On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The Recovery Act seeks in part to spur technological advances in science and health and to invest in environmental protection and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits. EPA manages over $7 billion in projects and programs that will help achieve these goals, offers resources to help other agencies “green” a much larger set of Recovery investments, and administers environmental laws that will govern Recovery activities.
Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)
The Recovery Act specifically includes $7.22 billion for projects and programs administered by EPA. These programs will protect and promote both “green” jobs and a healthier environment.
EPA Programs that Implement the Recovery Act
-Brownfields Program
-Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
-Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Program
-National Clean Diesel Campaign
-Superfund Hazardous Waste Cleanup Program
Agency and Program Plans Approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on May 15, 2009
Learn what our Recovery Act dollars will buy, and how:
-We will ensure that funds are spent effectively
-our projects will aid in the economic recovery and will benefit the environment
-recipients will incorporate innovative technologies and environmental best practices into their projects
-we will ensure transparency and accountability as we spend the funds
View EPA's recommendations to incorporate green practices into federally funded construaction projects
The Recovery Act calls for investment in “environmental protection and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.” As such, it provides unparalleled opportunities for the Federal government to demonstrate environmental leadership in energy efficiency, green building, purchasing, and other sustainability strategies.
EPA Requirements for Projects Supported by the Recovery Act
In addition to meeting the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), projects supported by the Recovery Act must also comply with applicable environmental requirements that are administered and/or overseen by EPA, including:
-General and transportation conformity under the Clean Air Act
-Clean Water Act Section 402, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
-Clean Water Act, Section 404
-Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1424(e)
-Superfund