# Draft FY

201 1

–2015 EP

A St rategic Plan June 1 8 , 2010

For Public Review June 18 - July 30, 2010



## U.S. Envir onm ental Pr otection Agency Wa shington, DC 20460Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 i Table of C ontents Table of C ontents ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... i Ad ministrator’s Message ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 1 Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 Strategic Goals ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. . 7 G oal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality
................................ ..... 7 Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters
................................ ................................ ....................... 11 G oal 3: Cleaning Up Our Communities
................................ ................................ .................... 15 Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution
................................ ....... 19 Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental Laws
................................ ................................ ................... 22 External Factors and Emerging Issues
................................ ................................ ...................... 24 Summary of Program Evaluation
................................ ................................ .............................. 26 Cross - Cutting Fundamental Strategies ................................ ................................ ..................... 27 Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
................................ ................................ . 28 Working for Environmental Justice and Children’s Health
................................ ...................... 29 Advancing Science, Research, and Technological Innovation
................................ ................. 31 Strengthening State, Tribal, and International Partnerships
................................ ..................... 32 Strengthening EPA's Workforce and Capabilities
................................ ................................ .... 34 Strategic Measure ment Framework ................................ ................................ ......................... 35 Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality
................................ .. 39 Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters
................................ ................................ ...................... 42 Goal 3: Cleaning Up Our Communities.
................................ ................................ .................. 46 Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chem icals and Prevent ing Pollution
. ................................ ..... 50 Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental Laws.
................................ ................................ ................. 53Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 1 Administrator’s Message In the time since I began my tenure as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ihave been both challenged and inspired by the difficu lt issues we face and the talent and dedication of our extraordinary work force. There is no doubt the EPA is back on the job. We have made exceptional progress in protecting the environment of American communities and restoring the trust of the American people. And we have made a number of historic environmental advances along the way
. The ye ar 2010 marks the EPA’s 40th anniversary . It is a moment of celebration but also a moment when we face some of the most complex and far
reaching environmental cha llenges in the history of our agency , our nation and our planet. It is critical that we work harder and smarter and look further ahead. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ’s FY 2011
- 2015 Strategic Plan provides a blueprint for accomplishing our prio rities for the next five years. This plan presents five strategic goals for advancing our environmental and human
- health mission outcomes, accompanied by five cross
cutting fundamental strategies that seek to adapt the EPA’s work inside and outside of the agency and meet the growing environmental protection needs of the day . To follow the Administration’s focus on strengthening programs and achieving results, EPA is implementing High Priorit y Performance Goals to advance progress towards our five strategi c goals. We will continue to affirm the core values of science, transparency and the rule of law in addressing these priorities, many

of which we have served in the last two y ears and will continue to work toward in the future. These are the most urgent issues we must confront between 2010 and 2015. As we prepare this plan, we are in the midst of one of the worst environmental disasters this country has experienced, the Deepwater BP oil spill. This spill has devastated the ecological and economic health of the Gulf Coast communities. Following the emergency response with a sustained, effective recovery and rebuilding effort will require significant commitments of resources, scientific and technical expertise, and coordination with a range of partners i n the months and y ears ahead. This Strategic Plan offers a solid foundation for EPA’s long
- term response to the impacts of the Deepwater BP oil spill. As President Obama has said, the government is “going to do every thing in our power to protect our natural resources, compensate those who have been harmed, rebuild what has been damaged, and help this region persevere like it has done so many

times before.” The EPA will work tirelessl y to address the environmental and human
- health effects and set the Gulf Coast back on the path to recovery
. The EPA’s Strategic Goals Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality : American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution and the growing effects of climate change
. During my first ye ar as Administrator, the EPA finalized an endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, issued the first national rules to reduce greenhouse
- gas emissions under the Clean Air Act and initiated a national reporting s ys tem for greenhouse
- gas emissions. All of these advances signaled historic progress in the fight against climate change. Climate change must be considered and integrated into all aspects of our work. While the EPA stands read y to help Congress craft strong, science
- based clim ate legislation that addresses the spectrumDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 2 of issues, we will deplo y such regulatory tools as they

are available and warranted, including using the authorit y of the Clean Air Act. We have strengthened the ambient air
- quality standards for nitrogen dioxi de and sulfur dioxide and proposed stronger standards for ozone, which will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier. We also are developing a comprehensive strategy for a cleaner and more efficient power sector, with strong and achiev able emission
- reduction goals for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury

and other air toxics. Strengthening the ambient air
- quality standards consistent with the latest scientific information and gaining additional reductions in air toxics from a range of industrial facilities will significantly improve air quality

and reduce risks to communities across the country
. Improved monitoring, timel y and thorough permitting and vigorous enforcement are our key tools for air
- quality

improvement. Protecting Am erica’s Waters : While much progress has been made, America’s waters remain imperiled. From nutrient loadings and stormwater runoff to invasive species and drinking water contaminants, water quality and enforcement programs face complex challenges that dem and both traditional and innovative strategies. We will work hand
- in
- hand with states and tribes to develop nutrient limits and intensify our work to restore and protect the quality of the nation’s streams, rivers, lakes, bays, oceans and aquifers. The E PA also will use our authority robustly to protect and restore threatened natural treasures such as the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico; to address our neglected urban rivers; to ensure safe drinking water; and to reduce pollution fr om nonpoint and industrial dischargers. We will initiate measures to address post - construction runoff, water
- quality impairments from surface mining, and drinking
- water contamination. Cleaning Up Our Communities : Using all the tools at our disposal, inc luding targeted enforcement and compliance efforts, the EPA will continue to make our communities safer and healthier than ever before. We are accelerating our actions through our Superfund program, confronting significant local environmental challenges s uch as the asbestos public
- health emergency

in L ibby , Mont., and the collapse of the coal
- ash dam in Kingston, Tenn. The Kingston dam collapse led the EPA to propose the nation’s first rules to ensure the safe disposal and management of coal ash from coal
- fired power plants. By maximizing the potential of our brownfields program to spur environmental cleanups and by fostering stronger partnerships with stakeholders affected b y our cleanups, we are moving toward our goal of building sustainable, healthy , ec onomically

vibrant communities. And by strengthening our work with tribal communities, we are advancing our efforts to build environmental
- management capacity and program implementation in Indian country
. Ensuring the Safe Management of Chemicals and Pre venting Pollution: One of our highest priorities is to make long
- overdue progress in ensuring the safet y of the chemicals that make up the building blocks of our modern societ y. Increasingl y the chemicals used to make our products, build our homes and sup port our way of life end up in the environment and even in our bodies. Last year, the EPA announced principles for modernizing the law under which we regulate chemicals, Toxic Substances Control Act, enacted more than 30 years ago b y Congress. To move fo rward, we are shifting our focus to address high
- concern chemicals and filling in critical missing information on the chemicals most widely produced and used in commerce. TheDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 3 EPA will aggressively

assess and manage the risks of chemicals used in consumer products, the workplace and the environment by revising and strengthening the EPA’s chemicals management and risk
- assessment programs through novel chemicals
- management plans. The EPA also is taking steps to increase transparency and public access to TSCA
- related chemical information. By encouraging pollution prevention, we will promote the use of safer chemicals, implement conservation techniques, promote efficient reuse of materials and make chemical
- production processes greener and more sustainable. E nforcing Environmental L aws : Effective, consistent enforcement is critical to achieving the human
- health and environmental benefits expected from our environmental laws. The EPA, through the rule of law, will ensure compliance with environmental requireme nts and, as warranted, will employ

vigorous and targeted civil and criminal enforcement. We will achieve significant environmental results by focusing our efforts on the most serious water, air and chemical hazards and b y working closel y with states and tribes. We will protect the public by criminally

prosecuting willful, intentional and serious violations of federal environmental laws. The EPA’s Cross - Cutting Fundamental Strategies As a companion to our strategic goals, which chart the agency ’s directi on for achieving mission results over the next five y ears, the EPA’s five cross
- cutting fundamental strategies set explicit expectations for changing the way we approach our work. These five points will inform the work of every

program office in every

reg ion and help us meet the challenges we face today
. Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism : Every American has a stake in clean air and water, chemical safet y, restoring contaminated industrial and mining sites, and strong enforcement of environme ntal statutes. And every communit y, whether wealthy or working class, urban or rural, high tech or industrial, needs to be part of the conversation
. We will take broad steps to expand the conversation on environmentalism to communities across America: b uilding capacit y, increasing transparency and listening to the public. We will continue to engage citizens to hear all the voices that must be part of our nation’s dialogue on environmental issues. Working for Environmental Justice and Children’s Health : We will work alongside communities that bear important responsibilities for the day
- to - day mission of environmental protection and support these communities through strengthened oversight to ensure programs are consistently delivered nationwide. We will use a variety of approaches, including regulations, enforcement, research, communit y - based programs and outreach to protect children and low income, minority and tribal populations disproportionatel y impacted by environmental and human
- health hazards. A dvancing Science, Research and Technological Innovation : We will seek to be a leader in advancing the scientific research and technological innovation that not only enhance our abilities to protect the environment, but promote new jobs and the sustainable growth of our econom y. Strengthening State, Tribal and International Partnerships : We will strengthen partnerships with states, tribes and the international community
. Hand in hand with these partnership efforts andDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 4 through real and inclusive environmentalism, we will address pollution problems and protect public health. Strengthening the EPA’s Work Force and Capabilities : We will adopt innovative and creative management approaches and exemplify stewardship, transparency and accountability

in addressing the increasingly complex environmental and human
- health challenges before us. We will create a culture of excellence and provide the infrastructure, technology and tools to support a talented, diverse and highl y motivated work force. Fort y years after the beginning of this agency , we at the EPA have a rare opportunity to spark a new era of environmental and health protection. The American people and countries around the world look to us for leadership. Itis up to us to embrace this moment, so our chi ldren and grandchildren can have a cleaner, healthier future, and we can look back with pride on our accomplishments. We will face new challenges, new opportunities and new possibilities for achieving our vision of a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment. I have unlimited confidence in the talent and spirit of our work force, and I know we will meet our challenges head
- on, as One EPA. Fueled b y our energy, ideas and our passion, this strategic plan will help guide our path toward success. [Administrator’s Signature]Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 5 Introduction Recent events in the Gulf Coast region and elsewhere have brought to the forefront how much we value our environment. Our homes, our livelihoods, our health and that of our children are all dependent on clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and healthy ecosy stems that produce our food and the raw materials that support modern life. T he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its mission to protect human health and the environment have never be en more vital than they are today
. The FY 2011

- 2015 EPA Strategic Plan responds to this increasing degree of environmental awareness and the challenges that lie ahead. We have created a streamlined, executive
- level Plan that sets the Agency’s direction, advances the Administrator’s priorities, and will be used routinely by the Agency ’s senior leadership as a management tool. We have sharpened our strategic goals and objectives and offer a more focused set of strategic measures to better inform our under standing of progress and challenges alike in managing our programs. Our new cross
cutting fundamental strategies are directed at refocusing and tangibly changing the way

we carry out our work. We anticipate that this new approach will foster a renewed co mmitment to accountability , transparency , and inclusion. Our five strategic goals represent a simplified and meaningful approach to our work and reflect the results we hope to achieve on behalf of the American people: Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters Goal 3: Cleaning Up Our Communities Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental Laws To achieve the long
- term goals and associat ed objectives and strategic measures set out in this Plan, we will track progress through annual performance measures, which are presented in the President’s A nnual Performance P lans and B udgets
. We will report on our performance against these annual meas ures in our A nnual P erformance R eport s , and use this performance information as we establish priorities , and develop future budget submissions, and manage programs. Additionally , EPA reports on High Priority Performance Goals (HPPGs), a new component of this Administration's Performance Management Framework. HPPGs are specific, measurable, ambitious, near
- term priorit y commitments that align with our long
- term strategic measures and annual measures. The HPPGs communicate the performance improvements we w ill accomplish relative to our priorities using existing legislative authority and resources. The HPPGs constitute priority 18 to 24 month operational targets the agency will work to accomplish, distinguishing the HPPGs from the longer
- term measures. Thi s process will come full circle as we evaluate these performance data to develop future Strategic Plans
. Our FY 2011

- 2015 EPA Strategic Plan draws upon many of the indicators contained in EPA’s 2008 Report on the Environment (ROE ).[1] The indicators help us to monitor trends in environmental conditions and environmental influences on human health. Our efforts to develop the report and regularly

update the indicators have advanced our performance measurement workDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 6 by bringing together existing and new anal yt ical information on the environment and human health. [Discussion of Strategic Plan consultation and coordination activities will be included in the final FY 2011 - 2015 EPA Strategic Plan] During the five
- ye ar horizon of this Plan , we know that we will face unanticipated challenges and opportunities that will affect our ability to achieve our objectives and the specific measurable results that we have described. In particular, we recognize that numerous entities vital to our success
— federal, s tate, trib al, and local governments, and cooperating partners and stakeholders

— are operating with significantl y reduced budgets and other resource constraints that could impede our joint progress. A summary of federal agencies with whom we work to accomplish our go als can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/xxx
. [Reserved for final] This FY 2011

- 2015 EPA Strategic Plan sets forth our vision and commitment to preserve the environment for generations to come and to protect the public health in the places where people l ive, work, learn, and play. It is our hope that you will join us as we undertake the important work that lies ahead. End Note: [1] http://www.epa.gov/roeDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 7 Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop adaptation strategies to address climate change and protect and improve air quality. Climate change poses risks to public health, the environment, cultural resources, the econom y, and quality

of lif e. These changes are expected to create further challenges to protecting public health and welfare. Many effects of climate change are already evident and will persist into the future regardless of future levels of greenhouse gas ( GHG) emissions. Potent ial climate change impacts may

include, for example, increased smog levels in many regions of the country , making it more difficult to attain or maintain clean air. A rise in sea level or increased precipitation intensity may

increase flooding, which woul d affect water quality as large volumes of water can transport contaminants and overload storm and wastewater systems. In order to protect public health and the environment, EPA must recognize and consider the challenge a changing climate poses to the env ironment
. Since passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990, nationwide air quality has improved significantl y. D espite this progress, about 127 million Americans lived in counties with air considered unhealth y in 2008. L ong - term exposure to air p ollution can cause cancer and damage to the immune, neurological, reproductive, cardiovascular, and respiratory sy stems. Because people spend much of their lives indoors, the quality of indoor air is also a major concern. Twenty percent of the population spend s the day indoors in elementary

and secondary

schools, where p roblems with leaky roofs and with heating, ventilation , and air conditioning sy stems can trigger a host of health problems, including asthma and allergies. Exposure to indoor radon is res ponsible for an estimated 20,000 premature lung cancer deaths each year. Reducing GHG Emissions and Developing Adaptation Strategies to Address Climate Change EPA’s strategies to address climate change support the President's GHG emissions reduction go als. We will work with partners and stakeholders to provide tools and information related to GHG emissions and impacts and will reduce GHG emissions domestically and internationall y through cost
- effective, voluntary programs while pursuing additional regu latory actions as needed. Our efforts include:

 Developing and implementing a national s ys tem for reporting GHG emissions. Implementing the mandatory GHG reporting rule is one of the A gency ’s high priorit y performance goals.  Issuing new standards to r educe emissions from cars and light
- dut y trucks for model ye ars 2012 through 2016 , extending that program to model y ear 2017 and beyond, and creating a similar program to reduce GHGs from medium
- and heav y - duty trucks for model y ears 2014
- 2018. Implementi ng the light
- duty GHG rule is one of the A genc y’ s high priorit y performance goals.  Developing standards to reduce GHG emissions from nonroad sources such as marine and aircraft and land
- based nonroad equipment and locomotives.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 8  Establishing permitting req uirements for facilities that emit large amounts of GHGs to encourage design and construction of more efficient and advanced processes that will contribute to a clean energy econom y.  Implementing voluntary programs that reduce GHGs through the greater use of energy efficient technologies and products.  Developing a comprehensive report to Congress on black carbon that will provide a foundation for evaluating future approaches to black carbon mitigation.  Pursuing a sustainable, life
- cycle approach to managing materials.  Id entifying and assessing substitute chemical and ozone
- depleting substances and processes for their global warming potential.  Educating the public about climate change and actions people can take to reduce GHG emissions. Adaptation initiative s aim to increase the resilience of communities and ecosy stems to climate change b y increasing their ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of climate change. This will require the Agency to work closel y with its partners at the state and local level and in continued collaboration with the US Global Change Research Program and the Interagency Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation.[1] In addition, EPA researchers provide critical information and tools to develop capa cit y to prepare for risks and take advantage of opportunitie s presented b y climate change. Improving Air Quality Taking into account the most current health effects research findings, EPA recentl y comple ted new, more health protective standards for lead , sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). We are in the process of revising the ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide standards. Over the next five ye ars we will work with states and tribes to develop and implement plans to achieve and maint ain these standards. Our research provides the tools and information necessary for the EPA, states, and tribes to implement air quality standards and controls. In the spring of 2011, we expect to complete and begin implementing a rule to replace the Cl ean Air Interstate Rule that was remanded to us by the courts in 2008. Strengthening the standards and decreasing the emissions that contribute to interstate transport of air pollution will help many areas of the country

attain the standards and achieve s ignificant improvements in public health. As we implement the standards, we will do so in a way that protects disproportionately
- impacted low income and minority communities. We are also working with partners and stakeholders to improve the overall air quality management s ys tem and address air quality challenges expected over the next 10 to 20 y ears. These efforts include developing effective air quality strategies that address multiple pollutants and consider the interplay between air qualit y and factor s such as land use, energy , transportation, and climate. We will address emissions from vehicles, engines, and fuels through an integrated strategy that combines regulatory

approaches that take advantage of technological advances and cleaner fuels with vo luntary

programs that reduce vehicle, engine, and equipment activity and emissions
. We are working with refiners, renewable fuel producers, and others to implement regulations to increase the amount of renewable fuel blended into gasoline. Through the National Clean DieselDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 9 Campaign, we support diesel emission reductions that can be achieved through such actions as switching to cleaner fuels; engine retrofit, repair, and replacement; and idle reduction. Based on an assessment completed in June 2009, EPA e stimates that, on average, approximately 1 in every 28,000 people could contract cancer as a result of breathing air toxics from outdoor sources, if they

were exposed to 2002 emission levels over the course of their lifetime.[ 2 ] To protect the public fro m these air toxics, we will continue to set and enforce control technology
based air toxics emissions standards and, where needed, amend those standards to address residual risk and technology advancements. Our strategy is to prioritize the standards that provide the greatest opportunity for cost
- effective emissions reductions. We are focusing on opportunities to reduce emissions from other large sources of air toxics risks, including petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, oil and natural gas produ ction, and coal
- fired utilities. Along with these regulatory efforts, EPA has a wide range of voluntary efforts to reduce emissions, including programs to reduce multi
- media and cumulative risks. Through data from our national toxics monitoring network and from national and local assessments, we are able to better characterize risks and assess priorities. We will work with state and local agencies, tribes, schools, and community groups to identify communities where air toxics pollution is occurring at un safe levels and aggressivel y take action to reduce air toxics pollution within those areas. Often the people most exposed to indoor air pollutants are those most susceptible to the effects

— the y oung, the elderl y, and the chronicall y ill. To improve indoo r air quality , EPA deploy s programs that educate the public about indoor air quality concerns, including radon, and promotes public action to reduce potential risks in homes, schools, and workplaces. EPA also collaborates with state and tribal organizatio ns, environmental and public health officials, housing and building organizations, school personnel who manage school environments, and health care providers who treat children prone to or suffering disproportionately from asthma. The focus of these effor

ts is to support communities’ efforts to address indoor air qualit y health risks. We also provide policy and technical support and financially assist states and tribes in developing and implementing effective radon programs. Recognizing the potential haz ards of radiation, Congress charged EPA with the primary responsibility

for protecting people and the environment from harmful and avoidable exposures. In fulfilling this responsibility , we will review and update our radiation protection regulations and guidance, operate the national radiation monitoring s ys tem, maintain radiological emergency response capabilities, oversee the disposal of radioactive waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, inspect waste generator facilities, and evaluate compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. EPA will implement programs that reduce and control ozone
- depleting substances (ODS), enforce rules on their production, import, and emission, and facilitate the transition to substitutes that reduce GHG emi ssions and save energy . We will continue partnership programs that minimize the release of ODS and programs that educate the public about the importance of protection from ultra
- violet radiation. End Note s :Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 10 [1] The U.S. Global Change Research Program coo rdinates and integrates federal research on changes in the global environment and their implications for society. It was mandated b y Congress in the Global Chang e Research Act of 1990 (P.L . 101
- 606). In 2009, the White House Council on Environmental Quality , the Office of Science and Technology Policy , and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initiated the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Tas k Force. When the President signed the Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy , and Economic Performance in October 2009, he called on the Task Force to develop Federal recommendations for adapting to climate change impacts both domestically

and internationally
. [2] http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata2002/factsheet.htmlDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 11 G oal 2: Protecting America’s Waters Protect and restore our waters to ensure that drinking water is safe, and that aquatic ecosystems sustain fish, plants, and wildlife, and e conomic, recreational, and subsistence activities. The nation’s water resources are the lifeblood of our communities, supporting our economy and way of life. Across most of our country we enjoy and depend upon reliable sources of clean and safe water. S everal decades ago, however, man y of our drinking water s ys tems provided water to the tap with very

limited treatment. Drinking water was often the cause of illnesses linked to microbiological and other contaminants. Man y of our surface waters would not have met today ’s water quality

standards. Some of the nation’s rivers were open sewers posing health risks, and man y waterbodies were so polluted that safe swimming, fishing, and recreation were not possible. We have made significant progress since enactment of the landmark Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act almost forty ye ars ago. Today , the enhanced qualit y of our surface waters and the greater safet y of our drinking water are testament s to decades of environmental protection and investment, b ut serious challenges remain. Small drinking water s ys tems are particularl y challenged by the need to improve infrastructure and develop the capacity to meet new and existing standards. Tens of thousands of homes, primarily in tribal and disadvantaged co mmunities and the territories, still lack access to basic sanitation and drinking water. The rate at which new waters are listed for water quality impairments exceeds the pace at which restored waters are removed from the list. Pollution discharged fro m industrial, municipal, agricultural , and stormwater point sources continue to be causes for this decline, but other significant contributors include loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation, hydrologic alteration, the spread of invasive species, and cli mate change. For man y ye ars, nonpoint source pollution , principally nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediments, has been recognized as the largest remaining impediment to improving water quality
. Recent national survey s have found that our waters are stressed by nutrient pollution, excess sedimentation, and degradation of shoreline vegetation, which affect upwards of 50% of our lakes and streams. [ 1 ] Climate change will compound these problems, highlighting the urgency to evaluate with our partners options for pr otecting infrastructure, conserving water, reducing energy use, adopting “green” infrastructure and watershed
- based practices, and improving the resilience of infrastructural and natural sy stems, including utilities, watersheds, and estuaries.[2] Over the next five y ears, EPA will work with states, territories, and tribes to safeguard public health, make America’s water s ys tems sustainable and secure, strengthen the protection of our aquatic ecosy stems, improve watershed
- based approaches, focus efforts in key geographic areas, and take action on climate change. EPA has established two high priorit y performance goals for the revision of drinking water standards to strengthen public health protection and the development of state watershed implementation plan s in support of the Chesapeake Bay t otal m aximum d aily l oad called for in the Executive Order.[ 3 ] Working with our partners, theDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 12 Agency ’s effort to protect our waters is aimed at two objectives

— protecting human health and protecting and restoring watershe ds and aquatic ecosy stems. Protect Human Health Sustaining the quality

and supply

of our water resources is essential to safeguarding public health. More than 290 million people living in the United States rel y on the safet y of tap water provided b y pub lic water sy stems that are subject to national drinking water standards. Over the next five y ears, EPA will help protect human health and make America’s water s ys tems sustainable and secure b y:

 Financing public water systems infrastructure to protect an d maintain drinking water quality ;  Strengthening compliance with drinking water standards;  Continuing to protect sources of drinking water from contamination;  Developing new and revising existing drinking water standards; and,  Supporting states, tribes , territories, and local water sy stems in implementing these standards. While promoting sustainable management of drinking water infrastructure, we will provide needed oversight and technical assistance to states, territories, and tribes so that their w ater sy stems compl y with or exceed existing standards and are able to compl y with new standards. We will also promote the construction of infrastructure that brings safe drinking water into the homes of small, rural, and disadvantaged communities and incr ease efforts to guard the nation's critical drinking water infrastructure. In addition, EPA is actively working Agency
- wide and with external partners and stakeholders to implement a new, multi
- faceted drinking water strategy . It is designed to stream line decision making and expand protection under existing law and to meet the needs of rural, urban, and other communities. This shift in approach includes addressing chemicals and contaminants by group, as opposed to working solely on a chemical
- by
- chemi cal basis; fostering the development of new drinking water treatment technologies; using the authority of multiple statutes; and, encouraging collaboration with states to share more complete data from monitoring at public water s ys tems. Science
- based st andards are essential to protect our public water s ys tems, groundwater and surface waterbodies, and recreational waters. These standards are the foundation for tools to safeguard public health such as advisories for beaches, fish consumption, and drinking water. Over the next five ye ars, we will expand that science to improve our understanding of emerging potential waterborne threats to public health. We will also increase efforts to protect and improve beach water quality for our communities, including the development of new criteria and testing methods that provide quicker results and enable faster action on beach closures. Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems People and the ecological integrit y of aquatic s ys tems rel y on health y watersheds. EPA employ s a suite of programs to protect and improve water quality in the nation’s watersheds

– rivers,Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 13 lakes, wetlands, and streams

– as well as in our estuarine, coastal, and ocean waters. In partnership with states, territories, local gove rnments, and tribes, EPA’s core water programs help:

 Protect, restore, maintain, and improve water quality by financing wastewater treatment infrastructure;  Conduct monitoring and assessment;  Establish pollution reduction targets;  Update water qualit y standards;  Issue and enforce discharge permits; and,  Implement programs to prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollution
. Over the next five ye ars, EPA will continue efforts to restore waterbodies that do not meet water quality standards, preserve and protect high quality aquatic resources, and protect, restore, and improve wetland acreage and quality . The Agency will improve the way

existing tools are used, explore how innovative tools can be applied, and enhance efforts and cross
- media collaboration to protect and prevent water quality impairment in healthy

watersheds. In partnership with states, tribes, and local communities, EPA is developing a clean water strategy that will outline objectives for advancing the vision of the Clean Water Act and a ctions EPA will take to achieve those objectives. The Agency will explore way s to improve the condition of the urban waterway s that may have been overlooked or under
- represented in local environmental problem solving. We will also work more aggressively to reduce and control pollutants that are discharged from industrial, municipal, agricultural , and stormwater point sources, and vessels, as well as to implement programs to prevent and reduce pollution that washes off the land during rain events. By prom oting “green” infrastructure and sustainable landscape management, EPA will help restore natural hydrologic sy stems and reduce pollution from stormwater events. EPA will also lead efforts to restore and protect aquatic ecos ys tems and wetlands , particularl y in key geographic areas , to address complex and cross
- boundary challenges. Further, given the recent catastrophe from the Deepwater BP oil spill, EPA will take all necessary actions to support efforts to remove oil from and restore the Gulf of Mexico ecos ys tem. EPA will provide assistance to other federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the water, wetlands, beaches, and surrounding communities will be restored. Inother parts of the nation, w e will focus on nutrient pollution, which threate ns the long
- term health of important ecos ys tems such as the Chesapeake Bay
. We will also begin to identify actions to respond and adapt to the current and potential impacts of climate change on aquatic resources, including the current and potential impact s associated with warming temperatures, changes in rainfall amount and intensity , and sea level rise. [4] End Note s : [ 1 ] http://www.epa.gov/owow/streamsurvey/ and http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey /pdf/nla_chapter0.pdf [ 2 ] Resilience is the ability of a s ys tem to absorb change and disturbance and still retain its fundamental function and/or structure.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 14 [3] The Chesapeake Bay Executiv e Order was signed on May 12, 2009. [4] http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific
- assessments/us
- impactsDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 15 G oal 3: Cleaning Up Our Comm unities Promote sustainable, healthier communities and protect vulnerable populations and disproportionately impacted low income, minority, and tribal communities. Prevent releases of harmful substances and clean up and restore contaminated areas. Uncontrolled releases of waste and hazardous chemicals can contaminate our drinking water and threaten healthy

ecos ys tems. EPA leads efforts to preserve, restore, and protect these precious resources so they

are available for both current and future generation s. Over the next several ye ars, our highest priorities under this goal are to prevent and reduce exposure to contaminants and accelerate the pace of cleanups across the country
. EPA works collaboratively with international, state, and tribal partners to achieve these aims and with communities to ensure that they have a say

in environmental decisions that affect them. Our efforts are supported by sound scientific data, research, and cost
- effective tools that alert us to emerging issues and inform our deci sions on managing materials and addressing contaminated properties. Promote Sustainable and Livable Communities EPA supports urban, suburban, and rural community goals of improving environmental, human health, and qualit y - of

- life outcomes through partn erships that also promote economic opportunities, energy

efficiency , and revitalized neighborhoods. EPA’s s mart growth program accomplishes these outcomes by working with communities, other federal agencies, states, and national experts to develop and enc ourage development strategies that have better outcomes for air quality , water quality , and land preservation and revitalization. EPA recently joined with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. Through a set of guiding “livability” principles and a partnership agreement that w ill guide the agencies' efforts, this partnership is coordinating federal housing, transportation, water, and other infrastructure investments to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help to address the challenges of climate change. EPA is committed to ensuring environmental justice regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Recognizing that minority and/or low
- income communities frequently may be exposed disproportionately

to environmental harm and risks, we work to pro tect these communities from adverse health and environmental effects and to ensure they are given the opportunity to partic i pate meaningfully in environmental cleanup decisions. EPA’s b rownfields program emphasizes environmental and health protection th at also achieves economic development and job creation b y awarding competitive grants to assess and clean up b rownfield properties and providing job training opportunities, particularly in underserved communities.[1] We also provide outreach and technical assistance to communities, including area - wide planning approaches, to identify : viable end uses of a single large propert y or groups of b rownfields properties; associated air and water infrastructure investments; and, environmental improvements in the s urrounding area to revitalize the community
. Under EPA’sDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 16 b rownfields h igh p riority p erformance g oal, area
- wide planning will be conducted with the particpation of other federal agencies, states, tribes , and local governments and communities to identify re sources and approvals necessary to carry out actions identified in area
- wide plans. Preserve Land EPA is commited to fulfill its statutory obligations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) concerning the management of wastes, but recognizes the additional environmental benefits of sustainable materials management approaches, which take a life
- cy cle approach to managing materials. This approach emphasizes optimizing management of materials across the entire life
- cycle, including reducin g or eliminating waste from the extraction of raw materials through reuse or recy cle at end
- of
- life, resulting in fewer toxic inputs and outputs, conservation of energy , and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manufacturing. EPA and authorized states issue and enforce permits for the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes to ensure that facilities subject to RCRA regulations operate safely. To prevent future environmental contamination and to protect the health of the estimate d three million people living within a mile of hazardous waste management facilities, EPA and its state partners continue their vigorous efforts to issue, update, or maintain RCRA permits for approximately 10,000 hazardous waste units (such as incinerators and landfills) at these facilities. To reduce the risk posed by underground storage tanks (USTs) located at nearl y a quarter of a million facilities throughout the country , EPA and states are working to ensure that every UST sy stem is inspected at leas t once every three ye ars. As fuel ty

pes change, UST sy stems must be equipped to safel y store the new fuels. EPA is working to ensure biofuels are stored in compatible UST sy stems. Restore Land Challenging and complex environmental problems, such as contaminated soil, sediment, and groundwater that can cause human health concerns, persist at many contaminated properties. EPA's Superfund, RCRA corrective action, leaking underground storage tank, and brownfields cleanup programs and Toxic Substances Contro l Act (TSCA) cleanups of poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) reduce risks to human health and the environment by assessing and cleaning these sites and putting them back into productive use. In an effort to improve the accountability , transparency , and ef fectiveness of EPA’s cleanup programs, EPA has initiated its Integrated Cleanup Initiative (I CI ), a multi
- ye ar effort to better use the most appropriate assessment and cleanup authorities to address a greater number of sites, accelerate cleanups, and put those sites back into productive use while protecting human health and the environment. By bringing to bear the relevant tools available in each of the cleanup programs, including enforcement, EPA will better leverage the resources available to address nee ds at individual sites. EPA will examine all aspects of the cleanup programs, identifying key process improvements and enhanced efficiencies. As part of the ICI, EPA will be developing aDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 17 new suite of performance measures that will support comprehensive m anagement of the cleanup life cycle b y addressing three critica l points in the cleanup process

— starting, advancing, and completing site cleanup. EPA is continuing to improve its readiness to respond to accidental and intentional releases of harmful subs tances, including oil spills, by developing clear authorities, training personnel, and providing proper equipment. As the Deepwater BP oil spill looms over our country as one of the largest environmental disaster s and given the urgency to respond to cleanup and restoration of the Gulf of Mexico, EPA will review its current rules, guidelines and procedures on oil spills. EPA will ensure that it has the appropriate tools to prepare, respond and recover from such incidents, acting within its jurisdiction, as defined by appropriate authorities.[3] Further, national preparedness is essential to ensure that emergency responders are able to deal with multiple, large
- scale emergencies, including those that may involve chemicals, oil, biological agents, radiation, or weapons of mass destruction. Consistent with the government
- wide National Resp onse Framework , EPA prepares for the possibility of multiple, simultaneous, nationally significant incidents across several regions. EPA is also implementing its Community Engagement Initiative designed to enhance our involvement with local communities and stakeholders so that they may meaningfull y participate in decisions on land cleanup, emergency response, and management of hazardous substances and waste. The goals of this initiative are to ensure transparent and accessible decision
- making processes, deliver information that communities can use to participate meaningfull y , and help EPA produce outcomes that are more responsive to community perspectives and that ensure t imely cleanup decisions. Strengthen Human Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country Under federal environmental statutes, EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment in Indian country
. EPA’s commitment to tribal envir onmental and human health protection, through the recognition of tribal sovereignt y and self
- determination, has been steadfast for over 25 ye ars, as formall y established in the Agency’s 1984 In dian Policy .[ 4 ] EPA works with over 500 federally
- recognized tribes located across the United States to improve environmental and human health outcomes. Indian country totals more than 70 million acres with reservations ranging from less than 10 acres to more than 14 million acres. Difficult environmental and health challenges remain in many of these areas, including lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation, adequate waste facilities, and other environmental safeguards taken for granted elsewhere. In collaboration with our tribal partners and fulfilling our government - to - government responsibilities, EPA will engage in a two
- part strategy for strengthening public health and environmental protection in Indian country . First, EPA will provide the opportunity for federally
- recognized tribes to create an effect ive and results
- oriented environmental capacity
building presence. Second, EPA will ensure that its programs are implemented in Indian country either b y EPA or through opportunities for implementation of environmental programs b y tribes themselves.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 18 End N otes: [1] For more information about EPA’s brownfields program, see http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ [2] http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/nrs/nrp.htm [3] Several Federal agencies have jurisdiction and authority for oil spill preparedness, response, and recovery

in the US in addition to EPA, including the Department of Transportation and the US Coast Guard. EPA's efforts will focus on those aspects of the national oil spill program for which they

have authority

and responsibility , primarily the inland area and fixed facilities. [ 4 ] 1 984 EPA Indian Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations, see http://www.epa.gov/tribal/pdf/indian
- policy
- 84.pdfDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 19 G oal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution Reduce the risk and increase the safety of chemicals and prevent pollution at the source. Chemicals are involved in the production of everything from our homes and cars to the cell phones we carry

and the food we eat. The technological revolution has made thousands of chemicals ubiquitous in our everyday lives and everyday

products

– as w ell as in our environment and our bodies. Chemicals are released into the environment as a result of their manufacture, processing, use, and disposal. Research shows that our children are getting stead y infusions of industrial chemicals before they even are given solid food.[1] Other vulnerable groups, including low
- income, minority , and indigeno us/tribal populations, are also disproportionately

impacted by and thus particularly at risk from chemicals. In 2009, EPA announced principles for modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to help inform efforts underway in Congress to reauthorize and significantly strengthen the effectiveness of the Act.[2] TSCA is outdated and should be revised to provide stronger and clearer authorit y for EPA to col lect and act upon critical data regarding chemical risks. While TSCA does provide some authority to EPA to mandate industry to conduct testing, there remain large , troubling gaps in the available data and state of knowledge on man y widely used chemicals i n commerce. EPA’s authority to require development and submission of information and testing data is limited by legal hurdles and procedural requirements. As we look to the future, it is important to work together to modernize and strengthen the tools av ailable under TSCA to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the marketplace and to increase confidence that those chemicals that remain are safe and do not endanger the environment or human health, especiall y for consumers, workers, and sensitive subpopu lations like children. Preventing pollution before it is generated has been established as national environmental policy since 1990. EPA is enhancing cross - cutting efforts to advanc e sustainable practices, safer chemicals, greener processes and practice s, and safer products. Ensuring Chemical Safety Chemical safet y is one of EPA’s highest priorities. EPA’s approach to chemical risk management leverages expertise, information, and resources b y collaborating with other countries, federal agencies, state s, tribes, and the public to improve chemical safety .[3] Children and other disproportionately exposed and affected groups, including low
- income, minority , and indigenous/tribal populations, require more explicit consideration in EPA’s chemical risk asses sments and management actions. EPA employ s a variet y of strategies under several statutes to ensure the safety of chemicals. These include:

 Controlling the risks of new chemicals before they are introduced or reintroduced into commerce;  Evaluating chemicals alread y in use;Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 20  Developing and implementing regulatory and other actions to eliminate or reduce identified chemical risks; and,  Making public the data necessary to assess chemical safety to the extent allowed by law .[4, 5] EPA has enhanced i ts work to ensure the safet y of existing chemicals b y taking action to restrict the production and use of chemicals of concern, quickening the Agency ’s pace in characterizing the hazards posed b y the highest volume chemicals, maximizing use of existing authorities to increase the availability

of chemical information, and accelerating work to identify safer alternatives. Over the next five ye ars, the Agency will implement risk management actions for chemicals of concern, carefull y considering how the most vulnerable populations are potentially affected. EPA is strengthening r

ules to keep track of chemicals in commerce and adding chemicals and data requirements to better inform both EPA and the public about releases of toxic chemicals into the environment. EPA is increasing its evaluation of claims of confidentiality in order to make all health and safety data for chemicals in commerce more publicly available to the extent allowed b y law. EPA is also applying increasingly sophisticated scientific tools in reviewing hundreds of new chemical submissions each y ear under TSCA and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of these reviews through the implementation of electronic submission and management s ys tems.[6] EPA will make major strides in guarding against exposure to chemicals that continue to pose potential risks to human health and the environment even after their hazards have been identified and certain uses have been phased out. For example, to continue to reduce childhood blood lead levels, EP A is working in partnership with states and tribes to certify hundreds of thousands of lead
- paint professionals and expand public awareness of lead risks b y implementing requirements for the use of lead
- safe practices in renovation, remodeling, and paintin g activit ies in millions of older homes.[7] [8] Over the next five ye ars, EPA will manage a comprehensive pesticide risk reduction program through science
- based registration and reevaluation processes, a worker safety program, certification and training activities, and support for the use of alternative methods of pest control. EPA’s current pesticide review processes focus on ensuring that pesticides are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and achieve broader Agency objectives for water quality protection. The review processes will continue to place emphasis on the protection of potentially sensitive groups, such as children, b y reducing exposures from pesticides used in and around homes, schools, and other public areas. EPA is reviewing crit icall y its worker safety and certification and training regulations to ensure that they are fully protective. EPA’s review processes ensure that pesticides can be used safely and are available for use to maintain a safe and affordable food supply , to addr ess public health outbreaks, and to minimize property damage that can occur from insects and pests. [9] EPA scientists are also working to address the risks of nano
- scale materials during new chemical review, helping in the development of significant new u se rules for nano
- scale materials not subject to new chemical review, and imp roving data collection efforts. [ 10] In addition, EPA isDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 21 undertaking a comprehensive testing program to identify whether chemicals have the potential to inte ract with the endocrin e sy stem. [11] More broadly , EPA is looking more comprehensivel y across statutes to determine the best tools to apply to specific problems. For example, under a new drinking water strategy , the Agency is exploring how to use the Federal Insecticide, Fungi cide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and TSCA to ensure that drinking water is protected from pesticides and industrial chemicals and that chemicals found in drinking water are being screened for endocrine disrupting properties using the authorities of the Sa fe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Federal Food , Drug , and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), and FIFRA. Preventing Pollution at the Source The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 established national pollution prevention policy
. Time and experience have added to our un derstanding and appreciation of the value of preventing pollution before it occurs. Pollution prevention, a long
- standing priorit y for EPA, encourages companies, communities, governmental organizations, and individuals to prevent pollution and waste befor e generation b y implementing conservation techniques, promoting efficient re
- use of materials, making production processes more sustainable, and promoting the use of safer substances. Together with new technology development, these pollution prevention pr actices result in significant co
- benefits, such as the conservation of raw materials, water, and energy ; reduction in the use of hazardous and high global
- warming
- potential materials; promotio n of safer chemical substitutes; reduction of greenhouse gas emi ssions; and, the elimination of pollutant transfers across air, water, and land. Grants to states support vital state pollution prevention infrastructures and fund technical assistance for local businesses. EPA promotes “green” chemistry through the de velopment and use of innovative chemical technologies. The Agency allows manufacturers to apply EPA labels to products that meet stringent criteria for human and environmental health, thus giving consumers assurance about the environmental integrity

of th e products they

use. The Agency

also promotes the environmentally
- conscious design, commercialization, and use of “green” engineering processes, sets standards, and harnesses the purchasing power of the federal government to stimulate demand for “ greener” products and services. [12] End Notes: [1] http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php [2] http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/principles.html [3] http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac852 5735900400c27/631cf22eb5 40c4db852576b2004eca47!OpenDocument [4] http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/collectinfo.html [5] http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/managechemrisk.html [6] http://www.epa.gov/oppt/newchems/ [7] http://www.leadfreekids.org [8] http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/toolkits.htm [9] http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ [10] http://www.epa.gov/oppt/nano/ [11] http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/index.htm [12] http://www.epa.gov/p2/Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 22 Goal 5: Enforcing Environmen tal Laws Protect human health and the environment through vigorous and targeted civil and criminal enforcement. Assure compliance with environmental laws. Vigorous enforcement supports EPA’s ambitious goals to protect human health and the environment. Achieving these goals for clean drinking water, lakes and streams that are fishable and swimmable, clean air to breathe, and communities and neighborhoods that are free from chemical contamination requires both new strategies and compliance with the rules we already have. By addressing noncompliance swiftl y and effectivel y, EPA’s civil and criminal enforcement cases directly reduce pollution and risk , and deter others from violating the law. EPA enforcement takes aggressive action against pollution probl ems that make a difference in communities. Through vigorous civil and criminal enforcement, EPA targets the most serious water, air, and chemical hazards, and advances environmental justice by protecting low income, minority , and tribal communities that are disproportionately impacted by

such hazards
. Vigorous civil and criminal enforcement play s a central role in achieving the bold goals below that the Administrator has set for EPA: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality : EPA will take effective actions to reduce air pollution from the largest sources , including coal
- fired power plants and the cement, acid, and glass sectors, to improve air quality . Enforcement to cut toxic air pollution in communities improves the health of commun ities, particularly low income, minority , and tribal communities that are disproportionately impacted by

pollution. Enforcement supports reductions in greenhouse gases (GHG) through enforcement settlements that encourage GHG emission reductions. EPA will also work to ensure compliance with new standards and reporting requirements for GHG emissions as they are developed. Protecting America’s Waters : EPA is revamping enforcement and working with permitting authorities to make progress on the most important water pollution problems. This work includes , as a high priorit y goal

– increasing enforcement actions in waters that do not meet water quality

standards, getting raw sewage out of water, cutting pollution from animal waste, and reducing pollution from stormwater runoff. Enforcement will help to clean up great waters like the Chesapeake Bay and will focus on revitalizing urban communities by

protecting urban waters. Enforcement will also support the goal of assuring clean drinking water for all communi ties, including in Indian country
. Cleaning Up Our Communities : EPA protects communities by requiring responsible parties to conduct cleanups, saving federal dollars for sites where there are no other alternatives. Aggressively pursuing these parties t o clean up sites ultimately reduces direct human exposures to hazardous pollutants and contaminants, provides for long
- term human health protection, and makes contaminated properties available for reuse.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 23 Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pol lution : Reforming chemical management enforcement and reducing exposure to pesticides will improve the health of Americans. Enforcement reduces direct human exposures to toxic chemicals and pesticides and supports long
- term human health protection. Crim inal enforcement underli n es our commitment to pursuing the most serious pollution violations. EPA’s criminal enforcement program will focus on cases across all media that involve serious harm or injury ; hazardous or toxic releases; ongoing, repetitive, or multiple releases; serious documented exposure to pollutants; and, violators with significant repeat or chronic noncompliance or prior criminal conviction. EPA shares accountability for environmental and human health protection with states and tribes. W e work together to target the most important pollution violations and ensure that companies that do the right thing and are responsible neighbors are not put at a competitive disadvantage. EPA also has a responsibility to oversee state and tribal implementation of federal laws to ensure that the same level of protection for the environment and the public applies across the country
. Enforcement can help to promote environmental justice by targeting pollution problems that disproportionately

impact low inco me, minority , and tribal communities. Ensuring compliance with environmental laws is particularl y important in communities that are exposed to greater environmental health risks. EPA fosters community involvement by

making information about compliance an d government action available to the public. In creased transparency

is an effective tool for improving compliance. By making information on violations both available and understandable, EPA empowers citizens to demand better compliance.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 24 External Factors and Emerging Issues EPA sets goals and objectives in carryi ng out its mission to protect human health and the environment, but there are alway s factors outside of EPA’s control that affect our ability to do our work. For example, the changing legal and regulatory landscape often affects the Agency ’s resources, anticipated activities, and direction. As part of a dyn amic global community addressing technological changes, EPA is confronted with challenges, emerging issues, and opportunities every

day . An oil spill, a flood, a hurricane, or other traged y or disaster can divert the Agency ’s anticipated focus in the short term. Other issues, such as climate change and population growth, can create long
- term challenges that run deep and across many EPA programs. Additionally , EPA accomplishes much of its work through partnerships, particularl y with states and tribes. EPA is directly affected as states and tribes face tough budget times with furloughs and staff reductions. External factors and emerging issue s present both opportunities and challenges to EPA. Specificall y, over the next five years EPA will be activel y engaged in a variety of areas: Climate Change: Energy and transportation policies continue to evolve and influence the Agency ’s ability

to improve air qualit y and address climate change issues. Impacts of climate change, such as changes in rainfall amount and intensity , shifting weather and seasonal patterns, and sea level rise, will also affect progress towards many of the goals. Yet other d evelopments may

have positive environmental impacts. The growth of alternative energy sources, the potential for renewed investments in nuclear energy , and increased investments in energy

efficiency

can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local ai r quality
. Am erican Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) : We expect the long
- term impact of ARRA [1] funding will advance assessment and cleanup activities at former industrial sites and spur technological innovation, promoting energy efficiency , alternative energy supplies, and new technologies and innovation in water infrastructure. Water Quality: Water quality programs face challenges such as new drinking water contaminants, increases in nutrient loadings and stormwater runoff, aging infrastructure, and population growth (which can increase water consumption and place additional stress on aging water infrastructures). The Agency needs to examine carefully the potential impacts of solutions to these issues, including effects on water quality and quant ity

that could result in the long term from climate change
. Waste Management: Our necessary reliance on private parties, state and tribal partners, the use of new or untried control technologies, and the involvement of other federal agencies in remediat ion efforts can all affect our efforts to remediate contaminated sites and pre vent waste. N ew waste streams are continuall y emerging, such as those from mining of rare earth elements which are used in clean
- energy technologies . T hese new uses could creat e the potential for new associated waste streams and both increased opportunities for recy clin g of these valuable materials and challenges of safe disposal.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 25 Protective Site Cleanup: Hazardous waste programs are intended to provide permanent solutions to contaminated media at sites or facilities to the extent practicable. Complications can arise when new scientific information concerning contaminants at a site suggests that a risk assessment that was protective when a remedy was selected is no longer pro tective given the contaminant levels remaining at a site and its potential exposure pathways and uses. As appropriate, EPA must incorporate emerging science into decision making to maintain its commitment to provide permanent solutions. Chemical Safety : Anticipated reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act would provide EPA with the ability

to obtain and publicly

disclose critical information on the risks posed by chemicals, strengthening our chemical risk assessment and management programs and signi ficantl y improving federal and states’ ability to manage and prevent harm from industrial chemicals. Communities: Citizen science

— individual citizens and community groups that monitor and document environmental trends

— can expand the re ach of EPA's own field presence. Integrated computer models allow communities to consider ecological, economic, and societal implications of their management decisions; development of these and other emerging tools may

lead to increasingl y effective stewardship. While c i tizen science requires expert support to ensure the quality of environmental data and facilitate knowledge
building , with the right tools, communities can spur local industry and others to do a better job of complying with environmental laws and regulation s. The world in which EPA works continues to change rapidl y. The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a catastrophic environmental problem that will have significant consequences and require innovative technological and other solutions . A wide range of new technologies are on the horizon in areas as diverse as nano
- technology catal ys ts and nano
- solar cells, nano
- materials for rehabilitation of water pipes, advanced battery technologies, accurate and inexpensive portable and real
- time sensors, and the application of sy nthetic biology

to algal biofuel production. Emerging technologies may present new environmental problems that need to be understood and addressed, and at the same time will create opportunities for building an advanced technological infrastructure. What this means is that EPA needs to continue to do its best to anticipate change and be prepared to address the inevitable challenges and opportunities that we will face in the future. End Note: [1] http://www.recovery.govDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 26 Summary of Program Evaluation The Administration has emphasized the importance of using program evaluation to provide the evidence needed to demonstrate that our programs are meeting their intended outcomes. By assessing how well a program is working and why , prog ram evaluation can help EPA identify where our activities have the greatest impact on protecting human health and the environment, provide the road map needed to replicate successes, and conversel y, identify areas needing improvement. This is particularl y important as EPA meets its obligations for transparency and accountability
. For the Strategic Plan , we look to the results of past program evaluations to inform our program strategies for the next five y ears. The most important program evaluations revea l gaps in environmental protection and lead to strategic changes in policy , resource decisions, and even the start of new programs and innovations. The Government Accountability Office’s 2007 evaluation of the Toxic Substances Control Act helped frame Admi nistrator Jackson’s September 2009 announcement of an integrated approach to chemical management and a set of principles for reform. EPA commissioned the National Academ y of Public Administration (NAPA) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Demonstration Program, a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for a community

to organize and take action to reduce toxic pollution in its local environment. [1] Recommendations and feedback from this evaluation have informed EPA’s strategic changes and continued investments in the program. Our plans for future program evaluations include our cy clical reviews of our research and development programs. These are geared to ensure that our research priorities meet our future challenges. Examples of other future evaluations include assessing the impact of our “green” chemical labeling program on consumer purchasing habits and measuring the success of less resource - intensive remediation strategies to clean up toxic waste sites across the country
. R ecent and future planned program evaluations are described in more detail at [insert website]. [Reserved for final] While EPA conducts a variety of design, process, and outcome evaluations, under the Admi nistration’s government
- wide e valuation i nitiative , E PA is working to expand our portfolio to conduct more rigorous impact evaluations that will enhance program effectiveness
. End note: [1] http://www.napawash.org/pc_management_studies/CARE/5
- 21
- 09_Final_Evaluation_Report.pdfDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 27 Cross - Cutting Fundamental Strategies Introduction Since EPA's inception over 40 years ago, we have focused not onl y on our mission goals to achieve environmental and public health results but also on how we work to accomplish those results. Through this Plan , EPA is placing an increased focus on how we work to accomplish those results. We have developed a set of cross
- cutt ing strategies that stem from the Administrator’s priorities and are designed to fundamentally change how we work, both internally and externally , to achieve the mission outcomes articulated under our five strategic goals. These cross
- cutting fundamental strategies are:

 Expanding the conversation on environmentalism ;  Working for environmental justice and children’s health ;  Advancing science, research, and technological innovation ;  Strengthening state, tribal, and internation al partnerships; and,  Strength ening EPA’s workforce and capabilities
. With this Plan , we are embarking on a deliberate, focused effort to take tangible actions and hold ourselves accountable for changing the way we deliver environmental and human health protection. This Plan descri bes the vision and operating principles for each of the cross
- cutting strategies. T he Agency

will develop multi
- year action plans with annual commitments that we will use to hold ourselves accountable in carrying out these strategies
.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 28 Expanding the Con versation on Environmentalism Engage and empower communities and partners, including those who have been historically under - represented, in order to support and advance environmental protection and human health nationwide. We have begun a new era of outr each at EPA and seek to include a broader range of people and communities in our work and expand our engagement with communities historically under
represented in our decision
- making processes. We will build stronger working relationships all across Ameri ca , particularly with tribes, communities of color, economically
- distressed cities and towns, y oung people, and others. We will seek to increase public trust in the Agency b y ensuring that our regulations and decision making are based on science and the rule of law. To accomplish these goals, we will:

 Call for innovation and bold thinking and ask all employ ees to bring their creativity and talents to their everyday

work to enhance outreach and transparency in all our programs.

 Ensure that our scienc e is explained clearl y and accessible to all communities, communicating in plain language the complexities of environmental, health, policy , and regulatory

issues.

 Make environmental information and the work of the Agency more accessible and enhance publ ic access to information by harnessing new tools to foster community engagement.

 Enable all Americans to have access to, and use of, environmental data and information in order to engage and empower communities and Agency partners in decision making. Enhance tools to help people find, understand, and use environmental information and data.

 Ensure that the Agency ’s regulations, policies, decision
- making processes, and budget are transparent and accessible through increased access to environmental data so urces, community

right
- to - know tools, and direct stakeholder engagement.

 Address barriers to improve engagement with historically under
- represented sectors of the nation.

 Use traditional and new media to inform the public about the wide range of Agency activities and provide opportunities for community feedback
.
 Encourage citizens to take a broader view of environmental issues and provide avenues and tools that enhance their ability to be advocates for themselves.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 29 Working for Environmental Justice an d Children’s Health Work to reduce and prevent harmful exposures and health risks to children and underserved, disproportionately impacted low income, minority, and tribal communities, and support community efforts to build healthy, sustainable green nei ghborhoods. Advancing environmental justice and protecting children’s health must be driving forces in our decisions across all EPA programs. The underl yi ng principles for this commitment are reducing exposures for those at greatest risk and ensuring th at environmental justice and children’s health protection are integral to all Agency activities. This work is urgently needed

— millions of minority , low
- income, and tribal/indigenous persons are at risk of having poor health outcomes because they

live in c ommunities that are disproportionately impacted by

environmental hazards and are overburdened b y their limited capacities to address them . Children are often most acutel y affected b y environmental stressors. Research has demonstrated that prenatal and early life exposures to environmental hazards can cause lifelong diseases, medical conditions, and disabilities. Environmental justice and children’s health protection will be achieved when all Americans, regardless of age, race, economic status, or ethnici ty , have access to clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. To accomplish this, EPA will use a variet y of approaches, including regulation, enforcement, research, outreach, community
- based programs, and partnerships to protect children and disprop ortionatel y impacted, overburdened populations from environmental and human health hazards. Our success in advancing environmental justice and children’s health protection will result from fully incorporating these priorities into all of our activities ac ross each of the strategic goals of the Agency . We anticipate that our leadership in advancing environmental justice and children’s health protection will inspire and engage a broad spectrum of partners in the public and private sector to do the same. Sp ecificall y, EPA will :

 In our regulatory

capacity , implement the nation’s environmental laws using the best science and environmental monitoring data to address the potential for adverse health effects from environmental factors in disproportionately impac ted, overburdened populations and vulnerable age groups. EPA programs will address environmental justice and children’s health considerations at each stage of the Agency ’s regulation development process.

 F ully engage communities in our work to protect human health and the environment. EPA will align multiple community
- based programs to provide funding and technical assistance to communities to build capacity to address critical issues affecting children’s health and disproportionately impacted, overburde ned populations
.
 W ork with other federal agencies [1] to engage communities and offer funding and technical support for efforts to build healthy , sustainable, and green neighborhoods, and to provide opportunities for residents to participate in the econo mic benefits to be derived from reduced environmental risks in their communities.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 30  In our w ork on safe management of pesticides and industrial chemicals , take into account disproportionately

impacted, overburdened populations and vulnerable age groups and encourage the use of “green chemistry” to spur the development of safer chemicals and production processes.

 P artner with other research organizations to bring the best science to address environmental justice and children’s health through programs like the Children’s Environmental Health Centers, the Superfund Basic Research Program, and the National Children’s Study
.
 Us e the latest science to develop and appl y integrated and targeted assessment methods that consider the impact of multiple environment al hazards experienced b y vulnerable age groups and disproportionately impacted, overburdened populations
.
 D evelop and use environmental and public health indicators to measure improvements in environmental conditions and health in disproportionately impa cted communities and among vulnerable age groups.

 Apply consistent methods to assess the potential for disproportionate exposures and health impacts on pregnant women, infants, children, and adolescents and develop a consistent approach to identifying areas of environmental justice concern. End Note: [1] Including the Departments of Housing Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Energy , Agriculture, Transportation, Interior , and EducationDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 31 Advancing Science, Research, and Technological Innovatio n Advance a rigorous basic and applied science research agenda that informs, enables, and empowers innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems. Provide relevant and robust scientific data and findings to support the Agency’s policy an d decision -making needs. Environmental sustainability is a guidepost for science, research, and technological innovation at EPA. The major challenges we face to human health and the environment are not incremental problems, and they

do not lend themselv es to incremental solutions. Addressing climate change, water qualit y and quantity issues, ubiquitous toxic chemicals, and ecos ys tem degradation, among other problems, not only

requires high
- quality

research and sound science, but also innovation. EPA’s science and research efforts must help drive this innovation by informing, enabling, and stimulating the development of sustainable solutions to current and future challenges posed to human health and the environment. EPA science and research must alway s inform the decisions that are essential to the protection of human health and the environment and empower the broader community that supports our mission. To solve challenging environmental problems in this manner , EPA research will:

 Provide timely, res ponsive , and relevant solutions : EPA’s science and research depends on partnerships and a continuing dialogue with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that research focuses on the highest priority problems faced by

the Agency and the nation
.
 Tr anscend traditional scientific disciplines : Inall aspects of our work, from problem identification, to research design and conduct, to implementation of solutions, we must involve the widest diversity of disciplines. D eveloping sustainable solutions to environmental problems often raises complex scientific and technological issues that require non
- traditional approaches. If EPA is to solve these challenging problems, we must rely on integrated , trans - disciplinary research that complements traditional s ingle
discipline approaches.

 Communicate widely and openly : Great work, done invisibly , cannot have an impact. To maximize the impact and utility of our research, EPA will communicate the design, definition, conduct, transfer, and implementation of the work we do. We will translate our science so that it can be understood readily and used by stakeholders. EPA must document our successes to maximize the value of our scientific work.

 Catalyze sustainable innovation : EPA’s efforts alone will not be e nough to address the environmental challenges our nation faces. Successful implementation of sustainable solutions depends on moving promising technologies from the conceptual and proof
- of
concept stage, through research and development, to commercializat ion and deploy ment. As we develop and promote these technology innovat ions, EPA must account for life
cycle perspectives and support technologies that fully consider environmental and social impacts.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 32 Strengthening State, Tribal, and International Partne rships Deliver on our commitment to a clean and healthy environment through consultation and shared accountability with states, tribes, and the global community for addressing the highest priority problems. EPA will s trengthen its state, tribal, and inte rnational partnerships to achieve our mutual environmental and human health goals . As we work together, our relationships must continue to be based on integrit y, trust, and shared accountability to make the most effective use of our respective bodies of k

nowledge, our existing authorities, our resources, and our talents. Successful partnerships will be based on four working principles: consultation, collaboration, cooperation, and accountability . By consulting , we will engage our partners in a timely fashion as we consider approaches to our environmental work so that each partner can make an earl y and meaningful contribution toward the final result. By collaborating , we will not only share information, but we will activel y work together with our partn ers to use all available resources to reach our environmental and human health goals. As our work progresses, we will cooperate , viewing each other with respect as allies who must work successfully together if our goals are to be achieved. Through shared accountability, we will ensure that environmental benefits are consistently

delivered nationwide. In carrying out these responsibilities, EPA will ensure through oversight that state and tribal implementation of federal laws achieves a consistent level o f protection for the environment and human health. With States Under our federal environmental laws, EPA and the states share responsibility for protecting human health and the environment. With this relationship as the cornerstone of the nation's envir onmental protection sy stem, EPA will:

 Improve implementation and consistent delivery of national environmental programs through closer consultation and transparency
.  Follow the principles as outlined in Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), recognizing th e division of governmental responsibilities between the federal government and the state s.  Work with states to implement solutions to state problems through tools such as worksharing
.  Consult with state and local governments on a routine basis to determine the optimum way s for implementing rules. With Tribes The relationship between the United States Government and federall y - recognized tribes is unique and has developed throughout the course of the nation's history . In strengthening this relationship, EP A will:Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 33  Focus on increasing tribal capacit y to establish and implement environmental programs while ensuring that our national programs are as effective in Indian country as they are throughout the rest of the nation.  Enhance our effort as we work with tr ibes on a government
- to - government basis, based upon the Constitution, treaties, laws, executive orders, and a long history of Supreme Court rulings.  Strengthen our cross
- cultural sensitivity with tribes , recognizing that tribes have cultural, jurisdiction al, and legal features that must be considered when coordinating and implementing environmental programs in Indian country
. With Other Countries To achieve our domestic environmental and human health goals, international partnerships are essential. Poll ution is often carried b y winds and water across national boundaries, posing risks many hundreds and thousands of miles away . Many concerns, like climate change, are universal. In the international arena , EPA will:

 Expand our partnership efforts in mult ilateral forums and in key bilateral relationships.  Enhance existing and nurture new international partnerships to promote a new era of global environmental stewardship based on common interests, shared values, and mutual respect.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 34 Strengthening EPA's W orkforce and Capabilities Continuously improve EPA’s internal management, encourage innovation and creativity in all aspects of our work, and ensure that EPA is an excellent workplace that attracts and retains a topnotch, diverse workforce, positioned to meet and address the environmental challenges of the 21 st century. Achieving positive environmental and human health outcomes through cleaner and safer air, water, and land, and through protection of our natural resources is the focal point of all our wo rk at EPA. EPA is a complex organization which is both an asset and a challenge. Through innovative and creative management and a talented, diverse, and highl y m otivated workforce, EPA is positioned to meet head
- on the complex environmental challenges of the present and future. Specificall y, EPA will:

 Recruit, develop, and retain a bright, diverse, and resourceful workforce that reflects our nation and create a culture that values and builds upon the strengths that each individual brings to the Agency
.
 Ensure that the workforce of the future has the skills and knowledge it needs to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

 Create a workplace that values a high quality work life and provides the infrastructure and tools essential to support our employ ees.

 Invest in the information infrastructure, technology , and securit y needed to support a mobile workforce.

 Practice outstanding resource stewardship to ensure that all Agency programs operate with fiscal responsibility

and management integrity , are efficiently and consistently delivered nationwide, and demonstrate results.

 Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency ’s acquisition sy stem by strengthening contract management and internal review practices , maximizing the use of competition in contra cting , improving how contracts are structured , building the skills of the acquisition workforce , and clarifying the role of outsourcing.

 Invest in innovation and creativit y to develop new and better approaches to what we do.

 Take advantage of existing and emerging tools to improve and enhance communication, transparency , and accountability
.
 Integrate energy

efficiency

and environmental impact considerations into all our work practices as core components of Agency business models and commit to “going gre en.”Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 35 Strategic Measurement Framework Introduction The Strategic Plan provides the foundation for EPA’s performance management sy stem

— planning, budgeting, performance measurement, and accountabilit y. The Plan contains EPA’s strategic measurement framew ork of long
- term goals, objectives, and strategic measures, which describe the measurable human health and environmental results the Agency is working to achieve over the next five y ears. To achieve the long
- term goals, objectives, and strategic measure s set out in this Plan, EPA designs annual performance goals and measures which are presented in the President’s Annual Performance P lans and B udget s . The Agency

reports on our performance against these annual goals and measures in the A nnual P erformance R eport s , and uses this performance information to establish priorities and develop future budget submissions. The Agency also uses th ese performance data to evaluate our progress and develop future Strategic Plans
. The High Priority

Performance Goals are a new component of EPA’s measurement framework and are specific, measurable, ambitious, near
- term priority targets that advance our strategic goals and align with our long
- term strategic measures and annual measures. EPA has selected six goals for its first set of High Priorit y Performance Goals:

 By June 15, 2011, EPA will make publically available 100 percent of facility
- level GHG emissions data submitted to EPA in accordance with the GHG Reporting Rule, compliant with policies protecting Confidential Business Information (CBI).

 In 2011, EPA, working with DOT, will begin implementation of regulations designed to reduce the GHG emissions from light duty vehicles sold in the US starting with model ye ar 2012.

 All Chesapeake Bay

watershed States (includi ng the District of Columbia) will develop and submit approvable Phase I watershed implementation plans by the end of CY 2010 and Phase II plans by

the end of CY 2011 in support of EPA’s final Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily

Load (TMDL).

 In crease pollut ant reducing enforcement actions in waters that don’t meet water qualit y standards, and post results and anal ys is on the web.

 EPA will initiate over the next two y ears, at least four drinking water standard reviews to strengthen public health protection.

 By 2012 EPA will have initiated 20 enhanced b rownfields community level projects that will include a new area
- wide planning effort to benefit under
- served and economically disadvantaged communities. This will allow those communities to assess and address a single large or multiple b rownfields sites within their boundaries, thereb y advancing area
wide planning to enable redevelopment of b rownfields properties on a broader scale.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 36 EPA will provide technical assistance, coordinate its enforcement, water and air quality programs, and work with other Federal agencies, states, tribes and local governments to implement associated targeted environmental improvements identified in each community ’s area
- wide plan. EPA will report progress on these measures through the O ffice of Management and Budget with the results regularl y available to the public at www.USAPerformance.gov
. EPA’s strategic planning and decision making benefits from other sources of information as we ll, including program evaluations and new environmental indicators. Approximately one - third of the strategic measures in this Strategic Plan are based on indicators contained in EPA’s 2008 Report on the Environment (ROE). The ROE lay s out a set of peer
- r eviewed human health and environmental indicators that allows EPA to track trends in environmental conditions and environmental influences on human health. This information also helps us better articulate and improve the strategic measurement framework in EPA’s Strategic Plan
. The Agency

continues to look for new data and information sources to better characterize the environmental conditions targeted b y our programs and improve our understanding of the integrated and complex relationships involved in m aintaining human health and environmental well
- being. Significant Changes in the Strategic Measurement Framework We have made significant changes to our measurement framework in this Plan . We revised our five strategic goals to sharpen and align them with the Administrator’s priorities, including a heightened focus on cross
- program activities addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable communities, and chemical safety. W e revised our suite of strategic measures
—the measurable envi ronmental and human health outcomes we are working to achieve

— in several significant way s. First, we significantly reduced the number of strategic measures b y focusing on the key outcomes most important to advance the Administrator’s priorities and the Ag ency’s mission. The goal was to create a smaller, more strategic, and more meaningful set that Agency leadership uses to manage. Second, we achieved consistency by using onl y the strategic measures to describe our measurable results. Third, we updated the strategic measures to reflect targets and baselines appropriate for the FY 2011
- 2015 time horizon. L astly , we removed the separate objectives and strategic measures for the Agency ’s research and development program from the Plan and integrated this wor k into the programmatic objectives; this critical work supports many of our strategic measures and will continue to be tracked through annual performance measures. Some of the new strategic directions in our measures are reflected in this Plan , but effort s will continue over the next several ye ars to make further revisions in key areas, as illustrated below:

 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: While we are still assessing the unprecedented environmental damage from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the Agency actio ns necessary

to address the damage and prevent similar disasters in the future, we have added two new measures as a preliminary

step to reflect the urgent challenge ahead. These measures addressDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 37 efforts to clean up the environmental damage and to update a nd modernize our oil spill program and regulations. The magnitude of the impacts have yet to be fully understood and assessed, so further adjustments may be needed in the future, particularly if significant resource redirections become necessary . In addi tion, EPA has two program
specific water measures, one that relates to Gulf of Mexico hy poxia and the other to regional coastal aquatic ecosy stem health that will be reassessed for impact from the oil spill.

 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: The ability of communities to respond to changes in climate over the next decade is critical to achieving man y of the environmental outcomes in this Strategic Plan. We have incorporated this across all five goals of the Strategic Plan and will continue to col laborate with stakeholders, the US Global Change Research Program, the Interagency Taskforce on Climate Change Adaptation , and others . As a start, we have proposed three “developmental” strategic measures for climate change adaptation under Goal 1. In ad dition, we have included a “developmental” measure for mitigation of greenhouse gases to capture reductions Agency
- wide, expanding past measures.

 Land Cleanup: EPA has begun an Integrated Cleanup Initiative, a multi
- year effort to better use assessment and cleanup authorities to address a greater number of sites, accelerate cleanups, and put those sites back into productive use while protecting human health and the environment. The Agency is working to develop a suite of measures that will allow for comp rehensive management across cleanup programs and across the cleanup life cycle, with a focus on three critical points in the cleanup process

— starting, advancing, and completing site cleanups. As a first step in this process, we are shifting our definition of success at a Superfund site from where the construction of a remed y is complete, to when the site is actuall y “read y for anticipated use” in a community . In addition, a new site assessment measure has been developed that full y captures the entire ass essment workload at the beginning of the Superfund process, a measure which also may be expanded to include progress of other cleanup programs in the future.

 Chemical Safety: One of EPA’s highest priorities over the next five years is to ensure the safe ty of chemicals and pesticides used in this country . As part of this effort, EPA is taking a more integrated approach to managing chemical and pesticide risk reduction and is focusing on consumers, workers, and sensitive subpopulations like children. EPA is enhancing its ability

to measure the effects of chemicals and pesticides on human health and the environment b y i ntroducing new measures to reduce the concentration of targeted chemicals and pesticides in the general population, children, and low
- incom e communities.

 Enforcement and Compliance: The Agency ’s civil enforcement and compliance assurance program is moving to an environmental p roblem
- based (i.e., air, water) rather than a tool
- based (i.e., assistance, incentives, monitoring, and enforcement) measurement sy stem. This shift will enable EPA to better quantify and communicate to the public the environmental and human health improvements in the nation’s air, water, and land resulting from enforcement and compliance efforts. As part of this shi ft, the program isDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 38 using three ty

pes of measures

—those that: (1) track media
- specific trends over time; (2) measure enforcement and compliance program activities common across all environmental media; and (3) directl y support strategic outcome measures un der each of the media
- specific goals. EPA’s enforcement program ensures that the protection of human health and the environment intended by environmental laws and EPA’s regulations are not diminished by non - compliance. EPA is now developing measures that align its enforcement program work with other program goals in EPA, specificall y Goals 1
- 4 of this Plan
. The areas in which EPA proposes to develop measures are shown as Measures Under Development in the G oal 5 section below. In addition, the Agency is including measures for its criminal enforcement program for the first time in this Plan. End Note: [1] EPA will continue to report site construction completions as a program measure in its congressional justification as the Agency explores a revised set of program performance measures.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 39 Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop adaptation strategies to address climate change, and protect and improve air quality . Objective 1.1: Add ress Climate Change. Reduce the threats posed b y climate change b y reducing GHG emissions and taking actions that help communities and ecosy stems become more resilient to the effects of climate change. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, environmental protec tion programs from across EPA aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions will achieve X MMTCO2Eq. reductions, from the baseline of X MMTCO2Eq. reduced in 2008
. (Baseline FY 2008: ENERGY STAR 165 MMTCO2Eq., Executive Order 13415 0 MMTCO2Eq., L ight Dut y Vehi cle Standards 0 MMTCO2Eq., Pollution Prevention 6.6 MMTCO2Eq., Resource Conservation Challenge 34.6 MMTCO2Eq., and SmartWay XX MMTCO2Eq.) Measures Under Development

 By 2015, EPA programs implemented to achieve environmental goals other than GHG reduction s will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a co - benefit, from the baseline of 128.7 MMTCO2Eq. reduced in 2008

. (Baseline FY 2008: Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program 128 MMTCO2Eq., WaterSense .7 MMTCO2Eq.)

 By 2015, EPA will integrate climate change science trend and scenario information into five major scientific models and/or decision support tools used in implementing Agency environmental management programs to further EPA’s mission, consistent with existing authorities. (Minimum of one re lated to air quality, water quality, cleanup programs, and chemical safety) [1] (Baseline: 0)

 By 2015, EPA will build resilience to climate change by integrating climate change science trend and scenario information into five rule

- making processes to furth er EPA’s mission, consistent with existing authorities. (Minimum of one related to air quality, water quality, cleanup programs, and chemical safety.) [ 1] (Baseline: 0)

 By 2015, EPA will build resilience to climate change by integrating considerations of climate change impacts and adaptive measures into five major grant, loan, or technical assistance programs (>$10 million annually) to further EPA’s mission, consistent with existing authorities. (Minimum of one related to air quality, water quality, clean up programs, and scientific research ) [ 1] (Baseline: 0)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 40 Objective 1.2: Improve Air Quality. Achieve and maintain health
- based air pollution standards and reduce risk from toxic air pollutants and indoor air contaminants. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, the population
- weighted average concentrations of ozone (smog) in all monitored counties will decrease to .073 ppm compared to the average of 0.078 ppm in 2009.

 By 2015, the population
- weighted average concentrations of inhalable fine particles in all moni tored counties will decrease to 10.5 μg/m3 compared to the average of 11.7 μg/m3 2009.

 By 2015, reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) to 14.7 million tons per year compared to the 2009 level of 19.4 million tons emitted.

 By 2015, reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) to 7.4 million tons per y ear compared to the 2009 level of 13.8 million tons emitted.

 By 2015, reduce emissions of direct particulate matter (PM) to 3.9 tons per y ear compared to the 2009 level 4.2 million tons emitted.

 By 2018, visi bility

in scenic parks and wilderness areas will improve by 15 percent in the East and 5 percent in the West, on the 20 percent worst visibility day s, as compared to visibility on the 20 percent worst day s during the 2000
- 2004 baseline.

 By 2015, with EPA support for developing capability including training, policy , administrative and technical support, 15 additional tribes will possess the expertise and capability to implement the Clean Air Act in Indian country (as demonstrated by successful completion of an eligibility determination under the Tribal Authority Rule), for a cumulative total of 62 , from the 2009 baseline of 47 tribes
.
 By 2015, reduce toxicity
- weighted (for cancer) emissions of air toxics to 4.21 million tons from the 2010 toxicity
- weighted baseline of 4.36 million tons.

 By 2015, air pollution emissions reductions will reduce the number of chronically acidic water bodies and improve associated ecos ys tem health in acid
- sensitive regions of the northern and eastern United States by approximate ly

10 percent below the 2001 baseline of approximately

500 lakes and 5,000 kilometers of stream
- length.

 By 2015, the number of future premature lung cancer deaths prevented annually through lowered radon exposure will increase to 1,460 from the 2008 basel ine of 756 future premature lung cancer deaths prevented.

 By 2015, the number of people taking all essential actions to reduce exposure to indoor environmental asthma triggers will increase to 7.6 million from the 2003 baseline of 3Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 41 million. EPA will pla ce special emphasis on children at home and in schools, and on other disproportionatel y i mpacted populations. Objective 1.3: Restore the Ozone Layer. Restore the earth's stratospheric ozone lay er and protect the public from the harmful effects of UV rad iation. Strategic Measure:

 By 2015, U.S. consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals that deplete the Earth’s protective ozone lay er, will be less than 1,520 tons per y ear of ozone depletion potential from the 2009 baseline of 9,900 tons p er y ear. By this time, as a result of worldwide reduction in ozone
- depletion substances, the level of “equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine” (EESC) in the atmosphere will have peaked at 3.185 parts per billion (ppb) of air b y volume and begun its gr adual decline to less than 1.8 ppb (1980 level). Objective 1.4: Reduce Unnecessary Exposure to Radiation. Minimize unnecessary releases of radiation and be prepared to minimize impacts should unwanted releases occur. Strategic Measure:

 Through 2015, E PA will maintain a 90 percent level of readiness of radiation program personnel and assets to support federal radiological emergency response and recovery operations , maintaining the 2010 baseline of 90 percent . End Note: [1] The climate is changing an d this can impact EPA’s ability to achieve its mission and strategic goals. EPA is currentl y participating in an Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force which will develop recommendations towards a national climate change adaptation strategy in the fall of 2010. EPA’s draft adaptation measures provide a snapshot of EPA’s overall effort to integrate climate change adaptation into mainstream decision making within EPA. As the work of the Task Force continues, future measures may be developed that measure the effectiveness of adaptation actions or that reflect a more refined set of climate change adaptation priorities.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 42 Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters. Protect and restore our waters to ensure that drinking water is safe, and that aquatic ecos ystems sustain fish, plants and wildlife, and economic, recreational, and subsistence activities. Objective 2.1: Protect Human Health. Reduce human exposure to contaminants in drinking water, fish and shellfish, and recreational waters, including protec ting source waters. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, 90 percent of community water s ys tems will provide drinking water that meets all applicable health
- based drinking water standards through approaches including effective treatment and source water protecti on. (2005 baseline: 89 percent. Status as of FY 2009: 89.1 percent.)

 By 2015, 88 percent of the population in Indian country served by

community

water sy stems will receive drinking water that meets all applicable health
- based drinking water standards. (2005 baseline: 86 percent. Status as of FY 2009: 81.2 percent.)

 By 2015 in coordination with other federal agencies, provide access to Safe Drinking Water for 136,100 American Indian and Alaska Native homes. (FY 2009 baseline: 80,900 homes. Universe: 360,000 homes.)

 By 2015, reduce the percentage of women of childbearing age having mercury levels in blood above the level of concern to 4.6 percent. (2002 baseline: 5.7 percent of women of childbearing age have mercury blood levels above levels of conce rn identified by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).)

 By 2015, maintain the percentage of day s of the beach season that coastal and Great Lakes beaches monitored by state beach safet y programs are open and safe for swimming at 9 5 percent. (2007 baseline: beaches open 95 percent of the 679,589 day s of the beach season (beach season days are equal to 3,647 beaches multiplied by variable number of day s of beach season at each beach). Status as of FY 2009: 95 percent.) Objective 2.2: Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems
. Protect the quality of rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands on a watershed basis, and protect urban, coastal, and ocean waters. Measure Under Development

 Through 2015, in response to the Dee pwater BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, EPA will continue supporting efforts to remove oil from the water, wetlands, beaches, and surrounding communities to restore the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and monitor water and air quality to ensure the public has reliable and timely information.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 43 Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, attain water quality standards for all pollutants and impairments in more than 3,360 water bodies identified in 2002 as not attaining standards (cumulative). (2002 universe: 39,798 water bod ies identified by states and tribes as not meeting water qualit y standards. Water bodies where mercury is among multiple pollutants causing impairment may be counted toward this target when all pollutants but mercury attain standards, but must be identifie d as still needing restoration for mercury ; 1,703 impaired water bodies are impaired b y multiple pollutants including mercury, and 6,501 are impaired by mercury alone. Status as of FY 2009: 2,505 water bodies attained standards.)

 By 2015, improve water quality conditions in 330 impaired watersheds nationwide using the watershed approach (cumulative). (2002 baseline: zero watersheds improved of an estimated 4,800 impaired watersheds of focus having one or more water bodies impaired. The watershed boundaries for this measure are those established at the "12
- digit" scale b y the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Watersheds at this scale average 22 square miles in size. "Improved" means that one or more of the impairment causes identified in 2002 are removed fo r at least 40 percent of the impaired water bodies or impaired miles/acres, or there is significant watershed
- wide improvement, as demonstrated b y valid scientific information, in one or more water qualit y parameters associated with the impairments. Statu s as of FY 2009: 104 improved watersheds.)

 Through 2015, ensure that the condition of the Nation’s streams and lakes does not degrade (i.e., there is no statistically significant increase in the percent rated “poor” and no statistically

significant decre ase rated “good”). (2006 baseline for streams: 28 percent in good condition; 25 percent in fair condition; 42 percent in poor condition. 2010 baseline for lakes: 56 percent in good condition; 21 percent in fair condition; 22 percent in poor condition.)

 By 2015, improve water quality in Indian country

at 50 or more baseline monitoring stations in tribal waters (cumulative) (i.e., show improvement in one or more of seven key parameters: dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosp horus, pathogen indicators, and turbidity). (2006 baseline: 185 monitoring stations on tribal waters located where water quality has been depressed and activities are underway or planned to improve water quality , out of an estimated 1,661 stations operate d by

tribes.)

 By 2015, in coordination with other federal agencies, provide access to basic sanitation for 67,900 American Indian and Alaska Native homes. (FY 2009 baseline: 43,600 homes. Universe: 360,000 homes.)

 By 2015, improve regional coastal aquati c ecos ys tem health, as measured on the "good/fair/poor" scale of the National Coastal Condition Report. (2009 baseline: National rating of "fair" or 2.8 where the rating is based on a 4
- point s ys tem ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 in which 1 is poor and 5 is good using the National Coastal Condition Report indicators for water and sediment, coastal habitat, benthic index, and fish contamination.)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 44  By 2015, 95 percent of active dredged material ocean dumping sites will have achieved environmentally

acceptable condi tions (as reflected in each site's management plan and measured through onsite monitoring programs). (2009 baseline: 99 percent. FY 2009 universe is 65.) Due to variability in the universe of sites, results vary from y ear to y ear (between 84.8percent and 99percent). While this much variability is not expected every ye ar, the results are expected to have some change each y ear.

 By 2015, working with partners, achieve a net annual increase of wetlands nationwide, including a reversal of coastal wetland loss es, with additional focus on biological and functional measures and assessment of wetland condition. (2004 baseline: 32,000 acres annual net national wetland gain; 59,000 acres of annual coastal wetland losses.)

 By 2015, working with partners, protect o r restore an additional (i.e., measuring from 2009 forward) 600,000 acres of habitat within the study areas for the 28 estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program. (2009 baseline: 900,956 acres of habitat protected or restored, cumulative fro m 2002
- 2009. In FY 2009, 125,437 acres were protected or restored.)

 By 2015, prevent water pollution and protect aquatic sy stems so that the overall ecos ys tem health of the Great Lakes is at least 24.7 points on a 40
- point scale. (2009 baseline: Great L akes rating of 22.5 (expected) on the 40
- point scale where the rating uses select Great Lakes State of the Lakes Ecos ys tem indicators based on a 1 to 5 rating sy stem for each indicator, where 1 is poor and 5 is good.)

 By 2015, remediate a cumulative total of 10.2 million cubic y ards of contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes. (2009 baseline: Of the 46.5 million cubic y ards once estimated to need remediation in the Great Lakes, 6 million cubic y ards of contaminated sediments have been remediated from 199 7 through 2008.)

 By 2015, achieve 46 percent (85,100 acres) of the 185,000 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation necessary

to achieve Chesapeake Bay water qualit y standards. (2008 baseline: 35 percent, 64,912 acres.)

 By 2015, reduce releases of nutrients throughout the Mississippi River Basin to reduce the size of the hy

poxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico to less than 5,000 km2, as measured by the 5
- ye ar running average of the size of the zone. (Baseline: 2005
- 2009 running average size = 15,670 km2.)

 By 2015, reduce the maximum area and duration of hy poxia in L ong Island Sound (i.e., defined as the area in which the maximum June
- September dissolved ox yg en level is <3mg/l in bottom waters <1m). (Baseline: Pre
- TMDLaverage conditions based on 1987
- 1999 data are 208 square miles with a duration average of 57 day s. Post
- TMDLaverage conditions based on 2000
- 2009 data are 187 square miles with a duration average of 58.6 day s.) Universe: The total surface area of Long Island Sound is approximately 1,268 squar e miles. The number of day s in which h ypoxic conditions may exist varies annually,Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 45 but is monitored from June

– September, or 122 day s. Therefore, the potential for the maximum area and duration of hy poxia would be 1,268 square miles and 122 day s.

 By 2015 , improve water quality and enable the lifting of harvest restrictions in 2,500 acres of shellfish bed growing areas impacted b y degraded or declining water quality in the Puget Sound. (2009 baseline: 1,730 acres of shellfish beds with harvest restrictio ns in 2006 had their restrictions lifted. Universe: 30,000 acres of commercial shellfish beds with harvest restrictions in 2006.)

 By 2015, provide safe drinking water or adequate wastewater sanitation to 75 percent of the homes in the U
. S
. - Mexico Border area that lacked access to either service in 2003. (2003 Universe: 98,515 homes lacked drinking water and 690,723 homes lacked adequate wastewater sanitation based on a 2003 assessment of homes in the U.S.
- Mexico Border area. 2015 target: 73,886 homes pro vided with safe drinking water and 518,042 homes with adequate wastewater sanitation.)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 46 Goal 3: Cleaning Up Our Communities. Promote sustainable, healthier communities and protect vulnerable populations and disproportionately impacted low income, minority , and tribal communities. Prevent releases of harmful substances and clean up and restore contaminated areas. Objective 3.1: Promote Sustainable and Livable Communities. Support sustainable, resilient, and livable communities by working with local, state , tribal, and federal partners to promote smart growth, emergency preparedness and recovery planning, brownfield redevelopment, and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, reduce the air, water, and land impact s of new growth and development through the use of smart growth strategies in XX communities, which includes local municipalities, regional entities, and state governments. (Baseline: In FY 2010, an estimated YY communities will be assisted.)

 By 2015, c onduct environmental assessments at 20,600 (cumulative) brownfield properties. (Baseline: As of the end of FY 2009, EPA assessed 14,600 properties.)

 By 2015, make an additional 17,800 acres of brownfield properties read y for reuse from the 2009 baseline. (Baseline: As of the end of FY 2009, EPA made 11,800 acres ready for reuse.)

 By 2015, continue to maintain the Risk Management Plan (RMP) prevention program and further reduce b y 10 percent the number of accidents at RMP facilities. (Baseline: There w as an annual average of 190 accidents based on RMP program data between 2005
- 2009). Objective 3.2: Preserve Land. Conserve resources and prevent land contamination by reducing waste generation, increasing recycling, and ensuring proper management of wast e and petroleum products. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, increase the amount of municipal solid waste reduced, reused, or recy cled by XXX billion pounds. (Estimated 200X Baseline: XX billion pounds.)[1]

 By 2015, increase beneficial use of coal combusti on ash to XX percent from 40 percent in 200 8
.
 By 2015, increase b y 78 the number of tribes covered by an integrated waste management plan compared to FY 2009. (At the end of FY 2009, 94 of 57 2 federally recognized tribes were covered b y an integrated was te management plan.)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 47  By 2015, close, clean up, or upgrade 281 open dumps in Indian country and on other tribal lands compared to FY 2009. (At the end of FY 2009, 412 open dumps were closed, cleaned up, or upgraded. As of April 1, 2010, 3,464 open dumps were listed in the Indian Health Service Operation and Maintenance Sy stem Database, which is dynamic because of the ongoing assessment of open dumps.)

 By 2015, prevent releases at 500 hazardous waste management facilities with initial approved controls or updated controls resulting in the protection of an estimated 3 million people living within a mile of all facilities with controls. (Baseline: At the end of FY 2009, it was estimated that 789 facilities will require these controls out of the universe of 2,468 facilities with about 10,000 process units. The goal of 500 represents 63 percent of the facilities needing controls.)

 Each ye ar through 2015, increase the percentage of UST facilities that are in significant operational compliance (SOC) with both release detection and release prevention requirements b y 0.5 percent over the previous year's target. (Baseline: This means an increase of facilities in SOC from 65.5 percent in 2010 to 68 percent in 2015.)

 Each ye ar through 2015, minimize the number of confirmed releases at UST facilities to X , XXX or fewer. (Baseline: Between FY 1999 and FY 2009, confirmed UST releases averaged 8,113). Objective 3.3: Restore Land. Prepare for and respond to accidental or intentional releases of contaminants and clean up and restore polluted sites. Measure Under Development

 By 2015, in response to the Deepwater BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, EPA will update and modernize its rules, guidelines, and procedures relating to all relevant aspects of EPA's oil spill p rogram, including preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure that the Agency has the appropriate tools to respond to environmental disasters of this scale. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, achieve and maintain at least 80 percent of the maximum score on the Core National Approach to Response (NAR) evaluation criteria. (Baseline: In FY 2009, the average Core NAR Score was 84.3 percent for EPA headquarters, regions, and special teams prepared f

or responding to emergencies).[2 ]

 By 2015, complete an addition al 1,700 Superfund removals through agency
- financed actions and through oversight of removals conducted by potentiall y responsible parties (PRPs). (Baseline: In FY 2009, there were 434 Superfund removal actions completed including 214 funded b y the agency and 220 overseen b y the agency that were conducted by PRPs under a voluntary

agreement, an admin istrative order on consent or a unilateral administrative order).Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 48  By 2015, no more than 1.5 million gallons will be spilled annually at Facility Response Plan (FRP) facilities, a 15 percent reduction from the annual average of 1.73 million gallons spilled from 2005
- 2009.

 By 2015, complete 93,400 assessments at potential hazardous waste sites to determine if they warrant CERCLA remedial response or other cleanup activities. (Baseline: As of 2010, the cumulative total number of assessments completed was 88,000.)

 By 2015, increase to 83.5 percent the number of Superfund final and deleted NPLsites and RCRA facilities where human exposures to toxins from contaminated sites are under control. (Baseline: As of October 2009, 70 percent Superfund final and deleted NPLsites and RCRA facilities have human exposures under control out of a universe of 5,330).[ 3 ]

 By 2015, increase to 78 percent the number of Resource Co nservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities with migration of contaminated groundwater under control. (Baseline: At the end of FY 2009, the migration of contaminated groundwater was controlled at 58 percent of all 3,746 facilities needing corrective act ion.)

 By 2015, increase to 56 percent the number of RCRA facilities with final remedies constructed. (Baseline: At the end of FY 2009, all cleanup remedies had been constructed at 32 percent of all 3,746 facilities needing corrective action.)

 Each ye ar through 2015, reduce the backlog of LUST cleanups (confirmed releases that have yet to be cleaned up) that do not meet state risk
- based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration by 1 percent. This means a decrease from 21 percent in 2009 to 15 percent in 2015.

 Each ye ar through 2015, reduce the backlog of LUST cleanups (confirmed releases that have yet to be cleaned up) in Indian country that do not meet applicable risk
- based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration b y 1 percent. This means a decrease from 28 percent in 2009 to 22 percent in 2015.

 By 2015, ensure that 799 Superfund NPL sites are "sitewide read y for anticipated use." (Baseline: As of October 2009, 409 final and deleted NPLsites had achieved "sitewide read y fo r anticipated use.")[ 4 ] Objective 3.4: Strengthen Public Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country. Support federally
- recognized tribes to build environmental management capacity , assess environmental conditions and measure results, and imple ment environmental programs in Indian country
.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 49 Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, increase the percent of tribes implementing federal regulatory environmental programs in Indian country to 18 percent. (FY 2009 baseline: 12.59 percent of 572 tribes).

 By 2015, increase the percent of tribes conducting EPA
- approved environmental monitoring and assessment activities in Indian country to 50 percent. (FY 2009 baseline: 39.69 percent of 572 tribes). End notes: [1] EPA is considering revisiting its MSW strategic mea sure and will consult with its partners in the process. [2] Consistent with the government
- wide National Response Framework (NRF), EPA will work to fully implement the priorities under its internal NAR so that the Agency is prepared to respond to multiple nationally

significant incidents. By 2015, EPA will achieve and maintain at least 75 percent of the maximum score on readiness evaluation criteria. Core NAR builds upon the CORE ER concept while integrating the priority elements of EPA’s NAR Preparednes s Plan, and the Homeland Securit y P riority Workplan, to reflect an Agency
- wide assessment of progress. [3] EPA is cur

rently revising its dioxin risk assessment which may affect the targets and baselines for the human exposures under control and sitewide read y for anticipated use measures. [ 4 ] As part of the Integrated Cleanup Initiative, OSWER is evaluating sitewide ready for anticipated use across all our cleanup programs and may modify the above Superfund measure to include corresponding brownfields, R CRA corrective action, and Leaking Underground Storage Tank program goals.Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 50 Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution. Reduce the risk and increase the safety of chemicals and prevent pollution at the source. Objective 4.1: Ensure C hemical Safety. Reduce the risk of chemicals that enter our products, our environment, and our bodies. Strategic Measures:

 By 2015, reduce b y XX percent the number of moderate to severe incidents affecting workers exposed to acutely toxic pesticides. ( Based on 326 moderate and severe incidents reported to the Poison Control Center (PCC) National Poison Data Sy stem (NPDS) 1999
- 2003, the six pesticides of concern are: chlorp yrifos; diazinon, malathion; py rethrins; 2,4
- D and carbofuran.)

 By 2015, reduce the percentage of children with blood lead levels above 5ug/dl to 2.5 percent or less. (Baseline: 2003
- 2006 sampling period of 4.1 percent. NHANES data are collected in two ye ar samples and released incrementally with the data ty

pically becoming availabl e two to three y ears after the sample period ends
. )

 By 2015, reduce concentration of targeted chemicals by XX percent in the general population. (Baseline is xx average concentration for general population on the most recent urinary

metabolites reported in the 1999
- 2004 Centers for Disease Control’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Chemicals used as indicators under this measure will include pesticides and industrial/commercial chemicals. NHANES concentrations will be the focus. Pesticides include Dimethylphosphate < 0.58 ug/L; Dimethylthiophosphate = 1.06 ug/L; Dimethyldithiophosphate < 0.10 ug/L; Diethylphosphate = 0.78 ug/L; Diethylthiophosphate = 0.5 ug/L; Diethyldithiophosphate < 0.10 ug/L; and 3, 5, 6
- Trichloro
- 2
- py

r idinol = 1.9 ug/L. Baselines will be set for industrial/commercial chemicals once the targeted chemicals have been identified.)

 By 2015, reduce the disparity of concentration of chemicals in low income populations as compared to non
- low income population s by XX percent. (Baseline is based on percent difference in blood levels for a broader set of chemicals, included in 2003
- 2004 CDC report, between low income populations and non
- low
- income populations for the same set of chemicals used in general populat ion measure above.)

 By 2015, reduce concentration of targeted chemicals by XX percent in children. (Baseline is xx average concentration for children based on 1999
- 2004 Centers for Disease Control’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANE S) data. Baselines will be set once the targeted chemicals have been identified).

 By 2015, complete Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) decisions for 100percent of chemicals for which complete EDSP information is expected to be available b y the end of 2014. (Baseline: EDSP decisions for a chemical can range from determining potential to interact with the Estrogen, Androgen, or Th yr oid hormoneDraft for Public Review June 18, 2010 51 sy stems to otherwise determining whether further endocrine related testing is necessary
. Through 2009, n o decisions have been completed for any of the chemicals for which complete EDSP information is anticipated to be available b y the end of 2014.)

 By 2015, no watersheds will exceed aquatic life benchmarks for XX pesticides and YY industrial/commercial chem icals of concern. (Baseline: Data for 1992

– 2001 provides the most recent percent of agricultural watersheds sampled by the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program that exceeds the National Pesticide Program aquatic life benchmarks for azinphos
- methyl(18 percent) and chlorp yr ifos (21 percent). Urban watersheds sampled by NAWQA program that exceeds the National Pesticide Program aquatic life benchmarks for diazinon (73 percent), chlorp yrifos (37 percent), carbaryl (13 percent), and malathion (30 percent). Industrial chemicals of concern that exceeded aquatic life benchmarks are to be defined once chemicals are identified and for pesticides the specific chemicals of concern will be reevaluated.)

 Through 2015, make all health and safet y information available to the public for chemicals in commerce, to the extent allowed by law. ( Baseline: Between the enactment of TSCA and January

21, 2010, thousands of CBI cases of TSCA health and safet y information were submitted for chemicals potentially in co mmerce. In recent y ears hundreds of such cases have been submitted annually . To achieve this measure, EPA must complete the following actions for new and historical submissions by the end of 2015: 1) determine if a challenge to the CBI claim is warranted; 2) execute the challenge; and 3) where legally

defensible, declassify

the information claimed as CBI.). For pesticides, EPA will continue to make risk assessments and supporting information available through is long standing Public Participation Process. Objective 4.2: Promote Pollution Prevention. Conserve and protect natural resources b y promoting pollution prevention and the adoption of other stewardship practices by companies, communities, governmental organizations, and individuals. Strategic Me asures:

 By 2015, reduce 15 billion pounds of hazardous materials cumulativel y through pollution prevention. (Baseline is 4.8 billion pounds reduced through 2008.)

 By 2015, reduce 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTC02e) through pollution prevention. (Baseline is 6.5 MMTC02e reduced in 2008.)

 By 2014, reduce water use by 225 billion gallons through pollution prevention. (Baseline is 51.3 billion gallons reduced in 2008.)

 By 2015, save $10 billion through pollution prevention imp rovements in business, institutional, and government costs cumulatively . (Baseline is 3.1 billion dollars saved in 2008.)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 52  Through 2015, increase the use of safer chemicals by XX percent. (Baseline is xx pounds of safer chemicals used in XXXX)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 53 Goal 5: En forcing Environmental Laws. Protect human health and the environment through vigorous and targeted civil and criminal enforcement. As sure compliance with environmental laws. Objective 5.1: Enforce Environmental Laws. Pursue vigorous civil and criminal enforcement that targets the most serious water, air, and chemical hazards in communities. Assure strong, consistent, and effective enforcement of federal environmental laws nationwide. Strategic Measures: Maintain Enforcement Presence and Deterrence

 By 2015, conduct 105,000 federal inspections and evaluations. ( FY 2005
- 2009 baseline: 21,000 annually)

 By 2015, initiate XXX civil judicial and administrative enforcement cases. ( FY 2005

– 2009 baseline: XXX annually)

 By 2015, conclude 21,000 civil j udicial and administrative enforcement cases. ( FY 2005
- 2009 baseline: 4, 2 00 annually)

 By 2015, review the overall compliance status of XX percent of the open consent decrees. (Baseline 2006
- 2009: TBD)

 By 2015, increase the percentage of criminal case s opened annually having the most significant health, environmental, and deterrence impacts (as measured b y the case “tiering” methodology . (Baseline: TBD)

 By 2015, increase the number of closed cases with criminal enforcement consequence (i.e., indictm ent, conviction, fine or incarceration) to 37percent. ( FY 2006
- 2008 baseline: 33percent )

 By 2015, increase criminal cases with individuals charged to 82 percent. (FY 2006
- 2008 Baseline: 78 percent) Support Taking Action on Climate Change and Improvi ng Air Quality

 By 2015, reduce, treat, or eliminate 2,400 million estimated cumulative pounds of air pollutants. (FY 2005
- 2008 baseline: 480 million pounds, annual average over the period.)

 By 2015, a chieve an investment of $11 billion in air pollution control equipment or practices as a result of concluded enforcement actions. ( FY 2006
- 2008 baseline: $2.2B, annual average of the period )Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 54 Measures Under Development [1]

 By 2015, take enforcement action that supports the program measure of reducing toxicity weighted emissions of air toxics.

 By 2015, take enforcement action that supports the program measure of reducing emissions of NO

x , SO2, and PM. Support Protecting America’s Waters

 By 2015, reduce, treat, or eliminate 1,600 million estimated cumulative pounds of water pollutants. (FY 2005
- 2008 baseline: 320 million pounds, annual average over the period.)

 By 2015, a chieve an investment of $17 billion in water pollution control equipment or practices as a result of concluded enforcement actions
. ( FY 2006
- 2008 baseline: $3.3B, annual average over the period
. ) Measures Under Development [1]

 By 2015, take enforcement action that supports the program measure of community water systems providing drinking water that meets all applicable health

- based drinking water standards.

 By 2015, take enforcement action that supports the program measure of attaining water quality standards for all pollutants and impairments in more than 3,360 water bodies identified in 2002 as not attaining standards (cumulat ive). Support Cleaning Up Our Communities

 By 2015, reduce, treat, or eliminate 32,000 million estimated cumulative pounds of hazardous waste, as a result of concluded enforcement actions. (FY 2008 baseline: 6,500 million pounds, annual average over th e period.)

 By 2015, a chieve an investment of $6.5 billion in hazardous chemical pollution control equipment or practices, cleanups, cost recovery and oversight as a result of concluded enforcement actions. ( FY 2006
- 2008 baseline: $1.3 billion, annual av erage over the period. )

 Each ye ar through 2015, support clean ups and save federal dollars for sites where there are no alternatives by

1) reaching a settlement or taking an enforcement action before the start of a remedial action at 95percent of Superfun d sites having viable responsible parties other than the federal government, and 2) addressing all cost recovery statute of limitation cases with total past costs greater to or equal to $200,000. (Baseline: 95percent of sites reaching a settlement or EPA taking and enforcement action; 100percent cost recovery statute of limitation cases addressed.)Draft for Public Review June 18, 2010 55  By 2015, clean up XX cubic y ards of hazardous waste
- contaminated soil and water as a result of concluded enforcement actions
. ( Baseline and target TBD ) Measu res Under Development [1]

 By 2015, take enforcement action to support the program measure of increasing the number of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities with migration of contaminated groundwater under control.

 By 2015, take enforc ement action to support the program measure of completing an additional 1,700 Superfund removals through agency

- financed actions and through oversight of removals conducted by potentially responsible parties (PRPs). Support Ensuring the Safety of Chemic als and Preventing Pollution

 By 2015, reduce, treat, or eliminate 19 million estimated cumulative pounds of toxic and pesticide pollutants. (FY 2005
- 2008 baseline: 3.8 million pounds, annual average over the period.)

 By 2015, a chieve an investment of $40.0 million in control of pesticides and toxics as a result of concluded enforcement actions. ( FY 2006
- 2008 baseline: $8.0M, annual average over the period. ) Measures Under Development [1]

 By 2015, take enforcement action to support the program measure to reduce the number of moderate to severe incidents affecting workers exposed to acutely toxic pesticides.

 By 2015, take enforcement action to support the program measure to reduce the percentage of children with blood lead levels above 5ug/dl to 2.5 percent or less
. End note: [1] The Measures Under Development are areas where EPA is now working to develop measures that complement and support goals 1 through 4 of this Plan . The specific language for these measures is under development. EPA is i nterested in comment on how these measures could be constructed.