This document consolidates responses to a request for information from Federal agencies about how they monitored their green purchasing programs. This guidance reflects the best practices of multiple agencies engaged in monitoring their green purchasing programs. The monitoring approaches detailed in this document are based on compliance monitoring programs in use by Federal agencies. These options are provided as guidance only and should not be construed as a directive from OFEE or the Office of Federal Procurement Policy that these are the only alternatives for monitoring compliance with the statutory and Executive Order 13423 green purchasing requirements.

Overview of the policy and program promoting sustainability at NASA.

A bill to provide that the delivery vehicle fleet of the United States Postal Service be replaced by electric motor vehicles; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Congressional Record: February 26, 2010 [House], Page H971).

A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to permit the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to be used for transportation and use of dredged materials for abandoned mine reclamation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: March 1, 2010 [Senate], Page S857).

A bill to improve energy efficiency of appliances, lighting, and buildings, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: March 2, 2010 [Senate], Page S945).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Congressional Record: March 2, 2010 [House], Page H1026).

A bill to establish a Southwest Border Region Water Task Force; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: March 2, 2010 [House], Page H1026).

A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: March 2, 2010 [House], Page H1027).

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for the production of energy from deep water offshore wind; to the Committee on Finance [Congressional Record: March 3, 2010 [Senate], Page S1018).

A bill to suspend, during the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, any Environmental Protection Agency action under the Clean Air Act with respect to carbon dioxide or methane pursuant to certain proceedings, other than with respect to motor vehicle emissions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: March 4, 2010 [Senate], Page S1168-S1169). Text of bill to be listed here.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to protect and restore the Great Lakes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: March 4, 2010 [Senate], Page S1168-S1169).

A bill to suspend, during the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, any Environmental Protection Agency action under the Clean Air Act with respect to carbon dioxide or methane pursuant to certain proceedings, other than with respect to motor vehicle emissions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: March 4, 2010 [House], Page H1167).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to protect and restore the Great Lakes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Congressional Record: March 4, 2010 [House], Page H1167).

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to provide loans to certain organizations in certain States to address habitats and ecosystems and to address and prevent invasive species; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: March 4, 2010 [House], Page H1168).

A bill to allow small public water systems to request an exemption from the requirements of any national primary drinking water regulation for a naturally occurring contaminant, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: March 9, 2010 [House], Page H1220)

EPA is looking for public comment on the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2008 draft report. This annual report is prepared by EPA in collaboration with experts from other federal agencies. After responding to public comments, the U.S. government will submit the final inventory report to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report will fulfill the annual requirement of the UNFCCC international treaty, ratified by the United States in 1992, which sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change.

Water utilities, manufacturers, retailers, communities, plumbers, and other professionals are working with the EPA's WaterSense program to promote Fix a Leak Week, March 15 to 21, 2010. EPA is promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads.

This is a November 2009 report containing the data accumulated and reviewed for 2008. There was a slight decrease in the amount of waste generated in 2008.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. The application period is open from February 8, 2010 to April 5, 2010. Up to five awards will be given in the following categories: Programs, Policies, and Regulations; Smart Growth and Green Building; Civic Places; Rural Smart Growth; and Overall Excellence.

This brief guide for vendors will: facilitate their access to increased federal government procurement opportunities; enhance their ability to compete at the prime and subcontract levels; promote their knowledge of new government contracting initiatives (e-Buy and Sub-Net); and make it easier for them to conduct business with the federal government.

These guides offer contractors and designers the tools, including recommendations for practical products and off-the-shelf technology, needed for achieving a 30% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999. These guides have been developed through the collaboration of ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with support from the Department of Energy (DOE), to help meet all of an owner's energy performance requirements. Sector-specific guides are available for: small hospitals and healthcare facilities; lodging facilities; small warehouses and self-storage; schools; small retail buildings; small office buildings. ASHRAE and its partners have made these guides available for download (PDF) at no charge.

This is a quarterly magazine is published by ASHRAE with a mission to help decision makers in the building community learn about the benefits of innovative technologies and energy-efficient design and operation. We do this with case studies of exemplary buildings, developed through the support of leading practitioners in the sustainability movement. High Performing Buildings is available in digital form at no cost.

This tool is a searchable, online database of good practice sustainability measures for building services engineers. The measures are a distillation of well-established sustainability guidance. The tool provides: a shortlist of measures for specific sustainability topics; and references to further guidance, including the section of the relevant document. The issues addressed include: water use; adapting buildings for climate change; sustainable drainage systems; site ecology and habitats; and energy recovery. This is not a comprehensive list of all issues addressed.

This will be the 63rd International AHR Exposition.

Globalcon 2010 is designed to facilitate those who need to get up to speed on the latest developments in the energy field, explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies.

The conference is the only national conference targeted to green building for the mainstream residential building industry. Network with designers and suppliers, attend exceptional education sessions and develop the skills you need for profitable green building.

This 1-day seminar provides an overview of measurement and verification (M&V) procedures and methods for determining savings from energy efficiency projects. Four brief case studies will be presented to illustrate concepts and issues associated with M&V: a lighting project (using both estimates and long-term metering), a VSD project (using long-term metering), a billing analysis and a calibrated simulation.

This web site was put together as part of a port industry focus group effort. This tool emphases environmental, land-based, regulatory issues facing port tenants and authorities. Included are common port operations cross referenced with regulatory requirements; audit program incentive opportunities; enforcement case studies and updates; inspector checklists.

Sponsored by DOE, this webinar is based on the energy reduction efforts made in the design and construction of the new national showcase building on the campus of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. The webinar is free, but you must register in advance.

The workshop will begin dialogue around life cycle materials management as it relates to the RCC priority areas: municipal solid waste reuse/recycling; green initiatives-- green building--design/efficiency/recycling; industrial materials reuse/recycling; and priority chemicals reduction. The workshop will bring sustainable materials management to life by showcasing cutting edge work that incorporates systems thinking into business, government, consumer, and community strategies. In addition, it will strive to generate short-term and long-term next steps toward achieving sustainable materials management.

Sponsored by the National Brownfield Association, this conference will address issues such as renewable energy on brownfields, water supply reuse, and waterfront redevelopment.

On or about February 22, 2010, the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) of EPA is making available for public comment a draft assessment document: Risk and Exposure Assessment to Support the Review of the Carbon Monoxide Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards--Second External Review Draft. This draft document describes the quantitative analyses that are being conducted as part of the review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for carbon monoxide (CO). In addition, on or about March 1, 2010, OAQPS is making available for public comment another draft assessment document: Policy Assessment for the Review of the Carbon Monoxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards: External Review Draft. Comments should be submitted on or before April 2, 2010. POC is Dr. Ines Pagan, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (Mail code C504-06), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; e-mail: pagan.ines@epa.gov; telephone: 919-541-5469; fax: 919-541-0237 (Federal Register: March 5, 2010 [Notices], Page 10252-10253).

This is a revision of the current security plan requirements applicable to the commercial transportation of hazardous materials by air, rail, vessel, and highway. Based on an evaluation of the security threats associated with specific types and quantities of hazardous materials, the final rule narrows the list of materials subject to security plan requirements and reduces associated regulatory costs and paperwork burden. The final rule also clarifies certain requirements related to security planning, training, and documentation. This final rule is effective October 1, 2010. POC is Susan Gorsky or Ben Supko, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 202-366-8553 (Federal Register: March 9, 2010 [Rules and Regulations], Page 10973-10989).

EPA is correcting a date in a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on December 1, 2009, 74 FR 62995, due to a date calculation error. The final rule established Clean Water Act technology-based Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Construction and Development point source category. Effective on March 8, 2010. POC is Mr. Jesse W. Pritts at 202-566-1038 (pritts.jesse@epa.gov) (Federal Register: March 8, 2010 [Rules and Regulations], Page 10438-10439).

The Assistant Secretary for EERE has granted nationwide categorical waivers of the Buy American requirements of the Recovery Act for the purchase of LED traffic lights, arrows, and crosswalk signals (excluding the metal or plastic fixtures); fluorescent electronic lighting ballasts (with the exception of electronic dimming ballasts for fluorescent lamps that are capable of operating the lamps below 50 percent of their rated light output); and screw-base and pin-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) (with the exception of plug-in CFLs longer than 10 inches). These nationwide categorical waivers apply to all projects using EERE Recovery Act funds for the construction, alteration, maintenance and repair of a public building or public work. EERE reserves the right to revisit and amend these nationwide categorical waivers based on new developments or changes in the domestic manufacturing capacity for these three technologies. Effective Date is February 11, 2010. POC is Benjamin Goldstein, Energy Technology Program Specialist, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), (202) 287-1553, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Mailstop EE-2K, Washington, DC 20585.(Federal Register: March 5, 2010 [Notices], Page 10246-10247).

This is public notification that EPA has prepared a draft Report to Congress: Study of Discharges Incidental to Normal Operation of Commercial Fishing Vessels and Other Non-Recreational Vessels Less than 79 feet. EPA conducted the study required by Public Law 110-299 and is publishing this draft report to seek public comment prior to finalizing the report. This draft report presents information on the types of wastewater discharged from commercial fishing vessels and non-recreational vessels less than 79 feet in length. Comments must be received on or before April 7, 2010. POC is Dr. Ryan Albert, Water Permits Division, Office of Wastewater Management (4203M), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 566-0763; fax number: (202) 564-6392 (Federal Register: March 8, 2010 [Notices], Page 10477-10479).

Discussion will address future biobased content requirements and potential BioPreferred IMF qualifications. Participation in this meeting can be in-person or online. Attendees must reserve your seat or receive Webinar log-in information.

USDA map shows the locations of more than 2,200 companies in the United States that either manufacture or distribute biobased products. The state maps indicate with green dots companies that have products in items that have already been designated for preferred Federal procurement via USDA's BioPreferred Program. Companies with products in items that are expected to be "BioPreferred designated" given future program implementation are indicated with red dots.

This webinar is on March 11, 2010 and sponsored by the Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN). The webinar reviews and explains RPNs Model Annual Responsible Purchasing Report. The report was developed in response to an RPN survey indicating that less than a quarter of RPN Members publish an Annual Responsible Purchasing Report.

The annual summary of the Superfund program's fiscal year (FY) 2009 progress. The report shows that the program continues to make significant progress in achieving its mission of cleaning up the country's most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites and protecting the health of nearby communities and ecosystems from harmful contaminants.

An overview of the brownfields process, from introduction to brownfields to redevelopment. Participants will become versed in funding the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment, and other intricacies involved in managing a federal grant. Attendees will be introduced to the Federal Brownfields law and become familiar with such terms as Bonafide Prospective Purchaser, All Appropriate Inquiry, etc. The course will delve into effective assessment techniques, provide conceptual knowledge of current remediation practices, and the different approaches necessary to tackle rural and urban brownfields sites. A visit to two successful brownfield remediation sites and useful online resources will cap the course.

This course provides an overview of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Liability and Compensation Act ("CERCLA") and its associated regulations and policies.

This workshop presents basic negotiation concepts, specific environmental applications, and emphasizes principled (ethical) negotiation approaches building trust and relationships.

Obtain a fundamental background on the key issues, concepts and practice of effective communications and media relations, with the focus on environmental projects. The course is designed to provide participants with an in-sight on fundamentals and practicalities behind public relations practice in the context of protocol functions and communications planning.

This course examines the most up-to-date techniques in the management of sediment and construction sites. Students who attend can receive their Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training Certification (CESCL) from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Attendees will learn about the statutory, administrative and academic evolution of the ESA. The course will cover how many policy elements and property rights are core outgrowths of the ESA.

This course focuses on the fundamental elements of making building projects better for the local community and environment throughout the life cycle of the facility. Infrastructure shapes the way people live and behave, as well as guides local ecosystems in operation and evolution. This influence carries from construction, through use and maintenance, to deconstruction and goes beyond the core utility of transportation, water and energy projects. This course will take a NON-REGULATORY approach to designing and building a higher quality product.

EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs website on non-regulatory programs for reducing pesticide risk through environmental stewardship - partnerships, grants, and education. The site has information for industry professionals, growers, school teachers, and anyone interested in learning more about responsible pest management to reduce pesticide risk. It also contains information on grants available to support projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of Integrated Pest Management and biopesticides. Additionally, the site spotlights the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, the Agency's partnership program dedicated to reducing pesticide risk where people live, work, play, and farm. The site also features information on the Strategic Agricultural Initiative, IPM in Schools Program, Biopesticide Demonstration Grant Program, and other grant programs.

Results of recent air monitoring in and around a child care facility and an adjacent building at the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City do not reveal health concerns with indoor air at the facilities. This round of sampling involved tests of indoor air, as well as supplemental tests of outdoor air and air samples taken from beneath the concrete floor slabs of both buildings. Indoor air samples showed no indication of health concerns related to volatile organic compounds. Results of the related sampling do not indicate migration from beneath the building that would pose health risks.

Results of recent air monitoring in and around a child care facility and an adjacent building at the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City do not reveal health concerns with indoor air at the facilities. This round of sampling involved tests of indoor air, as well as supplemental tests of outdoor air and air samples taken from beneath the concrete floor slabs of both buildings. Indoor air samples showed no indication of health concerns related to volatile organic compounds. Results of the related sampling do not indicate migration from beneath the building that would pose health risks.

Results of recent air monitoring in and around a child care facility and an adjacent building at the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City do not reveal health concerns with indoor air at the facilities. This round of sampling involved tests of indoor air, as well as supplemental tests of outdoor air and air samples taken from beneath the concrete floor slabs of both buildings. Indoor air samples showed no indication of health concerns related to volatile organic compounds. Results of the related sampling do not indicate migration from beneath the building that would pose health risks.

EPA, DOE, and industry leaders have made an agreement on energy efficiency measurements, metrics, and reporting conventions for data center facilities. The new agreement provides guiding principles for data center operators to gauge energy use and create opportunities for improved energy performance.

The Green Cleaning P2 Calculator quantifies the projected environmental benefits of purchasing and using "green" janitorial services and products. It is designed to forecast the environmental benefits of reducing chemical use by doing some or all pollution prevention measures typically involved in the routine interior cleaning of an office building. This tool also enables users to identify which green cleaning measures will have the greatest impact in reducing their use of hazardous chemicals and in preventing pollution.

From the Defense Energy Support Center, an information website about different types of alternative fuels including tutorials about the Energy Policy Act requirements, ethanol (E85), biodiesel, and alternative fuel logistics.

Federal Agencies are mandated by the executive order and legislation to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, to increase consumption of alternative fuels, and to reduce petroleum consumption.

Each year, AFVs are bid to GSA and offered for purchase or full-service leases through GSA Automotive Vehicle Solutions site, AutoChoice.

Whether you are a meeting host, planner or service supplier, you can use this site to find the tips, tools and resources to make environmentally responsible choices.

The EPA Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR) establishes policy and procedures for acquiring environmentally preferable meeting and conference services.

Federal agencies can purchase copier paper containing 30% postconsumer fiber from the General Services Administration's Schedule 75, Part XI. The Schedule information is on GSA Advantage, found at https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/.

This EMS guide, developed in 2004 by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, was prepared for the manager(s) of any Federal site, facility, installation, office or organization where those individuals have authority to allocate resources and direct activities.

This EPA Manual, Number 815-R-09-017 March 2010, discusses requirements for consecutive systems (public water systems that receive fully treated water from other public water systems) to comply with Stage 2 DBPR monitoring and MCL requirements. EPA has developed this guidance manual to provide information on operational and capital changes and strategies that will enable consecutive systems to comply with the Stage 2 DBPR requirements.

This standard applies to existing stationary compression ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) that either are at area sources of HAP emissions or that have a site rating of less than or equal to 500 brake horsepower and are located at major sources of HAP emissions. Additionally addressed in this standard are HAP emissions limitations for existing non-emergency stationary compression ignition engines greater than 500 brake horsepower that are located at major sources of HAP emissions. Lastly, this standard revises the requirements related to startup, shutdown, and malfunction for the engines that were regulated previously by the HAP for RICE standards. This final rule is effective on 3 May 2010. POC is Ms. Melanie King, Energy Strategies Group, Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-01), EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number (919) 541-2469; facsimile number (919) 541-5450; e-mail address king.melanie@epa.gov (Federal Register: March 3, 2010 [Rules and Regulations], Page 9647-9690).

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to prevent the enforcement of certain national primary drinking water regulations unless sufficient funding is available; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: February 25, 2010 [Senate], Page S795. Text of the bill to be listed here.

A bill to establish the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, to establish the Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities, to establish a comprehensive planning grant program, to establish a sustainability challenge grant program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Congressional Record: February 25, 2010 [House], Page H931).

A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: February 25, 2010 [House], Page H932).

A bill to provide that the delivery vehicle fleet of the United States Postal Service be replaced by electric motor vehicles; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Congressional Record: February 26, 2010 [House], Page H971).

The EPA's Office of Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) is preparing an ISA as part of the review of the NAAQS for Lead. This ISA is intended to update and revise, where appropriate, the scientific assessment presented in the Air Quality Criteria for Lead (EPA/600/R-5/144aF), published on 1 October 2006. Interested parties are invited to assist the EPA in developing and refining the scientific information base for the review of the lead NAAQS by submitting research studies that have been published, accepted for publication, or presented at a public scientific meeting. All communications and information should be received by EPA by 30 April 2010 (Federal Register: February 26, 2010 [Notices], Page 8934-8935).

Pursuant to Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is initiating a review of standards published February 10, 2000 (65 FR 6698). These are emission standards for light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks requiring vehicle manufacturers to reduce tailpipe emissions. Additionally, the rulemaking also required oil refiners to limit the sulfur content of the gasoline they produce. Comments must be received on or before March 22, 2010. POC is Tad Wysor, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tel #: (734) 214-4332; fax number (734) 214-4816; e-mail address: wysor.tad@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 19, 2010 [Proposed Rules], Page 7426-7428).

EPA is providing an additional 35 days for the public to provide its comments on the draft recommended interim preliminary remediation goals (PRGs) developed in the draft Guidance on Recommended Interim Preliminary Remediation Goals for Dioxin in Soil at CERCLA and RCRA Sites. The deadline for comments is now 2 April 2010 (Federal Register: February 22, 2010 [Notices], Page 7591-7592).

EPA is announcing an extension of the original 30-day public comment period for the draft document titled, "A Framework for Categorizing the Relative Vulnerability of Threatened and Endangered Species to Climate Change" (EPA/600/R-09/011). This extension is being granted in response to request from interested parties. The document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment within EPA's Office of Research and Development. This draft document describes an evaluative framework that may be used to categorize the relative vulnerability of species to climate change. Comments should be in writing and must be received by EPA by March 25, 2010. POC is Susan Julius, NCEA; telephone: 703-347-8619; facsimile: 703-347-8694; or e-mail: julius.susan@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 23, 2010 [Notices], Page 8053-8054).

(New York, N.Y. - 02/23/2010) The U.S. Army and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service failed to comply with critical environmental laws related to underground tanks used to store diesel fuel, gasoline and used oil at the West Point Garrison in New York, according to a complaint issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both military branches failed to monitor, test and keep records for their underground petroleum storage tanks. Leaking underground storage tanks pose significant threats to soil, surface water and ground water across the nation. EPA is requiring the two parties to comply with regulations and is seeking a $167,116 penalty.

GSA's CPES BPA helps agencies achieve their energy, greenhouse gas, and water conservation goals using a streamlined acquisition process.

Established by EPA to increase the transparency of the rulemaking process, the online Rulemaking Gateway serves as a portal to EPA's priority rules, providing citizens with earlier and more concise information about agency regulations. It also allows users to search for EPA rules that relate to specific interests. Rulemaking Gateway complements Regulations.gov, the federal government's main portal for tracking rules from all federal agencies, by providing brief overviews of specific EPA rules and additional ways to search rules based on the phases they are in (e.g., pre-proposal, proposal), the topics they relate to (e.g., air, water), and the impacts they might have (e.g., impacts on small businesses or environmental justice). The new Web site offers a distilled "snapshot" of a rule, with just enough information for a citizen to determine his or her interest in the rule. The individual then can use Rulemaking Gateway links to Regulations.gov and to other EPA sources where comprehensive information is available.

The database allows users to access details for more than 170 GTP-funded projects. Users can interactively search for projects by state, awardee, technology, partner, and more. Summaries provide details such as participants, funding level, background, objectives, and possible impacts on projects dealing with Enhanced Geothermal Systems, geothermal energy production, ground source heat pumps, innovative exploration technologies, and the National Geothermal Data System. Projects in the database are revised regularly when updates from project teams become available.

On October 19, 2009, the White House launched the GreenGov Challenge to ask all Federal and military personnel to share ideas about how the federal community can lead by example, green the govern­ment, and meet the goals of President Obama's Executive Order on Federal Sustainability. The GreenGov Challenge generated more than 5,000 ideas and 165,000 votes from 14,000 federal employees. The top ideas are summarized in the GreenGov Final Report.

The GreenGov Collaborative, an online discussion group hosted by FedCenter.gov, is your opportunity to work with colleagues across the government to put these ideas into action. This private community offers various discussion forums for you to share your best ideas and strategies, ask questions, and recruit allies in your efforts to create a more sustainable Federal Government.

Participation in the forums is offered to all Federal employees.

Click here to view the President's GreenGov Collaborative message.

Go to Join GreenGov to learn more and sign up!

CEQ provides this draft guidance memorandum for public consideration and comment on the ways in which Federal agencies can improve their consideration of the effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change in their evaluation of proposals for Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Draft guidance can be found here.

CEQ proposes to provide guidance for departments and agencies of the Federal government on the mitigation and monitoring of activities undertaken in a NEPA process. Draft guidance can be found here.

This draft guidance addresses how agencies establish, apply, and review categorical exclusions. Questions regarding this draft guidance should be directed to the CEQ Associate Director for NEPA Oversight. Draft guidance can be found here.

The rule referred to as the "All Appropraite Inquiries" rule established specific regulatory requirements for conducting all appropriate inquiries into the previous ownership, uses, and environmental conditions of a property for the purposes of qualifying for certain landowner liability protections under CERCLA. The final rule went into effect on November 1, 2006.

Information and registration page for joining the GreenGov Collaborative, a federal community forum for collaboration on important environmental/sustainability issues.

This is subtitled "Proposed Repeal of Grandfathering Provision and End the PM10 Surrogate Policy." EPA is proposing two actions that would end EPA's 1997 policy that allows sources and permitting authorities to use a demonstration of compliance with the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) requirements for particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) as a surrogate for meeting the PSD requirements for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). First, in accordance with the Administrator's commitment to the petitioners in a letter dated April 24, 2009, the EPA is proposing to repeal the "grandfathering" provision for PM2.5 contained in the Federal PSD program. Second, EPA is proposing to end early the PM10 Surrogate Policy applicable in States that have an approved PSD program in their State Implementation Plan ("SIP-approved States"). Comments must be received on or before March 15, 2010. POC is Mr. Dan deRoeck, Air Quality Policy Division, (C504-03), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711; telephone number (919) 541-5593; fax number (919) 541-5509; or e-mail address: deroeck.dan@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 11, 2010 [Proposed Rules], Page 6827-6836).

Topics to be addressed at the conference include: precious metals recovery from electronic scrap; computer recycling trends and opportunities; role of government in electronics recycling; case studies; and compliance and recycling laws.

The EPA is proposing to put in place an additional 18-mo stay to the existing stay of the inclusion of fugitive emissions requirements in the federal PSD program published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2008, in the final rule entitled, "PSD and Nonattainment NSR: Reconsideration of Fugitive Emissions'' ("Fugitive Emissions Rule"). The Fugitive Emissions Rule under the federal PSD program requires that fugitive emissions be included in determining whether a physical or operation change results in a major modification only for sources in industries that have been designated through rulemaking under section 302(j) of the Clean Air Act (Act or CAA). The existing stay is in effect for 3 mo; that is, from December 31, 2009, until March 31, 2010. This action proposes to put in place an additional stay for 18 months. Comments must be received on or before March 15, 2010. POC is Ms. Carrie Wheeler, Air Quality Policy Division, (C504-03), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711; telephone number (919) 541-9771; fax number (919) 541-5509; or e-mail address: wheeler.carrie@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 11, 2010 [Proposed Rules], Page 6823-6827).

Developed by NASA, this site presents the vitals signs for the planet. Vital Signs include measurements of arctic sea ice, carbon dioxide, sea level, global temperature, and the size of the ozone hole. The site also discusses evidence, causes, effects, and solutions to climate change.

EPA is proposing two actions that would end EPA's 1997 policy that allows sources and permitting authorities to use a demonstration of compliance with the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) requirements for particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) as a surrogate for meeting the PSD requirements for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). Comments must be received on or before March 15, 2010. POC is Mr. Dan deRoeck, Air Quality Policy Division, (C504-03), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711; telephone number (919) 541-5593; fax number (919) 541-5509; or e-mail address: deroeck.dan@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 11, 2010 [Proposed Rules], Page 6827-6836).

EPA is making revisions to the primary NO2 NAAQS in order to provide requisite protection of public health. EPA is establishing a new 1-hour standard at a level of 100 ppb, based on the 3-year average of the 98th percentile of the yearly distribution of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, to supplement the existing annual standard. EPA is also establishing requirements for an NO2 monitoring network that will include monitors at locations where maximum NO2 concentrations are expected to occur, including within 50 meters of major roadways, as well as monitors sited to measure the area-wide NO2 concentrations that occur more broadly across communities. This final rule is effective on April 12, 2010. POC is Dr. Scott Jenkins, Health and Environmental Impacts Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code C504-06, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: 919-541-1167; fax: 919-541-0237; e-mail: jenkins.scott@epa.gov (Federal Register: February 9, 2010 [Rules and Regulations], Page 6473-6537).

USDA is proposing to amend the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement (Guidelines) to add nine sections that will designate the following items within which biobased products would be afforded Federal procurement preference: Disposable tableware; expanded polystyrene foam recycling products; heat transfer fluids; ink removers and cleaners; mulch and compost materials; multipurpose lubricants; office paper; topical pain relief products; and turbine drip oils. USDA is also proposing minimum biobased contents for each of these items. USDA will accept public comments on this proposed rule until April 12, 2010. POC is Ron Buckhalt, USDA, Office of Procurement and Property Management, Room 361, Reporters Building, 300 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20024; e-mail:biopreferred@usda.gov; phone (202) 205-4008 (Federal Register: February 10, 2010 [Proposed Rules], Page 6795-6812).