The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) seeks to develop a voluntary National Asset Rating Program for Commercial Buildings (AR Program). The AR Program would establish an Asset Rating system for commercial buildings based on a national standard and would evaluate the physical characteristics and as-built energy efficiency of these buildings. It would also identify potential energy efficiency improvements. The goal is to facilitate cost-effective investment in energy efficiency and reduce energy use in the commercial building sector. DOE seeks comments and information related to the development of the AR Program. POC is Mr. Cody Taylor, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 202-287-5842. E-mail: Cody.Taylor@ee.doe.gov (Federal Register: August 8, 2011 [Notices], 48152-48158).

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) seeks information and comments related to the analytical treatment of ``smart' appliances in the development of DOE's energy conservation standards, as well as in test procedures used to demonstrate compliance with DOE's standards and qualification as an ENERGY STAR product. POC is Ms. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 202-586-6590. E-mail: Ashley.Armstrong@ee.doe.gov (Federal Register: August 5, 2011 [Notices], Pages 47518-47520).

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning the standardized permit for RCRA hazardous waste management facilities. This ICR is scheduled to expire on January 31, 2012. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. POC is Jeff Gaines, Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, (5303P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 703-308-8655; fax number: 703-308-8617; e-mail address: gaines.jeff@epa.gov(Federal Register: August 9, 2011 [Notices], Pages 48857-48859).

The Southern Region Review, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

The Robert J. Dole Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wichita, Kan., has agreed to pay a $17,979 civil penalty to the United States to settle a series of hazardous waste violations on its campus. The penalty is the result of RCRA violations identified during an April 2010 inspection.

Obama Administration Officials and Industry Leaders Unveil Federal Strategy to Promote U.S.-Based Electronics Recycling Market and Jobs / Dell Inc., Sprint and Sony Electronics sign agreement with EPA to encourage certified recycling, protect public health, and support best practices in electronics stewardship.

By user request, FedCenter has added a new topic to its program area lineup - Water Efficiency. This area provides tools, techniques, and approaches federal environmental managers and facility managers can use for improving water use efficiency for both potable and non-potable water resources. Stop back often for updates, or, if you are a FedCenter member, subscribe to receive e-mail notifications of new information posted to this topic area through our daily newsletter service.

The Southern Region Review, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations.

EPA and USCG have signed a MOU stating that they will that jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters. The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people's health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America. Under the MOU, both the USCG and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

The six awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence within the Corps in making the Nation sustainable. The six awards are modeled after the categories in the GreenGov Presidential Awards program.

EPA and NOAA will partner with local governmental entities to improve the sustainability of waterfront communities and protect coastal ecosystems, including anticipating and reducing impacts of climate change. EPA and NOAA will provide technical assistance and training to implement more sustainable construction and land use practices, develop Innovative, web-based tools to better provide the public and local government with essential scientific and technical information, collaborate on the development of the National Coastal Condition Assessment and Reports which depict the condition of the nation's coastal waters based on data collected and analyzed by state agencies, and support place-based projects focused on equitable development and climate adaptation in coastal urban watersheds.

In an effort to save money, the Federal government is working with GSA to identify and get rid of excess properties.

FedCenter has added a new topic to its program area lineup - Climate Change Adaptation. This area includes the latest guidance and information resources to help Federal agencies facilitate climate adaptation planning.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive's GreenGov Leader newsletter for Summer 2011.

The EPA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have reached another cleanup decision regarding a former military training and contractor testing area at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). This decision marks a final cleanup strategy for MMR's J1 Range and its two affiliated "northern and southern" groundwater plumes. Three plumes and multiple soil areas on Camp Edwards await final cleanup decisions.

On May 25, 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new fuel economy labels that will help consumers take advantage of the increased efficiency standards achieved under the Obama Administration that will save families money at the pump starting this year. The new labels, which are the most dramatic overhaul to fuel economy labels since the program began more than 30 years ago, will provide more comprehensive fuel efficiency information, including estimated annual fuel costs, savings, as well as information on each vehicle's environmental impact.

On May 24, 2011, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, General Services Administrator Martha Johnson, and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley announced a major step in moving the Federal fleet further towards advanced vehicles and decreased petroleum consumption, while also cutting costs associated with fuel consumption. Furthering the Administration's goals to cut oil imports by one-third by 2025 and to put one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum today directing agencies to implement governmentwide fleet management practices that will ensure the Federal Government is leading by example in fuel efficiency and innovative technology. Implementation of these new requirements will move the government to purchasing 100 percent alternative fuel vehicles by 2015 and drive agencies to meet the required 30 percent decrease in petroleum consumption by 2020 under Executive Order 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance signed by President Obama in October 2009.

EPA is hosting this webcast on 24 May 2011 which will introduce owners and operators of construction sites, members of the public, and State or Tribal permitting authorities to the new requirements of the proposed CGP. There will also be time dedicated to answering questions posed from the webcast participants.

The Southern Region Review, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive's GreenGov Leader newsletter for Spring 2011.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new strategy to promote the use of green infrastructure by cities and towns to reduce stormwater runoff that pollutes our nation's streams, creeks, rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Green infrastructure decreases pollution to local waterways by treating rain where it falls and keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems. In addition to protecting Americans' health by decreasing water pollution, green infrastructure provides many community benefits including increased economic activity and neighborhood revitalization, job creation, energy savings and increased recreational and green space.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Pacific Southwest Region has launched the West Coast Federal Green Challenge. The campaign kicked off during Earth Week and celebrates the commitment of 34 federal agencies, representing more than 150,000 federal employees doing their part to reduce their environmental impact. Under this new initiative, federal government facilities pledge to reduce their carbon emissions by 5% or more per year in at least two of six areas: waste, water, energy, transportation, electronics, and purchasing.

(04/20/11) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Navy have completed a compliance agreement that sets out a schedule of upgrades the Navy will make at its Naval Base Guam to the Navy's Apra Harbor wastewater treatment plant and sewer system.

The Army has released a list of installations that are participating in an energy-conserving pilot program to only use as much energy as they create by 2020. The initiative, called Net Zero, will focus on energy as well as water and waste usage procedures, explained Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment.

The Review is published quarterly by the U.S. Army's Northern Regional Environmental Energy Office, and contains current legislative and regulatory activity pertinent to military interests.

The Department of Defense has announced the winners of the 2011 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. A panel of judges representing federal and state agencies, academia, and the public has selected the following installations, teams, and individuals as the winners of this year's awards: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Sustainability – Non-Industrial Installation The Exchange Corporate Sustainability Program, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Texas Sustainability – Individual/Team U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, Germany Environmental Quality – Overseas Installation Sustainable Painting Operations for the Total Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Environmental Excellence in Weapons Systems Acquisition – Small Program 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate, Environmental Branch, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Cultural Resources Management - Installation Cultural Resources Management Team, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Cultural Resources Management – Individual/Team Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Environmental Restoration - Installation Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Natural Resources Conservation – Large Installation Defense Supply Center, Richmond, Va. Environmental Quality - Industrial Installation A ceremony honoring the 2011 winners is planned for June 8, 2011, at the Pentagon.

(WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its fiscal year 2010 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance. EPA is meeting or exceeding all the federal goals to decrease energy use per square foot; reduce potable water use per square foot; lessen fleet petroleum use; establish inventories of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions; incorporate sustainable building practices; and increase renewable energy use. The agency's energy consumption has dropped by 22.8 percent compared with the 18 percent required federal target. Water usage has gone down by 18.7 percent vs. the six percent target. Petroleum usage in the agency's vehicle fleet has declined by 24.9 percent measured against the 10 percent target. Additionally, EPA purchases 100 percent green power for all of its electric power needs. EPA was the first agency to submit greenhouse gas targets and agency inventory to the meet the requirement of Executive Order 13514. "The scorecard is an important tool for us to develop targets for waste reduction and energy efficiency for our facilities at EPA," said Craig Hooks, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Administration and Resources Management. "EPA is doing what the President envisioned us to do, 'lead by example,' by being good stewards of the environment, all the while realizing substantial savings to the government."

(WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the 16th annual U.S. greenhouse gas inventory. The final report shows overall emissions during 2009 decreased by 6.1 percent from the previous year. This downward trend was attributed to a decrease in fuel and electricity consumption across all U.S. economic sectors. Total emissions of the six main greenhouse gases in 2009 were equivalent to 6,633 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The report indicates that overall emissions have grown by more than 7.3 percent from 1990 to 2009. Emissions in 2009 represent the lowest total U.S. annual GHG emissions since 1995. These numbers reflect the most up to date data at the time of publication. The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2009 tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2009. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by "sinks," e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation and soils.

(Washington - April 15, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment a draft permit that will help improve our nation's waterways by regulating the discharge of stormwater from construction sites. Stormwater discharges during construction activities can contain sediment and pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems, increase drinking water treatment costs and pollute waters that people use for fishing, swimming and other recreational activities.

On 15 April 2011 the U.S. EPA announced a settlement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at 11 of its coal-fired plants in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The settlement will require TVA to invest a TVA estimated $3 to $5 billion on new and upgraded state-of-the-art pollution controls that will prevent approximately 1,200 to 3,000 premature deaths, 2,000 heart attacks and 21,000 cases of asthma attacks each year, resulting in up to $27 billion in annual health benefits. TVA will also invest $350 million on clean energy projects that will reduce pollution, save energy and protect public health and the environment.

This call for nominations is for the newly established USACE Sustainability Awards Program. These awards will recognize the people and outstanding projects contributing toward our goals to increase sustainability across all business lines in six different categories. Nominations should be endorsed by the District Commander or an equivalent level and sent through the Division Commander or equivalent level. Details are in the attachment.

EPA released this final version of the strategy which charts a path for meeting the nation's clean water strategic plan goals over the next several years.

Through this initiative EPA is soliciting applications from states, tribes, regional governments, and communities that want to evaluate the potential development of renewable energy on potentially or formerly contaminated properties. Applications are due 20 May 2011.

This public meeting, held June 14 - 15 in New Orleans, is designed to be a forum for interested stakeholders to provide input to EPA on the development of new or revised recreational water quality criteria. At this meeting, EPA will seek stakeholder feedback on EPA's evaluation, synthesis, summarization and statistical analysis of the research conducted, and on the development of options for the overall structure and content of the criteria.

This data and a mapping tool is designed to help the public compare water quality trends over the last two years. The tool is a part of the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system. The web-based, interactive map includes "state dashboards" that provide detailed information for each state, including information on facilities that are violating the Clean Water Act and the actions states are taking to enforce the law and protect people's health.

The Review is published quarterly by the U.S. Army's Northern Regional Environmental Energy Office, and contains current legislative and regulatory activity pertinent to military interests.

The Army's first-ever smart-charging micro grid powers four electric vehicles and has the ability to provide instant backup power to support three buildings for 72 hours, including the garrison headquarters. The pilot program is a prototype designed to help make the installation energy independent.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is calling on the public and Federal agencies to nominate projects that use innovative approaches to increase the efficiency of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As part of CEQ's efforts to modernize and reinvigorate Federal agency implementation of NEPA and encourage innovation, public engagement, and transparency, CEQ will track and publicize the progress of the selected pilot projects to identify and promote more efficient ways to do effective environmental reviews that can be replicated across the Federal Government.

EPA has extended the deadline for reporting 2010 GHG data to September 30, 2011. This extension will allow EPA to further test the system that reporters will use to submit data, and give industry the opportunity to test the tool, provide feedback and have sufficient time to become familiar with it prior to reporting.

Currently, there are no national limits on the amount of mercury and other toxic air pollution released from power plant smokestacks. EPA is proposing standards to limit mercury, acid gases and other toxic pollution from power plants, keeping 91 percent of the mercury in coal from being released to the air.

The Department of Commerce is partnering with U.S. departments of Agriculture and Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, and Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to promote clean energy innovation and economic growth. Up to $1 million will be awarded to each of six teams around the country with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in support of a green innovation economy, increased U.S. competitiveness and new jobs.

(ATLANTA - Mar. 15, 2011) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a consent agreement and final order with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that resolves EPA's allegations that TVA has violated the Clean Air Act at the Widows Creek Power Plant in Stevenson, Ala. TVA has fully cooperated with EPA throughout the enforcement proceedings and has agreed to pay a $450,000 civil penalty to resolve the violations.

The National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) contains 2005 emissions data submitted primarily from the states for 178 pollutants. Models are used to make broad estimates of health risks for areas of the country. The tool is not designed to determine actual health risks to individuals living in these areas.

As a part of EPA's "We're For Water" campaign, March 14 - 20, 2011 is "Fix A Leak Week." The intent is to encourage Americans to help put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year.

EPA is requesting an extension to allow more time for pesticide operators to obtain permits for pesticide discharges into U.S. waters. EPA is requesting that the deadline be extended from April 9, 2011 to October 31, 2011. During the period while the court is considering the extension request, permits for pesticide applications will not be required under the Clean Water Act.

Executive Order 13563 requires each agency to develop a plan to periodically conduct a retrospective review of its regulations, and determine if they are ineffective, insufficient, or overly burdensome, and then revise or repeal as warranted. EPA is developing a review plan and a list of candidate regulations for potential review, and are soliciting feedback on both the plan and the candidate list of regulations. Two listening sessions to be held on March 14th, 2011, and March 17th, 2011.

EPA is requesting public comment from boaters and other stakeholders to help develop proposed regulations, as required by the 2008 Clean Boating Act, to reduce water pollution and the spread of invasive species in the nation's rivers, lakes and other water bodies. As an alternative to permits required for commercial vessels, the act directs EPA to develop and promulgate management practices for recreational vessels.

Effective in September 2011, these products must be 40 percent more efficient than conventional models in order to qualify for the Energy Star label.

On March 4, 2011, CEQ issued a set of implementing instructions for Federal Agency Adaptation Planning. The Instructions will inform agencies on how to integrate climate change adaptation into their planning, operations, policies, and programs, as recommended by the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force in its October 2010 Progress Report to the President. A Companion Support Document has also been issued.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled an enforcement action against the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and four private parties for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at the John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House Building in Boston, Mass. The parties will collectively pay a penalty of $100,000.

Furthering the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced last summer the new steps being announced today strengthen coordination and better leverage the expertise and resources of both Departments to enhance our national energy security, as well as demonstrate the Obama Administration's leadership in transitioning America to a clean energy economy. One of the primary goals of this effort is efficient energy storage.

EPA, the General Services Administration, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality are requesting written comments to inform the national framework for electronics stewardship that is being developed by the Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship.

In March 2011, EPA issued the Second Prospective Report which looked at the results of the Clean AirAct from 1990 to 2020. According to this study, the direct benefits from the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments are estimated to reach almost $2 trillion for the year 2020, a figure that dwarfs the direct costs of implementation ($65 billion).

The U.S. DOE's Clean Cities initiative today announced the expansion of the ongoing collaboration with the NPS's Climate Friendly Parks program. The goal of this new partnership is to reduce air pollution and preserve the environment and the National Parks' natural resources. The focus of the partnership is to identify options that assist national parks in reducing gasoline and diesel consumption.

EPA has released the "Guidance for Conducting Risk Management Program Inspections under Clean Air Act Section 112(r)" (EPA 550-K-11-001, January 2011). This document updates and supersedes the "Guidance for Auditing Risk Management Plans/Programs under CAA Sect. 112(r)" of August 1999. The new document includes updated EPA policy on involvement of facility employees and employee representatives in EPA and delegated state agency on-site compliance inspections. Additionally, the guidance reflects the Agency's focus on inspections as a means of facility oversight, and provides additional information on CAA Section 112(r) inspection procedures. EPA's interim policy on involvement of employees and employee representatives in CAA Section 112(r) on-site compliance evaluations established in the Agency's April 2, 2010 memo is hereby superseded.

(WASHINGTON, February 16, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2009 draft report. This report will be open for public comment for 30 days after the Federal Register notice is published.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on February 11, 2011 to work together to protect people's health and the environment. The MOU outlines steps the agencies will take to better coordinate efforts to prevent and enforce against illegal discharges of pollutants from vessels, such as cruise ships and oil tankers.

(WASHINGTON, February 16, 2011) – President Barack Obama today announced the administration's action plan, under the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, to achieve lasting conservation of the outdoor spaces that power our nation's economy, shape our culture, and build our outdoor traditions. This initiative seeks to reinvigorate our approach to conservation and reconnect Americans, especially young people, with the lands and waters that are used for farming and ranching, hunting and fishing, and for families to spend quality time together. Recognizing that many of these places and resources are under intense pressure, the president established the America's Great Outdoors Initiative last April to work with the American people in developing a conservation and recreation agenda that makes sense for the 21st century.

EPA is announcing the release of an interim report, Evaluation of Combined Heat and Power Technologies for Wastewater Facilities, which serves as a planning-level tool for wastewater professionals and provides an examination of commonly used and emerging combined heat and power (CHP) technologies for converting anaerobic digester gas to electrical power and process heat.

(WASHINGTON, February 2, 2011) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today announced the agency's decision to move forward with the development of a regulation for perchlorate to protect Americans from any potential health impacts, while also continuing to take steps to ensure the quality of the water they drink. The decision to undertake a first-ever national standard for perchlorate reverses a decision made by the previous administration and comes after Administrator Jackson ordered EPA scientists to undertake a thorough review of the emerging science of perchlorate. Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and man-made chemical, and scientific research indicates that it may impact the normal function of the thyroid, which produces important developmental hormones. Thyroid hormones are critical to the normal development and growth of fetuses, infants and children. Based on this potential concern, EPA will move forward with proposing a formal rule. This process will include receiving input from key stakeholders as well as submitting any formal rule to a public comment process.

(WASHINGTON, February 1, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its list of the top 50 partner organizations using the most renewable electricity to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and protect people's health. Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydropower. Purchases of green power help accelerate the nation's voluntary green power market and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants that threaten Americans' health from the power sector. Federal agencies making the top 50 list include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Dept. of Energy, and the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. More information on the top 50 can be found here.

(WASHINGTON, January 31, 2011) – After a careful review of the best available science, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to keep the current national air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO), while taking steps to gather additional data through more focused monitoring. The science shows that the current standards will protect people, especially those susceptible to health problems associated with breathing CO from the outdoor air. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues. At extremely high levels, CO can cause death.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 has announced the agencies and programs that have been selected for the 2010 Champions of Environmental Leadership and Green Government Awards.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the launch of a new online collaboration tool and data resource focused on bioenergy. The "Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework" allows researchers, policymakers, and investors to share large data sets, as well as the latest bioenergy research. The Framework also facilitates collaborative production, integration, and analysis of information. Registered users will be able to contribute additional data sets that can then be shared, growing the body of knowledge, better informing this growing industry, and eliminating "information silos." The Framework allows simultaneous geographic mapping of complex data sets such as biomass feedstock production, fueling stations, and biorefineries on a national, state, and even county-level basis – providing the bioenergy industry an analytical tool for identifying new opportunities for research, supportive policies, and project investment. The Framework is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to developing homegrown, sustainable, and plentiful sources of clean energy, like biofuels.

(WASHINGTON, January 12, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its plan to defer, for three years, greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting requirements for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from biomass-fired and other biogenic sources. The agency intends to use this time to seek further independent scientific analysis of this complex issue and then to develop a rulemaking on how these emissions should be treated in determining whether a Clean Air Act permit is required.

(WASHINGTON, January 11, 2011) – Several weeks ago, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson committed to address hexavalent chromium (also known as chromium-6) in drinking water by issuing guidance to all water systems on how to assess the prevalence of the contaminant. Today, the agency is delivering on that promise and has issued guidance recommending how public water systems might enhance monitoring and sampling programs specifically for hexavalent chromium. The recommendations are in response to emerging scientific evidence that chromium-6 could pose health concerns if consumed over long periods of time.

This month's newsletter highlights radon testing, staying green after the holidays, and CFL cleanup.

On November 30, 2010 the EPA convened leaders from multiple federal agencies for The Federal Radon Summit. The intent of the summit was to discuss the ways the federal government can reduce radon risk in the housing and buildings it owns or influences. Participants will reconvene in 90 days to discuss further actions the federal government can take through existing federal programs to protect families from the threat of radon.

U.S. EPA is encouraging everyone to test their homes for radon. January is an especially good time to test homes and schools because windows and doors are closed tightly and people spend more time indoors.

Although written specifically for schools, this guidance is applicable to anyone working with PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts as well as anyone trying to determine if they have PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts.

EPA has updated its guidance on how to cleanup broken CFLs. When a CFL breaks, some of the mercury is released as vapor and may pose potential health risks.

EPA is issuing the final series of actions that will ensure that the largest industrial facilities can get Clean Air Act permits that cover greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions beginning in January 2011. The first set of actions will give EPA authority to permit GHGs in seven states (Ariz., Ark., Fla., Idaho, Kan., Ore., and Wyo.) until the state or local agencies can revise their permitting regulations to cover these emissions. EPA is taking additional steps to disapprove part of Texas' Clean Air Act permitting program and the agency will also issue GHG permits to facilities in the state. These actions will ensure that large industrial facilities will be able to receive permits for greenhouse gas emissions regardless of where they are located. In the second set of actions, EPA has issued final rules that will ensure that there are no federal laws in place that require any state to issue a permit for GHG emissions below levels outlined in the tailoring rule.

This guidance document, issued November 2010, provides information on flexible tools and techniques that may help a public water system (PWS) tailor a program to meet its water loss prevention needs and maintain its infrastructure to deliver clean, safe drinking water to customers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its plan for establishing greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution standards under the Clean Air Act in 2011. The agency looked at a number of sectors and is moving forward on GHG standards for fossil fuel power plants and petroleum refineries-two of the largest industrial sources, representing nearly 40 percent of the GHG pollution in the United States.

The White House Council for Community Solutions was established on December 14, 2010 by Presidential Executive Order. The Council will focus on highlighting ways to enlist more Americans and leaders across sectors to help catalyze change in communities and have an impact in addressing our nation's important goals in education, youth development and employment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has introduced a new web-based tool that will enable the public to search for and have easy access to health and safety studies on industrial chemicals. As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's continued efforts to enhance EPA's chemical management program and increase transparency, the chemical data access tool allows users to conduct a chemical-specific search for health and safety studies that have been submitted to the agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The tool will also be added to Data.Gov, a website developed by the Obama Administration to provide public access to important government information.

U.S. EPA has signed an inter-agency agreement with the Department of Defense to remediate the Fort Detrick Area B Groundwater Superfund Site in Frederick, Md. In 2009, EPA listed Ft. Detrick Area B Groundwater on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL), which required EPA and DoD to sign a federal facility agreement governing the cleanup. Under the Superfund law, the agreement grants EPA final authority over cleanup decisions.

This partnership promotes enhanced technical cooperation on chemical management activities. ECHA is the agency that implements the European Union's chemical management program known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals). The partnership puts in place a process for working together on a range of issues of mutual interest including toxicity testing, the hazard and risk assessment of chemicals, risk management tools, scientific collaboration, and information exchange.

First Thursday Seminars are FEMP training opportunities targeting Federal energy, environmental, and fleet professionals offered at no cost by leading experts.

U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) is soliciting public comments on a draft guidance document regarding Federal agency implementation of energy and water efficiency requirements. Comments, data, and information regarding this draft guidance must be received by December 29, 2010. POC is Mr. Christopher Tremper, U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program, EE-2L, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-7632, e-mail: Chris.Tremper@ee.doe.gov (Federal Register: December 15, 2010 [Notices], Page 78231)

On December 15, 2010 the EPA is holding a listening session in Washington D.C. seeking input on suggested improvements for the next Vessel General Permit (VGP). A call-in number is available.

EPA has released a "beta" version of a new web-based tool that allows anyone to search and identify the amount, type, and location of wastewater pollutant discharges and the identity of the discharger. EPA is seeking comments on how to improve this tool and on the accuracy of the discharge monitoring data supporting it. Comments are due February 4, 2011.

EPA has released for comment the draft Integrated Cleanup Initiative (ICI) Plan, a 3-yr strategy to focus on the agency's land cleanup programs. Sites covered under the cleanup programs include Superfund, federal facilities, brownfields, RCRA corrective action, and underground storage tank. The goal of the initiative is to accelerate cleanups of contaminated sites where possible, address a greater number of contaminated sites, and put the sites back into productive use while protecting human health and the environment. EPA will use the comments received to further evaluate and refine the draft plan. The draft plan is available for public comment for 30 days.

GSA is offering online training webinars for reporting Scope 3 travel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These trainings sessions are specifically focused on generating travel GHG reports using GSA's Travel Management Information Service (MIS). GSA is happy to invite federal employees and their partners to attend a one hour training session to learn how to run the reports and submit emissions. The following dates and times are available. If interested, please e-mail Leif.Waller@gsa.gov with the preferred date and time, and GSA will you forward the information required to join the live online training session.

Available sessions (all times are listed in EST):
Thursday 12/16 11AM
Tuesday 12/20 3PM
Tuesday 1/4 2PM
Monday 1/10 1PM
Wednesday 1/12 10AM
Wednesday 1/19 10AM
Monday 1/24 1PM
Wednesday 1/26 10AM

For more information contact:
Leif Waller
Program Analyst, Center for Travel Management
Office of Travel and Transportation Services
Leif.Waller@gsa.gov
703-605-9809

EPA has asked the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) for further interpretation of the epidemiological and clinical studies they used to make their recommendation concerning stricter standards for smog. EPA will review the input CASAC provides before the new standard is selected.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its annual enforcement and compliance results for 2010. In fiscal year (FY) 2010, EPA took enforcement and compliance actions that require polluters to pay more than $110 million in civil penalties and commit to spend an estimated $12 billion on pollution controls, cleanup, and environmental projects that benefit communities. These actions when completed will reduce pollution by more than 1.4 billion pounds and protect businesses that comply with regulations by holding non-compliant businesses accountable when environmental laws are violated.

Working with the states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with its plan to call on certain states to update their Clean Air Act implementation plans to cover greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These changes will ensure that beginning in January 2011 the largest industrial GHG emissions sources can receive permits. This action is part of EPA's common sense approach to GHG permitting outlined in the spring 2010 tailoring rule. EPA has identified 13 states that need to make changes to their plans, allowing them to issue permits that include GHG emissions. These states include: Ariz., Ark., Calif., Conn., Fla., Idaho, Kan., Ky., Neb., Nev., Ore., Texas, and Wyo.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has made available the "Advanced Methodology Commuter Survey" tool for federal agencies to use to quantify scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from employee commuter activities. GSA is currently accepting scheduling requests for agencies that would like to use this advanced tool, which gives agencies greater insight into the commuting habits and preferences of their Federal employees. The tool provides all the information required to report on commuting emissions in the FEMP reporting tool, as well as additional information that may be valuable in designing strategies to reduce GHG emissions from employee commuting.

(WASHINGTON - November 17, 2010) For the sixth consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reporting a decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a slight increase in the average fuel efficiency for new cars and light duty trucks, according to EPA's annual report "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2010".

The U.S. EPA is making available guidance and tools to help state and local air permitting authorities identify cost-effective pollution reduction options for greenhouse gases (GHGs) under the Clean Air Act.

(WASHINGTON - November 16, 2010) As part of its commitment to help ensure that biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are safely stored in underground storage tanks (USTs), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released draft guidance for UST owners and operators who wish to store these fuels. EPA is requesting comments on the proposed guidance that clarifies how an UST owner or operator can comply with the federal compatibility requirement for UST systems storing gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol, and diesel containing a percent of biodiesel yet to be determined. After reviewing comments, EPA intends to issue the final guidance in early 2011.

The 2010 IECC will have a 30 improvement in energy savings over the 2006 IECC. The IECC is the energy section of the building safety and fire prevention codes that set minimum safeguards for U.S. buildings.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America, regarding America Recycles Day (November 15, 2010.)

(Washington, D.C. - November 12, 2011) The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (ERAC). ERAC is a federal advisory committee whose members will report directly to the Secretary of Energy with advice on the portfolio of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The 19 members selected have experience in a variety of sectors and will bring a range of technical expertise and perspectives to the committee.

EPA is releasing for comment today a series of best practice tools to maintain or improve indoor air quality and residents' health when performing home energy retrofits. These protocols will help ensure home energy retrofits include appropriate health protections. These draft protocols will be available for public comment for 30 days.

Speaker presentations from the 2010 GreenGov Symposium held October 5-7, 2010, at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. are now available for download.