March—April 2020 Newsletter

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

EPA is working to support the nation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA’s major role in this effort involves surface disinfectant registration, and the agency is regularly updating the list of products that have been shown to be effective against the novel coronavirus. EPA has also taken actions to protect the public from unregistered products. In addition, the agency provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the country’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Celebrating Earth Day and EPA’s Founding

EPA was established 50 years ago to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Since its inception, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

This year, EPA is helping everyone celebrate the 50^th anniversary of both EPA and Earth Day with educational resources and art projects to commemorate #EarthDayAtHome.

Advancing Environmental Protection at the U.S.-Mexico Border

EPA has awarded over $255,000 for environmental projects benefiting the U.S.-Mexico border region between Arizona and the Mexican state of Sonora. The awards were provided through the Border 2020 program. The recipient organizations will contribute an additional $101,000 to fund projects to improve proper management of scrap vehicles and discarded electronics, build environmental health capacity for three border tribes, and enhance sustainable stormwater management with green infrastructure alternatives.

Enforcement Update

Protecting Clean Air in Arizona

ASARCO LLC has paid $33,000 in penalties for failing to comply with a dust control plan central to a settlement with EPA over violations of the federal Clean Air Act. The dust plan is designed to address the release of lead, coarse dust, and other hazardous air pollutants at the Hayden copper smelter.

Arizona Daily Star: EPA Fines ASARCO for Hazardous Dust at Arizona Smelter

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EPA’s Pacific Southwest (Region 9) implements and enforces federal environmental laws in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations.

Pollution Prevention Funding Opportunity

Do you want to stop pollution before it starts? EPA Pollution Prevention grants help companies and organizations reduce waste, prevent pollution & increase efficiency.