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Mar. 17, 2011
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.
Mar. 17, 2011
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.
Mar. 16, 2011
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.
Mar. 16, 2011
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.
Mar. 16, 2011
(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.
Mar. 14, 2011
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.
Mar. 14, 2011
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.
Mar. 11, 2011
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.
Mar. 10, 2011
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.
Mar. 10, 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.
Mar. 10, 2011
Effective in September 2011, these products must be 40 percent more efficient than conventional models in order to qualify for the Energy Star label.
Mar. 7, 2011
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.
Mar. 3, 2011
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.
Mar. 2, 2011
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.
Mar. 2, 2011
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.
Mar. 2, 2011
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).
Mar. 1, 2011
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.
Mar. 1, 2011
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.
Feb. 16, 2011
(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.
Feb. 16, 2011
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.
Feb. 16, 2011
(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.
Feb. 3, 2011
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.
Feb. 3, 2011
(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.
Feb. 1, 2011
(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.
Jan. 31, 2011
(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.
Jan. 26, 2011
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.
Jan. 21, 2011
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.
Jan. 12, 2011
(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.
Jan. 11, 2011
(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.
Jan. 4, 2011
This month's newsletter highlights radon testing, staying green after the holidays, and CFL cleanup.
Jan. 3, 2011
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.
Jan. 3, 2011
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.
Jan. 3, 2011
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.
Dec. 29, 2010
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.
Dec. 27, 2010
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.
Dec. 27, 2010
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.
Dec. 27, 2010
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.
Dec. 27, 2010
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.
Dec. 22, 2010
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.
Dec. 20, 2010
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.
Dec. 20, 2010
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.
Dec. 16, 2010
First Thursday Seminars are FEMP training opportunities targeting Federal energy, environmental, and fleet professionals offered at no cost by leading experts.
Dec. 15, 2010
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)
Dec. 14, 2010
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.
Dec. 13, 2010
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.
Dec. 13, 2010
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.
Dec. 13, 2010
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

Dec. 13, 2010
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.
Dec. 6, 2010
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.
Dec. 3, 2010
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.
Nov. 18, 2010
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.
Nov. 17, 2010
(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".
Nov. 16, 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.
Nov. 16, 2010
(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.
Nov. 16, 2010
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.
Nov. 15, 2010
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America, regarding America Recycles Day (November 15, 2010.)
Nov. 12, 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.
Nov. 9, 2010
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.
Nov. 9, 2010
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.
Nov. 9, 2010
Issued by GSA on 30 September 2010, this is Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 10-06. This bulletin provides guidance to federal employees of agencies subject to the FTR to enhance travel cost savings and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Nov. 9, 2010
The EPA is releasing two software tools for risk assessment and consequence analysis: 1) The Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT), an upgraded all hazards risk assessment tool; and 2) The Water Health and Economic Analysis Tool (WHEAT), a newly developed consequence analysis tool. These tools will provide drinking water, wastewater, and combined utilities of all sizes with the capability to assess, plan for, and better respond to man-made threats and natural disasters.
Nov. 9, 2010
The Home Energy Score will offer homeowners straightforward, reliable information about their homes' energy efficiency. A report provides consumers with a home energy score between 1 and 10, and shows them how their home compares to others in their region. The report also includes customized, cost-effective recommendations that will help to reduce their energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes.
Nov. 3, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, providing consumers with information about estimated mileage and fuel costs for model year 2011 vehicles. Choosing the most fuel efficient vehicle in a class will save consumers money and reduce carbon pollution.
Nov. 3, 2010
DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) has released a survey tool for federal agencies to use to quantify scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from employee commuter activities. This tool is a part of a larger set of information and tools developed by FEMP to help federal agencies comply with the GHG reporting requirements outlined in Executive Order 13514. For more information about GHG inventory reporting and FEMP reporting resources, go to http://www.fedcenter.gov/ghginventoryreporting.
Nov. 3, 2010
The Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) of EPA is announcing the availability of a final document titled Policy Assessment for the Review of the Carbon Monoxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards (PA). The PA contains staff analyses of the scientific bases for alternative policy options for consideration by the Agency prior to rulemaking. POC for questions related to this document, please contact Dr. Deirdre Murphy, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (Mail code C504-06), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; e-mail: murphy.deirdre@epa.gov; telephone: 919-541-0729; fax: 919-541-0237(Federal Register: November 2, 2010 [Notices], Page 67361).
Oct. 28, 2010
Presentations given at EPA's "Common Environmental Violations at Federal Facilities: Ask the EPA Inspector" webinar held October 27, 2010 are now available at http://www.fedcenter.gov/asktheepainspector.
Oct. 28, 2010
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and the Environment Katherine Hammack has issued a new policy memorandum to improve high-performance green buildings standards for the Army. The memo, "Memorandum for Sustainable Design and Development Policy Update (Environmental and Energy Performance) (Revision)", includes requirements for the planning, programming, budgeting, design and building stages that will strengthen the Army's sustainability, energy security, and energy independence through more responsible consumption and planning.
Oct. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the first national standards to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. This comprehensive national program is projected to reduce GHG emissions by about 250 million metric tons and save 500 million barrels of oil over the lives of the vehicles produced within the program's first five years.
Oct. 20, 2010
EPA has signed a final decision document to address contamination near the "L Range" at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) on Cape Cod. The decision addresses both the groundwater contamination and its source.
Oct. 20, 2010
The U.S. DOE has joined the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor in signing a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the Economy, Energy and Environment (E3) Initiative. The goal of this effort is to assist manufacturers in becoming more efficient, competitive, and sustainable through public-private partnerships. E3 focuses on helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) advance efforts to use lean, clean, and energy-efficient practices to conserve energy, reduce environmental impacts, preserve jobs, and enhance overall competitiveness.
Oct. 19, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mexico's Ministry of Environment along with thirty-six other countries, the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank launched a new Global Methane Initiative that urges stronger international action to address near-term climate change.
Oct. 14, 2010
WASHINGTON - As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) RE-Powering America's Land initiative, the agency has developed a two-year draft management plan to advance the development of renewable energy on potentially contaminated land and mining sites. The draft plan describes activities EPA can take to build upon the progress that the initiative has achieved since its launch in September of 2008. EPA started the initiative to determine the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfields, and former landfill or mining sites.
Oct. 13, 2010
WASHINGTON (October 13, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today waived a limitation on selling fuel that is more than 10 percent ethanol for model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. The waiver applies to fuel that contains up to 15 percent ethanol – known as E15 – and only to model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. This represents the first of a number of actions that are needed from federal, state and industry towards commercialization of E15 gasoline blends. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) extensive testing and other available data on E15's impact on engine durability and emissions.
Oct. 8, 2010
(October 7, 2010) U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today the release of a report from the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which comprehensively analyzes the key factors impacting the deployment of offshore wind power in the United States. The report, "Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers," includes a detailed assessment of the nation's offshore wind resources and offshore wind industry, including future job growth potential. The report also analyzes the technology challenges, economics, permitting procedures, and the potential risks and benefits of offshore wind power deployment in U.S. waters.
Oct. 8, 2010
This plan was submitted on September 30, 2010 to the Congress and to the Office of Management and Budget. The Plan identifies the measurable environmental and human health outcomes the public can expect over the next five years and describes how EPA intends to achieve those results.
Oct. 8, 2010
The 2010 summer edition of the US Army Environmental Center's Environmental Update, a quarterly publication of Army environmental news, is now available at http://aec.army.mil/usaec/newsroom/update/sum10/sum10.html.
Oct. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced eight Federal winners of the 2010 GreenGov Presidential Awards for exceptional efforts to promote sustainable operations at their agencies. The winners are Federal agency teams or employees from across the country.
Oct. 6, 2010
WASHINGTON – The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today released Guidance on Federal Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting that establishes Governmentwide requirements for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with Federal agency operations. The Guidance serves as the Federal Government's official Greenhouse Gas Protocol and will be used by Federal agencies to develop their first GHG inventories. Federal agencies will submit GHG inventories annually beginning in January of 2011, as called for in the Executive Order on ederal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance (Executive Order 13514) signed by President Obama on October 5, 2009. The press release can be found here. The guidance can be found here.
Oct. 6, 2010
The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) has released the consolidated Annual GHG and Sustainability Data Report, Version 1.0, coincident with the White House Council on Environmental Quality's release of the Federal Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting Guidance and Technical Support Document. This Excel workbook provides electronic reporting capability for the Federal agency compiled comprehensive GHG inventory for fiscal year 2010 and the base-year 2003 GHG inventory for the purpose of measuring progress toward the goals established under Executive Order 13514. The file can be downloaded from FedCenter at http://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/greenhouse/inventoryreporting/fempceqresources/. Other resources are also available at this site for assisting agencies in compiling their GHG inventories.
Oct. 4, 2010
WASHINGTON (October 4, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy with the goal of increasing the sustainability of water and wastewater infrastructure in the United States. Communities across the country are facing challenges in making costly upgrades and repairs to their aging water infrastructure, which include sewer systems and treatment facilities. Making this infrastructure last longer while increasing its cost-effectiveness is essential to protecting human health and the environment, and maintaining safe drinking water and clean water bodies. The new policy is part of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priority to protect America's waters.
Oct. 4, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a revised edition of the U.S. EPA NPDES Permit Writers' Manual, which provides a comprehensive overview of the basic framework of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and serves as a principal training tool for new state and EPA permit writers. First released in 1996, the revised NPDES Permit Writers' Manual has been thoroughly reviewed and updated to reflect current policy and guidance, address changes to the NPDES program, and include discussions of new EPA program areas, such as the Stormwater Phase II Rule, concentrated animal feeding operations, cooling water intake structures [i.e., Clean Water Act Section 316(b)], pesticide applications, and vessel discharges.
Sep. 28, 2010
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and The George Washington University (GW) have announced that U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and biomimicry expert and author Janine Benyus will deliver opening day keynote addresses at the 2010 Green Gov Symposium on October 5, 2010. CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley and GW President Steven Knapp also will deliver remarks at the event.
Sep. 22, 2010
This document is prepared by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Power Program to outline the actions that it will pursue to support the development of a world-class offshore wind industry in the United States. This document amplifies and draws conclusions from a companion report, Large-Scale Offshore Wind Energy for the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers (NREL 2010). Please send comment no later than 29 October 2010 to offshorewindcomments@go.doe.gov.
Sep. 20, 2010
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pollution Prevention Act, September 20 - 26, 2010 has been declared National Pollution Prevention Week.
Sep. 14, 2010
The Clean Air Act has resulted in significant health benefits, improved air quality, cleaner cars and trucks, reduction of industrial toxic air pollution, and a reduction in skin cancer in its 40-year history.
Sep. 13, 2010
At the request of the federal community, FedCenter has added a new topic to its program area lineup - Cultural Resources. The Cultural Resources Program Area addresses the background and available tools and resources for the management of cultural and historic resources. This includes: preservation of historic properties, archaeological sites, gravesites, repatriation of Native American objects, and curation of collections.
Sep. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC (September 9, 2010) – Continuing a commitment to lead by example, the White House today announced the release of Federal Agency Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans, which work to achieve the environmental, economic and energy goals called for in the Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance (Executive Order 13514) signed by President Obama on October 5, 2009. This announcement marks the first time agencies have developed and submitted Sustainability Plans, now available at www.whitehouse.gov/ceq. The full announcement is available here.
Sep. 8, 2010
This tool (TTX Tool) introduces users to the potential impacts of climate change on the water sector within the context of an all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness and response. The 15 scenarios in the tool include natural hazards, man-made incidents, and potential climate change impacts. Five climate change-related scenarios provide an opportunity for utilities to consider and implement long-term planning measures in order to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change.
Sep. 7, 2010
DOE will be hosting a series of Webinars that will support projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act under the State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The Webinar series will address key issues and challenges that state, local, and tribal energy practitioners may face when implementing their projects.
Aug. 30, 2010
The Biomass Program's Webinar series will cover many of the program's activities and feature "Hot Topics" discussions relevant to the development of renewable fuels, power, and products from biomass resources.
Aug. 30, 2010
DOE's redesigned Energy Empowers Blog focuses on many of the projects sponsored by DOE and supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The blog tells the stories of people and businesses who are transforming the clean energy economy.
Aug. 30, 2010
DOE has announced that the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) will serve as the National Administrator for the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN) to help ensure the development of a robust national solar training infrastructure which can meet the employment needs of a rapidly growing domestic solar industry.
Aug. 24, 2010
EPA is launching a web-based discussion forum to gather public input on how the agency can improve protection of drinking water. EPA seeks input from water professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in drinking water quality issues about best solutions for issues facing our nation's drinking water-planning, developing scientific tools, controlling water pollution and use of resources. The discussion forum will feature a series of topics based on the four segments of the drinking water strategy: addressing contaminants as groups rather than one at a time, fostering development of new technologies, using the existing authority of several statues to protect drinking water, and partnering with states to share more complete data. The forum will be open for discussion for about a month http://blog.epa.gov/dwstrat/.
Aug. 24, 2010
The proposal will ensure for the first time that protective controls, such as liners and ground water monitoring, are in place at new landfills to protect groundwater and human health. Existing surface impoundments will also require liners, with strong incentives to close these impoundments and transition to safer landfills which store coal ash in dry form. The proposed regulations will ensure stronger oversight of the structural integrity of impoundments and promote environmentally safe and desirable forms of recycling coal ash, known as beneficial uses. Hearings are scheduled starting 30 August 2010.
Aug. 18, 2010
EPA is announcing a 45-day public comment period for the draft document "Nanomaterial Case Study: Nanoscale Silver in isinfectant Spray" (EPA/600/R-10/081). The document is being issued by the National Center for Environmental Assessment within EPA's Office of Research and Development. The draft is intended to serve as part of a process to help identify and prioritize scientific and technical information that could be used in conducting comprehensive environmental assessments of selected nanomaterials. The 45-day public comment period begins August 13, 2010, and ends September 27, 2010. POC is Office of Environmental Information Docket; telephone: 202-566-1752; facsimile: 202-566-1753; or e-mail: ORD.Docket@epa.gov (Federal Register: August 13, 2010 [Notices], Page 49487-49489).
Aug. 12, 2010
Scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have collaborated in developing innovative water quality software that enhances a water system's ability to detect when there has been intentional or unintentional contamination. The Canary software can help detect a wide variety of chemical and biological contaminants, including pesticides, metals, and pathogens. Once contamination is detected quickly, a water utility can issue a "Do Not Drink" order to prevent customers from ingesting the water.
Aug. 5, 2010
This report, authored primarily by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, provides a comprehensive overview of trends in the rapidly-evolving U.S. wind power market.
Aug. 5, 2010
On June 29, 2010 the U.S. EPA, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commemorated the issuance of a "ready for reuse" determination for the former Exell Helium Plant (Exell) in Masterson, Texas. The determination is the first to be issued to a U.S. Department of the Interior facility nationally.
Aug. 5, 2010
This is EPA's monthly newsletter whose mission is to provide "what you can do" information about activities and events that we can use in our homes, communities, and offices.
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