On June 24, 2014, DoD, GSA, and NASA issued an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement changes in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT®) registry beyond personal computer products to cover imaging equipment (i.e., copiers, digital duplicators, facsimile machines, mailing machines, multifunction devices, printers, and scanners) and televisions and modify the existing FAR requirements to recognize the revised standard applicable to computer products. For more information, click here.

Since the launch of WaterSense in 2006, EPA and its partners have helped consumers save $14.2 billion in energy and water bills and 757 billion gallons of water from using WaterSense-labeled products. More than 2,900 water utilities, organizations, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, builders, and irrigation professionals certified through WaterSense programs have joined EPA to promote WaterSense-labeled products, programs, and new homes. Nearly 11,000 different models of toilets, faucets, showerheads, flushing urinals, weather-based irrigation controllers, and pre-rinse spray valves have been independently certified for performance and efficiency to earn the WaterSense label.

(SAN FRANCISCO, 06/17/2014)– At a meeting of federal agencies in Phoenix, Ariz. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Grand Canyon National Park for its efforts to reduce energy use with its prestigious Federal Green Challenge Award. EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest, Jared Blumenfeld, presented the award to Tim Jarrell, Chief of the Park's Facilities Management Division. "At the Grand Canyon National Park, greenhouse gas emissions were slashed when energy consumption was cut by 32 percent," said Regional Administrator Blumenfeld. "Federal agencies participating in the Pacific Southwest program saved over $31.8 million by reducing waste, water, and energy use over the past two years."

The June 4th webinar-meeting minutes and presentation are now available from www.epa.gov/iaq/ciaq. Seven Departments and Agencies gave updates on their IAQ-IEQ related activities (NIST, CPSC, HUD, DOE, GSA, VA, EPA). The subject of the presentation given by Chris Muller (Purafil, Inc.) was "ASHRAE Standard 62.1: The IAQ Procedure and LEED".

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

On 23 April 2014 Kate E. Brandt was appointed as the new Federal Environmental Executive. The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) is responsible for promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout Federal government operations. Created by Executive Order in 1993, the Office is housed at the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is administered by EPA, and stewards the interagency Steering Committee on Federal Sustainability. For more information on Kate E. Brandt, look at the OFEE website.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

GSA is planning on using Green Button technology to save energy and shrink costs across the federal government. The agency launched this initiative in partnership with industry leaders following a 2013 Presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to strengthen efforts to use renewable energy and manage energy usage more efficiently and effectively.

Through a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has certified that five of its facilities in Virginia are currently in compliance with federal and state underground storage tank (UST) regulations. As part of this certification, USPS has corrected violations associated with its failure to conduct release detection testing; line leak detector testing; a line tightness test, and failure to investigate/report a suspected release. The USPS will also pay a civil penalty of $55,258.

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.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

Developed by National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC), the full report of the National Climate Assessment provides an in-depth look at climate change impacts on the U.S. It details the multitude of ways climate change is already affecting and will increasingly affect the lives of Americans. The report is available to download and can be explored interactively through USGCRP's website.

Developed by EPA in cooperation with multiple Federal agencies, this is a web-based interactive tool that integrates over 300 separate data layers, helps decision makers understand the implications of planning and policy decisions on our fragile ecosystems and the communities who depend on goods and services from these ecosystems. EnviroAtlas is designed for people from all levels of government, professionals, researchers, educators, non-governmental organizations, and anyone interested in considering the benefits or impacts of a decision, such as siting a new road or city park. EnviroAtlas uses seven broad benefit categories to organize its information and data on ecosystem services: Clean Air, Clean and Plentiful Water, Natural Hazard Mitigation, Climate Stabilization, Recreation, Culture and Aesthetics, Food, Fuel and Materials, and Biodiversity Conservation.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

This May 2014 document was developed by VA's Office of Construction and Facilities Management in cooperation with other VA partners. The intent of the document is to consolidate the wide range of sustainable design requirements into one easy-to-navigate resource.

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.

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

This May will mark the 24th anniversary of American Wetlands Month, a time when EPA and its partners in federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit, and private sector organizations celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health. It is also a great opportunity to discover and teach others about the important role that wetlands play in our environment and the significant benefits they provide - improved water quality, increased water storage and supply, reduced flood and storm surge risk, and critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3 for April 2014. See attached.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized an agreement with Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) in Guam requiring the base to update its oil spill prevention plan and address other spill prevention deficiencies at the base to better protect Guam's water resources. The Federal Facility Compliance Agreement (FFCA) between EPA and AAFB will require an updated Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan and changes to the facilities to comply with newer, more stringent oil spill prevention requirements. The new plan will include AAFB, the Navy Base, and the petroleum pipeline between the two facilities.

March/April (Spring) edition of the Defense Operational Energy Highlights newsletter, published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs. This edition includes: • ASD Burke Resigns • DoD Releases Comprehensive Energy Policy • Energy and Climate in the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review • ASD Burke Testifies Before Congress • Chairman Dempsey Discusses Operational Energy with Rep. Scott Peters • Travels with ASD Burke: CERA Week in Houston, TX • OEPP Launches Partnership with Power Africa • Tweet of the Month Read more.

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."

The ECHO data sets have been compiled for access to larger sets of national data to ensure that ECHO meets your data retrieval needs. While ECHO provides data detailing compliance assurance and enforcement activities related to federal environmental laws, it has a limited online display of data. The ECHO data sets are available for download to review these expanded data sets. Each data set is a compressed zip file containing one or more comma-delimited text files. The download summary documents posted after each data set contain a file listing and definitions of included data elements. Data sets include information on Clean Air Act Stationary Sources, NPDES dischargers, Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR), hazardous waste, and civil enforcement information. Datasets will be updated weekly.

May is quickly approaching, and communities across the country are preparing to celebrate National Bike Month. This year, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the Pacific Northwest regions of the EPA and DOT are cranking up efforts to promote the Federal Bike-to-Work Challenge.

This is an independent virtual center or focal point that integrates information on sustainable products and serves as DoD's informational repository for these products and their respective performances to include demonstrations of alternative green products and services conducted at DoD installations.

EPA has released its 19th annual report of overall U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, showing a 3.4 percent decrease in 2012 from 2011. The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks presents a national-level overview of annual greenhouse gas emissions since 1990.

During each chat, EPA will have different EPA experts sharing information on climate change and what we all can do to act on climate. EPA invites you to join the conversation and ask questions.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

The Plan identifies the measurable environmental and human health outcomes the public can expect over the next four years and describes how we intend to achieve those results.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

EPA is providing a number of avenues to kickstart your Earth Month/Earth Day celebrations. There are daily tips, twitter feeds, blog posts, and ways you can pledge to improve the environment.

These settlements stem from what EPA determined was improper demolition work performed at the DOE Hanford Site. In August 2012, in response to complaints from Hanford workers, EPA inspected several demolition sites dating back to 2007. Samples collected by EPA showed remaining debris from the demolitions contained regulated asbestos waste.

Learn more about the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly released proposed rule to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nation's water resources. The webcast will provide a broad overview of the proposed rule and its costs and benefits. The webcast presentation will be posted in advance. Participants are eligible to receive a certificate for attending this webcast.

EPA is looking for small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency's proposed extension of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards beyond model year 2018.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3 for January-March 2014. See attached.

These awards will recognize the energy and water conservation achievements and programs of individuals, small groups, and garrisons and will provide an added incentive to further reduce energy and water consumption. Current award categories are: Energy efficiency and energy management; Innovation and new technology; Renewable energy; Alternative financing; Water conservation; and Energy program effectiveness.

EPA and the Army Corps have jointly released a proposed rule to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nation's water resources. The proposed rule clarifies protection for streams and wetlands. The proposed definitions of waters will apply to all Clean Water Act (CWA) programs. It does not protect any new types of waters that have not historically been covered under the Clean Water Act and is consistent with the Supreme Court's more narrow reading of Clean Water Act jurisdiction. EPA has provided detailed explanations of the impact of the proposed rule on its' website.

The average global temperature for 2013 tied as the fourth warmest year since record keeping began in 1880, according to NOAA scientists. It also marked the 37th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average. The last below-average annual temperature was 1976. Including 2013, all 13 years of the 21st century (2001-2013) rank among the 15 warmest in the 134-year period of record. The three warmest years on record are 1998, 2005, and 2010. This analysis is from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards recognize innovative technologies that are making chemicals and chemical processes safer, more efficient, or cleaner. EPA is seeking nominations from companies and institutions that have developed safer chemical processes and products that may reduce the generation and use of chemicals that are hazardous to people's health and the environment. Nominations for innovative technologies that feature the design of greener chemicals/products, greener chemical synthesis, or greener chemical reactions are due by April 30, 2014. Information on past award winners and how to submit entries can be found at: http://www2.epa.gov/green-chemistry.

(DALLAS, TX – March 18, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to the U.S. Department of the Army to address 15 million pounds of abandoned explosives and propellant stored on the grounds of Camp Minden in Minden, LA.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

FEMP's annual Better Buildings Federal Award challenges agencies to achieve the greatest reduction in annual energy intensity, or energy consumed per gross square foot. This year, FEMP will recognize the highest-performing federal government building that participates in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2014 Battle of the Buildings national competition. FEMP strongly encourages agencies to participate in this exciting annual EPA competition, which uses Portfolio Manager to measure, track, and report buildings' monthly energy consumption. If you have any questions, please contact the Energy Star HelpDesk.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

On 14 April 2014 this forum will be held at the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington D.C. The focus of the forum is best-practices for sharing facilities among Federal agencies or their components. The speakers will share successful strategies that their agencies have used to implement facility-sharing operations. The presenters will discuss technical, organizational, cultural, and financial aspects involved in sharing federal agencies, as well as their implementation efforts, results, and lessons learned. Click here for more info. Click here to register.

Celebrate National Groundwater Awareness Week by checking out information on what you can do to protect your groundwater.

EPA finalized changes to the effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the Construction and Development point source category. These changes are being promulgated pursuant to a settlement agreement to resolve litigation. This final rule withdraws the numeric discharge standards, which are currently stayed, and changes several of the non-numeric provisions of the existing rule. This final rule is effective on 5 May 2014.

Winter 2013 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office. See attached.

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 Green Building Advisory Committee provides advice to GSA as a mandatory Federal advisory committee. This notice provides an opportunity for individuals to present their qualifications and apply for a seat on the Committee. GSA will ask former Committee members to re-apply if they are interested in continuing to serve on the Committee. GSA will review all applications and determine which candidates are likely to add the most value to the Committee based on the criteria outlined in this notice. See the official announcement for details on nominee requirements and membership duties.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

This website provides information on concluded enforcement actions and cases from fiscal year (FY) 2013 and identifies trends as well as information on EPA's progress in meeting their enforcement goals.

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.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

(WASHINGTON, February 4, 2014) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today recognized projects in seven communities as winners of the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement for their creative, sustainable initiatives that better protect the health and the environment while strengthening local economies. Among the winners are an expansive greenway in Atlanta, a downtown whitewater rafting park in rural Iowa, and a regional development plan for metropolitan Chicago. Other winners include the revitalized Historic Millwork District in Dubuque and an innovative, affordable infill housing development near public transit in Sacramento.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its annual Climate Protection Partnerships report for 2012, highlighting the steps more than 21,000 organizations across the United States have taken to reduce greenhouse gas pollution while achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

(PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 28, 2014) - In separate agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force have settled alleged violations of underground storage tank (UST) regulations at three Virginia military bases: Fort Pickett, in Blackstone Va.; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, near Newport News, Va.; and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, in Norfolk, Va. These settlements address alleged non-compliance with federal and state environmental safeguards designed to prevent, detect, and control leaks of petroleum and other hazardous substances from underground fuel tanks.

January edition of the Defense Operational Energy Highlights newsletter, published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs. This month's newsletter includes:

• ASD Burke Talks Arctic, Climate and Energy on Fed News Radio
• Marine Corps Releases Tactical Energy Harvesting, Waste Heat RFI
• OEPP Partners with Georgia Tech, National Labs to support FOB's
• The Quadrennial Energy Review is Under Way!
• 2013 revision to Joint Publication 4-0 Codifies "Operational Energy"
• Tri-Agency Letter Advocates for Competitive Biofuels Industry
• Travels with ASD Burke: Port Harcourt and Abuja, Nigeria
• Tweet of the Month

Read more.

The TRI-MEWeb Online Reporting System as well as the Reporting Year (RY) 2013 TRI Reporting Forms & Instructions manual are now available. Effective January 21, 2014, facilities must use TRI-MEweb to submit TRI reporting forms to EPA (except for trade secret information, which facilities will still complete on paper). Facilities must submit TRI forms for RY 2013 by July 1, 2014.

The Apps for Energy II contest, which is the second contest in the year-long American Energy Data Challenge, will encourage contestants to leverage ideas developed during the American Energy Data Challenge's first contest, and to use open data sources. As part of the contest, the Energy Department will host a series of "hackathons" in four cities to create venues where people can brainstorm, collaborate, and begin creating apps that use publicly-available data to solve problems. The hackathons will be in Washington, D.C., January 24-25; San Diego, California, January 31-February 1; Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, February 7-8; and Boston, Massachusetts, Feb. 15-16. Contestants will be eligible to win prizes at the events and by submitting their apps for judging as part of the nationwide contest.

The Winter 2013-2014 issue of Natural Selections, the DoD Natural Resources Program quarterly newsletter, is attached. The newsletter highlights success stories among the Military Services over the past year and includes updates from various DoD programs, initiatives, and partnerships.

A new customization feature allows agencies to create their own customized product categories, products, and green purchasing requirements. All GPC users can view agency-specific content by selecting an agency and clicking on "Show" on the GPC home page. Another update is the new language being provided under the GPC product category descriptions suggesting applicable services. A new Transportation Services Category to encourage environmentally sustainable transportation services which consume less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Lastly, an annotated version of EO 13514 is now available which is annotated with strategies, definitions, and links to the best resources from around the web.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

Check out the EPA's website to learn how you can take action against radon.

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.

More than 3,200 facilities, including federal facilities, are competing to win the EPA's 2013 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. Check out who is competing and who is winning at this time.

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

EPA has announced a new collaborative framework for implementing the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Program with states. The 303(d) Program requires states to develop lists of impaired waters, establish priority rankings for waters on the lists, and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waters. The new Long-Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration, and Protection under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) Program details enhancements made to the CWA 303(d) Program informed by the experience gained over the past two decades assessing and reporting on water quality and in developing approximately 65,000 TMDLs. This New Program Vision enhances overall efficiency of the 303(d) program, and in particular, encourages focusing attention on priority waters and provides states flexibility in using available tools beyond TMDLs to attain water quality restoration and protection.

EPA has announced the release of chemical screening data accessible through the new interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability or iCSS Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides access to data from innovative screening technologies for chemicals that are found in industrial and consumer products, food additives and drugs.

The Energy Department has announced that the General Services Administration's (GSA) United States Court House in Wichita, Kansas is the winner of the 2013 Better Buildings Federal Award. The Better Buildings Federal Award challenges agencies to achieve the greatest reduction in annual energy intensity, or energy consumed per gross square foot. This year's winner cut its energy intensity by 20% and saved over $40,000 in utility costs in the 12 month competition period.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

EPA has issued guidance on the handling of PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts in schools. While directed at schools, it applies to any other building owner or operator as well.

EPA is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that are contributing to the use of chemicals and products that are safer for people's health and the environment. The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards are presented in five categories: academic, small business, greener synthetic pathways, greener reaction conditions and designing greener chemicals.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

DoD Manual 4715.03, INRMP Implementation Manual was published on 8 November 2013 and establishes implementing guidance to manage DoD's natural resources for mission and stewardship purposes.

On 5 December 2013 President Obama issued a new renewable energy goal of 20 percent by 2020. The memorandum further details priority actions, directions on accounting for renewable energy, and building performance and energy management.

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

EPA has published these draft guidelines for public review and comment. These guidelines are intended to provide a transparent, fair, and consistent approach to using non-governmental product environmental performance standards and ecolabels in Federal procurement.

Finalized in November 2013, this slide deck from EPA provides training for Federal procurement of computer desktops, notebooks, integrated systems, thin clients, workstations, displays, televisions, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, multifunction devices, digital duplicators and mailing machines that meet the requirements of the IEEE standards.

(WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2013) As part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan, the Obama Administration today announced an interagency National Drought Resilience Partnership to help communities better prepare for future droughts and reduce the impact of drought events on livelihoods and the economy. Responding to requests from communities, businesses, and farmers and ranchers, the National Drought Resilience Partnership will make it easier to access Federal drought resources, and will help link information such as monitoring, forecasts, outlooks, and early warnings with longer-term drought resilience strategies in critical sectors such as agriculture, municipal water systems, energy, recreation, tourism and manufacturing.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month") have been issued each year since 1994. This Web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, 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. See attached.

GSA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative ideas from commercial vendors that could help the federal government incorporate car sharing government-wide and reduce the federal fleet over time. Additionally, GSA will also launch a car sharing pilot program in Washington DC, Boston, New York City and Chicago to immediately explore best practices and test how the government can effectively integrate low-cost alternative transportation services.

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) has issued Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0000901 on the EERE Exchange titled "Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies." The AFFECT FOA will provide direct funding to U.S. Federal agencies for the development of combined heat and power or renewable energy capital projects at agency facilities. Letters of intent (LOI) are due by 10 December 2013, and full applications are due by 18 February 2014. A webinar will be held on 12 November 2013 to provide information and answer questions.

The U.S. EPA recognized two federal facilities with the ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award for their highly-efficient CHP systems, which increase the reliability of their electricity supply while reducing carbon pollution that causes climate change. The awards, which demonstrate how federal agencies are reducing carbon pollution in support of the President's Climate Action Plan. The winners were the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany, Albany, Ga and the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

GSA has issued a Request for Information online to gather input on innovative, transformational green building technologies in support of its Green Proving Ground program. The program is seeking information from industry, commercial organizations, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations on technologies that have the potential to improve economic and environmental performance in federal buildings.

(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.

In support of President Obama's Climate Action Plan and Executive Order on Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change announced today, the Implementation Plans provide detailed information about the actions EPA plans to take across the country to help communities adapt to a changing climate. All comments are due by 3 January 2014.

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.

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

GSA has issued its recommendation on the federal government's use of third party green building certification systems. GSA is required by law to issue a recommendation to the Department of Energy (DOE) on how the federal government can best use certification systems to measure the design and performance of the federal government's construction and major renovation projects. In its recommendation to DOE, GSA recommended the Green Building Initiative's Green Globes 2010 and the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2009 as the third party certification systems that the federal government can use to gauge performance in its construction and renovation projects. Other certification systems were not selected because they did not align with the government's requirements. Additionally, under today's recommendation, GSA will conduct more regular reviews in order to keep up with the latest green building tools that the market has to offer.

Fall 2013 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office. See attached.

U.S. Energy Information Administration has released its online analysis of 2012 energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. It indicates U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels were 5,290 million metric tons carbon dioxide in 2012, a decrease of almost 4 percent from the 2011 level.