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State and Local Climate and Energy Program

Local Climate and Energy Webcasts

EPA hosts the Local Climate and Energy Webcast Series to assist local governments as they explore and plan climate change and clean energy efforts. These regular webcasts highlight EPA resources available to local governments and present examples of successful climate and energy programs and policies implemented locally.

To receive announcements about future webcasts, sign up for EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Newsletter.

Upcoming Webcasts

October 11, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – Estimating the Health Impacts of Climate Change and Clean Energy Programs

State and local climate change and clean energy policies can improve air quality, reduce negative impacts on human health, and save lives. This webinar will cover three EPA tools that state and local governments can use to estimate and communicate the health and related economic benefits of actions that reduce air emissions:

Audience: Recommended for state and local air quality, energy, public health, sustainability, and transportation planning staff.

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Topics covered include:


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Adaptation

Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments

Adaptation to climate change is increasingly important as the effects of climate change become apparent across different regions of the United States. Effective climate adaptation requires risk analysis and communication to stakeholders, adaptation planning and implementation, and the integration of these efforts with existing operations. The federal government offers numerous resources to, and opportunities for collaboration with, local governments. The Local Climate and Energy Program and the State Technical Forum jointly held webcasts on this topic in November and December 2010 and January 2011.

January 13, 2011 – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments – Part Three: Federal Resources and Support for Climate Change Adaptation

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December 15, 2010 – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments – Part Two: Adaptation Planning and Implementation

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November 18, 2010 – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments – Part One: Climate Impacts and Risk Communication

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Community Planning and Design

Heat Island Reduction

The term "heat island" describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas. The heat island effect can increase summertime energy use, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and reduce water quality. The Local Climate and Energy Program held a webcast on this topic in August 2012.

August 8, 2012 - Beating the Heat: Effective Approaches to Heat Island Reduction

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Smart Growth

Smart growth development benefits the economy, the community, the environment, and public health. Smart growth also can save energy, reduce costs for transportation infrastructure and services, and assist areas in attaining and maintaining air quality standards. The Local Climate and Energy Program held a webcast on this topic in March 2010.

March 31, 2010 – Using Smart Growth Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Green Roofs

A green roof, or rooftop garden, is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop. Increasingly popular in densely-built urban areas, green roofs offer many workplace and environmental benefits. They provide shade and remove heat from the air, mitigating the urban heat island effect and reducing energy use for air conditioning. Green roofs also reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; enhance stormwater management and water quality in urban areas; and provide aesthetic value and habitat for wildlife. The Local Climate and Energy Program and the Heat Island Reduction Program jointly held a webcast on this topic in June 2010.

June 8, 2010 — Implementing Green Roof Programs at the Local Level

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Transportation Control Measures

Transportation accounts for 33 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel, and can account for a significant portion of a local government’s or household’s budget. Transportation control measures (TCMs) are strategies that reduce transportation-related air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and fuel use by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and improving roadway operations. The Local Climate and Energy Program held a webcast on this topic in June 2010.

June 22, 2010 — Transportation Control Measures: Strategies for Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Developing Climate Action Programs

Climate Action Plans

Creating a climate action plan can help a community reduce its energy use, save money, and become more sustainable. Critical elements of a climate action plan include gathering support from key stakeholders; collecting data and setting goals; estimating greenhouse gas reduction potential and other benefits; working towards implementation; and utilizing available tools and resources. A diverse group of local governments with firsthand climate action planning experience discussed these issues in a two-part Local Climate and Energy Program webcast series held in November and December 2011.

December 7, 2011 - Climate Action Plan Evaluation: Part 2

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November 17, 2011 – Climate Action Planning: Part 1

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Emissions

Using EPA’s GHG Reporting Rule Data for State and Local Governments

Comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. This information can be used by state and local governments to identify nearby sources of GHGs, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, or to inform policies and programs. The EPA State Technical Forum and Local Climate and Energy Program jointly held a Technical Forum on this topic in March 2012.

March 1, 2012 – Using EPA’s GHG Reporting Rule Data for State and Local Governments

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The Emissions & Resource Generation Integrated Database: Potential Uses for State and Local Governments

Developed by EPA, the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is the preeminent source of air emissions data for the electric power sector. Using plant-specific data for U.S. electricity generating plants, the tool documents the environmental attributes of electric power generation. State governments can use it to help develop greenhouse gas inventories and calculate the benefits of clean energy programs. EPA’s Local Climate and Energy Program and State Technical Forum jointly held a webcast on this topic in March 2011.

March 31, 2011 - The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID): Potential Uses for State and Local Governments

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Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficient Buildings

Local government initiatives can help encourage improved energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. ENERGY STAR and other federal programs have many resources available to assist local governments in designing and implementing energy efficiency programs and policies. In addition, existing local government and municipal utility programs provide guidance on best practices and lessons learned. The Local Climate and Energy Program held webcasts on this topic in July 2011 and April and May 2009.

July 12, 2011 - Energy Efficiency in Municipal Operations

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May 21, 2009 – Integrating Energy Efficiency into New and Existing Homes

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April 21, 2009 – Integrating Energy Efficiency into Affordable Housing

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Energy Efficient Products

Many local governments are saving energy by requiring that the energy-using products they purchase meet energy efficiency criteria. Purchasing energy-efficient products can reduce energy costs, lower maintenance costs, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhance pollution prevention and resource conservation activities. The Local Climate and Energy Program held a webcast on this topic in April 2008.

April 17, 2008 – Energy Efficient Product Procurement

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Combined Heat and Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is an on-site technology added to a generator, boiler or other engine to create both heat and electricity. By utilizing the thermal energy otherwise wasted, as well as avoiding typical line losses during transmission and distribution, a CHP system can achieve system efficiencies up to 80 percent. CHP can be an effective, shovel-ready option in energy efficient and sustainable strategic planning. The Local Climate and Energy Program and CHP Partnership co-hosted a webcast on this topic in November 2009.

November 19, 2009 – CHP: A Strategy to Meet Sustainable Community Planning Goals

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Smart Grid

A “smart grid” uses digital technology to improve the reliability, security, and efficiency (both economic and energy) of the electric grid. Smart grid technologies have the potential to help local governments improve energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities. EPA and DOE provide smart grid resources for local governments, and communities across the country are deploying smart grid technologies. The Local Climate and Energy Program held a webcast on this topic in April 2010.

April 29, 2010 — Smart Grid and Clean Energy for Local Governments

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Funding Initiatives

Federal Resources and Funding including ARRA 2009

Federal grants and funding, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, can help local governments implement climate and clean energy projects and programs. In addition, federal resources are available to help local governments maximize the available funding. Information includes where to look for federal grants, grant application requirements, typical timeframes for the grant process, evaluation procedures, challenges and ways to overcome them, tips for writing strong proposals, and project ideas. The Local Climate and Energy Program held webcasts on this topic in February 2008, March 2009, and June 2009.

June 11, 2009 – Local Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project Examples for ARRA Funds

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March 5, 2009 – Using EPA Resources to Maximize Clean Energy in Economic Recovery Spending

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February 28, 2008 – Navigating the Grant Process for Local Governments

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Financing Clean Energy Programs

One of the biggest challenges for the success of clean energy programs is securing adequate and sustained financing. EPA held a three-part webcast series on this topic to help local governments finance their clean energy initiatives. Part I of the series discussed how to design and implement funding programs, line up partners, and gain support for clean energy programs through both conventional and non-conventional methods. Part II discussed how to locate available sources of funding, and Part III discussed how to leverage existing funds and make clean energy investments more affordable for clean energy program audiences. The Local Climate and Energy Program held webcasts on this topic in May and June 2012.

June 13, 2012 – Part III: Keeping it Going: Financing Options for your Clean Energy Programs

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May 30, 2012 – Part II: Getting it Funded: Finding Funding for your Clean Energy Programs

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May 16, 2012 – Part 1: Getting Started: Answering Big Picture Funding Questions

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Lead by Example in Government Operations

Climate Showcase Communities

In 2010 and 2011, 50 communities across the U.S. were selected as Climate Showcase Communities and received EPA funding to implement climate change mitigation programs. The goal of the Climate Showcase Communities program is to create replicable models of cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions that will catalyze broader local and tribal government actions to stabilize the climate and improve environmental, economic, health, and social conditions. Representatives of various local and tribal governments presented on their implementation challenges, lessons learned, and progress made toward goals during a Local Climate and Energy Program webcast held in April 2011.

April 27, 2011 - Climate Showcase Communities: Lessons Learned and New Approaches

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Renewable Energy

Local governments can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support the development of new renewable generation by purchasing green power or generating renewable energy on-site. EPA's Green Power Partnership, Green Power Communities program, and Landfill Methane Outreach Program provide resources and assistance to local governments interested in pursuing renewable energy purchases or projects. The Local Climate and Energy Program held webcasts on this topic in May 2008, February 2009, February and July 2010, and January 2012.

January 18, 2012 – Making an Impact on Energy Use in Your Community: EPA’s Green Power Communities and Local Climate and Energy Program

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July 29, 2010 - Corporate, Institutional & Government Opportunities in Community Wind Development

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February 23, 2010 – Green Power Communities

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February 5, 2009 – Landfill Gas to Energy

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May 28, 2008 – Green Power Procurement

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Workforce Development

Clean Energy Workforce Development

Clean energy workforce development programs are becoming increasingly important at both the state and local levels. Appropriately trained workers will be needed to transition to a cleaner economy that addresses climate change and energy challenges while also creating new jobs. Some of these new jobs will require little additional training while others will require training or possibly advanced degrees. EPA held a webcast on this topic in January 2010.

January 26, 2010 – Clean Energy Workforce Development

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