Regulatory Activity
Brownfields
On Monday, December 8, EPA will accept requests for funding to increase state capacity to address and remediate brownfields. States and tribes are eligible to receive up to $1 million in funding, which is used for assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields and other contaminated sites.
WIFIA
Also on Monday, December 8, EPA will hold a public meeting to receive input concerning the implementation of the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) of 2014. WIFIA allows for new financing mechanisms for public drinking water and sewage treatment facilities.
Environmental Justice
EPA has extended its deadline to January 9, 2015 for its 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) applications. Funding through this program is intended to help communities educate and address exposure to local environmental risks.
Legislative Activity
Nuclear Energy
On Wednesday, December 11, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Energy, will hear from, Peter Lyons, Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy concerning the future of nuclear energy.
Renewable Fuels
On Wednesday, December 11, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements, will hold a hearing titled, “Examining EPA’s Management of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program.”
Chemical Facility Security
On Thursday, December 11, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, in conjunction with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, will hold a joint oversight hearing concerning implementation of the President’s Executive Order regarding chemical facility safety and security.