EPA Region 7

Communities Information Digest

November 13, 2015

Welcome to the latest EPA Region 7 Digest!

The purpose of the EPA Region 7 Communities Information Digest
is to provide communities in the 4-state region and other
interested areas the latest news, webinars, conferences, funding,
and other community-based activities going on in the region and
country related to human health and the environment. (An *
indicates a new post.)
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EPAs ENERGY STAR program launched the 2nd annual
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Rule Your Attic campaign October 1-November 20.

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EPA Region 4 Grant Writing: Best Practices and Insights

EPA has various grant funding opportunities due in
the next couple of months.

Check out this slide presentation from EPA Region 4

(Atlanta) for some helpful tips!

Headlines
*Statement from EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on Decision Reached at the 27th Meeting of the Parties to
the Montreal Protocol - Decision Puts World on Path to 2016 Amendment to Phase Down HFCs
Recently, countries across the world took the historic step to work together on a 2016 Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol to reduce the production and consumption of harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that can
be up to 10,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change. A 2016 amendment to the
Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs will achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions and could avoid up to 0.5
degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. Reaching agreement on this decision by the Parties will pave the way to help all
countries transition to alternatives and away from HFCs.

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*EPA and Partners Launch Challenge to Recycle Nutrients from Livestock Waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pork and dairy
producers, and environmental and scientific experts to launch the Nutrient Recycling Challenge, a competition to
develop affordable technologies that recycle nutrients from livestock waste. Every year, livestock producers manage
more than one billion tons of manure, which contains valuable nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus that plants need
to grow. Challenge participants will develop technologies that extract nutrients from livestock manure to generate
products with environmental and economic benefits that farmers can use or sell.
*EPA Awards Environmental Education Grants in 24 States, Puerto Rico, D.C.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the completion of the latest round of awards under the
Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program. Projects include a community-based program to study Monarch
butterflies, a watershed and stream monitoring teacher training program, a classroom -based simulation of the United
Nations Climate Summit, and a mobile laboratory. Additional projects include school -based, after-school and nonformal EE programs focusing on a range of environmental issues, from air quality to recycling. The agency funded 35
grants from across the country, ranging from $40,000 to $192,200.
*EPA Releases National Top 100 Green Power Partners
The National Top 100 list represents the largest green power users within the Green Power Partnership. The combined
green power usage of these Top 100 Partners amount to nearly 25 billion kilowatt -hours annually, which represents
more than 84 percent of the green power commitments made by all EPA Green Power Partners.

*Agreement with City of Waterloo, Iowa, to Settle Clean Water Act Violations Will Address Sewer Overflows
The U.S. EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Iowa have reached a proposed settlement of alleged
Clean Water Act violations by the City of Waterloo, Iowa, that will require the city to assess its sanitary sewer system
and develop a master plan to eliminate unlawful sewer overflows and bypasses. A proposed consent decree, lodged
recently in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in Cedar Rapids, would require Waterloo to perform
comprehensive assessments of the capacity and condition of its wastewater treatment facility and sewer system, which
includes approximately 400 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 300 miles of storm sewer lines.
EPAs ENERGY STAR Program Launches 2nd Annual Rule Your Attic Campaign October 1-November 20
To encourage homeowners to take control over their high utility bills this heating season, EPAs ENERGY STAR
program is launching its second annual Rule Your Attic! Consumer outreach campaign. Local and tribal governments
can participate in the campaign to help raise homeowners awareness of the comfort and energy saving benefits of
sealing and insulating their attics, and to help homeowners take action to improve the insulation in their attics.
EPA Seeking Young Adults to Serve on NEJAC Work Group on Climate Justice Applications due November
30, 2015
EPA is seeking young adults, ages 18 to 29, who are involved in climate change efforts and/or advocacy, to participate
on this "first of its kind" youth-led advisory work group to assist the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council
(NEJAC) in developing advice and recommendations to assist EPA in developing best practices to address climate
change concerns. The formation of the NEJAC Youth Perspectives on Climate Justice Work Group seeks to include
young people in assisting EPA in addressing climate change concerns.

Funding & Technical Assistance Opportunities

EDA Opens Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Due dates vary by
state
Calendar of 2015 EPA Grant Opportunities

Climate-Related Funding Opportunities Compiled by the Florida Climate Institute

HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery Assistance
USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Call Rural Development State Office for Due
Dates

USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Contact Local USDA Service Center
NOAA Climate Program Office Releases 2016 Funding Opportunities: Full Applications
USDA Announces $2.5 million in grants for projects to education new and underserved farmers USDA will
conduct four evaluation periods to review applications, with the deadlines of Nov. 20, 2015, Jan. 22, 2016, Mar.
18, 2016, and May 27, 2016.
American Planning Association Community Planning Assistance Teams proposals reviewed on a rolling
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American Planning Association Community Planning Assistance Teams proposals reviewed on a rolling
basis
November 13: Ecological and Social Dimensions of Resilient Landscapes Grants
*November 18: SunShot Technology to Market Incubator 11, SolarMat 4

November 20: USDA Climate Hubs Fellows Program

November 20: FY 2015 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program
November 20: Urban Waters Small Grants
*November 22: 2016 NOAA Climate Stewards Education Project (CSEP)

November 23: DOT Low or No Emission Vehicle Deployment Program

November 23: U.S. Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant
Program

November 24: The Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities Challenge

November 30: Community Food Projects Competitive Grant
December 8: 13th Annual P3 Awards: Student Design Competition for Sustainability
December 10: Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant Program 2016 Request for Proposals
December 10: DOE Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects on Indian Lands Grants
December 15: RISA competition for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions only
December 16: USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant Program
December 18: 2016 EPA ARC Grant Proposals for assessment and cleanup grants
Proposal guidelines for assessment and cleanup grants

*December 21: Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB) grant program

*December 31: President's Environmental Youth Award Applications due
*December 31: 21st Presidential Green Chemistry Award
January 8, 2016: NOAA 2016 Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise Program
January 12, 2016: Citizens Institute on Rural Design: Funding and Design Assistance Available for Rural
Communities
*January 15: Spring 2016 Leadership STAR Community Program

*November 3, 2015: Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program RFP
February 12, 2016: EJ Collaborative Problem Solving Grants
*March 7-9, 2016: 2nd Biennial Great Plains LID Research and Innovation Symposium Omaha, NE
Registration closes: January 26, 2016

Meetings, Conferences, Training, & Events

Calendar of Events Related to Climate Change and Water
This page includes conferences, meetings, webinars, workshops and training opportunities related to climate
change and water. Let us know if you have information to add by emailing us the details of the event.
*EPA Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments 10-Part Webinar Series (On-DEMAND)
*November 12-13: Public hearing on the Clean Power Plan proposed federal plan and model rules Pittsburg,
PA

November 13-14: Transitioning Cereals to Adapt to Climate Change Minneapolis, MN

*November 16-17: Public hearing on the Clean Power Plan proposed federal plan and model rules Denver,
CO
November 16-17: Code Enforcement Academy: Moving from Traditional to Transformative Dallas, TX

*November 18-19: Public hearing on the Clean Power Plan proposed federal plan and model rules
Washington, D.C.
November 18-19: Community Forestry Conference Denver, CO

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*November 19-20: Public hearing on the Clean Power Plan proposed federal plan and model rules Atlanta,
GA
*December 1-2: Renewable Natural Resources Foundation: Congress on Sustaining Western Water
Washington, D.C.

December 9-10: Climate Adaptation for Conservation Training & Coaching Session Fort Collins, CO
*December 14-16: Introduction to Transit Service Planning St. Louis, MO
*January 12, 2016: The Citizens Institute on Rural Design 2016-2017 Request for Proposals

*January 31-Feb 3, 2016: 2016 Active Living Research Annual Conference Clearwater Beach, FL
February 11-13, 2016: New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Portland, OR
March 16, 2016: Northeast Sustainable Communities Workshop, NJIT Newark, NJ
April 4-6, 2016: Local Solutions Eastern Regional Climate Conference Baltimore, MD
April 5-7, 2016: National Safe Routes to School Conference Columbus, OH
April 14-20, 2016: San Francisco Green Film Festival San Francisco, CA
Submissions due November 6
*May 17-19, 2016: 2016 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality Niagara Falls, NY
May 20-23, 2016: River Rally 2016 Mobile, AL

*May 24-27, 2016: 7th World Fisheries Congress Busan, Korea

*Abstracts due November 15
September 18-30, 2016: National Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference Baltimore, MD
May 2, 2016: USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

*June 8-11: CNU 24: The Transforming City Detroit, MI

Webinars, Conference Calls, & Twitter Chats

LeanPath presents 5 Food Waste Myths to Debunk Now! On-demand
This webinar will explore 5 myths about food waste and the facts you need to debunk them in your kitchen.
Student Curriculum: Recipes for Healthy Kids, and a Healthy Environment Lesson plans available to download
now
This nine-lesson program is designed to encourage kids to actively explore the environments in which they live and
play. Each 45-minute lesson empowers kids to take steps in their everyday lives to improve the environment for their
communities and reduce their environmental risk.

*Fourth CWA-SDWA Toolkit Webinar: Using Nonpoint Source and Clean Water Act 319 Programs to Protect
and Preserve Drinking Water Quality November 13, 2-3:30 p.m. CST
This fourth CWA-SDWA Toolkit webinar will provide state, interstate, tribal, and federal water program managers with
more detailed information about Section 5 of the Toolkit, on using Nonpoint Source and Clean Water Act 319
Programs to protect drinking water sources and work across programs to achieve mutual goals.
*What You Should Know About Financing Energy Efficiency Upgrades November 17, 1-2:00 p.m. CST
Learn how public sector organizations are improving energy efficiency with innovative solutions to financial barriers.
Attendees will learn about financing projects in the public and private sectors, the basics of performance contracting, and
how EPAs tools and resources can help you make the decision to improve your facilities now or later.
*Historical Perspectives and Research Updates from Previously Funded Children's Centers November 18,
12-1:30 p.m. CST
This months NIEHS/EPA Childrens Centers Monthly 2015 Webinar Series webinar features presentations and
interactive discussions including recent findings and new developments in children's environmental health.
Greater Kansas City Regional Water Quality Education Committee Presents the 2015 Center for Watershed
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Greater Kansas City Regional Water Quality Education Committee Presents the 2015 Center for Watershed
Protection Webinars
Checking in on Post-Construction Stormwater Management November 18, 12-1:30 p.m. CST
This webcast will explore innovations and trends in post-construction stormwater management, with MS4 case
studies featuring program components and budgets.
All webinars will be streamed at the Mid-America Regional Council Conference Center at 600 Broadway, Ste.
200, Kansas City, MO 64105.
*Five Star and Urban Waters 2016 Program Webinar November 18, 1-2:30 p.m. CST
Learn about the 2016 Five Star and Urban Waters program including program priorities, funding availability and
review criteria.
*Navigating the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit: How the Toolkit can support local planning and decisions for
enhanced community resilience November 19, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 pm CST
Participants in this webinar will learn how the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit can be used to support local planning
and decisions for enhanced community resilience. The webinar will walk participants through the Toolkit's 5-Step
Planning Process and examples of its use.
*Clean Power Plan: Interactions and Implications for Renewable Energy Markets
November 19, 12:00 p.m. CST
The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), and Regulatory Assistance Project
(RAP) will discuss: Emissions allowances and emission rate credits, Potential interactions with renewable energy
certificates (RECs) from voluntary and compliance markets, Potential impacts on renewable portfolio standard (RPS)
markets and policies, and How RPS programs can help states meet their emission reduction goals.

*Computer Power Management with ENERGY STAR Thursday, November 19, 12:00 p.m. CST
Learn about the tools available to activate your computer's sleep settings from a central location to save $10 to $50
per computer annually. Case studies and insight into how to get this done in your organization are also included. Who
should participate? IT staff, energy managers, building managers, and upper management.
State Policies to increase Organics Diversion from Landfills: MA and VT one year in and CA the new kid on
the block November 19, 12-1:30 p.m. CST
The State of Vermont and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts both implemented law/regulations in 2014 to
promote food recovery and decrease disposal of food scraps in landfills. The State of California will begin
implementation of AB1826 in April 2016 requiring businesses and institutions to recycle their organic wastes. This
webinar will set the stage of the national regulatory landscape followed by leaders from each of these State
Governments who will share their programs and progress to date.
*Composting for Grocery Stores November 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m. CST
In this webinar, you will learn about the current grocery store composting between the two businesses. Food waste
can make up a significant portion of your Grocerys waste stream. Diverting food waste from the landfill to a compost
operator can save waste hauling costs and provide you with a valued locally produced product to sell in your stores.
Learn how the eleven B & R Groceries in Lincoln made this successful transition with Prairieland Dairys compost
operations outside of Firth.

*Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB) Grant Program Webinar November 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
CST
EPA will hold an information webinar for those wanting more information regarding the grant opportunity.
*Save Water and Energy with EPAs WaterSense Program November 19, 1-2:30 p.m. CST
Good energy and water management are complimentary practices and based on many of the same principles. Learn how
EPAs WaterSense program can help you reduce your financial and operational risks by proactively managing your
buildings water use, and save energy in the process. Come away with an understanding of available water efficient
products and best management practices to reduce water use in all types of commercial and institutional facilities.
Better Together: Linking and Leveraging Energy Programs for Low-Income Households November 19, 1-2:30
p.m. CST
This 90-minute webcast, sponsored by the EPA as part of the State and Local Climate energy Webcast series
Bringing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to Low-Income Households: Whats Working, will explore the topic
of linking and leveraging energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for limited-income households.
*Novel Ecosystems & Restoration November 19, 2-4:00 p.m. CST
The next installment of the Improving Wetland Restoration Success webinar series will explore the theory of novel
ecosystems and how it relates to wetland restoration practice.

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*Preparing Individuals Disproportionately Impacted by Disasters November 23, 1-2:00 p.m. CST
an upcoming discussion on disaster preparedness efforts to serve populations that are disproportionately impacted
during an emergency due to risk factors related to language, cultural isolation, immigration status, and national
identity.
*Clean Power Plan Clean Energy Incentive Program Stakeholder Calls November 23, 6-8:00 p.m. CST
Focus: Potential CEIP Project Partners. This call will focus on hearing ideas and input from groups that have a
general interest in CEIP projects such as environmental justice groups, community groups, local governments, tribes,
and environmental non-governmental organizations.
Participant Dial-in Number: (877) 290-8017
Conference ID#:
72559715

*Clean Power Plan Clean Energy Incentive Program Stakeholder Calls November 30, 1-3:00 p.m. CST
Focus: Potential CEIP Credit Issuers. This call will focus on hearing ideas and input from states and tribes with
affected power plants
Participant Dial-in Number: (877) 290-8017
Conference ID#:
72560287
*Clean Power Plan Clean Energy Incentive Program Stakeholder Calls December 1, 2-4:00 p.m. CST
Focus: General. This call will focus on hearing ideas from stakeholders who were unable to attend one of the first
three sessions.
Participant Dial-in Number: (877) 290-8017
Conference ID#:
72558409
*Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency Programs December 3, 2015 12:00
p.m. CST
Energy-efficiency program administrators can play a significant role in helping customers reduce data center energy
use and demand. Based on the new ENERGY STAR guide on data center efficiency programs, this webinar will
explore the energy saving opportunities available and share emerging practices for program design and
implementation.
*Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Pre-Application Assistance Calls December 3,
12:30-2:00 p.m. CST (en Espaol)
Interested persons may access the pre-application assistance calls by dialing 1-866-299-3188 and entering the
access code 202-564-0152 when prompted.

*Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Pre-Application Assistance Calls January 14,
2016, 3-4:30 p.m. CST
Interested persons may access the pre-application assistance calls by dialing 1-866-299-3188 and entering the
access code 202-564-0152 when prompted.
*Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Pre-Application Assistance Calls January 26,
6-7:30 p.m. CST
Interested persons may access the pre-application assistance calls by dialing 1-866-299-3188 and entering the
access code 202-564-0152 when prompted.
*Useful to Usable: Transforming Climate Variability and Climate Information for Cereal Crop Producers in the
North Central Region May 6, 2016, 1-2:00 p.m. CST
Don't miss this training webinar to learn about the tools and educational materials available to you so that you can
maximize the U2U Decision Support Tool Suite's potential! Given the lower crop prices and added pressure on
profitability, agricultural producers are looking for more "Bang for their buck."

Other Environmental News

*EPA Awards $4 Million in Grants to Research the Impact of Drought on Water Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $4 million to four institutions to conduct research to combat
the effects of drought and extreme events on water quality in watersheds and at drinking water utilities. These grants will
provide innovative strategies for protecting water quality and public health during periods of drought. Increasing demands on
the nations water resources, climate change, population growth and aging water infrastructure systems pose substantial
threats to these resources.

*Energy Department Announces Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program National Evaluation
Results
The Energy Department announced today the results of a major national evaluation of the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The
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Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The
evaluation reflects ARRA's historic level of stimulus$3.2 billionand demonstrates the impact of state and local energy
efficiency programs to spur economic development through energy savings, job creations, and carbon emissions reductions.
*USDA Invests $30 Million to Improve Water Quality in Mississippi River Basin
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest $30 million this year in 33 new projects and 40 existing
projects to improve water quality in high priority watersheds the Mississippi River Basin, including Upper Birds Point, MO
and Slocum Creek, IA. These projects reduce loss of nutrients and sediment to waters that eventually flow into the Gulf of
Mexico.

*New video from Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate: Climate Change Adaptation for Animal Agriculture
This course lecture (28 min) produced for the Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate Project describes the different ways
that animal producers are adapting to the impacts of climate change. The adaptations include both short-term and long-term
strategies, and they can be applied to all areas of farm operation, including farm inputs, animal production, logistics and farm
exports.
USDA Climate Hubs Fellows Program Announced! Applications due: November 20
The program will hire fellows as temporary federal employees to work with the regional Hubs and Sub-Hubs to accomplish
their mission. Fellows from this program will obtain experience developing on-the-ground solutions for vulnerabilities faced
by operational land managers and learn to work with established research and outreach communities.
2016 International Compost Awareness Week Poster Contest September 1-November 14
The US Composting Council has announced a call for entries for the 2016 International Compost Awareness Week Poster
Contest. All applicants are asked to share their artistic interpretation of compost and its ties to soil health, incorporating this
years theme, Compost The Soil and Water Connection.
Now available: Community Air Monitoring Training videos
EPA hosted a training workshop to share tools and best practices for successful air monitoring projects with community
groups and individuals interested in citizen science. Videos of the training are now available for groups who want to learn
more about monitoring air quality in their communities.
Climate Solutions University Now Accepting Applications for 2016
Climate Solutions University has helped more than 30 communities create adaptation plans that are ready for
implementation. Your region is a good fit for the program if you need to tackle the following challenges:
Social equity and the impact of climate change on vulnerable citizens
A regional approach to planning that integrates urban and rural linkages
Threats to watersheds, forest, and economic resources using an ecosystem services model
Community leaders of local government agencies; Watershed organizations and resource conservation districts; Nonprofits;
and Civic organizations should apply.

Apply for a Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Orchard in Your Community Ongoing
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation strategically donates orchards where the harvest will best serve communities for
generations, including at community gardens, public schools, city and state parks, low-income neighborhoods, and Native
American reservations.
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.

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