(Washington, D.C. – April 10, 2007) In step with the Bush Administration’s call to increase the supply of alternative and renewable fuels nationwide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today established the nation’s first comprehensive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

In accordance with Section 4(b) of Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management", implementing instructions have been issued to Federal agencies to provide detail and direction to agencies as the work to fulfill the goals and requirement of the Executive Order.

(March 27, 2007) EPA Region 10 (Seattle) has calculated stipulated penalties totaling $1.14 million against the U.S. Department of Energy for violations of the Hanford cleanup agreement.

The U.S. EPA is offering a free, one-day workshop on federal underground and above ground storage tank requirements. The workshop will be given twice, in EPA Region 2 in New York City on May 2, 2007, and EPA Region 9 in San Francisco on May 23, 2007. It is open to all federal facility staff and management, but advanced registration is required. To register, please contact Kathleen Malone (malone.kathleen@epa.gov) for the New York workshop. The attached brochure contains additional registration and logistical information for the New York training. To register for the San Francisco workshop, please contact ( smith.rhonda-j@epa.gov).

(Washington, D.C. - March 22, 2007) EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is available this year earlier than ever before for local communities and national analysis. Facility-specific data was released last September and the full national data released today. "EPA is getting quality data out to the public faster through electronic reporting which is good for the environment, good for states and good for our partners in industry," said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Environmental Information Molly O'Neill.

(Washington, D.C. - March 16, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to modify the definition of solid waste rule to streamline regulation of hazardous secondary materials. The proposed rule would provide for the recycling of such materials as solvents, metals, and certain other chemicals. "This proposal recognizes that recycling secondary materials can both help the environment and reduce costs," said Susan Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "By encouraging legitimate recycling practices that are environmentally protective, this proposal presents a win-win for the environment and for the economy." EPA estimates that streamlining the management of secondary materials in a cost efficient but safe manner will result in an average cost savings of $107 million a year from both reduced regulatory burden and increased recycling.

The 31st Annual Humanities and Technology Conference is accepting abstracts until April 15, 2007. The theme of the conferences is “Sustainable Transformations: Technology and Its Environments.” Please submit a one-page proposal (200 words) by April 15, 2007 to: Andreas.Michel@rose-hulman.edu

This award, co-sponsored by the Building Materials Reuse Association, the American Institute of Architects and West Coast Green, invites professionals and students nationwide to submit designs and ideas by May 15 that support cost-effective disassembly and anticipate the future use of building materials. The challenge, open to built and un-built work, has three main categories: * Building—an entire building from foundation to roof * Component—a single building assembly, system or connector * Service—a tool, method or other idea

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 5, 2007) - Six installations, one team and one individual have been declared winners in the fiscal 2006 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards. The awards honor the Army's top programs in endangered species protection, historic preservation, waste reduction, environmental cleanup and pollution prevention.

By 2023, no more dry-cleaning machines that use the toxic solvent perchloroethylene, a potential carcinogen, will be permitted in California. The fluid will be phased out and dry cleaners must get rid of machines that are 15 years or older by July 2010.

Under a voluntary partnership agreement with EPA, key manufacturers have agreed to make cleaner outdoor wood-fired heaters available for purchase this year. The new heaters will be about 70 percent cleaner than models currently on the market.

Organizations that purchase electricity generated from clean, renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro make up the quarterly list. The Federal Agencies on the list are: U.S. Air Force; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

EPA will be awarding $2.7 million dollars in Level I and Level II cooperative agreements. Level I cooperative agreements will help establish community-based partnerships and set priorities for reducing toxic risks in a community. Level II cooperative agreements are for communities that already have a broad-based collaborative partnership, have identified risk reduction priorities and are ready to implement risk reduction strategies.

This competition is open to public-sector entities that have used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. This year, applications will be accepted in five categories: Overall Excellence in Smart Growth; Built Projects; Policies and Regulations; Equitable Development; and Waterfront and Coastal Communities. Applications are due on April 3, 2007.

The deadline for nominations for all awards is March 1, 2007.

By 2023, no more dry-cleaning machines that use the toxic solvent perchloroethylene, a potential carcinogen, will be permitted in California. The fluid will be phased out and dry cleaners must get rid of machines that are 15 years or older by July 2010.

Under a voluntary partnership agreement with EPA, key manufacturers have agreed to make cleaner outdoor wood-fired heaters available for purchase this year. The new heaters will be about 70 percent cleaner than models currently on the market.

(Washington, D.C. - Feb. 5, 2007) Pointing to 36 years of progress under both Republican and Democratic administrations, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today released his agency's $7.2 billion fiscal year 2008 budget. The new budget emphasizes using more citizen-partners as EPA shifts into the next phase of environmental progress – the green culture.

On January 23, 2007, EPA released draft guidelines for the state compliance report on underground storage tanks and is asking for public comments within 30 days, until February 22, 2007.

Organizations that purchase electricity generated from clean, renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro make up the quarterly list. The Federal Agencies on the list are: U.S. Air Force; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an agreement with the U.S. Navy that will govern all current and future environmental cleanup work at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads base, Puerto Rico, which closed in March 2004. The agreement follows an open public process in which the EPA and the U.S. Navy held a public meeting and received and responded to multiple public comments as part of a 30-day public comment period.

Abstracts are being accepted until February 5, 2007 for the conference AWRA Emerging Contaminants of Concern in the Environment. Topics include, but are not limited to, determining the occurrence of emerging contaminants in the environment; characterization of sources of emerging contaminants; and tools for measuring emerging contaminants.

The latest generation of water-saving, high-efficiency toilets must use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and meet performance standards for quality in order to qualify for EPA's WaterSense label. It is estimated that high-efficiency toilets can reduce water bills by about 10 percent. WaterSense-labeled toilets are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency.

Green Seal is beginning a comprehensive review and revision of GS-37, its environmental standard for institutional and industrial cleaning products, and invites all interested stakeholders to actively participate. The revision is expected to take about a year and will include a formal public review of the proposed revisions about half-way through the process.

On January 24th, 2007, President George W. Bush signed the Executive Order, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management.” The order sets goals in the areas of energy efficiency, acquisition, renewable energy, toxics reductions, recycling, renewable energy, sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, fleets, and water conservation. In addition the order requires more widespread use of Environmental Management Systems as the framework in which to manage and continually improve these sustainable practices. "This is a timely and strategic step forward, building upon the many and notable accomplishments of the Federal community. As a result, we will be more efficient and effective in meeting our mission, while at the same time leading by example in the areas of environmental and energy stewardship", said Edwin Pinero, Federal Environmental Executive.

EPA has hired a contractor to help in the required inspections of USTs. This contractor may visit some federal facilities to conduct an inspection. They may or may not be accompanied by a state or EPA regulator.

This program seeks to recognize individuals and groups outside of the U.S. EPA who made significant contributions to improve the environment in the year 2006. Anyone can be nominated. Nomination forms must be submitted online no later than February 16, 2007.

Instead of throwing away the electronic items replaced by gifts received over the holiday, be sure to recycle or donating them to keep them out of landfills

This document is EPA’s first comprehensive, peer-reviewed plan to address the strategic research and institutional actions needed to account fully for the beneficial contributions of policy alternatives to social welfare. It will supplement current practices for identifying and quantifying the ecological benefits of the agency's policies and actions. The plan is a collaborative effort among EPA's Offices of Research and Development; Policy, Economics and Innovation; Water; Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Air and Radiation; and Solid Waste and Emergency Response.

UPDATE 1/2/2007: Nominations are now being accepted through January 31 -- online nomination is available at http://ofee.tteam.com/apply/apply.cfm The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) will begin accepting applications for the 2007 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards on 2 January, 2007. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts which resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, and green purchasing activities under E.O. 13101, environmental management under E.O. 13148, green/sustainable buildings under both executive orders, and reduced fuel usage under E.O. 13149, and electronics stewardship.

The United States and the countries of the European Community today renewed their agreement on the energy efficiency of office equipment products using the government's Energy Star label. Specifically, the use of Energy Star labeling on office equipment in European markets and that the United States imports, including computers, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machines and scanners, with other products possibly added in the future.

Abstracts are being accepted for the 21st Annual WateReuse Symposium. Topics to be addressed include micropollutants, desalination, indirect potable reuse, operational issues, and global water reuse. Abstracts are due January 25, 2007; the symposium is September 9 - 12, 2007.

American Water Works Association's annual Water Quality Technology Conference(tm) and Exhibition is soliciting abstracts on topics such as monitoring and detection techniques, treatment processes, disinfection by-products, coagulation and filtration, organic and inorganic contaminants, distribution system water quality, UV and emerging issues. Abstracts are due February 19, 2007; the Conference is November 4 - 8, 2007.

EPA amended the SPCC rule to address a number of issues raised by its 2002 final rule, including those pertaining to facilities with smaller oil storage capacities, qualified oil-filled operational equipment, motive power containers, and mobile refuelers. EPA also removed sections of the rule that are not appropriate for facilities with animal fats and vegetable oils, and extended the compliance dates for farms. AS of 18 December 2006 this rule has not been published in the Federal Register but is available for review.

The intent of the semiannual regulatory agenda is to update the public about: regulations and major policies currently under development; reviews of existing regulations and major policies; and rules and major policy makings completed or canceled since the last agenda. Rules on air emissions, water permits, and waste are priorities in this agenda.

Being released in 2007, the portal, called eChemPortal, will access databases around the world, including more than a dozen international databases developed by organizations including the World Health Organization, United Nations, European Union, Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, and Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation. The initial release of the database in the second quarter of 2007 will take the user to many different databases. The second version, expected to be released in 2008 or 2009, will simultaneously search those databases and use enhanced search and query features to pull the information from those databases in ways that should be even more helpful to users.

A 64-page “White Paper” that assesses the financial costs and benefits of environmentally sustainable buildings is available from Building Design+Construction. The report describes the financial factors of green building for 10 key types of buildings: office buildings, retail shopping, hotels, restaurants, housing, industrial buildings, schools, college/ university facilities, and government buildings.

An interactive quiz from EPA to test your water efficiency know-how as well as learning more about why it is important to save water and how to be more water efficient in your home.

Abstracts are being solicited for the DoD Environmental Monitoring and Data Quality Workshop Which is held March 26 - 30, 2007. Abstract topics include DoD emerging contaminants, performance-based contracting, Military Munitions Response Program, laboratory performance, data management and sharing, project planning, measurement uncertainty, field activities, and quality systems implementation. Abstracts are due by January 15, 2007;

Applicability determinations, alternative monitoring decisions, and regulatory interpretations that EPA has made under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS); the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP); and the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program are now available on the ADI. POC is Maria Malave at EPA at:(202) 564-7027, or by e-mail at: malave.maria@epa.gov.

Nominations are being sought for the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program, to recognize outstanding leadership in designing or implementing water quality trading programs and policies that have achieved or will achieve environmental and economic benefits. The deadline for applications is January 16, 2007

The site is used to report alleged violations of environmental law. Any member of the public can report an alleged violation. The site guides the user through the process and asks questions in a way that allows the person reporting a potential violation to clarify exactly what he or she is reporting. Once a tip is filed online, it is reviewed by the criminal enforcement program at EPA headquarters, within 48 hours if possible.

The Government Accounting Standards Board has issued a standard requiring state and local governments to provide the public with better information about the financial impact of environmental cleanups. The standard is GASB Statement No. 49, Pollution Remediation Obligations.

The U.S. EPA invites nominations to fill vacancies on NACEPT. The Agency seeks qualified senior-level decision makers from diverse sectors throughout the United States to be considered for appointments.

The agreement standardizes test cycles and emissions measurement methods for heavy-duty engines, based on research on heavy commercial vehicle use in Australia, the European Union, Japan, and the United States. However, it does not set emission limit values. The global technical regulation (GTR) was agreed at a meeting of the U.N. World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations in Geneva.

Hurlburt Field wastewater treatment facility at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, FL received a second place award in the category of “Operations and Maintenance Awards: Small Advanced Plant.” Under EPA’s National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards recognition is made every year for outstanding programs and projects in operations and maintenance at wastewater treatment facilities, biosolids management and public acceptance, municipal implementation and enforcement of local pretreatment programs, cost-effective storm water controls, and combined sewer overflow controls.

EPA is seeking public comment on these draft guidelines that will establish requirements for inspecting underground storage tank systems. EPA will accept public comments on the draft guidelines until Dec. 22, 2006.

Abstracts are being accepted for the 30th Congress of the International Association of Theoretical and Applied Limnology. Deadline for submission is February 15, 2007. Examples of subject areas include: Biodiversity in Aquatic Ecosystems; Limnology of Brackish Waters; Macroinvertebrates and Benthic Communities; Microbial Ecology; Molecular Biology in Aquatic Sciences; Nutrient Dynamics and Transport in Catchments; Paleolimnology; Sediment-water Interactions; Ultraviolet Radiation Effects on Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystem Function; and Wetland Ecology.

Part 3, section 10 of the GSA SmartPay Purchase Card Holder Training addresses green purchasing. The use of this training for your purchase card holder will satisfy the requirement that they receive training about purchasing green products.

The EPA has initiated the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards to recognize leadership in water quality trading. Nominations are being sought for possible award to water quality trading programs and policies which have achieved or are expected to achieve environmental and economic benefits. Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards will encourage and recognize exemplary water quality trading programs and policies. Nominations by Tuesday, 16 January 2007.

The National Wetlands Awards Program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation or excellence in wetlands conservation. Their work covers programs or projects on the regional, state and local levels, and their efforts to educate the public and surrounding communities about the value of wetlands, the programs that are available to protect and restore wetlands, and the value of cooperation among grassroots organizations, educational organizations, private landowners, and government agencies lead to the successful protection of wetland resources. The National Wetlands Awards Program recognizes extraordinary individual achievement in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The deadline for submitting nominations is December 15, 2007.

The official call letter and questions which must be answered have been issued for the 2006 RCRA/FSRIA Data call.

This draft intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state officials concerns the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The agreement addresses issues such as distributing surface water, setting phosphorus limits, and restoring wildlife populations. Public comments on the agreements are due by Dec. 4.

The International Association of Science and Technology for Development is accepting abstracts for the Environmental Modeling and Simulation (EMS 2007) conference. Themes of the conference include modeling and simulation of waste processing, land use, ecosystems, hydrology, and mobile source emissions; technologies and tools for GIS, water and wastewater management, membrane technologies, etc. Abstracts are due April 1, 2007.

Abstracts are being accepted for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Biennial Environmental and Natural Resources Conference The theme for the 2007 conference is "Listening and Learning to Sustain our Mission and Reinforce our Environmental Operating Principles.” Topics for the conference include, but are not limited to: watershed management, Environmental law, environmental compliance, environmental stewardship, ecosystem restoration and management, Environmental management system (EMS), innovative technologies, and emerging contaminants. Abstracts are due by December 15, 2006.

The International Association of Science and Technology for Development is accepting abstracts for the Water Resources Management (WRM 2007) conference. Themes of the conference include: water supply and sustainable use; wastewater and stormwater management; integrated watershed management; pollution prevention; implementing environmentally sound technologies. Abstracts are due April 1, 2007.

This edition focuses on biobased products and is full of examples of agency testing and use of a variety of biobased products, including biofuels.

Tier2 Submit 2006 is now available for use by facilities in the preparation of their annual electronic chemical inventory report. Twenty-five states are accepting Tier2 Submit from facilities for the 2006 reporting year. Please visit the OEM website for more information and details on individual state requirements.

Abstracts are being accepted for the 2007 National Environmental Partnership Summit, May 7-10, 2007 in New Orleans, LA. The theme of the conference is “Local Actions, Global Results.” Presentations will be in the form of open dialogues, tools, case studies, collaborative problem solving, workshops & demonstrations, and panel presentations with discussion. A sample of the desired topic headings are: local community-based activities, research and technology, managing environmental impacts, and policy strategies and innovations.

As part of the America Recycles Day (ARD) 2006, the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, the US EPA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Justice, and several other Federal partners will launch a special campaign to encourage all Federal facilities to lead by example and recycle, or donate their used computers and other electronic equipment.

The U.S. EPA and eight utilities have launched the new, voluntary Responsible Appliance Disposal program to promote environmentally responsible disposal of these household appliances, which will significantly reduce emissions as well as save consumers money. Each year Americans dispose of roughly 13 million refrigerators and freezers and many of those contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change.

Beginning on January, 2007, the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) will accept applications for the 2007 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts which resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, and green purchasing activities under E.O. 13101, environmental management under E.O. 13148, green/sustainable buildings under both executive orders, and reduced fuel usage under E.O. 13149, and electronics stewardship. For more information, go to www.ofee.gov/ctc/ctc.htm, or contact Juan D. Lopez at lopez.juan@ofee.gov, 202-343-9481.

The National Small Town Alliance, the Howard University School of Law, the United States Departments of Energy and Agriculture are teaming with others to review the environmental justice movement and to determine the State of Environmental Justice in America. The conference is March 29 – 31, 2007. Abstracts are due November 6, 2006. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: facility siting and environmental justice; environmental education; conservation cooperation; innovations in environmental justice legislation, regulation and litigation. abstracts should be sent to:

This is a new program developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the environmental benefits of renewable fuels. This program creates a renewable fuel component for EPA's existing SmartWay Transport Partnership.

The EPA has issued its first set of specifications to certify landscape irrigation specialists. Under the agency's WaterSense program, the specifications set technical requirements for certifying landscape irrigation professionals. Certification programs that meet the EPA's requirements will earn the WaterSense label.

In 2005, EPA's 12 voluntary climate protection programs prevented 63 million metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions - up from 57 million in 2004. Details on how this was done can be found in the "Energy Star and Other Climate Protection Partnerships 2005 Annual Report".

Fort Hood is the first U.S. Army installation in the nation to join the NPEP, a voluntary program in which private and public organizations work with EPA to reduce the use or release of any of 31 priority chemicals beyond the requirements of environmental regulations. The priority chemical Fort Hood is focusing on is mercury.

EPA announced new Energy Star specifications for computers and related equipment. These new modifications are also expected to prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the annual emissions of 2.7 million cars. Under the new specifications, only the most energy-efficient computer related equipment will earn the Energy Star label, representing the top of their class. The new requirements include improved efficiency across all modes of a computer's operation, and require use of highly efficient internal and external power supplies. The new specifications go into effect on July 20, 2007.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2007 TEEA which pay tribute to projects across the state that helped to reduce waste, prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. Applicants may submit nominations in one of 10 categories: Agriculture, Civic/Nonprofit, Education, Government, Individual, Innovative Technology, Large Business/Nontechnical, Large Business/Technical, Small Business, and Youth. The deadline to submit applications has been extended to November 10, 2006.

EPA is inviting participation in the design and development of a stewardship program that will help the agency better understand the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology. The POC is Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov. The stewardship program will complement the agency's new and existing chemical programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and will provide a firm scientific foundation for regulatory decisions by encouraging the development of key scientific information and any appropriate risk management

The annual data questionnaire addressing Agency affirmative procurement practices and their reporting is now available.

EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks announces to Federal Facility Environmental Executives its intent to post their agency's underground storage tank compliance report on the EPA website and to provide specific information to the EPA Regions and States.

The teleconference is November 2, 1 - 3 p.m. (Eastern). It will discuss Environmental Electronic Product Assessment Tool (EPEAT), a new, easy-to-use rating system is now available online and at no cost to help purchasers identify and select environmentally preferable - "green" computer products. For more information on the teleconference, please contact: Lynn Rubinstein, Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.(802) 254-3636; lynn@nerc.org . Registration is required by October 31, 2006.

EPA has released the Acid Rain Program 2005 Progress Report, marking the 11th year of one of the most widely regarded and successful environmental programs in U.S. history. Since 1995, the program has significantly reduced acid deposition in the United States by decreasing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. There were no units out of compliance in 2005.

The 22nd International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management will be held in Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. on March 18 - 21, 2007. Abstracts for papers or posters will be accepted until 30 October 2007. Topics to be addressed at the conference include: energy recovery, recycling, medical waste, use of waste materials in construction, and construction and demolition wastes.

EPA is requesting nominations of chemical and microbial contaminants for possible inclusion in the third drinking water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 3). EPA is also requesting information that shows the nominated contaminant may have an adverse health effect on people and the contaminant occurs or is likely to occur in public water systems. Nominations must be received on or before December 15, 2006. POC is Clifton Townsend, Standards and Risk Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 564-1576; e-mail address: townsend.clifton@epa.gov.

USDA Natural Resources and Environment Under Secretary Mark Rey and Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water, today signed a partnership agreement to establish and promote water quality credit trading markets through cooperative conservation. Water quality trading is an innovative approach to achieve water quality goals more efficiently. Trading is based on the fact that sources in a watershed can face very different costs to control the same pollutant. Trading programs allow facilities facing higher pollution control costs to meet their regulatory obligations by purchasing environmentally equivalent (or superior) pollution reductions from another source at lower cost, thus achieving the same water quality improvement at lower overall cost.

A new partnership program from the U.S. EPA to stimulate more efficient use of water in homes and businesses. Beginning in 2007, products and services bearing the WaterSense label will be available for purchase. Toilets, faucets, and irrigation controllers are some of the first products to be marketed. The projected potential savings for these product areas is estimated to be 128 billion gallons per year, enough to supply water to 3.5 million people for a year.

On October 13, 2006, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, and representatives from the U.S. Army and Shell Oil Company will observe National Wildlife Refuge Week by hosting a ceremony celebrating the formal transfer of more than 7,000 acres of land at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Superfund site from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The size of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge will more than double when this land is transferred. "Through the hard work of many," said Administrator Johnson, "We recognize the transformation of this magnificent piece of land from a once-contaminated Superfund site to a national treasure."

The portal offers everything from stainless steel sinks and exercise bikes to aircraft engines. The site is designed to be the single point of access for the purchase of government-owned surplus items, and seized or forfeited assets.

EPA submitted their 2006 - 2011 Strategic Plan to Congress on September 29, 2006. The revised Strategic Plan maintains the five goals that were described in the 2003 - 2008 Strategic Plan, but reflects a sharpened focus on achieving more measurable environmental results. The five goals are Clean Air and Global Climate Change, Clean and Safe Water, Land Preservation and Restoration, Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, and Compliance and Environmental Stewardship

The U.S. Air Force leads the national green power top 25 list, purchasing more than 1 billion kWh annually for Air Force bases across the country. Top 25 Partners are Partners whose annual green power purchase is the largest, and whose green power purchase has been completed. EPA's Green Power Partnership is comprised of a diverse array of organizations that voluntarily purchase green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. EPA is number 4 on the list, DOE is number 8, and U.S. General Services Administration / Region 2 is number 18.

DOT has clarified that primary lithium batteries below a “net” weight of 5 kg are permitted to be transported on passenger aircraft. The interim final rule published in the December 15, 2004 Federal Register stipulated that this clause concerning primary lithium batteries applied to a “gross” weight of 5 kg (Federal Register: September 28, 2006 [Rules and Regulations], Page 56894-56895). The Federal Register notice is available here.

ISO/IEC 17021:2006 has been issued and it contains principles and requirements for the competence, consistency and impartiality of the audit and certification of management systems of all types (e.g. quality management systems or environmental management systems) and for bodies providing these activities. Certification bodies operating to this International Standard need not offer all types of management system certification.

EPA is convening a public meeting on 19-20 Oct. 2006 in DC about risk management practices under a possible stewardship program for nanoscale materials under TSCA. EPA is considering development of a stewardship program for such nanoscale materials. This program is being explored to encourage responsible commercial development of nanoscale materials. The stewardship program will also enable EPA, affected industry, and other stakeholders to build the capacity to assess potential risks to human health and the environment from nanoscale materials and to identify risk management practices available to reduce such potential risks. POC is Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coord, Env. Assistance Div. (7408M), Off. of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 554-1404; e-mail: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov (FR: Oct. 4, 2006 [Notices], Page 58601-58603). FR notice is available here.

Abstracts for the 2007 National Environmental Partnership Summit are due on November 20, 2006. The topics addressed in the summit are: Critical Global Environmental Issues; Local Community-Based Activities; New Orleans/Gulf Coast Challenges and Outcomes; Culture and Sustainability; Community and Economic Infrastructure; Business, Industry and Manufacturing; Managing Environmental Impacts; Policy Strategies and Innovations; Measurement, Metrics & Indicators; Research and Technology; Environmental Futures Forecasting. The content abstract submittal form will be published October 2, 2006.

October is the kick-off for the "Change a Light, Change the World" challenge. This is a is a national challenge held each October-November to encourage every American to take a step to reduce our energy demand. The goal is for individuals to take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge and then follow through by changing out an inefficient light bulb to an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb. This campaign is sponsored by the Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency comprised of EPA, DOE and HUD. The goal of the Partnership is to reduce residential energy use by 10% over the next 10 years.

Developed by DOE, this plan details measures to accelerate the development and reduce the cost of new and advanced technologies that avoid, reduce, or capture and store greenhouse gas emissions.

The revised 2006 standards address two categories of particle pollution: fine particles (PM2.5), which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller; and inhalable coarse particles (PM10) which are smaller than 10 micrometers and larger than 2.5 micrometers.

For pollution prevention tips you can implement at home, at the office, in the garden, and on the road check out the EPA website.

EPA is renewing the charter for the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) which provides advice and recommendations to the EPA administrator on national environmental justice policy issues, such as: (1) integrating environmental justice considerations into EPA's decision making process; and (2) strategies for ensuring that communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in the agency's decision making process.

The Energy Star change a light, change the world campaign encourages Americans to change the world, one light, one step, at a time by taking an on-line pledge to replace an incandescent bulb or fixture in their homes with one that has earned the Energy Star label.

A new, more user-friendly version of the U.S. Army Environmental Center’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) desktop reference compact disc was released in June. Version 3.0 increases the number of full-text documents from 28 to 138 and incorporates Department of Defense and Army policies, supported by a number of guidance and technical references on cultural resources, master planning, endangered species, noise, and other subjects generally included in NEPA analyses. It also adds the full text of federal legislation and regulations relating to these subjects. Also included in the CD is a glossary with over 250 fully referenced words and phrases commonly used in NEPA analyses. For more information or a copy of the CD, visit USAEC's NEPA page.

The deadline to submit nominations for the Gulf Guardian awards has been extended to Sept. 15, 2006. Gulf Guardian awards recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies taking positive steps to keep the Gulf of Mexico healthy, beautiful and productive. Gulf Guardian award winners exemplify what the Gulf of Mexico program partnership is all about -- innovative solutions from partners pooling resources and looking for creative ways to improve the environmental health of the Gulf in concert with economic development. Awards have been given in six categories: business, civic/non-profit organization, partnerships, youth/education, individual, and government.

As of Sept. 5, 2006, all hazardous waste generators and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities must use EPA's standardized hazardous waste manifest form. The standardized form reduces or eliminates many of the variables in state requirements. EPA's new manifest form also provides check boxes and adds fields that allow for better tracking of complicated shipments, such as container residues, rejected wastes, and interstate shipments. The new form also makes it easier to collect data for hazardous waste reporting. EPA has ensured uniformity by authorizing printers and providing them with precise specifications. Like the old form, each standardized form carries a unique preprinted manifest tracking number. The standardized form also allows multistate waste handlers to register and use their own manifest forms everywhere they do business.

The program, authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, will promote use of fuels largely produced by American crops and is designed to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil by doubling the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The RFS program is designed to cut petroleum use by approximately 3.9 billion gallons a year in 2012 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 14 million tons annually.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed a deal making it the first federal agency to purchase renewable energy, or “green power,” equivalent to 100 percent of its annual electricity needs. The agency signed a contract with 3 Phases Energy Services to purchase more than 100 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in renewable energy certificates, effective Sept. 1. The arrangement extends annual green-power purchases to more than 190 EPA facilities nationwide. This green-power purchase brings the agency total to nearly 300 million kWh per year, which is equivalent to 100 percent of the electricity EPA uses nationwide annually. It is enough electricity to power 27,970 homes for a year.

These proposed metrics were developed by the EO 13148 Work Group. Each agency will be requested to provide a summary of this information for its EMS appropriate facilities.

A new technology guide for municipal and utility collection system owners and operators is available from the EPA. The guide provides information about innovative and emerging technologies for the installation and repair of new and existing conveyance systems The guide classifies the state of development for each technology as established, innovative, or embryonic and provides a Technology Summary Fact Sheet for each innovative and embryonic process with information describing the technology, cost data, contact information, and data sources.

The Federal Highway Administration has issued guidance to expand eligibility of highway funds to address stormwater abatement and other environmental restoration measures related to transportation projects.