U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (Region 7)

Communities Information Digest

Earth Day Edition

*Has this edition of the digest been forwarded to you by a friend or colleague? Would you like to sign up to receive the digest? Please send an email to Tegan Vaughn, vaughn.tegan@epa.gov. Thank you!* April 22, 2013 Find us @ www.facebook.com/eparegion7 or https://twitter.com/eparegion7. Note: New items are in *asterisks*.

News
*Check Out EPAs Interactive Map- Watch the World Go Green! And Share YOUR thoughts about Earth Day* On EPAs interactive map, you can see where you and thousands of others around the world Pick 5 for the Environment. Environmental action means taking the simple steps in the different places where we all live. By choosing five or more of these ideas and sharing your own, you are joining thousands of others who are doing the same! Make your actions count todayon Earth Day! And, watch a video about how Ecoathlete and racecar driver Leilani Munter teams up with EPAs pick 5 Program to talk about some of the simple steps every American can take to help protect the environment. Go to: http://www.epa.gov/pick5/. After that, tell EPA what Earth Day means to you on the It's Our Environment blog. And join EPA Earth Day Twitter chats at http://www.epa.gov/earthday/askepa.html. *USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Promoting Water Quality Projects in 32 States* As part of USDA's Earth Day celebration, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment across the country. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. "At USDA, we believe it is critical that communities across the country have reliable, clean and safe water," Vilsack said. "This Earth Day, I also encourage communities affected by natural disasters, including those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, to apply for funding through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Program. In all, 43 water and wastewater projects in 32 states will be funded. Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play to

protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than 195 countries. As part of today's announcement, USDA Rural Development is providing more than $145.2 million to improve water quality and provide a safe and healthy environment for rural Americans. A complete list of water and wastewater award recipients is located at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rd2013EarthDayProjectList4_22.pdf. *EPAs FY 2014 Budget Proposal Maintains the Strength of Federal, State, and Tribal Core Environmental and Human Health Protections* The Obama Administration recently proposed a Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014) budget of $8.153 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This request is $296 million below the EPAs budget for Fiscal Year 2012. EPAs FY 2014 budget reflects our firm commitment to keeping American communities across our country healthy and clean, while also taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation and the declining resources of state, local and tribal programs, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. Our request takes a balanced approach to funding the agency, including increased investments in more efficient technologies as well as necessary program eliminations or reductions. EPAs FY 2014 request will allow EPA to continue its progress in addressing climate change; protecting t he nations air, waters, and lands; supporting sustainable water infrastructure; and assuring the safety of chemicals. EPA will continue to lay the groundwork to transform the way it does business, ensuring the best use of human and financial resources, while continuing to achieve the agencys mission effectively and efficiently. For more information please visit: http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy2014.

Funding Opportunities
April 24: Farm to School Grant Program http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/f2_2013_grant_program.htm May 1: Henry A. Jordan M.D. Preservation Excellence Fund http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/find-funding/special-funds/henrya-jordan.html#.UTV3eMpWKXc May 5: Hart Family Fund for Small Towns http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/find-funding/special-funds/#Hart *May 22: Funders Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund (~ $25,000 -$75,000 per project) http://www.fundersnetwork.org/participate/green-building/local-sustainability-matching-fund/ *May 24: Bikes Belong Community Partnership Grants http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/who-can-apply/ *May 28: HUDs Choice Neighborhoods program Planning Grants http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn *May 29: HUDs FY 2013 Sustainable Communities Research Grant Program http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=VYhVRw9MLDhN6qRtpGy7ymhwJfJQdZpVxrJJlrnp01ZXtFvHhpDZ!1866286003?oppId=2 30694&mode=VIEW June 25: EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2013/2013_star_tribal.html *July 1: Creating a Climate for Health Request for Applications http://www.phi.org/news-events/450/request-for-applications-creating-aclimate-for-health-pilot-projects *July 15: 2014 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant Program Request for Proposals http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac

*September 10: National Science Foundation (NSF)- Water Sustainability and Climate http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13535/nsf13535.htm

Meetings, Conferences, & Events

April 24-26: 2013 National Rural Transportation Conference Greenville, South Carolina http://www.nado.org/events/rpo2013/ *May 1: Energy Expo Kansas City, Missouri http://goscninc.com/banman/imgs/12317%20Energy%20Expo%20Flyer%20Front.pdf?utm_source=SCN+InBox+eNewsletter&utm_campaign=a18f7d75af-Vendors_Text_Letter_4-3-13&utm_medium=email May 6-8: Water Quality Standards Academy Washington, DC http://www.horsleywitten.com/WQSA/ May 8-9: 2nd Annual U.S. Zero Waste Business Conference "Creating Value through Zero Waste Cincinnati, Ohio http://www.uszwbc.org/2013-national-conference May 15-17: National Brownfields Conference Atlanta, Georgia http://www.brownfieldsconference.org/en/home?pub=1&issue=8 May 20-24: Strategic Conservation Planning Using a Green Infrastructure Approach Shepherdstown, West Virginia https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50714/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=68428 May 29-June 1: Congress for New Urbanism21st Annual Conference Salt Lake City, Utah http://www.cnu21.org/ *June 4-5: 2013 LOCUS Leadership Summit Washington, DC http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/locus/2013-leadership-summit *June 13-14: Streets as Places New York, New York http://www.pps.org/training/streets-as-places/ June 23-27: Making Cities LivableReshaping Suburbia into Completely Healthy Communities Portland, Oregon http://www.livablecities.org/conferences/50th-conference-portland June 23-26: Transit Initiatives and Communities Conference Atlanta, Georgia http://www.cfte.org/initiatives-conferences July 9-11: National Environmental Health Association Annual Conference Washington, DC. http://neha2013aec.org/ July 21-27: Hands-On PV Experience (HOPE) Workshop Golden, Colorado http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/solar/newsletter/detail.cfm/articleId=316 July 30-Aug. 1: 2013 EPA Community Involvement Training Conference: The Next Generation of Community Involvement Boston, Massachusetts http://www.epa.gov/ciconference/index.htm August 13-15: Safe Routes to School National Conference Sacramento, California http://saferoutesconference.org *August 18-21: 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Saint Paul, Minnesota http://www.cce.umn.edu/2013International-Low-Impact-Development-Symposium/index.html September 9-11: Reclaiming Vacant Properties5th National Conference Philadelphia, Pennsylvania http://www.communityprogress.net/2013-reclaiming-vacant-properties-conference-pages356.php?utm_source=RVP+Announcement+final+Nov+1.+&utm_campaign=2013+RVP+Announcement+Nov+1&utm_medium=email October 29-Nov. 2: National Preservation Conference Indianapolis, Indiana http://www.preservationnation.org/ November 18-20: Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference 2013 Sacramento, California http://beccconference.org/ November 21: Massachusetts Smart Growth Conference Boston, Massachusetts http://ma-smartgrowth.org/take-action/smart-growthconference/ta_111112_save-the-date-postcard/

Webinars & Conference Calls

Computer Power Management with ENERGY STAR Tuesday, April 23, 1:00 p.m. (EDT) This presentation describes an ENERGY STAR offering that is helping organizations realize substantial energy and financial savings available from computer and monitor power management. The training introduces an innovative software tool that enables monitor power management from a central location, as well as educational outreach material. Organizations utilizing this free software (available which may be downloaded from the Web) can save $10 to $50 per computer. To register, please visit: https://esbuildings.webex.com/ec0606l/eventcenter/enroll/register.do?siteurl=esbuildings&formId=0&formType=0&loadFlag=1&confId=100365 7208. *DOE Webinars on Wildlife Monitoring and Offshore Wind, Tribal Energy, and More, April 24, from 11:00-12:30 p.m. (EDT) and April 24, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (EDT)* The Energy Department will present a live webcast titled "Wildlife Monitoring and Baseline Studies for Offshore Wind Development" on Wednesday, April 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. This webinar will present the initial results of the first year of data collection for two large-scale DOE-funded studies that establish baseline data to aid in the siting and permitting of future offshore wind projects. Register to attend the webinar. The Energy Department's Office of Indian Energy, its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Tribal Energy Program, and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) will present a webinar titled "How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes" on Wednesday, April 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Presenters from WAPA and the Bonneville Power Administration will provide information on the generation and transmission assets and operations of power marketing administrations, their past cooperation with tribes, and how to work with them to promote economic growth and renewable energy development on tribal lands. Register to attend the webinar at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/297311560. *Community Conference Call on U.S. EPA's Proposed Air Rules, April 24, 2013, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (EDT)* The purpose of this conference call is to provide information on upcoming activities in EPA's Air Programs and foster a dialog with communities on their air quality issues. This call will provide updates on the following regulations: NESHAP for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) On January 14, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized amendments to the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). In this rulemaking, EPA addressed several petitions for reconsideration, legal challenges and new technical information submitted by stakeholders, including industry and environmental groups, which were brought to the EPA's attention after publication of the 2010 standards. Conference Line: 1-866-299-3188; code: 919-541-5624# (The phone line is limited to 125 participants on a first-come first-served basis). For more information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/rice/ricepg.html. *Transportation Planning Information Exchange Webinar 2012 Transportation Planning Excellence Award Recipients, April 25, 1:00-2:30 p.m. (EDT) This is the first in a series of three webinars, which will focus on the 2012 Transportation Planning Excellence Awards (TPEA) Program Recipients who utilized outstanding public involvement and outreach, environmental and transportation planning linkages, and asset

management to develop a variety of facilities and tools. Projects featured in this webinar include the Lake Champlain Bridge Project, Toward Universal Access: Leveraging Technology for ADA Compliance, and Uptown Circle in Normal, IL. Participants should register in advance at: https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=25926. The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager, April 25, 2:00 p.m. (EDT) Whether you are looking to benchmark a K-12 school, fire station, courthouse, retail store, supermarket, or office, learn how easy it is to start benchmarking your buildings energy consumption and tracking its improvements in energy efficiency over time. Learn how to enter data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, EPAs no-cost energy measurement and tracking tool; understand and utilize energy metrics and concepts; and find other helpful ENERGY STAR tools and resources. To register, please visit: https://esbuildings.webex.com/ec0606l/eventcenter/enroll/register.do?siteurl=esbuildings&formId=0&formType=0&loadFlag=1&confId=100369 3951. *Webinar: Attracting Funding for Climate Change Adaptation, May 1, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (EDT)* This EPA webinar will focus on how communities can secure funding for adaptation to climate change. The presentations will provide examples of how communities of various sizes have attracted funding and will provide resources for participants to identify appropriate funds. The experts who present on this webcast will discuss how to maximize funding by mainstreaming adaptation planning and how to address adaptation and mitigation simultaneously. For more information, please visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/869045530. *Transportation Research Board (TRB) Webinar: Transportation Funding Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Legislation, May 14, 2-3:30 p.m. (EDT)* The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century surface transportation authorization bill ushered in noteworthy changes to federal transit and highway funding and finance, but did not address the longer-term need for new revenues to sufficiently fund federal transportation programs and keep the Highway Trust Fund and Mass Transit Account stable. In addition to examining the funding and financial impacts of MAP-21, this webinar will consider the implications of the enacted legislation and forthcoming regulations and opportunities. Participants must register in advance at http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/168721.aspx. Registration is free for employees of FTA and other TRB sponsors. Webinar: Low Impact Development and Smart GrowthHow are They Best Integrated and Utilized in our Communities? May 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (EDT) (repeated at 7:00-8:00 p.m.) This webinar from Penn State Extension will help planners, elected officials, and concerned citizens come together to make better land use decisions using Smart Growth principles. Planning tools and resources available to decision-makers will be discussed, as well as how to engage in planning to benefit your community. For more information, please visit: http://www.feedingcities.com/. Webinar: Pocket NeighborhoodsScale Matters, May 16, 3:00-4:00 pm (EDT) Pocket neighborhoods can engender a sense of belonging and care among neighbors, making them the building blocks of resilient communities. In this webinar, key practices will be shared for introducing small-scale neighborhoods to infill locations. For more information, and to register, please visit: http://www.placemakers.com/webinars/pocket-neighborhoods-design-counts-a-lot/.

Green Schools
*2013 Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) Champion Awards* Through support from Genentech and the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Association is excited to launch the 2013 Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) Champion Awards. The AFSI Champion Awards recognize schools that have taken positive strides to create a healthier learning environment using the strategies outlined in the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative. Silver and Gold level winners are schools that have gone above and beyond to protect the health of their students, faculty and staff. By recognizing schools that have taken a comprehensive approach to asthma management, the Lung Association hopes to increase awareness around childhood asthma, establish a cadre of schools that can share their best practices and experience, as well as expand the number of schools working toward an asthmafriendlier environment. The Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and aligns with their Strategies for Addressing Asthma within a Coordinated School Health Program. By using the recommendations outlined in the AFSI Toolkit, schools can establish a comprehensive asthma management plan that maximizes school health services, provides asthma education, creates a healthier school environment, and ensures all students can participate in physical education and activity. The application submission deadline for the 2013 AFSI Champion Awards is June 15, 2013. For more information, please visit: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/creating-asthma-friendly-environments/asthma-in-schools/asthma-friendly-schoolsinitiative/afsi-champion-awards/afsi-award-introduction.htm. *National Healthy Schools Day April 30, 2013* For ten years parents, teachers, school nurses, custodians, advocates, and agencies have promoted National Healthy Schools Day activities nationwide. Whether you are at the beginning stages of investigating school environments or have an established Indoor Air/Environmental Quality program, we invite you to host a local activity that educates others and celebrates your schools successes. National Healthy Schools Day is coordinated by Healthy Schools Network in cooperation with US EPA and promotes the use of EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools guidance as well as other EPA environmental health guidelines and programs for schools and childrens health. For more information, please visit: http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/?utm_source=NewsSlice%3A+Invasion+underway%3F&utm_campaign=NewsSlice&utm_medium= email. Webinar: School Environmental Health Assessment and Team Building (EPA) April 30, 2-3 p.m. This webinar addresses how to use tools like the Sensible Steps Quick Assessment to complete a school environmental health check-up; strategies you can use to create awareness and build effective teams; and low or no cost steps to address common school environmental health issues. For more information, please visit: https://esbuildings.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=esbuildings. Lured by Savings and Cash, Many American Schools are Going Solar When the Dublin City School District in central Georgia broke ground on a new solar project earlier this month, school officials celebrated more than just sustainability. The new solar array, to be completed in June, will also save some serious, much-needed cash. Over the next 25 years, the panels are expected to save the district $3.5 million, said Dublin City Schools Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter. By June 2014, Ledbetter expects the district will save $100,000 -- enough to cut the number of teacher furlough days from 10 to nine. This means "another

school day for our students and another day for our teachers to work, which is a good thing," he said. For more information, please visit: http://eenews.net/climatewire/2013/03/28/2. EPA Announces Launch of National Center of Expertise for School Integrated Pest Management The EPA is announcing the launch of its National Center of Expertise for School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the Region 6 offices in Dallas, TX. The Center will provide leadership and expertise to carry out the goal of ensuring that millions of children in o ur Nations schools benefit from IPM practices and verifiable IPM programs. School IPM is an approach to managing pests that schools can use to reduce pest and pesticide risk for students and staff. The Center will serve as a national resource on School IPM, as well as a facilitator of activities amongst key school IPM stakeholders at the local, regional, and Federal level. The Center of Expertise will focus on a wide range of school IPM activities including: developing and refining national program direction; coordinating Regional activities to achieve national goals; creating and maintaining web-based resources; and coordinating with other EPA national programs. Are you interested in more information about school IPM? The Region 7 Contacts for the EPA School Integrated Pest Management program are: Katie Howard at 913-551-7861 or howard.katherine@epa.gov and Dan Tuggle at 913-551-7308 or tuggle.dan@epa.gov. 4th Safe Routes to School National Conference The 4th Safe Routes to School National Conference will be making its way to sunny Sacramento, CA, August 13-15, 2013. The conference will span three days and include over 50 sessions and many dynamic mobile workshops. Also included are several exciting Special Features that will engage participants and showcase Sacramento's bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets. An onsite Bike Share program will allow participants the opportunity explore Sacramento's lively downtown and expansive bike trails. Wondering what to do in between sessions? Stop on by the Bike Build project and take part in building new bikes that will benefit local youth. Calling all Youth! The conference will include several opportunities for youth from throughout the region to participate in educational, interactive, fun and informative discussions and conference activities. Registration will open up in early April. Visit the conference web site for more details: http://saferoutesconference.org.

Other Community Related Information & Events

*Increase Walking and Community Walkability, Public Comments Accepted by May 1st* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services announced the opening of a docket to obtain information from the public on walking as an effective way to be sufficiently active for health. The information obtained will be used to frame an anticipated Surgeon Generals call to action on this issue. The notice can be found at www.regulations.gov. The notice requests information on way to increase walking and community walkability on the following topics: 1. Barriers to walking for youth; adults; seniors; persons with a disability; racial and ethnic minorities; and low-income individuals. 2. Evidence-based strategies for overcoming those barriers and their reach and impact to increase physical activity at the population level and among the above mentioned subpopulations. Please consider providing input to the docket and sharing this announcement with stakeholders who may also be interested. To provide input go to www.regulations.gov In the search box type the Docket No. CDC-2013-0003. *Energy Department Announces Apps for Vehicles Challenge Winners* The Energy Department announced the winners of the Apps for Vehicles Challenge on April 1. The competition asked app developers and

entrepreneurs to demonstrate how the open data available on most vehicles can be used to improve vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The Department awarded the Judges' Prize to New York City-based Dash, which developed an app that turns any vehicle into a "smart car," providing real diagnostics and alerts to enable drivers to maximize engine performance, minimize carbon emissions, and save money. The Popular Choice prize went to MyCarma, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, which developed an app that offers a personalized fuel economy estimate based on a driver's unique driving patterns instead of a standard test cycle. Green Button Gamer, based in Boston, Massachusetts, won the Safety Innovation award, and Fuel Economy Coach, based in Augusta, Georgia, received the Fuel Efficiency Innovation award. Entries were judged based on their creativity, innovation, use of open vehicle data, consumer accessibility, and potential to help consumers improve fuel efficiency. See the Energy Department's Progress Alert and visit the Apps for Vehicles Challenge website to download the winning apps. *Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Forestry Research Advisory Council by April 29* Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members. "This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way in forest conservation efforts," said Vilsack. The council's many responsibilities include providing advice to Secretary Vilsack on national and regional research planning projects and on coordination of forestry research within federal and state agencies, forestry schools and forest industries. The Forestry Research Advisory Council has 10 current and upcoming vacancies. Nominations are sought to immediately fill six vacancies on the council and additional vacancies that will occur when current appointments expire in December 2013. Vacancies are open in the following categories: Forestry schools, State and Federal agencies, Forest industries, and Voluntary organizations. Nominations must be received by April 29, 2013. The announcement appeared in the Federal Register and is available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-03-13/pdf/2013-05739.pdf, along with the required nomination form and more background information. *Nevada Deploys First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Enhanced Geothermal System* As part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department today recognized the nation's first commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) project to supply electricity to the grid. Based in Churchill County, Nevada, Ormat Technologies' Desert Peak 2 EGS project has increased power output of its nearby operating geothermal field by nearly 38%providing an additional 1.7 megawatts of power to the grid and validating this emerging clean energy technology. Full story *New Environmental Justice Video and Blog - "Breathing Easier in Chicagoland"* Check out the new video Breathing Easier in Chicagoland the latest story in the Environmental Justice in Action blog series. In the newest addition in the 20th Anniversary Video Series by Kimberly Wasserman explaining how she first learned that her son had asthma and how it led to her becoming a community leader to advocate for cleaner air. You also can read her blog post talking about some of the other work her organization, the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, does to address environmental injustices in her community. Check out the EJ in Action Blog: http://blog.epa.gov/ej/, and view the Breathing Easy in Chicagoland video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK2HQdeTd0c. *Sharing Success: Emerging Approaches to Efficient Rooftop Solar Permitting* This Interstate Renewable Energy Council report serves as both a prompt for discussing permitting challenges, and as a source of inspiration for communities looking for realistic and effective ways to improve solar permitting while ensuring safe solar installations. View the report at: http://www.irecusa.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Sharing-Success-w-cover-revisedfinal052012.pdf?utm_source=The+IREC+Report%3A+April+2013&utm_campaign=The+IREC+Report+April+2013&utm_medium=email.

*See the Top 10 Best Complete Streets Policies in the Country* In 2012, 125 cities, states and regions passed policies to make streets safer and more convenient for everyone who uses them. These communities are part of the growing movement to create Complete Streets, and the movement is stronger today than ever before. There are now 488 Complete Streets policies in place across the country at all levels of government. Thats a remarkable achievement. T en policies from 2012 stand out as leaders in the Complete Streets field. The communities have gone the distance to craft exceptional policy language. The National Complete Streets Coalition examined each policy passed last year and scored them based on 10 elements of ideal policy language. In addition to the annual rankings, the new report also contains tips and tools for communities interested in creating a Complete Streets policy of their own. Read the full report at: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/2013/04/08/announcing-the-best-complete-streets-policies-of-2012/. *"PopUp Main Street" Event in Little Rock, Arkansas* In November, 2012, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce "Create Little Rock" group and StudioMain hosted "Pop-Up Main Street," a lifesized mock-up that allowed the public to experience an alternate version of the South Main (SoMa) neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas. The purpose of the event was to explore some critical questions: what if South Main Street were altered from a four-lane to a two-lane road, divided by a landscaped median, and supplemented with bike lanes? Organizers hypothesized that these changes would improve safety and draw attention to local businesses, revitalizing the neighborhood. Inspired by the burgeoning Better Block initiative, this live experiment invited the public to actively engage in the build-out process of the demonstration and provide feedback in real time. The event focused on the three block section of South Main Street from I-630 to 15th Street and provided an opportunity for the organizers to partner with SoMa residents and business owners to show what the SoMa neighborhood could become. This included temporary lane alterations that provided bike lanes, the addition of a median, more shops, better cafe seating (using wooden pallets to serve as temporary fencing), and increased green space. Hay bales and potted trees were used to show what the street might resemble with additional vegetation and a boulevard type cross-section. The event coincided with 2nd Friday Art Night and continued into Saturday with a festive atmosphere that included music, food, and vendors. For more information, please visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter/april_2013/. *Walmart's CEO Doubles Down on the Company's Aggressive Bet on Renewable Energy* To every environmentalist who ever bad-mouthed Walmart for its big-box blandness and gigantic impervious parking lots, here's some news. The retail behemoth is throwing its full economic muscle behind energy sustainability. Local utilities that don't get on board with Walmart's green energy programs could be left behind like an old, worn-out shopping center. The company's new energy policy, announced this week at its Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, calls for Walmart to produce or procure 7 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy globally by the end of the decade, a 600 percent increase over 2010 levels. At the same time, the retailer will make deep cuts to its energy consumption by shaving 20 percent from 2010 levels the amount of electricity required to power a square foot of a Walmart store or warehouse. For more information, please visit: http://www.eenews.net/public/climatewire/2013/04/18/2. *Solar Industry Jobs Outstrip Coal Mining* California may lay claim to the largest pool of acting talent in the world. But when it comes to total employment, the state's solar industry cuts more paychecks than Hollywood, with an estimated 43,700 people employed in the manufacture, sale, distribution and installation of solar systems, according to a new national database of solar employment. And when measured across all 50 states, the solar industry employs 35 percent more people than coal mining, Bureau of Labor Statistics figures compiled by the Solar Foundation show. In total, the U.S. solar industry employed 119,000 people in 2012, a 13.2 percent increase over 2011, according to figures compiled from the foundation's National Solar Jobs Census and other sources. For more information, please visit: http://eenews.net/climatewire/2013/04/19/7. *Climate Fight Needs Businesses to Sway Consumers, says Method Pioneer*

Stopping climate change and biodiversity loss will not happen without business and marketing professionals, says the co-founder of a pioneering US green cleaning brand that was bought by Ecover last year. Eric Ryan, who launched Method with Adam Lowry 12 years ago before selling it to create a group with combined revenues of $200m (131m) and around 300 staff, told the Guardian that governments were still not doing enough to tackle environmental challenges because of vested interests. "The only way we're going to solve sustainability is through changing consumer behavior. There's too much money at work for government to put enough regulation in place to make businesses change," Ryan said. For more information, please visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/19/climate-change-business-methodpioneer. *The Future of Standing in Environmental Cases: Trends in the DC Circuit and Beyond* The doctrine of standing determines whether any potential plaintiff, from an environmental NGO to a regulated company, can be heard in federal court. But applying the seemingly straightforward elements of injury in fact, causation, and redress that define Article III constitutional standing has often proven vexing for courts and litigants alike. ELI invites you to join a panel of legal experts who will take stock of standing jurisprudence in the DC Circuit. They will also offer thoughts on how standing in the DC Circuit may differ from that in other courts, and on what we might expect from the Supreme Court in light of Clapper v. Amnesty International. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 12:001:30 PM ET at the Environmental Law Institute, 2000 L Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. RSVP at http://www.eli.org/Seminars/event.cfm?eventid=769. *New Report Assesses Potential Improvements to U.S. Hydropower Production* The Energy Department today announced a study outlining key improvements that can be made to hydropower production in the United States to provide more efficient and cost-effective electricity to homes and businesses. Developed with funding from the Energy Department, the Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) report, titled "Quantifying the Value of ydropower in the Electric Grid," identifies and assesses the quantifiable benefits from potential improvements, such as installing turbines that can operate with lower water levels, utilizing new power plant designs that can increase revenue and efficiency, and monetizing the services hydropower provides to the nation's electric grid. For more information, please visit: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=867. *Participate in the Solar Decathlon 2013 Pavilion* The SunShot Initiative invites interested organizations to participate in the SunShot Solar Pavilion at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 in Irvine, California. This award-winning event attracts more than 100,000 visitors as it challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy efficient, and attractive. *2013 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Presentations Now Available!* The Local Government Commission has announced that PDF files of presentations given at the 12th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City are now available online. Use the following link to access this exciting new smart growth resource: www.newpartners.org/program/presentations/. Kansas City, Missouri Kick-Starts Green Infrastructure Plan City officials in Kansas City recently announced that they have completed an $80 million green infrastructure investment, which includes new rain gardens, curb extensions, and other green solutions. But the green infrastructure completed so far is just a start. Over the next two decades, Kansas City plans to spend nearly $4.5 billion to implement its sewer overflow control plan, the largest capital project in the city's history. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/water/article_59336e44-91a0-11e2-a8f1001a4bcf6878.html.

*Unsprawl: Remixing Spaces as Places* Utilizing a dozen case studies from throughout North America, this new book examines successful strategies employed to introduce new patterns of development into a regulatory, cultural and financial landscape structured to encourage sprawl. Highlighted are downtown redevelopments, new greenfield villages, retrofits and ambitious sustainability experiments. For more information, please visit: https://www.planetizen.com/store/unsprawl. *Strategic Lessons in Sustainable Community Building* This report by Groundwork USA highlights ten case studies from communities that are working to become more equitable and sustainable through community engagement in reclaiming brownfields, urban rivers, and vacant spaces. For more information, please visit: http://groundworkusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/GWUSA-Sustainable-Community-Building-2013.pdf. *Grants to Help Farms & Ranches Build Resilience to Drought* Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the award of $5.3 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to develop approaches and technology that will help producers adapt to extreme climate changes that cause drought. These grants will fund projects benefiting several states that were significantly impacted by last year's drought. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. The grants will address drought-related issues, such as grazing management, warm season forage systems, irrigation strategies and innovative cropping systems. Recipients plan to evaluate innovative, field-based conservation technologies and approaches, leading to improvements like enhancing soil's ability to hold water, evaluating irrigation water use and installing grazing systems that are more tolerant to drought. Summaries of all projects selected for 2013 Conservation Innovation Grants are available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/index.html. EPA and Department of Energy Recognize 2013 Energy Star Partners of the Year The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are recognizing 118 awardees for their commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment. Recipients of the 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award include Sears Holdings Corporation, PepsiCo, JC Penney, Food Lion, USAA Real Estate, Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia, and Toyota. This year's Energy Star award winners have gone above and beyond to save energy and cut greenhouse gases, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. Their commitment to superior energy efficiency not only makes these organizations valuable partners in our effort for a cleaner, healthier environment, but it also helps them reduce their day-to-day energy costs an important feat for any organization. Partners of the Year-Sustained Excellence: The 70 Sustained Excellence winners continue to exhibit exceptional leadership year after year in the Energy Star program while remaining dedicated to environmental protection through superior energy efficiency. Partners of the Year: Forty-one organizations are receiving a Partner of the Year award for strategically and comprehensively managing their energy use. These organizations promote Energy Star products and practices in their own operations, in addition to providing efficient products and services to consumers and within their community. Excellence: Seven winners are receiving awards in part for their superior efforts in the Home Performance with Energy Star program. The remaining organizations receive Excellence Awards and other special recognition for specific activities to promote energy-efficient products, homes or buildings. For a complete list of winners, please visit: www.energystar.gov/awards. EPA's Lead-Safe Certification Program Important for Consumers Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk. If you live in a home or apartment that was built before 1978 and are planning a renovation or repair project, make sure you renovate right with a Lead-Safe Certified contractor in accordance with EPA guidelines. Consumers with more questions can call EPA Region 7 at 1-800-223-0425 and ask to speak with a lead paint specialist. Facts about lead:

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. If you think your home might have lead hazards, go to www.epa.gov/lead or call EPA Region 7 at 1-800-223-0425 and ask to speak with a lead paint specialist. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Highlights Efforts to Increase Access to Affordable and Healthy Food Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently discussed USDA efforts to improve access to healthy foods, and outlined the need for a renewed commitment to improve childhood nutrition, which includes empowering parents to provide healthy meals for their families. In remarks at a HyVee, Inc. grocery store, Secretary Vilsack noted that increasing access to healthy foods is one of USDA's top priorities. "We must help families provide our children with healthy foods that are full of the nutrients they need," said Vilsack. "Research shows that healthy foods aren't always more expensive than less healthy options. Expanding access to affordable, healthy options and providing more information for parents will help create a generational shift to reverse the obesity crisis and protect the health of our youngest Americans." USDA developed the Food Access Research Atlas to enable researchers, city planners, non-profit organizations and policy makers to identify areas where the availability of grocery stores and transportation create geographical barriers to accessing healthy food. For more information, please visit: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-736a91. New Funding Opportunity from EPA for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes Information on a new Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Request for Applications (RFA), Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes, which focuses on Climate Change and Indoor Air Pollution and impacts on tribal communities, can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2013/2013_star_tribal.html. This RFA solicits applications on research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect Tribes. The RFA is until June 25, 2013. Component research areas include: -Science to understand the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations -Science to understand the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices -Development of sustainable, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies -Community involvement in the design, acceptance and implementation of the mitigation and adaptation approaches -Focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities For questions please contact Cynthia McOliver (mcoliver.cynthia@epa.gov).

Green Infrastructure Passes Kansas City Test Just last year, workers in Kansas City replaced the last of the citys wooden sewer pipes, some constructed prior to the Civi l War. But, the infrastructure changes having the most impact on one challenged neighborhood are blossoming above the ground, not buried beneath it. Green infrastructure is helping alleviate combined sewer overflows, as intended, in the neighborhood where heavy rains often sent raw sewage spilling into the waterways of the Middle Blue River Basin. But, Jan Marcason, a Kansas City councilmember speaking at the recent New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City, said going green in the basin has created a ripple effect, increasing community pride, a spike in private investment, an increase in property values, and citizens who are more engaged in neighborhood beautification projects and city policymaking. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/water/article_59336e44-91a0-11e2-a8f1-

001a4bcf6878.html?utm_source=SCN+InBox+e-Newsletter&utm_campaign=743c273822-Newsletter_3-20-2013_Admin&utm_medium=email. EPA, NOAA, National Wildlife Federation, and the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative Announce Searchable Online Database of Eastern Regional Climate Information NEclimateUS.org is a searchable online database that provides a gateway to climate information for the Eastern United States. It summarizes needs for climate information as articulated in publications; identifies available data, products and services; and captures planned and ongoing projects. Its goal is to offer a tool to search for regionally relevant climate information, and to facilitate collaborative opportunities across the network of climate-focused programs and partners in the Eastern United States. The database is in its early stages of development. Its content will change with time to reflect developments in climate work within the region, and to respond to individual sector needs when necessary. To view the site, visit: www.NEclimateUS.org. USDA Announces New Conservation Collaboration with DuPont to Promote Sustainable Harvesting of Bio-based Feedstocks for Cellulosic Ethanol Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced a new federal-private collaboration with DuPont to safeguard natural resources on private lands used to supply bio-based feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production. The joint agreement between USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and DuPont aims to set voluntary standards for the sustainable harvesting of agricultural residues for renewable fuel, and supports rural job creation, additional income for farmers, bio-based energy development, and the safeguarding of natural resources and land productivity. The first plant involved in this national agreement is northeast of Des Moines, Iowa, near the town of Nevada where DuPont is building a 30 million gallons/year cellulosic facility. This plant will use harvested residues from a 30-mile radius around the facility. "This agreement will support our Nation's effort to reduce dependency on foreign oil, while working to protect and improve the productivity of our soilsone of our most valuable resources," said Secretary Vilsack. For more information, please visit: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-738536. USDA Invites Applications for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). For more information, please visit: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-738553. Real Progress on Environmental Justice Check out EPA's blog post, Real Progress on Environmental Justice, written by Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe and CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley. The authors discuss the progress being made to advance environmental justice within the agency through Plan EJ 2014 and progress that is being made by other agencies from their respective environmental justice strategies. Also, read more stories like that at EPA's EJ in Action blog. The blog regularly highlights the positive activities happening in the government and from communities to reduce environmental and health disparities in low income and minority areas. To view the blog post, please visit: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2013/03/real-progress-onenvironmental-justice/. Department of Energy Study: Deep Cuts Possible in Transportation Petroleum Use and Emissions A study released by two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories on March 15 reveals strategies to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector by more than 80% by 2050. The Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) prepared the Transportation Energy Futures study, which was funded by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The study found that there's no "silver bullet" that will achieve deep cuts in petroleum use and GHG emissions on its own. Instead, a coordinated approach on all fronts examined by the study is needed to achieve the

deep cuts. For more information, please visit: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=18264. EPA Request for Comments on Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) Guidance EPA is seeking comment on a revision to the Waste Analysis at Facilities That Generate, Treat, Store, and Dispose of Hazardous Wastes: A Guidance Manual. The manual is used to provide guidance on how to develop and implement a Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) suitable for managing hazardous wastes in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), assist federal and state permit writers in evaluating submitted WAPs, and assist enforcement personnel in determining whether a facility is in compliance with their testing requirements. The EPA is inviting operating TSDFs, permit writers, and various trade associations, and environmental groups to provide comments on the updated guidance. You may download a copy of the guidance for comment at: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/permit/tsd-regs/tsdf-wap-guide.pdf. Comments will be accepted for 60 days, ending April 30, 2013. Please submit any comments to Gail Hansen at hansen.gail@epa.gov. Mid-America Regional Councils (MARC) Sustainable Real Estate Development Course, April 24, 8:3011:00 a.m., Kansas City, MO This course covers topics such as the financial effects of sustainable development and evidence regarding project costs, income, investment returns and default rates. Risk mitigation and return requirements from different types of investors are discussed. Special attention is paid to overcoming the challenges for mixed-use, infill and transit-oriented development. The broader lens of triple bottom line accounting will also be introduced to address important non-financial issues, such as environmental justice, public health, social capital and pollution prevention. Register now at: https://www.marc2.org/iEBMS/reg/reg_p1_form.aspx?oc=10&ct=STDASC&eventid=15133. 2013 National Pharmaceutical Take Back DaySave the Date April 27, 2013 The DEA is planning the next National Take-Back Day on April 27, 2013. The take back day will be on the last Saturday of April from (10:00AM - 2:00PM). For more information please check the website. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html National Brownfields 2013 Conference is May 15-17 The National Brownfields Conference, co-sponsored by the US EPA and ICMA, is the premier event focused on catalyzing economic development through cleanup and sustainable reuse of environmentally impaired properties. Come and learn redevelopment strategies you can put into action. Network and make key partnerships for the future. Share inspiring success stories to fuel the movement that is revitalizing communities! Now in its 15th year, the event is two and a half days of educational sessions, training workshops, volunteer activities, mobile workshops, film screenings and much more. This is the place to be where all topics related to brownfield cleanup, ranging from community engagement to public health, will take center stage in Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center May 15-17, 2013. To register, please visit: http://www.brownfieldsconference.org/en/LoginQms.

This newsletter is being provided by EPA Region 7 for informational purposes only. This newsletter 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.