The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the availability of the Draft FY 2014–2018 EPA Strategic Plan for public review and comment. The agency anticipates the final Strategic Plan will be submitted to Congress in February 2014. The Strategic Plan provides the Agency’s long-term direction and strategies for advancing human health and the environment.
The agency made targeted revisions to the existing Plan that seek to advance efforts to address climate change, protect water and land resources, and advance chemical safety. The Plan presents fivestrategic goals to accelerate protection of human health and the environment and four cross-cutting fundamental strategies for changing the way the agency does business in achieving its results. The five strategic goals are: (1) Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality; (2) Protecting America’s Waters; (3) Cleaning Up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development; (4) Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution; and (5) Protecting Human Health and the Environment by Enforcing Laws and Assuring Compliance. The four cross-cutting fundamental strategies are: (1) Working Toward a Sustainable Future; (2) Working to Make a Visible Difference in Communities; (3) Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, Local, and International Partnerships; and (4) Embracing EPA as a High-Performing Organization. The Strategic Plan also identifies strategic measures by which the agency will hold itself accountable. In addition, the EPA is proposing new FY 2014–2015 Agency Priority Goals.
Comments must be received to EPA on or before January 3, 2014. More information as to how to submit comments can be found here.