Author Archives: Lisa Dang

Operating an Eco-friendly business

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As the United States has set targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, businesses must be committed to transforming their business to help the U.S. achieve this goal. Entrepreneurs and businesses that operate on a sustainable model and strive towards the net-zero transition are regarded as socially and environmentally conscious, valuing public health and the community over profit-making. Both small and large businesses derive many benefits in their journey towards net-zero, including employee retention, saving on energy cost, attracting more customers, and contributing to the fight against global warming. Yet, many entrepreneurs and small businesses ignore implementing sustainable measures, viewing their environmental impact as inconsequential. Furthermore, small businesses and entrepreneurs may be more concerned with addressing issues related to managing and operating their business and believe that they lack the capital to reduce their environmental harm. However, companies that do not take the initiative to become more environmentally sustainable not only will miss out on the benefits but are doomed to fail. Here are several ways for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startup companies to reduce their environmental impact.  

1. Get an energy audit

The first step in reducing energy costs and becoming more eco-friendly is getting an energy audit to determine your baseline energy use and get a clear outline for ways to save energy. Many electric utility companies offer free audits, performing a full inspection of your business to check for insulation issues, air leaks, and opportunities to install energy efficient lighting, heating, and technologies.

2. Offset energy cost with renewable energy

Beyond simply reducing energy consumption using energy efficient technology, investing in renewable energy sources such as solar is a necessity. With the increasing and volatile cost of fossil fuels coupled with the increasing demand for solar energy, businesses will save money by switching to solar while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Fortunately, going solar has become more accessible than ever. The recent enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act has provided businesses an economic incentive through tax credits to offset the cost of solar installation. More information on tax incentives can be found here. Additionally, small businesses that may lack the capital to invest in solar energy can finance solar technology with Solar Power Purchase Agreements. More information on Solar Power Purchase Agreements can be found here. Overall, solar energy is a smart, cost-effective, and sustainable choice for all business types to keep pace with the competitive and increasingly environmentally conscious global market.

 

3. Rethink your sourcing, packaging, and shipping

Sustainability starts at the source. Businesses that produce and sell goods should ensure raw materials are sourced locally and that the supplier has also adopted a strong social and environmentally conscious business model. First, localizing your supply chain ensures couriers do not have to travel as far, minimizing not only gas emissions but also time. Second, sourcing locally may give your business more flexibility since suppliers are typically more reactive to businesses that are located closer than farther away. Last, sourcing locally may help boom the local economy, benefiting both the community and local businesses.

Furthermore, packaging and marketing materials should be made with recyclable, renewable, or biodegradable materials as well as minimizing the amount of packaging required for shipping. If you must use plastic, stick to one type rather than packaging that contains a mishmash of materials. Mixing plastic may render it unrecyclable.  

 

4. Go paperless

Make the switch to online billing and paperwork, including emailing receipts to customers. Cutting down on paper eliminates unnecessary waste but also increases your physical storage space. Although completely paperless might not be feasible, use sustainably sourced recycled paper.  

 

5. Allow Employees to work from home

While not every business may have the luxury of allowing their employees to work from home, if possible, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that working from home is more achievable than ever, and in fact, some people are accustomed to it. Even allowing employees to work from home a few days a week can reduce your business’ energy use as well as reduce employees carbon footprint with less commuting. Additionally, the flexibility of working from home provides employees with more satisfaction and work-life balance, resulting in employee retention.

Conclusion

Although there are several more ways small businesses and startup companies can help the environment by adopting more sustainable practices, it is important to also let your efforts be known to the community at large. Customers often seek out businesses that are environmentally conscious. Moreover, striving towards net-zero is a journey and small simple changes can make a dramatic difference for your business, the community, and the environment. 

 

Photo Sources:

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region9/waterinfrastructure/audit.html 
https://www.energy.gov/articles/getting-most-out-solar-panels
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2020/05/04/how-remote-working-is-reshaping-a-future-new-world-of-work/?sh=78cd0401627b

Powering Small Businesses: Solar Power Purchase Agreements

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Although solar energy has recently become one of the cheapest forms of generating electricity, the upfront capital cost of solar installation remains high. Large companies like Google, Walmart, Apple, and Amazon have made major investments in solar energy, reaping the benefits of reducing energy costs, promoting a cleaner environment, and taking advantage of climate-friendly policies. Meanwhile, startup companies and small businesses have shied away from solar installations, causing them to lose out on these benefits. Despite the decreasing prices of solar technology, commercial solar installation costs remain high for small and mid-sized businesses, ranging from $43,000 for a 25-kilowatt (kW) system up to $175,000 for a 100-kW system. However, financing options like Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) provide a vehicle for businesses that lack the capital to invest in solar energy.

I. Solar Power Purchase Agreement Financing

A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a contractual financial agreement in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the solar system, and a host customer agrees to site the solar system on its property at little to no upfront costs.[1] The developer sells the power generated on the host customer’s site at a fixed rate to the customer, which is typically lower than the local utility’s retail rate. The contract terms of Solar PPAs are generally long-term agreements of 10 to 25 years. At the end of the contract term, customers may have the option to extend the term, purchase the system from the developer, or have the system removed from the property. Solar PPAs may take on many different forms and can be negotiated and tailored to suit the needs of the business and developer.

1. The Pros and Cons of Solar PPA

While owning a solar system outright provides business owners with certain federal tax credits and may provide more cost savings overall, the upfront costs present barriers for businesses that lack capital.  

      • Advantages of solar PPAs include:
          • Minimal to no upfront capital expense
          • Saving money on energy costs
          • Predictable, fixed cost of electricity
          • No operating and maintenance responsibilities
          • Negotiable contract to fit the needs of the business
          • Environmental and social benefits
      • Disadvantages of Solar PPAs include:
          • Likely ineligible for incentives such as federal tax credits
          • Lower overall savings than purchasing a solar panel system outright
          • Long-term contract that typically lasts for 10–25 years
          • May be responsible for early termination fees

Solar PPAs have several benefits, but it is not for everyone. The advantages and disadvantages of solar PPAs should be considered in light of each small business and start up companies’ particular circumstances.

2. Is a Solar PPA right for your small business?

While utilizing solar energy is the right move from an environmental and socioeconomic perspective, the upfront cost required to invest in solar technology remains costly and savings may not be recouped until four years after installation. Before entering a solar PPA, small business owners and start-up companies should consider many factors. One factor to consider is the price of electricity specified in the terms of the contract. Although solar PPAs provide predictable rates of electricity prices, many solar PPAs contain a fixed escalator clause, raising the price the customer pays typically between 2-5% annually.[2] While this rate is often lower than the projected utility price increases, if retail electricity prices decline or increase more slowly than the escalator plan, then customers risk overpaying for solar energy in a given year. Further, negotiating favorable solar PPAs may be complex and potentially have a higher transaction cost than buying the solar system outright. Nevertheless, solar PPAs provide predetermined rates providing predictable for businesses to accurately budget.

Another factor to consider is whether a long-term contract is feasible for small business owners. In cases where a business owner rents the property, a solar PPA may not be a viable option unless the landlord or owner of the property agrees to enter into the contract, or the leased property is a long-term lease that covers the period of the solar PPA term. Moreover, solar PPAs prevent the business owner from taking advantage of federal tax credits,[3] which are available only to the owner of the solar system. However, in many cases, developers will factor in solar tax credits claimed and reduce the costs of the electricity delivered to customers.

II. Conclusion

Determining whether a solar PPA is right for small businesses will depend on several factors. Businesses that have the upfront capital to invest and own a solar system will save more money on energy costs in the long term, but repair and maintenance will be borne by the owner. In contrast, businesses that do not have the money to outright purchase their own solar system may benefit from a solar PPA. However, solar PPAs may be complex and require negotiation terms most favorable to the business owner, resulting in higher transaction costs. Undoubtedly, businesses of all sizes can benefit from solar energy, but a critical step to deploying solar technology requires weighing the pros and cons of how to fund solar installations. 

Sources:
[1]. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Power Purchase Agreements (Feb. 2011). https://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/articles/power-purchase-agreements 
[2]. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solar Power Purchase Agreements, https://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-power-purchase-agreements
[3]. See Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Pub. L. No. 117-169 (2022). 

Photo Sources: 
https://gee.com.au/power-purchase-agreements-ppa/
U.S Energy Information Administration, Electricity Power Monthly, Average Price of Electricity. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/update/end-use.php

Small Businesses Incentivized to Go Green

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Small business and start-up companies incur a variety of costs to operate their businesses. However, no matter the size of a business, energy consumption ranks among the top five business expenses. The primary use of energy includes operating vehicles, heating and cooling, and operating equipment.[1] The ability to cut down on fixed costs such as utilities may significantly improve cash flow. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly utility bill for commercial buildings is $650 per month with the northeast region averaging a higher cost of $727 per month.[2] The cost of electricity and natural gas is only expected to rise in the coming years and remain volatile. Whether your company has been in operation for years or is beginning to get off the ground, managing and saving on energy costs is not only beneficial for the business but also for the environment. With the recent enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), small businesses are incentivized to deploy clean energy technology to reap significant cost-saving benefits.

I. Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a landmark piece of legislation, representing the largest climate and energy spending package in U.S History.[3] The IRA mandates a nationwide reduction of carbon emissions of roughly 40% by 2030 and includes an investment of $369 billion in energy and security climate change programs. Here is how the IRA can help your business reduce energy costs and foster a cleaner environment.

1. Deploying Solar

Small businesses and start-up companies can reap significant tax breaks from purchasing and deploying solar energy systems. The IRA expanded the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics (PV) systems. There are two available solar tax credit options available for businesses:

        • Investment tax credit (ITC): provides a tax credit that allows businesses to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal income tax liability
        • Production Tax Credit (PTC): provides a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax credit based on the amount of electricity generated and sold by qualified energy projects

Under the IRA, the ITC enables business owners to receive a one-time 30% tax credit for PV system installation. In contrast, the solar PTC can be claimed every year over the 10-year credit period at the current rate of 2.6 cents/kWh for commercial projects (adjusted for inflation). The size of the system must be under 1 megawatt (MW) to claim an ITC or PTC, and project owners cannot claim both credits for the same property. Projects may qualify for additional bonus credits of 10% if located in a low-income area.

It is important to note that these tax credits are only available for solar systems placed in service from 2022 or later and begin construction before 2033. These credits are designed to phase out after 2032, thus it is critical that small businesses begin strategizing how to support the deployment of solar technology sooner rather than later.

          A. Which is better for my business: ITC or PTC?

The decision to choose an ITC or PTC depends on multiple variables. Start-up companies or small businesses that may be cash-strapped may benefit from opting for the ITC, providing upfront credit against the capital expense used to install the solar systems. In most cases, the ITC is a great option for small businesses that require only a small PV system to help save money on energy bills. In contrast, larger-scale PV projects should opt for the PTC because they provide an attractive cash flow since credits are earned over time. Ultimately, PTCs and ITCs provide competitive incentives and cash flow opportunities for many small businesses and start-up companies.

          B. What if my business does not have the capital to invest in solar technology?

In cases where your business does not have the capital to invest and own a solar system, it is still possible to reap significant cost-saving benefits on utilities through power purchasing agreements (PPA). For many businesses, entering into a third-party PPA is the best option to help reduce energy costs with little to no startup investment associated with the solar installation. A solar PPA is a financing agreement in which a third-party developer purchases the solar system, installs it on your workplace building, and charges a reduced fee for the electricity generated. While your business may not claim the tax credit under a PPA, the developer may claim the tax credit and may use that tax credit to help lower your monthly payment.

2. Electric Vehicles 

Tesla EVs are now more affordable
Photo by Steven Senne/AP

For the first time in the U.S., the IRA provides a tax credit for businesses purchasing qualified electric vehicles (EVs). The credit is up to $7,500 for new EVs and the vehicle must be used for business purposes, not for resale, and primarily used in the U.S.

For a vehicle to qualify for the tax credit, the vehicle must:

        • Have an external charging source
        • Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 lbs
        • Be made by a qualified manufacturer

If you are unsure whether your vehicle will qualify for a tax credit, the Department of Energy has made it easy by simply entering your vehicle identification number (VIN). Check it out here.

II. Conclusion

All businesses must factor in the cost of utilities and energy consumption. With energy prices rising and fluctuating at unpredictable rates, the switch to solar energy can save small businesses and start-up companies significant money. Now, more than ever, businesses are incentivized to go green with the recent enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act. Businesses that take advantage of the solar opportunities and EV tax credits are situated to not only save money but help save the environment.

 

Sources:
[1]. National Small Business Association (NSBA), Energy Survey (2011). 
[2]. U.S Energy Information Administration, 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey Preliminary Results, U.S Dep’t of Energy 12 (Sept. 2022).
      https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/data/2018/ 
[3]. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Pub. L. No. 117-169 (2022). See also John D. Podesta, Building a Clean Energy Economy: A Guidebook to the Inflation 
      Reduction Act’s Investments in Clean Energy and Climate Action, CleanEnergy (2022).

The Endangered Species Act: Can We Protect Wildlife and Small Businesses?

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The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted in 1973 to protect and facilitate the repopulation of threatened or endangered plants, animals, and animal habitats.[1] The ESA is administered by two federal agencies: the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service (collectively, the “Services”). It should come as no surprise that human activities such as urban, commercial, and agricultural development, constructing roads, and burning fossil fuels have accelerated habitat loss and extinction rates. While the ESA is well-intended to protect the environment and our wildlife, it has had profound impacts on both big and small businesses across the nation.

In 2020, during the Trump Administration, the ESA experienced major revisions that have eroded some regulations that may be favorable to business. However, the Biden Administration is in the process of rescinding some of Trump’s rollbacks to the ESA regulations, which may take effect later this year. Given the recent changes and proposed changes to the ESA, is important to understand how the current state of the ESA will impact small business owners and what provisions to keep in mind while maintaining and operating your business.

I. Changes to the Endangered Species Act

The ESA broadly prohibits individuals, small businesses, entitles, corporations, partnerships, and federal and state governments from “taking” any species without a permit.[2] The act defines taking to include harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, or collecting the species.

One change to the ESA empowers the Services to now consider economic factors before categorizing a species as endangered or threatened. For example, if there is a prohibition on logging in critical habitats, regulators may now conduct an economic assessment of the loss in revenue from such prohibition when deciding whether a species will be categorized as protected.

A Fresno County Superior Court Judge on February 16, 2022, rejected construction and real estate interest to remove legal protections for Joshua Trees.

Another change to the ESA makes it more difficult to establish critical habitats, which are specific areas occupied by a species that is found to be essential to conservation efforts and may require special management considerations or protections. The ESA permits the Services to exclude areas from a designation of critical habitat if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion, taking into consideration economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of specifying a particular area as critical habitat.

Furthermore, the regulations impose a higher standard for unoccupied areas to be designated as critical habitats. In addition to the existing standard that unoccupied habitats must be essential to the conservation of the species, they must also contain one or more of the physical or biological features essential to the species conservation. The Service is no longer required to consider the indirect and interdependent effects of a particular project on endangered or threatened species and their critical habitat. Rather, the Service must evaluate the consequences of the project that would not occur but for the proposed actions that are reasonably certain to occur. This change to the ESA helps reduce the potential regulatory burdens that may result when species are not present in the area.

II. Amendments to the ESA a Win for Businesses?

Although President Biden intends to reverse many rules of the ESA enacted under President Trump, until the changes are signed into law, it is important to understand how the current state of the ESA may impact your business.

U.S Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, emphasized that the amendments to the ESA were implemented with the purpose of easing regulatory burdens on the public without sacrificing the species’ protection and recovery goals of the nation.

Since the amendments to the ESA, the FWS has proposed to delist 23 species as a result of the species’ extinction, including the ivory-billed woodpecker.

Previously, the ESA had large effects on logging companies, ranchers, farmers, and land development projects which inevitably impact small businesses. The presence of endangered or threatened species on private or public land was costly to land developers who faced delays in obtaining approval and permits prior to construction. While there are a number of exceptions for certain private activities, these are unlikely to apply to small business owners. And non-permitted takings can result in a civil monetary penalty of $57,527.[3]

The amended ESA eases regulatory burdens on development because the new rules prioritize protecting areas where threatened and endangered species now live over areas where they do not currently live but may potentially inhabit. This broadens the geographic locations where land development may occur, helping spur economic development. In the past, the ESA has often delayed the construction of malls, downtown businesses, shopping centers, and plazas, which have inevitably impacted small businesses that rely on such developments to get started. Although the regulatory ease of the amended ESA may be a win for both big and small businesses, it comes at the cost of potentially harming unprotected habitats that may be areas for threatened or endangered species to thrive.

III. Conclusion

The purpose of the ESA was to restore and protect endangered and threatened species to not only maintain diversity but also sustain productive ecosystems. The current amended version of the ESA has eased regulatory burdens, helping to spur economic development and facilitate more small business owners’ entry into the market that rely on commercial developments to get started. Although the ESA’s direct effects on small business owners are minimal, understanding the act may help small business owners to think twice about where they set up shop and their impact on the environment.

Sources:
[1].  The Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.
[2].  Id. § 1532.
[3].  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/11/2022-05134/civil-penalties-2022-inflation-adjustments-for-civil-monetary-penalties

Photo Sources: 
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/jtrees.htm
https://www.audubon.org/news/is-it-really-time-write-ivory-billed-woodpeckers-epitaph-0

 

Green Responsibility: Understanding the Regulations Affecting Small Business Owners

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Small business owners must navigate a complex maze of environmental laws. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a number of regulations to oversee and control the impact businesses have on the environment. While businesses must adhere to the EPA’s environmental regulations, these acts are often complex and difficult to understand. To make matters worse, studies have shown that environmental regulations disproportionately burden small businesses and may impose more stringent requirements on new operations.[1] Environmental policies and regulations are constantly changing and being updated. It is important to know which regulations can affect your business.

I. Regulations to Keep in Mind While Operating Your Business

1. Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act (CWA)[2] regulates the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters in order to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of U.S waterways. The CWA prevents businesses from emptying wastewater or other pollutants into surface water (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and creeks) unless they have a permit. However, a limited number of activities are exempt from acquiring permits, such as qualifying farming activities.

If your business requires discharging pollutants (e.g., sewage, solid waste, chemical waste, discarded equipment, and biological materials) into waterways, it is necessary to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The permit can be issued by the EPA or by state government agencies. NPDES permits, if approved, will provide the right to discharge a limited amount of a specified pollutant.

2. Clean Air Act

The purpose of the Clean Air Act (CAA) is to reduce emissions that pollute ambient or outdoor air to protect human health and the environment.[3] The specific requirements affecting your business will often depend on 1) how badly your local air is polluted, and 2) the kinds and quantities of pollutants your business emits into the air. It is difficult to populate a single list that details every kind of small business that will be affected by the CAA but you should keep in mind that your business may be subject to one or more controls if your business:

        • Services and repairs motor vehicles or air conditioning systems
        • Performs work involving auto body painting, the degreasing of machinery, and agricultural chemicals
        • Operates a print shop, bakery, or dry cleaners
        • Sells or distributes gasoline, heating oil, or other petroleum products
        • Emits volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides in an area where smog has been identified as an air quality problem

3. Hazardous Waste Regulation

Many small businesses may not even be aware that they generate hazardous waste. Almost all retail stores, including grocery or convenience stores, drug stores, and home improvement stores produce hazardous waste. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs the management of hazardous waste.[4] The EPA has established three categories for the disposal of hazardous waste, which depends on how much waste a business generates:

        1. conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG) (produces less than 220 lbs of hazardous waste per month)
        2. small quantity generators (SQG) (produces between 220–2,200 lbs per month)
        3. large quantity generators (LQG) (more than 2,200 lbs per month)

The majority of business owners will probably fall into the first or second category (CESQG or SQG). Similar to small businesses affected by the CAA, waste is typically generated by dry cleaners, construction operations, car repair shops, photo processing shops, and pesticide user/ application services.

A. What counts as hazardous waste?

Waste is any solid, liquid, or gas that is either chemically or biologically discarded, burned, incinerated, or recycled. Hazardous waste is classified into three broad categories.

        1. Listed waste: often comes from manufacturing processes or commercial product chemical waste. Your waste is considered hazardous if it is on one of the four lists published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 261.
        2. Character waste: exhibits characteristics of ignitable waste, corrosive waste, reactive waste, or toxic waste.
        3. Mixed Radiological Wastes: has both a hazardous and a radioactive component.

B. Managing and Disposing Hazardous Waste

First, most small businesses will fall into the SQG category and therefore must obtain an EPA identification number. CESQGs are exempt from this requirement. Second, SQGs are permitted to accumulate the waste on-site for up to 180 days without a permit. Last, SQG may send their waste only to a regulated Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility or recycler. Managing and disposing of hazardous waste may be complicated. Check with your appropriate state authority to ensure you are properly handling, storing, and transporting hazardous waste.

II. Compliance and Penalties: How to Avoid Violations

The penalties for violating regulatory acts such as the CWA, CAA, and the improper treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste impose a significant financial burden that small businesses might not be able to absorb. Each year, the EPA publishes an annual inflationary increase to the fine amounts for civil penalties assessed under its authority.[5] As of January 12, 2022, the penalty for violations are as follows:

        • Clean Water Act (CWA): $59,973
        • Clean Air Act (CAA): $109,024
        • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA, Hazardous waste): $109,024

Over the past decade, the EPA has recognized the burden environmental regulations place on small businesses. The EPA has developed several comprehensive guidelines and has required states to develop assistance programs specifically to address the needs of small businesses to ensure regulatory compliance.[6] Under the RCRA, the EPA provides industry-specific guidance to help with hazardous waste management.

Furthermore, the EPA will eliminate or significantly reduce penalties for small businesses that voluntarily discover violations of environmental law and promptly disclose and correct them under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. A business has 21 days from the time it discovers that a violation has, or may have, occurred to disclose the violation in writing to EPA.

III. Conclusion 

Understanding and complying with the various environmental regulations that may affect your small business ensures your business will not bear the significant financial burdens imposed by civil penalties. Although the regulations may seem daunting for a small business, following the guidelines set by the EPA or contacting your state’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP)[7] will help you to meet regulatory compliance.

 

Sources:
[1].  https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-12/documents/do_environmental_regulations_disproportionately_affect_small_businesses.pdf
[2].  The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. 
[3].  The Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
[4].  Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq.
[5].  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/12/2022-00349/civil-monetary-penalty-inflation-adjustment 
[6].  https://www.epa.gov/resources-small-businesses 
[7].  https://nationalsbeap.org/states   

Photo Sources: 
https://www.uniteammarine.com/clean-water-united-states-u-s-clean-water-act-and-relevant-regulations/
https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste