Communities Information Digest - May 15, 2013

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 7)Communities Information Digest

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May 15, 2013

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Note: New items are in *asterisks*.

News

*Fifth Round of Funding from TIGER Grant Program Announced*U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $474 million for a fifth round of the highly successfulTIGER competitive grant program to fund surface transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or metropolitanarea. President Obama haschallenged us to make sure our nations transportation infrastructure is up to the job of attracting and supportingbusinesses and the families that rely on them, said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. TIGER 2013 will contribute to increased mobility

for people and freight, and economic growth by helping to improve existing and develop new transportation facilities that will strengthen ourcompetitiveness and create jobs. Projects eligible for TIGER grants include highways and bridges, public transportation, passenger andfreight rail transportation and marine port infrastructure investments. Grants may range in size from $10 million to $200 million. Grants to ruralareas may be for less than $10 million, but must be more than $1 million. No less than $120 million must be awarded to projects in rural areas.For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website:http://www.dot.gov/.

*2013 Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grants Announced*Brownfields Area-Wide Planning is an EPA grant program which provides funding to recipients to conduct research, technical assistance andtraining that will result in an area-wide plan and implementation strategy for key brownfield sites, which will help inform the assessment,cleanup and reuse of brownfields properties and promote area-wide revitalization. Funding is directed to specific areas, such as aneighborhood, downtown district, local commercial corridor, or city block, affected by a single large or multiple brownfield sites. The

Brownfields Area-Wide Planning projects are part of the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communitieshttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/index.html. To see the list and read about the funding recipients, please visit:

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http://epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htm.

*Strong Cities, Strong Communities 1st Annual Report*HUD has recently announced the release of the 1st Annual Report of the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2).The release of this report marks one year since President Obama established the SC2 Council in order to pilot a new model for the federalgovernment to partner with distressed cities to help them get back on their feet. SC2 is working to improve how the federal governmentsupports distressed cities by increasing their capacity to create and execute locally driven economic development visions and realize moreeffective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Our Annual Report describes SC2s impact in these seven pilot cities and identifies emerginginnovations and policy lessons that have the potential to be applied to many other communities working to strengthen their economies. Thelessons discussed in this report highlight successes and innovations in job creation and economic development, improved alignment of federalprograms, stronger partnerships with philanthropy, and best practices in cultivating a highly skilled and motivated federal workforce. Youquestions and reactions to this report are welcomed. Please share any comments with Aden Van Noppen at: [email protected] release is linked to a White House blog post authored by Cecilia Munoz, Director of the White House's Domestic Policy Council andShaun Donovan, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. View the blog at:http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/25/supporting-local-communities-building-capacity-and-cutting-red-tape.View the report at:

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=SC2AnnualReport.pdf.

*Value-Added Producer Grants Support Local Producers, Biobased Initiatives*Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the selection of 110 grants to agricultural producers and rural businesses that will helpcreate jobs and develop new products. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission,despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. "This support will benefit rural businesses and the communities where the recipients arelocated," Vilsack said. "These awards also will advance USDA's goals to develop a bio-based economy and support local and regional foodsystems."One hundred and eleven awardees are being selected for USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG). Thegrants help agricultural producers increase their income by expanding marketing opportunities, creating new products or developing new usesfor existing products. The awards include 11 projects involving bio-based products. They include grants to convert: corn stover to anhydrousammonia; miscanthus fiber, wood and goat manure into biochar and enhanced compost; and sorghum to electricity and fertilizer. For acomplete list of Value-Added Producer Grant award recipients selected today, please visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/supportdocuments/rdVAPGFY2012Awards5_1_2013.pdf.

Funding Oppo rtuni t ies

May 22: Funders Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund (~ $25,000 -$75,000 per project)http://www.fundersnetwork.org/participate/green-building/local-sustainability-matching-fund/

May 24: Bikes Belong Community Partnership Grantshttp://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/who-can-apply/

May 28: HUDs Choice Neighborhoods program Planning Grants

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn

May 29:HUDs FY 2013 Sustainable Communities Research Grant Program

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http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=VYhVRw9MLDhN6qRtpGy7ymhwJfJQdZpVxrJJlrnp01ZXtFvHhpDZ!1866286003?oppId=2

30694&mode=VIEW*May 30: Multi-Agency Transportation, Land Use, and Climate Change Scenario Planning Projecthttp://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_research/spp_solicitation.cfm

*May 31: Conservation Stewardship Programhttp://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp

*June 3: DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER Discretionary Grant program $473.847 million)http://www.dot.gov/tiger

*June 13: Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunityhttp://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=knDpQzXGJ6gWnzy1h6Tn3D1fjKBNK9Fw40vlTDxWx3xrJGpLpCN4!-

861966415?oppId=208353&mode=VIEW

*June 20: DOE Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistancehttps://eere-

exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdce3e7d60-50f9-44d1-b4d8-45611d38bacf

June 25:EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribeshttp://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2013/2013_star_tribal.html

*June 27: DOE Community-scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Countryhttps://eere-

exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdff8e15b4-5138-484d-97c0-d8108f81e339

*June 28: Rural Business Opportunity Grantshttp://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-05-14/html/2013-11451.htm

July 1: Creating a Climate for Health Request for Applicationshttp://www.phi.org/news-events/450/request-for-applications-creating-a-

climate-for-health-pilot-projects

July 15: 2014 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant Program Request for Proposalshttp://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac

*July 23: Concentrating Solar Power: Efficiently Leveraging Equilibrium Mechanisms for Engineering New Thermochemical Storage(CSP: ELEMENTS)http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/financial_opps_detail.html?sol_id=601

September 10:National Science Foundation (NSF)- Water Sustainability and Climate

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13535/nsf13535.htm

Meetings, Con ferences, & Events

May 20-24: Strategic Conservation Planning Using a Green Infrastructure ApproachShepherdstown, West Virginiahttps://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50714/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=68428

*May 21-22: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announces ConferenceToronto, Canadahttp://www.greytogreenconference.org/

May 29-June 1: Congress for New Urbanism21st Annual Conference Salt Lake City, Utahhttp://www.cnu21.org/

June 4-5: 2013 LOCUS Leadership SummitWashington, DChttp://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/locus/2013-leadership-summit

June 13-14: Streets as PlacesNew York, New Yorkhttp://www.pps.org/training/streets-as-places/

June 23-26: Transit Initiatives and Communities ConferenceAtlanta, Georgiahttp://www.cfte.org/initiatives-conferences

June 23-27:Making Cities LivableReshaping Suburbia into Completely Healthy Communities Portland, Oregon

http://www.livablecities.org/conferences/50th-conference-portland

*June 24-26: Adaptive Water Resource Management and Infrastructure WorkshopPhiladelphia, PA

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http://sustainablecommunitiesleadershipacademy.org/workshops/upcoming/adaptation-resilience-3.php

July 9-11:National Environmental Health Association Annual ConferenceWashington, DC.http://neha2013aec.org/

July 21-27: Hands-On PV Experience (HOPE) Workshop Golden, Coloradohttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/solar/newsletter/detail.cfm/articleId=316

July 30-Aug. 1: 2013 EPA Community Involvement Training Conference: The Next Generation of Community InvolvementBoston, Massachusettshttp://www.epa.gov/ciconference/index.htm

*July 31-Aug. 4: Shadowcliff Sustainable Coordinators Workshopwww.shadowcliff.org

August 13-15:Safe Routes to School National Conference Sacramento, Californiahttp://saferoutesconference.org

August 18-21: 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Saint Paul, Minnesotahttp://www.cce.umn.edu/2013-

International-Low-Impact-Development-Symposium/index.html

September 9-11: Reclaiming Vacant Properties5th National ConferencePhiladelphia, Pennsylvaniahttp://www.communityprogress.net/2013-reclaiming-vacant-properties-conference-pages-

356.php?utm_source=RVP+Announcement+final+Nov+1.+&utm_campaign=2013+RVP+Announcement+Nov+1&utm_medium=email

October 29-Nov. 2: National Preservation ConferenceIndianapolis, Indianahttp://www.preservationnation.org/

*November 3-6: Transportation and Development Institute Green Streets, Highways and Development Conferencehttp://content.asce.org/conferences/greenstreets-highways2013/

November 18-20: Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference 2013 Sacramento, California http://beccconference.org/

November 21: Massachusetts Smart Growth Conference Boston, Massachusetts http://ma-smartgrowth.org/take-action/smart-growth-

conference/ta_111112_save-the-date-postcard/

Webinars & Conference Calls

Webinar: Pocket NeighborhoodsScale Matters, May 16, 3:00-4:00 pm (EDT)Pocket neighborhoods can engender a sense of belonging and care among neighbors, making them the building blocks of resilient

communities. In this webinar, key practices will be shared for introducing small-scale neighborhoods to infill locations. For more information,and to register, please visit:http://www.placemakers.com/webinars/pocket-neighborhoods-design-counts-a-lot/.

*EPA Webcast: May 22, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) Preparing for Extreme Weather Events Workshop Planner for the Water Sector /Adaptation Strategies Guide*Sponsored by EPAs Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative, this joint webcast will highlight the Preparing for Extreme Weather EventsWorkshop Planner for the Water Sector and the Adaptation Strategies Guide, and how a utility can use them both when developing adaptationplans. It will also highlight utility experiences with the tools. To register, please visit the webcast registration page:https://epa.connectsolutions.com/e3ijp302rd4/event/registration.html.

*Webinar: Rethinking Asphalt Recycling, May 22, 2:00-3:00 p.m. (ET)*

Asphalt producers have been recycling for more than 30 years and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) has become the number one recycledmaterial in the US with about 67 million tons recycled in 2011. Despite this impressive record in many areas of the country there is more RAP

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available than can be used. The limiting factors range from specification limits and equipment capabilities to process/quality control. Registeronline at:http://www.asphaltpavement.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=419&Itemid=1385.

*Live Webinar: Clean Streets Mean Clean Streams, May 23, 2 p.m. (ET) $79.00*Improve your street cleaning and stormwater quality program by joining internationally renowned sweeping expert, Roger Sutherland, as heexplores the science behind the relationship between an effective street sweeping program and its ability to significantly reduce pollutantsfound in stormwater. To sign up for the webinar, visit:http://www.foresteruniversity.net/webinar-clean-streets-clean-streams.html.

*DOE Webinar on Integrating Solar Power into the Grid, May 23, 2:00-5:00 p.m*The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled "Max Tech and Beyond Appliance Design Competition" on Thursday, May 23, from2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Eight faculty-led student teams from U.S. universities will present their innovative prototypedesigns and testing results of energy-efficient appliances and commercial equipment. To register to attend the webinar, please visit:https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=ep3xvr1w9elc.

*Department of Energy Webcast: May 29, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (MDT) Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: RegionalTransmission Planning*Transmission plans for the Eastern and Western Interconnections and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the eight U.S.regional reliability organizations are expanding existing regional transmission planning activities and broadening stakeholder involvement. Inthis webcast sponsored by DOE and the Western Area Power Administration, hear about the status of the organizations plans andevaluations of long-term regional transmission needs. To register, please visit the webcast registration page:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/307745224.

*EPA Webcast: May 29, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) On-site Renewables: Lessons Learned from Idea to Implementation*Organizations across the country continue to make direct investments in on-site renewable energy generation, indicating a long-termcommitment to using renewable energy and securing the benefits of reduced electricity price volatility. This webcast, sponsored by EPAsGreen Power Partnership, will feature two EPA Green Power Partners, SC Johnson and Coca-Cola Refreshments, that have invested in on-site projects powered by landfill gas and wind, respectively, and highlight the companies experiences from initial investigation of on-sitesystems to the results obtained once the projects were brought online. To register, please visit the webcast registration page:http://epa.gov/greenpower/events/29may13_webinar.htm.

*Minnesota Department of Transportation Complete Streets Planning & Implementation Guidebook Seminar, June 4, 2013 8:30a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (CDT)*This seminar is a preview of a forthcoming guide, Complete Streets Planning and Implementation at Multiple Scales Guidebook and CaseStudies, funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board. Researchers conducted over100 interviews with planners, engineers, advocates, designers, elected officials, and other key stakeholders. The event will cover examples ofcomplete streets policies, design guidance, engagement strategies, and financing mechanisms that help communities move from policies andplans to on-the-ground projects. For more information, please visit:http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6109392357#.

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Green Schools

*Fourth Grade Students from Ellisville, Mo., to Receive EPA Region 7s 2012 President's EnvironmentalYouth Award*

Fourth grade students from the Rockwood School Districts Center for Creative Learning in Ellisville, Mo., have been selected to receive EPARegion 7s 2012 Presidents Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) for their work on an Action4Air vehicle anti-idling campaign to reduce idlingat the Center for Creative Learning."These students have demonstrated awesome initiative and tremendous stewardship skills to minimizevehicle idling. This project is increasing the public's knowledge about vehicle idling and motivating parents and bus drivers to shut off cars andbuses in the school and bus pick-up lines," said Karl Brooks, Regional Administrator. "This Action4Air project is informing, raising communityawareness about air pollution, and improving the health of children. This is an outstanding achievement in environmental protection by thestudents." The Rockwood School Districts fourth graders set two goals for their project: reduce vehicle idling on campus and spread themessage. Students have spread the message about their project through media coverage and the Center for Creative LearningsAction4Airwebsite, created by the students. To be considered for the 2013 PEYA competition in Region 7, applications must be submitted no later thanDec. 31, 2013. For applications, contact Denise Morrison at EPA Region 7s Office of Public Affairs at 913-551-7402, toll-free at 1-800-223-

0425, [email protected]. For more information, please visit:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/69EA9ED879C61B6085257B550067A13C.

*Healthy Schools Webinar: May 21 Sensible Steps To Healthier School Environments - Assessment and Team Building, 3:00 p.m.(EDT)*Join this webinar to explore essential building blocks of a model school environmental health program; evaluate your school health status withthe Sensible Steps Quick Assessment; learn how to build an effective environmental health team in your school or district; and discover stepsthe Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, Texas took to enhance environmental health conditions in its schools.To register, please visit:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/747857745.

*EPA New Sensible Steps Webinar Series*

June 18 3:00 PM Eastern - The Role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Creating Healthy Learning Environments

July 23 3:00 PM Eastern - Integrated Pest Management(IPM): Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides

August 20 3:00 PM Eastern-Current Issues in Chemical Management, Best Practices for Schools and Districts

September 25 3:00 PM Eastern -Cleaning and Maintenance, Sensible Steps for Creating Healthier School Environments

October 22 3:00 PM Eastern -Sensible Steps for Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction in Schools

November 19 3:00 PM Eastern -Sensible Steps for Mold and Moisture Control In Schools

December 17 3:00 PM Eastern -Renovate Right: EPAs Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program at Schools

Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each webinar.

2013 Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) Champion AwardsThrough support from Genentech and the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Association is excited to launch the2013

Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) Champion Awards. The AFSI Champion Awards recognize schools that have taken positive strides

to create a healthier learning environment using the strategies outlined in theAsthma-Friendly Schools Initiative. Silver and Gold level winners

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are schools that have gone above and beyond to protect the health of their students, faculty and staff. By recognizing schools that have takena comprehensive approach to asthma management, the Lung Association hopes to increase awareness around childhood asthma, establish acadre of schools that can share their best practices and experience, as well as expand the number of schools working toward an asthma-friendlier environment. The Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention and aligns with their Strategies for Addressing Asthma within a Coordinated School Health Program. By using therecommendations outlined in theAFSI Toolkit, schools can establish a comprehensive asthma management plan that maximizes schoolhealth services, provides asthma education, creates a healthier school environment, and ensures all students can participate in physicaleducation and activity. The application submission deadline for the 2013 AFSI Champion Awards is June 15, 2013. For more information,please visit:http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/creating-asthma-friendly-environments/asthma-in-schools/asthma-friendly-schools-initiative/afsi-champion-awards/afsi-award-introduction.htm.

Register Now for the 4th Safe Routes to School National ConferenceThe 4th Safe Routes to School National Conference will be making its way to sunny Sacramento, CA, August 13-15, 2013. The conferencewill span three days and include over 50 sessions and many dynamic mobile workshops. Also included are several exciting Special Featuresthat will engage participants and showcase Sacramento's bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets. An onsite Bike Share program will allowparticipants the opportunity explore Sacramento's lively downtown and expansive bike trails. Wondering what to do in between sessions? Stopon by the Bike Build project and take part in building new bikes that will benefit local youth. Calling all Youth! The conference will includeseveral opportunities for youth from throughout the region to participate in educational, interactive, fun and informative discussions andconference activities. Registration will open up in early April. Visit the conference web site for more details:http://saferoutesconference.org.

Other Commun ity Related Info rmation & Events

*Conservation Stewardship Program Applications Due by May 31*Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Conservation Stewardship Program(CSP) will provide nearly $175 million in funding for up to 12.6 million additional acres of enrollment this year. "The Conservation Stewardship

Program is different than other USDA financial assistance programs," said Vilsack. "CSP offers payments to producers who maintain a highlevel of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. It's about conservation activities on the entire operationfocusing on multiple resource concerns." Vilsack explained that although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forestlandowners interested in CSP should submit applications by May 31 to their local NRCS office to ensure they are considered for this year'sfunding. Playing a significant part in conserving and improving our nation's resources, producers enrolled an additional 12.1 million acres inCSP last year, bringing the total number of acres to more than 50 million. For additional information, visit the CSP website:http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/.

*Lawrence, Kansas Turns Vacant Lots into Urban Assets*Community gardens have the potential to beautify vacant lots, augment local food supplies, and enhance the urban environment in a variety ofways. But, successful program management requires careful planning and ongoing support, according to Eileen Horn, sustainability

coordinator for Douglas County and the city of Lawrence, Kan. In the winter of 2011, the city surveyed its vacant and underutilized properties,

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identified appropriate sites for agriculture, and made these sites available to citizens through an application process. During the 2012 growingseason, four pilot sites were opened to the public through partnerships with neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and schools.The sites include a neighborhood community garden, a youth-focused garden in a city park, a community orchard for free picking, and amarket farm coordinated by college and middle school students. In exchange for receiving a free license for use of city property, eachapplicant created a community benefit plan for their project. For more information, please visit:http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/local_foods/article_88fce476-ad38-11e2-90d8-001a4bcf6878.html?utm_source=SCN+InBox+e-Newsletter&utm_campaign=bc879b7b3d-Newsletter_4-24-2013_Admin&utm_medium=email.

*EPA Honors Winners of First-Ever Campus RainWorks Challenge*The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the four winners of the Campus RainWorks Challenge, a new designchallenge created to inspire the next generation of landscape architects, planners and engineers to develop innovative green infrastructuresystems that reduce stormwater pollution and support sustainable communities. Example of effective green infrastructure include green roofs,permeable materials, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, rain gardens and rain harvesting systems. The selected challengewinners are:University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida; Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois; University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona;Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri. Teams from Kansas State University, Columbia University, California StatePolytechnic Institute at Pomona and University of Texas-Arlington were recognized as honorable mentions for their entries. For moreinformation, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/campusrainworks.

*Shadowcliff Sustainable Coordinators Workshop July 31-August 4*

Shadowcliff is teaming with The Sustainable Communities Institute of the National League of Cities to host a Sustainable CoordinatorsWorkshop this summer. Sustainability Coordinators/Managers, City Managers and other professionals addressing local sustainability policiesand programs should attend. The Chief Sustainability Officers of Fort Collins, Kansas City, and Flagstaff who have been there anddone thatand know the challenges as well as the pathways to success will be helping lead the workshops.For reservations and information contactDirector Carl Sniffen:[email protected]. For more information about Shadowcliff, visit:www.shadowcliff.org.

*Concentrating Solar Power: Efficiently Leveraging Equilibrium Mechanisms for Engineering New Thermochemical Storage FundingOpportunity*The U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative CSP Program is pleased to announce the Concentrating Solar Power: EfficientlyLeveraging Equilibrium Mechanisms for Engineering New Thermochemical Storage (CSP:ELEMENTS) funding opportunity, which will provideup to $20 million toward CSP thermochemical energy storage (TCES) research and development. TCES presents opportunities for storing thesun's energy at high densities in the form of chemical bonds. CSP: ELEMENTS is focused on leveraging the science and engineering thatdrive chemical equilibria to develop and demonstrate TCES systems with the capability for a minimum of 6 hours of thermal storage for use inutility-scale CSP electricity generation. Please feel free to forward this to others who may be interested in the opportunity as well.Key Dates: Required Concept Paper Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, May 23, 2013, Full Application Deadline: 5 p.m. ET, July 23, 2013. For moreinformation and application instructions, visit the CSP: ELEMENTS FOA page:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/financial_opps_detail.html?sol_id=601.

*EPA Announces Winner of the Energy Star National Building Competition*The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the winner of its third-annual Energy Star National Building Competition.More than 3,000 schools, businesses, and government buildings across the country competed to see which could reduce its energy use themost in one yearand a New Jersey elementary school emerged victorious. Together, competitors of this years National BuildingCompetition cut their energy costs by more than $50 million, saved more than three billion kBtus of energy, and reduced annual greenhouse

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gas emissions equal to the amount of electricity used by more than 43,000 homes. Demarest Elementary School in Bloomfield, New Jerseywon the EPAs 2012 Energy Star Battle of the Buildings competition by demonstrating a 52 percent energy use reduction, the largest in thecompetition. The school identified and addressed a number of mechanical issues and energy management measures that added up tosignificant energy and cost-saving reductions.For more information on the 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition, including topoverall finishers and top finishers by building category, an interactive map of competitors, and a wrap-up report, please visit:http://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings.

*Energy Department Announces Projects to Develop Innovative, Advanced Drop-in Biofuels*

The Energy Department on April 22 announced nearly $18 million in four innovative pilot-scale biorefineries that will test renewable biofuels asa domestic alternative to power cars, trucks, and planes, and that also meet military specifications for jet fuel and shipboard diesel. Thesebiorefineries will be in California, Iowa, and Washington. The pilot-scale biorefinery projects selected will use a variety of non-food biomassfeedstocks, waste-based materials, and algae in innovative conversion processes to produce biofuels that meet military specifications for jetfuel and diesel. The projects will demonstrate technologies to cost-effectively convert biomass into advanced drop-in biofuels and assist theseorganizations to scale up the processes to commercial levels. Recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 50% matching funds forthese projects. For more information, see the Energy Department press release:http://energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-new-innovative-projects-develop-advanced-drop-biofuels-military.

*Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announces conference on the economics of green infrastructure in Toronto, Ontario, Canada onMay 21-22*

This conference will bring together leading thinkers and practitioners from across North America who are working on living greeninfrastructure - with a focus on design practice, economic valuation, the private business case, the public business case and the role ofsupportive policies and practices. Sponsored byGreen Roofs for Healthy Cities, the conference is geared towards designers, engineers, utilitymanagers, planners, developers and local, regional, provincial/state and national government policy makers. Learn more and register at:http://www.greytogreenconference.org/.

*Energy Department Highlights Nissans Better Plants Challenge Project*The Energy Department on April 17 recognized Nissans participation in the Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge and its showcase projectat the companys new energy-efficient paint plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The 250,000-square-foot Smyrna facility, which opened in January,is expected to cut energy use by almost a third compared to its predecessor. As a partner in the Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge,Nissan North America has committed to reducing energy use in its three U.S. plants by 25% by 2020, affecting 12 million square feet of plant

space. For more information, please see theEnergy Department press releaseand the Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge website:http://www4.eere.energy.gov/challenge/.

*Clean Energy Job News Available*Based on announcements about new hiring by companies, cities, and organizations, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) publishes monthlynewsletters that document the growth of the clean energy sector. E2 also maintains an online database of clean energy job announcements,searchable by sector, state, or date. For more information, please visit:http://www.e2.org/jsp/controller;jsessionid=57EAAF38946DD62E834C6CE7C6B1DEF4?docName=cleanjobsarchives.

*NOAA Updates Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts Viewer to include Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia*Being able to visualize potential impacts from sea level rise is a powerful teaching and planning tool. NOAA's Sea Level Rise Viewer brings

this capability to coastal communities. A slider bar is used to show how various levels of sea level rise will impact coastal communities. The

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Sea Level Rise Viewer displays potential future sea levels; provides simulations of sea level rise at local landmarks; communicates the spatialuncertainty of mapped sea levels; models potential marsh migration due to sea level rise; overlays social and economic data onto potentialsea level rise; and examines how tidal flooding will become more frequent with sea level rise. Additional coastal counties will be added in thenear future. However, maps are not available for Alaska due to elevation data accuracy and vertical datum transformation gaps. Access theSea Level Rise Viewer at:http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/slrviewer.

*Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council, and EKO Asset Management Partners release Creating Clean Water CashFlows report*

This report provides guidance on key strategies that cities can deploy to attract private capital to fund green infrastructuredevelopment. Municipalities and state governments can potentially direct billions of dollars of private investment to modernize broken, agingstormwater systems and keep stormwater pollution out of waterways. Natural infrastructure, such as porous pavement, green roofs, parks,roadside plantings and rain barrels, addresses stormwater pollution by capturing rain on or near where it falls. The report, developed incollaboration with the Philadelphia Water Department and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, focuses on Philadelphia's innovative GreenCity, Clean Waters program as a model for stimulating investment in natural infrastructure. The report was produced by the NatLabConsortium, a partnership consisting of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Nature Conservancy, and sustainable assetmanagement firm EKO Asset Management Partners. View the report at:http://www.nrdc.org/water/stormwater/green-infrastructure-pa.asp.

*Energy Information Administration: 2012 Home Energy Bills Lowest Percentage in 10 Years*U.S. consumers spent 2.7% of their household income on home energy bills last year, which was the lowest percentage in 10 years, according

to a U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) analysis released on April 18. Also, aggregate home energy expenditures by U.S.households fell $12 billion in 2012 from the 2011 level. Warmer weather contributed to lower energy consumption in 2012, and becausehousehold energy expenditures reflect prices and consumption, these changes resulted in lower household energy expenditures. On average,households spent $1,945 on heating, cooling, appliances, electronics, and lighting in 2012. This total includes home use of electricity, naturalgas, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal, but excludes fuels used for transportation. The percentage of household income spent onhome energy bills peaked at 4.3% in 1982 and steadily declined until it reached its lowest level since 19732.4% in 1999. See the EIA'sToday in Energy:http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10891.

*Federal Highway Administration Livability Initiative Fact Sheets*The following series of fact sheets provide information and examples of how considering livability during the transportation decision-makingprocess can benefit communities. The fact sheet topics include development, safety, health, land use, housing, management & operations,

economic development, freight, FHWA programs, and the role of state DOTs. For more information, please visit:http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/fact_sheets/.

*USDA and Dairy Producers Renew Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Sustainability of DairyProduction*

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack recently renewed a historic agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate the adoption of innovative waste-to-energy projects and energy efficiency improvements on U.S. dairy farms, both of which help producers diversify revenues and reduce utilityexpenses on their operations. "Through this renewed commitment, USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy will continue research thathelps dairy farmers improve the sustainability of their operations," Vilsack said. "This vital research also will support the dairy industry as itworks to reach its long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020." President Obama's plan for rural Americahas brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in

housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way strengthening

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America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands asthe backbone of our American values. USDA has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities,businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, please visit:http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2013/04/0076.xml.

*New Interactive EIA Maps Showcase Layers of State Energy Data*The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has launched the most comprehensive, dynamic, and interactive view of the U.S.government's national and state energy data and information currently available to the public. Thestate energy portaladds a unique visual

dimension to each state's energy resources and infrastructure. EIA designed the new portal with a range of users in mind, including policymakers, energy analysts, and the general public, who want to locate and compare state energy data and rankings and customize their ownmaps and charts, using an assortment of interactive tools. Its comprehensive 30-layer mapping feature provides a dynamic visualrepresentation of energy infrastructure and energy resources at the national, state, Congressional district, or county level. Map layers forFederal lands and Electric Reliability regions are also included. In addition to customizable maps, the portal summarizes each state's rankingof its energy production, consumption, prices, and more. Users can dig deeper into any state's energy profile to learn more about its crude oiland natural gas production, renewable resources, natural gas and electricity prices, and carbon dioxide emissions and compare that data toother states and the national average. For detailed information on any of the 6,300 power plants in the United States, such as the amount offuel used and monthly output of a specific facility, the portal links users directly to that plant's data in EIA's electricity data browser:http://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/.

*Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Receive $166,500 for Brownfields Redevelopment Planning*EPA Region 7 recently announced City of Council Bluffs, Iowa, will receive $166,500 to develop a plan for brownfields property assessment,cleanup and reuse in its mid-city area. Council Bluffs will use this funding to create a plan and implementation strategy for a project areatotaling approximately 70 acres. Council Bluffs has identified the former Katelman Foundry as the catalyst site for redevelopment within itsmid-city urban renewal area. This former steel fabrication facility filed for bankruptcy in 2005, and moved its operations out of theneighborhood. The approximately 3.8-acre site presently consists of eight parcels spanning several city blocks. Many industrial businessesthat once operated in Council Bluffs mid-city area have either closed or moved to areas more conducive to manufacturing operations. Thishas resulted in numerous properties exhibiting signs of disinvestment and a general lack of maintenance. For more information, [email protected].

*New database demonstrates benefits of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic energy efficiency programs*

TheRegional Energy Efficiency Database (REED), a project of Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), provides a one-stopresource to readily access energy efficiency program data, including energy and peak-demand savings, costs, avoided emissions, and jobimpacts. The REED database allows users to generate reports and download underlying data showing the impacts of ratepayer-funded energyefficiency programs in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. REED will helpinform a broad range of policy issues, including energy, economic, and air quality planning, and help demonstrate the long-term, money-saving benefits of energy efficiency investments. Specifically, policymakers, program administrators and other industry stakeholders can usethe REED data for a variety of purposes, including comparing efficiency program impacts across states to help identify best practices inefficiency policy and program design, as well as informing progress toward clean air and climate change goals. The database currentlyincludes 2011 electric and gas energy efficiency program data and will expand this fall to include 2012 data from Delaware and the District ofColumbia, as well as the states currently in the database. Access the REED Database at:http://www.neep-reed.org/.

"Lessons from Greening America's Capitals Projects" - Helping Communities Incorporate Green Design Strategies*

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EPA's Greening America's Capitals program helps state capitals develop an implementable vision of distinctive, environmentally friendlyneighborhoods that incorporate innovativegreen infrastructurestrategies. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through thePartnership for Sustainable Communities, EPA providesdesign assistance to help support sustainable communities that protect the environment, economy, and public health and to inspire stateleaders to expand this work elsewhere. "Lessons from Greening America's Capitals Projects" describes five lessons from the f irst two roundsof Greening America's Capitals projects that can help all communities incorporate green design strategies into their planning anddevelopment. As these capital city projects demonstrate, green, sustainable design can create and enhance interesting, distinctiveneighborhoods that have multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits. These lessons can help other communities grow and develop

in a greener way. Click here to read thepamphlet, and learn more about EPA's Greening America's Capitals program at the Smart Growthwebsite:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm.

*Institute for Sustainable Communities' Climate Leadership Academy announces workshop on Adaptive Water ResourceManagement and Infrastructure on June 24-26 in Philadelphia, PA*The third national Climate Leadership Academy on Adaptation and Resilience will take a closer look at climate-related risks to waterinfrastructure and explore how new, sustainable business models are improving the resilience of communities' water resources, from watersupply to waste water. This workshop is part of the broader Sustainable Communities Leadership Academy, a program that builds the capacityof communities - cities, towns, counties, metropolitan regions, and rural areas - to advance, accelerate and scale-up local solutions to theglobal challenges of climate protection and sustainable development. While this academy is geared towards serving cities/regions alreadyengaged in developing and implementing local adaptation strategies, it is also open to communities who have yet to begin formalizing an

adaptation strategy, but have identified adaptation as a key city focus. Interested local leaders should complete and return the onlineapplications by May 1st. Learn more and apply at:http://www.sustainablecommunitiesleadershipacademy.org/workshops/upcoming/adaptation-resilience-3.php.

Check Out EPAs Interactive Map- Watch the World Go Green! And Share YOUR thoughts about Earth DayOn EPAs interactive map, you can see where you and thousands of others around the world Pick 5 for the Environment.Environmental actionmeans taking the simple steps in the different places where we all live. By choosing five or more of these ideas and sharing your own, you areoining thousands of others who are doing the same! Make your actions count todayon Earth Day! And, watch a video about how Eco-athlete and racecar driver Leilani Munter teams up with EPAs pick 5 Program to talk about some of the simple steps every American can taketo help protect the environment. Go to:http://www.epa.gov/pick5/. After that, tell EPA what Earth Day means to you on theIt's OurEnvironment blog. And join EPA Earth Day Twitter chats athttp://www.epa.gov/earthday/askepa.html.

USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Promoting Water Quality Projects in 32 StatesAs part of USDA's Earth Day celebration, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for projects that will improve water andwastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment across the country. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of theDepartment's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. "At USDA, we believe it is critical that communities across the country have reliable,clean and safe water," Vilsack said. "This Earth Day, I also encourage communities affected by natural disasters, including those hit hard byHurricane Sandy, to apply for funding through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Program. In all, 43 water and wastewaterprojects in 32 states will be funded. Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play toprotect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded toinclude participation by citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.

As part of today's announcement, USDA Rural Development is providing more than $145.2 million to improve water quality and provide a safe

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and healthy environment for rural Americans. A complete list of water and wastewater award recipients is located at:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rd2013EarthDayProjectList4_22.pdf.

EPAs FY 2014 Budget Proposal Maintains the Strength of Federal, State, and Tribal Core Environmental and Human HealthProtectionsThe Obama Administration recently proposed a Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014) budget of $8.153 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA). This request is $296 million below the EPAs budget for Fiscal Year 2012. EPAs FY 2014 budget reflects our firmcommitment to keeping American communities across our country healthy and clean, while also taking into consideration the difficult fiscal

situation and the declining resources of state, local and tribal programs, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. Our request takes abalanced approach to funding the agency, including increased investments in more efficient technologies as well as necessary programeliminations or reductions. EPAs FY 2014 request will allow EPA to continue its progress in addressing climate change; protecting thenations air, waters, and lands; supporting sustainable water infrastructure; and assuring the safety of chemicals. EPA will continue to lay thegroundwork to transform the way it does business, ensuring the best use of human and financial resources, while continuing to achieve theagencys mission effectively and efficiently. For more information please visit:http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy2014.

Energy Department Announces Apps for Vehicles Challenge WinnersThe Energy Department announced the winners of the Apps for Vehicles Challenge on April 1. The competition asked app developers andentrepreneurs to demonstrate how the open data available on most vehicles can be used to improve vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, andcomfort. The Department awarded the Judges' Prize to New York City-based Dash, which developed an app that turns any vehicle into a

"smart car," providing real diagnostics and alerts to enable drivers to maximize engine performance, minimize carbon emissions, and savemoney. The Popular Choice prize went to MyCarma, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, which developed an app that offers a personalized fueleconomy estimate based on a driver's unique driving patterns instead of a standard test cycle. Green Button Gamer, based in Boston,Massachusetts, won the Safety Innovation award, and Fuel Economy Coach, based in Augusta, Georgia, received the Fuel EfficiencyInnovation award. Entries were judged based on their creativity, innovation, use of open vehicle data, consumer accessibility, and potential tohelp consumers improve fuel efficiency. See the Energy Department'sProgress Alertand visit theApps for Vehicles Challenge websitetodownload the winning apps.

Nevada Deploys First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Enhanced Geothermal SystemAs part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department today recognized the nation's first commercialenhanced geothermal system(EGS) project to supply electricity to the grid. Based in Churchill County, Nevada, Ormat Technologies' Desert

Peak 2 EGS project has increased power output of its nearby operating geothermal field by nearly 38%providing an additional 1.7megawatts of power to the grid and validating this emerging clean energy technology. Click here for thefull story.

New Environmental JusticeVideo and Blog - "Breathing Easier in Chicagoland"Check out the new video Breathing Easier in Chicagoland the latest story in the Environmental Justice in Action blog series. In thenewestadditionin the 20th Anniversary Video Series by Kimberly Wasserman explaining how she first learned that her son had asthma and how it ledto her becoming a community leader to advocate for cleaner air. You also can readher blog posttalking about some of the other work herorganization, theLittle Village Environmental Justice Organization, does to address environmental injustices in her community.Check out the EJ in Action Blog:http://blog.epa.gov/ej/, and view the Breathing Easy in Chicagoland video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK2HQdeTd0c.

Sharing Success: Emerging Approaches to Efficient Rooftop Solar Permitting

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This Interstate Renewable Energy Council report serves as both a prompt for discussing permitting challenges, and as a source of inspirationfor communities looking for realistic and effective ways to improve solar permitting while ensuring safe solar installations. View the report at:http://www.irecusa.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Sharing-Success-w-cover-revised-final052012.pdf?utm_source=The+IREC+Report%3A+April+2013&utm_campaign=The+IREC+Report+April+2013&utm_medium=email.

See the Top 10 Best Complete Streets Policies in the CountryIn 2012, 125 cities, states and regions passed policies to make streets safer and more convenient for everyone who uses them. Thesecommunities are part of the growing movement to create Complete Streets, and the movement is stronger today than ever before. There are

now 488 Complete Streets policies in place across the country at all levels of government. Thats a remarkable achievement. Ten policies from2012 stand out as leaders in the Complete Streets field. The communities have gone the distance to craft exceptional policy language. TheNational Complete Streets Coalition examined each policy passed last year and scored them based on 10 elements of ideal policy language.In addition to the annual rankings, the new report also contains tips and tools for communities interested in creating a Complete Streets policyof their own. Read the full report at:http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/2013/04/08/announcing-the-best-complete-streets-policies-of-2012/.

"PopUp Main Street" Event in Little Rock, ArkansasThe Little Rock Chamber of Commerce "Create Little Rock" group andStudioMainhosted "Pop-Up Main Street," a life-sized mock-up thatallowed the public to experience an alternate version of the South Main (SoMa) neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas, recently. The purposeof the event was to explore some critical questions: what if South Main Street were altered from a four-lane to a two-lane road, divided by alandscaped median, and supplemented with bike lanes? Organizers hypothesized that these changes would improve safety and draw

attention to local businesses, revitalizing the neighborhood. Inspired by the burgeoningBetter Blockinitiative, this live experiment invited thepublic to actively engage in the build-out process of the demonstration and provide feedback in real time. The event focused on the three blocksection of South Main Street from I-630 to 15th Street and provided an opportunity for the organizers to partner with SoMa residents andbusiness owners to show what the SoMa neighborhood could become. This included temporary lane alterations that provided bike lanes, theaddition of a median, more shops, better cafe seating (using wooden pallets to serve as temporary fencing), and increased green space. Haybales and potted trees were used to show what the street might resemble with additional vegetation and a boulevard type cross-section. Theevent coincided with 2nd Friday Art Night and continued into Saturday with a festive atmosphere that included music, food, and vendors. Formore information, please visit:http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter/april_2013/.

Walmart's CEO Doubles Down on the Company's Aggressive Bet on Renewable EnergyTo every environmentalist who ever bad-mouthed Walmart for its big-box blandness and gigantic impervious parking lots, here's some news.

The retail behemoth is throwing its full economic muscle behind ener