EPA Moved Further and Faster Than Ever Before in 2023
Throughout 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exhibited unprecedented momentum in fulfilling its mission to safeguard human health and the environment. Benefiting from the substantial investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration in the United States and the President’s ambitious climate and environmental goals, the EPA undertook substantial measures in the past year. These initiatives included addressing climate change, promoting environmental justice, and ensuring the well-being and safety of communities nationwide.
According to the EPA, in 2023, Administrator Regan traveled to communities in all 10 EPA regions where he met with residents, interested parties, and elected leaders to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious environmental agenda. Administrator Regan and agency officials also signed more than 50 rules. The agency is also delivering more than $16 Billion in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and more than $41 Billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce pollution, build a clean energy economy, lower costs for American households and businesses, create good-paying jobs, and advance environmental justice across the country.
Highlights of EPA’s 2023 Accomplishments:
- EPA’s final rule on methane is set to prevent the equivalent of more than a billion tons of carbon emissions, marking a major step in combating climate change, while reducing other harmful pollution.
- The agency introduced new technology standards for power plants and the transportation sector, representing some of the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
- The agency proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and a rule to regulate six PFAS in drinking water, demonstrating its leadership in safeguarding drinking water.
- The EPA delivered the largest single investment in environmental justice in history, launched the Thriving Justice Grantmakers Program, and developed Environmental Justice Technical Guidelines.
- EPA made significant progress implementing the 2016 amendments to strengthen our nation’s chemical safety law after years of mismanagement and delay, advancing rules to better protect communities from harmful chemicals like TCE and methylene chloride.
- The EPA enhanced its consultation policy with Indian Tribes and agreed with Canada and the Ktunaxa Nation to develop a joint initiative to tackle transboundary water pollution, showcasing its commitment to collaborative environmental solutions.
- The agency deployed $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to expedite Superfund cleanup activities at 100 Superfund sites, and began cleanup of 22 additional Superfund sites.
- The EPA’s 24th consecutive clean financial audit opinion highlights the agency’s commitment to responsible and transparent financial management.
- EPA made significant contributions in PFAS research, air quality standards, and climate adaptation strategies, underlining the agency’s role in leading environmental science.
- Enforcement has been revitalized, with significant increases in on-site inspections, new criminal investigations, civil settlements, and cleanup enforcement.
- EPA carried out emergency response efforts across the country, including East Palestine, Ohio, and on Maui, Hawaii.
- Administrator Regan established a first-of-its-kind National Environmental Youth Advisory Council.