiple user IDs to apply for federal jobs across agencies. The vacancy announcement format is
improved for easier readability. The system can maintain up to five resumes per applicant, which
allows them to create and store resumes tailored to specific skills. In addition, USA Jobs has a
notification feature that keeps applicants updated on the status of the application and provides a
link to the Agency's website for detailed information. This self-help USA Jobs feature allows
applicants to obtain up-to-date information on the status of their application upon request.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2019
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$130.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$130.0
20217
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$0.0
Financial Management Line of Business
The Financial Management Line of Business (FM LoB) is a multi-agency effort whose goals
include: achieving process improvements and cost savings in the acquisition, development,
implementation, and operation of financial management systems. By incorporating the same FM
LoB-standard processes as those used by central agency systems, interfaces among financial
systems are streamlined and the quality of information available for decision-making is improved.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2020
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2021
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
7 EPA will allocate the expected agency contribution for E-Gov and LoB initiatives as provided by OMB.
819
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Grants.gov
The Grants.gov initiative benefits EPA and its grant programs by providing a single location to
publish grant opportunities and application packages, and by providing a single site for the grants
community to apply for grants using common forms, processes and systems. EPA believes that the
central site raises the visibility of its grants opportunities to a wider diversity of applicants.
The grants community benefits from savings in postal costs, paper and envelopes. Applicants save
time in searching for agency grant opportunities and in learning the application systems of various
agencies. In order to streamline the application process, EPA offers Grants.gov application
packages for mandatory state grants (i.e., Continuing Environmental Program Grants).
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$276.0
2020
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$331.0
20218
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$335.0
Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business
The Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business (BFELoB) allows EPA and other
agencies to access budget-related benefits and services. The Agency has the option to implement
LoB-sponsored tools, training and services.
EPA has benefited from the BFELoB by sharing valuable information on how systems and
software being developed by the LoB have enhanced work processes. This effort has created a
government-only capability for electronic collaboration (Wiki) in which the Budget Community
website allows EPA to share budget information internally, with OMB, and with other federal
agencies. The Agency also made contributions to the Human Capital Workgroup, participating in
development of on-line training modules for budget activities - a valuable resource to all agency
budget staff. The LoB has developed the capability to have secure, virtual on-line meetings where
participants can view budget-related presentations from their workspace and participate in the
discussion through a conference line. The LoB provides regularly scheduled symposia as an
additional forum for EPA budget employees.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$110.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$110.0
20219
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$120.0
8 EPA will allocate the expected agency contribution for E-Gov and LoB initiatives as provided by OMB.
9 EPA will allocate the expected agency contribution for E-Gov and LoB initiatives as provided by OMB.
820
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Federal Human Resources Line of Business
OPM's Human Resources Line of Business (HR LoB) provides the federal government the
infrastructure to support pay-for-performance systems, modernized HR systems, and the core
functionality necessary for the strategic management of human capital.
The OPM HR LoB offers common solutions that will enable federal departments and agencies to
work more effectively, and to provide managers and executives across the federal government an
improved means to meet strategic objectives. EPA will benefit by supporting an effective program
management activity which evaluates provider performance, customer satisfaction, and
compliance with program goals, on an ongoing basis.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution (in
thousands)
2019
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$68.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
2021
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
Integrated Acquisition Environment
The Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) is currently comprised of nine government-wide
automated applications and/or databases that have contributed to streamlining the acquisition
business process across the government. In FY 2012, GSA began the process of consolidating the
systems into one central repository called the System for Award Management (SAM). Until the
consolidation is complete, EPA continues to leverage these systems via electronic linkages
between EPA's Acquisition System (EAS) and the IAE shared systems. Other IAE systems are
not linked directly to EAS but benefit the Agency's contracting staff and vendor community as
stand-alone resources.
EAS uses data provided by SAM to replace internally maintained vendor data. Contracting officers
can download vendor-provided representation and certification information electronically via
SAM as well, which allows vendors to submit this information once rather than separately for
every contract proposal. Contracting officers are able to access the Excluded Parties List (EPLS)
via SAM to identify vendors that are debarred from receiving contract awards.
Contracting officers also can link to the Wage Determination Online to obtain information required
under the Service Contract Act and the Davis-Bacon Act. EAS links to the Federal Procurement
Data System (FPDS) for submission of contract actions at the time of award. FPDS provides public
access to government-wide contract information. The Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System
supports vendor submission of subcontracting data for contracts identified as requiring this
information. EPA submits synopses of procurement opportunities over $25,000 to the Federal
Business Opportunities website, where the information is accessible to the public. Vendors use
this website to identify business opportunities in federal contracting.
Further, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires agencies to
unambiguously identify contract, grant, and loan recipients and determine parent/child relationship
821
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and address information. The FFATA taskforce determined that using both the Dun and Bradstreet
DUNS Number (standard identifier for all business lines) and Central Contractor Registration
(CCR, the single point of entry for data collection and dissemination) are the most appropriate
ways to accomplish this. This fee will pay for EPA's use of this service while reporting grants
and/or loans. Funds also may be used to consolidate disparate contract and grant systems into the
new SAM.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2019
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$944.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$720.0
2021
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$720.0
Federal Pkl Bridge
Federal Public Key Infrastructure (FPKI) provides the government with a common infrastructure
to administer digital certificates and public-private key pairs, including the ability to issue,
maintain, and revoke public key certificates. FPKI leverages a security technique called Public
Key Cryptography to authenticate users and data, protect the integrity of transmitted data, and
ensure non-repudiation and confidentiality.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$36.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$41.0
202110
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$46.0
Freedom of Information Act Portal
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Act of 2016 directed the OMB and the
Department of Justice (DOJ) to build a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of
the public to submit a request for records to any agency from a single website. DOJ is managing
the development and maintenance of this National FOIA Portal. EPA and other federal agencies
were asked to contribute to this effort.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$34.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$43.0
2021
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$43.0
10 EPA will allocate the expected agency contribution for E-Gov and LoB initiatives as provided by OMB.
822
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FY 2021 Administrator's Priorities
Funding for the Administrator's priorities are allocated by program project in the FY 2021
President's Budget with a total of $2,375 million in the Environmental and Program Management
Account and $125 thousand in the Science and Technology Account.
These funds, which are set aside for the Administrator's priorities, are used to address unforeseen
issues that may arise during the year. These funds are used by the Administrator to support critical
unplanned issues and the amounts shown in the below table will be reallocated as needed, in
accordance with reprogramming limits.
FY 2021 President's Budget Funding for Administrator's Priorities
Appropriation
Program Project
Dollars in Thousands
EPM
Acquisition Management
$150
EPM
Brownfields
$25
EPM
Civil Enforcement
$150
EPM
Civil Rights / Title VI Compliance
$75
EPM
Compliance Monitoring
$100
EPM
Criminal Enforcement
$145
EPM
Drinking Water Programs
$100
EPM
Exchange Network
$75
EPM
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$100
EPM
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$130
EPM
Human Resources Management
$25
EPM
International Sources of Pollution
$50
EPM
IT / Data Management
$175
EPM
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$100
EPM
Legal Advice: Support Program
$75
EPM
NEPA Implementation
$100
EPM
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
$100
EPM
RCRA: Waste Management
$25
EPM
Science Advisory Board
$100
EPM
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
$100
EPM
Surface Water Protection
$50
EPM
TRI / Right to Know
$75
EPM
Tribal - Capacity Building
$50
S&T
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$25
S&T
Research: Air and Energy
$50
S&T
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$50
Total
$2,500
823
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Proposed FY 2021 Administrative Provisions
To further clarify proposed Administrative Provisions that involve more than a simple annual
extension or propose a modification to an existing provision, the following information is
provided.
Establishment of Authority for Energy Star Fee Collection and Use
The FY 2021 Budget includes a proposal to authorize EPA to administer the ENERGY STAR
program through the collection of user fees. Fee collections would begin after EPA undertakes a
rulemaking process to determine which products would be covered by fees and the level of fees,
and to ensure that a fee system would not discourage manufacturers from participating in the
Program or result in a loss of environmental benefits. The fee collections would provide funding
to cover an upfront appropriation, and continued expenses to develop, operate, and maintain the
ENERGY STAR program. The legislative proposal to authorize collection and spending of the
fees is as follows:
Section 131 of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §6294A, is
amended by inserting after paragraph (d):
"(e) User Fees
(1) In General
In accordance with paragraph (a), the Administrator may prescribe by regulation,
for application in fiscal year 2021 and in subsequent fiscal years, reasonable fees
as the Administrator determines to be necessary to defray costs incurredfor entities
that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. The regulation will ensure that the
fee imposed on each entity is sufficient and not more than reasonably necessary to
cover a proportional share of ENERGY STAR program costs incurred in operating
and maintaining the Energy Star program, including collection and processing
fees. The Administrator shall amend this regulation periodically so as to ensure
that the schedule of fees covers such program costs.
(2) Collection of Fees. The Administrator shall prescribe procedures to collect the
fees.
(3) Availability of Fees.
(A) Such fees shall be collected and available for ENERGY STAR program
administration functions performed by the Agency in an amount and to the extent
provided in advance in appropriations acts. "
FIFRA and PRIA Fee Spending Restrictions
Statutory language in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and
Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA 4), signed into law by the
President on March 8, 2019, restricts what activities EPA can fund from collections deposited in
the Reregi strati on and Expedited Processing Revolving Fund and Pesticide Registration Fund. The
FY 2021 Budget carries forward the proposed statutory language from the FY 2020 President's
Budget to allow pesticide maintenance fees and registration service fees to be spent on additional
824
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activities related to registration and reregi strati on of pesticides, such as processing and review of
submitted data, laboratory support and audits, and rulemaking support.
Statutory language would ease spending restrictions related to both FIFRA pesticide maintenance
fees and PRIA registration service fees. Since the FIFRA fees are mandatory, separate language
has been prepared that will be transmitted at a later date. The proposal to allow EPA to collect and
spend PRIA fees in FY 2021 and to authorize expanded use of PRIA fee collections is below. The
addition of language specifying that PRIA fees collected in FY 2021 will remain available until
expended would simplify aspects of budget execution.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
pesticide registration service fees in accordance with section 33 of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, andRodenticide Act (7 U.S.C 136w-8), to remain available until expended.
Notwithstanding section 33(d)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (&
U.S.C. 136w-8(d)(2)), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may assess fees
under section 33 of FIFRA (7 U.S.C 136w-8) for fiscal year 2021.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in addition to the activities specified in section 33 of
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136w-8), fees collected
in this and prior fiscal years under such section shall be available for the following activities as
they relate to pesticide licensing: processing and review of data submitted in association with a
registration, information submittedpursuant to section 6(a)(2) of FIFRA, supplemental distributor
labels, transfers of registrations and data compensation rights, additional uses registered by states
under section 24(c) of FIFRA, data compensation petitions, review of minor amendments, and
notifications; laboratory support and audits; administrative support; development of policy and
guidance; rulemaking support; information collection activities; and the portions of salaries
related to work in these areas.
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (Public Law 112-195) provides EPA
with the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the
electronic submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In FY 2021, EPA will
operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates collecting and depositing approximately
$26 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund.
Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest fees provided by Congress in annual
appropriations bills, the fees will be utilized for the operation of the system and necessary program
expenses. Fees will fully support the e-Manifest program, including future development costs. In
recent appropriations acts, Congress has provided an advance on the appropriation for the e-
Manifest program, to be reduced by the amount of fees collected so as to result in a final fiscal
year appropriation of $0. Because the program is now fully operational and fee-supported, this
language is no longer necessary. The language to authorize collection and spending of the fees is
below. Language specifying that e-Manifest fees collected in FY 2021 will remain available until
expended would simplify aspects of budget execution.
825
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The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6939g) for fiscal
year 2021, to remain available until expended.
Issuing Grants for PM2.5 Monitoring Network under Clean Air Act Sections 103 and 105
Per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6), EPA is directed to use Section 103
of the Clean Air Act to provide grants to states for the PM2.5 monitoring network. Accordingly,
EPA continues to issue grants to states for the network exclusively under Section 103. EPA
requests the flexibility to use both Sections 103 and 105 authorities under the Clean Air Act to
issue grants to states for the PM2.5 monitoring network.
$151,961,000 shall be for grants, including associated program support costs, to states, federally
recognized tribes, interstate agencies, Tribal consortia, and air pollution control agencies for
multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control and abatement and related activities,
including activities pursuant to the provisions set forth under this heading in Public Law 104-134,
and for making grants under Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act for particulate matter
monitoring and data collection activities subject to terms and conditions specified by the
Administrator.
Current statutory language directs EPA to issue grants in support of the PM2.5 monitoring under
Section 103 of the Clean Air Act. However, given the maturity of the PM2.5 monitoring network,
it is appropriate for EPA to provide grants to states to fund the network under Section 105 of the
Clean Air Act. The PM2.5 monitoring network is a continuing activity in support of air quality
management, which aligns with authorized activities under Section 105, whereas Section 103 is
intended to fund research, demonstration, and other similar activities. The proposed language gives
the Agency more flexibility to award grants under Section 103 and 105 authorities. The Clean Air
Act Section 105 authority provides for cost-sharing between EPA and the states with up to 60
percent of costs provided by EPA.
Service Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Fees Rule)
On June 22, 2016, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" (P.L. 114-
182) was signed into law, amending numerous sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). The amendments provide authority to the Agency to establish fees for certain activities
under Sections 4, 5 and 6 of TSCA, as amended, to defray 25 percent of the costs of administering
these sections and requirements under Section 14. The amendments removed the previous cap that
the Agency may charge for pre-manufacturing notification reviews. Fees collected under the
TSCA Fees Rule will be deposited in the TSCA Service Fee Fund for use by EPA. Fees under this
structure began to be incurred through EPA rulemaking on October 1, 2018 and replace the former
Pre-Manufacturing Notification Fees. Fee revenue of $2.75 million was collected in FY 2019, all
from Section 5 fees for new chemicals reviews. In recent appropriations acts, Congress has
provided an advance on the appropriation for the TSCA program, to be reduced by the amount of
fees collected so as to result in a final fiscal year appropriation of $0. Because the Program began
collecting fees in FY 2019, this language is no longer necessary. Language specifying that TSCA
826
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fees collected in FY 2021 will remain available until expended would simplify aspects of budget
execution.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 26(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2625(b)) for
fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended.
Oil and Chemical Facility Compliance Assistance
The 2021 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for facilities who are required to prepare and submit Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans or Facility Response Plans under section 311 (j) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and for facilities who are required to prepare and submit
a Risk Management Plan under Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act. These fees are discretionary
and would start in 2021 after the Agency establishes procedures for making and accepting a
facility's request for voluntary assistance. The fees are offsetting collections and would provide
for necessary expenses, including the development, operation, and maintenance of this voluntary
compliance assistance service.
The legislative proposals to authorize collection and spending of the fees are as follows:
• Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
The Administrator may collect fees to provide compliance assistance services for owners and
operators of a non-transportation related onshore or offshore facility located landward of the
coastline required to prepare and submit Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans or
Facility Response Plans under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1321(j)): Provided, That fees collectedfor compliance assistance services pursuant to the
authority provided in this paragraph by the Administrator shall be deposited in the Inland Oil Spill
Programs account and shall remain available until expended for the expenses of providing
compliance assistance services: Providedfurther, That the amount of such fees shall be based on
the amount of compliance assistance services provided by the Agency: Providedfurther, That the
owner or operator of a non-transportation related onshore or offshore facility located landward
of the coastline required to prepare and submit a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
Plan or a Facility Response Plan under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1321(j))may request that the Administrator conduct an on-site walk-through of the
facility to assist the owner or operator in complying with such section: Providedfurther, That the
walk-through shall be conducted within one year of an accepted request: Provided further, That
the Administrator may establish procedures for making and accepting such a request: Provided
further, That observations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations made by the
Administrator when conducting an on-site walk-through, including any report after an on-site
walk-through, shall not in any private action or suit for damages or bodily injury, or in any action
under section 505 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1365), be used or
admitted as evidence: Provided further, That the Administrator may, by guidance, establish
policies for the use of such evidence in actions under the Act.
827
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• State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
The Administrator may collect fees to provide compliance assistance services for owners or
operators of a stationary source required to prepare and submit a Risk Management Plan under
section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(7)): Provided, That fees collected for
compliance assistance services pursuant to the authority provided in this paragraph by the
Administrator in fiscal year 2021 shall be deposited in the Environmental Programs and
Management account and shall remain available until September 30, 2022 for the expenses of
providing compliance assistance services: Providedfurther, That the amount of such fees shall be
based on the amount of compliance assistance services provided by the Agency: Providedfurther,
That the owner or operator of a stationary source required to prepare and submit, or that has
prepared and submitted, a Risk Management Plan under section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act
(42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(7)) may request that the Administrator conduct an on-site walk-through of the
stationary source to assist the owner or operator in complying with such section: Provided further,
That the walk-through shall be conducted within one year of an accepted request: Provided
further, That the Administrator may establish procedures for making and accepting such a request:
Provided further, That the observations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations made by the
Administrator when conducting an on-site walk-through, including any report after an on-site
walk-through, shall not in any private action or suit for damages or bodily injury, or in any action
under section 304 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7604), be used or admitted as evidence: Provided
further, That the Administrator may, by guidance, establish policies for the use of such evidence
in actions under the Act.
Student Services Contracting Authority
In the FY 2021 Budget, the Agency requests authorization for the Office of Research and
Development (ORD), the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), and the
Office of Water (OW) to hire pre-baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students in science and
engineering fields. This authority would provide ORD, OCSPP, and OW with the flexibility to
hire qualified students that work on projects that support current priorities, programmatic
functions, and the Agency's environmental goals.
Proposed Language to add to FY 2021 Budget:
The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Office of Water may, using funds
appropriated under the headings "Environmental Programs and Management" and "Science and
Technology", contract directly with individuals or indirectly with institutions or nonprofit
organizations, without regard to 41 U.S.C. 5, for the temporary or intermittent personal services
of students or recent graduates, who shall be considered employees for the purposes of chapters
57 and 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation for travel and work injuries,
and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort claims, but shall not be considered
to be Federal employees for any other purpose: Provided, That amounts usedfor this purpose by
the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Office of Water collectively may
not exceed $2,000,000.
828
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
In the FY 2021 Budget, the Agency requests authorization to establish a minimum 10 percent cost-
share requirement for all grant funding awarded by EPA utilizing Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative funding except in cases of financial hardship.
Provided, That, EPA 's share of the costs of financial assistance funded from the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative shall not exceed 90 percent: Provided further, That the Administrator may
waive such cost share requirement in the cases of financial hardship.
829
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Attorney Fee and Cost Payments
Making Litigation Costs Transparent - Equal Access for Justice Act (EAJA) FY 2019
Date of Final
Case Name
Court
Case \umher
Judge
Case
Amount of
Source of
Was amount
Recipients
Nature of
Hourly Rate
Hourly rate
fee
Disposition
Fees and/or
Funds
negotiated or
Case
of Attorney
of Kxpert
agreement or
Costs Paid
court
Witness
court
ordered?
disposition
9/18/201811
A Community
Voice,
California
Communities
Against
Toxics,
Healthy
Homes
Collaborative,
New Jersey
Citizen
Action, New
York City
Coalition To
End Lead
Poisoning,
Sierra Club,
Pnllprtivplv
9th Circuit
16-72816
Schroeder,
Smith, and
Piersol
Court granted
the petition
for writ of
mandamus;
DOJ/EPA
negotiated fee
settlement
$110,000.00
EPA
Appropriation
s
Negotiated
Earthjustice
Petitioners
successfully
sought an
order from the
court
requiring EPA
to promulgate
a rule
updating the
dust-lead
hazard
standards and
the definition
of lead-based
paint under
the Toxic
Substances
Pnntrnl Apt
Various
Petitioners
requested
rates from
$300/hr to
$500/hr.
None
10/16/2018
Pineros y
Northern
17-cv-03434-
Judge Jeffrey
Parties could
$236,363.47
EPA
Court Ordered
Earthjustice
Petitioners
Court
None
Campesinos
District of
JSW
White (Laurel
not agree on
Appropriation
successfully
awarded the
Unidos Del
California
Beeler US
fees;
s
challenged
requested
Noroeste,
Magistrate
Magistrate
EPA's
rates ranging
United Farm
Judge)
recommended
decision to
from $350/hr
Workers,
$205,144.93
delay the
to $750/hr.
Farmworker
in fees and
effective date
Assoc. of FL
costs; EPA
of the
vs. EPA
Challenged
Magistrate's
recommendati
on; Court
increased fees
award to
$236,363.47
Certification
of Pesticide
Applicators
Rule, as
inconsistent
with APA
notice and
comment
requirements.
11 This Final fee agreement or court disposition was not included with the EPA's FY 2018 submission which was provided in EPA's FY 2020 Congressional Justification and titled
Attorney Fee and Cost Payments Obligated to FY 2018 Under Equal Access to Justice Act.
830
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Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan
Department and component:
Environmental Protection Agency
Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe the Agency's plan for implementing the
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) program. Per 5 CFR 595.107, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) must approve this plan prior to the Agency entering into any
PCA service agreement. Changes to this plan must be reviewed and approved by OMB in
accordance with 5 CFR 595.107.
Reporting: In addition to the plan, each year, components utilizing PCA will include their PCA
worksheet in the OMB Justification (OMBJ), typically in September. OMB and OPM will use this
data for Budget development and congressional reporting.
Plan for Implementing the PCA program:
la) Identify the categories of physician positions the Agency has established are covered by
PCA under § 595.103. Please include the basis for each category. If applicable, list and
explain the necessity of any additional physician categories designated by your agency
(for categories other than I through IV-B). List Any Additional Physician Categories
Designated by Your Agency: Pursuant to 5 CFR 595.107, any additional category of
physician receiving a PCA, not covered by categories I through IV-B, should be listed
Category of Physician
Position
Covered by Agency
(mark "x" if covered)
Basis for Category
Category I Clinical Position
Number of
Physicians
Receiving PCAs
by Category
(non-add)
Category II Research
Position
X
The small population of EPA
Research Physicians
experiences modest turnover.
The value of the physicians'
comparability allowance to
EPA is used as a retention tool.
The Agency is told regularly
that absent the allowance, some
EPA research physicians would
seek employment at federal
agencies that provide the
allowance.
Category III Occupational
Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and
Medical Admin.
831
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Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan (continued)
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) for each category of physician in your
agency (this should demonstrate that a current need continues to persist). § 595 of 5 CFR
Ch. 1 requires that an agency may determine that a significant recruitment and retention
problem exists only if all of the following conditions apply:
- Evidence indicates that the Agency is unable to recruit and retain physicians for the
category;
- The qualification requirements being sought do not exceed the qualifications necessary
for successful performance of the work;
- The Agency has made efforts to recruit and retain candidates in the category; and
- There are not a sufficient number of qualified candidates available if no comparability
allowance is paid.
Category of Physician Position
Recruitment and retention problem
Number of
Physicians
Receiving
PCAs by
Category
(non-add)
Category I Clinical Position
Category II Research Position
The small population of EPA Research Physicians
experiences modest turnover. The value of the
physicians' comparability allowance to EPA is used as a
retention tool. The Agency is told regularly that absent
the allowance, some EPA research physicians would
seek employment at federal agencies that provide the
allowance.
Category III Occupational Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and Medical
Admin.
3) Explain how the Agency determines the amounts to be used for each category of
physicians.
Category of Physician Position
Basis of comparability allowance amount
Number of
Physicians
Receiving
PCAs by
Category
(non-add)
Category I Clinical Position
Category II Research Position
EPA reviews the experience and technical expertise of
the candidates. Combined with other salary ranges in the
private sector and in review of other federal agencies, the
Agency tries to be within a range that allows the Agency
to retain the employees.
Category III Occupational Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and Medical
Admin.
832
-------
4) Does the Agency affirm that the PCA plan is consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C.
5948 and the requirements of § 595 of 5 CFR Ch. 1?
| Yes
833
-------
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Worksheet
1) Department and component:
| Environmental Protection Agency
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) justifying the need for the PCA pay
authority.
(Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of unfilled
positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
Historically, the number of EPA Research Physicians is between three and seven positions. This small
population experiences modest turnover. The value of the physicians' comparability allowance to EPA is used
as a retention tool.
One physician retired in early FY 2019; EPA plans to use the PCA to recruit and retain a qualified candidate
to fill this vacancy.
3-4) Please complete the table below with details of the PCA agreement for the following
years:
PY 2019
(Actual)
CY 2020
(Estimates)
BY* 2021
(Estimates)
3 a) Number of Physicians Receiving PC As
2
3
3
3b) Number of Physicians with One-Year PCA Agreements
3c) Number of Physicians with Multi-Year PCA Agreements
2
3
3
4a) Average Annual PCA Physician Pay (without PCA
payment)
$171,000
$176,300
$178,000
4b) Average Annual PCA Payment
$29,900
$29,900
$29,900
*BY data will be approved during the BY Budget cycle. Please ensure each column is completed.
5) Explain the degree to which recruitment and retention problems were alleviated in your
agency through the use of PC As in the prior fiscal year.
(Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of unfilled
positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
The Agency is told regularly that absent the allowance, some EPA research physicians would seek
employment at federal agencies that provide the allowance.
6) Provide any additional information that may be useful in planning PCA staffing levels and
amounts in your agency.
An agency with a very small number of physician positions and a low turn-over rate among them still needs
the allowance authority to maintain the stability of the small population. Those who opt for federal
employment in opposition to private sector employment still want the maximum pay available in the federal
sector. Were it not for the PCA, EPA would regularly lose some of its physicians to other federal agencies
that offer the allowance, requiring EPA to refill vacant positions. Turn-over statistics should be viewed in this
light.
834
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IT Resources Statement
IT Resource Statements
Em ironmentul Protection Agency
IT Resource Statements for I-Y 2021 (.'J Budget Submission
< Alii
A statement that the CIO collaborated
with all component CIOs. the Senior
Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP).
and the Chief financial Officer (tit))
on the 11 Budget submissions, and
that 11 includes appropriate estimates
of all IT resources included in the
budget request/President's Budget.
¦\ statement from the CIO indicating
the extent to which the CIO has
reviewed and had significant input in
approving II investments included in
this budget request, Foi example. if
the CIO has reviewed and approved
all the Investments from
Bureau/Component/Operating
Division/Mode A, B, and C. but not
D, then the statement must identil)
that the CIO reviewed and appun cd
Investments from
Bureau/Component/Operating
Division/Mode A. B, and C.
i P \ *m.iIi-iiuiii
The CIO collaborates regular!} with Senior 1 f
Leaders on 1 f sen ice and resource priorities.
For the 1 Ml CJ Submission planning cycle, th<
(>C10 rev iewed all investments in the Agency
11 Portfolio Summary (A1TPS) with the Ol'lice
of the Chief financial Officer (OCFOi and
provided feedback to all Program offices'
regarding their Major IT Investments, '1 he CIO
also conducted 11 portfolio reviews, with OCFO
participation, that covered all CP1C investments
and their projected FY21 t J Submission
figures. 1 he FY21 CPIC major estimates in this
budget submission are consistent with data
presented in the IT Portfolio Reviews.
The CIO has significant input in approving 1F
investments operated by the Office of Mission
Support (OMS). As noted above, the CIO also
reviewed all CPIC investments annually as part
of the OMB Submission process. Additionally,
the CIO annually reviews the toplines budget
numbers for the Agency's f! Investment
Portfolio with a focus on toplines by RPIOs. by
CPIC Investment Category level, by Part 1,2,
and 3 of IT Portfolio, by appropriation, by II
spend type, by IT lower, and by program. CIO
also reviews all new, consolidated, eliminated
and ictired investments.
"Miii.iiin i1 I'.i'i
—— ik%h
'(DlC
)av id Bloom Date
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Vaughn \oga Date
Chief Information Officer
Senior Agency Official for Privacy
/hi/Zozo
Vaughn Xoga Date
Chief Information Officer
835
-------
OMU
A joint statement from I he CFO and
CIO identifying the extent to which
the CIO had a significant role in
reviewing planned 11 support for
major programs and significant
increases and decreases in IT
resources reflected in this budget.
i'P \ M:l!l Mil-Ill
M'jin.iiiii't Dak-
An update of the CIO's common
baseline rating for Element i) (("10
reviews and approves major 11'
portion of budget request) to show
whether the desired outcome is,
a. Incomplete - Agency has not
started development of a plan
describing changes it will
make to ensure that all
baseline ITI'ARA
responsibilities are in place.
b. Partially addressed ¦ Agency
is working to dev elop a plan
describing the changes it will
make to ensure that all
baseline Flf \RA
responsibilities are in place.
The OCK) and OCFO meet regular!} to discuss
top issues in IT funding. 1 he OCFO met with
the OCK) prior to the I Y21 CJ Submission to
review the 11" budget submission for planned IT
resources for major programs and significant
increases and decreases in the overall 1T budget.
V
t/ziki>zc
David Bloom Date
Actinsi Chief Financial Officer
I-
.~J
//Z?/2o«o
Vaughn Xoga
Chief Information Officer
Date
Full) implemented - LP A has developed and
implemented its plan to ensme that for Common
Baseline Llenient D ("CIO reviews and
approves major 11 investment portion of budget
request""!, all F1TARA responsibilities are in
place.
V-
f/Z"t/2od^
Vaughn Noga
Chief Information Officer
Date
836
-------
( )M l> < illid.ilKX
i I' \ MlltClllllli
Sinn :il lire- l>:iic
c. Fully implemented - Agency
has developed and
implemented its plan to ensure
that all common baseline
IT! AR<\ responsibilities are in
place.
The extent to which the CIO can
certify the use of incremental
development. For example, if the CIO
can certify that all the Investments
from bureau/component 'Operating
Division/Mode A. R, and C, hut not
1). are using incremental development
practices then the statement must
identify that the CIO certifies that
Investments from
bureaus.'eomponents/Operating
Divisions/Modes A, B, and C are
using incremental development
practices.
EPA has one major investment that has been
ClO-ceilified as employing incremental
development, and the live additional major
inv estments have self-certified as employ ing
incremental development. HP A will en. ale and
document a CIO certification process for the use
of incremental development.
During 1*1 PAR A acquisition reviews and IT
Portfolio Reviews QMS has identified several
systems that use mature Agile development
practices. EPA activ ities to promote Agile
practices include an IT Fellowship program and
standing up a Developer's Guild.
Vaughn Noga
Chief Information Officer
Date
837
-------
<, imhmce
A statement that the SAOP has
reviewed the IT Budget submission
and that prhacy requirements, as well
as any associated costs, are explicitly
identified and included with respect to
any IT resources that will be used to
create, collect. use, process, store,
maintain, disseminate, disclose, or
dispose of personally identifiable
information (I'll).
A statement explaining am planned
j deviation, if applicable, from the
I requirements specified in M-J l>- !_6
i regarding agene\ solicitation of new
j or modernized technology or services
] for which a Quality Service
Management Office (QSMO) has
been pre-designated.
Notes:
I he (. iO collaborates iegu iarl \ \vi th Ncmot 11
Leaders on II' service and resource
priorities. For the F Y21 C'J Submission
planning cycle, the OC'IO reviewed all
investments in the Agency ! 1" Portfolio
Summary (A If PS) and pro\ ided feedback to all
Program offices" regarding their Major IT
Im estments. The CIO also conducted IT
portfolio reviews, that co\ered all CP1C
investments and their projected FY21 (."J
Submission Figures, The FY2 1 ( I'lC major
estimates in this budget submission are
consistent with data presented in the IT
Portfolio Re\ iews.
Siiiiiai II rtv'l);ile
\L
Vaughn Noga Date
Chief Information Officer
Senior Agency Ofllcial for Privacy
I'PA is dela\ ing its migration to a grants
management shared service solution until there
is an identified grants management QSMO
solution that meets hPA's core business needs
while remaining eosl-effeeti\ e.
//Z)/J04o
Vaughn Noga
Chief Information Officer
Date
838
-------
IG's Comments on the FY 2021 President's Budget
JAN 1 0 2020
The Honorable Mick Mulvaney
Director
Ofiice of [vicinagemen!, and "Budget
Executive Office of the President
725 17th Street. NW
Washington. D.C. 20503
Dear Mr. Mulvaney:
Pursuant to Section 6(g)(3)(E) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. I am submitting
comments concerning the President's proposed fiscal year (FY) 2021 budget for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (FPA's) Office of Inspector General (OIG). Section 6(g)(3)(E) of
the Inspector General Act of 1.978 provides that:
The President shall include in each budget of the United States Government submitted to
C ongress—
(H) any comments of the affected Inspector General with respect to the proposal if the
Inspector General concludes that the budget submitted by the President would
substantially inhibit the Inspector General from performing the duties of the office.
The proposed FY 2021 budget, which reduces the OIG's budget by over $3 million from the FY 2020
enacted appropriations, can create a significant challenge for the I PA OIG and our ability to accomplish
our mission of oversight for the IP A and the Chemical Safety and i fazard Investigation Board (CSB). A
budget at this level would destabilize the OIG and have an immediate negative impact on the OIG's
production capacity and ability to respond to ever-demanding and increased workload requirements. As
such, I do not agree with the President's budget request, and argue that such a proposal would
substantially inhibit the OIG from performing the duties of the office, including mandatory
responsibilities explicitly required b\ federal law.
The vision of the OIG is to be a premier oversight organization trusted to speak the truth, promote good
governance, and contribute to improved human health and the environment. The OIG's primary
deliverables are independent audits, evaluations, and criminal and employee misconduct investigations.
These activities are labor intensive. Many audits are mandated by Congress, and as the OIG attempts to
continue to balance its workload with a tight annual budget of $53 million, a budget of $49.6 million
would virtually eliminate our ability to perform many discretionary audits and evaluations.
The OIG's work adds value and enhances public trust and safety by keeping the heads of the EPA and
the CSB, along with Congress, fully and immediately informed of problems and deficiencies. Our work
also keeps agency heads informed of the necessity for and progress of corrective actions, helps to hold
839
-------
the agencies accountable, and provides valuable management tools that represent a substantial source of
the OIG's abilin to produce a positive return on investment to taxpayers. Further, the OIG's mandators
audits and investigations are not performed by an}' other entity within the HPA or the CSB. As a result,
responses that are not timely due to limited resources create an unacceptable risk to the agencies the
OIG oversees and the taxpayers* investment in them.
The OIG consistently provides a significant posithe return on investment to the public b>
recommending improvements in the delivery of the KPA's and the CSB\s respective missions such as
reduction in operation and environmental risks, costs savings and recoveries, and improvements in
program efficiencies and integrity, While the OIG receives multiple and varied inquires to review the
EPA's and the CSB's actions or inaction, in recent years, such requests have exceeded the OIG's ability
to handle them all, due to a significant lack of resources. The OIG has had to inform congressional and
Other requestors that we cannot undertake a requested review, can only do a portion of the requested
work, or will try to do it at a later time. These requests include projects that we believe would have
significant value, but we must forego due to our significant lack of resources resulting in a diminished
capacity to adequately respond.
I urgently and respectfully request that the President's budget recognize the work the OIG has done in
reshaping the workforce, and the greater vulnerability to our agencies that any reduction of OIG funding
would create, along with the loss of return on investment. I also request that the OIG's budget request of
$59.3 million be recognized. If not. as provided b\ the Inspector General Act. I request that these
comments be included in transmitting the President's Budget to Congress.
If you or \ our staff have any questions, or would like to meet to discuss this matter, you may reach me
at (202) 566-0394 or at
Sincerely.
Charles 'iheehan
Acting Inspector General
cc: Michael Horowitz, Chair. Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
Matthew Z. Leopold. General Counsel, HP A
Dav id Bloom. Acting Chief Financial Officer, f'PA
-------
EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
I'Y 2021 President's Budget
NPM
Mii.joi- Office
P;i\ (SK)
\oii-I\i\ (SK)
1 (Mill (SK)
I- II.
OA
Immediate Office
$3,924
$536
$4,460
22.1
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental
Relations
$7,094
$206
$7,301
40.3
Office of Public Affairs
$5,369
$147
$5,516
30.5
Office of Public Engagement
$2,112
$53
$2,165
12.0
Office of Policy
$27,402
$8,285
$35,688
137.2
Children's Health Protection
$1,498
$50,608
$52,106
7.9
Office of Civil Rights
$3,488
$346
$3,835
18.5
Executive Secretariat
$1,936
$42
$1,978
11.0
Executive Services
$2,623
$161
$2,784
14.9
Homeland Security
$2,024
$305
$2,329
9.3
Science Advisory Board
$3,853
$104
$3,957
18.7
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
$1,434
$771
$2,204
10.0
Regional Resources
$39,324
$3,106
$42,431
222.3
OA TOTAL
MII2.IIHI
Sfi-U.72
MM, 753
554.7
OAR
Immediate Office
$7,952
$6,117
$14,069
47.7
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
$40,826
$8,655
$49,481
240.7
Office of Atmospheric Programs
$21,569
$12,488
$34,057
117.4
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
$52,033
$25,843
$77,876
296.7
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
$12,285
$5,553
$17,838
72.0
Regional Resources
$72,168
$175,342
$247,510
429.0
OAK TOTAL
S2iifi,N34
S233.WX
S44H.K32
1,2(13.5
OCFO
Immediate Office
$1,999
$2,723
$4,723
12.0
Office of Budget
$6,330
$2,003
$8,334
38.0
Office of Planning, Analysis and Accountability
$3,665
$347
$4,012
22.0
Office of Technology Solutions
$7,680
$27,350
$35,030
46.1
Office of Resource and Information Management
$22,224
$835
$23,059
11.0
Office of the Controller
$1,832
$2,928
$4,760
131.4
841
-------
NPM
Major Office
Pu\ (SK)
Non-I'sij (SK)
Tolsil (SK)
I- II.
OCFO
OCFO eEnterprise
$667
$329
$996
4.0
Regional Resources
$33,254
$1,190
$34,444
196.0
CK'I-'C) lohil
S77/.52
S37.705
SI 15,357
460.5
OCSPP
Immediate Office
$5,864
$1,963
$7,827
32.7
Office of Pesticide Programs
$73,694
$3,640
$77,335
410.9
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
$49,751
$21,272
$71,023
273.4
Office of Science Coordination and Policy
$883
$13
$896
4.9
Regional Resources
$13,339
$17,075
$30,413
75.6
OC SI>l> TOTAL
SI 43,531
S43/K.3
SIN7,4'J4
797.5
OECA
Immediate Office
$7,368
$1,364
$8,732
39.9
Office of Civil Enforcement
$17,635
$4,373
$22,009
98.8
Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training
$53,424
$10,701
$64,126
257.1
Office of Compliance
$18,013
$28,680
$46,694
104.4
Federal Facilities Enforcement Office
$2,321
$398
$2,718
12.7
Office of Site Remediation Enforcement
$11,619
$25,735
$37,354
65.4
Regional Resources
$296,313
$13,785
$310,098
1,670.3
OLCA Tohil
s4ur./.'J4
SS5.H37
S4'J 1,731
2,24H.r.
OGC
Immediate Office
$2,384
$130
$2,514
11.8
Air and Radiation Law Office
$6,869
$75
$6,944
33.8
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Law Office
$3,595
$50
$3,645
19.7
Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office
$2,346
$60
$2,406
11.5
Water Law Office
$3,535
$80
$3,615
17.4
Civil Rights - Title VI
$1,692
$50
$1,742
23.6
Other Legal Support
$16,694
$5,469
$22,163
66.3
Regional Resources
$27,837
$991
$28,828
137.4
o<;r TOTAL
SCi4,')52
sr.,w5
S71,857
321.5
842
-------
I V 2021 President's Budget
\P\1
Major Office
Psij (SK)
Noii-Psij (SK)
loliil (SK)
ill-:
OIG
Immediate Office
$530
$17
$547
3.3
Office of Audit
$24,119
$609
$24,728
136.9
Office of Congressional, Public Affairs and Management
$2,956
$69
$3,026
16.7
Office of Chief of Staff
$6,172
$3,955
$10,127
35.9
Office of Investigations
$10,640
$505
$11,145
49.2
ok; total
S44.4I7
S5.I55
S4'),572
242.(1
Immediate Office
$430
$52
$481
2.0
OITA
Office of Regional and Bilateral Affairs
$1,329
$3,167
$4,496
8.0
Office of Global Affairs and Policy
$1,433
$2,905
$4,338
8.5
Office of Management and International Services
$797
$884
$1,681
4.0
American Indian Environmental Office
$2,716
$940
$3,655
14.3
Regional Resources
$9,706
$44,591
$54,297
55.9
Oi l A TOTAL
SIMII
S52.53N
S(.N,'J4')
92.7
Immediate Office
$5,344
$5,001
$10,345
30.4
OLEM
Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office
$2,362
$626
$2,988
13.2
Office of Communication, Partnership, and Analysis
$1,940
$1,213
$3,154
11.1
Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology
Innovation
$25,060
$70,224
$95,284
146.3
Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
$20,755
$11,696
$32,452
115.5
Office of Underground Storage Tanks
$2,870
$761
$3,631
16.3
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
$2,116
$11,211
$13,327
12.1
Office of Emergency Management
$10,495
$26,196
$36,691
59.6
Regional Resources
$256,312
$595,190
$851,502
1,477.5
OLEM TOTAL
S327.253
S722.I2H
SI,114'), 373
I.SS2.H
843
-------
I'Y 2021 President's Budget
M'M
Mii.jor Office
l';i\ (SK)
\»ii-Pii\ (SK)
loliil (SK)
in:
OMS
Immediate Office
$14,294
$22,505
$36,800
81.6
Environmental Appeals Board
$2,400
$27
$2,427
11.3
Administrative Law Judges
$2,657
$35
$2,692
12.5
Office of Administration
$18,835
$341,137
$359,972
85.6
Office of Human Resources
$19,157
$7,519
$26,675
88.6
OARM - Research Triangle Park
$13,128
$34,409
$47,537
78.9
Office of Grants and Debarment
$8,994
$4,684
$13,678
53.5
OARM - Cincinnati
$11,603
$15,670
$27,273
70.5
Office of Acquisition Solutions
$30,162
$9,168
$39,330
181.9
Office of Enterprise Information Programs
$6,153
$9,593
$15,746
33.4
Office of Information Management
$10,883
$22,284
$33,167
57.5
Office of Digital Services & Technical Architecture
$3,984
$1,707
$5,691
22.1
Office of Customer Advocacy, Policy & Portfolio Management
$5,499
$2,146
$7,645
30.5
Office of Information Security & Privacy
$2,680
$17,039
$19,719
13.9
Office of Information Technology Operations
$1,823
$2,483
$4,307
10.0
Regional Resources
$80,583
$53,373
$133,956
431.4
OMSTOTAL
S232.N33
S543.7NI
S77fi,M4
133.2
RD
ORD Headquarters
$39,326
$19,946
$59,272
208.2
Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure
$21,714
$23,061
$44,775
132.5
Center for Environmental Measurements & Modeling
$44,793
$21,189
$65,982
251.5
Center for Public Health & Environmental Assessment
$54,077
$18,919
$72,996
304.8
Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency
$39,024
$20,119
$59,143
218.5
Regional Resources*
$33,163
$12,039
$45,202
192.1
OKI)
TOTAL
S232.IW7
SI 15,273
S347.37H
I,3d7.r.
844
-------
VX 2021 President's Budget
Msijor Office
P«i\ (SK)
Non-Psij (SK)
loliil (SK)
I- II!
NPM
OW
Immediate Office
$10,294
$3,698
$13,992
60.0
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
$29,213
$74,897
$104,111
167.7
Office of Science and Technology
$18,124
$11,542
$29,665
105.4
Office of Wastewater Management
$21,500
$101,740
$123,240
123.7
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
$14,159
$40,069
$54,228
83.1
Regional Resources
$184,362
$2,541,627
$2,725,990
1,077.9
OW TOTAL
S277/.52
S2,773,574
S3.H5 l.22fi
I.M7.N
Sul)lol;il Resources
S2.132.4li7
S4,f.S4,721
sfi,SI7,12S
SII.W2
I.ess Rescission of Prior Year Funds
($159,057)
Reimbursable FIT!
618.6
Tolsil \
-------
FY 2021: Consolidations, Realignments, or Other Transfer or Resources
There are no consolidations, realignments, or other transfers of resources from one program project
to another associated with the FY 2021 budget submission. The Agency continues to consider
enhancements and administrative efficiencies. Areas for potential future consideration are outlined
below.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
In implementation of the requirements of the Foundations for Evidence Based Policy Act (P.L.
115-435), the Agency is working to establish a new Central Evaluation Office in the Office of
Chief Financial Officer and has requested targeted resources in FY 2021 to support the Central
Evaluation Office. As part of this work, EPA may consider a minor internal reorganization to
streamline operations to better support its EPA customers.
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
As part of EPA's long-term commitment to ensure the effective advancement of the chemicals
safety program to protect human health and the environment from potential risks of pesticides and
toxic chemicals, the Agency's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will establish
a presence in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Positions in RTP will be filled
competitively and will not involve reassignments or involuntary moves, and the effort will utilize
existing EPA space and resources. Establishing a presence in RTP is expected to improve
recruitment of scientific staff and increase capacity to meet OCSPP's statutory and regulatory
milestones under TSCA, FIFRA, FQPA, ESA, and associated statutes.
Office of Mission Support
The Office of Mission Support (OMS) was created on November 26, 2018 through a
reorganization that combined the functions of the Offices of Administration and Resources
Management and the Office of Environmental Information. In the year since the reorganization,
EPA has identified potential opportunities to further streamline operations. As the Agency
evaluates these options, OMS may consider a second internal reorganization to better support its
EPA customers.
846
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S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act
Public Law No: 115-414, January 3, 2019
In accordance with the reporting requirements of the Good Accounting Obligation in
Government Act, Agencies are to submit reports on outstanding recommendations in the annual
budget submitted to Congress.
For the FY 2021 budget justification, EPA has developed a report listing each open, closed, or
unimplemented public recommendation for corrective action from the Office of the Inspector
General along with the implementation status of each recommendation.
EPA is also working to develop a report listing each open, closed, or unimplemented public
recommendation of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the implementation
status of each GAO recommendation, however the Agency requires additional time to complete
this report. EPA will publish an addendum to this Congressional Justification when the report on
GAO's recommendations is finalized.
The Agency's GAO-IG Act Report will be available at the following link:
https://www.epa.gov/cj
847
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EPA OIG Open Recommendations and Corrective Actions
I V Audit
Nil m her
Rccommcndalions and ( onvcliw Aclions
Report
l):ite
17-P00378-001
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Deputy Administrator:
5. Examine all of the EPA's web-based risk screening and mapping tools to ensure the need for each tool
and to avoid potential overlap, duplication and waste.
2017-09-07
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
On July 3, 2017, then acting Deputy Administrator, Mike Flynn issued a memorandum agreeing with the
OIG and asked OEI and the Chief Information Officer to review their existing policies and procedures to
ensure that sufficient mechanisms are in place to identify potential overlap or duplication during the
development or modification of any web-based risk screening and mapping tools. We have requested an
update from OMS on this matter. Status: Delayed
18-P00240-001
Recommendation 1: Establish a strategic vision and objectives for managing the use of citizen science that
identifies:
a. Linkage to the agency's strategic goals,
b. Roles and responsibilities for implementation, and
c. Resources to maintain and build upon existing agency expertise
2018-09-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The agency concurs with this recommendation and will establish an agencywide work group to establish a
more formal strategic vision and objectives for managing the use of citizen science, including policies,
procedures and clear objectives for how to collect, manage and use citizen science to support the agency's
mission. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Through appropriate EPA offices, direct completion of an assessment to identify the
data management requirements for using citizen science data and an action plan for addressing those
requirements, including those on sharing and using data, data format/standards, and data testing/validation.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The agency concurs with this recommendation and will complete an assessment and action plan to identify
and address data management requirements for citizen science. Status: Adhering
19-P00267-001
Recommendation 1: Amend guidance for the Regulatory Reform Task Force to specify: a) the frequency of
meetings.
2019-08-09
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Chair of the Regulatory Reform Task Force will send a message to the members of the TF that
addresses the issues identified in these recommendations. Status: Adhering
848
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I V Audit
Nil m her
Rccommcndalions and ( onvcliw Aclions
Report
l):ite
Recommendation 2: Amend guidance for the Regulatory Reform Task Force to specify: b) the public
dissemination of progress reports and regulatory and deregulatory recommendations.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Chair of the Regulatory Reform Task Force will send a message to the members of the Task Force that
addresses the issues identified in these recommendations. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Amend guidance for the Regulatory Reform Task Force to specify: c) the frequency
and means of stakeholder outreach.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Chair of the Regulatory Task Force will send a message to the members of the TF that addresses the
issues identified in these recommendations. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Establish or identify an accessible portal that can provide up-to-date information on
both the EPA's deregulatory and regulatory actions taken under Executive Order 13771.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In addition to maintaining existing sources of information on EO 13771 regulatory actions, EPA will
establish a new web page that will list the final regulatory actions as they are completed. EPA will establish
the web page by Q2 FY20. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 5: Amend guidance for the Regulatory Reform Task Force to specify: a) the frequency of
meetings.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Chair of Regulatory Reform Task Force will send a message to the members of the Task Force that
addresses the issues identified in these recommendations. Status: Adhering
19-F00003-007
Recommendation 1: Implement controls to enforce the required verification of individuals' identity every
time individuals enter the computer rooms.
2018-11-14
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Updates to badge readers are anticipated in the future, though a specific timeframe has not been established.
OMS will review this requirement as it relates to the new badge readers. In the interim, the computer room
referenced in this report is not a standalone facility, it is a controlled room within a controlled building.
Physical security is multi-layered for access to the campus, starting with the exterior, then within buildings,
then within rooms. The individual's identity is verified physically by visual inspection of a federal ID at
RTP Campus gates; by PIV swipe and guard verification that the face matches the picture that shows up on
their monitor; by PIV access to elevator to computer room floor; and finally, by PIV at computer room
entrance. This is an accepted physical security practice in accordance with Federal standards. Status:
Adhering
849
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I V Audit
Nil m her
Rccommcndalions and ( onvcliw Aclions
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16-F00040-130
Recommendation 1: Implement an internal control process for transferring the management of an
application's user access to the Application Management Staff.
2015-11-lh
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00 Upon availability of resources and
completion of other high priority IT projects (i.e., CVE and Account Code Structure Project), OCFO will
transfer the management of all application user access processes to the Office of Technology Solutions,
Application Management Staff. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Conduct an inventory of OCFO systems managed by the Application Management
Staff and create or update supporting access management documentation for each application.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2017-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Upon availability of resources and completion of other high priority IT projects (i.e., CVE and ACS),
OCFO will conduct an inventory of OCFO systems managed by OTS/AMS and create or update supporting
access management documentation for each application. Status: Delayed
17-F00046-130
Recommendation 1: Work with the Compass Financials service provider to establish controls for creating
and locking administrative accounts.
2016-11-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The agency will work with the service provider to analyze alternatives for controls and establish an action
plan. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Work with the Compass Financials service provider to develop and implement a
methodology to monitor accounts with administrative capabilities.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00 The agency will work with the
service provider to analyze alternative methodologies and establish an action plan. Status: Adhering
16-P00275-140
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation: Determine
whether additional action is needed to mitigate any adverse air quality impacts of the Renewable Fuel
Standard as required by the Energy Independence and Security Act.
2016-08-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation, and we acknowledge the statute's requirement to determine whether
additional action is needed to mitigate any adverse air quality impacts in light of the anti-backsliding study.
That study, discussed in Corrective Action 2, would need to be completed prior to any such determination
taking place. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation: Complete the
anti-backsliding study on the air quality impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard as required by the Energy
Independence and Security Act.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
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OAR agrees with this recommendation, and we acknowledge the statutory obligation for an anti-backsliding
study under Clean Air Act section 21 l(v) (as amended by EISA section 209). EPA has already taken a
number of time-consuming and resource-intensive steps that are important prerequisites for the anti-
backsliding study. For example, OAR conducted a vehicle emissions test program designed to evaluate the
impacts of gasoline properties (including aromatics and ethanol concentration) on vehicle exhaust
emissions, https://www3.epa.gov/otaq/models/moves/epact.htm. This study is the largest, most
comprehensive, and most carefully designed and implemented study to date on the impacts of fuel changes
on emissions from recent model year gasoline vehicles. Using the data from this study, OAR then updated
the fuel effects model in its tool for estimating motor vehicle emissions, the Motor Vehicle Emissions
Simulator (MOVES). This update was released in 2014. However, as the OIG report correctly notes, there
are multiple intermediate research steps that still need to be completed before OAR can plan, fund and
conduct a comprehensive anti-backsliding study. These steps include development of baseline, current, and
projected scenarios for how renewable fuels have and might be produced, distributed, and used to fulfill the
RFS requirements, generation of emissions inventories, and air quality modeling, all of which are time-
consuming and resource-intensive. Furthermore, this work must be conducted on top of other statutorily-
required actions under the RFS program, many of which are carried out by the same group of staff and
managers. Status: Adhering
17-P00249-140
Recommendation 1: Revise the benzene regulations to require that attest engagements verify annual average
benzene concentrations and volumes with batch reports, to ensure that credits needed or generated are
correct.
2017-06-08
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation could further enhance our oversight of the gasoline benzene program
but addressing this recommendation requires a change to our compliance regulations, which necessitates the
promulgation of a rule. OAR agrees to propose specifications to address this recommendation in the next
appropriate proposed fuels rule. However, OAR notes that all rules follow an established rule making
process so the content of final rules cannot be pre-determined. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Revise the annual benzene report so that facilities must report the number of benzene
deficits or credits at the end of the current reporting year.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation could further enhance our oversight of the gasoline benzene program
but addressing this recommendation requires a change to our compliance regulations, which necessitates the
promulgation of a rule. OAR agrees to propose specifications to address this recommendation in the next
appropriate proposed fuels rule. However, OAR notes that all rules follow an established rule making
process so the content of final rules cannot be pre-determined. Status: Adhering
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Recommendation 3: Improve controls over the reporting system to assure facility-submitted data are of the
quality needed to assess compliance with the regulations. These controls should provide reasonable
assurance that the following occurs:
a. Volumes and average benzene concentrations in facilities' annual benzene reports match those calculated
based on their batch reports.
b. Benzene concentrations in facility batch reports and annual benzene reports contain two decimal places.
c. Production dates match the compliance year in facility reports.
d. Facilities use only valid product codes in their reports.
e. Only valid company and facility identification numbers are used.
f. Maximum average benzene concentrations for the second compliance period and beyond match the
corresponding annual average benzene concentrations.
g. Import companies aggregate their facilities and submit just one annual benzene report.
h. All required reports are submitted.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation would further enhance our oversight of the gasoline benzene
program. Addressing this recommendation through an IT solution, however, would require substantial new
investment in our IT systems and neither the President's Budget Request for FY 2018 nor FY 2019
provided for an investment of the size necessary to implement the OIG s recommended IT improvements.
OAR continues to expect limited discretionary funds for IT projects going forward and is therefore focusing
on effectively operating and maintaining existing registration and compliance data systems for the fuels
programs. In lieu of IT investments for the current gasoline benzene program, the Agency commits to
issuing a guidance document and conducting a webinar to educate stakeholders not only on compliance
requirements of the current program but also potential changes under discussion as part of the Agency's
forthcoming fuels regulation streamlining rulemaking which is expected to be proposed in 2020
(https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=2018 10&RIN=2060-AT31). The guidance
and webinar are expected to cover the following subjects:
~ Gasoline benzene program requirements ~ what the requirements are and who is subject to them;
~ Averaging, Banking, and Trading Program;
~ Sampling, Tesing, and Retention requirements;
~ Recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including information on how to use EPA's reporting forms
and fuel compliance information systems;
~ Attest engagements; and
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~ Violations and penalties. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Ensure the integrity of benzene credit trading by developing and implementing a
process to verify that annual average benzene concentration and total volume values that facilities input into
the trading database are supported by batch reports.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation would further enhance our oversight of the gasoline benzene
program. Addressing this recommendation through an IT solution, however, would require substantial new
investment in our IT systems and neither the President's Budget Request for FY 2018 nor FY 2019
provided for an investment of the size necessary to implement the OIG s recommended IT improvements.
OAR continues to expect limited discretionary funds for IT projects going forward and is therefore focusing
on effectively operating and maintaining existing registration and compliance data systems for the fuels
programs. In lieu of IT investments for the current gasoline benzene program, the Agency commits to
issuing a guidance document and conducting a webinar to educate stakeholders not only on compliance
requirements of the current program but also potential changes under discussion as part of the Agency's
forthcoming fuels regulation streamlining rulemaking which is expected to be proposed in 2020
(https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=2018 10&RIN=2060-AT31). The guidance
and webinar are expected to cover the following subjects:
~ Gasoline benzene program requirements ~ what the requirements are and who is subject to them;
~ Averaging, Banking, and Trading Program;
~ Sampling, Tesing, and Retention requirements;
~ Recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including information on how to use EPA s reporting forms
and fuel compliance information systems;
~ Attest engagements; and
~ Violations and penalties. Status: Adhering
18-POO181-140
Recommendation 1: Define performance measures to assess the performance of the EPA's light-duty
vehicle compliance program.
2018-05-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2021-03-31 Completed. 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. OAR currently uses in-use vehicle emissions testing data to track
light-duty emissions compliance overtime. OAR will develop additional performance measures to better
monitor emissions compliance and program success.
OAR will implement this recommendation in four phases: 1) develop the performance measures; 2)
implement, gather data, and evaluate; 3) revise measures as informed by evaluation, then fully implement
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measures; and 4)use those measures to inform program management moving forward. We project that this
will be a three-year process. Step one will be completed by the end of Q2, FY2019. Step two will be
completed at the end of Q2, FY2020, and step three will be completed at the end of Q2, FY2021. Step 4 is
ongoing. Status: Adhering
18-P00241-140
Recommendation 1: Revise the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. Quality Management Plan to
state whether the agency is developing quality assurance project plans or equivalent documents to meet
EPA Quality System requirements for developing or revising preferred air quality dispersion models.
2018-09-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In response to this recommendation, EPA proposes the following action:
1. The AQMG Manager will coordinate with the OAQPS QA Manager to modify the OAQPS QMP so that
it clearly states how the process for developing and revising preferred air quality models is conducted and
adheres to EPA Quality System requirements. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Develop a quality assurance project plan or equivalent documents describing the results
of systematic planning before developing a new air quality dispersion model or undertaking any significant
revisions in the future to existing preferred air quality dispersion models, which are codified in Appendix A
to Appendix W of 40 CFR Part 51.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In response to this recommendation, EPA proposes the following action:
1. EPA will develop the AERMOD System Development and Update Plan. The plan serves several
functions. In addition to generally describing the SOPs for model development, the plan will provide
detailed descriptions of the model development and update process outlined in EPA's Guideline which
relies upon EPA's ADP requirements for the federal rulemaking process. The ADP process provides a
robust process and documentation that ensures quality of its regulatory actions such that the model
development and update process meets EPA's Quality System requirements.
2. As noted in the OIG report, EPA provides extensive documentation on model performance, function, and
application (e.g., the AERMOD User's Guide, the AERMOD Formulation and Evaluation Document, and
the AERMOD Implementation Guide). We believe these documents provide the documentation necessary
to meet EPA's Quality System requirements. The connections between these documents and these
requirements will be spelled out in updates to the OAQPS QMP (see response to recommendation 3).
Status: Adhering
18-P00283-140
Recommendation 1: Revise the vehicle inspection and maintenance rule to remove the cross reference to
Title 40 S51.353(b)(1) of the Code of Federal Regulations, and provide defined evaluation methodology
guidance to enable states to quantify emission reductions.
2018-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
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OAR agrees with this recommendation and, as noted by OIG in its draft report, intends to direct OTAQ to
revise the I/M rule to remove the reference the next time the rule is revised for more substantial revisions.
Additionally, and in the interim, OAR will direct OTAQ to issue guidance to clarify this provision as well
as that enhanced I/M programs that are not already using some other approved program evaluation
methodology should be using the OTAQ guidance document issued in July 2004, Guidance on Use of
Remote Sensing for Evaluation of I/M Program Performance (EPA420-B-04-010).
Update 6/27/19 - While there was a delay due to the shutdown, beginning in February 2019, OAR directed
OTAQ to begin the response to this recommendation. OTAQ is currently drafting interim guidance to
clarify the regulatory reference and existing guidance and other potential methods for enhanced I/M
evaluation methodology requirements. OTAQ is consulting with EPA Regional Offices and OGC in the
developing of this guidance, which will be finalized and distributed by the fall of 2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement guidance on the calculation of individual test statistics in state
reports to provide consistency in state reports across regions.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and will respond by directing OTAQ to issue guidance clarifying
how program statistics such as the rates of vehicle failures, waivers, and disappearing vehicles should be
calculated.
Update 6/27/19 - While there was a delay due to the shutdown, beginning in February 2019, OAR directed
OTAQ to begin the response to this recommendation. OTAQ has drafted this guidance to improve the
calculation of individual test statistics and to provide national consistency in state reports. OTAQ is
consulting with EPA Regional Offices and OGC in the developing of this guidance, which will be finalized
and distributed by the fall of 2019. OTAQ also updated state jurisdictions on the draft concepts for this
guidance, and OTAQ will incorporate feedback received into its development. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: Issue guidance to address any trends or common problems identified by the outreach
conducted to states with deficiencies in program implementation.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with the recommendation and views the appropriate response to it as an extension of our
response to Recommendation 6, with appropriate OTAQ guidance to be issued to address identified
deficiencies. Status: Adhering
19-P00168-140
Recommendation 1: Define performance measures to assess the performance of the EPA's on-road heavy-
duty vehicle and engine compliance program.
2019-06-03
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2022-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
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OAR agrees with this recommendation. OAR currently uses in-use vehicle emissions testing data to track
heavy-duty emissions compliance overtime. OAR will develop additional performance measures to better
monitor emissions compliance and program success. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Conduct and document a risk assessment for the on-road heavy-duty vehicle and
engine compliance program that prioritizes risk and links specific control activities to specific risks. Update
the risk assessment on a scheduled and periodic basis.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. OAR currently conducts an informal risk assessment of its heavy-
duty vehicle compliance program and started implementing and documenting a formal process for both
light-and heavy-duty sectors in 2018 in response to OIG's recommendation for the light-duty program.
OAR will continue to expand and formalize this process and will develop protocols for its implementation
and documentation. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Address the following risks as part of the on-road heavy-duty vehicle and engine
compliance program risk assessment, in addition to other risks that the EPA identifies:
a. Non-criteria pollutants not being measured.
b. Level of heavy-duty sector testing throughout the compliance life cycle.
c. Marketplace ambiguity over regulatory treatment of rebuilt versus remanufactured engines.
d. Different compliance challenges for heavy-duty compression-ignition and spark-ignition engines.
e. Lack of laboratory test cell and in-house testing capacity for heavy-duty spark-ignition engines.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and will address each of these areas:
~ Non-criteria pollutants not being measured
Response: Under the Clean Air Act, manufacturers are responsible for measuring and reporting emissions of
nonregulated pollutants. OTAQ does not routinely measure noncriteria pollutants, but we will work to
enhance manufacturer reporting by establishing a new document type in our Engine and Vehicle
Compliance Information System (EV-CIS) to
collect the manufacturer reports; updating our guidance to announce the new EV-CIS capacity and to
remind manufacturers of their reporting obligation; and then reviewing and considering the reported
information as part of our ongoing risk assessment process. Planned Completion Date: End of Q4 2021.
~ Level of heavy-duty sector testing throughout the compliance life cycle
Response: OTAQ will continue to prioritize testing for all vehicle and engine sectors, including the HD
highway sector, as resources allow. We will formally document and periodically reassess the level of testing
as part of our periodic risk assessment. Planned Completion Date: End of Q3 2021.
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~ Marketplace ambiguity over regulatory treatment of rebuilt versus remanufactured engines
Response: OTAQ believes the regulations are clear on this issue so we will engage stakeholders to improve
understanding of nomenclature and expectations, and we will work to educate manufacturers about
ambiguity resulting from their inappropriate use of terminology. Planned Completion Date: End of Q1
2021.
~ Different compliance challenges for heavy-duty compression-ignition and spark-ignition engines
Response: This recommendation concerns the technical differences between SI and CI engines, and the
resulting different challenges and tradeoffs in controlling emissions for the two types of technology. We
will formally document and periodically reassess concerns about different compliance incentives as part of
our periodic risk assessment.
Planned Completion Date: End of Q3 2021.
~ Lack of laboratory test cell and in-house testing capacity for heavy-duty spark-ignition engines
Response: Heavy-duty spark-ignition (HDSI) engines represent less than 4% of heavy-duty highway
production. NVFEL is able to test all the other sectors and can use contract laboratories or portable
emissions measurement systems to test HDSI engines if necessary. Therefore, investment in HDSI testing
capacity has not been a priority to date.
Going forward, we will formally document and periodically reassess decisions about investments in
laboratory capacity as part of a periodic risk assessment. Planned Completion Date: End of Q3 2021. Status:
Adhering
Recommendation 4: Evaluate the following issues, which may require regulatory or programmatic action, as
part of (1) the on-road heavy-duty vehicle and engine emission control program risk assessment and (2) the
EPA's annual regulatory agenda development process:
a. Regulatory definition of on-road heavy-duty engine useful life may not reflect actual useful life.
b. Not-to-Exceed standard may not reflect real-world operating conditions, especially for certain
applications.
c. In-use testing requirements for heavy-duty spark-ignition engines may be needed.
d. A particle number standard may more accurately control particulate matter emissions that impact human
health.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2022-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. We will consider the first three issues as part of the CTI rulemaking
process. We will also commit to considering approaches to best control particulate matter emissions that
affect public health and will continue to work toward improving ultrafine particulate matter measurement
techniques. Status: Adhering
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Recommendation 5: Conduct and document an evaluation of opportunities to reassess the manufacturer in-
use testing program, including the use of targeted, nonstandard testing in areas of concern.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. OTAQ will address this issue through the CTI rulemaking process.
Status: Adhering
Recommendation 6: Develop and implement procedures for communicating potential compliance issues to
the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
a. Establish clear criteria for when compliance issues should be referred to the EPA's Office of Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and already does this informally. We will coordinate with OECA to
formalize and better document the process. Status: Adhering
19-P00207-140
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement electronic checks in the EPA's Emissions Collection and
Monitoring Plan System or through an alternative mechanism to retroactively evaluate emissions and
quality assurance data in instances where monitoring plan changes are submitted after the emissions and
quality assurance data have already been accepted by the EPA.
2019-06-27
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2025-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Office of Air and Radiation agrees with this recommendation. As OIG acknowledged in its report,
CAMD has already addressed this issue by implementing a post-submission data check that is run at the end
of each reporting period. The new check identifies any monitoring plan submissions containing changes to
monitoring span records that occur prior to the current emissions reporting period. If any changes were
made, the check recalculates quality assurance tests that were submitted prior to the span change and
verifies the pass/fail status of each test. If the status of any test changes, CAMD analysts will contact the
affected facility and request the correction and resubmission of the impacted data. As of February 2019,
CAMD had insured that the discrepancies in the data used in OIG s review were resolved and resubmitted.
In the long term, CAMD will implement an additional check in the ECMPS forcing retroactive span record
changes to require the reevaluation and resubmission of any affected quality assurance tests and hourly
emissions records. CAMD has initiated the process of re-engineering ECMPS. In order to minimize
additional expenditures on the current version of ECMPS, CAMD will focus on adding the check to the new
version of ECMPS. Status: Adhering
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19-P00251-140
Recommendation 1: Assess the training needs of EPA regions and state, local and tribal agencies
concerning stack test plans and report reviews and EPA test methods, and develop and publish a plan to
address any training shortfalls.
2019-07-3O
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2022-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR will implement the following corrective action. OAR's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(OAQPS) will work with the EPA regions and state, local and tribal air agencies to review currently
available materials and assess training needs with respect to approval of stack test plans, review of stack test
reports, and conduct of EPA test methods, with respect to particulate matter compliance testing. OAQPS
will work with EPA regional, state, local and tribal agencies to identify current training shortfalls and
develop a plan to address these shortfalls. We anticipate two and one-half years to assess the training needs,
prepare a training plan, and begin enacting the plan. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Develop stack test report checklists for EPA Method 5 and other frequently used EPA
methods to assist state, local and tribal agencies in their reviews of stack test plans and reports.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR will implement the following corrective action.
OAQPS will work with EPA regions, state, local and tribal air agencies to develop checklists useful for
review of stack test plans, and stack test reports for EPA Method 1, Method 2, Method 3, Method 4, Method
5, Method 7E, and Method 10. OAQPS will provide this content as informational and not to be used as
official Regulatory Guidance. We anticipate that it will take approximately 18 months for these checklists to
be finalized. Status: Adhering
19-P00252-140
Recommendation 1: (1) In consultation with the General Counsel, the Designated Agency Ethics Official,
and the Assistant Administrator for
Research and Development, revise EPA Delegation of Authority 7-170 to enable practical implementation
for the acceptance of donated property consistent with Section 104 of the Clean Air Act and address
pertinent ethics considerations.
2019-07-31
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR supports Recommendation 1 and has already begun consulting with the Director of the Ethics Office,
who is the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official, in support of this recommendation. OAR
acknowledges that existence of the delegation was not previously known to current OTAQ employees and,
now that we are aware of it, OTAQ also agrees that the current delegation is impractical. We commit to
work expeditiously with the Office of General Counsel (including the media, appropriations, and ethics
lawyers) to develop an Office level policy/process and to revise the existing delegation of authority.
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Update 1/16/2020 - As part of the Corrective Action #1 in the OIG report "EPA's 2017 Glider Vehicle
Testing Complied with Standard Practices" (#19-P-0252), OTAQ agreed to consult with EPA's Ethics
Office to evaluate the need for an interim policy while it sought the revision to existing Delegation of
Authority 7-170 regarding the acceptance of donated property under section 104 of the Clean Air Act. As
part of this evaluation, an examination of research that would benefit from the acceptance of test articles
under existing Delegation of Authority 7-170 found that published rulemaking documents provided
adequate notice to potential sources of donations such that it was unnecessary in the near term to establish
an alternative process for notifying potential donors.
OTAQ therefore utilized the existing delegation to document the request to permit the acceptance of
donated property from the Acting Assistance Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. This
concurrence from the Acting AA, in consultation with the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official, was
obtained in July of 2019 in writing and obviated the near term need for an office level policy. This met the
commitment to "evaluate and document" whether OTAQ needed further guidance or policies to implement
the Delegation of section 104 of the CAA by the end of Q1 of FY2020. OTAQ is currently working to
initiate a revised delegation that will be more practical by the end of Q4 FY 2020. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: (2) In consultation with the General Counsel and the Designated Agency Ethics
Official, evaluate and document whether the Office of Transportation and Air Quality needs to develop
further guidance or policies to implement the Delegation of Authority for the acceptance of donated
property under Section 104 of the Clean Air Act and, if determined necessary, develop further guidance or
policies as appropriate.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. OAR is currently working with the Office of General Counsel and
the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official to develop an interim OTAQ policy/process for the
acceptance of donated property under Section 104 of the Clean Air Act. OAR also intends to finalize an
office policy in conjunction with a revised delegation memo. OAR also agrees that the current delegation is
impractical and would benefit from revision. Status: Adhering
19-F00003-150
Recommendation 1: Perform a review of system requirements and evaluate the suitability of existing
technology to replace or implement updates to the computer room's surveillance system and generators.
Update or replace, if warranted, the equipment based on the results of the evaluation.
2018-11-14
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2022-01-15 Completed: 0000-00-00
The surveillance system will be upgraded and deficiencies corrected as part of the ePACs installation on
campus. Status: Adhering
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17-P00053-164
Recommendation 1: Conduct an assessment of clearance devices to validate their effectiveness in detecting
required clearance levels, as part of the Office of Pesticide Programs' ongoing re-evaluation of structural
fumigants.
2016-12-12
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Within two years of the final report, by November 30, 2018, OCSPP will validate and implement new
device clearance guidance. Status: Delayed
17-P00395-164
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a plan to reduce excess Pesticides Reregistration and
Expedited Processing Fund and Pesticide Registration Fund balances within the established target range.
2017-09-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assess progress in achieving 2020 spend down projections, as described in 11/13/17 memo from OCSPP to
OIG entitled "Response to Final Report: EPA Needs to Manage Pesticide Funds More Efficiently," Report
No. 17-P-0395. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assess progress in achieving 2021 spend down projections, as described in 11/13/17 memo from OCSPP to
OIG entitled "Response to Final Report: EPA Needs to Manage Pesticide Funds More Efficiently," Report
No. 17-P-0395. Status: Adhering
18-P00080-164
Recommendation 1: The Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, in
coordination with the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
1. Develop and implement a methodology to evaluate the impact of the revised Agricultural Worker
Protection Standard on pesticide exposure incidents among target populations.
2018-02-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2022-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
CA 1 -- OCSPP will: (1) collect and review data related to the extent to which agricultural workers obtain
knowledge through trainings; (2) collect and review incident data; and (3) after reviewing training and
incident data, analyze the need to collect additional information to help evaluate the impact of the revised
Worker Protection Standard. These efforts, as well as a detailed timeline for completion of specific
milestones, are described in the Agency's 2/25/19 Response to the OIG"s Final Report. After reviewing
training and incident data, OCSPP will consider the need to collect additional information to help evaluate
the impact of the revised Worker Protection Standard. EPA will examine the potential for additional sources
of information that might contribute to a better understanding of the rule's impact by December 2022.
Target Completion Date: OCSPP will complete a Final Report on the three efforts described below by
December 31, 2022. Status: Adhering
18-P00281-164
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement applicable outcome-based performance measures to
demonstrate the human health and environmental effects of the EPA's emergency exemption decisions.
2018-09-25
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
By June 30, 2020, OCSPP will develop a relevant outcome measure or measures that better demonstrates
the way the emergency exemption process, supported by scientific risk assessment, maintains environmental
and human health safeguards. Possible indicators include the number of Section 18s that transition to full
Section 3 approval (with exceptions) overtime. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Develop concise emergency exemption application guidance that specifies the
minimum requirements of an application submission and is available on the Office of Pesticide Programs
Section 18 website.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
By September 30, 2020, OCSPP will identify and add additional information to its website that assists
applicants in accurately and consistently completing applications for Section 18 emergency exemptions on
their first submission. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Provide clear guidance to state lead agencies on how and when they can use efficacy
data from other state lead agencies to satisfy the emergency exemption application criteria.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
By September 30, 2020, OCSPP will use the appropriate venue or information process to inform the
applicants and other stakeholders that data submitted in the emergency exemption application to address the
expected efficacy of a proposed use do not need to be state-specific. If suitable, this may be incorporated
into the additional information added to the website under Recommendation 5. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Expand the data presented in the Office of Pesticide Programs Section 18 database by
considering additional data points, such as application acreage requested, actual acreage applied and
registration status of each exempted pesticide.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
By June 3, 2020, OCSPP will expand the Emergency Exemption Public Database by including, for
example, requested application acreage, actual application acreage, and current registration status of each
approved emergency exemption use. Status: Adhering
19-P00195-164
Recommendation 1: Complete the actions and milestones identified in the Office of Pesticide Programs'
PRIA Maintenance Fee Risk Assessment document and associated plan regarding the fee payment and
refund posting processes.
2019-06-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP/OPP will complete the actions and milestones identified in the Office of Pesticide Programs' PRIA
Maintenance Fee Risk Assessment document and associated plan regarding the fee payment and refund
posting processes by 12/31/2020. Status: Adhering
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19-P00275-164
Recommendation 1: Using survey data, determine how the EPA will assist states with implementing their
Managed Pollinator Protection
Plans.
2019-08-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Duplicate/erroneous entry. Please delete. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP accepts this recommendation and plans to interact with and engage States and Tribal Nations that
choose to develop pollinator protection programs. OCSPP projects that this task can be completed in June
2020. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Determine whether and how the EPA will help states address additional areas of
concern, such as chronic pesticide
risks and other limitations identified by stakeholders, through their Managed Pollinator Protection Plan
implementation efforts.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
CA 4: OCSPP accepts this recommendation to determine whether and how the EPA will help States and
Tribal Nations that choose to develop pollinator protection programs address additional areas of concern
(e.g., chronic pesticide risks), while respecting the boundaries in which the EPA works with States/Tribal
Nations to promote these voluntary plans. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Develop and implement a strategy that will use Managed Pollinator Protection Plan
survey data to measure the national impact of the Managed Pollinator Protection Plans.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-02-28 Completed: 0000-00-00
CA 1: The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) accepts this recommendation and
will develop and implement a strategy that utilizes the AAPCO/SFIREG survey data to measure the
effectiveness of state Managed Pollinator Protection Plans from a national perspective. OCSPP will develop
and implement this strategy by February 2020. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Using survey data, fully communicate to states what Managed Pollinator Protection
Plan implementation assistance is
available from the EPA and how this assistance will be provided.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP accepts this recommendation to communicate to states what Managed Pollinator Protection Plan
implementation assistance is available from EPA and how this assistance is to be provided in the future. To
accomplish this goal, OCSPP will develop a presentation on the results of the AAPCO/SFIREG survey and
on MP3 implementation assistance for states and will deliver that presentation to SFIREG by June 2020. In
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addition, OCSPP will continue to communicate regularly with states on these issues and will maintain
pollinator protection as a standing agenda item in discussions with the SFIREG. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 5: Determine how the EPA can use the Managed Pollinator Protection Plan survey results
to advance its National Program Manager Guidance goals and its regulatory mission.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2021-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP accepts the recommendation to utilize the AAPCO/SFIREG survey results to advance the
program's National Program Management Goals (NPMG1). OCSPP will use the information provided from
the AAPCO/SFIREG survey to revise applicable NPMGs at the next available opportunity in the cycle of
NPMG planning. OCSPP projects this task will be completed in June 2021. Status: Adhering
19-P00302-164
Recommendation 1: Establish the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Program's
objectives, goals and measurable outcomes, such as measures to demonstrate the effectiveness of program
contributions toward decreasing elevated blood lead levels.
2019-09-09
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP will develop one or more performance measures to meaningfully demonstrate the effectiveness of
the Lead RRP program's contributions to the protection of public health and the environment. Status:
Adhering
Recommendation 2: Establish specific guidelines for resources and funding allocated to the Lead-Based
Paint Renovation, Repair and
Painting Rule Program that will further the goals of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead
Exposures and Associated Health Impacts.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP will establish guidelines for resources and funding allocated to the Lead-Based Paint RRP Rule
Program that will further the goals of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and
Associated Health Impacts. Status: Adhering
18-P00240-166
Recommendation 1: Build capacity for managing the use of citizen science, and expand awareness of citizen
science resources, by:
a. Finalizing the checklist on administrative and legal factors for agency staff to consider when developing
citizen science projects, as well as identifying and developing any procedures needed to ensure compliance
with steps in the checklist;
b. Conducting training and/or marketing on the EPA's citizen science intranet site for program and regional
staff in developing projects; and
c. Finalizing and distributing materials highlighting project successes and how the EPA has used results of
its investment in citizen science.
2018-09-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
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ORD will consult with OGC and other relevant EPA programs and regions to finalize the checklist on
administrative and legal factors for agency staff to consider when developing citizen science projects. ORD
will conduct training and marketing for program and regional staff. Finally, ORD will have an active
communication and outreach strategy that will include communications materials highlighting project
successes and how EPA has used results of its investment in citizen science. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Finalize, in coordination with the Office of Environmental Information and Region 1,
the Draft Quality Assurance Handbook for Citizen Science, and communicate to agency staff and citizen
science groups the availability and content of this handbook.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD and OEI will jointly finalize the Draft Quality Assurance Handbook for Citizen Science because the
EPA's Office of Environmental Information has the responsibility for the Agency's Quality System,
including issuance of national Quality Assurance guidance, and EPA's Office of Research and Development
has the responsibility for building the Agency's capacity for managing the use of citizen science. After
issuing the report, EPA will implement an external and internal outreach and communications plan to help
EPA, states and tribes, and citizen science groups to strengthen quality assurance practices. Status:
Adhering
19-P00123-166
Recommendation 1: Verify and update information for Regional Applied Research Effort projects in the
Regional Science Program Tracker.
2019-04-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD concurs with this recommendation. As the OIG highlighted in the report on page 6, the RSP Tracker
was launched in 2015 and includes new data fields that were not originally required for older projects. RSLs
and OSP will verify and update information for all RARE projects in the RSP Tracker that were funded in
2015 and beyond. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Update the Regional Applied Research Effort Program Annual Process Guidelines to
require that Regional Science Liaisons use the Regional Science Program Tracker and increase awareness of
the system among regional staff as a one-stop source of information on regional research projects.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD concurs with this recommendation. Prior to sending out the latest solicitation in October 2018, ORD
amended the RARE guidelines to clarify that RSLs are responsible for entering project data in the tracker
and that ORD leads are responsible for providing that information to RSLs. Additionally, the draft RSL
Implementation Plan identifies best practices for RSLs, including: 1) Hosting events in regions related to
RARE, RESES and other Regional Science Program opportunities. 2) Highlighting the RSP tracker
database as a one-stop source of information on regional research projects. ORD also plans to perform the
following outreach on the RSP Tracker: 1) Hosting webinars on the existing RSP tracker for ORD and the
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regions in coordination with the RSLs. 2) Developing a communication plan to roll out the fully revised
RSP Tracker to ORD and the regions. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Complete data entry of all Regional Sustainability and Environmental Sciences projects
into the Regional Science Program Tracker.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD concurs with this recommendation. ORD will continue to work with the support contractor to expand
the RSP Tracker infrastructure to include RESES projects. ORD will work with the RSLs to complete data
entry of RESES project records into the RSP tracker. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Update the Regional Science Program Tracker to improve Regional Applied Research
Effort/Regional Sustainability and Environmental Sciences project tracking by including:
a. A timeline with significant dates/milestones and events.
b. Significant products/outputs that stem from a project, including interim products/outputs to show project
progress prior to completion/final report.
c. A feature to prompt staff to add impacts and/or evidence of use of project results in decision-making.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD concurs with this recommendation. 3a and b: ORD will continue working with the support contractor
to redesign and reconfigure RSP Tracker data fields to more intuitively display key milestones, status
updates and interim and final project products. 3c: ORD plans to update the RSP Tracker data fields to
capture project impacts at project completion and post-completion. ORD will enable the system to send
post-completion prompts to RARE and RESES project teams to add evidence of use and impacts of project
results. Status: Adhering
19-P00277-166
Recommendation 1:1. Submit to the Office of Management and Budget for review an information
collection request to be allowed to survey more than nine nonfederal external customers regarding research
products meeting customer needs. Should the Office of Management and Budget not grant approval of the
information collection request, develop alternatives to assess non-federal external customer satisfaction to
more fully inform reporting under the strategic measure.
2019-08-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2021-07-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD will complete the ICR to survey external stakeholders of ORD's scientific research products and
submit it to OMB for approval. In the event that OMB rejects the ICR, ORD will work to identify
alternative data collection methods that will capture non-federal customer satisfaction. If this were the case,
ORD would plan to begin collecting non-federal customer satisfaction data in accordance with Fiscal Year
2021 data collection. July 30, 2021 in the event that OMB rejects the ICR. Status: Adhering
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12-P00253-167
Recommendation 1: Id. Improve oversight of facilities regulated by EPA's oil pollution prevention program
by: Producing a biennial public assessment of the quality and consistency of SPCC Plans and FRPs based
on inspected facilities.
2012-02-0^
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2013-10-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
A summary of findings will be developed by October, 2013. These findings will help to identify areas
where additional guidance and outreach are needed to improve the quality and consistency of SPCC Plans.
July 2017 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 06/30/2017 to
06/30/2020. OEM is initiating work on the SPCC corrective action and will complete it by the end of
December 2018. OEM will then, based on the process developed for the SPCC corrective action, initiate
and complete the FRP corrective action by the end of June 2020. However, reduced extramural resources,
available personnel, program implementation priorities (including program/inspection support and training)
and new program priorities delay completion of this milestone. In addition, while the regulatory work
associated with and the SPCC rule amendments due to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act
(WRRDA) have been put on hold, any regulatory changes to the SPCC rule due to the pending FUELS
ACT may also shift priorities on the SPCC program.
(The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG AIG, Carolyn Copper, via email on 07/07/2017.)
December 2014 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 10/30/13 to
12/31/14. However, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, program implementation
priorities including inspections, and new priority concerns for oil spill response associated with increased
oil transportation have delayed, and will continue to delay, effort on this milestone for at least a year or
more. In addition, recent enactment of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) place
priority responsibilities on the SPCC program for the next 2 years. Consequently, action on this corrective
action cannot begin before June, 2017.
December 2013 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 10/30/13 to
12/31/14. Work to complete revisions to the Guidance for Inspectors, review of Keystone pipeline
environmental impact analyses, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, completion of
targeting and close-out inspection memo policy guidelines, program implementation priorities including
inspections, and furloughs have delayed effort on this milestone. By June 2014, we will collect SPCC Plans
and Inspection reports from the regions according to a pilot protocol we've developed. This step will be
followed by review, assessment, determination of next steps and summarization of findings for completion
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by 12/31/14. (The OIG was notified via an email from the OSWER AA to Art Elkins on 12/19/13.) Status:
Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2013-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The model developed for the SPCC program will then be used to develop a review protocol for FRPs by
September, 2013, to examine FRP inspections conducted during the FY 2013 inspection cycle.
July 2017 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 06/30/2017 to
06/30/2020. OEM is initiating work on the SPCC corrective action and will complete it by the end of
December 2018. OEM will then, based on the process developed for the SPCC corrective action, initiate
and complete the FRP corrective action by the end of June 2020. However, reduced extramural resources,
available personnel, program implementation priorities (including program/inspection support and training)
and new program priorities delay completion of this milestone. In addition, while the regulatory work
associated with and the SPCC rule amendments due to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act
(WRRDA) have been put on hold, any regulatory changes to the SPCC rule due to the pending FUELS
ACT may also shift priorities on the SPCC program.
(The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG AIG, Carolyn Copper, via email on 07/07/2017.)
December 2014 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 10/30/13 to
12/31/14. However, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, program implementation
priorities including inspections, and new priority concerns for oil spill response associated with increased
oil transportation have delayed, and will continue to delay, effort on this milestone for at least a year or
more. In addition, recent enactment of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) place
priority responsibilities on the SPCC program for the next 2 years. Consequently, action on this corrective
action cannot begin before June, 2017.
December 2013 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 12/31/13 to
12/31/14. Work to complete revisions to the Guidance for Inspectors, review of Keystone pipeline
environmental impact analyses, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, completion of
targeting and close-out inspection memo policy guidelines, program implementation priorities including
inspections, and furloughs have delayed effort on this milestone. By June 2014, we will collect SPCC Plans
and Inspection reports from the regions according to a pilot protocol we've developed. This step will be
followed by review, assessment, determination of next steps and summarization of findings for completion
by 12/31/14. (The OIG was notified via an email from the OSWER AA to Art Elkins on 12/19/13.)
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September 2013 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 09/30/13 to
December 31, 2013. Although preliminary work of an SPCC pilot is essentially complete, collection of
Plans from the regions and their review and evaluation is delayed due to availability of HQ staff and
furloughs, and other priority assignments including Keystone XL review, an oil pipeline spill, SPCC and
FRP compliance reviews, responses to legislative initiatives on farms and SPCC and completion of the
SPCC Guidance for Inspectors. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-3: Planned: 2014-10-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
A summary of findings will be developed by October 2014. These findings will help to identify areas where
additional guidance and external outreach are needed to improve the quality and consistency of FRPs.
July 2017 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 06/30/2017 to
06/30/2020. OEM is initiating work on the SPCC corrective action and will complete it by the end of
December 2018. OEM will then, based on the process developed for the SPCC corrective action, initiate
and complete the FRP corrective action by the end of June 2020. However, reduced extramural resources,
available personnel, program implementation priorities (including program/inspection support and training)
and new program priorities delay completion of this milestone. In addition, while the regulatory work
associated with and the SPCC rule amendments due to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act
(WRRDA) have been put on hold, any regulatory changes to the SPCC rule due to the pending FUELS
ACT may also shift priorities on the SPCC program.
(The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG AIG, Carolyn Copper, via email on 07/07/2017.)
December 2014 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 10/30/13 to
12/31/14. However, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, program implementation
priorities including inspections, and new priority concerns for oil spill response associated with increased
oil transportation have delayed, and will continue to delay, effort on this milestone for at least a year or
more. In addition, recent enactment of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) place
priority responsibilities on the SPCC program for the next 2 years. Consequently, action on this corrective
action cannot begin before June, 2017.
December 2013 Update: The OSWER AA approved the revision of this milestone date from 12/31/13 to
12/31/14. Work to complete revisions to the Guidance for Inspectors, review of Keystone pipeline
environmental impact analyses, reduced extramural resources and available personnel, completion of
targeting and close-out inspection memo policy guidelines, program implementation priorities including
inspections, and furloughs have delayed effort on this milestone. By June 2014, we will collect SPCC Plans
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and Inspection reports from the regions according to a pilot protocol we've developed. This step will be
followed by review, assessment, determination of next steps and summarization of findings for completion
by 12/31/14. (The OIG was notified via an email from the OSWER AA to Art Elkins on 12/19/13.) Status:
Delayed
13-P00178-167
Recommendation 1: Revise inspection guidance to recommend minimum inspection scope for the various
types of facilities covered under the program and provide more detailed examples of minimum reporting.
2013-03-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2014-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Publish final guidance which specifies minimum inspection scope and examples for various types of
inspections to assist Regions in focusing their limited resources on the most significant issues at facilities.
May 2018 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from February 28,
2019 to June 30, 2022. The new date is based on the completion date of RMP Reconsideration rule. OLEM
will need at least 2 years after its completion to start the development of guidance which will specify the
minimum inspection scope for each of the facility types regulated by the RMP program and revise reporting
guidance to provide detailed examples of compliance. Following completion of the final regulation, EPA
will be required to revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen guidance documents to
incorporate the regulatory changes. This effort will take 2-3 years and must be completed in that timeframe
to give facilities time to review the guidance and comply with the new requirements under the RMP
program. Therefore, this action item should be delayed until after the completion of that work. (The OLEM
Acting AA notified the OIG via email on May 15, 2018.)
For recommendation #1: July 2017 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone
date from September 30, 2018 to February 2019. This action requires development of guidance which will
specify the minimum inspection scope for each of the facility types regulated by the RMP program and
revise reporting guidance to provide detailed examples of compliance. Recently, EPA published a final rule
extending the effective date on the January 2017 revised RMP rule to February 2019. For the next 20
months, EPA will be engaged in drafting and publishing a proposed and final rule. Following completion of
the final regulation, EPA will be required to revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen
guidance documents to incorporate the regulatory changes. This effort will take 2-3 years and must be
completed in that timeframe to give facilities time to review the guidance and comply with the new
requirements under the RMP program. Therefore, this action item should be delayed until after the
completion of that work. (The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG AIG, Carolyn Copper, via email on
07/07/2017.)
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March 2016 Update: The OLEM AA approved to revise the corrective action milestone date from
September 30, 2016, to September 30, 2018. This action requires development of guidance which will
specify the minimum inspection scope for each of the facility types regulated by the RMP program and
revise reporting guidance to provide detailed examples of compliance. Currently the Administration's
priority is to complete a final RMP regulation by late 2016/early 2017. Following completion of the final
regulation, EPA will be required to revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen guidance
documents to incorporate the regulatory changes. This effort will take 2-3 years and must be completed in
that timeframe to give facilities time to review the guidance and comply with the new requirements under
the RMP program. Therefore, this OIG action item must be delayed until after the completion of that work.
(The OIG was notified via an email from the OLEM AA to Art Elkins on 03/11/2016.)
July 2014 Update: The OSWER AA approved to revise the corrective action date from 07/31/14 to
09/30/16. This corrective action has been overtaken by actions and deadlines associated with
implementation of Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, which lays
out a comprehensive set of actions to advance chemical facility safety and security, including federal
coordination on inspections. We anticipate the guidance will take a year to complete once we start. (The
OIG was notified of this delay via an email from the OSWER AA to the Inspector General dated 07/30/14).
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement an inspection monitoring and oversight program to better
manage and assess the quality of program inspections, reports, supervisory oversight, and compliance with
inspection guidance.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2014-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OSWER and OECA are working with the Regions to identify key components of a repository of inspection
reports in order to better ensure and assess the quality of RMP inspections. This repository system will be
developed by the end of FY2014.
May 2018 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from February 28,
2020 to June 30, 2023. The new date is based on the completion date of RMP Reconsideration rule. OLEM
will need at least 3 years after its completion to start the development of an on-line system for the Regions
to file/submit each of their inspection reports. This system must allow for quality control and the ability to
not only assess the quality of the inspection reports but identify trends and issues at RMP facilities in order
to better target our inspection efforts. Following completion of the final regulation, EPA will be required to
revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen guidance documents to incorporate the regulatory
changes. This action will take approximately one year to complete following the completion of the guidance
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in corrective action 1-1 above. Therefore, this action item should be delayed until after the completion of
that work. (The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG via email dated May 15, 2018.)
For recommendation #2: July 2017 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone
date from September 30, 2019 to February 2020. This action requires the development of an on-line system
for the Regions to file/submit each of their inspection reports. This system must allow for quality control
and the ability to not only assess the quality of the inspection reports but identify trends and issues at RMP
facilities in order to better target our inspection efforts. Recently, EPA published a final rule extending the
effective date on the January 2017 revised RMP rule to February 2019. For the next 20 months, EPA will be
engaged in drafting and publishing a proposed and final rule. Following completion of the final regulation,
EPA will be required to revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen guidance documents to
incorporate the regulatory changes. This action will take approximately one year to complete following the
completion of the guidance in corrective action 1-1 above. Therefore, this action item should be delayed
until after the completion of that work. (The OLEM Acting AA notified the OIG AIG, Carolyn Copper, via
email on 07/07/2017.)
March 2016 Update: The OLEM AA approved to revise the corrective action milestone date from March
30, 2017, to September 30, 2019. This action requires the development on an on-line system for the Regions
to file/submit each of their inspection reports. This system must allow for quality control and the ability to
not only assess the quality of the inspection reports but identify trends and issues at RMP facilities in order
to better target our inspection efforts. Currently the Administration's priority is to complete a final RMP
regulation by late 2016/early 2017. Following completion of the final regulation, EPA will be required to
revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen guidance documents to incorporate the regulatory
changes. This effort will take 2-3 years and must be completed in that timeframe to give facilities time to
review the guidance and comply with the new requirements under the RMP program. Therefore, this OIG
action item must be delayed until after the completion of that work. This action will take approximately one
year to complete following the completion of the guidance in corrective action 1-1 above. (The OIG was
notified via an email from the OLEM AA to Art Elkins on 03/11/2016.)
July 2014 Update: The OSWER AA approved to revise the corrective action date from 09/30/14 to
03/31/17. This corrective action has been overtaken by actions and deadlines associated with
implementation of Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, which lays
out a comprehensive set of actions to advance chemical facility safety and security, including federal
coordination on inspections. We anticipate the repository will take 18 months to 2 years to complete once
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we start. (The OIG was notified of this delay via an email from the OSWER AA to the Inspector General
dated 07/30/14). Status: Delayed
18-P00059-167
Recommendation 1: RECOMMENDATION 2. Once the study in Recommendation 1 is complete, use the
information to develop appropriate risk management actions to mitigate any identified problems in line with
Agency practices for enterprise risk management under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-123,
and determine whether additional controls, such as the requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured
environmental liabilities over corporate self-insurance, should be implemented and if corporate self-
insurance should continue as an option
2017-12-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
2. Once Recommendation 1 is complete, OLEM, with support from OECA, will use the information to
develop appropriate risk management actions to mitigate any identified problems in line with Agency
practices for enterprise risk management under OMB Circular A-123, and determine whether additional
controls, such as a requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured environmental liabilities in corporate
self-insurance demonstrations and/or disallowance of corporate self-insurance, should be pursued at that
time. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: RECOMMENDATION 3. Update standard operating procedures and data systems to
accommodate the implemented risk management actions.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3. OLEM, with support from OECA, will update standard operating procedures and data systems to
accommodate the implemented risk management actions. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: RECOMMENDATION 4. Train staff on the implemented risk management actions.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
4. OLEM, with support from OECA, will train staff on the implemented risk management actions.
Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: RECOMMENDATION 6. Develop and include procedures for checking with other
regions for facilities/sites with multiple self-insured liabilities in the standard operating procedures created
for Recommendation 5.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
6. In the RCRA program, EPA will inventory and assess existing guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM and
OECA roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial assurance instruments,
communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs to financial assurance community, and develop or update
SOPs and provide to financial assurance community. The RCRA program will develop and include
procedures for checking with other regions or states when facilities/sites with multiple self-insured
liabilities exist.
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May 2019 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from June 20, 2020
to September 30, 2021 as a result of the delay in launching the RCRAInfo Financial Assurance module
upgrade to version 6. New expected date delivery is 09/30/21. Acting OLEM AA, Barry Breen, notified
Acting IG Charles Sheehan on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 5: RECOMMENDATION 5. Develop standard operating procedures that outline the
Office of Land and Emergency Management and Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance roles
and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Superfund
financial assurance instruments.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
5. EPA will, for the RCRA program, inventory and assess existing guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM
and OECA roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial assurance instruments,
communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs to financial assurance community, and develop or update
SOPs and provide to financial assurance community.
May 2019 Update: The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from June 20, 2020
to September 30, 2021 as a result of the delay in launching the RCRAInfo Financial Assurance module
upgrade to version 6. New expected date delivery is 09/30/21. Acting OLEM AA, Barry Breen, notified
Acting IG Charles Sheehan on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 6: RECOMMENDATION 7. Develop and include instructions on the steps to take when
an invalid financial assurance instrument (expired, insufficient in dollar amount, or not provided) is
identified in the standard operating procedures created for Recommendation 5 and collect information on
the causes of invalid financial assurance.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
7. In the RCRA program, EPA will inventory and assess existing guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM and
OECA roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial assurance instruments,
communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs to financial assurance community, and develop or update
SOPs and provide to financial assurance community.
The RCRA program will develop and include in the guidance and/or SOPs: (1) instructions on the steps to
take when an invalid financial assurance instrument (expired, insufficient in dollar amount, or not provided)
is identified and (2) where and when to collect and document causes of invalid financial assurance.
May 2019 Update: For corrective actions 5, 6 and 7, the OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this
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milestone date from June 20, 2020 to September 30, 2021 as a result of the delay in launching the
RCRAInfo Financial Assurance module upgrade to version 6. New expected date delivery is 09/30/21.
Acting OLEM AA, Barry Breen, notified Acting IG Charles Sheehan on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.
Status: Adhering
Recommendation 7: RECOMMENDATION 8. Train staff on the procedures and instructions developed for
Recommendations 5 through 7.
Corrective Action 7-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
8. In the RCRA program, EPA will hold webinar for EPA regions and states, add SOPs to existing training
materials, and evaluate financial assurance training needs and develop training plan for recommendations 5
through 7.
May 2019 Update: the OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date from September 30,
2020 to December 31, 2021 as a result of the delay in launching the RCRAInfo Financial Assurance module
upgrade to version 6. New expected date delivery is 12/31/21. Acting OLEM AA, Barry Breen, notified
Acting IG Charles Sheehan on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Status: Adhering
17-P00174-168
Recommendation 1:1. Provide updated guidance to states and tribes on clear and effective risk
communication methods for fish advisories, especially for high-risk groups. This guidance could
recommend posting fish advisory information at locations where fish are caught; and using up-to-date
communication methods that include social media, webinars, emails, newsletters, etc.
2017-04-12
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Develop a draft updated version of Volume 4: Risk Communication of the Guidance for Assessing
Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2:2. Working with states and tribes, develop and disseminate best practices they can use
to measure evaluate the effectiveness of fish advisories in providing risk information to subpopulations,
such as subsistence fishers, tribes and other high fish-consuming groups.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
EPA concurs with the end goal of the recommendation - making sure high-risk subpopulations receive
information on risks of eating certain fish. EPA understands the benefits of evaluating the effectiveness of
fish advisory programs and agrees that working with the states and tribes in that area would benefit the fish
advisory programs as well as the fishing population. Status: Adhering
18-P00221-168
Recommendation 1:2. Include in the revised Lead and Copper Rule the most protective protocols for
monitoring and corrosion control.
2018-07-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-02-28 Completed: 0000-00-00
OW concurs with this recommendation regarding the importance of proper implementation of the protocol
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for monitoring and corrosion control, and we continue to work on the long-term revisions to the existing
LCR. Most recently, OW engaged stakeholders as part of a federalism consultation. The Agency is
evaluating input we received from our state, local and tribal partners as well as the best available peer-
reviewed science to ensure the Rule reflects the best ways to
improve public health protection. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: 9. Improve oversight by establishing a clear and credible escalation policy for EPA
intervention in states. The policy should provide steps the EPA will take when states do not act.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA and OW concur with this recommendation. On August 15, 2017, Administrator Pruitt reaffirmed
EPA's Policy on Elevation of Critical Environmental and Public Health Issues. The Administrator directed
EPA staff to elevate concerns quickly and directed the Regions to inform headquarters of any issues that are
elevated under this policy.
OECA is providing training on the use of SDWA Section 1431 authority. In implementing the
recommendation from the OIG's SDWA Section 1431 Management Alert in October 2016 for 18-P-0221
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OECA to update the 1991 SDWA Section 1431 guidance, over the past year, OECA worked with several
Regions, OW and OGC to develop updates to the guidance. OECA is also conducting trainings on Section
1431 and the updated guidance. OECA is currently considering the possibility of a national initiative to
promote improved drinking water compliance. EPA has initiated a workgroup with participation from
OECA, OW and the Regions. The workgroup will explore how best to use drinking water data and
measures to identify public water systems that present or are likely to present a significant risk to public
health. The workgroup will develop procedures and strategies to ensure timely and effective EPA
intervention where a state's response to the risk is insufficient to protect the public's health. OECA will
seek state input on whether to create a new national initiative to improve drinking
water compliance starting in June 2018, and then will seek public comment in November 2018. OECA
expects to make a decision after this engagement process by July 2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3:1. Establish controls to annually verify that states are monitoring compliance with all
Lead and Copper Rule requirements, including accurately identifying tier 1 sampling sites and maintaining
continuous corrosion control.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
In December 2018, EPA will hold a meeting with the regional branch chiefs to review and update the
protocol used for the FY2018 annual Public Water System program reviews. As part of this review, EPA
will amend the Public Water System program review protocol as needed to verify that states are
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implementing Lead and Copper Rule requirements. The changes made will be implemented in the FY2019
and future annual program reviews. Status: Delayed
19-P00002-168
Recommendation 1: Issue updated and consistent guidance on biosolids fecal coliform sampling practices.
2018-11-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Recommendation #8 Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Publish guidance on the methods for the biosolids pathogen alternatives 3 and 4.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Recommendation #6 Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Develop and implement a plan to obtain the additional data needed to complete risk
assessments and finalize safety determinations on the 352 identified pollutants in biosolids and promulgate
regulations as needed.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2022-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
For Recommendation 4, the EPA agreed with this recommendation. The initial corrective action did not
fully address the intent of the recommendation. After our meeting on September 17, 2018, the EPA
provided acceptable corrective actions and a planned completion date. In addition to the EPA's work on
improving the biennial review process, the Office of Water established a performance measure for biennial
reviews. This recommendation is resolved with corrective actions pending. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Complete development of the probabilistic risk assessment tool and screening tool for
biosolids land application scenarios.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
For Recommendation 3, the agency agreed with the recommendation and offered an acceptable corrective
action but did not provide a specific completion date. After our meeting on September 17, 2018, the Office
of Water provided an acceptable completion date. This recommendation is resolved with corrective actions
pending. Status: Adhering
19-P00318-168
Recommendation 1: Define for primacy agencies and public water systems acceptable methods and
conditions under which the electronic
delivery of Tiers 2 and 3 notices meet the Safe Drinking Water Act's direct delivery requirement.
2019-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.1 The EPA will issue a memorandum that discusses and clarifies the appropriate electronic delivery
methods for Tier 2 and Tier 3.
3.2 Following the issuance of the memorandum, the EPA will host a training session for primacy agencies,
public water systems and other water sector stakeholders to understand the appropriate mechanisms to
utilize for electronic delivery of public notifications. Status: Adhering
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Recommendation 2: Update the EPA's drinking water program review protocols to include steps for
reviewing Tier 3 notices and for citing
primacy agencies that do not retain complete public notice documentation.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-01-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
4.1 The EPA will update the review protocol to address PN record keeping requirements in the summary
report.
4.2 The Agency recommends using the SDWA PWSS Annual Program Review as the most effective tool
for reviewing Tier 3 PN implementation. After discussion between the OIG and the EPA, the OIG agreed
with the EPA recommendation, and intends to update the report to reflect this. The EPA will update the
PWSS program review protocol to include review for Tier 3 PN for the next two consecutive fiscal years.
Status: Complete
Recommendation 3: Update and revise the 2010 Public Notification Handbooks to include:
a. Public notice delivery methods that are consistent with regulations.
b. Information on modern methods for delivery of public notice.
c. Public notice requirements for the latest drinking water regulations.
d. Procedures for public water systems to achieve compliance after violating a public notice regulation.
e. Up-to-date references to compliance assistance tools.
f. Additional resources for providing public notice in languages other than English.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
6.1 The EPA will revise the Public Notification Handbook per OJG"s Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Update and revise the 2010 Revised State Implementation Guidance for the Public
Notification Rule to include:
a. Public notice delivery methods that are consistent with regulations.
b. Information on modern methods for delivery of public notice.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
5.1 The EPA will revise the State Implementation Guidance per OIG"s
recommendation. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 5: Implement a strategy and internal controls to improve the consistency of public notice
violation data available in the EPA's new national drinking water database, including the review and update
of open public notice violations prior to migrating
the data to the new database.
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Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.1 The EPA will identify appropriate methods for primacy agencies to resolve outstanding PN violations.
OECA and OW will jointly issue a new memo similar to the 2011 memo "Guidance for SDWA Primacy
Agencies on How to Enter Resolving Action Codes into SDWIS for Past Public Notice Violations and
Clarification on How to Address Public Notification Violations in Certain Circumstances."
9.2 Following the issuance of the memorandum, the OECA and OW will provide training for regional and
primacy agency staff. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 6: Conduct a national review of the adequacy of primacy agency implementation,
compliance monitoring, reporting and
enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act's public notice requirements.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
7.1 The EPA's OECA and OW will conduct a national review of the
adequacy of primacy agency implementation, compliance monitoring, reporting, and enforcement of the
SDWA PN requirements.
7.2 OECA will pilot test a new framework for regional review of
primacy agency response to violations, including whether public notice
requirements are met. Upon completion of the pilot, OECA will review the results and, if the approach is
effective, will finalize the framework and implement a national program for periodic regional reviews of
primacy agencies. Status: Adhering
17-P00412-180
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance: 1. Establish national compliance monitoring goals based on assessment and consideration of
available regional resources.
2017-09-28
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
September 2019 -OECA continues to draft the responsive document and additional reviews must be
completed. The time expected to complete reviews and revisions, requires an extension.
Assessment and consideration of available regional resources for inspections are already conducted and is
represented by Annual Commitment System. (For non-inspection import related compliance assurance
activities, identify opportunities for strengthening internal controls, establishing goals, communicating
progress of regional accomplishments). Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance: 2. Implement internal controls to monitor and communicate progress on regional goals.
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Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
September 2019 -OECA continues to draft the responsive document and additional reviews must be
completed. The time expected to complete reviews and revisions, requires an extension.
Assessment and consideration of available regional resources for inspections are already conducted and is
represented by Annual Commitment System. (For non-inspection import related compliance assurance
activities, identify opportunities for strengthening internal controls, establishing goals, communicating
progress of regional accomplishments). Status: Delayed
18-P00059-180
Recommendation 1: Once the study in Recommendation 1 is complete, implement the selected measure (la
or lb).
2017-12-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
2) Once recommendation 1 is complete, OLEM with support from OECA, will use the information to
develop appropriate risk management actions to mitigate any identified problems in line with Agency
practices for enterprise risk management under OMB Circular A-123, and determine whether additional
controls, such as a requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured environmental liabilities in corporate
self-insurance demonstrations and/or disallowance of corporate self-insurance, should be pursued at that
time. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Update standard operating procedures and data systems to accommodate the changes
implemented for Recommendation 2
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3) OLEM, w/support from OECA, will update SOPs and data systems to accommodate the implemented
risk management actions. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Train staff on the changes implemented for Recommendation 2.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
4) OLEM, w/support from OECA will train staff on the implemented risk management actions Status:
Adhering
18-P00079-180
Recommendation 1:1. Develop and implement additional Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act guidance to assist Project Officers in evaluating whether funding is reasonable given projected work
plan tasks.
2018-02-13
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
November 2019 - OECA/OC requires additional time to complete the PO guidance. To date, interviews
have been conducted w/PO and the draft guidance has been prepared. However, the draft requires review by
OECA mgmt and the regional personnel, prior to implementation. Additional time is needed to complete
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these tasks. Develop additional FIFRA guidance to assist POs in evaluating whether funding is reasonable
given projected work plan tasks. Status: Delayed
18-P00221-180
Recommendation 1:1. Establish controls to annually verify that states are monitoring compliance with all
Lead and Copper Rule requirements, including accurately identifying tier 1 sampling sites and maintaining
continuous corrosion control.
2018-07-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
October 2019: OECA notified OW and OCFO this corrective action is led by OW and OECA will not
update the activity for this action. Note supported by OW email 2/11/19)
February 2019 - OW confirmed OW meet with regional branch chiefs. Corrective action expected to be
completed by 9/30/19, as provided by OW email (S. Moore on 2/11/19).
In December 2018, EPA will hold a meeting with the regional branch chiefs to review and update the
protocol used for the FY 2018 annual Public Water System Supervision program reviews. As part of this
review, EPA will amend the Public Water System program review protocol as needed to verify that states
are implementing Lead and Copper Rule requirements. The changes will be implemented in FY 2019 and
the future annual program reviews. Status: Delayed
19-P00001-180
Recommendation 1: Enforce compliance by the investigators to submit, and the supervisors to approve, the
monthly activity reports supporting Law Enforcement Availability Pay within the required timeframes in
the Monthly Activity Reporting System Purpose, Requirements and Procedures Manual.
2018-11-06
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
October 2019: OECA/OCEFT continues to complete the new Case Reporting System, which includes a
revised MARS, this system will be called OCEAN. OECA continues to work on some remaining issues
before OCEAN goes live. At that time, MARS will be completed in OCEAN and will contain a new
automated approval and routing process. Supervisors will also be trained on the new process. Train
supervisors on updated process. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Implement controls to improve timeliness of the annual certification process for Law
Enforcement Availability Pay.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
October 2019: OECA/OCEFT continues to complete the new Case Reporting System, which includes a
revised MARS, this system will be called OCEAN. OECA continues to work on some remaining issues
before OCEAN goes live. At that time, MARS will be completed in OCEAN and will contain a new
automated approval and routing process. Supervisors will also be trained on the new process. Revise MARS
reporting to automate approval and routing of electronic certification. Status: Delayed
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19-P00251-180
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a plan for improving the consistency of stack test reviews
across EPA regions and delegated agencies.
2019-07-3O
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
la -OECA will develop a plan for improving the consistency of stack test reviews across EPA regions and
delegated agencies. Such enhanced compliance monitoring will help ensure the tool of stack testing is being
sufficiently and properly utilized. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement a plan for improving the consistency of stack test reviews
across EPA regions and delegated agencies.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2022-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
lb. OECA will implement a plan, in coordination with OAR and consistent with the activities undertaken
by OAR in addressing recommendations 2-3, for improving the consistency of stack test reviews across
EPA regions and delegated agencies. Such enhanced compliance monitoring will help ensure the tool of
stack testing is being sufficiently and properly utilized. Status: Adhering
19-P00318-180
Recommendation 1: Conduct a national review of the adequacy of primacy agency implementation,
compliance monitoring, reporting and
enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act's public notice requirements.
2019-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
7.1 The EPA"s OECA and OW will conduct a national review of the adequacy of primacy agency
implementation, compliance monitoring, reporting and enforcement of the SDWA PN requirements. Status:
Adhering
Recommendation 2: Conduct a national review of the adequacy of primacy agency implementation,
compliance monitoring, reporting and
enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act's public notice requirements.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
7.2 OECA will pilot test a new framework for regional review of primacy agency response to violations,
including whether public notice requirements are met. Upon completion of the pilot, OECA will review the
results and, if the approach is effective, will finalize the framework and implement a national program for
periodic regional reviews for primacy agencies. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Implement a strategy and internal controls to improve the consistency of public notice
violation data available in the EPA's new national drinking water database, including the review and update
of open public notice violations prior to migrating
the data to the new database.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.1 The EPA will identify appropriate methods for primacy agencies to resolve outstanding PN violations.
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OECA and OW will jointly issue a new memo similar to the 2011 memo, "Guidance for SDWA Primacy
Agencies on How to Enter Resolving Action Codes into SDWIS for Past Public Notice Violations and
Clarification on How to Address Public Notification Violations in Certain Circumstances." Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Implement a strategy and internal controls to improve the consistency of public notice
violation data available in the EPA's new national drinking water database, including the review and update
of open public notice violations prior to migrating
the data to the new database.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.2 Following the issuance of the memo, the OECA and OW will provide training for regional and primacy
agency staff. Status: Adhering
20-P00012-180
Recommendation 1: Require circuit riders to include the pesticide needs and risks of each tribe on their
circuit in the development of their
priority-setting plans, which are a required component of tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative
agreements.
2019-10-29
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA agrees to develop INTERIM guidance which will require circuit riders to include the needs and risks
of each tribe on their circuit in the development of priority-setting plans, which are required component of
tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative agreements. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2022-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA agrees to develop FINAL guidance which will require circuit riders to include the needs and risks of
each tribe on their circuit in the development of priority-setting plans, which are required component of
tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative agreements. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement tribal circuit rider guidance for pesticide inspectors that
includes expectation-setting and
communication with tribes that are being served under a tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative
agreement.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA agrees to develop INTERIM guidance for pesticide inspectors that includes expectation-setting and
communication with circuit tribes that are being served under a tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative
agreement. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 2-2: Planned: 2022-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
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OECA agrees to develop FINAL guidance for pesticide inspectors that includes expectation-setting and
communication with circuit tribes that are being served under a tribal pesticide enforcement cooperative
agreement. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Develop and implement regional processes to receive feedback directly from tribes
using pesticide circuit riders.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA agrees to develop Interim regional processes to receive feedback directly from tribes using pesticide
circuit riders. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 3-2: Planned: 2022-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA agrees to develop FINAL regional processes to receive feedback directly from tribes using pesticide
circuit riders. Status: Adhering
15-P00137-320
Recommendation 1: Develop a plan to address currently uncompleted tasks and activities, and develop a
schedule for reprogramming grant funds to accomplish these tasks if USVI does not or cannot complete
them. Upon completion of the financial management corrective actions, follow the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer's Resource Management Directive System 2520-03 to determine whether any of the
current unspent funds of approximately $37 million under the USVI assistance agreements could be put to
better use.
2015-04-17
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The financial issues raised above have created severe restrictions on cash flow within VIDPNR, which has
curtailed hiring and procurement and, therefore, impacted its ability to implement delegated environmental
programs. Understaffing has led to delays in VIDPNR fulfilling outstanding work plan commitments. While
Region 2 has historically monitored DPNR's completion of these commitments, and continues to do so, we
recognize that the cash flow shortage has had a negative effect on the number of commitments completed.
The corrective actions we have outlined will produce increased cash flow to VIDPNR particularly after we
issue a "Declaration of Significant Progress." As the schedule indicates, full unrestricted advance access to
EPA funds is estimated for the end of FY 2018.
Region 2's strategy is to develop a programmatic corrective action plan after the financial situation
improves in DPNR and it has sufficient funds available to fully implement its environmental programs. In
the interim, we will continue to monitor its performance with respect to major commitments and address
significant issues. Once DPNR has sufficient funds, we will assess its program performance, identify
deficiencies and develop appropriate corrective actions.
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Update 9/30/2015: During September 2015 Region 2 disbursed approximately $5 million of grant funds to
DPNR based on proper reporting of accounting adjustments. VI has successfully obtained EPA approval of
its methodology for properly distributing/allocating non-working hour costs and shared services costs
among federal grants, has implemented enhancements to the government-wide accounting system, has
submitted reimbursement request packages in anticipation of requesting EPA relaxation of payment
limitations under its grants in light of the recent significant progress it has achieved, and is working on
finalizing updates to its SOP manual for submittal to EPA as part of its request. We anticipate performing
an onsite review sometime in the Fall of FY 2019 to verify and confirm that VIDPNR has fully
implemented the required corrective actions, with issuance of a report sometime in the Winter of FY 2019.
Update 9/27/2018: VI has successfully obtained EPA approval of its methodology for properly
distributing/allocating non-working hour costs and shared services costs among federal grants, has
implemented enhancements to the government-wide accounting system, has submitted reimbursement
request packages in anticipation of requesting EPA relaxation of payment limitations under its grants in
light of the recent significant progress it has achieved, and is working on finalizing updates to its SOP
manual for submittal to EPA as part of its request. Region 2 anticipates performing an onsite review
sometime in the Fall of FY 2019 to verify and confirm that VIDPNR has fully implemented the required
corrective actions, with issuance of a report sometime in the Winter of FY 2019.
Update 3/27/2019: In December 2018 Region 2 issued notice to VI Dept. of Planning and Natural
Resources (VIDPNR) that it had achieved "substantial progress" on corrective actions for improvement of
management of EPA assistance agreements. This has allowed DPNR to catch up with assistance agreement
drawdowns, eliminating substantial unliquidated obligations. Region 2 plans a final step in consideration of
lifting VIDPNR's "High-Risk" designation status, that being an on-site visit in late 3rd/early 4th quarter FY
2019. Upon successful completion of the on-site review to confirm that remaining corrective actions have
been implemented, Region 2 will initiate formal removal of VIDPNR from "High-Risk" status. The new
estimated completion date is September 30, 2019.
Update 9/30/2019: In December 2018, Region 2 issued notice to VI Department of Planning and Natural
Resources (VIDPNR) that it had achieved "substantial progress" on corrective actions for improving the
management of EPA assistance agreements. This has allowed VIDPNR to catch up with assistance
agreement drawdowns, eliminating a substantial amount of unliquidated obligations. Region 2 plans a final
step in consideration of lifting VIDPNR's "High-Risk" designation status, that being an on-site visit in 1st
Quarter FY 2020 and a contingency date in early 2nd Quarter FY 2020. Upon successful completion of the
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on-site visit to confirm that remaining corrective actions have been implemented, Region 2 will initiate
formal removal of VIDPNR from "High-Risk" status. The new estimated completion date is March 31,
2020. Status: Delayed
20-P00001-340
Recommendation 1:1. Direct the Water Division to finalize its standard operating procedure for disaster
response.
2019-10-07
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-20 Completed: 0000-00-00
Corrective action for Recommendation 1—finalizing a standard operating procedure for disaster response—
is pending. Status: Adhering
13-R00297-360
Recommendation 1: Recover federal funds of $2,904,578 unless the foundation provides a verifiable and
enforceable remedy to reduce diesel emissions in the Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area, as required by
the cooperative agreement.
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Two of the five rebuilt locomotives will continue to operate in the Baton Rouge nonattainment area.
2014
Status of RRF 1st and 2nd Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on September 22, 2014: Table and pie
charts in 1st and 2nd qtr. 2014 reports show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-
attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period July 1 through September 30, and October 1 through
December 31, 2014 as of 1/15/2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd and 4th qtr. 2014 reports show two
locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
2015
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period January 1 through March 31, 2015 as of 4/15/15: Table
and pie charts in 1st Qtr 2015 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-
attainment area.
Status of RRF 2nd Quarterly Reporting for the Period April 1 through June 30, 2015 as of 7/20/15: Table
and pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2015 report show location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF 3rd Quarterly Reports for July 1 - September 30, 20915 per Gloria Vaughn on November 17,
2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd qtr. 2015 reports show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton
Rouge non-attainment area.
2013-06-20
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Status of RRF 4th Quarterly Reports (October 1 - December 31,2015) per Gloria Vaughn on January 29,
2016: Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2015 reports show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton
Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on June 14, 2016: Table and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2016
report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on August 2, 2016: Table and pie charts in 2nd qtr.
2016 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on November 15, 2016: Table and pie charts in 3rd
quarter 2016 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per William Rhea on March 2, 2017: Table and pie charts in 4th quarter
2016 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per William Rhea on April 20, 2017: Table and pie charts in 1st quarter
2017 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per William Rhea on July 18, 2017: Table and pie charts in 2nd quarter
2017 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports per William Rhea on October 18, 2017: Table and pie charts in 3rd quarter
2017 report show two locomotives continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reports for October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 dated January 15, 2018
per William Rhea on February 5, 2018: Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2017 reports show two locomotives
continuing to operate in the Baton Rouge non-attainment area Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The remaining three rebuilt locomotives will continue to operate between Baton Rouge and New Orleans
until economic conditions in Baton Rouge necessitate moving as many locomotives as possible back to the
Baton Rouge non-attainment area.
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2014
Status of RRF 1st and 2nd Quarterly Reports, per Gloria Vaughn on September 22, 2014: Table and pie
charts in 1st and 2nd qtr. 2014 reports show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of 3rd and 4th Quarters for the Period July 1 through September 30, and October 1 through
December 31, 2014 as of 1/15/2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd and 4th qtr. 2014 reports show three
locomotives operating in the exception area.
2015
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2015 (as of 4/15/15: Table
and pie charts 1st qtr. 2015 report show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF 2nd Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2015 as of 7/20/15: Table
and pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2015 report show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF 3rd Quarterly Report (July 1 through September 30, 2015) as ofNovember 17, 2015: Table
and pie charts in 3rd qtr. 2015 report show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF 4th Quarterly Report (October 1 through December 31, 2015) as of January 29, 2016: Table
and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2015 reports show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF January 1 through March 31, 2016 report. Table and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2016 reports show
three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF April 1 through June 30, 2016 report. Table and pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2016 reports show
three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF July 1 through September 30, 2016 report. Table and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2016 reports
show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF October 1 through December 31, 2016 report. Table and pie charts in 4th quarter 2016
reports show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF January 1 through March 31, 2017 report. Table and pie charts in 1st quarter 2017 reports
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show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF April 1 through June 30, 2017 report. Table and pie charts in 2nd quarter 2017 reports show
three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF July 1 through September 30, 2017 report. Table and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2017 reports
show three locomotives operating in the exception area.
Status of RRF October 1 through December 31, 2017 report. Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2017 reports
show three locomotives operating in the exception area Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-3: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
RRF will provide locomotive location data to EPA on a quarterly basis showing where the five locomotives
were operated.
2014
Status of RRF 1st and 2nd Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on September 22, 2014: Table and pie
charts in 1st and 2nd qtr. 2014 reports show location of all of the locomotives. Item 6 of the Amendment
requires that the supporting source documentation for the regular reports be maintained and available until
the final audit resolution in 2020. We did not receive the usage logs but they should be available to us if
requested.
Status of 3rd and 4th 2014 Quarterly Reporting for the Period July 1 through September 30, and October 1
through December 31, 2014 as of 1/15/2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd and 4th qtr. 2014 reports show
location of all of the locomotives.
2015
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period January 1 through March 31, 2015 as of 4/15/15: Table
and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2015 report shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2015 as of 7/20/15: Table and
pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2015 report shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period July 1 through September 30, 2015 as of 11/17/15: Table
and pie charts in 3rd qtr. 2015 report shows location of all of the locomotives.
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Status of RRF 4th Quarterly Reporting for the Period October 1 through December 31, 2015 as of 1/29/16:
Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2015 reports shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2016 as of 6/14/16: Table
and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2016 reports shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2016 as of 8/2/16: Table and pie
charts in 2nd quarter 2016 reports shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period July 1 through September 30, 2016 as of 11/15/16: Table
and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2016 reports shows location of all of the locomotives.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period October 1 through December 31, 2016 as of 01/19/17:
Table and pie charts in 4th quarter 2016 reports shows location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton Rouge and
3 in excepted area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2017 as of 04/20/17: Table
and pie chart in 1st quarter 2017 reports show location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton Rouge and 3 in
excepted area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2017 as of 07/18/17: Table and
pie chart in 2nd quarter 2017 reports show location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton Rouge and 3 in
excepted area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period July 1 through September 30, 2017 as of 10/18/17: Table
and pie chart in 3rd quarter 2017 reports show location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton Rouge and 3 in
excepted area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 as of
1/15/18: Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2017 reports show location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton Rouge
and 3 in excepted area. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-4: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
As a penalty for noncompliance, RRF will remit to the U.S. EPA $4,841 for each locomotives for each
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month any of the five locomotives are operated outside of the restricted area for more than 10 plus
consecutive days, outside the Baton Rouge non-attainment area and the Exception area (for other than
maintenance).
2014
Status of RRF 1st and 2nd Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaughn on September 22, 2014: Table and pie
charts in 1st and 2nd qtr. 2014 reports show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF 3rd and 4th Quarterly Reporting for the Period July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014 and
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 as of 1/15/2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd and 4th qtr. 2014
reports show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed more than 10 plus days outside of
the Exception area.
2015
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 as of 4/15/15:
Table and pie charts 1st qtr. 2015 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015 as of 7/20/15: Table
and pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2015 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF 3rd Quarterly Reporting forthe Period July 1 through September 30, 2015 as of 11/17/16:
Table and pie charts 3rd qtr. 2015 report shows location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF 4th Quarterly Reporting forthe Period October 1 through December 31, 2015 as of 1/29/16:
Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2015 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been
stationed more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2016 as of 6/14/16: Table
and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2016 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
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Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period April 1 through June 30, 2016 as of 8/2/16: Table and pie
charts in 2nd qtr. 2016 report shows location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed more than
10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period July 1 through September 30, 2016 as of 11/15/16: Table
and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2016 report shows location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period October 1 through December 31, 2016 as of 01/19/17:
Table and pie charts 4th quarter 2016 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been
stationed more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area unless they were in maintenance.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2017 as of 04/20/17: Table
and pie charts 1st quarter 2017 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area unless they were in maintenance.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2017 as of 07/18/17: Table and
pie charts 2nd quarter 2017 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed more
than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area unless they were in maintenance.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period July 1 through September 30, 2017 as of 10/18/17: Table
and pie charts 3rd quarter 2017 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have been stationed
more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area unless they were in maintenance.
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 as of
1/15/18: Table and pie charts 4th quarter 2017 report show location of all of the locomotives. None have
been stationed more than 10 plus days outside of the Exception area unless they were in maintenance.
Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 1-5: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Each of the five locomotives will operate in Baton Rouge area or the Exception area for 10 years after the
date each engine was placed back into service.
2014
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Status of RRF 1st and 2nd Quarterly Reports per Gloria Vaugh on September 22, 2014: Table and pie charts
in 1st and 2nd qtr. 2014 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton Rouge area
or the exception area.
Status of RRF 3rd and 4th Quarterly Reporting for the Period July 1 through September 30, 2014 and
October 1 through December 31, 2014 as of 1/15/2015: Table and pie charts in 3rd and 4th qtr. 2014 reports
show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
2015
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting forthe Period January 1 through March 31, 2015 as of 4/15/15: Table
and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2015 report shows that all five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton Rouge
area or the exception area.
Status of RRF 2nd Quarterly Reporting forthe Period April 1 through June 30, 2015 as of 7/20/15: Table
and pie charts in 2nd qtr. 2015 report shows that all five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton
Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 3rd qtr. 2015 (July 1 - September 30) as of November 17, 2015 reports show that all
five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 4th qtr. 2015 report as of January 29, 2016 shows that all five of the locomotives are
operating in the Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 1st qtr. 2016 report shows that all five of the locomotives are operating in the Baton
Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 2nd quarter 2016 report shows that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2016 report shows that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 4th quarter 2016 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
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Table and pie charts in 1st quarter 2017 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 2nd quarter 2017 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 3rd quarter 2017 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area.
Table and pie charts in 4th quarter 2017 reports show that all five of the locomotives are operating in the
Baton Rouge area or the exception area. Status: Adhering
14-P00109-360
Recommendation 1: Direct COs to require that the contractor adjust all its billings to reflect the application
of the correct rate to team subcontract ODCs.
2014-02-04
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Region 6 concurs with Recommendation No. 3 and agrees to require the contractor to adjust all of its past
billings to reflect the application of the composite rate to team-subcontractor ODCs that were arranged for
and paid for by the team-subcontractor. We intend to implement the corrective action when final indirect
cost rates (OCR) are established. Therefore, the CO will be directed to defer past billing adjustments until
the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits the indirect cost rates and the EPA Financial
Administrative Contracting Officer (FACO) negotiates, approves and issues a Final Indirect Cost (ICR)
Agreement for the past billing periods (i.e. Years 2007 to 2013). Status: Adhering
18-P00233-360
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the EPA Regional Administrators, Regions 6 and 9: 1. Complete
the necessary removal site evaluations and engineering evaluations/cost analyses.
2018-08-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Complete engineering
evaluations/cost analyses. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the EPA Regional Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
2. Fully develop and implement prioritization and resource allocation methodologies for the Tronox
abandoned uranium mine sites on or near Navajo Nation lands.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Refine prioritization methodology Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 2-2: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
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1.3 Conduct mine cleanup prioritization. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 2-3: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.4 Complete development and implementation of resource
allocation methodology following the cost analysis of the preferred remedies. Status: Adhering
19-P00236-360
Recommendation 1: Include environmental justice outreach in planning and pre-landfall preparation
exercises by gathering data to determine the population, unique needs and challenges of vulnerable
communities.
2019-07-16
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 The Region 6 Emergency Management Branch will use the list of vulnerable communities to identify
ones which are within jurisdictions where it will conduct planning and pre-landfall preparation exercises
and ensure these communities are considered during these events. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: Revise the Region 6 pre-landfall hurricane plan to incorporate steps based on the
results of outreach conducted during the planning and pre-landfall preparation exercises.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Emergency Management Branch will revise pre-landfall hurricane plans based on the results of the
planning and pre-landfall activities conducted as part of Recommendation 1. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 3: Implement the recommendations to improve environmental justice outreach identified
at the June 2018 environmental justice forum.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.1 During an event, (OCTEA) will hold regular calls with affected vulnerable communities to identify
concerns and issues. These concerns and issues will be provided to Incident Command for evaluation and
action as needed.
Corrective Action 3-2: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.2 The Emergency Management Branch will add the topic of environmental justice to training for Incident
Management Teams and Response Support Corps personnel. Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 3-3: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.4 This is covered in the response to Recommendation 4. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 4: Prepare and produce all outreach materials—including the cleanup literature identified
in the June 2018 environmental justice forum—in advance, in sufficient quantities and in the region's
prevalent languages, and post all translated materials online.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
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4.2 The Region 6 Office of External Affairs will have documents translated, ensure there is a link to each
document on the EPA webpage, and establish a process to make printed copies available when needed.
Status: Adhering
12-100560-380
Recommendation 1: Ensure the grantee addresses the recommendations and recover questioned and
unsupported costs
2007-09-24
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
3/20/15: OGD and the Region are discussing contents of proposed Final Determination Letter and need for a
waiver request. Projected completion date is June 30, 2015.
12/30/13: The Region is continuing to work with HQ and regional counsel on options for this recipient with
a revised expected completion date of June 30,2014. The Region will also be looking to the new OMB
Circular on cooperative audit resolution for some guidance.
10/21/13: OGD and the Region are discussing contents of proposed Final Determination Letter. Projected
completion date is December 30, 2013. Status: Delayed
18-P00233-390
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the EPA Regional Administrators, Regions 6 and 9: 1. Complete
the necessary removal site evaluations and engineering evaluations/cost analyses.
2018-08-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.1.2 Complete engineering evaluations/cost analyses-12/31/2020 Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the EPA Regional Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:2. Fully
develop and implement prioritization and resource allocation methodologies for the Tronox abandoned
uranium mine sites on or near Navajo Nation lands.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
2.1.4 Complete development and implementation of resource allocation methodology following the cost
analysis of the preferred remedies-12/31/2021 Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 2-2: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
2.1.2 Refine prioritization methodology-12/31/2020 Status: Adhering
Corrective Action 2-3: Planned: 2020-12-20 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.3 Conduct mine cleanup prioritization-12/31/2020 Status: Adhering
19-S00182-390
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm the corrective action the recipient
identified in the single audit report was implemented. If the corrective action has not been implemented,
EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan, with milestone dates, for addressing the findings in the report.
2019-06-13
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-01-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
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During the fiscal year 2017 audit, it was determined that several of the grant program funds had old
receivable amounts due from federal and state governments that were overstated and uncollectable.
Therefore, adjustments were made during the audit to reclassify grant receivables from the federal grants to
the general fund totaling $142,753 and write these balances down to $0 (see Finding 2017-003 on page 37
of the audit report). Recipient Response: Some of the beginning accrued or deferred revenue amounts
needed to be adjusted for the 2018 Single Audit, which we made adjustments to reconcile. This will be a
repeat finding for FY 2018 but we are actively reviewing our beginning grants receivable balances for
collectability and ensuring our deferred revenue balances are still outstanding. We anticipate these balances
to be fully reconciled by the end of 2019.
10/9/19: Based on the Tribe's response, EPA will continue to work with the Tribe and track this corrective
action. Status: Adhering
19-P00251-410
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a plan for improving the consistency of stack test reviews
across EPA regions and delegated agencies.
2019-07-30
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2022-05-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/27/19: R10 will communicate information from OECA and OAR as it become available. Status:
Adhering
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement a plan for improving the consistency of stack test reviews
across EPA regions and delegated agencies.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2022-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/27/19: Per OIG, as an alternative to implementing R10 oversight controls that could be inconsistent with
future guidance from EPA HQ, R10 agreed to conduct annual meetings w/state and local agencies to discuss
their stack testing oversight activities. The first round of meetings by 3/31/2020 and continuing meetings
through 3/31/2022. After OECA & OAR complete their Recommendations 1 & 3, R10 will meet w/its state
and local agencies to discuss & implement any new stack test oversight policies & guidance. Status:
Adhering
19-S00301-410
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm the corrective action the recipient
identified in the single audit report was implemented on Findings 2017-003 and 2017-004. If the corrective
action has not been implemented, EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan, with milestone dates, for
addressing the findings in the report.
2019-09-03
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-03 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/27/19: R10 sent an initial letter to the grantee for corrective actions for findings #3 (suspension and
debarment compliance-related) and #4, ensure effective internal controls over payroll. Status: Adhering
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Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Action Official recover the $3,767 in questioned ineligible
costs.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-03 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/27/2019: R10 sent an initial letter to the grantee for corrective action regarding unsupported costs in the
amount of $3,767. Status: Adhering
19-S00306-410
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm the corrective action the recipient
identified in the single audit report was implemented on Findings 2018-030 and 2018-031. If the corrective
action has not been implemented, EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan, with milestone dates, for
addressing the finding in the report.
2019-09-16
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-16 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/30/2019: AFC met with and informed the Project Officer and Grant Specialist about the grantee
corrective actions required. AFC will send grantee an initial follow-up letter to the grantee. Status: Adhering
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Action Official recover the $116,027 in questioned ineligible
costs.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-16 Completed: 0000-00-00
09/30/2019: AFC met with and informed the Project Officer and Grant Specialist about the grantee
corrective actions required. AFC will send grantee an initial follow-up letter to the grantee. Status: Adhering
19-S00324-410
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm the corrective action the recipient
identified in the single audit report was implemented on Findings 2018-016 and 2018-017. If the corrective
action has not been implemented, EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan, with milestone dates, for
addressing the findings in the report.
2019-09-26
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-26 Completed: 0000-00-00
10/11/2019: R10 AFC initial letter to grantee for corrective action is being reviewed by management. AFC
also contacted Project Officer and Grants Specialist about audit findings/correction actions. Status: Delayed
898
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