(San Francisco, Calif. -- 01/07/08) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has notified the Department of Energy that they must immediately resume cleanup activities at its Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif., or face escalating penalties.

Monthly EPA publication to provide "what you can do" information about activities and events that we can use in our homes, communities, and offices.

Developed by the U.S. DOE's Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program, this database that provides up-to-date information on marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy in the United States and around the world. The fully searchable database allows the user to search among both technology types and specific projects, based on a number of criteria including geographical location, resource type, and technology stage or project status. Users can easily access details on a device or project's size, dimensions, and mooring methods, as well as project details, including information on permitting, power purchase agreements, partnerships, or even an interactive GPS mapping feature that allows the user to pinpoint certain project locations worldwide.

Established in 2003, the network aims to accelerate the use of the Ecological Footprint Tool, a resource accounting tool that measures how much nature we have, how much we use, and who uses what.Ecological Footprints can be calculated for individuals, groups of people (such as a nation), and activities (such as manufacturing a product). The Ecological Footprint is a data-driven metric that tells us how close we are to the goal of sustainable living. Footprint accounts work like bank statements, documenting whether we are living within our ecological budget or consuming nature's resources faster than the planet can renew them.

Take this quiz to find out your Ecological Footprint, discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth.

This meeting addresses assessment, characterization, management and communication of risk in chemical and conventional munitions worldwide.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by the following organization to coordinate water efficiency research: the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Code Council, and the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. Sample projects that might be undertaken include drainline carry research for high efficiency toilets, non-water-using urinals, sizing of water efficient plumbing systems, and safe applications for re-use of water.

The Alliance is a stakeholder-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance creates and maintains a web-based water conservation clearinghouse that offers product information, best practices specifications, research reports, training materials, program descriptions, codes and standards, program evaluation tools, drought planning and response, and professional expertise.

This document, dated 30 December 2008, is the External Review Draft. In this report, OIG analyzed the science supporting EPA's perchlorate reference dose (RfD). Scientific comments are due no later than 10 March 2009.

EPA is seeking comment on which non-hazardous materials are or are not solid waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA is seeking comment on a number of specific questions concerning the meaning of "solid waste" under RCRA, as it applies to non-hazardous waste programs. Comments must be received on or before February 2, 2009. Categories and entities potentially affected by this action include: scrap tires, passenger car and trucks, construction of buildings, landscaping services, fossil fuel electric power generation, sewage treatment facilities, automotive repair and replacement shops, and boilers. POC is Michael Galbraith, Office of Solid Waste (5302P), U.S. EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460-0002, telephone (703) 605-0567, e-mail address: galbraith.michael@epa.gov (Federal Register: January 2, 2009 [Proposed Rules], Page 41-61).

This Determination of Acceptability expands the list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances under the U.S. EPA SNAP program. The determinations concern new substitutes for use in the refrigeration and air conditioning, fire suppression and explosion protection, and foam blowing sectors.This is effective January 2, 2009. POC is Margaret Sheppard by telephone at (202) 343-9163, by facsimile at (202) 343-2338, by e-mail at sheppard.margaret@epa.gov, or by mail at U.S. EPA, Mail Code 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460(Federal Register: January 2, 2009 [Rules and Regulations, Page 21-29).

A message from the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive As with this past year, we are very pleased to announce that the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia (FES) will again be held at both East and West venues. Having set a very high standard for excellence and appeal at the Big Sky Resort in 2008, our host - Navy Region Southwest - has selected the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington for this year's Symposium West. And, with continuing generosity, NIH will once again host the Symposium East at their convenient and spacious Natcher Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Both events will occur in June: FES-West: June 2-4, 2009 FES-East: June 16-18, 2009 Registration is scheduled to open in March 2009.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts that resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, green purchasing activities, environmental management systems, high performance/sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, alterative fuel use and reduced fuel usage under Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management." Please note nominations can only be submitted on-line until January, 30, 2009, by going to www.fedcenter.gov/ctcawards .

Registration page for Green Purchasing training at the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposium East.

The 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia contact information.

The 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia schedules.

The 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia general information.

Recent news and updates to the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia.

Quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice, covering recent environmental activities conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their partners.

This handbook is designed to aid municipalities in going green by sharing success stories and approaches to becoming sustainable.

This conference will look at how the different levels of government are contributing to solar policy and assess the potential of Concentrating Solar Thermal, Concentrating PV and large-scale PV power generation in the U.S. It is a must attend for anyone charged with solar technology development, manufacturing, finance, utilities, policy makers and regulators.

The Symposium will explore legal and political issues related to green building standards and sustainable development legislation.

The focus of the forum is clean technology. Topics of discussion include breakthroughs in science, synthetic biology and biofuels, clean coal, and retrofitting the built environment.

Explore the evolving role of public works professionals in the creation of sustainable and livable communities.

Sponsored by the International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED), this conference discusses the challenges posed by the confluence of finite energy supplies, demographic trends and political considerations, and possible solutions.

This conference welcomes research that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines to frame environmental problems, propose working models, or address field, community, or academic issues pertaining to the environment.

Topics of interest include: Coastal Resource Impacts and Management; Environmental Ethics; Regional Water Resources and Pollution Issues; Climate Change and Coastal Areas; Creative Visions of the Changing Landscape; and the Economics of Sustainability. Abstracts are due May 17, 2009.

EPA has designated, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53, a new reference method for measuring mass concentrations of coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5) in the ambient air. POC is Surender Kaushik, Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (MD-D205-03), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711. Phone: (919) 541-5691, e-mail: Kaushik.Surender@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 18, 2008 [Notices], Page 77024-77025).

EPA is establishing a new category of excluded fuel that has its own set of conditions, some of which overlap with the comparable fuels exclusion. These newly excluded hazardous secondary materials are called "emission-comparable fuel" (ECF). ECF is a hazardous secondary material that, when generated, is handled in such a way that it is not discarded in any phase of management, but rather is handled as a valuable commodity. ECF meets all of the hazardous constituent specifications (over 160) for comparable fuel, with the exception of those for oxygenates and hydrocarbons (constituents which contribute energy value to the fuel). The rule specifies conditions on burning ECF which assure that emissions from industrial boilers burning ECF are comparable to emissions from industrial boilers burning fuel oil. The ECF exclusion also includes conditions for tanks and containers storing ECF to assure that discard does not occur. This final rule is effective January 20, 2009. POC is Mary Jackson, Hazardous Waste Minimization and Management Division, Office of Solid Waste, Mail code: 5302P, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (703) 308-8453; fax number: (703) 308-8433; e-mail address: jackson.mary@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 19, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 77953-78017).

On April 6, 2006, EPA proposed a voluntary alternative work practice for leak detection and repair using a newly developed technology, optical gas imaging. The alternative work practice is an alternative to the current leak detection and repair work practice, which is not being revised. The proposed alternative has been amended in this final rule to add a requirement to perform monitoring once per year using the current Method 21 leak detection instrument. This action revises the General Provisions to incorporate the final alternative work practice. This final action is effective on December 22, 2008. POC is Mr. David Markwordt, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Coatings and Chemicals Group (E143-01), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, telephone (919) 541-0837, facsimile (919)541-0246, e-mail markwordt.david@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 22, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 78199-78219).

This direct final rule amends the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule to reference ASTM International's E2247-08 "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property" and allow for its use to satisfy the statutory requirements for conducting all appropriate inquiries under CERCLA. This rule is effective on March 23, 2009, without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comment by January 22, 2009. POC is Patricia Overmeyer, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (5105T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460-0002, 202-566-2774, email overmeyer.patricia@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 23, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 78651-78655).

This is a Notice of Intent (NOI) for partial deletion of portions of the Griffiss Air Force Base Superfund Site from the National Priorities List. Comments must be received by January 20, 2009. POC is Mr. Douglas M. Pocze, Remedial Project Manager, by mail at Emergency and Remedial Response Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, NY 10007-1866; Telephone (212) 637-4432, (or) fax at (212) 637-3256, (or) E-mail: pocze.doug@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 19, 2008 [Proposed Rules], Page 77560-77567).

EPA is proposing to ban the sale or distribution of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances containing HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these substances, beginning January 1, 2010. In addition, EPA is proposing to extend these requirements to air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances that are suitable only for use with newly produced HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these controlled substances as the refrigerant, and pre-charged appliance parts. Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2009, unless a public hearing is requested. Comments must then be received on or before February 6, 2009. POC is Cindy Axinn Newberg, EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation (6205J), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, (202) 343-9729, newberg.cindy@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 23, 2008 [Proposed Rules], Page 78705-78716).

EPA and partners are inviting the nation's architects, product developers, educators, environmental leaders, and students to submit innovative designs that minimize waste, reuse materials, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. This free, Web-based competition supports an on-line library of competition entries and green building resources. Designs and ideas must be submitted by August 30, 2009. The two main categories are: building an entire building from foundation to roof or building products or materials

Recognition was awarded in five categories in 2008: Water Utility, Corporate/Industry, Individual, Nongovernmental Organization, and Government. These award winners provide case studies on tools, techniques, and processes to reduce water consumption.

EPA and USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Water Program are seeking abstracts. The theme of the conference is "Achieving Results with Tight Budgets." Abstracts are due January 30, 2009.

The U.S. EPA estimates there are more than 20,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year in America. The U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory on radon because of this risk. All Americans are urged to test, and if necessary, fix their homes to reduce their risk.

EPA and USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Water Program are pleased to announce the Fifth National Conference for Nonpoint Source and Stormwater Outreach. The theme of the conference is "Achieving Results with Tight Budgets."

The FSS is aimed at local, state, federal, and industry responders, natural resource trustees and managers, facility response planners, and other stakeholders to promote sharing of information to better understand the challenges posed by oil spills in freshwater environments.

EPA grants made available to reduce pollution at the local level through community-based programs that build partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Examples of projects include addressing land- and air-pollution issues in Somerville, Mass.; reducing toxics and promoting green alternatives in Portland, Ore.; dealing with ground and surface water contamination on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Ethete, Wyo.; controlling storm water run-off in St. John, Virgin Islands; and reducing disparities in asthma and blood-lead levels in Baltimore, Md. Since 2005, the grants have reached 64 communities in 32 states and territories. Applications for the 2009 CARE grants are due March 16, 2009. Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities.

The 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels operating in a capacity as a means of transportation. Due to a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, vessel owners and operators who have previously been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements for the last 35 years will now require a permit starting Dec. 19. The ruling revoked 40 CFR 122.3(a)) which concerns the exclusion of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel as of February 6, 2009. The VGP covers non-recreational vessels 79 ft in length or longer, such as cruise ships or oil and cargo tankers, but excludes fishing vessels of any length, unless they discharge ballast water. The VGP incorporates the Coast Guard's mandatory ballast water management and exchange standards, and provides technology-based and water-quality-based effluent limits for other types of discharges, including deck runoff from rain or cleaning, ballast water used to stabilize ships and "gray water" from showers, sinks and laundry machines. It also establishes specific corrective actions, inspections and monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The Vessels Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI) system will be available in late Spring 2009. No vessel owner/operator is required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) until June 19, 2009. more info...

Developed by the Printers' National Environmental Assistance Center (PNEAC), this online course provides an over of the industrial stormwater permit process.

Sponsored by EPA Region 5, This webinar is focused on how stormwater managers can use compost blankets, berms, and filters as a tool to reduce stormwater runoff and improve soil quality.

This manual covers over 40 major product categories. In each chapter is a specifications section, some have specification, others have links or contacts.

(Washington, D.C. – Dec.22, 2008) EPA has notified 25 governors and 23 tribal leaders that certain areas in their states and tribal lands do not meet the agency's daily standards for fine particle pollution, also known as PM 2.5.

Winter Meeting includes several Sustainability related tracks

This Department of Interior Environmental Compliance Memorandum No. ECM08-2, dated December 18, 2008, entitled "Interpretive Guidance on the Department's Environmental Management Systems Policy (515 DM 4)", provides guidance and information to departmental bureaus and office on EMS implementation.

The Interagency Sustainability Working Group (ISWG), as a subcommittee of the Steering Committee established by Executive Order (E.O.) 13423, initiated development of this guidance, dated 1 December 2008, to assist agencies in meeting the high performance and sustainable buildings goals of E.O. 13423, section 2(f).

The Interagency Sustainability Working Group (ISWG), as a subcommittee of the Steering Committee established by Executive Order (E.O.) 13423, initiated development of this guidance, dated 1 December 2008, to assist agencies in meeting the high performance and sustainable buildings goals of E.O. 13423, section 2(f). This guidance also includes the Comment Resolution Summary detailing responses to comments on the draft version of this document.

Under the terms of a consent agreement, GSA will bring the facilities into compliance with federal regulations, either by upgrading or permanently closing and replacing old systems with new ones. In addition, GSA has agreed to voluntarily provide release detection for tanks that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators and pay a $70,000 penalty.

Starting 2 January 2009, the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) will accept applications for the 2009 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts that resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, green purchasing activities, environmental management systems, high performance/sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, alterative fuel use and reduced fuel usage under Executive Order 13423. Please note nominations can only be submitted on-line from 2-30, January 2009

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit regulation of certain emissions from agricultural production; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: December 11, 2008 [Senate], Page S10946) Text of the Bill to be available here

EPA is making technical changes in 40 CFR 150 – 180. These technical changes will correct errors and cross-references, improve presentation and format, and conform the regulations to current CFR practice. These changes have no substantive impact on any requirements. This final rule is effective February 10, 2009. POC is Kathryn Boyle, Field and External Affairs Division (7506P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-6304; fax number: (703) 305-5884; e-mail address: boyle.kathryn@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 12, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 75592-75600).

Proposed sessions should reflect the program theme of "Main Street Green: Connect to the Conversation." Proposals are due no later than 16 January 2009.

Greenbuild is considered the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. More information about Greenbuild 2009 and Phoenix will be available after January 2009.

PIE helps the user by giving an objective assessment of the degree to which the user's organization's purchases are having an environmental impact. Users enter data on their annual purchasing, using their own purchasing categories. The tool enables users to match their purchasing categories to those in its database for which life cycle assessment (LCA) data are available. It then enables users to calculate and graphically visualize how much impact is associated with each of their purchasing categories, for a given category of environmental impact.

EPA is taking final action to repeal expired, and therefore, obsolete regulatory provisions regarding interim ocean dumping sites, interim ocean dumping permits, and interim ocean dumping criteria. Repeal of all reference to "interim" provisions is necessary based on legislation enacted since promulgation of the reference, EPA action since promulgation of the reference, or the passage of a date specified in a definition of the reference. This action does not make any substantive changes to EPA's ocean dumping regulations. This is a housekeeping measure intended only to eliminate confusion by repealing obsolete regulatory text. This rule is effective on January 9, 2009. POC is David Redford, Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, 4504T, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-1288; fax number: 202-566-1546; e-mail address: redford.david@epa.gov (Federal Register: December 10, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 74983-74987).

This document makes a correction to the Preamble of the final rule amending the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation published on November 26, 2008 (73 FR 71941). POC is Hugo Paul Fleischman of EPA at 202-564-1968, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington DC 20460-0002, Mail Code 5104A (Federal Register: December 11, 2008 [Rules and Regulations], Page 75346-75347).

A bill to promote economic recovery through green jobs and infrastructure, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: December 10, 2008 [Senate], Page S10881). Text of the Bill to be available here.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the imposition of a fee or tax for direct gaseous emissions by livestock; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: December 10, 2008 [Senate], Page S10881). Text of the Bill to be available here.

Call for Nominations and instructions for the 2009 White House Closing the Circle Awards submissions.