Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN)
Latest News
Check out our latest LGEAN content:
- Webinar: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) 101 for Local and Tribal Governments
- Podcast: The 4-1-1 on Financing: Strategies and Support for Small Water and Wastewater Systems
- Blog: Financing Solutions for Small Community Water Systems
Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming workshop on financing for small drinking water systems on November 16!
Local governments play an indispensable role in protecting our environment. Local environmental agencies work hard to ensure that city residents enjoy clean water, fresh air, and safe living conditions. Federal laws and regulations impose requirements on local governments that are intended to help achieve these important goals. Especially in smaller and more remote areas, local governments may face challenges in complying with all the federal (as well as state) environmental requirements. Challenges range from understanding regulations to finding the capital necessary to finance their endeavors. Likewise, community members may also struggle to know how they can best advocate for communities in this complex system.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) to help local governments understand and comply with federal requirements. LGEAN is a “first-stop shop” for local environmental managers that gathers useful resources on federal environmental laws, regulations, technical requirements, and financing—on a single, easily accessible platform. The Environmental Law Institute assumed administration of LGEAN, beginning in 2020, under a cooperative agreement.
Leveraging its 50 years of experience supporting local governments, promoting community engagement, and collaborating with a wide network of local government, environmental justice, and community stakeholders, ELI is:
- Developing new content, including easy-to-read fact sheets and exemplary case studies in local compliance on topics ranging from stormwater pollution and air quality to climate and sustainable communities;
- Creating dynamic educational programming, including podcasts and webinars;
- Connecting local environmental managers and EPA subject matter experts to respond to technical inquiries;
- Empowering communities to get involved and take part in addressing local pollution and environmental inequity; and
- Alerting local officials to new funding opportunities and environmental financing tools.
Learn more about LGEAN at https://lgean.net and connect with us on social media!
