United States
Environmental Protection Agency
FISCAL YEAR 2024
Justification of Appropriation
Estimates for the
Committee on Appropriations
Tab 16: Appendix
March 2023
EPA-190-R-23-001 www.epa.gov/cj
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Environmental Protection Agency
2024 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Appendix
Coordination With Other Federal Agencies 3
Acronyms for Statutory Authority 44
7
Making Litigation Costs Transparent - Equal Access for Justice Act (EAJA) 49
FY 2024 Congressional Justification Estimated Resources and FTE for Environmental
Justice Program1 50
EPA User Fee Programs 52
Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives 56
FY 2024 Administrator's Priorities 61
FY 2024: Consolidations, Realignments, or Other Transfer of Resources 63
FY 2024 STAG Categorical Program Grants 65
Agency Response to Office of Inspector General FY 2023 Top Management Challenges
Report 75
EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office 83
OECA Travel by Program Project FY 2018 - FY 2024* 89
On-Site Inspections and Off-site Compliance Monitoring Compliance Activities from EPA's
Integrated Compliance Information System15 90
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan 92
Program Projects by Program Area 97
Eliminated Programs 109
Proposed FY 2024 Administrative Provisions 110
062S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act 114
Working Capital Fund 182
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Coordination With Other Federal Agencies
Air and Radiation Programs
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Implementation
EPA cooperates with other agencies to achieve goals related to ground level ozone and particulate
matter (PM), and to ensure the actions of other agencies are compatible with state plans for
attaining and maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Agency
works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USD A), Department of the Interior (DOI),
and Department of Defense (DOD) on issues such as prescribed burning at silviculture and
agricultural operations. EPA, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) also work with state and local agencies to integrate transportation
and air quality plans, reduce traffic congestion, and promote livable communities.
Air Quality in the Agricultural Sector
To improve EPA's understanding of environmental issues in the agricultural sector, the Agency
works with USD A and others to improve air quality while supporting sustainable agriculture. The
collaborative approach to the agriculture sector includes scientific assessment, outreach and
education, and implementation/compliance.
Regional Haze
EPA works with the National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and DOI in
implementing its regional haze program and operating the Interagency Monitoring of Protected
Visual Environments (IMPROVE) visibility monitoring network. The operation and analysis of
data produced by this air monitoring system is an example of the close coordination of efforts
between EPA and state and tribal governments.
Air Quality Assessment, Modeling, and Forecasting
For pollution assessments and transport, EPA works with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) on technology transfer using satellite imagery. EPA further distributes
NASA satellite products and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
air quality forecast products to states, local agencies, and tribes to provide a better understanding
of daily air quality and to assist with air quality forecasting. EPA works with NASA to develop a
better understanding of PM formation using satellite data. EPA also works with the Department of
the Army on advancing emission measurement technology and with NOAA for meteorological
support for our modeling and monitoring efforts. EPA collects real-time ozone and PM
measurements from state and local agencies, which are used by both NOAA and EPA to improve
and verify Air Quality Forecast models.
EPA's AirNow Program (the national real-time Air Quality Index reporting and forecasting
system) works with the National Weather Service (NWS) to coordinate NOAA air quality forecast
guidance with state and local agencies for air quality forecasting efforts and to render the NOAA
model output in EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI), which helps people determine appropriate air
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quality protective behaviors. In wildfire situations, EPA and USFS work closely with states to
deploy monitors and report monitoring information and other conditions on AirNow. The AirNow
Program also collaborates with NPS and USFS in collecting air quality monitoring observations,
in addition to over 130 state, local, and tribal air agency observations, and with NASA in a project
to incorporate satellite data with air quality observations.
EPA, USD A, and DOI established a collaborative framework to address issues pertaining to
wildland fire and air quality. The agreement recognizes the key roles of each agency, as well as
opportunities for collaboration. For example, the partnership explains that the agencies seek to
reduce the impact of emissions from wildfires, especially catastrophic wildfires, and the impact of
those emissions on air quality. In addition, the partnership highlights opportunities for enhancing
coordination among the agencies through information sharing and consultation, collaboration on
tools and information resources, and working together to collaborate with state and other partners,
among others on strategic goals.
Mobile Sources
EPA works with DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the
coordinated national program establishing standards to improve fuel efficiency for light-duty and
heavy-duty vehicles. Specifically, EPA, in coordination with DOT's fuel economy and fuel
consumption standards programs, implements vehicle and commercial truck greenhouse gas
standards.
To address criteria pollutant emissions from marine and aircraft sources, EPA works
collaboratively with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). EPA also collaborates with the
USCG in the implementation of Emission Control Area (ECA) around the U.S., and with Mexico
and Canada in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to evaluate
the benefits of establishing a Mexican ECA.
To better understand the sources and causes of mobile source pollution, EPA works with the
Department of Energy (DOE) and DOT to fund applied research projects including transportation
modeling projects. EPA also works closely with DOE on refinery cost modeling analyses to
support clean fuel programs, and coordinates with DOE regarding fuel supply during emergency
situations. EPA works with DOE in evaluating petitions for small refinery hardship exemptions
under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) Program.
For mobile sources program outreach, the Agency participates in a collaborative effort with DOT's
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate the public and communities about
the impacts of transportation choices on traffic congestion, air quality, climate change, and human
health. These partnerships can involve policy assessments and toxic emission reduction strategies
in different regions of the country. EPA works with DOE, DOT, and other agencies, as needed, on
the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act
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of 2007, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA also has worked with other agencies on biofuel
topics through the Biomass Research and Development Institute.
To develop air pollutant emission factors and emission estimation algorithms for military aircraft,
ground equipment, and vehicles, EPA partners with the DOD. This partnership provides for the
joint undertaking of air-monitoring/emission factor research and regulatory implementation.
Air Toxics
EPA works closely with other health agencies such as the CDC, National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) on health risk characterization for both toxic and criteria air pollutants. The
Agency also contributes air quality data to CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking Program,
which is made publicly available and used by various public health agencies.
Addressing Transboundary Air Pollution
In developing regional and international air quality projects, and in working on regional
agreements, EPA works with the Department of State (DOS), NOAA, NASA, DOE, USD A, U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB), and with regional organizations. In addition, EPA has partnered with other organizations
and countries worldwide, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the
European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), CEC, Canada, Mexico, China,
and Japan. EPA also partners with environment and public health officials and provides technical
assistance through UNEP to facilitate the development of air quality management strategies to
other major emitters and/or to key regional or sub-regional groupings of countries.
Stratospheric Ozone
EPA works closely with DOS and other federal agencies in international negotiations among
Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, with the goal of
protecting the ozone layer and through managing ozone depleting substances (ODS) it controls.
EPA also supports several multilateral environmental agreements to simultaneously protect the
ozone layer and climate system working closely with the DOS and other federal agencies,
including but not limited to the Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP), Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ), Department of Commerce (DOC), OMB, USD A NOAA, and
NASA.
EPA works with other agencies, including the Office of the United States Trade Representative
(USTR) and DOC, to analyze potential trade implications in stratospheric protection regulations
that affect imports and exports. EPA has coordinated efforts with the Department of Justice (DOJ),
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Treasury (U.S. Treasury), and other
agencies to curb the illegal importation of ODS.
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Indoor Air and Radon
EPA works closely with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), DOE, U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) to reduce risks from poor air quality in homes and schools. EPA also partners
with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to provide guidance and technical assistance to
improve school environments through indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements. EPA, CDC, and
HUD have leadership roles in the public-private strategic partnership to advance radon risk
reduction (National Radon Action Plan). EPA co-leads the Federal Asthma Disparities Work
Group under the President's Task Force and leads the Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor
Air Quality—these two coordinating bodies serve to increase communication, coordination, and
collaboration across the federal family to address IAQ risk reduction.
Radiation and Radiation Preparedness and Response
EPA works primarily with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), DOE, and DHS on
multiple radiation-related issues. EPA has ongoing planning and guidance discussions with DHS
on emergency response activities, including exercises responding to nuclear related incidents. As
the regulator of DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), EPA is charged with coordinating with
DOE to ensure the facility is operating in compliance with EPA regulations. EPA is a member of
the Interagency Radiation Source Protection and Security Task Force, established in the Energy
Policy Act, to improve the security of domestic radioactive sources. EPA also is a working member
of the interagency Nuclear Government Coordinating Council (NGCC), which coordinates across
government and the private sector on issues related to security, communications, and emergency
management within the nuclear sector. EPA is a charter member of the Interagency Nuclear Safety
Review Board which was established to review the nuclear safety analysis for launching space
nuclear systems. EPA works with DOD, DOE, NASA, NRC, DOS, and DOT to coordinate the
safety review and launch emergency response plans for commercial and non-commercial launches
of space nuclear systems.
For emergency preparedness, EPA coordinates with other federal agencies through the Federal
Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee and the Advisory Team for Environment,
Food and Health which provides federal scientific advice and recommendations to state and local
decision makers, such as governors and mayors, during a radiological emergency. EPA participates
in planning and implementing exercises including radiological anti-terrorism activities with the
HHS, NRC, DOE, DOD, and DHS.
EPA is a charter member and co-chairs the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation
Standards (ISCORS), which was created at the direction of Congress. Through its activities,
member agencies are kept informed of cross-cutting issues related to radiation protection,
radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness and response. ISCORS also helps
coordinate U.S. responses to radiation-related issues internationally.
During radiological emergencies, EPA works with expert members of the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA). EPA also works with OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) on two
committees: the Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) and the Committee on
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Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH). Through participation on the CRPPH, EPA is
successful in bringing U.S. perspectives to international radiation protection policy.
Climate Change
To carry out a diverse range of regulatory and partnership programs to help tackle the climate
crisis, EPA works with a number of other federal agencies, including the Department of HUD,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), DOE, USD A, DOS, USAID, DOI, and DOT.
Climate protection partnership programs, government-wide, stimulate the development and use of
renewable energy technologies, energy efficient products, and other strategies that will help reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The effort is led by EPA and DOE with significant involvement
from the USD A, HUD, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) is a U.S.-led, international public-private partnership that
brings together over 40 partner governments and over 1,000 public and private sector organizations
to advance methane recovery and use methane as a clean energy source. EPA works with DOS on
the GMI, building on the success of EPA's domestic methane programs and focusing on advancing
methane reductions from agriculture, coal mines, landfills, oil and gas systems, and municipal
wastewater.
EPA also will support DOS as the technical lead in developing projections and compiling
information on GHG mitigation policies and measures as part of the upcoming U.S. Biennial
Report and National Communication as required by the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate
Change. EPA will support the State Department and National Science Foundation with applying
applicable goals and GHG mitigation policies in the review of environmental evaluations for non-
Governmental activities in Antarctica consistent with Antarctica Treaty Commission
commitments.
Research Supporting the Air and Radiation Program
EPA continues to coordinate with other agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
HHS, CDC, NOAA, DOE, USD A, and USFS to develop effective and sustainable approaches to
manage air pollution and climate change risks.
ENERGYSTAR
In 2009, EPA and DOE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that redefined roles and
responsibilities to address implementation challenges and capitalize on the strengths of each
agency. Feedback from stakeholders has been positive on improvements in the Program since the
2009 Memorandum of Understanding.
Prior to 2009, both EPA and DOE were implementing the Program for different products, resulting
in inconsistent approaches, duplicative efforts, and market confusion. The 2009 Memorandum of
Understanding was designed to solve such problems raised by industry stakeholders. EPA is the
ENERGY STAR brand manager and is accountable for maintaining the integrity of the label. For
ENERGY STAR products, EPA is responsible for setting product performance levels, educating
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consumers and businesses, and supporting the efforts of manufacturers, retailers, and utilities. EPA
also oversees third-party certification and verification testing. Across the more than 75 product
categories, EPA has demonstrated accessibility and transparency in the implementation of the
ENERGY STAR products program. EPA also is responsible for the ENERGY STAR Residential
New Construction, Commercial, and Industrial programs, including ENERGY STAR Portfolio
Manager.
For ENERGY STAR products, DOE develops test procedures for ENERGY STAR products and
contributes to verification testing of appliances and equipment. DOE also sets minimum,
mandatory energy efficiency standards for some products through a regulatory process. EPA and
DOE work closely to share data and analyses, synchronize timing, and coordinate requests to
industry in the development of both the voluntary ENERGY STAR specifications and the DOE
minimum efficiency standards. DOE also is responsible for implementing Home Performance
with ENERGY STAR.
Water Programs
Collaboration with Public and Private Partners on Water Infrastructure Preparedness, Response
and Recovery
EPA coordinates with other federal agencies, primarily DHS, CDC, FDA, and DOD, on biological,
chemical, and radiological contaminants of high concern, and how to detect and respond to their
presence in drinking water and wastewater systems. EPA maintains a close linkage with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and DHS, particularly with respect to ensuring the timely
dissemination of threat information through existing communication networks. Additionally,
throughout the pandemic, EPA worked with DHS and other federal agencies to coordinate aspects
of information sharing, disseminate personal protective equipment, address shortages of treatment
chemicals, provide for equipment and qualified water system operators, and recognize water
system operators and associated contract personnel as critical workers.
EPA works with US ACE and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to refine
coordination processes among federal partners engaged in providing emergency response support
to the water sector, including maintaining clear roles and responsibilities under the National
Disaster Recovery Framework. In addition, EPA continues to work with FEMA, USACE, and
other agencies, on the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force regarding water
resources and floodplain management.
As the Agency in charge of water sector security, EPA works with DHS Cyber and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) and other government agencies on the Industrial Control System (ICS)
working group to develop an ICS interagency Strategy and Implementation Plan. EPA also
collaborates with CISA on various working groups and cybersecurity issues such as roles and
responsibilities, ICS supply chain, cyber workforce, cybersecurity standards, and cyber response.
Drinking Water Programs
EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established an Interagency Agreement to coordinate
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activities and information exchange in the areas of unregulated contaminants occurrence, the
environmental relationships affecting contaminant occurrence, protection area delineation
methodology, and analytical methods. This effort improves the quality of information to support
risk management decision-making at all levels of government, generates valuable new data, and
eliminates potential redundancies. EPA also collaborates with HUD to develop strategies to
decrease drinking water lead exposure in homes. The partnership promotes the exchange of
information, leverages funding, and reviews processes to facilitate better-informed and
coordinated decisions and investments.
In addition, EPA collaborates with DHHS to better understand, characterize, and manage public
health risks from Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), with activities spanning from
assessing CDC's waterborne disease surveillance data related to legionella and other biofilm-
related pathogens to partnering with FDA on antibiotic resistance-related issues. EPA collaborates
with multiple federal agencies to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) issues
including DOD, DOE, USD A, FDA, DHHS, the NIH, the Consumer Product Safety Commission,
the Small Business Administration (SB A), NASA, FAA, and the Executive Office of the President
(EOP).
Infrastructure Support for Tribal Water Systems
EPA coordinates the multi-agency tribal Infrastructure Task Force (ITF), created to develop and
coordinate federal activities in delivering water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure and solid
waste management services to tribal communities. The ITF is the formal mechanism for
interagency coordination among EPA, DHHS's Indian Health Service (IHS), HUD, USD A, and
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Drinking Water and Wastewater Work in Indian Country
EPA works under a five-federal agency MOU to better coordinate the federal government's efforts
in providing access to safe drinking water and basic wastewater facilities for tribal communities.
EPA, DOI, DHHS, USD A, and HUD work as the Federal Tribal Infrastructure Task Force (TITF)
to use their combined authorities to maintain a framework to enhance interagency efficiency and
coordination, and to cultivate greater cooperation in carrying out their tribal infrastructure
responsibilities. Since 2007, the TITF has: maintained procedures necessary for a common
understanding of the programs pertaining to funding infrastructure construction, solid waste
management efforts, and technical assistance to tribes; worked together to improve the capacity of
tribal communities to operate and maintain sustainable infrastructure; enhanced the efficient
leveraging of funds; worked directly with tribes to promote an understanding of federal programs;
identified ways to improve construction, operation, and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure;
and worked to allow and facilitate the exchange of data and information amongst partners.1
1 For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/federal-infTastructure-task-foTce-impTove-
access-safe- drinking-water-and-basic-sanitation.
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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) / Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Coordination work with other federal agencies also will support EPA's BIL/IIJA implementation
priorities.
Sustainable Rural Drinking and Wastewater Systems
EPA and USD A work together to increase the sustainability of rural drinking water and wastewater
systems to ensure the protection of public health, water quality, and sustainable communities. The
two agencies facilitate coordinated funding for infrastructure projects that aid in the compliance
of national drinking water and clean water regulations.
National Water Sector Workforce Development: Department of Veterans Affairs
EPA and the Departments of Education, Interior, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (VA) are
building on existing collaborations, exploring new opportunities and actions, and identifying
potential additional federal programs and partners to support the Nation's water sector
professionals.
Coordinationwith Department of Defense on Analytical Methods for Detecting PFAS
EPA's Clean Water Act (CWA) analytical methods program is collaborating with DOD on their
efforts to develop an analytical method for detecting certain PFAS compounds in wastewater.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
EPA participates in quarterly and ad hoc meetings with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), DOE,
DOI, DOT, and DOJ to share information on carbon capture and storage developments. In
addition, EPA serves as a liaison to DOE's National Risk Assessment Partnership to advance its
work in developing tools to improve collective understanding of risk at CO2 storage projects and
inform science and risk-based decision-making at geologic sequestration projects; and to explore
opportunities to integrate the partnership work into EPA's Class VI permitting process. EPA also
will collaborate with DOE and CEQ on several reports and other initiatives related to carbon
sequestration requested by Congress, including developing a report on UIC Class VI permitting.
Through the CAA §309 review program, EPA is collaborating with DOE and other agencies as
needed to assist with identifying potential impacts and ways to avoid and minimize those impacts
from CO2 storage projects.
Research to Support Water Programs
While EPA is the federal agency mandated to ensure safe drinking water, other federal and non-
federal entities conduct research that complements EPA's research on priority contaminants in
drinking water. Cooperative research efforts have been ongoing with the American Water Works
Association, Water Research Foundation, and other stakeholders to coordinate drinking water
research where the private sector is conducting research in areas such as analytical methods,
treatment technologies, and the development and maintenance of water resources. EPA also has
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worked with the USGS to evaluate performance of newly developed methods for measuring
microbes in potential drinking water sources.
Interagency coordination in research also is occurring in developing sediment criteria. Here, EPA
has joint research initiatives with NOAA and USGS for linking monitoring data and field study
information with available toxicity data and assessment models for developing sediment criteria.
EPA also conducts studies with the USGS to monitor the occurrence of contaminants of emerging
concern (CECs). Research efforts to monitor the effects of chemical mixtures continue, increasing
our understanding of wastewater effluent impacts to human and aquatic health and prioritizing
future research on developing solutions for the removal of CECs in wastewater treatment
operations.
Source Water Collaborative
EPA participates in the Source Water Collaborative along with USDA (NRCS, Farm Service
Agency (FSA), USFS), USGS, and 25 other national organizations. The goal of the collaborative
is to protect sources of drinking water by combining the strengths and tools of its member
organizations. EPA provides funding to support these efforts.
Source Water Protection and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
To combat HABs and hypoxia, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control
Amendments Act of 2014 (HABHRCA 2014, P.L. 113-124, reauthorized through the National
Integrated Drought Information System [HABHRCA 2017, Public Law 115-423]) emphasizes the
mandate to advance the scientific understanding and ability to detect, predict, control, mitigate,
and respond to HABs and hypoxia. This legislation established the Interagency Working Group
(IWG) on HABHRCA (IWG-HABHRCA). It tasked the group with coordinating and convening
federal agencies to discuss HAB and hypoxia events in the U.S., and to develop action plans,
reports, and assessments of these situations. The IWG-HABHRCA is co-chaired by representatives
from EPA, NOAA, and the OSTP, and it is composed of the following member agencies and
departments: CDC, FDA, NIEHS, USACE, USGS, BOEM, NPS, FWS, NASA, USDA, DOS, and
the National Science Foundation (NSF).
2018 Farm Bill Source Water Protection Provisions
EPA collaborates with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), state and
utility partners to develop implementation strategies and guidance to comply with the 2018 Farm
Bill provisions. These provisions dedicate at least 10 percent of total funds available for
conservation programs (with the exception of the Conservation Reserve Program) to be used for
source water protection. In addition, the Agency partners with NRCS to foster collaboration at the
state and local levels to identify priority source water protection areas in each state to address
agriculture-related impacts to drinking water sources. EPA also is collaborating with USFS in
developing strategies to implement the 2018 Farm Bill (Title VIII, Subtitle D, Section 8404)
Source Water Protection provisions requiring a "Water Source Protection Program" on National
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Forest Service (NFS) lands. EPA is supporting USFS by fostering partnerships with state, utilities,
and other water stakeholders.
National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)
The Agency works with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which
implements Farm Bill conservation programs that can help control nonpoint source pollution. The
National Water Quality Initiative partnership with USDA focuses federal resources on agricultural
sources of pollution in select watersheds in every state. From 2012 to 2021, NRCS has invested
more than $250 million and worked with over 5 million farmers and ranchers to implement
conservation practices on 1.1 million acres. Between FY 2017-2020, over $20 million in Clean
Water Act section 319 funding was invested in these same NWQI watersheds, which was matched
by over $22 million in nonfederal funding. These conservation efforts have reduced sediment loss
from cropland by > 1.1 million tons, reduced phosphorous loss by >3.1 million pounds and reduced
nitrogen loss by >13.5 million pounds.
Gulf Hypoxia Task Force
EPA, as the federal chair of the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force, works with member federal agencies
(USDA, NOAA, USGS) and twelve member states to continue implementation of the 2008 Gulf
Hypoxia Action Plan. A key goal of the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan is to improve water quality in
the Mississippi River Basin and reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico by
implementing existing and innovative approaches to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in
the Basin and the Gulf. The Hypoxia Task Force is developing basin-wide metrics, while Task
Force member states are using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act resources to implement
nutrient reduction strategies, partner with land grant universities, report on measures to track
progress, and identify a need for adaptive management. State support for effective nutrient
reduction in the Gulf is coordinated with other Hypoxia Task Force federal member agencies, such
as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Geological Survey, in high-priority watersheds.
Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program
The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, established by section 6217 of the Coastal Zone
Act Reauthorization Amendments, addresses nonpoint source pollution problems in coastal
waters. Section 6217 requires states and territories with approved Coastal Zone Management
Programs to develop Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs. In its program, a state or
territory describes how it will implement nonpoint source pollution controls, known as
management measures. This program is administered jointly with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
The EPA Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
(NRDA) Program works closely with federal (NOAA, DOI, USDA) and state (5 Gulf states)
NRDA co-Trustees to evaluate, select, and implement projects to restore Gulf of Mexico natural
resources injured by the DWH oil spill. This restoration effort provides the opportunity for EPA
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and co-Trustees to collaborate on a wide variety of issues across the Gulf that are important to the
federal co-Trustees including water quality, nutrient reduction, fisheries, wetlands, marine debris,
coastal resilience, monitoring, and adaptive management.
Ocean Dumping Program
The MPRSA regulates the disposition of any material in the ocean unless expressly excluded under
MPRSA. Under the MPRSA, EPA is responsible for establishing criteria for reviewing and
evaluating permit applications, as well as issuing ocean dumping permits for materials other than
dredged material. In the case of dredged material, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is
responsible for issuing ocean dumping permits, using EPA's environmental criteria. Permits for
ocean dumping of dredged material are subject to EPA review and written concurrence. EPA and
USACE together develop site management and monitoring plans for each designated ocean
dredged material disposal site. In the United States, the MPRSA implements the requirements of
the London Convention, where EPA collaborates with the State Department and USACE.
Vessels
EPA works closely under the Clean Water Act to jointly regulate vessels of the armed forces with
the Department of Defense through the Department of the Navy. EPA works closely with the U.S.
Coast Guard to regulate incidental discharges from commercial vessels - EPA establishes
discharge standards that become effective once the Coast Guard issues implementing regulations
under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.
Urban Waters Federal Partnership
EPA leads the Urban Waters Federal Partnership with over 15 federal partner agencies, including
DO I and USD A, to support 21 Urban Waters locations. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership
reconnects urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or economically
distressed, with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and
collaborating with community-led revitalization efforts to improve our nation's waters and
promote their economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Wetlands
EPA works closely with USACE to oversee and implement the Clean Water Act section 404
permitting program. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act establishes a program to regulate the
discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The
Army Corps of Engineers administers day-to-day program, including individual and
general permit decisions. EPA develops and interprets policy, guidance, and environmental
criteria used in evaluating permit applications; determines scope of geographic jurisdiction and
applicability of exemptions; and reviews and comments on individual permit applications. EPA
also coordinates with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) on certain permitting actions.
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Interagency Coastal Wetlands Workgroup
EPA works on the Coastal Wetlands Initiative in partnership with a number of federal agencies
involved in coastal wetlands conservation, including FWS, NMFS, DOT, USGS, USD A, and
US ACE. The ultimate goal of the Interagency Coastal Wetlands Workgroup is to reduce and
reverse the trend of coastal wetland loss. The workgroup has developed a series of
recommendations to address coastal wetland loss grouped under five themes: increasing the
acreage of wetlands restored in coastal watersheds; reducing loss of coastal wetlands to
development; reducing loss of coastal wetlands associated with silviculture in the Southeast;
supporting the collection, enhancement, and dissemination of landscape-scale wetland monitoring
data; and conducting targeted outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Coral Reef Task Force
EPA partners with other federal agencies in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF).
The USCRTF was established in 1998 by Presidential Executive Order to lead U.S. efforts to
preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The USCRTF includes federal agencies, states,
territories, commonwealths, and Freely Associated States. The USCRTF helps build partnerships,
strategies, and support for on-the-ground action to conserve coral reefs.
National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC)
EPA partners with other federal agencies, states and other organizations to promote water quality
monitoring. The NWQMC includes representatives from NOAA, Forest Service, NRCS, FWS,
NPS and participation from USGS. A key deliverable of the NWQMC is the National Monitoring
Conference. The NWQMC established a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)
workgroup to advance inclusion of JEDI issues in programming and expand representation of
Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or
questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQ+) in the conference and the broader monitoring
workforce.
National Aquatic Resource Surveys
EPA partners with other federal agencies, states, territories, and tribes in implementation of NARS,
a national monitoring network producing statistically representative assessments on the condition
of the nation's rivers and streams, lakes, wetlands, coastal estuaries, and Great Lakes nearshore
waters. Federal agencies that have participated in NARS include NRCS, NPS, FS, BLM, and
USGS.
Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish
FDA and EPA collaborate to issue advice regarding eating fish and shellfish that are lower in
mercury. This advice is for those who might become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding
as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children. It can help people make informed
choices about the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.
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Land and Emergency Management Programs
Brownfields
EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization Programs partner with the NPS's River, Trails and
Conservation Assistance Program to support Groundwork USA and individual Groundwork Trust
organizations in their efforts to engage youth in brownfields redevelopment and community
revitalization.
SuperfundRemedial Program
The Superfund Remedial Program maintains ongoing coordination and collaboration with
ATSDR, NIEHS, HUD, and USACE as well as with the Federal Mining Dialogue and the Federal
Remediation Technologies Roundtable, two multi-agency consortia. Interaction with these entities
enhances program implementation through activities that are mutually beneficial, such as
information sharing and resource leveraging. For example, ATSDR has a statutory mandate to
complete health assessments on sites listed on EPA's National Priorities List while EPA conducts
site characterization and remediation. Moreover, EPA site managers work with their ATSDR
counterparts to coordinate public human health messaging. For NIEHS, EPA collaborates and
coordinates academic research related to contaminant toxicities, site characterization and
remediation and risk communication. EPA collaborates with HUD on residential risk evaluation
and mitigation, while the Agency's work with USACE spans a wide range of technical,
management and acquisition support functions to implement or oversee responsible party
Superfund project implementation for the remedial and removal programs. EPA's participation in
the Federal Mining Dialogue has established the Agency's role in a multi-agency (e.g., DOE, DOI,
etc.) partnership to address abandoned hard rock mining sites on federal and mixed ownership
lands. Membership in the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable facilitates EPA's
collaboration with multiple federal entities, such as DOD, NASA, DOT, to advance the use of
innovative technologies to clean up hazardous waste contamination. EPA also co-chairs with DOE
and DOD a subgroup of the PFAS Interagency Policy Committee (IPC) on PFAS cleanup and
disposal. The purpose is to foster inter-agency collaboration and communication to accelerate
PFAS cleanups. USDA, EPA, SBA, OMB/OIRA, DHS, DOT/FAA, OSTP and CEQ also
participate in this IPC subgroup and CEQ leads the IPC group.
Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program
EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program coordinates with other Federal
Agencies (OFAs); state, tribal, and local governments; and communities to implement its statutory
responsibilities to ensure protective and efficient cleanup and reuse of federally contaminated landon
the Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket and the NPL. Successful coordination
requires strong partnerships and enhanced engagement by having regularly scheduled and ad hoc
meetings that target and resolve critical programmatic issues, emphasize selection and
implementation of protective cleanups, and recognize site reuse opportunities and successes. EPA
has committed to early engagement with our partners that focus on issues with a problem-solving
and action-oriented approach.
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The Program also coordinates with national organizations that help to improve engagement such
as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO), the
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC), and the Environmental Council of the
States (ECOS). ASTSWMO has a Federal Facilities Research Center Subcommittee that promotes
and enhances state and territory involvement in the cleanup and reuse of contaminated federal
facilities and fosters information exchange by and between states, territories, and OF As. This
includes identifying and researching emerging issues related to state and federal cleanup programs
at federal facility sites, producing and disseminating resource documents and tools, and working
with EPA and OF As on a variety of federal facility issues and forums. Current topics of interest
include addressing contaminants of emerging concern like PFAS; ensuring Applicable or Relevant
and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) are identified and implemented; coordination with
civilian federal agencies; Performance-Based Contracting; and participating in the implementation
and oversight of the Munitions Response Program. ITRC is a state-led coalition working to reduce
barriers to the use of innovative air, water, waste, and remediation environmental technologies and
processes. ITRC produces documents and training that broaden and deepen technical knowledge
and expedite quality regulatory decision making while protecting human health and the
environment. EPA, along with OF As and industry representatives, works through ITRC in defining
continuing research needs through its teams including on topics of relevance and benefit to federal
facility sites, like PFAS, chemicals of emerging concern, and performance-based optimization of
pump and treat systems.
Through the establishment of a national cleanup dialogue with the DOE and the states in
coordination with ECOS, EPA supports special emphasis engagement for nuclear weapons sites,
the largest and costliest portfolio of remaining federal facilities cleanup work. The Dialogue
enhances ongoing working relationships in the cleanup of DOE Environmental Management sites
and focuses on topics of mutual relevance and highest priority to ensure timely advancement of
protective cleanups. The Dialogue exemplifies how collaboration can advance DOE sites and
foster an understanding of challenges and successes nationally.
EPA also participates with OF As and states on the Munitions Response Dialogue (MRD), partners
with DOD research and development programs on munitions management and environmental
restoration. Current MRD activities include EPA, DOD, Federal Land Management Agencies, and
states updating and harmonizing previous munitions risk/hazard assessment methodologies. The
MRD's goal is to achieve consensus on an updated munitions risk/hazard assessment
methodology. EPA also co-chairs the Intergovernmental Data Quality Task Force (IDQTF) with
DoD and DOE. The IDQTF works to ensure that environmental data are of known and documented
quality and suitable for the intended use.
EPA actively participates in the Defense Environmental Restoration Program and Formerly Used
Defense Sites (FUDS) forums hosted by the DOD. DOD's gathering of State and Federal
regulators offers a unique opportunity to partner, share information, and facilitate more efficient
and effective management of DoD's cleanup program. Recent forums focused on emerging issues,
best practices, and lessons learned, as well as new policies and technology investments to
maximize efficiencies and minimize the time it takes to complete cleanup at active, Base
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Realignment and Closure installations, and FUDS. Similar forums hosted by DOD service
components provide EPA and states further opportunities for engagement, often focused on topics
tailored to the unique aspects of the response programs of the Army, Navy or Air Force.
EPA coordinates with OF As on the Federal Mining Dialogue (FMD). The FMD is a cooperative
initiative among federal environmental and land management agencies that provide a national-
level forum for federal agencies to identify and discuss lessons learned and technical mining
impact issues associated with the cleanup and reuse of abandoned and inactive hard rock mine and
mineral processing sites across the country. EPA also engages with OF As in the complementary
Abandoned Uranium Mine Work Group, which focuses on investigation and cleanup of legacy
uranium ore mining and mill tailing sites in the western U.S. Multiple program and enforcement
offices participate for EPA in both venues to ensure coordinated engagement across the Agency.
Accelerate Work to Clean-up Contaminated Lands Under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(ANCSA)
EPA with the other federal agencies (DOI, DOD and others as needed) will use a whole-of-
government approach to clean up and address lands that were contaminated when transferred under
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Agencies will strengthen collaboration
between the Federal government, the State of Alaska, Alaska Native Corporations, Tribes, and
Alaska Native Organizations to improve data and transparency through the creation of a joint
inventory and public facing dashboard; prioritize assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites;
and initiate cleanup of sites that have not yet been addressed.
RCRA Waste Minimization and Recycling: Supporting Sustainable Materials Management and a
Circular Economy for All
Natural resource extraction and processing make up approximately 50 percent of total GHG
emissions. Under RCRA, EPA provides data, information, guidelines, tools, and technical
assistance on resource conservation, recycling, and resource recovery. As part of this work, EPA
focuses on increasing the conservation and recovery of municipal solid waste (e.g., plastics,
aluminum, paper, food waste) and industrial waste (e.g., construction and demolition materials) to
advance a circular economy. EPA is working closely with other federal agencies to implement
EPA's 2021 National Recycling Strategy, the 2020 Save our Seas Act 2.0, and the 2021
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as to develop additional strategies on
plastics, food waste and organics, critical minerals and electronics, textiles, and the built
environment.
EPA works collaboratively with USDA, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
reduce food waste in support of the national goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50 percent
by 2030. EPA also is providing national estimates of food waste generation and management;
convening, educating, and supporting communities seeking to reduce food waste.
The Save our Seas Act 2.0, passed by Congress in December 2020, demonstrates bipartisan
congressional support and provides EPA with authority to further act on domestic recycling and
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address plastic waste through new grant programs, studies, and extensive federal coordination.
EPA is coordinating with DOE, several offices within the DOC (NIST, NOAA, USTR and ITA),
and USAID to implement Save our Seas. EPA also works with these same federal agencies and
the Department of State to implement Save Our Seas 2.0, with particular emphasis on addressing
the global plastic pollution challenge.
The IIJA was enacted on November 15, 2021. The IIJA provides funding for the solid waste
infrastructure for recycling grants under section 302(a) of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act as well as
education and outreach grants focused on improving material recycling, recovery, management.
The IDA also establishes new programs focused on battery recycling and directs EPA to develop
a model recycling program toolkit, increase coordination on federal procurement guidelines, and
provide assistance to the educational community to incorporate recycling best practices into school
curriculum. EPA coordinates closely with DOE on the development of battery recycling best
practices and the voluntary labeling program, as DOE also received significant new IIJA funding
to advance battery recycling.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Polychlorinated BiphenyI (PCB) Programs
The RCRA Corrective Action Program coordinates closely with OF As, primarily DOD and DOE,
which have many corrective action sites. A top agency priority is to help federal facilities meet the
Program's goals of investigating and cleaning up hazardous releases. EPA also coordinates with
other agencies on cleanup and disposal issues posed by PCBs under the authority of the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Emergency Preparedness and Response
EPA plays a major role in reducing the risks that accidental and intentional releases of harmful
substances and oil discharges pose to human health and the environment. EPA's leadership in
federal preparedness begins with co-chairing the National Response Team (NRT) and the 13
Regional Response Teams (RRTs) with the USCG. These teams, which have member participation
from 15 total federal agencies (EPA, USCG, DOS, DOD, DHS/FEMA, DOE, USD A, DHHS
(including CDC, NIOSH, and ATSDR), DOI, DOC, DOT, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), DOJ, and the U.S. Department of Labor [DOL]
[including OSHA]), provide guidance and deliver federal assistance to state, local, and tribal
governments to plan for and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other major
environmental incidents. This requires coordination with many federal, state, and local agencies.
The Agency participates with other federal agencies to develop national planning and
implementation policies at the operational level.
The National Response Framework (NRF), under the direction of DHS, provides for the delivery
of federal assistance to states to help them deal with the consequences of terrorist events, acts of
malfeasance, as well as natural and other significant disasters. EPA maintains the lead
responsibility for the NRF's Emergency Support Function #10 (covering inland hazardous
materials and petroleum releases) and participates in the Federal Emergency Support Function
Leaders Group which addresses NRF planning and implementation at the operational level.
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EPA supports the Weapons of Mass Destruction Strategic Group (WMDSG) crisis-action team
intended to coordinate the United States Government's efforts to successfully resolve a WMD
threat and support interagency senior leader decision making. The WMDSG is comprised of over
50 SMEs representing over 15 different departments and agencies. The WMDSG is on call
24/7/365 to respond to the FBI's Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC) within two
hours. The WMDSG - led by the FBI - provides enhanced coordination by focusing on
information sharing and operation synchronization. The WMDSG helps maintain situational
awareness by working directly with FBI Counterterrorism Division (CTD) regarding investigative
activities, and the National Assets Command Post (NACP) regarding crisis operations.
The National Biodefense Strategy (NBS) provides a single coordinated effort to orchestrate the
full range of activity that is carried out across the United States Government to protect the
American people from biological threats. The National Security Presidential Memorandum
(NSPM)-14 strategy explains how the United States Government will manage its activities more
effectively to assess, prevent, detect, prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats
by coordinating its biodefense efforts with those of international partners, industry, academia, non-
governmental entities, and the private sector. The Biodefense Steering Committee, chaired by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, and comprising the Secretary of State, the Secretary of
Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the execution of the strategy and its
implementation plan, and ensuring federal coordination with domestic and international
government and non-governmental partners. EPA regularly works with the Biodefense Steering
Committee to address questions from the White House Security Council.
EPA supports the DHS Science and Technology Directorate through Interagency Agreements to
conduct bench-scale research and full-scale field studies to improve the nation's ability to respond
to and recover from terrorist incidents. These multi-year, interagency efforts include critical efforts
to improve consequence management of wide-area biological events, chemical warfare agent
attacks, and radiological incidents.
The EPA continues to provide critical assets and expertise as members of DHS's nuclear incident
response team (NIRT). The EPA maintains mission capable systems and personnel trained to
respond to a nuclear incident. The EPA coordinates and collaborates with the DOE as part of
NIRT. EPA and DOE participate in joint exercises and data exchanges to ensure our national
programs provide equivalent capabilities during response activities.
The EPA continuously monitors DoD investments and technological developments as they mature
from basic research through advanced manufacturing for potential transition to civilian
applications and reducing or eliminating duplication of efforts. Through the DoD sponsored multi-
agency aligned irregular warfare support directorate program, the EPA submits and reviews
partner agency requirements to identify synergistic efforts throughout all of government. EPA is
providing DoD organizations laboratory sampling capacity for chemical warfare demilitarization
operations at army depots. The EPA can mobilize units to these army depots and perform Chemical
Agent Standard Analytical Reference Material (CASARM) Quality Assurance Plan compliant
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analytical services, which illustrates the strong partnership and alignment with the organizations.
Chemical Accident Prevention and Response
Under CAA Section 112(r), EPA administers the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations
designed to prevent and respond to chemical accidents at fixed facilities that use or store more than
a threshold quantity (TQ) of listed highly toxic or flammable substances in a process. In
administering these regulations, EPA collaborates closely with other federal agencies, including
DOL, DOT, DHS, and others. An important nexus for this collaboration is the National Working
Group on Chemical Safety and Security, which includes participation by EPA, DOL/OSHA, DHS,
DOT, and BATF. The Working Group was initially formed as a result of Executive Order 13650
- Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security - which tasked federal agencies with various
actions to further improve chemical facility safety and security in coordination with facility owners
and operators. Through the Working Group, EPA works with federal agency partners to share
information, develop fact sheets and guidance, and coordinate regulatory and policy actions
relating to chemical safety and security. EPA also conducts additional regular coordination with
DOL and OSHA, which administer the OSHA Process Safety Management standard, a regulation
that shares common provisions with EPA's RMP regulations.
Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, EPA administers regulations
that establish the list of extremely hazardous substances for community emergency response
planning, as well as regulations that establish chemical inventory and release reporting
requirements. In administering these regulations, EPA works closely with DOT, DHS, FEMA,
and other agencies that are involved in planning for chemical emergencies. For example, EPA
collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop the
Computer Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite and Tier II
Submit software, which provide free computer software tools to help fire departments, local
emergency agencies and other stakeholders manage chemical inventory information and develop
and implement emergency response plans.
Oil and Chemical Spills
EPA is responsible for maintaining the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP), which sets out the federal government's blueprint for responding to oil
and hazardous substance spills. More specifically, the NCP details federal responsibilities and
procedures for preparing for and responding to discharges of oil or releases of hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants in inland and coastal zones of the U.S. EPA is authorized
to amend the NCP in consultation with other federal agencies. Under the NCP, EPA serves as the
pre-designated On-Scene Coordinator for oil discharges and hazardous substance releases in the
inland zone. As part of its responsibilities, EPA also maintains a list—called the
ProductSchedule—of dispersants and other chemical and bioremediation products that may be
authorized for use during a spill.
EPA helps agencies such as FWS and the USCG and works in coordination to address oil
discharges nationwide. EPA also assists agencies with judicial referrals when enforcement of
violations becomes necessary. In addition, EPA and the USCG work in coordination to address oil
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spills nationwide. Under the authorities provided by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(FWPCA) or Clean Water Act (CWA), EPA develops oil discharge response, prevention, and
preparedness regulations. EPA also provides compliance monitoring activities to enforce these
regulations and coordinates with USCG, DOT, and BSEE in their implementation.
EPA serves as member of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research
(ICCOPR) established under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. ICCOPR coordinates a comprehensive
program of oil pollution research, technology development, and demonstration among federal
agencies in cooperation and coordination with external entities, such as industry, universities,
research institutions, state governments, and other nations, as appropriate. Comprised of 16 federal
agencies, ICCOPR is chaired by USCG, with EPA having served in a rotating Vice Chair capacity.
ICCOPR develops priorities for oil spill research across the federal government on a 6-year cycle
and prepares biennial reports to Congress on research activities and key interagency committee
activities.
Strengthen Human Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country
EPA, DOI, DHHS, USD A, and HUD work through several MOUs as partners to improve
infrastructure on tribal lands. All five federal partners have committed to continue federal
coordination in delivering services to tribal communities. The Infrastructure Task Force has built
on prior partner successes, including improved access to funding and reduced administrative
burden for tribal communities through the review and streamlining of agency policies, regulations,
and directives as well as improved coordination of technical assistance to water service providers
and solid waste managers through regular coordination meetings and web-based tools.
Homeland Security
EPA's Homeland Security, Preparedness and Response Program continues to develop and
maintain agency assets and capabilities to respond to and support nationally significant incidents
with emphasis on those involving chemical warfare agents. The Program implements a broad range
of activities for a variety of internal and multi-agency efforts consistent with the NRF and the
Homeland Security Presidential Directives that EPA leads or supports. This includes being the
lead analytical agency for environmental sampling during a CWA incident. EPA also coordinates
its preparedness activities with DHS, FEMA, FBI, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
Research to Support Homeland Security
EPA collaborates with numerous agencies on Homeland Security research to leverage funding
across multiple programs and produce synergistic results. EPA's Homeland Security Research
Program and OLEM work with DHS provide science-based information and options to support
decisions made in its role as a lead agency responsible for cleanup during a Stafford Act declaration
under ESF-10 and as the lead agency for water infrastructure. EPA also works with the DOD and
its sub-organizations in its research work related to biological and chemical warfare agents.
Further, EPA participates in a tri-agency research partnership (Technical Coordination Working
Group [TCWG]) with the DOD and DHS that focuses on chemical and biological defense needs
and gaps. TCWG activities include information sharing; joint science and technology research
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projects; and complementing policies. EPA also collaborates with the CDC in conducting
biological agent research.
EPA works with these aforementioned entities and others to address areas of mutual interest and
concern related to both homeland security cleanup and water infrastructure protection issues. The
Program conducts joint research with USD A and DOI focusing on addressing homeland security
threats at the intersection of the environment/public health and agriculture/natural resources. EPA
also works with DOE to access and conduct research at the DOE's National Laboratories
specialized research facilities, such as to establish the Water Security Test Bed and develop
analytical capabilities for biological and chemical agents in environmental matrices.
Research to Support Land and Emergency Management Programs
EPA has complementary and joint programs with the USFS, USGS, USD A, US ACE, NOAA,
BLM, and many others to minimize duplication, maximize scope, and maintain a real-time
information flow for land and emergency management issues. EPA coordinates its research to
support a range of environmental priorities at other federal agencies, including work with DOD in
its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security
Technology Certification Program, and works with DOE and its Office of Health and
Environmental Research. EPA also conducts collaborative laboratory research with DOD, DOI,
and USGS to improve characterization and risk management options for dealing with subsurface
contamination. EPA also works through the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) in
defining continuing research needs through its teams on topics including PFAS, radionuclides, and
brownfields.
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs
National Coordination for General Issues Relating to Chemical Safety
EPA established an Interagency Policy Group comprised of other federal agencies with interest
and expertise in chemical issues to hold periodic meetings to obtain input on significant actions
such as the TSCA Risk Evaluations, rules, and potential existing chemical candidates for
Prioritization under TSCA. The agencies on the Interagency Policy Group include: CPSC, DOD,
OMB, NASA, DOL, SBA, NIH, FDA, and CDC. EPA has utilized this group to review TSCA
materials including, but not limited to, risk evaluations documents related to the scoping of existing
chemicals for risk evaluation and associated draft risk evaluations. Additionally, EPA has initiated
regular engagement with both NIOSH and OSHA to discuss occupational exposure assessments
and risk management.
EPA also engages in biannual meetings with the OMNE1 Committee, which includes the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mining Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), NIOSH, and the NIEHS. The OMNE Committee exists to provide a
venue for federal agencies to share information and coordinate activities regarding proposed rules,
risk assessments, and risk management strategies for controlling exposure to chemicals.
1 The OMNE Committee is named for the first letter in each participating agency's name.
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Federal Lead Action Plan
Established by Executive Order 13045, the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks
and Safety Risks to Children comprises 17 federal departments and offices and is co-chaired by
the Secretary of DHHS and the EPA Administrator. In December 2018, through cross-
governmental collaboration, the Task Force unveiled the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood
Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Federal Lead Action Plan). The Federal Lead
Action Plan is a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a
range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses,
property owners and parents. In 2019, EPA released the Implementation Status Report for EPA
Actions under the December 2018 Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and
Associated Health Impacts2 and Progress Report on the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood
Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts.3 In FY 2022 and FY 2023, the Agency will
continue to lead those goals and actions, coordinate with federal, state, tribal and community
partners to amplify the impacts, and report on activities and implementation, as appropriate.
Participation in International Agreements addressing Chemicals and Pesticide Management
To participate effectively in international agreements addressing chemicals and pesticide
management (e.g., the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata
Convention on Mercury, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedures for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management, CODEX Alimentarius, and a wide range of multilateral,
regional, and bilateral free trade agreements), EPA coordinates with other federal agencies, such
as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), DOS, DOC, USDA, DOE, FDA, and
DHHS on a regular basis to develop the policy views and positions of the United States.
EPA also coordinates with other parts of the U.S. Government, including the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), NIH, and CPSC, on more technical international
matters related to the safety and management of chemicals and pesticides. At the regional and
global levels, EPA engages in bilateral cooperation and information exchange with a wide range
of countries and regional organizations, such as the European Union (EU), Canada, China,
Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others.
In addition to participating in the U.S. Government trade development process, EPA also
specifically engages in trilateral cooperation with Canada and Mexico through the U.S.-Mexico-
Canada (USMCA) Free Trade Agreement, particularly with respect to the provisions related to
agriculture, technical barriers to trade, and environment, among others. Such engagement is
designed to promote further trade and regional cooperation among the three governments through
9
For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/defaalt/files/20.19-
(M/documents/leadimplementationbookletapril2019.pdf.
3
For additional information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/leadactioiiiilaiiiTOpleroeiitatioii/iirogress-report-
federal-action- plan-reduce-childhood-lead-exposures.
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targeted efforts and technical working groups. In 2022-2024, for example, under OCSPP's
leadership, EPA is working within the USMCA's CEC with Canada and Mexico on a project to
explore supply chain transparency to identify innovative approaches and digital tools supporting
the identification and disclosure of chemical contents in goods and materials. The project is
intended to foster best practices for information exchanges and collaboration and to engage
different industry sectors, environmental experts, and government and technical authorities.
EPA also works closely with a number of countries in the context of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) to further coordination amongst the OECD Member
countries and observer governments. For example, OCSPP serves as the National Coordinator for
the United States in support of the OECD Test Guidelines Program's mutual acceptance of data
work, which aims to reduce the need to repeat health effects studies due to incompatible test
protocols. Additionally, among others working groups and committees, EPA is engaged in the
OECD Working Group on Pesticides (WGP), which shares pesticide registration work and develop
tools to monitor and minimize pesticide risk to human health and the environment, and with the
Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee, which oversees eleven working groups and other
subsidiary bodies in the chemicals and pesticide arenas.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
EPA also participates significantly with other Agencies and international organizations in the
development, coordination, and delivery of capacity-building and technical assistance. For
example, OCSPP is collaborating with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and the Inter-
American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture to address the many inquiries from foreign
countries on pesticide registrations, standard setting processes, maximum residue level (MRL)
harmonization, and risk assessment procedures. ORD and OLEM collaborate with USDA's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on research on foreign animal disease to determine
decontamination and waste management strategies following large outbreaks impacting livestock
(such as African Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Certification and Training, Worker Protection, IPM, and Environmental Stewardship
EPA will continue to coordinate with USD A, DOD, DOI, DOE, tribes, territories, and states to
implement Certification Plans for pesticide applicators who use the riskiest pesticides. EPA
provides technical guidance and assistance to the states and tribes in the implementation of all
pesticide program activities, such as protecting workers, promoting Integrated Pest Management
and environmental stewardship. EPA also provides support through grants, cooperative
agreements, or interagency agreements with states, tribes, and other partners, including
universities, non-profit organizations, other federal agencies, pesticide users, environmental
groups, and other entities, as necessary, to assist in strengthening and implementing EPA's
pesticide activities, such as worker protection, pollinator protection and certifying pesticide
applicators.
Assessing Potential Pesticide Risks with Supplemental Data
EPA relies on data from DHHS and USDA to supplement data from the pesticide industry to assist
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the Agency in assessing the potential risks of pesticides in the diets of adults and children.
Specifically, EPA uses National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) food consumption
survey data developed by the DHHS, as well as pesticide residue data in food commodities
generated by the USDA in its Pesticide Data Program (PDP) as inputs for dietary risk assessment.
Endangered Species & Pollinator Protection
EPA will continue collaborating with the USDA, FWS, and NMFS on protecting endangered and
threatened species and improving methods for assessing potential risks and effects of pesticides to
them. EPA, in cooperation with USDA, other federal agencies, state agencies, tribes, territories,
and other entities, will continue to address pesticide risks to bees and other pollinators which are
critical to our environment and the production of food crops.
Homeland Security - Protecting Food & Agriculture Sectors
EPA collaborates with the agencies such as DOD, DHS, DHHS, USDA, FDA, FEMA, and other
federal, tribal, and state organizations on a variety of homeland security issues as part of the
Government Coordinating Council (GCC) For Food and Agriculture. The issues focus on
protecting the public and food and agriculture sector from various threats (e.g., biological agents,
diseases, or natural disasters) which are vital to critical functions of the government and private
sector. EPA collaborates with these organizations on many issues such as research pertaining to
effective disinfectants for high threat microorganisms, planning for response to various potential
incidents, training and development of policies and guidelines. Technical and analytical support is
provided to EPA Regions and states specific to enforcement and litigation of possible illegal
pesticides and/or contamination of registered products. In addition to GCC efforts, EPA continues
to partner with the OSHA, NIOSH, and CPSC on risk assessment and risk mitigation activities.
Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) and State and Tribal Stakeholder Groups
One of the Agency's methods for receiving input on pesticide issues has been the Pesticide
Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC), a Federal Advisory Committee, that brings together a
broad cross-section of knowledgeable stakeholders from organizations that represent divergent
views in order to discuss pesticide regulatory, policy, and implementation issues. The PPDC
includes members from federal and state governments, industry/trade associations, pesticide user
and commodity groups, consumer and environmental/public interest groups, and others. The
PPDC provides a structured environment for meaningful information exchanges and discussions,
and keeping the public involved in decisions that affect them. Dialogue with outside groups is
essential for the Agency to remain responsive to the needs of its many partners. EPA also works
extensively with the Association of American Pest Control Officials and the Tribal Pesticide
Program Council to maximize communication with states, tribes, and territories on pesticide
implementation issues.
General Research to Support Chemical Safety
EPA participates in a multi-agency effort under the Tox21 Consortium. Tox21 pools chemical
research, data and screening tools from multiple federal agencies including EPA, and the NIH and
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FDA. EPA has contributed a chemical library, currently exceeding 4,000 chemicals, to the Tox21
testing program.5'6 Nearly all of this library includes data from EPA's Toxicity Forecaster
(.ToxCast™), an effort that utilizes existing resources to develop faster, more thorough predictions
of how chemicals may affect human and environmental health. The Tox21 Consortium has
screened thousands of chemicals with more than 70 assays, resulting in more than 120 million data
points which can inform decision making regarding the safety of chemicals. The full Tox21 library
comprises approximately equal sized contributions from the EPA, the National Toxicology
Program (NTP), and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
PFAS are a large, diverse class of chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer
products and are ubiquitous in the environment. EPA is committed to working collaboratively with
federal, state, tribal and local partners to address the challenges posed by PFAS. Efforts include
working with other federal agencies to address scientific challenges such as the lack of published
toxicity data for most PFAS chemicals. The results will be used to identify categories of PFAS
chemicals having similar structural and toxicological properties that may inform the development
and strength of predictive toxicological models. EPA anticipates increased interagency
collaboration on PFAS research and development efforts through an OSTP-led interagency
working group, established as required by the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
Resources requested in FY 2024 will build upon the research foundation formed from completed
work.
Research to Support the Amended Toxic Substances Control Act
EPA collaborates globally with other federal agencies on research to accelerate the pace of
chemical risk assessment and to provide greater regulatory certainty for the public. EPA is working
with Health Canada and the European Joint Research Center on the development and testing of
new non-animal approach methodologies to evaluate chemicals quickly and cost-effectively for
safety. These new approach methods are a critical part of implementing the TSCA Strategic Plan
to reduce, refine, and replace the use of vertebrates in toxicity testing and evaluation. EPA also
commenced work with Health Canada and ECHA to promote sharing of non-confidential chemical
safety information with the intent of advancing chemical evaluations across regulatory
jurisdictions. This collaborative approach will help EPA and other federal agencies screen,
prioritize, and evaluate chemicals, and promote implementation of alternative methods to replace
vertebrate animal testing under TSCA. Finally, EPA is engaged in multiple OECD chemical safety
groups that share information, expertise, and research results related to chemical safety.
Ultimately, these international efforts will work towards creating transparent data requirements for
industry and reducing the regulatory uncertainty of multiple regulatory environments globally.
5 Collins, F.S., Gray, G.M., andBucher, J.R. (2008). Transforming environmental health protection. Science, 319,
906-907. doi: 10.1126/science.ll54619.
6 Tice, R.R., Austin, C.P., Kavlock, R.J., andBucher, J.R. (2013). Improving the human hazard characterization of
chemicals: aTox21 update.. Environmental Health Perspectives, 121, 756-765. doi: 10.1289/ehp. 1205784.
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Research to Support Agencywide Risk Assessment Activities
EPA consults and collaborates routinely with other federal agencies to improve the rigor and
consistency of the science and practice of risk assessment. EPA engages on the science of
individual assessments, such as the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessments. EPA
also coordinates, respectively, with: ATSDR, through an MOU on the development of
toxicological assessments; NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program, on assessment
methodology, software, and assay development platforms; FDA on advisories and reports; and
DOD on assessment development methods. EPA serves as advisors to federal and international
agencies and departments (e.g. IARC, EFSA, Health Canada, WHO, ATSDR) to review and
provide scientific input on risk assessment related topics. In addition, EPA collaborates with other
federal agencies on complex human health assessment science topics through workshops,
including those managed by National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
(NASEM). EPA also participates in the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of
Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) to work towards increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of
U.S. federal agency test method review, eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort, sharing
experience among U.S. federal regulatory agencies, and reducing, refining, and replacing the use
of animals in testing.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
EPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (EPP) implements the direction provided
to EPA in the Pollution Prevention Act, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act,8
Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Executive Orders that mandate sustainable federal
procurement, including through the development and use of sustainability standards,
specifications, and ecolabels. The EPP Program collaborates closely with partner federal agencies
in developing, refining, and issuing the EPA Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and
Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Through FY 2022 these recommendations have been maintained
and updated to include 48 private sector standards and ecolabels that cover 30 product and service
categories commonly acquired through federal purchasing. These recommendations help federal
procurement officials determine which private sector standards and ecolabels, among sometimes
dozens within a single purchase category, are appropriate and effective in meeting federal
procurement goals and mandates for environmental performance. The EPP Program's work has
generated significant cost savings and environmental benefits to the federal government.
EPA also coordinates federal procurement programs that integrate environmental performance into
procurement, including building software tools for seamlessly integrating sustainable procurement
conditions and language into government procurement solicitations and contracts. Environmental
benefits calculators help federal agencies document the environment performance and benefits
associated with their sustainable procurement. Working with the General Services Administration,
the EPP Program assists in identifying and highlighting best-in-class existing blanket purchase
contracts to further support and streamline efforts by federal procurement officials to meet federal
environmental and cost effectiveness goals, putting tools into the hands of federal procurement
officials, and collaborating with federal agencies such as the General Services Administration,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Departments of Defense and Energy, and
more.
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Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Programs
General Enforcement Coordination
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program coordinates closely with:
• Department of Justice (DOJ) on all civil and criminal environmental enforcement matters. In
addition, the Program has coordinated with other agencies on specific environmental issues as
described herein.
• The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in
preventing and responding to accidental releases and endangerment situations.
• Department of Interior's (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Department of Health and
Human Service's (DHHS) Indian Health Service (IHS) on issues relative to compliance with
environmental laws in Indian country.
• The Department of Commerce (DOC) and Small Business Administration (SBA) on the
implementation of the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act (SBREFA). In addition, it has
collaborated with the SBA to maintain current environmental compliance information at
Business.gov, a website initiated as an e-government initiative in 2004, to help small businesses
comply with government regulations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on cases that require
defendants to pay civil penalties, thereby assisting the IRS in assuring compliance with tax
laws.
• United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on wetlands issues.
• Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration on pipeline spills.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the regulation of animal feeding
operations and on food safety issues arising from the misuse of pesticides and shares joint
jurisdiction with the Federal Trade Commission on pesticide labeling and advertising.
International Trade
EPA works with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on implementing the secure
International Trade Data System (ITDS) across all federal agencies and on chemical and pesticide
imports, hazardous waste and Cathode Ray Tube exports, imports of internal combustion vehicles
and engines that do not meet Clean Air Act requirements, implementation of the American
Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, as well as on a variety of other import/export issues
under the various statutes.
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Coordination on Issues Involving Shared Jurisdiction
EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) share jurisdiction over general-purpose
disinfectants used on non-critical surfaces and some dental and medical equipment surfaces. EPA
and FDA also collaborate and share information on Good Laboratory Program inspections to avoid
duplication of inspections and maximize efficient use of limited resources. EPA, FDA, and the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jointly regulate drinking water safety on airlines via the
Aircraft Drinking Water Rule. The Agency has entered into an agreement with the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concerning enforcement of the Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA) lead-based paint notification requirements. The Agency has coordinated with the
United States Coast Guard (USCG) under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and on
discharges of pollutant from ships and oil spills under the Clean Water Act (CWA). EPA also
works with DOI on CWA permit enforcement on the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as both the
Interior and Transportation Departments on enforcement of CWA requirements for offshore
facilities.
Criminal Enforcement
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program coordinates with FBI, CBP, DOL, U.S. Treasury, DHS,
DOI, USCG, and DO J and with international, state, tribal, and local law enforcement organizations
in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes. EPA also works with DOJ to
establish task forces that bring together federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement
organizations to address environmental crimes. EPA has an Interagency Agreement with DOJ's
Environment and Natural Resources Division to develop the first federal Environmental Crime
Victim Assistance Program. This allows both agencies to meet their statutory obligations under
the Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), to
make sure that environmental crime victims are notified of and accorded their rights under the
CVRA and VRRA. In addition, the Program has an Interagency Agreement with the DHS to
provide specialized criminal environmental training to federal, state, local, and tribal law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
Monitoring the Environmental Compliance of Federal Agencies
Most environmental statutes require departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the U.S.
government to comply with environmental requirements just like any other regulated entity. EPA
and states inspect federal facilities and take enforcement actions, as appropriate. In addition,
Executive Order 12088 on Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards directs EPA to
monitor compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws and provide technical
assistance. The Federal Facility Enforcement Program coordinates with other federal, state, tribal,
and local agencies to ensure compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws. EPA
works with the Federal Facilities Environmental Stewardship and Compliance Assistance Center
(FedCenter) (www.fedcenter.gov). which is governed by a board of more than a dozen
contributing federal agencies. EPA also partners with other federal agencies to identify ways to
expedite cleanup of Superfund sites and prevent and address regulatory compliance issues.
FedCenter works with federal agencies to plan Federal Environmental Symposiums to encourage
collaboration, information sharing, stewardship, and improved environmental compliance across
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the federal government. EPA is working with other Agencies through FedCenter to address
Administration priorities including PFAS and Environmental Justice (EJ).
EPA has commenced a number of specific collaborative efforts to work one-on-one with other
federal agencies to help foster productive relationships through environmental compliance
outreach efforts. EPA has developed partnerships with other federal agency headquarters offices
including, for example, HHS, BIA, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy
(DOE), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to discuss EPA's
compliance initiatives and explore ways EPA can best help federal agencies remain aware of their
environmental compliance status and requirements nationwide. EPA has instituted a biweekly
dialogue with DOD to help address compliance issues at housing for military personnel with a
particular focus on compliance with lead-based paint requirements.
In the context of EPA's compliance initiatives, the Agency proactively addresses potential
significant noncompliance by sending letters to federal agencies highlighting facility
noncompliance so facilities can expeditiously take the necessary actions to address the compliance
issues. EPA also has issued multiple compliance advisories geared to other federal agencies
providing information on the Agency's compliance initiatives.
Superfund Enforcement
EPA coordinates with OF As in their use of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) enforcement authority. This includes the coordinated
use of such authority at individual hazardous waste sites that are located on both non-federal land
(EPA jurisdiction) and federal lands (other agency jurisdiction). As required by Executive Order
13016, EPA also reviews and concurs on the use of CERCLA Section 106 authority by other
departments and agencies.
EPA coordinates closely with Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), such as the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) and the Unites States Forest Service (USFS), at mixed ownership
sites {i.e., those sites located partially on privately-owned land and partially on federally owned
land) pursuant to Executive Order 12580. EPA frequently enters into Memoranda of
Understanding (MOUs) with FLMAs designed to provide a framework for agencies to coordinate
response actions. Most recently, EPA has completed an MOU with FLMAs to improve the
efficient and effective use of federal resources to cleanup at mixed ownership mining sites. EPA
meets with DOI and USDA as part of the Federal Mining Dialogue, to discuss developments
arising out of the CERCLA work at such sites.
EPA also coordinates with DOI, USDA, DOC, DOE, and DOD to ensure that appropriate and
timely notices, required under CERCLA, are sent to the Natural Resource Trustees notifying them
of potential damages to natural resources. EPA also coordinates with Natural Resource Trustees
on natural resource damage assessments, investigations, and planning of response activities under
Section 104 of CERCLA. When an enforcement action is initiated at a site where hazardous
substances are found to have caused damages to natural resources, EPA coordinates with the
Trustees by including them in negotiations with potentially responsible parties concerning the
releases that have caused those damages.
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EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Enforcement Program ensures that: (1) all federal facility sites
on the NPL have interagency agreements, also known as Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs) with
enforceable cleanup schedules; (2) FFAs are monitored for compliance; (3) federal sites are
transferred to new owners in an environmentally responsible manner; and (4) compliance
assistance is available to the extent possible. This program also ensures that federal agencies
comply with Superfund cleanup obligations "in the same manner and to the same extent" as private
entities. To enable the cleanup and reuse of such sites, the Federal Facilities Enforcement Program
also has coordinated creative solutions that help restore facilities, so they can once again serve an
important role in the economy and welfare of local communities, and the country. EPA also has
established a partnership with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and DOE, the DOE
Dialogue, to build relationships and tackle enduring challenges at DOE cleanup sites.
International and Tribal Affairs Programs
Supporting Global Policy to Reduce Pollution and Harmful Chemicals
EPA has a strong network of partners working to achieve reductions in global mercury use and
emissions, particularly when adverse U.S. impacts would be likely. EPA works closely with the
DOS in leading the technical and policy engagement for the U.S. in the Minamata Convention on
Mercury and the multi-stakeholder Global Mercury Partnership. In addition to the DOS, EPA
collaborates with several federal agencies including USGS and US AID to advance robust
implementation of the Minamata Convention by other countries. EPA also continues to share
information through the Arctic Council on reducing releases of mercury which disproportionally
impact indigenous arctic communities.
Similarly, EPA is engaged in a multi-pronged effort to address the growing global problem of
marine litter. Here, EPA works with the DOS, NOAA, USAID, and Peace Corps as appropriate as
they return to countries after COVID, to advance policy and technical solutions for marine litter
in global fora. EPA also is working with USD A, OMB, and FDA on the on reducing food waste
which includes international cooperation on measuring food waste reductions and pilot activities
that can create market opportunities for U.S. technologies and innovation.
Tackling the Climate Crisis, Accelerating Environmental and Economic Justice
EPA works with international partners, such as foreign governments and international
organizations, to deploy assistance that can strengthen on the ground action to tackle the climate
crisis, reduce transboundary pollution that impacts local communities and travels through the
environment to impact other communities across the globe, and that strengthen fundamental
environmental rule of law. An important example of this work is EPA's engagement in the Group
of Seven (G7) and the Group of Twenty (G20) through environment ministerial meetings which
negotiate outcomes on key EPA issues such as climate change, food waste, marine litter, resource
efficiency, and air quality. EPA's engagement with international financial institutions, United
Nations (UN) entities, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD).
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Supporting Environmental Priorities in Global Trade Policy and Implementation of
Environmental Cooperation Agreements
Since the 1972 Trade Act mandated USTR engage in interagency consultations, EPA has played
a key role in trade policy development. Specifically, EPA is a member of the Trade Policy Staff
Committee, the Trade Policy Review Group and relevant subcommittees - interagency
mechanisms that provide advice, guidance, and clearance to USTR in the development of U.S.
international trade and investment policy.
EPA continues its participation in the North American Commission for Environmental
Cooperation (CEC), which provides regional and international leadership to advance
environmental protection, human health, and sustainable economic growth in North America. EPA
also will continue work on implementation of the Environment Chapter of the United States-
Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other free trade agreements. EPA also continues active
participation in the United States Trade Representative (USTR)-led Interagency Environment
Committee for Monitoring and Environment (IECME) established to promote Mexican and
Canadian compliance with their environmental obligations. In addition, EPA continues to work
with partners (including the U.S. Treasury, State Department, USAID, and the U.S. International
Development Finance Corporation), to improve environmental governance of U.S. funded
international development projects.
Addressing Transboundary Pollution
EPA collaborates with countries around the world to address foreign sources of pollution in
coordination with DOS, USAID, DOJ, Treasury, and others. EPA works closely with DHHS to
advance recognition of environmental risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and how
to mitigate the risks, including from lead and mercury. In addition, EPA continues to strengthen
its activities in the Arctic by working with Alaska, tribes, federal agencies, and the private sector
to build international support for U.S. environmental policy objectives through the Arctic Council.
These objectives cover a range of topics, including reducing emissions and exposure to mercury.
EPA also plays a leadership role with other agencies including NOAA, DOS, and USAID in
crafting sound programs to address marine litter globally, ensuring that sound waste management
and recycling strategies are advanced in key source countries. Further, EPA collaborates with
DOS, the Government of Canada, tribes, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to address
transboundary water pollution caused by historic and current mining practices in the Kootenai
watershed.
Working in Indian Country
EPA is an active participant in the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA).
The WHCNNA is an interagency Principals-level council established by President Obama's
Executive Order 13647 in June 2013, in response to requests from tribal leaders across Indian
country for a Cabinet-level council to uphold treaty and trust obligations, support the Nation-to-
Nation relationship, and improve tribal engagement and consultation. The Biden-Harris
Administration has reconvened the WHCNAA and established six sub-committees: Climate
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Change, Tribal Homelands, and Treaties; Health; Education; Economic Development; Energy and
Infrastructure; Public Safety and Justice; and International Indigenous Issues.
EPA serves as the co-lead (with DOI and USDA) of the Climate Change, Tribal Homelands, and
Treaties Committee. Within this Committee, EPA is a co-lead and lead on two subcommittees,
including the Tribal Treaty Rights MOU Subcommittee and the Climate Adaptation
Subcommittee. Through this Committee, EPA also signed onto the renewed Sacred Sites
Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, EPA signed on as a supporting agency to the
Native Language Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
EPA also serves as the co-lead (with DOI and the DOS) on the International Indigenous Issues
Committee. Within this Committee, EPA is co-lead on three subcommittees, including Human
Rights and Environmental Justice, Cross Border Issues, and Climate Crisis.
Additionally, EPA is involved as a participant in the Health Committee.
EPA continues work as a federal partner under the federal interagency Memorandum of
Understanding Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Tribal
Treaty Rights and Reserved Rights, which was signed by the EPA Administrator on August 5,
2021. The revised MOU strongly reaffirms the federal government's duty to protect on and off
reservation treaty, reserved rights and other similar rights, such as rights guaranteed by federal
statute.
Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA coordinates appropriately with Congress and other federal agencies, such as the U.S.
Treasury, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and GSA. EPA participates and makes
active contributions to standing interagency management committees, including:
• the Chief Financial Officers Council, which focuses on improving resources
management and accountability throughout the federal government.
• the Performance Improvement Council, which coordinates and develops
strategic plans, performance plans, and performance reports as required by law.
• OMB-led E-Government initiatives, such as the Financial Management and
Budget Formulation and Execution Lines of Business.
• the Bureau of Census-maintained Federal Assistance Awards Data System.
• the President's Management Council, which oversees developing and
implementing Cross- Agency Priority (CAP) goals; and
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• the Evaluation Officer Council, which serves as a forum to exchange information
with the broader Federal evaluation community.
Provide Government-to-Government Employee Relocation Services
EPA provides government-to-government employee relocation services via interagency
agreements through the EPA's Federal Employee Relocation Center (FERC) as a Working Capital
Fund (WCF) activity. EPA-FERC provides "one-stop shop" domestic and international relocation
services to other federal agencies to increase operational efficiency and save the government
money. Relocation services are currently provided internally to all EPA offices, and externally to
the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
(ATF), Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), United States
Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Health and Human Services Office of Global Affairs
(HHS-OGA), United States Agency of Global Media (USAGM), and Federal Bureau of Prisons
(BOP).
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights Programs
Environmental Justice
Presidential EO 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad enhanced and
expanded several important means of interagency coordination and collaboration related to
environmental justice. EO 14008 elevated the existing Interagency Working Group on
Environmental Justice, formerly chaired by EPA, to the White House Environmental Justice
Interagency Council (IAC), chaired by the CEQ. This executive order also established a White
House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) to provide advice and
recommendations to the IAC and CEQ on environmental justice recommendations for the entirety
of the executive branch of the federal government. The IAC will be the primary venue for inter-
agency coordination of executive branch federal activities related to environmental justice.
Through the Justice40 Initiative, also mandated in EO 14008, the IAC will work to achieve the
goal that forty percent of federal benefits from certain federal programs flow to disadvantaged
communities and will publish an annual public performance scorecard on implementation by
federal agencies. The IAC will likewise coordinate recommendations on further updates to EO
12898 and provide leadership to interagency efforts to address current and historic environmental
injustices. As stipulated in EO 14008, EPA will provide all support necessary for administration
of the WHEJAC and is one of three agencies charged with providing support to CEQ for
administration of the IAC. EPA also will play a prominent membership role within the IAC as a
participating agency.
Mission Support Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA provides leadership and expertise to government-wide activities in various areas of human
resources, grants management, contracts management, suspension and debarment, and homeland
security. These activities include specific collaboration efforts through:
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The Chief Human Capital Officers Council, a group of senior leaders that discuss human
capital initiatives across the federal government.
The Legislative and Policy Committee, a committee comprised of other federal agency
representatives who assist OPM in developing plans and policies for training and development.
The Chief Acquisition Officers Council, the principal interagency forum for monitoring and
improving the federal acquisition system. The Council also is focused on promoting the
President's specific initiatives and policies in all aspects of the acquisition system.
The Award Committee for E-Government (E-Gov) provides strategic vision for the portfolio
of systems/federal wide supporting both federal acquisition and financial assistance. Support
also is provided to the associated functional community groups, including the Procurement
Committee for E-Gov, the Financial Assistance Committee for E-Gov, and the
Intergovernmental Transaction Working Group.
The Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO) leads efforts to transform the federal
grants management process by focusing on standardization and modernization of grants
systems to increase efficiency and reduce burden for grant applicants, recipients, and the
federal grants workforce; and better leveraging the buying power of the government to access
high-quality shared solutions and reduce costs. The Grants QSMO supports the work of
OMB's Office of Federal Financial Management and Office of the Federal Chief Information
Officer and GSA's Office of Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement.
The Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC), a representative committee
of federal agency leaders in suspension and debarment. The Committee facilitates lead agency
coordination, serves as a forum to discuss current suspension and debarment related issues,
and assists in developing unified federal policy. Besides participating in the ISDC, EPA: (1)
provides instructors for the National Suspension and Debarment Training Program offered
through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and (2) supports the development of
coursework and training on the suspension and debarment process for the Inspector General
Academy and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
The Financial Management Line of Business (FMLoB) has been expanded to also encompass
the Grants Management Line of Business. The combined FMLoB, with U.S. Treasury as the
managing partner, will more closely align the financial assistance and financial management
communities around effective and efficient management of funds. EPA also participates in the
Grants.gov Users' Group, as well as the Federal Demonstration Partnership which is designed
to reduce the administrative burdens associated with research grants.
The Interagency Committee on Federal Advisory Committee Management (Committee
Management Officer Council) provides leadership and coordination on federal advisory
committee issues and promotes effective and efficient committee operations government-wide.
In addition to serving on the Council, EPA works with the GSA Committee Management
Secretariat to establish and renew advisory committees, conduct annual reviews of advisory
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committee activities and accomplishments, maintain committee information in a publicly
accessible online database, and develop committee management regulations, guidance, and
training. Further, EPA participates on the GSA Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)
Attorney Council Interagency Workgroup to keep abreast of developments in the statutory
language, case law, interpretation and implementation of the FACA.
• The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) is the leading organization for nonmilitary federal
departments and agencies in establishing policies for the security and protection of federal
facilities, developing security standards, and ensuring compliance with those standards. EPA
participates in the ISC as a primary member and in sub-committees and workgroups to
facilitate EPA's compliance with ISC standards for facilities nationwide.
• The OPM Background Investigations Stakeholder Group (BISG) is a collaborative
organization that is derived from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004. The BISG is comprised of senior security officials across the federal government who
are responsible for the submission, adjudication and/or oversight of personnel security
programs. EPA works with this group to discuss topics regarding background investigations,
focusing on standardizing and improving the Agency's personnel security program.
• EPA manages the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program's interagency
agreements with other federal agencies. The interagency agreements are with the White
House/CEQ, the CDC/ATSDR, and the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. SEE
enrollees provide administrative, technical, and professional support to these agencies for
projects relating to pollution prevention, abatement, and control.
• EPA's Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) partners with other Federal agencies,
including the USPTO, NOAA, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to serve
as Presiding Officers for proceedings to adjudicate complaints brought before the partner
organizations. This collaboration allows partner organizations the ability to provide
constitutionally guaranteed legal due process and review without staffing and supporting their
own Offices of Administrative Law Judges, while EPA's judges expand their experience and
knowledge in the area of administrative law. The services OALJ provides to other agencies are
reimbursed by the borrowing organization.
Work with the Department of Interior's Interior Business Center
In FY 2024, EPA will continue working with DOI's Interior Business Center (IBC), an OPM- and
OMB-approved Human Resources Line of Business shared service center. IBC offers HR
transactional processing, compensation management and payroll processing, benefits
administration, time and attendance, HR reporting, talent acquisition systems, and talent
management systems. EPA also continues its charter membership on the OPM HR Line of
Business (LoB) Multi Agency Executive Strategy Committee (MAESC), providing advice and
recommendations to the Director of OPM as well as additional government-wide executive
leadership, for the implementation of the HR LoB vision, goals, and objectives.
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Partnering with GSA on the US Access Program
EPA is partnering with GSA on the USAccess Program for Personal Identity Verification cards
and identity credential solutions, which provides an efficient, economical and secure infrastructure
to support its credentialing needs, and migrations to the Enterprise Physical Access Control
System, allowing the Agency to control access in EPA space, including restricted and secure space.
Environmental Information Programs
To support EPA's overall mission, the Agency collaborates with federal, state, and tribal agencies
on a variety of initiatives focused on making government more efficient and transparent in
protecting human health and the environment. EPA's Environmental Information programs are
primarily involved in the information technology (IT), information management (IM), and
information security aspects of the projects on which it collaborates.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council
The CIO Council is the principal interagency forum for improving practices in the design,
modernization, use, sharing, and performance of federal information resources. The Council
develops recommendations for IT/IM policies, procedures, and standards; identifies opportunities
to share information resources; and assesses and addresses the needs of the federal IT workforce.
The Chief Data Officer (CDO) Council
The CDO Council was established by statute in the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking
Act of 2018. The Council's vision is to improve government mission achievement and increase
the benefits to the Nation through improvement in the management, use, protection, dissemination,
and generation of data in government decision-making and operations.
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Program is a Federal E-Government shared LoB that manages the Federal
Docket Management System (FDMS) and Regulations.gov. The Program provides the public with
one-stop access to electronic dockets and the ability to electronically comment on proposed
rulemakings and de-regulatory actions for multiple federal agencies.
At the beginning of FY 2020, the Program Managing Organization transitioned from EPA to the
GSA. EPA will continue working with GSA as a Partner Agency to improve FDMS and provide
the public with access to electronic dockets and the ability to electronically comment on proposed
rulemaking and de-regulatory actions.
The National Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN)
EPA's EN Program and CBP are coordinating on using the Automated Commercial Environment
(ACE) system. This coordination will lead to automated processing of over 8 million EPA-related
electronic filings needed to clear legitimate imports and exports. With the move from paper filings
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to electronic filings combined with automated processing through ACE, filing time can be reduced
from weeks/days to minutes/days. This significant processing improvement directly impacts the
movement of goods into commerce and the economy while helping to ensure compliance with
environmental and CBP laws and regulations. It also helps the U.S. Government keep pace with
the speed of business.
Automated Commercial Environment/International Trade Data System (ACE/ITDS)
ITDS is the electronic information exchange capability, or "single window," through which
businesses will transmit data required by participating agencies for the import or export of cargo.
ACE is the system built by CBP to ensure that its customs officers and other federal agencies have
the information they need to decide how to handle goods and merchandise being shipped into or
out of the United States. It also will be the way those agencies provide CBP with information about
potential imports/exports. ITDS eliminates the need, burden, and cost of paper reporting. It also
allows importers and exporters to report the same information to multiple federal agencies with
single submission and facilitates movement of cargo by automating processing of the import and
exports. ITDS provides the capability for industry to consolidate reporting for commodities
regulated by multiple agencies. For these consolidated reports, the industry filers will receive the
appropriate status response when their filings meet each agency's reporting requirements. Once
all agency reporting requirements have been met, filers can receive a coordinated single U.S.
government response to proceed into the commerce of the United States.
EPA has the responsibility and legal authority to make sure pesticides, toxic chemicals, vehicles
and engines, ODS, and other commodities entering and hazardous waste exiting the country meet
its human health and environmental standards. EPA's ongoing collaboration with CBP on the
ACE/ITDS effort will improve the efficiency of processing these shipments through information
exchange between EPA and CBP and automated processing of electronic filings. As resources
permit, EPA will continue to work with CBP to automate the manual paper review process for
admissibility so that importers and brokers (referred to collectively as Trade) can know before
these commodities are loaded onto an airplane, truck, train, or ship if their shipment meets EPA's
reporting requirements. Because of this automated review, Trade can greatly lower its cost of doing
business and customs officers at our nation's ports will have the information on whether shipments
comply with our environmental regulations. EPA will continue to collaborate with CBP to support
regulatory changes and integrate with new ACE capabilities for streamlining the import and export
processes for America's businesses.
Geospatial Information
EPA works with 31 federal agencies through the activities of the Federal Geographic Data
Committee (FGDC) and the OMB Geospatial Line of Business (Geo LoB). EPA also participates
in the FGDC Steering Committee. A key component of EPA's work with FGDC is developing and
implementing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the National GeoPlatform. The
key objective of the NSDI is to make a comprehensive array of national spatial data - data that
portrays features associated with a location or tagged with geographic information and can be
attached to and portrayed on maps - easily accessible to both governmental and public
stakeholders. Use of this data, in tandem with analytical applications, supports several key EPA
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and government-wide business areas. These include ensuring that human health and environmental
conditions are represented in the appropriate contexts for targeting and decision making; enabling
the assessment, protection, and remediation of environmental conditions; and aiding emergency
first responders and other homeland security activities. EPA supports geospatial initiatives through
efforts such as EPA's GeoPlatform, EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway, the Exchange
Network, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assist, EJScreen, the EPA Metadata Editor,
Facilities Registry System (FRS) Web Services, and My Environment. EPA also works closely
with its state, tribal, and international partners in a collaboration that enables consistent
implementation of data acquisition and development, standards, and technologies supporting the
efficient and cost-effective sharing and use of geographically-based data and services.
Federal Executive Boards
The Federal Executive Boards Line of Business will be established in FY 2023. This LoB will
replace the current structure and provide more support to regional Federal Executive Board staff
members. In line with the Biden Administration's initiatives, the Federal Executive Boards support
and strengthen the Federal Workforce, including by serving as a forum for communication and
collaboration among Federal agencies outside of Washington, DC.
The Administrator's Office
Regulatory Management and Economic Analyses
EPA's Policy Office (OP) interacts with federal agencies during its rulemaking activities. Per
governing statutes and agency priorities, OP submits "significant" regulatory actions to OMB for
interagency review prior to signature and publication in the Federal Register. In addition, OP
coordinates EPA's review of other agency's regulatory actions submitted to OMB for review.
Under the Congressional Review Act, rules are submitted to each chamber of Congress and to the
Comptroller General of the United States. For regulations that may have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities, OP collaborates extensively with SBA and OMB.
OP also collaborates with other federal regulatory and natural resource agencies to collect data
used in economic benefit-cost analyses of environmental regulations and policies and to foster
improved interdisciplinary research and reporting. Activities include representing EPA on
interagency workgroups or committees tasked with measuring the economic benefits and costs of
federal policies and programs. Occasionally, OP also provides technical reviews of other agencies
research and analyses. In addition, OP's Office of Federal Activities, engages early with the lead
federal agency and supports CEQ for significant regulatory actions that require compliance with
National Environmental Policy Act via an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In so doing,
EPA provides technical assistance, as needed, to help scope and develop the draft EIS,
recommending ways to avoid and minimize impacts to improve environmental outcomes.
Children's Health
The Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of DHHS co-chair the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. The Task Force comprises 17 federal
departments, agencies, and White House offices. A senior staff steering committee, co-chaired by
-------
the Director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP), coordinates interagency
cooperation on Task Force priority areas, including lead, asthma disparities, climate change,
emergencies, and disasters. As part of this effort, OCHP coordinates with other agencies to
improve government-wide support in implementing children's health legislative mandates and
outreach, including providing children's environmental health expertise on interagency activities
and coordinating EPA expertise. OCHP also coordinates with ATSDR to support provision of
training and hands on consultations with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to
address issues of potential exposures of children to environmental contaminants, such as lead and
asthma triggers including mold and vermin. OCHP also works the Interagency Policy Council's
groups on Maternal Health and Child Development, as well as with other federal agencies to
address emerging risks to children's environmental health and supports federal interagency
information exchange and cooperation, such as on lead and wildfires. This work supports not only
Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13045: Protection of Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks, but also addresses climate change and environmental justice under
Presidential EO 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Presidential EO 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad created the National
Climate Task Force which facilitates the organization and deployment of a government-wide
approach to combat the climate crisis. A key component of this is to increase resilience to the
impacts of climate change and to protect public health; conserve our lands, waters, oceans, and
biodiversity. EPA works with FEMA, DOT, DOI, NOAA, HUD, BIA, HHS, NASA, and many
other agencies to ensure our programs, infrastructure investments, remedies and communities are
resilient to the immediate and long-term impacts of the changing climate both within the task force
and through the full breadth of partnership EPA has with Office of Federal Activities. EPA also
works with other federal agencies through the U.S. Global Change Research Program's
(USGCRP's) Federal Adaptation and Resilience Group to coordinate federal research related to
climate resilience and adaptation. In June 2013, the White House Council on Native American
Affairs was established by EO. In June 2021, a subgroup on Tribal Climate Adaptation was
created, chaired by EPA, to enable a whole-of-government approach to supporting tribes as they
anticipate, prepare for, adapt to, and recover from the devastating impacts of climate change.
EPA participates in interagency efforts related to climate change and the Nation's coasts. EPA is
engaging the NIST's Climate Resiliency Program to share experiences, expertise, and support
areas of mutual interests.
National Climate Task Force
The Administrator of EPA is a member of the National Climate Task Force. The Task Force shall
facilitate the organization and deployment of a Government-wide approach to combat the climate
crisis. This Task Force shall facilitate planning and implementation of key Federal actions to
reduce climate pollution; increase resilience to the impacts of climate change; protect public
health; conserve our lands, waters, oceans, and biodiversity; deliver environmental justice; and
spur well-paying union jobs and economic growth. As necessary and appropriate, members of the
-------
Task Force will engage on these matters with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments;
workers and communities; and leaders across the various sectors of our economy.
Community Revitalization and Sustainable Communities
OP participates in several Interagency Working Groups (IWG) and Interagency Policy Committees
(IPC), including the Rural Prosperity IPC, Food Strategy IPC, and the Coal and Powerplant
Communities IWG. These interagency efforts support improving community outcomes on a range
of issues including climate resilience, economic transition, diversification, prosperity, and
environmental protection. These work groups have grown out of recent executive orders and policy
initiatives taken on by the Administration. OP works collaboratively with national program offices
and EPA regions to support their involvement in these interagency efforts so that the full range of
EPA equities are at the table and engaged to advance Administration priorities.
As part of the Coal and Power Communities Interagency Work group (IWG), OP is working
closely with the eleven other federal agencies to support coal, oil and gas, and power plant
communities to create good-paying union jobs, spur economic revitalization, remediate
environmental degradation, and support energy workers. OP is actively participating in the IWG's
working group activities, including community engagement, integration, policy, and investments.
OP also is supporting the efforts of the IWG by engaging with EPA's regional offices (particularly
R3 and R5) as well as national programs to support the Administration's efforts to help coal and
power plant communities transition their economies.
The EPA Administrator co-chairs the Extreme Heat IWG and OP's Associate Administrator is co-
leading the work group with colleagues from HHS and NOAA with over a dozen federal agencies
and White House participation. OP also is working alongside OAR, ORD, and OEJ to contribute
knowledge and experience on green infrastructure, effective communication, and climate
adaptation approaches to help communities reduce the occurrence and impact of heat islands and
extreme heat (advancing both climate adaptation and mitigation).
OP is working with EPA's Offices of Air and Radiation and Mission support, DOT, and DOE to
explore interagency approaches that advance the Administration's priorities and Presidential
commitments on electric vehicles. This work has a specific emphasis on helping communities
distribute charging infrastructure equitably, in low-income neighborhoods in both rural and urban
areas.
OP has several inter-agency efforts on priority projects funded through the American Rescue Plan.
OP is working with DOT and HUD to ensure that infrastructure funding investments advance
communities' visions and priorities. OP also is working with federal partners to advance
community-level efforts to simultaneously advance community priorities and climate goals. Both
of these projects model the application of a community-driven approach to efficiently advance
agencies' mission. They also demonstrate an effective way to advance the goals outlined in EO
14008 on addressing the climate crisis and environmental justice.
OP is the lead on EPA's Memorandum of Agreement with FEMA, which allows the two agencies
to work together to help communities become safer, healthier, and more resilient. The agencies
-------
collaborate to help communities hit by disasters rebuild in ways that protect the environment,
create long-term economic prosperity, and enhance neighborhoods. FEMA and EPA also help
communities incorporate strategies, such as green infrastructure, into their hazard mitigation plans
and direct development away from vulnerable areas. EPA and FEMA are using the lessons they
learn from working together under this agreement and with other federal agencies to better
coordinate assistance to communities on hazard mitigation planning, climate adaptation actions,
and post-disaster recovery. OP coordinates closely with all 10 Regions and many National
Programs on this partnership.
OP is using an interagency agreement with GSA to update the Smart Location Calculator to give
the federal government more information to guide decisions about locating new federal
investments. GSA and EPA also are collaborating on development and technical assistance around
a new site selection support tool to help GSA and other federal agencies make decisions on where
to site new government facilities informed by the cost local and state governments would likely
incur to provide infrastructure and services. The tool will be based on known relationships between
the built environment and the cost to provide infrastructure for a site and related costs for operation
and maintenance over time. EPA also has historically coordinated with GSA on their Good
Neighbor Program by helping communities leverage major federal investments, such as
courthouses or ports of entry, to focus on downtown revitalization.
OP has in the past and continues to coordinate with agencies and departments that work in
communities across the country. This has been through formal and semi-formal arrangements like
the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities (PSC) and Strong Cities, Strong
Communities (SC2). Further, OP has a number of Interagency Agreements (IA) and Memoranda
of Agreements to partner with other agencies on technical assistance in areas like disaster recovery,
capacity building at the community level, and economic revitalization that supports improved
environmental and human health results. Partnering agencies include and have included: USDA
(Rural Development, Forest Service, Agricultural Marketing Service), DOT, FEMA, GSA, HUD,
HHS, Appalachian Regional Commission, Northern Border Regional Commission, Delta Regional
Authority, and EDA. These agencies often participate in community workshops that OP offers
through technical assistance programs such as: Local Foods, Local Places, Building Blocks, and
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities.
Interagency Policy Committees
EPA participates in interagency groups and collaborates with federal partners on the
implementation of Executive Orders including EO 14017 on America's Supply Chains, Climate
Innovation, Climate and Economics, and the US-EU Summit on Trade and Technology Council.
EPA is working with NSC, NEC, CEQ, DOC, DOE, DOD, State, and other agencies on supply
chain issues associated with semiconductors, critical minerals, EV batteries, and other critical
materials. EPA also actively participates on the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council,
the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment and the Interagency Policy
Committee (IPC) on Workforce Development and the White House Gender Policy Council.
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Interagency Council on Statistical Policy
The Interagency Council on Statistical Policy (ICSP) is the coordinating body for the Federal
Statistical System and plays a leading role in implementing the Evidence Act and advancing the
Federal Data Strategy. The ICSP sets strategic goals for modernizing agency statistical practices
and products and advances those goals through cross-agency collaborations on strategic initiatives.
EPA will continue to work with the ICSP to advance the Federal statistics and availability of robust
information to support evidence-based policy.
The Inspector General
Workwith the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE)
EPA's Inspector General is a member of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and
Efficiency (CIGIE), an organization comprised of federal Inspectors General (IGs), GAO, and the
FBI. The CIGIE coordinates and improves the way IGs conduct audits, investigations, and internal
operations. The CIGIE also promotes joint projects of government-wide interest and reports
annually to the President on the collective performance of the IG community.
Activity Coordination, Information Exchange, and Training
EPA's OIG coordinates criminal investigative activities with other law enforcement organizations
such as the FBI, Secret Service, and DOJ. In addition, the OIG participates with various inter-
governmental audit forums and professional associations to exchange information, share best
practices, and obtain or provide training. The OIG also promotes collaboration among EPA's
partners and stakeholders in its participation of disaster response and its outreach activities.
Collaborative Workwith Inspectors General and Other Partners
EPA's OIG initiates and participates in collaborative audits, program evaluations, and
investigations with OIGs of agencies with an environmental mission such as the DOI, USD A, as
well as other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as prescribed by the IG Act, as
amended.
Statutory Duties
As required by the IG Act, EPA's OIG coordinates and shares information with the GAO. EPA's
OIG currently serves as the Inspector General of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigations Board (CSB). EPA's OIG will continue to perform its duties with respect to the
CSB until otherwise directed.
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Environmental Protection Agency
Acronyms for Statutory Authority
The following is not an exhaustive list of [U.S.] statutory authorities but includes those commonly
referred to by acronym in this document.
ACE: Air, Climate, and Energy
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADEA: Age Discrimination in Employment Act
AEA: Atomic Energy Act, as amended, and Reorganization Plan #3
AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
AHPA: Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act
AIM: American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2019
APA: Administrative Procedures Act
ARP: American Rescue Plan
ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
ASHAA: Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement Act
ASTCA: Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act
AWIA: America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
BEACH Act of 2000: Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act
BRERA: Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act
BUILD Act: Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act
CAA: Clean Air Act
CAAA: Clean Air Act Amendments (1970 and 1990)
CARES: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CCA: dinger Cohen Act
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (1980)
CFOA: Chief Financial Officers Act
CICA: Competition in Contracting Act
CRA: Civil Rights Act
CSA: Computer Security Act
CWA: Clean Water Act (1972)
CWPPR: Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act of 1990
CZARA: Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments
-------
CZMA: Coastal Zone Management Act
DERA: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
DPA: Deepwater Ports Act
DREAA: Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
DWWIA: Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021
ECRA: Economic Cleanup Responsibility Act
EFOIA: Electronic Freedom of Information Act
EISA: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
EO: Executive Order
EPAct: Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAA: Environmental Programs Assistance Act
EPCA: Energy Policy and Conservation Act
EPCRA: Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (1986)
ERDDAA: Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Authorization Act
ESA: Endangered Species Act
ESECA: Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act
FACA: Federal Advisory Committee Act
FAIR: Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act
FASA: Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (1994)
FAST: Fixing America's Service Transportation Act
FCMA: Fishery Conservation and Management Act
FEPCA: Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, enacted as amendments to
FIFRA
FFATA: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006
FFDCA: Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
FFMIA: Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996
FGCAA: Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1972)
FISMA: Federal Information Security Modernization Act
FITARA: Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act
FLPMA: Federal Land Policy and Management Act
FMFIA: Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (1982)
FOIA: Freedom of Information Act
-------
FPA: Federal Pesticide Act
FPAS: Federal Property and Administration Services Act
FQPA: Food Quality Protection Act (1996)
FRA: Federal Register Act
FSA: Food Security Act
FSMA: Food Safety Modernization Act
FTTA: Federal Technology Transfer Act
FUA: Fuel Use Act
FWCA: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
FWPCA: Federal Water Pollution and Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act [CWA])
GISRA: Government Information Security Reform Act
GMRA: Government Management Reform Act
GPRA: Government Performance and Results Act (1993)
GPRAMA: Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010
HMTA: Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HSWA: Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, enacted as amendments to RCRA
IGA: Inspector General Act
IIJA: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
IPA: Intergovernmental Personnel Act
IPIA: Improper Payments Information Act
IRA: Inflation Reduction Act
ISTEA: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
IT: Information Technology
ITMRA: Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996-aka Clinger/Cohen Act
MCRBMA: Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
MGT: Modernizing Government Technology Act
MPPRCA: Marine Plastic Pollution, Research and Control Act of 1987
MPRSA: Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
NAWCA: North American Wetlands Conservation Act
NEEA: National Environmental Education Act
NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act
NHPA: National Historic Preservation Act
NISA: National Invasive Species Act of 1996
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ODA: Ocean Dumping Act
OPA: Oil Pollution Act of 1990
OWBPA: Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
PBA: Public Building Act
PFCRA: Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act
PHSA: Public Health Service Act
PIIA: Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019
PLIRRA: Pollution Liability Insurance and Risk Retention Act
PPA: Pollution Prevention Act
PR: Privacy Act of 1974
PRA: Paperwork Reduction Act
PREA: Pesticide Registration Extension Act of 2012 (also known as PRIA 3)
PRIA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003
PRIA 4: Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018
PRIRA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act
QCA: Quiet Communities Act
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, enacted as amendments to SWDA
RFA: Regulatory Flexibility Act
RICO: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
RLBPHRA: Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SBLRBRERA: Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization and
Environmental Restoration Act
SBREFA: Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act
SICEA: Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act
SMCRA: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
SOS 2.0: Save Our Seas Act 2.0
SPA: Shore Protection Act of 1988
SWDA: Solid Waste Disposal Act
TSCA: Toxic Substances Control Act
UMRA: Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
UMTRLWA: Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Land Withdrawal Act
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USMCA: United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act
USTCA: Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act
VIDA: Vessel Incidental Discharge Act
WIFIA: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
WIIN: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act
WQA: Water Quality Act of 1987
WRDA: Water Resources Development Act
WSRA: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
WWWQA: Wet Weather Water Quality Act of 2000
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7
Making Litigation Costs Transparent - Equal Access for Justice Act (EAJA)
FY 2022
Date of
final fee
agreement
or court
disposition
Case Name
Court
Case
Number
Judge
Amount
of Fees
and/or
Costs
Paid
Source of Funds
Was
amount
negotiated
or court
ordered?
Recipients
Nature of Case and Findings
Basis
Hourly
Rate of
Attorney8
Hourly
Rate of
Expert
Witness
9/6/2022
Breast Cancer
Prevention
Partners, etal.
v. U.S.
Environmental
Protection
Agency, etal.
United
States
District
Court for
the
Northern
District of
California
Oakland
Division
4:21-cv-
07360-
HSG
Judge
Haywood
S.
Gilliam,
Jr.
$29,699.
80
EPA
Appropriations
Negotiated
Earthjustice
Unreasonable delay suit
regarding fmalization of2000
proposed rule to add
diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
to the EPCRA section 313
toxic chemical list (i.e., the
Toxics Release Inventory).
This resulted in a settlement
agreement.
N/A
None
7 In the FY 2019 Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6), the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations requested
Department of Interior, EPA, and the Forest Service make publicly available the EAJA fee information as specified in the explanatory statement accompanying Division G of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115-31).
8 In prior reports EPA had erroneously included hourly rates used in the plaintiffs fee requests. Upon further review, as the final Equal Access to Justice Act settlements are
negotiated, it is not possible to provide the hourly rates reflected in the actual amounts paid.
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I' Y 2024 (ongrcssionsil Justificnliou Kstiinntcd Resources nnd I I K lor Kiivironiiicnliil Justice
Progi'sim1
Dolhir in Thousands
Appropriation
1*in Actmties
I V 2024 C .1
Estimated
kesou rces:
I V 2024 C .1
Estimated
FTE3
EPM
HQ Environmental Justice (EJ) Program Management and
Coordination4
$115,537.0
107.8
EPM
EJSCREEN
$5,900.0
EPM
White House (WH) EJ Inter-Agency Council (formerly EJ
IWG) Support and EJ coordination with Other Federal
Agencies
$3,000.0
EPM
National EJ Advisory Council/WHEJ Advisory Council
Support, and Climate EJ Advisory Council
$4,000.0
EPM
Environmental Justice Community Grant Program5'6
$65,000.0
EPM
Environmental Justice Government to Government Grant
Program7
$40,000.0
EPM
Community-based Participatory Research Grant Program
$15,000.0
EPM
Environmental Justice Training Program
$10,000.0
EPM
Environmental Justice Clearinghouse
$5,000.0
EPM
Environmental Justice Legal Support
$4,000.0
EPM
Thriving Community Technical Assistance Centers8
$71,409.0
151.3
EPM
Regional Resources for Environmental Justice Program
$30,260.0
Subtotal o f EPM Environmental Justice Resources and I 'll:
SjtMJDr,.!)
2 5'J. /
Su|Vi IuikI
Snpoi'fund 1 ji\ii'onnienlal Justice Program ( ooidunilion
$5,888.0
5.5
Subtotal of Superfund Environmental Justice Resources and I 'l li
sxnxx.o
5.5
Total I V 2024 C'.l Estimated Resources itncl I I K lor the K.l Program
S374.W4.0
264.6
'The Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations A
"allocations for each component of funding for environmental justice program
httos://www.aDDroDriations.senate.2ov/imo/media/doc/Division%20G%20-
ct, 2021 instructs EPA to provide
s". Please see page 54:
%2ff!llteno.!^0S!ato
Estimated program activity resources include both payroll and non-payroll resources.
3Estimated FTE per program activity.
4The former Agency Technical Assistance, Research, Training, Education, and Communication program activity
has been incorporated into the HQ Environmental Justice (EJ) Program Management and Coordination program
activity.
5In FY 2022, The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Grants Program
was renamed as the Environmental Justice Competitive Grant Program. The Environmental Justice Small Grants
Program was renamed as the Environmental Justice Community Grant Program.
6In FY 2023, EPA combined the Environmental Justice Competitive Grant Program with the Environmental Justice
Community Grant Program.
7In FY 2023, EPA renamed the State, Tribes, and Territories Environmental Justice Grants to the Environmental
Justice Government to Government Grants.
8In FY 2023, EPA renamed the Regional Outreach Centers to the Thriving Community Technical Assistance
Centers (TCTACs).
-------
9The Superfund Environmental Justice Program Coordination includes resources in support of the
Agency's Superfund Program and will include the following: coordination and support for HQ activities
that align with or focus on Superfund issues such as: efforts of the NEJAC Superfund working group,
collaboration with Superfund on data enhancements for EJScreen and other information tools,
collaboration of EJ program staff with the Superfund program on equity and justice efforts, and
coordination of regional staff with Superfund staff and Community Involvement Coordinators on place-
based EJ and Superfund issues of clean-up, risk communication, engagement, and revitalization.
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EPA User Fee Programs
In FY 2024, EPA will have several user fee programs in operation. These user fee programs and
proposals are referenced below. EPA will continue to review whether fees should be assessed for
programs that provide special benefits to recipients beyond those that accrue to the general public,
in accordance with OMB Circular A-25.
Current Fees: Pesticides
Fee collection authority exists under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of
1988, as amended by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2022 (P. L. 117-
328) ("PRIA-5"), which was passed in December 2022. PRIA-5 reauthorizes these fee authorities
through fiscal year 2027 and adjusts fee amounts for certain registration activities.
• Pesticides Maintenance Fee (7 U.S.C. §136a-l(i))
The Maintenance Fee provides funding for the registration review programs and a certain
percentage supports the processing of applications involving inert ingredients and expedited
processing of some applications, such as fast track amendments. PRIA-5 reauthorizes collection
of this fee through FY 2027 and raises the collection target by $11 million to an average collection
of $42 million over five years of PRIA-5 authorization.
• Enhanced Registration Services (7 U.S.C. §136w-8(b))
Entities seeking to register pesticides for use in the United States pay a fee at the time the
registration action request is submitted to EPA, setting specific timeframes for the registration
decision service. This process has introduced new pesticides to the market more quickly. PRIA-5
reauthorizes collection of these fees through FY 2027 and adjusts fee amounts for certain types of
registrations. In FY 2024, EPA expects to collect approximately $26 million from this fee program.
Current Fees: Other
• Clean Air Part 71 Operating Permits Program
Title 40 CFR Part 71 § 71.9 authorizes and establishes requirements for the Clean Air Part 71
program - a comprehensive Federal air quality operating permit program for air pollution control
agencies that do not have a delegated Title V program on charging and collecting user fees, as
required by Section 502(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act. All sources subject to the operating permit
requirements of Title V shall have a permit to operate that assures compliance with all applicable
requirements. The owners or operators shall pay annual fees that are sufficient to cover the permit
program costs, in accordance with the procedures described in this section.
• Service Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Fees Rule)
On June 22, 2016, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" (P.L. 114-
182) was signed into law, amending numerous sections of TSCA, including providing authority
-------
for the establishment of a new, broader TSCA User Fee program that replaces and expands the
former Section 5 Pre-Manufacturing Notification Fee. Section 26 of TSCA authorizes EPA to
collect user fees to offset 25 percent of the Agency's full costs for implementing TSCA Sections
4, 5, 6, and 14.9 Fees are charged for: issuance of Test Orders, Test Rules and Enforceable Consent
Agreements under TSCA Section 4; submission of Pre-Manufacturing Notices, Significant New
Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices and certain submissions for exemptions
under TSCA Section 5; and development of EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations and Manufacturer-
Requested Risk Evaluations (MRREs) under TSCA Section 6.
EPA promulgated the TSCA User Fee Rule in October 201810 and collected $2.74 million in fee
revenue in FY 2019 from Section 5 submissions. In FY 2020, the Agency collected $3.03 million
in fee revenue from Section 5 submissions as well as $2.5 million from two Section 6 MRREs for
chemicals within the TSCA Work Plan (Di-isodecyl Phthalate [DIDP] and Diisononyl Phthalate
[DINP]). In FY 2021, the Agency collected $28.6 million: $3.3 million from Section 5, $24.05
million from 19 of the 20 Section 6 EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations, and $1.25 million from one
Section 6 MRRE for a TSCA Work Plan chemical (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane [D4]). (The
Agency invoiced $88.2 thousand for Section 4 Test Orders in FY 2020 and FY 2021 but did not
start receiving submissions until FY 2022.) Because nearly $17 million of the collections for the
19 Section 6 Risk Evaluations was not due to be paid until September 2, 2021, those funds were
not accessible to EPA until early FY 2022. In FY 2022, EPA collected approximately $5.1 million
($1.46 million from the remaining Section 6 EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations invoices, $3.5 million
from Section 5 submissions, and $88.2 thousand from invoiced Section 4 Test Order submissions)
and is projected to collect $5.23 million in FY 2023 ($3.65 million in Section 5 submissions, $93.2
thousand from Section 4 Test Order invoices, and an additional amount from one TSCA Section
6 Manufacturer-Requested Risk Evaluation at $1.49 million if the MRRE request is granted) and
$35.9 million in FY 2024 ($3.8 million in Section 5 submissions and $32.1 million from the next
round of Section 6 EPA-initiated existing chemical risk evaluations), all subject to potential fee
level changes. EPA will allocate FY 2021 Section 6 collections over the risk evaluation lifecycle
(3-3.5 years). TSCA requires EPA to update the Fees every three years.11 Fees collected/projected
to be collected in FY 2019 through FY 2021 equated to approximately 14 percent of associated
expenditures for those three fiscal years, below the 25 percent target. While TSCA allows the
Agency to collect up to 25 percent of its costs for eligible TSCA activities via fees, to date, EPA
has collected roughly half of that amount due to the insufficiencies of the current fees rule.
EPA proposed revisions to the fee rule in January 2021. Based on public comments received on
the proposed rule, as well as stakeholder engagement and an analysis by EPA of its workforce and
budget to develop a more accurate estimate of its anticipated costs to implement TSCA, in
November 2022 the Agency issued a supplemental proposed rule that modifies and adjusts this
9 TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, Section 26(b)(1) and (4)
10 https://www.epa.gov/tsca-fees/fees-admi.iiistratioii-toxic-snbstimces-coiitrol-act
11 https://www.epa.gov/tsca-fees/fees-admiiiistration-toxic-substances-contTol-act
-------
earlier proposal. EPA is proposing these changes to ensure that the fees collected will provide the
Agency with up to 25 percent of eligible TSCA costs consistent with direction in the FY 2022
appropriations law to consider the "full" implementation costs of TSCA. EPA intends to finalize
this proposal before the end of FY 2023. An adjustment of the fees, via the rulemaking, would
impact the estimates of fee collections above.
• Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fee
This fee is authorized by the Clean Air Act of 1990 and is administered by the Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. Fee collections for manufacturers of light-duty vehicles, light- and
heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles began in August 1992. In 2004, EPA promulgated a rule that
updated existing fees and established fees for newly regulated vehicles and engines. The fees
established for new compliance programs are paid by manufacturers of heavy-duty and nonroad
vehicles and engines, including large diesel and gas equipment (earthmovers, tractors, forklifts,
compressors, etc.), handheld and non-handheld utility engines (chainsaws, weed-whackers, leaf-
blowers, lawnmowers, tillers, etc.), marine (boat motors, watercraft, jet-skis), locomotive, aircraft
and recreational vehicles (off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles) for in-use
testing and certification. In 2009, EPA added fees for evaporative emissions requirements for
nonroad engines. EPA intends to apply certification fees to additional industry sectors as new
programs are developed. In FY 2024, EPA expects to collect approximately $25.3 million from
this fee program based upon a projection of the original rulemaking cost study adjusted for
inflation.
• Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (P. L. 112-195) provides EPA with
the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the electronic
submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In accordance with the Act, EPA
established the e-Manifest program. EPA finalized the user fee rule, Hazardous Waste
Management System: User Fees for the Electronic Hazardous Waste Manifest System and
Amendments to Manifest Regulations, in December 2017, and the e-Manifest system launched in
June 2018.
In FY 2024, EPA will continue to operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates
collecting and depositing approximately $27 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous
Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund. Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest
fees provided by Congress in annual appropriations bills, the fees will fully support the e-Manifest
program, including the operation of the system, necessary program expenses, and future
development costs.
• Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account (WIFIA) Program Fees
The FY 2024 President's Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and
obligate fees established in accordance with Title V, subtitle C, Sections 5029 and 5030 of Public
Law 113-121, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. These funds shall be
deposited in the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account (WIFIA) and
-------
remain available until expended. WIFIA fee regulations were first promulgated in FY 2017. Fee
revenue will be used for the cost of contracting with expert services such as financial advisory,
legal advisory, and engineering firms.
The requested WIFIA program fee expenditure authority would be in addition to the $8 million
request for administrative and operations expenses. Fee revenue does not take the place of the
request for WIFIA administration. The appropriated administrative level and the anticipated fee
revenue are both needed to successfully implement the WIFIA program. In FY 2024, EPA
estimates that $10 million in WIFIA fees could be collected.
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Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives
Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business
The Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business (BFELoB) allows EPA and other
agencies to access budget-related benefits and services. The Agency has the option to implement
LoB-sponsored tools, training, and services.
EPA has benefited from the BFELoB by sharing valuable information on how systems and
software being developed by the LoB have enhanced work processes. This effort has created a
government-only capability for electronic collaboration (Wiki) in which the Budget Community
website allows EPA to share budget information internally, with OMB, and with other federal
agencies. The Agency also made contributions to the Human Capital Workgroup, participating in
development of online training modules for budget activities - a valuable resource to all agency
budget staff. The LoB has developed the capability to have secure, virtual online meetings where
participants can view budget-related presentations from their workspace and participate in the
discussion through a conference line. The LoB provides regularly scheduled symposia as an
additional forum for EPA budget employees.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$120.0
2023
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$120.0
2024
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$120.0
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Line of Business is designed to: enhance public access and participation in the
regulatory process through electronic systems; reduce the burden on citizens and businesses in
finding relevant regulations and commenting on proposed rulemaking actions; consolidate
redundant docket systems; and improve agency regulatory processes and the timeliness of
regulatory decisions. EPA has served as the managing partner for this Line of Business; however,
in FY 2020, EPA transferred management services to the General Services Administration (GSA).
EPA continues to be involved as a partner agency.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2022
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,330.0
2023
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,380.0
2024
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,144.0
Federal Audit Clearinghouse
In FY 2024, the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) will be transitioning from the U.S. Census
Bureau to the General Services Administration and has been added to the E-Gov and LoB
initiatives. This LoB supports the ongoing maintenance and modernization of the FAC. The Fac
-------
distributes single audit reporting packages to federal agencies, supports OMB oversight and
assessment of federal award audit requirements, and maintains a public database of completed
audits.12
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
2023
2024
020-99-99-99-99-1400-24
$65.0
Federal Human Resources Line of Business
OPM's Human Resources Line of Business (HR LoB) provides the federal government the
infrastructure to support pay-for-performance systems, modernized HR systems, and the core
functionality necessary for the strategic management of human capital.
The OPM HR LoB offers common solutions that enable federal departments and agencies to work
more effectively, and to provide managers and executives across the federal government an
improved means to meet strategic objectives. EPA will benefit by supporting an effective program
management activity which evaluates provider performance, customer satisfaction, and
compliance with program goals, on an ongoing basis.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
2023
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
2024
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
Federal PKI Bridge
Federal Public Key Infrastructure (FPKI) provides the government with a common infrastructure
to administer digital certificates and public-private key pairs, including the ability to issue,
maintain, and revoke public key certificates. FPKI leverages a security technique called Public
Key Cryptography to authenticate users and data, protect the integrity of transmitted data, and
ensure non-repudiation and confidentiality.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$46.0
2023
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$46.0
2024
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$55.0
12 For additional information, please refer to: https://facweb.census.govAxploadpdf.aspx.
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Financial Management Line of Business
The Financial Management Line of Business (FM LoB) is a multi-agency effort whose goals
include achieving process improvements and cost savings in the acquisition, development,
implementation, and operation of financial management systems. By incorporating the same FM
LoB-standard processes as those used by central agency systems, interfaces among financial
systems are streamlined, and the quality of information available for decision-making is improved.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2023
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2024
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
Freedom of Information Act Portal
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Act of 2016 directed the Office of
Management and Budget and Department of Justice to build a consolidated online request portal
that allows a member of the public to submit a request for records to any agency from a single
website. DOJ is managing the development and maintenance of this National FOIA Portal. EPA
and other federal agencies were requested to contribute to this effort.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-99-99-99-99-0099-24
$37.0
2023
020-99-99-99-99-0099-24
$36.0
2024
020-99-99-99-99-0099-24
$35.0
Geospatial Line of Business
The Geospatial Line of Business, an intergovernmental project managed by the Department of the
Interior, serves to improve the ability of the public and government to use geospatial information
to support the business of government and facilitate decision-making. The intent of the initiative
is to reduce costs and improves agency operations in several areas. This line of business is the
mechanism for coordinating implementation of the Geospatial Data Act and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on Coordination of Geographic Information and
Related Spatial Data Activities and the National Geospatial Platform. The National Geospatial
Platform incorporates many national geospatial data and analytical services for federal agencies,
their partners, and stakeholders.
A primary benefit to EPA in participating in and contributing to the line of business is access to
geospatial data sets known as National Geospatial Data Assets (NDGA) supported by multiple
agencies. These datasets and services are easily accessible by federal agencies, their partners, and
stakeholders. EPA uses the National Geospatial Platform to obtain data and services for internal
analytical purposes as well as to publish outward-facing geospatial capabilities to the public. EPA
is expected to contribute to the operation of the National Geospatial Platform in FY 2024. The
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intent is to reduce base costs by providing an opportunity for EPA and other agencies to share
approaches on procurement consolidation and include shared services for hosting geospatial data,
services, and applications.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2023
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2024
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
Grants.gov
The Grants.gov initiative benefits EPA and its grant programs by providing a single location to
publish grant opportunities and application packages, and by providing a single site for the grants
community to apply for grants using common forms, processes, and systems. EPA believes that
the central site raises the visibility of its grant opportunities to a wider diversity of applicants.
The grants community benefits from savings in postal costs, paper, and envelopes. Applicants save
time in searching for agency grant opportunities and in learning the application systems of various
agencies. In order to streamline the application process, EPA offers Grants.gov application
packages for mandatory state grants (i.e., Continuing Environmental Program Grants).
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2022
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$347.0
2023
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$262.0
2024
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$259.0
Integrated Award Environment
The Integrated Award Environment (IAE) is comprised of a number of government-wide
automated applications and/or databases that streamline the acquisition business process across the
government and support EPA's contracting and grants programs. In FY 2012, GSA began the
process of consolidating the systems into one central repository called the System for Award
Management (SAM). Until the consolidation is complete, EPA leverages some IAE systems via
electronic linkages to EPA's Acquisition System (EAS); other IAE systems are not linked directly
to EAS but benefit the Agency's contracting staff and vendor community as stand-alone resources.
EAS uses SAM vendor data: contracting officers can download vendor-provided representation
and certification information electronically via SAM, which allows vendors to submit this
information once rather than separately for every contract proposal. Additionally, contracting
officers access the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, which
contains records on contractor performance, including past performance evaluations, and
suspensions and debarments.
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Through the IAE, contracting officers also can review Wage Determinations to obtain information
required under the Service Contract Act and the Davis-Bacon Act. EAS links to the Federal
Procurement Data System (FPDS) and SAM.gov, which includes the Contract Opportunities
platform, for submission of contract actions at the time of award. FPDS provides public access to
government-wide contract information. The Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System supports
vendor subcontracting data submission for contracts identified as requiring this information. EPA
publishes notices of proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25 thousand to the Contact
Opportunities listing. Vendors use this publicly available information to identify business
opportunities in federal contracting.
The IAE houses Assistance Listings (formerly called Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA), which provides a comprehensive description of all federal assistance including
information on eligibility, how to apply, and matching requirements for public consumption.
Further, EPA's IAE fee supports use of services for standardized obligations and award-related
information reporting for all Federal financial assistance and procurement awards as required by
the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and the DATA Act
of2014.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2022
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$720.0
2023
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$720.0
2024
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$650.0
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FY 2024 Administrator's Priorities
Funding for the Administrator's priorities are allocated by program project in the FY 2024
President's Budget with a total of $2,375 million in the Environmental and Program Management
Account and $125 thousand in the Science and Technology Account.
These funds, which are set aside for the Administrator's priorities, are used to address unforeseen
issues that may arise during the year. These funds are used by the Administrator to support critical
unplanned issues and the amounts shown in the below table will be reallocated as needed, in
accordance with reprogramming limits.
FY 2024 President's Budget Funding for Administrator's Priorities
Dollars in
Appropriation
Program Project
Thousands
EPM
Acquisition Management
$150
EPM
Brownfields
$25
EPM
Civil Enforcement
$150
EPM
Civil Rights / Title VI Compliance
$75
EPM
Compliance Monitoring
$100
EPM
Criminal Enforcement
$145
EPM
Drinking Water Programs
$100
EPM
Exchange Network
$75
EPM
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$100
EPM
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$130
EPM
Human Resources Management
$25
EPM
International Sources of Pollution
$50
EPM
IT / Data Management
$175
EPM
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$100
EPM
Legal Advice: Support Program
$75
EPM
NEPA Implementation
$100
EPM
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
$100
EPM
RCRA: Waste Management
$25
EPM
Science Advisory Board
$100
EPM
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
$100
EPM
Surface Water Protection
$50
EPM
TRI / Right to Know
$75
EPM
Tribal - Capacity Building
$50
S&T
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$25
S&T
Research: Air, Climate and Energy
$50
S&T
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$50
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I'olsil
S2.500
-------
FY 2024: Consolidations, Realignments, or Other Transfer of Resources
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights Compliance as a National Program Manager
The FY 2022 and FY 2023 President's Budgets signaled the Administration's and EPA's intent to
establish a new National Program Manager (NPM) for Environmental Justice (EJ). EPA achieved
this in September of 2022, with the establishment of the new national program manager, Office of
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR).
Previously, the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) was located within the Office of Policy
within the Office of the Administrator, and the External Civil Rights Compliance Office (ECRCO)
was located within the Office of General Counsel. The reorganization also included EPA's
alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program, the Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center
(CRPC), which was previously located within the Office of General Counsel. The reorganization
elevated EJ, ADR, and external civil rights compliance to the national program level to bolster the
integration of EJ considerations, conflict mitigation and collaboration, and civil rights compliance
across all EPA policies, programs, and activities; support the efforts of regulatory partners to
similarly integrate EJ and fully comply with civil rights requirements; and enhance EPA's ability
to meaningfully engage with and directly support communities with EJ and civil rights concerns.
This change reflects and helps to bolster EPA efforts to fully achieve the many commitments in
the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan, Goal 2, Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental
Justice and Civil Rights, which similarly elevates EJ and external civil rights compliance priorities.
The head of the new NPM is an Assistant Administrator position to be nominated by the President
and confirmed by the Senate. EPA appreciates the support Congress has and continues to provide
to the newly established OEJECR. In FY 2023 and potentially into FY 2024, OEJECR will
evaluate its organizational structure to ensure OEJECR will meet its commitments and critical
mission functions in an efficient manner.
Office of Mission Support
The Office of Mission Support (OMS) is considering a reorganization to realign functions and
staff within OMS to better position the office to meet critical mission needs from new requirements
associated with Executive Orders on climate,13 supporting underserved communities, and
acquisition.14 The reorganization also would realign functions to balance workload across OMS,
eliminate organizational layers, and consolidate similar or duplicative functions to better leverage
personnel and resources. This proposed reorganization would not affect any other EPA program
office or regional office. OMS anticipates completing the reorganization by the end of FY 2023.
Office of Research and Development
13 For additional information, please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/pTesidential-act.ions/2021/01/27/execut.ive-
order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/.
14 For additional information, please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/pTesidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-
OTder-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-govemment/.
-------
The Office of Research & Development (ORD) is implementing a reorganization to realign
functions and staff within the Center for Public Health & Environmental Assessment (CPHEA) to
better position ORD to meet critical research needs associated with Executive Orders on climate
and supporting underserved communities and the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. The
reorganization will realign functions to enable ORD to better address increased demand from
internal and external stakeholders for integrated natural and social science research, analyses and
assessments related to climate change and associated health and environmental risks and impacts.
This reorganization will enhance ORD's ability to deliver assessment products, technical support,
and assistance to Regional and Program Office stakeholders for climate adaptation planning and
implementation across EPA mission areas and in communities impacted by climate change. This
reorganization was approved by Congress in January of 2023 and will not affect any other EPA
program office or regional office.
Office of Inspector General
In FY 2023, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is in the process of reorganizing one
organization unit, the Office of Counsel and Congressional and Public Affairs. The
reorganization will create two separate offices, Office of Counsel and Office of Congressional
and Public Affairs and is anticipated to be completed by the end of FY 2023.
The planned reorganization will allow the Office of Counsel and the Office of Congressional and
Public Affairs to independently conduct critical but disparate work in support of the OIG's
mission to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the Agency's programs. The
Office of Counsel will provide independent legal and policy advice to the inspector general,
senior leadership, criminal investigators, and audit and evaluation teams, as well as management
and oversight of the OIG's Ethics Program and Freedom of Information Act Program. The
Office of Congressional and Public Affairs will independently coordinate and facilitate requests
from the OIG activities involving Congress and the media; edit, publish, and disseminate OIG
reports and correspondence; manage the OIG's website, social media platforms, and internal
communications; and manage and operate the OIG Hotline.
Current organization title:
• Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel, Congressional, and Public
Affairs
Proposed organization titles:
• Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel
• Office of Inspector General, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs
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FY 2024 STAG Categorical Program Grants
Statutory Authority and Eligible Uses
(Do
lars in Thousands)
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illllnr\
Aiilhi>rilk-s
r.li»il>k-
Ki-iipk-nls
l li"il)k' I si-s
2022
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\I000)
l \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Diilkirs
(\I000)
l \ 2024
Pivskk-nl's
lillll^l'l
Dulkirs
(\I000)
State and Local
Air Quality
Management
CAA,
Section 103
State and Local
Air Quality
Management
CAA,
Section 103
State and Local
Air Quality
Management
CAA,
Section 103
Air pollution
control
agencies as
defined in
Section 302(b)
of the CAA
Air pollution
control
agencies as
defined in
Section 302(b)
of the CAA
Air pollution
control
agencies as
defined in
Section 302(b)
of the CAA
S/L monitoring
and data
collection
activities in
support of the
PM2.5 monitoring
network and
associated
program costs.
S/L monitoring
and data
collection
activities in
support of air
toxics
monitoring.
S/L monitoring
procurement
activities in
support of the
NAAQS.
$41,875.0
$43,875.0
$75,000.0
!,073.0
$8,300.0
$20,000.0
$4,204.0
$4,970.0
$7,000.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illllnr\
Aulhiiriiii-s
r.li»il>k-
Ri'iipk-nls
l li"il)k' I si-s
2022
.Ullial l)olhi i s
(\I000)
l \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Dollars
(\I000)
l \ 2024
Pivsidi-iii's
lillll^l'l
Dollars
(\I000)
State and Local
Air Quality
Management
CAA,
Sections
103,105,
106
Air pollution
control
agencies as
defined in
Section 302(b)
of the CAA;
Multi-
jurisdictional
organizations
(non-profit
organizations
whose boards
of directors or
membership is
made up of
CAA Section
302(b) agency
officers and
whose mission
is to support
the continuing
environmental
programs of
the States);
Interstate air
quality control
region
designated
pursuant to
Section 107 of
the CAA or of
implementing
Section 176A,
or Section 184.
NOTE: only
the Ozone
Transport
Commission is
eligible.
Carrying out the
traditional
prevention and
control programs
required by the
CAA and
associated
program support
costs, including
all monitoring
activities,
including PM 2.5
monitoring and
associated
program costs
(Section 103
and/or 105);
Coordinating or
facilitating a
multi-
jurisdictional
approach to
carrying out the
traditional
prevention and
control programs
required by the
CAA (Sections
103 and 106);
Supporting
training for CAA
Section 302(b)
air pollution
control agency
staff (Sections
103 and 105);
Supporting
research,
investigative, and
demonstration
projects (Section
103).
$171,690.0
Section 105
grants
$191,254.0
Section 105
grants
$297,498.0
Section 105
grants
$639.0
Section 106
grants
$639.0
Section 106
grants
$700.0
Section 106
grants
Total:
$226,481.0
Total:
$249,038.0
Total:
$400,198.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Slallllor\
Aulhorilk-s
r.li»il>k-
Ki-iipk-nis
I si-s
i \ 2022
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\I000)
i \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Dollars
(\IOOO)
i \ 2024
Pivskk-iU's
lillll^l'l
Dollars
(\IOOO)
Tribal Air
Quality
Management
CAA,
Sections 103
and 105;
Tribal
Cooperative
Agreements
(TCA) in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Tribes;
Intertribal
Consortia;
State/Tribal
College or
University
Conducting air
quality
assessment
activities to
determine a
Tribe's need to
develop a CAA
program;
Carrying out the
traditional
prevention and
control programs
required by the
CAA and
associated
program costs;
Supporting CAA
training for
Federally-
recognized
Tribes.
$10,543.0
Section 103
grants
$11,415.0
Section 103
grants
$18,126.0
Section 103
grants
$4,000.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$14,543.0
$5,000.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$16,415.0
$5,000.0
Section 105
grants
Total:
$23,126.0
Radon
TSCA,
Sections 10
and 306.
State
Agencies,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Assist in the
development and
implementation
of programs for
the assessment
and mitigation of
radon.
$8,007.2
$10,995.0
$12,487.0
Multipurpose
Grants
Annual
Appropriations
Acts; all other
major
environment al
legislation
including, but
not limited to,
CAA, CWA,
SDWA, and
CERCLA.
State
Agencie
s,
Tribes
Implementation
of mandatory
statutory duties
delegated by
EPA under
pertinent
environmental
laws.
$2,509.0
$0.0
$10,200.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illllii|-\
Aiilhi>rilk-s
r.li»il>k-
Ri'iipk-nis
I si-s
i \ 2022
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\I000)
i \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Diilkirs
(\I000)
i \ 2024
Pivskk-nl's
lillll^l'l
Dulkirs
(\IOOO)
Water Pollution
Control
(Section 106)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 106;
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia,
Interstate
Agencies
Develop and
carry out surface
and ground water
pollution control
programs,
including
NPDES permits,
TMDLs, WQ
standards,
monitoring, and
NPS control
activities.
$225,304.0
$237,000.0
$279,440.0
Nonpoint
Source (NPS -
Section 319)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section
319(h); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement EPA-
approved State
and Tribal
nonpoint source
management
programs and
fund projects as
selected by the
state.
$169,181.3
$182,000.0
$188,999.0
Wetlands
Program
Development
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 104
(b)(3); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Local
Government
s, Tribes,
Interstate
Organization
s, Intertribal
Consortia,
Non-Profit
Organization
s
To develop new
wetland
programs or
enhance existing
programs for the
protection,
management, and
restoration of
wetland
resources.
$17,353.2
$14,692.0
$15,079.0
Public Water
System
Supervision
(PWSS)
SDWA,
Section 1443(a);
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Assistance to
implement and
enforce National
Primary Drinking
Water
Regulations to
ensure the safety
of the Nation's
drinking water
resources and to
protect public
health.
$110,742.3
$121,500.0
$132,566.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illllii|-\
Aiilhi>rilk-s
I".li»il>k-
Ki-upk-nls
l'.li^il>k' I si-s
i \ 2022
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\IOOO)
i \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Diilkirs
(\IOOO)
i \ 2024
Pivskk-nl's
lillll^l'l
Dulkirs
(\IOOO)
Underground
Injection
Control (UIC)
SDWA,
Section 1443(b);
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement and
enforce
regulations that
protect
underground
sources of
drinking water by
controlling Class
I-V underground
injection wells.
$11,825.0
$13,164.0
$11,387.0
Beaches
Protection
BEACH Act of
2000;
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia,
Local
Governme
nts
Develop and
implement
programs for
monitoring and
notification of
conditions for
coastal recreation
waters adjacent
to beaches or
similar points of
access that are
used by the
public.
$9,368.0
$10,619.0
$9,811.0
Resource
Recovery and
Hazardous
Waste Grants
Solid Waste
Disposal Act,
as amended by
the Resource
Conservation
and Recovery
Act § 3011;
Consolidated
Appropriations
Act, 2018
(Public Law
115-141).
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Develop and
implement solid
and hazardous
waste programs.
$98,146.0
$105,000.0
$108,247.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl:iliilk-
I si-s
i \ 2022
i \ 2023
i \ 2024
Aulhiirilii's
Ri'iipk-nis
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\I000)
l.nnili'd
Diilkirs
(\I000)
Pivsidi-iii's
lillll^l'l
Dulkirs
(\I000)
Brownfields
Comprehensive
Environment al
Response,
Compensation,
and Liability Act
(CERCLA§
128(a)).
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Establish and
enhance state and
tribal response
programs which
will survey and
inventory
brownfields sites;
develop oversight
and enforcement
authorities to
ensure response
actions are
protective of
human health and
the environment;
develop ways for
communities to
provide
meaningful
opportunities for
public
participation; and
develop
mechanisms for
approval of a
cleanup plan and
verification and
certification that
cleanup is
complete.
$47,278.0
$47,195.0
$46,954.0
Undergroun
Solid Waste
States
Provide funding
$1,475.0
$1,505.0
$1,505.0
d Storage
Disposal Act of
for States'
Tanks
1976, as
underground
(UST)
amended by the
Superfund
Amendments and
Reauthorization
Act of 1986, §
2007(f);
Energy
Policy Act, §
9011.
storage tanks and
to support direct
UST
implementation
programs.
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Slallllor\
Aulhorilk-s
r.li»il>k-
Ki-iipk-nis
I si-s
i \ 2022
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
(\I000)
i \ 2023
l.nnili'd
Dollars
(\IOOO)
i \ 2024
Pivskk-iU's
lillll^l'l
Dollars
(\IOOO)
Pesticides
Program
Implementation
FIFRA,
Sections
23(a)(1);
Federal
Food, Drug,
and
Cosmetic
Act (FDCA);
Food Quality
Protection
Act (FQPA);
Endangered
Species Act
(ESA).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement the
following
programs through
grants to States,
tribes, partners,
and supporters
for
implementation
of pesticide
programs,
including:
Certification and
Training (C&T);
Worker
Protection;
Endangered
Species
Protection
Program (ESPP)
Field Activities;
Pesticides in
Water; and Tribal
Programs.
$12,691.0
- States
formula
$12,683.0
- States
formula
$12,759.0
- States
formula
$1,411.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal: $835.0
-PREP:
$285.0
- AAPCO:
$165.0
- Pollinator
Protection:
$17.0
-Regions:
$111.0
$1,344.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal:
$865.0
-PREP:
$285.0
- AAPCO:
$165.0
-Regions:
$29.0
$1,268.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal:
$818.0
-PREP:
$285.0
- AAPCO:
$165.0
Total:
$14,027.0
Total:
$14,102.0
Total:
$14,027.0
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Slallllor\
r.li»il>k-
I'.li^il>k' I si-s
i \ 2022
i \ 2023
i \ 2024
Aulhorilk-s
Ki-iipk-nis
Ailual Dollars
(\ 10(10)
Knui'U'd
Dollars
(\I000)
I'lvsitk-M's
lilld^l'l
Dollars
(\IOOO)
Lead
TSCA,
Sections
401-412.
States,
Tribes,
Intertribal
Aid states,
territories, the
District of
$11,978.9
$12,301.0
$22,653.0
Consortia
Columbia, and
404(g) State/
404(g) State/
404(g) State/
tribes to develop
Tribal
Tribal
Tribal
and implement
Certification
Certification
Certification
authorized lead-
based paint
abatement
programs and
authorized
Renovation,
$2,834.4
$4,025.0
$1,986
Repair, and
Painting (RRP)
404(g) Direct
404(g) Direct
404(g) Direct
programs. EPA
Implementation
Implementation
Implementation
directly
implements
these programs
Total:
Total:
Total:
in all areas of
the country that
$14,813.3
$16,326.0
$24,639.0
are not
authorized to do
so, and will
continue to
operate the
Federal Lead-
based Paint
Program
Database
(FLPP) of
trained and
certified lead-
based paint
professionals.
Toxic
Toxic
States,
Assist in
$4,767.9
$5,010.0
$6,877.0
Substances
Substances
Federally
developing,
Compliance
Control Act
(TSCA) §
28(a) and
404(g); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Recognized
Indian
Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia,
and
Territories of
the U.S.
maintaining, and
implementing
compliance
monitoring
programs for
PCBs, asbestos,
and Lead Based
Paint. In
addition,
enforcement
actions by 1) the
Lead Based
Paint program
and 2) States
that obtained a
"waiver" under
the Asbestos
program.
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illlliir\
r.li»il>k-
I si-s
i \ 2022
i \ 2023
i \ 2024
Aiilhurilk's
Ri'iipk-nis
,U'lll;il l)olhi i s
l.nnili'd
Pivskk-nl's
(\IOOO)
Diilkirs
lillll^l'l
(\IOOO)
Dulkirs
(\IOOO)
Pesticide
FIFRA §
States,
Assist with
$23,091.0
$25,580.0
$25,580.0
Enforcement
23(a)(1);
Federally
implementation
TCA in annual
Recognized
of cooperative
Appropriations
Indian Tribes,
pesticide
Acts.
Intertribal
enforcement
Consortia, and
programs.
Territories of
the U.S.
Pollution
Pollution
States, Tribes,
Provides
$2,757.0
$4,973.0
$5,775.0
Prevention
Prevention
Intertribal
assistance to
Act of 1990,
Consortia
States and State
Section 6605;
entities (i.e.,
TSCA
colleges and
Section 10;
universities) and
FY 2000
Federally-
Appropriations
recognized
Act (P.L. 106-
Tribes and
74);
intertribal
TCA in annual
consortia to
Appropriations
deliver pollution
Acts.
prevention
technical
assistance to
small and
medium-sized
businesses. A
goal of the
program is to
assist businesses
and industries
with identifying
improved
environmental
strategies and
solutions for
reducing waste at
the source.
Tribal
Indian
Tribal
Plan and develop
$67,520.0
$74,750.0
$85,009.0
General
Environment al
Governments,
Tribal
Assistance
General
Intertribal
environmental
Program
Assistance
Consortia
protection
Program Act
programs.
(42 U.S.C. §
4368b); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
-------
(¦mill Tilk-
Sl;illllii|-\
r.li»il>k-
I'.li^il>k' I si-s
i \ 2022
i \ 2023
i \ 2024
Aulhiiriiii's
Ri'iipk-nis
.Ulll;il
l.nnili'd
Pivsidi-iii's
Diilkirs
Diilkirs
lillll^l'l
(\IOOO)
(\IOOO)
Diilkirs
(\IOOO)
National
Reorganization
States, U.S.
Helps States,
$3,586.0
$10,836.0
$15,000.0
Environmental
Plan No. 3 of
Territories,
U.S. Territories,
Information
1970,84
Federally
Tribes, and
Exchange
Stat. 2086, as
Recognized
intertribal
Network
amended by
Tribes and
consortia
(NEIEN, aka
Pub. L. 98-
Native
develop the
"the Exchange
80, 97
Villages,
information
Network")
Stat. 485
Interstate
management and
(codified at
Agencies,
technology
Title 5, App.)
Tribal
(IM/IT)
(EPA's
Consortia,
capabilities they
organic statute).
Other
need to
Agencies with
participate in the
Related
Exchange
Environmenta
Network, to
1 Information
continue and
Activities.
expand data-
sharing
programs, and to
improve access
to environmental
information.
-------
Agency Response to Office of Inspector General FY 2023 Top Management Challenges
Report
October 28, 2022
Below is the agency's response to the Office of Inspector General's FY 2023 Top Management
Challenges report, which included issues related to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
mission to protect human health and the environment. The EPA agrees there are significant
environmental and human health challenges, including but not limited to tackling the climate crisis,
taking action to advance environmental justice and civil rights, ensuring safety of chemicals,
ensuring scientific integrity and science-based decision making, and managing the agency's
infrastructure resources and business operations. These and other priorities are communicated in
the agency's FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, along with a detailed roadmap for achieving our
mission. In addition, as mentioned in the management challenge descriptions, the EPA will request
appropriations in the FY 2024 President's Budget to assist in expanding work in a number of these
areas and other key priorities. The responses below provide a summary of the major topics.
Challenge 1: Mitigating the Causes and Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change.
Agency Response. The EPA is working to drive greenhouse gas emission reductions through an
integrated approach of regulations, partnerships, and technical assistance. The EPA is also working
to strengthen the nation's adaptive capacity and resilience, with a particular focus on advancing
environmental justice. The EPA will ensure its programs, policies, regulations, enforcement
activities, and operations consider current and future impacts of climate change and how those
impacts disproportionately affect certain communities. As directed in Executive Order 14008,
Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, the EPA issued a Policy Statement on Climate
Change Adaptation in May 2021 and published its 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan in
October 2021. In FY 2022, the agency published program and regional office Implementation
Plans, which reported progress to date and identified actions needed to address the agency-wide
priorities identified in the Climate Adaptation Action Plan. Program and regional offices will
continue to engage with states, tribes, territories, and local communities in implementing their
plans.
Responsible Agency Official: Victoria Arroyo, EPA Senior Climate Adaptation Official; Betsy
Shaw, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation.
Challenge 2: Integrating and Leading Environmental Justice Across the Agency and
Government.
Agency Response. In FY 2022, the EPA took the historic step of creating a new national program
Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights incorporating the Office of
Environmental Justice with the Office of General Counsel's External Civil Rights Compliance
Office, along with OGC's Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center. This new national program
will be led by a presidentially appointed Senate confirmed Assistant Administrator, significantly
elevating the profile and authority of environmental justice and civil rights compliance across
the EPA to a level on par with other programs, such as air, water, and land and emergency
management. Together with the increased funding the EPA received in the FY 2022 annual
-------
appropriation for EJ and the investment received through the Inflation Reduction Act for the
Environment and Climate Justice block grants, the OEJECR will provide an unprecedented level
of support throughout the EPA to engage and support communities; work with and support
external partners such as states, tribes, and local government; and bring a stronger structural and
systemic ability to integrate EJ and comply with civil rights requirements throughout all of the
EPA's policies, programs, and activities.
In the past year, the EPA also finalized its FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This plan, for the first
time ever, contains a dedicated goal specifically focused on advancing environmental justice and
external civil rights compliance throughout the agency. This inclusion not only signals to all parts
of the EPA and its partners, such as states, tribes, and local government, the central importance of
EJ and civil rights compliance within the EPA's mission, but also puts the new program office on
level footing with other priority programs of the agency and its mission of environmental and
public health protection.
Inclusion of this goal also enabled the new OEJECR to craft and publish an accompanying
National Program Guidance (NPG) to help guide implementation of the strategic plan
commitments. Both the strategic plan and the accompanying NPG have focused on tying together
the EJ and external civil rights commitments of the strategic plan with the commitments and goals
of EPA's Equity Action Plan, crafted and published in accordance with Executive Order 13985,
Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal
Government. A highlight of these plans is the commitment to develop and publish a framework
for the consideration and integration of cumulative impacts throughout the environmental public
health regulatory system, the crafting of guidance and tools to support full compliance with civil
rights laws and requirements, and the development of at least ten indicators of disparity reduction
as the ultimate measures of achieving beneficial outcomes on the ground for overburdened and
vulnerable communities as a result of the efforts of the EPA and its partners.
The EPA also continues to provide direct support to the White House Council on Environmental
Quality as it leads implementation of EO 14008. In particular, the EPA supports the management
of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and regularly engages and supports
CEQ staff in leading the Interagency Council on Environmental Justice as well as providing advice
based upon the agency's experience on specific elements such as development of the Climate and
Economic Justice Screening Tool and the EJ Scorecard. The EPA is working directly with
numerous federal agencies to coordinate and align efforts through the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriations. This is especially critical as so many
agencies, through the Justice40 initiative, look for ways from the top down to ensure the benefits
of their programs and investments reach disadvantaged communities. The EPA complements these
efforts by providing direct support to build the capacity of those communities to push from the
bottom up.
The EPA's resources are essential to support the affected communities. These resources enable
them to build the capacity to assess their needs, develop a vision and plan, and leverage
collaborative partnerships across the federal government.
-------
Responsible Agency Official: Marianne Engelman-Lado, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights.
Challenge 3: Providing for the Safe Use of Chemicals.
Agency Response. The prioritization of review of Pesticide Registration Improvement Act actions
with statutory decision timeframes over non-PRIA actions without statutory due dates has led to a
decrease in the number of non-PRIA completions in recent years, and the development of a
backlog. During this same period of time, the EPA has seen an increase in new submissions for
PRIA actions as well as renegotiation of PRIA-fee-for-service actions or the non-PRIA backlog.
Currently, there are more than 11,000 non-PRIA pesticide actions from previous years that are still
pending completion. Despite completing record numbers of PRIA actions in the past few years,
the EPA's FY 2022 renegotiation rate for PRIA actions rose to almost 52 percent for all PRIA
applications and to over 70 percent for conventional pesticides. For comparison, 5 years ago in FY
2018 the PRIA renegotiation rate was 17 percent, and at the end of FY 2021 the renegotiation rate
was 34 percent. In addition, the scientific and legal complexity of pesticide submissions has
increased significantly while the Pesticide program has been losing seasoned and experienced staff
and program resources have remained flat over the years. In fact, there are 25 percent fewer staff
in the Pesticide program than 15 years ago. Decreased capacity in staffing requires longer time to
complete pesticide actions and further contributes to a growing backlog.
The EPA recognizes that greater market predictability around the EPA decision review timeframes
is one of the main objectives of PRIA and its reauthorizations. The agency is actively working
with its stakeholders to identify process improvements and resource needs in the future to bring
the EPA's decision review timeframes back in alignment with statutory timeframes in PRIA, to
eliminate the existing backlog of non-PRIA actions, and to improve review timeframes for non-
PRIA applications going forward so that a backlog does not again develop.
To address a decades-old challenge of protecting endangered species from pesticides while
minimizing regulatory impacts to pesticide users, the first-ever comprehensive workplan,
Balancing Wildlife Protection and Responsible Pesticide Use, was released to the public in April
2022. The workplan describes new and creative solutions for the EPA to come into compliance
with the Endangered Species Act and establishes four overall strategies and dozens of actions to
adopt those protections while providing farmers, public health authorities, and others with access
to pesticides. The workplan also sets a new vision for a successful ESA-Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act program that focuses on supporting the development of safer
technologies to control pests, completing timely FIFRA decisions, and collaborating with other
agencies and stakeholders on implementing the plan. The EPA released a workplan update in
November 2022, explaining how it will adopt early mitigation for ESA species as part of
registration review decisions. In addition to the ESA workplan, the agency requested, for the first
time in the FY 2023 President's Budget, an additional $4.9 million and 10 FTE to begin making
incremental progress toward meeting ESA mandates and enable the Pesticide program to make
progress toward better protection for federally threatened and endangered species from exposure
to new active ingredients.
-------
In the explanatory statement accompanying the FY 2022 omnibus appropriations act, Congress
encouraged the EPA "to properly consider full costs [of implementing the Toxic Substances
Control Act] in its deliberations, in line with the Lautenberg Act's intent." To that end, in
November 2022 the agency published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on fees for
administering TSCA. Though the Lautenberg Act was enacted in 2016, EPA's first fees rule was
not finalized until 2018, and no fees were collected until FY 2019. Under the 2018 rule, the costs
of the first 10 risk evaluations were exempted from the fees, and the last Administration did not
conduct a budget analysis to calculate the actual costs of implementing the new law to use as its
baseline. As a result, only about 13 percent of the artificially low baseline cost estimate for the
program were collected under the 2018 fees rule. In addition, the 2021 fees rule proposal excluded
the costs of risk management activities for the first 10 chemicals and 20 high-priority substances
and the additional resources needed to implement TSCA as Congress intended. The EPA is further
working to ensure that the TSCA program is adequately funded by incorporating the Office of
Pollutant Prevention and Toxic's most recent workforce analysis to inform its proposals in the FY
2023 President's Budget request. The OPPT is also investing in recruitment and hiring of
additional scientists with specialized expertise in various human health risk assessment disciplines
to provide internal senior level review (outside of the management chain) of chemical risk
assessment products, which are the foundation of sound risk management.
The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention is also developing a multi-year
collaborative research program in partnership with the agency's Office of Research and
Development and other federal entities to improve existing approaches and develop and implement
New Approach Methodologies and to ensure the best available science is used in TSCA new
chemical evaluations. In addition, the EPA reviewed its risk determinations for the first 10 existing
chemical substances evaluated under the Lautenberg Act to assess whether the previous
Administration's policy decision to exclude certain exposure pathways (i.e., air, water) from the
risk evaluations may have led to failures in identifying potential unreasonable risks from these
exposure pathways and appropriately addressing the statutory requirement to evaluate potential
exposures to potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations, including fenceline communities
(i.e., communities near industrial facilities).
In October 2021, OCSPP announced several actions to enhance the scientific integrity of its
programs, including forming a new internal advisory group to provide advisory support and
recommendations on science policy and scientific integrity issues that arise within OCSPP,
establishing a new science policy advisor position that provides guidance to the Assistant
Administrator for OCSPP on emerging science policy and scientific integrity, and adopting a range
of policies, practices, and procedures to ensure sound science and consistent approaches for
chemical reviews.
Responsible Agency Official: RickKeigwin, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical
Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Challenge 4: Safeguarding Scientific Integrity Principles.
Agency Response. The EPA's Scientific Integrity Policy has been in effect since February 2012
and is one of the longest standing scientific integrity policies in the federal government. Scientific
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Integrity at the EPA will be further strengthened by updating the Scientific Integrity Policy to meet
the Office of Science and Technology Policy's requirements for policy content, implementation,
and evaluation. In recognition of EPA's leadership in scientific integrity, OSTP appointed our
Scientific Integrity Official as a co-chair of three related White House initiatives that implement
the January 2021 Executive Memorandum on scientific integrity and drive scientific integrity
policy across federal executive branch agencies.
The EPA is unwavering in its commitment to promptly address scientific integrity concerns and
investigate and adjudicate allegations. The EPA will continue to strengthen its robust mechanisms
to protect and maintain a culture of scientific integrity and is on target to develop and implement
procedures to address allegations, including violations involving high-profile issues or senior
officials. The EPA's steadfast commitment to implementing the Scientific Integrity Policy in
support of a culture of scientific integrity, enhanced transparency, and the protection of scientists
is evidenced by agencywide training and outreach activities that engage employees on scientific
integrity. The Agency has recognized the important role of leaders in enhancing a culture of
scientific integrity and accordingly added strong language about scientific integrity into the
performance plan requirements for its SES, ST, and SL leaders in FY22 and going forward. This
language requires these leaders to be responsible for exemplifying firm commitment to principles
of scientific integrity in all relevant situations and complying with and advocating for the EPA
Scientific Integrity Policy when doing any of the following: conducting, managing, using the
results, and communicating about science and scientific activities.
The EPA will continue to maintain scientific integrity's high visibility throughout the agency
through regular outreach, including hosting an annual meeting with EPA employees and launching
updated training for new employees, to build upon 10 years of the Scientific Integrity Program at
EPA.
Responsible Agency Official: Maureen Gwinn, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office
of Research and Development.
Challenge 5: Ensuring Agency Systems and Other Critical Infrastructure Are Protected
Against Cyberthreats.
Agency Response. The agency recognizes the importance of enhancing information technology
security to combat cyber threats. In addition to addressing recommendations identified in audit
reports, the agency continues to make progress towards complying with Executive Order 14028,
Improving the Nation's Cyber security, improving its Federal Information Security Management
Act report rating, and improving security at water facilities at a nationwide scale. The agency
developed processes to improve compliance with federal requirements and agency policy and
metrics to monitor progress towards cybersecurity improvements and has improved internal
procedures and roles towards oversight and review of agency cybersecurity initiatives and
processes. The agency has been able to improve its cybersecurity posture in part by deploying
Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation software, Privilege Access User Management tools,
Endpoint Detection and Response tools, and a next generation Security Incident and Event
Management system. The EPA will also continue to work with states, tribes, and territories to
improve their cybersecurity surrounding water systems by providing technical assistance,
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publishing guidance, and work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop sector-
specific infrastructure cybersecurity goals.
Responsible Agency Official: Tonya Manning, Acting Director, Office of Information Security
& Privacy, Office of Mission Support; Benita Best-Wong, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office
of Water.
Challenge 6: Managing Business Operations and Resources.
Agency Response. Workforce planning and management is a priority for the agency and is
integrated into the FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan and as a part of the EPA's Evidence Act
Learning Agenda. The agency is implementing workforce planning and knowledge transfer
strategies to support succession planning across the agency and adopting new workforce and
workplace innovations to support the future of work. In response to increases in workload resulting
from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, the agency is
working to leverage all available hiring authorities to expedite the hiring of new employees
followed by timely onboarding and training. The agency has well established internal controls to
provide effective oversight for programs and has developed additional training, technical
assistance, and internal control plans to ensure that funds directed toward infrastructure
improvements through the use of grants, loans, and contracts are utilized as intended. The EPA
acknowledges that increases in funding require appropriate oversight and is committed to
safeguarding its resources against waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.
In FY 2023, the EPA identified New Grantees of Annual and Supplemental Funds as an Enterprise
Risk. Significant new grant funding through legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
the IRA, and Congressionally Directed Spending will result in an increase in the number of new
grant applicants, including from underserved communities and those that are first-time applicants.
Therefore, grants management is a key focus of the EPA's implementation of IIJA and IRA, with
the agency mapping out grants processes to identify potential opportunities to improve the process
and tracking the announcements of grants and the awarding of funds internally through our
Continuous Improvement process. Without extensive outreach, training, and technical assistance,
these new recipients are at risk of not having the capacity to comply with all federal grants
management requirements throughout the grant lifecycle. In FY 2023, the agency is developing
best practices for grants management and is collaborating with the OIG on providing training to
potential grant recipients. This focus as an enterprise risk will allow the agency to implement a
coordinated approach to engage with new recipients and provide a suite of tools to help new
recipients reduce noncompliance risks and meet federal programmatic, financial, and reporting
requirements. These tools include live and recorded training, direct programmatic support and
technical assistance, and publishing new policy and guidance to strengthen compliance where
needed.
Additionally, the EPA continues to refine and enhance its risk, internal control, fraud, and
improper payment management activities, which enable smooth business operations and
protection against fraud, waste, and abuse. In FY 2022, the agency engaged in a robust effort to
boost its risk and internal control programs by instituting the Enterprise Risk Management
Application. Through this tool, risks and associated mitigation strategies were collected and
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analyzed to allow for a more corporate view of vulnerabilities that could impact the agency's
mission. As the inaugural year of this application has ended, the agency is working to leverage the
momentum gained and build a more prominent and free-standing fraud detection program.
Responsible Agency Official: Kimberly Patrick, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Office of Mission Support; Carol Terris, Acting Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of the
Chief Financial Officer.
Challenge 7: Enforcing Compliance and Environmental Laws and Regulations.
Agency Response. Enforcement and compliance activities are critical parts of the agency's
mission. Building on a historically strong program, under the current Administration, the EPA has
increased its focus on traditional civil and criminal enforcement tools, with particular attention on
environmental and public health threats to overburdened communities. This includes identifying
strategies and actions to make environmental justice considerations a part of all aspects of the
agency's enforcement program. In furtherance of the Administration's priorities, the agency has
rescinded several policies that, in part, were responsible for a number of the concerns identified
by the OIG. The agency put in place new policies that reflect the current Administration's emphasis
on strong enforcement.
There are two challenges identified by the OIG where additional information from the EPA may
help clarify the enforcement program's current posture. With respect to the OIG's reference to the
challenges faced by the National Enforcement Investigations Center from high rates of attrition
from 2014 to 2020, NEIC has been able increase full-time equivalents to 2014 levels. In 2023,
NEIC continues to hire additional full-time equivalents to bring NEIC to the highest staffing levels
in over a decade (a 20 percent increase over 2014 levels). With respect to the FY 2023 $42 million
budget request to support compliance monitoring, these resources are not only intended to
modernize our national enforcement and compliance data system, but the resources will also
expand compliance monitoring efforts to address: environmental justice issues, including the
Compliance Advisor Program; Smart Tools for inspectors; implementation of the Evidence Act;
per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances; and climate change concerns, including reduction in the use
of hydrofluorocarbons. The EPA is approaching this challenge from multiple angles and
contingent upon additional resources, is committed to getting back to high compliance monitoring
levels, similar to the 2010 levels, as quickly as possible.
The agency remains actively engaged with the OIG in developing corrective actions that will
respond to concerns raised in a recent report (Report Number: 21-P-0132 - Resource Constraints,
Leadership Decisions, and Workforce Culture Led to a Decline in Federal Enforcement). The
EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance looks forward to working with
colleagues across the agency, as well as state and tribal partners, stakeholders, and the OIG in
addressing issues presented in the FY 2023 Top Management Challenges report.
Responsible Agency Official: Mark Badalamente, Director, Office of Administration and Policy,
Office of Enforcement and Compliance.
Challenge 8: Managing Increased Investment in Infrastructure.
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Agency Response. The enactment of IIJA has greatly increased the amount of resources EPA is
responsible for directing into infrastructure investments, and will also increase the number and
types of grantees with whom EPA will be working. To provide effective oversight for programs
that received infrastructure funding, the agency continues to promote efficiency and ensure
compliance with the IIJA provisions. This oversight includes the establishment of a Program
Integrity Framework to focus on the agencywide applications of risk management, payment
integrity, and internal controls. Senior leadership uses the Program Integrity Framework to assist
in prioritizing and mitigating risks, identifying the agency's enterprise risk, and making critical
operations decisions. Additionally, those offices receiving funding received training on technical
assistance and internal control plans to ensure that funds directed toward infrastructure
improvements through the use of grants, loans, and contracts continue being used as intended. The
EPA is continuously enhancing Program Integrity efforts and oversight over infrastructure
investments and is committed to safeguarding its resources against waste, fraud, abuse, and
mismanagement. Additional agency efforts include:
• Developed performance measures to monitor and report on progress, as outlined in the
IIJA Program Implementation Plans.
• Launched several technical assistance programs / initiatives to help communities
better access IIJA funding.
• Engaged stakeholders to hold quarterly fraud trainings for agency personnel.
• Implemented additional controls within the agency's financial systems to track
infrastructure investments by appropriation, program, etc.
• Conducting OMB Circular A-123, Appendix C risk assessments in FY2023 to ensure
protection against fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Implementing a more robust fraud detection and prevention program.
• Employing an industrial engagement strategy for partners with IIJA funding.
Responsible Agency Official: Zealan Hoover, Senior Advisor to the Administrator; Kimberly
Patrick, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Mission Support; Carol Terris, Acting
Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
FY 2024 President's Budget
NPM
Major Office
Pay ($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total ($K)
FTE
Pay ($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total ($K)
FTE
OA
Immediate Office
$5,801
$2,928
$8,729
31.0
$8,546
$6,482
$15,027
49.0
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
$8,477
$533
$9,009
43.2
$8,504
$882
$9,386
44.2
Office of Public Affairs
$6,279
$490
$6,769
31.5
$6,031
$333
$6,364
30.5
Office of Public Engagement
$1,727
$799
$2,526
10.0
$2,152
$12,452
$14,604
13.0
Office of Policy
$30,389
$7,826
$38,215
150.4
$33,131
$28,381
$61,512
175.6
Children's Health Protection
$2,777
$2,408
$5,185
13.1
$2,779
$2,445
$5,224
13.1
Environmental Education
$1,012
$7,047
$8,059
5.2
$1,010
$7,095
$8,105
5.2
Office of Civil Rights
$4,175
$650
$4,825
20.9
$3,583
$463
$4,047
20.9
Executive Secretariat
$3,839
$221
$4,060
20.1
$4,068
$152
$4,220
20.1
Executive Services
$3,094
$366
$3,460
14.9
$3,157
$1,159
$4,316
14.9
Homeland Security
$2,675
$355
$3,031
11.3
$2,819
$1,619
$4,438
13.3
Science Advisory Board
$3,846
$436
$4,282
18.7
$3,431
$727
$4,158
18.7
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
$2,245
$1,299
$3,544
10.7
$2,102
$1,113
$3,215
9.7
Regional Resources
$44,047
$2,005
$46,052
248.3
$55,178
$48,414
$103,592
296.9
OA TOTAL
$120,383
$27,363
$147,746
629.3
$136,491
$111,716
$248,207
725.1
OEJECR
Immediate Office
$3,890
$5,466
$9,356
19.9
$8,390
$87,185
$95,575
45.7
Office of Resource Management and Communications
$1,553
$33
$1,586
12.0
$2,000
$100
$2,100
12.0
Office of Community Support
$3,260
$7,199
$10,459
25.0
$7,397
$125,002
$132,399
42.0
Office of Policy, Partnerships and Program Development
$6,652
$12,474
$19,126
52.3
$11,134
$100,001
$111,135
64.8
Office of External Civil Rights Compliance
$3,028
$579
$3,607
21.9
$8,993
$2,765
$11,758
48.7
Regional Resources
$15,217
$52,030
$67,247
110.3
$27,428
$18,369
$45,797
155.5
OEJECR TOTAL
$33,601
$77,781
$111,382
241.4
$65,342
$333,421
$398,763
368.7
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2024 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
OAR
Immediate Office
$11,693
$150,102
$161,795
62.7
$11,159
$235,683
$246,842
56.9
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
$61,274
$48,772
$110,045
359.0
$86,255
$281,404
$367,660
462.7
Office of Atmospheric Programs
$44,824
$61,070
$105,894
230.8
$58,159
$217,593
$275,752
308.9
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
$63,759
$150,343
$214,103
351.0
$78,841
$258,420
$337,261
400.1
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
$28,006
$14,570
$42,576
145.0
$39,116
$56,017
$95,132
207.5
Regional Resources
$105,225
$210,819
$316,044
629.4
$141,204
$207,552
$348,756
777.0
OAR TOTAL
$314,781 $635,676 $950,457 1,777.9
$414,734 $1,256,669 $1,671,403 2,213.1
OCFO
Immediate Office
$2,200
$7,032
$9,232
i:
$3,370
$10,182
$13,552
1
Office of Budget
$7,792
$3,233
$11,026
42.!
$7,828
$2,588
$10,416
39.!
Office of Planning, Analysis and Accountability
$4,584
$277
$4,861
2!
$4,954
$334
$5,289
2!
Office of Technology Solutions
$8,966
$24,638
$33,604
48.!
$9,414
$25,382
$34,796
47.!
Office of Resource and Information Management
$2,659
$6,697
$9,355
14.!
$3,191
$5,121
$8,312
16.
Office of the Controller
$24,882
$2,058
$26,940
136.;
$25,508
$3,007
$28,515
127.;
OCFO eEnterprise
$917
$649
$1,566
1
$991
$559
$1,550
1
Office of Continuous Improvement
$1,834
$572
$2,406
11
$1,982
$472
$2,454
11
Regional Resources
$33,723
$2,354
$36,077
203.3
$28,660
$2,497
$31,157
160.0
OCFO TOTAL
$87,556 $47,511 $135,067 497.9
$85,898 $50,142 $136,040 447.8
OCSPP
Immediate Office
$3,252
$943
$4,195
17.0
$2,529
$1,391
$3,920
12.2
Office of Pesticide Programs
$65,009
$26,444
$91,452
353.0
$69,705
$51,670
$121,375
369.0
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
$60,657
$34,269
$94,926
357.1
$89,946
$64,673
$154,619
477.6
Office of Program Support
$35,504
$3,661
$39,166
175.0
$37,480
$3,656
$41,136
185.5
Regional Resources
$23,385
$34,249
$57,634
141.9
$26,229
$45,417
$71,646
151.8
OCSPP TOTAL
$187,807 $99,566 $287,373 1,044.0
$225,889 $166,806 $392,695 1,196.1
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2024 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
OECA
Immediate Office
$9,874
$11,841
$21,714
44.9
$7,222
$4,915
$12,136
40.4
Office of Civil Enforcement
$28,583
$11,244
$39,827
132.8
$34,060
$27,452
$61,512
164.1
Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training
$66,305
$11,083
$77,388
304.3
$73,040
$14,635
$87,674
332.9
Office of Compliance
$22,692
$24,200
$46,893
118.2
$24,371
$58,960
$83,331
123.2
Federal Facilities Enforcement Office
$3,104
$752
$3,855
16.6
$3,267
$1,652
$4,919
16.4
Office of Site Remediation Enforcement
$14,616
$19,119
$33,736
68.7
$1,449
$682
$2,131
7.5
Regional Resources
$329,636
$55,548
$385,184
1,865.0
$232,154
$63,980
$296,134
1,284.4
OECA TOTAL
$474,810 $133,787 $608,597 2,550.5
$375,563 $172,275 $547,838 1,968.9
OGC
Immediate Office
$1,780
$315
$2,096
8.0
$2,460
$473
$2,933
10.3
Air and Radiation Law Office
$9,068
$2,057
$11,125
41.0
$10,914
$2,681
$13,595
44.0
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Law Office
$3,693
$838
$4,531
21.0
$4,713
$1,158
$5,871
19.0
Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office
$3,806
$990
$4,797
17.3
$4,941
$1,414
$6,355
20.7
Water Law Office
$4,900
$1,162
$6,062
22.0
$6,608
$1,655
$8,263
26.6
Other Legal Support
$18,985
$3,955
$22,941
88.5
$25,884
$3,963
$29,847
112.4
Regional Resources
$29,427
$952
$30,379
139.9
$39,128
$1,318
$40,446
174.9
OGC TOTAL
$71,661 $10,269 $81,930 337.6
$94,647 $12,663 $107,310 408.2
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2024 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
OIG
Immediate Office
$488
$46
$534
2.6
$607
$144
$751
3.2
Office of Chief of Staff
$488
$46
$534
2.6
$607
$144
$751
3.2
Office of Strategic Analysis and Results
$2,279
$218
$2,497
12.1
$2,832
$673
$3,505
14.9
Office of Information Technology
$3,744
$358
$4,102
19.8
$4,653
$1,106
$5,759
24.5
Office of Counsel and Congressional Public Affairs
$4,233
$405
$4,638
22.4
$5,260
$1,250
$6,510
27.7
Office of Mission Support
$3,582
$343
$3,925
19.0
$4,451
$1,058
$5,509
23.4
Office of Audit
$18,071
$1,728
$19,799
95.8
$22,457
$5,336
$27,793
118.3
Office of Special Review and Evaluations
$8,466
$809
$9,275
44.9
$10,521
$2,500
$13,021
55.4
Office of Investigations
$9,606
$919
$10,525
50.8
$11,938
$2,835
$14,773
62.9
OIG TOTAL
$50,957 $4,873 $55,830 270.0
$63,326 $15,047 $78,373 333.5
OITA
Immediate Office
$1,210
$96
$1,306
6.0
$1,576
$201
$1,777
8.0
Office of International Affairs
$7,221
$1,939
$9,160
35.8
$10,598
$17,064
$27,662
53.8
Office of Management and International Services
$2,481
$1,160
$3,642
12.3
$2,561
$2,591
$5,152
13.0
American Indian Environmental Office
$3,833
$1,343
$5,176
19.0
$7,288
$3,220
$10,508
37.0
Regional Resources
$11,315
$74,913
$86,228
67.6
$25,181
$87,865
$113,046
141.6
OITA TOTAL
$26,061 $79,451 $105,512 140.7
$47,204 $110,941 $158,145 253.4
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2024 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
OLEM
Immediate Office
$9,444
$5,384
$14,828
43.7
$6,504
$2,036
$8,540
30.0
Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office
$3,150
$1,672
$4,822
16.3
$3,323
$7,466
$10,790
16.2
Office of Communication, Partnership, and Analysis
$2,759
$1,563
$4,322
13.8
$1,779
$889
$2,668
9.3
Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
$26,902
$69,385
$96,287
143.8
$1,762
$2,195
$3,957
10.1
Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
$27,781
$21,397
$49,177
145.7
$29,610
$31,652
$61,262
154.4
Office of Underground Storage Tanks
$4,413
$2,384
$6,797
21.6
$4,237
$3,251
$7,488
22.6
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
$3,082
$10,276
$13,358
16.6
$3,073
$13,200
$16,272
16.6
Office of Emergency Management
$13,237
$28,883
$42,120
64.2
$13,344
$46,566
$59,910
66.0
Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains
$718
$2,067
$2,784
4.0
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Regional Resources
$284,384
$909,731
$1,194,115
1,632.6
$162,873
$429,872
$592,745
909.7
OLEM TOTAL
$375,870 $1,052,741 $1,428,611 2,102.3
$226,505 $537,127 $763,632 1,234.9
OMS
Immediate Office
$14,367
$23,728
$38,095
90.9
$18,840
$61,017
$79,858
92.3
Environmental Appeals Board
$3,113
$111
$3,225
13.8
$3,498
$163
$3,661
15.0
Administrative Law Judges
$2,020
$143
$2,163
12.0
$2,327
$161
$2,488
11.0
Office of Human Resources
$21,521
$7,833
$29,354
93.9
$31,931
$9,839
$41,770
153.7
Research Triangle Park
$15,401
$35,490
$50,891
101.0
$16,474
$30,213
$46,687
100.0
Office of Grants and Debarment
$13,093
$8,413
$21,506
69.6
$16,618
$4,317
$20,935
87.0
Cincinnati
$10,117
$16,941
$27,057
66.0
$11,456
$9,238
$20,694
70.0
Office of Administration
$18,903
$320,042
$338,945
92.2
$22,822
$395,516
$418,338
102.5
Office of Acquisition Solutions
$37,889
$8,317
$46,206
214.0
$45,811
$6,576
$52,387
248.1
Office of Enterprise Information Programs
$8,107
$9,112
$17,219
42.3
$8,292
$7,866
$16,158
40.1
Office of Information Management
$11,014
$32,927
$43,941
59.7
$12,018
$33,466
$45,484
58.7
Office of Digital Services & Technical Architecture
$4,800
$2,106
$6,907
24.0
$4,619
$1,655
$6,274
23.0
Office of Customer Advocacy, Policy & Portfolio Management
Office of Information Security & Privacy
$6,157
$3,440
$9,597
34.0
$6,070
$2,076
$8,146
31.0
$3,199
$11,956
$15,156
16.1
$3,709
$27,951
$31,660
18.1
Office of Information Technology Operations
$1,455
$1,230
$2,686
7.1
$2,115
$12,287
$14,402
9.7
Regional Resources
$85,344
$53,537
$138,881
490.4
$97,655
$55,647
$153,302
534.3
OMS TOTAL
$256,501 $535,326 $791,827 1,427.0
$304,256 $657,988 $962,244 1,594.5
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EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2023 Enacted Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2024 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
ORD
ORD Headquarters
$47,811
$74,136
$121,947
257.2
$47,982
$61,788
$109,770
256.4
Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure
$44,554
$27,948
$72,502
242.7
$49,737
$37,708
$87,445
265.9
Center for Environmental Measurements & Modeling
$66,627
$39,116
$105,743
358.9
$74,385
$59,525
$133,911
397.3
Center for Public Health & Environmental Assessment
$66,818
$37,013
$103,831
356.3
$75,250
$52,846
$128,096
400.6
Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency
$45,567
$28,389
$73,956
245.3
$48,449
$37,694
$86,143
260.8
Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement
$12,324
$84,133
$96,457
66.3
$13,961
$57,801
$71,761
74.6
Regional Resources
$35,247
$19,800
$55,047
210.9
$19,042
$7,140
$26,182
112.1
ORD TOTAL
$318,948 $310,535 $629,483 1,737.6
$328,806 $314,502 $643,308 1,767.7
ow
Immediate Office
$12,395
$8,795
$21,190
63.4
$13,775
$8,794
$22,569
66.2
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
$32,225
$88,723
$120,948
172.5
$45,343
$250,210
$295,553
239.8
Office of Science and Technology
$22,819
$14,608
$37,427
116.9
$27,784
$53,758
$81,542
137.6
Office of Wastewater Management
$28,153
$174,502
$202,655
143.3
$40,407
$646,985
$687,393
213.6
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
$20,290
$28,475
$48,765
107.8
$23,713
$63,373
$87,085
118.3
Regional Resources
$213,064
$4,170,870
$4,383,934
1,313.2
$244,220
$4,556,953
$4,801,173
1,388.2
OW TOTAL
5328,945 54,485,973 54,814,918 1,917.1
5395,242 55,580,073 55,975,315 2,163.7
Subtotal Agency Resources
52,647,881 57,500,852 510,148,733 14,673.3
52,763,903 59,319,370 512,083,273 14,675.6
Less Rescission of Prior Year Funds
($13,300;
$0
Reimbursable FTE
442.3
504.5
Superfund Tax FTE*
1,897.3
Total Agency Resources
$2,647,881 $7,500,852 $10,135,433 15,115.6
$2,763,903 $9,319,370 $12,083,273 17,077.4
*ln FY 2024, funding for Superfund Enforcement, Remedial, and Emergency Response and Removal is proposed to be transitioned from annual appropriations to Superfund Tax receipts. In total 1897.3
FTE in Superfund will be funded as reimbursable FTE, including 771.8 FTE in Superfund Enforcement, 874.8 FTE in Remedial, and 250.7 FTE in Emergency Response and Removal.
-------
OECA Travel by Program Pro.
ect FY 2018 - FY 2024*
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024
Appr.
Program Project
Enacted
Actuals**
Enacted
Actuals**
Enacted
Actuals**
Enacted
Actuals**
Enacted
Actuals**
Enacted*
PresBud***
EPM
43- Brownfields
$16.0
$10.4
$16.0
$4.2
$16.0
$18.2
$3.0
$0.0
$3.0
$2.3
$3.0
$12.0
44-Civil Enforcement
$2,148.0
$1,860.9
$2,216.0
$1,942.2
$2,197.0
$886.2
$742.0
$602.0
$742.0
$1,230.7
$2,932.0
$3,236.0
50-Compliance Monitoring
$1,524.0
$1,498.3
$1,529.0
$1,397.2
$1,516.0
$694.8
$567.0
$301.0
$582.0
$658.0
$835.0
$2,016.0
52-Criminal Enforcement
$1,522.0
$1,385.7
$1,522.0
$1,458.1
$1,522.0
$748.4
$548.0
$467.0
$548.0
$606.0
$1,518.0
$1,690.0
57 - Environmental Justice
$186.0
$103.7
$0.0
$5.3
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$4.0
$148.2
$4.0
$0.0
63- Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
$20.0
$17.0
$20.0
$24.0
$20.0
$6.9
$20.0
$9.0
$20.0
$18.4
$20.0
$20.0
90- NEPA Implementation
$505.0
$251.1
$0.0
$70.5
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
F2 - Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$238.0
$503.4
$238.0
$234.5
$238.0
$204.4
$84.0
$132.0
$131.0
$342.4
$207.0
$238.0
Total
$6,159.0
$5,630.5
$5,541.0
$5,136.0
$5,509.0
$2,558.9
$1,964.0
$1,511.0
$2,030.0
$3,006.0
$5,519.0
$7,212.0
S&T
62 - Forensics Support
$260.0
$157.8
$260.0
$193.1
$260.0
$115.0
$141.0
$88.0
$141.0
$170.9
$260.0
$478.0
LUST
44-Civil Enforcement
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
OIL
44-Civil Enforcement
$14.0
$16.4
$14.0
$8.1
$14.0
$3.1
$14.0
$6.0
$12.0
$13.4
$12.0
$14.0
50-Compliance Monitoring
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total
$14.0
$16.4
$14.0
$8.1
$14.0
$3.1
$14.0
$6.0
$12.0
$13.4
$12.0
$14.0
SUPERFUND
50-Compliance Monitoring
$8.0
$0.0
$8.0
$0.0
$8.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$8.0
52-Criminal Enforcement
$468.0
$237.4
$468.0
$236.7
$468.0
$125.8
$468.0
$399.0
$468.0
$547.3
$468.0
$500.0
62 - Forensics Support
$50.0
$25.5
$50.0
$32.9
$50.0
$17.2
$50.0
$48.0
$50.0
$65.3
$50.0
$57.0
C7 - Superfund: Enforcement ****
$1,135.0
$798.7
$1,145.0
$995.7
$1,143.0
$445.0
$1,143.0
$155.0
$1,143.0
$461.8
$1,143.0
$0.0
H2 - Superfund: Federal Facilities Enf
$120.0
$69.0
$120.0
$65.1
$120.0
$81.7
$120.0
$12.0
$120.0
$28.1
$120.0
$120.0
Total
$1,781.0
$1,130.6
$1,791.0
$1,330.4
$1,789.0
$669.7
$1,781.0
$614.0
$1,781.0
$1,102.5
$1,781.0
$685.0
Grand Total
$8,214.0
$6,935.3
$7,606.0
$6,667.6
$7,572.0
$3,346.7
$3,900.0
$2,219.0
$3,964.0
$4,292.7
$7,572.0
$8,389.0
The Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 instructs EPA to follow guidance as set forth in House Report 116-448. House Report 116-448
directs EPA to provide "requested enforcement travel budget, and budgeted and actual enforcement travel spending for the previous five fiscal years". Please see page 80:
https://www.congress.gov/116/crpt/hrpt448/CRPT-116hrpt448.pdf. This report fulfills this requirement.
* In FY 2020 and FY 2021, OECA's travel resources decreased due to the COVID Pandemic travel restrictions. In FY 2023 and FY 2024, the travel resources were brought back to pre-
COVID levels to resume in-person travel and inspections.
**Actuals include final obligations of New Obligation Authority (NOA) and Carryover for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA).
***EPA will re-evaluate travel as part of the Agency's FY 2024 Operating Plan activities in preparation for the FY 2024 Enacted Budget.
**** |n py 2024, the Budget proposed to transition the Superfund Enforcement program to the Superfund Tax Receipts. As a result, the Superfund Enforcement travel is proposed to be transitioned to the
Superfund tax receipts and estimates will be evaluated in FY 2024.
-------
On-Site Inspections and Off-site Compliance Monitoring Compliance Activities from EPA's
Integrated Compliance Information System15
The table below provides the numbers in EPA's Integrated Compliance Information (ICIS) data
system for on-site inspection and off-site compliance monitoring activities from fiscal years (FY)
2018-2022.
Fiscal Year
(FY)
On-Site Inspections
Off-Site Compliance
Monitoring Activities
(EPA has not set separate
targets for this category of
activities)
Total
Completed
FY 2018 actual
7,900
2,900
10,800
FY 2019* actual
Target:7,400
Actual: 8,100
2,200
10,329
FY 2020 actual
Target: not set**
Actual: 3,600
4,900
8,500
FY 2021 actual
Target: not set**
Actual: 3,200
7,600
10,800
FY 2022 actual
Target: not set**
Actual: 5,900
8,000
13,900
FY 2023
projection
Target: not set**
Actual: TBD
10,000
FY 2024
projection
Target: not set**
Actual: TBD
10,000
*In 2019, EPA set targets for on-site inspections only. Previous targets were for combination of on-site inspections
and off-site compliance monitoring activities.
**Targets were not set for on-site inspections in FY 2020 through FY 2023 due to travel restrictions, uncertainty
resulting from COVID-19, and rebuilding capacity as the pandemic ends.
Caveats:
1. Definitions: Nationally consistent definitions of on-site inspections and off-site compliance
monitoring activities did not exist for our compliance monitoring program until we issued
guidance on April 24, 2020 (and updated in November 2020). As a result, earlier data may
include mis-categorized activities. EPA's April 24, 2020 memorandum provided definitions
for both on-site and off-site compliance monitoring activities, which creates more consistency
in each of the categories.
15 The Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 instructs EPA to follow guidance as set
forth in House Report 116-448. House Report 116-448 directs EPA to provide "separate targets for onsite inspections and offsite
compliance monitoring activities, and separate target and actuals data for onsite and offsite compliance monitoring activities for
the previous five fiscal years". Please see page 80: https://www.congress.gOv/l 16/crpt/hrpt448/CRPT-l 16hrpt448.pdf. This
report fulfills this requirement.
-------
2. Incomplete Data Entry: Given that EPA has not historically required most types of off-site
compliance monitoring activities to be entered into an EPA database, these numbers are likely
incomplete. EPA's April 24, 2020, guidance for reporting key off-site compliance monitoring
activities establishes expectations for national reporting of these activities, subsequent years'
numbers are therefore more reflective of actual activities.
3. COVID-19: Restrictions on travel during the pandemic affected EPA's ability to conduct on-
site inspections in FY 2020, FY 2021 and continued partially in FY 2022. While on-site
inspection numbers dropped substantially during this time, EPA was able to increase its off-
site compliance monitoring activities. In FY 2022, as the pandemic eased, EPA was able to
begin increasing the number of on-site inspections again.
4. States Conduct Majority of Inspections: Most inspections are performed by authorized states.
For example, states performed about 34,000 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) inspections - that is just one program.
5. Data Mining: With modern tools, EPA mines data from monitoring reports and manifests. EPA
conducts off-site compliance monitoring to try to detect violations, including possible
violations of emission and discharge limitations. EPA uses this information to target facilities
for on-site inspections. The April 2020 and subsequent November 2020 guidances will help
EPA nationally focus and track this important off-site compliance monitoring work.
6. Totals More Reliable Than Subtotals: The sum of the two subtotals (on-site inspections +
offsite compliance monitoring activities) is a more reliable value because it smooths out some
of the variability in each subtotal. EPA believes definitions of on-site inspections and off-site
compliance monitoring activities will help make the subtotal data more reliable going forward.
7. Staffing Levels: The number of inspections EPA completes each year generally correlates with
our annual staffing levels. During the time period reported in the table, OECA's number of
full-time equivalents (FTEs) has decreased from 2,880 in FY 2016 to 2,439 in FY 2022.
-------
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan
Department and component:
| Environmental Protection Agency
Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe the Agency's plan for implementing the
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Program. Per 5 CFR 595.107, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) must approve this plan prior to the Agency entering into any
PCA service agreement. Changes to this plan must be reviewed and approved by OMB in
accordance with 5 CFR 595.107.
Reporting: In addition to the plan, each year, components utilizing PCA will include their PCA
worksheet in the OMB Justification (OMBJ), typically in September. OMB and OPM will use this
data for Budget development and congressional reporting.
Plan for Implementing the PCA Program:
1 a) Identify the categories of physician positions the Agency has established are covered by PCA
under § 595.103. Please include the basis for each category. If applicable, list and explain
the necessity of any additional physician categories designated by your agency (for
categories other than I through IV-B). List Any Additional Physician Categories Designated
by Your Agency: Pursuant to 5 CFR 595.107, any additional category of physician receiving
a PCA, not covered by categories I through IV-B, should be listed and accompanied by an
explanation as to why these categories are necessary.
Number of
Physicians
Receiving PCAs
by Category (non-
add)
Category of Physician
Position
Covered
by
Agency
(mark "x"
if
covered)
Basis for Category
2
Category I Clinical
Position
X
EPA's Office of Research and Development
(ORD) clinical physicians oversee the
medical care of study subjects. These studies
are conducted on the health effects of a
variety of common environmental pollutants
in many different human subjects. Our
primary emphasis is on cardio-pulmonary
responses, with recent interest in behavioral
responses. The Medical Officer is
responsible for the health and well-being of
research participants before, during, and after
research. Prior to research, the Medical
Officer is responsible for clinically
evaluating individuals. During research, they
are responsible for instituting preventative
measures to ensure that any procedure entails
the least risk possible. After the research, it is
-------
Number of
Physicians
Receiving PCAs
by Category (non-
add)
Category of Physician
Position
Covered
by
Agency
(mark "x"
if
covered)
Basis for Category
the Medical Officer's responsibility to
evaluate an individual's health to
determine any clinical changes.
Category II Research
Position
n/a
1
Category III
Occupational Health
EPA is establishing a medical staff within
the Office of Administration, Safety and
Sustainability Division that will serve as a
focal point for pandemic planning,
occupational medical surveillance, wellness,
and will provide medical consultative
services supporting the Agency's safety and
health, disease response/outbreak, fitness for
duty, diver, automated external defibrillator,
emergency response, nerve agent antidote,
medical countermeasures, lactation, maternal
wellness, and other national programs.
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
n/a
1
Category IV-B Health
and Medical Admin.
X
This position serves as the principal medical
officer and environmental health scientist for
EPA's ORD. The position is responsible for
providing leadership, direction, and technical
expertise in support of organizational-wide
health and environmental planning, policy
development and implementation, and
oversight of scientific initiatives and research
efforts for ORD's Assistant Administrator
(AA) or their designee. This includes:
Strategic Research Action Plan oversight;
prioritization of environmental health
research; and counsel and oversight on
legislation, regulations and health impact
assessments related to Executive Branch
agencies on human health, air quality,
ecosystem services, toxics and risks,
environmental social sciences, and most
notably, COVID-19.
-------
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan (continued)
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) for each category of physician in your
agency (this should demonstrate that a current need continues to persist). § 595 of 5CFR Ch.
1 requires that an agency may determine that a significant recruitment and retention problem
exists only if all of the following conditions apply:
- Evidence indicates that the Agency is unable to recruit and retain physicians for the
category;
- The qualification requirements being sought do not exceed the qualifications necessary for
successful performance of the work;
- The Agency has made efforts to recruit and retain candidates in the category; and
- There are not a sufficient number of qualified candidates available if no comparability
allowance is paid.
Number of Physicians
Receiving PCAs by
Category (non-add)
Category of Physician
Position
Recruitment and retention problem
2
Category I Clinical
Position
The small population of EPA Clinical Physician positions
experiences modest turnover. The value of the physicians'
comparability allowance to EPA is used as a retention
tool. The Agency is told regularly that absent the
allowance some EPA physicians would seek employment
at federal agencies that provide the allowance.
Category II Research
Position
n/a
1
Category III Occupational
Health
The value of the physicians' comparability allowance to
EPA is to be used as a recruitment and retention tool. The
Agency is told regularly that absent the allowance some
EPA physicians would seek employment at federal
agencies that provide the allowance.
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
n/a
1
Category IV-B Health and
Medical Admin.
The small population of EPA Health and Medical
Administrative Physician position(s) experiences modest
turnover. The value of the physicians' comparability
allowance to EPA is used as a retention tool. The Agency
is told regularly that absent the allowance some EPA
physicians would seek employment at federal agencies
that provide the allowance.
-------
3) Explain how the Agency determines the amounts to be used for each category of physicians.
Number of
Physicians
Receiving PCAs by
Category (non-add)
Category of Physician
Position
Basis of comparability allowance amount
2
Category I Clinical
Position
EPA reviews the experience and technical expertise of
the candidates. Combined with other salary ranges in the
private sector and in review of other federal agencies,
the Agency tries to be within a range that allows the
Agency to retain the employees.
Category II Research
Position
n/a
1
Category III Occupational
Health
EPA reviews the experience and technical expertise of
the candidates. Combined with other salary ranges in the
private sector and in review of other federal agencies,
the Agency tries to be within a range that allows the
Agency to retain the employees.
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
n/a
1
Category IV-B Health and
Medical Admin.
EPA reviews the experience and technical expertise of
the candidates. Combined with other salary ranges in the
private sector and in review of other federal agencies,
the Agency tries to be within a range that allows the
Agency to retain the employees.
4) Does the Agency affirm that the PCA plan is consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5948
and the requirements of § 595 of 5 CFR Ch. 1?
| Yes
-------
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Worksheet
1) Department and component:
| Environmental Protection Agency
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) justifying the need for the PCA pay
authority.
(.Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of
unfilled positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
Historically, the number of EPA Research Physicians is between three and seven positions. This
small population experiences modest turnover. The value of the physicians' comparability allowance
to EPA is used as a retention tool.
EPA continues to use the PCA to recruit qualified candidates to fill vacancies and to retain these
employees. Additionally, EPA will use the PCA in FY 2024 to recruit and retain a physician for the
newly formed national health and safety medical staff.
3-4) Please complete the table below with details of the PCA agreement for the following
years:
PY 2022
CY 2023
BY* 2024
(Actual)
(Estimates)
(Estimates)
3a) Number of Physicians Receiving PCAs
3
4
4
3b) Number of Physicians with One-Year PCA Agreements
0
0
0
3c) Number of Physicians with Multi-Year PCA Agreements
3
4
4
4a) Average Annual PCA Physician Pay (without PCA
payment)
$188,100
$193,700
$183,979.33
4b) Average Annual PCA Payment
$19,300
$19,300
$23,333.33
*BY data will be approved during the BY Budget cycle. Please ensure each column is completed.
5) Explain the degree to which recruitment and retention problems were alleviated in your
agency through the use of PCAs in the prior fiscal year.
(.Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of
unfilled positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
The Agency is told regularly that absent the allowance, some EPA research physicians would seek
employment at federal agencies that provide the allowance.
6) Provide any additional information that may be useful in planning PCA staffing levels and
amounts in your agency.
An agency with a very small number of physician positions and a low turn-over rate among them still
needs the allowance authority to maintain the stability of the small population. Those who opt for
federal employment in opposition to private sector employment still want the maximum pay
available in the federal sector. Were it not for the PCA, EPA would regularly lose some of its
physicians to other federal agencies that offer the allowance, both requiring EPA to refill vacant
positions and making it more difficult for EPA to fill those positions. Turn-over statistics should be
viewed in this light.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2024 Congressional Justification and Annual Performance Plan
Program Projects by Program Area
(Dollars in Thousands)
Science & Technology
n 21122 l iiiiil
Wlu;iK
M 2112.5 l ll;ii lrcl
(>i>ri'iiling I'Liii
n 21124
I'lv-iduM"-
Uncivil
n 21124
I'lv-iduM"-
limliirl \.
M 2023 I'.iiiiclril
()|ici':iliii!! I'Liii
Clean Air and Climate
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Climate Protection
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Subtotal, Clean Air and Climate
$8,360
$6,723
$8,494
$101,348
$124,925
$7,117
$8,750
$11,343
$117,341
$144,551
$19,983
$10,724
$10,666
$179,617
$220,990
$12,866
$1,974
-$677
$62,276
$76,439
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
Radiation: Protection
Radiation: Response Preparedness
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$116
$2,224
$2,928
$136
$5,404
$199
$1,683
$3,596
$278
$5,756
$173
$2,349
$4,686
$183
$7,391
-$26
$666
$1,090
-$95
$1,635
Enforcement
Forensics Support
$14,815
$15,532
$18,657
$3,125
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$9,941
$24,536
$501
$34,978
$10,852
$25,347
$625
$36,824
$34,205
$39,539
$501
$74,245
$23,353
$14,192
-$124
$37,421
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
$2,799
$3,197
$3,313
$116
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$68,347
$67,500
$72,043
$4,543
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
$2,854
$2,487
$941
$2,894
$2,334
$925
$4,031
$2,339
$1,002
$1,137
$5
$77
n 2024
I'lv-idrnl"*
-------
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
n 21122 I iiiiil n 2II2.« I.nailed
WluaK ()|iri'iiliiiiilrnl*<> M 2II2.> liuilrd
Uncivi l ( )|lrl':ilill!i I'hill
$7,372
$1,219
Research: Air, Climate and Energy
Research: Air, Climate and Energy
$93,402
$100,448
$137,835
$37,387
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
$113,427
$116,141
$123,555
$7,414
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$133,808
$137,857
$146,642
8,785
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Endocrine Disruptors
Computational Toxicology
Research: Chemical Safety for
Sustainability (other activities)
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
$38,740
$16,325
$21,349
$54,679
$39,918
$16,353
$21,606
$54,591
$92,353 $92,550
$131,092 $132,468
$44,942
$17,530
$23,128
$63,220
$5,024
$1,177
$1,522
$8,629
$103,878 $11,328
$148,820 $16,352
Ensure Safe Water
Drinking Water Programs
$4,177
$5,098
$6,975
$1,877
Congressional Priorities (previously named Clean and Safe
Water Technical Assistance Grants)
Congressional Priorities
Total, Science & Technology
$7,492
$740,947
$30,751
$802,276
$0
$967,838
-$30,751
$165,562
Environmental Programs & Management
Clean Air and Climate
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Climate Protection
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
Subtotal, Clean Air and Climate
$15,423
$100,267
$26,821
$148,894
$7,937
$8,326
$307,667
$16,554
$101,000
$30,344
$147,704
$6,951
$9,244
$311,797
$30,535
$170,512
$47,468
$356,016
$72,152
$18,000
$694,683
$13,981
$69,512
$17,124
$208,312
$65,201
$8,756
$382,886
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$2,966
$3,364
$5,113
$1,749
n 2024
I'lv-iduM"*
-------
Radiation: Protection
Radiation: Response Preparedness
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
n 21122 I iiiiil
WllLll-
$8,244
$2,658
$12,611
$26,479
M 2II2.> l iui lrd
()|iri'iiliii
-------
Subtotal, Homeland Security
n 21122 I iiiiil
WllLll-
$9,830
M 21123 l iui lrd
()|iri'iiliiiiilrnl*<> M 2023 l iui lrd
Uncivi l ( )|lrl':ilill!i I'hill
$12,232
$1,429
Cross Agency Coordination, Outreach and Education
(previously named Information Exchange / Outreach)
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
TRI / Right to Know
Tribal - Capacity Building
Executive Management and Operations
Environmental Education
Exchange Network
Small Minority Business Assistance
Small Business Ombudsman
Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency
Coordination
Subtotal, Cross Agency Coordination, Outreach and
Education
$14,957
$13,064
$13,735
$55,872
$8,303
$13,016
$2,564
$1,564
$6,098
$129,173
$15,446
$15,052
$14,715
$56,160
$9,500
$14,995
$2,056
$2,250
$6,362
$136,536
$23,884
$14,018
$34,674
$67,600
$23,972
$14,685
$1,996
$2,227
$6,500
$189,556
$8,438
-$1,034
$19,959
$11,440
$14,472
-$310
-$60
-$23
$138
$53,020
International Programs
US Mexico Border
International Sources of Pollution
Trade and Governance
Subtotal, International Programs
$2,886
$7,220
$6,252
$16,358
$2,993
$7,323
$5,510
$15,826
$5,088
$26,044
$7,153
$38,285
$2,095
$18,721
$1,643
$22,459
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
IT / Data Management
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
$10,450
$90,029
$100,480
$9,142
$91,821
$100,963
$23,889
$105,868
$129,757
$14,747
$14,047
$28,794
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Integrated Environmental Strategies
Administrative Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Civil Rights Program
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Legal Advice: Support Program
Regional Science and Technology (proposed to be
moved to Operations and Administration)
Science Advisory Board
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
$10,534
$5,022
$1,196
$10,061
$63,795
$18,246
$1,345
$3,854
$16,725
$130,778
$11,297
$5,395
$972
$12,866
$60,061
$18,957
$1,554
$4,155
$17,475
$132,732
$71,722
$6,116
$2,194
$31,462
$85,252
$20,322
$0
$4,124
$16,930
$238,122
$60,425
$721
$1,222
$18,596
$25,191
$1,365
-$1,554
-$31
-$545
$105,390
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$82,781
$87,099
$99,812
$12,713
n 2024
PrrMdrnr-
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Acquisition Management
Human Resources Management
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Regional Science and Technology (proposed to be
moved from LSRE)
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
n 21122 1iiiiil
WllLll-
$291,501
$36,051
$56,709
$29,070
$0
$496,113
M 2II2.> l iui lrd
()|iri'iiliii
-------
Beach / Fish Programs
Drinking Water Programs
Subtotal, Ensure Safe Water
n 21122 I iiiiil
WllLll-
$1,209
$117,205
$118,414
M 2II2.> l iui lrd
()|iri'iiliii
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
n 2022 I iiiiil
WllLll-
$8,706
n 2023 liuil.cl
( )|lrl'illill!! I'lall
$11,800
n 2024
I'lv-idrnl"-
liud
-------
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainabillty
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Superfund Cleanup
Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
Superfund: Federal Facilities
Superfund: Remedial
Subtotal, Superfund Cleanup
Total, Hazardous Substance Superfund
n 21122 I iiiiil n 2112.5 liuil.cl
WllLiI- (>pcr:iliii.idriil"".
Uncivil
$17,364
$5,005
$8,060
$13,065
$0
$8,445
$37,405
$0
$45,850
$355,856
n 2024
I'ii-miIi-iH'*
Iiud l liiiit-lt-il
()pri'iiliii
-------
Compliance Monitoring
n 21122 l iiiiil n 2II2.« l.iuiUil
WluaK (>prr:iling I'hill
$278 $649
n 21124
I'lv-iduM"-
Uncivil
$2,152
n 21124
I'lV-iduM"".
lilllliicl \.
M 2112.5 l iui lrd
()|ici'iiliii!! I'hill
$1,503
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST / UST
-$1
$0
$0
$0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$2,660
$2,565
$2,665
$100
Oil
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
$17,136
$17,501
$21,412
$3,911
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$854
$682
$641
-$41
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Total, Inland Oil Spill Programs
$782
$21,709
$675
$22,072
$681
$27,551
$6
$5,479
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
Brownfields Projects
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
Targeted Airshed Grants
San Juan Watershed Monitoring
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
Lead Testing in Schools
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and
Sustainability
Technical Assistance for Wastewater Treatment Works
Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grants
Water Infrastructure Workforce Investment
Technical Assistance and Grants for Emergencies
(SDWA)
Technical Assistance and Grants for Emergencies, Small
Systems
Source Water Petition Program
$39,605
$83,758
$1,018,013
$638,343
$28,711
$48,628
$59,000
$1,578
$23,173
$387
$14,431
$0
$12,000
$44,935
$3,322
$0
$0
$0
$39,686
$100,000
$1,638,861
$1,126,101
$36,386
$100,000
$69,927
$0
$30,158
$25,011
$30,500
$7,000
$27,000
$50,000
$6,000
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$130,982
$1,638,874
$1,126,105
$36,386
$150,000
$69,927
$0
$80,005
$182,004
$36,500
$25,000
$18,000
$280,011
$17,711
$35,022
$15,000
$5,000
$314
$30,982
$13
$4
$0
$50,000
$0
$0
$49,847
$156,993
$6,000
$18,000
-$9,000
$230,011
$11,711
$35,022
$15,000
$5,000
-------
n 2022 I iiiiil n 2112.5 liuil.cl
WluaK ()|iri'iiliii!! I'hin
Voluntary Connections to Public Water Systems
Underserved Communities Grant to Meet SDWA
Requirements
Small System Water Loss Identification and Prevention
Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure
Resilience and Sustainability
Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program
Advanced Drinking Water Technologies
Clean Water Act Research, Investigations, Training, and
Information
Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program
Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability
Program
Small and Medium Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Circuit Rider Program
Grants for Low and Moderate income Household
Decentralized Wastewater Systems
Connection to Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Water Data Sharing Pilot Program
Stormwater Infrastructure Technology
Stormwater Control Infrastructure Project Grants
Alternative Water Sources Grants Pilot Program
Enhanced Aquifer Use and Recharge
Water Sector Cybersecurity
Recycling Infrastructure
Wildfire Smoke Preparedness
Subtotal, State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,015,882
$0
$0
$0
$5,000
$4,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,000
$0
$0
$4,000
$0
$6,500
$7,000
$3,316,130
n 2024
I'lvjilrlir*
Uncivil
$20,004
$50,030
$50,019
$50,022
$50,017
$10,000
$75,033
$20,004
$25,011
$10,000
$50,022
$40,020
$15,000
$5,000
$10,000
$25,009
$5,000
$25,000
$10,000
$7,000
$4,438,718
n 2024
I'lvjilrlll'*
lillll
-------
n 21124
I'lvjilriil'*
M 2024 liiiil
-------
n 21124
I'lv-iilriil"".
M 21124 liniliicl \.
M 21122 I'insil 1^ 2U2.> l-'.iiiit'lt'il I'l^iilriil*" M 202.> l\n;»-lrtl
WliiiiK (>|)i l;ilill^ I'hill Uncivil <>|>criilin» I'lsin
TOTAL, EPA $8,420,261 $10,135,433 $12,083,273 $1,947,840
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
**In addition to annual appropriated resources, the agency expects to receive an estimated $2.5 billion in Superfund tax receipts in FY
2024 not reflected here. These additional government revenues will support continued Superfund cleanup and enforcement.
***Note that the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Program is funded from fee collections.
-------
Eliminated Programs
Eliminated Program Projects16
Water Quality Research and Support Grants (also referred to as Congressional Priorities)
(FY 2024 President's Budget: $0.0, 0.0 FTE)
This program is proposed for elimination in the FY 2024 President's Budget. Work to advance
water quality protection can be accomplished within core statutory programs funded in the Budget
request. This program focuses on water quality and water availability research, the development
and application of water quality criteria, the implementation of watershed management
approaches, and the application of technological options to restore and protect water bodies. For
training and technical assistance aspects of the Program, states have the ability to develop technical
assistance plans for their water systems using Public Water System Supervision funds and set-
asides from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). For research and development
components of the Program, EPA was instructed by Congress to award grants on a competitive
basis, independent of the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program and give priority to not-
for-profit organizations that: conduct activities that are national in scope; can provide a twenty-
five percent match, including in-kind contributions; and often partner with the Agency.
San Juan Watershed Monitoring (formerly Gold King Mine Water Monitoring)
(FY 2024 President's Budget: $0.0, 0.0 FTE)
This program is proposed for elimination in the FY 2024 Budget due to project completion. This
program was established under Section 5004(d) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN). EPA and the tribes and states in the San Juan watershed - Arizona,
Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Southern Ute Indian
Tribe - work together to monitor water quality and use the best available data and science to
identify and implement pollution prevention and restoration projects to improve water quality.
Additional programs exist that the states may use to monitor the water quality of the San Juan
watershed.
16 Although not eliminated, funding for Superfund Enforcement, Remedial and Emergency Response and Removal
programs is proposed to be transitioned from annual appropriations to Superfund Tax receipts in FY 2024. Work
will continue and FTE will be funded through the tax receipts as reimbursable FTE and included in the annual FTE
count.
-------
Proposed FY 2024 Administrative Provisions
To further clarify proposed Administrative Provisions that involve more than a simple annual
extension or propose a modification to an existing provision, the following information is provided.
Pesticide Licensing Fees
The following proposed statutory language would allow PRIA registration service fees to be
assessed and to remain available until expended.
PRIA registration service fees:
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
pesticide registration service fees in accordance with section 33 of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w-8): Provided, That such fees collected shall
remain available until expended.
Notwithstanding section 33(d)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 13 6w-8 (d)(2)), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may
assess fees under section 33 of FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136w-8) for fiscal year 2024.
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (Public Law 112-195) provides EPA
with the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the
electronic submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In FY 2024, EPA will
operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates collecting and depositing approximately
$27 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund.
Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest fees provided by Congress in annual
appropriations bills, the fees will be utilized for the operation of the system and necessary program
expenses. Fees will fully support the e-Manifest program, including future development costs. The
language to authorize collection and spending of the fees is provided below. Language specifying
that e-Manifest fees collected in FY 2024 will remain available until expended would simplify
aspects of budget execution.
Propose a modification to the existing provision:
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6939g) for fiscal
year 2024, to remain available until expended.
Change to Buildings and Facilities Per Project Threshold
The Building and Facilities threshold was last increased from $150,000 to $300,000 in FY 2023.
Since 2013, costs for construction, material, and labor have increased significantly. EPA is
-------
proposing to reflect these cost increases by raising the per project threshold from $300,000 to
$350,000. The purpose of this proposed increase is to adjust the threshold to keep it in line with
construction and labor costs for smaller-scale construction and repair and improvement projects.
The $350,000 threshold will apply to the S&T, EPM, OIG, Superfund, and LUST appropriations
and will allow the programs to proceed effectively and efficiently to address immediate, urgent,
and smaller-scale facility improvements and will enable the Agency to maintain adequate
operations, further mission-critical activities and implement climate sustainability and resiliency
enhancements.
Proposed modification to the existing provision:
The Science and Technology, Environmental Programs and Management, Office of Inspector
General, Hazardous Substance Superfund, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund
Program Accounts, are available for the construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and
renovation of facilities provided that the cost does not exceed $350,000 per project.
Student Services Contracting Authority
In the FY 2024 Budget, the Agency requests authorization for the Office of Research and
Development (ORD), the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), and the
Office of Water (OW) to hire pre-baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students in science and
engineering fields. This authority would provide ORD, OCSPP, and OW with the flexibility to
hire qualified students that work on projects that support current priorities, programmatic
functions, and the Agency's environmental goals.
Proposed Language to add to FY 2024 Budget:
For fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and
the Office of Water may, using funds appropriated under the headings "Environmental Programs
and Management" and "Science and Technology, " contract directly with individuals or indirectly
with institutions or nonprofit organizations, without regard to 41 U.S.C. 5, for the temporary or
intermittent personal services of students or recent graduates, who shall be considered employees
for the purposes of chapters 57 and 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation for
travel and work injuries, and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort claims,
but shall not be considered to be Federal employees for any other purpose: Provided, that amounts
usedfor this purpose by the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Office of
Water collectively may not exceed $2,000,000 per year.
Special Accounts and Superfund Tax Receipts for Aircraft to Support Superfund Response
Actions
31 U.S.C. 1343(d) generally states that appropriated funds are not available for aircraft unless "the
appropriation specifically authorizes" its use for such purpose.
-------
The FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriation Act provided that "Section 122(b)(3) of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C.
9622(b)(3)), shall be applied by inserting before the period: ", including for the hire, maintenance,
and operation of aircraft." In the absence of any indicia of permanency, this provision has been
interpreted to only be in effect for fiscal year 2022. Accordingly, EPA proposes to extend this
authority.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 (P.L. 117-328) did not provide a provision for
Superfund tax receipts available to carry out CERCLA to be used for the hire, maintenance, and
operation of aircraft. EPA proposes to add this authority for FY 2024.
Proposed Language to add to FY 2024 Budget:
For fiscal year 2024, section 122(b)(3) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9622(b)(3)) shall be applied by inserting
before the period at the end: ", including for the hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft".
For fiscal year 2024, amounts appropriated in section 443(b) of title IV of division G of Public
Law 117-328 shall be applied by inserting ", including for the hire, maintenance, and operation
of aircraft" after "to be used to carry out the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 etseq.)".
Title 42 Hiring Authority
EPA is requesting changes to its Title 42 Authority to obtain an extension of this authority through
2030. This also would include a cap of 25 hires for OCSPP and 75 Hires for ORD. ORD currently
uses this authority to fill highly competitive, PhD-level positions where recruiting through the GS
system is not appropriate. ORD has a robust process for managing the program, including an
Operations Manual that provides requirements on recruiting, compensation, ethics, and term
renewals. OCSPP faces similar challenges in hiring specialized talent. OCSPP is actively building
the infrastructure and taking steps to use its new Title 42 hiring authority. The EPA Title 42
delegation was amended to include OCSPP, and it was approved by the EPA Administrator on
October 17, 2022. In accordance with Public Law 117-103. the agency must also consult with the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before using its Title 42 hiring authority. EPA is currently
undergoing consultation with OPM on Title 42. Once we work through this process, EPA can
finalize the Title 42 Order and OCSPP can then utilize its new hiring authority.
Proposed Language to add to FY 2024 Budget:
The Administrator may, after consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, employ up to
75 persons at any one time in the Office of Research and Development and 25 persons at any one
time in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention under the authority provided in 42
U.S.C. 209 through fiscal year 2030.
Working Capital Fund Authority
-------
On December 12, 2017, the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT Act) 17 was signed into
law, authorizing CFO-Act agencies to set up information technology (IT) specific WCFs, which
allows them to fund IT modernization projects and reinvest savings for additional modernization
projects in the future. In the FY 2023 Budget, the Agency requests language be added to clarify
and ensure that EPA has the ability to utilize funds deposited into EPA's WCF to modernize and
develop the Agency's IT systems. The Agency has a well-established WCF where nearly 80
percent of the current service offerings are IT related. Establishing a separate IT WCF would be
duplicative and more costly than to utilize the Agency's existing WCF. By seeking the proposed
authorizing language change, EPA will clarify its existing authority and harmonize it with the
intent of what Congress envisioned in the passage of the MGT Act.
Proposed Language to add to FY 2024 Budget:
The Environmental Protection Agency Working Capital Fund, 42 U.S.C. 4370e, is available for
expenses and equipment necessary for modernization and development of information technology
of or for use by, the Environmental Protection Agency.
Other
In order to address the high administrative costs of administering potential congressionally
directed spending, EPA is requesting that general provision applicable to all community projects
in FY 2024:
For fiscal year 2024, the Administrator may reserve up to 7 percent of the total amount offunds
made available for Community Project Funding Items/Congressionally Directed Spending Items
in this title in this Act for salaries, expenses, and administration.
17 For more information on the MGT Act, please refer to Section G of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91): ht tps://www. congress, gov/1.15/plaws/publ9.1/FLAW- .1.15publ9.1 .pdf.
-------
062S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act
Public Law No: 115-414, January 3, 2019
In accordance with the reporting requirements of the Good Accounting Obligation in Government
Act, Agencies are to submit reports on outstanding recommendations in the annual budget
submitted to Congress.
For the FY 2024 budget justification, the EPA developed a report listing each open public
recommendation for corrective action from the Office of the Inspector General, along with the
implementation status of each recommendation.
In cooperation with the EPA OIG, the EPA performs a reconciliation and validation process prior
to each publication of the EPA OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress (SAR). The reconciliation
ensures that agency's Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act reporting aligns with the
SAR.
The EPA also developed a report listing the status of each open or closed as unimplemented public
recommendation from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
-------
kpaok;
Open
Kccommc
mint ions
2111(1
Corrective
Ad ions
ok;
Report
N il in her
Ueporl
Issue
Dsite
()l(i Recommendation
KPA Corrective Action iiml
Status
Target
Date
22-P-
0033
3/31/22
1. Develop a policy and
implement procedures to
reduce the balances of
available program
income and establish a
time frame for recipients
to use or return the
funds
to the EPA.
The EPA will work to maximize
the number of older closeout
agreements with consistent
national closeout terms and
conditions, as their workload
allows. The Office of
Brownfields and Land
Revitalization (OBLR) will
request that the regions attempt
initial contact with Revolving
Land Fund recipients of older
closeout agreements who do not
have an open Revolving Land
Fund grant by the provided
completion date in order to begin
the renegotiation process.
However, EPA cannot
unilaterally modify older closeout
agreements and will need to work
with these recipients on bilateral
agreements to incorporate the FY
2022 closeout agreements. Status:
On track
9/30/27
22-P-
0033
3/31/22
2. Implement a
method for tracking
program income and
compliance with post-
closeout reporting
requirements.
OBLR will make enhancements
to the Assessment, Cleanup, and
Redevelopment
Exchange System (ACRES)
software in order to include
entries for program income
balance and date of latest post-
closeout performance report.
12/31/23
-------
If required by their closeout
agreements, cooperative
agreement recipients will begin
reporting the program income
balance as of September 30th of
each fiscal year, along with the
date of the latest post-closeout
report in ACRES. Project officers
will check ACRES for
cooperative agreement recipients'
entry and review the post-
ok;
Ucporl
Nil in her
Ucporl
Issue
Dsito
()l(; Uccomnicmlnlion
KPA Corrective Action iiihI
Slsilus
Tsirgel
Date
closeout report. For cooperative
agreement recipients for whom
this is not required, project
officers will add the information
to ACRES as it becomes
available (Information Collection
Request approval is required
before this can be initiated).
Status: On track
22-P-
0033
3/31/22
4. Provide training to
regional Brownfields
Revolving Loan Fund
staff and management
on the post-closeout
tracking and monitoring
requirements.
OBLR will provide training to
Revolving Land Fund project
officers on the "Closeout
Procedures" chapter of the
Revolving Land Fund Program
Manual and discuss their
responsibilities for tracking
program income and performance
reporting under closeout
agreements
OBLR will provide training to
Revolving Land Fund recipients
and project officers on ACRES
enhancements and requirements
for reporting of program income
and post-closeout reporting.
Status: On track
3/31/23
22-P-
0033
3/31/22
5. Expand existing
guidance to include a
deadline for post-
closeout annual report
This action has been completed
for closeout agreements executed
after June 2021. For Revolving
Land Fund recipients of older
9/30/27
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submission.
closeout agreements, OBLR will
request that the regions attempt
initial contact by the provided
completion date to begin the
renegotiation process. However,
EPA cannot unilaterally modify
older closeout agreements and
will need to work with these
recipients on bilateral agreements
to incorporate the FY 2022
Closeout Agreement. Status: On
track
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22-P-
0033
3/31/22
6. Assess whether any of
the $46.6 million of
program income under
closeout agreements
should be returned to the
government.
Since the FY 2022 Closeout
Agreement Template requires that
post-closeout reports be
submitted by October 31 st with
program income balances
reported as of September 30th,
POs will begin conducting annual
reviews of post-closeout program
income every November for
Revolving Land Fund grants in
post-closeout status with this
closeout agreement requirement.
For those who do not have this
closeout agreement requirement,
project officers will review post-
closeout program income
information every November as it
becomes available. For Revolving
Land Funds in post-closeout
status that have more than
$500,000 of program income and
no recent subgrant or loan
activity, OBLR will encourage
the regions to increase their
efforts in helping the recipient to
use the funds on eligible
activities, as regional workload
allows. OBLR will review on a
case-by-case basis whether
additional action is needed,
including recovery of program
9/30/24
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income for deposit into the US
Treasury as miscellaneous
receipts if necessary. Status: On
track
22-P-
0019
3/7/22
1. Require the EPA's
Office of Human
Resources to train all
employees and
supervisors who earn,
use, or approve religious
compensatory time on
the U.S. Office of
The EPA Office of Mission
Support (OMS) Office of Human
Resources (OHR) will develop
basic training on religious
compensatory time and place it in
FedTalent. Employees who use
religious compensatory time and
their first-line supervisor will be
6/30/23
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Personnel
Management's current
regulatory requirements
and the EPA's current
policy and procedures
related to religious
compensatory time.
required to complete tile training.
FedTalent will have a record of
learning that reflects date of
completion. OMS will issue a
memorandum to program and
regional senior management
requiring employees who use
religious compensatory time and
their first-line supervisor to
complete the religious
compensatory time training.
Status: On track
22-P-
0018
2/22/22
1. Develop a standard
operating procedure that
instructs program offices
and regions on tracking
and documenting grant
flexibilities and
exceptions, and their
impacts, due to
unanticipated events in
order to assure
consistency in the
information needed to
manage grants.
Develop a standard operating
procedure that instructs program
offices and regions on tracking
and documenting grant
flexibilities and exceptions, and
their impacts, due to
unanticipated events in order to
assure consistency in the
information needed to manage
grants. Status: On track
12/31/23
22-P-
0010
12/8/21
4. Implement controls to
comply with federally
and Agency-required
time frames to install
patches to correct
identified vulnerabilities
Implement controls to comply
with federally and Agency-
required time frames to install
patches to correct identified
vulnerabilities in the Pesticide
Registration Information System
10/31/23
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in the Pesticide
Registration Information
System application.
application. Status: On track
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Date
22-P-
0001
11/8/21
1. Update policies and
procedures to require
that Awardee/Recipient
Legal Entity Name and
Legal Entity Address
data elements match
SAM.gov at the time of
the award and any award
modifications for all
contracts and grants. At
the time of any award
modification, update the
Agency's contracts or
grants management
system and the Federal
Procurement Data
System with any
changes to these data
elements.
The OMS Office of Grants and
Debarment (OGD) will update
policies and/or procedures, such
as guidance, SOPs, or pre-award
checklists, to require that
Awardee/Recipient Legal Entity
Name and Legal Entity Address
data elements match SAM.gov at
the time of the award and of any
award modifications for all
grants. OMS-OGD will require,
at the time of any award
modification, an update to the
Agency's grants management
system with any changes to these
data elements. OMS-OGD will
also incorporate the new
requirements in training
materials. Status: On track
2/28/23
22-P-
0001
11/8/21
3. Update EPA's grants
management system to
align with the DATA
Act data standards,
including all parts of
data elements reported
therein, and to allow
input only of the
acceptable values
outlined for each data
element in DATA Act
Information Model
Schema, Reporting
Submission
Specification.
OMS-OGD will update Next
Generation Grants System to
align with the DATA Act data
standards including all parts of
data elements reported therein
and allow input only of the
acceptable values outlined for
each data element in DATA Act
Information Model Schema,
Reporting Submission
Specification. Status: On track
9/30/23
22-F-
0007
11/15/21
5. Implement a system
that tracks the dates
when accounts
receivable source
documents need to be
submitted and are
submitted by the Office
of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance
Implement a system that tracks
the dates when accounts
receivable source documents need
to be submitted and are submitted
by the Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance to the
Cincinnati Finance Center.
Status: On track
4/28/23
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Date
to the Cincinnati
Finance Center.
22-E-
0026
3/30/22
1. Perform a workforce
analysis to determine the
staff and resources
needed to meet the
statutory deadlines for
residual risk and
technology reviews,
initial technology
reviews, and recurring
eight-year technology
reviews, as well as to
complete any such
reviews that are
overdue.
The EPA Office of Air and
Radiation (OAR) will develop a
high-level analysis that will
enable the Agency to determine
the staff and resources needed to
complete future reviews in
accordance with statutory
deadlines and complete overdue
Residual Risk and Technology
Reviews (RTRs) and Technology
Reviews (TRs). Performing an
analysis will enable OAR to
identify proper staffing levels for
the RTR and TR program to
ensure critical competencies are
fulfilled, succession planning is
well managed, costs are
optimized, agility is achieved,
and resiliency is retained. OAR
will work with Agency partners
to develop this high-level
analysis. Status: On track
3/31/23
22-E-
0026
3/30/22
2. Develop and
implement a strategy to
conduct (a) residual risk
and technology reviews
and recurring
technology reviews by
the applicable statutory
deadlines and (b) any
overdue residual risk
and technology reviews
and recurring
technology reviews in as
timely a manner as
practicable. The strategy
OAR will develop and implement
a strategy to timely meet statutory
deadlines for RTRs and TRs and
complete all overdue RTRs and
TRs. OAR fully supports
developing a strategy that
integrates the high-level analysis
with the Administration's
priorities, legal deadlines (e.g.,
court-ordered deadlines,
settlement agreements), risk
prioritization, and other factors in
an effort to protect human health
and the environment. We
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should take into account
the Agency's
environmental justice
responsibilities under
Executive Order 12898
and other applicable
EPA and executive
branch policies,
procedures, and
directives.
anticipate much of the strategy
development would be reliant on
the high-level analysis (e.g.,
assessment of current operations,
prediction of future operations,
and evaluation of impact of
organizational change based on
experience and historical data).
Status: On track
22-E-
0017
1/12/22
1. Coordinate with EPA
regions to provide
recurring training on
Clean Air Act Title V
fee laws and regulations
to permitting agencies.
The OAR will develop and
conduct training for EPA regional
staff on the updated fee guidance
developed to address
recommendations 3 and 4.
Additionally, the OAR will
coordinate with regional offices
to develop training on title V fee
laws and regulations to present to
permitting authorities. Status: On
track
6/30/23
22-E-
0017
1/12/22
2. In collaboration with
EPA regions, develop
and implement a plan to
address declining Clean
Air Act Title V
revenues.
The OAR will collaborate with
regions, convene a workgroup,
and develop and implement
strategies to address declining
title V fee revenues. The OAR
will collaborate with regional
staff to convene a workgroup and
identify key stakeholders and
plan for consultations. We plan to
conduct consultations with
permitting authorities to
determine the scope of fee
deficiencies and fee structures
and identify current best
practices. Status: On track
12/31/23
22-E-
0017
1/12/22
3. Update the EPA's
guidance documents to
require regions to
establish time frames for
permitting authorities to
The OAR will update the 2018
title V fee guidance to establish
expectations for how and when to
perform fee evaluations and set
expectations for completion of
3/31/23
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complete corrective
actions in program and
fee evaluation reports
and clear, escalating
consequences if timely
corrective actions are
not completed.
corrective actions agreed to as a
result of a fee evaluation. Status:
On track
22-E-
0017
1/12/22
4. Update the Clean Air
Act Title V guidance
documents to establish
criteria for when regions
must conduct Title V fee
evaluations and require a
minimum standard of
review for fee
evaluations.
The OAR will update the 2018
title V fee guidance to establish
expectations for how and when to
perform fee evaluations and set
expectations for completion of
corrective actions agreed to as a
result of a fee evaluation. Status:
On track
3/31/23
22-E-
0017
1/12/22
5. Provide training to
EPA regional staff on
the updated Clean Air
Act Title V fee guidance
and how to conduct fee
evaluations.
The OAR will develop and
conduct training for EPA regional
staff on the updated fee guidance
developed to address
recommendations 3 and 4.
Additionally, the OAR will
coordinate with regional offices
to develop training on title V fee
laws and regulations to present to
permitting authorities. Status: On
track
6/30/23
22-E-
0009
12/1/21
3. Review Resource
Conservation and
Recovery Act
information data entered
during the coronavirus
pandemic to determine
the extent off-site
compliance-monitoring
activities were
incorrectly counted as
inspections and correct
the inspection data in the
system as needed.
The EPA's Office of
Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance (OECA) will review
the inspection data to determine if
off-site compliance monitoring
activities were incorrectly
counted as inspections and
correct the inspection data in the
system if needed. Status: On track
3/30/23
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Date
22-E-
0009
12/1/21
4. Work with all EPA
regions to determine
why the rate of
violations was reduced
during the coronavirus
pandemic and the
inspection rate for large
quantity generators was
below historical levels
from October 2020
through February 2021.
OECA will work with Regions to
define inspection requirements
and flexibilities to optimize the
capabilities of authorized state
programs in future disaster
events. Status: On track
3/31/23
22-E-
0009
12/1/21
5. Develop policies that
define inspection
requirements and
flexibilities to optimize
the capabilities of
authorized state
programs in future large-
scale pandemic or
disaster events. These
should include
mechanisms, consistent
with EPA guidance
documents, that allow
maintenance of normal
Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act
inspection rates while
ensuring the safety of
enforcement staff.
OECA will work with EPA
regions and states to develop
policies for inspection
requirements and flexibilities that
help optimize the capabilities of
authorized state programs in the
face of future large-scale
pandemic or disaster events. Our
considerations will include
mechanisms, consistent with EPA
guidance documents, that allow
maintenance of normal Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) inspection rates while
ensuring the safety of
enforcement staff. Status: On
track
3/31/23
22-E-
0008
11/17/21
4. Determine and
document the conditions
or parameters under
which the use of remote
video to conduct off-site
partial compliance
evaluations is feasible
from a legal, technical,
and programmatic
perspective.
Finalize the Remote Virtual
Partial Compliance Evaluation
workgroup standard operating
procedures. Status: On track
6/30/23
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22-E-
0008
11/17/21
5. Finalize the Remote
Video Partial
Compliance Evaluation
workgroup's standard
operating procedures.
Finalize the Remote Virtual
Partial Compliance Evaluation
workgroup standard operating
procedures. Status: On track
6/30/23
22-E-
0008
11/17/21
6. Determine whether
and how remote video
can be used in
conjunction with
document reviews to
qualify as a full
compliance evaluation
for purposes of the
Clean Air Act Stationary
Source Compliance
Monitoring Strategy and
provide instructions to
state and local agencies.
Finalize the Remote Virtual
Partial Compliance Evaluation
workgroup standard operating
procedures. Status: On track
6/30/23
21-P-
0265
9/30/21
4. Issue addendums to
the Resource
Management Directive
System 2550B travel
policy or equivalent to:
a. Require approvers to
estimate and compare
the total cost of
temporary change of
station versus extended
temporary duty travel
and authorize the one
that is most
advantageous for the
Agency, cost and other
factors considered.
b. Require the travel
card cancellation and
closeout process to
occur within a
predetermined number
of days.
The EPA's Office of the Chief
Financial Officer (OCFO) will
issue either an addendum or
update to the Resource
Management Directive System
(RMDS) 2550B travel manual to
state that cost comparisons on
temporary change of station
versus extended temporary duty
travel must be considered and
maintained in the
program/regional office. Per the
Federal Travel Regulation, only
details over six months are
considered eligible for a
temporary change of station.
Detailed language will be added
to the travel policy to require a
cost comparison to be performed
for details over six months.
The OCFO will issue either an
addendum or an update to the
RMDS 2550B travel manual to
require explicitly that the travel
9/30/23
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card cancellation and closeout
process occur within 30 days of
an employee's departure from the
agency. Status: Delayed due to
external dependencies
21-P-
0175
7/8/21
1. Update Agency
guidance on practical
enforceability to more
clearly describe how the
technical accuracy of a
permit limit should be
supported and
documented. In updating
such guidance, the
Office of Air and
Radiation should consult
and collaborate with the
Office of Enforcement
and Compliance
Assurance, the Office of
General Counsel, and
the EPA regions.
OAR will update Agency
guidance on the practical
enforceability of limitations,
including but not limited to
EPA's June 13, 1989, Guidance
on Limiting Potential to Emit in
New Source Permitting, to
describe how the technical
accuracy of a permit limit should
be supported and documented.
Specifically, the updated
guidance will address the
practical enforceability of
limitations on potential to emit. In
updating our guidance, we will
consult and collaborate with the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance, the
Office of General Counsel, and
the EPA regions. Status: On track
10/31/23
21-P-
0175
7/8/21
2. In consultation with
the EPA regions,
develop and implement
an oversight plan to
include:
• An initial review of a
sample of synthetic-
minor-source permits in
different industries that
are issued by state, local,
and tribal agencies to
assess whether the
permits adhere to EPA
guidance on practical
enforceability, including
In consultation with EPA
Regional offices, OAR will
develop and implement an
oversight plan in accordance with
current statutory and EPA
regulatory requirements and, as
appropriate, including the specific
elements identified. Status: On
track
10/31/24
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limits that are
technically accurate;
have appropriate time
periods; and include
sufficient monitoring,
record-keeping, and
reporting requirements.
• A periodic review of a
sample of synthetic-
minor-source permits to
occur, at a minimum,
once every five years.
• Procedures to resolve
any permitting
deficiencies identified
during the initial and
periodic reviews.
21-P-
0175
7/8/21
3. Assess recent EPA
studies of enclosed
combustion device
performance and
compliance monitoring
and other relevant
information during the
next statutorily required
review of 40 C.F.R Part
60 Subparts OOOO and
OOOOa to determine
whether revisions are
needed to monitoring,
record-keeping and
reporting requirements
for enclosed combustion
devices to assure
continuous compliance
with associated limits
and revise the regulatory
requirements as
appropriate.
OAR will assess EPA studies of
enclosed combustion device
performance and compliance
monitoring and other relevant
information during the next
statutorily required review of 40
C.F.R part 60 subparts OOOO
and OOOOa and determine
whether revisions are needed to
monitoring, record-keeping and
reporting requirements for
enclosed combustion devices to
assure continuous compliance
with associated limits and revise
the regulatory requirements as
appropriate. Status: On track
12/31/24
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21-P-
0175
7/8/21
4. Revise the Agency' s
guidance to
communicate its key
expectations for
synthetic-minor-source
permitting to state and
local agencies.
The agency will revise its
guidance to communicate its key
expectations for synthetic-minor-
source permitting to state and
local agencies. This will include
an expectation that synthetic
minor permit terms and
conditions ensure that the
potential to emit of the source is
less than the applicable major
source threshold by meeting legal
and practical enforceability
criteria. Our work related to this
recommendation may, at least in
part, be integrated with the
updated guidance on practical
enforceability in response to OIG
Recommendation 1. Status: On
track
10/31/24
21-P-
0175
7/8/21
5. Identify all state,
local, and tribal agencies
in which Clean Air Act
permit program
implementation fails to
adhere to the public
participation
requirements for
synthetic-minor-source
permit issuance and take
appropriate steps to
assure the identified
states adhere to the
public participation
requirements.
With EPA Regional office
support, OAR will identify state,
local and tribal agencies whose
program regulations, including
but not limited to minor new
source review and federally
enforceable state operating permit
program regulations and
corresponding practices, do not
meet the public participation
requirements contained in the
applicable EPA regulations, e.g.,
40 CFR 51.161, and guidance
with respect to synthetic minor
source permitting. For the
identified agencies, OAR will
take appropriate corrective steps,
which may include constructive,
informal engagement. Status: On
track
12/31/23
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21-P-
0131
5/12/21
9. Develop and
incorporate metrics on
the National
Enforcement
Investigations Center
work environment and
culture into Office of
Criminal Enforcement,
Forensics, and Training
senior management
performance standards,
such as results from the
annual Federal
Employee Viewpoint
Survey, periodic culture
audits, or other methods
to measure progress.
Measuring this baseline and
subsequent quarterly data will
continue until the completion of
the organizational assessment that
will evaluate the veracity of
actual issues or concerns while
also determining root causes of
any concerns identified. Once that
data is available, the Office of
Criminal Enforcement, Forensics,
and Training will evaluate
appropriate measures and/or next
steps. Status: On track
6/28/24
21-P-
0131
5/12/21
10. Develop and
incorporate metrics that
address work
environment and culture
into National
Enforcement
Investigations Center
senior management
performance standards.
Measuring this baseline and
subsequent quarterly data will
continue until the completion of
the organizational assessment that
will evaluate the veracity of
actual issues or concerns while
also determining root causes of
any concerns identified. Once that
data is available, the Office of
Criminal Enforcement, Forensics,
and Training will evaluate
appropriate measures and/or next
steps. Status: On track
6/28/24
21-P-
0130
5/11/21
1. Evaluate the obstacles
to implementing the
Clean Water Act to
control trash in U.S.
waterways and provide a
public report describing
those obstacles.
To evaluate the obstacles to
implementing the Clean Water
Act to control trash in U.S.
waterways, EPA will engage in
discussion with states, and will
address this recommendation
through the development of the
"water management" component
of the Federal Strategy required
under Section 301 of Save Our
Seas 2.0. This Strategy will be a
public document addressing both
the waste and water components
2/28/24
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related to plastic pollution and
will evaluate the requirements
and hurdles posed by the Clean
Water Act, as well as other
regulatory requirements and non-
regulatory actions. Status:
Delayed due to implementation
complexity
21-P-
0130
5/11/21
2. Develop and
disseminate strategies to
states and municipalities
for addressing the
obstacles identified in
the evaluation from
Recommendation 1.
These strategies may
include guidance
regarding how to
develop narrative water
quality criteria,
consistent assessment
and measurement
methodologies, and total
maximum daily loads
for trash pollution.
The Office of Wetlands, Oceans
and Watersheds agrees to issue,
in collaboration with EPA
Regions, national 303(d)
guidance for States highlighting
the requirement to assemble and
evaluate all water quality-related
data and information and use such
data/information to determine if
all applicable water quality
standards are attained (including
narrative criteria that encompass
trash). In developing the
guidance, OWOW will work with
regions and states to seek to
identify examples of assessment
approaches and address the
variability that may be
appropriate among states/areas.
Status: On track
4/30/23
21-P-
0129
5/6/21
2. Conduct new residual
risk reviews for Group I
polymers and resins that
cover neoprene
production, synthetic
organic chemical
manufacturing industry,
poly ether polyols
production, commercial
sterilizers, and hospital
sterilizers using the new
risk values for
chloroprene and
ethylene oxide and
revise the corresponding
OAR commits to conduct
appropriate reviews to ensure that
the standards for neoprene
production, synthetic organic
chemical manufacturing industry,
polyether polyols production, and
commercial sterilizers continue to
provide an ample margin of
safety to protect public health and
that the standards for hospital
sterilizers provide an ample
margin of safety to protect public
health. Status: On track
9/30/24
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National Emission
Standards for Hazardous
Air Pollutants, as
needed.
21-P-
0129
5/6/21
3. Revise National
Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air
Pollutants for chemical
manufacturing area
sources to regulate
ethylene oxide and
conduct a residual risk
review to ensure that the
public is not exposed to
unacceptable risks.
Technology-based standards for
ethylene oxide have not yet been
established for the Chemical
Manufacturing Area Sources
source category. Therefore, we
plan to first evaluate ethylene
oxide emissions from the source
category, and if ethylene oxide
emissions present a public health
concern (i.e., by considering risk
information), we will regulate
ethylene oxide in the Chemical
Manufacturing Area Sources rule.
Regulation would involve the
establishment of technology-
based ethylene oxide standards
pursuant to either Clean Air Act
section 112(d)(5) standards or
sections 112(d)(2) and 112(d)(3)
standards. Within four years of
promulgation, EPA would assess
the risks from ethylene oxide
emissions from Chemical
Manufacturing Area Sources to
inform us on whether an earlier
review date is appropriate. Status:
On track
9/30/28
21-P-
0129
5/6/21
4. Conduct overdue
technology reviews for
Group I polymers and
resins that cover
neoprene production,
synthetic organic
chemical manufacturing
industry, commercial
sterilizers, hospital
OAR plans to conduct overdue
technology reviews for
commercial sterilizers, hospital
sterilizers, Group I polymers and
resins, synthetic organic chemical
manufacturing, and chemical
plant area sources. Status: On
track
9/30/24
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sterilizers, and chemical
manufacturing area
sources, which are
required to be completed
at least every eight years
by the Clean Air Act.
21-P-
0122
4/21/21
4. Review and provide
written input on any
National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System permit prepared
for reissuance by the
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency for the
PolyMet Mining Inc.
NorthMet project, if
applicable, as
appropriate pursuant to
the requirements of the
Clean Water Act,
National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System regulations, the
Region 5 National
Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
permit review standard
operating procedure, and
the memorandum of
agreement between EPA
Region 5 and the
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency.
The Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency has not transmitted the
PolyMet National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System
permit to EPA for review, so the
status of the recommendation
remains unchanged. Status: On
track
11/30/23
21-P-
0122
4/21/21
1. Review the modified
National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System mining permits
issued by West Virginia
based on the 2019
revisions to its National
Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
program to ensure that
Conduct reviews of 5% of the
286 permits, focusing on the
presence of reasonable potential
analysis and backsliding. We will
confirm that the West Virginia
Department of Environmental
Protection (WVDEP) followed
same process for all 286 permits
and will ensure that subset of
permits would be representative
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no backsliding has
occurred, including for
discharges of ionic
pollution, in accordance
with EPA Region 3' s
approval letter dated
March 27, 2019. If a
permit does not contain
record documentation
for the reasonable
potential analysis or
otherwise allows
backsliding, alert West
Virginia of the permit
inadequacies.
of all 286. If initial review
indicates discrepancies in how
WVDEP approached
modifications, we commit to
increasing number of permits
reviewed.
Through Region 3's Permit
Quality Review of West
Virginia's National pollutant
discharge elimination system
permitting program, we will
evaluate a minimum of 10 Core
permits and 15 additional mining
permits. We will add the three
permits that were the subject of
EPA's July 25, 2019, comment
letters.
Develop Permit Quality Review
report that documents findings
and action items to resolve any
deficiencies. Status: On track
21-P-
0122
4/21/21
2. Review the modified
National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System mining permits
issued by West Virginia
based on the 2019
revisions to its National
Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
program to determine
whether the permits
contain effluent limits
for ionic pollution and
other pollutants that are
or may be discharged at
a level that causes, has
the reasonable potential
to cause, or contributes
to an excursion above
any applicable water
Develop scope of work for the
project.
Review data generated from
permits with conditions applied
as a result of the guidance to
determine permits' impact on
water quality and whether the
assumptions underlying that
guidance are supported.
Where the data shows
implementation of guidance is not
effective in protecting water
quality, provide recommendations
to WVDEP and work with
WVDEP to modify guidance as
appropriate.
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quality standard, as
required by Clean Water
Act regulations. If a
permit lacks required
effluent limits, take
appropriate action to
address such
deficiencies.
Using information from data and
process analysis, we will take this
information into account as we
review draft permits that apply
WVDEP guidance and provide
comment as appropriate. Status:
On track
21-P-
0122
4/21/21
3. Develop a formal
internal operating
procedure to facilitate
timely permit reviews
and transmission of EPA
comments to states.
Implement new permit tracking
system, which will update receipt,
processing, and management of
documentation for permits
received for EPA real-time
review.
Complete development of an
internal state oversight real-time
permit review process document
that will outline roles and
responsibilities, definitions,
process steps, and timelines.
Status: On track
10/31/23
21-P-
0114
3/29/21
2. Establish mechanisms
to ensure that all
required inspections are
completed within the
required time frame of
two years for operating
treatment, storage, or
disposal facilities and
three years for
nonoperating treatment,
storage, or disposal
facilities.
Work with the regions to develop
and implement a plan to use the
RCRAInfo Closed with Waste in
Place Report for monitoring the
inspection status of operating
treatment, storage, and disposal
facilities (TSDFs) with units
closed with waste in place. At
TSDFs for which required
inspections have not been
completed and are near the end of
their compliance period, conduct
inspections to the extent possible
within the compliance period, or
the following fiscal year. Status:
On track
3/29/24
21-P-
0114
3/29/21
4. Develop and
implement controls to
verify that the Superfund
program deferrals to the
Resource Conservation
The Office of Land and
Emergency Management
(OLEM) Office of Resource
Conservation and Recovery will
(1) evaluate the existing policies
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and Recovery Act are
added to RCRAInfo for
further Resource
Conservation and
Recovery Act attention,
as necessary.
and process for Superfund
deferrals to RCRA; (2) identify
gaps; and (3) identify corrective
measures, as needed, to meet
program needs, such as
identifying Superfund program
deferrals to RCRA in RCRAInfo.
Status: On track
21-P-
0114
3/29/21
6. Develop and
implement controls to
identify and eliminate
overlap of
environmental indicators
between Resource
Conservation and
Recovery Act Corrective
Action and Superfund
Programs and include
this information in
public queries, such as
Cleanups in My
Community.
OLEM will standardize
communications on the Cleanups
in My Community webpage
regarding the intersection of
RCRA Corrective Action and
Superfund cleanup programs,
including environmental indicator
designations at sites. OLEM will
implement controls to check
between programs when
environmental indicators are
established in the future to
prevent double-counting and
inconsistencies. Status: Delayed
due to implementation
complexity
3/30/23
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
2. Provide resources for
supervisors,
timekeepers, and
reservists on their roles
and responsibilities
related to military leave
under the law and
Agency policies.
The OMS will update policy and
finalize procedures to comply
with statutory requirements, and
OCFO will provide PeoplePlus
training to support roles and
responsibilities related to military
leave and pay policy. Status:
Delayed due to external
dependencies
4/30/23
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
3. Establish and
implement internal
controls that will allow
the Agency to monitor
compliance with
applicable laws, federal
guidance, and Agency
policies, including
periodic internal audits
of all military leave, to
The OMS will conduct periodic
human capital audits to ensure
compliance with the updated
military leave policy, and the
OCFO will work with the Interior
Business Center, the EPA's
payroll provider, to ensure the
necessary timecard corrections
identified by the OMS periodic
audit were made by the employee
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verify that (a) charges
by reservists are correct
and supported and (b)
appropriate reservist
differential and military
offset payroll audit
calculations are being
requested and
performed.
and approved by the supervisor in
accordance with agency policy.
The OCFO will provide a report
to the OMS confirming timecard
corrections identified by the OMS
periodic audit were made by the
employee and approved by the
supervisor for the OMS to
distribute to the appropriate
offices. Status: Delayed due to
external dependencies
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
4. Require reservists to
correct, and supervisors
to approve, military
leave time charging
errors in PeoplePlus that
have been identified
during the audit or as
part of the Agency's
actions related to
Recommendations 5 and
6.
The OCFO will work with the
agency's payroll provider to
confirm the necessary time
charging errors identified in the
audit were corrected by the
employee and approved by the
supervisor; and the OCFO will
then provide a report to the OMS
confirming the necessary time
charging errors identified in the
audit were corrected by the
employee and approved by the
supervisor for the OMS to
distribute to the appropriate
offices. Status: Delayed due to
external dependencies
7/31/24
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
5. Recover the
approximately $11,000
in military pay related to
unsupported 5 U.S.C. §
6323(a) military leave
charges, unless the
Agency can obtain
documentation to
substantiate the validity
of the reservists'
military leave.
For any unsupported leave
charges, the OMS will coordinate
with the Interior Business Center
(IBC), the agency's payroll
provider, to initiate the process to
recover the military pay, and
where applicable, the OCFO will
recover any unsupported leave
charges for out-of-service debt.
Status: Delayed due to external
dependencies
12/30/24
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21-P-
0042
12/28/20
6. Submit
documentation for the
reservists' military leave
related to the
approximately $118,000
charged under 5 U.S.C.
§ 6323(b) to the EPA's
payroll provider so that
it may perform payroll
audit calculations and
recover any military
offsets that may be due.
The OMS will work with the
EPA's programs and regions to
collect documentation related to
the identified military leave
charges. For any unsupported
leave charges, the OMS will
coordinate with the IBC to initiate
the process to recover any
military offsets. The OCFO will
recover any unsupported leave
charges for out-of-service debt.
Status: Delayed due to external
dependencies
12/30/24
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
7. Identify the
population of reservists
who took unpaid
military leave pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. § 5538 and
determine whether those
reservists are entitled to
receive a reservist
differential. Based on
the results of this
determination, take
appropriate steps to
request that the EPA's
payroll provider perform
payroll audit
calculations to identify
and pay the amounts that
may be due to reservists.
The OCFO will provide the OMS
with the population of reservists
charging military leave. The
OMS will conduct a review of
this population to determine
which items need to be provided
to the IBC for audit calculation of
whether military offsets were
paid accurately. For amounts due
to reservists who are no longer
EPA employees, the OCFO will
coordinate with the IBC on the
amounts due. Status: Delayed due
to external dependencies
9/30/24
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
8. For the time periods
outside of the scope of
our audit (pre-January
2017 and post-June
2019), identify the
population of reservists
who charged military
leave under 5 U.S.C. §
6323(b) or 6323(c), and
determine whether
military offset was paid
by the reservists. If not,
The OCFO will provide the OMS
with the population of reservists
charging military leave. The
OMS will conduct a review of
this population to determine
which items need to be provided
to the IBC for audit calculation of
whether military offsets were
paid accurately. For any
unsupported leave charges, the
OMS will coordinate with the
IBC to initiate the process to
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review reservists'
military documentation
to determine whether
payroll audit
calculations are
required. If required,
request that the EPA's
payroll provider perform
payroll audit
calculations to identify
and recover military
offsets that may be due
from the reservists under
5 U.S.C. §§ 6323 and
5519.
recover any military offsets. The
OCFO will recover any
unsupported leave charges for
out-of-service debt. Status:
Delayed due to external
dependencies
21-P-
0042
12/28/20
9. Report all amounts of
improper payments
resulting from paid
military leave for
inclusion in the annual
Agency Financial
Report, as required by
the Payment Integrity
Information Act of
2019.
The OCFO will report any paid
military leave amounts identified
as an improper payment(s) within
the annual Agency Financial
Report for the applicable fiscal
year; and the OCFO also will
perform an internal control
review on military leave pay
during the FY 2021 A-123
Internal Review period and report
any identified improper payment
amounts in the FY 2021 Annual
Financial Report. Status: Delayed
due to external dependencies
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21-P-
0032
12/3/20
2. Develop and
implement a supplement
to Region 2's emergency
response plan to
describe and address the
specific geographic,
logistical, and cultural
norms applicable to
disaster response in
Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. This
supplement should
include local EPA staff
roles and
responsibilities, as well
as address the likely
limitations to
transportation,
communications, and
power in the aftermath
of disasters.
The Region 2 emergency
response program has initiated
the development/implementation
of plans to respond to emergency
and disaster responses in the
Caribbean. Discussions include
the development and scope of a
training, workshop and exercise
program to better coordinate and
integrate local personnel into the
region's response structure. This
initiative would include training
on EPA's various roles,
responsibilities, and procedures,
as well as identification of ways
to effectively utilize Caribbean
Environmental Protection
Division personnel capabilities
and expertise, especially during
the early stages of a response to
address limitations to
transportation, communications,
and power in the aftermath of
disasters. Further development of
cultural awareness guidance
developed during the response to
Hurricanes Irma and Maria and
strategies for addressing language
barriers would also be addressed
and included in deployment
materials. Status: On track
6/30/23
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21-P-
0032
12/3/20
3. In coordination with
the Office of Water,
implement America's
Water Infrastructure Act
in Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands by:
a. Developing and
implementing a strategy
to provide training,
guidance, and assistance
to small drinking water
systems as they improve
their resilience.
b. Establishing a process
for small drinking water
systems to apply for
America's Water
Infrastructure Act
grants. This process
should include (1)
implementing the EPA's
May 2020 guidance
provided to small
drinking water systems
regarding resilience
assessments and (2)
establishing a public
information campaign to
inform small drinking
water systems of the
America's Water
Infrastructure Act grant
opportunity, qualifying
requirements, and
application deadlines.
EPA Office of Water will be
promoting and conducting a
series of America's Water
Infrastructure Act section 2013
virtual workshops aimed at
systems serving 3,301- 49,999
people, including a workshop
focused on Region 2 water
systems, to include Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands. Small
water systems and technical
assistance providers in Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
are welcome to attend these
workshops to assist them in
developing risk and resilience
assessments and emergency
response plans. EPA plans to
publish guidance for systems
serving less than 3,300 people.
EPA also plans to publish a
Spanish version of this guidance
to make it more accessible to
small systems and technical
assistance providers in Puerto
Rico. Status: On track
12/31/23
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21-E-
0264
9/29/21
3. Mindful that the EPA
has substantial work to
complete before
publishing final numeric
water quality criteria
recommendations for
nitrogen and phosphorus
under the Clean Water
Act for rivers and
streams, establish a plan,
including milestones and
identification of
resource needs, for
developing and
publishing those criteria
recommendations.
EPA will develop a strategic plan,
including milestones and
identification of resource needs,
to gather nationally consistent
data (e.g.,The National Aquatic
Resource Surveys monitoring);
evaluate the scientific information
and conduct exploratory stressor-
response analyses on the
available data; determine if the
science supports new or revised
numeric nutrient criteria
recommendations. Status: On
track
4/30/23
21-E-
0264
9/29/21
4. Assess and evaluate
the available
information on human
health risks from
exposure to cyanotoxins
in drinking water and
recreational waters to
determine whether
actions under the Safe
Drinking Water Act are
warranted.
EPA will continue evaluating the
risks to human health from
exposure to cyanotoxins and will
develop Health Effects Support
Documents (HESDs) for new
toxins (e.g., saxitoxins and
nodularin). EPA intends to
develop health advisories and
recreational criteria for these
toxins when sufficient health data
are available. EPA will re-
evaluate the human health risks to
previously evaluated toxins as
new toxicological exposure
studies and systematic reviews of
peer-reviewed scientific literature
are completed. EPA will
determine whether additional
regulatory or nonregulatory
actions are appropriate under the
Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA), using the above health
effects information, Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rule 4
and other cyanotoxins occurrence
data, and additional information.
Status: On track
12/31/25
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21-E-
0254
9/27/21
3. Develop and
implement a plan to
prioritize and address
the recommendations
identified in the 2019
file review for Region 9.
(Region 9)
Region 9 committed to
developing a plan to prioritize
and address the recommendations
identified in EPA headquarters'
file review for Region 9. Status:
On track
9/30/23
21-E-
0254
9/27/21
5. Develop a workforce
analysis to address staff
workload and the skills
needed for the direct
implementation of the
tribal drinking water
program. (Region 9)
Region 9 committed to
developing a workforce analysis
to address staff workload and the
skills needed for the direct
implementation of the tribal
drinking water program. The R9
workload analysis was completed
on 08/08/2022. Region 9 will
finalize the staffing plan before
09/30/2023. Status: On track
9/30/23
21-E-
0186
7/28/21
1. Issue Tier 1 test
orders for each List 2
chemical or publish an
explanation for public
comment on why Tier 1
data are no longer
needed to characterize a
List 2 chemical's
endocrine-di srupti on
activity.
The Office of Chemical Safety
and Pollution Prevention
(OCSPP), with input from the
Office of Research and
Development and the Office of
Water, will publish for comment
a List 2 Action Plan, which may
include a combination of test
orders, explanations as to why
test orders are not needed, or a
reprioritization of the order of
Endocrine Disruption Screening
Program (EDSP) evaluations.
Following notice and comment,
OCSPP will initiate the process to
issue test orders for List 2
substances, as appropriate. Status:
On track
9/30/25
21-E-
0186
7/28/21
2. Determine whether
the EPA should
incorporate the
Endocrine Disruptor
Screening Program Tier
1 tests (or approved new
approach
methodologies) into the
OCSPP will make a
determination on the inclusion of
the EDSP Tier 1 tests into the
pesticide registration process as
mandatory data requirement
under 40 C.F.R. part 158 for all
pesticide use patterns. Status: On
track
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pesticide registration
process as mandatory
data requirements under
40 C.F.R. § 158 for all
pesticide use patterns.
21-E-
0186
7/28/21
3. Issue List 1-Tier 2
test orders for the 18
pesticides in which
additional Tier 2 testing
was recommended or
publish an explanation
for public comment on
why this Tier 2 data are
no longer needed to
characterize the
endocrine-di srupti on
activity for each of these
18 pesticides.
OCSPP will make a
determination on the need for List
1-Tier 2 data. OCSPP will also
provide an explanation, which
will be published for public
comment, for any of the 18
pesticides for which it is
determined that Tier 2 data is no
longer needed. Following
publication and comment,
OCSPP will initiate the process to
issue any Tier 2 test orders for
List 1 determined to be needed.
Status: On track
9/30/24
21-E-
0186
7/28/21
4. Issue for public
review and comment
both the Environmental
Fate and Effects
Division's approach for
the reevaluation of List
1-Tier 1 data and the
revised List 1-Tier 2
wildlife
recommendations.
OCSPP will issue for public
review and comment any
reevaluation of List 1-Tier 1 data
and any revisions to the List 1-
Tier 2 wildlife recommendations.
Status: On track
12/31/23
21-E-
0186
7/28/21
5. Develop and
implement an updated
formal strategic
planning document, such
as the Comprehensive
Management Plan.
OCSPP, with input from the
Office of Research and
Development and the Office of
Water, will develop an EDSP
Strategic Plan. OCSPP expects to
update this document on an as
needed basis. Status: Delayed due
to leadership change
6/30/23
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21-E-
0186
7/28/21
6. Develop performance
measures, with
reasonable time frames,
to document progress
toward and achievement
of milestones or targets.
Specifically, the
Endocrine Disruptor
Screening Program
should consider at least
one performance
measure that tracks
progress in testing
pesticides for human
endocrine disruptor
activity.
OCSPP will develop short-term
performance measures, such as
scientific publications,
number/type of accepted new
approach methods, and
exemptions granted. Short-term
performance measures will be
developed and tracked. OCSPP
will develop longer-term
performance measures, including
at least one measure to track
progress in testing pesticides for
human endocrine disruptor
activity. Long-term performance
measures including at least one
that tracks progress in the
evaluation and testing of
pesticides for human endocrine
disruptor activity will be
developed and tracked by
October 1, 2024. Status: On track
10/1/24
21-
E00186-
164
7/28/21
7. Conduct annual
internal program
reviews of the Endocrine
Disruptor Screening
Program.
OCSPP will conduct the first
annual internal program review of
the EDSP and provide a briefing
and report out to the OCSPP
Assistant Administrator on EDSP
progress, especially as it relates to
the Corrective Actions in this
Report and progress developing
the EDSP Strategic Plan. Status:
Delayed due to leadership change
6/30/23
21-E-
0146
5/24/21
3. Annually conduct and
document training for all
staff and senior
managers and policy
makers to affirm the
office's commitment to
the Scientific Integrity
Policy and principles
and to promote a culture
of scientific integrity
Complete the fifth annual
Scientific integrity training by
March 31, 2026. Status: On track
3/31/26
21-E-
0124
4/16/21
1. Update information
security procedures to
The majority of the EPA IT
Security policies and procedures
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make them consistent
with current federal
directives, including the
National Institute of
Standards and
Technology Special
Publication 800-53
Revision 5, Security and
Privacy Controls for
Information Systems
and Organizations.
are consistent with current federal
directives. All current security
assessments, implementations,
and actions are completed in
accordance with NIST SP 800-
53r4. EPA, like other federal
agencies are allowed one year
from the release of NIST Special
Publications to update internal
policies and procedures. The EPA
has created a detailed project
schedule to transition its current
policies and procedures to NIST
800-53 Rev 5. This detail
schedule includes Enterprise
collaboration and inputs across all
Information Security
stakeholders. Status: Delayed due
to implementation complexity
20-P-
0173
5/20/20
6. In coordination with
the assistant
administrator for
Mission Support,
complete the
development and
implementation of the
electronic clearance
system for scientific
products across the
Agency.
OMS, ORD Office of Scientific
Information Management
(OSIM), and the Scientific
Integrity Committee will
coordinate to complete
modification and Agency-wide
implementation of ORD's
Scientific & Technical
Information Clearance System to
an agency-wide electronic
clearance system for scientific
products across the Agency. The
system will be consistent with the
Scientific Integrity Policy and our
Best Practices document and with
the Agency's Plan to Increase
Access to the Results of EPA-
Funded Scientific Research.
Status: Delayed due to external
dependencies
6/30/24
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20-P-
0173
5/20/20
7. With the assistance of
the Scientific Integrity
Committee, finalize and
release the procedures
for addressing and
resolving allegations of
a violation of the
Scientific Integrity
Policy, and incorporate
the procedures into
scientific integrity
outreach and training
materials.
The Agency will release the
Procedures document. It will be
posted on the Agency's website.
The Scientific Integrity Program
will create and release
appropriate outreach materials to
ensure EPA employees and their
managers understand these
procedures. Status: Delayed due
to external dependencies
3/31/23
20-P-
0173
5/20/20
8. With the assistance of
the Scientific Integrity
Committee, develop and
implement a process
specifically to address
and resolve allegations
of Scientific Integrity
Policy violations
involving high-profile
issues or senior officials,
and specify when this
process should be used.
EPA will amend the procedures
document referenced in
recommendation 7, to include a
process to adjudicate allegations
of Scientific Integrity Policy
violations involving high-profile
issues or senior officials in the
Agency for which the Scientific
Integrity Official or Scientific
Integrity Committee does not feel
it can adequately adjudicate via
existing procedures and include
an indicator for when the process
should be used. Status: Delayed
due to external dependencies
3/31/23
20-P-
0146
4/22/20
1. Implement a system
that is accessible to both
the EPA and the
applicants to track the
processing of all tribal-
New-Source-Review
permits and key permit
dates including
application received,
application completed,
draft permit issued,
public comment period
(if applicable), and final
permit issuance.
OAR's Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards has
already begun work on the
Electronic Permit System (EPS),
which will include a module to
receive and process applications
for the EPA-issued tribal new
source review permits.
Specifically, this module will
allow sources to submit electronic
applications for tribal minor NSR
permits and then allow the EPA
staff to process those applications
in EPS. The system will allow the
EPA staff to update the status of
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the application and permit to
reflect when the application is
complete, the draft permit is
issued, the beginning and ending
of the public comment period,
and the issuance of the final
permit and response to public
comments document. Status:
Delayed due to resource
constraints
20-P-
0146
4/22/20
2. Establish and
implement an oversight
process to verify that the
regions update the
permit tracking system
on a periodic basis with
the correct and required
information.
Upon completion of the EPS, the
Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards will work with the
Regional offices to establish an
oversight process to ensure
complete, consistent, and timely
entry of data into the EPS. Status:
Delayed due to resource
constraints
9/30/23
20-E-
0333
9/28/20
1. Develop and
implement a plan to
coordinate relevant
Agency program,
regional, and
administrative offices
with the External Civil
Rights Compliance
Office to develop
guidance on permitting
and cumulative impacts
related to Title VI.
The External Civil Rights
Compliance Office (ECRCO) will
issue guidance to clarify the
agency's interpretations of legal
requirements and expectations to
stakeholders. Status: Delayed due
to staffing constraints
10/1/24
20-E-
0333
9/28/20
2. Develop and
implement a plan to
complete systematic
compliance reviews to
determine full
compliance with the
Title VI program.
ECRCO will conduct 1 or more
compliance reviews to determine
compliance with Title VI, with
the number depending on
complexity and resources.
ECRCO will conduct and
complete additional compliance
reviews to determine compliance
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with Title VI, as well as other
federal civil rights laws and
EPA's nondiscrimination
regulation in each FY going
forward, as resources allow.
Status: Delayed due to staffing
constraints
20-E-
0333
9/28/20
4. Verify that EPA
funding applicants
address potential
noncompliance with
Title VI with a written
agreement before the
funds are awarded.
ECRCO plans to use a revised
4700-4 pre-award process, the
EPA General Terms and
Conditions, which are binding on
recipients and sub-recipients of
funds, to implement this
Recommendation. EPA has
developed modifications to its
pre-award review process
intended to achieve the goal of
compliance by applicants
recommended for competitive
and non-competitive funding by
EPA program offices, while also
serving the goal of efficiency,
given limitations in resources.
The revised 4700-4 Process will
be launched with the issuance of
the Dear Colleague and Guidance
documents clarifying
expectations. These documents
will provide for an initial six-
month grace period. ERCO will
train all EPA staff involved in the
Form 4700-4 review process,
develop a post-award audit
protocol, initiate representative
audit process, and effectuate the
revised 4700-4 Process. Status:
Delayed due to staffing
constraints
1/1/24
20-E-
0333
9/28/20
5. Determine how to use
existing or new data to
identify and target
funding recipients for
proactive compliance
ECRCO will be determining how
to use data to identify and target
funding recipients for proactive
compliance reviews, as discussed
in response to Recommendation
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reviews, and develop or
update policy, guidance,
and standard operating
procedures for collecting
and using those data.
2, and, also, will develop or
update policy, guidance, and
SOPs, as appropriate, for the
collection and use of data by
recipients. ERCO will develop
and release Foundational
Nondiscrimination Program
Guidance, which includes section
on data collection and reporting;
release technical assistance video,
and release data analytics
guidance. Status: Delayed due to
staffing constraints
20-E-
0333
9/28/20
6. Develop and deliver
training for the deputy
civil rights officials and
EPA regional staff that
focuses on their
respective roles and
responsibilities within
the EPA's Title VI
program.
ECRCO will provide training to
all EPA staff involved in the form
review process and will release a
technical assistance video.
ECRCO will provide additional
training courses to EPA staff on
civil rights topics and issues on a
regular basis. For example, in
addition to training in FY22 on
the Form review process, ECRCO
will offer training in FY23 as
ECRCO issues guidance and
works with national media
programs and regional offices to
ensure Title VI compliance is
integrated into agency-wide
oversight activities. Status:
Delayed due to staffing
constraints
9/30/23
19-P-
0318
9/25/19
5. Update and revise the
2010 Revised State
Implementation
Guidance for the Public
Notification Rule to
include:
a. Public notice delivery
methods that are
consistent with
regulations.
The EPA will revise the State
Implementation Guidance per
OIG's recommendation. Status:
Delayed due to staffing
constraints
9/30/23
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b. Information on
modern methods for
delivery of public
notice.
19-P-
0318
9/25/19
6. Update and revise the
2010 Public Notification
Handbooks to include:a.
Public notice delivery
methods that are
consistent with
regulations.b.
Information on modern
methods for delivery of
public notice, c. Public
notice requirements for
the latest drinking water
regulations.d.
Procedures for public
water systems to achieve
compliance after
violating a public notice
regulation.e. Up-to-
date references to
compliance assistance
tools.f. Additional
resources for providing
public notice in
languages other than
English.
The EPA will revise the Public
Notification Handbook per OIG's
recommendation. Status: Delayed
due to staffing constraints
9/30/23
19-P-
0207
6/27/19
1. Develop and
implement electronic
checks in the EPA's
Emissions Collection
and Monitoring Plan
System or through an
alternative mechanism
to retroactively evaluate
emissions and quality
assurance data in
instances where
The Clean Air Markets Division
(CAMD) has implemented a post-
submission data check that is run
at the end of each reporting
period. In the long term, the
CAMD will implement an
additional check in the Emissions
Collection and Monitoring Plan
(ECMPS) forcing retroactive span
record changes to require the
reevaluation and resubmission of
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monitoring plan changes
are submitted after the
emissions and quality
assurance data have
already been accepted
by the EPA.
any affected quality assurance
tests and hourly emissions
records. CAMD has initiated the
process of re-engineering
ECMPS. In order to minimize
additional expenditures on the
current version of ECMPS,
CAMD will focus on adding the
check to the new version of
ECMPS. Status: On track
19-P-
0195
6/21/19
2. Complete the actions
and milestones
identified in the Office
of Pesticide Programs'
PRIA Maintenance Fee
Risk Assessment
document and associated
plan regarding the fee
payment and refund
posting processes.
OCSPP's Office of Pesticide
Programs will complete the
actions and milestones identified
in the Office of Pesticide
Programs' Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act Maintenance
Fee Risk Assessment document
and associated plan regarding the
fee payment and refund posting
processes. Status: Delayed due to
external dependencies
1/31/24
19-P-
0002
11/15/18
3. Complete
development of the
probabilistic risk
assessment tool and
screening tool for
biosolids land
application scenarios.
OW is working to complete the
screening tool and probabilistic
risk assessment framework for
biosolids land application
scenarios. OW anticipates
releasing the screening tool first,
followed by the probabilistic
modeling framework, after peer
and public review. Status:
Delayed due to implementation
complexity
3/31/23
19-P-
0002
11/15/18
4. Develop and
implement a plan to
obtain the additional
data needed to complete
risk assessments and
finalize safety
determinations on the
352 identified pollutants
in biosolids and
promulgate regulations
as needed.
OW will continue reviewing
environmental fate and effects
information to incorporate into
risk assessments for pollutants in
biosolids. OW will prioritize
using the screening tool to
determine which pollutants
warrant a more refined (i.e.,
probabilistic) risk assessment and
take into consideration the 61
chemicals identified as hazardous
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under other statutes as identified
by the OIG. Status: Delayed due
to implementation complexity
18-P-
0240
9/5/18
4. Build capacity for
managing the use of
citizen science, and
expand awareness of
citizen science
resources, by:a.
Finalizing the checklist
on administrative and
legal factors for agency
staff to consider when
developing citizen
science projects, as well
as identifying and
developing any
procedures needed to
ensure compliance with
steps in the checklist;!).
Conducting training
and/or marketing on the
EPA's citizen science
intranet site for program
and regional staff in
developing projects;
andc. Finalizing and
distributing materials
highlighting project
successes and how the
EPA has used results of
its investment in citizen
science.
ORD will consult with the Office
of General Counsel and other
relevant EPA programs and
regions to finalize the checklist
on administrative and legal
factors for agency staff to
consider when developing citizen
science projects. ORD will
conduct training and marketing
for program and regional staff.
Finally, ORD will have an active
communication and outreach
strategy that will include
communications materials
highlighting project successes and
how EPA has used results of its
investment in citizen science.
Status: Delayed due to external
dependencies
3/31/23
18-P-
0240
9/5/18
2. Through appropriate
EPA offices, direct
completion of an
assessment to identify
the data management
requirements for using
The agency concurs with this
recommendation and will
complete an assessment and
action plan to identify and
address data management
requirements for citizen science.
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citizen science data and
an action plan for
addressing those
requirements, including
those on sharing and
using data, data
format/standards, and
data testing/validation.
Status: Delayed due to external
dependencies
18-P-
0221
7/19/18
6. Provide regular
training for EPA
drinking water staff,
managers and senior
leaders on Safe Drinking
Water Act tools and
authorities; state and
agency roles and
responsibilities; and any
Safe Drinking Water Act
amendments or Lead
and Copper Rule
revisions.
OECA continues to hold regular
SDWA section 1431/1414
trainings for staff and managers
and to conduct consultations with
the regions regarding specific
potential emergency drinking
water situations. The PowerPoints
from the trainings are on the
National Drinking Water
Enforcement SharePoint site for
24/7 access. OCE will re-evaluate
training needs. OCE has provided
and will continue to provide
regular training nationally to staff
and managers about SDWA tools
and authorities, like Sections
1414 and 1431, and various
NPDWRs, including the Lead and
Copper Rule (LCR). EPA will
also make these trainings
available to senior leaders. Status:
Re-opened by OIG follow-up
audit
12/30/23
18-P-
0221
7/19/18
8. Create a system that
tracks citizen complaints
and gathers information
on emerging issues. The
system should assess the
risk associated with the
complaints, including
efficient and effective
resolution.
Identify potential enhancements
to existing systems and/or
identify new system requirements
that can support tracking of
citizen complaints. In 2019, OW
developed a "Protocol for
Addressing Water Quality
Concerns from the Public" to
address this OIG
recommendation. This protocol
was shared with the OIG in
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March 2021. Status: Re-opened
by OIG follow-up audit
18-P-
0080
2/15/18
1. The Assistant
Administrator for
Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention, in
coordination with the
Office of Enforcement
and Compliance
Assurance, shall develop
and implement a
methodology to evaluate
the impact of the revised
Agricultural Worker
Protection Standard on
pesticide exposure
incidents among target
populations.
OCSPP will: (1) collect and
review data related to the extent
to which agricultural workers
obtain knowledge through
trainings; (2) collect and review
incident data; and (3) after
reviewing training and incident
data, analyze the need to collect
additional information to help
evaluate the impact of the revised
Worker Protection Standard.
Status: On track
12/31/23
17-P-
0368
8/23/17
1. Develop a policy to
reduce balances of
available program
income of Brownfields
Revolving Loan Funds
being held by recipients.
The policy should
establish a timeframe for
recipients to use or
return the funds to the
EPA.
The Office of Brownfields Land
and Revitalization will work with
the regions to develop a policy
regarding monitoring of
accumulated program income on
the cooperative agreement. The
policy will also establish actions
to be taken in certain timeframes
to reduce balance of program
income or require return of funds
to EPA as appropriate. Status:
Re-opened by OIG follow-up
audit
9/30/27
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17-P-
0368
8/23/17
8. Develop and
implement required
training for all regional
Brownfields Revolving
Loan Fund staff. Have
the training include all
program policy and
guidance relating to
maintaining a
Brownfields Revolving
Loan Fund after the
cooperative agreement is
closed if program
income exists.
OBLR will work with the
Regions to develop and deliver a
series of training sessions to
regional Brownfields Revolving
Loan Fund staff. The training will
cover all program policies and
guidance related to the
management of Brownfields
Revolving Fund after closeout
with a focus on cooperative
agreements that have program
income after closeout. OBLR
will use various formats to deliver
training to project officers, e.g.,
during regularly scheduled
meetings, webinars, SharePoint
site, and in-person training etc.
Status: Re-opened by OIG
follow-up audit
3/31/23
17-P-
0368
8/23/17
14. Develop and
implement a method for
the Office of
Brownfields and Land
Revitalization to track
closed cooperative
agreements with pre-
and post-program
income.
OBLR will work with the regions
to develop and implement a
method such as a tool, a
spreadsheet, or a database, to
track pre- and post-close out
program income until termination
of the closed out cooperative
agreements in accordance with
the reporting requirements listed
under the closeout agreement.
Status: Re-opened by OIG
follow-up audit
12/31/23
17-P-
0368
8/23/17
16. Create a method for
the Office of
Brownfields and Land
Revitalization, and EPA
regional managers, to
track compliance with
reporting requirements
for closed cooperative
agreements.
OBLR will work with the regions
to create a method to track
compliance with reporting
requirements for closed
cooperative agreements. The
tracking tool will be distributed to
the regions. Status: Re-opened by
OIG follow-up audit
9/30/27
17-P-
0053
12/12/16
3. Conduct an
assessment of clearance
devices to validate their
Based on the comment content
and the time needed to review the
new data, the timeframe for
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effectiveness in
detecting required
clearance levels, as part
of the Office of
Pesticide Programs
ongoing re-evaluation of
structural fumigants.
The program will
implement this
corrective action in two
phases:
3a.OCSPP anticipates
that phase one will
consist of revised
mitigation measures to
be reflected in a Final
Interim Re-entry
Mitigation Measures
Memorandum. 3b. In
phase 2, OCSPP will
revise sulfuryl labels.
responding and publishing a
revised document outlining
required sulfuryl fluoride label
changes will be delayed from
OCSPP's original plan and will
likely involve phased
implementation (label
requirements) for some of the
measures. OCSPP anticipates that
revised mitigation measures will
be reflected in a Final Interim Re-
entry Mitigation Measures
Memorandum to be issued by
3/31/23. OCSPP anticipates that
the mitigation measures will be
reflected in revised and accepted
sulfuryl fluoride labels by
9/30/23. Status: Delayed due to
implementation complexity
16-P-
0333
9/27/16
3 - 3. Develop training
on the proper use of
Religious Compensatory
Time and require all
managers approving,
and employees using,
Religious Compensatory
Time to complete the
course.
Develop training on the proper
use of Religious Compensatory
Time and require all managers
approving, and employees using,
Religious Compensatory Time to
complete the course. Status: Re-
opened by OIG follow-up audit
6/23/23
16-P-
0275
8/18/16
2. Complete the anti-
backsliding study on the
air quality impacts of the
Renewable Fuel
Standard as required by
the Energy
Independence and
Security Act.
EPA has already taken a number
of steps that are important
prerequisites for the anti-
backsliding study. There are
multiple intermediate research
steps that still need to be
completed before OAR can plan,
fund, and conduct a
comprehensive anti-backsliding
study. These steps include
development of baseline, current,
and projected scenarios for how
renewable fuels have and might
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be produced, distributed, and
used to fulfill the Renewable Fuel
Standard requirements,
generation of emissions
inventories, and air quality
modeling, all of which are time-
consuming and resource
intensive. Status: On track
16-P-
0275
8/18/16
3. Determine whether
additional action is
needed to mitigate any
adverse air quality
impacts of the
Renewable Fuel
Standard as required by
the Energy
Independence and
Security Act.
OAR acknowledges the statute's
requirement to determine whether
additional action is needed to
mitigate any adverse air quality
impacts in light of the anti-
backsliding study. That study,
discussed in Corrective Action 2,
would need to be completed prior
to any such determination taking
place. Status: On track
9/30/24
16-P-
0104
3/11/16
1. Implement
management controls to
complete the required
TSDF inspections.
OECA will work with the regions
to monitor TSDF inspection
frequency, develop and
implement a plan to identify
TSDFs not yet inspected near the
end of the required inspection
cycle, and conduct inspections to
the extent possible within the
compliance period or the
following fiscal year. Status: Re-
opened by OIG follow-up audit
12/29/23
14-P-
0109
2/4/14
3. Direct COs to require
that the contractor adjust
all its billings to reflect
the application of the
correct rate to team
subcontract ODCs.
Region 6 agrees to require the
contractor to adjust all of its past
billings to reflect the application
of the composite rate to team-
subcontractor other direct costs
that were arranged for and paid
for by the team-subcontractor.
We intend to implement the
corrective action when final
indirect cost rates are established.
Therefore, the contract officer
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will be directed to defer past
billing adjustments until the
DCAA audits the indirect cost
rates and the EPA Financial
Administrative Contracting
Officer negotiates, approves, and
issues a Final Indirect Cost
Agreement for the past billing
periods (i.e., Years 2007 to 2013).
Status: On track
11-P-
0215
5/3/11
4. Develop short-term,
intermediate, and long-
term outcome
performance measures,
and additional output
performance measures,
with appropriate targets
and timeframes, to
measure the progress
and results of the
program.
Rec. 4a: Short term
performance measures
will be developed and
tracked.
Rec. 4b: Long term
performance measures,
including testing for
EDSP activities in
pesticides will be
developed and tracked.
Short term performance measures
will be developed by and tracked.
Long term performance
measures, including at least one
measure that tracks progress in
the evaluation and testing of
pesticides for human endocrine
disruptor activity, will be
developed and tracked by
October 1, 2024. Status: On track
10/1/24
11-P-
0215
5/3/11
5. Develop and publish a
comprehensive
management plan for
EDSP, including
estimates of EDSP's
budget requirements,
priorities, goals, and key
activities covering at
least a 5-year period.
OCSPP, with input from the
Office of Research and
Development and the Office of
Water, will develop an EDSP
Strategic Plan. OCSPP expects to
update this document on an as
needed basis.
Status: Delayed due to leadership
change
6/30/23
11-P-
0215
5/3/11
6. Annually review the
EDSP program results,
progress toward
OCSPP will conduct the first
annual internal program review of
the EDSP and provide a briefing
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milestones, and
achievement of
performance measures,
including explanations
for any missed
milestones or targets.
and report out to the OCSPP
Assistant Administrator on EDSP
progress, especially as it relates to
the Corrective Actions in this
Report and progress developing
the EDSP Strategic Plan. Status:
Delayed due to leadership change
10-P-
0224
9/14/10
2-2. Develop a
systematic approach to
identify which States
have outdated or
inconsistent MO As,
renegotiate and update
those MO As using the
MOA template, and
secure the active
involvement and final,
documented concurrence
of Headquarters to
ensure national
consistency.
EPA has completed the review of
all the EPA-State Memorandums
of Agreement (MO As). Ten
authorized National pollutant
discharge elimination system
states were identified as being
problematic. EPA Regions and
States have completed actions to
update MO As to satisfy concerns
identified in the corrective action
plan for three states: Iowa,
Missouri, and Virginia. At this
time, seven MO As are still in the
process of being corrected.
Status: Delayed due to
implementation complexity
9/30/23
EPA GAO Open Recommendations and Recommendations Closed as Unimplemented
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KIW Implementation Status
GAO
06-148
2006-
01-04
The Administrator, EPA, should take
a number of steps to further protect
the American public from elevated
lead levels in drinking water.
Specifically, to improve EPA's ability
to oversee implementation of the lead
rule and assess compliance and
enforcement activities, EPA should
ensure that data on water systems'
test results, corrective action
milestones, and violations are
current, accurate, and complete.
The agency continues to work on
modernizing the Safe Drinking
Water Information System and
has made significant progress
towards its schedule (expected to
be available for states to begin
transitioning to the system by end
of 2024). In establishing data
quality goals for monitoring
violation and other information,
the agency plans to engage the
primacy agencies.
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GAO-
08-440
2008-
03-07
To develop timely chemical risk
information that EPA needs to
effectively conduct its mission, the
Administrator, EPA, should require
the Office of Research and
Development to re-evaluate its draft
proposed changes to the IRIS
assessment process in light of the
issues raised in this report and ensure
that any revised process periodically
assesses the level of resources that
should be dedicated to this significant
program to meet user needs and
maintain a viable IRIS database.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in February
2023.
GAO-
11-381
2011-
06-17
To improve EPA's ability to oversee
the states' implementation of the Safe
Drinking Water Act and provide
Congress and the public with more
complete and accurate information on
compliance, the Administrator of
EPA should resume data verification
audits to routinely evaluate the
quality of selected drinking water
data on health-based and monitoring
violations that the states provide to
EPA. These audits should also
evaluate the quality of data on the
enforcement actions that states, and
other primacy agencies have taken to
correct violations.
The agency continues to work on
modernizing the Safe Drinking
Water Information System and
has made significant progress
towards its schedule (expected to
be available for states to begin
transitioning to the system by end
of 2024). In establishing data
quality goals for monitoring
violation and other information,
the agency plans to engage the
primacy agencies.
GAO-
11-381
2011-
06-17
To improve EPA's ability to oversee
the states' implementation of the Safe
Drinking Water Act and provide
Congress and the public with more
complete and accurate information on
compliance, the Administrator of
EPA should work with the states to
establish a goal, or goals, for the
completeness and accuracy of data on
monitoring violations. In setting
these goals, EPA may want to
consider whether certain types of
monitoring violations merit specific
The agency continues to work on
modernizing the Safe Drinking
Water Information System and
has made significant progress
towards its schedule (expected to
be available for states to begin
transitioning to the system by end
of 2024). In establishing data
quality goals for monitoring
violation and other information,
the agency plans to engage the
primacy agencies. Estimated
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targets. For example, the agency may
decide that a goal for the states to
completely and accurately report
when required monitoring was not
done should differ from a goal for
reporting when monitoring was done
but not reported on time.
Completion Date: December
2024.
GAO-
12-42
2011-
12-09
To better ensure the credibility of
IRIS assessments by enhancing their
timeliness and certainty, the EPA
Administrator should require the
Office of Research and Development,
should different time frames be
necessary, to establish a written
policy that clearly describes the
applicability of the time frames for
each type of IRIS assessment and
ensures that the time frames are
realistic and provide greater
predictability to stakeholders.
EPA continues to discuss with
GAO approaches to communicate
timeframe expectations to the
public. As noted by GAO,
content in the more recently
developed Integrated Risk
Information System IRIS
assessment plans helps identify
the extent of the evidence and
key science issues. EPA has
included preliminary metrics on
how long some systematic review
steps used in assessment
development (e.g., study
screening; data extraction)
typically require on a per-study
basis.
GAO-
13-145
2013-
08-08
To improve EPA's management of
the conditional registration process,
the Administrator of EPA should
direct the Director of the Office of
Pesticide Programs to complete plans
to automate data related to
conditional registrations to more
readily track the status of these
registrations and related registrant
and agency actions and identify
potential problems requiring
management attention.
The agency met with GAO in
November 2022 to discuss the
changed landscape since this
2013 report. The EPA plans to
request closure in FY 2023.
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GAO-
14-80
2013-
12-05
To enhance the likelihood that
TMDLs support the nation's waters'
attainment of water quality standards
and to strengthen water quality
management, the Administrator of
EPA should develop and issue new
regulations requiring that TMDLs
include additional elements—and
consider requiring the elements that
are now optional—specifically,
elements reflecting key features
identified by NRC as necessary for
attaining water quality standards,
such as comprehensive identification
of impairment and plans to monitor
water bodies to verify that water
quality is improving.
The agency asserts that extensive
actions taken to implement this
recommendation are sufficient to
merit closure as implemented.
GAO-
14-413
2014-
05-22
To ensure the effective management
of software licenses, the
Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency should employ a
centralized software license
management approach that is
coordinated and integrated with key
personnel for the majority of agency
software license spending and/or
enterprise-wide licenses.
Implementation is complete. The
agency requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
16-79
2015-
11-19
To better monitor and provide a basis
for improving the effectiveness of
cybersecurity risk mitigation
activities, informed by the sectors'
updated plans and in collaboration
with sector stakeholders, the
Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency should direct
responsible officials to develop
performance metrics to provide data
and determine how to overcome
challenges to monitoring the water
and wastewater systems sector's
cybersecurity progress.
The agency continues to develop
and implement activities in
support of the water and
wastewater sector's
cybersecurity, such as a cyber-
attack risk assessment tool and
cybersecurity training for sector
partners. The effort is challenged
because disclosure of metric data
in this area is voluntary for water
sector facilities. Dialogue with
GAO is ongoing.
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GAO-
16-530
2016-
07-14
The EPA Administrator should direct
OGD and program and regional
offices, as appropriate, as part of
EPA's ongoing streamlining
initiatives and the development of a
grantee portal, once EPA's new
performance system is in place, to
ensure that the Office of Water
adopts software tools, as appropriate,
to electronically transfer relevant data
on program results from program-
specific databases to EPA's national
performance system.
Implementation is complete. The
agency requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
16-530
2016-
07-14
The EPA Administrator should direct
OGD and program and regional
offices, as appropriate, as part of
EPA's ongoing streamlining
initiatives and the development of a
grantee portal, to expand aspects of
EPA's policy for certain categorical
grants, specifically, the call for an
explicit reference to the planned
results in grantees' work plans and
their projected time frames for
completion, to all grants.
CLOSED - NOT
IMPLEMENTED
GAO and EPA agreed that, due
to changed circumstances since
issuance of the recommendation
and implementation of a new
EPA grants management system
with built-in quality controls, the
recommendation would be closed
as unimplemented.
GAO-
17-424
2017-
09-01
The Assistant Administrator for
Water of EPA's Office of Water and
the Assistant Administrator of EPA's
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
develop a statistical analysis that
incorporates multiple factors-
including those currently in
SDWIS/Fed and others such as the
presence of lead pipes and the use of
corrosion control—to identify water
systems that might pose a higher
likelihood for violating the LCR once
complete violations data are
obtained, such as through SDWIS
Prime.
The agency is working to provide
an update on Safe Drinking
Water Information System
modernization or other data plans
for identifying data associated
with water systems that might
pose a higher likelihood for
violating the Lead and Copper
Rule. FY25 implementation is
anticipated.
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GAO-
18-453
2018-
07-19
The EPA Region 10 Administrator
should work with the management
conference on future updates to the
CCMP to help prioritize among the
indicators that currently lack
measurable targets and ensure that
such targets are developed for the
highest priority indicators where
possible.
In August 2022, the agency
approved a new Puget Sound
Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plan, called the
2022-2026 Action Agenda. The
agency agreed to develop
additional medium-term targets
and reengage GAO regarding
closure.
GAO-
18-93
2018-
08-02
The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency
should ensure that the agency's IT
management policies address the role
of the CIO for key responsibilities in
the six areas we identified.
The agency has fully
implemented 10 of the 18
responsibilities identified by
GAO. A further 5 are partially
met, and 3 are not yet met. The
agency anticipates requesting
closure by the end of CY23.
GAO-
19-280
2019-
07-08
EPA's Designated Agency Ethics
Official should direct EPA's Ethics
Office, as part of its periodic review
of EPA's ethics program, to evaluate-
-for example, through audits or spot-
checks - the quality of financial
disclosure reviews for special
government employees appointed to
EPA advisory committees.
Implementation is complete. The
agency requested closure of this
recommendation in February
2023.
GAO-
19-280
2019-
07-08
The EPA Administrator should direct
EPA officials responsible for
appointing advisory committee
members to follow a key step in its
appointment process—developing and
including draft membership grids in
appointment packets with staff
rationales for proposed membership—
for all committees.
Implementation is complete. The
agency requested closure of this
recommendation in February
2023.
GAO-
19-384
2019-
07-25
The Administrator of EPA should
establish a process for conducting an
organization-wide cybersecurity risk
assessment.
The agency is engaged with a
third party to help develop an
organizational wide cybersecurity
risk assessment. Completion of
implementation is anticipated by
the end of FY23.
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GAO-
19-384
2019-
07-25
The Administrator of EPA should
fully establish and document a
process for coordination between
cybersecurity risk management and
enterprise risk management
functions.
The agency is working internally
to update current processes that
exist regarding enterprise risk
management and cybersecurity
risk assessment to build out a
single enterprise risk
management program.
Completion of implementation is
anticipated by the end of FY23.
GAO-
19-543
2019-
09-16
The Administrator of EPA, as chair
of the working group, should develop
guidance for agencies on what they
should include in their environmental
justice strategic plans.
In January 2021, the White
House issued Executive Order
14008 "Tackling the Climate
Crisis at Home and Abroad." It
includes sections to achieve
environmental justice through a
number of actions. One of the
actions was to create a White
House Environmental Justice
Interagency Council chaired by
the Council on Environmental
Quality (CEQ). As such,
implementation is the
responsibility of the CEQ. GAO
is monitoring their efforts and
stated they will close the
recommendation upon
completion.
GAO-
19-543
2019-
09-16
The Administrator of EPA, as chair
of the working group, should develop
guidance or create a committee of the
working group to develop guidance
on methods the agencies could use to
assess progress toward their
environmental justice goals.
In January 2021, the White
House issued Executive Order
14008 "Tackling the Climate
Crisis at Home and Abroad." It
includes sections to achieve
environmental justice through a
number of actions. One of the
actions was to create a White
House Environmental Justice
Interagency Council chaired by
the Council on Environmental
Quality (CEQ). As such,
implementation is the
responsibility of the CEQ. GAO
is monitoring their efforts and
stated they will close the
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recommendation upon
completion.
GAO-
19-543
2019-
09-16
The Administrator of EPA, as chair
of the working group, and in
consultation with the working group,
should clearly establish, in its
organizational documents, strategic
goals for the federal government's
efforts to carry out the 1994
Executive Order.
In January 2021, the White
House issued Executive Order
14008 "Tackling the Climate
Crisis at Home and Abroad." It
includes sections to achieve
environmental justice through a
number of actions. One of the
actions was to create a White
House Environmental Justice
Interagency Council chaired by
the Council on Environmental
Quality (CEQ). As such,
implementation is the
responsibility of the CEQ. GAO
is monitoring their efforts and
stated they will close the
recommendation upon
completion.
GAO-
20-129
2019-
10-30
The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency
should ensure that the agency fully
implements each of the eight key IT
workforce planning activities it did
not fully implement.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
20-126
2019-
12-12
The Administrator of EPA should
update security plan for the selected
operational system to identify a
description of security controls, and
the individual reviewing and
approving the plan and date of
approval.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
20-126
2019-
12-12
The Administrator of EPA should
update the security assessment report
for the selected operational system to
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
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identify the summarized results of
control effectiveness tests.
GAO-
20-126
2019-
12-12
The Administrator of EPA should
update the list of corrective actions
for the selected operational system to
identify the specific weakness,
estimated funding and anticipated
source of funding, key remediation
milestones with completion dates,
changes to milestones and
completion dates, and source of the
weaknesses.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
20-126
2019-
12-12
The Administrator of EPA should
prepare the letter authorizing the use
of cloud service for the selected
operational system and submit the
letter to the FedRAMP program
management office.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
20-126
2019-
12-12
The Administrator of EPA should
develop guidance requiring that cloud
service authorization letter be
provided to the FedRAMP program
management office.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2022.
GAO-
20-24
2020-
01-16
The Director of Water Security of
EPA, as Chair of the Water Sector
Government Coordinating Council,
should work with the council to
identify existing technical assistance
providers and engage these providers
in a network to help drinking water
and wastewater utilities incorporate
climate resilience into their projects
and planning on an ongoing basis.
The agency continues to work
with its wide-ranging, existing
technical assistance providers and
coordinates with its stakeholders
including the Water Sector
Coordinating Council (WSCC) to
improve and build drinking water
and wastewater utility resilience.
Implementation is challenged
because the participation of the
water sector and of other federal
agencies in helping these utilities
is voluntary.
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GAO-
20-95
2020-
01-31
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should clearly
document in guidance to the regional
offices how they should use the
definition of informal enforcement
actions to collect data on these
actions.
The agency is currently
amending 2019 guidance for
consistency with Executive Order
13892 and will provide it to GAO
once finalized. The guidance
includes a definition of informal
enforcement actions. 2023
release is planned.
GAO-
20-95
2020-
01-31
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should clearly
document in guidance to the regional
offices that they should collect data
on compliance assistance activities
and specify which mechanism to use
to maintain the data, such as ICIS.
The agency is currently
amending 2019 guidance for
consistency with Executive Order
13892 and will provide it to GAO
once finalized. The guidance
includes a definition of informal
enforcement actions. 2023
release is planned.
GAO-
20-95
2020-
01-31
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
include the known limitations of data
in its annual reports and provide
information on the intended use of
EPA's data.
The agency is currently
amending 2019 guidance for
consistency with Executive Order
13892 and will provide it to GAO
once finalized. The guidance
includes a definition of informal
enforcement actions. 2023
release is planned.
GAO-
20-597
2020-
09-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Water should develop an
agreement with HHS's Offices of
Child Care and Head Start on their
roles and responsibilities in
implementing the Memorandum of
Understanding on Reducing Lead
Levels in Drinking Water in Schools
and Child Care Facilities. For
example, these agreements may
include the ways in which guidance
and information will be shared with
states and Head Start grantees, such
as through webinars or email, and
how frequently.
The agency has awarded WIIN
Act grants, receiving annual
grantee reports, and holding a
three-part webinar series on
reducing lead in drinking water in
schools and childcare facilities in
June and July 2022.
Implementation is ongoing.
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GAO-
20-597
2020-
09-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Water should direct the
Office of Water to specify how it will
track progress toward the outcomes
of the Memorandum of
Understanding on Reducing Lead
Levels in Drinking Water in Schools
and Child Care Facilities and
determine how it will regularly
monitor and update the MOU. For
example, the Office of Water could
develop performance measures for
each of the MOU's outcomes. In
addition, the Office of Water could
submit annual reports on progress
toward achieving the MOU's
outcomes or it could plan to update
the agreement at specific intervals.
(Recommendation 4)
The agency has taken additional
steps to implement the
Memorandum of Understanding,
including developing tools for
childcare facilities to assist them
with lead testing and remediation
efforts. Implementation is
ongoing.
GAO-
21-150
2020-
10-20
The Associate Administrator of
EPA's Office of Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations should
update Performance Partnership
Grant (PPG) best practices guidance
for tribes to clarify, for EPA and
tribal staff, how PPGs operate,
including that tribes may use PPG
funds for any activity that is eligible
under any grant eligible for inclusion
in PPGs.
The agency is revising the Best
Practices Guide for Tribal PPG
Implementation. In addition, the
EPA plans to include more
foundational guidance related to
PPGs in its fiscal year 2023-2024
National Program Guidance and
cite the best practices guide in
this national program guidance.
Implementation is ongoing.
GAO-
21-150
2020-
10-20
The Principal Deputy Assistant
Administrator of EPA's Office of Air
and Radiation, the Assistant
Administrator of EPA's Office of
Water, and the Director of EPA's
American Indian Environmental
Office should update and nationally
distribute guidance for project
officers and tribes that clarifies
documentation requirements and
eligibility definitions for quality
assurance project plans and the
The agency submitted an update
with request for closure to GAO
on 11/9/22.
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Indian Environmental General
Assistance Program.
GAO-
21-
164SU
2020-
10-27
Restricted Report: Recommendation
language not publicly available.
Restricted Report - Not Publicly
Available
Implementation is complete, and
the agency requested closure in
December 2022.
GAO-
21-
164SU
2020-
10-27
Restricted Report: Recommendation
language not publicly available.
Restricted Report - Not Publicly
Available
Implementation is complete, and
the agency requested closure in
December 2022.
GAO-
21-
164SU
2020-
10-27
Restricted Report: Recommendation
language not publicly available.
Restricted Report - Not Publicly
Available
Implementation is complete, and
the agency requested closure in
December 2022.
GAO-
21-
164SU
2020-
10-27
Restricted Report: Recommendation
language not publicly available.
Restricted Report - Not Publicly
Available
Implementation is complete, and
the agency requested closure in
December 2022.
GAO-
21-38
2020-
11-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Air and Radiation, in
consultation with state and local
agencies, should develop, make
public, and implement an asset
management framework for
consistently sustaining the national
ambient air quality monitoring
system. Such a framework could be
designed for success by considering
the key characteristics of effective
asset management described in our
report, such as identifying the
resources needed to sustain the
monitoring system, using quality data
to manage infrastructure risks, and
targeting resources toward assets that
provide the greatest value.
The agency continues to work
with state, local, and tribal
partners. Implementation is
ongoing.
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GAO-
21-38
2020-
11-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Air and Radiation, in
consultation with state and local
agencies and other relevant federal
agencies, should develop and make
public an air quality monitoring
modernization plan to better meet the
additional information needs of air
quality managers, researchers, and
the public. Such a plan could address
the ongoing challenges in
modernizing the national ambient air
quality monitoring system by
considering leading practices,
including establishing priorities and
roles, assessing risks to success,
identifying the resources needed to
achieve goals, and measuring and
evaluating progress.
EPA will continue to work with
stakeholders to establish an
approach, goals, and priorities for
an air quality monitoring
modernization plan.
Implementation is ongoing.
GAO-
21-82
2020-
12-09
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
communicate final guidance for
future national initiative cycles to all
states before the effective date of the
national initiatives.
EPA has begun the FY24 - FY27
National Enforcement and
Compliance Initiatives selection
process and recently engaged the
Environmental Council of States
prior to release of the public
Federal Register Notice.
GAO-
21-82
2020-
12-09
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
incorporate lessons learned from the
initial effort to engage earlier and
more continuously with states when
developing the office's plan for how
EPA will work with states on future
national initiatives.
EPA has begun the FY24 - FY27
National Enforcement and
Compliance Initiatives selection
process and recently engaged the
Environmental Council of States
prior to release of the public
Federal Register Notice.
GAO-
21-156
2020-
12-18
The Administrator should direct the
Assistant Administrator of the Office
of Research and Development to
provide more information publicly
about where chemical assessments
are in the development process,
including internal and external steps
The agency submitted
documentation related to the IRIS
website that address GAO
concerns and submitted a request
for closure in February 2023.
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in the process, and changes to
assessment milestones.
GAO-
21-156
2020-
12-18
The Administrator should direct the
Assistant Administrators of program
offices and Regional Administrators
to develop and make available
guidance for chemical assessment
nominations. Such guidance could
include information such as how to
select chemicals for IRIS assessment
nomination or for high priority needs,
criteria explaining how Assistant and
Regional Administrators determine
which nominations to support and
which they may choose not to
support, and how to document these
decisions.
The EPA and GAO continue to
discuss avenues to close out this
recommendation. The agency's
Office of Research and
Development is discussing how
to assist other EPA program and
regional offices in determining
which chemicals are best suited
for evaluation by the IRIS
Program.
GAO-
21-156
2020-
12-18
The Administrator of EPA should
include in ORD's strategic plan (or
subsidiary strategic plans)
identification of EPA's universe of
chemical assessment needs; how the
IRIS Program is being resourced to
meet user needs; and specific
implementation steps that indicate
how IRIS will achieve the plan's
objectives, such as specific metrics to
define progress in meeting user
needs.
The EPA provided a briefing in
2022 to GAO to describe the
Office of Research and
Development's research planning
process, including specifics of
resource and research planning
for the Health and Environmental
Risk Assessment (HERA)
National Research Program. The
briefing articulated how IRIS
contributes to the broader
objectives of the HERA research
program and describes how
HERA and CPHEA (the ORD
Center that houses the IRIS
Program) undertake workforce
planning activities focused on
addressing those objectives.
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GAO-
21-78
2020-
12-18
EPA's Assistant Administrator for
Water should develop guidance for
water systems that outlines methods
to use ACS data and, where
available, geospatial lead or other
data to identify high-risk locations in
which to focus lead reduction efforts,
including tap sampling and lead
service line replacement efforts.
The Agency developed Guidance
for Developing and Maintaining
a Service Line Inventory. The
document includes factors for
when a system may want to
prioritize investigations at
locations served by unknown
service lines. Implementation is
ongoing.
GAO-
21-78
2020-
12-18
EPA's Assistant Administrator for
Water should develop a strategic plan
that meets the WIIN Act requirement
for providing targeted outreach,
education, technical assistance, and
risk communication to populations
affected by the concentration of lead
in public water systems, and that is
fully consistent with leading practices
for strategic plans.
EPA continues to be in
disagreement with the
recommendation and believe that
the agency met the Water
Infrastructure Improvements for
the Nation Act (WIIN)
requirement. Furthermore, EPA
developed a strategic plan for
targeted outreach to populations
affected by lead. The plan
outlines the new WIIN
requirements and identifies the
roles and responsibilities for
EPA, states, and Public Water
Systems. The plan establishes
procedures for ensuring that
communities are provided with:
(1) An explanation of potential
adverse effects on human health
of drinking water that contains a
high level of lead;
(2) The steps that the public
water system is taking to lower
the concentration of lead; and
(3) The possible need for
homeowners to seek another
water source until the lead level
can be lowered. In addition, in
December 2021, EPA announced
its efforts to strengthen the
regulatory framework on lead in
drinking water. EPA identified
priority improvements for the
LCRI: proactive and equitable
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lead service line replacement
(LSLR), strengthening
compliance tap sampling to better
identify communities most at risk
of lead in drinking water and to
compel lead reduction actions,
and reducing the complexity of
the regulation through
improvement of the action and
trigger level construct. EPA has
begun development of a proposed
National Primary Drinking Water
Regulation, Lead and Copper
Rule Improvements (LCRI) to
address key issues and
opportunities to protect all
Americans from lead in drinking
water. EPA intends to
promulgate the LCRI prior to
October 16, 2024.
GAO-
21-78
2020-
12-18
EPA's Assistant Administrator for
Water should incorporate use of (1)
ACS data on neighborhood
characteristics potentially associated
with the presence of lead service
lines and (2) geospatial lead data,
when available, into EPA's efforts to
address the Federal Action Plan to
Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures
and Associated Health Impacts.
The Agency has developed
Guidance for Developing and
Maintaining a Service Line
Inventory. In the document there
is a section on "Inventory
Planning" that discusses various
approaches that can be used to
establish lead service line
inventories. While the LCRR
does not require a specific format
for the service line inventory, the
guidance includes a section titled
"How to Make the Data Publicly
Available" including
recommendations on web-based
map applications.
Implementation is ongoing.
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GAO-
21-87
2020-
12-18
The Director of EPA's Office of
Resource Conservation and Recovery
should develop an implementation
plan for conducting a study and
developing recommendations for
administrative or legislative action
regarding the effect of existing public
policies, and the likely effect of
modifying or eliminating such
incentives and disincentives, upon
the reuse, recycling, and conservation
of materials, as required by RCRA.
The EPA initiated an analysis
that examines the impacts of
different policies, incentives, and
disincentives on driving a
circular economy. This analysis
includes a literature review of
existing domestic and
international policies related to
recycling. The final report will
include recommendations on
effective policies or
administrative actions. EPA
completed drafts of the final
report and anticipates releasing
the report by June 30, 2023.
GAO-
21-87
2020-
12-18
The Director of EPA's Office of
Resource Conservation and Recovery
should develop an implementation
plan for conducting a study and
developing recommendations for
administrative or legislative action
regarding the necessity and method
of imposing disposal or other charges
on packaging, containers, vehicles,
and other manufactured goods to
reflect the cost of final disposal, the
value of recoverable components of
the item, and any social costs
associated with nonrecycling or
uncontrolled disposal, as required by
RCRA.
On November 15, 2021, EPA
released its final National
Recycling Strategy. This strategy
committed EPA to conducting a
study on reflecting environmental
and social costs in product prices.
Per the strategy, the agency will
develop an implementation plan
with more specificity about this
action and the organizational
lead. The EPA completed a draft
of the study, and it is currently
undergoing review. Release of
the study is anticipated by June
30, 2023.
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GAO-
21-87
2020-
12-18
The Director of EPA's Office of
Resource Conservation and Recovery
should, while EPA finalizes and
implements its national recycling
strategy, incorporate desirable
characteristics for effective national
strategies, including (1) identifying
the resources and investments
needed, and balancing the risk
reductions with costs; (2) clarifying
the roles and responsibilities of
participating entities; and (3)
articulating how it will implement the
strategy and integrate new activities
into existing programs and activities.
EPA released the National
Recycling Strategy on November
15, 2021. EPA completed the
implementation plan online
platform. Since then, EPA has
undertaken several efforts to
implement the Strategy. GAO is
reviewing the implementation
plan.
GAO-
21-63
2021-
01-15
The Director for EPA's Office of
Pesticide Programs should, in the
agency's guidance, on its website, or
through another mechanism, explain
EPA's expectations about the
appropriate use of the pesticide
information obtained by a designated
representative, including describing
potential misuse of such information.
In December 2021, the agency
completed an assessment to
determine whether the designated
representative provision is
fulfilling its intended purpose and
how EPA can support
understanding and compliance
with the provision. The EPA now
expects to implement this
recommendation by December
2023.
GAO-
21-291
2021-
03-26
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Water should
develop definitions for all utility
ownership types for regional offices
and states to use when entering data
on ownership type in EPA's Safe
Drinking Water Information System
and should verify and correct the data
as needed.
The modernized Safe Drinking
Water Information System is
expected to be available for states
to begin transitioning to the
system by end of 2024 and the
length of transition period will
depend on states and their
available resources to transition.
EPA expects the definition
development will be in the later
part of the SDWIS development
when additional fields will be
added.
GAO-
21-291
2021-
03-26
The Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Water should
conduct another Community Water
System Survey to establish an
The Agency has initiated work to
conduct another Community
Water System Survey.
Implementation is ongoing.
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updated, accurate baseline of
drinking water utility information for
rulemaking and other purposes.
GAO-
21-290
2021-
07-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should revise
its guidance to select files for its
State Review Framework
assessments of state-reported data to
incorporate statistically valid
probability sampling.
Based on recommendations from
EPA's National Center for
Environmental Economics on
statistical methods, the agency
will research randomization tools
to pilot for all Clean Water Act
Direct Implementation State
Revolving Fund File Selection
lists during State Review
Framework. Full implementation
is planned for FY23.
GAO-
21-290
2021-
07-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should ensure
that consolidated, complete, and
updated information on all data
limitations is disclosed on the State
Water Dashboard.
The agency held discussions with
stakeholders to identify and map
what website content requires
modification and how best to
implement them. Implementation
includes but is not limited to
consolidation and editing of
website content and editing to
improve clarity. Full
implementation is planned for
FY23.
GAO-
21-290
2021-
07-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
develop a plan to determine the
overall accuracy and completeness of
the permit limit and discharge
monitoring report data recorded in its
national database.
The agency will continue to work
with states to identify and correct
problems that prevent proper
transfer of discharge monitoring
report data to the Integrated
Compliance Information System
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System.
Additionally, the agency will
work to maximize the amount of
discharge monitoring report data
and all necessary permit limit
data in the system. The EPA will
develop a methodology to
examine the accuracy of the
discharge monitoring report and
permit limit data received by the
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Integrated Compliance
Information System National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System from authorized states.
Full implementation is planned
for completion by the end of
FY25.
GAO-
21-290
2021-
07-12
The Assistant Administrator of EPA s
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should
develop a performance measure to
track the reduction in pollutant
discharges resulting from
enforcement actions for facilities in
significant noncompliance and
disclose any limitations.
The EPA will identify trends in
this measure over time to assess
whether agency and state
compliance work is positively
impacting the average pollutant
load over limit per permit. The
agency will continue to report
annually the Estimated Water
Pollutants to be reduced resulting
from enforcement actions
(Estimated Water Pollutants
Reduced, Treated or Eliminated
for the Clean Water Act National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Program). The page will
also identify data limitations.
Additionally, the EPA will
develop a methodology and
outcome measure for tracking the
extent to which the significant
noncompliance national
compliance initiative achieves
reductions in illegal pollutant
discharges. Actions are ongoing.
GAO-
21-
103181
2021-
09-21
The Administrator of EPA should
fully describe available public
comment data, including any
limitations, to external users of the
data. This should include
coordination with GSA, as the
manager ofRegulations.gov, as
appropriate.
Implementation is complete. The
EPA requested closure of this
recommendation in December
2023.
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GAO-
22-
104677
2021-
10-14
The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency
should evaluate the effectiveness of
steps taken to improve SBIR award
timeliness and take any necessary
additional steps in order to
consistently meet SBA award
timeliness guidelines.
Agency actions are complete.
However, GAO requires outyear
data to confirm consistent
implementation. Closure is
anticipated after an additional
cycle.
GAO-
22-
104153
2021-
12-15
The Administrator of EPA should
work with the Coast Guard and other
agencies to conduct assessments,
such as biological assessments or
ecological risk assessments, and
examining the potential effects of the
subsurface use of dispersants on
ocean ecosystems in regions where
this is considered a viable response
option.
The agency plans to provide
support to the Coast Guard and
coordinate with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and other
agencies to identify assessment
methodologies and examine
potential effects of the subsurface
use of dispersants on ocean
ecosystems for select regions.
Implementation has external
dependencies, so a firm estimate
for completion is not yet
available.
GAO-
22-
104637
2021-
12-15
If Congress extends the refined coal
production tax credit, the
Administrator of the EPA should
coordinate with Treasury, IRS, and
DOE to review the performance of
the credit in achieving its intended
purpose and identify and implement,
as appropriate, any improvements
towards achieving that intended
purpose, such as adjustments to
allowable emissions testing methods.
Congress elected not to include
the refined coal tax credit when
renewing similar energy tax
credits in the Inflation Reduction
Act - a precondition of the
recommendation. The agency
requested closure of the
recommendation.
GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance should design
an information system to track
common deficiencies found during
inspections, including any related to
natural hazards and climate change,
and use this information to target
compliance assistance.
The agency intends to develop a
written business process to
identify common deficiencies and
to use this process to target
compliance assistance efforts.
Completion is anticipated by
mid-2023.
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GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance and Director
of the Office of Emergency
Management should develop a
method for inspectors to assess the
sufficiency of RMP facilities'
incorporation of risks from natural
hazards and climate change into risk
management programs and provide
related guidance and training to
inspectors.
The agency is working on a
proposal to revise the Risk
Management Plan (RMP)
regulations and after the final rule
is published, we intend to
incorporate methods and/or
materials related to assessing the
sufficiency of RMP facilities'
incorporation of risks from
natural hazards and climate
change into the Risk
Management Program Inspector
Training course. Completion is
anticipated by the end of FY23.
GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance, working with
officials at regional offices, should
incorporate vulnerability of RMP
facilities to natural hazards and
climate change as criteria when
selecting facilities for inspection.
The agency is working on a
proposal to revise the RMP
regulations and will look for
opportunities to incorporate risks
from climate change into the
National Compliance Initiative
goals and inspection selection
criteria, as well as refine its
approach after the final rule is
published. Completion is
anticipated by the end of FY23.
GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance and Director
of the Office of Emergency
Management should develop a
method for inspectors to assess the
sufficiency of RMP facilities'
incorporation of risks from natural
hazards and climate change into risk
management programs and provide
related guidance and training to
inspectors.
The agency is working on a
proposal to revise the RMP
regulations. After the final rule is
published, the agency intends to
incorporate methods and/or
materials related to assessing the
sufficiency of RMP facilities'
incorporation of risks from
natural hazards and climate
change into the Risk
Management Program Inspector
Training course. Completion is
anticipated by the end of FY23.
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GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Assistant Administrator of the
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance and Director
of the Office of Emergency
Management, together with EPA
officials at regional offices, should
provide additional compliance
assistance to RMP facilities related to
risks from natural hazards and
climate change.
Progress on this recommendation
is contingent on the final rule
being published, so EPA does not
expect to develop the additional
materials to assist regulated
entities in complying with the
updated RMP regulations until
after the final rule is published.
GAO-
22-
104494
2022-
02-28
The Director of the Office of
Emergency Management should
issue regulations, guidance, or both,
as appropriate, to clarify
requirements and provide direction
for RMP facilities on how to
incorporate risks from natural
hazards and climate change into their
risk management programs.
EPA published the proposed rule
ahead of schedule in August
2022. It includes amendments to
the PHA and hazard review
provisions that would explicitly
require RMP facilities to consider
the risks of external events such
as natural hazards, including
those caused by climate change
or other triggering events that
could lead to an accidental
release. Completion is anticipated
by the end of FY23.
GAO-
22-
104276
2022-
03-17
The Director of the Office of
Emergency Management at EPA
should develop a formal lessons
learned process with written
guidelines for disaster responses,
including responses to Stafford Act
disasters, that incorporates the key
practices of a lessons learned process.
The agency is on track to
complete this action by the end of
CY23.
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Working Capital Fund
In FY 2024, the Agency will be in its 28th year of operation of the Working Capital Fund (WCF).
The WCF is a revolving fund authorized by law to finance a cycle of operations in which the costs
for goods or services provided are charged to the users. The WCF operates like a commercial
business within EPA where customers pay for services received, thus generating revenue.
Customers include EPA program and regional offices and other federal agencies. The WCF
mechanism provides an efficient method for a full cost approach to agency programs. EPA's WCF
was implemented under the authority of Section 403 of the Government Management Reform Act
of 1994 and the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. EPA received permanent
WCF authority in the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1998.
EPA's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) initiated the WCF in FY 1997 as part of an effort to: 1) be
accountable to agency offices, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress; 2) increase
the efficiency of the administrative services provided to program offices; and 3) increase customer
service and responsiveness. The Agency has a WCF Board which provides policy and planning
oversight and advises the CFO regarding the WCF financial position. The Board, chaired by a
management representative within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, is comprised of 23
voting members from program and regional offices.
In FY 2024, there will be 15 core agency activities provided under the WCF. These are the
Agency's information technology services, agency postage, Cincinnati voice services, background
investigations, enterprise human resources, Information and Technology (IT) services, and
facilities alterations managed by the Office of Mission Support; financial and administrative
systems, employee relocations, and a budget formulation system managed by the Office of the
Chief Financial Officer; the Agency's Continuity of Operations (COOP) site managed by the
Office of Land and Emergency Management; regional information technology service and support
managed by EPA Region 8; legal services managed by the Office of General Counsel; and
multimedia services, EPA Action Management System (EAMS) and agency servicing contracts
managed by the Office of the Administrator.
The Agency's FY 2024 budget request includes resources for these 15 core activities in each
National Program Manager's submission, totaling approximately $463 million. These estimated
resources may be adjusted during the year to incorporate any program office's additional service
needs during the operating year. To the extent these increases are subject to Congressional
reprogramming notifications, the Agency will comply with all applicable requirements. In FY
2024, the Agency will continue to perform relocation services for other federal agencies, delivering
high quality services external to EPA.
The Agency anticipates that there may be minor increases and decreases in FY 2024 due to several
IT improvements, including increased cloud computing, improved network infrastructure,
cybersecurity requirements, continuous diagnostic and mitigation program implementation, and
discovery services. Other funding shifts have been included in the FY 2024 WCF plan that relate
to the necessary telecommunications and computer support needed by every employee. As part of
an overall review and rebalancing of these costs, funds have been shifted across programs to reflect
FTE changes as well.
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