U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 7)Communities Information Digest

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If so, please email Monica Espinosa, espinosa.monica@epa.gov or R7_POIS_Communities_Mailbox@epa.gov Thank you!May 7, 2014

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Note: New items are in *asterisks*.

        

News

*EPA Announces $9 Million Funding Opportunity for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance ProgramEPA recently announced a $9 million funding opportunity for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Proposal submission deadline is Tuesday June 17th, either: Electronically via www.grants.gov by 4:00 p.m. EDT, or Hard copy to appropriate EPA contact must be received by 4:00 p.m. local time as described in Section IV of the RFP. EPA anticipates that evaluations and selections will be completed during September 2014, at which time applicants will be notified of their status. This year the National Clean Diesel Campaign will issue a stand-alone Tribal Request for Proposals (RFP) for a total of up to $1 million. The 2014 DERA Tribal Competition RFP is tentatively scheduled to open around May 12, 2014. For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/prgnational.htm

*Up to $12.3 Million in Grants and $57.8 Million in Loan Guarantees Available In Rural Energy for America ProgramAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers for funding to make energy efficiency improvements or to install renewable energy systems. The

funding is being provided through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Investments from programs like REAP help support the true engine of America's economic growth – a thriving middle class. REAP funding has helped farmers expand renewable energy use in recent years. More than 57,000 farms reported using a renewable energy system in 2012, while 23,451 operations reported doing so in 2007. Solar panels accounted for 63% of renewable energy systems on farms, with 36,331 farms reporting their use. Information on how to apply for REAP funding and on the application deadlines (which vary by project type) is available on page 25564 of the May 5, 2014 Federal Register at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-05/pdf/2014-10054.pdf or http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/b5c2c2

*EPA Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse Program – $700,000The Environmental Protection Agency is making available funds to support development and ongoing maintenance of a web-based national information clearinghouse focused on smart growth. This clearinghouse will be designed to support communities by providing timely information that supports local decision-making that delivers better environmental and public health outcomes, such as lower air emissions, cleaner water, and better protection of open space and critical natural areas. Application Due: May 12, 2014 Eligible Entities: State and local governments, territories and possessions, foreign governments, international organizations, federally recognized tribes, interstate organizations, intrastate organizations, and possessions of the United States, including the District of Columbia; public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutionsFor more information visit the funding opportunity description at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=253032

*USDA Announces Funding to Spur Local and Regional Economic Growth in America's Rural CommunitiesThe announcement includes $30.6 million in zero-interest loans and $9.2 million in grants to establish revolving loan funds that finance business and economic development activities in rural areas. Applications for these funds will be accepted through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Program. Rural utilities that are eligible for USDA financing under the Rural Electrification Act and have the capacity to serve as intermediary lenders may apply to USDA Rural Development to administer the funds locally for the benefit of specifically identified projects. These intermediaries re-lend REDLG funds at zero percent to assist with business startup and expansion, business technical assistance and job training, and community facilities projects that support economic development. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through USDA Rural Development State Offices and are evaluated for funding consideration monthly. Link: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html

*Nine More Colleges or Universities in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri Become New Members of EPA’s Food Recovery ChallengeEPA Region 7 recently announced nine new collegiate members of EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge (FRC), a national initiative aimed at encouraging businesses, organizations and institutions to actively participate in food waste prevention, surplus food donation and food waste recycling activities. The nine new members from Region 7 include Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo.; Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo.; Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan.; St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.; Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo.; University of Iowa-Iowa City; and Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. “Food today makes up 21 percent of Americans’ trash, so by participating in the FRC these colleges and universities gain access to tools and assistance they will use to cut food waste, save money, help communities and protect the environment,” said Karl Brooks,

EPA Region 7 Administrator. The Food Recovery Challenge encourages organizations to find better alternatives to throwing food away. It helps organizations learn to practice leaner purchasing and divert surplus food away from landfills to hunger-relief organizations and onto the tables of those in need in the community. It also diverts food scraps to composting or animal feed. FRC members will help recycle food waste and keep it out of landfills. Landfills are one of the largest contributors of methane gas, which affects climate change, including warmer temperatures, stronger storms and more droughts. More information on the Food Recovery Challenge can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/

*Draft Second Round Promise Zone Application Materials Posted for Public CommentIn his 2013 State of the Union Address, President Obama laid out an initiative to designate a number of high-poverty urban, rural and tribal communities as Promise Zones, where the federal government will partner with and invest in communities to create jobs, leverage private investment, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities, and improve public safety. A second round of Promise Zone designations is planned to open for solicitation in 2014. A minimum of five and up to fifteen designations will be made in this round. By the end of 2016, 20 Promise Zone designations are expected. On April 17, 2014, the Department of Housing and Urban Development published a Notice in the Federal Register requesting public comment on the proposed selection process and criteria for the second round of the Promise Zone initiative. The public comment period closes on Monday, June 16, 2014. You can provide written comments on the proposed selection process and criteria by going to: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-04-17/pdf/2014-08772.pdf All written comments will be reviewed as the Second Round Application is finalized so that the initiative can support other communities more effectively in future years. The Promise Zones resource page provides application material, FAQs, and other guidance on Promise Zones: https://www.onecpd.info/promise-zones/

*DOE Commercial Building Technology Demonstrations Grant – $10 millionThe Department of Energy is making available grants to enhance and accelerate the deployment and adoption of a broad range of competitively solicited high-impact energy saving technologies as well as new technology integration approaches. Technologies selected under this funding opportunity will be ready for market adoption but may be underutilized due to market barriers, including perception of risk, gaps in information, and data on performance as well as cost. Application Due: May 19, 2014 Eligible Entities: For-profit entities, educational institutions, nonprofits, state and local governments, federally recognized tribes.For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.

*New Programs Authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill Help Restore Wetlands, Support Outdoor Recreation Activities, Boost the EconomyAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that applications are now being accepted for new, landmark conservation initiatives created by the 2014 Farm Bill. The programs will provide up to $386 million to help farmers restore wetlands, protect working agriculture lands, support outdoor recreation activities and boost the economy. The new programs announced are the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP) and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). Applications for ACEP funding consideration in fiscal year 2014 must be submitted by the individual state deadline or June 6, 2014, whichever is earlier. Applications and state deadline information can be obtained at your local USDA Service Center or at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Applications for VPA-HIP are due by June 16 and

should be completed at Grants.gov. For more information, view the notice on Grants.gov or the program's website. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the two components of ACEP, one for agricultural land easements and one for wetland reserve easements. Both programs have application deadlines in early June for fiscal year 2014 funding. More information can be obtained at your local USDA Service Center or at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

    Funding Opportunities

*May 12: EPA Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse Program – $700,000*May 19: DOE Commercial Building Technology Demonstrations Grant*June 11: *DOE $10 Million to Advance Zero-Emission Cargo Transport Vehicles*June 16: USDA Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) *June 17: EPA National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program *June 30: DOE State Energy Program 2014 Competitive Awards *July 7: USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)*USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) – Contact Rural Development State Office for Due Dates *USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) – Contact Local USDA Service Center

Meetings, Conferences, & Events

*May 7-9: 3rd Annual National Zero Waste Business Conference – Atlanta, Georgia - "Creating Value Through Zero Waste"  May 7-9: National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Environmental Conditions in Communities, -Arlington, Virginia http://www2.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/2014-national-training-conference*May 12-16: Infrastructure Week 2014 – Washington, DC May 14-16: Housing Opportunity 2014: Healthy Housing, Healthy Places – Denver, COMay 18 -20: 2014 National Main Streets Conference – Detroit, MichiganMay 19-21: Local Solutions: Northeast Climate Change Preparedness – Manchester, New HampshireMay 19-22: 2014 SunShot Grand Challenge Summit – Anaheim, California*May 23: Power of Place Summit – Providence, RI *May 29-30: Second annual Emerald Coast Transportation Symposium – Pensacola Beach, FLJune 4-7: 22nd Annual Congress for New Urbanism – Buffalo, New York*June 5-6: Climate Change Resilience and Governance Summit @ AAAS in Washington DC

*June 5-7: Historic Preservation in America's Legacy Cities: An Interdisciplinary Convening— Cleveland, OHJune 15-16: Smart Growth America’s 2014 Local Leaders Policy Forum – Washington D.CJune 17-18: 2014 LOCUS Leadership Summit, – Washington D.C.*Sep. 17-18: Kansas Built Environment and the Outdoors Summit – Wichita, KS*Sep. 30-Oct. 2: Meeting of the Minds 2014— Detroit, MISep. 30-Oct. 2: America's Watershed Initiative Summit – Louisville, KentuckyOctober 7 & 8: 7th Annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference – Dubuque, Iowa*November 4-6: Balancing Nature and Commerce in Rural Communities and Landscapes – Kansas

Webinars & Conference Calls

*May 7: Federal Utility Partnership Working Group Seminar, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. EDT The webinar will foster communication between federal agencies, specific sites, and utilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency and water conservation projects. To register and attend the webinar go to: https://www.fempcentral.com/beta/(S(hycokhrxzzr4aq55uqls3l45))/Training/EventRegistration/WorkshopRegistration.aspx

May 14: The National Park Service Presents Approaches for Effective Climate Change Communication, 4-5 p.m.Join us for a webinar exploring the importance of effective communication strategies as a key component of climate change response. The presentation will highlight examples and techniques that National Park Service interpreters are using to engage our audiences on this topic and that K-12 teachers can use as well. The webinar will summarize research highlighting visitor’s beliefs and perspectives about climate change, share some examples of successful interpretive products, and explore ways to empower staff and visitors to be part of the solution. Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/147946561

*May 15: Tutorial on EPA’s Smart Location Database from 2:00-3:30 EST  The Smart Location Database is an online mapping tool and free nationwide geospatial data resource for measuring location efficiency* and the built environment. Join EPA's Ted Cochin on Thursday, May 15, from 2:00-3:30 EST for a tutorial on how to use the database, which includes more than 90 attributes that summarize characteristics such as housing density, diversity of land use, and neighborhood design. The Smart Location Database can be used for: Assessing and comparing neighborhood conditions Developing new indicators of workplace location efficiency Regional land use scenario studies Nationwide modeling studies on the relationships between built environment and daily travel

The database was recently updated to include Access to Jobs and Workers Via Transit, a free geospatial data resource and web mapping tool for comparing the accessibility of neighborhoods via public transit service. To get the most out of this webinar, we advise that you review the Smart Location Database before the session begins at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smartlocationdatabase.htm#SLD

May 21: Center for Resource Solutions Webinar - Introduction to Renewable Energy Certificate Tracking Systems; 10-11:00 a.m. PST Renewable energy markets in the United States increasingly rely upon tracking systems—regional electronic databases that allow stakeholders to manage their portfolio of renewable energy certificates (RECs) that confer environmental benefits and act as proof of generation. Unsung and largely unknown outside the industry, REC tracking systems in the United States are crucial to our functioning marketplace. Join us for an overview of how tracking systems work, what's in a REC, and an inside look at M-RETS.Speakers will include: Amy Fredregill, Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) Rachael Terada, CRS Senior Project Manager Register for this webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/27548795173992576024

May 21: Live Webcast on the 2014 Farm Bill's Renewable Energy for America ProgramThe Energy Department will present a live webinar titled “The 2014 Farm Bill's Renewable Energy for America Program” on Wednesday, May 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loan guarantees to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses and rural electric cooperatives to install energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. During the webinar, Andy Olsen, a Senior Policy Advocate for the Environmental Law and Policy Center, will describe the funding allocated to REAP in 2014, eligible recipients and technologies, application deadlines, and how to submit a complete application. In addition, Charles Newcomb, Director of Technology for Endurance Wind Power, will provide an industry perspective on the Farm Bill. Link: http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/filter_detail.asp?itemid=4154

*May 22, 12-1:30 p.m. EST: Will the New WOTUS Rule Float? (an ELI Professional Practice Seminar)The Clean Water Act (CWA) defines jurisdiction in terms of “navigable waters,” which it in turn defines as “the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” From this beginning, the definition of “waters of the United States” has followed a winding path through the Supreme Court’s decisions in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 531 U.S. 159 (2001) and Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006). There is a $119 registration fee ($69 for all ELI members and government/public interest group employees) for this course. Link: http://www.eli.org/events/will-new-wotus-rule-float-eli-professional-practice-seminar

June 4-5: Register Today for the Intro Food Systems Finance WebCourse, Early Bird Rates Expire May 9, 2014Join the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) for the two-day Intro Food Systems Finance WebCourse on June 4-5, 2014. The Intro Food Systems Finance WebCourse examines the development

finance programs that sustain a local food system and how investments in that system can drive economic development on a broader scale. This course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Start down the road to personal and professional advancement today. This course will explore how bonds, tax credits, loan programs, foundation grants, and other financing tools can be used to support a local food system and encourage follow-on investment, small business development, and sustainable growth. In particular, this course will address the financing challenges associated with growing, processing, distributing, marketing, and selling food. Link: http://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/0/FEDFF21EDCBBCBAF88257C63005164F3

*Environmental Law Institute Summer School Series 2014 Focusing on Chemical Spills, June 5-July 31Each summer, ELI convenes a complimentary seminar series that offers an introduction to the legal and policy foundations of environmental protection in the United States. ELI's Summer School is a series of brown-bag lunch seminars taught by experts in their fields, introducing the audience to the major environmental statutes (including NEPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, TSCA, RCRA, and CERCLA) and land use law. Faculty will also incorporate major regulatory and judicial updates to the laws starting June 5-July 31. This year the faculty will explore how environmental statutes apply (or fail to apply) in a recent case example: the chemical spill in West Virginia's Elk River. To view all classes and specific date and time, or to register go to: http://www.eli.org/events/eli-summer-school-series-2014

Green Schools*National Healthy Schools Day We hope you celebrated 12th annual National Healthy Schools Day on Tuesday, April 8th during National Public Health Week!  Since 2003 parents, teachers, school nurses, custodians, advocates, and agencies have promoted National Healthy Schools Day activities and events nationwide.  There were many ways to get involved in Healthy Schools Day, everything from distributing Indoor Air Quality information to hosting a green cleaning workshop at your local school.  This grassroots day of awareness encourages everyone to get involved to make sure our nation's schools are healthy and productive environments for children.  Visit www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org and click the Activities Map button to see all the wonderful projects. 

*U.S. Department of Education’s Green Strides for Schools Support the Environment, Public Health and Facilities The U.S. Education Department (ED) is working to make all schools healthier, safer and more sustainable with initiatives in the areas of facilities, health and environment. Several key programs in these areas are: U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Green Strides Webinar Series

Green Strides Resources For more information go to: http://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/green-strides/index.html

*USDA Awards Grants for New School Food Service Equipment to Help Schools Dish Up Healthy MealsAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $25 million in grants to help schools purchase needed kitchen equipment as they continue to provide school lunches and breakfasts that give children the nutrition they need to learn and grow. Over 90 percent of schools report that they are successfully meeting the updated nutrition standards, serving meals with more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy, and less sodium and fat. These new grants provide additional support to schools to help them prepare meals that meet those standards. Link: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/b21254

*EPA Awards More than $500,000 to Schools to Help Reduce Children’s Exposure to PesticidesThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three grants to facilitate integrated pest management practices in schools. This funding will help reduce student’s exposure to pests and pesticides in the nation’s schools, while saving money, energy and pesticide treatment costs. For more information go to: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/ebef2aed5d69e01585257c99006af60d!OpenDocument

*May 15, 2014 -  ATTENTION STUDENTS AGES 13-22: APPLY TO BROWER YOUTH AWARD FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $3,000 The New Leaders Initiative at Earth Island Institute is on the lookout for amazing change makers between the ages of 13-22 with bright ideas about how to care for our planet and its inhabitants.  To apply for the Brower Youth Award for Environmental Leadership go to https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/broweryouthawards

*May 16, 2014 - Get Ready for EPA's 2014 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Team Challenge! - You asked. We listened! EPA’s popular Battle of the Buildings is returning for another round in 2014. As always, buildings across the nation will compete in a head-to-head battle to see which building can save the most energy and water. What’s the twist?  This year, EPA’s ENERGY STAR National Building Competition is also pitting teams of buildings against each other! You and your teammates will save money on your utility bills and get ready-to-use materials from EPA to promote your wins. And your energy-saving efforts reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. Why teams this year? Because teaming up is a great way to motivate, collaborate, and learn new strategies that can lead to bigger savings for everyone! Example Team: All schools in a school district – To learn more go to: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/how-can-we-help-you/communicate/energy-star-communications-toolkit/motivate-competition-0

*Free Milkweeds for Schools and Non-Profits - Bring Back the Monarchs - Monarchs and pollinators need help due to habitat loss. If your school or non-profit organization is interested in this conservation measure, Monarch Watch, a nonprofit educational outreach program based at the University of Kansas, can help you create a habitat for monarchs and pollinators.  If your organization qualifies, Monarch Watch will provide a free flat of 32 milkweed plugs as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has provided funds for this project.  For more information or to apply, visit http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-

milkweeds

*EPA Recognizes Seven University Teams for Environmental SolutionsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced seven winning student teams of EPA’s People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) phase II awards for innovative and sustainable designs to help solve today’s complex environmental problems at the 10th annual National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C. Each award-winning team is recommended for a grant of up to $90,000 to further develop their design, apply it to real world situations, and bring it to the marketplace. Previous P3 award winners have started successful businesses and are marketing their technologies in the U.S. and around the world. Winners of this year’s awards are:

Cornell University, New York, for designing a low-cost monitor for measuring water quality. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, for designing an innovative air conditioning system that runs on solar power. Iowa State University for designing a new kind of fabric made with fibers from bacteria and yeast grown in tea and polymers of

corn and soy. Purdue University, Indiana, for researching how to improve indoor air quality by using plants grown in the air filter of a home

HVAC system. SUNY Stony Brook, New York, for designing and building Poseidon, an ocean energy harvester that converts wave motion into

electrical energy. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for exploring ways to use green oak or “heart centers,” the low-quality part of hardwood logs

in U.S. building construction. University of Wisconsin, Madison, for implementing a campus recycling program for expanded polystyrene packaging thereby

diverting almost 2000 boxes and other polystyrene material from landfills in 6 months of operation.More information on the P3 Program and this year’s projects: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/p3/ More information on USA SEF: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/

*EPA Honors Winners of 2013 Campus RainWorks Challenge / University of Florida and Kansas State University Lead in Innovative Design of Green Infrastructure on CampusThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the four winners of its second annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a design challenge created to engage college and university students in reinventing our water infrastructure and developing innovative green infrastructure systems to reduce stormwater pollution and build resilience to climate change. Stormwater is one of the most widespread challenges to water quality in the nation. Large volumes of stormwater pollute our nation’s streams, rivers and lakes, posing a threat to human health and the environment and contributing to downstream flooding. For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/campusrainworks

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) Expands Topics in School Environmental Health (TSEH) Resources to Include IPM in SchoolsEELI expanded their Topics in School Environmental Health (TSEH) resource to now include information on IPM in schools. TSEH summarizes state laws on key school indoor environmental quality issues, providing a snapshot of current state policy in these areas. To see the materials on IPM in schools or other topics covered, visit www.eli.org/buildings/tseh.cfm.

ELI Updates Database of State Indoor Air Quality LawsELI recently posted the annual update of their Database of State Indoor Air Quality Laws to reflect state laws that were adopted or changed in 2013. The Database includes laws that address a variety of pollutants, practices, and building types. To view the complete database or to see excerpts covering mold, radon, or IAQ in schools, visit

www.eli.org/buildings/database-state-indoor-air-quality-laws

Other Community-Related Information/Events

*EPA, Energy Department Honor 2014 Energy Star Partners of the YearThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Energy Department recently announced that they are honoring 127 organizations for their commitment to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. Recipients of the 2014 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award include the Des Moines Public School District; KB Home; Meritage Homes Corporation; PepsiCo., Inc.; Sears Holdings Corporation; and Samsung. The winners were selected from 16,000 Energy Star partners—including manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies, and home builders—for their dedication to protecting the environment through greater energy efficiency. Products, homes, and buildings that earn the Energy Star label prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements set by the EPA. See the EPA news release and the complete list of winners.

*Policy Link April 24th Newsletter: Re-entering and Revitalizing New York's EconomyOther topics include: Union Strong: Interview with SEIU's Gerry Hudson and Laphonza Butler For Your Toolbox: The Economic Case for Equity Water, Water, Everywhere – Investing Billions in Sorely Needed Water System Upgrades Policies for Developing Without Displacement For more information go to: http://www.policylink.org/site/c.lkIXLbMNJrE/b.9085225/k.E712/Americas_Tomorrow_Reentering_and_Revitalizing_New_Yorks_Economy.htm?msource=ESGM20140423

*EPA's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative Releases Draft Action Plan for Public InputEPA's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative is pleased to release a draft action plan for public input.  The plan articulates the goals and objectives of the Initiative and details specific activities over the next two years to support the development of renewable energy projects on contaminated lands. These activities are intended to be practical and relevant to public and private efforts to site and develop less polluting forms of energy and to do so on lands that have been historically contaminated, previously disturbed or that may have limited other uses. The Agency is interested to hear from its stakeholders whether the identified actions will, from their perspective, impact the consideration and pace of renewable energy on contaminated lands and what actions might be missing, what actions might be overemphasized and how such actions might complement other on-going activities. The Agency posted this draft action plan on RE-Powering America's Land website (Action Plan 2.0) and is asking for comments to be submitted via email by May 30, 2014. For additional information, please see the program's website, http://www.epa.gov/oswercpa/action_plan.htm

or contact Adam Klinger at klinger.adam@epa.gov.

*USDA May 2nd Week Highlights Cleaner water results in more fish Feeding livestock more efficiently An expanded final 2012 ag census is released And more!Watch the video at www.usda.gov/thisweek

*EPA's Climate Adaptation Checklist is now Final and OnlineOur climate is changing and we need to adapt to make sure brownfield cleanups are still protective of human health and the environment now and into the future. To ensure that brownfield cleanups remain effective as the climate changes EPA has added a new term and condition to its cooperative agreements, starting with the FY13 Cleanup and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants, that requires recipients to "evaluate the resilience of the remedial options in light of reasonably foreseeable changing climate conditions (e.g., sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of flooding and/or extreme weather events, etc.)." EPA has created an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) checklist to help these Cleanup and RLF grant recipients meet this new term and condition. This checklist, How to Address Changing Climate Concerns in an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), is now final and available online through EPA's brownfields website at http://epa.gov/brownfields/sustain.htm.

*EPA and Climate Justice Blog by Charles LeeRead a fascinating blog post on climate justice by Charles Lee, Deputy Associate Assistant Administrator for Environmental Justice at EPA. Here's an excerpt: "Climate change is impacting our lives today, including record high temperatures, reduced air quality, extreme weather, severe droughts and sea-level rise, just to name a few examples. While we all share this burden, these impacts greatly exacerbate the many environmental and public health challenges in minority, indigenous and low-income communities.... At the same time, these communities receive less support and experience greater obstacles when trying to influence decisions about mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. Their voices, concerns and ideas can easily be discounted. We must develop processes that make them active participants in developing solutions."Read the blog here at: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/04/climate-justice/Find additional resources on smart growth and climate change go to http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/climatechange.htm, or smart growth and equitable development at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/equitabledev.htm

*Resources for Tribes about Climate ChangeEPA’s climate website, has an up-to-date a calendar of training events, conferences, webinars, including opportunities geared towards American Indian Tribes. (http://water.epa.gov/scitech/climatechange/Calendar-of-Events.cfm).The White House recently sponsored a webinar geared towards Tribes and Climate Change (http://www.energy.gov/indianenergy/resources/education-and-training/climate-change-task-force-webinar-series), and one or two more webinars are coming up in this series for Tribes.Tribes can also sign up for the “Tribes and Climate Change” monthly newsletter put out by Northern Arizona University (http://www4.nau.edu/itep/climatechange/tcc_newsletters.asp). It is excellent and very comprehensive. They can email the following person to sign up: Sue Wotkyns, Program Manager; Tel: 928-523-1488; Email: Susan.Wotkyns@nau.edu.

*Notification of Public Comment Period for EPA's Policy on Environmental Justice for Tribes and Indigenous PeoplesThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is creating a policy to work collaboratively with tribes and indigenous peoples to address their environmental justice issues. The Agency is making available the Revised Draft of the EPA Policy on Environmental Justice for Working with Federally Recognized Tribes and Indigenous Peoples for public input, during the May 5 - June 5, 2014 public comment period. The EPA is seeking input on the Revised Draft of the Policy and recommendations on the implementation of the Policy. A public outreach conference call on the Policy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 12:30 - 2:00 ET. The conference call number is 1-866-299-3188, access code 202-564-2576. The Revised Draft of the Policy, the Notification of Public Comment Period, and additional information on the Policy can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/indigenous/index.html. Comments on the Policy can be sent electronically to indigenous-ej-policy@epa.gov. For more information, contact Daniel Gogal, gogal.danny@epa.gov, 202-564-2576.

*Energy Department Recognizes Landlords, Tenants Working Together to Save Energy in Commercial BuildingsThe Energy Department today honored 14 organizations, naming them as 2014 Green Lease Leaders for their commitment to reducing energy waste and increasing efficiency in commercial buildings. These companies have demonstrated their commitment to energy efficiency, incorporating lease clauses that reinforce energy-efficiency choices, facilitating access to the energy bill data necessary for building benchmarking and encouraging cooperation on environmental initiatives.Link: http://energy.gov/eere/articles/energy-department-recognizes-landlords-tenants-working-together-save-energy-commercial

*National $5 Million Prize Offered for Community Energy EfficiencyGeorgetown University on April 23 announced its new $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize, and it already has 51 U.S. communities—from Alaska to Utah—signed up to compete in the Energy Department-supported event. This opens the prize’s application phase for some 9,000 eligible communities with populations between 5,000 and 250,000. The prize creates an incentive for municipalities and households to employ energy efficiency to reduce energy consumption over a two-year period. Communities will work in partnership with their local governments, residents, and utilities. A committee of judges will evaluate competitors on a specific set of weighted objectives such as innovation, best practices, public education, and collaboration with schools. The application phase will be followed by quarterfinals and semifinals, and will conclude in 2017 when a $5 million prize purse will be awarded to one winner to implement its energy efficiency programs. Eligible communities have until June 30, 2014, to submit their applications. See the Georgetown University press release or visit: http://www.guep.org/

*Walkable Places, Accessible Transit Critical for MillenialsFour out of five Millennials say they want to live in places where they have a variety of transit options, according to a survey by The Rockefeller Foundation and Transportation for America. In addition, almost two-thirds of Millennials surveyed indicated that access to high quality transportation is one of the top three criteria in deciding where to live. Link: http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/newsroom/access-public-transportation-top

*Solar Farms Transforming Superfund SitesA 43-acre solar farm is generating power on the site of a former coal-tar refinery plant in Indiana, making it the nation's largest solar farm built on a Superfund site. The solar farm was created as part of the EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Program, which has helped install 85 renewable energy projects on Superfund sites, landfills, and old mining sites in the

nation. Link: http://cleantechnica.com/2014/04/10/blight-bright-superfund-site-gets-first-ever-utility-scale-solar-farm/

*EPA’s Environmental Justice (EJ) in Action Blog: The Importance of Chemical SafetyCheck out our latest blog post, Chemical Spill in West Virginia Offers Opportunity to Learn About and Improve Chemical Safety in America, by Maya Nye of People Concerned about Chemical Safety. Ms. Nye writes about a recent chemical leak that occurred in January 2014 and resulted in a ban on water use across nine counties. However, this incident could lead to improvements in chemical safety at the national level. "The public has a right to know what dangers exist in their communities in order to make informed decisions about their individual health and the health of their families." Also, check out our 20th anniversary page and video series, which features federal and local government officials, non-profit leaders and students who share stories about their lessons learned over time working on environmental and climate justice. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/04/another-chemical-spill/

*EPA’s EJ in Action Blog: Experiencing EJ Challenges FirsthandCheck out our latest blog post, Deep Impact, by Gelena Constantine of EPA Office of Research and Development. Ms. Constantine recounts her visits to a community facing issues with a composting facility. "I thought that a compost center would be a positive addition to the industrial park it was located in and the local neighborhoods, but it turned out to be much more complex than that." She goes on to say that truly understanding the challenges in communities requires experiencing them "firsthand." Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/04/deep-impact/

*EPA’s EJ in Action Blog: Looking Back and Moving ForwardCheck out our latest blog post, Environmental Justice: Where Are We Now?, by Curt Spalding, Regional Administrator of EPA Region 1. Mr. Spalding discusses the recent National Environmental Law Societies conference that focused on environmental justice in honor of the 20th anniversary of Executive Order 12898. The conference explored innovative approaches that groups are using to answer questions moving forward. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/05/where-are-we-now/

*EPA Announces List of Top 100 U.S. Organizations Using Renewable EnergyTech Sector Leads the WayThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Green Power Partnership recently released an updated list of the Top 100 organizations that are choosing to use electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar power. Intel Corporation continues its seven-year run as the nation’s largest voluntary user of green power, meeting 100 percent of its electricity load with renewable resources. Other technology companies in the top 10 include Microsoft Corporation, Google Inc., and Apple Inc. Apple increased its annual green power use by nearly 100 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), moving from No. 11 to No. 8 on the list. In total, the combined green power usage of these Top 100 Partners amounts to nearly 24 billion kWh annually, which represents close to 83 percent of the green power commitments made by all EPA Green Power Partners. The list is calculated based on annual green power usage (in kilowatt-hours) by Green Power Partners. For details go to: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/

*EPA’s “How’s My Waterway” App Now More User-FriendlyApp Lets Users Check Health of Waterways Anywhere in the US The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an enhanced version of “How’s My Waterway,” an app and website to help people find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the United States

from their smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. The How’s My Waterway app uses GPS technology or a user-entered zip code or city name to provide information about the quality of local water bodies. Link: http://www.epa.gov/mywaterway,

*USDA Announces $150 Million Investment Fund to Grow Small Businesses, Create Jobs in Rural AmericaAs part of the Obama Administration's new "Made in Rural America" export and investment initiative, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the creation of a new investment fund that will help propel the growth of small businesses across rural America. The new Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) will now allow USDA to facilitate private equity investments in agriculture-related businesses. Currently, USDA programs exist to help provide loans or loan guarantees to help rural businesses grow, but many small cutting-edge businesses also need equity support in addition to or instead of borrowed funds. Advantage Capital Partners, which will manage the new fund, and their partners from eight Farm Credit institutions have pledged to invest nearly $150 million into the new effort. Link: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/b2982c

*Energy Department Announces $10 Million for Technologies to Produce Advanced Biofuel Products from BiomassThe Energy Department today announced up to $10 million in funding to advance the production of advanced biofuels, substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks, and bioproducts made from renewable, non-food-based biomass, such as agricultural residues and woody biomass. This supports the Department’s efforts to make drop-in biofuels more accessible and affordable, as well as meet the cost target equivalent of $3.00 per gallon of gasoline by 2022.Link: http://energy.gov/eere/articles/energy-department-announces-10-million-technologies-produce-advanced-biofuel-products

*HUD’s New Consumer’s Guide to Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes Both homeowners and renters can benefit from home improvements that promote energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. Raising the bar on air quality and energy performance at home helps reduce heating and cooling costs, saves energy, and improves occupant health and comfort. To help consumers better understand the strategies and product options available to them, HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research has developed the Guide to Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes. The Guide is a new section of our website that provides concise descriptions in an easy-to-navigate format. Link: http://www.huduser.org/portal/consumer/home.html

*Mortgage Default Lower in Walkable CommunitiesA recent study from the University of Arizona looked at the relationship between mortgage default and Walkscores for multifamily housing developments. The study found a strong inverse relationship—low Walkscores were associated with high risk of mortgage default, and high Walkscores were associated with low risk of mortgage default. The relationship was strongest at the extremes, with the least-walkable housing areas having a default rate more than 120 percent higher than average, and the most-walkable housing areas having a default rate 60 percent lower than average. Link: http://communitybuilders.net/walkability-risk-mortgage-default/

*Diesel-Electric Passenger Trains Ordered for Five StatesThe Departments of Transportation for Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri, and Washington have ordered 32 high-speed diesel-electric passenger locomotives. The order, valued at $225 million, includes a purchase option for another 225 locomotives. The locomotives are designed to travel at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, and will produce 90 percent less soot and nitrogen oxide than conventional locomotives. Link:

http://www.siemens.com/press/en/pressrelease/?press=/en/pressrelease/2014/infrastructure-cities/rail-systems/icrl201403009.htm

*EPA Publishes 19th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas InventoryThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 19th annual report of overall U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions recently, showing a 3.4 percent decrease in 2012 from 2011. The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, which is submitted annually to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, presents a national-level overview of annual greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. The major contributors to the decrease in emissions from 2011-2012 were the decrease in energy consumption across all sectors in the U.S. economy, and the decrease in carbon intensity for electricity generation due to fuel switching from coal to natural gas. Link: http://epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/usinventoryreport.html

*Energy Department Announces $4.4 Million to Support Next-Generation Advanced Hydropower ManufacturingThe Energy Department recently announced $4.4 million to support the application of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to the development of next-generation hydropower technologies. Significant advancements in manufacturing over the past decade, such as the use of advanced materials, computer-aided design, and additive manufacturing technologies, have the potential to boost the performance of new, cost-effective hydropower technologies built to operate at small, distributed hydropower facilities. Link: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaIdc90191bb-be9d-4197-8947-2e419e347779For other related opportunities go to: http://energy.gov/eere/water/financial-opportunities

*Focus on Parking May Inhibit Economic Development, Increase Car UseTwo new studies from the University of Connecticut examine the economic and sociological impacts of parking trends in six US cities from 1960 to 2000. The studies conclude that some car-centric cities forfeit more than a thousand dollars per parking space per year in potential municipal revenues by using land for parking rather than more lucrative alternatives. The researchers also found that minimum parking requirements inhibit development and exacerbate traffic by placing incentives on car use rather than on walking and cycling. Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-01/american-cities-waste-space-and-money-on-car-parking-say-studies#r=rss

*U.S. Parking Facilities Cut Energy Use by 90%, Switch 270 Million Square Feet to Energy Efficient LightingAs part of the Energy Department's commitment to helping U.S. businesses save money by saving energy, the Department's Better Buildings Alliance is supporting the Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign. To date, more than 100 U.S. businesses and organizations are participating in the campaign and planning or installing energy efficient lighting in their parking lots and garages. Link: http://energy.gov/articles/us-parking-facilities-cut-energy-use-90-percent-switch-270-million-square-feet-energy

*Mobile Food Vendors Struggle to Serve Inner-City Families with Fresh ProduceThrough a variety of methods that range from inexpensive carts to converted school buses, food security advocates in many cities sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to low-income customers living in urban food deserts. Increasing access to affordable produce isn't simple or cheap, according to mobile produce supporters, but it isn't impossible either. Comprehensive and effective strategies incorporated among local government officials, volunteers and potential customers can sustain these mobile farmers markets for the long term. If successful, a mobile vendor can be just as popular as a neighborhood ice cream truck to area children. Link:

http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/local_foods/article_0ac6f8da-c59c-11e3-b77e-0017a43b2370.html?utm_source=SCN+InBox+e-Newsletter&utm_campaign=861d9efeac-Newsletter_4-16-2014_Muni&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11e7ac761c-861d9efeac-188541149

*Energy Department Announces $15 Million to Help Communities Boost Solar Deployment through Solar Market PathwaysIn support of the Administration's goal of doubling renewable energy generation for a second time by 2020, the Energy Department today announced $15 million to help communities develop multi-year solar plans to install affordable solar electricity for homes and businesses. Link: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdef4fe006-4fea-4a3c-ac84-be98ce1962f6

*New USDA Discoveries Led to 180 New Inventions, Include Flour that Prevents Weight Gain, Protections from Disease for U.S. Troops, Turning Grass Clippings to EnergyAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced a new report on scientific breakthroughs discovered by USDA researchers that led to new patents and inventions with the potential for commercial application and potential economic growth. Innovations included in the report range from flour made out of chardonnay grape seeds that prevents weight gain to antimicrobial packets that keep food from spoiling, efforts to protect U.S. troops in Iraq from diseases carried by sand flies, new processes for turning grass clippings and raked leaves into bioenergy, and many more. Link: https://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/01090000/FY13_TT%20Ann%20Rpt%20.pdf

*USDA Awards Research Grants to Address the Impact of Climate Change on U.S. Agriculture ProductionAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded $6 million to 10 universities to study the effects of climate on agriculture production and develop strategies to provide farmers and ranchers with the solutions they need to supply the nation with quality food. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at "The Frontier of Climate Change: State and Local Action in the Heartland" conference held at Drake University. Link: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/

*Victory Bonds Could Provide Financial Support to Clean EnergyThe Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act of 2014 has been introduced to Congress in an effort to secure the United States' clean energy future. With the uncertainty surrounding tax incentives for renewable energy, the Clean Energy Victory Bond would extend vital tax credits for a decade and provide an opportunity for average investors to support the clean energy economy.The bond is modeled after the World War II Victory Bond purchased by millions of Americans for a total of $185 billion. The Clean Energy Victory Bond will provide individual and institutional investors with the opportunity to invest in sectors such as solar, wind, second generation biofuels, electric vehicles, and residential and commercial energy efficiency programs. Read more at: http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/victory-bonds-could-provide-financial-support-clean-energy/2014-04-11#ixzz31376M5d3

*On Earth Day, U.S. Forest Service Seeks Applications for Wood to Energy ProjectsAs part of the national observance of Earth Day, the U.S. Forest Service today announced that it is seeking proposals that expand wood energy use and support responsible forest management. Also today, the Forest Service released a Wood Energy Financial App for use by community and business leaders seeking to replace fossil fuel with wood energy. Link: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/werc/

*Energy Dept. Report Finds Major Potential to Grow Clean, Sustainable U.S. HydropowerBuilding on the Obama Administration’s commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department and its Oak Ridge National Laboratory released a renewable energy resource assessment today detailing the potential to develop new electric power generation in waterways across the United States. Link: http://energy.gov/articles/energy-dept-report-finds-major-potential-grow-clean-sustainable-us-hydropower

*Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient (Hypoxia) Task Force Public MeetingThe Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force will be hosting its Spring 2014 Public Meeting on May 21, 2014 from 8:30am to 5:45pm CST, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Find out more information and register to attend the meeting in person or via webcast here. The registration deadline for in person attendees is May 9, 2014. There is no registration deadline if you attend the webcast. Share innovative approaches among the states to reduce excess Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Task Force states as part of nutrient strategy implementation. Learn about Arkansas nutrient reduction strategy. Learn how federal programs, and innovative new approaches to those programs, can support state nutrient strategy implementation and other Task Force goals. Hear insights from non-member organizations working to reduce nutrients in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB).For more information about the Hypoxia Task Force (HTF), a joint effort between states and federal agencies, please visit the HTF website at http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/named/msbasin/index.cfm.

*USDA Announces Additional Support for Small and Midsized Farmers and RanchersUSDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently additional support and resources for America's small and midsized farmers and ranchers. This announcement includes $7 million in university research awards in support of small and midsized producers; $8.8 million in technical assistance for small, socially-disadvantaged producers and Rural Cooperative Centers; and a marketing certification program for small and very small grass-fed beef producers. This is the second major USDA package this year in support of small and midsized producers. The first package included efforts to increase access to capital, provide better risk management tools, expand marketing opportunities, and offer food safety training and educational resources specific to America's small and midsize producers. More information about this announcement can be found at More information about USDA tools and resources available to small and mid-sized farmers, including information about this announcement, is available on USDA's Small and Mid-Sized Farmer Resources webpage: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=small-midsized-farmer-resources.xml *Google Partners with MidAmerican Energy to Purchase 407-MW WindGoogle Inc. has partnered with MidAmerican Energy to supply up to 407 megawatts (MW) of electricity use from renewable energy sources for its data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Under the contract, MidAmerican will sell Google energy bundled with renewable energy certificates from the company's Wind VIII program. To date, Google's renewable energy agreements now comprise more than 1,000 MW and its investments constitute more than $1 billion in 15 renewable energy investments internationally. Link: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/news/news_template.shtml?id=1903

*IKEA Invests in 98-MW Illinois Wind Farm

IKEA, a retailer of home furnishing products, is making its first investment in a wind farm in the United States with the purchase of Hoopeston Wind in Hoopeston, Illinois. To date, the 98-megawatt (MW) wind farm is the largest single IKEA renewable energy investment internationally and is expected to generate up to 380 GWh of renewable energy each year. This investment is expected to make a substantive contribution to the company's goal to generate 100% as much renewable energy as the total energy it consumes by 2020. The wind farm is being constructed by Apex Clean Energy, an independent renewable energy company, and is expected to be operational by the first half of 2015. Link: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/news/news_template.shtml?id=1900

*Napkins in Food Waste: Biofuel Potential? An Iowa State University (ISU) researcher has found an unexpected source of fiber in food waste that increases its potential for making renewable fuel: napkins. Funded by a grant from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Stephanie Jung explored fermentation of the sugars, starches and fibers in food waste to make bioethanol. An associate professor of food science and nutrition, Jung works to make food processing technologies more sustainable by reducing the amount of energy used or waste produced, adding value to the production cycle by collecting food byproducts, and converting food waste into bioethanol. The project was conducted in collaboration with ISU Dining, which has implemented its own measures to sustainably process food and recover waste. They use a trayless dining system, which results in less dishware to wash, and raises students’ awareness of how much food they’re loading onto their plates. Link: http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/community/article_4a07d6a0-cfb9-11e3-855c-001a4bcf6878.html?utm_source=SCN+InBox+e-Newsletter&utm_campaign=fafee58064-Newsletter_4-30-2014_Muni&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11e7ac761c-fafee58064-188542705

*Cost of Fighting Wildfires in 2014 Projected to be Hundreds of Millions of Dollars over Amount AvailableAccording to a Congressionally-mandated report issued recently, the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior (DOI) are projected to spend over $470 million more than is available to fight wildfires this season. According to the report, the Forest Service and Interior may need to spend $1.8 billion fighting fires this year, while the agencies have only $1.4 billion available for firefighting. Over the last three decades, fire season lengths have increased by 60-80 days and annual acreages burned have more than doubled to over 7 million acres annually. In addition, growing housing development in forests has put more people and houses in harms' way, also making firefighting efforts more expensive. Link: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/b4e450

*EPA Employees Selected as Finalists for 2014 Service to America MedalsThe Partnership for Public Service recently honored three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees that have been selected as finalists for the 2014 Service to America Medals, which pay tribute to America’s dedicated federal workforce, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to our country. EPA is proud to announce that Ramona Trovato, Bill Charmley, and Doug Norton were selected as Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) finalists for their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation. Ramona Trovato, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development is a finalist in the Career Achievement Category; Bill Charmley, Director of the Assessment and Standards Division, Office of Air and Radiation’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, is a finalist for the Science and Environment Category; and, Doug Norton, Senior Environmental Scientist in the Office of Water’s Watershed Branch, is a finalist for Citizen Services. Link: http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/

*EPA Inspection Results in $2 Million Upgrade to Conway, Kan., Natural Gas Liquids Storage Facility to Reduce Harmful Emissions  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 personnel conducted an inspection of the Mid-Continent Fractionation and Storage facility in Conway, Kan., in April, 2012.  As a result of the inspection, Mid-Continent has agreed to spend approximately $2 million to construct and operate a system to reduce emissions of volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors to the atmosphere. Link: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/D4F237D617A12B5085257CCF0067FC21

Announcing CDFA Summer School - Register Today to Secure Your SpotEarly Bird Rates Expire June 30, 2014CDFA Summer School is a weeklong series of courses presented by the CDFA Training Institute. Held in Washington, DC from August 11-15, CDFA Summer School will offer courses in the fundamentals of development finance, EB-5, tax credits, revolving loan funds, and brownfields finance. These courses qualify for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Complete three courses, and you will have fulfilled half of the requirements for the DFCP Program. Join us in Washington, DC for CDFA Summer School, and start down the road to personal and professional advancement today. Participants may register for one, two, or three courses during CDFA Summer School.For more information please visit: http://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/0/3A4742FF8BD6D6A188257C9B0060F116

Repair Priorities 2014: Transportation Spending Strategies to Save Taxpayer Dollars and Improve Roads This report by Smart Growth America and Taxpayers for Common Sense analyzed road conditions and spending priorities across the nation. The report found that State departments of transportation are spending more money building new roads than maintaining the ones they have. The report recommends actions that state officials can take to increase the portion of funds going to repair, such as raising the public profile of repair projects; focusing repair investments on the most heavily used roads; and using cost-benefit analysis to prioritize road investments. Link: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/repair-priorities-2014

Links to Green Infrastructure Resources from EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds / Green Infrastructure ProgramUnder the tools category, there are several design resources such as manuals, models, and fact sheets about difficult challenges. Since green infrastructure is site specific, there isn’t a singular guide to cover all physical locations. Go to: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/ There is also a second website devoted on the Non-Point Source program which includes information on Low Impact Development (LID). Recently, there were some fact sheets http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/green/bbfs.cfm, completed to challenge the barriers commonly cited.

EPA Environmental Justice (EJ) in Action Blog: Helping to Protect the Communities of Port Arthur, TexasCheck out our latest blog post, Helping to Protect the Communities of Port Arthur, Texas, by Cynthia Giles of the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Ms. Giles discusses a recent settlement with Flint Hills Resources, and how it will benefit communities in Port Arthur. Also, check out our 20th Anniversary Page and Video Series, which features federal and local government officials, non-profit leaders and students who share stories about their lessons learned over time working on environmental and climate justice. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/03/helping-to-protect-the-communities-of-port-arthur-texas/

EJ in Action Blog: Address Crucial Water Issues in Our CommunitiesCheck out our latest blog post, Addressing Crucial Water Issues in Our Communities, by Nancy Stoner of EPA's Office of Water. Ms. Stoner reflects on progress made by EPA over the last 20 years on water infrastructure across the country since the signing of Executive Order 12898. Also, check out our 20th anniversary page and video series, which features federal and local government officials, non-profit leaders and students who share stories about their lessons learned over time working on environmental and climate justice. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/04/addressing-crucial-water-issues-in-our-communities/

Congress for New Urbanism Membership Giveaway ContestEvery month during 2014, the population analytics firm AirSage is awarding a membership to the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). Anyone interested in entering the contest can fill out an online entry form. Contest winners will have the cost covered for a Student or Urbanist CNU membership for one full year. Link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11714415.htm

Texas Chemical Plant Agrees to Cut Harmful Air Pollution in Overburdened CommunityThe Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Flint Hills Resources of Port Arthur has agreed to implement innovative technologies to control harmful air pollution from industrial flares and leaking equipment at the company’s chemical plant in Port Arthur, Texas. This settlement is part of EPA’s national effort to advance environmental justice by protecting communities such as Port Arthur that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution. The company is also required to pay a $350,000 penalty for Clean Air Act violations. Once fully implemented, EPA estimates that the settlement will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), by an estimated 1,880 tons per year, and will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by approximately 69,000 tons per year. More information about the settlement: www2.epa.gov/enforcement/flint-hills-resources-port-arthur-clean-air-act-settlement. For more on recent settlements related to flaring: http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/national-enforcement-initiatives

Visit the New Green Building Standards page on EPA’s Green Building WebsiteVisit the new Green Building Standards page on EPA’s Green Building website to learn about six major model codes and rating systems that communities can use to develop green building programs and revise building ordinances. The page is designed to help builders, developers, realtors, and other smart growth and green building advocates easily compare the most popular standards in order to determine those that best meet their needs. The following standards are described: International Code Council's 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2011: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1) ICC 700-2012: 2012 National Green Building Standard (ICC 700) Green Globes™ US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) The International Living Future Institute's Living Building Challenge™, version 2.1 (May 2012)Learn more about the connection between green building and siting at: http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/location.html

US Public Transit Use at Highest Level Since the 1950sMore Americans used buses, trains, and subways in 2013 than in any year since 1956, according to a press release from

the American Public Transportation Association. Improved transit service, growth in local economies, and travelers seeking alternatives to the automobile for in-city travel helped boost the ridership levels. Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/us/use-of-public-transit-in-us-reaches-highest-level-since-1956-advocates-report.html?emc=eta1&_r=1

PeopleForBikes Selects Six Cities for Bike Lane ProgramThe PeopleForBikes Green Lane Project has selected six US cities to join its intensive two-year program to build better bike lanes. Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Seattle, Washington will receive financial, strategic, and technical assistance to create low-stress streets and increase vitality in urban centers through the installation of protected bike lanes. The six cities were chosen from more than 100 that submitted letters of interest for the program. Link: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/peopleforbikes-selects-new-green-lane-project-cities

Strategic Visioning for Community and Economic DevelopmentThe National Association of Counties released this short document to highlight keys to engaging stakeholders in community and economic development strategies and projects. Link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter/

EPA Awards Over $9 Million to Universities for Research to Help Predict the Implications of Chemicals on Human Health and the Environment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced research grants to Arizona State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara to better understand the impacts of chemicals and nanomaterials throughout their life cycle—from design, manufacture, use and disposal. “EPA is committed to understanding how chemicals and materials can affect human health and the environment,” said Lek Kadeli, acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. “This research will advance the science of chemical life cycle assessments and provide tools to design safer chemicals, while enabling a healthy economy and safer society.” Arizona State University’s research will evaluate the trade-offs between using nanomaterials to improve the functionality of consumer products and the potential risks to humans and the environment. The University of California, Santa Barbara’s research will develop an online tool to evaluate life cycle impacts of chemicals which industry, academia and other decision makers can use to make more informed decisions about chemical and product design. For more information on the chemical life cycle grants issued by EPA visit: http://epa.gov/ncer/ncclcs. For more information on the sustainable molecular design awards issued by NSF visit: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=129235&org=NSF&from=news

EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities Seeks proposals for a Smart Growth Information ClearinghouseEPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking proposals for a Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse. Under this solicitation, EPA intends to fund further development and ongoing maintenance of a web-based national information clearinghouse focused on smart growth. The clearinghouse will function as a "one stop shop" for the best information currently available on effective smart growth approaches that can help communities make development choices that deliver environmental, economic, and quality of life benefits. Eligible applicants are States and local governments, as well as the District of Columbia; U.S. territories and possessions; foreign governments; international organizations; Indian Tribes; interstate organizations; intrastate organizations; public and private colleges and universities; and hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Proposals must be received by EPA or through www.grants.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, May 12, 2014. EPA expects to

make an award announcement by fall 2014. The solicitation is available at http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/index.htm. If you have questions about the solicitation, please contact Lynn Desautels (desautels.lynn@epa.gov, 202-566-2840.)

EPA Celebrates 10 Years of SmartWay PartnershipsVoluntary program saves companies billions in fuel costs while cutting pollution EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership is celebrating 10 years as a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest most energy-efficient way possible, saving businesses money while protecting public health and fighting climate change. Over the last 10 years, SmartWay has eliminated 51.6 million metric tons of carbon pollution, resulting in savings of more than120 million barrels of oil, and $16.8 billion in fuel costs. Link:www.epa.gov/smartway/about/smartway10.htm

FHWA's Fostering Livable Communities NewsletterThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is pleased to launch the Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter. The quarterly newsletter is intended to provide transportation professionals with real-world examples to help them improve the relationship between transportation and communities, such as providing access to good jobs and affordable housing, quality schools, and safer streets and roads. Link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter/

P3 Revolution or Evolution: Legislation, Models, Successes & TrendsSeveral groups collaborated to present an overview of public-private partnership financing, efficiencies, state enabling legislation, risk exposure, deal structures and much more.http://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/ordredirect.html?open&id=p3-preso-combined-2014.html

Energy Efficiency Financing Options for Public InstitutionsCitigroup provides an overview of policies, strategies and financing tools available to finance energy efficiency improvements for public institutions and buildings. Link: http://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/ordredirect.html?open&id=citi-greenhealth-eefinancing-2014.html

EPA Air Sensors 2014: A New Frontier, Monitoring Technology for Today's WorldRegistration open with travel assistance opportunities; June 9-10, 2014EPA Campus, Research Triangle Park, NCRegister for free at: https://sites.google.com/site/airsensors2014/Information on applying for travel funding is available for communities and tribes under the "Communities & Tribes" tab. The workshop will feature presentations on hot new air sensor technology and data management tools that could be used for community-based air quality projects. With participants from academia, nonprofits and all levels of government, the workshop offers a great opportunity to build new collaborations. The workshop will feature speakers from communities and tribes telling their stories of community-based air monitoring projects in Plenary Session III: Community Sensing: What's In My Air?Questions? Contact Matthew Viens at viens.matthew@epa.gov

RWJ Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute: County Health Rankings ReportThe County Health Rankings measure the health of nearly every county in the nation. Published online at countyhealthrankings.org, the Rankings help counties understand what influences how healthy residents are and how long they live. The Rankings are unique in their ability to measure the overall health of each county in all 50 states. A collaboration

between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, the Rankings look at a variety of measures that affect health, including high school graduation rates, access to healthy foods, smoking, obesity, and teen births. They will be available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. Go to: http://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/features-and-articles/county-health-rankings---roadmaps.html for more information.

Driving Equitable Growth in Minnesota A bus company operated by a nonprofit serving the Hmong community has become a vehicle for equitable economic development in St. Paul, and an inspiring model for harnessing the energies of immigrants and refugees to build all-in cities across Minnesota and the country. And it is exactly the type of win-win approach that Minnesota needs to secure a strong future as the state grows more diverse, according to a new report by PolicyLink and the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE). Link: http://www.policylink.org/site/c.lkIXLbMNJrE/b.9053793/k.5B6D/Americas_Tomorrow_Driving_Equitable_Growth_in_Minnesota.htm?section=story1&msource=ESGM20140326

EJ in Action Blog: New Training Tool for Planning and Community InvolvementCheck out our latest blog post, Creating Healthy Neighborhoods: Community Planning to Overcome Injustice, by Carolina Martinez of Environmental Health Coalition. Ms. Martinez writes about EHC’s new training tool on community-led planning in order to become better advocates for healthier neighborhoods. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/04/community-planning-is-power/

Listen Now to EPA’s Webcast Series on Communications for Climate and Clean Energy ProgramsIf you missed our popular December 2013 webcast series on communications strategies for state and local governments, you can listen now to all three online, access presentations, and read audience Qs&As. Over 1,000 state and local staff tuned in to listen to some or all of these webcasts, making it one of our most popular offerings to date. The structure of the three webcasts parallels the general phases of program development and implementation: attracting stakeholder support and participation, sustaining change, and gaining momentum from program successes. Link: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a2013

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