One thing that stood out to me in their five strategic initiatives was Protecting human health and the environment by enforcing laws and assuring compliance. This brings the upcoming underground storage tank regulations to mind. Though in the news and discussions throughout the industry for the past year and a half, the “rest of the country” (outside of CA) is just now beginning to see the effects of local regulators enforcing the Energy Act of 2005.
TAIT’s long history of experience with the stricter regulations in California is one reason we are the trusted advisor to many national clients. More than a knowledge base, TAIT has “boots on the ground” in the form of technicians that perform routine inspections, maintenance, testing and repairs. Our design and construction of new fuel systems begins the process, and we serve until the end, removing, closing permanently in place and remediating fuel system sites. Contact us to learn more about how we can help to educate and assist you in transitioning to be in compliance to avoid NOVs and fees.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2014
EPA Strategic Plan Charts Direction for Next Four Years
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its fiscal year (FY) 2014 to 2018 Strategic Plan today, which provides a blueprint for advancing EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment across the country.
The plan envisions a new era of partnerships with state and local governments, tribes, federal agencies, businesses, and industry leaders to achieve environmental benefits in a pragmatic, collaborative way.
“EPA will address the increasingly complex array of environmental challenges we face by advancing a rigorous research and development agenda that informs and supports our policy and decision making with timely and innovative technology and sustainable solutions,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “We are heeding President Obama’s call for action on climate change, the biggest challenge for our generation and those to come by building strong partnerships at home and around the world. We are working to mitigate this threat by reducing carbon pollution and other greenhouse-gas emissions and by focusing on efficiency improvements in homes, buildings and appliances.”
The five strategic goals in EPA’s plan include:
• Addressing climate change and improving air quality;
• Protecting America’s waters;
• Cleaning up communities and advancing sustainable development;
• Ensuring the safety of chemicals and preventing pollution; and
• Protecting human health and the environment by enforcing laws and assuring compliance.
The agency will continue to deliver significant health benefits to the American public through improved air quality and reduced emissions of toxic pollutants, and will take action to keep communities safe and healthy by reducing risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals in commerce, our indoor and outdoor environments, products, and food.
The agency will also continue efforts to improve water quality, given the nation’s significant water infrastructure needs, focusing on common sense, flexible approaches that rely on sustainable solutions, such as green infrastructure, and build resiliency to help us adapt to the effects of a changing climate.
The plan prioritizes environmental justice, continuing to focus on urban, rural, and economically disadvantaged communities, to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, race, economic status, or ethnicity, has access to clean water, clean air, and the opportunity to live, work and play in healthy communities.
To achieve the outcomes articulated in the FY 2014-2018 Plan, the agency outlined four cross-agency strategies:
• Working toward a sustainable future;
• Working to make a visible difference in communities;
• Launching a new era of state, tribal, local, and international partnerships; and
• Embracing EPA as a high-performing organization.
The EPA developed the FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010. Reflecting the agency’s interest in reaching out to stakeholders and communities, the EPA requested input on a draft plan last winter from over 800 organizations and individuals and issued a Federal Register Notice to solicit broad public feedback. As appropriate, the EPA incorporated suggestions and comments received in the final Plan.
More information on the Strategic Plan is available at: http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan