Updated November 2008, this document outlines the Department of Defense's Green Procurement Program strategy.

This DOD Instruction 4715.17, issued 15 April 2009, establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for achieving conformance with Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 to reauthorize programs to address remediation of contaminated sediment; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [Senate], Page S4963).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [Senate], Page S4963).

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that sewage treatment plants monitor for and report discharges of raw sewage, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [Senate], Page S4963).

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to permit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements for renewable fuel production, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [Senate], Page S4963).

A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to create a petroleum product reserve, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: May 4, 2009 [Senate], Page S5065).

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to conduct a Joint Venture Program to protect, restore, enhance, and manage migratory bird populations, their habitats, and the ecosystems they rely on, through voluntary actions on public and private lands, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5060).

A bill to establish an integrated Federal program to protect, restore, and conserve the Nation's natural resources in response to the threats of climate change and ocean acidification; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5060).

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the technical assistance to small public water systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5061).

A bill to facilitate planning, construction, and operation of a secure national clean energy grid; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5061).

A bill to reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5061).

A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for programs promoting community greening initiatives, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5061).

A bill to greatly enhance America's path toward energy independence and economic and national security, to conserve energy use, to promote innovation, to achieve lower emissions, cleaner air, cleaner water, and cleaner land, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Labor, the Budget, Rules, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Congressional Record: May 4, 2009 [House], Page H5095). Text of the bill to be listed here.

A resolution encouraging energy efficient and environment-friendly building and facility certification programs to incorporate the use of mechanical insulation as part of their standards and ratings system; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (Congressional Record: April 30, 2009 [House], Page H5062).

Draft schedule for the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposium West (MSWord version.)

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) Awards. The 2009 FEC Awards recognize the achievements of FEC partners and their leadership in federal electronics stewardship during 2008. See attachment for complete announcement.

This DOE program provides federal grants to units of local government, Indian tribes, states, and territories to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and for improvements in energy efficiency. Applications are due June 25, 2009.

Form to include when registering for Symposium West.

The second public comment period for LEED for Neighborhood Development opened Friday, May 1, and will close Sunday, June 14.

This funding opportunity supports the Nation's need for transformational energy-related technologies to overcome the threats posed by climate change and energy security, arising from its reliance on traditional uses of fossil fuels and the dominant use of oil in transportation. Applications are due June 2, 2009.

Contaminant cleanup at Elmendorf AFB began in 1990 when the AFB was added to the National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. The cleanup continues and associated documentation is available for public review.

This workshop will focus on brownfields redevelopment and its intersection with sustainability.

This year, 15 winners and 13 honorable mentions were selected from nearly 200 nominations in the areas of environmental management systems, pollution prevention, recycling, green product purchasing, alternative fuels, electronics stewardship and sustainable buildings. Recipients include representatives, teams, and programs from across the DoD and non-DoD agencies. The awards ceremony will be held on June 17, 2009, in the Natcher Auditorium of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in Bethesda, MD, to formally recognize the winners and their programs. See the attached press announcement for all the winners and honorable mentions.

Supplemental Funding for Brownfields RLF grantees provided under the April 10, 2009 notice will be subject to the Buy American provisions for activities defined as infrastructure by the Agency. This action is effective April 30, 2009. POC is Debi Morey, U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization, (202) 566-2735 or the appropriate Brownfields Regional Contact (Federal Register: April 30, 2009 [Notices], Page 19954-19956).

A bill to promote the development and use of marine renewable energy technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 29, 2009 [Senate], Page S4891) Text of the bill to be listed Here

The theme of the conference is "Building Leadership to Restore Communities."

The U.S. EPA Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division has issued information concerning the applicability of the proposed rule on greenhouse gas emissions reporting and federal facilities. Click here for information.

A bill to amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to provide for penalties and enforcement for intentionally taking protected avian species, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 23, 2009 [House], Page H4731). Text of the bill to be listed Here

The nation's top 50 purchasers are buying more than 11 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, equivalent to the CO2 emissions that would be produced from the electricity use of more than 1.1 million average American homes. The U.S. Air Force is Number 8, the U.S. EPA is number 14, the U.S. Department of Energy is number 23. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is number 30, and the U.S. General Services Administration/Region 2 is number 43 on the list.

Colorado Class A/B UST Operators (Webinar)

This webinar will unveil RPN's findings from the 2009 Responsible Purchasing Trends Report, and celebrate the pioneering practices of the winners of the 2009 Responsible Purchaser of the Year Awards, featuring best practices and case studies.

This webinar will cover information on implementing a Green Dining Program at the institutional level. Participants will learn cost effective best practices for reducing the environmental impact of food service operations, industry standards in food service operations, techniques on educating staff and facility users, and procedures for effectively measuring and monitoring progress.

This VT state CIG has four categories of natural resources concerns and technology needs for possible funding. The categories are: atmospheric resources, farm and forest energy production, maintaining working landscapes sustainably, and soil and water resources. Applications will only be accepted form entities in VT for projects that will take place in the state of VT. The grants are unrestricted. Project proposals must be received either electronically through grants.gov or delivered to the NRCS VT State Office by 4PM EDT on Monday, May 11, 2009.

There are two CIG components available Pacific Islands Area in FY 2009: Natural Resource Concerns Component and Technology Component. Application for the grants is unrestricted and applications are due May 15, 2009.

This NH state CIG has six categories of natural resources concerns and five categories of technology needs for possible funding. The natural resources categories are: water resources, soil resources, atmospheric resources, grazing lands and forest health, wildlife habitat, and market-based approaches. The technology categories are: improved on-farm energy efficiency, water management, improved nutrient management to improve water quality, air quality, and conservation technology transfer to targeted groups of farmers and ranchers. Applications will only be accepted from entities in NH for projects that will take place in the state of NH. Application for the grant is unrestricted. Project proposals must be received either electronically through grants.gov or delivered to the NRCS NH State Office by 4PM EDT on Friday, May 29, 2009.

The wildland-urban interface community assistance program provides funding to state and local governments, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribes to reduce risk of fire in the wildland-urban interface in the vicinity of lands managed by the DOI. This program seeks to decrease wildland fire-related losses to rural economies through enhanced local mitigation; and to help reduce Federal, state, tribal and local expenditures on wildland fire suppression, particularly in the wildland-urban interface. Application for the grant is unrestricted and is due on August 15, 2009.

The Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP) is seeking projects in a variety of geologic formations that will quantitatively demonstrate and validate stimulation techniques that successfully sustain sufficient fluid flow and heat extraction rates for 5-7 years that produce at least 5 MWe per year per project site/geothermal reservoir. DOE will also consider projects to further characterize, stimulate, and validate underutilized geothermal resources, particularly in urban and rural regions with high electricity costs such as Alaska, Hawaii, the eastern U.S., Indian Reservations, etc. Applicant eligibility is unrestricted and applications are due May 14, 2009.

EPA is amending its regulations on the eligibility criteria for submitting a Form A Certification Statement in lieu of the more detailed Form R submitted by facilities subject to TRI reporting under section 313 of the EPCRA of 1986 and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA). This action is being taken to comply with the "Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009" enacted on March 11, 2009. This final rule is effective on April 27, 2009. POC is Cory J. Wagner, Toxics Release Inventory Program Division, Office of Information Analysis and Access (2844T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-1555; fax number: 202-566-0741; e-mail: wagner.cory@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 27, 2009 [Rules and Regulations], Page 19001-19006).

EPA is proposing to find that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere endanger the public health and welfare of current and future generations. The Administrator proposes to find that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare within the meaning of Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. She proposes to make this finding specifically with respect to six greenhouse gases that together constitute the root of the climate change problem: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. The Administrator is also proposing to find that the combined emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines are contributing to this mix of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Comments on this proposed action must be received on or before June 23, 2009. POC is Jeremy Martinich, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207J), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9927; fax number: (202) 343-2202; e-mail address: ghgendangerment@epa.gov ( Federal Register: April 24, 2009 [Proposed Rules], Page 18885-18910).

On April 15, 2009, the Department of Defense announced the winners of the 2009 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards.

A GAO report released March 13, 2009, addressing the need for greater EPA enforcement and oversight of cleanup operations at DOD sites.

The National Defense Center for Energy and Environment (NDCEE) Program has published the Winter/Spring 2009 NDCEE Newsletter.

Learn cost effective best practices for reducing the environmental impact of food service operations, industry standards in food service operations, techniques on educating staff and facility users, and procedures for effectively measuring and monitoring progress.

EPA is proposing to require accredited providers of renovator or dust sampling technician training to submit post-course notifications, including digital photographs of each successful trainee, to EPA. Additionally, EPA is proposing to remove the requirement for accredited lead-based paint activities training providers--those who provide inspector, risk assessor, project designer, and abatement supervisor and worker training--to submit to EPA a digital photograph of each successful trainee along with their post-course notifications. Comments must be received on or before May 22, 2009. POC is Colby Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division (7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 554-1404; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 22, 2009 [Proposed Rules], Page 18330-18336).

A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on black carbon emissions; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 22, 2009 [Senate], Page S4573). Text of the bill to be listed here.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to update a program to provide assistance for the planning, design, and construction of treatment works to intercept, transport, control, or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows, and to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to update certain guidance used to develop and determine the financial capability of communities to implement clean water infrastructure programs; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works (Congressional Record: April 22, 2009 [Senate], Page S4573). Text of the bill to be listed here.

A bill to repeal certain provisions of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Congressional Record: April 22, 2009 [Senate], Page S4574). Text of the bill to be listed here.

Registration page for 2009 Symposium West speakers.

Registration is now open for the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposium EAST, to be held June 16-18, 2009, on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. The entire Federal community, and contractors representing their Federal agencies, are welcome to attend this year's event, which focuses on the progress that has been made in the past year meeting the sustainability goals of Executive Order 13423. Exhibit applications are also being accepted from federal, non-profit, and organizations on the GSA Schedule, first come, first served (up to 50.) Registration ends May 29, 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.fedcenter.gov/symposia2009.

The workshop will focus on the ability of engineered systems to remove emerging contaminants from wastewater and potable water. Emerging contaminants are defined as those substances for which human health and environmental risks have not yet been well defined and include (but are not limited to) pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine disruptors and engineered nanoparticles.

The workshop will focus on the ability of engineered systems to remove emerging contaminants from wastewater and potable water. Emerging contaminants are defined as those substances for which human health and environmental risks have not yet been well defined and include (but are not limited to) pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine disruptors and engineered nanoparticles.

Presented by the National Council for Science and the Environment, the intent of this conference is to explore issues of the green economy in both a short-term and long-term context.

The alleged violations involved 28 underground tanks at the Aberdeen facility that were used to store gasoline, fuel oil, diesel fuel, and JP-8 jet fuel and ranged in capacity from 600 gallons to 25,000 gallons. To settle the alleged violations, the U.S. Army has agreed to pay a $29,928 civil penalty and to perform a supplemental environmental project (SEP) at a cost of $209,432. The SEP involves the removal of the underground storage tanks and the installation of above-ground tanks.

Start page for 2009 Symposium East speakers, exhibitors and attendees to make payment.

The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2007. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by "sinks," e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation and soils.

The goal of the conference is to address topics related to green collar jobs creation, alternative and renewable energy reuses, green remediation, sustainability approaches, and green building strategies.

The Corps is removing a sentence in the preamble that was published in the March 12, 2007, final notice for the reissuance of the Nationwide Permits and replacing that sentence and providing additional clarification. The preamble language at issue concerns when a pre-construction notification is required in connection with NWP 46, and the Corps is soliciting comments on the removed sentence, the replacement sentences, and the additional clarification provided in this notice. The Corps is not proposing any changes to the terms and conditions of NWP 46. Comments are due 15 May 2009. POC is Mr. David Olson at 202-761-4922 or by e-mail at david.b.olson@usace.army.mil (Federal Register: April 15, 2009 [Notices], Page 17456-17458).

NRCS intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in its National Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Anaerobic Digester (Code 366); Anionic Polyacrylamide (PAM) Application (Code 450); Brush Management (Code 314); Fish Raceway or Tank (Code 398); Irrigation Ditch Lining (Code 428); Irrigation Pipeline (Code 430); Irrigation Reservoir (Code 436); Surface Drain, Field Ditch (Code 607); Surface Drainage, Main or Lateral (Code 608); Roof Runoff Structure (Code 558); and Surface Roughening (Code 609). These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land or on land determined to be a wetland. Comments are due 15 May 2009. Final versions of these new or revised conservation practice standards will be adopted after the close of the 30-day comment period, and after consideration of all comments. Copies of these standards can be downloaded or printed from the following Web site: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/federal-register/ (Federal Register: April 15, 2009 [Notices], Page 17450-17451).

Form for 2009 Symposium East participants who wish to advance register for lunch meals after registering for the conference.

This new site emphasizes protection and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The site also provides information on tools to identify and protect healthy watersheds and their components while providing critical information for making strategic decisions to both protect and restore our nation's waters.

There are many existing assessments available for reporting on the integrity of watershed ecosystem components. Examples of select assessment approaches at the regional, state, and local scales are presented for: landscape condition, biotic condition, chemical/physical, natural disturbance regime, and hydrologic/geomorphic.

Part EPA's Healthy Watersheds initiative, the framework was developed as an organizational tool for reporting on information about the health of ecosystems through an assessment of essential ecological attributes. Examples are provided of the various attributes.

Part EPA's Healthy Watersheds initiative, the site list multiple approaches for the conservation and protection of watersheds. The examples provided are generally site-specific and tailored to the particular situation. A combination of approaches has been found to be most effective at maintaining watershed health and integrity.

Links to projects at the national, regional, state, and local scales.

Published 1 August 2008, this document describes Audit Policy incentives tailored for new owners that want to make a "clean start" at their recently acquired facilities by addressing environmental noncompliance that began prior to acquisition.

This November 2008 document provides easy-to-understand information on what is and is not a hazardous waste and how to ensure safe storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste.

EPA's Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization (OBLR) plans to make available approximately $40 million in Recovery Act funding to supplement Revolving Loan Fund capitalization grants previously awarded competitively under section 104(k)(3) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9604(k)(3). This action is effective April 10, 2009.

This conference is presented by the Wildlife Habitat Council in collaboration with the World Resources Institute, It will focus on the connections between habitat management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability with ecosystem-based strategies.

This memo, dated 3 April 2009, outlines the reporting requirements with which Executive Branch departments and agencies must comply to satisfy Section 1609(c) of the Recovery Act. The agency funding a project or activity under the Recovery Act is responsible for reporting the status of all NEPA compliance associated with the activity or project. There is a reporting template and instructions included in the memo.

This proposed regulation requires reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of the economy. The rule would apply to fossil fuel suppliers and industrial gas suppliers, as well as to direct greenhouse gas emitters. The proposed rule does not require control of greenhouse gases, rather it requires only that sources above certain threshold levels monitor and report emissions. Comments must be received on or before June 9, 2009. POC is Carole Cook, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207J), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9263; fax number: (202) 343-2342; e-mail address: GHGReportingRule@epa.gov (Federal Register: April 10, 2009 (Proposed Rules], Page 16447-16731).

The 2009 Federal Environmental Symposium West schedule.

The 2009 Federal Environmental Symposium East schedule.

PHILADELPHIA (April 8, 2009) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the addition of the Fort Detrick Area B Ground Water Site in Frederick, Md. to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The national priorities list is a national list of sites where hazardous contaminants could impact public health and/or the environment. NPL sites undergo a thorough investigation to determine the full nature and extent of contamination. EPA or the parties responsible for the contamination then address whatever risks the sites pose to human health and the environment.

Implementation of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP). The LCR MSCP is a multi-stakeholder, Federal and non-Federal partnership which balances the use of the Colorado River water resources with the conservation of native species and their habitats in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Funding will be available to fund LCR MSCP projects to complete conservation measures described in the Habitat Conservation Plan. Applications are due May 29, 2009.

EPA and Department of Energy program to provide fuel economy information on vehicles. Includes information on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.

Voluntary program that supports the organizational procurement of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources. Partnering with EPA can help your organization lower the transaction costs of buying green power, reduce its carbon footprint, and communicate its leadership to key stakeholders. Green power is electricity produced from a subset of renewable resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydro.

A voluntary, public/private initiative which seeks to incorporate environmental streamlining and stewardship into all aspects of the highway lifecycle.

Green infrastructure is an approach to wet weather management that is cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Green Infrastructure management approaches and technologies infiltrate, evapotranspire, capture and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrologies.

LID is an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible.

A collaborative, public-private sector effort to increase the recycling and reuse of industrial materials in building and transportation construction projects across the nation. It is a part of EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC).

The intent of this effort is to provide a framework that, when implemented in an area, can achieve measurable emissions reductions and promote sustainability in urban environments.

Registration page for Symposium West exhibitors.

Registration page for Symposium West attendees.

A forum to present key concepts and issues related to the impacts of and potential adaptations to climate change. Managing the unavoidable while seeking to avoid the unmanageable.