Document GmopXQEEQekwmY8y627OM0j6r

To: i Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy | From: P'Prss'Office Sent: Fri 12/1/2017 11:00:04 PM Subject: EPA Determines Risks from Hardrock Mining Industry Minimal and No Need for Additional Federal Requirements EPA Determines Risks from Hardrock Mining Industry Minimal andNo Need for Additional Federal Requirements WASHINGTON (December 1,2017)-Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Agency will not issue final regulations for financial responsibility requirements for certain hardrock mining facilities. "After careful analysis of public comments, the statutory authority, and the record for this rulemaking, EPA is confident that modern industry practices, along with existing state and federal requirements address risks from operating hardrock mining facilities," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "Additional financial assurance requirements are unnecessary and would impose an undue burden on this important sector of the American economy and rural America, where most of these mining jobs are based." EPA published proposed regulations under section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund) on January 11,2017, and the public comment period closed on July 11,2017. EPA has decided not to issue final regulations because the risks associated with these facilities' operations are addressed by existing federal and state programs and industry practices. EPA was under a court-ordered deadline to take final action on this rulemaking by December 1, 2017. The decision not to issue final rules under CERCLA section 108(b) will be published in the Federal Register. EPA has analyzed the need for financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA section 108(b) based on the degree and duration of risk associated with the production, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances from current hardrock mining operations, as well the risk of taxpayer funded cleanups at facilities operating under modern management practices and modern environmental regulations. That risk is identified by examining: the management of hazardous substances at such facilities; federal and state regulatory controls on that management and federal and state financial responsibility requirements; and, the payment experience of the Fund in responding to releases. EPA concluded the degree and duration of risk associated with the modern production, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous substances by the hardrock mining industry does not present a level of risk of taxpayer funded response actions that warrant imposition of financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA for this sector. This determination reflects EPA's interpretation of the statute, EPA's evaluation of the record for the proposed rule, and the approximately 11,000 public comments received by EPA on this rulemaking. State mining and environmental regulators, as well as other federal agencies and the regulated community and financial sectors, commented that the proposed requirements would potentially interfere with state and local mining regulations, were unnecessary, and would be difficult to implement. This decision does not in any way affect EPA's authority to take appropriate response actions under CERCLA. Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005351 -00001 "I urged then President-elect Trump to stop the EPA's overreach into state regulation harming Montana businesses," said U.S. Senate Western Caucus Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT). "Instead of threatening the very industries that are a backbone of our Western economies, we need to support American families and American businesses to secure our mineral and energy independence. I am pleased the EPA has taken action." "I am grateful for Administrator Pruitt's leadership in eliminating this costly, duplicative, and job-killing rule," said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. "Arizona already has financial responsibility protections in place for hardrock mines and does not need a duplicative federal program that will unnecessarily burden a key Arizona industry." "I am thankful that the EPA and Administrator Pruitt have decided to reject the proposed CERCLA rule," said Idaho Governor Butch Otter. "This is another victory for returning power to the states." "The pending CERCLA 108(b) rulemaking has been at the top of my agenda," said Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. "The success of Nevada's robust mine bonding program protects public safety and our environment and ensures our critical mining industry can operate with certainty. I applaud the EPA for their thoughtful approach and thorough review of the proposed rule, for seeking comments from a diverse set of stakeholders and ultimately, for making the right decision. Today's action by the Administrator recognizes the reality that the states have been capably regulating mine bonding without interference from Washington and should be allowed to continue to do so." "States have developed comprehensive financial responsibility programs for hardrock mining in the 30 years since the passage of CERCLA 108(b)(1)," said Jim Ogsbury, executive director of the bipartisan Western Governors' Association. "These programs require operators to comply with state regulations, implement reclamation and post-closure plans, and post financial assurance to minimize risks to public health and the environment. Western Governors appreciate EPA's decision regarding its proposed financial assurance requirements under CERCLA 108(b), which would have duplicated or supplanted existing and proven state financial assurance regulations." "EPA's actions to rescind the CERCLA 108(b) financial assurance rule is another positive step by EPA in eliminating redundant regulations and recognizing the importance of cooperative federalism," said Todd Parfitt, director of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. A pre-publication version of this action may be viewed at: Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005351-00002 To: From: Sent: Subject: Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy EPA Press Office Fri 12/1/2017 9:15:01 PM PHOTOS: EPA Administrator Pruitt Makes Stops in Iowa PHOTOS: EPA Administrator Pruitt Makes Stops in Iowa Nevada, Iowa (December 1, 2017) -- Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Iowa and met with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC), state officials, and farmers to discuss ongoing partnerships with the Agency. "I was encouraged by the open dialogue with members of the electric cooperatives, Governor Reynolds, and Iowa farmers," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "We must continue to strengthen our partnerships with state and local leaders to further our goals of bringing regulatory certainty and clarity for Iowa and across the country." Administrator Pruitt started the day at the IAEC annual meeting where he addressed more than 500 leaders from across the state about EPA's proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP) and proposal to rescind the 2015 "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule. "We were honored to have Administrator Pruitt address our 500 attendees during our statewide annual meeting this morning," remarked Chuck Soderberg, executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. "Iowa's not-for-profit electric cooperatives are committed to providing power that is safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible. Hearing from Administrator Pruitt today made us feel confident the EPA is listening to our needs and concerns. We commend him for working to provide a common-sense regulatory framework that gives electric co-ops flexibility and certainty to meet the needs of our member-owners." Following the electric cooperatives meeting, Administrator Pruitt met with over 150 Iowa farmers at a farm in Nevada. The dialogue was focused on the WOTUS rule, long-term plans for the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) program, and EPA's new standards for the use of the pesticide dicamba. Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) and other state officials joined Administrator Pruitt for the discussion. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt meets with members of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. Chuck Soderberg, executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, interviews EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt at the annual IAEC meeting. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt addresses local Future Farmers of America students in Nevada, Iowa. Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005352-00001 Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005352-00002 Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005352-00003 To: From: Sent: Subject: Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy i EPA Press Office Thur 11/30/2017 8:20:02 PM PHOTOS: EPA Administrator Pruitt Visits Kentucky EPA Administrator Pruitt Visits Kentucky Meets with Farmers and State Officials Louisville, Ky. (November 30, 2017) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Kentucky to address members of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and meet with Governor Matt Bevin and members of his cabinet to discuss ways to strengthen the Agency's partnership with the state. "Farmers and ranchers are some of the nation's first environmentalists,'' said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "We should be working with them, as partners, to conserve our natural resources while continuing to support and grow our local economies." While meeting with the Kentucky Farm Bureau, Administrator Pruitt discussed a variety of environmental issues. The topics included EPA's recent proposal to rescind the 2015 "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule to help ensure regulatory certainty for America's farmers and landowners and prioritize keeping America's water clean. He also discussed the Agency's new requirements on the pesticide dicamba that will allow farmers to make informed choices for seed purchases for the upcoming 2018 growing season and minimize potential drift to damage............... neighboring crops. Following the farm bureau meeting, the Administrator joined Kentucky Governor Bevin and some of his cabinet officials for a working lunch. "America is blessed to have a public servant like EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who works diligently to be a good steward of the earth and protect America's working class," said Governor Matt Bevin. "His time spent with local, state and federal officials to enact thoughtful environmental regulations has been extraordinary, and we are thankful for his leadership." "We appreciate the EPA Administrator visiting our annual meeting to listen to farmers about their conservation efforts and concerns related to their operations," said Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney. "Administrator Pruitt, a fellow Kentuckian, knows the hard work our farmers put in on a daily basis to keep our farms financially and environmentally sustainable." EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt addresses members of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt meets with Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and members of his cabinet. Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005353-00001 iiiiisSiftllllllilO Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005353-00002 Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005353-00003 To: From: Sent: Subject: Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy i EPA'Press Office Thur 11/30/2017 5:00:11 PM EPA Plans $22.6 Million Cleanup For Contaminated East Chicago Industrial Land THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE EPA Plans $22.6 Million Cleanup For Contaminated East Chicago Industrial Land The Chicago Tribune November 29, 2017 Craig Lyons The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced a $22.6 million plan to clean up former DuPont industrial land in East Chicago. The EPA said the 440-acre DuPont facility, at 5215 Kennedy Ave., will focus on removing contaminated material from a solid waste landfill, open or filled land and other industrial property at the site and treating ground water. The EPA said the industrial land and water is contaminated with arsenic, lead, zinc and cadmium. The EPA is collecting public comments on the proposed plans until Jan. 26, according to a news release, and will hold a public hearing Jan. 10. "The proposed cleanup at the former DuPont site further demonstrates EPA's commitment to finding solutions to protect the health and safety of East Chicago residents," EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said, in a statement. The EPA's tentative plans will remove 61,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil; treat groundwater and take steps to prevent it from leaving the site; fence the site and ensure compliance with industrial zoning requirements, and health and safety rules for digging; and receive financial assurances from the site owner, according to a release. The cleanup is proposed under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program. The proposed work at the DuPont site is separate from the EPA's work at the nearby U.S.S. Lead Superfund site. Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005354-00001 During the fall, the EPA started a groundwater study for the southern portion on Zone 3, which abuts the DuPont facility the federal agency Wednesday announced plans to clean up. The EPA went door-to-door in the eastern portion of the Calumet neighborhood to talk with residents about basement flooding issues and potential exposure to groundwater in the area. The push to establish groundwater exposure is part of an EPA evaluation whether additional contamination is reaching residents. Work to remediate residents' property throughout the Calumet neighborhood is continuing, according to the EPA, and contractors have removed contaminated soil from more than 200 homes since work started in 2016. During the 2017 construction season, the EPA remediated yards at 109 homes in Zone 2 of the Superfund site, which runs from McCook Avenue to East Huish Drive, according to the EPA, and 120 in Zone 3, which runs from East Huish Drive to Parrish Avenue. Alternatives on how to remediate the land at the shuddered West Calumet Housing Complex are being reviewed, according to the EPA, and that work will start when demolition of the buildings and other structures is complete. Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005354-00002 To: [ Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy i From: EPA Press Office Sent: Thur 11/30/2017 3:00:14 PM Subject: EPA Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2018 and Biomass Based Diesel Volumes for 2019 EPA Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2018 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes for 2019 WASHINGTON - (November 30, 2017) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program for 2018, and biomass-based diesel for 2019. "Maintaining the renewable fuel standard at current levels ensures stability in the marketplace and follows through with my commitment to meet the statutory deadlines and lead the Agency by upholding the rule of law," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set the RFS volume requirements annually and to finalize the standards by November 30th for the following year. The final standards for 2018, and for biomass-based diesel for 2019, are only slightly changed from the proposed standards that EPA issued earlier this year. ............................ Final Volume Requirements .......... 2018 2019 Cellulosic biofuel (million gallons) 288 n/a Biomass-based diesel (billion gallons) 2.1 2.1 Advanced biofuel (billion gallons) 4.29 n/a Renewable fuel (billion gallons) 19.29 n/a The RFS program was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. EPA implements the program in consultation with U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy. The RFS program is a national policy that requires a certain volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel. For more information on today's announcement, go to: Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005355-00001 lliil|i||gf|^ilJliJillSI*^ Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005355-00002 To: From: Sent: Subject: i Ex. 6 - Personal Privacy | EPA Press Office Wed 11/29/2017 6:24:42 PM EPA DEPUTY NOMINATION MOVES TO SENATE FOR FULL CONSIDERATION EPA DEPUTY NOMINATION MOVES TO SENATE FOR FULL CONSIDERATION WASHINGTON - (November 29, 2017) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt applauded the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's vote advancing Andrew Wheeler, nominee to be EPA deputy administrator. Wheeler's nomination now moves to the Senate for full consideration, along with four other EPA nominees. Administrator Scott Pruitt released the following statement following this vote: "Andrew is an environmental policy expert with deep understanding of EPA issues. I look forward to his consideration before the Senate and his confirmation in the near future. I know Andrew will help us advance the President's Agenda, with his thoughtful and collaborative leadership at EPA." More quotes of approval for Andrew Wheeler: U.S. Senator James Inhofe: "I am pleased that President Trump has nominated Andrew Wheeler to serve as deputy administrator at the EPA. There is no one more qualified than Andrew to help Scott Pruitt restore EPA to its proper size and scope. When he served as my staff director of the Environment and Public Works Committee, he provided me with invaluable guidance, and in turn became a close friend. I am confident he will serve the American people and President Trump with exceptional skill in this position, and I look forward to ensuring his swift confirmation." U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson: "Andrew Wheeler will do a fine job at EPA, helping to ensure the agency's mission of protecting the environment is maintained without the EPA becoming an unnecessary impediment to responsible energy exploration and job creation." U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley: "With extensive experience working on Capitol Hill, in the Executive branch, and in the private sector, Andrew Wheeler is eminently qualified and a great pick to serve as Deputy Administrator of the EPA. There are few people in Washington who have the same depth of knowledge and experience on energy and environment issues. I look forward to continuing working with Andrew once he is confirmed in his new role." Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman: "Andrew was Republican staff director during part of the time I was on the Senate Environment Committee. We worked together on some issues and disagreed on others. He conducted himself in a fair and professional manner. I hope his nomination will receive similarly fair consideration by the Senate." Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers: "Andrew's significant experience on Capitol Hill, and his extensive background working on environmental and natural resource policy makes him an outstanding choice to join the leadership at the EPA. Manufacturers have welcomed Administrator Pruitt's efforts to bring balance to rulemaking at the agency and focus on the EPA's core mission. We're confident Andrew will help advance that mission and ensure that our country can achieve the dual goals of responsible environmental stewardship and strong economic growth." Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005356-00001 BBsMtSniSftlIfilgo^ Sierra Club v. EPA, 1:17-cv-01906 ED_001523_00005356-00002