U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (Region 7)

Communities Information Digest

Has this edition of the digest been forwarded to you by a friend? Would you like to sign up to receive future digests? Do you have any news, funding, webinars or conferences related to environmental protection or human health youd like to submit for consideration in future digests? If so, please email Monica Espinosa, espinosa.monica@epa.gov or R7_POIS_Communities_Mailbox@epa.gov Thank you! April 15, 2014 Find us @ www.facebook.com/eparegion7 or https://twitter.com/eparegion7. Note: New items are in *asterisks*.

News
*Reminder: DOT (TIGER) 2014 Funding Opportunity is Open on Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: DTOS59-14-RA-TIGER6 Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2014 National Infrastructure Investments CFDA Number(s): 20.933 - National Infrastructure Investments The application period closes April 28. DOT strongly recommends that applicants submit their applications through grants.gov before 11:59 PM, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. Through TIGER, DOT will fund transportation projects across the country. TIGER 2014 emphasizes "projects that support reliable, safe and affordable transportation options that improve connections for both urban and rural communities, making it easier for their residents to reach work, school and other ladders of opportunity. While continuing to support projects of all types, DOT will prioritize applications for capital projects that better connect people to jobs, training and other opportunities, promote neighborhood redevelopment, and reconnect neighborhoods divided by physical barriers, such as highways and railroads." In addition to supporting capital grants, up to $35 million of TIGER funds can be used for planning grants, including planning of innovative transportation, regional transportation planning, freight and port planning, and programmatic mitigation approaches that increase efficiency and improve outcomes for communities and the

environment. Learn more about TIGER and find the application at http://www.dot.gov/tiger. *EPA Will Soon Post DERA National Request for Proposals EPA anticipates posting the FY14 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) National RFP at the end of April. It will be posted at http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/prgnational.htm. Contact Greg Crable at 913-551-7391 or crable.gregory@epa.gov for questions or more information. *Happy Earth Month from EPA! April 22 is Earth Day, but were celebrating all month, sharing a new tip each day to help you act on climate change. Below, we've listed many ways you can take action yourself and spread the word to your friends and family. Try one or many, but either way, lets all #ActOnClimate! Please help us share a message at noon on Earth Day, along with the link to a page full of things everyone can do to act on climate. Were using a new system called Thunderclap to coordinate, so a message will go out from everyone at noon on Earth Day. Heres the catch: we need 500 people to sign up or the message wont go. The message is: For Earth Day, I commit to protect the climate. Take small actions that add up! #ActOnClimate http://epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/ . We need your help, both to send the message and to invite your friends to send it, too. Join the effort at https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/10319-on-earth-day-actonclimate , or if you want more information about how it works, see our blog post: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2014/04/we-need-your-help-to-protect-the-planet *Share Daily Tips Through our EPA Website and Social Media Weve created 30 daily tips to act on climate, and well post one each day. Help us get them out there: Check out all of the tips at http://epa.gov/earthday/actonclimate/ and hit the share buttons below todays tip. You can also sign up to get one via email every day in April. Follow us as we post each daily tip and retweet/share: o Blog posts: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/category/earthmonthtips o Twitter: http://twitter.com/epa o Facebook: http://facebook.com/epa o Google+: http://www.google.com/+EPAgov o Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usepagov o Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/epagov o Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/epagov/act-on-climate *Join a Twitter chat about climate issues Were going to have EPA experts available to discuss climate issues on our @EPAlive account every Tuesday in April. April 15, 2:00pm EDT - What is EPA doing to act on climate? April 22, 2:00pm EDT - EPA Research and Climate: What does the research show about climate change and what we can do about it. April 29, 2:00pm EDT - Why is climate action important for our water? How can you join the conversation? Just follow @EPAlive and the #ActOnClimate hashtag on Twitter. Ask us a question or share your ideas, or just read along with the conversation. In addition to using Twitter, well publish a blog post for each chat, and you can ask your questions or send your thoughts as comments on the post. Heres the first one: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2014/04/lets-chat-about-how-to-act-on-climate/

*Grand Challenge Breakout Sessions Solar industry leaders and subject matter experts across 17 breakout sessions will provide insights and perspectives on the grand challenges to meeting the SunShot 2020 affordability goal in order to speed deployment, enable growth of the U.S. solar market, and deliver affordable and accessible solar energy to all Americans. The breakout sessions will examine a broad range of important solar topics, including the impact of disruptive emerging technologies on the PV and CSP landscapes to overcoming the challenges of financing and access to capital. Plus, join us for the announcement of a new SunShot prize competition! Below is a short list of some of the exciting sessions taking place during the four day summit. Looking Forward: The Solar Market in 2040 Business Innovation in Solar: Thriving beyond Incentives The Next Frontier for Solar Deployment: The Mid-Size Market Solar Securitization: Opportunities and Challenges Bringing Solutions to the Solar Industry: Startups, Technology Development and Market Entry Open Innovation: SunShot Catalyst & Next Generation Government Prizes The SunShot Summit will be packed with compelling plenary session panels, interactive breakout sessions, and workshops that will provide insights and practical takeaways, and will give you an opportunity to participate in the national conversation around the future of solar energy in the U.S. The hard part will be deciding what to include on YOUR summit schedule. Learn more and reserve your spot now. We hope to see you in Anaheim, CA from May 19-22! Link: http://energy.gov/eere/sunshotsummit/sunshot-grand-challenge-summit *EPA Strategic Plan Charts Direction for Next Four Years The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its fiscal year (FY) 2014 to 2018 Strategic Plan today, which provides a blueprint for advancing EPAs mission to protect public health and the environment across the country. The plan envisions a new era of partnerships with state and local governments, tribes, federal agencies, businesses, and industry leaders to achieve environmental benefits in a pragmatic, collaborative way. EPA will address the increasingly complex array of environmental challenges we face by advancing a rigorous research and development agenda that informs and supports our policy and decision making with timely and innovative technology and sustainable solutions, said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. More information on the Strategic Plan is available at: http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan *USDA Announces Funding to Train and Educate Next Generations of Farmers USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of more than $19 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of agricultural producers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). "USDA is committed to the next generation of America's farmers and ranchers because they represent the future of agriculture and are the backbone of our rural economy. As the average age of farmers continues to rise, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established." said Secretary Vilsack." NIFA is hosting two upcoming webinars for interested applicants on April 30 and May 6 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The first webinar will focus on general guidelines for the program, while the second webinar will focus on the funding allocations for sociallydisadvantaged and military veteran farmers and ranchers. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

*EPA Releases Top 25 List of Cities with Most ENERGY STAR Buildings On April 20, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the sixth annual list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of ENERGY STAR certified buildings. The cities on this list demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits achieved by facility owners and managers when they apply a proven approach to energy efficiency to their buildings. The Top 10 cities on the list are Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; New York; San Francisco; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Philadelphia; and Houston. Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. ENERGY STAR certified office buildings cost $0.50 less per square foot to operate than average office buildings, and use nearly two times less energy per square foot than average office buildings. More information is available at: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/topcities. *Energy Department Announces $4 Million for University Consortium to Advance Americas Water Power Industry The Energy Department today announced $4 million to engage Americas research universities in the effort to accelerate the development of the emerging marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy industry in the United States. The Energy Department today announced $4 million to engage Americas research universities in the effort to accelerate the development of the emerging marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy industry in the United States. This funding will support high-impact research projects designed to enable the capture of renewable wave and tidal energy, while supporting the growth of a globally competitive MHK workforce. A consortium of universities will receive funding to optimize operations, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the components and performance of MHK systems over three years. The selected universities will also pursue a range of related water power research projects to develop and evaluate distributed applications, measure and model wave and tidal resources, and enhance environmental monitoring techniques and instruments. Link: http://energy.gov/eere/articles/energy-department-announces-4-million-university-consortium-advance-america-s-water *EPA Calls for Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award Nominations by April 30 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking companies or institutions to nominate their innovative technologies for the 2014 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. EPA is looking for nominations from companies and institutions that have developed safer chemical processes and products that may reduce the generation and use of chemicals that are hazardous to peoples health and the environment. Nominations for innovative technologies that feature the design of greener chemicals/products, greener chemical synthesis, or greener chemical reactions are due to the agency by April 30, 2014. EPA anticipates recognizing five award winning green chemistry technologies this fall. Previous award winning technologies include an additive used during aluminum production that prevents billions of pounds of CO2 emissions each year, a water treatment system for industrial and commercial cooling systems that uses less chemical additives and saves billions of gallons of water a year, and a redesigned synthesis for a pharmaceutical ingredient that prevents over one million pounds of hazardous waste a year. Information on past award winners and how to submit entries can be found at: http://www2.epa.gov/green-chemistry *EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Clarify Protection for Nations Streams and Wetlands Agricultures Exemptions and Exclusions from Clean Water Act Expanded by Proposal The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) recently jointly released a proposed rule to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nations water resources. The proposed rule will benefit businesses by increasing efficiency in determining coverage of the Clean Water Act. The agencies are launching a robust outreach effort over the next 90 days, holding discussions around the country and gathering input needed to shape a final rule.

Determining Clean Water Act protection for streams and wetlands became confusing and complex following Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006. For nearly a decade, members of Congress, state and local officials, industry, agriculture, environmental groups, and the public asked for a rulemaking to provide clarity. Link: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/3881d73f4d4aaa0b85257359003f5348/ae90dedd9595a02485257ca600557e30 *EPA and DOE Honor 2014 Energy Star Partners of the Year The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 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 Des Moines Public School District; KB Home; Meritage Homes Corporation; PepsiCo., Inc.; Sears Holdings Corporation; and Samsung. EPA applauds this years Energy Star Partner of the Year Award winners, who have demonstrated innovative strategies to help their customers, partners and stakeholders save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions, said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe. Their commitment to saving energy helps fight climate change while also helping their bottom line. Link: www.energystar.gov/awardwinners

Funding Opportunities
April 18: EPA Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grants April 28: CDCs Healthy Community Design Initiative April 28: DOTs Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) *April 29: Sustainability Research Networks Competition 2014 Focus: Urban Sustainability * May 2: Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Assistance Grants for Historic Properties *May 6: 2014 Citizens' Institute on Rural Design Local Design Workshop

Meetings, Conferences, & Events

*April 30: US EPA Climate Showcase Communities Replication Workshop Baltimore, MD 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-trainingconference *May14-16: Housing Opportunity 2014: Healthy Housing, Healthy Places Denver, CO May 18 -20: 2014 National Main Streets Conference Detroit, Michigan May 19-21: Local Solutions: Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Manchester, New Hampshire

*May 19-22: 2014 SunShot Grand Challenge Summit Anaheim, California June 4-7: 22nd Annual Congress for New Urbanism Buffalo, New York June 15-16: Smart Growth Americas 2014 Local Leaders Policy Forum Washington D.C June 17-18: 2014 LOCUS Leadership Summit, Washington D.C. *Sep. 30-Oct. 2: America's Watershed Initiative Summit Louisville, Kentucky October 7 & 8, 2014: 7th Annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference Dubuque, Iowa

Webinars & Conference Calls

*April 16: Live Webinar on Recent Wind Energy Technology Advances The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled Recent Wind Technology Advances on Wednesday, April 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Owen Roberts, an engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will present on the current state of turbine technology, new methodology, and new state wind maps developed using these methods. Simon Mahan of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy will discuss the impact that modern and future turbines may have on the Southeast and lessons learned from ongoing projects. Aaron Barr from MAKE Consulting will discuss the future of low-windspeed technology, current technology trends, and projections for the future. Registration is not required. Learn how to join the webinar at: http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/filter_detail.asp?itemid=4153 *April 16, 1:00-2:00 pm EST Announcing the 2013 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition Winner, and Registration for the 2014 Competition! On April 16th, EPA will announce the results of the 2013 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. Learn about the winners and their impressive achievements, and about the achievements of the entire competitor pool of more than 3,000 buildings. This webinar will also announce the 2014 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition and provide details about how to register to compete. Register: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0401l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings *April 17, 1:00-2:30 PM EST Portfolio Manager 101 Join ENERGY STAR as they introduce and demonstrate the core functionality of EPAs new ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. Attendees will learn how to navigate the new Portfolio Manager, add a property and enter details about it, enter energy and water consumption data, share properties, generate performance reports to assess progress, and respond to data requests. Register: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0401l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings *April 17: Live Webinar on an Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide for Healthcare Facilities The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled Overview of the Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide (AERG) for Healthcare Facilities on Thursday, April 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The guide offers comprehensive information and analytical methods for calculating the cost-effectiveness of the highest priority measures that should be considered for retrofit projects in hospitals and small outpatient facilities. The guides are also available online for

office buildings, K-12 schools, retail stores, and grocery stores. Register to attend the webinar at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/125222166 *April 22: Brookings, CEG & CDFA Hosting Webinar on Clean Energy Development Bond Financing The Brookings Institution, Clean Energy Group and CDFA are releasing a new paper on Clean Energy Finance Through the Bond Market: A New Option for Progress. Join this free webcast on Tuesday, April 22 at 1pm EST to hear a discussion of models and case studies for clean energy bond finance. Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/381475097 *April 22: 1:00-2:30 p.m. EST How to Apply for the ENERGY STAR Learn about applying for ENERGY STAR Certification in Portfolio Manager. Understand the value of the ENERGY STAR certification, see the step-by-step process of applying, and gain tips to help your property get from application to award. Register: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0401l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings *April 22: 2-3:30 PM EST ELI Webinar on Legal and Policy Issues of Electricity Consumption In this session, our expert faculty from the Environmental Law Institute will examine legal and policy issues of energy consumption. How can we expect greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector to be regulated? What is the electric consumption market structure and what is the role of utilities? How reliable and resilient is our current electricity infrastructure and what are the options for increasing both measures? What is the electric utility model? How will greenhouse gas emissions be regulated? What does it mean for an energy system to be reliable and resilient? Link: http://www.ali-cle.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=courses.course&course_code=TSVX10 *April 23: 3 - 4:30pm EST Webinar: In the Mix Getting Residential Development in Mixed Use Communities Right, Presented by the Urban Land Institute's Terwilliger Center for Housing, this webinar will offer an engaging discussion with experienced developers on how to sustain the long-term vibrancy and economic viability of residential development in mixed use communities. Link: http://uli.org/event/webinar-mixgetting-residential-development-mixed-use-communities-right/ *April 24: Live Webinar on Climate Change Impacts and Indian Country: Natural Resources and Agriculture Webinar The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled Climate Change Impacts and Indian Country: Natural Resources and Agriculture on Thursday, April 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Current climate change impacts are felt first in our natural world, and the challenges to protecting those natural resources are shared across all of Indian Country. Hearing from federal agencies that support tribal natural resource development and protection with their assessment of climate change impacts will give Tribes a broad understanding of those challenges and efforts to mitigate impacts and promote more resilient natural systems. Register to attend the webinar: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/630451488

*April 24: 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST Portfolio Manager Office Hours, Focus Topic Understanding Energy Metrics Portfolio Manager "Office Hours" is a live webinar that gives all users an opportunity to ask their questions directly to EPA in an open forum. In 2014, Office Hours will be held once a month. The first 20-30 minutes of each session will be spent discussing a specific focus topic. The remaining hour will be used to answer any questions you have about Portfolio Manager (not limited to the focus topic). In April, the focus topic will be energy metrics. In particular, learn about the ENERGY STAR score, Weather Normalized Energy, Energy Use Adjusted to the Current Year, National Median Energy use, and Site and Source Energy use. Learn what each of these metrics means and how/when you should use these metrics in your benchmarking and reporting. Different reports/screens in Portfolio Manager that can help you access energy metrics will be demonstrated. Register: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0401l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings *April 25: 1-2 p.m. EST Assessing Population Vulnerability to Health Impacts of Climate Change, Global climate change is one of the most pressing environmental and public health concerns of the 21st century. Key to adapting to the effects of climate change is an understanding of the different risks experienced by various exposed or affected populations so that interventions can be targeted and implemented more efficiently. Certain populations are particularly at risk to the health effects of climate change, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and those living in urban or coastal areas. This webinar will describe ongoing research focused on assessing factors that may mediate increased risks among select vulnerable populations. The webinar will include two presentations: - "Extreme Heat Events and Health Risk Patterns in Urban and Rural Communities" Julia Gohlke, Ph.D., University of Alabama Birmingham "Climate Change and Vulnerability in the Elderly" Antonella Zanobetti, Ph.D., Harvard School of Public Health To register, please visit: http://bit.ly/PEPH_Climate *April 30: 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST Register for the 2014 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition! Learn about the 2014 EPA ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Team Challenge! Learn how you can earn recognition for energy and water savings, and how you can register to compete. Join thousands of buildings from across the nation in this annual competition that leads to millions of dollars and kBtus of savings! Registration is open April 16th to May 16th at www.energystar.gov/battleofthebuildings Register: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0401l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings

*May 1: Live Webinar on Climate Change Impacts and Indian Country: Human Health and Community The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled Climate Change Impacts and Indian Country: Human Health and Community on Thursday, May 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The multiagency Sustainable Communities program works to support state, local, and tribal governments in planning activities to develop their communities in more environmentally and economically sustainable ways.

Developing more sustainable communities is important to our national goals of strengthening our economy and creating good jobs now, while providing a foundation for lasting prosperity, using energy more efficiently to secure energy independence, and protecting our natural environment and human health. Webinar attendees will learn about other programs federal agencies have in place to help local communities with climate change impact assessments, mitigation, and adaption. Register to attend the webinar: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/643999824 *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 visitors 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 21: Live Webcast on the 2014 Farm Bill's Renewable Energy for America Program The 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 *June 4-5:Register Today for the Intro Food Systems Finance WebCourse, Early Bird Rates Expire May 9, 2014 Join 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

Green Schools
*April 15 & April 30 - 2014 - USDA - Farm to School Grant Program The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. On an annual basis, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs. Planning grants are expected to range from $20,000 - $45,000 and implementation grants and support service grants are expected to range from $65,000 - $100,000. To assist eligible entities in preparing proposals, USDA will host a series of webinars related to the application process: More information about these webinars and about how to apply for this funding opportunity: http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/fy-2015-farm-school-grant-program-funds-available *April 16, 1-2:00 PM EST Solar Procurement Templates and Tools for Higher Education Installed solar capacity in the higher education sector has grown dramatically in recent years, and for good reason: schools are taking advantage of dropping solar prices and state and federal incentives, and many see solar as a way to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and stabilize or reduce energy costs. This webinar will provide specific strategic and tactical guidance for higher education institutions interested in pursuing options for solar power on their facilities, and will offer a host of resources that schools can use to shape and manage the solar procurement process to a successful outcome. Tools for schools interested in solar hot water systems will also be included. Tools and topics to be presented include: Procurement process outline Solar system specifications Vendor proposal checklist: ensures you have all relevant documents for decision-making Pricing worksheet: enables transparent and comparable vendor pricing Proposal evaluation criteria Levelized Cost of Energy Calculator: assists in evaluating informal/unsolicited bid pricing Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/294493986 *April 21, 2014 EPA National Indoor Environments Program: Reducing Public Exposure to Indoor Pollutants EPAs Indoor Environments Division has released a Request for Applications (RFA) for demonstration, training, outreach and/or education cooperative agreements that will have a national scale impact to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants and yield measurable environmental outcomes. Applications must articulate a plan to produce results that have implications and/or benefits on a national level (in other words, this RFA is not designed to fund small-scale local projects) in one or more of the following program priority areas: radon, indoor environmental asthma triggers, multiple indoor air quality contaminants. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $2 million to $4 million annually, for up to three years. EPA anticipates awarding between 10 to 20 cooperative agreements from this announcement, subject to availability of funds, the quality of proposals received, and other applicable considerations. EPA

will not consider proposals requesting in excess of $200,000 per year in federal funds. You can download the RFA from OARs grants funding page at http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html *On-Going - TEEN Nick Halo Awards - DO YOU KNOW ANY INSPIRING TEENS WHO ARE MAKING A HUGE IMPACT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES? Teens who are leading others to join their movement and take action on causes that are important to them? Teens with unique, powerful stories who took their personal experiences and, through service, made it meaningful on a bigger level--a level that really made a difference? That's awesome. We would love to hear about them. And there's a chance we'll shine the HALO spotlight on them! http://www.teennick.com/shows/halo-awards/nomination *USDA Gives $300 million~ to 41 States and Puerto Rico Supporting Rural Schools Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that over $300 million will be paid to 41 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in support of local schools and roads as part of the Congressional reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The disbursement includes $30 million in Title II funding to complete special conservation projects on Federal lands proposed by resource advisory committees. Funding is provided through the U.S. Forest Service. The payments from the Forest Service may be used for supporting public schools and public roads, for projects to help maintain and improve the health of forests, and for county projects including "Firewise Communities" programs, reimbursements for emergency services on national forests and development of community wildfire protection plans. These forest projects were reviewed and recommended by resource advisory committees made up of local residents working together to improve the environment and help provide jobs in rural communities. Each county's share of their state's payment amounts can be found on the Forest Service's Web site at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/securepayments/projectedpayments. For more information go to: USDA Funding Provided by the U.S. Forest Service for Rural Schools (PDF, 75KB) *The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) Expands Topics in School Environmental Health (TSEH) Resources to Include IPM in Schools EELI 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 Laws ELI 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 New Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Brochure for Schools and Child Care Facilities: Everyone has a role in IPM to prevent and manage pests in and around schools and childcare facilities. The Ounce of Prevention Integrated Pest Management (IPM) For Schools and Child Care Facilities brochure is intended for school and childcare facility staff, parents, and pest management professionals. This new publication covers all aspects of an integrated pest management program, from why IPM is important, to program components, to working with pest management professionals. This brochure also has a great back page with small checklists that you can place throughout your school and childcare buildings. To download more pesticide safety brochures or order some color copies for your next event check out this link at

http://pesticidestewardship.org/Pages/Resources.aspx. To go directly to the brochure, click here: http://pesticidestewardship.org/Documents/An%20Ounce%20of%20Prevention.pdf.

Other Community-Related Information/Events

*Announcing CDFA Summer School - Register Today to Secure Your Spot Early Bird Rates Expire June 30, 2014 CDFA 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/repairpriorities-2014 *USDA Demonstration Projects Will Provide Funding To Fight Hunger, Nourish Families Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new funding opportunities for state agencies and Indian tribal organizations to develop innovative strategies to prevent hunger and food insecurity. The demonstration projects under the new initiative are designed to find solutions so that no child goes hungry. Approximately $30 million will be awarded for up to five demonstration projects in the form of cooperative agreements between USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and grantees. The remaining funds will be used for independent evaluations of each project. The Request for Applications was released today on Grants.gov. Letters of Intent are due on May 1, 2014, and completed applications are due on July 7, 2014. FNS will consider only one application from each state, U.S. territory, Indian tribal organization (ITO), or the District of Columbia. However, FNS will consider applications from both a state and an ITO with different proposed project sites in the same state. For more information, please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/demonstration-projects-end-childhood-hunger. *Energy Department Seeks Recent Ph.D. Recipients for Postdoctoral Research Projects to Spur Innovation in Solar Energy In order to further spur innovation in solar energy, the Energy Departments Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable

Energy is now accepting applications for postdoctoral researchers in solar energy to participate in the EERE Postdoctoral Research Awards. The research opportunities will be awarded to qualified applicants to work on collaborative research of mutual interest to the applicant, the host facility, and the Energy Departments SunShot Initiative, which is sponsoring the awards. Research topics include applying behavioral science insights to solar energy deployment, using big data to solve solars biggest challenges, and innovative material sciences research focusing on photovoltaics or concentrating solar power. The application period closes on April 30, 2014. Link: http://energy.gov/eere/articles/energy-department-seeks-recent-phdrecipients-postdoctoral-research-projects-spur *EPA Enforcement Settlement Addresses Pesticide Violations by Chemical Universe, Inc., of North Kansas City, Mo. An inspection by the Missouri Department of Agriculture of Chemical Universe, Inc., a pesticide producer in North Kansas City, Mo., has revealed alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Through an enforcement action with EPA Region 7, the company has agreed to pay a $34,740 civil penalty to settle the allegations related to the improperly reported production and distribution of misbranded and unregistered pesticides. Under FIFRA, distributors of pesticides must ensure that the products are properly registered with EPA. The inspection of Chemical Universes North Kansas City, Mo., facility in April 2013 revealed that on at least nine occasions in 2012 and 2013, the company sold quantities of an unregistered and misbranded pesticide. The investigation also revealed that pesticide reports submitted by the company for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013 contained false or incomplete information, in violation of FIFRA. As a part of the settlement, Chemical Universe, Inc., has certified that it is now in compliance with FIFRA and its regulations. Link: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/beebc0b489d357e08525735900400c2f/b02fa1b750c27e3685257cb60073b348!O penDocument *Links to Green Infrastructure Resources from EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds / Green Infrastructure Program Under 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 isnt 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, Texas Check 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-communitiesof-port-arthur-texas/ *EJ in Action Blog: Address Crucial Water Issues in Our Communities Check 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-ourcommunities/ *EJ in Action Blog: National Association of Environmental Law Societies (NAELS) Annual Conference, March 28-29 Check out our latest blog post, Looking Back and Moving Forward on Environmental Justice, written by Sam Caravello, Gen Parshalle, and Cecelia Segal, all students of Harvard Law School. The authors talk about the upcoming NAELS annual conference, which will focus on three themes: progress toward environmental justice, the social justice aspects of todays environmental movements, and strategies to ensure that environmental justice is a priority in future environmental work. The conference, which will take place at Harvard, on March 28-29, 2014, will feature prominent figures in the movement including former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Dr. Robert Bullard. Link: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/03/looking-back-and-moving-forward/ *USDA, EPA Partner to Improve Access to Clean Water, Improved Infrastructure in U.S.-Mexico Border Region The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a joint initiative to improve access to clean water and wastewater infrastructure for U.S. communities along the Mexico border. This initiative is part of USDA and EPA's ongoing partnership to increase the sustainability of rural drinking water and wastewater systems. "For many living along the U.S.-Mexico border, access to safe, reliable water and wastewater treatment - something that most Americans take for granted - is nonexistent," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "The resources provided through USDA and EPA will help mitigate health and environmental risks, advance economic development, and improve the quality of life for families living in the region." Link: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/aee3f9?reqfrom=share *USDA Provides Farm Bill Funding for Pest and Disease Management Programs U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the allocation of $48.1 million, provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), to projects across the country that will help to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten America's agriculture economy and the environment. The economic stakes for stopping invasive species are high, with scientists estimating the total economic cost of all invasive species to be approximately $120 billion annually. "The funds USDA is making available today will help partners and stakeholders develop strategies, products and treatments to safeguard our farms and natural resources from invasive threats." said Vilsack. The projects approved for allocation will help states and other partners continue providing and strengthening protections against agricultural threats and could also allow the reallocation of resources to other critical programs. A list of selected projects and the FY 2014 funding plan are posted at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2014/04/pdf/fy14_farm_bill_spending_plan.pdf *Global Solar Deployment Exceeds Wind in 2013: Report More new solar photovoltaic (PV) generating capacity was added throughout the globe than wind energy in 2013, according to a report issued by clean-tech research and advisory firm Clean Edge. The report found that 36.5 gigawatts (GW) of PV capacity was installed globally compared to 35.5 GW of new wind capacity added in 2013, well below the previous years 44.7 GW. It was the first time solar installations have topped wind power since the report began tracking the renewable energy sources in 2000. According to the report, record levels of new solar deployment in China, Japan, and the United States helped drive the solar market. There was also a slight uptick in the global biofuels market. See the Clean Edge news release at: http://cleanedge.com/Resources/news/Clean-Edge-Finds-Global-Solar-Deployment-Exceeds-Wind-for-First-Time

*America's Biggest Cities Growing Faster than Smaller Metros and Rural Areas About 40 percent of the nation's largest metropolitan populations grew faster than the national average, according to an article on TheAtlanticCities.com website. Many large metros grew two to three times faster than the average. An influx of immigrants and the millennial generation seeking knowledge-based jobs and vibrant urban cores may explain some of this growth disparity. Link: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/politics/2014/03/americas-biggest-metros-are-growing-much-fasterother-cities/8746/ *Cities Ranked on Walkable Access to Grocery Stores Walk Score has developed a new ranking of the best and worst American cities for walkable access to food. The organization cross-referenced millions of walking routes with a database of grocery store locations, then ranked cities according to the share of residents who can walk to a grocery store in five minutes or less. Walk Score found that 72 percent of New York City residents can walk to nearby grocery stores within the five-minute timeframe. Several cities are adapting the Walk Score algorithm to examine and address their own local food-access issues. Link: http://usa.streetsblog.org/2014/03/27/the-5-cities-where-itseasiest-and-hardest-to-walk-to-the-grocery-store/ *Made for Walking: Density and Neighborhood Form (Interactive ebook) The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has repackaged this bestselling book from 2012 as an interactive ebook. Through embedded videos, self-guided tours, peel-away scale maps, scrollable panoramas, and photo slideshows, readers can now explore walkable neighborhoods and other elements of cities where residents can live comfortably without a car. Link: http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/2150_Made-for-Walking *Congress for New Urbanism Membership Giveaway Contest Every 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 Community The 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 companys chemical plant in Port Arthur, Texas. This settlement is part of EPAs national ef fort 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. The consent decree, lodged in the Eastern District Court of Texas, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval. More information about the settlement: www2.epa.gov/enforcement/flint-hillsresources-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 EPAs Green Building Website Visit the new Green Building Standards page on EPAs 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 1950s More 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-advocatesreport.html?emc=eta1&_r=1 *PeopleForBikes Selects Six Cities for Bike Lane Program The 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-newgreen-lane-project-cities *Strategic Visioning for Community and Economic Development The 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 Universitys research will evaluate the tradeoffs between using nanomaterials to improve the functionality of consumer products and the potential risks to humans and the environment. The University of California, Santa Barbaras 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 *EPAs Office of Sustainable Communities Seeks proposals for a Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse EPAs 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.) *U.S. Coasts Prepare for Rising Seas Experts Urge Coastal Regions to Plan for Likely Effects Sea level is a slow-moving emergency, according to scientist Steve Goldbeck. As chief deputy director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), one of the first U.S. coastal community agencies to establish a master plan to deal with sea level rise, Goldbeck has first-hand experience helping coastal communities deal with the effects of climate change. And around the country, from Connecticut to Florida to California, coastal communities are weighing the reality of sea level rise into their long-term planning. Science is pretty clear. Sea level is rising and it has risen significantly in the last 100 years. The most robust numbers are from the U.S. National Research Council (suggesting sea level rise over the 21st century of between 22 and 79 inches). But it is difficult to predict, Goldbeck said. Link: http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/environmental/article_a7bfa6ae-af9a-11e3-89d80017a43b2370.html?utm_source=SCN+InBox+e-Newsletter&utm_campaign=07c908d827-Newsletter_3-192014_Muni&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11e7ac761c-07c908d827-188541149

*EPA Celebrates 10 Years of SmartWay Partnerships Voluntary program saves companies billions in fuel costs while cutting pollution EPAs 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. SmartWay helps businesses move more goods more miles with lower emissions and less energy by helping accelerate the availability, adoption and market penetration of advanced fuel efficient technologies and operational practices in the freight supply chain, while lowering costs and improving environmental performance. Link:www.epa.gov/smartway/about/smartway10.htm

*FHWA's Fostering Livable Communities Newsletter The 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. The newsletters share effective practices and resources that may be of use to practitioners and the public. The FHWA Livability Team is hopeful that the articles will be of interest and that you will subscribe to receive the newsletter quarterly. Link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter/ *P3 Revolution or Evolution: Legislation, Models, Successes & Trends Several 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 *Video of this Week's USDA highlights This video gives a rundown of some of the key announcements, activities, and current events related to the work at USDA. -Combating Plant Pests and Diseases -Helping Farmers and Ranchers Deal with Drought -Getting a Jump on Farm Bill Sign Ups and more! Watch the video at www.usda.gov/thisweek *Energy Efficiency Financing Options for Public Institutions Citigroup 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-greenhealtheefinancing-2014.html *Bee safe with pesticides. If you use pesticides where bees are present, always READ THE LABEL. EPA has developed new pesticide labels that help you understand how to apply the pesticides and help protect bees and other pollinators. Link: http://go.usa.gov/j65h *Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Climate Change Felt 'On all Continents' Climate change is impacting human and natural systems on all continents and oceans, according to a summary report released on March 31 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report, titled Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability, notes there are increasing risks from the changing climate, but the report also concludes that there are opportunities to respond to such risks, though the risks will become difficult to manage with high levels of warming. The findings for policymakers released by the IPCCs Working Group II mark the culmination of four years work by hundreds of experts who have volunteered their time and expertise to produce a comprehensive assessment of impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. The report considers every region and many sectors, ranging from oceans to human security, and focuses on effective responses. It notes that adaptation to reduce the risks from a changing climate is now starting to occur, but with a stronger focus on reacting to past events than on preparing for a changing future. See the IPCC Press Release: http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/ar5/pr_wg2/140330_pr_wgII_spm_en.pdf *EPA Air Sensors 2014: A New Frontier, Monitoring Technology for Today's World

Registration open with travel assistance opportunities June 9-10, 2014 EPA Campus Research Triangle Park, NC Register at: https://sites.google.com/site/airsensors2014/ Registration is free. 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 Report The 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. The contributions to health by Physical Environment include measures of Air and Water Quality and Housing and Transit. They will be available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. Go to: http://www.rwjf.org/en/aboutrwjf/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. HAP Transportation generates nearly $1 million a year in revenues, enabling its owner, the Hmong American Partnership, to expand services and business ventures to lead Minnesotans from Southeast Asia, who are often poor, into prosperity. 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_Minneso ta.htm?section=story1&msource=ESGM20140326 *At its Largest Truck Plant, Volvo Recognized for Leadership in Energy Efficiency Building on President Obama's Better Buildings Initiative and the Administration's broader efforts to double energy productivity by 2030, the Department of Energy today recognized Volvo Group North America for its leadership in energy efficiency at the New River Valley assembly plant near Roanoke, Va. As a Better Buildings, Better Plants partner, the Volvo Group has already achieved 16% savings across its U.S. plants and continues working toward its goal of becoming 25% more energy efficient within ten years. Link: http://www.energy.gov/articles/its-largest-truck-plant-volvo-recognizedleadership-energy-efficiency

*National Take-Back Initiative: Save the Date for Next Take Back Event: April 26, 2014 The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Check back on April 1, 2014 to locate collection sites near you. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html *EJ in Action Blog: New Training Tool for Planning and Community Involvement Check out our latest blog post, Creating Healthy Neighborhoods: Community Planning to Overcome Injustice, by Carolina Martinez of Environmental Health Coalition. Ms. Martinez writes about EHCs 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-ispower/ Job Opportunity to Lead EPAs Office of Sustainable Communities The Office of Sustainable Communities (OSC) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recruiting for a new Office Director. If you are interested in leading a dynamic organization that is at the forefront of smart growth and sustainable design issues within the federal government, this may be the opportunity for you. The Office of Sustainable Communities better known to many as EPAs Smart Growth Program helps communities across the country make smart growth and sustainable design practices commonplace. The new director will be responsible for (1) leading the Agencys cross-program efforts to strengthen the impact and visibility of EPAs work in communities; (2) executing the Agencys cross-program strategy to support communities through smart growth and other approaches that help them grow in more environmentally sustainable ways; and (3) contributing to the Agencys climate goals through community-based work. Because of the anticipated volume of applications, the recruitment period for this position is extremely short. All candidates that are U.S. Citizens must submit a complete application by April 2, 2014. The application for U.S. Citizens is posted at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/365482300 Applicants that are current federal employees and/or veterans must submit a completed applications by April 16, 2014. The application for federal employees/veterans is posted at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/365486100 EPA, Sergeants Pet Care and Wellmark International Reach Agreement to Cancel Potentially Harmful Insecticide Products The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached agreement with Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. and Wellmark International to cancel flea and tick pet collars containing propoxur marketed under the trade names including Bansect, Sentry, Zodiac and Biospot. This decision was reached between EPA and Sergeant's and Wellmark as a result of EPAs risk assessment showing risks to children from exposure to pet collars containing propoxur. Propoxur is an insecticide registered for use to control ticks, fleas and a variety of insects and is used in industrial, commercial and residential facilities. The agreement represents the solution to most quickly remove the pet collars from the market. If you purchase a propoxur pet collar, read the label carefully and follow all directions on the label to protect your family from exposure. Do not allow children to play with the collar, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. For more information about the voluntary cancellation: http://www2.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/companies-agree-stop-selling-pet-collars-containing-pesticide-protect-children *Listen Now to EPAs Webcast Series on Communications for Climate and Clean Energy Programs If 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. Participants will learn how to design communications strategies to engage and empower stakeholders, use communications methods to instigate and sustain behavior change and foster individual and community solutions, and effectively communicate their programs successes and resulting benefits to diverse audiences. Link: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a2013 FY2014 EPA Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grants Request for Proposals- Due April 18 EPA is announcing the availability of funding to eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to conduct research, or provide technical assistance to communities facing brownfields cleanup and revitalization challenges. Proposals are due April 18, 2014. Focus areas of this announcement include: - technical assistance to environmental workforce development and job training grantees, - technical assistance on the integration of environmental justice and equitable development for brownfields-impacted communities, - research on the benefits of Brownfields redevelopment, and - technical assistance on Brownfields financing and economic development strategies to brownfields-impacted communities. http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/news/index.htm#fy2014_btrtagag CDCs Healthy Community Design Initiative Is Awarding Funds for Improved Community Design (Due April 28, 2014) CDCs Healthy Community Design Initiative is awarding funds to increase the capacity of public health departments to include health considerations in transportation and land use planning decisions, and to expand the scope of health impacts considered when making decisions that impact community design. Total project funding over a period of three years is $2,610,000. Approximate number of awards is six. Eligibility information is on pages 12-13 of the FOA. To read examples of projects by awardees funded for the period of September 2011- August 2014, go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/stories/default.htm. To apply by April 28, go to: http://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?oppId=251873 Agriculture Secretary Announces $3 Million for a New Program to Improve Pollinator Health The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide close to $3 million in technical and financial assistance for interested farmers and ranchers to help improve the health of bees, which play an important role in crop production. The funding is a focused investment to improve pollinator health and will be targeted in five Midwestern states, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. "Honey bee pollination supports an estimated $15 billion worth of agricultural production, including more than 130 fruits and vegetables that are the foundation of a nutritious diet. The future security of America's food supply depends on healthy honey bees," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Expanded support for research, combined with USDA's other efforts to improve honey bee health, should help America's beekeepers combat the current, unprecedented loss of honey bee hives each year." Recent studies have shown that beekeepers are losing approximately 30 percent of their honey bee colonies each year, up from historical norms of ten to fifteen percent overwintering losses experienced prior to 2006. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/releases/?cid=STELPRDB1246681

This digest is being provided by EPA Region 7 for informational purposes only. This digest contains links to information, agencies, sites, and organizations outside of the EPA website. EPA is not responsible for third party links. EPA does not endorse third party organizations or agencies.