United States
Environmental Protection Agency
FISCAL YEAR 2023
Justification of Appropriation
Estimates for the Committee
on Appropriations
Tab 04: Science and Technology
April 2022
EPA-190-R-22-001 www.epa.gov/cj
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Science and Technology
Program Projects in
S&T 70
Clean Air 72
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 73
Climate Protection 77
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 80
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification 83
Enforcement 92
Forensics Support 93
Homeland Security 96
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection 97
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 105
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure Ill
Indoor Air and Radiation 113
Indoor Air: Radon Program 114
Radiation: Protection 116
Radiation: Response Preparedness 118
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air 120
IT / Data Management / Security 122
IT / Data Management 123
Operations and Administration 126
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 127
Pesticides Licensing 130
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk 131
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk 135
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability 138
Research: Air, Climate and Energy 141
Research: Air, Climate and Energy 142
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 148
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability 149
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68
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Health and Environmental Risk Assessment 155
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 160
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 161
Research: Sustainable Communities 167
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 168
Water: Human Health Protection 174
Drinking Water Programs 175
Congressional Priorities 178
Water Quality Research and Support Grants 179
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Science & Technology
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2023
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
President's Budget
v.
Final
Annualized
President's
FY 2022
Actuals
CR
Budget
Annualized CR
Science & Technology
Budget Authority
$626,895
$729,329
$864,155
$134,826
Total Workyears
2,039.2
1,987.7
2,190.9
203.2
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the
Superfund account.
Bill Language: Science & 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, for
executive oversight of regional laboratories, and travel expenses; procurement of laboratory
equipment and supplies; hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft; and other operating
expenses in support of re- search and development,$863,155,000, to remain available until
September 30, 2024.
Note.A full-year 2022 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;
therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division A
of Public Law 117-43, as amended). The amounts included for 2022 reflect the annualized level provided by the
continuing resolution.
Program Projects in S&T
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Clean Air and Climate
Clean Air Allowance Trading
Programs
$4,809
$6,793
$8,800
$2,007
Climate Protection
$7,057
$7,895
$10,169
$2,274
Federal Support for Air Quality
Management
$8,661
$7,154
$10,420
$3,266
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards
and Certification
$87,233
$96,783
$152,209
$55,426
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Program Pro ject
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Subtotal, Clean Air and Climate
$107,760
$118,625
$181,598
$62,973
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$112
$157
$157
$0
Radiation: Protection
$1,645
$1,735
$2,224
$489
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$3,063
$3,096
$4,383
$1,287
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$296
$161
$173
$12
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$5,115
$5,149
$6,937
$1,788
Enforcement
Forensics Support
$11,761
$14,000
$15,532
$1,532
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical
Infrastructure Protection
$9,653
$10,380
$14,526
$4,146
Homeland Security: Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery
$21,877
$24,852
$25,890
$1,038
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure
$500
$501
$501
$0
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$32,031
$35,733
$40,917
$5,184
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
$2,782
$3,072
$3,195
$123
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$65,093
$67,500
$68,912
$1,412
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from
Pesticide Risk
$2,431
$2,803
$2,917
$114
Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk
$1,805
$2,207
$2,252
$45
Pesticides: Realize the Value of
Pesticide Availability
$645
$876
$984
$108
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
$4,881
$5,886
$6,153
$267
Research: Air, Climate and Energy
Research: Air, Climate and Energy
$76,733
$95,250
$132,924
$37,674
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Program Pro ject
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water
Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water
Resources
$92,719
$112,250
$119,286
$7,036
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities
$112,717
$133,000
$141,477
$8,477
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk
Assessment
$35,251
$37,482
$42,355
$4,873
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
Endocrine Disruptors
$13,859
$16,304
$17,095
$791
Computational Toxicology
$18,509
$21,487
$22,542
$1,055
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability (other activities)
$43,598
$51,727
$58,456
$6,729
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety
for Sustainability
$75,966
$89,518
$98,093
$8,575
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability
$111,217
$127,000
$140,448
$13,448
Ensure Safe Water
Drinking Water Programs
$4,088
$4,364
$6,776
$2,412
Clean and Safe Water Technical
Assistance Grants
Water Quality Research and Support
Grants
$0
$7,500
$0
-$7,500
TOTAL S&T
$626,895
$729,329
$864,155
$134,826
*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 and Climate
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality and Reduce Localized Pollution and Health Impacts
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
SI 2.920
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S23.523
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Total Budget Authority
$17,729
$19,946
$32,323
$12,377
Total Workyears
66.2
63.7
82.0
18.3
Program Project Description:
This program is responsible for managing the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET),
an ambient monitoring network that has been continuously collecting data for more than 30 years.
CASTNET serves as the Nation's primary source for assessing long-term trends in atmospheric
sulfur and nitrogen deposition, regional ground-level ozone, and other forms of particulate and
gaseous air pollution. CASTNET sites are uniquely situated in remote and high elevation areas
within 39 states and seven tribal boundaries. The network provides valuable data to support the
ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in many areas not monitored by state,
local, and tribal monitoring agencies. Under this program, independent audits and performance
evaluations are performed to meet the NAAQS requirements and provide high-quality data.
Additionally, CASTNET ozone data are used for exceptional event assessments of international
transport, background concentrations, wildfire events, and stratospheric ozone intrusions often
leading to ozone exceedances. States are required to provide exceptional event demonstrations in
order to exclude monitoring data from the NAAQS design values. Used in conjunction with the
National Atmospheric Deposition Program's wet deposition networks and other ambient air
quality networks, CASTNET's data products also are used to determine the effectiveness of
national and regional emission control programs, validate satellite measurements, and provide
near-real time data to support AirNow and Air Quality Index (AQI) reporting tools.
The CASTNET program provides spatial and temporal trends in ambient air quality and is the
largest network in the world reporting atmospheric deposition used to assess ecological impacts in
sensitive ecosystems (e.g., national parks, freshwater bodies, and subalpine regions). The sites also
fill in critical data gaps from urban networks that lack information on air quality issues affecting
downwind population centers, such as oil and gas, wildfire smoke, and wood smoke in mountain
valleys. Rural CASTNET sites are intentionally located away from stationary emission sources
but are often located in or near low-income communities or communities of color. 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), as well as aiding states in exceptional events
determinations. During the pandemic, EPA has addressed the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on
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areas with poor air quality by using CASTNET to track local air quality and assess how pandemic-
related policies and changes in economic activity have affected air quality.
EPA works closely with tribal governments to build tribal air monitoring capacity through
partnerships with the CASTNET program. Since 2002, CASTNET has added seven sites on tribal
lands, including two new sites in the northwest U.S. By expanding tribal partnerships, CASTNET
can fill important spatial gaps in ambient and deposition monitoring while simultaneously
integrating sites operated by tribes into a national program. Tribes will benefit from dedicated
tribal monitoring sites that build tribal technical skills, provide near-real time air quality data to
the community, and provide environmental data that help tribes assess the impacts of air pollution
on cultural or natural resources on tribal lands.
To support modernization efforts, CASTNET will use the existing network infrastructure to fill in
gaps in continuous measurements necessary to evaluate changes in atmospheric chemistry and
global climate impacts on air quality and deposition. The Program is well-situated to measure
background or regional levels of air toxics (e.g., ethylene oxide) and persistent chemicals of
concern (e.g., PFAS compounds). Measuring speciated reactive nitrogen will provide valuable
data that states can use to determine which species are driving PM formation and make more
informed decisions on emission control strategies. Furthermore, continuing to expand capacity
while modernizing the CASTNET infrastructure ensures data can be made available in near-real
time to address short-term changes in air quality resulting from meteorological conditions, such as
temperature inversions, or natural disasters, such as wildfires.
This program also is responsible for managing EPA's Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) program,
which was created to assess the health of lakes and streams 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 reductions in pollutant emissions and a changing climate. The LTM program is one of the
longest running programs at EPA, providing a longitudinal dataset based on sampling and
measurements since 1983.
This program also supports the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs, which are nationwide and
multi-state programs that address air pollutants that are transported across state, regional, and
international boundaries. 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), the CSAPR
Update (which was revised in 2021 in response to a court remand). The infrastructure for the Clean
Air Allowance Trading Programs also supports implementation of other state and federal programs
to control SO2, hazardous air pollutants, and greenhouse gases.
Both the CSAPR and the CSAPR Update Rule require 27 states in the eastern U.S. to limit their
emissions of SO2 and/or NOx in order to reduce or eliminate the states' contributions to fine
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particulate matter and/or ground-level ozone pollution in other states. These programs 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. EPA is supporting state efforts with respect to best available retrofit technology, reasonable
progress, and interstate visibility transport, as those obligations relate to SO2 emissions from
electricity generating units.1 The air quality and other environmental information gathered through
this program support other Clean Air Allowance Trading Program-related rulemakings, such as
EPA's proposal to reduce emissions contributing to interstate air pollution under the 2015 03
NAAQS and rulemakings associated with Regional Haze.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.1, Improve Air Quality and Reduce
Localized Pollution and Health Impacts in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, EPA will:
Continue to support 64 CASTNET, including seven tribal sites, 31 NADP National Trends
Network (NTN), 71 NADP Ammonia Monitoring Network (AMoN), and LTM monitoring
sites that provide long-term atmospheric concentrations, deposition, and surface water
quality data. Data are used to analyze and assess air quality, trends in sulfur and nitrogen
deposition, critical loads, and other indicators of ecosystem health.
Provide support for independent audits and required performance evaluations to assure
high-quality data to support the NAAQS and environmental assessments.
Continue progress toward increasing monitoring capacity by working to identify new tribal
partners that would benefit from joining a national air monitoring program.
Invest in technology and small businesses by replacing aging equipment, repairing
monitoring shelters more than 30 years old that have deteriorated due to extreme weather
and deploying new equipment and monitoring sites in rural, often low-income/minority
areas. The CASTNET contractor allocates 55 percent of their subcontract dollars to small
businesses responsible for performing calibrations, managing site operators, and data
analyses.
Upgrade aging CASTNET equipment. To improve overall data quality EPA will replace
continuous ozone analyzers, and procure new gas analyzers (e.g., CO, VOCs, speciated
nitrogen) that will support NAAQS assessments, emission control strategies, and
regulatory actions in the future. Analyzers will be integrated into the existing automated
calibration systems to improve network resiliency.
Utilize existing infrastructure to expand network capacity by adding measurement systems
for background and regional concentrations of air toxics and emerging pollutants of
1 Clean Air Act § 110 and § 169A; refer to 40 CFR 52.2312.
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concern. Data will complement urban measurements and provide valuable information on
atmospheric pathways and chemical transformations that will impact health risks.
Continue to modernize the data reporting tools and visualizations to improve user
experiences and data access, particularly during emergencies (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).
Strengthening front-end and back-end data management platforms will improve system
reliability and allows state and local agencies to quickly make critical decisions. Providing
real-time air quality data during such events is valuable for informing vulnerable
populations about health risks.
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, including conducting environmental justice analyses to
consider the distributional impacts of emissions on overburdened communities.3
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM NOX) Tons of ozone season NOx emissions from electric power
FY 2022
FY 2023
generation sources.
Target
Target
355,000
344,000
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$2,007.0) This program change is an increase to support CASTNET modernization
efforts including increasing monitoring capacity, investing in technology, upgrading
equipment, and improving user experience.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
2 Clean Air Act § § 110(a)(2)(D) and 401.
3 For more information on program performance, please see: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/progress.
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Climate Protection
Program Area: Clean Air and Climate
Goal: Tackle the Climate Crisis
Objective(s): Reduce Emissions that Cause Climate Change
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$91.632
S97.000
$125,216
$28,216
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Total Budget Authority
$98,689
$104,895
$135,385
$30,490
Total Workyears
211.3
214.1
236.9
22.8
Program Project Description:
The Climate 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 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Reduce Emissions that Cause
Climate Change in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
Resources under this program will support implementation and compliance activities associated
with EPA's GHG and NHTSA's fuel economy standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles
and engines. Resources will support the following activities:
Certification and Compliance
Implementation of the GHG emission standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and engines
has significantly increased EPA's certification and compliance responsibilities. These
responsibilities play a critical role in ensuring that the programs achieve their climate goals. Over
time, in an effort to provide greater compliance flexibility for manufacturers, EPA has introduced
numerous innovative features into the vehicle certification process. These features include new
and more comprehensive trading programs, credits for off-cycle emission reductions, and new
federal test procedures. In FY 2023, EPA will be implementing a substantially expanded "Phase
2" of the heavy-duty vehicle and engine GHG program. This implementation requires significant
expansions of EPA's information technology systems, which provide an efficient means for
manufacturers to apply for and receive certificates of conformity, and for EPA to audit and oversee
manufacturer compliance with the revised requirements of the new heavy-duty GHG standards.
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Vehicle and Engine Testing Services
EPA's National Vehicle & Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) has invested significant resources
to maintain its critical vehicle and engine testing capabilities and to upgrade them as needed to
implement new standards for fuel, vehicle, and engine emissions. These investments have included
updates to its four-wheel drive dynamometers and analytical systems needed to perform regulation
development and certification testing of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles,
including battery electric and hybrid electric technologies. This modernized test environment has
led to such developments as new test methods for accurately measuring the efficiency and range of
electrified vehicles and new processes for gathering and analyzing in-use fuel efficiency data from
vehicles tested on the road.
In FY 2023, NVFEL will continue to direct resources in expanded electric vehicle charging
infrastructure in the laboratory to support anticipated future test requirements for light-duty and
heavy-duty vehicles and is preparing for testing of hydrogen fuel cell technologies. NVFEL's
ongoing facility modernization has been essential to the implementation of requirements for EPA's
Phase 2 GHG regulations for heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Importantly, it also has
enabled greater production of scientific data on new and emerging vehicle and engine technologies,
leading to the development of more advanced computer models to support EPA's rulemaking
activities. Equipment modernization is critical for keeping pace with technology advancements in
the industry, as well as maintaining NVFEL's role as a trusted testing standard for foreign and
domestic manufacturers to compare against in certifying their products and as a deterrent against
non-compliance.
In addition to investing in emerging needs, NVFEL will continue to maintain, repair, and replace
aging laboratory equipment needed to sustain its core compliance testing activities. In FY 2023,
NVFEL plans to extensively replace aging or obsolete test equipment supporting its engine
compliance and fuels enforcement programs. This represents a continuation of annual and ongoing
capital equipment maintenance associated with the expansion of lab testing programs needed to
implement light-duty and heavy-duty criteria pollutant and GHG regulations, which have
increased NVFEL's operation and maintenance costs by an estimated $2.1 million per year.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$227.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$2,047.0 / +2.3 FTE) This program change is an increase in support of the National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory compliance/certification work and mobile source
vehicle emissions analyses. Additional resources at the lab support restoring capacity to
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test and certify engines, fuels, and vehicles to ensure compliance with regulatory standards,
and to generate emissions data to support regulatory development work essential to
tackling the climate change crisis. This includes $393.0 thousand in payroll.
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 and Climate
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality and Reduce Localized Pollution and Health Impacts
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$131,015
$138,020
$289,010
$150,990
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Total Budget Authority
$139,676
$145,174
$299,430
$154,256
Total Workyears
832.7
843.0
945.4
102.4
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 risks 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 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.1, Improve Air Quality and Reduce
Localized Pollution and Health Impacts in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
During FY 2023, 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
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agencies to ensure that particulate matter (PM) hot-spot analyses are conducted in a manner
consistent with the transportation conformity regulation and guidance.
One of EPA's priorities is to fulfill its statutory and court-ordered obligations. In FY 2023, EPA
will continue to conduct the periodically required "technology reviews" of NESHAP and conduct
required risk assessments for MACT-based NESHAP. EPA will enhance risk assessment
capabilities to better identify and determine impacts on communities. The Agency also will
transition to an approach to share air toxics data faster and more regularly to the public, allowing
for increased transparency and the ability to see trends and risks over time. By 2023, EPA will
start reporting the most current air toxics data each year in the annual Air Trends Report and an
online interactive tool instead of the current three to four-year cycle and provide that data at
increased spatial resolution. EPA will prioritize work with an emphasis on meeting court-ordered
deadlines and also incorporate environmental justice considerations as part of the decision-making
process.
EPA will continue to provide information and assistance to states and communities through
documents, websites, webinars, and training sessions on tools to help them provide input to
environmental justice assessments that can inform risk reduction strategies for air toxics. EPA will
continue to communicate effectively to, and collaborate with, communities with environmental
justice concerns to address air toxics issues. EPA will continue its multi-pollutant air quality
management work with state and local areas, factoring environmental justice into prioritization
efforts, including providing tools to support state, tribal and local governments in strategy
development. EPA will continue to look at multiple pollutants in an industrial sector and
identify ways to take advantage of the co-benefits of pollution control. The focus of these efforts
is to address an individual sector's emissions comprehensively and to prioritize regulatory efforts
to address the sources and pollutants of greatest concern to overburdened communities. In
developing sector and multi-pollutant approaches, EPA is building innovative solutions that
address the differing and cumulative nature of the multiple pollutants and associated industrial
sectors.
In FY 2023, EPA will continue to work with internal and external stakeholders to improve ambient
air quality monitoring networks and measurement techniques to fill data gaps and to provide better
input to estimation of population exposure to criteria and toxic air pollutants. To ensure data
quality, EPA will continue to implement and manage independent quality assurance programs for
national monitoring networks as well as for federal and commercial laboratories that produce
ambient air monitoring data.
In FY 2023, EPA will continue to work with partners to improve 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.
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$588.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide
essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$2,678.0 / +11.0 FTE) This program change is an increase in the development of science,
technology, and methodologies to better implement the Clean Air Act, including:
enhancing risk assessment capabilities to better identify and determine impacts on
communities; communicating and collaborating with environmental justice communities
to address air toxics concerns; and improving ambient air monitoring networks and
measurement techniques to fill data gaps and better estimate the population's exposure to
criteria and toxic air pollutants. This investment includes $2,234 million in payroll.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Program Area: Clean Air and Climate
Goal: Tackle the Climate Crisis
Objective(s): Reduce Emissions that Cause Climate Change
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv ^ icclnwhixy
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.S 152,20V
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Total Budget Authority
$87,233
$96,783
$152,209
$55,426
Total Workyears
315.5
308.5
350.5
42.0
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 equipment; 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 guidance, tools, and other information to develop additional strategies
and place-based transportation programs to reduce mobile source pollution.
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. The Program operates test cells that simultaneously measure criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reviews certification applications for light-duty vehicles and
heavy-duty engines to approve applications for criteria pollutant and GHG emission standards and
examines for potential violations.
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,
GHG, and fuel economy standards. The NVFEL conducts vehicle and engine emission tests as
part of pre-production tests, certification audits, in-use assessments, and recall programs to ensure
compliance with mobile source programs. The NVFEL also produces critical test data on new and
emerging vehicle and engine technologies to support the development of future greenhouse gas
and criteria pollutant regulations. Through cooperative partnerships and committee involvement,
the lab leads the development and implementation of test methods and procedures for vehicles,
engines, and fuels to ensure consistent data quality among manufacturers' labs, measure fuel
efficiency, and verify compliance of electrified and conventional vehicles with EPA standards.
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Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
The RFS Program 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.
Supporting Tribal State and Local Governments
EPA works with tribal, state, and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of the mobile
source control emission benefits, including in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and
transportation conformity determinations. EPA develops and provides information and tools to
assist tribal, state, and local agencies, as well as communities, to reduce criteria pollutant and air
toxics emissions and risks specific to their local areas. Reductions in emissions of mobile source
air pollution, such as components of diesel exhaust, are achieved through: guidance and technical
assistance for state and local Clean Air Act mobile source programs in nonattainment and
maintenance areas for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); establishing national
emissions standards for vehicles, equipment, and fuels, research of public health impacts and
mitigation options; methods for quantifying multi-pollutant emission reductions for place-based
strategies; and partnership approaches working with tribal, state, and local governments, as well as
a variety of non-governmental stakeholder groups.
Prioritizing Environmental Justice
In response to the Administration's priorities and goals, EPA's mobile source programs will
further integrate environmental justice (EJ) and equity considerations. This includes: 1) outreach
and inclusion throughout the regulatory development process; 2) analysis of current conditions to
understand economic inequities potentially related to EPA's regulatory policies - as well as
disparities in exposure to mobile source air pollution experienced by people of color, low-income
populations, and tribal communities; 3) analysis of the equity and air quality improvements from
EPA's regulatory actions and voluntary programs; 4) technical assistance to state and local
governments to reduce regional and localized criteria pollutant and other emissions through
regulatory and non-regulatory strategies, including nearby communities with environmental
justice concerns, and within the context of meeting Clean Air Act SIP and transportation
conformity requirements; and 5) exploration of non-regulatory mitigation measures to further
target improvements in air quality for those disproportionately exposed to air pollution from
mobile sources.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Reduce Emissions that Cause
Climate Change in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
To support this work, EPA is requesting $30 million and 42 FTE in FY 2023 to invest in program
activities to address the climate crisis. This includes the development of analytical methods,
regulations and analyses to support climate protection by controlling greenhouse gas emissions
from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles.
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Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program
In FY 2023, the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program will continue to
focus its efforts on certification responsibilities. 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 and will increase on-road
measurements of in-use vehicle emissions. EPA anticipates reviewing and approving about 4,700
vehicle and engine emissions certification requests from vehicle and engine manufacturers,
including light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty diesel engines, nonroad engines, marine engines,
locomotives, and others. Demand for EPA's certification services has increased significantly, due
in part to the addition of exhaust and fuel evaporative emissions certification requirements for
marine, other nonroad, and small spark-ignited engines. Accordingly, NVFEL will increase
compliance testing in each of these areas in FY 2023.
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 CY 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. The Agency receives over 6,000 emissions tests results from
more than 2,000 vehicles annually. EPA reviews the data and determines if there are any specific
vehicles, models, or manufacturers that are failing in-use emissions standards. The Agency will
use this information submitted by light-duty manufacturers, together with emissions data collected
at NVFEL, to determine if there are vehicle models which should be recalled and repaired to
address excess in-use emissions and 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.
Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicles
In FY 2023, EPA will take action to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions by focusing on the
transportation sector's largest contributors to criteria pollutant and GHG emissions: light-duty
vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). Work also supports EPA's long-term
performance goal to promulgate final rules that will reduce GHG emissions from light duty,
medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles; electric utility generating units; and the oil and gas industry.
In FY 2022, EPA completed a revision of the light-duty vehicle GHG standards established in April
2020 (the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Rule). In August 2021, EPA issued a proposed
rule setting revised "near-term" standards through model year (MY) 2026 and issued a final rule in
December 2021. In March 2022, EPA reinstated California's authority under the Clean Air Act
(CAA) to implement its own GHG emission standards and zero emission vehicle (ZEV) sales
mandate. As a result of this action, other states may choose to adopt and enforce California's GHG
emission standards in lieu of the Federal standards, consistent with section 177 of the Clean Air
Act.
The near-term light duty rule will serve as a stepping-off point for longer-term standards. In FY
2023, EPA will develop a longer-term emissions standard rulemaking proposal for new multi-
pollutant emissions standards, including for greenhouse gas emissions, for light- and medium-duty
vehicles beginning with MY 2027 and extending through and including at least MY 2030. These
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standards will help transition the fleet to zero and near-zero emissions. Many automakers have
recently announced ambitious plans for electrifying their new LDV fleets in the 2030 to 2040
timeframe. This rulemaking also will be a key measure in contributing to the President's
commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 50-52 percent from 2005
levels by 2030.
By December 2022, EPA will propose and finalize a rulemaking to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx)
emissions from MY 2027 and later heavy-duty engines and vehicles. This rule also will update the
Phase 2 GHG standards for 2027 and later by taking into consideration the role that zero-emission
heavy-duty vehicles have in reducing emissions from certain heavy-duty market segments. Pollution
from trucks has been a long-standing obstacle to advancing environmental justice, as many
low-income communities and communities of color live near highways or in heavily polluted areas
with frequent truck congestion and idling. Setting clear and stringent standards for truck pollution is
critical to delivering on the President's commitment to delivering tangible benefits to historically
underserved and overburdened communities.
In FY 2023, EPA will work on a rulemaking under the CAA to establish new GHG emissions
standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles to begin as soon as MY 2030. This rule will reduce
GHG and other emissions from highway HDVs, the second-largest source of transportation GHG
emissions. This action will build off of the heavy-duty MY 2027 rulemaking and accelerate the
transition to zero emission vehicles. A key focus for the GHG elements of this effort will be the shift
from HDVs powered by internal combustion engines to those powered by zero emission
technologies, such as battery electric and fuel-cell technologies. EPA's future GHG standards for
HDVs will build upon these industry commitments.
EPA will invest significant resources to address a myriad of new technical challenges to support
these two sets of long-term rulemakings, which will include added LDV and HDV testing and
modeling capabilities at NVFEL. Key to this technical work is to understand the cost, feasibility,
and infrastructure impacts of electrifying the broad range of products in the LDV and HDV sectors.
This will include vehicle demonstration projects focused on emerging technologies, that are still in
the pre-production stage with manufacturers, but are expected to be strategically important in
achieving future standards.
Fuel Economy Labeling Requirements
In FY 2023, 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, found inaccurate fuel economy labels on more
than a million vehicles from several manufacturers. While EPA temporarily suspended its coast-
down testing due to the COVTD-19 pandemic, the Agency will resume this testing when public health
guidance allows it.
Tier 3 Standards
In FY 2023, EPA will continue implementing the Tier 3 standards for light-duty vehicles and
certifying manufacturers' fleets for vehicle MY 2023 and MY 2024. 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 continue to maintain its
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critical laboratory equipment and testing resources to ensure that new cars and trucks comply with
the Tier 3 emissions standards.
Marine and Aircraft Emission Reduction Measures
EPA will continue working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on programs to control pollutant emissions from
marine and aircraft engines, respectively. EPA is supporting the State Department and Coast Guard
on technical issues related to establishing measures to achieve GHG targets established at IMO. In
FY 2022, EPA expects to transition from work on short-term to more ambitious medium-term
measures. This work will continue through FY 2023. At ICAO, EPA will actively participate in the
development of new C02 standards for decision in February 2025 as well as technical work that
could lead to future NOx/PM standards. Additionally, EPA is developing a domestic rule for aircraft
engine PM standards, expected to be finalized in November 2022.
In addition to the international efforts for aviation, EPA is continuing its work to address lead in
aviation gasoline. In coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and working with
airports, local air agencies, and communities, EPA is evaluating potential exposures to lead from the
use of leaded aviation gasoline in piston-engine aircraft as well as potential mitigation measures.
Emissions Modeling
The Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) is the Agency's emission modeling system that
estimates emissions for on-road and nonroad mobile sources at the national, county, and project
levels for criteria air pollutants, GHGs, and air toxics. In FY 2023, the official version of EPA's
model, MOVES3, will be used to estimate impacts of the Agency's emission control programs and
will be used by states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in their work to meet the
NAAQS, including the development of SIPs and transportation conformity analyses. The Agency
also will support users on any new model releases that incorporate the best available data and science
and account for the latest emission standards.
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory Facility Infrastructure
NVFEL provides all laboratory testing and support functions necessary for the Agency to certify
that all vehicles, engines, and fuels sold in the United States are in compliance with U.S. emission
standards, representing 4,700 certificates issued to vehicle and engine manufacturers on an annual
basis.
In FY 2023, the mechanical, electrical, control, and building management systems for the HVAC
(heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) at NVFEL will be at or beyond the end of useful life
with the completion of the current, 25-year, Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC).
ESPCs, private/public partnership contract vehicles coordinated through the Department of
Energy, use facilities' energy and operational savings to offset many of the contract costs.
Given these needs, EPA is pursuing an infrastructure upgrade project for the NVFEL facility, and
the Agency is evaluating a new ESPC. In FY 2023, $20 million in additional resources are
requested to support renewal of the ESPC. EPA anticipates signing the proposed ESPC in FY 2022
or FY 2023 with potential implementation costs in excess of $24 million. The energy savings to
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be realized when the ESPC is fully implemented is estimated to be 33,000 MBTU annually, with
water conservation of 1.3 million gallons annually.
Resources for the renewal of the ESPC are critical to support the ability of NVFEL to carry-out its
mission-critical work of certifying vehicle compliance. Ensuring industry's compliance is a
priority for EPA and an essential safeguard of fair market competition for manufacturers of
vehicles and engines introduced into commerce in the United States.
Renewable Fuel Standards
EPA activity in the fuel sector will be centered on the implementation of the RFS program.
Congress established renewable fuel volume targets through CY 2022, leaving it to the Agency to
establish the volumes for CY 2023 and beyond. EPA's schedule currently calls for the Agency to
issue a final "RFS Set Rule" establishing such volumes in early FY 2023.
In addition, EPA will continue the efforts associated with the ongoing implementation of the
program. These include: 1) updating and revising the regulations to improve program
implementation and effectiveness and enable new sources of renewable fuel volumes;
2) evaluating applications for new biofuels and/or their feedstocks; 3) registering new renewable
fuel facilities to enable them to generate renewable fuel credits known as Renewable Identification
Numbers (RINs); 4) building critical new capability in EPA's Moderated Transaction System
(EMTS) for tracking the generation, transfer, and use of RINs for compliance; 5) evaluating and
implementing, if appropriate, enhancements to improve program operations, oversight and
enforceability; 6) evaluating and implementing IT systems modifications and enhancements that
provide the greatest returns on investment through continuous improvement; 7) ensuring the
integrity of the RFS program through enforcement actions against those using the program for
fraudulent gain; and 8) supporting the Department of Justice in defending the Agency's
implementation of the RFS program in numerous challenges in court.
In addition to the RFS program, EPA will continue to implement gasoline and diesel fuel quality
standards and obligations under the Clean Air Act. This includes many of the same compliance
and enforcement oversight activities mentioned above for the RFS. In addition, in late 2020 EPA
finalized a fuel regulation streamlining rule that included updated registration, recordkeeping, and
reporting requirements. EPA will continue efforts in FY 2023 to implement these requirements
through continuous improvement of IT registration and reporting systems to deliver the full impact
and benefit of the investment made in the streamlined regulations. These include automation and
reduced registration, administration, and reporting burdens for both the regulated community and
EPA. Finally, in FY 2023 EPA will continue its ongoing research into new opportunities to
improve and/or protect fuel quality in ways that can reduce air pollution and improve public health
and welfare.
EPA will continue to operate and maintain the credit trading systems under the RFS. EISA
expanded the renewable fuels provisions of EPAct and requires additional studies in various areas
of renewable fuel use. 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
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evaluate such feedstocks and fuels to determine eligibility for the program. The Agency also will
look at ways to update the science and data analysis that supports EPA's evaluation methodology.
In FY 2023, 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 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 2023, EPA will continue to work with stakeholders to implement a new electronic reporting
portal for its Fuel and Fuel Additive (FFA) program. EPA implemented an electronic registration
system for the FFA program in FY 2020; companies once registered may then introduce FFA
products into commerce. Companies still submit related quarterly and annual FFA reports to the
Agency in formats that require EPA to manually transcribe the information into its fuels database.
EPA plans to incorporate FFA reports into the eReporting system in FY 2023 after implementing
eReporting for higher priority reporting needs in FY 2022.
Supporting Tribal State and Local Governments
In FY 2023, EPA will continue to provide tribal, state and local governments with assistance in air
quality planning, including SIPs and transportation conformity determinations, especially for
nonattainment areas working to attain the ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS. EPA will continue to work
with tribal, state, and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of the mobile source
emission estimates in their SIPs and any Tribal Implementation Plans (TIPs). In addition, EPA
will assist states in developing Clean Air Act-required programssuch as new inspection and
maintenance (I/M), fuels, and vehicle miles travelled (VMT) offset programsas well as
identifying place-based control options and provide guidance for ozone nonattainment areas for
the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS that are bumped up to a higher classification. In addition, in
partnership with the Department of Transportation, EPA will ensure national consistency in how
transportation conformity determinations are conducted across the U.S. and in the development of
motor vehicle emissions budgets in SIPs, EPA's adequacy findings on these budgets, and emission
reduction strategies to ensure new transportation investments to support state air quality goals.
EPA will continue to provide regulations, guidance, state-of-the-science models (such as
MOVES), and assistance to state and local agencies working on CAA-required PM2.5 and PM10
hot-spot analyses. This will help protect public health in local communities, including
communities of color and low-income communities with environmental justice concerns, near new
or expanded highway and freight terminal projects with significant increases in diesel truck traffic.
In addition, EPA will continue to provide regulations, guidance, and support to states with respect
to existing I/M programs that focus on in-use vehicles and engines. Basic and/or Enhanced I/M
testing is currently being conducted in almost 30 states with EPA technical and programmatic
guidance. EPA also will continue to provide regulatory actions and technical assistance to certain
states considering changes or removal of low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) fuel programs. Finally,
EPA will continue to develop methods for tribal, state and local agencies to quantify multi-pollutant
emission reductions from available and newly emerging emission reduction strategies.
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Prioritizing Environmental Justice
In FY 2023, EPA will continue to work with a broad range of stakeholders - including communities
with environmental justice concerns - to develop targeted, sector-based, and place-based incentives
for diesel fleets (including school buses, ports, and other goods movement facilities) to limit
emissions from older diesel engines not subject to stringent emissions standards. 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.4 The near-port communities that bear the brunt of air pollution from these diesel
engines are often comprised of low-income populations and people of color. EPA will focus its
efforts on reducing mobile source emissions in and around ports through EPA's Ports Initiative.5
EPA will assist tribal, state, and local governments to reduce emissions in or near communities
with EJ challenges to meet CAA SIP and transportation conformity requirements. 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. As discussed
above, EPA also will be establishing new emission standards for highway heavy-duty commercial
vehicles, which is a high priority for many communities with environmental justice concerns.
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 applicable emission requirements and may be entered into
commerce.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
4,700
4,700
(PM RUL) Number of final rules issued that will reduce GHG emissions
from light duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles; electric utility
generating units; and the oil and gas industry.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$5,104.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$206.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
(+$20,000.0) This program change is an increase to support the renewal of the Ann Arbor
Facility Energy Saving Performance Contract (ESPC), which supports the ability of
NVFEL to carry out its mission-critical work of certifying vehicle compliance.
(+$30,116.0 / +42.0 FTE) This program change is an increase that supports program
activities to address the climate crisis. This includes the development of analytical
4 For more information, please see the DERA Fourth Report to Congress, July 2019, which may be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/cleandieseyclean-diesel-repoits-congress.
5 For more information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative.
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methods, regulations, and analyses to support climate protection by controlling greenhouse
gas emissions from light duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. This investment
includes $8,065 million in payroll.
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.
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Enforcement
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Forensics Support
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Enforce Environmental Laws and Ensure Compliance
Objective(s): Detect Violations and Promote Compliance
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
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Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,250
$1,145
$1,263
$118
Total Budget Authority
$13,010
$15,145
$16,795
$1,650
Total Workyears
59.9
68.9
70.3
1.4
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 analysis 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.6 The NEIC maintains a
sophisticated chemistry and physical science laboratory and a corps of highly trained inspectors
and scientists with expertise across environmental media. The NEIC works closely with EPA's
Criminal Enforcement Program to provide technical support (e.g., sampling, analysis,
consultation, and testimony) to criminal investigations. The NEIC also works closely with other
EPA programs to provide technical support, consultation, on-site inspection, investigation, and
case resolution services in support of the Agency's Civil Enforcement Program.
The Forensics Support Program will continue to provide expert scientific and technical support for
EPA's criminal and civil enforcement efforts, focus its work on collecting and analyzing materials
to characterize contamination, and attribute it to individual sources and/or facilities. The work
NEIC performs typically represents the most complex cases nationwide, requiring a level of
expertise and equipment not found elsewhere in EPA, as well as support to evaluate and leverage
emerging technologies.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Detect Violations and Promote
Compliance in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
6 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.
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In FY 2023, the Agency requests an additional $1.5 million and 1.3 FTE to ensure EPA has the
capacity and technical expertise to investigate, analyze, sample, test, and transport
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific and
technical support for EPA's criminal and civil enforcement efforts. EPA will continue to provide
analytical and scientific support for environmental forensics to ensure compliance with
environmental laws, especially in overburdened, underserved, or vulnerable communities.
Additionally, EPA will support critical climate change initiatives, including forensics support of
climate change enforcement efforts both in civil and criminal enforcement. This is vital to EPA's
ability to enforce the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) phase down regulations which are imperative to
reducing climate impacts. NEIC will be making significant investments to assist with HFC-related
enforcement capabilities, including inspector training, acquisition of field sampling equipment,
and expansion of laboratory analytical capabilities to the meet the urgent demand for highly
complex HFC analysis.
Effective enforcement relies on the best available science. In FY 2023, NEIC will strengthen our
clean air and water protections, aligned with the Administration's goals to hold polluters
accountable for their actions and deliver environmental justice (EJ) in communities across
America. To achieve these goals, the Agency will employ NEIC's environmental forensics
expertise to investigate violations of environmental statutes and prosecute environmental crimes
in communities that are disproportionally affected by pollution and environmental crime, and to
target those areas more effectively. NEIC supports EJ by targeting critical industry inspections in
overburdened, underserved, or vulnerable communities, and utilizes the data we collect to work
with the EPA regional office to take enforcement action that could ultimately improve air and
water quality in such communities.
In FY 2023, NEIC will continue to streamline its forensics work and identify enhancements to the
Agency's sampling and analytical methods, using existing and emerging technology. The NEIC
also will build on its previous progress to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of its
operations, ensure timely completion of civil inspection reports, improve procurement processes,
and continue to identify and implement further efficiencies in laboratory operations. Of paramount
importance, NEIC will build on the work completed in FY 2021 and FY 2022 to support criminal
and civil program efforts to combat climate change. The results of these efforts will inform EPA's
work in FY 2023 and beyond.
The NEIC will seek to grow its support of EPA enforcement and compliance assurance programs.
During FY 2019 and FY 2020, the NEIC accepted over 220 requests from all 10 EPA regions for
technical enforcement support. In addition, the NEIC provided testimony and expert reports in
support of over 28 cases covering a variety of highly technical areas.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
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FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$484.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$1,048.0 / +1.3 FTE) This program increase will ensure EPA has the capacity and
technical expertise to investigate, analyze, sample, test, and transport HFCs. The increase
in FTE will allow EPA analysts to research, assess, and coordinate with federal partners,
private industry, and task force members. This investment includes $229.0 thousand for
payroll.
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; American
Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
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Homeland Security
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Safeguard and Revitalize Communities
Objective(s): Prepare for and Respond to Environmental Emergencies
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$733
$909
$1,014
$105
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Total Budget Authority
$10,386
$11,289
$15,540
$4,251
Total Workyears
23.7
26.6
32.6
6.0
Program Project Description:
Under the federal homeland security system, EPA is the Sector Risk Management 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
agenciesmost notably the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States 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 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 6/Objective 6.3, Prepare for and Respond to
Environmental Emergencies in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan. The program also will
support the Agency's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation priorities including
preparing for and responding to cybersecurity challenges so that water systems are more resilient.
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 2023, EPA will
continue to provide exercises and technical support to about 1,500 water utilities, state officials,
and federal emergency responders to become more resilient to any natural or manmade incident
that could endanger drinking water and wastewater services, with an emphasis on the threats posed
by climate change and cybersecurity. EPA will provide tools, exercises, and technical assistance
which will address the highest risks confronting the water sector. In providing this assistance, EPA
will seek to engage overburdened and underserved communities, some of which may lack the
technical capacity and resources to undertake preparedness and response actions in the absence of
such external support.
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Natural Disasters. Climate Change, and General Preparedness
Drought, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters represent a high risk to the water sector
owing to their frequency of occurrence, their enormous potential for destruction, and the
exacerbating effects of climate change. As evident from several recent natural disasters, the level
of preparedness within the water sector varies significantlywith many utilities lacking adequate
preparedness capabilities. In FY 2023, EPA will improve the preparedness of the water sector by
providing nationwide exercises and technical support to address natural disasters and general
preparedness with the objective to train water and wastewater systems, state officials, and
emergency response partners.
Climate change and associated extreme weather events directly threaten water systems' ability to
fulfill their public health and environmental missions as evident from the devastation borne by
events like Superstorm Sandy. The EPA Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative
advances the long-term sustainability of the water sector by enabling utility owners and operators
to integrate climate change considerations into their routine planning practices. CRWU provides
innovative, but readily accessible, electronic tools that enable water systems to adapt to climate
change and enhance their resiliency.
Specifically, EPA will:
Provide in-person or virtual exercises, workshops, and technical assistance to the water
sector, including Incident Command System / National Incident Management System
exercises; drought response; flood response; state functional exercises (e.g., scenarios of
hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes); resource typing and site access workshops; and
regional interstate emergency response exercises (e.g., hurricane).
Integrate new climate proj ection data into the flagship climate risk assessment tool, Climate
Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT), which incorporates the latest
projection data for precipitation, temperature, sea-level rise, storm surge components, and
hydrologic changes. EPA will continue to provide extensive nationwide training sessions
for drinking water and wastewater systems as well as a series of train-the-trainer forums
for technical assistance providers to reach smaller utilities, with a significant focus on
overburdened and underserved communities. EPA also will provide direct technical
assistance to large, medium, and small drinking water and wastewater utilities across the
country in the application of CREAT and other CRWU tools.
Support the water sector in preparing for and responding to supply chain disruptions that
have the potential to impact the availability of water treatment chemicals and other critical
materials needed for drinking water and wastewater system operation by: 1) reviewing and
processing applications submitted under the authorities of SDWA 1441 and the Defense
Production Act; 2) providing direct technical assistance to water systems, state primacy
agencies, and other water sector stakeholders experiencing supply challenges that could
not be solved through local efforts; 3) assessing the supply chain for critical water treatment
chemicals in order to assess the risk of disruptions that could impact the water sector; and
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4) developing a platform for tracking and sharing information about emerging and ongoing
supply chain issues with the potential to impact water system operations.
Conduct tabletop and functional exercises to improve the operation of intra-state and inter-
state mutual aid agreements among water utilities.
Implement lessons learned from the most recent hurricane seasons, as identified by reports
from the Department of Homeland Security's 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,7 with an emphasis
on the following four priorities: 1) establishing the critical lifeline status of the drinking
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
drinking water and wastewater sector for area-wide loss of water and power; and 4)
advancing recognition of vulnerabilities and needed responses related to cybersecurity risk
management.
Conduct nationwide exercises with three critical, inter-dependent sectors: healthcare,
emergency services, and energy. Most incidents, particularly natural disasters, have
underscored the mutual reliance on the water sector with other lifeline sectors. Through
exercises and technical support 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 and 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,8 to describe existing water security efforts and progress in achieving the sector's key
metrics.
Water Security Initiative (WSI) and Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA)
Water Security Initiative. WSI addresses the risk of contamination of drinking water distribution
systems. It has designed and developed 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 2023 request
includes $4.8 million for necessary WSI Surveillance and Response System (SRS) activities to: 1)
continue refining technical assistance products based on the five full-scale SRS pilots; 2)
7For more information, please see:
https://www.waterisac.org/sites/default/fLles/public/2017_CIPAC Water Sector jloadniap FINAL J3S1.217.pdf
8 For more information, please see: https://www.cisa.gov/national-iiifrastiucture-protection-plan.
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implement a monitoring and response program for water utilities focused on source water chemical
spills; and 3) provide direct technical assistance, as requested by water utilities, that seeks to
leverage EPA's expertise in deploying their own warning system.
In FY 2023, EPA will:
Continue efforts to promote the water sector's adoption of Water Quality Surveillance and
Response Systems (WQ-SRS). EPA will facilitate user forums and promote the use of
available tools and material to design and implement a WQ-SRS. These capabilities will
help water systems rapidly detect and respond to water quality problems, such as
contamination in the distribution system, to reduce public health and economic
consequences.
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 (AWIA). EPA will continue to collaborate
with water sector stakeholders, water utilities, and state environmental agencies, to identify
specific information (e.g., what chemicals are stored upstream from a surface water intake),
including Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier 2 data,
that is valuable to creating a comprehensive source water contamination threat inventory.
EPA will develop guidance and a comprehensive listing of state and federal information
resources that can be used to identify potential sources of contamination. This effort will
help 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 understanding
the risk of releases to their sources of drinking water, as required under AWIA Section
2013, and take steps to mitigate those risks.
Provide technical support to EPA regions, state primacy agencies, and water systems
during response to contamination incidents. EPA's Water Program has been providing
technical assistance on contamination response for several years (e.g., following wildfires,
following the jet fuel contamination incident in Honolulu, Hawaii) and anticipates that
requests for this type of support will continue.
Support water sector assessments of contamination detection and response capabilities
through direct assessments of online water quality monitoring capabilities. EPA also will
promote the SRS Capabilities Assessment Tool, an easy to use, web-based, decision
support tool that presents the user with a series of questions 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 program10 within the water sector. The
purpose of the SRS Program is to: demonstrate the application of SRS tools in designing
and operating an early warning system for contamination events; illustrate additional
9 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/drinkiiig-water-mappiiig-applicatioii-protect-
source-waters-dwmaps.
10 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterqualitysurveillance.
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applications of SRS tools, such as extending the SRS approach to source water monitoring;
and identify champions, within the water sector, for implementing surveillance and
response systems.
Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA). In a contamination event, the sheer volume or unconventional
type of samples requiring analysis could quickly overwhelm the capacity or capability of a single
laboratory. To address this potential deficiency, EPA has established the national WLA comprised
of laboratories from the local (e.g., water utility) to the federal level (e.g., the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's Laboratory Response Network). In FY 2023, EPA will continue to
promote, through exercises, expert workshops, and association partnerships, the WLA Plan.11 The
plan provides a protocol for coordinated laboratory response to a surge of analytical needs.
Approximately 30 exercises or workshops will be completed in FY 2022. In FY 2023, under WLA,
EPA plans to train approximately 50 laboratories to improve their ability to handle potential
problems associated with surge capacity and analytical method capabilities during an emergency.
In FY 2023, EPA will:
Continue to 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.12 For the WLA to
become a robust network that can cover major population centers and address a diverse
array of high priority contaminants, membership must continue to increase.
Develop protocols for flushing contaminated premise plumbing systems that are based on
the best available science and validated through both pilot-scale demonstration and
computer simulation. Response to previous water contamination incidents has
demonstrated inconsistent approaches to flushing premise plumbing systems, some of
which could spread contamination further into the system. Science-based protocols that are
adaptable to the specific conditions of an incident are important for responding to a range
of distribution system contamination incidents, including release of volatile organic
chemicals following exposure of pipe to high temperatures (e.g., as experienced during
wildfires).
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).
11 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterlabnetwork.
12 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert/contact-iiifoniiation-certifLcation-programs-and-certified-
laboratories-drinking-water.
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Cvbersecuritv
Cybersecurity represents a substantial concern for the water sector, given the ubiquitous access to
critical water treatment systems from the internet. Recent attacks by outside actors and their clear
potential to disrupt essential lifeline services, such as drinking water supplies, are prompting a
growing recognition that the federal government should adopt a more aggressive posture towards
cybersecurity. EPA will continue working with each state, territory, and tribe to develop and train
a cadre of technical assistance providers who can work directly with individual water systems to
assess and enhance their cybersecurity practices. This multi-year effort requires EPA to work with
the Nation's 52,000 community water systems, many of which have limited or no technical
capacity to address cybersecurity issues. EPA also will seek to integrate cybersecurity training into
their sanitary survey assessments.
In addition to expanding direct technical assistance, and in discussions with the National Security
Council, EPA is exploring regulatory and statutory options in the near-term for improving the
water sector's cybersecurity posture.
In FY 2023, EPA will continue to fulfill its obligations under Executive Order 13636: Improving
Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity,13 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
exercises and providing technical support on cybersecurity threats and countermeasures for about
200 water and wastewater utilities.
In FY 2023, EPA will evaluate its existing Cybersecurity Action Plan, as informed by recent
discussions under the auspices of the National Security Council. The Agency also will review other
strategic planning documents pertaining to the water sector to identify and clarify any opportunities
to enhance the Agency's mission to improve the cybersecurity posture of the sector. Additionally,
EPA's Office of Water and Office of Homeland Security will continue to develop an integrated
strategy to work together more effectively to coordinate drinking water and wastewater sector-
wide cybersecurity threat information and intelligence sharing efforts.
EPA will:
Pursuant to regulatory and statutory requirements, EPA intends to issue guidance
documents and conduct a national training program for states on evaluating cybersecurity
practices at public water systems. In addition, EPA expects to provide corresponding
guidance materials and training to help public water systems understand and strengthen the
cybersecurity practices that may be assessed during a state survey and/or as a result of
future statutory requirements. EPA plans to offer targeted training on the guidance
documents to all public water systems and all states.
13 For more information, please see: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/executive-order-13636-improviiig-critical-iiifrastructure-
cybersecurity.
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Continue to expand the Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Provider Initiative, an effort
which recognizes that many water systems, particularly rural and small systems and
systems in underserved and overburdened communities, will not adopt cybersecurity
practices without direct assistance. This effort trains a cadre of state and regional water
sector technical assistance providers to assess cybersecurity practices at water and
wastewater systems and guide systems through developing a cybersecurity action plan to
reduce risks and enhance resilience.
As required by Section 50113 of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of
2021, EPA, beginning in FY 2022, will develop an annual Cybersecurity Prioritization
Framework to identify water systems whose disruption would lead to significant public
health impacts. Based upon the Prioritization Framework, EPA will need to develop and
implement a cybersecurity technical support plan for these systems.
In FY 2022, EPA launched the Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Initiative - Water
and Wastewater Sector Action Plan to promote and support the water sector's adoption of
strategies for the early detection of cyber-threats and allow for the rapid sharing of cyber-
threat data across the government to expedite analyses and action. This initiative will
continue into FY 2023.
Conduct classroom exercises, at locations across the country, on water sector
cybersecurity. The exercises will address cybersecurity threats (including ransomware),
vulnerabilities, consequences, best practices, and incident response planning.
Update and/or develop new course materials to respond to the evolving nature of
cybersecurity threats. One example of such updates are the FY 2022 alerts and training
concerning the potential for Russian-state actors to infiltrate water system industrial control
processes and business enterprise functions.
AWIA
In FY 2023, EPA will continue its efforts to fulfill the mandates of the Community Water System
Risk and Resilience section of AWIA. It requires community water systems, serving more than
3,300 people, to prepare risk assessments and emergency response plans. EPA will provide
technical assistance to these systems on how to conduct risk and resilience assessments (RRAs),
prepare Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), and certify completion of these assessments and
plans. In FY 2022, EPA completed four trainings on preparation of RRAs and ERPs. Additionally,
100 percent of large systems, 100 percent of medium systems, and 89 percent of small systems
have certified the completion of their RRAs, while over 99 percent of large systems, over 99
percent of medium systems, and over 82 percent of small systems have certified the completion of
their ERPs. EPA also will provide technical assistance to water systems to address drinking water
vulnerabilities where EPA determines an urgent and immediate need exists.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-07) Number of drinking water and wastewater systems, tribal and
state officials, and water sector partners provided with security, emergency
preparedness, and climate resilience training and technical assistance.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
2,000
2,000
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$238.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$3,908.0 / +6.0 FTE) This program change is an increase of resources and FTE to
enhance cyber incident preparation, response, recovery, information sharing, and
intelligence for water utilities to protect infrastructure. This includes $1,072 million in
payroll.
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: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Safeguard and Revitalize Communities
Objective(s): Prepare for and Respond to Environmental Emergencies
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv ^ icclnwhixy
S21.S"
S2-I.Si2
S25.SW
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$31,897
$33,020
$43,796
$10,776
Total Budget Authority
$53,774
$57,872
$69,686
$11,814
Total Workyears
127.2
124.1
125.8
1.7
Program Project Description:
Exposure to hazardous chemical agents, 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.
EPA's disaster-related research responsibilities under the Homeland Security Research Program
(HSRP) are: 1) contaminant characterization and consequence assessment; 2) environmental
cleanup and infrastructure remediation; and 3) systems approaches to preparedness and response.
The research conducted supports EPA to carry out its primary mission essential function to help
communities prepare for, endure, and recover from disasters - safeguarding their economic,
environmental, and social well-being. Researchers within the HSRP collaborate with state, local,
tribes, private sector organizations, and key federal agencies14 to prioritize research needs and
prevent the duplication of scientific and technical work. The HSRP delivers effective tools,
methods, information, and guidance to local, tribal, state, and federal decision-makers that address
both critical terrorism-related issues and natural or manmade disasters.
EPA also is responsible for operating and maintaining the network of near real-time radiation
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 the
accident at the Fukushima nuclear facility and is an EPA Critical Infrastructure/Key Resource asset.
This monitoring network is supported by the IT system known as ARaDS, the Analytical Radiation
Data System.
14 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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Recent Accomplishments Include:15
Supporting COVID-19 Response. EPA researchers worked with program and regional office
partners and with other federal, state, and local stakeholders (including CDC, DHS, the New York
City Metro Transit Authority, the Los Angeles Metro, and many others) to provide timely and
reliable information to address Agency and stakeholder research needs related to COVID-19. The
research and technical support provided was used by EPA and other stakeholders to make informed
decisions, develop federal guidance, and support strategies and investments. The research focused
on determining the effectiveness of:
Available products and methods for cleaning and disinfecting real-world surfaces
UV-C systems and ozone generation devices for surface disinfection
Technologies to reduce airborne transmission
New analytical approaches for environmental samples that reduce time for analyses results
Ways to routinely disinfect common personal protective equipment such as masks, face
shields, and clothing
EPA regularly updated and communicated research findings to a wide audience via webinars (with
attendance in the thousands) with interim results posted on the EPA COVID-19 research website.16
The Agency also held regular meetings with federal, tribal, state, and local governments.
Improving Preparedness for Bio-incident Response. EPA researchers significantly advanced
capabilities to respond to a biological incident. Environmental sampling is critical for effective
response to bio-incidents, specifically to address persistent biological agents like Bacillus
anthracis spores or other pathogens that can survive or propagate in the environment (e.g., in
biofilm or other host vectors). Various sampling methods were developed and evaluated to
characterize potentially contaminated indoor sites and support cleaning.17'18'19 EPA researchers
developed methods to effectively sample complex, outdoor environmental surfaces for the
presence of biological threats (specifically, B. anthracis spores) and developed tools to generate
incident specific characterization strategies (Trade-Off Tool for Sampling, TOTS).20 These
methods, tools, and information will help responders determine which sampling methods to
consider for their specific situation and develop the most effective sampling strategies to protect
human health.
Improving Wastewater Infrastructure Preparedness. Wide area outdoor contamination incidents,
whether they be chemical, biological, or radiological, can be intensified by rain events. Rainfall
can wash contamination over outdoor areas, or into stormwater, or combined wastewater systems,
which increases the contaminated area. Management of contaminated water is often an after-
thought when first responding to a natural or human caused disaster. To help stormwater managers
fulfill their emergency response responsibilities within the United States' National Incident
15 For a more complete view of accomplishments, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/national-research-programs.
16 For more information, please see: https
17 For more information, please see: https
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Management System,21 EPA researchers developed a method to help them make decisions about
the allocation of containment and treatment resources within an impacted area.
Additionally, it is unknown how radionuclides, which are radioactive forms of elements, interact
with stormwater or combined sewage collection system infrastructure, but long-term persistence
and release could have significant impacts on wastewater operations. Data generated during a
study by EPA researchers on the persistence and fate and transport of radionuclides will help
wastewater utilities make decisions about treating, storing, or diverting contamination after a
radionuclide contamination incident that affects their systems.22
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 6/Objective 6.3, Prepare for and Respond to
Environmental Emergencies in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic 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.
Contaminant Characterization and Risk Assessment. Contaminant characterization provides
essential information that helps determine the extent and nature of an environmental contamination
and plan effective response actions. Information on contaminant characterization, coupled with an
understanding of exposure potential, can be used to inform the potential consequences of a
contamination on public health. Furthermore, understanding the fate and transport of contaminants
in the environment will ensure proper contaminant characterization. Following chemical, biological,
and radiological incidents, EPA may support or lead site characterization, remediation, and
management of waste in the contaminated environment. Additional characterization of the site may
be required during cleanup operations to assess progress and determine waste streams and to inform
site re-occupancy and reuse decisions (sometimes referred to as clearance decisions).
In FY 2023, HSRP will:
Conduct research to understand the transport of communicable disease agents, including
consideration of impacts as a function of social, economic, and environmental
vulnerabilities.
Develop rapid and widely available sample collection methods for indoor and outdoor
environmental matrices for target biological and chemical agents.
Develop sampling strategy and data management tools for wide-area chemical and
biological incidents for urban wide-area environments. These tools will incorporate data
1 For more information, please see:
d=350959&Lab=CESER&subject=Homeland%20Security%20Re
search&view=desc&sortbv=PubDateYear&showcriteria=li
tcount=25&searcliall=%271ioiiielaiid%20securit₯%27%20AND%20
%27water%20securitv%27%20NOT%20(presentation%20(
)R%20pt)ster)&ciatebeeinpublishedpresentecl=01/01/2003,
22 For more information, please see:
searcfa&view=ciesc&soitby=i3ubDateYear&sfaowcriteria=M
tcount=25&searcliall=%271ioiiielaiid%20securitv%27%20AND%20
%27water%20securitv%27%20NOT%20(presentation%20(
)R%20poster")&datebeainpublishedpreseiited=01/01/2003,
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layers enabling assessment of environmental justice factors to inform response decision
making.
Environmental Cleanup and Infrastructure Remediation. Remediating chemical, biological, and
radiological contamination released over wide areas including indoor and outdoor areas, critical
infrastructures, or impacted water systems, is a responsibility for which EPA needs to accumulate
operational experience. Such a release can pose a continual challenge with long-standing
consequences. Chemical, biological, and radiological environmental contamination that can
impact human health and welfare can result from intentional acts or from the increasing severity
and occurrence of natural disasters due to climate change. HSRP research aims to fill the most
critical scientific gaps in the capabilities of EPA's response community so that the Agency can
make the most informed mitigation and remediation decisions. As the lead federal 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.23
In FY 2023, HSRP will:
Develop decontamination methods for biological agents that can effectively minimize the
risk of transmission from environmental matrices, including research useful to support
reducing environmental transmission in pandemic or other naturally occurring outbreaks;
Develop decontamination methods for chemical agent contaminated areas, including
methods for non-traditional agents and opioids;
Conduct cybersecurity research to assess the impact a cyberattack will have on the drinking
water infrastructure;
Evaluate water system security and assess resilience for wastewater, stormwater, and home
plumbing;
Assess the impact of high consequence pathogens on wastewater treatment plant
operations; and
Develop integrated waste management tools for all hazards with enhancements to estimate
waste volumes and social implications of disaster waste and materials management. These
tools will incorporate environmental justice data to inform decision making. These tools
are developed to be applicable to debris from intentional incidents as well as natural
disasters.
Community Engagement and Systems-Based Tools Supporting Resilience Equity. Transitioning
research into reliable and field usable capabilities involves ensuring that decision makers and
responders have knowledge of and access to the latest information. Effective technical support and
decision-support tools will be developed to ensure that information is readily and easily accessible
to decision makers and stakeholders throughout response and recovery efforts. In FY 2023, HSRP
will:
23 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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Develop decision-support tools and resources to improve environmental justice,
community resilience, risk communication, risk perception, and human behavior during
disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and
Develop a data management tool to enhance data usability and availability for wide area
response and recovery from natural and man-made disasters.
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
provides the Agency, first responders, and the public with greater access to data. Should there be
a radiological emergency, RadNet improves officials' ability to make decisions about protecting
public health and the environment during and after the incident. Additionally, RadNet data is used
by scientists to better characterize the effect of a radiological incident.
In FY 2023, the Agency will continue to operate the RadNet air monitoring network, continue to
add exposure rate meter capability to the network, and provide essential maintenance to the
network. To best maximize resources, exposure rate meter capability will be added to monitors
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.
Research Planning. EPA research is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research
programs. Each of the six 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
planned with their active involvement. Each research program is in the process of developing the
fourth generation of the StRAPs, which will continue the practice of conducting innovative
scientific research aimed at solving the problems encountered by the Agency and its stakeholders.
EPA's Research and Development Program, ORD, ensures the integrity and value of its research
through a variety of mechanisms that include:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o ORD meets regularly with this committee, which provides advice and
recommendations to ORD on technical and management issues of its research
programs.
State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement24 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.
Tribal Partnerships
24 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/research/epa-researcli-solutioiis-states.
110
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o Key Tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program which
provides a forum for the interaction between Tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Chemical Safety and
Sustainability Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$964.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(-$228.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
fixed costs.
(+$306.0 / + 1.7 FTE) This program change is an increase in resources and FTE to support
research efforts to identify and address emerging threats to the water sector. This includes
$300.0 thousand in payroll.
(-$4.0) This program change is a decrease in resources for radiological emergency
preparedness.
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 and 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.
Ill
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Safeguard and Revitalize Communities
Objective(s): Prepare for and Respond to Environmental Emergencies
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$4,915
$4,959
$5,139
$180
Science it- t echnology
S500
.S 501
.S 501
SO
Building and Facilities
$7,006
$6,676
$6,676
$0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$845
$1,030
$1,530
$500
Total Budget Authority
$13,266
$13,166
$13,846
$680
Total Workyears
9.2
9.2
9.2
0.0
Total workyears in FY 2023 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 EPA's vital laboratory infrastructure and testing
assets. Specifically, funds within this appropriation support security needs for the National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL).
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 6/Objective 6.3, Prepare for and Respond to
Environmental Emergencies in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, the Agency will continue to provide enhanced physical security for the NVFEL, its
employees, visitors, and test articles, which include prototype vehicles and engines. This funding
supports the cost of security enhancements required as part of an Agency security assessment
review.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
There is no change in program funding.
112
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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).
113
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Indoor Air and Radiation
114
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Indoor Air: Radon Program
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Reduce Exposure to Radiation and Improve Indoor Air
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
S2.224
S3.136
$5,004
$1,868
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
SH2
SI 5'
.S/."
SO
Total Budget Authority
$2,336
$3,293
$5,161
$1,868
Total Workyears
8.8
9.0
12.4
3.4
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to take a variety of actions
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, provides technical
assistance to States, industry and the public, advises the public on steps they can take to reduce
exposure and promotes the availability of reliable radon services and service providers to the
public.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States - and the leading cause of
lung cancer mortality among non-smokers - accounting for about 21,000 deaths per year.25 The
EPA's non-regulatory Indoor Air: Radon Program promotes actions to reduce the public's health
risk from indoor radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that people conduct a simple
home radon test and, if levels above the EPA's guidelines are confirmed, reduce elevated levels
by home mitigation using inexpensive and proven techniques. EPA also recommends that new
homes be built using radon-resistant features in areas where there is elevated radon. Nationally,
risks from radon have been reduced in many homes over the years, but many are still in need of
mitigation. This voluntary program promotes partnerships between national organizations, the
private sector, and more than 50 state, local, and tribal governmental programs to reduce radon
risk.
This program, combined with the Indoor Air: Radon EPM Program, supports the EPA Radon
Reference and Intercomparison Program (ERRIP) of the National Air and Radiation
Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama. The ERRIP is the only federal
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable primary radon reference and
calibration program accessible to the U.S. radon industry and is a critical element of the framework
for promoting the availability of reliable, quality radon services for the public.
25 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/radon.
115
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FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.2, Reduce Exposure to Radiation and
Improve Indoor Air in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
EPA will provide radon reference intercomparison samples to secondary radon chambers (known
as ERRIP participants) operating in the United States to analyze. EPA then submits the radon
reference data to the Radon Accrediting Board(s) to evaluate and assess the performance of the
ERRIP participant. EPA will update and modernize program equipment and perform required
QA/QC on program analytical process and procedures.
Performance Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
There is no change in program funding.
Statutory Authority:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
116
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Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Reduce Exposure to Radiation and Improve Indoor Air
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$8,283
$7,661
$10,588
$2,927
Science it- icclnwhixy
SI.(,45
sy."i5
S 2.22-1
S4HV
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,973
$1,985
$2,872
$887
Total Budget Authority
$11,901
$11,381
$15,684
$4,303
Total Workyears
60.0
53.8
66.7
12.9
Program Project Description:
EPA supports waste site characterization and cleanup by providing field and fixed laboratory
environmental radiological and radioanalytical data and technical support, providing
radioanalytical training to state and federal partners, and developing new and improved
radioanalytical methods and field measurement technologies. In the event of a radiological
accident or incident, 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. Support to these sites, including those disproportionately
impacted by environmental justice issues, is based on requests from EPA and the Regions.
Together, these organizations provide technical support for conducting site-specific radiological
characterizations and cleanups.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.2, Reduce Exposure to Radiation and
Improve Indoor Air in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, EPA, in cooperation with states, tribes, and other federal agencies, will provide
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 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
117
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FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$85.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide
essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(-$180.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
(+$584.0 / +2.2 FTE) This program change is an increase that supports addressing critical
gaps in EPA's radiological protection capacity including the ability to provide ongoing site
characterization and analytical support for site assessment activities, remediation
technologies, and measurement and information systems. This investment includes $384.0
thousand in payroll.
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.
118
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Radiation: Response Preparedness
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Reduce Exposure to Radiation and Improve Indoor Air
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$2,703
S2.404
$3,004
$600
Science it- icclnwhixy
S
S-/JH3
S1.2S'
Total Budget Authority
$5,766
$5,500
$7,387
$1,887
Total Workyears
32.1
33.3
41.4
8.1
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 RERT is part of the Nuclear Incident
Response Team under the Department of Homeland Security.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.2, Reduce Exposure to Radiation and
Improve Indoor Air in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, EPA's RERT will provide critical support for federal radiological emergency response
and recovery operations under the National Response Framework and the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. When necessary, EPA's RERT will
complement routine operations (e.g., on-site technical support/consultation, fixed laboratory, and
mobile laboratory analyses) and provide for the rapid collection of field measurements/samples and
accurate radionuclide analyses of environmental samples.26
In FY 2023, NAREL and NCRFO will build capacity in core levels of readiness for radiological
emergency responses; participate in 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, field measurement
26 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiological-emergency-response.
119
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capabilities, analyses, and updated analytical techniques for radiation emergency response
programs across the Agency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$170.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$110.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
(+$1,007.0 / +5.0 FTE) This program change is an increase to support activities for
preparedness work, including basic laboratory analytic functions and field operations. This
investment includes $769.0 thousand in payroll.
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).
120
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
Objective(s): Reduce Exposure to Radiation and Improve Indoor Air
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
SI 0.968
SI 1.750
S23.542
SI 1.792
Science it- icclnwhixy
S 2V0
.s 101
sr.i
SI 2
Total Budget Authority
$11,264
$11,911
$23,715
$11,804
Total Workyears
40.8
37.2
68.1
30.9
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. Poor indoor air quality
represents one of the largest risks in EPA's portfolio.27 EPA uses a range of strategies to reduce
health risks from poor indoor air quality in homes, schools, and other buildings through
partnerships with non-governmental, professional, federal, state and local organizations. Through
these partnerships EPA provides information, guidance and technical assistance to equip industry,
the health care community, the residential, school and commercial building sectors, and the general
public to take action. As technical experts working at the intersection of the built environment and
health, EPA is focused on policy and guidance to improve building conditions, including for
disproportionately impacted communities, to reduce indoor air risk and achieve improvements in
environmental and health outcomes.
Tribes have identified indoor air quality as a high priority and often bear disproportionately high
impacts from poor indoor air quality. For example, Native Americans and Alaska Natives
disproportionately suffer from asthma, in part due to poor housing conditions and the associated
increase in exposure to indoor air pollutants.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 4/Objective 4.2, Reduce Exposure to Radiation and
Improve Indoor Air in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
Under this program, EPA will maintain indoor air monitoring and assessment equipment, conduct
field measurements and assessments, and provide technical support and guidance for indoor air
quality remediations, with a primary focus on assistance to tribal communities. In addition, EPA
27 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/iaq.
121
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will conduct training and capacity building for tribal air quality professionals on indoor air
assessments and field measurement technology and practices, including radon.
Performance Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$11.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide
essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$1.0) This program change is an increase in support to restore capacity in the program
including field measurements and assessments, technical support, capacity building, and
training for tribal communities.
Statutory Authority:
Title IV SARA; Title III Toxic Substances Control Act; Clean Air Act.
122
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IT / Data Management / Security
123
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$74,013
$82,715
$98,452
$15,737
Sciciuv it- Technology
S ~,S2
S3.tr 2
S3. IV*
Si 23
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$20,984
$13,826
$16,904
$3,078
Total Budget Authority
$97,779
$99,613
$118,551
$18,938
Total Workyears
467.8
482.4
486.4
4.0
Total workyears in FY 2023 include 172.0 FTE to 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,28 EPA National Library Network, and One EPA Web.
The Quality Program provides quality policy, procedures, standards, and guidance for
environmental information collection, production, evaluation, or use activities. These activities are
performed by or for the Agency to ensure sound decisions are based on quality to support their
intended use as we strive to protect human health and the environment. The Quality Program
provides Quality Assurance (QA) directives, training, oversight, and technical support to assist
EPA organizations in implementing their Quality Program for environmental information
operations. It also oversees the implementation of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines (IQGs).
EPA's National Library Network provides information resources and services to EPA staff and the
public in support of EPA's mission. One EPA Web provides accessible, relevant, timely, accurate,
and complete environmental information to the public through EPA's internet pages, primarily
https ://www. epa. gov/.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
28 For more information about EPA's Quality Program, please see: http://www.epa.gov/quality.
124
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EPA's Quality Program provides support to all EPA organizations that have environmental
information operations described in an approved Quality Management Plan (QMP) in
implementing EPA's Quality Program. In FY 2023, the Quality Program will:
Assess organizations that have an approved QMP and identify findings requiring corrective
action, areas needing improvement, and leveraging best practices.
Focus on promoting sound science and ensure scientific integrity by promoting better planning
to produce improved environmental information. Evaluate environmental information through
use of the QA Annual Report and Work Plan and annual certification by Assistant and Regional
Administrators.
Manage and provide oversight for the IQGs to ensure that information disseminated by or
for EPA conforms with the Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality,
Objectivity, Utility and Integrity of Information Disseminated by the Environmental
Protection Agency29 criteria. The Quality Program will facilitate the development of the
Agency's responses to public requests for correction and reconsideration of information
disseminated by EPA and report this information to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). The Quality Program also will continue to focus on implementing
recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Audit Report, EPA Needs to
Address Internal Control Deficiencies in the Agencywide Quality System.30 The Program
will give priority to implementation of revised Quality Directives for QMPs and Quality
Assurance Project Plans, and the IQGs.
Engage as a resource with EPA's state and tribal partners and environmental justice
communities and support the Climate Change Program to ensure QA processes and
procedures are in place to protect human health and the environment.
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 environmental information access 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 2023, EPA will work to transform the Agency's libraries to meet the needs of the 21st
Century. This involves operating in an increasingly online and mobile environment; providing
services and resources at the customer's point of need; prioritizing the thorough assessment of
print materials to support strategic space usage; utilizing detailed data to ensure print collections
are highly relevant to the Agency' s needs and centralizing core services; and relying on technology
and a team of professional librarians to disseminate information and connect people to resources
they need to support the demands of both internal and external requests.
29 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/quality/guidelines-ensuring-and-maximizing-quality-obiectivitv-utilitv-
and-integrity-information.
30 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ofFice-inspector-general/report-epa-needs-address-intemal-control-
deRciencies-agencywide-quatitv.
125
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$123.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs. This change also
includes program increases for critical IT infrastructure and data management 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); 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.
126
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Operations and Administration
127
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$257,524
$285,441
$288,293
$2,852
Science it- icclnwhixy
voyw
SO ',500
Vi.s'.y/J
SI.-II2
Building and Facilities
$36,071
$27,076
$73,894
$46,818
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$932
$836
$724
-$112
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$628
$682
$641
-$41
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$81,976
$68,727
$71,219
$2,492
Total Budget Authority
$442,223
$450,262
$503,683
$53,421
Total Workyears
334.2
315.4
325.4
10.0
Total workyears in FY 2023 include 5.4 FTE to support Facilities Infrastructure and Operations working capital fund
(WCF) services.
Program Project Description:
Science and Technology (S&T) 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 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, the Agency requests an investment of approximately $1.4 million to support
agencywide climate sustainability and resiliency initiatives and EPA facilities projects. 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 4465,31 the Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016. EPA is implementing a long-term space consolidation plan that aims to
reduce the number of occupied facilities, consolidate and optimize space within remaining
facilities, and reduce square footage wherever practical. EPA also will continue working to
enhance its federal infrastructure and operations in a manner that increases efficiency. For FY
31 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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2023, the Agency is requesting $29.45 million for rent, $17.23 million for utilities, and $11.58
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.
EPA also will work to secure physical and operational resiliency for agency facilities. As part of
this work, EPA will continue conducting climate resiliency assessments at all EPA-owned
facilities to identify critical upgrades that are necessary to improve facility resiliency against the
impacts of climate change, such as roofing stability or seawall construction projects. In FY 2023,
EPA will conduct climate assessments at the following facilities: Cincinnati Test and Evaluation
Facility, Duluth Environmental Center, Ada Gaar Corner, Ada Environmental Research Center,
Region 10 Laboratory - Manchester. EPA will initiate all high-priority projects within 24 months
of the completion of a climate assessment.
Further, EPA will continue reconfiguring EPA's workplaces with the goal of reducing long-term
rent costs while increasing EPA facility sustainability to combat the effects of climate change and
ensuring a space footprint that accommodates a growing workforce. Space 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 funding to achieve long-term cost avoidance and sustainability goals. These
investments support sustainable federal infrastructure, a clean energy future, and goals to achieve
net-zero emissions by 2050.
In FY 2023, EPA will pursue aggressive energy, water, and building infrastructure requirements
with emphasis on environmental programs (e.g., Environmental Management Systems,
Environmental Compliance Programs, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Certification, alternative fuel use, fleet reductions, telematics, sustainability assessments). This
investment in infrastructure (e.g., architectural and design) and mechanical systems (e.g.,
electrical, water/steam, HVAC) is necessary to meet the Administration's climate sustainability
goals. Additionally, in 2023, EPA will continue to transition to electric vehicles through direct
purchase (mobile lab vehicles) or lease through General Services Administration (GSA) for all
future fleet procurements where economically feasible. EPA also will identify opportunities to
build out necessary charging infrastructure at EPA facility locations. EPA's goal is to use 100
percent carbon pollution-free electricity on a net annual basis by 2030.
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. The Agency will
continue its partnership with GSA to utilize shared services solutions, USAccess, and Enterprise
Physical Access Control System (ePACS) programs. USAccess provides standardized HSPD-12
approved Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card enrollment and issuance and ePACS provides
centralized access control of EPA space, including restricted and secure areas.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the EPM appropriation.
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FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$1,412.0) This net program change is an increase to support EPA facilities projects that
will ensure EPA has optimal footprint to support the proposed FTE increase in the FY 2023
Budget request, continue ongoing EPA laboratory consolidation projects, and support
agencywide climate sustainability and resiliency initiatives. This increase is partially offset
by a decrease in rent, utilities, security, and transit subsidy needs.
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).
130
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Pesticides Licensing
131
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Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Chemical and Pesticide Safety
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$58,124
S60.181
$62,726
r i
V
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
S 2MI
s:.st>3
s 2.i r
SIN
Total Budget Authority
$60,555
$62,984
$65,643
$2,659
Total Workyears
434.3
385.6
385.6
0.0
Total program work years in FY 2023 include 82.1 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 4),32 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 as required by the FQPA. Aggregate
assessments ensure that there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate
exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposure and all other
exposure for which there is reliable information. For cumulative assessments, the Agency is
required to consider available information concerning the cumulative effects of such residues and
other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity. The Agency must balance the risks
and benefits of other uses. For antimicrobial pesticides with public health claims, EPA requires
that manufacturers perform tests to ensure the efficacy (i.e., performance) of products per the
labelling. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in anticipation of future public
health emergencies, the Pesticide Program evaluates public health claims for antimicrobial
products, including the accelerated availability of disinfectants determined to be effective against
SARS-CoV-2 and development of study designs to support the generation of innovative products,
including those that can reduce airborne transmission of the virus.
32 On Friday, March 8, 2019, 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, was signed into law.
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Under the Science and Technology appropriation, this program operates two laboratories, the
Microbiology Laboratory33 and the Analytical Chemistry 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 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 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 7/Objective 7.1, Ensure Chemical and Pesticide
Safety in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue to 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 as well as new claims for existing
products. These efforts will have an impact on the public because of the critical support the
Laboratory provides to inform regulatory actions for public health pesticides, identify pathways
for approval of pathogen-specific claims, and allow for marketplace penetration of these products.
Specifically, in FY 2023, the Microbiology Laboratory will:
Complete the data collection, analysis, and development of regulatory guidance materials
on a quantitative method that follows the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) quantitative method for bactericidal claims to support adoption of
the method for regulatory purposes.
Complete analysis of FY 2021-2022 multi-laboratory data and develop guidance materials
and final method (through American Society for Testing and Materials [ASTM] review)
for Legionella in recirculating water for cooling tower remediation.
Issue prototype method and guidance for evaluating porous materials found in clinical and
agricultural environments (e.g., room separation curtains, vinyl surfaces, wood, etc.)
Provide efficacy testing and technical support for workplans for the Antimicrobial Product
Evaluation Program (APEP) pursuant to EPA's response to the Office of the Inspector
General (Report No. 16-P-0316).35
Develop residual self-sanitizing disinfectant protocol (SARS-CoV-2) and collect multi-
laboratory data to support regulatory use.
Complete data analysis and development of final ASTM method (ASTM work item
WK73519) and regulatory guidance document for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial
towelettes.
Continue to develop laboratory capacity for conducting efficacy testing with Biosafety
Level 3 (BSL-3) microorganisms at the Environmental Science Center in Ft. Meade,
Maryland. SARS-CoV-2 is a BSL-3 microorganism; EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs
33 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/atoutepa/about-microbiology-laboratorv.
34 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/atoutepa/atout-analytical-chemistry-latoratory-acl.
35 See., Report No. 16-P-0316, "Report: EPA Needs a Risk-Based Strategy to Assure Continued Effectiveness of Elospital-Level
Disinfectants," found at: https://www.epa.gov/ofFLce-iiispector-general/report-epa-needs-risk-based-strategy-assure-contiiiued-
effectiveness.
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has the only EPA laboratory with physical containment laboratories to manage BSL-3
microbes.
In FY 2023, 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 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.
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.
Provide analytical assistance and technical advice to all regional offices in support of their
enforcement cases, including cases against imported disinfectant products with false claims
against SARS-CoV-2. This could disproportionately impact members of communities with
environmental justice (EJ) concerns who might not speak English, who may be being
targeted by illegal foreign imports, and who may not know to look for approved products
{i.e., ListN products).
Verify that pesticides are properly formulated (as requested).
Operate EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository.36
Preventing Disease through Public Health Pesticides: Antimicrobial Testing
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 in the process of developing a new risk-based testing strategy in
response to OIG recommendations made in FY 2016.37 Consistent with the OIG recommendations,
EPA suspended the ATP in November 2017. EPA 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 as early as FY 2023. Implementation
of the APEP will benefit public health by ensuring approved antimicrobials meet contemporary
efficacy standards.
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue to develop efficacy methods to support EPA's
antimicrobial pesticide regulatory programs. The results of these efforts will help ensure products
are available to control various bacteria {e.g., Clostridioides difficile), viruses {e.g., SARS-CoV-
2), and biofilms and to inform EPA's method development activities in FY 2023 and beyond.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
36 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-analytical-methods/national-pesticide-standard-
repositorv.
37 For additional information, please visit: https: //www, epa. gov/pesticide-registration/antimicrobial-performance-evaluation-
program-apep.
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FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$90.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide
essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(-$90.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
(+$114.0) This program change is an increase in laboratory Operations and Maintenance
costs.
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: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Chemical and Pesticide Safety
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$36,714
$39,543
$45,876
$6,333
Science it- t echnology
S I.HI>5
s :.2ir
S 2.252
S-/5
Total Budget Authority
$38,519
$41,750
$48,128
$6,378
Total Workyears
322.1
249.6
259.6
10.0
Total program work years in FY 2023 include 53.2 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 4),38 EPA is responsible for registering and re-evaluating pesticides
to protect humans and plants, animals, and ecosystems that are not targets of the pesticide. Under
FIFRA, the Agency must balance the risks and benefits of other uses. For antimicrobial pesticides
with public health claims, EPA requires that manufacturers perform tests to ensure the efficacy
{i.e., performance) of products per the labelling.
In addition to FIFRA responsibilities, the Agency has responsibilities under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).39 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 the ESA standard.
Under the Science and Technology appropriation, EPA's Pesticide Program operates two
laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory40 and the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory,41 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
38 On Friday, March 8, 2019, 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 was signed into law.
39 See_, ESA sections 7(a)(1) 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: https://www.fws.gov/service/section-7-consultations.
40 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
41 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl.
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to ensure the protection of the environment from pesticide risk. Laboratory activities in FY 2023
will include; continuing to lead collaborative studies with other laboratories to validate testing
methods for antimicrobial products to determine their efficacy against pathogens such as
Legionella; working with the Antimicrobials Division on the implementation of an appropriate
performance standard for a revised method for measuring the efficacy of disinfectants
quantitatively; working with state laboratories to share method development and analyze samples,
as requested; and working with investigations to evaluate the composition of potentially illegal
pesticides.
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 (USDA), and the states have reliable methods
to measure and monitor pesticide residues in food and the environment.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 7/Objective 7.1, Ensure Chemical and Pesticide
Safety in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, 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, and other pathogens can devastate 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, the response to an
animal pathogen outbreak and submission of requests under FIFRA Section 18 to address these
outbreaks rely 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 of 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 support the development of new antimicrobial products following
contemporary regulatory requirements.
In FY 2023, 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
assistance to EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program and regional offices in
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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 Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory also 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 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$57.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide essential workforce
support, and changes to benefits costs.
(-$32.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
(+$20.0) This program change is a slight increase in laboratory Operations and
Maintenance costs.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Endangered Species Act (ESA).
138
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Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment
Objective(s): Ensure Chemical and Pesticide Safety
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$6,034
S7.730
$7,979
$249
Science it- t echnology
Vi-/i
SS'f)
S'JS-I
SI OS
Total Budget Authority
$6,680
$8,606
$8,963
$357
Total Workyears
35.3
35.8
35.8
0.0
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 Laboratory42 and the Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory,43 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 ensure the value of pesticide availability is realized.
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,44 which collects
and maintains pesticide standards {i.e., samples of pure active ingredients or technical grade active
ingredients, regulated metabolites, degradates, and related compounds).
42 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/atoutepa/about-microbiology-laboratorv.
43 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/atoutepa/atout-analytical-chemistry-latoratory-acl.
44 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-analytical-methods/national-pesticide-standard-
repositorv.
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FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 7/Objective 7.1, Ensure Chemical and Pesticide
Safety in the FY 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, EPA will realize the benefits of pesticides by ensuring the continued operation of the
National Pesticide Standard Repository. The Microbiology Laboratory and the Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory 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).
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to maintain the National Pesticide Standard
Repository and collect and maintain an inventory of analytical standards of registered pesticides
in the U.S. EPA provides these 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 was approximately 15 working days. Using the results of the efficiency
review, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory is implementing procedural changes, such as
requiring requests be grouped for pesticide standards, instituting an inventory control system
focusing on high demand standards, and installing a chemist as the lead staff person in the
Repository to reduce the turnaround time to 12 days.45 These initial changes will help federal
agencies, states, and tribal laboratories expedite enforcement efforts, and further process
enhancements will continue in FY 2023 and beyond. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory also
will continue its work in:developing and validating multiresidue methods using state-of-the-art
methodology and instrumentation; providing chemical analysis for assessing risk to human health
and to the environment from agricultural use of pesticides; and providing technical support to EPA
regional offices to ensure that pesticide products are formulated according to approved labels.
In FY 2023, the Microbiology Laboratory will continue to evaluate FIFRA Section 18 emergency
exemptions and novel protocol requests for new uses and novel pathogens. The Laboratory also
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 will 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 2023. The
Microbiology Laboratory also will continue to refine and develop methods to support EPA's
Section 3 and Section 18 regulatory programs, continuing to develop testing methods for
evaluating effectiveness of disinfectant products against airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition,
the Laboratory will collaborate with EPA's Homeland Security Research Program to develop
guidance for registrants seeking to make long-term disinfectant efficacy claims and explore novel
control and application options for disinfectant products. The Laboratory also will continue to
45 For those pesticide standard requests that are not complicated and/or standards that are not expiring.
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develop a quantitative efficacy test method which may provide a pathway for evaluating
disinfectant claims for porous material (vinyl, room divider curtains, etc.)
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 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$45.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide essential workforce
support, and changes to benefits costs.
(-$73.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of rent,
utilities, and security.
(+$136.0) This program change is an increase in laboratory Operations and Maintenance
costs.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Research: Air, Climate and Energy
142
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Research: Air, Climate and Energy
Program Area: Research: Air, Climate and Energy
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
S ~6.
SV.\250
.S U2.V2-I
Vi "/)"-/
Total Budget Authority
$76,733
$95,250
$132,924
$37,674
Total Workyears
265.6
258.0
297.7
39.7
Program Project Description:
Air pollution adversely affects human health and the environment, yet millions of Americans still
live in or near geographic areas that do not meet national standards for air pollutants. Climate
change is impacting public health, air, and water quality today and will exacerbate other
environmental challenges in the future. Many air pollution sources are located communities with
environmental justice concerns that also are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. To
address these and other air pollution issues, EPA's Air, Climate, and Energy (ACE) Research
Program provides scientific information to EPA program and regional offices, tribes, states, and
other partners. ACE advances the science needed to achieve clean air, attain the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),46 reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), address
the causes and consequences of climate change and environmental inequities, and develop more
resilient communities to protect human health and ecosystems. ACE also contributes to
understanding the impacts of interventions that reduce exposures and protect public health;
strategies to prepare, adapt, and build resilience; and responses to the transformation of our energy
systems.
The ACE Research Program is centered around two inter-related research topic areas: 1)
understanding air pollution and climate change and their impacts on human health and ecosystems;
and 2) responding to risks and impacts and preparing for the future. The ACE Research Program
relies on successful partnerships, including with academic and industry researchers, tribes, states,
local and private sector organizations, as well as key federal agencies.
Recent Accomplishments of the ACE Research Program include:47
Informing Ozone Attainment Strategies: In FY 2021, EPA researchers produced
scientific data from measurements and modeling of ozone formation and transport in two
46 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.
47 For more information, please see https://www.epa.gov/research/national-research-programs.
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difficult non-attainment areas, Connecticut and Denver.48 The research demonstrated how
the combination of local emissions controls and a better understanding of ozone transport
from outside a non-attainment area are needed to effectively reduce ozone concentrations
within a non-attainment area. EPA researchers also used a detailed hemispheric air quality
model to improve estimates of the contributions of long-range transport of ozone from
outside North America to ozone concentrations in the U.S., demonstrating an increase in
this contribution over the period from 1990-2010.
Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Planning Tools: Climate change continues to
impact U.S. communities through extreme heat and precipitation, flooding, and drought.
With heat waves and droughts increasing the size and severity of wildfires, EPA
researchers improved emissions factors for different types of fire conditions, including
those occurring during prescribed fires.49 EPA researchers collaborated with scientists
from the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Interior to publish the Comparative
Assessment of the Impacts of Prescribed Fire Versus Wildfire, which used integrated
modeling of smoke emissions, air quality, and health impacts to demonstrate that in two
case studies, well-designed prescribed fires can potentially reduce the overall size of a
subsequent wildfire and reduce smoke emissions and public health impacts.50 In FY 2021,
EPA researchers also published a methodology for quantifying potential changes in future
extreme precipitation from climate projections and applied it to estimate significant
increases in the highest rainfall frequencies, up to 168 percent for 1,000-year rainfall
events, and widespread regional increases in total rainfall up to 44 percent from a single
tropical storm.51
PFAS: States and communities continue to be concerned with the production and disposal
of materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the
associated air emissions of PFAS. EPA is committed to conducting research to better
understand PFAS exposure pathways and understand the effects of PFAS treatment and
destruction technologies, including air emissions from incomplete combustion of PFAS
during incineration as a means of destroying PFAS waste.52 In FY 2021, EPA researchers
published a review of air sources and pathways for PFAS exposures53 and produced a draft
method (Other Test Method 45) that is suitable for 50 targeted PFAS compounds.54 This
method provided guidance to states and communities for establishing in-stack emissions
method detection limits and quantitative reporting limits and can be expanded to new target
PFAS compounds as new standards become available.
48 For more information, please see:
https://www.cmascenter.org/conference/2020/slides/Matichuketal_19thAmiual CMAS_Presentation_Oct28th_2pmSession.pdf
49 For more information, please see: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135223102100Ql 1.X?via%3DiIiub
50 For more information, please see: https://ofmpub.epa.gov/eims/eimscomm.getfile7p download id=543347
51 For more information, please see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-021-00176-9
52 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-10/pfas-roadiiiap final-508.pdf
53 For more information, please see: https://intranet.ord.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/JEHl-2.21-Special-Report-Review-
Source-Transportation-Pathways.pdf
54 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/otm 45 semivolatile_pfas_l-13-
21. .pdf
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FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
The ACE Research Program prioritizes key activities to support attainment of the NAAQS and
implementation of stationary and mobile source regulations, as well as foundational science to
inform decision making with consideration of increasing climate change impacts. The ACE
Research Program includes work to develop, evaluate, and apply measurement methods and
models incorporating the latest physical science and understanding of behaviors that impact the
system. The research performed addresses program and regional science information needs across
multiple disciplines. The research conducted also advances EPA's capabilities to understand
sources of air pollution, the fate and transport of air contaminants, and their effects in the midst of
changing energy infrastructure and climate. The planned research responds to identified needs in
areas of emerging concern to the Administration, EPA, tribes, and state policymakers, including
climate change, environmental justice and equity, PFAS, ethylene oxide, and wildland fires.
In FY 2023, the ACE Research Program will continue to:
Assess human and ecosystem exposures and effects associated with air pollutants on
individual, community, regional, national, and global scales, both today and in the future,
under a changing climate.55
Assess the consequences of climate change and the vulnerability of communities and
ecosystems to climate change impacts, including wildfires and other extreme events, and
identify and evaluate strategies to adapt to and build resilience to these impacts.
Characterize disproportionate impacts of climate change and air pollution on communities
with environmental justice concerns and identify and evaluate strategies to reduce impacts
in those communities.
Develop and evaluate innovative multi-pollutant and sector-based approaches to
preventing pollution, particularly in environmental justice communities.
Characterize the positive and negative environmental effects of energy efficiency and
renewable energy and evaluate strategies to expand the benefits of transformations in
transportation and energy systems, especially for communities with environmental justice
concerns.
Provide human exposure and environmental modeling, monitoring, metrics, and
information needed to inform air quality and climate change decision making at the federal,
tribal, state, and local level.
55 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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Deliver state-of-the-art tools that tribes and states can use to identify effective emission
reduction strategies to meet the NAAQS and enhance air quality measurement and
modeling methods to ascertain current and future compliance with the NAAQS, including
potential impacts from the changing climate.
Develop and apply approaches to evaluate the positive and negative environmental impacts
of the transition to a low-carbon energy system, including development of a report to
Congress on the environmental and resource conservation impacts of the Renewable Fuel
Standard.56
In FY 2023, EPA will invest additional funds to expand the Administration's science-based
approach to improving wildfire readiness by enhancing wildfire data and communications related
to air quality and helping communities become "smoke ready". Smoke ready communities benefit
community health by coordinating community-level action related to monitoring outdoor air
quality, creating clean indoor air, and communicating actionable public health messaging. Smoke
ready communities have evidence-based strategies in place to guide responses to wildfire smoke
events, which include actions that people can take to reduce exposures to harmful smoke,
preventing health impacts such as asthma attacks, emergency room visits, heart attacks, and
premature death.
EPA also will invest additional funds to increase PFAS research efforts with specific emphasis
on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap 51
Research Planning:
EPA research is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs. Each of the
six programs is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that is developed with and
reflects the research needs of Agency programs and regional offices, states, and tribes. Each
research program is in the process of developing the fourth generation of the StRAPs, which will
continue the practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at solving the problems
encountered by the Agency and its partners.
The Office of Research and Development (ORD) works with various groups, including
communities, to ensure the integrity and value of its research through a variety of mechanisms
that include:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o ORD meets regularly with this committee, which provides advice and
recommendations to ORD on technical and management issues of its research
programs.
56 Required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, PL110-140. For more information, please see:
https://www.epa.gov/kws-regulations/sumiiiary-energy-iiidependence-and-security-act. More information about the report is
available at: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?Lab=IO&dirEntryId=341.491.
57 See EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap at: https://www.epa.gOv/svstem/files/docitmeiits/2021.-l.0/pfas-roadiiiap final-508.pdf
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State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement58 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.
Partnerships
Key tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program, which
provides a forum for the interaction between tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RD2) Number of ORD activities related to environmental justice that
involve or are designed to be applicable to tribes, states, territories, local
governments, and communities.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
(PM RD3) Percentage of ORD climate-related research products meeting
partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
(PM RD4) Percentage of ORD environmental justice-related research
products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$2,346.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to provide
essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$37.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
(-$30,030.0) This program change is a decrease due to the reduction in resources towards the
Air, Climate, and Energy Research Program's collaborative research on climate adaptation and
resilience with the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Climate (ARPA-C) that will
be located within DOE. The ARPA model of high-risk, accelerated research is uniquely meant
to conduct R&D that, if successful, results in transformational technology advancements.
(+$60,446.0 / +30.0 FTE) This net program change increases resources and FTE for the Air,
Climate, and Energy Research Program. This increase is targeted to EPA's commitment to
enhance its efforts to combat climate change. This increase will more than double its research
to assess the impacts of climate change on human health and ecosystems. This investment
includes $5.411 million in payroll.
58 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/research/epa-researcli-solutioiis-states.
Tribal
o
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(+$4,625.0 / +9.7 FTE) This program change increases resources and FTE for wildfires
research. This increase is targeted to improve wildfire readiness by enhancing wildfire data
and communications related to air quality and helping communities become "smoke ready."
This investment also includes $1.75 million in payroll.
(+$250.0) This program change increases funding for EPA's PFAS research efforts, with
specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
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.
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
149
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Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainabilitv
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
SI 15
$0
$0
$0
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
.s'.VMCi
SSVJ1S
VANI.WV.i
.SiS',5 "
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$6,065
$0
$8,060
$8,060
Total Budget Authority
$82,146
$89,518
$106,153
$16,635
Total Workyears
278.1
273.9
300.9
27.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) Research Program provides scientific and
technical approaches, information, tools, and methods to support the Agency and others to make
better-informed, more-timely decisions about chemicals and their potential risks to human health
and the environment.59 CSS products strengthen the Agency's ability to use the best available
science 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.
CSS research informs Agency decisions about chemicals, accelerates the pace of chemical
assessment and decision-making, and helps to replace, reduce, and refine the use of mammals to
evaluate chemical risks to ecological systems and human health. CSS products inform Agency
programs established to implement environmental regulations that govern agency actions to
evaluate existing and new chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act [TSCA]); develop and use
alternative testing protocols (TSCA, Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act [FIFRA]);
protect the Nation's food supply (Food Quality Protection Act [FQPA]), address product safety
(Federal Food Drug Cosmetics Act [FFDCA]), support chemical prioritization (TSCA, Safe
Drinking Water Act [SDWA]), support the development of safer and more sustainable chemicals
and alternatives (Pollution Prevention [P2] Act [PPA]), evaluate pesticide registrations (FIFRA,
Endangered Species Act), and mitigate active (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA])
and inactive (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
[CERCLA]) Superfund remediation sites.
CSS research activities are coordinated with the activities of other national research programs and
the results produced inform other high priority research topics. For example, planned research will
address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), climate change, and risks in communities
with environmental justice (EJ) concerns. Coordination with the Health and Environmental Risk
Assessment (HERA) Research Program ensures that the approaches, tools, and information
59 For the current CSS StRAP, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/chemical-safety-sustainability-strategic-research-action-
plan-201.9-2022.
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produced by CSS can be used to improve chemical risk assessments, reduce uncertainties
associated with those assessments, and increase the speed of delivering chemical information to
the Agency.
The CSS Research Program is organized into eight, integrated research areas that include research
on toxicity, exposure, human health, ecological health, chemical modeling and prediction, and
chemical integration and informatics. These research areas fulfill requirements for chemical
evaluation under TSCA as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st
Century Act and as part of SDWA; pesticide evaluation under FIFRA; chemical testing for
endocrine system impacts under FQPA; Agency implementation of TSCA Section 5 (New
Chemicals) and Section 6 (Existing Chemicals); the development of safer and more sustainable
chemicals and alternatives under PPA and TSCA, and identification of contaminants of emerging
concern. The CSS Research Program provides ongoing support to the Agency's Chemical Safety
and Pollution Prevention Program for the successful implementation of these TSCA activities, as
well as their evaluation of pesticides under FIFRA.60
Recent Accomplishments of the CSS Research Program include:
Development and Advancement of New Approach Methods (NAMs): CSS objectives
and research activities are strongly supporting the development of NAMs that will improve
the Agency's understanding of chemical toxicity. NAMs are focused on using faster, less
expensive approaches that reduce the use of mammals for toxicity testing. CSS continues
to collaborate closely with the Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Program to
implement the June 2018 TSCA Strategic Plan61 that emphasizes the development and
implementation of alternative test methods. Additionally, CSS research is a key component
of the December 2021 NAMs workplan.62 Critical to this effort is implementation of a
tiered hazard evaluation strategy. CSS investigators are currently advancing methods in
high-throughput phenotypic profiling (HTPP) and high-throughput transcriptomics
(HTTr). These approaches can be applied to prioritize and group chemicals. Additionally,
investigators are exploring approaches and models for species extrapolation in the
ecotoxicology domain, and development of high-throughput exposure and toxicokinetic
models. In May of 2021, in an EPA report,63 CSS research enabled development of a
method, to integrate publicly available hazard, exposure, persistence, and bioaccumulation
information for more than 33,000 chemical substances, including both traditional and
NAM data. The method allows for discriminating between chemicals that have the
potential to present hazard or exposure concerns and those that do not.
Continued Release, Evolution, and Updating of Multiple Digital Information
Products to Inform Decision Making: The CompTox Chemicals Dashboard6^ is the
Agency's 'first-stop-shop' for information on chemical properties, characteristics,
structure, toxicity, exposure, and persistence. The Dashboard is used by the Agency and
60 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research.
61 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-06/documents/epa alt strat plan 6-20-
18 clean ftnal.pdf.
62 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ch.eiiiical-research/iiew-approacli-iiietliods-work.-plaii.
63 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_pra view.cfm?dirEntryID=349776&Lab=CCTE
64 For more information, please see: https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard.
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its external partners to generate real-time quantitative structure-activity relationship
(QSAR) predictions for chemical property and toxicity endpoints. It allows for flexible
searches including chemical and functional use and has batch search functionality. As of
the June 2021 release, the Dashboard contains curated data on 900,000 chemicals. The
ECOTOX Knowledgebase65 serves as the comprehensive, publicly available source of
environmental toxicity data on aquatic life, terrestrial plants, and wildlife. The March 2021
release of the ECOTOX Knowledgebase contains over 1 million records and provides
information on over 12,000 chemicals and over 13,000 species from over 50,000
references. The Chemical Transformation Simulator continues to develop as a web-based
tool for predicting environmental and biological transformation pathways for organic
chemicals. Recently, the Simulator was expanded to include environmental transformation
information for PFAS chemicals. SeqAPASS66 - Sequence Alignment to Predict Across
Species Susceptibility - is a tool enabling extrapolation of toxicity information across
species. Version 5.0, released in December 2020, features improved functionalities and
visualization of results. Research and development for all these systems continues in order
to meet the information needs of decision makers.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
The objective of CSS research activities is to inform risk-based decisions made by EPA programs,
states, tribes, and others. Of particular importance are 'chemicals of immediate and emerging
concern,' such as PFAS, which heighten the need for rapid scientific approaches to evaluate
potential chemical safety. In FY 2023, CSS will invest additional funds in PFAS research efforts,
with specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.61 CSS also will increase
its efforts to conduct research and reviews on scientifically sound EPA-initiated existing chemical
risk evaluations in support of TSCA.
In FY 2023, research efforts also will focus on replacing, reducing, and refining the use of
mammals in testing, while accelerating the pace of chemical assessment and decision-making. CSS
research products will continue to use innovative in vitro and in silico (computer modeling)
approaches to provide more timely and comprehensive information about chemical hazard and
exposure while still providing information of equal or greater biological predictivity than current
in vivo animal models.
Selected research areas are highlighted below for work in FY 2023.
High-Throughput Toxicity (HTT) Testing: This research is focused on developing,
testing, and applying NAMs to evaluate chemical hazards, with an emphasis on
developmental neurotoxicology, inhalation toxicology, thyroid disruption, and
65 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ecotox/.
66 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/sequence-aligmiient-predict-across-species-
susceptibility.
67 See EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap at: https://www.epa.gov/systeni/files/documents/2021-10/pfas-roadniap_final-508.pdf
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methodologically challenging chemicals. These will enable EPA to make better, more
timely decisions about chemicals by increasing toxicological information for more
chemicals.
Rapid Exposure and Dosimetry (RED) and Ecotoxicological Assessment and
Modeling (ETAM): This research 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 complex environmental media, biological media, and consumer products.
Non-targeted analysis has been critical for the identification of previously unknown PFAS
chemicals in the environment. Ecotoxicological Assessment and Modeling efforts support
the Agency's work considering the impacts to pollinators. Specifically, research includes
assessing the impacts of pesticides on honeybees and pollen bees to support pesticide
assessments.
PFAS Research:68 PFAS are a class of substances of concern and EPA is committed to
helping states, tribes, and local communities understand and manage risks associated with
these chemicals.69 For most of the over 6,000 PFAS chemicals, there are little or no
published toxicity data available. CSS is addressing this gap by conducting high-
throughput toxicological screening assays on hundreds of PFAS chemicals. In FY 2023,
CSS will build upon the research foundation formed from completed work outlined in the
PFAS Strategic Roadmap10 For more information on CSS' PFAS work, please see the
CSS narrative for the Superfund appropriation.
Improved Understanding of Biological Impacts: This research helps decision-makers
understand the significance of chemical impacts on biological systems. This is especially
important to understanding chemical impacts on developmental and reproductive biology.
This program will employ data generated from its chemical evaluation research to develop
interpretive frameworks and models to place complex information into biological,
chemical, and toxicological context. Data developed in the HTT and Virtual Tissue
Modeling research areas will contribute to the study of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs),
which link molecular initiating events at the cellular level to apical outcomes expressed at
the whole animal level.
Delivery of Chemical Information: The Chemical Safety Analytics research area will
continue to provide computational, predictive tools to estimate physicochemical,
toxicological, and exposure information for data poor chemicals. CSS is working with the
Agency to build program-specific applications, such as RapidTox that facilitate access and
use of relevant information to support different decision contexts. These applications will
give risk assessors and decision-makers confidence that the new approaches, data, and tools
68 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-
02/documents/pfas action plan 021319 508compliant l.pdf.
69 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-community-engagement.
70 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-strategic-roadmap-epas-commitments-action-2021-2024
153
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developed in CSS are both scientifically robust and relevant to environmental decision
making.
Research Planning:
EPA research is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs. Each of the
six 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 planned with their active
involvement. Each research program is in the process of developing the fourth generation of the
StRAPs, which will continue the practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at
comprehensively assessing and solving the problems encountered by the Agency and its
stakeholders.
EPA works with various groups, including communities, to ensure the integrity and value of its
research and research planning efforts through a variety of mechanisms that include:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o The Office of Research and Development (ORD) meets regularly with this
committee, which provides advice and recommendations to ORD on technical and
management issues of its research programs.
State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement71 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.
Partnerships
Key tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program which
provides a forum for the interaction between tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RD1) Percentage of ORD research products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
(PM RD5) Number of actions implemented for EPA scientific integrity
objectives.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
21
71 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/research/epa-researcli-solutioiis-states.
Tribal
o
154
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FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$2,270.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$22.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
(+$3,772.0 / +22.0 FTE) This net program change increases funding and FTE for the
Chemical Safety for Sustainability Research Program. These FTE will assist in providing
scientific and technical approaches, information tools, and methods to better inform
decision-making. This investment includes $3,961 million in payroll and also reflects a
slight adjustment in non-payroll resources.
(+$500.0) This program change increases funding for EPA's PFAS research efforts, with
specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
(+$2,011.0 / +5.0 FTE) This program change increases resources and FTE for EPA's
efforts to conduct research and reviews on existing EPA-initiated chemical risk evaluations
in support of TSCA. This investment includes $901.0 thousand in payroll.
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).
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Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv ^ icclnwhixy
s.i -.-is:
s v_\.w
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$3,654
$12,824
$4,896
-$7,928
Total Budget Authority
$38,905
$50,306
$47,251
-$3,055
Total Workyears
163.3
154.9
174.9
20.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) 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 the: Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA),
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The HERA Program is multidisciplinary and aimed
at incorporating scientific innovations to advance analytic approaches and applications needed to
address the wide-ranging risk assessment requirements to support implementation of these various
statutes.
The current portfolio of HERA products encompasses these two topic areas:
Science Assessments and Translation: HERA produces a portfolio of assessment
products that optimizes the application of the best available science and technology and is
responsive to Agency priorities and timelines. The portfolio includes assessments from
among the traditional product lines - Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS),
Integrated Science Assessment (ISAs), and Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values
(PPRTVs) - in addition to a wide range of innovative 'fit-for-purpose' products.
Additionally, significant emphasis is placed on providing scientific and technical support
throughout the lifecycle of decisions, from development to application of the assessment
products.
Advancing the Science and Practice of Risk Assessment: Research under this topic is
targeted to enhance hazard characterization, expand the repertoire of dose-response
methods and models, and characterize the utility of emerging data and new computational
tools as applied to risk assessment. It also enhances and maintains critical assessment
infrastructure, including databases, models, and software support, to ensure transparency
and facilitate understanding and translation to Agency partners, external partners, and other
users. Refinements to current approaches are expected to improve the accuracy, efficiency,
flexibility, and utility of applications across a large landscape of assessment activities.
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Recent Accomplishments of the HERA Program include:
The HERA Research Program has been developing assessment products to inform science-based
decision making, enhance timely responses, improve screening capabilities, and augment toxicity
value derivations for use in risk assessments.
Portfolio of Assessment Products: In October 2020, the ISA for Oxides of Nitrogen,
Oxides of Sulfur, and Particulate Matter - Ecological Criteria was released72 following a
peer review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. HERA will provide the
scientific foundation for the reconsiderations of the particulate matter and ozone National
Ambient Air Quality Standards; a Supplement to the 2019 ISA for Particulate Matter13, will
be finalized in spring 2022. HERA continues to deliver on EPA's commitment to address
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and released the final
Human Health Toxicity Values for Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (CASRN 375-73-5) and
Related Compound Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (CASRN 29420-49-3)1A in April
2021, the draft IRIS Assessment for Perfluorobutanoic Acid and Related Salts75 in August
2021, and the draft IRIS Assessment for Perfluorohexanoic Acid and Related Salts16 in
April 2022. In FY 2021, nine PPRTV assessments were finalized, and HERA anticipates
delivering at least nine additional high-priority PPRTV assessments in FY 2022 to support
Superfund priorities.77 In FY 2021, HERA also posted final IRIS assessments for ethyl
tertiary butyl ether and tert-butyl alcohol, as well as publicly released assessment materials
for inorganic mercury salts, vanadium and compounds (oral exposure), and vanadium and
compounds (inhalation exposure).78 In FY 2022, HERA anticipates publicly releasing a
final IRIS assessment for Perfluorobutanoic acid and Related Salts.79 HERA also
anticipates publicly releasing assessment materials for ethylbenzene, uranium, vanadium
and compounds (inhalation exposure), and naphthalene, and draft assessments for
chloroform (inhalation), hexavalent chromium, and formaldehyde. HERA also will finalize
the Office of Research and Development (ORD) Staff Handbook for Developing IRIS
Assessments in FY 2022.
Innovations in Risk Assessment: HERA continues to advance assessment science and
modernize its assessment infrastructure through tool and model advancements. In FY
2021, HERA released updates to the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK)
model to support lead biokinetic modeling in children. HERA anticipates finalizing 1)
updates to the All-Ages Lead Model (AALM) in the fall of 2022 which will include
improved lead biokinetic modeling in adults and children; and 2) EPA's version of the
multi-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model and software for improved mechanistic
modeling of inhalation dosimetry for particles in the spring of 2022. Continued
advancements are being made to HERA's dose-response analysis tool, Benchmark Dose
72 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/isa/iiitegrated-science-assessment-isa-oxides-nitrogen-oxides-sulfur-
and-particulate-matter.
73 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/isa/recordisplay.cfm?deid=352823.
74 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/leam-about-human-health-toxicity-assessment-pfbs.
75 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris drafts/recordisplay.cfm?deid=350051.
76 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris drafts/recordi splay. cfm?deid=352767.
77 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pprtv.
78 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/iris/iris-recent-additions.
79 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/iris/iris-recent-additions.
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Software (BMDS),80 as well as critical information management databases including
HERA's Health and Environmental Research Online81 and the Health Assessment and
Workplace Collaborative,82 contributing to the improvement in the science, structure, and
interoperability of these critical assessment infrastructure tools. Accompanying
innovations in assessment science in FY2021 and FY2022, HERA has emphasized and
coordinated training in risk assessment practice, methods, and tools for EPA staff and
stakeholders to enhance communication, understanding, and engagement.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, the HERA Program's work will focus on efforts integral to achieving EPA priorities
and informing the Agency's implementation of key environmental decisions. Specifically, the
program will:
Continue developing additional assessments through IRIS of perfluorinated compounds, as
well as other priority chemicals identified by EPA's Water Program, Air and Radiation
Program, and Land and Emergency Management Program. These HERA assessments
include ethylbenzene, hexavalent chromium, chloroform, methylmercury, mercury salts,
inorganic arsenic, and formaldehyde.
Provide assessment, methodology, and modeling support to the Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention Program on TSCA implementation for an array of chemicals, as well
as support to the Air and Radiation Program, including the development of the ISA for
Lead to support review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Provide high-priority PPRTV human health assessments to support the Land and
Emergency Management Program on CERCLA and Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) implementation
HERA will focus on support for specific decision contexts through a modernized
assessment infrastructure, applying state of the science tools, databases, and models in
assessment development and program management. 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.
Provide the resources and workflow to two of the five Research and Development
Program's Superfund technical support centers (TSCs)83 to provide localized and tailored
technical assistance and scientific expertise on human and ecological risk assessments to
80 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/bmds.
81 For more information, please see: https://hero.epa. gov/hero/.
82 For more information, please see: https://hawcprd.epa.gov/.
83 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.go v/land-research/epas-technical-
support-centers.
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states, tribes, and EPA's program and regional offices. 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's program
and regional offices, in cooperation with the Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS)
Research Program.
Provide training to staff, partners, and stakeholders on risk assessment practice, assessment
tool literacy, and standard operating procedures for assessment development via easy-to-
access modules.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also conducts research across programs in the
following areas:
PFAS Research: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals of
concern in the environment, and EPA is committed to pursuing all options to address PFAS
pollution and protect human health and the environment. There are still large numbers of
PFAS of high interest to stakeholders which currently have no federal published, peer-
reviewed toxicity values. As described in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap,84 within the HERA
Research Program, EPA is prioritizing additional PFAS for development 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. In addition, EPA is identifying, reviewing, organizing, and
presenting relevant health information on PFAS through systematic evidence mapping to
identify data gaps, inform prioritization and hazard characterization, and facilitate human
health assessments for PFAS.
Lead: Childhood lead exposure continues to be one of the highest priorities for EPA. To
advance the application of lead exposure and biokinetic models in EPA regulatory
decisions and site assessments, HERA research will enhance, evaluate, and apply lead
biokinetic models used to estimate potential blood lead levels for regulatory
determinations.85 Additionally, the Exposure Factors Handbook86 provides up-to-date data
on various human factors, including soil and dust ingestion rates, used by risk assessors.
Research Planning:
EPA is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs. Each of the six
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 planned with their active
involvement. Each research program is in the process of developing the fourth generation of the
84 For more information, please see EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-
1.0/pfa s-roadmap _f ilia t~S 0 8. pdf
85 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/superfuad/lead-supeifund-sites-software-and-users-manuals.
86 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay ,cfm?deid=236252.
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StRAPs, which will continue the practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at
solving the problems encountered by the Agency and its stakeholders.
ORD works with various groups, including communities, to ensure the integrity and value of its
research through a variety of mechanisms that include:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o ORD meets regularly with this committee, which provides advice and
recommendations to ORD on technical and management issues of its research
programs.
State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement87 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.
Tribal Partnerships
o Key tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program which
provides a forum for the interaction between tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$1,233.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$3,640.0 / +20.0 FTE) This program change increases funding and FTE for the Health
and Environmental Risk Assessment program. These FTE will assist in advancing science
assessments, such as IRIS, as well as analytical approaches for the application of risk
assessments. This investment includes $3,618 million in payroll.
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).
87 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/research/epa-researcli-solutioiis-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
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
va?. 'i<>
SI 12.250
S//
Total Budget Authority
$92,719
$112,250
$119,286
$7,036
Total Workyears
367.3
358.1
378.1
20.0
Program Project Description:
The quality and availability of water, upon which human and ecosystem health and a robust
economy depend, face myriad challenges. These challenges include aging water infrastructure,
contaminants of existing and emerging concern, waterborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance,
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, stormwater runoff, and water shortages. Many of these
concerns are more prevalent in disadvantaged and rural communities, and can be exacerbated by
changing climate patterns, for example, higher temperatures and greater frequency, duration and
intensity of precipitation, extreme heat, wildland fire, and drought.
To address these current, emerging, and long-term water resource challenges, EPA's Safe and
Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program produces robust research and scientific
analyses for decision-making and the development of innovative, practical solutions for the
Agency and its partners to protect and restore America's watersheds and water infrastructure.
SSWR research is integrated with other Office of Research and Development (ORD) national
research programs to address water quality concerns related to wildland fire; revitalize land and
prevent contamination through work on biosolids and green infrastructure; and ensure the safety
of chemicals through research on lead and other chemical contaminants.
Recent Accomplishments of the SSWR Research Program88
Contaminants of Emerging Concern:
SARS-CoV-2. EPA collaborated with the Center for Disease Control and the State of Ohio
to establish a wastewater monitoring network to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2. EPA
researchers rapidly developed and applied a method to detect SARS-CoV-2 in 12
sewersheds in Ohio. EPA also evaluated analytical approaches to detect variants of concern
within wastewater. EPA helped to successfully establish Ohio's SARS-CoV-2 monitoring
program and continues to provide analyses from wastewater treatment plants in southwest
Ohio.
88 For a more complete view of accomplishments, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/national-research-programs.
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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
o PFAS Treatment in Drinking Water. In 2021, EPA's Drinking Water
Treatability Database was updated to include 37 PFAS chemicals. The database
provides information on best practices and technologies for PFAS treatment in
drinking water. Information on cost models for PFAS treatment in drinking water
also was generated. EPA actively provides support to the Office of Water on PFAS
treatment modeling for the development of the PFAS drinking water regulation,
o PFAS Analytical Methods.
¦ EPA created and continues to update the PFAS Analytical Website,89 which
consolidates PFAS analytical and sampling methods for drinking water,
groundwater, surface water, wastewater, air, and solids (soils, sediments, biota,
and biosolids). The website includes analytical method resources from EPA and
other federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and sampling, data
analysis, and laboratory certification resources.
¦ EPA finalized and published the SW846 Method 8327 for 24 PFAS in non-
drinking water aqueous samples90 and drinking water method 533 in support of
the upcoming fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. ORD
completed a draft method for total absorbable PFAS in wastewater which is
under review by the Office of Water (OW). EPA developed a draft isotope
dilution method (Method 1633) for aqueous and solid samples for 40 PFAS in
collaboration with the Department of Defense. ORD continues to provide
technical support for the multi-lab oratory validation of Method 1633 which will
be complete by the end of calendar year 2022. Additionally, ORD continues to
work with OW for development of a total organic fluorine method in drinking
water for future validation.
Science to Support Recreational Water Quality Criteria:
Over the past five years, ORD scientists have published more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific
publications providing science to support Recreational Water Quality Criteria recommendations.
Notable efforts include the development of Standard Reference Material 2917 in collaboration
with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the public release of EPA Methods 1696
and 1697 for characterization of human fecal pollution in recreational waters, and performance
assessment of virus-based fecal indicator methodologies, respectively. ORD research will play an
important role in the anticipated EPA Office of Water 2022 Five-Year Review of the 2012
Recreational Water Quality Criteria.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): In August 2021, ORD research enabled the release of a new tool
- CyANWeb - expanding digital platforms beyond its CyAN Android app. The new web tool
helps federal, state, tribal, and local partners identify when a harmful algal bloom may be forming
in waters where people swim, fish, and boat. The tool uses satellite data for initial detection of a
harmful algal bloom in more than 2,000 of the largest U.S. lakes and reservoirs. ORD also
89 For more information, please see the following: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/pfas-analytical-methods-development-
and-sampling-research.
90 For more information, please see the following: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/pfas-analytical-methods-development-
and-sampling-research.
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developed a proof of concept for Decision Support System expansion to identify sub-watersheds
within a larger basin for targeted nutrient control across New England.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocate across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2023, the SSWR Research Program will continue to focus on:
Water Infrastructure:
o Conduct research and provide technical support to assess the distribution,
composition, and potential health risks of known and emerging chemical and
biological contaminants. Protocols for sampling lead and identification of lead
service lines will support the availability of safe drinking water, especially in
disadvantaged communities,
o Continue work to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 variants with the Ohio Network and
determine the viability of live virus in wastewater; and assist states, communities,
and utilities to address stormwater and wastewater infrastructure needs through
applied models and technical assistance.
Climate Change Impacts/Resiliency:
o Integrate the impacts of climate change with research on water bodies and water
infrastructure, including wildland fire, extreme drought and precipitation events,
harmful algal blooms, and other impacts on water quality and availability,
o Develop risk assessments on stormwater capture for enhanced aquifer recharge,
o Compare cost and carbon footprint of alternative water sources, develop risk
assessments to support safe, fit-for-purpose non-potable use by tribes and states,
and expand research to potable use.
Harmful Algal Blooms/Nutrients:
o Investigate toxicity and health effects from exposure to anatoxin-a, a potent
cyanotoxin with neurological effects,
o Launch a joint EPA and USD A Challenge to better understand the potential role
for enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) by assessing the efficacy of 16 EEFs in
greenhouse trials.
o Complete approaches to prioritize watersheds for restoration and recovery efforts,
including a visual tool to illustrate national nutrient inventories and watershed
responsiveness to management actions.
Recreational Waters and Public Health Protection: Improve methods for rapid and cost-
effective monitoring of waterborne pathogens in recreational waters. For example,
improving rapid low-cost methods for real time 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.
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Microplastics: Continue refinement of methods to collect, extract, characterize, quantify,
and evaluate microplastics in surface water and sediment. Characterizing the smaller
micro- and nanoplastic particles will be the emphasis. These standard methods will allow
comparability across studies and aid in comprehensive exposure assessment and risk
characterization of microplastics. The research also will include activities to assess new
methods to rapidly identify microplastics in sediment with a citizen science project.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also will conduct 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
understand and manage risks associated with these chemicals. A significant challenge for
risk managers at the tribal, 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. In FY 2023,
EPA will increase its PFAS research efforts, with specific emphasis on implementing the
PFAS Strategic Roadmap.91
Within the SSWR Research Program, EPA is:
o Developing and validating standard methods for measuring different PFAS
chemicals in water and water treatment residuals (e.g., biosolids);
o Reviewing available literature on effectiveness and cost data for different water
treatment technologies applied to different PFAS chemicals; and
o 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.92
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.93 In response to overwhelming scientific consensus and continued public
health concern, reducing childhood lead exposure is one of the highest priorities for EPA.94
91 See EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-10/pfas-roadmap final-508.pdf
92 For more information, please see: https://iaspub.epa.gOv/tdh/pages/general/home.do#content.
93 For more information, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm.
94 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/tead.
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SSWR research focuses on:
o Establishing reliable models for estimating lead exposure from drinking water;
o Developing improved sampling techniques and strategies for identifying and
characterizing lead in plumbing materials, including lead service lines;
o Developing guidance on optimizing lead mitigation strategies; and
o 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.
Research Planning:
EPA is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs. Each of the six
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 planned with their active
involvement. Each research program is in the process of developing the fourth generation of the
StRAPs, which will continue the practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at
solving the problems encountered by the Agency and its stakeholders.
ORD works with various groups, including communities, to ensure the integrity and value of its
research through a variety of mechanisms that include:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o ORD meets regularly with this committee, which provides advice and
recommendations to ORD on technical and management issues of its research
programs.
State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement95 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.
Tribal Partnerships
o Key tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program which
provides a forum for the interaction between tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RD1) Percentage of ORD research products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
95 For more information, please see: https:/Avww.epa.gov/research/epa-researcli-solutioiis-states.
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(PM RD2) Number of ORD activities related to environmental justice that
involve or are designed to be applicable to tribes, states, territories, local
governments, and communities.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
(PM RD4) Percentage of ORD environmental justice-related research
products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
(PM RD5) Number of actions implemented for EPA scientific integrity
objectives.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
21
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$2,993.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$116.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
(+$250.0) This program change increases funding for EPA's PFAS research efforts, with
specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
(+$3,677.0 / +20.0 FTE) This net program change increases funding and FTE for the Safe
and Sustainable Water Resources Program. These FTE will help to address the challenges
of aging water infrastructure, contaminants of concern, harmful algal blooms, and
diminished water availability. This investment includes $3,567 million in payroll.
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
168
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Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Sciciuv ^ icclnwhixy
.S 133.000
.S 141.4"
S.S.4"
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$303
$320
$337
$17
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$1,149
$664
$674
$10
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$13,458
$16,463
$16,927
$464
Total Budget Authority
$127,626
$150,447
$159,415
$8,968
Total Workyears
442.3
421.8
441.8
20.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program supports the following
broad community-based goals: 1) accelerate the pace of contaminated site cleanups; 2) return
contaminated sites to beneficial use in their communities; 3) protect vulnerable groups, such as
communities with environmental justice concerns and children; 4) revitalize the most vulnerable
communities; and 5) understand the connections between healthy ecosystems, healthy people, and
healthy communities. SHC research provides decision-makers with the latest scientific
information on how the interrelationships between socio-economic, human health, and
environmental factors impact the environmental health of communities. The research and tools
generated, including those related to health disparities and social determinants of health, aim to
minimize negative, unintended consequences to human health and the environment and promote
resilience to the impacts of climate change across communities.
The SHC Research Program has made a commitment to foster environmental, public health, and
economic benefits for overburdened communities. Remedial technologies will directly support
communities with environmental justice concerns and accelerate solutions for the risks that
contaminated sites pose to underserved communities. The SHC program will focus on systems
approaches that consider how remediation and other technologies can reduce risk to sensitive
populations and improve climate adaptation and climate resilience. SHC will apply an integrated
systems approach to incorporate diverse data streams for increased understanding of linkages
between the total environment (built, natural and social) and public health to support communities
and will highlight climate change and environmental justice related research throughout the
program.
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Recent Accomplishments of the SHC Research Program include:
Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials: Opportunities, Community Benefits, and
Applied Guidance (Published in December 2020):96 Federal navigation channels
throughout the US are maintained through operations and maintenance dredging of rivers
and harbors. Much of this material is disposed through open water or contained disposal
facility placement. While dredged materials may contain contaminants, there is a
significant amount of material that is clean and may have beneficial uses in society. Thus,
there is increased pressure to identify beneficial uses for dredged material, such as
contaminated site remediation and aquatic habitat restoration. This project identified
barriers and opportunities related to using clean dredged materials to remediate
contaminated sites along with providing a tool for municipalities and other agencies to
better understand the social and ecological benefits of utilizing dredged materials in
cleanups or habitat restoration. The research team utilized and augmented the EPA
EcoService Models Library; developed a representative case study database; and produced
a report to support decision-making for dredged materials. This project created a
foundation of information, a use-refined tool, and a concept map to guide application for
different stakeholders in future projects.
Supply Chain Emission Factors for US Commodities and Industries (Published in
July 2020):97 Researchers developed a comprehensive set of supply chain emission factors
covering all categories of goods and services in the US economy. Purchased goods and
services and capital goods represent a significant source of emission for many
organizations. The final emission factors are available in the Supply Chain Emission
Factors for US Industries and Commodities dataset. Organizations can use these supply
chain factors to calculate the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/carbon footprints
of their purchases, or for reporting Scope 3 GHG emissions under the global Greenhouse
Gas Protocol.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program provides Cross-Agency Mission and Science Support and is allocated across
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.
SHC's FY 2023 research will focus on three topic areas: 1) Advancing Remediation and
Restoration of Contaminated Sites; 2) Materials Management and Beneficial Reuse of Waste; and
3) Integrated Systems Approach to Building Healthy and Resilient Communities. This research
will integrate and translate public health, environmental engineering, and ecosystem science to
provide:
Remediation solutions through permanent remedies, accounting for climate change, and
innovative treatment technologies for returning contaminated sites to safe and productive
use;
96 For more information, please see: https://intranet.ord.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-
017DMMT%20RESES%20Fiiial%20Report 508.pdf.
97 For more information, please see: https://cfiTub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_Report.cfm?dirEntryId=349324&Lab=CESER.
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Tools for sustainable materials management and beneficial reuse of materials; and
Approaches for revitalizing communities, particularly those that are underserved and
overburdened, including but not limited to those impacted by climate change.
The SHC Research Program provides state-of-the-science methods, models, tools, and
technologies to the Land and Emergency Management Program for use in programmatic guidance
and to support EPA decision makers with in-site cleanup. These approaches 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. To
support prevention of future land contamination problems, SHC develops life cycle analysis tools
and explores opportunities for beneficial reuse of materials to reduce environmental impact.
Finally, SHC research and development also will provide programs, regional partners, and local
communities with research and tools they can apply to assess how they can become more resilient
to and adapt to climate change. This community-oriented research is designed to revitalize
communities, support the protection of children's health, and address critical health impacts on
vulnerable populations. These efforts support community sustainability and increase community
resilience to natural disasters including those impacted by climate change.
Specifically, in FY 2023, SHC Research will conduct research in the following areas:
Advancing Remediation and Restoration of Contaminated Sites: EPA research under
this topic will primarily focus on developing and testing remedial alternatives for treating
contaminated soils, sediments, groundwater sites, vapor intrusion sites, and sites with
PFAS and lead contamination, along with providing technical support to the Office of Land
and Emergency Management (OLEM), regions, tribes, and states to translate the research
into usable approaches.
PFAS Research: PFAS will continue to be an important research topic for SHC. SHC is
specifically researching analytical methods, human exposure, contaminated sites source
zones, hard to treat streams such as landfill leachate, fate and transport of PFAS in
groundwater, remediation performance (treatability and cost models),
immobilization/stabilization of PFAS, and novel remedial technologies. This work
provides technical support and assistance to tribes, states, and local communities on issues
pertaining to ecological and human health risk assessment and site engineering challenges
related to PFAS. In FY 2023, EPA is investing additional funds in PFAS research, with
specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap,98
Lead Research: The SHC Research Program is working to identify locations of high
exposures and blood lead levels to target lead sources for mitigation. The research program
also will develop innovative methods to clean up lead at 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 also will 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
98 See EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-10/pfas-roadmap_fiiial-508.pdf
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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 Agency efforts, as well
as filling in the data gaps for federal partners, tribes, states, and local communities.
Materials Management and Beneficial Reuse of Waste: EPA research under SHC's
Materials Management and Beneficial Reuse of Waste aims to strengthen the scientific
basis for the Nation's materials management decisions and guidance at the tribal, state, and
community levels. The overall goal of this research is to increase sustainability through
reducing waste and supporting more circular economies, including supporting the
implementation of the 2021 National Recycling Strategy. Primary research efforts will
focus on developing lifecycle-based assessment tools for sustainable materials
management, evaluating the design, application, and use of landfills as well as the
degradation of liner material and improved monitoring strategies 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 support an
agencywide goal to reduce domestic food loss and waste by half by the year 2030."
Integrated Systems Approach to Building Healthy and Resilient Communities: 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 to the impacts of climate change, 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 stakeholders, tribes, and states to optimize health and well-being outcomes
while minimizing unintended consequences. In addition, EPA is investing funds to increase
protection of communities located near the fence line of industrial facilities.
Research Planning:
EPA research is built around six integrated and transdisciplinary research programs. Each of the
six 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 planned with their active
involvement. Each research program is in the process of developing the fourth generation of the
StRAPs, which will continue the practice of conducting innovative scientific research aimed at
solving the problems encountered by the Agency and its stakeholders.
The Office of Research and Development (ORD) works with various groups, including
communities, to ensure the integrity and value of its research through a variety of mechanisms
that include:
99 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food.
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EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
o ORD meets regularly with this committee, which provides advice and
recommendations to ORD on technical and management issues of its research
programs.
State Engagement
o EPA's state engagement100 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.
Tribal Partnerships
o Key tribal partnerships are established through the Tribal Science Program which
provides a forum for the interaction between tribal and Agency representatives.
These interactions identify research of mutual benefit and lead to collaborations on
important tribal environmental science issues.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RD1) Percentage of ORD research products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
(PM RD2) Number of ORD activities related to environmental justice that
involve or are designed to be applicable to tribes, states, territories, local
governments, and communities.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
(PM RD4) Percentage of ORD environmental justice-related research
products meeting partner needs.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
93
94
(PM RD5) Number of actions implemented for EPA scientific integrity
objectives.
FY 2022
Target
FY 2023
Target
No Target
Established
21
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$3,094.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$106.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
laboratory fixed costs.
100 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/research/epa-research-solutions-states.
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(+$1,356.0) This program change increases funding for EPA's PFAS research efforts, with
specific emphasis on implementing the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
(+$200.0) This program change increases resources to fund protection of communities
located near the fence line of industrial facilities.
(+$3,721.0 / +20.0 FTE) This net program change increases funding and FTE for the
Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program. These FTE will help to address
the acceleration of cleanup and return of contaminated sites to beneficial use, protection of
vulnerable populations, and the revitalization of vulnerable communities. This investment
includes $3,576 million in payroll.
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).
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Water: Human Health Protection
175
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Drinking Water Programs
Program Area: Ensure Safe Water
Goal: Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities
Objective(s): Ensure Safe Drinking Water and Reliable Water Infrastructure
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$97,190
SI 06.903
$133,258
$26,355
Science it- icclnwhixy
S -IMS
S-IJfi-l
Vi. "(,
S2.-II2
Total Budget Authority
$101,278
$111,267
$140,034
$28,767
Total Workyears
480.3
475.2
547.2
72.0
Program Project Description:
The Drinking Water Technical Support Center is responsible for a range of activities to address
drinking water contamination. The Center:
leads the collection of national occurrence data for unregulated contaminants in drinking
water;
develops, evaluates, and approves analytical methods that are used to accurately and
reliably monitor drinking water contaminants;
leads the national program under which laboratories are certified to conduct the analyses
of drinking water contaminants with approved analytical methods; and,
collaborates with states and public water systems to implement tools that optimize
treatment and improve water quality by helping systems achieve compliance and maximize
technical capacity while reducing operational costs.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 5/Objective 5.1, Ensure Safe Drinking Water and
Reliable Water Infrastructure in the l'Y 2022 - 2026 EPA Strategic Plan. The program also will
support the Agency's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation priorities.
In FY 2023, EPA is requesting funding for the Drinking Water Technical Support Center to carry
out the activities listed below:
Lead rule development and implementation activities for the Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule (UCMR), a federal direct implementation program coordinated by EPA, as
directed by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
o The data collected pursuant to this rule support the Agency's determination of whether to
establish health-based standards to protect public health. Data reporting under the UCMR's
fourth cycle (UCMR 4) concluded at the end of calendar year (CY) 2021. EPA compiled
and published the final data set for the fourth cycle in FY 2022.
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o In December 2021, the Agency published the final rule for the UCMR's fifth cycle (UCMR
5). EPA is conducting pre-monitoring implementation activities throughout CY 2022 to
prepare for the upcoming UCMR 5 sampling period from January 2023 through December
2025.
o UCMR 5 is the first cycle to implement the monitoring provisions of America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), which requires, subject to the availability of
appropriations and adequate laboratory capacity, sampling at all small public water systems
(PWSs) serving between 3,300 and 10,000 persons. AWIA also requires monitoring at a
representative sample of small PWSs serving fewer than 3,300 persons. EPA
implementation efforts need to significantly expand to address a 7.5-fold increase in the
number of small-system samples as a result of AWIA.
o EPA is responsible for managing and funding the small-system monitoring. 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 UCMR data available to state
and tribal partners and to the public.
Lead the development, revision, evaluation, and approval of analytical methods for
unregulated and regulated contaminants in drinking water to assess and ensure protection of
public health (e.g., polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]). This work supports the activities
underway for the Agency's PFAS Roadmap and is expected to support priorities identified by
the EPA Council on PFAS.
Implement EPA's Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program,101 which sets direction
for oversight of state, municipal, and commercial laboratories that analyze drinking water
samples. EPA will conduct regional laboratory certification program reviews and deliver
laboratory certification officer training courses (chemistry and microbiology) for state and
regional representatives. The certification program and trainings will help to ensure the quality
of drinking water analyses conducted in FY 2023.
Partner with states and water systems to optimize their treatment technology and distribution
systems under the drinking water Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP).102 AWOP is a
highly successful technical/compliance assistance and training program that enhances the
ability of public water systems to comply with existing microbial, disinfectant, and disinfection
byproduct standards, and to address distribution system integrity and water quality issues.
During FY 2023, EPA expects to work with states and tribes to expand efforts to train and
assist systems, including those in disadvantaged and tribal communities. This effort includes
identifying performance limiting factors at public water systems and developing and applying
tailored tools to help them overcome operational challenges, achieve performance and
optimization levels, and address health-based compliance challenges. The technical assistance
provided by AWOP can be instrumental in supporting public water systems with limited
financial capacity to effectively address drinking water quality issues.
101 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert.
102 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/optimization-program-drinking-water-sy stems.
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) implementation and
compliance and requirements in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Categorical Grant:
Public Water System Supervision Programs under the STAG appropriation to support safe
drinking water for the nation.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(+$187.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to annual payroll increases, adjustments to
provide essential workforce support, and changes to benefits costs.
(+$187.0 / +1.0 FTE) This program change is an increase in resources and FTE to support
the activities associated with the Evidence Act. This investment includes $182.0 thousand
in payroll.
(+$2,038.0 / +4.0 FTE) This program change is an increase in resources and FTE to support
regulatory analysis, development and training, and technical assistance for state, tribal, and
local communities to address drinking water contaminants (including Lead and PFAS) in
their efforts to ensure safe and affordable drinking water. The increase also supports
development of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and the Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule. This investment includes $729.0 thousand in payroll.
Statutory Authority:
SDWA.
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Congressional Priorities
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Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Program Area: Clean and Safe Water Technical Assistance Grants
Goal: Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities
Objective(s): Ensure Safe Drinking Water and Reliable Water Infrastructure
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2021
Final Actuals
FY 2022
Annualized
CR
FY 2023
President's
Budget
FY 2023 President's
Budget v.
FY 2022 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
so
S21.700
so
-S21.700
Sciciuv it- icclnwhixy
so
S '.500
so
-S '.500
Total Budget Authority
$0
$29,200
$0
-$29,200
Program Project Description:
In FY 2021 and in the FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution, Congress appropriated $7.5
million in the Science and Technology appropriation to fund high priority water quality and water
availability research. EPA was instructed by Congress to award grants on a competitive basis,
independent of the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program, and to give priority to not-for-
profit organizations that: 1) conduct activities that are national in scope; 2) can provide a 25 percent
match, including in-kind contributions; and 3) often partner with the Agency.
FY 2023 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this Program in FY 2023.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2023 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2023 Change from FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
(-$7,500.0) Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2023. The goals
of this program can be accomplished through core statutory programs.
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 II SubtitleB; ERDDA, 33 U.S.C. 1251 - Section2(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.
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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.
181
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