EPA Region 7

Communities Information Digest

January 15, 2015

Welcome to the latest EPA Region 7 Digest!

The purpose of the EPA Region 7 Communities Information Digest is to provide
communities in the 4-state region and other interested areas the latest news,
webinars, conferences, funding, and other community-based activities going on
in the region and country related to human health and the environment. (An *
Indicates a new post.)
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Headlines
*Updated EPA Region 7 Community Resource Guide Available
EPA Region 7 recently updated their Community Resource Guide. It contains links to resources to assist community leaders,
local government officials, non-profits, citizens and businesses in identifying EPA resources that can support community efforts to
protect and renew the environment and create a healthier and more sustainable future for their citizens. This guide can also be
used by states and tribes to reach out to their communities and share information about EPA resources.
*January is National Radon Month. Test Your Home. Protect Your Health.
EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second
leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of natura lly
occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. The U.S. Surgeon General
and EPA recommend that all homes be tested for radon. It's easy and Inexpensive. If you have further questions about Radon,
please call your State Radon Contact.
*USDA Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants Due February 12, 2015
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently invited applications for energy audit and renewable energy development assistance
grants. These grants are part of USDAs Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was created under the 2008 Farm Bill
and reauthorized under the 2014 Farm Bill.
*EPA Posts New Environmental Education Grant Opportunity Due March 6, 2015
The second Request for Proposals (RFP) under the 2014-2015 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program, called the EE
Local Grants RFP, is now open. EPA seeks grant proposals to support locally-focused environmental education projects that
promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Successful applicants will submit projects that design, demonstrate, and/or
disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques.
The goal of these projects is to develop informed, knowledgeable citizens, and provide them with the skills to take responsible
actions to protect the environment.
*EPA Announces 2014 Annual Environmental Enforcement Results
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*EPA Announces 2014 Annual Environmental Enforcement Results

The EPA recently released its annual enforcement and compliance results reflecting a focus on large cases driving industry
compliance and that have a high impact on protecting public health and the environment. In fiscal year 2014, EPA enforcement
actions required companies to invest more than $9.7 billion in actions and equipment to control pollution and clean up
contaminated sites. EPAs cases resulted in $163 million in combined federal administrative, civil judicial penalties, and criminal
fines. Other results include:
Reductions of an estimated 141 million pounds of air pollutants, including 6.7 million pounds of air toxics.
Reductions of approximately 337 million pounds of water pollutants.
Clean up of an estimated 856 million cubic yards of contaminated water/aquifers.
*Council on Environmental Quality Releases Draft Guidance on Considering Climate Change in NEPA Reviews
As part of an ongoing effort to modernize implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and promote effective
and transparent environmental reviews, the Council on Environmental Quality has released updated draft guidance for Federal
agencies on how to consider greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change in their NEPA analyses, as well as
final guidance on conducting programmatic NEPA reviews. These measures will increase the efficiency of environmental reviews
and help agencies make informed decisions.
*EPA Prevents Harmful Chemicals from Entering the Marketplace
The EPA is taking action to protect the public from certain chemicals that have the potential to cause a range of health effects
from cancer to reproductive and developmental harm to people and aquatic organisms. This action addresses the following
chemicals: most uses of certain benzidine-based dyes which can be used in textiles, paints and inks and can be converted in the
body into a chemical that is known to cause cancer; most uses of DnPP, a phthalate, which can be used in PVC plastics and
shown to cause developmental and/or reproductive effects in laboratory animals; and Alkanes C 12-13, chloro, a short-chain
chlorinated paraffin (SCCP), which can be used as industrial lubricants and are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic to aquatic
organisms at low concentrations in the environment.
EPA Brownfields FY15 Grant Funding Guidance for State and Tribal Response Programs Due January 31, 2015
Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended,
authorizes a noncompetitive $50 million grant program to establish and enhance state and tribal response programs. Generally,
these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites and other sites with actual
or perceived contamination. This document provides guidance that will enable states and tribes to apply for and use Fiscal Year
2015 section 128(a) funds.
EPA Now Accepting Proposals for the 2014 Environmental Education Grants Program Due February 2, 2015
Under the Environmental Education Grants Program, EPA seeks grant proposals from eligible applicants to support
environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills
to take responsible actions to protect the environment.
FY2015 Guidelines for EPA's Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) Grants Now Due
February 3, 2015
Please note that this year all EWDJT proposals must be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov. Proposals are
due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 3, 2015, though applicants should be aware that there is a registration process fo r
electronic submission via www.grants.gov which may take a week or more to complete.
HUD Offers $30 Million Choice Neighborhoods Grants to Help Transform Communities Due February 9, 2015
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julin Castro recently announced funding available to help local
communities across the country to redevelop severely distressed public and HUD-assisted housing and transform surrounding
neighborhoods. HUD is offering grants of up to $30 million through its Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Program to
support locally driven solutions for transforming neighborhoods struggling to address poor quality housing, inadequate school s,
poor health, high crime, and lack of capital.

Funding & Technical Assistance Opportunities

Climate-Related Funding Opportunities Compiled by the Florida Climate Institute
HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery Assistance
USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Contact Rural Development State Office for Due
Dates

USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Contact Local USDA Service Center
January 31, 2015: EPA Brownfields FY15 Grant Funding Guidance for State and Tribal Response Programs
February 2, 2015: Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program 2015 Request for
Proposals Announced
February 2, 2015: EPA Now Accepting Proposals for the 2014 Environmental Education Model Grants Program
February 3, 2015: FY2015 Guidelines for EPA's Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training
(EWDJT) Grants
February 9, 2015: FY2014 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant NOFA Published
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February 9, 2015: FY2014 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant NOFA Published
*February 12, 2015: USDA Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants
*February 16, 2015: A Different Kind of Design Competition: EDRA and PPS Collaborate on 2015 Great Places
Awards
*February 17, 2015: DOE Announces $8 Million to Develop Advanced Components for Wave, Tidal, and Current
Energy Systems
*February 20, 2015: Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 242 "Hydroelectric Incentive Program"
*March 6, 2015: EPA Now Accepting Proposals for the 2014-2015 Environmental Education Local Grants
March 16, 2015: HUD National Disaster Resilience Competition

Meetings, Conferences, Training & Events

January 28, 2015: Healthy Food Systems Pre-Conference Workshop Baltimore, MD
January 29, 2015: Equitable Development Workshop Baltimore, MD
January 29-31, 2015: 14th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Baltimore, MD
February 2-6, 2015: DOI Interagency Consultation for Endangered Species Training at NCTC Shepardstown, WV
February 4-6, 2015: Children: Food and Environment Austin, TX
March 4-7 2015: Green Schools National Conference Virginia Beach, VA
*March 10-12, 2015: 2015 National Bike Summit Washington, D.C.
March 24-26, 2015: The New World of Wetlands: Dealing with Shifting Landscapes, Laws and Climate
April 11-12, 2015: Structures for Inclusion (SFI 15) Conference Detroit, MI
April 14-15, 2015: Iowa Governors Conference on Public Health - Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities Cedar
Rapids, IA
May 5-7, 2015: National Zero Waste Business Conference Los Angeles, CA
*May 12-14, 2015: National Adaptation Forum St. Louis, MO
*June 2-3, 2015: 2015 LOCUS Leadership Summit: Private Sector Solutions to Affordability and Social Equity
Crisis Washington, D.C.
*August 18-20, 2015: 2015 Kansas Environmental Conference Topeka, KS
September 2-4, 2015: National Brownfields Training Conference Chicago, IL
October 27-29, 2015: Policy Links Equity 2015: The National Summit Los Angeles, CA

Webinars, Conference Calls, & Twitter Chats

*EPA Webinar "Climate Resilience: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and What You Can Learn from Others" Available
Online
EPA's Watershed Academy has archived the "Climate Resilience: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and What You Can Learn
from Others" webinar. The webinar can be viewed anytime The Workbook and other resources can be found on the Climate
Ready Estuaries website: http://www2.epa.gov/cre/risk-based-adaptation.
*Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Hosts Four Part Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Webinar
Series January 15
ITEP is offering a 4-part Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Webinar Series in January and February, in collaboration with
the USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, the University of Oregon Tribal Climate Change Project, and the North Pacific
Landscape Conservation Cooperative. The first webinar on January 15 will feature a presentation by Oliver Grah, Water
Resources Manager, Nooksack Indian Tribe, who will provide an overview of the tribes climate change impact and vulnerability
assessments and adaptation planning.
Food Waste Reduction Alliance Webinar, a Unique Collaborations January 15, 12-1:30 p.m. CST
The issue of food waste is a hot topic among sustainability professionals, government agencies, media and the general public.
This presentation will dive into the wasted food problem and share information about the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, a
unique collaboration working to address it.
*Rural Energy for America Program, Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program
Webinar January 21, 2015
The USDA is seeking applicants for the Rural Energy for America Program, Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development
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The USDA is seeking applicants for the Rural Energy for America Program, Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development
Assistance Program, and is hosting a webinar on January 21st to discuss the program and the application process.
*DOE Webinar Marine and Hydrokinetic Systems Performance Advancement II: Component Metric Validation" and
Funding Opportunity January 22, 2-3 p.m. EST
The Energy Department will also present a live webinar titled "Marine and Hydrokinetic Systems Performance Advancement II:
Component Metric Validation" Representatives of the Energy Department will discuss a new $8 million funding opportunity to
spur innovation in next-generation marine and hydrokinetic control and component technologies.
*USDA & DOEs Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program Webcast Series
*Solar Program Overview January 22, 3-4 p.m. EST
ENERGY STAR Webcasts
*Team Up Now for the 2015 EPA National Building Competition January 19, 1-2 p.m. EST
*Portfolio Manager Office Hours, Focus Topic: Portfolio Manager 2015 Priorities January 22, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
*Portfolio Manager 101 January 27, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
*Portfolio Manager 201 January 28, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
*How to Apply for the ENERGY STAR January 29, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
DOE Webcasts
*DOE Webinar on Better Buildings Challenge K-12 Education Partners January 21, 2-3:30 p.m. EST
*Best Practices in Developing a Tribal Strategic Energy Plan January 28, 11-12:30 p.m. MST
*EPA Webinar: State of the Voluntary Green Power Market January 27, 1-2 p.m. EST
The EPA's Green Power Partnership will host a webinar that will focus primarily on the voluntary market, which is the market
consumers and institutions use to voluntarily procure renewable energy for all or part of their electricity needs.
*EPA Community Call on Air Rule Updates January 28, 2015, 1-2 p.m. EST
The EPA Office of Air and Radiation's (OAR) Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) is hosting a community
conference call about updates to several rules. January 2015 conference call topics include: Clean Power Plan, Ozone NAAQS,
and Methane Strategy.
Antioch University New England and US EPA
*Green Infrastructure and Flood Resiliency Land Use Management as an Adaptation Strategy in the Built
Environment January 29, 12-1:15 p.m. EST
Grants.gov Information Sessions for Applicants
EPA is partnering with Grants.gov program managers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide
Grants.gov Informational Sessions for applicants that include an overview of the registration process as well as how to use the
Grants.gov web application. Please note that we are also holding some training sessions specifically geared towards Tribes that
can be found here.
February 10, 2-3 p.m. EST
*CDFA Brownfield Financing Webinar Series Begins February 19, 2 p.m. EST
The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) is excited to announce the CDFA Brownfield Financing Webinar Series
as part of the CDFA Brownfields Technical Assistance Program. The series will include three 90-minute webinars over the year
and will focus on effective utilization of brownfield and redevelopment financing tools, while highlighting best practices, case
studies, and CDFA's technical assistance program participants. Registration is free and open to all interested stakeholders.
*Moving Toward Sustainability: Sustainable and Effective Practices for Creating Your Water Utility Roadmap February
23, 1-2:30 p.m. EST
Host: Jim Horne Office of Water, U.S. EPA. This webinar will feature presentations from Daryl Slusher Deputy Director,
Austin Water Utility, and Kathryn Sorensen Director of Water Services, City of Phoenix.
HUD Presents Several NDRC Webinar Series on Climate Resilience Various dates through February 2015
In light of the recent announcement of the National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC), HUD is offering a series of
webinars from September through February 2015, to discuss NDRC NOFA requirements, answer NDRC NOFA questions and
jump start the climate resilience dialogue. Some webinars will have a technical focus on the NDRC NOFA requirements and
NDRC Eligible Applicants.

Other Environmental News

*EPA Announces First National Regulations to Safeguard Disposal of Coal Ash - Common Sense, Pragmatic Rules to
Protect Against Structural Failure, Water and Air Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the first national regulations to provide for the safe
disposal of coal combustion residuals (coal ash) from coal-fired power plants. The final rule establishes safeguards to protect
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disposal of coal combustion residuals (coal ash) from coal-fired power plants. The final rule establishes safeguards to protect
communities from coal ash impoundment failures, like the catastrophic Kingston, Tenn., spill in 2008, and establishes safeguards
to prevent groundwater contamination and air emissions from coal ash disposal.
*Energy Stars Battle of the Buildings is Back for 2015!
Save energy, water, and money with the U.S. EPAs 2015 Energy Star National Building Competition. Any private or public sector
organization or association can run a competition. This includes trade associations, commercial businesses, manufacturing
plants, utility companies, local and state governments, schools and congregations, and many other groups. Hosting an ENERGY
STAR Battle of the Buildings competition allows you to leverage the national ENERGY STAR brand, which is recognized by more
than 85% of consumers. More importantly, an energy efficiency competition benefits everyone by providing:
Significant cost savings
Positive publicity and media exposure
Networking opportunities
Camaraderie
A source of momentum
*EPA Takes Action to Protect Public from Harmful Lead Exposure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced 62 enforcement actions that require renovation contractors
and training providers to protect people from harmful exposure to lead dust and debris, as required by EPAs Lead-based Paint
Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) standards. The enforcement actions include 55 settlements and six complaints issued
between February and October 2014 for renovations performed on pre-1978 homes and child-care facilities.
*US Forest Service Reminds Recreationists of First Fee-Free Day for 2015
The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at most of its day-use recreation sites five times in 2015, beginning with Jan.19, in honor
of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and
approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. The 2015 fee-free
days observed by the Forest Service are:
o Jan. 19: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
o Feb. 16: Presidents Day
o June 13: National Get Outdoors Day
o Sept. 26: National Public Lands Day
o Nov. 11: Veteran's Day
*TIGER Discretionary Grants
President Obama signed the 2015 Appropriations Act, including a $500 million authorization for National Infrastructure
Investments. Referred to by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as TIGER Discretionary Grants, the program funds
roads, public transit, freight and passenger rail, and port infrastructure projects. There will be an upcoming Notice of Funding
Availability, 2015 Webinar Series, and applicant instructions soon.
*Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 242 "Hydroelectric Incentive Program" Due February 20
The Energy Department is currently accepting applications for Section 242 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 the "Hydroelectric
Production Incentive Program." The application period will close on February 20, 2015. Please review the final guidance for
detailed instructions on how to apply.
*DOE Water Power Program Funding Opportunities
The DOE Water Power Program focuses on technological development and deployment of innovative technologies capable of
generating electricity from water. The program funds research and development activities through competitive solicitations.
*Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Seeking Intern Host Sites for its Student Summer Internship Program
Due January 20
ITEP is seeking intern host sites for its Student Summer Internship Program. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other
tribal environmental organizations that are selected as host sites, will host a college student for eight weeks, during the months of
June, July and August. As an intern host site you gain a dedicated college student who will complete a new or on-going project
directly related to air quality or climate change, which will benefit the student, your agency, and the environment.
*A Different Kind of Design Competition: EDRA and PPS to Collaborate on 2015 Great Places Awards Due February 16
What makes a great place? The Environmental Design Research Association and the Project for Public Spaces highlight the
most innovative projects with the annual Great Places Awards. Now in its 17th year, the competition helps recognize
organizations and individuals who are making a real difference in their communities and across the globe.
*Energy Department Announces $8 Million to Develop Advanced Components for Wave, Tidal, and Current Energy
Systems Due February 17
The Energy Department recently announced $8 million in available funding to spur innovation in next-generation marine and
hydrokinetic (MHK) control and component technologies. In the United States, waves, tides, and ocean currents represent a
largely untapped renewable energy resource that could provide clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across the
country's coastal regions.
*Smart Growth America Releases the newest Edition of the Innovative DOT
Co-authored once again with the State Smart Transportation Initiative, this new version includes 34 strategies that transportation
officials can use to position their agencies for success in a new era of constrained budgets
*EPA to Hold Public Hearings in California, Texas and Washington, D.C. on Proposed Smog Standards
The U.S. EPA will hold three public hearings on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for ground-level
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The U.S. EPA will hold three public hearings on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for ground-level
ozone, also known as smog. EPA has proposed to strengthen the standards to a level within a range of 65 to 70 parts per
billion to better protect Americans health and the environment, while taking comment on a level down to 60 ppb. The
agency estimates that the benefits of meeting the proposed standards will significantly outweigh the costs, preventing asthma
attacks, heart attacks, missed school days and premature deaths, among other health effects. The hearings will be on Jan. 29 in
Arlington, Texas and Washington D.C. and Feb. 2, 2015 in Sacramento, California. Each hearing will begin at 9 a.m. until 7:30
p.m. local time.
*Innovation Challenge Program for Coal-reliant Counties and Regions
The National Association of Counties and the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation
has launched a new partnership to support county and regional leaders in coal-reliant communities with retooling their economies
to become more resilient to changing conditions. Throughout 2015, NACo and NADO Research Foundation will host three
hands-on workshops designed to boost the innovative potential of coal-reliant counties and regions seeking to grow and diversify
their economies.
*Announcing the Landscape Performance Series
The Landscape Architecture Foundation is offering the Landscape Performance Series, a new online resource to help designers,
agencies, and advocates evaluate performance, show value and make the case for sustainable landscape solutions.
*Online Training Course on Tribal Environmental Management and Planning for Tribal Professionals Deadline January
31
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and Northern Arizona University are offering a special online tra ining
course, Tribal Environmental Management and Planning, for tribal professionals interested in honing their skills in management,
strategic planning, community outreach, policy, and leadership. This training will be offered February 16 May 3, 2015.
*EPA Greenversations Blog Post: Radon Risk? You Dont Know Until You Test By Henry Slack
My neighbors Pete and Beth (not their real names) met while in their twenties, and got married. A great couple. Had two beautiful
girls, who grew up in no time at all field trips and soccer, high school sports, college, adventures abroad. A strong couple, who
helped lead the PTA, the []
*Reuse of Spent Foundry Sands Yields Environmental Benefits
The U.S. EPA, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Ohio State University, recently released a risk
assessment concluding that silica-based spent foundry sands from iron, steel and aluminum foundries, when used in certain soilrelated applications, are protective of human health and the environment, and yield environmental benefits.
*EPA Proposal Strengthens Nations Preparedness Level and Response to Oil Spills
The EPA is proposing to amend requirements under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
(NCP) to improve the nations ability to plan for and respond to oil spills. This proposal addresses issues raised by the public,
responders, government, and industry officials during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
*Community-Based Public Health Caucus Call for Abstracts for APHA 2015 Deadline February 10
The Community-Based Public Health Caucus invites abstracts related to the science and practice of community-based public
health for the 143rd American Public Health Association Meeting and Exposition to be held from October 31 - November 4, in
Chicago, IL. The theme of the 2015 meeting is Health in all Policies and we have particular interest in abstracts and proposals
that reflect this theme.
*Innovating to Protect our Waterways Take the Nutrient Sensor Challenge March 16
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy recently announced that a coalition of Federal agencies is launching
the Nutrient Sensor Challengean open-innovation competition to accelerate the development and deployment of affordable
sensors that can measure nutrients in aquatic environments.
*Kansas Environmental Conference to be Held August 18-20 in Topeka
The Kansas Environmental Conference is an annual event hosted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and
provides updates on environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information, and pollution prevention. Anyone interested
in environmental regulations, pollution prevention, or the status of the environment in Kansas is invited to attend.
*NASA and U.S. Geological Survey Offer Climate Data App Challenge
In December 2014, NASA, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, kicked off a challenge that offers more than $35,000 in
prizes to citizen scientists for ideas that make use of climate data to address vulnerabilities faced by the United States as it copes
with climate change. The Climate Resilience Data Challenge is being conducted through the NASA Tournament Lab, a
partnership with Harvard University and running through March 2015.
*Department of Health and Human Services Releases Guide and Toolkit on Climate Change for Healthcare Infrastructure
This document is a Guide and Toolkit designed to assist healthcare providers, design professionals, policymakers, and others
with roles and responsibilities in assuring the continuity of quality health and human care before, during, and after extreme
weather events.
*NOAA Fisheries and Rutgers University Release OCEANADAPT Web Tool
This web tool can help managers, scientists, fishermen, fishing communities, and the public track changes in the distribution of
marine species with changing climate and ocean conditions.
*U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center and Climate Science Center Projects
Announced
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Announced
Fifty new research projects have recently been announced by the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center
(NCCWSC) and Climate Science Centers. The Centers fund projects that align with a set of scientific priorities identified in
consultation with management partners.
*Report Confirms Worldwide Retreat of Glaciers
A new book from the international GLIMS (Global Land Ice Measurements from Space) initiative, an international collaboration
including the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, provides the most comprehensive report
to date on global glacier changes.
*Rockefeller Foundation Announces Second Set of Resilient Cities
The Rockefeller Foundation recently announced the second group of cities selected to join the 100 Resilient Cities Challenge comprised of cities that have demonstrated a commitment to building their own capacities to navigate the shocks and stresses of
an increasingly complex 21st Century.
*USDA Releases 2013 Annual Summary for Pesticide Data Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide
Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods
tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety
concern.
*EPA Offers New ENERGY STAR Tool for Homeowners
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the launch of its ENERGY STAR Home Advisor, an online
tool designed to help homeowners save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of their homes through
recommended, customized, and prioritized home-improvement projects
*Columbia Universitys Connecting on Climate: A Guide to Effective Climate Communication
Climate change is not a new issue, but the need for meaningful and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. To connect
with audiences and unlock success in climate change communication, communicators need to shift their approach.
Communicators need to go beyond simply providing people with the facts about climate change.

This digest is being provided by EPA Region 7 for informational purposes only.
This digest 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 party organizations or agencies.

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