EPA Seeks Input on Emission Standards for New and Modified Sources in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2015

EPA Seeks Input on Emission Standards for New and Modified Sources in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. The panel is part of a standard federal government process and will focus on the agency’s development of a rule that proposes to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under its New Source Performance Standards for the oil and natural gas industry. EPA will build on the cost-effective standards, issued in 2012, that are currently in place for several sources in the oil and natural gas industry. The agency intends to add equipment and processes to those sources currently covered by the standards. Equipment and processes the agency is considering adding include hydraulically fractured oil wells, pneumatic pumps, and leaks from new and modified well sites and compressor stations.

On Jan. 14, 2015, the Obama Administration announced its next steps to cut methane emission under the March 2014 Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions. That strategy, part of the administration’s Climate Action Plan, identified the oil and gas industry as a key source of methane emissions and set out a series of steps to reduce those emissions while allowing continued responsible growth in U.S. oil and natural gas production.

As part of that strategy, in April 15, 2014, EPA released for external peer review and public input five technical white papers on potentially significant sources of emissions in the oil and gas sector. The white papers set out data and information available to the agency at that time on potentially significant sources of emissions in the oil and gas sector, and options for reducing those emissions. EPA used the papers, along with the input received from the peer reviewers and the public, to identify potential common sense, cost-effective approaches to achieve emission reduction from these sources. Peer reviewers’ comments, and instructions for reading input from the public are available on EPA’s websitewww.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/whitepapers.html.

EPA anticipates proposing a rule this summer and taking final action in 2016.

The panel is being established pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.  The panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.

Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by February 11, 2015.

Nominate yourself as a SER: http://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/

More information about EPA’s strategy for reducing air pollution form the oil and gas industry:http://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/pdfs/20150114fs.pdf

R029

St. Petersburg, Fla., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2015

St. Petersburg, Fla., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, EPA, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that St. Petersburg, Fla. is one of 22 communities to receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. EPA selected this year’s recipients from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

Many communities are seeking EPA’s assistance to think through how and where they will grow – while protecting the environment and helping members of the community most in need,” said Joel Beauvais, associate administrator for EPA's Office of Policy. ”Our Building Blocks program brings the technical know-how to help communities overcome the barriers to sustainable growth so they can plan for a healthier, more vibrant future."

St. Petersburg’s Building Blocks workshop will focus on bikeshare planning, in combination with previous information-gathered by city staff, to provide a clear roadmap for the timely implementation of a bikeshare program in the city.  The goal is to ensure enhanced affordable mobile access for residents of all ages and income levels, while fostering economic development and maintaining the attractiveness of the central downtown.

EPA selected the following communities, located in 18 states: Asheville, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Canton, Miss.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Damariscotta, Maine; Danville, Ill.; Fresno, Calif.; Marysville, Wash.; Mobile, Ala.; Nederland, Colo.; New Paltz, N.Y.; Newburyport, Mass; Passaic County, N.J.; Polk County, Iowa; Prichard, Ala.; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis.; Santa Ynez Band of Chamash Indians, Calif; Scituate, Mass; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Terre Haute, Ind.

The agency is offering five tools this year: Bikeshare Planning, Equitable Development, Infill Development for Distressed Cities, Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas, and Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities. Using the flood resilience tool, for example, EPA will help Newburyport, Mass. explore green infrastructure solutions to coastal erosion and river flooding to protect the town’s vibrant riverfront economy. EPA will also help New Paltz, New York amend its village code to make the historic downtown more resilient to flooding, which disproportionately affects minority and low-income residents.

Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to 130communities in 41 states. As a result of this assistance, community groups, local governments, and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change, and improve overall quality of life.

EPA will conduct these workshops in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Through the Partnership, EPA, HUD, and DOT work together to coordinate investments in housing, transportation, and environmental protection to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

More information on the Building Blocks program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html
Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast
###

Mobile and Prichard, Ala., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2015

Mobile and Prichard, Ala., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov

ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Mobile and Prichard, Ala., are among 22 communities selected to receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. EPA selected this year’s recipients from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

"Many communities are seeking EPA’s assistance to think through how and where they will grow – while protecting the environment and helping members of the community most in need,” said Joel Beauvais, associate administrator for EPA's Office of Policy. "Our Building Blocks program brings the technical know-how to help communities overcome the barriers to sustainable growth so they can plan for a healthier, more vibrant future."

The agency is offering five tools this year: Bikeshare Planning, Equitable Development, Infill Development for Distressed Cities, Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas, and Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities. Using the flood resilience tool, EPA will help Mobile plan for increased business and economic development along the Peninsula. The population of this area has been disconnected from its watery surroundings and struggles with lack of economic opportunities, while being vulnerable to flooding and other impacts of storms. EPA will help Prichard improve economic conditions and quality of life for its residents, who continue to be challenged by decaying infrastructure and population declines.

EPA also selected the following communities, located in 17 other states: Asheville, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Canton, Miss.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Damariscotta, Maine; Danville, Ill.; Fresno, Calif.; Marysville, Wash.; Nederland, Colo.; New Paltz, N.Y.; Newburyport, Mass; Passaic County, N.J.; Polk County, Iowa; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis.; Santa Ynez Band of Chamash Indians, Calif; Scituate, Mass; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Terre Haute, Ind.

Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to 130 communities in 41 states. As a result of this assistance, community groups, local governments, and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change, and improve overall quality of life.

EPA will conduct the planned workshops in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Through the Partnership, EPA, HUD, and DOT work together to coordinate investments in housing, transportation, and environmental protection to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

More information on the Building Blocks program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html

Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast

Canton, Miss., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2015

Canton, Miss., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov

ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Canton, Miss., is among 22 communities selected to receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. EPA selected this year’s recipients from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

"Many communities are seeking EPA’s assistance to think through how and where they will grow – while protecting the environment and helping members of the community most in need,” said Joel Beauvais, associate administrator for EPA's Office of Policy. "Our Building Blocks program brings the technical know-how to help communities overcome the barriers to sustainable growth so they can plan for a healthier, more vibrant future."

The agency is offering five tools this year: Bikeshare Planning, Equitable Development, Infill Development for Distressed Cities, Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas, and Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities. Using the infill development tool, EPA will help Canton facilitate the use of in-town lots to stimulate neighborhood revitalization and economic improvements, particularly around the Historical Square, now a focal point for redevelopment.

EPA also selected the following communities, located in 17 other states: Asheville, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Damariscotta, Maine; Danville, Ill.; Fresno, Calif.; Marysville, Wash.; Mobile, Ala.; Nederland, Colo.; New Paltz, N.Y.; Newburyport, Mass; Passaic County, N.J.; Polk County, Iowa; Prichard, Ala.; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis.; Santa Ynez Band of Chamash Indians, Calif; Scituate, Mass; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Terre Haute, Ind.

Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to 130 communities in 41 states. As a result of this assistance, community groups, local governments, and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change, and improve overall quality of life.

EPA will conduct the planned workshops in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Through the Partnership, EPA, HUD, and DOT work together to coordinate investments in housing, transportation, and environmental protection to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

More information on the Building Blocks program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html

Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast

Asheville, N.C., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2015

Asheville, N.C., Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally to Receive EPA Assistance to Advance Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development

Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov

ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Asheville, N.C., is among 22 communities selected to receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. EPA selected this year’s recipients from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

"Many communities are seeking EPA’s assistance to think through how and where they will grow – while protecting the environment and helping members of the community most in need,” said Joel Beauvais, associate administrator for EPA's Office of Policy. "Our Building Blocks program brings the technical know-how to help communities overcome the barriers to sustainable growth so they can plan for a healthier, more vibrant future."

The agency is offering five tools this year: Bikeshare Planning, Equitable Development, Infill Development for Distressed Cities, Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas, and Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities. Using the equitable development tool, EPA will help Asheville advance planning and community engagement investments in the East of the Riverway area by engaging with neighborhoods challenged by gentrification as the riverfront becomes a focal area for the arts, entertainment and outdoor recreation.

EPA also selected the following communities, located in 17 other states: Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Canton, Miss.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Damariscotta, Maine; Danville, Ill.; Fresno, Calif.; Marysville, Wash.; Mobile, Ala.; Nederland, Colo.; New Paltz, N.Y.; Newburyport, Mass; Passaic County, N.J.; Polk County, Iowa; Prichard, Ala.; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis.; Santa Ynez Band of Chamash Indians, Calif; Scituate, Mass; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Terre Haute, Ind.

Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to 130 communities in 41 states. As a result of this assistance, community groups, local governments, and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change, and improve overall quality of life.

EPA will conduct the planned workshops in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Through the Partnership, EPA, HUD, and DOT work together to coordinate investments in housing, transportation, and environmental protection to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

More information on the Building Blocks program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html

Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4

And on Twitter: @EPASoutheast

EPA Awarding Grants to Protect and Restore Wetlands

From EPA:

For immediate release

1/27/15

EPA Awarding Grants to Protect and Restore Wetlands

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $1 million in grants to strengthen the capacity of states and tribes to protect and restore wetlands. The National Wetland Program Development Grants provide interstate agencies, intertribal consortia, and non-profit organizations with funding to develop and refine comprehensive state, tribal, and local wetland programs.

“Wetlands are part of the foundation of our nation's water resources and are vital to the health of waterways and communities that are downstream,” said Ken Kopocis, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at EPA.  “Wetlands feed downstream waters, trap floodwaters, recharge groundwater supplies, remove pollution, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. Wetlands are also economic drivers because of their key role in fishing, hunting, agriculture and recreation.”

EPA is announcing the award of six proposals. All proposed projects must be linked to environmental results and demonstrate how they will contribute to developing healthy communities and ecosystems. The selected proposals are:

• Leveraging Hazard Mitigation Buyouts (acquisition of flood prone areas) to Protect and Restore Wetlands and Improve Watershed Health - The Environmental Law Institute and the University of North Carolina will investigate and map hazard mitigation buyouts in three states to examine the potential wetland habitat and flood mitigation benefits of acquired properties. The two organizations will provide recommendations to help wetland programs across the country enhance collaboration with hazard mitigation planners and emergency managers. They will also leverage hazard mitigation buyouts to restore, manage, and connect acquired properties to provide wetland and wildlife habitat and improve community resilience.

• Improving In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Practice Through Training - The Environmental Law Institute will design and host a conference and a series of webinars devoted to addressing the needs of state, tribal, and local governments seeking approval for, administering, or overseeing In-Lieu Fee compensatory wetland mitigation programs.

• Creation of an Online Academy to Advance the Use of Living Shorelines - Restore America’s Estuaries and its partners will create and operate a "Living Shorelines Academy" focused on promoting the use of natural protection methods to reduce degradation of fringing shorelines and fish habitat that surround our nation’s estuaries.

• Development of a Stewardship Calculator for Wetland Mitigation Banking - The Nature Conservancy and its partners will convene a group of national experts to develop a Wetland Stewardship Calculator, accompanying handbook, and web-based application. These resources will support the ability of states, tribes, local governments, and land trusts (“wetland stewards”) to successfully provide long-term stewardship of wetland protection sites.

• Creating New Access to High Quality Wetland Training for State and Tribal Wetland Program Field Professionals - The Association of State Wetland Managers and its partners will focus on connecting state, tribal, and wetland professionals with training opportunities and resources. The project will increase these professionals’ ability to implement wetland programs. ASWM will convene a Working Group to identify national and regional wetland training needs and assist in developing the other products of this project.

• Raising the Bar on Wetland Restoration Success Nationwide - The Association of State Wetlands Managers will work on several related projects. These include developing a national strategy for improving wetland restoration success and pursuing strategies to improve permit application and review of voluntary restoration projects. ASWM will also work on developing a series of written and web-based resources on best management approaches for wetland restoration.

For more information: http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/initiative_index.cfm

R28

R28

EPA Seeks Input on Federal Plan for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Plants

From EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2015

EPA Seeks Input on Federal Plan for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Power Plants

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) on a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel for the federal plan that EPA is developing as part of the Clean Power Plan. This panel is part of a standard federal government process and will focus on the agency’s development of a proposed Federal Plan for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Generating Units that will cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, the largest source of this pollution in the country.

Reaching out and engaging with the public and stakeholders has been the agency’s top priority throughout the development of this rule, and EPA is committed to continuing this engagement moving forward. Based on input from states and stakeholders, EPA believes that many states will find the information included in this plan helpful as they begin to develop their own plans to cut carbon pollution from power plants.

This panel will provide important feedback to the agency as it works to develop a proposed federal plan. 

It is being established pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. The panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements.Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.

Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by February 10, 2015. 

Nominate yourself as a SER by visitinghttp://www.epa.gov/rfa/cpp-federal-plan.html

More information about Federal Plan for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Generating Units: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/fact-sheet-clean-power-plan-carbon-pollution-standards-key-dates

R026