Summary of the EPA Strategic Plan for FY 2022 – 2026
Introduction
The EPA Strategic Plan is intended to communicate EPA priorities for the coming years and provide a roadmap for achieving its’ goals. This plan is broken down into 7 goals, each of which with various accompanying objectives. It should be noted that SEC’s summary and fact sheet is based on the October 1, 2021 draft of the EPA Strategic Plan; the public comment period for the draft plan recently concluded on November 12, 2021, and the final draft is expected to be submitted to Congress in February 2022.
FY 2022-2023 Agency Priority Goals
In addition to the goals described below for FY 2022-2026, the agency has defined immediate priorities for FY 2022-2023. These goals are to:
- Phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons;
- Clean up contaminated sites and invest in water infrastructure to enhance the livability and economic vitality of overburdened and underserved communities; and
- HUD and EPA will reduce exposure to lead to protect families, particularly children, in overburdened and underserved communities.
In summary, the agency’s primary focus for the coming year will be on the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs are used in a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to refrigeration, air-conditioning (AC), building insulation, fire extinguishing systems, and aerosols) and achieving clean water standards (particularly regarding lead).
FY 2022-2026 Agency Priority Goals
The agency’s goals for FY 2022-2026 are quite diverse and varied; however, upon review, some themes begin to emerge from these many goals. One such prominent theme is an increased focus on areas where people of low socio-economic status (SES) live. This is part of the agency’s general push toward Environmental Justice (EJ) initiatives (see link below for more information regarding EJ initiatives in your area). Other prominent themes include reducing HCFC consumption in the US, reducing GHG emissions from various industries, increasing the agency’s general responsiveness in regulatory matters & speed in judicial cases, increasing compliance with drinking water standards via Superfund site cleanup efforts, and stricter enforcement of Underground Storage Tank regulations.
For more information on Environmental Justice efforts in EPA Region 4: click here
For SEC’s Highlights of the Strategic Plan for FY 2022-2026: click here
For EPA’s Fact Sheet for the Strategic Plan for FY 2022-2026: click here
For questions, please contact Dylan Moore
Dylan@StevensEnvironmental.com