“We cannot rebuild the strength and resilience of America from the ground up if millions of families lose electricity, water and broadband, we have to keep these essential services turned on if people are going to get back on their feet,” Merkley told the Guardian. “This is like PPE for utilities. If we can get the concept in place, we can later add more funds if needed.”
It’s unclear how much is owed to utility companies nationwide, though it is probably significantly more than the $30bn earmarked in the bill.
A survey by the California state water board earlier this year found at least 1.6m households were behind on water bill payments due to the pandemic, with debt totaling at least $1bn. At least 25 small and medium-sized water utilities – 1% of the total – were at imminent risk of going under. Earlier this month Governor Gavin Newsom announced $2bn in aid for utilities to help keep the taps and lights on for millions of low-income residents.
TSCA/FIFRA/TRI
EPA Announces Univar Solutions USA Will Pay $165,000 For FIFRA Violations:EPA announced on April 19, 2021, that Univar Solutions USA, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, will pay a $165,000 penalty for violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) when it failed to label properly its “Woodlife 111” pesticide, which is used as a wood preservative. EPA notes that under FIFRA, “a pesticide is misbranded if, ‘
the labeling accompanying it does not contain directions for use which are necessary … to protect health and the environment’ and if ‘…
the label does not contain a warning or caution statement which may be necessary … to protect health and the environment.’” According to the press release, EPA alleged that between approximately January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, Woodlife 111 labels “omitted several required sections important for the protection of the handler and for the environment, including user safety requirement
Costly fixes for water and sewer utilities could pressure ratings bondbuyer.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bondbuyer.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Measure would provide $36 billion for infrastructure
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper speaks in Milford on the unveiling of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, which would provide $36 billion in funding for water and wastewater systems in small, rural areas. The bill passed cloture April 27 by a 92-2 vote in the Senate. RYAN MAVITY PHOTO
Ryan Mavity May 16, 2021
Sen. Tom Carper was in Milford April 23 to announce a new federal bill that would provide $36 billion in government funding for water infrastructure projects.
The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 authorizes $30 billion in funding for state clean water and drinking water revolving funds, and an additional $6 billion in grant funding. Carper said the bill is largely aimed at small, rural communities and gives states more money to loan to counties and municipalities for wastewater, water and sanitation services. He said the funds will help replace aging infrastructure, addres