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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for weeks ending February 25, and March 4, 2011
EPA GRANTS TO BENEFIT POTOMAC HIGHLANDS ECOLOGY
An EPA award of $1.8 million to American Rivers will fund a grants program benefitting the Potomac Highlands ecosystem in Central Appalachia. American Rivers will oversee 10 grants worth between $150,000 to $300,000 each for projects that protect, improve or restore the plateau covering parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
EPA APPROVES A SAFER, MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT CAR AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT
On Feb. 28, EPA announced the approval of HFO-1234yf, a new refrigerant for vehicles, to replace the currently used HFC-134a. The new product meets new EPA requirements for improved greenhouse gas and fuel economy in passenger cars and light-duty trucks by 2016, has less global-warming potential and does not deplete the earth's ozone layer. For more information, go to http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20011487-48.html#ixzz1FXlIP12i 
BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE AGENDA INCLUDES CLEANUP OF HISTORIC PHILLY PARK BY VOLUNTEERS
The 14th National Brownfields Conference 2011 co-sponsored by EPA and the International City/County Management Association runs from April 3-5 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Besides many Brownfields topics, conference participants can volunteer to beautify the historic Awbury Arboreteum with gardening and cleanup activities that include removing invasive plants and maintaining trails. To register, go to www.brownfields2011.org. Online registration closes on March 18. For an overview, go to http://www.brownfields2011.org/en/home/conference_overview
EPA SEEKS STUDENTS FOR SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM IN THREE LOCATIONS
EPA is accepting applications for current seventh-grade students in the Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. metropolitan areas to participate in EPA's six-week 2011 Student Environmental Development Program (SEDP) summer programs from July 6 through Aug. 19. Schools may nominate up to three seventh-graders to participate in the program to learn about environmental issues and develop communications and leadership skills.
All applications must be postmarked by Earth Day, April 22. For information on the program, go to https://www.epa.gov/region3/ee/sedp.htm
EPA SOLICITING UP TO $40 MILLION IN GRANTS TO RESTORE THE GREAT LAKES, INCLUDING LAKE ERIE, IN PA
EPA is soliciting applications for grants and cooperative agreements to be awarded as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Awards of up to $40 million for about 150 Great Lakes Basin projects will target invasive species, reduce the impact of toxic substances and nonpoint pollution, protect public health, and clean up "Areas of Concern." Applications are due by noon on April 11. An application process webinar will be held on March 17. To apply, go to https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/fund/2011rfa01/. For information on the Initiative, go to http://www.greatlakesrestoration.us/.
EPA PRESENTS ENERGY-STAR COMBINED HEAT AND POWER AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS
The Washington, D.C.-based National Institutes of Health's medical research facility was presented with EPA's 2011 Energy Star® Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for successfully increasing the operating efficiency and reducing the CO2 emissions of their operations using a single energy source. Instead of using clean water, NIH's innovative natural gas-fired CHP technology used treated effluent to generate steam and electricity.
PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW INCLUDES EPA ENTRY: "BOTANIQUE NATURALE"
The much awaited Philadelphia Flower Show "Springtime in Paris," is now taking place from March 6-13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. EPA Region 3's entry is called "Botanique Naturale"which extols the role native woodlands play in sustaining clean water, air and soil, and emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring the forest ecosystems that sustain various native plants. For more information, go to http://www.theflowershow.com.
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CLIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN' There is a possibility that climate change could have a profound impact on our water resources and make water management a more complicated matter. Visit the Healthy Waters website at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/.
THE SIGHTS AND SCENTS OF SPRING -- -THE 2011 PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW!
The EPA exhibit "Botanique Naturale" inspires the creation of beautiful, sustainable home gardens and landscaping techniques using native plants, recycled materials, and less fertilizers and pesticides. Visit the Healthy Waters website at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/.
