EPA Made Unprecedented Speed and Progress in 2023
TL/DR –
In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made significant strides in environmental protection and climate change mitigation, backed by investments from the Biden-Harris Administration. The agency introduced more than 50 rules, invested over $57 billion in environmental projects, and implemented crucial measures such as new technology standards for power plants, the largest single investment in environmental justice, and regulations for harmful chemicals. As it looks to 2024, the EPA aims to build on these achievements and deliver on the President’s climate and environmental agenda.
EPA’s Impressive Year of Strides in Health and Environmental Protection
In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) progressed rapidly in its pursuit of environmental and human health protection. The Biden-Harris Administration’s investments and their ambitious environmental agenda enabled the EPA to implement significant measures to combat climate change, promote environmental justice, and safeguard nationwide community health.
“President Biden empowers every American with the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy life, and the EPA plays a critical role in fulfilling this vision. After enjoying a year of remarkable achievements, I am extremely proud of our hardworking EPA team,” celebrated EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. He further stressed the EPA’s commitment to improving lives by introducing rules to curb pollution, providing clean, reliable energy to communities, and utilizing resources worth billions of dollars.
In 2023, Administrator Regan paid visits to communities across all 10 EPA regions to further the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious environmental agenda. The agency penned over 50 new rules and committed more than $57 Billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to lower pollution, foster a clean energy economy, and promote environmental justice.
Highlights of EPA’s 2023 Accomplishments:
- The EPA’s final rule on methane is expected to eliminate over a billion tons of carbon emissions, a major initiative in climate change combat.
- Introduction of new technology standards for power plants and the transport industry.
- Significant strides in drinking water safety through proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and the regulation of PFAS in drinking water.
- The largest single investment in environmental justice in history was launched, along with the Thriving Justice Grantmakers Program and Environmental Justice Technical Guidelines.
- Notable progress in implementing the 2016 amendments to strengthen chemical safety laws.
- Enhanced consultation policies with Indian Tribes and collaborated with Canada and the Ktunaxa Nation to address transboundary water pollution.
- Deployed $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to expedite Superfund cleanup activities.
- Revitalized enforcement with significant increases in on-site inspections, criminal investigations, and cleanups.
- Carried out emergency response efforts across the country.
- Established the first-of-its-kind National Environmental Youth Advisory Council.
As 2024 approaches, the agency remains staunchly committed to continuing these achievements, fulfilling the Biden-Harris Administration’s environmental agenda, and ensuring equal benefits from the economic and environmental progress ahead for all.
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