(WASHINGTON, April 22, 2024) The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the nine winners of the 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. The awards have honored installations, teams, and individuals each year since 1962 for outstanding achievements in DoD environmental programs. These accomplishments include outstanding conservation activities, innovative environmental practices, and partnerships that improve quality of life and promote efficiencies without compromising DoD's mission success.

Join the EPA on April 11, 2024, (2:00 -3:30 PM (Eastern)) for a webinar on the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices. The webinar will review information about two Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA's P2 program and the grant application process to help potential applicants submit a high-quality application to EPA for consideration. Time will be provided during the webinars for questions from participants.

For the first time, Pollution Prevention and Source Reduction Assistance Grants (between 2011 and 2022) have topped the one-billion-pound mark for reductions in hazardous materials and pollutants. In addition, cost savings of $2.3 billion resulted from companies buying fewer hazardous materials and shipping less hazardous waste, reducing regulated air emissions, treating less wastewater and buying less water, fuel and energy. Further success from these grants includes 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions and 31.9 billion kilowatt hour savings achieved mostly through energy efficiency and reduced use of energy.

EPA launched enhancements to an online search tool for its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. The search tool makes it easier to view and sort standards and ecolabels that EPA recommends U.S. federal government purchasers use to meet sustainable acquisition goals and mandates. It allows users to identify the types of products or services covered by an ecolabel or standard, provides information on product and supplier availability, and links to product registries. The tool also includes a new feature to highlight how the standards and ecolabels address per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and plastics reduction. Consistent with the federal government's goal to avoid procurement of products containing any type of PFAS, EPA will no longer highlight ecolabels or standards that only address individual chemicals like PFOA and/or PFOS. These enhancements are an important step in the federal government's ongoing efforts to address PFAS in products and procurement and underscores the accelerated priority to combat PFAS. EPA's Recommendations for federal purchasing are an important resource for implementing the Biden-Harris Administration's Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs federal agencies to maximize the procurement of sustainable products and services and follow EPA's Recommendations.

The formation of battery recycling working sessions alongside experts from state governments, manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental groups. The entire working group session is presented. Speakers include EPA Senior Advisor for Implementation for the Office of Land and Emergency Management, and the Director of EPA's Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division they highlighted the Agency's leading role in battery recycling efforts.

The handbook was developed to inform practitioners about the latest approaches and lessons learned for bioretention design, construction, inspection, and operation and maintenance. The handbook contains a compilation of the current state of knowledge from published literature, interviews, and site visits with leading municipalities and practitioners across the United States. A unique feature includes the numerous photographs of bioretention facilities from more than 20 municipalities across the contiguous United States that showcase a diversity of design techniques.

EPA is announcing the winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, this year's winners have developed solutions to significant environmental challenges such as climate change and spur innovation and economic development. An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute formally judged the 2023 submissions and made recommendations to EPA.

This year's Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners come from 15 states and the District of Columbia. They were recognized for achievements in the design, manufacture, and the selection and use of cleaners, detergents and other products with safer chemicals. Applicants for this year's awards were encouraged to show how their work promotes environmental justice, bolsters resilience to the impacts of climate change, results in cleaner air or water, improves drinking water quality or advances innovation in packaging.

EPA announced the selection of 24 recipients across the country that will collectively receive nearly $16 million in pollution prevention grants through the Investing in America agenda. The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support two grant programs for states and state-sponsored colleges to provide businesses with technical assistance to develop and adopt practices that prevent pollution at the source in local communities. The Environmental Justice in Communities grant program will provide pollution prevention technical assistance to businesses to improve human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The Environmental Justice Through Safer and More Sustainable Products grant program will assist businesses to increase the supply, demand, and use of safer and more sustainable products, such as those certified by EPA's Safer Choice program, or that conform to EPA's Recommendations for Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing.

EPA announced an updated online P2 Hub Resources Center that features an expanded suite of tools and materials to help businesses and technical assistance providers implement P2 practices. The P2 Hub includes links to more than 3,200 case studies, articles and tools related to pollution prevention and, since 2019, EPA has responded to nearly 1,000 requests from P2 practitioners for help with technical assistance through the P2 Hub Helpline. P2 approaches can be applied to all potential and actual pollution-generating activities, including those found in the energy, agriculture, federal, consumer and industrial sectors.

The P2 Hub Resources Center offers businesses and technical assistance providers pollution prevention (P2) resources and tools.

EPA is kicking-off the 25th Pollution Prevention (P2) Week with a series of events and activities to advance practices that reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source. P2 practices, prior to recycling, treatment or disposal, can help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources and reduce cleanup and financial costs for businesses. It is essential for protecting public health and improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities that have long been overburdened by pollution. During P2 Week, EPA will hold several events to help businesses and P2 practitioners.

Join EPA on September 19, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Eastern) to announce and celebrate the 2023 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards. These awards recognize the pollution prevention (P2) best practices of companies that have worked with EPA P2 grantees to implement P2 projects at their facilities. The awards highlight P2 successes that other companies can consider implementing as part of their business to help save money and protect human health and the environment.

EPA announced more than $100 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across the country, representing EPA's largest recycling investment in 30 years. EPA has selected 25 communities to receive grants totaling more than $73 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $32 million for states and territories to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country and will range from $500,000 to $4 million per grant. Selected projects include purchasing new fleets of recycling collection vehicles and bins to provide curbside recycling services for communities currently lacking access; upgrades to material recovery facilities to reduce contamination; enhancements to composting and organics programs and infrastructure; and construction of various types of facilities that improve recycling, composting, and reuse infrastructure for materials such as plastics and food waste.

WASHINGTON –Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its latest step to leverage the Federal Government's procurement power to create good-paying union jobs, advance American innovation, and build sustainable Federal supply chains. The proposed Sustainable Products and Services procurement rule will help achieve President Biden's goal of net-zero emissions from Federal procurement by 2050 by modernizing existing sustainable purchasing standards to help ensure the world's single largest purchaser prioritizes American-made sustainable products and services.

WASHINGTON (July 12, 2023) -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 buildings and child care facilities, known as abatement activities, to better protect children and communities from the harmful effects of exposure to dust generated from lead paint, advancing President Biden's whole-of-government approach to protecting families and children from lead exposure. If finalized, this rule is estimated to reduce the lead exposures of approximately 250,000 to 500,000 children under age six per year.

The U.S. EPA has published a collection of case studies, titled, Off-site stormwater management case studies, featuring Delaware DOT, Washington, DC, Grand Rapids, MI, and St. Paul, MN. The multiple benefits of green infrastructure are most significant when nature-based solutions are installed throughout a community. Off-site stormwater management can provide options for operators of development and redevelopment projects to meet post-construction stormwater performance standards outside the right-of-way or limit of the area of development in some circumstances. This flexibility can facilitate achieving additional environmental and planning goals in the community, such as implementation of green infrastructure in areas not undergoing development. EPA recently developed these off-site stormwater management case studies to provide examples of a range of strategies used by local and state governments.

EPA released the draft "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution" for public comment, a significant step forward in the Administration's efforts to reduce pollution and build a circular economy for all. EPA's draft strategy includes ambitious actions to eliminate the release of plastic and other waste from land-based sources into the environment by 2040. This is a domestic strategy that identifies strategic objectives and voluntary actions that all U.S. organizations can implement to reduce, reuse, collect, and prevent plastic and other waste from entering the environment.?The actions are not limited to EPA's authority or jurisdiction but are actions where EPA can work collaboratively with entities – non-governmental organizations, governments, tribes, and others – to address plastic pollution. The strategy targets post-consumer materials, especially those items that are expected to make their way through the municipal solid waste stream but are leaked or littered, such as single-use plastics. Additionally, the strategy recognizes the harmful impacts associated with the production, manufacture and transport of plastic products on communities from air and water pollution associated with those processes. The proposed actions under each objective create opportunities for all to reduce the amount of plastic and other pollution in communities, parks, waterways and oceans.

Join EPA for one of the four webinars to learn more about two new grant opportunities to advance environmental justice in underserved communities. These grants are a critical component of the Administration's Justice40 Initiative which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of climate, clean energy and other investments to disadvantaged communities. Individual grant awards may range from $100,000 to $800,000 for the funding period, or up to $1.2 million for multi-state or multi-Tribal projects. The webinars will provide information on the P2 grant programs, the application process and the P2 Grant Partner Connection List, a new resource to help facilitate partnerships among potential applicants and P2 stakeholders including community organizations. A question and answer session and Spanish interpretation will be provided for each webinar.

EPA announced the availability of $16 million for two new grant opportunities to support states and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses seeking to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices that advance environmental justice in underserved communities. EPA has published two Request for Applications for P2 investments, which were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the Pollution Prevention Grant: Environmental Justice in Communities, and the Pollution Prevention Grant: Environmental Justice Through Safer and More Sustainable Products programs.

(WASHINGTON, March 14, 2023) Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it is proposing the first-ever national drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the latest action under President Biden's plan to combat PFAS pollution and Administrator Regan's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. Through this action, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking a major step to protect public health from PFAS pollution, leveraging the latest science and complementing state efforts to limit PFAS by proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water.

This proposal builds on other key milestones to combat PFAS, including EPA's proposal to designate two PFAS as CERCLA hazardous substances; enhancing data on PFAS under EPA's National PFAS Testing Strategy and through nationwide sampling for 29 PFAS in public drinking water systems; using EPA's Clean Water Act permitting and regulatory programs to reduce PFAS pollution in the environment from industry; and initiating the distribution of $10 billion in funding to address emerging contaminants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The Federal sustainability community is cordially invited to attend the 2023 Federal Environmental Symposium, a hybrid event to be attended October 23-27, 2023 either virtually or in-person. This year's theme for the Symposium "Environment: A Mission Asset" focuses on the sharing of best practices, success stories, partnerships, and challenges and achievements of the federal practitioner community as they apply to your Agency's mission. The event schedule, registration instructions, call for presentation abstracts and continuous updates to the event can be found on the Symposium website at https://www.fedcenter.gov/fes2023.

This edition highlights proactively considering the environment and acting accordingly, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #2. Content includes commentary from Mr. Edward Belk, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Director of Civil Works, sharing how the Civil Works mission is being advanced through environmental considerations and partnerships. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that proactively consider the environment to shape a sustainable future for current and future generations.

These EPA developed pollution prevention (P2) calculator tools-- the P2 Cost Calculator, the P2 Greenhouse Gas Calculator, and the P2 Calculator for Reductions in Hazardous Substances, Pollutants and Contaminants -- convert information on P2 activities at a business, such as reductions in energy use, into information on cost savings and pollution reductions. They help P2 grantees, technical assistance providers, and others measure environmental outcomes and economic performance related to P2 activities.

The November 2022 edition of The Corps Environment is now available and can be accessed online at: https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/65712. This edition highlights providing environmental and economic benefits, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #3. Content includes commentary from Col. Matthew F. Kelly, commander of U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC), sharing his impressions after taking command and his focus on building upon USAEC's legacy. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are providing enduring environmental benefits around the globe.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues (AAAS EPI Center), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (EPA OW), and the White House is hosting a webinar in a series that highlights regional examples of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. In this event, speakers will discuss their work across the Northwest to plan and implement unique green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

(Washington, August 31, 2022) Today, the Biden Administration took a major step forward in achieving the goals of President Biden's Federal Sustainability Plan and Executive Order (E.O.) 14057 Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability by issuing E.O. 14057 Implementing Instructions to Federal agencies.

Through President Biden's historic Executive Order 14057 Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability the U.S. Federal Government leads the world by example again – transforming how it builds, buys, and manages to help make America's economy cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable.

(Honolulu, August 11, 2022) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Federal Facility Compliance Agreement with the U.S. Marine Corps to make improvements related to stormwater discharges at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) located on the Mokapu Peninsula of Kaneohe, Oahu.

EPA announced the winners of the 2022 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards which recognize new and innovative green chemistry technologies that provide solutions to significant environmental challenges and spur innovation and economic development. In support of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to tackle the climate crisis, EPA added a new award category this year that recognizes technology that reduces or eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.

This edition highlights protecting and preserving our environment, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #4. Content includes commentary from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Environmental Community of Practice leadership, discussing how our actions are directly connected to the environment and shaping a sustainable future. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are protecting and preserving our environment for current and future generations.
Included in this issue:
– U.S. Army Environmental Command highlights the recipients of the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense environmental awards.
– USACE Honolulu District shares how they removed thousands of unexploded ordnances in Saipan.
– USACE St. Paul District discusses progress being made under the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program.
– USACE Charleston District highlights a day in the life of a USACE regulatory project manager.
– U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center shares how they are working to address energy and water resiliency.
– USACE Far East District discusses how their stormwater pollution prevention measures are keeping waterways clean.

REMINDER: Registration to attend the 2022 Federal Environmental Symposium is now open! Federal employees and sponsored contractors are invited to attend the Symposium, hosted by NIH as a virtual event on March 28-31, 2022. The theme of this year's event is "Mission, Environment and Our Community". The event is FREE and registration will end Friday, March 18, 2022, so mark your calendar and register now. For more information, please see the Symposium website at https://www.fedcenter.gov/fes2022.

This edition highlights fostering sustainability as a way of life, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #1. Content includes commentary from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Director of Military Programs, Dr. Christine Altendorf, and USACE Director of Civil Works, Mr. Al Lee, discussing our collective climate change adaption and mitigation efforts. This issue also features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are helping to shape a sustainable environment for current and future generations.

Content includes:

• USACE Charleston District shares how they are restoring prime nesting grounds for shorebirds and seabirds using dredged material.
• USACE Alaska District discusses how they are promoting sustainable construction practices on the Last Frontier.
• U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center highlights how their ongoing partnership is working to re-establish Gulf oyster habitat.
• USACE New York District shares how construction of the West Point Elementary School is supporting STEAM education for students.
• U.S. Army Environmental Command discusses how a project seeks to treat contaminated groundwater using a novel bioaugmented adsorption treatment system.

The February 2022 issue can be found here.

EPA announced approximately $23 million in two P2 grant funding opportunities for states and tribes, including almost $14 million provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with no cost share/match requirement. EPA encourages applicants to address environmental justice (EJ) and/or climate pollution in their project(s). Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia.

To support the EPA's environmental justice (EJ) goals, as well as the Justice40 Initiative in pollution prevention (P2) grant work, EPA developed a mapping tool that allows uses to identify industrial facilities located in or adjacent to underserved communities, including communities with EJ concerns. The P2 EJ Facility Mapping Tool helps prospective P2 grant applicants, grantees and interested stakeholders geographically target facilities in or adjacent to underserved communities within the framework of the P2 program's five industrial sector-based National Emphasis Areas (NEAs). The tool allows users to identify industrial facilities that may be contributing to pollution levels in a selected area, including communities with environmental justice (EJ) concerns.

ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY JAN. 14th:The Federal sustainability community is cordially invited to attend the 2022 Federal Environmental Symposium, March 28-31, 2022. This year's theme is Mission, Environment, and Our Communities, and will be conducted via webinar-format only. The four day event will focus on Federal sustainability initiatives over the past year while encouraging partnerships, sharing of information, and best practices amongst Federal facilities. The event schedule, registration instructions, call for presentation abstracts (now open until Friday, January 14th), and continuous updates to the event can be found on the Symposium website.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 28, 2021) -- In 2021, under the new leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and Administrator Michael S. Regan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took significant steps forward in tackling the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, protecting the health and safety of communities across the country, and restoring scientific integrity.

Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability
December 8, 2021
President Biden has signed an Executive Order that demonstrates how the United States will leverage its scale and procurement power to lead by example in tackling the climate crisis. The executive order will reduce emissions across federal operations, invest in American clean energy industries and manufacturing, and create clean, healthy, and resilient communities.

(12/08/2021) President Biden has signed an executive order that demonstrates how the United States will leverage its scale and procurement power to lead by example in tackling the climate crisis. The executive order will reduce emissions across federal operations, invest in American clean energy industries and manufacturing, and create clean, healthy, and resilient communities. The President is building on his whole-of-government effort to tackle the climate crisis in a way that creates well-paying jobs, grows industries, and makes the country more economically competitive.

This resource contains a collection of case studies, webinars, tools and articles about P2 solutions, practices, and technologies. Users can search for P2 resources by keywords, sector, or processes. To search by P2 National Emphasis Area (NEA), select the "Sector" search and choose the NEA.

Each year EPA recognizes Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across the nation for achievement in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals.

This August 2021 edition of The Corps Environment highlights considering the environment when employing a risk management and systems approach, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #5. Content includes commentary from Mr. Richard Kidd, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Environment and Energy Resilience), and highlights initiatives across the Army environmental community. Content includes:

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) discusses their formation of a tiger team to tackle climate change

U.S. Army Environmental Command highlights how the Army's commitment to endangered species is enhancing training lands

USACE Far East District shares how they are leading biodiversity efforts for American forces in Korea

USACE Omaha District discusses how they are leveraging an innovative approach to clean up and restore a formerly used defense site

ERDC highlights how USACE and its partners received an international award for the Tyndall Coastal Resilience Study.

FedCenter has added 2 new program areas to its lineup of environmental topics. The newly released Environmental Justice program area includes information on federal efforts to integrate environmental justice into all policies, programs, and activities. PFAS Resources consolidates information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for federal agencies. This page includes information from federal, state, local and tribal governments, and non-governmental and private organizations, regarding health effects on people, regulatory actions being taken, scientific research being conducted, and its effects on the environment.

Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
January 27, 2021
The EO has three overarching objectives 1) promote safe global temperature, 2) increase climate resilience, and 3) support financial a pathway toward low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. The EO reinstates the Presidential Memorandum of September 21, 2016 (Climate Change and National Security), establishes the Climate Policy Office within the Executive Office of the President and establishes a National Climate Task Force. In addition, the EO aims to use Federal procurement to support robust climate action including a carbon pollution-free electricity sector, no later than 2035 and clean and zero-emission vehicles for Federal, State, local, and Tribal government fleets.

In recognition of America Recycles Day, this past November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held its second annual Recycling Innovation Fair and Summit. Content from these events are now accessible online through 18 December 2020. These engaging, free, virtual events focus on highly innovative technologies and strategies to create a more robust and sustainable recycling system in the U.S. and abroad. The America Recycles: Innovation Fair featured more than 40 innovators who are advancing the recycling system through strategies such as: deploying artificial intelligence robots to enhance operations at recycling facilities; using hard-to-recycle plastics in 3D printing materials; installing small system sorting units in stadiums and small communities; creating new construction materials from hard-to-recycle plastics; and using automated technology and recycled glass bottles to create new glassware.

The draft National Recycling Strategy identifies strategic objectives and actions needed to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. The strategy, when finalized, will be aligned with and support implementation of the national recycling goals, which EPA intends to announce in November 2020. EPA is currently accepting comments on the draft National Recycling Strategy through 4 December 2020 in the federal docket.

This resource contains a collection of case studies, webinars, tools and articles about P2 solutions, practices, and technologies. Some of the resources listed are grantee work products and may not have been formally reviewed by EPA, and may not reflect the views and policies of EPA. The EPA does not endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in these documents.

The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program collects information to track industry progress in reducing waste generation and moving towards safer waste management alternatives. These tools and resources can help identify effective environmental practices and highlighting pollution prevention successes. Use the TRI Pollution Prevention Search to learn how facilities have reduced releases of toxic chemicals to the environment and compare how different facilities have managed their toxic chemical waste. Database can be searched by industry sector, chemical, geography or parent company, and compare environmental performance.

WASHINGTON (June 18, 2020) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final action regarding the regulation of perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Considering the best available science and the proactive steps that EPA, states and public water systems have taken to reduce perchlorate levels, the agency has determined that perchlorate does not meet the criteria for regulation as a drinking water contaminant under the SDWA. Therefore, the agency is withdrawing the 2011 regulatory determination and is making a final determination to not issue a national regulation for perchlorate at this time.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the 2020 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards winners. The awards recognize installations, teams, and individuals for their accomplishments in innovative and cost-effective environmental management strategies supporting mission readiness.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the 2019 Year in Review outlining major accomplishments and environmental progress during the Trump administration.

This handbook provides an overview of the federal hazardous waste regulations and helps small-business owners and operators understand how best to comply with federal hazardous waste management regulations. It was updated in October 2019 to incorporate new requirements from the 2016 Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule, the 2018 e-Manifest Rule, the 2019 Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule, and other recent rulemakings.

The presentations from the 2019 Federal Environmental Symposium held on October 30-31, 2019 at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, are now available for viewing or download at https://www.fedcenter.gov/symposium2019-proceedings.

WASHINGTON (August 21, 2019) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes federal facilities for conserving resources and saving taxpayers' money as part of the Federal Green Challenge (FGC). The challenge is a national effort under the EPA's Sustainable Materials Management Program, which encourages federal agencies to lead by example in reducing the federal government's environmental impact. Read more....

August 2019 version of the quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter published by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about USACE and Army environmental actions, issues, policies and technologies. This edition highlights how the Corps employs an open and transparent process, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #7. In the spirit of transparency, this issue provides insight into the valuable role the Corps' National Program Managers (NPMs) play in championing environmental activities across the enterprise. It also includes content from some of the NPMs on the programs they support as well as highlights from the field.

WASHINGTON (June 19, 2019) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the final Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule – replacing the prior administration's overreaching Clean Power Plan (CPP) with a rule that restores the rule of law and empowers states to continue to reduce emissions while providing affordable and reliable energy for all Americans.

This SMM webinar will be hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and led by a subject matter expert from the Hazardous Materials Safety Assistance Team under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The webinar will focus on the safe transportation of lithium batteries for recycling and the applicable regulations that must be followed by battery shippers.

RETIGO is a free, web-based tool that can be used to explore environmental data that you have collected either stationary or in motion. RETIGO allows you to add data from nearby air quality and meteorological stations. RETIGO can be used by anyone to explore data that they collected, but it does not move the data from the user's computer, unless you decide to post your data to the RETIGO data repository.

Revisiting the October 1992 Federal Facility Compliance Act (FFCA) enhancing local, state and EPA solid and hazardous waste enforcement authority against federal agencies.

Recorded (.MP4) proceedings of the RCRA Non-Compliance at Federally-Owned Medical Facilities webinar conducted October 23, 2018 by EPA. 88MB.

(WASHINGTON, April 20, 2018) The Defense Department is honoring nine winners with the 2018 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards for exceptional environmental achievements and innovative, cost-effective environmental practices. The department has honored individuals, teams and installations each year since 1962 for remarkable achievements in these environmental management strategies that successfully support mission readiness, Ellen M. Lord, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said in the memorandum announcing the recipients.

This guide is a case study of Huntington, West Virginia and early efforts to consider how green infrastructure could be incorporated into local hazard mitigation plans. It follows a partnership of local, state, and federal organizations and their collaborative effort to address local flooding and protect water quality. While the effort is ongoing, the Storm Smart Cities guide captures some early lessons learned that can benefit other communities interested in pursuing a similar approach. It includes recommendations for communities on integrating green infrastructure into local hazard mitigation plans. The Storm Smart Cities Guide was developed by the US EPA Region 3 Water Protection Division, Office of State and Watershed Partnerships.

This report is EPA's summary and interpretation of the most recent data on chemical releases and pollution prevention activities at more than 21,000 U.S. industrial facilities. It shows a continued decline in the releases of TRI chemicals through the implementation of pollution reduction activities. In the National Analysis, you'll find local and national data on TRI chemical releases to air, water and land, and information about what companies are doing to prevent these releases. With the reports integrated mapping features, you can take a closer look at this information for specific geographic locations, including your community.

While green infrastructure can help communities manage stormwater, using vegetated systems like green roofs and tree barriers can also help improve air quality and reduce urban heat island effects. These practices shade building surfaces, deflect radiation from the sun, and release moisture into the atmosphere. Additionally, natural features such as urban forests and vegetative barriers planted near roads, parking lots, and city centers, help reduce the impact of vehicle emissions and improve local air quality. Green infrastructure can assist in the reduction of particulate pollution and ground-level ozone as well as provide public health benefits. In this webcast, speakers from EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Atmospheric Programs discussed innovative research into the multiple benefits of green infrastructure and explore the nexus between green infrastrucutre and air quality. This webinar was originally presented on August 9, 2017.

EPA recognizes the efforts of federal facilities that took steps to improve efficiency, save resources and reduce costs as part of the Federal Green Challenge (FGC). Through their involvement, FGC participants reduced the federal government's environmental impact by reducing fuel oil consumption by more than 500K gallons, sending 310 tons of end-of-life electronics to third-party recyclers, saving 9.2 million gallons of industrial water, and diverting over 336K tons of waste from landfills. FGC awards are offered in two categories – data driven and narrative. Data driven awards, given in the six target areas of Waste, Electronics, Purchasing, Energy, Water and Transportation, are based on the greatest percentage of change over the previous year. Narrative awards are self-nominating and are given in the categories of Innovation, Education and Outreach, and Leadership.

This presentation available will outline why federal food purchasing matters, how to include food recovery into strategic planning and food service contracts and leases, and provide examples of how federal and concessioner partnerships successfully contribute to food recovery.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn potential environmental issues into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. The Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners will be honored on June 12 at a ceremony in Washington, DC. Find out more about the winners and their innovative technologies at this website.

This webcast series is for public officials and practitioners beginning to implement green infrastructure, as well as for those looking to enhance established programs. Initiated in 2014, the Series has featured leading academics and professionals from around the country sharing their expertise on a range of topics related to green infrastructure.

January 2017 version of the quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter published by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about USACE and Army environmental actions, issues, policies and technologies.

The White House has announced the winners of the 2016 GreenGov Presidential Awards, honoring those who have gone above and beyond to implement innovative sustainability projects within the government. Senior Administration officials will recognize the 12 individuals and team winners September 8, 2016 in a ceremony at the White House. Winners include EPA, NASA, DHHS, VA, and USACE.

The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards promote the environmental and economic benefits of developing and using novel green chemistry. These prestigious annual awards recognize chemical technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, and use. EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention sponsors the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards in partnership with the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute® and other members of the chemical community including industry, trade associations, academic institutions, and other government agencies. View summaries of the award winning efforts on the website.

April 2016 version of the quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter published by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about USACE and Army environmental actions, issues, policies and technologies.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the winners of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. Each year since 1962, the Secretary of Defense has recognized individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements and innovative work protecting the environment while sustaining mission readiness. Military Services and Defense Agencies may submit one nomination for each of the nine award categories. A diverse panel of judges representing federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector select the winners.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a study assessing the implementation of the two third-party certification programs for electronic waste recyclers in the United States. EPA's study found that the certification standards are being implemented by auditors with thorough knowledge of the standards. The study identified a number of strengths in implementation of the standards, such as clear and effective roles and responsibilities among the key implementers, and opportunities for constructive feedback integrated throughout the system. The study also offers recommendations for improving the overall effectiveness of implementation, including providing additional training and guidance materials in key topic areas, providing regular updates to the standards and increasing audit times to allow for more thorough audits.

The GreenGov Presidential Awards celebrate extraordinary achievement in the pursuit of President Obama's Federal Sustainability goals. They honor Federal civilian and military personnel, agency teams, agency projects, facilities, and programs that exemplify President Obama's charge to lead by example.

On November 23, the White House announced eight awards in seven different categories to individuals and teams. These honorees exemplify our Federal workforce's commitment to meeting the President's directive to create a clean energy economy that will increase our Nation's prosperity, promote energy security, protect the interests of taxpayers, combat climate change, and safeguard the health of our environment.

September 21 – 27, 2015 celebrates 25 years of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Check out the website for ideas on how to celebrate.

The 2015 symposium was the platform for releasing the new implementing instructions for EO 13693 as well as providing updates on numerous other sustainability efforts by Federal Agencies. See the website for a full list of presentations and speakers. The symposium was held on 10 June 2015 and hosted by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and George Washington University.

Public Works Digest is an unofficial publication of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, under AR 360-1, The Army Public Affairs Program. The April/May/June edition covers various environment and sustainability news and activities throughout the Army. See attachment.

Winter 2014-2015 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office. See attached.

This is GSA's innovative green building learning simulation which is a part of GSA's SFTool. Green the Building places you in the role of a resource-constrained decision-maker, charged with greening buildings through strategic energy, waste, water and occupant satisfaction improvements. You must choose technologies, implement best-practices, support behavior changes and plan carefully to create buildings that conserve resources, reduce waste, save money and keep occupants happy and healthy. Need help? Don't worry! Embedded links connect you directly to the clear explanations you've come to expect from SFTool.

On February 18, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy signed a statement of intent to launch a new air quality partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The effort will provide U.S. citizens and government personnel with better information on air quality at select embassies and consulates around the world to reduce health risks from outdoor air pollution, and will offer greater opportunities for the United States to create partnerships on air quality with other nations. Read the full release.

(WASHINGTON, February 13, 2015) – As part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan Virtual Climate Resilience Toolkit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the release of the Climate Adjustment Tool for EPA's Stormwater Management Model – a widely-used, downloadable online stormwater simulation model. The Climate Adjustment Tool allows engineers and planners to evaluate the performance of water infrastructure while considering future climate change projections, such as more frequent high-intensity storms and changes in evaporation rates of seasonal precipitation, to determine the benefits of resiliency decisions to reduce local economic burden and protect communities.

On December 9, 2014, the White House held an event that brought together NASCAR, White House leadership, the U.S. Department of Transportation, tire manufacturers, and tire dealers to highlight common sense opportunities of properly maintaining tires, especially in regard to tire pressure. By enabling a driver to travel farther on a gallon of fuel, proper tire maintenance combined with the use of low rolling resistance tires could save a driver up to $80 per year, and avoid up to 560 pounds of annual carbon dioxide pollution, equivalent to nearly 600 miles of emission-free driving. For more information, please see the White House Fact Sheet (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/09/fact-sheet-increasing-safety-and-efficiency-while-saving-money-pump) highlighting new executive actions and private sector commitments to increase awareness about tire safety and efficiency. You can also view the Department of Transportation's report, "Be TireWise: Save Money at the Pump, Increase Efficiency, and Protect Your Safety" at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/tire_report_final.pdf.

FINAL REMINDER - ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO PARTICIPATE! The White House is launching the second GreenGov Challenge! If you're a federal employee, share your idea on how the federal government can lead by example in eight different categories -- from climate change mitigation and resilience, to water conservation, to waste reduction. Submissions are open until 5 December 2014. After the submission period closes, GreenGov will release the approved submissions and all federal employees will be able to vote for their favorite ideas.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have released an initial assessment of contamination at Tern Island, a remote island in the chain of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). The results show that there have been releases of hazardous substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead from military wastes buried on the island between World War II and 1979, and further action is warranted.

FedCenter is now on Facebook! Become a fan and follow us on Facebook, where you'll find valuable information that you need to help meet your environmental stewardship and compliance obligations. To follow us on Facebook, go to https://facebook.com/fedcenter.

New water components have been added to the Federal Green Challenge. Now it includes the goal of decreasing stormwater runoff from existing sites by 5% or more annually and a section focusing on reducing the use of federal funds to purchase bottled water. Launched in October 2011, the Challenge is a national effort led by EPA's Sustainable Materials Management Program that challenges federal agencies to lead by example to reduce the federal government's environmental impact. Participating agencies will benefit from the new water components. Effective stormwater management through the use of green infrastructure practices may result in: improved energy, efficiency, and improved site aesthetics. Since green infrastructure techniques may be less expensive than conventional stormwater management approaches, there may also be cost savings.

EPA is recognizing federal facilities for their efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of facilities across the country. As part of the Federal Green Challenge (FGC), more than 400 federal facilities representing nearly 1.6 million federal employees are leading by example by taking steps to reduce the federal government's environmental impact in 2013, resulting in an estimated cost savings of more than $42 million to U.S. taxpayers. This year's Overall Achievement winner is The National Benefits Center, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Lee's Summit, Mo. Additional winners by target areas include DOE, DOD, and DOI facilities.

EPA has recognized six federal agency offices in California with its prestigious Federal Green Challenge (FGC) program award for reducing their operations' environmental impacts. Honored entities are: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Pacific Southwest Lab, Naval Base Coronado, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Pacific Rim Region, U.S. Forest Service Region 5, and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the winners of the 2014 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards on April 21, 2014. Each year, since 1962, the Department has honored individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements in environmental performance. In naming the winners of the 2014 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards, Frank Kendall, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, stated, "Their remarkable achievements exemplify the Department's continued commitment to sustain mission readiness while cost-effectively addressing environmental issues, thereby increasing efficiencies and supporting the quality of life for service members, their families, and local communities."

In EPA Region 9, Pollution Prevention Grants are available to state agencies and federally-recognized tribes, territories and possessions in California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Islands. PPG also funds testing of innovative P2 approaches and technologies. The deadline for proposals is 20 March 2014.

The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. U.S. facilities in different industry sectors must report annually on how much of each chemical is released to the environment and/or managed through recycling, energy recovery and treatment. The information submitted by facilities is compiled in TRI, and can help support informed decision-making by industry, government, non-governmental organizations and the public. The TRI National Analysis is EPA's annual interpretation of TRI data. It highlights how toxic chemical wastes were managed, where toxic chemicals were released, and how the 2012 TRI data compare to data from previous years.

Each year, the U.S. EPA Region 2 honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations. The period for the awards is 2013 and nominations are due no later than 18 Feb 2014.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., November 5, 2013) The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced the fourth annual winners of the GreenGov Presidential Awards, which honor Federal civilian and military personnel as well as agency teams, facilities, and programs that have taken innovative steps to reduce energy use and carbon pollution, curb waste, and save taxpayer money in Federal agency operations. At a White House ceremony, senior Administration officials recognized the eight award winners for exemplifying President Obama's charge to lead by example and demonstrating extraordinary achievement in the pursuit of the President's 2009 Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance (Executive Order 13514). Click here for the full announcement.
UPDATE Nov. 18: 2013 winner announcement with photo gallery is now available here.

This October 2013 Green Infrastructure Strategic Agenda renews the EPA's support for green infrastructure and outline the actions the EPA intends to take to promote its effective implementation.

Pollution Prevention (P2) Week highlights the efforts of EPA, its partners, and the public in making pollution prevention a cornerstone of sustainability. Check out the ideas on reducing waste, water consumption, and energy consumption.

Effective August 31, 2013 the FEC has ended. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance on federal electronics stewardship through a modified website, the listserv, and continued educational webinars. The FEC is still completing the review of the 2013 Award Applications, and we plan on making announcements on these applications in the next few weeks. FEC will not have reporting or awards for FY2013. The FEC reporting site at FedCenter.gov will be available until 31 December 2013. For copies of any of your forms or award applications from 2010, 2011 or 2012, logon to the system and download or print copies. For copies of older forms or applications, contact Tina Guthrie (202-564-8846, guthrie.christina@epa.gov). To continue participating in a partnership program, and receive recognition for your electronics stewardship efforts, consider joining the Federal Green Challenge (http://www.epa.gov/fgc/).

FedCenter has compiled a topical index of Federally-sponsored and non-profit mobile applications that may be of interest to the Federal environmental community. Mobile applications are those tools and information resources that have been specifically developed for your mobile devices, such as smartphone, tablet, or other Internet-connected hand-held device. The directory will be maintained daily to keep you abreast of any new and useful mobile applications the federal community releases.

Used to simplify the green procurement process, SFTool has been further enhanced with the following changes: addition of a cafeteria space on how to not only design a more sustainable cafeteria, but also how to operate and stock it with green products; launch of a services module that provides you with information on how to include green purchasing requirements in a variety of service contracts; and a capability to create customized product lists.