HURRY to register for the 7th Annual Federal Environmental Symposium EAST! The registration date has been extended 5 days to Wednesday, May 21st for signup and Friday May 23rd for making payment. Only a few days remain so if you are a Federal employee or Federal contractor representing your Federal Agency, hurry and register today! Symposium EAST will be held June 2-4, 2008, and be hosted by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Registration for Symposium WEST in Big Sky, Montana is also still open.

Draft agenda for 2008 Federal Environmental Symposium East.

On May 20 through 22, 2008 EPA is hosting its annual Science Forum to introduce new technologies that are expanding environmental protection and making going green economically profitable. The three tracks to be presented are:

• Technology Advances and Future Directions, including sessions on environmental monitoring, clean technologies, air pollution control and more
• Energy, Climate, and the Environment, with emphasis on Agency activities in the areas of energy, climate change and the environment...all priority focus areas of the EPA Administrator
• Water Systems Infrastructure and Security, introducing technical solutions to improve the Nation's aging water and wastewater infrastructure and advancements in water protection and security.

The Forum is held at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington D.C.

The Annual Conference on Ecosystems Restoration and Creation is soliciting abstracts. The theme of the conference is "Assessment of Wetlands Mitigation and Mitigation Banks". The deadline for abstracts/proposals is 11 July 2008.

The 6th Annual Progress Report for the National Environmental Performance Track (Performance Track) program shows that since its inception in 2000, members have collectively saved enough energy to power 46,000 homes for one year, enough greenhouse gases to offset the annual emissions of 57,000 cars, and prevented solid waste equivalent to that produced by 553,000 households yearly. Performance Track membership includes both private and public sector organizations.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to extend the compliance period for persons subject to the renewable fuel mandate in the years 2008, 2009, and 2010; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: May 5, 2008 [House], Page H3049-H3050).

A bill to rebalance the United States energy portfolio, to increase and utilize the Nation's domestic energy resources and supply, to strengthen energy security and independence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Science and Technology, 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: May 8, 2008 [House], Page H3402).

This webcast presents the highlights of EcoMarkets 2008, the annual report on the social and environmental attitudes and practices of North American institutional buyers.

The focus topic is remanufactured ink and toner cartridges. The intent of the webcast is to instruct the attendee about: learning how remans save money and energy while conserving natural resources, especially oil; learning about quality control techniques and leading industry standards; case studies from leading institutions.

The focus is the proliferation of product certifications, what the certifications mean, and how can the certifications can be meaningful.

The focus of this event is interaction with green product designers from some of the most well respected companies in the world.

This conference is exclusively for individuals in public purchasing. The conference will enable attendees to engage in professional development and discover new products and services.

USDA has finalized the amendment of existing biobased procurement regulations and added requirements for new biobased products. [Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3].

Sponsored by EPA and hosted by EPA Regions EPA Regions 1, 4, 7, and 10, this is a monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs. The 1 1/2 hour programs will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month, September 2007 through September 2008 at 1:00 - 2:30 pm Eastern Time.

EPA and the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS) finalized a unique agreement to manage and treat unexploded munitions on the Mariana Islands in the Pacific. This RCRA Administrative Order on Consent/Remedial Action Plan (AOC/RAP permit) will help encourage residential and economic development on CNMI by providing a framework to address the threat of unexploded ordnance.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: May 8, 2008 [Senate], Page S3975).

This is a quick reminder for the Federal community that the cut-off date for registering for Federal Environmental Symposium EAST is quickly approaching. Registration for all attendees and exhibitors closes Friday, May 16, 2008 for the EAST conference, which is being held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, on June 2-4. For information on this year's conference, either Symposium EAST or WEST, please see our website at http://www.fedcenter.gov/symposium2008.

The theme of the conference is "Scaling Up: Building Tomorrow's Solutions." A diverse group of energy efficiency professionals from around the world will gather at this pre-eminent meeting to discuss the technological basis for, and practical implementation of, reducing energy use in buildings. The conference promotes the interaction among the participants through a balance of structured and unstructured sessions.

ne focus of this conference is to assist Federal agencies reduce their energy use and costs while meeting Federal energy mandates as outlined in Energy Policy Act of 2005, Executive Order 13423, EISA 2007 and additional Federal guidance.

The International Conference on Remediation of Contaminated Sediments addresses the challenges of effectively combining scientific and engineering advances in sediments remediation and containment with assessment and management frameworks and governing policies and regulations to achieve effective environmental protection goals.

The training module is designed to help watershed organizations develop and implement sustainable funding plans. Case studies are included throughout the module to provide real examples of finance strategies employed by nonprofit watershed organizations in the U.S. This module was developed by EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Sustainable Finance Team in cooperation with the Watershed Academy.

The controls will apply to all types of locomotives, including line-haul, switch, and passenger, and all types of marine diesel engines below 30 liters per cylinder displacement, including commercial and recreational, propulsion and auxiliary. The near-term emission standards for newly-built engines will phase in starting in 2009. The near-term program also includes new emission limits for existing locomotives and marine diesel engines that apply when they are remanufactured, and take effect as soon as certified remanufacture systems are available, as early as 2008. (Federal Register: May 6, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 25097-25352).

Awarded by the SmartWay Transport program, these awards honor partners and affiliate organizations that have made outstanding contributions to reducing climate change emissions and other air pollutants. Award nomination forms must be submitted by June 30, 2008.

A bill to promote the energy security of the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: May 1, 2008 [Senate], Page S3698). Text of the Bill to be available here.

A bill to enhance the ability of drinking water utilities in the United States to develop and implement climate change adaptation programs and policies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: May 2, 2008 [Senate], Page S3742). Text of the Bill to be available here.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish monetary prizes for achievements in designing and proposing nuclear energy used fuel alternatives; to the Committee on Science and Technology (Congressional Record: May 1, 2008 [House], Page H3018).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to address certain discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Congressional Record: May 1, 2008 [House], Page H3018).

This October 2007 report to the President addresses the status of Federal environmental and energy management from 2004 through 2006. Through EO 13423 the President called on the Federal government to lead by example, be a good neighbor, and be a good environmental steward -- while at the same time meeting their missions in an efficient and reliable manner. This report highlights the activities and accomplishments of the Federal community in meeting the charge.

This regional U.S. Green Building Council conference will promote sustainable design and construction strategies for the built environment by encouraging joint leadership by the private and public sectors. The conference will highlight the latest in green building techniques that achieve energy and operational efficiencies, apply responsible construction and demolition practices, and aim for carbon neutrality. It will also demonstrate how green buildings promote the "triple bottom line" of profitability, people, and the environment - without compromising resources for future generations.

The CII Annual Conference has a world-class reputation and is one of the showcase events of the industry. Presentations on research findings, implementation case studies, and industry trends are highlighted, and several featured speakers make the conference programs wide-ranging. CII is located at the University of Texas, Austin.

This category is new in 2008 and there are two winners, the Department of Labor for their entry titled New Automotive Utilization and Tracking On-line System (AUTOS) and the Federal EMS Metrics Workgroup for their entry titled Taking Aggressive Actions Achieving Impressive Results.

A bill to promote green energy production, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 30, 2008 [Senate], Page S3594-S3595) Text of the Bill to be available here.

A bill to provide for the coordination of efforts in the development of viable efficient alternative fuel technologies; to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, 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: April 29, 2008 [House], Page H2852-H2853).

A bill to provide for the coordination of efforts in the development of viable efficient alternative fuel technologies; to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, 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: April 29, 2008 [House], Page H2852-H2853).

Learn how to reduce environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle of copy paper. This webcast covers the issues, best practices, example procurement policies and bid specs for copy paper. Hear from other organizations that have already made the switch to preferable paper. This workshop is sponsored by the Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN).

The Basic Course is an introductory course designed for those with fewer than six months experience with water quality standards and criteria programs. However, others may benefit from the course, including veterans of the water quality standards program who want a refresher course. Water Quality Standards are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated by the Clean Water Act. Water Quality Standards define the goals for a waterbody by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect waterbodies from pollutants.

The military winner for 2008 is Robins Air Force Base for their entry titled Environmental Management for the Future. The civilian winner for 2008 is U.S. Postal Service in Washington D.C. for their entry titled USPS Environmental Performance Track Initiative.

External forces play a significant role in the success of any organization's climate strategy. This session alerts the attendee to the external influences they must monitor to ensure that their business/organization remains ahead of the curve on technology, industry, and government standards. This webinar is sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council.

A charrette is an intensive workshop where stakeholders and experts address a particular design issue, from a single building to an entire community. The target audience is building owners, design teams, public officials and others committed to integrated design and achieving superior environmental building performance.

Abstracts are due June 30, 2008. The focus of the conference is innovative science, engineering, and management approaches related to contaminated sediment characterization, assessment, and monitoring; processes and modeling; management and policy; and remediation and restoration.

The military winner for 2008 is Eglin Air Force Base for their entry titled Eglin Builds New Recycling Partnerships . The civilian winner for 2008 is the Federal Highway Administration in Washington D.C. for their entry titled Recycling Leadership in the Transportation Sector.

The military winner for 2008 is Vandenberg Air Force Base for their entry titled Vandenberg AFB Moves Mountains of Waste. The civilian winner for 2008 is the U.S. Postal Service in Washington D.C. for their entry titled Vendor Partnerships for Envelope Reuse.

The military winner for 2008 is Eglin Air Force Base for their entry titled Eglin Builds New Recycling Partnerships. The civilian winner for 2008 is the Federal Highway Administration in Washington D.C. for their entry titled Recycling Leadership in the Transportation Sector.

The military winner for 2008 is Camp Pendleton for their entry titled Deploying Alternative Fueled Vehicles. The civilian winner is Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for their entry titled ORNL's Green Transportation Initiative.

The military winner for 2008 is the DLA Defense Supply Center for their entry titled DSCP Biobased Cutlery Program. The civilian winner is the USDA Green Purchasing Team for their entry titled Leading through Green Purchasing.

The civilian winner for 2008 is the Transportation Security Administration's Electronics Stewardship Team for their entry titled Electronics Stewardship at TSA.

The military winner for 2008 is Fort Bragg for their entry titled Sustainable Design Through LEED. The civilian winner for 2008 is the GSA Sustainable Building Project Team for their entry titled A Model of Sustainable Architecture.

A bill to repeal certain oil and gas incentives established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 28, 2008 [Senate], Page S3442).

A bill to provide for research into the development of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies and to foster the introduction of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies into the marketplace, with the goal of reducing United States oil imports; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 28, 2008 [Senate], Page S3442).

BIFMA is a not-for-profit organization that develops voluntary product and industry standards that support safe, healthy and sustainable environments; publish key industry statistics; advocate for legislation and government regulation that have a direct impact on the health of the industry. Specifically, this organization is developing Sustainability Assessment Standard (SAS) for office furniture. The organization has already issued a standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC (toluene) Emissions of Low-emitting Office furniture and seating.

The mission of this organization is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. As part of that, they operate a product certification program for low emitting interior building materials, furnishings, and finish systems. All GREENGUARD Certified Products have been tested for their chemical emissions performance and can be found in the GREENGUARD Online Product Guide.

Founded in 1984, SCS is a third-party provider of certification, auditing and testing services, and standards. Their goal is to recognize the highest levels of performance in food safety and quality, environmental protection and social responsibility in the private and public sectors, and to stimulate continuous improvement in sustainable development. Currently certified products include office furniture systems, components, and seating, building materials, carpet and rug, hard surface flooring, paints, finishes, wood products, and cleaning products, among others.

An online directory for green building products. SCS is a third-party provider of certification, auditing and testing services, and standards. Currently certified products include office furniture systems, components, and seating, building materials, carpet and rug, hard surface flooring, paints, finishes, wood products, and cleaning products, among others.

"Greenversations" is a blog authored by EPA employees stationed around the country. Greenversations features EPA employees sharing their unique perspective on environmentalism and personal experiences in protecting and improving our nation's water, land, and air. Bloggers will give a behind-the-scenes look at activities that are often not publicized but greatly affect how the agency protects our environment. Readers of Greenversations are in turn encouraged to comment on blog entries, entering into green conversations. Greenversations replaces "Flow of the River," a blog written by EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock. Mr. Peacock will continue to blog, joining other employees on Greenversations.

The U.S. EPA and the U.S. DOE have initiated a joint national data center energy efficiency information program. The program coordinates a wide variety of activities from the DOE Industrial Technologies Program Save Energy Now initiative, the DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), and the EPA ENERGY STAR program. One activity is the development of an ENERGY STAR rating for data center infrastructure by initiating a nationwide data collection effort. Toward this end, ENERGY STAR is calling on data center owners and operators to collect data for twelve months on energy use and operating characteristics in existing data center facilities.

U.S. EPA Region 10 is committing to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions by 5% over the next year and challenging other federal agencies in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to do the same.

Developed by EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, this document is designed to help anyone undertaking a watershed planning effort, but should be particularly useful to persons working with impaired or threatened waters. It contains in-depth guidance on quantifying existing pollutant loads, developing estimates of the load reductions required to meet water quality standards, developing effective management measures, and tracking progress once the plan is implemented. New materials were added to the handbook including ways to protect important elements of the landscape and aquatic habitats within a watershed.

Quarterly publication from the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive promoting sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the federal government. The Winter 2008 edition focuses on federal recycling programs and efforts to minimize waste throughout the federal government.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This annual program is required by Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, and recognizes outstanding Federal environmental stewardship.

(Washington State Dept of Ecology, April 24) - The Department of Energy has agreed to a $250,000 fine imposed by the Washington Department of Ecology in connection with a spill of 80 gallons of radioactive and hazardous waste during waste retrieval work on underground single-shell storage tanks in July 2007 at the Hanford Site. The violations of the cleanup agreement involved inadequate engineering design and faulty engineering reviews of the systems being used to move waste out of the single-shell underground tanks--many of which are leaking--into double-shell tanks. The remaining $250,000 from the original fine of $500,000 will be suspended as long as the Energy Department and contractor take corrective actions and complete one year and 360 hours of tank waste retrieval without similar incidents.

This year EPA and the National Weather Service challenge all Americans to improve their knowledge of the Air Quality Index (AQI) during Air Quality Awareness Week. As warm weather approaches, using the AQI will help reduce exposure to ground-level ozone pollution. The Air Quality Index is EPA's color-coded tool for communicating air quality to the public. The most common AQI forecasts range from "code green," --- a good day to engage in outdoor activities, to "code red" --- when everyone should use caution.

This technology primer, EPA Document # 542-R-08-002, outlines the principles of green remediation and describes opportunities to reduce the footprint of cleanup activities throughout the life of a project. Best management practices (BMPs) outlined in this document help decision-makers, communities, and other stakeholders (such as project managers, field staff, and engineering contractors) identify new strategies in terms of sustainability. These strategies complement rather than replace the process used to select primary remedies that best meet site-specific cleanup goals. The primer identifies the range of alternatives available to improve sustainability of cleanup activities and to help decision-makers balance the alternatives within existing regulatory frameworks.

The theme of the conference is True Urbanism: Designing the Healthy City. Presentation topics include: principles of true urbanism, designing the healthy city, ecological and social sustainability, health impacts of the built environment, sustainable development models, growth management issues, and building community.

EPA Region 2 announces the deletion from the NPL of the following two specific parcels of real property located at the Seneca Army Depot Activity (SEDA) Superfund Site (Site), Romulus, New York: Real Estate Parcel 1, except for a portion of this parcel known as SEAD-24; and the entirety of Real Estate Parcel 2. This rule is effective April 28, 2008. POC is Mr. Julio F. Vazquez, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10007-1866, (212) 637-4323 (Federal Register: April 28, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 22828-22831).

The Department of Defense announced today the winners of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards.

EPA announced a new ENERGY STAR specification for cable, satellite, and internet protocol boxes, also called set-top boxes. Effective January 1, 2009, set-top boxes that carry the ENERGY STAR will be at least 30% more efficient than conventional models. For the first time, EPA will also partner with the cable, satellite and telecommunications companies that deliver consumers content. As ENERGY STAR partners, these companies agree to purchase or replace a significant number of set-top boxes -- by offering newly qualified boxes to subscribers and/or by upgrading boxes already in homes -- to help subscribers reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

A bill to establish a new solar energy future for America through public-private partnership and energy leasing for reliable and affordable energy for the American people, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 15, 2008 [House], Page H2355).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a Corps of Engineers Board of Appeals for permits for certain water storage projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 16, 2008 [Senate], Page S3080).

A bill to authorize the Forest Service to provide financial assistance to States for the acquisition of land to preserve and maintain such land for traditional use by the public, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 16, 2008 [House], Page H2442).

A bill to provide for the transfer of the decommissioned Naval Security Group Activity, Skaggs Island, in Sonoma County, California, from the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Interior for conversion into a wildlife refuge for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System; to the Committee on Armed Services (Congressional Record: April 17, 2008 [House], Page H2486).

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to provide that State grants under that Act shall be given to States having consumer beverage container deposit laws on a priority basis, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: April 22, 2008 [House], Page H2551).

A bill to increase the average fuel economy of light-duty vehicles in the Federal fleet; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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: April 22, 2008 [House], Page H2551).

EPA is proposing to amend the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Organic Liquids Distribution (non-gasoline) under section 112 of the Clean Air Act to clarify combustion control device compliance requirements, certain storage tank control compliance dates, and vapor balance system monitoring requirements. In addition, EPA is correcting typographical errors found in the July 28, 2006, final rule amendments notice. Written comments must be received on or before June 9, 2008. POC is Mr. Stephen Shedd, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Coatings and Chemicals Group (E143-01), EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, telephone: (919) 541-5397, facsimile number: (919) 685-3195, e-mail address: shedd.steve@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 23, 2008 [Proposed Rules], Page 21889-21891).

In compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the Department of Commerce's (DOC) alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) report for fiscal year 2007 for its agency fleet is now available. This report includes data concerning DOC's efforts to reduce energy consumption. In FY 2007, the DOC exceeded the seventy-five percent acquisition requirement. POC is Eston at elewis3@doc.gov Federal Register: April 23, 2008 [Notices], Page 21902-21903).

EPA is taking direct final action on the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for organic liquids distribution (non-gasoline), which EPA promulgated on February 3, 2004, and amended on July 28, 2006. In this action, EPA is clarifying combustion control device compliance requirements, certain storage tank control compliance dates, and vapor balance system monitoring requirements. In addition, EPA is correcting typographical errors found in the July 28, 2006, final rule amendments. Mr. Stephen Shedd, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Coatings and Chemicals Group (E143-01), EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, telephone: (919) 541-5397, facsimile number: (919) 685-3195, e-mail address: shedd.steve@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 23, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 21825-21834).

This October 2007 report to the President addresses the status of Federal environmental and energy management from 2004 through 2006. Through EO 13423 the President called on the Federal government to lead by example, be a good neighbor, and be a good environmental steward -- while at the same time meeting their missions in an efficient and reliable manner. This report highlights the activities and accomplishments of the Federal community in meeting the charge.

This computer-based program assists owners and operators in developing and using plans for maintaining their small drinking water and wastewater systems and providing service to their customers. The program uses information provided on the system's assets, operation and maintenance activities and financial status to produce a prioritized asset inventory, financial reports and a customized asset management plan. Asset management programs support informed budget discussions, boost efficiency of the utility, and improve customer service by ensuring clean and safe water at competitive prices.

EPA is launching a national campaign to help Americans join in the fight against climate change. The campaign, "Change the World, Start with Energy Star" helps people make important energy-efficient changes at home and at work that can add up to significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.

As part of the Earth Day 2008 program EPA is highlighting its Environmental Tips program where users receive daily environmental tips through their email.

A new EPA approach to encourage the mainstream adoption of green building practices was announced April 21, 2008. EPA's green building strategy builds upon and calls for better coordination among existing programs, such as ENERGY STAR and WaterSense, which are designed to reduce the impacts of buildings and development. It involves working with the building industry to improve the quality and supply of green buildings and related products while also increasing demand through improved understanding of green building characteristics.

This user-friendly computer-based program assists owners and operators in developing and using plans for maintaining their small drinking water and wastewater systems and providing service to their customers. The program uses information provided on the system's assets, operation and maintenance activities and financial status to produce a prioritized asset inventory, financial reports and a customized asset management plan. Asset management programs support informed budget discussions, boost efficiency of the utility, and improve customer service by ensuring clean and safe water at competitive prices.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify language within the FAR on the use of products containing recovered materials, pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and Executive Order 13101 "Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition." This regulation is effective May 22, 2008. POC is Mr. William Clark, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 219-1813 for clarification of content. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755 (Federal Register: April 22, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 21789-21790).

EPA is issuing a final rule under the authority of section 402(c)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address lead-based paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing and child-occupied facilities. This rule establishes requirements for training renovators, other renovation workers, and dust sampling technicians; for certifying renovators, dust sampling technicians, and renovation firms; for accrediting providers of renovation and dust sampling technician training; for renovation work practices; and for recordkeeping. This final rule is effective June 23, 2008. POC is Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 22, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 21691-21769).

This notice announces the availability of EPA's new lead hazard information pamphlet for renovation activities, Renovate Right: Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools (Renovate Right). After June 23, 2008, the new pamphlet or Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home may be used for compliance with the Pre-Renovation Education Rule under TSCA section 406(b). After December 22, 2008, the new pamphlet must be used exclusively. POC is Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 22, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 21769-21770).

On April 22, 2008, OFEE and EPA announced the recipients of the 2008 Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) Awards. The 2008 FEC Awards recognize the achievements of FEC partners and their leadership in federal electronics stewardship during 2007. See attachment for more information.

This event recognizes the innovative efforts of EPA and the IT industry to promote the "greening" of computer facilities. The idea is to use an existing EPA computer room as a laboratory for optimizing energy efficiency, to standardize processes and performance measures, and to share best practices for replication across the country. EPA has already begun reducing energy consumption in its National Computer Center (NCC) in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The partnership with Green Grid will further advance EPA's greening of its smaller computer cen