![[logo] US EPA](../gif/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for weeks ending November 26, 2010 and December 3, 2010
EPA RECOGNIZES SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES WITH 2010 SMART GROWTH AWARDS
On Dec. 1, EPA recognized five projects for its 2010 national smart growth achievement award for their excellence in sustainably revitalizing neighborhoods, and making cities safer. The Region 3 recipient of the 2010 Smart Growth and Green Building award is Miller's Court, Baltimore, Md. a long-abandoned property which has successfully transformed the neighborhood into a 200,000-square-foot retail office and residential space. For information on the winners, go to https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards/sg_awards_publication_2010.htm
For information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, go to https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership
GEOLOGIC SEQUESTRATION REPORTING RULES ENSURE SAFETY AND USE OF THE TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
On Nov. 22, EPA finalized two rules for large emitters of greenhouse gases such as coal fired plants to foster the use of an environmentally safe geologic sequestration/storage technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One rule ensures drinking water protection during the carbon sequestration process, the other tracks the amount of carbon dioxide that is stored underground for long-term storage. For more information on the geologic sequestration rule, go to
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/wells_sequestration.cfm
More information on the greenhouse gas reporting final rule: https://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
CONSIDER ENERGY STAR LABELED PRODUCTS AS HOLIDAY GIFTS TO REDUCE ENERGY BILLS AND EMISSIONS
This holiday season, gifts abound that cut energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fight climate change. Energy Star labeled choices can be found on nearly all home entertainment products from TVs and Blu-ray disc players to home-theater-in-a-box. Energy Star labeled home office products are plentiful as well as video game controls, digital cameras, shavers, and other items that use Energy Star qualified batteries. For more information, go to http://www.energystar.gov/products Find Energy Star labeled stores at http://www.energystar.gov/labeledstores
WATERSENSE WATER AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN CALIFORNIA
The EPA-sponsored WaterSense program that offers simple ways to use less water and energy while saving money on utility bills, has built four WaterSense certified new homes in Roseville, Cal. that will help save an average of 10,000 gallons of water and at least $100 on utility costs yearly per family. These homes include WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, efficient hot water delivery systems, a water-efficient landscape design and use about 20 percent less water than a typical new home. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/watersense
EPA IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2011 PRESIDENTIAL GREEN CHEMISTRY CHALLENGE AWARDS
EPA is accepting nominations for the 2011 Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Nominated technologies should reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances from a chemical product or process and ensure that chemicals are safe for use in products, homes, schools and workplaces. Typically, awards are given in five categories: greener synthetic pathways, greener reaction conditions, designing greener chemicals, small business, and academic. Submit your entries and self-nominations, at https://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/pubs/pgcc/howto.html
NEW EPA TOOL TO REFORM CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT, PROMOTE SAFER CHEMICALS AND PRODUCTS
On Nov. 30, EPA announced a new draft alternatives assessment criteria to help organizations evaluate a chemical's toxicity by assigning a hazard level to chemicals of concern. This will help promote the use and manufacture of safer chemicals, protect public health, increase access to chemical information and provide a basis for decision-making. EPA currently is assessing BPA (bisphenol A) alternatives in thermal paper and flame retardants in printed circuit boards. Please send comments to Libby Sommer by Jan. 31, 2011. For more information, go to https://epa.gov/dfe/alternative_assessments.html.
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Happy 40th Birthday, EPA - What do you think EPA's priorities for the future should be? Help shape the next 40 years of environmental protection! Visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
The long and winding and GREEN road – Find out how green streets and highways help mitigate the amount of pollution/damage caused by a road or highway to the environment. Visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
