U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 8
Climate Change Adaptation
Implementation Plan
OCTOBER 2022
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Disclaimer
To the extent this document mentions or discusses statutory or regulatory authority, it does so for
informational purposes only. This document does not substitute for those statutes or regulations, and
readers should consult the statutes or regulations to learn what they require. Neither this document, nor
any part of it, is itself a rule or a regulation. Thus, it cannot change or impose legally binding
requirements on EPA, States, the public, or the regulated community. Further, any expressed intention,
suggestion or recommendation does not impose any legally binding requirements on EPA, States, tribes,
the public, or the regulated community. Agency decision makers remain free to exercise their discretion
in choosing to implement the actions described in this Plan. Such implementation is contingent upon
availability of resources and is subject to change.
EPA Publication Number: 908B22001
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
SEP 12 2022
$ Ti
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR
Preface
Climate change is threatening communities across the nation. Millions of Americans feel the
destructive effects of climate change each year when the power goes down, rivers and lakes go dry,
homes are destroyed by wildfires and communities are flooded by hurricanes. Underserved
communities are especially vulnerable to the climate crisis and are more likely to experience the
negative health and environmental effects of extreme weather events.
The Biden-Harris Administration is actively confronting the climate crisis while also advancing
environmental justice. As part of a whole-of-government approach, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency is strongly committed to taking the actions necessary to protect human health and
the environment and to increase the resilience of the entire nation, even as the climate changes.
The EPA's commitment to action is reflected in its FY 2022-2024 Strategic Plan and in the 2021
Climate Adaptation Action Plan. Both documents present priority actions the agency will take to
ensure that its programs, policies and operations remain effective under future climate conditions
while we work to support states, territories, tribes and communities in increasing their own adaptive
capacity and resilience to climate change impacts.
From flooding at Superfund sites, to wildfires causing air pollution, to sea-level rise affecting water
quality and infrastructure, the EPA will boldly address climate impacts in both its programs and the
communities it serves. We recognize the importance of tribal, state and local government
partnerships in efficient, effective and equitable implementation of climate change adaptation
strategies. Our plans were informed and improved by input we received in listening sessions we held
to engage these and other partners as we developed these plans.
To ensure we are addressing the climate crisis in a comprehensive way, each of our national program
and regional offices has developed individual Climate Adaptation Implementation Plans that outline
how the EPA will attain the agencywide goals described in the broader Climate Adaptation Action
Plan. These plans describe how programs and regions will integrate climate adaptation into their
programs, partnerships and operations. They also describe how they will help partners build their
resilience and capacity to adapt, while delivering co-benefits, including curbing greenhouse-gas
emissions and other pollution, and promoting public health, economic growth and climate justice. Of
course, the EPA has a major role to play on emissions reductions as well, though that is not the focus
Page 3 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
of these plans. Indeed, we must focus on both climate adaptation and mitigation to ensure our nation
and communities thrive in an era of climate change.
As part of this effort, we will empower our staff and partners by increasing awareness of how climate
change may affect our collective ability to implement effective and resilient programs. We will also
provide them with the necessary training, tools, data, information and technical support to make
informed decisions and integrate climate adaptation into our work.
The EPA will work to modernize its financial assistance programs to encourage climate-resilient
investments across the nation. We will also focus on ensuring that investments funded by the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and other government programs are
resilient to the impacts of climate change. Finally, as our knowledge advances and as impacts
continue to develop, our response will likewise evolve. We will work to share these developments to
enhance the collective resilience of our nation.
The actions outlined in these implementation plans reflect the EPA's commitment to build every
community's capacity to anticipate, prepare for, adapt to and recover from the increasingly
destructive impacts of climate change. Together with our partners, we will work to create a healthy
and prosperous nation that is resilient to the ever-increasing impacts of climate change — which is
vital to the EPA's goal of protecting human health and the environment and to ensuring the long-term
success of our nation.
Janet G. McCabe
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
tents
Chapter 1. Introduction 6
Chapter 2. Climate Vulnerability Assessment 9
2.1 Background 9
2.2 Regional Description 11
2.3 Climate Change Impacts in EPA Region 8 11
2.4 EPA Region 8 Program Vulnerabilities 13
Facilities, Operations, and Workforce 13
Air Programs 13
Water Programs 15
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs 18
Emergency Response and Waste Management Programs 20
Enforcing Environmental Laws and Ensuring Compliance 23
Chapter 3. Climate Adaptation Goals and Priority Actions 24
3.1 Background 24
3.2 Monitoring and Evaluating Performance 24
3.3 EPA Region 8 Climate Adaptation Goals 25
3.4 EPA Region 8 Climate Adaptation Priority Actions 27
Planning and Implementation 27
Strengthen Internal Adaptive Capacity 29
Strengthen Adaptive Capacity of Our Partners 33
Research, Data, and Integration 35
Outreach and Education 38
Chapter 4. Climate Adaptation Training Plan 41
4.1 Training Approach 41
4.2 Climate Adaptation Training Modules 41
Chapter 5. Climate Adaptation Science Needs 44
Chapter 6. Conclusion 46
Appendix A. Stakeholder and Partner Engagement 47
Early Engagement on EPA's Climate Adaptation Planning Process and Climate Impacts 47
Engagement on Draft Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan 47
Tribal Government Engagement 48
State and Local Government Engagement 48
Region 8 Listening Sessions 49
References 51
Page 5 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Chaptei don
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to identifying and responding to the
challenges that a changing climate poses to human health and the environment. In 2014, EPA released
an Agency-wide Climate Change Adaptation Plan. In turn, EPA National Program Offices, all 10 EPA
Regional Offices, and several EPA National Support Offices released Climate Adaptation
Implementation Plans in 2014. These documents contained "vulnerability assessments" that analyzed
how climate change might affect the work of the Agency, as well as priority activities to address these
vulnerabilities.
The January 27, 2021, Executive Order (E.O.) 14008 entitled Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and
Abroad' directs all federal agencies to prepare Climate Adaptation Action Plans. To begin this process,
on May 26, 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan issued an updated Policy Statement on Climate
Adaptation. In the Policy Statement, the Administrator directed all EPA National Program and Regional
Offices to update their 2014 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plans. In October 2021, EPA, along
with over 20 other federal agencies, released an Agency-wide 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan11 in
response toE.O. 14008.
EPA's Climate Adaptation Action Plan reinforces that the impacts of climate change within and across
U.S. regions will not be distributed equally and recognizes that certain communities and individuals are
particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. EPA commits to prioritizing the most
vulnerable populations with the goal of attaining a more equitable, just, and resilient future within and
across communities.111
EPA Region 8, through its updated Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan, commits to:
• Leverage Region 8 programs and resources to promote state, tribal, and community adaptation to
climate change, with a particular focus on advancing environmental justice.
• Place a priority on building climate resiliency in populations that are particularly vulnerable to
the impacts of climate change, such as low-income communities, communities of color, children,
the elderly, communities situated in air quality non-attainment areas, persons with asthma and
other chronic respiratory issues, the homeless, outdoor workers, and Indigenous Peoples.
• Work with our external partners to leverage expertise and resources, with a particular emphasis
on overburdened and vulnerable populations.
• Recognize that different parts of Region 8 are experiencing different climate change impacts and
to differing degrees, thus have diverse climate adaptation needs.
• Maintain an internal climate change workgroup to facilitate cross-division communication and
coordination.
The updated Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan, along with all updated EPA National
Program Office, National Support Office, and Regional Office plans, includes the following five
elements:
• Designation of a Senior Career Leader responsible for overseeing climate adaptation activities in
EPA Region 8.
• Updated Climate Vulnerability Assessment specific to EPA Region 8.
P a g c 6 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
• Priority Actions that will be taken by EPA Region 8 to address the Agency-wide priorities
identified by EPA's Agency-wide 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
• A training plan for enhancing staff knowledge about climate adaptation.
• Identification of science needs.
EPA Region 8 has designated Daniel Heffernan, Associate Deputy Regional Administrator, as its Senior
Career Leader responsible for overseeing climate adaptation activities in Region 8.
Region 8 formed a Climate Adaptation Team (Table 1) in late 2021 comprised of representatives
appointed from each division and office. The Climate Adaptation Team led the development of this
updated Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan and will guide implementation of the Plan
and associated priority actions in the coming years.
Table 1. Region 8 Climate Adaptation Team
Air and Radiation Division
Emily Bertram (Climate Change
Coordinator)
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division
Alison Ruhs
Land, Chemicals, and Rede velopment Di vision
Kyle Corcoran, Rebecca Perrin, Tim
Rehder, Patrick Wauters
Laboratory Ser vices and Applied Sciences Di vision
Billy Bunch
Mission Support Division
Jordan Rogers
Office of the Regional Administrator
Justin Bleiler
Office of Regional Counsel
Kimi Matsumoto
Superfimd and Emergency Management Division
Sabrina Forrest, Becky Geyer
Water Division
Jason Gildea, Andrew Todd
Lead Region Coordinator, Office of International and
Tribal Affairs
Jennifer Wintersteen
Senior Career Leader for Climate Adaptation
Daniel Heffernan
Throughout Region 8's Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan, the terms climate change adaptation,
adaptive capacity, climate resilience, and climate change mitigation are used. Table 2 provides these key
definitions.
Table 2. Key Definitions"
Climate change
adaptation
or climate adaptation means taking action to prepare for and adjust to
both the current and projected impacts of climate change.
Adaptive capacity
is the ability of a human or natural system to adjust to climate change
(including climate variability and extremes) by moderating potential
damages, taking advantage of opportunities, or coping with the
consequences.
Page 7 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Climate resilience
can be generally defined as the capacity of a system to maintain function
in the face of stresses imposed by climate change and to adapt the system
to be better prepared for future climate impacts.
Climate change mitigation
refers to actions limiting the magnitude and rate of future climate change
by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Page 8 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Chaptei ' 11 lim&io 'nln-Tability Assessment
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
2.1 Background
EPA Region 8's climate vulnerability assessment builds upon the assessment developed for the 2014
Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan and reflects the latest scientific information
contained in the Fourth U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA4),V and EPA's Climate Change
Indicators in the United States." The climate vulnerability assessment contains an updated list of climate
change impacts in Region 8, and considers:
• How EPA Region 8 programs are vulnerable to the impacts.
• How the impacts may affect vulnerable populations.
• Actions taken to address the risks, remaining vulnerabilities, and barriers to further actions.
• Resource and budget issues.
Vulnerabilities were considered for the following Region 8 program areas:
• Facilities, Operations, and Workforce
• Air Programs
• Water Programs
• Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs
• Emergency Response and Waste Management Programs
• Enforcing Environmental Laws and Ensuring Compliance
Vulnerable Populations. Vulnerable populations are mentioned throughout Region 8's climate
vulnerability assessment. Populations vulnerable to climate change impacts may include children, the
elderly, people of color, low-income communities, persons with underlying medical conditions and
disabilities, those with limited access to information, Indigenous populations, communities
overburdened by pollution, and the homeless and outdoor workers who may have more exposure to heat
and air pollution. Certain geographic locations may also contribute to vulnerability, such as areas of air
quality non-attainment.
In September 2021, EPA released a report entitled Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the
United States: A Focus on Six Impact Sectors,™ an environmental justice study that looks at how
projected climate change impacts may be distributed across the American public. The analysis shows
that the most severe harms from climate change fall disproportionately upon underserved
communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality,
flooding, and other impacts. EPA's analysis indicates that racial and ethnic minority communities are
particularly vulnerable to the greatest impacts of climate change.
Advancing Environmental Justice. EPA's climate adaptation planning supports the Agency's and
government-wide efforts to advance environmental justice. EPA Region 8's Climate Adaptation
Implementation Plan, and the priority actions found within, support the Agency's efforts to strengthen
the adaptive capacities and increase the resilience of the nation by consulting and partnering with states,
tribes, territories, local governments, environmental justice organizations, community groups,
businesses, and other federal agencies, with a particular focus on environmental justice. When
P a g c 9 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
integrating climate adaptation into the Agency's programs, policies, and processes, EPA will account for
the impacts of climate change and related environmental justice concerns. EPA places a special
emphasis on working with overburdened and vulnerable populations to increase their resilience to
climate change. Such populations include communities of color, low-income communities, children,
persons with disabilities, the elderly, tribes, and Indigenous Peoples. These groups and individuals may
be especially vulnerable to climate change impacts due to a variety of factors including higher pollution
burdens, disproportionate exposure to environmental contaminants, lack of financial resources, limited
access to quality health care, and other barriers/111
Rural Communities. Region 8 is home to some of the most rural counties in the nation. Region 8 lacks
the urban areas that other parts of the country have, relatively speaking, as almost 50% of the area (145
out of the 291 counties) is classified as "100% or completely rural," according to the U.S. Census
counties. Out of the 10 EPA regions, Region 8 is ranked 2nd in terms of having the highest number of
"100%> rural" counties. Throughout its climate adaptation planning, Region 8 will consider the unique
needs of our rural communities. EPA Region 8 understands that the challenges posed by climate change
and the obstacles to adapting to a changing climate in these communities are often different than those in
urban and suburban areas and may require unique solutions and targeted assistance.
Tribes and Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples may also be particularly vulnerable to the impacts
of climate change due to the integral nature of the environment within their traditional lifeways and
cultures. Region 8 places a priority on the development of adaptation strategies that promote
sustainability and reduce the impact of climate change on Indigenous Peoples, with a focus on
Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK). ITEK refers to knowledge, which have
accumulated over generations through direct contact with the environment, that focus on the
relationships between humans, plants, animals, natural phenomena, and the landscape. Indigenous
knowledge broadly includes systems of observing, monitoring, researching, recording, communicating,
and learning, and their social adaptive capacity to adjust to or prepare for changes.1X
EPA values its unique relationship with Indian tribes and recognizes and supports the sovereign
decision-making authority of tribal governments. Under the Constitution, treaties with tribal nations are
part of the supreme law of the land, establishing unique sets of rights, benefits and conditions for the
treaty-making tribes who were forced to cede millions of acres of their homelands to the United States,
in return for recognition of property rights in land and resources as well as federal protections. Tribal
treaty rights have the same legal force and effect as federal statutes and they should be integrated into
and given the fullest consideration throughout EPA's collective work. Reserved rights are the rights
tribes retain that were not expressly granted to the United States by tribes in treaties. Treaty and reserved
rights, including but not limited to the rights to hunt, fish and gather, may be found both on and off-
reservation lands. Agencies should consider treaty and reserved rights in developing and implementing
climate adaption plans in order to protect these rights and ensure the Agencies meet their legal and
statutory obligations and other mission priorities as we work to combat the climate crisis.
In September 2021, EPA joined 16 other federal agencies in signing a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)x that committed those parties to identifying and protecting tribal treaty rights
early in the decision-making and regulatory processes. Accordingly, EPA will consider and protect
3 age 10 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
treaty and reserved rights in developing and implementing climate adaptation plans through
strengthened consultation, additional staff training and annual reporting requirements.
2.2 Regional Description
EPA Region 8's "Mountains and Plains" office serves Colorado (CO), Montana (MT), North Dakota
(ND), South Dakota (SD), Utah (UT), Wyoming (WY), and 28 Tribal Nations. Region 8 encompasses
two different climate regions, as defined by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)X1- the
Southwest (CO and UT) and the Northern Great Plains (MT, ND, SD, and WY).
Region 8 states and sovereign tribal nations encompass the heart of the American West, including much
of the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Colorado Plateau. Over two-thirds of the Region's roughly
10 million people live in two distinct bands of urban development- Colorado's Front Range and Utah's
Wasatch Front.™ Region 8 is characterized by vast open spaces, including mountains, plains, canyons,
and deserts, as well as small population centers. Region 8 is home to some of the most iconic
landscapes, including Yellowstone, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Badlands, and Zion National Parks, as
well as dozens more national parks, national monuments, and forests. Region 8 encompasses range,
farm, and grass lands.
Region 8 is arid, stressing the availability and quality of water resources, particularly to meet competing
demands from industry and human consumption. Many water resources originate in Region 8, such as
the Missouri, Rio Grande, Colorado, Arkansas, and Platte rivers. Due to the significant amount of
publicly owned lands, partnership with other federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service (USFS),
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Park Service (NPS), and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), is critical. The 28 sovereign tribal nations collectively make up an area
in Region 8 the size of Tennessee. Region 8 works closely with other federal agencies, these 28 tribal
nations, as well as state and local governments to protect human health and safeguard the natural
environment.
2.3 Climate Change Impacts in EPA Region 8
EPA Region 8 has identified climate change impacts that may affect the Region and our programmatic
work (Table 3). The impacts are premised on the measurable increase of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere™1 and may be considered individually or in combination. Impacts are referenced to the U.S.
Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)'s Fourth National Climate Assessment and/or the U.S.
EPA's Climate Change Indicators in the United States (see references for more detail).
Page 11 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Table 3. Climate Change Impacts in EPA Region 8
Airxlv xv
Water/Snow/Ice^' X]/" XM" xlx x~
Health and Society™ X£" xu" x?;'v"
XXV XXVI
Increasing air temperatures
Increasing water temperatures
Increasing exposure to wildfire
smoke
Increasing particulate matter
levels
Increasing heavy precipitation
events
Increasing risk of health impacts
on vulnerable populations
Increasing length of wildfire
season and related air quality
impacts
Decreasing snowpack and
extent of glaciers
Increasing health effects from
airborne allergens
Increasing ground-level ozone
levels
Increasing risk of water
shortages in the Southwest
Increasing urban heat island
effects
Increasing indoor air pollution
Increasing risk of harmful algal
blooms
Increasing heat wave frequency,
duration, and intensity
Increasing airborne allergens
Indigenous Peoples™' XX)!C" xxcx
Increasing risk of extreme
weather events
Agriculturera; xm ™' ™"
Increasing risks to Indigenous
Peoples' livelihoods and
economies
Increasing risk of landslides and
debris flows.
Increasing length of the growing
season
Impacts to Indigenous Peoples'
cultural resources
Increasing exposure to vector-
borne diseases
Decreasing soil moisture
Increasing risks to Indigenous
Peoples' physical and mental
health
Compounding effects of more
than one impact occurring at a
given time
Expanded distribution and
incidence of pests and diseases
for crops and livestock
EcosystemsiUi v i,AV
Infrastructure****" xxxm
Depletion of groundwater for
irrigation
Shifts in the phenologies, range,
and abundance of certain
species
Deteriorating water
infrastructure at risk
Increasing risks to rural
populations
Decreasing integrity of
ecosystems and ecosystem
services
Transportation infrastructure at
risk
Increasing risks to livestock
Increasing spread of invasive
species
Increasing residential summer
electricity use
Increasing risk of extreme
weather events
Increasing extent of and damage
caused by wildfires
Deteriorating dams and levees
at risk
Increasing risk of drought
Page 12 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
2.4 EPA Region 8 Program Vulnerabilities
Facilities, Operations, and Workforce
Region 8's headquarters building is located at 1595 Wynkoop Street in downtown Denver, Colorado.
Region 8 also operates an office in the Baucus Federal Building in Helena, Montana and a laboratory in
the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
The operation of EPA Region 8 facilities may be affected. Increasing air temperatures and climate
extremes may affect cooling and heating requirements in Region 8 facilities. The operation of Region 8
facilities could also be affected by water shortages due to drought, and electric power interruptions due
to extreme weather events and wildfires. Drought, extreme temperatures, and extreme precipitation
events may also make it more difficult to maintain the viability of green roofs upon which Region 8
relies for stormwater retention services at its headquarters building in Denver, Colorado. Region 8 has
been adapting to these impacts by reducing its energy and water use and by maximizing the ability of
personnel to work remotely for an extended period of time. Building air filtration has also been
upgraded in many locations, and the Region is exploring the availability of heat pumps and micro grids
to provide localized cooling, heating, and electric power to build long-term resiliency and reduce its
environmental footprint. Resource and budget issues may delay or prevent the implementation of many
desired actions and the tracking of performance over time.
Air Programs
Tropospheric ozone pollution is likely to increase in certain areas due to the effects of climate
change. Higher temperatures and regional air stagnation associated with climate change may lead to the
formation of more tropospheric or ground-level ozone even with the same level of emissions. While
tropospheric ozone is higher in urban areas, some rural and tribal areas may also be affected due to
widespread oil and gas development. Additionally, background levels of tropospheric ozone are
increasingly becoming more elevated due to atmospheric transport and increasing contributions from
wildfire smoke. Climate change also has the potential to lengthen the ozone season by increasing time
throughout the year conducive to the formation of tropospheric (ground level) ozone. Vulnerable
populations and active individuals are at a higher risk for health effects from exposure to increased
ozone concentrations.
Particulate matter (PM) levels are likely to be affected by increased frequency and intensity of
wildfires. There is evidence indicating that climate change will elevate PM levels through increases in
the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Impacts from large scale wildfires affect regional air quality on
scales so vast that populations impacted by the smoke may not be able to escape areas with very poor air
quality. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported with very high confidence
that in North America, disturbances such as wildfires are increasing and are likely to intensify in a
warmer future with drier soils and longer growing seasons. Forest fires are likely to increase in
frequency, severity, distribution, and duration in the Intermountain West and the West due to climate
change. This regional area is also downwind from smoke and pollutant transport emanating from the
Page 13 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Pacific Northwest and Canada. This, in addition to the recent pine beetle outbreak in the Rocky
Mountains, is changing the fire regime in the area and complicating Region 8's efforts to protect public
health and the environment from PM pollution. Additionally, drought conditions may increase dust
storms and contribute to degraded air quality due to PM. Vulnerable populations may be especially at
risk from increased exposure to PM.
Climate change may impact air quality monitoring, standards, planning and permitting
programs. Region 8 can adapt to climate driven changes in air quality trends using existing regulatory
processes. However, it may be necessary to develop new regulatory and policy tools to address
persistent large scale air quality issues. EPA uses monitoring data to inform decisions and apply the
appropriate regulatory framework. Monitoring of some pollutants and some areas has decreased as urban
air quality trends drastically improved since the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. However, with increasing
population and energy development, fuel consumption, and the potential for climate-driven extreme
events such as severe wildfires, there may be value and need to expand monitoring networks in areas
heretofore unmonitored. Monitoring information is important to protect populations from extremely
poor air quality as well as to verify air modeling. High quality air quality modeling is important to
project the effects that EPA and state decisions may have on air quality.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are set to protect public health and the environment.
If an area does not meet the NAAQS for any of the six criteria pollutants, the area must be designated as
nonattainment for the NAAQS for that pollutant and the state must develop a plan for how the state will
attain and maintain the NAAQS in that area. The state's plan is submitted to EPA for approval. If air
quality is greatly affected by climate-driven events, it may be necessary to reevaluate existing regulation
and policy, which currently allows for the exclusion of exceptional events such as wildfires or high
winds from some regulatory determinations, including decisions as to whether an area has attained the
NAAQS. While these events may not be in the control of regulators, or any person in some cases, they
nevertheless affect human health and the environment.
Permitting programs for stationary sources are another mechanism that EPA and the states use to protect
air quality. EPA and the states can use these programs to adapt to changing trends in air quality that have
already started to occur, but we may be limited in how we can use permitting programs to deal with
changes that have not yet been experienced.
In addition, Region 8's Air and Radiation Division assists the Region's National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) program in developing and providing comments pursuant to Clean Air Act Section 309 and
NEPA, to other federal agencies regarding potential air quality impacts of proposed federal actions that
may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. EPA provides recommendations to lead
federal agencies for analyzing and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and for adaptation to
environmental impacts that may be exacerbated by climate change.
Climate change may worsen indoor air quality (IAQ) and increase exposures. Changes in the
climate can affect the air we breathe indoors in many ways. The worsening quality of outdoor air can
infiltrate indoors. Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and warmer temperatures can increase outdoor
airborne allergens, which can also contaminate indoor spaces. Warmer temperatures and shifting
weather patterns can lead to more frequent and severe wildfires. In turn, wildfire smoke can infiltrate
and contribute to levels of indoor particulate matter.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Climate change is also increasing the risk of extreme weather events such as extreme precipitation that
can lead to flooding, which can result in damage to buildings and allow water or moisture to enter
indoors. Increased indoor dampness and humidity can lead to more mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other
biological contaminants indoors. Extreme weather events can also create conditions that support
increases in pests and infectious agents that can make their way indoors. As more frequent and more
intense weather events occur, power outages are more likely. These outages make it more difficult to
maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and healthy indoor air quality, and subsequently lead to more
frequent use of portable generators. Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of portable
generators results in hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.
As climate change exacerbates these and more IAQ issues, vulnerable populations may be
disproportionately impacted. For example, people in low-income areas may be more likely to be
exposed to indoor air contaminants because they have fewer resources to mitigate the impacts of these
contaminants. Similarly, landlords often lack incentive to provide healthy indoor environments for their
tenants, causing rental properties to be notorious for IAQ issues such as mold infestations and high
radon levels.
Region 8 can utilize various EPA programs, tools, resources, and partnerships to adapt to this impact.
Region 8's IAQ, Safer Choice, Pollution Prevention, ENERGY STAR® and the Clean, Green and
Healthy Schools programs are avenues through which public education and preparedness measures
could occur. EPA's Indoor airPLUS program helps builders to construct new homes to specifications
that minimize exposure to indoor airborne pollutants and contaminants. Similarly, by incorporating IAQ
considerations into building renovations alongside energy efficiency upgrades, existing Region 8
buildings can be made more resilient to climate change and its IAQ impacts.
Water Programs
Climate change impacts, such as warmer temperatures, heavier precipitation, and drought, may
affect EPA Region 8's ability to protect and restore watersheds, aquatic ecosystems, and wetlands.
Warmer air temperatures will result in warmer water, potentially leading to low oxygen levels and
hypoxia, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and changes in the toxicity of some pollutants. Colder water
aquatic organisms may be replaced by species better adapted to warmer waters, and this process may
occur at an uneven pace disrupting aquatic system health and allowing non-indigenous and/or invasive
species to become established. Additionally, temperature increases may lead to water losses from
increased evapotranspiration rates. Surface water quality can decline as water temperatures increase and
more frequent high-intensity rainfall events mobilize pollutants. Indirect impacts on water quality are
also possible in response to an increased frequency of forest pest/disease outbreaks, wildfires and
resultant debris flows, and other terrestrial ecosystem changes. Wildfires create ash and debris that can
end up in reservoirs, rivers, canals, and pipelines, and ultimately into municipal water-treatment
facilities. Fires also scorch soils, leading to more runoff and erosion.
Heavier precipitation may increase flood risk, expand floodplain area inundated, increase the variability
of and magnitude of streamflow, and increase streambank and bed erosion from high water velocities.
Increases in storm event frequency and intensity can also result in more nutrients, pathogens, and toxins
Page 15 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
being washed into water bodies, especially if they force an increase in sewer overflows and wastewater
bypasses. Extreme precipitation events are projected to increase and may lead to more severe floods and
greater risk of water and wastewater infrastructure failure in some regions. Drought, changing patterns
of precipitation, reduced snowpack, earlier spring runoff, and increased evapotranspiration may lead to
reduced streamflow later in the summer, potentially altering stream and lake permanence, impacting
resident aquatic communities, and increasing water quality impairments. Certain aquatic ecosystems that
are unique to the region may also be threatened, such as the prairie potholes of North and South Dakota,
reducing their water recharge function and the habitat they provide for plants and animals.
Additionally, in several ways, climate change is altering the timing and length of the snowpack within
Region 8. For example, the ongoing pine beetle outbreak in the Rocky Mountains has altered the
hydrological functioning of these mountain ecosystems by influencing snow distribution and snowmelt
in complex ways. Studies suggest that warming temperatures are allowing pine beetles, which normally
reproduce just once a year, to reproduce twice annually. Pine beetle outbreaks, in addition to quickly
leading to death of pines, can potentially cause a forest which is typically considered a "carbon sink"
become a "carbon source." Studies indicate that increased pine beetle activity may impact snow
accumulation and melt, triggering earlier snowmelt and increased water yields from snowpack that
accumulates beneath affected pine trees.xxxvm
Other considerations that affect the timing of snowmelt include increased dust deposition and rain on
snow events. Specifically, increased air temperatures have reduced the fraction of winter precipitation
occurring as snow in the western United States and warming has resulted in a shift in the timing of
snowmelt runoff to earlier in the year. Long-term datasets and future climate projections both indicate
large declines in snowpack in the West. Glaciers continue to melt in the western United States and
resultant shifts in the hydrological regime due to glacial melting will alter stream water volume, water
temperature, runoff timing and aquatic ecosystems in this region.
Significant changes in both water quantity and quality are already being observed in the southwest, and
continued drought conditions exacerbate pressures on already stressed aquatic ecosystems. Annual
precipitation has decreased in the west and southwest and current projections indicate that parts of the
southwest will receive less precipitation in winter and spring moving forward. Intensifying droughts,
increasing heavy downpours and reduced snowpack are combining with increased water demand to our
impact water supply within the Region.
Warmer temperatures and heavy precipitation associated with climate change contribute to the
development of HABs. HABs can introduce toxin-producing cyanobacteria into recreational and
drinking water sources, resulting in necessary restrictions on access and use. Conditions that encourage
cyanobacteria growth such as higher water temperatures, increased runoff, and episodic increases in
nutrient loading, are all projected to occur more frequently in Region 8 with climate change, thereby
increasing the frequency, magnitude, and risk of HABs.
The impacts discussed above may have adverse effects on Region 8's work to protect water quality, the
health of watersheds, aquatic ecosystems and wetlands, and the recovery of threatened fish species (e.g.,
the cold water-dependent bull trout in western Montana). Additionally, more waterbodies may have
trouble meeting a variety of climate-sensitive water quality standards and may need to be listed as
impaired, thus requiring the development of a total maximum daily load (TMDL). Nonpoint source
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
pollution control programs may need to be adjusted to reflect changing conditions, source water
protection practices may need to be updated and/or enhanced, and baselines used in water quality
standard development and implementation could shift, requiring new scientific analyses to be valid.
Finally, certain economic and cultural practices of tribal communities related to water may be impacted.
These program vulnerabilities may require greater use of biological monitoring and assessment
techniques to understand trends, management techniques that build resilience into aquatic environments,
and the increased management of wetlands for stormwater control purposes and to buffer the impacts of
drought.
The current trend of research may need to be refocused to address shifts in water quality. Region 8's
capacity to adapt to this impact is varied, and there may be numerous opportunities that can be explored.
For example, Region 8 provides ongoing support to its states and tribes to monitor and analyze samples
from suspected HABs, as well as regular information sharing opportunities throughout the year. EPA
has partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network
(CyAN) utilizing daily satellite data to serve as an early warning system for HABs to states, tribes, and
other federal partners (covering over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs in the United States).
Climate change impacts, such as heavier precipitation and drought, may affect drinking water,
wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Heavier precipitation may increase the risk of floods,
expand floodplains, and cause more nutrients, pathogens, and toxins to be washed into waterbodies. This
could damage or overwhelm water infrastructure, leading to releases of waterborne diseases and
pathogens in the environment. In urban areas, stormwater collection and management systems may need
to be redesigned to provide increased capacity. Low stream flows resulting from drought, earlier spring
runoffs, reduction in snowpack, and increased evapotranspiration may affect drinking water storage and
distribution systems, drinking water intakes, and dilution flows available at wastewater outfalls. To date,
no comprehensive assessment has been conducted to robustly evaluate climate-related vulnerabilities of
Unites States water infrastructure, to evaluate the potential resulting damages, or to estimate the costs of
reconstruction and recovery. There is a need to better understand the condition of water infrastructure
nationally in order to identify areas of greatest risk. Infrastructure design, operation, financing, and
regulatory standards typically do not account for a changing climate and are not optimized to address
changing conditions. Changes in frequency and intensity of climate extremes relative to the 20th century
and deteriorating water infrastructure are contributing to declining community and ecosystem resilience.
Moving forward, drinking water and wastewater utilities will need to consider these impacts and the
concept of non-stationarity in their planning activities. Non-stationarity refers to the concept that, as the
climate changes, the magnitude, duration, and frequency of impacts such as drought and flooding may
occur outside the historical observation range, thus making it more challenging to predict or plan for the
future water conditions. Additionally, vulnerable populations may have problems accessing safe
drinking water due to these infrastructure challenges.
Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) may need to be increased as the need for
additional investments in water infrastructure increases. Region 8 and its state and tribal partners may
need to re-prioritize project requests due to increasing and changing needs at the local level. Tribes and
other vulnerable populations, including small and rural communities, may require special considerations
with respect to climate change and water infrastructure challenges. Region 8's work to promote green
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
infrastructure in urban areas may be more in demand to serve multiple purposes: to manage storm water
runoff, to provide flood mitigation, to manage air quality, and to reduce the urban heat island effect.
The quality and availability of safe drinking water may be affected. Drought, changing patterns of
precipitation and snowmelt, increased evapotranspiration, and reduced snowpack may result in changes
to the availability and demand for drinking water. Competition for water for agriculture, industry, fire
protection, and energy production purposes may also increase, especially in areas experiencing
population growth. These factors may shift demand to underground aquifers, or prompt development of
reservoirs or other water retention strategies.
Under drought conditions, a decrease in surface water resources can lead to increased reliance on
groundwater aquifers. This is already happening in many western U.S. areas. When long-term pumping
exceeds the recharge rate, pore space collapse can occur and lead to compaction of the aquifer. When
this occurs, that portion of the aquifer loses the ability to be recharged and thus the aquifer's storage
capacity is decreased. This type of system compression is referred to as aquifer compaction and is
responsible for permanent land subsidence.
Soil erosion and increased runoff following wildfires can foul water and challenge water-treatment
facilities. Heavy precipitation events may exacerbate this problem, leading to more runoff of sediment
and other contaminants into drinking water sources, requiring additional treatment. Drinking water
intakes and wastewater outfalls could also become overwhelmed or damaged, causing an increased
incidence of waterborne diseases and pathogens. Increased water temperatures may also lead to an
increased growth of algae and microbes that may affect drinking water quality. These impacts may have
adverse effects on the ability of public water supplies to cost-effectively meet drinking water standards.
Smaller and rural communities could face additional resource challenges if faced with the need to
rapidly adapt to changing quality and availability of water.
Various Region 8 programs protect drinking water quality and are concerned with the availability of safe
water supplies. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permits for
wastewater and stormwater from municipal and other facilities may need to be adjusted to maintain
water quality under future climate regimes. As the need for water retention grows, an increase in Clean
Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permits may be necessary and NEPA reviews of water supply and
storage projects may increase. There may also be a need to enhance or construct wetlands, that could
require CWA Section 404 permits.
Limited water availability and drought in some regions may require drinking water providers to reassess
the security and stability of their water supplies, and consider alternative pricing, allocation, and water
conservation options. Region 8's work to promote voluntary actions through its various initiatives may
be more in demand.
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs
Heavy precipitation events, floods, extreme temperatures, and wildfires may threaten the
structural integrity and safe operation of underground storage tanks (USTs). Throughout urban and
rural areas, USTs are used to store petroleum and other materials that can be hazardous when released
Page 18 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
into the environment. Extreme events may cause an increase in leaking USTs (LUSTs) and subsequently
an increased need for cleanup and response. The Region 8 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) Branch would help the state UST and LUST programs prepare for and respond to impacts to
USTs. The RCRA Branch would also need to respond to a potential increased LUSTs in Region 8's
Indian country.
Sites at which polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are disposed in-place located in zones at risk for
heavy precipitation events, floods, extreme temperatures, and wildfires have increased potential
for PCBs to be mobilized. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) submittals to EPA for such sites
typically do not consider increased risk from natural events caused by climate change. However, TSCA
disposal-in-place remedies are intended to remain effective in perpetuity (or until the contamination is
removed with EPA approval, as needed). Remedial decisions for PCB and RCRA sites or facilities often
rely upon engineering controls, including pumps and electrical equipment, and physical barriers (e.g.,
hard caps, liners) to ensure protectiveness over time. Region 8 needs to ensure that both its RCRA and
PCB cleanup site remedies and permit decisions are sufficiently resilient to withstand the effects of
severe weather events, as well as increased risk of fire danger for select sites/conditions.
Climate change may result in an increased role for pollution prevention. Pollution prevention (P2)
approaches can be applied to all potential and actual pollution-generating activities, including those
found in the energy, agriculture, federal, consumer and industrial sectors. Prevention practices are
essential for preserving wetlands, groundwater sources and other critical ecosystems; areas in which it is
important to stop pollution before it begins.
EPA Region 8's programs may see an increase in and need for additional promotion, education, and
adoption of P2 awareness and best practices. This work is mostly implemented through the P2 and
Source Reduction Assistance Grant programs where grantees work with individual businesses to
implement P2 measures. These P2 solutions are then transferred to other businesses and the larger
industry. The Region 8 P2 program, in conjunction with grantees, may need to increase awareness with
consumers, manufactures, small businesses, and the general public and assist with identifying ways they
can implement water and energy conservation practices, adopt less environmentally harmful pesticides,
modify production processes to produce less waste, substitution of non-toxic or less toxic chemicals as
cleaners, degreasers and other maintenance chemicals, reusing materials such as drums and pallets rather
than disposing of them as waste.
Region 8 can utilize various EPA programs, tools, resources, and partnerships, such as WaterSense,
Safer Choice, Sustainable Materials Management (SMM), and ENERGY STAR® to assist with
adapting to this growing need. However, it will depend on all available resources.
Climate change may affect exposures to a wide range of chemicals because of changing
environmental conditions or use patterns. For example, it may lead to increased pest pressure and a
changing mix of pests, affecting how, when, where, and what pesticides are used. The earlier timing of
spring events, like the emergence of leaves, flowers, and pollinators, may lead to a longer growing
season and an increase in the quantity of pesticides used. Other climate impacts like extreme
temperatures and heavy precipitation may lead to reduced crop yields, fields taken out of production,
changes in crop mixes and farming methods, and increased runoff into streams and rivers, increasing
exposures. There may also be an increase in the use of insecticides and rodenticides to control
age 19 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
mosquitoes and rodents in response to certain health threats. Vulnerable populations may be at a higher
risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides. Generally speaking, changes in climate may impact
where a wider variety of species, in addition to "pests," migrate. This may impact which chemistry can
be used and/or how it can be used.
Region 8's programs may see an increase in requests for emergency exemptions for unregistered
pesticides, state/local special need registrations, as well as requests to approve additional or new end
uses of registered products. These requests are mostly handled by EPA Headquarters, but Region 8
monitors and supports them as appropriate to ensure a timely response. Additionally, Region 8's
work to promote Integrated Pest Management and other sustainable agriculture practices may be in
greater demand. Region 8's adaptive capacity to this growing need is largely dependent on available
funding and resources.
Climate change may affect brownfield revitalization. Brownfield revitalization—the sustainable
redevelopment of contaminated and abandoned properties—can support community efforts to
become more resilient to climate change impacts by incorporating adaptation strategies throughout
the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment process. When planning for assessment and cleanup, it
is important to identify community priorities related to assessment, cleanup, and long-term
revitalization of brownfields. Planning should also include an evaluation of existing environmental
conditions, zoning and building codes, local market potential, and needed infrastructure
improvements. The redevelopment phase of a brownfield project provides the visible end product of
community planning and commitment to climate change resiliency and mitigation. Each brownfield
redevelopment also provides the opportunity to improve the connectivity of various elements of the
built environment to meet the economic, environmental, and local health and welfare needs of
revitalizing communities. Throughout the brownfield revitalization process, particular attention
should be paid to equitable development to prevent displacement and ensure the improvements meet
the needs of longtime residents.
Emergency Response and Waste Management Programs
EPA Region 8's emergency response and disaster mitigation and recovery efforts may increase
due to an increasing risk of heavy precipitation events, floods, drought, and wildfires, as well as
other extreme weather events like severe winds and tornados. EPA has authority under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Clean Water
Act (CWA), and other statutes to respond to various releases/discharges that present a threat to public
health or the environment. Such releases/discharges may increase if extreme weather events damage
industrial facilities or otherwise lead to damage. EPA also has a role in responding to national disasters
under the National Response Framework (NRF). Under the NRF, EPA is the lead for Emergency
Support Function (ESF) 10 Oil & Hazardous Materials and supports numerous other ESFs. Increased
extreme weather events could lead to greater disasters which could then lead to more requests for EPA
assistance. If EPA assistance during disaster response is required, this work is tasked by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via a mission assignment. Mission assignments are typically
issued to EPA under ESF10 or ESF3, but EPA could be tasked under any of the ESFs depending on the
Page 20 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
assistance requested. Work conducted under mission assignment is funded by the Stafford Act Disaster
Relieve Fund (managed by FEMA) and a cost share paid by the affected state.
In addition to federally coordinated disaster response activities, FEMA also coordinates federal recovery
and mitigation activities. The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) gives structure to, and
expands, the nation's commitment to these activities. EPA is listed as a possible resource agency in five
of the six NDRF Resource Support Function (RSF) areas. Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration,
FEMA may activate the NDRF to provide federal support to state and local recovery efforts by
activating one or more RSFs. EPA is a primary agency for Health and Social Services and Natural and
Cultural Resources RSFs. Federal support is coordinated by the corresponding FEMA region with the
impacted state(s), territory(ies), tribe(s), and/or communities. EPA recovery support may be requested
by FEMA and/or the state. For example, FEMA may request EPA to provide a Sustainability Advisor to
advise the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), RSF teams, state partners, and local officials on
sustainable communities, climate adaptation, resiliency, green and energy efficient growth, and
materials and products for recovery planning and construction. The Sustainability Advisor is one of
many recovery roles or resources that may be requested of EPA. The impacted EPA region is
responsible for deciding how this type of staffing would happen, in consultation with and support from
OHS and other headquarters programs. FEMA would provide funding under a mission assignment or
individual assistance for EPA activities under NDRF.
While most mitigation activities occur at the local and regional levels, federal agencies, including EPA,
play a critical role in supporting and incentivizing these actions using federal resources. Coordination
among EPA programs and other federal agencies is necessary to successfully support communities, to
effectively leverage federal funds to further EPA's mission, and to track how funds are used. Close
coordination with state, tribal, territorial, and local agencies is also critical to ensure that communities
are well served before and after disasters.
As defined in the NMF, mitigation supports protection and prevention activities, eases response, and
speeds recovery to create better prepared and more resilient communities. Mitigation efforts can come
well before a disaster occurs, but they may also be used as part of recovery to break the cycle of disaster
damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.
One of EPA's Mitigation and Recovery Principles is to promote sustainable and resilient rebuilding;
meaning to use EPA's expertise to inform federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local partners about
rebuilding for the long-term viability of the affected area's people, economies, and natural ecosystems,
including:
• Helping communities adapt to climate change, anticipate disaster impacts to infrastructure,
and incorporate green infrastructure, sustainable materials management, and other adaptation
strategies for mitigation and recovery planning;
• Helping communities define a shared vision for mitigation and rebuilding;
• Collaborating with other federal agencies to leverage all federal resources in support of
sustainable and resilient recovery; and
• Partnering with non-federal agencies and organizations to leverage non-federal funds for
resilient rebuilding, where appropriate.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
As the frequency and intensity of climate-related natural disasters increase, it is likely response,
recovery and mitigation needs will also increase. This may create a high demand on EPA staff and
resources, especially if disasters are simultaneous and/or overlapping.
The most common program areas involved in response and recovery efforts include disposal of
household hazardous waste, contaminated debris management, project permitting (for drinking water,
wastewater, and storm water management), site assessments, sustainable community design, and climate
resiliency. Coordination and collaborative efforts with federal, state, tribal, and local entities is a vital
part of these response and recovery efforts.
Adapting to this impact will be dependent on effective disaster risk management and proactive disaster
mitigation actions to incorporate climate change considerations into such things as permitting and
infrastructure funding.
Climate change impacts may threaten contaminated sites. Temperature extremes, heavy
precipitation events and wildfires may threaten contaminated sites in Region 8 and the remedies put
in place to cleanup and prevent releases of hazardous substances. Region 8's Superfund Program
may need to alter chemical containment strategies, as well as monitoring and sampling protocols on
sites. EPA Headquarters has been developing new protocols for addressing the impacts of climate
change.
The Site Assessment program is required to evaluate sites based on criteria established in the Hazard
Ranking System (HRS). Currently, the HRS rule does not consider factors associated with climate
change to determine if a site is eligible for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL).
As the program has limited capacity, the Site Assessment program could prioritize evaluating sites that
may be impacted by extreme climate events and wildfires. Furthermore, the program could refer sites to
the EPA removal program or state cleanup programs based the potential for releases of hazardous
substances due to possible extreme climate events and wildfires.
Climate change may impact EPA Region 8's preparedness and homeland security programs.
EPA has several roles related to preparedness. Fundamentally, Region 8's preparedness program is
focused on reducing the impacts from oil and/or hazardous substance incidents by coordinating with
state, local, tribal, and industrial partners to assess the oil and/or hazardous substance threats in their
jurisdictions or communities and develop contingency plans to mitigate those threats or respond if a
release/discharge should occur. This work is done through a mix of education, partnership, training
and exercises, facility inspections, and contingency plan development.
Environmental changes prompted by climate change could result in increased requests or demand for
education, training and/or exercises, contingency planning and assistance, or even relocation of
industrial facilities into or out of the region, changing the preparedness needs to communities on a large
scale.
Heavy precipitation events, floods, drought, extreme temperatures, and wildfires may threaten the
treatment, storage and/or disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. These events may lead
to a loss of electrical power, impede access, and interrupt operations of facilities that treat, store, and
dispose of waste. Landfill and recycle capacity may be insufficient to handle surges in hazardous and
municipal wastes from extreme weather events and wildfires.
Page 22 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
In the event of such extreme events, the Region 8's RCRA Branch would work closely with the Region
8 states, who are all authorized to implement the RCRA solid and hazardous waste requirements, to
respond to and adapt to the waste-related challenges. The RCRA Branch, in conjunction with authorized
state programs, may need to work with treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) to alter
chemical containment strategies to ensure protection of groundwater and adjacent sites. The RCRA
Branch may need to help authorized states implement emergency permitting activities or adjust permit
requirements to address current and future climate impacts. Adapting to this impact will largely depend
on available funding and resources, but the RCRA Branch, in cooperation with the authorized states,
could help TSDFs prepare for extreme events, thereby potentially mitigating impacts.
Enforcing Environmental Laws and Ensuring Compliance
Climate change may affect environmental monitoring and sampling in various media. Heavy
precipitation events, floods, and wildfires, as well as other extreme weather events such as severe winds
and tornados, could cause damage to Region 8's environmental monitoring equipment and prevent
access to sampling locations. Additionally, increased air and water temperatures, and the earlier timing
of spring events like snowmelt and runoff, could affect data quality and the baselines on which they rely.
Environmental sampling methods and strategies may also be compromised and require modifications.
These impacts may also require monitoring for a suite of chemicals not typically analyzed. Adapting to
this impact may require a shift in resources and funding.
Page 23 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Chaptei 1 11 limate Adaptation ' «¦ > .1 i-J Pi i- >i ity Actions
3.1 Background
Goal 1 of EPA's FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is to "Tackle the Climate Crisis," and includes the
three objectives listed below that address the priorities found in E.O. 14008.
• Objective 1.1: Reduce Emissions that Cause Climate Change
• Objective 1.2: Accelerate Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts
• Objective 1.3: Advance International and Subnational Climate Efforts
The priority actions outlined in Region 8's Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan will assist EPA
in achieving Objective 1.2 of its strategic plan, with co-benefits assisting with the broader
achievement of Goal 1.
Region 8 has identified priority actions that can be accomplished concurrent with or as a part of its
ongoing activities, or as additional resources become available. Some priority actions will require
"national-level" action before the Region can address the priority and are noted as such below. By
listing an action as a priority, the Region is not making a commitment to take or complete that action,
or to take or complete it by a particular point in time.
Region 8 priority actions are aligned with the five priorities listed below that are identified in EPA's
2021 Agency-wide Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
• Priority 1: Integrate climate adaptation into EPA programs, rulemaking processes, and
enforcement activities.
• Priority 2: Consult and partner with states, tribes, territories, local governments, environmental
justice organizations, community groups, businesses, and other federal agencies to strengthen
adaptive capacity and increase the resilience of the nation, with a particular focus on
advancing environmental justice.
• Priority 3: Implement measures to protect the agency's workforce, facilities, critical
infrastructure, supply chains and procurement processes from the risks posed by climate
change.
• Priority 4: Measure and evaluate performance.
• Priority 5: Identify and address climate adaptation science needs.
3.2 Monitoring and Eiva.lua.ting Performance
There are three long-term performance goals within EPA's Strategic Plan that aim to measure the
Agency's progress in meeting Objective 1.2, Accelerate Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change
Impacts.
• By September 30, 2026, implement all priority actions in EPA's Climate Adaptation Action
Plan and the 20 National Program and Regional Climate Adaptation Implementation Plans to
account for the impacts of climate change on human health and the environment.
• By September 30, 2026, assist at least 400 federally recognized Tribes to take action to
anticipate, prepare for, adapt to, or recover from the impacts of climate change.
Page 24 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
• By September 30, 2026, assist at least 450 states, territories, local governments, and
communities, especially communities that are underserved and disproportionately at risk from
climate change, to take action to anticipate, prepare for, adapt to, or recover from the impacts
of climate change.
Region 8's priority actions, as well as other regionally-led assistance activities, will assist EPA
achieve the three Agency-wide climate adaptation long-term performance goals.
Region 8 will evaluate its climate change adaptation activities to assess progress toward
mainstreaming climate change adaptation into programs, policies, rulemaking processes, and
operations. Based on lessons learned about the most effective climate change adaptation strategies,
Region 8 can adjust its approach.
Some metrics exist that will enable Region 8 to measure the results of its activities and others will
need to be developed over time. In general, these metrics will reflect:
• changes in knowledge (e.g., number of staff/partners taking formal training to increase their
awareness of the importance of adaptation planning);
• changes in behavior (e.g., increases in the use of decision support tools to integrate climate
adaptation planning into activities such as infrastructure planning decisions); and
• changes in state/condition (e.g., changes in the ability of communities to withstand more frequent
and intense storm events and avoid, for example, combined sewer overflows).
Region 8 recognizes that the integration of climate adaptation planning will occur over time. This will
happen in stages, and measures should reflect this evolution. The earliest changes in many programs
may be changes in knowledge and awareness, followed by changes in behavior and the use of
adaptation tools, and then implementation of projects that build adaptive capacity and lead to changes
in state and condition.
3.3 EPA Region 8 Climate Adaptation Goals
Region 8's climate adaptation work aims to achieve the five overarching goals listed below.
• Planning and Implementation: Strengthen climate change adaptation across Region 8
programs through planning, evaluation, and coordination within programs, across programs,
and in concert with EPA headquarters and other federal agencies.
• Strengthen Internal Adaptive Capacity: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity of
Region 8 programs, workforce, and infrastructure to climate change impacts and identified
program vulnerabilities through enhanced technical assistance, training, and preparedness
activities.
• Strengthen Adaptive Capacity of Our Partners: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity
of Region 8 partners, including Region 8 states, Tribes, communities, the general public, and
other federal agencies, to climate change impacts through enhanced technical assistance and
training.
Page 25 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
• Research, Data, and Integration: Promote, foster, and integrate climate change impacts and
climate adaptation research into Region 8 programs with a focus on the latest science, and
improved data collection and analysis.
• Outreach and Education: Work within EPA and with external partners to review, compile,
and develop materials for Region 8 stakeholders, especially at-risk populations, on the impacts
of climate change in our Region and opportunities to adapt to a changing climate.
Climate adaptation and financial mechanisms. Incorporating climate adaptation considerations into
EPA's financial mechanisms is a priority for the Agency as a whole. Financial mechanisms may include
grants (competitive and non-competitive), cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, loans,
implementation of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [BIL])
funds, and contracts.
Region 8 will take steps to ensure the outcomes of infrastructure investments using BIL funds are
resilient to the impacts of climate change. Region 8 will explore opportunities to integrate climate
change considerations into its financial assistance programs in order to expand support for projects that
increase climate resilience while delivering co-benefits for public health, the mitigation of greenhouse
gases, and the reduction of other pollution. Region 8 will also provide technical assistance to recipients
of BIL funds to help them make climate smart infrastructure investments.
BIL is a historic investment in the water infrastructure improvements, pollution cleanup initiatives, and
workforce opportunities necessary to transform communities around the country. Much of the federal
assistance provided through BIL will scale up EPA's existing grant and loan programs, such as the State
Revolving Fund Programs and Brownfields Grants. It will also be delivered through the creation of new
low-interest financing programs, primarily for tribes and rural or disadvantaged communities. With this
significant influx of capital from BIL, it will be more important than ever for EPA - and our state, tribal,
and local partners - to invest in resilient infrastructure projects that withstand climate change for
decades to come.
EPA's National Program and Regional Offices will work through the programs that received BIL
funding to encourage resilient infrastructure outcomes across the country. Internally, EPA is taking steps
to consider how its policies, operations, and program activities can be better aligned to accelerate
resilient infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable communities. EPA will take
steps to ensure that its financial assistance programs support resilient infrastructure investments that
consider anticipated climate change impacts. It will also be critical that EPA's technical assistance
programs are readily accessible to stakeholders as they take intermediate steps to make climate-informed
infrastructure investments. EPA will support its external partners by providing technical assistance
opportunities for BIL-funded projects to help build their adaptive capacity. Consistent with the Agency's
Climate Adaptation Action Plan, EPA's Offices will seek opportunities to engage with other federal
agencies, external partners, and federal funding recipients to achieve climate-resilient infrastructure.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
3.4 EPA Region 8 Climate Adaptation ty Actions
Region 8 is proposing a series of priority actions for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to achieve each climate
adaptation goal and to address the program vulnerabilities discussed above. Priority actions are
organized under one of the five overarching goals discussed above.
The following are identified for each priority action:
• Lead - Region 8 division or office responsible for leading the action (see Table 4 for acronym
list).
• Fiscal Year - Fiscal year that the action will start and end, or ongoing if the action is anticipated
to extend beyond FY23.
• Performance Metric - How progress on each action will be demonstrated.
• Agency-Wide Priority - Associated Agency-wide climate adaptation priority/priorities (priorities
are numbered 1-5, see discussion above).
• Resource Requirement - Whether existing resources exist to complete the action or if additional
resources (financial, people, technical, etc.) are needed. Resources are identified as one of the
following: resources available; resources TBD; resources currently unavailable; or partial
resources available.
• Vulnerability - Associated program vulnerabilities.
• Co-benefits - Additional benefits provided by the action in addition to the immediate, climate-
adaptation related program vulnerability that the action addresses.
Table 4. EPA Region 8 Divisions/Officexxxlx
AMD
Air and Radiation Division
ECAD
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division
LCRD
Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division
LSASD
Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division
MSI)
Mission Support Division
ORA
Office of the Regional Administrator
IMC
Office of Regional Counsel
SEMI)
Superfund and Emergency Management Division
WD
Water Division
Planning and Implementation
EPA Region 8 will work to strengthen climate change adaptation across our programs through planning,
evaluation, and coordination within programs, across programs, and in concert with EPA headquarters
and other federal agencies.
Page 27 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Update Region 8 Climate Adapt a! ion Implementation Plan.
ARD
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Plan developed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities, improved measurement and
tracking, science needs addressed.
T'orm a network of federal agencies covering the EPA Region 8 states ((Y), MI\ ND, SI), I IT, WY) and
Tribes to coordinate and communicate on climate adaptation.
Lead
ARD, SEMD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Network established.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2
Resource
Requirement
Partial resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, improved understanding of available tools and resources,
improved coordination across federal agencies and a better understanding of points of
contact.
Ensure a Disaster Mitigation (Coordinator is identified in the Region per requirements of EPA Order 2074.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Position filled.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,1
Resource
Requirement
Resources currently unavailable
Vulnerability
Non-compliance with EPA Order 2075; lack of capabilities to support ongoing and future
hazard mitigation work.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce.
Identify opportunities within our regional climate adaptation planning to address the challenges specific to
Region 8 rural communities posed by climate change.
Lead
ARD,LCRD
Page 28 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Opportunities identified in planning documents.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Partial resources available
Vulnerability
Region 8 states have a large percentage of rural communities that may not have
traditionally been fully considered in climate adaptation planning efforts.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Strengthen Internal Adaptive Capacity
EPA Region 8 will work to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity of our programs, workforce, and
infrastructure to climate change impacts and identified program vulnerabilities through enhanced
technical assistance, training, and preparedness activities.
Initiate discussions for tracking inspections and case resolutions that have climate components. Engage in
cross-branch discussions within FX \AD and with ()R(" and FPA \ Office of Enforcement and (Compliance
Assurance (OFX"A) on further defining specific "climate change-related components " of inspections and
case resolutions that should be tracked.
ECAD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of meetings; plan developed for how to collect and track information.
Agency-Wide
lJriority<
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Potentially all vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Improved inter-divisional and cross-divisional communication, climate-ready workforce,
improved measurement and tracking.
Notes
Will dictate approach and feasibility for tracking system.
Permit aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects within the Region primarily through direct
implementation (1)1) Class V permitting to authorize storage of scarce drinking water sources in aquifers
during periods of low demand to better meet the future needs of("olorado's Front Range communities.
Lead
WD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of underground injection (UIC) permits re/issued within 18 months of receipt of
a complete application.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Page 29 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Drought, changing patterns of precipitation and snowmelt, increased evapotranspiration,
and reduced snowpack may result in changes to the availability and demand for drinking
water.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Make recommendations on 11 ays to build resiliency to threats and hazards in National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPl)ES) permits and or the statement of basis related to asset management.
WD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of EPA permits issued with asset management requirements and/or
recommendations.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,1
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Climate change impacts may result in a need for NPDES discharge permits for
wastewater and stormwater from municipal and other facilities to be adjusted to maintain
water quality under future climate regimes.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Assess feasibility for plugging capping abandoned oil and gas iveils to curb passive emissions.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Feasibility inquiries made and assessment completed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
Temperature extremes, heavy precipitation events and wildfires may threaten
contaminated sites and the remedies put in place to cleanup and prevent releases of
hazardous substances.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Assuming feasibility, develop and begin implementing plugging capping abandoned oil and gas wells
strategy to curb passive emissions.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Implementation of plugging and capping.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Page 30 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Temperature extremes, heavy precipitation events and wildfires may threaten
contaminated sites and the remedies put in place to cleanup and prevent releases of
hazardous substances.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Notes
Dependent on feasibility.
Research resiliency options for the leaking underground storage tank (IA 1ST) program and seek staff
training to build technical capacity so that the IA 1ST program can make recommendations on irc/j'.s to
build resiliency to threats and hazards. Once Region H has achieved some level of expertise, train the
states, Tribes, and other stakeholders.
Lead
LCRD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Research and training complete.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Extreme events may cause an increase in LUSTs and subsequently an increased need for
cleanup and response.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Research resiliency options for the Resource (Conservation and Recovery Act (R( HA) hazardous waste
program and seek staff training to building technical capacity so that the R( HA program can make
recommendations on irc/j'.s to build resiliency to threats and hazards. Once Region H has achieved some
level of expertise, train the states, Tribes, and other stakeholders.
Lead
LCRD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Research and training complete.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Heavy precipitation events, floods, drought, extreme temperatures, and wildfires may
threaten the treatment, storage and/or disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Page 31 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
(\mpile and or develop climate adaptation recommendations and training materials, consistent with
national program office efforts, for various program areas to assist them in incorporating climate
adaptation components into their core program work. Provide training to staff and managers on the
recommendations and materials.
Lead
ARD
Fiscal Year
2023-ongoing
Performance
Metric
Percentage of staff trained per module.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Resources TBD
Requirement
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities.
Notes
Dependent on completion of EPA Headquarters-developed training modules.
Evaluate and begin to implement, in partnership with the Office of Mission Support (OMS), opportunities
to enhance the resilience of Region 8 '.s internal workforce, facilities, and processes, l or example, ensuring
building and IT equipment resilience to the impacts of a changing climate, such as potential power outages
and storm damage.
Lead
MSD
Fiscal Year
2022-ongoing
Performance
Metric
Resilience measures evaluated and implemented where appropriate and feasible.
Agency-Wide
Priority
3
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities.
Provide timely grant awards and oversight for climate adaptation-related work.
MSD
Fiscal Year
2022-ongoing
Performance
Metric
Timely awards and oversight provided.
Agency-Wide
Priority
3
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities.
Page 32 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Strengthen Adaptive Capacity of Our Partners
EPA Region 8 will work to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity of our partners, including states,
Tribes, communities, the general public, and other federal agencies, to climate change impacts through
enhanced technical assistance and training.
Promote the use of EPA tools, resources, and industry-accepted practices to build resiliency with
environmental justice (HI) grantees that have climate as a focus.
ORA
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of grantees with climate as a focus.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,5
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Encourage Tribes to incorporate climate adaptation actions into their EPA Tribal Environmental Plans
(ETEPs) and General Assistance Program ((JAP) grant workplans.
ORA
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of ETEPs and GAP workplans which include climate adaptation actions.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,5
Resource
Requirement
Partial resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Explore with states, Tribes, other federal agencies, landowners, and others on irc/j'.s to build watershed
resiliency, including through the protection and enhancement of soil health, wetlands, instream flows, and
forest resources.
WD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Engagement occurred around watershed resiliency.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,1
Page 33 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Climate change impacts, such as warmer temperatures, heavier precipitation, and drought,
may affect the Region's ability to protect and restore watersheds, aquatic ecosystems, and
wetlands.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Engage Region H stakeholders across the water sector to build technical, financial, scientific, and
organizational capability to spur implementation on water reuse, thereby helping ensure a dean,
sustainable water supply that is resilient to pressures such as climate change and aging infrastructure.
Lead
WD, LSASD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of engagements with Region 8 stakeholders around the issues of water reuse.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,1
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Drought, changing patterns of precipitation and snowmelt, increased evapotranspiration,
and reduced snowpack may result in changes to the availability and demand for drinking
water.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
(\)mpile a master list of key EPA (and other) climate adaptation tools and resources. Tailor the list for
various EPA Region H programs and other stakeholders, and share as appropriate.
Lead
ARD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
List completed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities.
Provide technical assistance to the City of Missoula Public Works Department for development of district
heating and cooling system for new multi-use development. Missoula Public Works will install, own, and
operate the district system which will be based on ground-source heat pumps.
Lead
LCRD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Guide developed and webinar completed.
Page 34 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Agency-Wide
Priority
2
Resource
Requirement
Partial resources available
Vulnerability
Increase in extreme weather events leading to increase in power outages.
Co-bene fits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready facilities.
Notes
Resources available to begin project, however, additional funding may be required to
complete all necessary analysis/modeling.
Host a Region H Tribal (Timate Summit, co-hosted by EPA Region H and the Region H Regional Tribal
Operations ('ommittee (RT()(''), with the goal of sharing knowledge with a focus on ITEK, planning
efforts, best practices, and potential assistance opportunities related to climate change.
Lead
ORA, ARD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Summit held.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,5
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting Region 8 Tribes.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate mitigation/greenhouse gas reduction best practices.
Research, Data, and Integration
EPA Region 8 will work to promote, foster, and integrate climate change impacts and climate adaptation
research into our programs with a focus on the latest science, and improved data collection and analysis.
Identify and incorporate climate adaptation concerns for Region H states, Tribes, communities, and
vulnerable populations into regional science priorities.
Lead
ARD, LSASD
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Climate adaptation integrated into science priorities.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2,5
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities, improved measurement and
tracking, science needs addressed.
Page 35 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Track inspect ions and case resolutions that have climate-related components (for example, climate-related
injunctive relief mitigation, or SKPs).
Lead
EC AD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Inspections and case resolutions tracked.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources currently unavailable
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce, improved measurement and tracking.
Notes
Dependent on initial meetings within ECAD/ORC and on direction taken by OECA.
Develop a regional monitoring network in Region 8 to assess long term trends in climate sensitive water
quality indicators and as a basis for water quality criteria! development or refinement.
Lead
WD
Fiscal Year
2023-2023
Performance
Metric
Draft plan for regional monitoring network developed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
2,1
Resource
Requirement
Partial resources available
Vulnerability
Climate change will likely impact the Region's work to protect water quality, the health
of watersheds, aquatic ecosystems and wetlands, and the recovery of threatened fish
species.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities, improved measurement and
tracking, science needs addressed.
Add relevant data layers identified by the Remedial Branch to TERA, the emergency response ArcCIS
viewer, for extreme climate impacts.
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Data layers identified and added.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
Lack of climate-related data to incorporate into decision making at National Priority List
(NPL) sites.
Co-bene fits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce, improved measurement and tracking.
Page 36 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Explore and develop process lo assess existing need for Region H to complete climate vulnerability
analysis on a subset of Stiperftind Alternative Approach (SAAj, proposed, final, deleted National Priorities
List (NPL) sites.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Assessments completed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Unanticipated impacts from climate change, with site-specific variability (-ies), such as
wildfire, drought, high winds, and floods.
Co-benefits
Improved engineering and design controls for fire resiliency, assistance to partners,
climate-ready workforce, improved measurement and tracking.
Review and assess applicable climate resiliency and adaptation information, including how this
information relates to updates to HI definitions and lil concerns to our Superfund sites. 1 Ipdate site profile
pages to reflect this information.
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of site profile pages updated.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1 2 4
±, i
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities are site-specific.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Notes
Dependent on EPA Headquarters template.
Explore and identify climate extreme data layers helpful to proposed, final, deleted NPL sites, and one
SAA site lo assist characterization and remedy design regarding various risks (drought, flooding, wildfire,
wind, etc.) to add to appropriate database, e.g., TERA-FY22.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Data layers identified and report completed.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,3
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities are site-specific.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce, improved measurement and tracking.
Page 37 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Work with regional Superfund Redevelopment Initiative coordinator and possibly other staff'to screen
proposed, final, deleted NPL sites, and one SAA site, for remedy evaluation, as well as reuse and
renewables development opportunities to add to Superfund Redevelopment Mapper and other tools, e.g.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of sites.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1
Resource
Requirement
Resources TBD
Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities are site-specific.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce, improved measurement and tracking.
Outreach and Education
EPA Region 8 will work within the Agency and with external partners to review, compile, and develop
materials for stakeholders, especially at-risk populations, on the impacts of climate change in our Region
and opportunities to adapt to a changing climate.
During interactions with states, Tribes, communities, and the public, promote the use of EPA tools and
resources to build resiliency to threats and hazards to air, water and kind, and respond to public inquiries
regarding the use of the tools and resources.
Lead
See below sub-actions.
Fiscal Year
2022-2023
Performance
Metric
Number of interactions.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
See below sub-actions.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners.
Sub-action: Promote the use of EPA tools and resources that assist in adapting to the ambient and indoor
air quality impacts of climate change, and respond to public inquiries. These tools may include but are not
limited to AirNow Air Quality Index, EnviroT'lash Air Quality Alerts, Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires,
Heat Island Reduction Program, and emergency preparedness, resilience, and response indoor air quality
resources.
Lead ARD
Page 38 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Fiscal Year
See above
Performance
Metric
See above
Agency-Wide
Priority
See above
Resource
Requirement
See above
Vulnerability
Increased severity and frequency of wildfires, increased ground level ozone levels, and
increased air temperature will impact air quality and public health.
Co-benefits
See above
Sub-action: Promote the use of EPA tools, resources, and industry accepted practices to build resiliency
to threats and hazards within IX 1U) programs. These may include but are not limited to the following: -
I Inderground Storage Tank Flood Guide Post Severe Weather ("heck list Planning for Natural Disaster
Debris.
Lead
LCRD
Fiscal Year
See above
Performance
Metric
See above
Agency-Wide
Priority
See above
Resource
Requirement
See above
Vulnerability
Heavy precipitation events, floods, extreme temperatures, and wildfires may threaten the
structural integrity and safe operation of USTs, the Region's programs may see an
increase and need in additional promotion, education, and adoption of Pollution
Prevention awareness and best practices, etc.
Co-benefits
See above
Sub-action: Promote EPA tools, resources, and industry accepted practices to help build the capacity of
stakeholders with respect to climate adaptation within the Children '.s Environmental Health Program.
Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, webinars, conferences, press releases, fact sheets, and
other means of disseminating information.
Lead
ORA
Fiscal Year
See above
Performance
Metric
See above
Agency-Wide
Priority
See above
Resource
Requirement
See above
Vulnerability
All vulnerabilities impacting the Region (see Chapter 2).
Co-bene fits
See above
Page 39 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Incorporate climate adaptation objectives and fact sheets into outreach activities directed at I .oca!
Emergency Planning (\>mmittees, Facility Response Plans, and Risk Management Plan facilities.
Lead
SEMD
Fiscal Year
2022-2022
Performance
Metric
Factsheets updated.
Agency-Wide
Priority
1,2
Resource
Requirement
Resources available
Vulnerability
The Region's emergency response and disaster mitigation and recovery efforts may
increase due to an increasing risk of heavy precipitation events, floods, drought, and
wildfires, as well as other extreme weather events like severe winds and tornados.
Co-benefits
Assistance to partners, climate-ready workforce and facilities.
P a g c 40|53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Chaptei I 11 I imate Adaptation I ining Plan
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
4.1 Training Approach
A central element of Region 8's efforts to adapt to a changing climate will be to increase staff
awareness of how climate change may affect their work by providing them with the necessary data,
information, and tools. Additionally, states, Tribes, and local communities share responsibility for
protecting human health and the environment. Partnerships with EPA are at the heart of this.
Working in concert with EPA National Program Offices, National Support Offices, and other
Regional Offices will prove imperative as training is developed that tests and enhances climate
adaptation knowledge at general and program-specific levels. These partnerships will be critical for
efficient, effective, and equitable implementation of climate adaptation training, which will evolve
over time.
Region 8's training approach includes the key elements listed below.
• Ensure that technical staff and their partners have access to training on the importance of climate
adaptation, and how they can incorporate climate adaptation considerations into their work.
• Ensure that technical staff and their partners have access to specific approaches, data, and tools for
integrating climate adaptation into decision-making processes.xl
• Develop a Region 8 climate adaptation communication strategy to enhance external climate
change communication, which may include state and tribal partners, municipalities, industry, the
public, and other relevant parties. The communication strategy will include but is not limited to
information on climate change impacts and risks, and the programs, tools, and resources available
to stakeholders to enhance adaptation and resiliency (which may include elements of the various
climate adaptation training modules found below).
• Work with other federal agencies to enhance understanding of climate change, leverage collective
knowledge about climate adaptation planning, reduce duplication, and avoid conflicting efforts,
which may include training.
4.2 Climate Adaptation Training Modules
EPA National Program Offices and National Support Offices will be developing and/or updating
climate adaptation training modules to support Goal 1 of EPA's Strategic Plan. Currently, the training
modules will be rolled out as follows. Once available, Region 8 will utilize various methods to distribute
and deliver the EPA Headquarters-developed training modules.
Page 41 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Table 5. Region 8 Climate Adaptation Training Tentative Schedule
Climate Adaptation
Training Modulea
Tentative
Availability of
Training Moduleh
Tentative Region 8
Distribution and
Delivery of Training
Modulec
Region 8 Target
Audienced
Office, of Policy (OP)
Climate A dap tatio,
{ijndntiHQr existing trniniHi?
Summer FY22
FY23-ongoing
All Region 8
employees
module)
Rule Writers
End of FY22
FY23-ongoing
TBD
Office of Water (O W)
(updating existing training
module)
End of FY22
FY23-ongoing
Region 8 WD
employees
Office of Land and
Emergency Management
(OLEM) (updating existing
training module)
End of FY22
FY23-ongoing
Region 8 LCRD and
SEMD employees
Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR)
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
Region 8 ARD
employees
Office of Chemical Safety
and Pollution Pre vention
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
Region 8 LCRD
employees
Office of Enforcement and
Compliance A ssurance
(OECA)
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
Region 8 EC AD
employees
Office of Mission Support
(OMS)
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
Region 8 MSD
employees
Office of Homeland.
Security '
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
TBD
Office of International and
Tribal Affairs (OITA)
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
All Region 8
employees
Office of Research and
De velopment (ORD)
End of FY23
FY24-ongoing
All Region 8
employees
aNew climate adaptation training modules to be developed unless otherwise noted.
b Tentative availability of individual climate adaptation training modules has been provided by OP and is subject to timelines
developed by EPA Headquarters' National Program Offices and National Support Offices.
0 Region 8 distribution and delivery of EPA Headquarters-developed climate adaptation training modules is dependent on
availability.
d Climate adaptation training modules will be targeted to audiences in Region 8, however, open to all Region 8 employees.
New employees will be made aware of all available training modules, as well as employees changing roles and
responsibilities within the Region.
Region 8 will rely on a variety of methods and avenues to distribute and deliver EPA Headquarters-
developed training modules, which will include but not be limited to the following:
Page 42 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Existing organizational structures within Region 8 that could be utilized to disseminate
information on tailored climate adaptation training, such as Senior Leadership Team (SLT),
Regional Leadership Team (RLT), and individual division/office-level branch meetings;
Existing bodies within Region 8 that spearhead topic discussions related to climate adaptation,
such as the Regional Science Council, Speak Green Series, and Green Ops Team;
Concentrated efforts by the Region 8 Climate Adaptation Team, which is comprised by
nominated representatives from each division and office; and
Coordination with Region 8's Human Resources Branch to target new employees and employees
in new positions.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Chaptei imate Adaptation Science Needs
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Region 8 has identified the following region-specific areas where additional support is needed to assess
climate impacts and build resilience. Region 8's proposed science needs are organized by
division/office. The following needs were identified as part of the development of this planning
document and are subject to change, as well as growth as new science needs identified. This would take
place in future fiscal years as Region 8 implements its priority actions and engages in further
conversation with stakeholders and partners around the topic of climate adaptation.
Air and Radiation Division
• To study whether the PM2.5 NAAQS is the best forecasting metric for wildfire smoke or whether
a separate metric should be added to the Air Quality Index (AQI) to better reflect the immediate
health impacts of wildfire smoke, which often contains significant levels of air toxics in addition
to nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compound (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), and PM
emissions.
• To conduct research on wildfire emissions through greenhouse gas quantification to address and
build resilience in both the rural and urban greenhouse gas adaptation sector. This research will
build capacity in the Region 8 Air and Radiation Division under the Clean Air Act and the Paris
Climate Agreement statutory authorities.
• To conduct research on VOC emissions from consumer products through public awareness and
outreach tools to help communities reduce emissions and adapt and build resilience. This
research will build capacity in Region 8 Air and Radiation Division under Clean Air Act
statutory authority.
Laboratory Services and Applied Sciences Division
• To research the beneficial reuse of produced water to improve drought resiliency across the arid
west. Local, state, and federal governments are considering the expanded use of alternative water
sources (e.g., industrial wastewater) to replace or augment fresh water as a direct result of
climate change and increased water demand. EPA's National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP)
identifies produced water as one of five alternative water sources being explored. The goal of
this research is to identify the potential toxicity of treated and untreated produced water and to
identify which constituents are contributing to toxicity. Understanding potential toxicity will
inform appropriate use and/or treatment that may be needed for various uses of produced water
including irrigating crops, livestock consumption, roadway dust suppression, and discharge to
surface water.
• To conduct research to address increased acid rock and acid mine drainage (ARD/AMD) due to
increased oxidation rates and summer air temperatures to improve remedial decision making at
mine sites. This research will build capacity in the Superfund program under CERCLA statutory
authority.
P a g c 44 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Land and Chemical Redevelopment Division
• To research the beneficial use of electric arc furnace (EAF) slag. Industrial sectors including the
steel industry generate hundreds of millions of tons of secondary materials each year that are sent
for disposal. Secondary materials are any materials that are not the primary products from
manufacturing and other industrial sectors. Appropriate beneficial use of secondary materials can
encourage greater resource sustainability by returning valuable resources back into the circular
economy, while also keeping them out of landfills.
Office of the Regional Administrator
• To conduct research on the impacts of climate change in tribal communities to help inform how
they can best utilize their resources to build resiliency. Impacts to Tribes include, but are not
limited to, flooding, droughts, crop failure, the destruction of culturally significant sites, and
impacts to drinking water and/or recreational areas (e.g., due to HABs).
• To conduct research on air quality through PM2.5 air monitoring to address climate adaptation in
rural, plains and mountainous communities, and build resilience in environmental and public
health sectors. This research will build capacity in the Environmental Justice, Tribal Affairs
Branch, and Clean Air programs under the Clean Air Act statutory authority.
Superfund and Emergency Management Division
• To conduct research on impacts of climate change on superfund sites (including remedy
selection and resilience) to address impacts of climate change and extreme weather (fires,
floods, etc.) and build resilience in the Superfund cleanup sector. This research will build
capacity in the superfund program under CERCLA statutory authority.
Water Division
• To research climate-related shifts in HABs, including the uptake of algal toxins into plant and
animal tissue, use of social and citizen science to achieve positive outcomes in reducing excess
nutrients, and understanding of the extent and impact of benthic cyanobacteria in Region 8.
• To coordinate the development of a long-term regional water quality monitoring network to
assess long term trends in climate sensitive indicators and as a basis for water quality criteria
development or refinement.
• To research and estimate climate change-related shifts in the magnitude, duration, and timing of
the flow regime and plan ways to incorporate these shifts into Water Division work (e.g., 7Q10,
TMDL critical conditions).
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Chaptei inclusion
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
EPA Region 8's Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan is intended to complement and support EPA's
Agency-wide Climate Adaptation Action Plan, released in October 2021. EPA Region 8's plan aims to
encourage and integrate climate adaptation throughout our programs in response to the climate change
impacts we are already experiencing here in Region 8 and those we anticipate. We have identified
specific programmatic vulnerabilities resulting from climate change to which the Region will likely need
to adapt. EPA Region 8 is committed to building not only our own adaptive capacity but also the
adaptive capacity of our partners and stakeholders.
EPA's leadership and commitment to building the nation's adaptive capacity are vital to its mission of
protecting human health and the environment.
P a g c 46|53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Appendix A. Stakeholder and Partner Engagement
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Region 8 conducted two periods of stakeholder and partner engagement during the development of its
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan.
Early Engagement on EPA's Climate Adaptation Planning Process and Climate Impacts
In order to engage early in the planning process, Region 8 met with stakeholders and partners to raise
awareness of E.O. 14008, EPA's process for updating its Climate Adaptation Action Plan, and the
forthcoming efforts by EPA regional and program offices to update or develop respective Climate
Adaptation Implementation Plans. During the second half of calendar year 2021 and into early 2022,
Region 8 used standing meetings, as well as ad hoc meetings and conversations, to reach a variety of
stakeholders and partners. During these engagements, Region 8 shared a draft Table 2. Climate Change
Impacts in EPA Region 8 and asked four discussion questions.
1. What are your thoughts on the draft updated list of climate change impacts in EPA
Region 8?
2. Are there any impacts you would suggest adding or deleting?
3. What might be the effects of these impacts on your programmatic work?
4. Do you have any other comments or suggestions related to the update of EPA Region 8's
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan?
Audiences for early engagement included but were not limited to Tribal Environmental Directors /
Region 8 Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC), Region 8 State Environmental Directors,
Region 8 State Oil and Gas Directors, Region 8 State Air Directors, Region 8 State Water Directors,
Region 8 Agriculture Commissioners, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), Four Corners Air Quality Group (4CAQG), and Region 8 pesticide
directors.
Engagement on Draft Region 8 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
During the months of May and June 2022, Region 8 prepared and implemented a stakeholder and
partner engagement strategy to share key and relevant elements of the draft Region 8 plan with various
audiences.
Region 8 hosted two identical listening sessions in the month of June 2022, open to the public and
targeting non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academia.
Engagement with Region 8 Tribes was coordinated both at the regional level and in concert with EPA
Headquarters' Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) by offering tribal consultation as well
as engagement opportunities through a national listening session and through the Region 8 RTOC.
Engagement with Region 8 state and local governments was coordinated through existing networks such
as State Environmental Directors and other state media directors. A dedicated session for state
government was also held at the request of the State Environmental Directors. Local government
Page 47 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
engagement was coordinated through meetings with umbrella organizations and local government
attendance at the Region 8 listening sessions. A national listening session was also held for state and
local government associations.
A PDF of the draft Region 8 plan was posted to EPA's Climate Adaptation Plan website
(www.epa.eov/climate-adaptation/climate-adaptation-plan) during this period of external engagement.
Tribal Government Engagement
Summary of Tribal Government Engagement Activities
Activity
Timeframe
Description
Region 8 Tribal Consultation
May 16-June 30,
2022
Forty-five-day consultation, led by
Region 8's Tribal Affairs Branch. No
requests for government-to-government
consultation were received.
National Tribal Consultation
May 16-June 30,
2022
Forty-five-day consultation, led by
OITA. Draft Region 8 plan was listed
in the OITA offer for tribal
consultation.
Region 8 RTOC
June 22, 2022
Presentation and discussion of draft
Region 8 plan, as well as presentation
by OITA on all draft national program
office and regional office plans (focus
on Tribes).
National Tribal Consultation
listening Session
June 1, 2022
Led by OITA, the listening session
summarized all draft national program
and regional office plans (focus on
Tribes).
State and Local Government Engagement
Summary of State and Local Government Engagement Activities
Activity
Timeframe
Description
Region 8 State Environmental
Directors
June 16, 2022
Update on draft Region 8 plan provided
at regularly scheduled meeting. It was
requested that EPA set up a specific
session on the draft Region 8 that the
State Environmental Directors could, in
turn, share with appropriate staff at the
state level to learn more about the plan
and provide input/feedback.
Page 48 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Region 8 State Engagement
Session
June 29, 2022
This session was arranged at the
specific request of the State
Environmental Directors. Nineteen
attendees total representing all six
Region 8 states.
Region 8 State Air Directors
June 22, 2022
Presentation and discussion of draft
Region 8 plan at regularly scheduled
meeting. A link to the draft Region 8
plan was also provided to the State Air
Directors.
National State and Local
Government A ssociation
Listening Session
June 9, 2022
The EPA Headquarters-led listening
session targeted the following
organizations: ECOS; National
Governors Assoc.; National Assoc. of
Counties; U.S. Conference of Mayors;
National League of Cities; International
City/County Mgmt. Assoc.; National
Assoc. of State Depts. of Agriculture;
African American Mayors Assoc.
Other Region 8 State Media
Directors
June 2022
Similar to the engagement with the
Region 8 State Air Directors, all
Region 8 divisions were encouraged to
inform and/or engage with state
counterparts on the draft Region 8 plan.
Region 8 Listening Sessions
During the month of June 2022, Region 8 hosted two identical listening sessions on the draft Region 8
plan. The sessions featured opening remarks by Regional Administrator KC Becker, followed by a 20-
minute presentation on the draft Region 8 plan. Each session then provided an opportunity for attendees
to provide up to three minutes of input on the draft Region 8 plan. The web link to the PDF of the draft
Region 8 was provided in advance to attendees.
P a g c 49 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
Region 8 Listening Sessions
Session
Timeframe
Description
Listening Session 1
June 9, 2022 (day:
10 am-12 pm MT)
A total of 36 individuals attended the
first Listening Session. Six individuals
(all representing either non-
governmental organizations, academia,
or local government) provided specific
input by speaking during the session.
This session was recorded so that EPA
Region 8 could ensure all input is
received and considered as we begin to
implement our plan.
Listening Session 2
June 15 (evening: 6-
8 pm MT)
A total of 16 individuals attended the
first Listening Session. Two
individuals (no specific affiliation)
provided input by speaking during the
session. This session was recorded so
that EPA Region 8 could ensure all
input is received and considered as we
begin to implement our plan.
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
References
I Executive Order 14008 of January 27, 2021. Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/docnments/2021-09/epa-climate-adaptation-plan-pdf-version.pdf.
II EPA, 2021: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/docnments/2021-09/epa-climate-adaptation-plan-pdf-version.pdf.
III EPA, 2021: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Adaptation Action Plan, pp. 2-3.
IV U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Adaptation Action Plan. October 2021.
https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/docnments/2021-09/epa-climate-adaptation-plan-pdf-version.pdf
v USGCRP, 2018: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II:
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S.
Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, 1515 pp. doi: 10.7930/NCA4. 2018. USGCRP, 2017: Climate
Science Special Report: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume I [Wuebbles, D.J., D.W. Fahey, K.A. Hibbard, D.J.
Dokken, B.C. Stewart, and T.K. Maycock (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 470.
V1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
vu EPA, 2021: Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, EPA 430-R-21-003. https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/docnments/2021-09/climate-
vulnerability september-202.1. 508.pdf.
vm EPA, 2021: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Adaptation Action Plan, pp. 1, 2, 7, and 12.
1X Jantarasami, L.C., R. Novak, R. Delgado, E. Marino, S. McNeeley, C. Narducci, J. Raymond-Yakoubian, L. Singletary,
and K. Powys Whyte, 2018: Tribes and Indigenous Peoples. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth
National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K.
Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 572-603. doi:
10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH15
x https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/interagencY-moH-protecting-tribal-treatv-and-reserved-right; 2021.pdf
X1 https://nca2018.globalchange.gOv/chapter/l/
xu https://www.epa.gov/abontepa/visiting-epas-region-8-office-denver
xm U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
X1V Nolte, C.G., P.D. Dolwick, N. Fann, L.W. Horowitz, V. Naik, R.W. Pinder, T.L. Spero, D.A. Winner, and L.H. Ziska,
2018: Air Quality. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S.
Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH13
xv Hayhoe, K., D.J. Wuebbles, D.R. Easterling, D.W. Fahey, S. Doherty, J. Kossin, W. Sweet, R. Vose, and M. Wehner,
2018: Our Changing Climate. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate
Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock,
and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 72-144.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH2
XV1 Ebi, K.L., J.M. Balbus, G. Luber, A. Bole, A. Crimmins, G. Glass, S. Saha, M.M. Shimamoto, J. Trtanj, and J.L. White-
Newsome, 2018: Human Health. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate
Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and
B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH14
xvn Lall, U., T. Johnson, P. Colohan, A. Aghakouchak, C. Brown, G. McCabe, R. Pulwarty, and A. Sankarasubramanian,
2018: Water. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S.
Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH3
xvm Hayhoe, K., D.J. Wuebbles, D.R. Easterling, D.W. Fahey, S. Doherty, J. Kossin, W. Sweet, R. Vose, and M. Wehner,
2018: Our Changing Climate. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate
Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock,
and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 72-144.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH2
XK U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
Page 51 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
xx Gonzalez, P., G.M. Garfin, D.D. Breshears, K.M. Brooks, H.E. Brown, E.H. Elias, A. Gunasekara, N. Huntly, J.K.
Maldonado, N.J. Mantua, H.G. Margolis, S. McAfee, B.R. Middleton, and B.H. Udall, 2018: Southwest. In Impacts,
Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W.
Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change
Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 1101-1184. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH25
XX1 Sleeter, B.M., T. Loveland, G. Domke, N. Herold, J. Wickham, and N. Wood, 2018: Land Cover and Land-Use
Change. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)].
U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 202-231. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH5
xxn Nolte, C.G., P.D. Dolwick, N. Fann, L.W. Horowitz, V. Naik, R.W. Pinder, T.L. Spero, D.A. Winner, and L.H.
Ziska, 2018: Air Quality. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment,
Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart
(eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 512-538.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH13
xxm Ebi, K.L., J.M. Balbus, G. Luber, A. Bole, A. Crimmins, G. Glass, S. Saha, M.M. Shimamoto, J. Trtanj, and J.L.
White-Newsome, 2018: Human Health. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National
Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock,
and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 572-603.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH14
XX1V USGCRP, 2017: Climate Science Special Report: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume I [Wuebbles, D.J., D.W.
Fahey, K.A. Hibbard, D.J. Dokken, B.C. Stewart, and T.K. Maycock (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program,
Washington, DC, USA, pp. 470.
xxv U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
XXV1 Jay, A., D.R. Reidmiller, C.W. Avery, D. Barrie, B.J. DeAngelo, A. Dave, M. Dzaugis, M. Kolian, K.L.M. Lewis, K.
Reeves, and D. Winner, 2018: Overview. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States:
Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M.
Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 33-71.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CHI
xxvu Jantarasami, L.C., R. Novak, R. Delgado, E. Marino, S. McNeeley, C. Narducci, J. Raymond-Yakoubian, L. Singletary,
and K. Powys Whyte, 2018: Tribes and Indigenous Peoples. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth
National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K.
Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi:
10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH15
xxvm Lipton, D., M.A. Rubenstein, S.R. Weiskopf, S. Carter, J. Peterson, L. Crozier, M. Fogarty, S. Gaichas, K.J.W. Hyde,
T.L. Morelli, J. Morisette, H. Moustahfid, R. Munoz, R. Poudel, M.D. Staudinger, C. Stock, L. Thompson, R. Waples, and
J.F. Weltzin, 2018: Ecosystems, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United
States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel,
K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi:
10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH7
XX1X Gonzalez, P., G.M. Garfin, D.D. Breshears, K.M. Brooks, H.E. Brown, E.H. Elias, A. Gunasekara, N. Huntly, J.K.
Maldonado, N.J. Mantua, H.G. Margolis, S. McAfee, B.R. Middleton, and B.H. Udall, 2018: Southwest. In Impacts, Risks,
and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R.
Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program,
Washington, DC, USA, pp. 1101-1184. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH25
xxx Lall, U., T. Johnson, P. Colohan, A. Aghakouchak, C. Brown, G. McCabe, R. Pulwarty, and A. Sankarasubramanian,
2018: Water. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S.
Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH3
XXX1 Gowda, P., J.L. Steiner, C. Olson, M. Boggess, T. Farrigan, and M.A. Grusak, 2018: Agriculture and Rural Communities.
In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R.,
C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change
Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH10
a g c 52 | 53
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan
xxxu jay a., D.R. Reidmiller, C.W. Avery, D. Barrie, B.J. DeAngelo, A. Dave, M. Dzaugis, M. Kolian, K.L.M. Lewis, K.
Reeves, and D. Winner, 2018: Overview. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States:
Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M.
Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 33-71.
doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CHI
xxxm u s. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
XXX1V Lipton, D., M.A. Rubenstein, S.R. Weiskopf, S. Carter, J. Peterson, L. Crozier, M. Fogarty, S. Gaichas, K.J.W. Hyde,
T.L. Morelli, J. Morisette, H. Moustahfid, R. Munoz, R. Poudel, M.D. Staudinger, C. Stock, L. Thompson, R. Waples, and
J.F. Weltzin, 2018: Ecosystems, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United
States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel,
K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi:
10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH7
xxxv Vose, J.M., D.L. Peterson, G.M. Domke, C.J. Fettig, L.A. Joyce, R.E. Keane, C.H. Luce, J.P. Prestemon, L.E. Band,
J.S. Clark, N.E. Cooley, A. D'Amato, and J.E. Halofsky, 2018: Forests. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the
United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E.
Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC,
USA, pp. 232-267. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH6
xxxvi La|| u x. Johnson, P. Colohan, A. Aghakouchak, C. Brown, G. McCabe, R. Pulwarty, and A. Sankarasubramanian,
2018: Water. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II
[Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S.
Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018. CH3
xxxvn U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Accessed August 2021.
www.epa.gov/climate-indicators.
xxxvi" University of Colorado at Boulder. Mountain pine beetle activity may impact snow accumulation and melt. Science
Daily. June 8, 2011. https://www.sciencedailv.eom/reieases/201.l./06/110608131334.htm.
xxxix por more information on EPA Region 8 Division/Office roles and responsibilities, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/abontepa/organization-epas-region-8-office-denver.
xl Tools include such things as the EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities CREAT decision-support tool, the EPA Global
Change Research Program's Integrated Climate and Land Use Scenarios (ICLUS), and community-based social marketing
strategies.
------- |