CIA Director John Brennan says that connected appliances and networked vehicles will make the agency’s job harder – with more systems to protect, and more platforms which could be used to launch attacks.
CIA chief says internet-connected appliances are ‘worrisome’ new threat
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
EPA Improves U.S. — Mexico Border with Environmental Projects
EPA Press Release:
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 30th anniversary of the La Paz Agreement, which established the legal framework for cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in protecting the environment of the border region. Through these agreements, EPA has made significant investments that have resulted in major environmental benefits including more than 570 tons of e-waste properly disposed or recycled, the removal of more than 12 million scrap tires from dump sites border wide, and the connection of households to drinking water and wastewater services benefitting the more than 8.5 million border residents.
EPA Improves U.S. — Mexico Border with Environmental Projects
More than $720,000 for improving air monitoring, expanding waste collection, improving water quality and other priorities
DALLAS – (Feb. 27, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $720,000 in grants to fund 16 environmental projects along the Texas and New Mexico U.S-Mexico border. The projects include improving air monitoring, expanding waste collection and recycling, and improving environmental awareness and education among area residents.
“At EPA, we are always looking for ways to help communities identify and solve problems. It’s one of the most important parts of our job,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Funding these 16 projects will help kick-start work to protect places along the border where people live, work, and play.”
The funds were awarded in partnership with the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, under the bi-national U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program, Border 2020. The projects selected address the public health and environmental protection goals of the Border 2020 Program and are part of the overall environmental funding available for the border region.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 30th anniversary of the La Paz Agreement, which established the legal framework for cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in protecting the environment of the border region. Through these agreements, EPA has made significant investments that have resulted in major environmental benefits including more than 570 tons of e-waste properly disposed or recycled, the removal of more than 12 million scrap tires from dump sites border wide, and the connection of households to drinking water and wastewater services benefitting the more than 8.5 million border residents.
The following organizations received grants:
City of Ojinaga, Chihuahua (Mexico) – Received $14,327 to improve air quality monitoring
New Mexico Environment Department – Received $100,000 to provide training on soil control, maintaining septic tanks, and conserving water
Adult Youth United Development Association, Inc. – Received $50,072 for septic tank maintenance workshops
University of Texas Pan American, Rio Grande, Texas – Received $26,022 for stormwater management projects
Secretaría de Desarrollo Sustentable, Nuevo León, México – Received $21,798 for waste management and recycling projects
Public Works Department, City of Pharr, Texas – Received $20,000 to support a monthly cleanup program
Water Utilities, City of El Paso, Texas – Received $6,220 to promote rainwater harvesting
Comisión Estatal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios en Ciudad Juárez (COESPRIS), Juárez, Chihuahua, México – Received $43,076 to track air quality data and incidents of respiratory disease in local hospitals and clinics
El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México – Received $39,875 to collect, track, and follow up on environmental and health information
Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station, Texas – Received $89,750 to study effects on air quality from short-haul, cross-border transport of trade
Department of Environment, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico – Received $44,200 to improve water quality and habitat for plants and wildlife
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Texas – Received $66,470 to support waste management and recycling efforts
Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Valle de Juárez, Chihuahua, México – Received $44,850 to develop a program to use biosolids as agricultural fertilizer
City of Alamo, Texas – Received $54,838 to improve solid waste management and recycling and improve environmental stewardship
Comisión Municipal de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, México – Received $32,533 to reduce fats, oils, and grease entering the water system from restaurants and hotels
La Amistad AHEC dba Southwest Border AHEC, Eagle Pass, Texas – Received $69,083 to educate families on the dangers of exposure to mercury, lead, and pesticides
The Border 2020 Program is a bi-national collaborative effort with a mission is to protect human health and the environment in the U.S.-Mexico border region. BECC is an international organization established for the purpose of preserving, protecting, and enhancing the environment in the U.S. – Mexico border region.
For more information on the Border 2020 Program, please visit: www.epa.gov/border2020 .
More about activities in EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
# # #
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy To Travel To North Dakota To Discuss Energy Opportunities And The Environment
EPA Press Release:
CONTACT:press@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 26, 2014 EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy To Travel To North Dakota To Discuss Energy Opportunities And The Environment WASHINGTON -- EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy will travel to North Dakota on Thursday and Friday to meet with tribal groups as well as local and state officials to discuss energy opportunities and EPA’s ongoing work in the state and across the country to carry out President Obama’s Climate Action plan. In addition to meeting with tribal groups, McCarthy will also join North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp for a tour of the North Dakota Gasification Company’s facility in Beulah and participate in a roundtable discussion with local elected officials and representatives from coal utilities. McCarthy and Heitkamp will also hold press availability to discuss energy opportunities and local efforts to cut carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. The trip is part of Administrator McCarthy’s continued outreach to local, state and tribal officials on the Agency’s work to protect people’s health and the environment. WHO: Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. EPA Heidi Heitkamp, U.S. Senator, North Dakota Jack Dalrymple, Governor, North Dakota (invited) WHAT: Press Availability WHEN: Friday, 2:15 p.m. MST, February 28, 2014 WHERE: North Dakota Gasification Company 420 County Road 26 Beulah, North Dakota 58523 R044 |
EPA Awards Environmental Justice Grants to Help Philadelphia Communities
EPA Press Release:
EPA Awards Environmental Justice Grants
to Help Philadelphia Communities
Event commemorates 20th anniversary of Environmental Justice Executive Order
PHILADELPHIA (February 26, 2014) – In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Environmental Justice Executive Order, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today highlighted three environmental justice grants in Philadelphia totaling $90,000 to assist overburdened low-income communities in developing solutions to local health and environmental issues.
“EPA’s mission is to protect public health and the environment for all people, no matter who you are or where you come from,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe. “Our Environmental Justice Small Grants are helping to protect vulnerable communities in Philadelphia by equipping them with the know-how and tools to reduce air pollution, water pollution, and children’s exposure to lead.”
EPA is celebrating the 20th anniversary of President Clinton signing the Environmental Justice Executive Order on February 11, 1994. This order focuses federal attention on the environmental and human health effects of federal actions on minority and low-income populations with the goal to achieve environmental protection for all communities.
The grants announced today include $30,000 each to:
JASTECH Development Services, Inc. to develop a community-based campaign to address toxic substances in local waterways in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. Through public outreach and community cleanup projects, the organization is working to minimize residents’ exposure to poor water quality. A series of workshops will teach residents how to properly dispose of household chemicals and other toxic substances, recycling techniques and how to engage community leaders to participate in policy and decision making processes.
The Clean Air Council to address public health concerns in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood where residents are disproportionately impacted by high levels of air pollution caused by a high volume of truck traffic, which can worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Residents will participate in workshops and coalition building to develop policy solutions that will reduce harmful exposure to pollution from area factories, chemical processing facilities, ocean-going vessels, and heavy traffic from nearby Interstate 95.
Concilio (Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of Philadelphia) to help reduce children’s exposure to lead poisoning in old, deteriorating homes. Through the use of culturally appropriate education materials, residents will receive education about preventing lead and carbon monoxide poisoning and fire safety planning.
Since 1994, EPA’s environmental justice small grants program has supported projects to address environmental justice issues in more than 1,400 communities. The grant awards represent EPA’s commitment to promoting community-based actions to address environmental justice issues.
These three grants are among 39 environmental justice grants totaling $1.1 million nationwide that EPA announced on Sept. 11, 2013. For a list of all grantees, visit: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/publications/grants/ej-smgrants-recipients-2013.pdf
For more information about the dangers of lead poisoning, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/lead .
For more information about EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants program, visit:http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html .
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
EPA Honors UC Irvine for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
EPA Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2014
LOS ANGELES – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership announced the third annual Climate Leadership Award winners in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR). Nineteen awards were given to 15 organizations and two individuals in the public and private sectors for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing carbon pollution. The University of California, Irvine has received an Organizational Leadership Award for its reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions at its campus.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Nahal Mogharabi, 213-244-1815, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov
EPA Honors UC Irvine for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
LOS ANGELES – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership announced the third annual Climate Leadership Award winners in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR). Nineteen awards were given to 15 organizations and two individuals in the public and private sectors for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing carbon pollution. The University of California, Irvine has received an Organizational Leadership Award for its reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions at its campus.
"Today’s winners are champions in their communities because of the steps they’ve taken to reduce carbon pollution harmful to the environment,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "We are proud to recognize UC Irvine for its leadership in fighting climate change.”
The national awards program recognizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Award recipients represent a wide array of industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail, technology, higher education and local government.
UC Irvine faces the challenge of reducing GHG emissions associated with lab, clinical, and academic space, as well as future emissions from facility and program growth. UC Irvine received the Climate Leadership Award for Organizational Leadership for:
- Setting a GHG reduction goal of 40 percent from 2011 by 2020.
- The implementation of energy efficiency projects including lighting retrofits, ventilation improvements, and campus energy reduction competitions resulting in an estimated annual reduction of 20,000 Million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e). UC Irvine’s monitoring-based commissioning through this process has also enabled the university to improve building performance through calibration and optimization of building energy systems.
- The campus’s Combined Heat and Power Plant that supplies electrical power, chilled water, and hot water and serves as a model for energy efficiency, reducing approximately 39,000 MTCO2e per year.
- Building two advanced technology photovoltaic systems in 2012, with plans to add another 3.2 megawatts (MW) of capacity on three parking structures this year, bringing the campus total to 4.3 MW.
- The university’s Smart Labs Initiative using tools such as real time air monitoring and digital controls that have reduced energy consumption in campus laboratories by an average of 60 percent.
- Maintaining one of the most robust green building programs of any university in the U.S. with 19 energy efficient buildings saving about 172,000 MTCO2e since 2007.
- The university’s extensive network of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities as well as bike share and car share programs providing further incentives for students, faculty, and staff to go car free.
The President’s Climate Action Plan calls on the federal government to work with all stakeholders to take action to cut the harmful carbon pollution that fuels climate change. These organizations and individuals are working to do just that. The awards are held in conjunction with the 2014 Climate Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Mission Bay Hotel in San Diego, Calif.
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html
The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership was launched in 2012 to establish norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center serves as a comprehensive resource to help organizations of all sizes measure and manage GHG emissions, providing technical tools, ground-tested guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
More information about EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership: www.epa.gov/climateleadership
###
Cisco Systems honored by EPA for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions
EPA Press Release:
Cisco Systems honored by EPA for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership announced the third annual Climate Leadership Award winners in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR). Nineteen awards were given to 15 organizations and two individuals in the public and private sectors for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing carbon pollution. Cisco Systems, Inc. has received an award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management-Goal Achievement for meeting its greenhouse gas reduction goal at its campus through renewable energy purchases, upgrading building energy efficiency, and reducing business travel.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: David Yogi, yogi.david@epa.gov, 415/972-3350
MEDIA CONTACT: David Yogi, yogi.david@epa.gov, 415/972-3350
Cisco Systems honored by EPA for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership announced the third annual Climate Leadership Award winners in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR). Nineteen awards were given to 15 organizations and two individuals in the public and private sectors for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing carbon pollution. Cisco Systems, Inc. has received an award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management-Goal Achievement for meeting its greenhouse gas reduction goal at its campus through renewable energy purchases, upgrading building energy efficiency, and reducing business travel.
"Today’s winners are champions in their communities because of the steps they’ve taken to reduce carbon pollution harmful to the environment,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "We are proud to recognize Cisco Systems for its leadership in fighting climate change.”
The national awards program recognizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Award recipients represent a wide array of industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail, technology, higher education and local government.
Cisco Systems, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif., designs, manufactures, and sells internet protocol-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry, and provides services associated with these products and their use.
Cisco is being recognized for the following accomplishments:
Cisco set a global absolute Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal of 25 percent between 2007 and 2012 under the EPA’s former Climate Leaders program. Cisco surpassed its goal and reduced absolute emissions 38.7 percent by 2012.
Cisco achieved these GHG emissions through a combination of renewable energy on-site generation and purchases, improved building energy efficiency, and reductions in business travel. In addition, Cisco purchased a combined 458,700 MWh of renewable energy in the U.S., which amounted to more than 449,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission reductions.
This is Cisco’s second GHG reduction goal. Previously, Cisco set and accomplished a commitment to reduce GHG emissions from all business air travel worldwide by 10 percent between 2006 and 2009. Last year, Cisco was recognized with a Climate Leadership Award in the Supply Chain Leadership category and a Green Power Leadership Award for Partner of the Year.
The President’s Climate Action Plan calls on the federal government to work with all stakeholders to take action to cut the harmful carbon pollution that fuels climate change. These organizations and individuals are working to do just that.
The awards were presented at the 2014 Climate Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Mission Bay Hotel in San Diego, Calif.
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html
The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership was launched in 2012 to establish norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center serves as a comprehensive resource to help organizations of all sizes measure and manage GHG emissions, providing technical tools, ground-tested guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
More information about EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership:www.epa.gov/climateleadership
###
EPA Honors Sprint for Corporate Leadership in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
EPA Press Release:
Environmental News
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership was launched in 2012 to establish norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center serves as a comprehensive resource to help organizations of all sizes measure and manage GHG emissions, providing technical tools, ground-tested guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Honors Sprint for Corporate Leadership in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Contact Information: Carissa Cyran, 202-564-4363 or 202-564-4355, cyran.carissa@epa.gov
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Washington, Feb. 25, 2014) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Corporate Climate Leadership announced that Sprint has been honored for their corporate leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Sprint received an Organizational Leadership Award and the Supply Chain Leadership Award. EPA joined in presenting the third annual Climate Leadership Award winners in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), and The Climate Registry (TCR). Nineteen awards were given to 15 organizations and two individuals in the public and private sectors for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing carbon pollution.
The 2014 Climate Leadership Award recipients are:
The 2014 Climate Leadership Award recipients are:
Organizational Leadership Award: City of Chula Vista, Sprint, and University of California, Irvine
Individual Leadership Award: Sam Brooks, Associate Director, D.C. Department of General Services, and Robert Taylor, Energy Manager, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Supply Chain Leadership Award: Sprint
Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Achievement Award): The Boeing Company; Caesars Entertainment; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Ecolab; The Hartford; IBM; Johnson Controls; Kohl's Department Stores; Mack Trucks; and Novelis
Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate): Fruit of the Loom, Inc.; Hasbro, Inc.; and Kohl's Department Stores
Individual Leadership Award: Sam Brooks, Associate Director, D.C. Department of General Services, and Robert Taylor, Energy Manager, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Supply Chain Leadership Award: Sprint
Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Achievement Award): The Boeing Company; Caesars Entertainment; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Ecolab; The Hartford; IBM; Johnson Controls; Kohl's Department Stores; Mack Trucks; and Novelis
Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate): Fruit of the Loom, Inc.; Hasbro, Inc.; and Kohl's Department Stores
“Our Climate Leadership Award winners have made great strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and are providing leadership nationwide in many sectors of our economy,” said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. "Their innovative approaches and commitment to reducing carbon pollution demonstrate that efforts to address climate change are repaid by saving money and energy, while supporting more livable and resilient communities, and a healthier, better protected environment now and for future generations."
The national awards program recognizes and incentivizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Award recipients represent a wide array of industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail, technology, higher education and local government. The awards are held in conjunction with the 2014 Climate Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Mission Bay Hotel in San Diego, Calif.
“The Association of Climate Change Officers is pleased to recognize another exceptional class of organizations and individuals who are demonstrating leadership in driving climate action into their organizational cultures,” said Daniel Kreeger, ACCO’s co-founder and executive director. “These award recipients are demonstrating critical devotion and leadership to managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the risks and challenges posed by climate change. These recipients are role models for corporate, organizational, and individual leaders who can and should be responding proactively to climate change risks and opportunities.”
“Communities and businesses are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, and we need to act now to protect both our environment and our economy,” said C2ES President Eileen Claussen. “We join EPA in applauding the winners of the Climate Leadership Awards. These companies, organizations, and individuals demonstrate that we can save energy, reduce emissions, and take decisive steps toward a low-carbon future. We hope their accomplishments will serve as an example for others to follow.”
“The Climate Registry applauds this year’s Climate Leadership Award winners for demonstrating a meaningful, results-oriented response to climate change,” said David Rosenheim, executive director of TCR. “Exhibiting transparency, consistent metrics, and innovative mitigation measures, our deserving award recipients are building a stronger platform for policy, innovation, and business solutions to reducing carbon pollution.”
The President’s Climate Action Plan calls on the federal government to work with all stakeholders to take action to cut the harmful carbon pollution that fuels climate change. These organizations and individuals are working to do just that.
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html.
The national awards program recognizes and incentivizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Award recipients represent a wide array of industries, including finance, manufacturing, retail, technology, higher education and local government. The awards are held in conjunction with the 2014 Climate Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Mission Bay Hotel in San Diego, Calif.
“The Association of Climate Change Officers is pleased to recognize another exceptional class of organizations and individuals who are demonstrating leadership in driving climate action into their organizational cultures,” said Daniel Kreeger, ACCO’s co-founder and executive director. “These award recipients are demonstrating critical devotion and leadership to managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the risks and challenges posed by climate change. These recipients are role models for corporate, organizational, and individual leaders who can and should be responding proactively to climate change risks and opportunities.”
“Communities and businesses are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, and we need to act now to protect both our environment and our economy,” said C2ES President Eileen Claussen. “We join EPA in applauding the winners of the Climate Leadership Awards. These companies, organizations, and individuals demonstrate that we can save energy, reduce emissions, and take decisive steps toward a low-carbon future. We hope their accomplishments will serve as an example for others to follow.”
“The Climate Registry applauds this year’s Climate Leadership Award winners for demonstrating a meaningful, results-oriented response to climate change,” said David Rosenheim, executive director of TCR. “Exhibiting transparency, consistent metrics, and innovative mitigation measures, our deserving award recipients are building a stronger platform for policy, innovation, and business solutions to reducing carbon pollution.”
The President’s Climate Action Plan calls on the federal government to work with all stakeholders to take action to cut the harmful carbon pollution that fuels climate change. These organizations and individuals are working to do just that.
More information about the 2014 Climate Leadership Award winners is available atwww.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2014winners.html.
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership was launched in 2012 to establish norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center serves as a comprehensive resource to help organizations of all sizes measure and manage GHG emissions, providing technical tools, ground-tested guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
# # #
Streit um höhere Preise für Plastiktüten | Wissen & Umwelt | DW.DE | 25.02.2014
Germans use environmentally unfriendly plastic bags because they are cheap. Now, the German equivalent of the EPA is using taxes to get the Germans to use fewer plastic bags.
Streit um höhere Preise für Plastiktüten | Wissen & Umwelt | DW.DE | 25.02.2014
Streit um höhere Preise für Plastiktüten | Wissen & Umwelt | DW.DE | 25.02.2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
District of Columbia agrees to establish improved air pollution monitoring at D.C. General Health Campus
EPA Press Release:
District of Columbia agrees to establish
improved air pollution monitoring at D.C. General Health Campus
PHILADELPHIA (February 20, 2014) -- The District of Columbia has agreed to implement an enhanced air monitoring system at the D.C. General Health Campus, 1900 Massachusetts Ave., to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The district will also pay a $14,900 penalty.
The district operates the health campus, which was formerly known as the D.C. General Hospital. The consent agreement between EPA and the district resolves alleged violations of air pollution control requirements for boilers and emergency generators.
According to EPA, the violations included noncompliance with requirements to monitor for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and visible emissions. It also included noncompliance related to testing of fuel oil for compliance with sulfur limits, as well as recordkeeping and reporting requirements. These requirements help to ensure compliance with the district’s air quality standards and the protection of public health and the environment.
As part of the settlement, the district has agreed to complete repairs, testing and operations of a continuous emission monitoring system, or CEMS within one year. The CEMS will help ensure compliance with air pollution limits for nitrogen oxides through “real-time” emission monitoring of the facility’s boilers.
Also, as part of the settlement, the district did not admit or deny liability for the cited violations. The penalty reflects the district’s compliance efforts and cooperation with EPA.
EPA Proposes New Safety Measures to Protect Farm Workers from Pesticide Exposure
EPA Press Release:
CONTACT:
Cathy Milbourn
202-564-7849
202-564-4355
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2014
EPA Proposes New Safety Measures to Protect Farm Workers from Pesticide Exposure
WASHINGTON —Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed revisions to the Worker Protection Standard in order to protect the nation’s two million farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure.
“Today marks an important milestone for the farm workers who plant, tend, and harvest the food that we put on our tables each day,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator. “EPA’s revised Worker Protection Standard will afford farm workers similar health protections to those already enjoyed by workers in other jobs. Protecting our nation’s farm workers from pesticide exposure is at the core of EPA’s work to ensure environmental justice.”
EPA is proposing significant improvements to worker training regarding the safe usage of pesticides, including how to prevent and effectively treat pesticide exposure. Increased training and signage will inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law and will help them protect themselves and their families from pesticide exposure.
Workers and others near treated fields will now be protected from pesticide overspray and fumes. In addition, EPA has proposed that children under 16 be legally barred from handling all pesticides, with an exemption for family farms. These revisions protect workers while ensuring agricultural productivity and preserving the traditions of family farms.
This proposal represents more than a decade of extensive stakeholder input by federal and state partners and from across the agricultural community including farm workers, farmers, and industry on the current EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for Agricultural Pesticides first established in 1992.
For more information on the EPA’s Proposed Worker Protection Standard: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html
R042
|
EPA Orders Utilities Inc. to Comply with Clean Water Act at Tega Cay Wastewater Plant
EPA Press Release:
EPA Orders Utilities Inc. to Comply with Clean Water Act at Tega Cay Wastewater Plant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2014
February 20, 2014
EPA Orders Utilities Inc. to Comply with Clean Water Act at Tega Cay Wastewater Plant
Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Notice of Violation to Utilities Inc., notifying them of violations observed at the Tega Cay Water Services’ Wastewater Collection and Transmission System (Tega Cay) during a joint inspection with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in December 2013.
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Notice of Violation to Utilities Inc., notifying them of violations observed at the Tega Cay Water Services’ Wastewater Collection and Transmission System (Tega Cay) during a joint inspection with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in December 2013.
Tega Cay allowed at least 27 sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) to occur from Jan. 1, 2013, through Jan. 2, 2014, resulting in 446,350 gallons of untreated sewage being discharged. At least 18 of the SSOs discharged untreated sewage to navigable waters of the United States.
The Notice of Violation requires Tega Cay to follow the compliance dates noted in a related DHEC Consent Order executed on Feb. 3, 2014. EPA will monitor Tega Cay’s progress in developing and implementing written Management, Operations and Maintenance programs, as well as continued rehabilitation and repair of its wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure, to address the violations over the next two years.
Until consistent compliance is achieved, Tega Cay is considered to be in violation of the CWA and may be subject to additional enforcement action.
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits are used to regulate the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States.
More information on the NPDES permit program in the Southeast is available at:http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/permits/index.html
Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4
And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast
EPA awards $496,000 to the State of Utah to reduce diesel emissions along the Wasatch Front
EPA Press Release:
Truck retrofit project to save fuel and money, and reduce 21 tons of particulate matter and 1,364 tons of greenhouse gases
Contacts:
U.S. EPA: Richard Mylott 303-312-6654; Kyle Olson 303-312-6002
Utah Department of Environmental Quality: Lisa Burr, 801-536-4019
(Denver, Colo. – February 20, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Utah Department of Environmental Quality a $496,000 grant to reduce diesel emissions from heavy- duty trucks based in seven counties along the Wasatch Front, an area challenged by levels of particulate matter that exceed federal air quality standards.
“Getting Utah’s trucking fleets up to speed with technologies that dramatically reduce pollution, including harmful fine particles, is a step towards healthier air quality,” said Shaun McGrath, EPA’s regional administrator in Denver. "We know that improving air quality in Wasatch Front communities will require solutions from all types of emission sources. These types of clean diesel investments offer significant fuel and cost savings and set an example for efforts to secure clean air.”
This project will focus on retrofitting 19 long-haul trucks, based in Utah, with exhaust control devices that will reduce particulate matter emissions up to 90% and idle-reduction technologies that will reduce engine idling time by more than 8,000 hours. Bingham Livestock, Intermountain Rigging and Heavy Haul, L & S Transport, and Sugar House Van Lineswere selected to participate due to their activity in areas along the Wasatch Front. The project will also replace two outdated vehicles operated by C.R. England Global Transportation and Pacific States Cast Iron Company with new ones that meet high emissions standards.
Investments in clean-diesel technologies save money and reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks, respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts that affect the region every year. In addition to the important health benefits, EPA’s grant will result in the reduction of 48 tons of nitrogen oxides; 21 tons of particulate matter (PM 2.5); 15 tons of hydrocarbons; 83 tons of carbon monoxide; and 1,364 tons of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. It will also save 83,462 gallons of fuel.
For information about EPA’s clean diesel initiatives, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
No more ‘dry clean only’ labels? | TheHill
Environmental groups are pushing the Federal Trade Commission to do away with dry clean only labels.
Dry cleaners, the groups say, often use cleaning chemicals that are harmful to the environment and can pose health risks to workers and consumers.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/198735-green-groups-want-to-kill-dry-clean-only-labels#ixzz2trpbGTW7
Follow us: @thehill on Twitter | TheHill on Facebook
No more ‘dry clean only’ labels? | TheHill
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
EPA Protects Wetlands in Calif. and Ariz. with $1.5 Million in Grants
EPA Press Release:
For Immediate Release: February 18, 2014
EPA Protects Wetlands in Calif. and Ariz. with $1.5 Million in Grants
Agency now accepting applications for 2014 grant cycle
SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the award of $1,565,140 in 2013 Wetland Program Development Grants to six tribes in California and Arizona and four California organizations to conduct research designed to prevent and eliminate water pollution. EPA also announces it will begin today accepting applications for the 2014 Wetland Program grant cycle.
Work under these grants, awarded annually, will range from enhancing computer programs that rapidly assess wetland conditions, to helping tribes develop programs to better monitor and protect their wetlands.
“Wetlands are key to the vitality of local communities and wildlife -- in an era of climate change, healthy wetlands act as natural buffers to floods and sea level rise,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Continued support for research and projects to improve water resources is critical in the arid West.”
This is a list of the 2013 grantees:
- Bishop Paiute Tribe (Bishop, Calif.)
- Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Rohnert Park, Calif.)
- Pala Tribe (Pala, Calif.)
- Pinoleville Pomo Nation (Mendocino County, Calif.)
- Yurok Tribe (Klamath, Calif.)
- White Mountain Apache Tribe (Whiteriver, Ariz.)
- East Merced Resource Conservation District (Merced, Calif.)
- Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy (West Sacramento, Calif.)
- San Jose University (San Jose, Calif.)
- Aquatic Science Center (Richmond, Calif.)
First awarded in 1990, EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
EPA will accept applications for the 2014 grant cycle until April 1, 2014. Approximately $1.5 million infederal funding will be available for projects in the Pacific Southwest Region.
For more information about this year’s grant recipients, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/wetlands/grants/grants-13.html
To learn more about submitting an application for the 2014 grant cycle, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/wetlands/grants/index.html
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)