www.epa.gov/air

OFFICE OF AIR & RADIATION

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

ACTION PLAN INITIATIVES

(Descriptive Summaries)
www.epa.gov/air

Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS)

FY 2009 EJ Action Plan Initiatives

OAQPS Robust, Results-Oriented Activity – Collision Repair Campaign

• Issue – Many minority and low-income communities are adversely affected by emissions of 

hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from auto body shops in their neighborhoods. Many shops are 

small businesses with limited resources and knowledge about the emissions they generate, 

applicable regulations, and options for pollution prevention.

 Type of Project – Outreach and education, compliance assistance 

 Summary – The Collision Repair Campaign (CRC) is a voluntary program that is designed to help 

local communities reduce and eliminate harmful HAPs from collision repair or auto body shops. 

The program provides free training, technical assistance, and community outreach to local 

collision repair shops. The program’s goal is to help shop owners reduce paint, solvent, and 

related hazardous waste disposal costs. It also aims to achieve early compliance with OAQPS’s 

rule on Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources by

reducing pollutants early and to levels beyond those required by the rule. Leadership for the 

program is shifting to the EPA regions and state and local agencies as the compliance date 

approaches for the EPA auto body shop rule that the campaign supports. This item will be deleted 

from OAR's EJ action plan for FY 2011.

 Message or Lesson Learned – Programs aimed at voluntary emissions reductions that also reduce 

business costs are a cost-effective and productive form of compliance assistance. To this end, the 

CRC focuses on meaningful risk reduction in the Collision Repair source sector to complement 

our ongoing community air toxics work and attain reductions at a faster rate. The CRC has 

trained over 5,114 people, representing close to 2,000 repair shops and leveraged over $2 million. 

The CRC regional teams have conducted 5 webinars with approximately 700 participants. Of the 

shops that participated in the training workshops, 50% are estimated to be implementing best 

practices. This has saved an estimated 59 tons of material and reduced an estimated 40 tons of 

PM and 31 tons of VOC emissions. The CRC team developed an award winning training and 

outreach DVD (featuring Jeff Gordon) to help further their mission and reach more shops. The 

CRC team has distributed approximately 20,000 DVDs and posters.

 Project Completion Date – Program is being transferred to the Regions.

 Partners – Industry groups, state and local agencies, trade associations, EPA media offices, paint 

companies, community colleges, EPA regional offices.

 EPA Point of Contact – Holly Wilson (Outreach and Information Division), 

wilson.holly@epa.gov, (919) 541-5624

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Tribal New Source Review Rulemaking 

 Issue – There is no permitting mechanism in Indian country for issuing permits under two of the 

three parts of the New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permit program. This regulatory 

gap does not ensure environmental protection, creates uncertainty for and an uneven playing 

field for sources, and impacts economic development. 

 Type of Project – Rulemaking

 Summary – OAQPS issued a proposed rule that would close the regulatory gap in Indian 

country by providing a permitting mechanism and permit programs for minor stationary sources 

located in Indian country and for major sources located in areas of Indian country not attaining 

the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The rule is expected to be finalized in 

December 2010. Subsequent to proposal, OAQPS completed an EJ review of the proposed 

Tribal/New Source Review (NSR) rule using the Agency’s Standard Setting and 

Rulemaking/Regulatory Development protocol. After promulgation, OAQPS, among other 

things, will: (1) coordinate training for permit writers, tribal environmental professionals, and 

other stakeholders; (2) conduct outreach to the regulated community; and (3) develop delegation 

regulatory language to facilitate delegation of the federal program to tribes. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Due to low priority assigned to this rule, it is now a teenager. 

Nonetheless, Tribes have had substantial involvement and input in the rulemaking process. 

 Project Completion Date – December 2010 

 Partners –Regional Offices, National Tribal Air Association, Institute for Tribal Environmental 

Professionals

 EPA Point of Contact – Jessica Montanez, (Air Quality Policy Division), 

montanez.jessica@epa.gov, (919) 541-3407

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Develop and Refine Analytical Tools for Performing EJ Analysis 

 Issue – OAQPS rule writers should be performing EJ related screening or analysis in all rulemakings. 

There is no Agency guidance that answers the most relevant questions on how to perform such analyses. 

 Type of Project – Tool development for rulemakings 

 Summary – OAQPS has selected five rules to pilot the development of improved environmental justice 

analysis, including improvement to distributional analyses. To date, proximity analyses are complete on 

two rules, and analysis for two other selected rules is underway (Transport Rule, PM NAAQS). 

Analytical work on the Utility MACT has not started. Experience from the pilot effort will guide future 

analyses for other OAQPS rules.

 Message or Lesson Learned – Each analysis will be different depending on the type, and timing of the 

rule, availability of information, and the role of the analysis in the decision making. Proximity analysis 

is useful for sector is useful for sector-based rules (e.g., rules (e.g., MACT), but we need to move bey MACT), but we need to move beyond quantitative/qualitative quantitative/qualitative 

statements that characterize impacted populations. Simple analyses can be done in-house, reducing 

dependency on contractors. Analyses for area sources and criteria pollutants will require more refined 

or smaller scale data. Exposure and health risk analysis is useful for rules with national scope and high 

transport elements (e.g., NAAQS revisions, Ozone, PM2.5, Transport rule, etc.)

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 EPA Point of Contact – Laura McKelvey (Outreach and Information Division), 

mckelvey.laura@epa.gov, (919) 541-5497

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Woodsmoke Initiative 

 Issue - PM and air toxics emissions from wood smoke contribute to health problems inside homes and 

in non-attainment areas. Wood smoke was the primary reason most of the areas out west (e.g., 

Oakridge, OR; Fairbanks, AK; Sacramento, CA) were designated nonattainment for the PM2.5 24 

hour standard in 2009. Approximately half of the households with wood stoves make less than 

$40K/year and are often located in rural economically depressed communities (e.g., tribal lands). 

Nearly 35% of all Native American households heat their home with wood, some at much higher rates. 

Asthma is twice as prevalent in Native American communities compared to the rest of the U.S. A 

University of Montana study has shown changing out an old stove with a properly installed EPAcertified wood stove can reduce indoor PM2.5 by 70%. Currently there is no federal program funded 

to facilitate the change-out or upgrading of these old technology wood stoves. Without near full 

funding ($3,000) low income households are unlikely to upgrade their stoves for many years. In 

addition, how and what people burn in their wood-burning appliance is critical to reducing emissions.

 Type of Project – Education, outreach and incentive based

 Summary Summary – OAQPS is partnered is partnered with the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue with the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), the Association (HPBA), the 

American Lung Association (ALA), and others to help local agencies replace inefficient wood stoves 

and fireplaces with cleaner-burning technologies like gas, wood pellet, and EPA-certified wood stoves. 

More recently we launched EPA’s “Burn Wise” outreach campaign. The combination of wood stove 

change-outs and improved burning practices can effectively reduce indoor fine particle (PM2.5) 

pollution and air toxics by 70% and help bring areas into attainment with the national PM2.5 health 

standard. The effort is focusing on areas with PM2.5 challenges due to wood smoke and low income 

and/or tribal communities.

 Lessons Learned and Message – Cash incentives are critical to motivating homeowners to encourage 

wood stove change-outs. Change-outs alone may not significantly reduce emissions without proper 

wood-burning practices. Our Burn Wise message is “Burn the right wood, the right way, in the right 

appliance”. To date, over 13,000 wood stoves and fireplaces have been changed out in more than 45 

communities, approximately 248 tons of PM reduced/year, resulting in an estimated $84 million/year 

of health benefits.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 EPA Point of Contact – Larry Brockman (Outreach and Information Division), 

brockman.larry@epa.gov, (919) 541-5398

 External Point of Contact – John Crouch, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, 

(916) 536-2390. 

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Identify Non-Attainment Areas/Designation Issue 

 Issue – Indian country is often grouped with county designations, even though sources in Indian 

country typically do not contribute significantly to non-attainment problems. This tends to impede 

economic development in Indian country. EPA needs to work with tribes and provide them with 

educational information and assistance in order for tribes to participate effectively in decisions 

regarding designations of non-attainment areas. 

 Type of Project – Rulemaking and guidance development

 Summary – OAQPS offered consultation with tribal leaders and requested designations 

recommendations. There is pending work on the designation of Indian country. We also brief and 

hold conference calls for tribal environmental staff on the standards and on designation issues. A 

working group with tribal staff has been established to discuss designations and implementation 

issues, and the agendas are developed by the tribes. In addition, we have developed a database to 

track the non-attainment areas within Indian country and generate quarterly reports that identify

newly designated esignated areas within I within Indian country country. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – As tribes become more technically capable and engaged with the 

designations process, we can expect them to request designations for their own land.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Tribes, regional offices 

 EPA Point of Contact – Angel McCormack (Outreach and Information Division), 

mccormack.angel@epa.gov, (919) 541-3588

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Support Tribal Governments in Effectively Participating in Development of 

SIPs

 Issue – Tribal members and others living in Indian country can be adversely affected by emissions 

from off-reservation sources. To protect their citizens, tribal governments are encouraged to 

participate in the SIP process of neighboring states. It is essential to educate the tribes and states on 

collaboration in the SIP process. 

 Type of Project – Training, capacity building, guidance 

 Summary – OAQPS has presented several tribal trainings to improve the tribes’ technical capacity 

to assess off-reservation sources and impacts and to discuss how to engage with the states in SIP 

development and implementation. We are developing guidance for the tribes on developing Tribal 

Implementation Plans. Another training is planned for the coming year.

 Message or Lesson Learned – As part of EPA’s trust responsibility to tribes, EPA should assure that 

SIP’s are developed in a way that is respectful of tribal sovereignty. Collaboration is a key element 

in the process and should be included in training that EPA sponsors. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Regional offices, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, state air programs, 

tribes 

 EPA Point of Contact – Angel McCormack (Outreach and Information Division), 

mccormack.angel@epa.gov, (919) 541-3588

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Internal Capacity for Responding Appropriately to EJ Issues

 Issue – Addressing EJ issues requires that HQ staff and managers understand issues from the 

community perspective and establish good working relationships with community members. 

 Type of Project – Outreach and education

 Summary – OAQPS has begun a speaker series to keep staff informed about EJ issues from 

the community’s perspective. OAQPS will hold quarterly conference calls with community

members to seek their input on regulations and programs as well as provide a forum for them 

to share with EPA and other community members their experiences and ideas. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Interaction with community members about EJ issues has been 

critical to educating and motivating OAQPS staff to integrate EJ into their work, and staff 

needs a regular means of maintaining contact and relationships with community members. 

The OAQPS EJ Speakers Series, which featured several EJ activists, provided an excellent 

opportunity for participants to hear upfront the real-life stories of people who were and are 

still being directly affected by the injustice in their communities. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Regional offices, community members 

 EPA Point of Contact – Lena Epps-Price (Outreach and Information Division), 

epps-price.lena@epa.gov, (919) 541-5573 

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Capacity Building and Outreach to EJ Communities 

 Issue – The Agency's standard modes of communication do not always reach community

members, some of who need targeted outreach and communication that is appropriate to their 

circumstances. 

 Type of Project – Outreach and education

 Summary – OAQPS has several programs designed to engage communities in our programs. 

• In 2010, OAQPS hosted a successful conference, which drew more than 500 

participants, for community members and others on EJ and air issues. A similar 

conference is planned for 2011. 

• OAQPS encouraged partners in a voluntary program (Sustainable Skylines) to address 

overburdened communities. This program is in transition and OAQPS will continue to 

implement the SSI program with current communities until projects are complete. 

• OAQPS maintains and updates OAR’s website for communities (EJAir). 

• OAQPS is exploring the development of a community learning center for 

environmental justice communities, which would efficiently address the information 

and training needs of communities, particularly those that do not have the capacity to 

become EPA grantees. The learning center could be modeled after the successful 

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals located at Northern Arizona University, 

which provides training and professional development for Tribal environmental staff, 

primarily on air issues and which is currently supported by OAR. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Outreach and capacity building for communities is critical 

because EPA needs to leverage the expertise in communities in order to make our programs 

successful and effective. Proven winners (such as our 2010 conference and EJ Air website) 

need to be continued while we develop other means of reaching out to and building capacity of 

more communities. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Regional offices, communities 

 EPA Point of Contact –

EJ Conference: Lena Epps-Price (Outreach and Information Division), 

epps-price.lena@epa.gov, (919) 541-5573

EJAir Website: Tom Link (Air Quality Policy Division), l

link.tom@epa.gov, (919) 541-5456

EJ Community Learning Center: Candace Carraway (Outreach and Information Division), 

carraway.candace@epa.gov, (919) 541-3189 9
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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Implement a Risk-based Air Toxics Standard for Stationary Sources 

 Issue –The Agency recognizes an opportunity in setting risk based standards to ameliorate 

present disproportional impacts of stationary sources on communities with environmental 

justice concerns. 

 Type of Project – Rulemaking

 Summary – OAQPS continues to promulgate area source rules and residual risk rules, which 

reduce exposures in overburdened communities. We have completed all area source rules. We

have initiated EJ analyses for some key rules of particular interest to communities (i.e., CISWI, 

boilers, cement, and utilities). EJ was one of the criteria considered for the prioritization of 

Risk and Technology Review (RTR) rules, and will continue to be used in the prioritization of 

other stationary source rulemakings. We anticipate approximately 10 residual risk rulemakings 

over the next year, and will look at demographic information across each of those RTR 

categories. As part of the effort to consider EJ for other stationary source rulemaking efforts, 

census block groups with the highest cumulative risk (from multiple sources) will be analyzed 

to see which stationary sources are contributing to the risk, and what percentage of the risk can 

be allocated to those sources. This effort will also help illuminate opportunities to address EJ 

within the rulemaking context. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Initial EJ analysis or screenings need to be simple enough to be 

done with limited resources. In instances where the initial analysis indicates a potential EJ 

concern, more detailed and resource intensive analysis can be performed. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 EPA Point of Contact – Lisa Conner (Sector Policies and Programs Division), 

conner.lisa@epa.gov, (919) 541-5060 

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Encourage Air Quality Management Plan Pilot Areas to Develop 

Strategies for Addressing EJ Concerns 

 Issue – EPA grantees should be encouraged to include provisions for addressing environmental 

justice issues in their jurisdictions. 

 Type of Project – Outreach and education

 Summary – OAQPS developed a summary of several activities to encourage emissions 

reductions that could be implemented in EJ communities and provided this to grantees 

involved in the air quality management grant program. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Providing suggestions on how to address EJ issues does increase 

the chance that grantees will have programs to address this important issue. Of the three 

grantees, one (St. Louis) has submitted an air quality management plan that has an 

environmental justice component. St Louis staff has: (1) identified which parts of their 

jurisdiction are jurisdiction are EJ areas; EJ areas; (2) developed (2) developed health indicators that they indicators that they plan to communicate lan to communicate to EJ 

communities; and (3) plan to prioritize future efforts to address air quality in these EJ 

communities. Another grantee (New York) has said they will be submitting EJ component 

soon. 

 Project Completion Date – December 2011

 Partners – Air quality planning organizations for St. Louis, New York, and North Carolina

 EPA Point of Contact – Nancy Mayer (Outreach and Information Division), 

mayer.nancy@epa.gov, (919) 541-5390

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OAQPS EJ Initiative - Implement Memorandum of Understanding with North Carolina 

Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T SU) 

 Issue – Minorities are substantially underrepresented among OAQPS employees and among 

environmental professionals. 

 Type of Project – Education and internships 

 Summary – Through this MOU with a historically African American University, OAQPS 

provides students with information about careers at EPA, provides support to the university

staff, and provides learning opportunities to students through the annual intern program. This 

program has been in effect for 18 years and OAQPS/EPA has hired several employees as a 

result of the EPA/A&T relationship. In addition, several former interns have procured 

positions in EPA/HQ in DC. On an average, OAQPS 

has 3 to 5 interns, per summer, from A&T.

 Message or Lesson Learned – Internship programs not only help the Agency in a substantive 

way, but also improve the diversity , but also improve the diversity of its workforce, f its workforce, which is particularly which is particularly important as the important as the 

Agency re-emphasizes its focus on environmental justice. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – NC A&T SU

 EPA Point of Contact – Phyllis Wright, (Central Operations and Resources) 

wright.phyllis@epa.gov, (919) 541-5369

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Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP)

FY 2009 EJ Action Plan Initiatives

OAP Robust, Results-Oriented Activity – ENERGY STAR Residential Program

 Issue – Energy efficiency has been proven to be a very cost effective strategy for reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions and combating the problems related to global climate change, in 

addition to improving our energy security and reducing our energy bills. Compared to upperincome families, lower-income families often spend a disproportionate amount of their 

household income on utilities.

 Type of Project – Energy efficiency, air quality (GHG emission reduction)

 Summary – The ENERGY STAR Residential Program forms partnerships with groups like 

homebuilders, finance agencies and utilities to leverage resources and provide whole-house 

solutions for improving the energy-efficiency of new and existing homes. The program also 

improves access to energy-efficient homes for lower-income families.

 Message or Lesson Learned - Environmental and Public Health Benefits and Results (qualitative 

and quantitative) – More state housing finance agencies will recognize energy efficiency as a 

desirable component of new affordable housing. More HUD grantees will be aware of ENERGY

STAR for homes and add ENERGY STAR as a voluntary component to their HUD grant 

application requirements. More affordable housing stakeholders such as state housing 

authorities and community development corporations will recognize energy efficiency as a 

desirable and necessary component of existing affordable housing. More owners of affordable 

housing units will have access to energy efficiency services and products, especially those who 

aren’t poor enough to qualify for weatherization services and aren’t wealthy enough to purchase 

efficiency services and products on the open market. Greater access to energy efficiency 

financing products for low-income homeowners and renters. More lower-income homebuyers 

have greater access to energy efficient homes and products.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – State housing finance agencies, HUD, Habitat for Humanity affiliates, housing 

authorities, community development corporations, affordable housing unit owners, foundations, 

lenders, energy efficiency program sponsors (such as utilities, states, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations), and other affordable housing stakeholders.

 EPA Point of Contact – Dale Hoffmeyer (Acting Chief, Energy Star Residential Branch), 

hoffmeyer.dale@epa.gov, (202) 343-9013

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OAP EJ Initiative – Cooperative Agreement to Communicate and Provide Outreach on 

Tribal Climate Change Impacts

 Issue – Need for enhanced awareness and understanding of current and projected climate 

change impacts in Indian Country and Alaskan Native Villages to enable tribal entities to 

adapt to these impacts.

 Type of Project – Climate change science communication and outreach

 Summary – Through a cooperative agreement with the Institute for Tribal Environmental 

Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University, the grantee communicates tribal 

climate change impacts and potential adaptation responses to the tribal community via 

conferences, workshops, and a continually updated tribal climate change website. The 

grantee has also issued a report to EPA discussing tribal climate change impacts and 

making recommendations to EPA for developing tribal capacity to address climate change 

issues. 

 Message or Lesson Learned - Environmental and Public Health Benefits and Results 

(qualitative and quantitative) –

• More tribes and tribal partner organizations will become aware of current and 

projected climate change impacts and how they can work to address those 

impacts. More tribes and tribal partner organizations will have access to the most 

current information tailored to tribes on climate change issues through a living 

website and a monthly tribal climate change on-line newsletter. EPA will have 

improved understanding of the status and needs of tribal entities on understanding 

and preparing for climate change impacts.

 Project Completion Date – December 31, 2010

 Partners – Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona 

University.

 EPA Point of Contact – Rona Birnbaum (Chief, Climate Science and Impacts Branch), 

birnbaum.rona@epa.gov, (202) 343-9076 

 External Point of Contact – Mehrdad Khatibi, Mehrdad.Khatibi@nau.edu, (928) 523-0946

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OAP EJ Initiative – Acid Rain Program

 Issue – Atmospheric emissions of Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide from power 

generation sources contribute to formation of PM2.5 and Ozone. Numerous scientific studies 

have linked air pollution to a variety of health problems including: (1) aggravation of 

respiratory and cardiovascular disease; (2) decreased lung function; (3) increased frequency 

and severity of respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing; (4) 

increased susceptibility to respiratory infections; (5) premature death.

 Type of Project – regulatory, air quality (SO2 and NOX emission reduction)

 Summary – The Acid Rain Program (ARP) was established under Title IV of the 1990 Clean 

Air Act (CAA) Amendments. The ARP requires major emission reductions of sulfur dioxide 

(SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the primary precursors of acid rain, from the electric 

power industry. The program sets a permanent cap on the total amount of SO2 that may be 

emitted by electric generating units in the contiguous United States, and controls the rate of 

NOX emissions from those sources as well.

 Message or Lesson Learned - Analysis has shown that all people, regardless of race, color, 

national origin or income receive health benefits from the Acid Rain Program. Continuing to 

implement the ARP SO2 Program will reduce emissions of pollutants that form fine particles 

and cause human health problems for many communities, including environmental justice 

communities.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Environmental organizations; State, Tribal, and Local agencies; academic 

researchers and Universities; affected sources.

 EPA Point of Contact – Rick Haeuber, (202) 343-9250, Haeuber.richard@epa.gov.

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OAP EJ Initiative – Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program

 Issue – Local governments and tribal governments are interested in taking action to mitigate 

climate change and protect their local environments while achieving multiple additional 

community goals. The Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program supports local and 

tribal governments with planning and implementing projects that reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions.

 Type of Project – Competitive grant program with technical assistance through the terms of the 

grant.

 Summary – EPA launched a competitive grant program to assist local and tribal governments 

in establishing and implementing climate change initiatives. The overall goal of the Climate 

Showcase Communities (http://www.epa.gov/slclimat/local/showcase/) grant program is to 

create replicable models of sustainable community actions that generate cost-effective and 

persistent greenhouse gas reductions while improving the environmental, economic, public 

health, or social conditions in a community.

Throughout the grant period, grantees will receive regular technical assistance for their 

projects and attend an annual training workshop. Additionally, each grantee project will be 

showcased through the web and other outreach vehicles.

In the first year of the grant program, 25 climate mitigation programs will be funded from the 

first round of funding. Of these, five local government grantees have specific environmental 

justice elements. Three of the 25 were awarded to tribal governments

 Message or Lesson Learned – EPA will support climate mitigation projects with an 

environmental justice focus and will also support tribal governments in reducing greenhouse 

gas emissions. Through this grant program, EPA and grantees will participate in focused 

efforts to help EJ and tribal communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons 

learned will be shared with other communities who wish to replicate or learn from grantees’

experiences.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Grant Project Officers include EPA staff from Regional Offices and various HQ 

offices

 EPA Point of Contact – CPPD: Julie Rosenberg (Chief, State and Local Branch), 

Rosenberg.julie@epa.gov, (202) 343-9154; Andrea Denny (Grant Lead), 

denny.andrea@epa.gov, (202) 343-9268

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OAP EJ Initiative – Sea Level Rise EJ Analysis

 Issue – Need for enhanced awareness and understanding of where and to what extent EJ 

communities may be disproportionately impacted by the projected effects of climate change 

– in this case, sea level rise (SLR). In addition, need for better understanding of the 

implications of potential SLR adaptation responses for EJ communities.

 Type of Project – Climate change impacts and adaptation analysis 

 Summary – EPA will analyze the EJ implications of SLR and potential adaptation responses 

for coastal communities in the United States. In addition, jointly with Region 2, EPA will 

undertake a focused analysis of the SLR impacts and implications for EJ communities in the 

NY-NJ region. This information will help to inform current and future coastal adaptation 

planning in light of the vulnerability of many EJ communities to the impacts of climate 

change.

 Message or Lesson Message or Lesson Learned Learned - Environmental Environmental and Public Health Benefits and Results and Public Health Benefits and Results 

(qualitative and quantitative) –

• More EJ organizations and their partners will become aware of current and 

projected climate change impacts like SLR and the types of potential adaptation 

responses. More EJ organizations and their partners will have enhanced awareness 

and understanding of the geographic areas that may be disproportionately affected 

by SLR and the implications of potential SLR adaptation responses for EJ 

communities in those areas.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – EPA Region 2

 EPA Point of Contact – Rona Birnbaum (Chief, Climate Science and Impacts Branch), 

birnbaum.rona@epa.gov, (202) 343-9076 

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OAP EJ Initiative – Planning for Extreme Heat Events in American Cities

 Issue – Need for enhanced awareness and understanding of where and to what extent EJ 

communities may be disproportionately impacted by the projected effects of climate change –

in this case, extreme heat events. In addition, need for better understanding of potential 

adaptation responses for EJ communities to prepare for more frequent and intense extreme 

heat events likely resulting from climate change.

 Type of Project – Climate change impacts and adaptation 

 Summary – This project will provide information and tools to help cities understand potential 

health risks and better prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, which 

disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and are projected to become more frequent 

and intense from climate change. The information and tools produced through this project 

will help cities to better inform and protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat 

events. 

 Message or Lesson Message or Lesson Learned Learned - Environmental Environmental and Public Health Benefits and Results and Public Health Benefits and Results 

(qualitative and quantitative) –

• More local city governments, EJ organizations, and their partners will become aware 

of current and projected climate change impacts like extreme heat events, as well as 

types of potential adaptation responses. More EJ organizations and their partners will 

have enhanced awareness and understanding of the geographic areas that may be 

disproportionately affected by extreme heat events and where there are information 

resources to help communities in those areas.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 EPA Point of Contact – Rona Birnbaum (Chief, Climate Science and Impacts Branch), 

birnbaum.rona@epa.gov, (202) 343-9076 

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OAP EJ Initiative – Increasing Tribal Access to Climate and Energy Information and 

Resources – Web Page for Tribal Audiences

 Issue – Tribal governments are interested in pursuing climate and energy mitigation projects 

but they may not have the resources and capacity to research potential projects.

 Type of Project – Increase web access to climate and energy resources that are relevant to 

tribal audiences.

 Summary – The State and Local Climate and Energy Program has developed a website 

targeting state and local governments. The program will add a web page that will specifically

target tribal governments. This web page will provide links to climate change and clean 

energy resources specifically for tribes and will also provide info on how tribal governments 

can navigate through the overall web site. The tribal web page will also include examples of 

tribes who have completed or plan to complete climate mitigation projects and list relevant 

resources. For example, the web page could include an example of Smart Growth projects 

that tribes in the Pacific Northwest are pursuing with related resources such as the tribal 

subcommittee created subcommittee created by the American American Planning Planning Association. Association.

 Message or Lesson Learned - . By establishing a tribal web page for the web, we can help 

tribes consider and implement cost-effective climate mitigation and energy efficiency actions 

that will reap multiple benefits.

 Project Completion Date – 2010

 Partners – Tribal groups i.e., ITEP, TACs

 EPA Point of Contact – CPPD: Julie Rosenberg (Chief, State and Local Branch), 

Rosenberg.julie@epa.gov, (202) 343-9154

 External Point of Contact – N/A

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OAP EJ Initiative – Atmospheric Mercury Network

 Issue – Human activities, such as power generation from coal-fired power plants, release 

mercury into the environment where natural processes convert mercury to methyl mercury –

a toxic pollutant that is readily absorbed in the digestive system of animals and magnified to 

high levels in the food web. Continued widespread mercury contamination across the United 

States demonstrates that mercury pollution is a persistent, serious environmental problem. 

Atmospheric deposition is a major contributor of mercury to inland water bodies. Mercury

concentrations in fish and wildlife in the United States now routinely exceed human health 

thresholds. State and federal fish consumption advisories blanket the nation. Tribes are 

particularly interested in mercury pollution because the primary method of mercury

exposure is through fish consumption.

 Type of Project – Atmospheric monitoring; data access (mercury)

 Summary – EPA collaborated with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) 

with membership including federal agencies, States, Tribes, and other organizations, and the 

broader mercury broader mercury research research community community to establish an atmospheric o establish an atmospheric mercury mercury monitoring onitoring 

network. As part of this effort, EPA and NADP are collaborating with the Cherokee Nation 

to operate a mercury monitoring site on tribal lands. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – The NADP Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) provides 

high quality, high resolution monitoring data from over 20 locations around the country. 

Establishing atmospheric mercury monitoring sites on tribal lands enhances tribes’ ability to 

develop and run their own environmental programs and provides information that helps to 

protect their communities and environment.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – NADP members (Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Environment Canada, 

Universities), communities and the general public; environmental organizations; academic 

researchers and Universities.

 EPA Point of Contact – Rick Haeuber, (202) 343-9250, Haeuber.richard@epa.gov.

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OAP EJ Initiative – On-Line Resources for Community Awareness

 Issue – Atmospheric emissions of Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide from power 

generation sources contribute to formation of PM2.5 and Ozone. Numerous scientific 

studies have linked air pollution to a variety of health problems including: (1) 

aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease; (2) decreased lung function; (3) 

increased frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing 

and coughing; (4) increased susceptibility to respiratory infections; (5) premature death.

 Type of Project – Data and mapping of air quality and emissions sources (SO2 and 

NOX)

 Summary – The Clean Air Markets Divisions website is a publicly accessible portal to a 

variety of data including national power plant information, air quality and acid 

deposition data, and emissions sources and levels. Through the Data and Maps Website 

and Databases, users can access data to better understand pollution sources and levels, 

both geographically and over time. With the Google Earth Interactive Mapping Tool, 

web users can see web users can see emissions and air quality emissions and air quality data in an interactive ata in an interactive 3-D platform. This tool D platform. This tool 

enables the public to see information on maps that provide a direct, graphic link to their 

communities. Both Data and Maps and the Google Earth Interactive Mapping Tool are 

free, accessible on the internet, and empower all people to better understand the air 

quality and emissions data that affect their communities.

 Message or Lesson Learned – The public has a right to transparent, accessible data 

regarding pollution sources, emissions levels, and air quality and other environmental 

issues. Access to CAMD data will enable the public to see how EPA programs have 

improved the environment where they live, as well as the remaining environmental 

issues affecting their communities. Such knowledge will empower communities to be 

more active participants in the continuing environmental protection dialogue.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Communities, stakeholders and the general public; Environmental 

organizations; State, Tribal, and Local agencies; academic researchers and Universities; 

affected sources.

 EPA Point of Contact – Rick Haeuber, (202) 343-9250, Haeuber.richard@epa.gov.

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OAP EJ Initiative – Responsible Appliance Disposal

 Issue – EPA estimates that 9 million refrigerators/freezers, 4.5 million air-conditioning units, 

and 800,000 dehumidifiers are disposed of in the United States annually. Because these 

appliances contain ozone-depleting substances (ODS), greenhouse gases (GHGs), hazardous 

substances, and recyclable materials, their proper disposal is critical for environmental and 

human health protection.

 Type of Project – Air quality (stratospheric ozone protection, climate protection), Energyefficiency, and Proper disposal and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes

 Summary – EPA encourages proper disposal of old, inefficient refrigerant-containing 

appliances through the RAD Program. Refrigerators are one of the largest energy-consuming 

appliances in the household. Replacing an old inefficient unit with a new efficient model will 

save a household energy and money on their utility bill, and proper disposal of the old unit is 

key for protecting the environment and human health. Old refrigerant-containing appliances 

may contain CFCs that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. They also 

may contain mercury, PCBs, and used oil, as well as durable components that should be 

properly managed at end of life. EPA is reaching out to low-income households to encourage 

them to properly dispose of old refrigerant-containing appliances, resulting in reduced energy 

demand, emissions of ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

 Message or Lesson Learned – In 2008 alone, the RAD Program’s 16 partners collected and 

processed a total of 505,956 refrigerant-containing appliances, including: 

418,223 refrigerators/freezers; 

81,592 stand-alone freezers; 

5,608 air-conditioning units; and 

533 dehumidifiers. 

Joining RAD helps get old refrigerators off the grid, and in the process, RAD partners have 

helped protect the ozone layer, reduce GHG emissions, reduce energy use, and increase 

recycling. 30 partners are currently in the program.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state and local governments, universities, and 

other eligible entities.

 EPA Point of Contact – Cindy Newberg (Chief, Alternatives and Emissions Reduction 

Branch), newberg.cindy@epa.gov, (202) 343-9729

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OAP EJ Initiative – Final n-Propyl Bromide Rule – SNAP Program

 Issue – n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) is a nonflammable organic solvent with a strong odor 

used in degreasing and spray adhesives. In 2003, EPA proposed regulations for the use of 

nPB. Since then, new data has come to light warranting stricter use requirements. 

 Type of Project – chemical safety, air quality (alternative for an ozone-depleting 

substances (ODS)

 Summary – Through its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, EPA is 

proposing to allow the use of nPB as an alternative to ODS in some, but not all, end 

uses. The final nPB rule will affect approximately 12,000 people, reducing their 

exposure to this harmful solvent. Most workers in these industries are low-wage hourly

workers, many of whom are Hispanic and female. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Highlights the importance of continuously reviewing and 

evaluating new data about chemicals.

 Project Completion Date – Winter 2010/2011

 Partners – N/A

 EPA Point of Contact – Cindy Newberg (Chief, Alternatives and Emissions Reduction 

Branch), newberg.cindy@epa.gov, (202) 343-9729

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OAP EJ Initiative – Translating Materials into Other Languages (Clean Air Markets Division, 

SunWise Program, ENERGY STAR)

 Issue – For many Americans, particularly socioeconomically-disadvantaged populations, 

English is not their first language. As a result, accessing environmental and public health 

information is more difficult for them than for native English speakers.

 Type of Project – Access to environmental and public health information

 Summary – Providing content translated into Spanish (All three sites) and Chinese (CAMD) 

broadens access to important environmental and health information. Specifically:

 Clean Air Markets Division – Translate portions of the CAMD website, including the Acid Rain 

website and the cap and trade website, into Spanish. Translating informational portions of the 

updated website into Spanish will broaden access to the data and background on acid rain, air 

quality, health and ecological benefits, as well as information on cap and trade programs and 

current and future regulations. 

 SunWise Program – Continue to provide fact sheets, website, and SunWise Tool Kit in Spanish 

and disseminate to interested educators and families so that Spanish speakers in the U.S. will 

protect themselves from overexposure to UV radiation, and will therefore have fewer cases of 

skin cancer, cataracts, and other eye and skin conditions. 

 ENERGY STAR - Continue to support the recently launched Recursos en Espanol portion of the 

ENERGY STAR website which provides Spanish language tools and resources for homeowners, 

renters, small businesses and congregations. Continue to highlight the “Tell Us How You 

Saved” profiles of Latino families around the country who have used ENERGY STAR tools to 

save energy and money. By providing these resources in Spanish, more Spanish-speaking 

families and businesses around the country will be able to save energy, lower their energy costs, 

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing ENERGY STAR resources.

 Message or Lesson Learned – EPA content will be made available to all populations.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – N/A

 EPA Point of Contact – CAMD: Rick Haeuber, Clean Air Markets Division, (202) 343-9250, 

Haeuber.richard@epa.gov; SunWise: Ross Brennan (Chief, Stratospheric Program 

Implementation Branch), brennan.ross@epa.gov, (202) 343-9226; ENERGY STAR: Karen 

Schneider, Climate Protection Partnership Division, (202) 343-9752, Schneider.karen@epa.gov. 24
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OAP EJ Initiative – Skin Cancer Fact Sheets for African-Americans and Hispanics

 Issue – Many African-Americans and Hispanics perceive they are not at risk for sun 

damage and skin cancer. While the risk for sun damage and skin cancer is lower in 

individuals with skin of color, the risk of cataracts is unchanged. Skin cancer is on the rise 

in Hispanic populations. The survival rate for African-Americans and Hispanics is also 

lower than that for Caucasians.

 Type of Project – Health and UV safety education

 Summary – By providing these fact sheets, individuals with darker skin, who may

mistakenly think they are not at risk, will have access to a fact sheet that describes 

pertinent information on skin cancer, cataracts and other health effects from UV radiation. 

When finished, EPA’s SunWise program will distribute them to educators, and public 

health and consumer groups representing African-Americans and Hispanics, in addition to 

media outreach. They will also be available on the SunWise website. 

 Message or Lesson Message or Lesson Learned Learned – Sun damage Sun damage affects affects everyone, albeit not in the same way not in the same way. 

Cataracts and other eye damage can occur regardless of skin type, as do premature aging 

and wrinkling of the skin. Additionally, by taking simple steps to prevent skin cancer and 

catch it early, EPA will address the lower survival rate for individuals with skin of color 

through education.

 Project Completion Date – Spring 2011

 Partners – Dermatologists, researchers, CDC, Henry Ford Health System

 EPA Point of Contact – Ross Brennan (Chief, Stratospheric Program Implementation 

Branch), brennan.ross@epa.gov, (202) 343-9226 

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Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA)

FY 2009 EJ Action Plan Initiatives

ORIA Robust, Results-Oriented Activity – Asthma Program Strategy 

 Issue - Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of 

life for millions of Americans. Over 22 million people, including 6.8 million children, have asthma 

and prevalence is higher among families with lower incomes. African-Americans continue to have 

higher rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths than Caucasian-Americans. 

Approximately 2 million Hispanic-Americans have asthma and Puerto Ricans are disproportionately

impacted. The rate is 125% higher than non-Hispanic Caucasian-Americans. Native Americans have 

more symptoms and more severe symptoms than other groups. 

 Type of Project - Air quality

 Summary – The EPA Asthma Program Strategy promotes scientific understanding of environmental 

asthma triggers and ways to mange them. The Asthma Program collaborates with partners to support 

research and educate the public about asthma and ways to manage environmental triggers. Partners 

include government agencies, universities/research centers, the health care community, nonprofit 

organizations, the media, and community programs. Major program activities include:

• National Childhood National Childhood Asthma Public Service Media Campaign, Asthma Public Service Media Campaign, a collaborative a collaborative project project with the with the 

Ad Council

• Training health care professionals through NGO cooperative agreements (e.g. Association of 

Clinicians for the Underserved)

• Communities in Action for Asthma Friendly Environments initiative and 

AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org

 Message or Lesson Learned - Environmental and public health benefits and results from implementing 

a multi-faceted program. Using state of the art technology, and meeting stakeholders’ needs has put us 

on track to reaching our goal of mobilizing 1000 communities to deliver quality asthma care.

 Project Completion Date - Ongoing 

 Partners -

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (NGO) PARTNERS - Association of Clinicians for the 

Underserved, Allergy and Asthma Networks*Mothers of Asthmatics; American College of CHEST

Physicians; American Lung Association; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Ad Council; 

National Association of School Nurses, America's Health Insurance Plans; Boston Public Health 

Commission; Ad Council

GOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

COMMUNITY PARTNERS - AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org is an online network of more than 450 

community-based asthma programs and the organizations that support them. Programs in this national 

Network share effective strategies to achieve positive asthma health outcomes.

 EPA Point of Contact

Dave Rowson, Indoor Environments Division (IED)

Tel: 202-343-9449 E-mail: rowson.david@epa.gov

Alisa Smith, Indoor Environments Division

Tel: 202-343-9372, E-mail: smith.alisa@epa.gov

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center (TAMS Center)

 Issue – The TAMS Center is designed to build tribal capacity in air monitoring and 

addressing environmental concerns in tribal communities. Technical training and technical 

assistance is the vehicle that is used to build this capacity.

 Type of Project – Air quality

 Summary – The TAMS Center delivers technical training to tribes in the areas of indoor air 

quality, ambient monitoring, quality assurance, data handling, and climate change. 

Furthermore, the TAMS Center provides one-on-one training and special assistance to tribes 

on an as needed basis. Also, the TAMS Center provides limited equipment loans and the lab 

services to assist tribes in implementing new air programs.

 Message or Lesson Learned – More tribal representatives will gain increased awareness in: 

(a) designing and implementing appropriate air monitoring networks, (b) improving data 

quality quality and, (c) improving ability nd, (c) improving ability to include air data in EP o include air data in EPA national national databases. databases. More tribal More tribal 

air professionals are trained in network planning, data handling, quality assurance, and 

technical implementation. The effort results in improved air quality in communities by

assisting the tribes to implement air monitoring networks and have access to EPA’s air 

quality databases

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Tribal air professionals

 EPA Point of Contact – Emilio Braganza (Las Vegas Radiation and Indoor Environments 

(R&IE) National Laboratory) , braganza.emilio@epa.gov, 702-784-8280

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Radnet Data Bilingual Public Information Initiative 

 Issue – Spanish speaking citizens within the US do not have the capability to see and 

understand Environmental Radiation information provided by the RadNet program. 

Prepare the public access portion of RadNet Data site (Central Data Exchange) to 

support a bilingual Spanish/English language format. This activity will target 

audiences with limited English proficiency.

 Type of Project - Air quality, radiation protection

 Summary – This activity will provide public information access to residents with 

limited English proficiency about ambient and incident levels of airborne radioactive 

material. Bilingual information is available to both Spanish and English speaking 

citizens. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Better awareness due to a higher percentage of the 

general public will have the capability to be informed about potential radiation risks 

and educated on background radiation levels. 

 Project Completion Date – June 2009

 Communities involved – Spanish speaking citizens.

 EPA Point of Contact – Larry Lee, National Air and Radiation Environmental 

Laboratory (NAREL), Tel: 334-270-3456, E-mail: lee.larry@epa.gov

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Wake Forest University School of Medicine Partnership

 Issue - Congress has recognized that migrant children and families are a special population 

needing distinct services. Migrant and seasonal Head Start was established to serve migrant 

farm worker families and their children. Challenges of this special population includes 

high mobility, long work hours, increased exposure to secondhand smoke, and limited 

English-speaking skills. 

 Type of Project - Air quality

 Summary – The WFUSM Partnership is a culturally educational program designed to 

provide information to migrant farm workers about the risks associated with environmental 

tobacco smoke. The initiative supports a partnership with WFUSM and the East Coast 

Migrant Head Start Program (ECMHSP). ECMHSP Head Start centers are located in 

eleven states along the east coast and services approximately 8,500 infants, toddlers and 

preschoolers. Health educators are trained to work with families of migrant farm workers 

in order to increase their knowledge and change behavior toward reducing the impact of 

secondhand smoke exposure to Head Start children. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – The key message is to improve the health of children in farm 

worker families implementing a program that provide migrant arm workers families with 

knowledge of residential air pollution risks and introduce behaviors that they can perform 

to reduce exposure for their families

. 

 Project Completion Date – The project is ongoing thru September 2010

 Partners – East Coast Migrant Head Start Program, Redlands Christian Migrant 

Association, Inc., Community Health Partnership of Illinois, Parrotsville Clinic Rural 

Medical “Services (TN), Saint Lucie County Health Department (Port Saint Lucie, FL)

 EPA Point of Contact - Carmen Torrent, Indoor Environments Division (IED), Tel.: (202) 

343-9056, E-mail: torrent.carmen@epa.gov 

 External Point of Contact - Thomas A. Arcury, PhD, Research Director, Wake Forest 

University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, phone: (338) 716-9438 

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Navajo Nation Uranium/Radium Exposure Protection Initiative

 Issue – The Navajo Nation was the site of more uranium mining and milling than any other 

place in the United States during the 1950s through the 1970s. The legacy of abandoned 

uranium mine wastes, air, soil, and water contamination has impacted nearly every

community on the reservation, resulting in cancers, kidney, and other diseases creating a 

public health emergency. 

 Type of Project – Radiation protection

 Summary – ORIA will be providing support to the implementation of EPA-led activities in a 

5 year federal agency plan submitted to Congress designed to assist the Navajo Nation to 

address protection from exposures to uranium mine wastes and uranium/radium contaminated 

drinking water on Navajo lands. A separate effort will provide training on radiation 

protection for occupational workers at Navajo drinking water plants which process source 

water containing radionuclides above the maximum contaminant levels.

 Message or Lesson Learned – ORIA is providing leadership and serves as a reliable partner to 

Region 9 and the Navajo Nation in offering critical support for public health initiatives, 

public outreach and education, and technical advice on radiation protection issues. In FY

2009 we sponsored an annual Navajo Uranium Contamination Workshop for the Navajo EPA 

and our federal partners in the 5 year plan. In addition we held radiation protection classes, 

and a technical session on decommissioning contaminated wells, for tribal drinking water 

treatment workers at three locations in Arizona and New Mexico.

 Project Initiation Date – This continues ORIA-RPD efforts begun in the 1990’s, though the 5 

year federal agency plan was submitted to Congress in June 2009.

 Partners – Federal and Tribal: EPA Region 9, Navajo EPA, and Navajo Department of Natural 

Resources

 EPA Point of Contact – Loren Setlow, Radiation Protection Division, Tel: 202-343-9445, Email: setlow.loren@epa.gov

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Center for Ecological Technologies Partnership - Healthy Beginnings: 

Improving Indoor Air Quality (HB: IAQ)

 Issue - Reduce the percentage of low-income and/or minority children (aged 6 and under) who 

are regularly exposed to health risks associated with secondhand smoke in their homes. 

 Type of Project - Air quality

 Summary – HB:IAQ is collaboration among public health and environment community leaders 

including: Center for Ecological Technology (CET), Operation Better Start/WIC, Sprout, 

Berkshire OB-GYN Associates, and Tobacco Treatment Services (TTS). The project will help 

women who are either smokers or who live in smoking households to create smoke-free 

homes. HB:IAQ will help all pregnant women by providing counseling to achieve this goal. 

HB:IAQ will increase the number of families in Berkshire County taking specific steps to 

reduce home exposures

 Message or Lesson Learned – More children are no longer exposed to secondhand smoke in 

homes and cars. The number of children homes and cars. The number of children at home (birth at home (birth-6 years) represents represents families families making the 

smoke-free home pledge. Over 1,000 households committed to establish smoke-free homes 

and cars thru counseling and pledges at events, including World Breastfeeding Day events, 

Community Baby Showers, Conte Community Resource Fair, Westside Community Block 

Party, Wal-Mart Health and Safety Fair and the BMC Mother Baby Unit Welcome Party. There 

were an increased number of healthcare providers trained and primary care physicians 

educated in indoor air quality and counseling. And more than 2500 at-risk pregnant women 

were counseled on reducing home exposures to environmental tobacco smoke and other 

environmental toxicants. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing thru September 2010

 Partners - Center for Ecological Technology, Operation Better Start (OBS)/Women Infants and 

Children (WIC), Sprout, Berkshire OB-GYN Associates, and Tobacco Treatment Services 

 EPA Point of Contact – Sheila Brown, Indoor Environments Division (IED), Tel: (202) 343-

9439, E-mail: brown.sheila@epa.gov

 External Point of Contact - Laura Dubester, CET, 112 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 

laurad@cetonline.org phone: 413-445-4556 ext. 13 

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Residential Indoor Radon Laboratory Testing Support Initiative

 Issue - Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. 

Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading 

cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer 

in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. 

 Type of Project - Air quality

 Summary –The initiative offers support to residents from economically-disadvantaged 

communities by providing no-cost home radon test kits and analysis from the EPA Radiation 

and Indoor Environments National Laboratory. Partnerships are formed with groups and 

organizations (i.e. tribes, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions) that work directly with 

local residents from low-income and/or tribal communities.

 Message or Lesson Learned – Test Your Home for Radon - it's easy and inexpensive. Lung 

cancer risks associated with exposure to elevated radon levels are reduced through radon 

awareness and testing for radon in homes. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing 

 Communities Involved – Tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, disadvantaged and 

low-income groups. 

 EPA Point of Contact – Evelyn Conerly, Radiation and Indoor Environments National 

Laboratory, E-mail: conerly.evelyn@epa.gov, Tel: 702-798-2324.

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ORIA EJ Initiative – U.S. HHS, Office of Head Start Indoor Air Quality Partnership

 Issue - U.S. HHS Office of Head Start (OHS) surveys have documented that almost half of Head 

Start children live in households where at least one person smoked cigarettes. Over 50 percent 

of Early Head Start children were exposed to household smoking. These children had a higher 

rate of asthma or respiratory problems when compared to children who were not exposed to 

household smoking. Children exposed to household smoking were more likely than those who 

were not exposed to have ear infections. Asthma prevalence is high in the Head Start 

population. Unfortunately, only 50 percent of grantees had an asthma plan for children in their 

programs.

 Type of Project - Air quality

 Summary – Head Start programs provide comprehensive child development services to nearly

one million children from low-income families (including pregnant women and children up to 

age five). The initiative entitled “Care for their Air” provides Early Head Start and Head Start 

grantees and delegate agencies with information, education, training tools, and resources to help 

Head Start staff and parents to reduce harmful health effects from environmental asthma triggers 

and secondhand smoke. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – While providing the Head Start Centers with secondhand smoke 

and asthma fact sheets and information memorandums continues, raising awareness of this issue 

among many other required priorities of already heavily-burdened Head Start faculty and staff 

has been difficult. A marketing plan needs to be developed, accepted and implemented. Adding 

secondhand smoke education and measurement activities during Head Start in-home visits (in 

accordance with new requirements written by the Office of Head Start) is currently underway. 

If approved, the new requirements should help immensely in reducing secondhand smoke 

exposure levels. An additional lesson learned has been that the complex nature of Head Start 

Centers in combination with melding the distinct cultures and practices of two separate agencies 

(EPA and HHS) add to the difficulties of getting this health risk message into the proper hands 

within the Centers in a streamlined, effective manner.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing 

 Partners – National Head Start Association

 EPA Point of Contact - Mike Holloway, Indoor Environments Division, Tel: (202) 343-9426, Email: holloway.mike@epa.gov

 External Point of Contact – Robin Brocato, Senior Health Specialist, Office of Head Start, Tel: 

(202) 205-9903, E-mail: robin.brocato@acf.hhs.gov

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona 

University

 Issue – As of 2007, the Indian Health Service has estimated that 200,000 plus Native Americans 

are afflicted with asthma, Currently, Native American asthma rates are twice (13%) the national 

average according to the Center for Disease Control. The project is designed to help reduce these 

numbers equal or below the overall national average of 8%. 

 Type of Project - Indoor air quality

 Summary – ITEP at Northern Arizona University provides training and education services to 

American Indian and Native Alaskan tribes throughout the U.S. The project activities focus on 

prevention and control of indoor air contaminates, including radon, indoor asthma triggers, and 

indoor air quality management in schools. The Indoor Air Quality Tribal Communities project 

consists of four primary areas: (1) Outreach to Tribal Nations to build program sustainability; (2) 

Workshop/Trainings to properly teach tribal health professionals; (3) Development and Delivery

of Web related eb related Online Products and (4) T Online Products and (4) Technical Assistance to Existing I echnical Assistance to Existing IAQ Projects. Projects.

 Message or Lesson Learned – ITEP and the Tribal Air Monitoring Service Center are recognized 

leaders in the tribal training of health and technical indoor air professionals. Efforts have 

expanded utilizing this recognition combined with ORIA’s expertise in outreach, social media 

and messaging.

 Project Completion Date – September 2014

 Partners – Northern Arizona University, Native American Tribal Stakeholder, Tribal 

Governments and Organizations, State and Regional Tribal entities, etc.)

 EPA Point of Contact – Chris Griffin, 202.343.9421 griffin.chris@epa.gov

 External Point of Contact - Mehrdad Khatibi, 928.523.0946, Mehrdad.Khatibi@nau.edu)

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ORIA EJ Initiative – Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board

 Issue – As of 2007, the Indian Health Service has estimated that 200,000 plus Native 

Americans are afflicted with asthma, Currently, Native American asthma rates are twice 

(13%) the national average according to the Center for Disease Control. The project is 

designed to reduce these numbers equal or below the overall national average of 8%. 

 Type of Project - Indoor air quality

 Summary – The goal of the project is to train and educate more tribal health professionals 

on reducing indoor environmental health hazards indoors specifically within tribal homes 

and schools. This project supports the partnership with the Aberdeen Area Tribal 

Chairmen’s Health Board and multiple partners within and across regional boundaries in 

order to provide environmental asthma trigger management education and to promote the 

capability and development of tribal healthcare professionals to assist their patients identify

and mitigate asthma triggers in the home, and schools. Aberdeen’s Board will implement a 

Tribal Asthma Prevention Campaign which provides education to a population of almost 

200,000 tribal members residing on seventeen reservations and in two urban Indian service 

areas in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – Aberdeen is a leader among tribal nations and especially

around tribal indoor air issues. Therefore, they have been very influential in leading efforts 

regarding our initial tribal indoor air webinars, Asthma 101 Course development, Asthma 

Certification Programs, etc. Yet, the challenge still remains within Native-American 

regions concerning sustainability among staff, program training/development and funding. 

 Project Completion Date – September 2011

 Partners – Native American Tribal Stakeholder, Tribal Governments and Organizations, 

State and Regional Tribal entities, etc.

 EPA Point of Contact – Chris Griffin, 202.343.9421 griffin.chris@epa.gov

 External Point of Contact - Karen Workman, 605.721.1922, Healthed@aatchb.org

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Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ)

FY 2009 EJ Action Plan Initiatives

OTAQ Robust, Results-Oriented Activity - National Clean Diesel Campaign/SmartWay 

Program

 Issue – Existing diesel engines emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter 

and air toxics, which contribute to serious public health problems that can affect minority

and low income communities disproportionately.

 Type of Project – EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) and SmartWay

Programs advance strategies to reduce diesel emissions and thereby reduce asthma attacks 

and other health impacts of diesel pollution. 

 Summary – National Clean Diesel and SmartWay Programs outline a strategy for 

reaching the goal of reduced asthma attacks in areas where low-income and/or minority

groups are exposed disproportionately to diesel emissions. The program provides a robust 

strategy strategy, involving involving regulatory regulatory and voluntary and voluntary efforts and partnerships with industry and partnerships with industry, 

agencies, and communities to help achieve EPA's EJ goals and objectives including 

reducing the number asthma attacks, exposure to air toxics and collaborative problemsolving to address environmental justice issues.

 Message or Lesson Learned - The FY 2008 funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction 

Program is estimated to reduce approximately 46,000 tons of NOX and 2,200 tons of 

PM2.5 by 2031. These emission reductions translate into a signicant quantiable public 

health benet of approximately $580 million to $1.4 billion over the life of the program. 

The Recovery Act grants are estimated to reduce particulate matter by 5000 tons, NOx by

120,000 tons and CO2 by 1,000,000 tons (roughly 90 million gallons of diesel saved) over 

the lifetime of the projects. These reductions will result in an estimated $1.2B to $2.8B in 

public health benefits (Pope, Laden). The competition for FY 2009 and 2010 DERA

grants is closed and awards are expected during the summer of 2010.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Non-profits, local governments, state air agencies, universities, and private 

sector all through 7 Regional Clean Diesel Collaboratives

 EPA Point of Contact – Connie Ruth ruth.connie@epa.gov (734) 761-8518 

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OTAQ EJ Initiative - Program Outreach to Stakeholders

 Issue – Low-income and minority populations particularly impacted by diesel emissions need to be 

informed about clean diesel solutions and opportunities to reduce diesel emissions in their 

communities. 

 Type of Project – Diesel emissions reductions

 Summary – National Clean Diesel Campaign and SmartWay Programs are committed to an 

outreach

effort including: 

• Seven regional clean diesel collaboratives provide an ideal forum for interested EJ 

Community organizations to participate in a clean diesel dialogue at the regional and local 

level. The clean diesel collaboratives are public-private partnerships working to improve 

air quality by reducing diesel emissions through projects that use innovations in diesel 

engines, alternative fuels and renewable energy technologies. Working together allows 

members to leverage funding, share technology and professional expertise. OTAQ ensures 

national program continuity across the 7 diesel collaboratives.

• Tools such as the State and Local Toolkit designed to support community level 

participation in clean diesel activities

• Publication of materials including the newly released technical bulletins that provide an 

overview of basic diesel retrofit devices and the development of success stories that are 

underway.

• Participation in conferences where affected community members have been informed 

about and provided demonstrations of tools and materials available for clean diesel 

activities. 

• Articles published in the Tribal Air Newsletter

• Efforts to create a map and search function for Clean Diesel projects in EJ Areas are 

underway. 

• Publication of SmartWay technical bulletins that provide an overview of basic fuel 

efficiency and emissions reduction strategies for drayage truck operations at ports. 

 Message or Lesson Learned - There are many tools and materials available to support EJ 

communities in clean diesel activities. The Regional Clean Diesel Collaboratives are a key forum 

available to community groups where they can participate in the regional Clean Diesel dialogue.

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Non-profits, local governments, state air agencies, universities, and private sector all 

through 7 Regional Clean Diesel Collaboratives

 EPA Point of Contact – Connie Ruth ruth.connie@epa.gov (734) 761-8518 

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OTAQ EJ Initiative - Idle Reduction 

 Issue – Low-income and minority populations are impacted by diesel emissions from unnecessary

idling of school buses and of drayage trucks. 

 Type of Project – Diesel emissions reductions

 Summary – National Clean Diesel Campaign’s Clean School Bus USA and SmartWay Programs 

provide information and strategies to reduce unnecessary idling. 

• “The Key to a Healthier Ride” is a public information campaign that provides a forum for 

children and their school bus drivers to learn about air quality and diesel emissions. The 

campaign provides messages and tools for school districts, bus drivers and communities to 

assist in idle reduction in and around the school yard. Idle-reduction campaign materials 

continue to be distributed to school districts nationwide (many of them EJ areas), (factsheet, classroom poster, bus driver information brochure with pledge card, key ring).

• The SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program provides funding to help truck drivers and 

owner/operators in low-income and minority communities obtain financing to acquire 

newer and cleaner newer and cleaner trucks that emit less. trucks that emit less. A Recovery Recovery Act $9 million SmartW Act $9 million SmartWay Clean 

Diesel Finance grant will provide loans for up to 200 new trucks for truck owners in the 

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas region, including trucks equipped with EPA-verified 

and recommended fuel efficiency technology. The grant leverages Texas Emissions 

Reduction Plan (TERP) funding and helps owner-operators bridge the gap between the 

TERP funds and the total cost of equipment.

 Message or Lesson Learned –

• Over 100,000 school bus drivers have been trained in idle reduction techniques that 

provide an easy way to save money by saving fuel, reducing wear and tear on engines, 

protecting drivers' health and the health of children, and improving air quality and can be 

implemented readily at the community level, and can cost very little. 

• The Houston, Galveston, Brazoria SmartWay grant program is just beginning. Evaluation 

will continue as the program matures. 

 Project Initiation Date –The idle-reduction campaign was launched in 2007; the SmartWay Clean 

Diesel financing project launched in 2008.

 Partners – School districts, Non-profits, local governments, state air agencies, and private sector 

reinforced through 7 Regional Clean Diesel Collaborative

 EPA Point of Contact – Connie Ruth ruth.connie@epa.gov (734) 761-8518

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OTAQ EJ Initiative - DERA Grant Funding

 Issue – Emissions from existing engines contribute to serious public health problems that 

can affect EJ communities disproportionately. DERA funding supports the implementation 

of clean diesel activities including installation of clean diesel technologies that reduce 

diesel emissions.

 Type of Project – Diesel emissions reductions

 Summary – Often referred to as DERA (for Diesel Emissions Reduction Act), this funding 

was authorized in 2005 by the Energy Policy Act. The legislation prescribes that the 

application process occurs at the national/regional level. Coordination within the 

community and leveraged funding are encouraged. Among priorities listed, extra points can 

be earned for projects in areas where there is a disproportionate impact of diesel emissions. 

In order to promote the application of diesel emissions reduction technologies among 

tribes, in 2009, an RFP was posted for the FY 2009-2010 DERA competition that included 

a reduced application minimum for tribes of $30K (compared to $50K - $500K for other 

applicants). applicants). A Tribal Review Panel was created. ibal Review Panel was created. Eight applications applications were received received 

representing a total request from tribes for $3.1M. Awards are pending. There are 78 grants 

for FY 2008 and Recovery 2009 that fall within an EJ area with funding of ~ $140M. Total 

emissions reductions over the lifetime of the vehicles is estimated at: NOx 81,000 tons, PM 

2,900 tons, HC 6,500 tons, CO 12,700 tons, and CO2 303,000 tons. In addition, there are 

DERA-funded state programs, many of which include clean diesel projects in EJ areas. The 

competition for FY 2009 and 2010 DERA grants is closed and awards are expected during 

the summer of 2010. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – There is room for capacity building for clean diesel grants in 

EJ communities. A good model is in Minnesota where a non-profit submits and 

administers DERA grants on behalf of communities disproportionately impacted by diesel 

emissions. The Regional Clean Diesel Collaboratives are an ideal venue for community

groups to link with potential partners that are eligible for funding. 

 Project Completion Date – Ongoing

 Partners – Non-profits, local governments, state air agencies, universities, and private 

sector all through 7 Regional Clean Diesel Collaboratives

 EPA Point of Contact – Connie Ruth ruth.connie@epa.gov (734) 761-8518

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Community Action for A Renewed Environment (CARE) Program 

Providing on-the-ground technical assistance and funding to underserved communities to reduce all sources of 

risks

 Issue - EPA developed the CARE program in response to community requests for help in addressing 

environmental concerns and in recognition of the need for a new approach to help communities develop locallyled solutions to address these concerns. While national regulatory approaches have resulted in significant 

reductions in toxic releases and other environmental improvements, these methods have not always been 

effective in addressing specific community concerns and cumulative risks resulting from toxic releases from 

multiple and often diffuse sources. CARE is designed to complement national regulatory approaches and meet 

community needs by building the capacity of communities to understand and take effective actions at the local 

level to address existing environmental concerns in all environmental media.

 Type of Project - Multi-media grant and technical assistance.

 Summary – The Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program is a competitive grant 

program that offers communities an innovative way to address the risks from multiple sources of environmental 

and health risks and concerns in their communities. Through CARE various local organizations, including nonprofits, businesses, schools and governments create partnerships that implement local solutions to reduce risks 

and minimize people’s exposure to them. CARE educates and supports communities by helping them assess the 

environmental and human health risks they face. EPA regional teams develop around each CARE community

partnership to provide technical partnership to provide technical advice, advice, expertise, and access to expertise, and access to Agency programs rograms to address environmental to address environmental 

priorities and improve the environment through local action. CARE has provided financial assistance by

funding over $12 million in cooperative agreements with communities since 2005. Awarded projects are in the 

most environmentally burdened areas, resulting in over 90% of work being conducted in communities with EJ 

concerns. Most importantly, a 2009 National Academy of Public Administration evaluation recognized the 

CARE Program’s success as a solid tested framework for engaging communities in addressing multimedia 

toxics, empowering communities, creating a sustainable model, and breaking down EPA’s institutional and 

single media stovepipes.

Goals of the CARE Program

1.Reduce environmental and human health risks through collaborative action at the local level. 

2.Help communities gain an understanding of all potential sources (air, land, water) of environmental and 

human health risks. 

3.Work with communities to set priorities for risk-reduction activities. 

4.Create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve the local environment. 

 Message or Lesson Learned – CARE works well to combine Agency expertise with community capacitybuilding to deliver funding and technical assistance to address risks from all sources of toxics in underserved 

communities. Communities want to play an active role in reducing environmental risks in their neighborhoods. 

Communities are able to identify their local assets and develop local consensus-based solutions and create 

sustainable results. They often succeed when federal agencies can provide financial and technical support while 

allowing the community to lead the process. 

 Project Completion Date - Ongoing 

 Partners - CARE partners with various local organizations, non-profits, businesses, foundations, schools and 

governments

 EPA Point of Contact - Marva King, OAR

Tel: 202-564-2599 E-mail: king.marva@epa.gov

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