U.S. EPA backs cookstove, e-waste research

The United States Administrator-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Michael S. Regan, has underscored the agency’s commitment to global environmental protection – announcing that it will support a conference for lab and field research on cookstoves.

Mr. Regan is on a visit to Ghana, and after touring the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Cookstove Laboratory in Accra noted that the agency will provide technical assistance for the lab.

This move reflects the EPA’s recognition of the pivotal role that cookstoves play in environmental conservation and public health. Traditional cooking methods often involve using solid fuels, contributing to indoor air-pollution and deforestation.

By supporting research initiatives, the EPA aims to advance cleaner and more efficient cookstove technologies – thus addressing both environmental and health concerns.

It is understood that the EPA’s global commitment is not limited to cookstove research, the agency is poised to tackle broader environmental issues, as evidenced by its visit to Ghana.

Addressing journalists in a digital press briefing on the last day of his mission to Mozambique and Ghana, Administrator Regan said EPA will help build capacity for e-waste management by featuring Ghana at an upcoming International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) webinar.

He added that they will also provide support for an e-waste technical expert from Ghana’s government to participate in an annual IEMN meeting.

During the briefing, he also mentioned that the EPA will team up with the Peace Corps to create a programme that pairs schools in North Carolina and Ghana; enabling them to exchange information on environmental and cultural topics.

In response to how the EPA is addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable water resources – such as in Ghana where illegal mining poses a threat, he stated EPA intends to provide technical assistance and guidance to help Ghana’s government and civil society more meaningfully engage the public processes.

This, he noted, also includes sharing some experiences of the US around mining operations and how they are regulated.

“This is an area where we recognise that many of these critical minerals will be the supply chain of advanced technology needed to combat the climate crisis – many of these clean energy technologies. So, we believe that mining is necessary but not at the expense of communities; and not at the expense of natural resources and the environment,” he stated.

He said: “It is very important that we have strong regulatory programmes designed to oversee these mining operations; but equally as important, very strong programmes designed to allow the public to be engaged in these mining projects have input – and have these operations respond in kind to some of these communities’ needs.  We hope to partner here in Africa on these issues; and because we have some learning and experience, we believe we will be helpful”.

Administrator Regan during his official trip to the country also visited Electro Recycling Ghana, which has developed an innovative approach to refurbish, reuse and recycle electronic waste.

He also toured a liquified petroleum gas bottling plant that is contributing to Ghana’s goal of bringing access to liquified petroleum gas for 50 percent of Ghanaians by 2030.

Administrator Regan mentioned that he had visited the community of Jamestown in Accra, along with the Second Lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia. They met with mothers who were using cleaner and more efficient cookstoves to cook food for their families and make ends meet.

He said, “I was extremely delighted being able to visit Jamestown with Her Excellency the Second Lady of Ghana, to see how clean cooking and clean cookstoves will transform so many communities – not just in Ghana but across the continent.”

He observed that women, both young and old, spend hours cooking and inhaling harmful fumes from charcoal and wood. However, he added, transitioning to cleaner cooking methods can significantly improve air quality and promote healthier lifestyles for many families.

“Those are the types of solutions that we’re trying to couple together, so that we are protecting the planet by protecting public health at the same time for everyone.  No matter where you live or how much money you have, everyone deserves clean air, clean water and the right to live a healthy life,” he stated.

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