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

January 3, 2012

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Note: New items are in *asterisks*.

News

**EPA Announces Next Round of Clean Air Standards to Reduce Harmful Soot Pollution*The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized an update to its national air quality standards for harmful fine particle

pollution (PM2.5), including soot, setting the annual health standard at 12 micrograms per cubic meter. By 2020, ninety-nine percent of U.S.counties are projected to meet revised health standard without any additional actions. Fine particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungsand has been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as acutebronchitis and aggravated asthma among children. For more information, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/pm. To view EPA administrator

Jacksons video, please visit:http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/usepa#.UMtrHeQ8155.

*Agriculture Secretary Announces Funding for Projects Which Support Rural Economic Development in Seven States*Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the selection of recipients for grants and loans to help spur economic development andcreate or save jobs in rural communities in seven Midwestern and Southern states. Funding will be provided to applicants in Indiana, Iowa,Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska and Tennessee. USDA Rural Development is providing support through the Rural EconomicDevelopment Loan and Grant program (REDLG), which provides zero-interest loans to local utilities that they, in turn, pass through to local

businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas. For more information about the REDLG program, visit:

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http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html.

*EPA & National Science Foundation Support Research for Safer Chemical Design*The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), recently announced twofunding opportunities for up to ten grants totaling up to $32 million for research on the design of safer chemicals. These two Requests for

Applications (RFAs), which focus on sustainable chemical design and assessment of the life cycle impacts of chemicals from production todisposal, will support research to create chemicals that are safer for people and the environment. The two RFAs are now open forsubmissions. For more information on the RFAs, please visit: http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/. For more information on EPAs chemical safety

research, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/research/chemicalscience/. For more information about the National Science Foundation, please

visit: http://www.nsf.gov/ .

Funding Opportunities

January 7: EPA2013 Environmental Justice Small Grantshttp://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/publications/grants/ej-

smgrants-rfp-2013.pdf

January 14: National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grantshttp://arts.gov/grants/apply/OurTown/FAQ.html

January 17: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants ($21 million)http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=hDfMQQyDd42WwYpM2DCQHdXkzKwWsqpLhMmF0xHfQw21vZpnXN2T!1776773140?o

ppId=205114&mode=VIEW

*January 22:Federal Highway Administration Pilot Projects: Climate Change and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessments andAdaptation Options Analyses ($75,000 to $300,000 per pilot project)http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/climate_change/adaptation/ongoing_and_current_research/vulnerability_assessment_pilots/2013-

2014_solicitation/solicitation/index.cfm

January 28:HUDStrong Cities Strong Communities Network (SC2) (~$10 million)http://www.huduser.org/portal/sc2/nofa.html

January 31: Sustainable Landscapes, Clean Energy and Adaptation-USAIDhttp://www.grants.gov/search/synopsis.do;jsessionid=v12VQ9PhHBnrg4fqhQQmwqPPKmpg3v1nwrFNVpQ3lWWVK2V2KGGL!-1413871233

February 7: Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program2013 Request for Proposalswww.nfwf.org/easygrants.

March 1: EPA Request for Proposals: Increasing Community Awareness and Use of Environmental Information through Educationand Outreachhttp://www.epa.gov/tri/rfp/index.html

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

861966415?oppId=208353&mode=VIEW

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Meetings, Conferences, & Events

January 15: 13th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment: Disasters and Environment - Science,

Preparedness, and Resiliencehttp://www.environmentaldisasters.net/topics/view/81470/

January 30 31: Community Builders Summit 2013 Bozeman, Montanahttp://www.sonoraninstitute.org/where-we-work/northern-

rockies/community-builders-summit.html

February 6:Equitable Development Workshophttp://secure.newpartners.org/confReg

February 7-9, 2013:12th Annual 2013 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Kansas City, Missourihttp://www.newpartners.org/

*February 16: Crafting Corridors: Reinventing the Urban Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniahttp://nextcity.org/daily/entry/crafting-

corridors-reinventing-the-urban-street

February 19: Sustainable Development through Form-Based Codes Portland, Oregonhttp://www.planning.org/pts/oneday/2013/feb19.htm

*February 19:Financial Options for Energy-Related Projects WorkshopKansas city, Missourihttps://www.marc2.org/iEBMS/reg/reg_p1_form.aspx?oc=10&ct=STDASC&eventid=15039

*March 13-14: Greenprints Conference 2013Atlanta, Georgiahttp://www.greenprints.org/

May 15-17, 2013: Brownfields ConferenceAtlanta, Georgiahttp://www.brownfieldsconference.org/en/home?pub=1&issue=8

May 29-June 1, 2013: Congress for New Urbanism21st Annual Conference Salt Lake City, Utahhttp://www.cnu21.org/

June 23-27, 2013:Making Cities LivableReshaping Suburbia into Completely Healthy Communities Portland, Oregonhttp://www.livablecities.org/conferences/50th-conference-portland

July 9-11, 2013:National Environmental Health Association Annual ConferenceWashington, DC.http://neha2013aec.org/

July 21-27: 2013 Hands-On PV Experience (HOPE) Workshop Golden, Coloradohttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/solar/newsletter/detail.cfm/articleId=316

September 9-11, 2013: 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

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

conference/ta_111112_save-the-date-postcard/

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Webinars & Conference Calls

*Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, January 3, 3:00 p.m. (ET)*Learn how schools can save energy and reduce costs using EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and other ENERGY STAR tools.Demonstrate energy, water, and greenhouse gas reductions to help meet Pillar 1 of the Department of Education Green Ribbon Schoolsaward criteria. To register for this session, go toesbuilding.webex.com.If you have any questions about the offerings or the registration

process, please [email protected].

*Department of Energy Webinar: Developing Photovoltaic Projects with Requests for Proposals and Power Purchase Agreements,January 15, 3-4:15 p.m. (ET)*The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled "Community Renewable Energy Deployment Successes: Developing PV Projects withRFPs and PPAs" on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The webinar will provide information on theexperiences of the cities of Tucson, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, as they developed photovoltaic projects using requests forproposals (RFPs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs). To register for the webinar please visit:https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/843078398.

*SunShot Prize Webinar, January 16, 2-3:00 p.m. (EDT)*Join the Department of Energy Solar Program on Wednesday, January 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT for a webinar that will shed light on some keybusiness strategies to help local installers rethink their business models to compete for the SunShot Prize: Race to the Rooftops. For moreinformation, please visit:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/prize.html.

*National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Public Teleconference Meeting Wednesday, January 23, 2-4:15 (ET)*The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will host a public teleconference meeting on Wednesday, January 23, from2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The primary topic of discussion will be promoting community resiliency in overburdened industrialwaterfront areas. There will be a public comment period from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time. Members of the public are encouraged toprovide comments relevant to the topics of the meeting. For more information on how to register or provide comments, please visit:www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac/meetings.html

EPAs Webcast Series onClimate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments Now AvailableEPAs Local Climate and Energy Program and the State Technical Forum jointly held a series of three webcasts on this topic in November andDecember 2010 and January 2011. All of the presentations, papers, and audio recordings from these webcasts are available on EPAs Stateand Local Climate and Energy Program website. The webcasts covered climate impacts and risk communication, adaptation planning andimplementation, and federal resources and support for climate change adaptation. To view the webcasts, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#adap1.

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Green Schools

*Apply for EPAs National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management*Apply today for EPAs National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management for the opportunity to be nationally recognized fordelivering exceptional environmental asthma management in your school and in your community.

Award winners receive a number of benefits including:1. A place in the Hall of Fame among 26 of the nation's top leaders in asthma management.2. National recognition for your achievements during Asthma Awareness Month (May 2013).3. An engraved, crystal award.4. Customized press materials to promote your accomplishments in your community.

5. The opportunity to serve as mentors to other programs and share best practices.School-based asthma management programs should apply in the Communities in Action category. Check out the Getting Started page, theFAQs, the Distinguishing Features for schools located in the Communities in Action Application Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria, and thesample Communities in Action application.

Application deadline is February 12, 2013, 11:59 p.m. ESTFor more information, please visit:http://www.asthmaawards.info/awards/apply.

*New York PTA Passes Resolution to Phase-out Polyvinyl Chloride PVC in Schools*The New York State Parents Teachers Association (PTA) voted last week at their annual meeting in Saratoga Springs, NY to pass a resolutioncalling for a phase out of the plastic PVC in schools. The resolution, called "Reducing & Phasing Out the Purchase of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)Plastic in New York Schools," acknowledged the serious harm posed by PVC throughout its lifecycle, releasing toxic chemicals such as

phthalates during use in products such as school supplies and building materials; releasing toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride andethylene dichloride during manufacture; and generating toxic chemicals such as dioxins during disposal when burned. For more information,please visit:http://chej.org/2012/11/ny-pta-passes-resolution-to-phase-out-pvc-in-schools/.

*National Center Launches Walking School Bus Online Training*The National Center for Safe Routes to School is pleased to announce the release of The Walking School Bus Program: A Primer and FirstSteps, a new online audio/video training program that provides strategies and tips for planning a Walking School Bus program. A WalkingSchool Bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults, providing safety and fun for kids as they explore their world andinteract with friends on the way to school. A Primer and First Steps is available at http://apps.saferoutesinfo.org/training/walking_school_bus/.To read the full announcement from the National Center for Safe Routes to School, go tohttp://www.saferoutesinfo.org/about-

us/newsroom/walking-school-bus-online-training-launch.

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*Clean Air Project - Educational Resources Linking Air Quality and Health Applications Due February 8*The Clean Air Project is seeking partners (applicants) to build capacity for environmental stewardship focused on air quality and human health.

Awards are for educational institutions and other not-for-profit organizations educating youth. The maximum award is $5,000.Funding is provided for the following types of activities:-Developing lesson plans-Providing or implementing lesson plans/ curriculum related to air quality and health-Community action projectsFor questions or assistance contact: Krysten Crews, [email protected] or 303-270-2733. For more information please visit:www.capk-

12.org. The application can be downloaded at:www.capk-12.org/apply-for-funding. Applications are due February 8, 2013.

*Green Cleaning in Schools Webinar Series Archives Now Available*These practical online seminars featured national leaders and on-the-ground experts on green cleaning in schools. Topics included infectioncontrol, new technology, making the financial case for green cleaning, and more. Couldn't attend the webinars? Check out the archives onlineatGreenCleanSchools.org.

*Protecting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools Following Natural Disasters*Hurricane Katrina caused approximately $2 billion in damage to schools in Orleans Parish alone. Prior to 2009, the District had no formal orinformal IAQ Program in place. The need for an IAQ Program was even more apparent aftermold in one school heavily impacted by HurricaneKatrina, gained significant local media attention.Since Hurricane Katrina, the district has responded to Hurricanes Gustav and Isaac, andreaction time has improved with each event. Some of the most critical taken include:1. Having a detailed plan in place. 2. Assembling and mobilizing assessment teams. 3. Establishing a quick and effective walkthroughassessment process (You can customize EPAswalkthrough inspection checklist to meet the needs of your school or district.) 4. Prioritizing

problems. Learn more about the IAQ Tools for Schoolsguidance athttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools.

Webinar: School Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides, January 23, 2:30-4:00 p.m. (EST)First, we will explain the relationship between the special vulnerability of young children and pesticides use in schools. Then we will answer:What are the benefits of IPM, when adopted by your school district? What are the actions needed to eliminate pests through IPM in schools?We will identify pests that commonly sneak into schools, how they get into schools, and what types of conditions they are looking for. SpecificIPM steps are described, such as setting pest thresholds, inspecting for evidence, monitoring for pests, and identifying points of entry. You willbe shown how to eliminate the pests ways of entering the school, and why sanitation and maintenance are so important in IPM. Reserve yourWebinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/851055761.

Webinar: Bed Bugs Go to School, January 30, 2:30-4:00 p.m. (EST)As the pest populations boom, bed bugs can, and will hitchhike into your school. The school can be bed bug free one day and have bed bugsbrought in the next. For school administrators and facilities managers, bed bugs arriving at the school can be a recipe for big headaches. Theformula for success in dealing with bed bugs is to prepare for the inevitable, and educate everyone. This presentation discusses why bedbugs are such a challenge and how you can be proactive. The key is to educate everyone, as much as possible to stop bed bugs at theirsource, 99% of the time this is the home. To do this you must engage the entire school community by educating the administration,maintenance and custodial staff, faculty, staff, students and especially the parents. Next, develop a school-specific written "bed bug actionplan" in advance of problems including the development of specific procedures and responsibilities when responding to a bed bug sightings,incidents, and possible bites on students, and things to avoid. The presentation also reviews how and where to inspect for bed bugs, how to

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manage bed bugs with control tactics that are consistent with school IPM guidelines and regulations; and bed bug prevention such asreducing hiding spaces through clutter containment and removal, limiting the items being brought to school, and proper coat and backpackstorage. Finally we address avoiding litigation due to bed bugs. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/370459689.

Other Community Related Information & Events

*EPA Enforcement in 2012 Protects Communities From Harmful Pollution*The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its annual enforcement results, showing significant environmental andpublic health protections achieved a reduction of 2.2 billion pounds of air, water and land pollution, as well as 4.4 billion pounds of hazardouswaste, and $252 million in civil and criminal penalties levied while also focusing on enforcement efforts that reduce smaller amounts ofpollution but have substantial health impacts in communities. For more information about EPAs FY 2012 enforcement results, please visit:

http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/data/eoy2012/index.html.

*USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Revitalize Rural Rental Housing*Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager announced today that funding is available to preserve and revitalizeUSDA-financed rural rental housing. USDA is accepting applications for loans and grants to help owners of rural multi-family and farm laborhousing make repairs to rental properties financed by USDA Rural Development. This financing is provided through a demonstration programthat will help owners address the property's immediate physical needs and ensure the property has the capital reserves necessary to addressand future needs. Under the demonstration program, some owners also may be able to defer their loan payments to provide funds addressproperty repairs needs.For more information on how to apply, see page 75121 of the Dec. 19, 2012 Federal Register (Vol. 77, number 244) or contact any USDARural Development office. For more information, please visit:http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-62f336.

*Energy Department Announces $12 Million to Advance Rooftop Solar Challenge, Drive Down Solar Costs*As part of the Energy Department's SunShot Initiative, the Department today announced $12 million in new funding aimed at streamlining andstandardizing local permitting, zoning, metering, and connection processes and improving finance options to lower costs for residential andsmall commercial rooftop solar systems. This funding will help support innovative, locally-driven projects that will make it easier for solarenergy businesses to operate efficiently and pass their savings on to customers, while creating new jobs and business opportunities acrossthe country. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=820.

*Innovative Partnership Funds Transit-Oriented Housing in Denver*In 2004, residents in the Denver metropolitan area approved the creation of a dedicated funding source for the expansion of the RegionalTransportation Districts multimodal transit system. Once complete, the expansion known as theFasTracks program will include more

than 120 miles of commuter and light rail and 18 miles of bus rapid transit across 6 new lines. This historic transit expansion has been coupled

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with coordinated and strategic efforts from public- and private-sector partners to ensure that the investment in infrastructure supports not onlylocal and regional economic development but also new opportunities for location-efficient affordable housing.For more information, please visit:http://www.huduser.org/portal/sustainability/newsletter_120612_3.html#1.

*NOAAs Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook Reports for State and Local Governments*The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and regional partners around the United States have teamed up to issue aseries of quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook reports aimed at assisting policymakers as they prepare for drought and other extremeweather events. The reportshighlight trends in temperature, precipitation, and climate in four regions of the country (Central Region, Southern

Great Plains, the Eastern Region, and the Western Region). Maps of areas of significant fire potential and drought may help state and localofficials in their planning efforts. The reports are available on the U.S. Drought Portal, along with a number of other climate- and drought-related resources. To access the U.S Drought Portal, please visit:http://www.drought.gov/drought/content/resources/reports.

*EPA Greenversations Blog- Winter Tips: Make Your Home Warm and Green*Check out EPAs Greenversations Blog for some tips that will warm up our home while saving energy and money too.http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2012/12/winter-tips-make-your-home-warm-and-green/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-tips-make-your-home-warm-and-green.

*USDA Grants Support Sustainable Bioenergy Production*Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced $10 million in research grants to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products

that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture(NIFA) awarded the grants through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). AFRI's sustainable bioenergy challenge area targetsthe development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that: contribute significantly toreducing dependence on foreign oil; have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts; and are compatible with existingagricultural systems. Projects were awarded in four areas: 1) policy options for and impacts on regional biofuels production systems, 2)impacts of regional bioenergy feedstock production systems on wildlife and pollinators, 3) socioeconomic impacts of biofuels on ruralcommunities, and 4) environmental implications of direct and indirect land use change. For more information, please visit:http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-622a20.

*Energy Department Announces Six Projects to Develop Energy-Saving Windows, Roofs, and Heating and Cooling Equipment*As part of the Energy Department's efforts to help homeowners and businesses save money by saving energy, the Department recentlyannounced a $9 million investment in leading-edge building envelope technologies, including high-efficiency, high-performance windows,roofs, and heating and cooling equipment. As winter temperatures set in for much of the United States, the Energy Department is alsohighlighting easy ways consumers can lower their heating bills onEnergy.gov. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=821.

*Energy Department Announces New Funding to Reduce Cost of Producing Advanced Drop-in Biofuels*The Energy Department recently announced up to $12 million in new funding for projects that aim to drive down the cost of producinggasoline, diesel, and jet fuels from biomass. These advanced biofuels can be blended with conventional petroleum fuels for use in traditionalcars, trucks, and airplanesgiving American consumers and businesses more options and helping to diversify the nations energy economy.This funding opportunity is open to universities, national laboratories, industrial entities, and nonprofit organizations. For more information,please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=817.

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*Pilot Program Promotes New Sustainable Farming in Montgomery County, Maryland*Montgomery County, Maryland, part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, blends a dense urban population, an abundance of richagricultural land, and a well established network of farmers markets. These traits, and the communitys in creasing demand for locally grownfood, make it an ideal candidate for nurturing a vibrant, green economy. The county recently began a year-long initiative, theNew Farmer PilotProgram, to give farmers starting new farm businesses access to land, mentorship, and business training. The pilot program also seeks toreduce the issues that new farm business owners may face in more conventional farm incubator programs. For more information, please visit:http://www.huduser.org/portal/sustainability/newsletter_120612_4.html#1.

*Energy Department Announces $20 Million to Integrate Concentrating Solar Power Systems with Fossil Fuel Plants*As part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department today announced $20 million in new fundingthat will help integrateconcentrating solar power(CSP) systems with fossil fuel power plants. These hybrid systems leverage the infrastructureof fossil fuel plants such as turbine and transmission systems, helping to reduce the cost of solar-generated electricity and bring CSP plantsonline quicker. Today, between 11 gigawatts and 21 gigawatts of CSP could be built and integrated into existing fossil fuel plants in the UnitedStates, enough to power to between 3 million and 6 million homes. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=818.

Host Sites Needed for Summer Internship Program - Deadline: Apply by January 7, 2013The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Environmental Education Outreach Program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff,

Arizona is seeking air quality and climate change focused offices and programs to host a college student for a 10 week summer internship.

Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.The interns will be undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universitiesnationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,000 stipend, and limited housing and travel allowances. The host site provides awork place and supervision for the intern. The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality or climate change issues in tribal communities.Submit an application online athttp://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.aspDeadline: Apply by January 7, 2013.Interns must apply by February 15, 2013.For detailed information on the requirements and internship, visit our site athttp://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.asp.Please contact Graylynn Hudson [email protected] 928-523-8864 if you have questions about submitting an application.

Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Interior Sign Memorandum to Collaborate to Protect Indian Sacred Sites

Four cabinet-level departments joined the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) toimprove the protection of Indian sacred sites. The MOU also calls for improving tribal access to the sites. It was signed by cabinet secretariesfrom the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior. It was also signed by the chairman of the Advisory Council on HistoricPreservation. "The President is insistent that these Sacred Sites be protected and preserved: treated with dignity and respect. That is also mycommitment as Secretary of USDA," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I know my fellow Secretaries share in this commitment. Weunderstand the importance of these sites and will do our best to make sure they are protected and respected."The MOU will be in effect for five years and requires participating agencies to determine inter-agency measures to protect sacred sites. It alsosets up a framework for consultation with tribes, creation of a training program for federal employees to provide educational opportunitiesconcerning legal protections and limitations related to protection of the sites, creation of a website that includes links to federal agencyresponsibilities regarding sacred sites and the establishment of management practices that could include collaborative stewardship of thosesites. The MOU calls for development of guidance for management and treatment of sacred sites including creation of sample tribal-agency

agreements. It sets up a public outreach plan to maintain, protect and preserve the sites, and calls for identification of impediments to federal-

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level protection of the sites. Additionally, the MOU provides for outreach to non-federal partners, tribal capacity-building efforts and itestablishes a working group to implement the terms of the agreement. For more information, please visit:http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-60bbbd.

2013 CNU Charter AwardsCall for EntriesThe Congress of the New Urbanism Charter Awards honors a select number of winners and honorable mentions - including one grandprofessional prize and one grand academic prize for students. Winning projects are recognized for their excellence in fulfilling the principles ofwalkable, sustainable places from the scale of the region down to the block and building. Due date for entries: January 30, 2013. For more

information, please visit:http://www.cnu.org/cnu-news/2012/11/2013-cnu-charter-awards.

Youth Led Efforts to Help Protect Local Immigrants from Flash FloodsRead our latest blog, Building a Bridge between Environment and Equity, which is about how local Denver youths conducted researched andthen spread their results to alert residents whose homes were in areas prone to flash floods. Visit the blog to read more about the studentsgreat work to spread information to their communities.http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2012/11/building-a-bridge-between-environment-and-equity/.

USDA Study Shows Trends in Public and Private Agricultural Research &DevelopmentAnalysis published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) in the most recent issue of the journalScience examine the relationship between public and private investments in research and development (R&D) and their importance inagricultural input industries. The Science article is drawn from a recent ERS study that provides new details on the rapid growth and changing

composition of private investments in global agricultural R&D and traces the implications for agriculture."Agriculture is more dependent on scientific innovation than any other industry," said Catherine Woteki, USDA's Chief Scientist and UnderSecretary for Research, Education and Economics. "This study shows the great job that private industry is doing in research, much of whichwas built on the genetic technology USDA scientists have been working on for decades. It's crucial that we continue supporting this kind ofR&D." Research discussed in the article notes that globally, most of the increase in agricultural production over the past 50 years can largelybe attributed to rising crop and livestock yields rather than to the expansion of acreage devoted to farming. As private sector investmentscomprise a greater and growing share of overall R&D spending, the findings from this study will help trace their influence on future productivitygains. The article can be found at:http://www.sciencemag.org/content/338/6110/1031.full.

Department of the Interior (DOI)Announces Renewable Energy Offshore Lease SalesThe Department of the Interior (DOI) and its Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on November 30 announced competitive lease

sales for renewable energy development of two wind energy areas in the Atlantic Ocean. BOEM is proposing the lease of nearly 278,000acres offshore of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia.The lease sales, which will be held next year, will be the first ever competitive sales on the Outer Continental Shelf for wind energy. They aremajor milestones in DOI's "Smart from the Start" wind energy program to facilitate the siting, leasing, and construction of new wind energyprojects. These proposed leases cover areas considered to have high wind resource potential and are expected to be able to support morethan 4,000 megawatts of wind generation, enough electricity to power an estimated 1.4 million homes.The Proposed Sale Notices were published in the Federal Register on December 3, providing detailed information about the areas availablefor leasing as well as details such as award procedures. The 60-day public comment period for the notices ends on February 1, 2013. Formore information, please visit:http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/interior-announces-first-ever-renewable-energy-lease-sales-on-the-outer-continental-shelf.cfm.

Energy Department Report: Federal Investments Supporting Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Industry InnovationsThe Energy Department recently released a new report on advanced fuel cell technologies that are helping American businesses reduce their

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energy costs and drive new market opportunities in the United States. The report, titledPathways to Commercial Success: Technologies andProducts Supported by the Fuel Cell Technologies Program, finds that 36 commercial technologies supported by the Department haveentered the global market, and identifies another 65 emerging technologies that are expanding U.S. leadership in this growing global industry.http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=812.

Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities Accomplishments Report Demonstrates How Sustainability Grants are HelpingPlan for Stronger Regional EconomiesThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments (HUD) Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC) recently re leased

its 2012 Accomplishments Report,Helping Communities Realize a More Prosperous Future,which highlights how grantees of the 2010 and2011 HUD Sustainability Grants are working to support locally led collaborative efforts that are building stronger regional economies.Regions that embrace sustainable development by making connections between housing and jobs have a built-in competitive edge inattracting employers and private investment. We are beginning to see this in the grantee communities and regions helped by our grants, saidHUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. Our nations ability to compete in a global economy is dependent upon how quickly and efficiently we canconnect workers and families to education and employment opportunities. OSHC is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities,which is a partnership between HUD, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its goal is tosupport local and regional economic development, energy conservation, and increased transportation and housing options.For more information on OSHC and the Accomplishments Report, please visit:http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities.

New Guide on Improving Travel Efficiency at the Local LevelThe American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released a new guide to help municipalities and metropolitan regionsidentify policies to expand transportation choices and improve transportation system efficiency. The toolkit is targeted at local policymakersand stakeholders interested in reducing transportation-related fuel consumption in their communities. To read the guide, visithttp://aceee.org/research-report/t121.

Energy Department Invests $29 Million in Solar Energy Grid SolutionsThe Energy Department on December 7 announced a $29 million investment in four projects that will help advance affordable, reliable cleanenergy for U.S. families and businesses. These projects, part of the Energy Department's SunShot Initiative, are aimed at improving gridconnection and reducing installation costs through innovative plug-and-play technologies and reliable solar power forecasts.The Department announced a $21 million investment over five years to design plug-and-play photovoltaic (PV) systems that can be

purchased, installed, and operational in one day. Plug-and-play PV systems will make the process of buying, installing, and connecting solarenergy systems faster and less expensive forhomeowners. Fraunhofer USAs Center for Sustainable Energy Systems in Cambridge,Massachusetts, will develop PV technologies that allow homeowners to easily select the right solar system for their house and install, wire andconnect to the grid. Additionally, North Carolina State University will lead a project to create standard PV components and system designs thatcan adapt simply to any residential roof and can be installed and connected to the grid quickly and efficiently. This effort is part of theDepartments broader initiative to bring down "soft" or non-module hardware costs. The SunShot Initiative is a collaborative national effort tomake solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade. For more information, please visit:http://energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-new-sunshot-investment-solar-energy-grid-solutions.

USDA Grants Support Research, Education and Extension Activities at Tribal Land-Grant CollegesThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced nearly $17 million in grants to

tribal colleges and universities to support research, education and extension activities to support schools in American Indian communities

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focused on bolstering their students' learning in the areas of science and mathematics. The announcement comes as individuals, families andcommunities across the nation celebrated Native American Heritage Month during November."For many Native American students, tribal colleges and universities are a critical option for moving beyond a high school education," saidSonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. "We are proud to sponsor these tribal land-grant colleges and enable them to better serve the studentswho attend them as well as tribal communities."Tribal land-grant colleges and universities infuse components of Native American culture in their teaching curriculum. For example, anenvironmental biology class may be combined with studies of native plant species. Through the tribal research grants, tribal colleges partnerwith other land-grant universities to address issues of interest to the local Native American communities, such as preserving tribal forests or

protecting water quality. Tribal college extension services reach out to Native American ranchers and farmers to improve farm profitability.They also provide vital health, safety and economic development information to tribal communities. The Tribal College Endowment supportsfacilities and other critical needs at these schools. NIFA awarded $1.9 million in new grants through the Tribal College Research Grantsprogram in fiscal year 2012. This program was designed to assist 1994 land-grant institutions (tribal colleges) build institutional researchcapacity through applied projects that address student educational needs and solve community, reservation or regional problems. Throughfederal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving criticalissues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visitwww.nifa.usda.gov.

EPA Awards Almost $700,000 to Student Teams in Sustainable Technology CompetitionU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded grants to 45 college teams in phase I of its People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3)annual student design competition. Each grant, totaling up to $15,000 per team, for an overall amount of $675,000, is applied toward

designing and developing sustainable technologies to help protect peoples health and the environment while promoting economicdevelopment.Examples of team projects this year include:

A design for fog harvesting technologies to provide clean water and reduced pollution in underdeveloped communities,A prototype system to improve building energy performance through enhancing heat transmission and solar heat gain,A module that can improve the efficiency of solar energy collectors.The 9th Annual National Sustainable Design Expo featuring EPAs P3 competition is scheduled for April 20-21, 2013, on the National Mall inWashington, D.C. The expo is open to the public and will display the 2012 P3 teams designs.EPA is currently accepting applications for P3 awards for the 2013-2014 academic year through Dec. 11, 2012. .For more information on the P3 2012 recipients, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/p3/2012recipients.For more information on the expo, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/p3.

For more information on applying for P3 awards for the 2013-2014 academic year, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/ncer/p3/apply.

Energy Department Announces New Funding to Support U.S. Efficient Lighting ManufacturingThe U.S. Department of Energy today announced up to $11 million in new funding to support research, development, and commercializationof solid-state lighting (SSL) manufacturing technologies. The Department will select up to six projects that will help accelerate the developmentof high-quality light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) products that can significantly reduce energy costs for

American families and businesses and ensure that the United States remains competitive globally. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=810.

Health Concerns about Misuse of Pesticides for Bed Bug ControlThe Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are alerting the

public to an emerging national concern regarding misuse of pesticides to treat infestations of bed bugs and other insects indoors. Some

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pesticides are being applied indoors even though they are approved only for outdoor use. Even pesticides that are approved for indoor usecan cause harm if over applied or not used as instructed on the product label.There has been a dramatic increase in the number of bed bug-related inquiries received by the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)over the past several years, with many involving incidents of pesticide exposure, spills, or misapplications. From January 2006-December2010, NPIC reported 169 calls to their hotline where residents, homeowners, or pesticide applicators sprayed pesticides indoors to treatbedbugs. These cases involved pesticides that were misapplied, not intended for indoor use, or legally banned from use. Of those, 129resulted in mild or serious health effects (including one death) for persons living in affected residences. ATSDR warns that outdoor pesticidesshould not be used indoors under any circumstances. Homeowners and applicators should always carefully read the product label to make

sure that:-it has an EPA registration number-it is intended for indoor use-it is effective against bed bugs (the label should say it is meant to be used to treat your home for bed bugs) and-you know how to properly mix the product (if a concentrate) and where and how to apply it safely within the home.To find a pesticide control applicator in your area, visithttp://greenshieldcertified.org/orhttp://www.certifiedgreenpro.org/. This information isbeing provided solely to assist you and is not an endorsement or recommendation of any pest control individual or company.

2013 American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) Recycling Awards, Apply by February 15th

Check out this opportunity for schools, communities and businesses from the American Forest and Paper Association and feel free to forwardto your stakeholders. They are open for entries from Dec. 3-Feb.15. AF&PA set an ambitious goal to recover more than 70 percent of the

paper used in the U.S. by the year 2020. Recycling Awards are given to organizations with outstanding examples of the innovation and effortneeded to achieve the goal. Winners receive cash prizes, in addition to local and national recognition. For award criteria, details anddeadlines, please visit them online atwww.paperrecycles.org.

Opportunity to Apply for 2013 Source Water Collaborative (SWC) PilotsThe SWCs membership, (see our members at www.sourcewatercollaborative.org) wishes to help promote state and/or local actions bysponsoring three collaborative efforts in 2013 to protect drinking water sources by gaining the support of key agricultural and/or Clean Water

Act authorities to implement conservation practices and other effective approaches. The SWC is asking interested parties to submit anExpression of Interest. This sponsorship would be a 10-month commitment and would include planning support (additional detail below).Goals of the Pilot Program include:Leverage opportunities to integrate the Clean Water Act priorities, programs, and activities with those of the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect

drinking water sources.Leverage opportunities to build a collaborative effort with USDAs Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationistsoffice. Specific collaborative efforts with a goal of one or more of the following:Coordinate source water protection needs with NRCS programs and priorities, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); for example, working with NRCSs State Conservationist, local conservation districts, and othersin partnership to address source water protection needs in a specific area.Update State 590 Standard to establish ongoing nutrient management on the ground with consideration of drinking water sources.Establish a relationship to provide specific input to watershed selection and implementation of the National Water Quality Initiative based onnutrient concerns for drinking water sources in the watershed(s).Key Dates for 2013 Pilot Selection: December 12, 2012: Notify the SWC with your intention to submit an Expression of Interest by emailingChristene [email protected]

December 21, 2012 (No later than Noon EST): Please email your formal Expressions of Interest to Christene Jennings

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([email protected])

Energy Department Announces Winner of the 2012 Better Buildings Federal Award CompetitionThe Energy Department today announced that the Department of the Interior's Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility(BGNDRF) in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is the winner of the 2012 Better Buildings Federal Award. The Better Buildings Federal Awardcompetition challenges agencies to achieve the greatest reduction in annual energy intensity, or energy consumed per gross square foot. Thisyear's winner reduced its energy use by an incredible 53.6% since September 2011, representing a 232 Btu per gross square foot reduction inenergy intensity. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=814.

New report: Smart Growth and Economic SuccessSmart Growth and Economic Successis a new report from EPAs Smart Growth Program designed to inform developers, businesses, localgovernment, and other groups about the economic advantages of smart growth development. As this report shows, smart growth development-- compact, walkable, and diverse -- is attractive to developers, investors, local governments, and communities because it offers newopportunities for economic growth that is also environmentally sustainable:-Compact: Using land and resources more efficiently and redeveloping old or neglected areas while retaining existing infrastructure can createeconomic advantages for real estate developers and investors, businesses, and local governments. Compact development can generate morerevenue per acre because it uses land more efficiently. It can reduce the costs of land and infrastructure for individual projects and the costs ofproviding fire and police protection, utilities, schools, and other public amenities. By locating companies closer together, compact developmentcan create a density of employment that increases economic productivity and attracts additional investment.

-Walkable: Walkable neighborhoods have well-connected streets and a mix of land uses near each other, making walking and bicycling moreconvenient and appealing. Projects in walkable neighborhoods command a price premium, earning real estate developers and investors ahigher return on investment. Improvements to streets and sidewalks can help local businesses by attracting more customers. Localgovernments benefit from additional property and sales tax revenue.-Diverse: People and businesses value places that bring together a variety of activities to create vibrant environments. The demand for suchplaces exceeds the supply. Many baby boomers and their children are particularly interested in lively neighborhoods with services to meettheir daily needs close by. Communities with access to transit also help people reduce their transportation costs. To view the report, pleasevisit:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/economic_success.htm.

Watch EPAs Newest Video in the 20th Anniversary SeriesWatch EPAs newest video in the 20th Anniversary video series. The latest addition is a powerful video from Omega Wilson of the West End

Revitalization Association, who talks about the importance of having basic amenities for every community. Visithttp://blog.epa.gov/ej/2012/12/1005/to watch the video and read his blog.

Energy Department Announces New Investments in Pioneering U.S. Offshore Wind ProjectsUnderscoring the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above strategy to develop more secure domestic energy sources and strengthen

American competitiveness in the global market, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced seven offshore wind awards for projectsin Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. As part of the Energy Department's broader efforts to launch an offshore windindustry in the United States, these engineering, design, and deployment projects will support innovative offshore installations in state andfederal waters for commercial operation by 2017. For more information, please visit:http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=816.

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This newsletter is being provided by EPA Region 7 for informational purposes only. This newsletter contains links to information, agencies,sites, and organizations outside of the EPA website. EPA is not responsible for third party links. EPA does not endorse third partyorganizations or agencies.