EPA Public Engagement Highlights for the Week of November 2, 2015
- EPA Calls for Green Chemistry Challenge Award Nominations
- $2.1 Million in Urban Water Grants Available
- Apply for President's Environmental Youth Award by December 31
- Phasing Out Potent Greenhouse Gases
EPA Calls for Green Chemistry Challenge Award Nominations
Award-winning technologies have eliminated the release of 7.8 billion pounds of carbon dioxide.EPA announced a request for nominations for the 2016 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies or institutions that have developed a process or product that better protects public health and the environment. These prestigious annual awards recognize chemical technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, and use. EPA expects to give five awards for outstanding green chemistry technologies in traditional categories and a sixth award for a green chemistry technology that addresses climate change. Since the start of the program, the winning technologies have made great progress, including eliminating 826 million pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents - enough to fill a train nearly 47 miles long.
Nominations are due December 31, 2015. Learn about past winners and how to enter.
$2.1 Million in Urban Waters Grants Available
The program has funded over 700 projects, awarding more than $13.3 million to date.The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced a request for proposals (RFP) through the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant program, Exitfunded in part by EPA. This public-private partnership seeks to develop community stewardship of local natural resources, preserving these resources for future generations and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. Approximately $2.1 million in funding is available to support projects such as stormwater management, addressing water scarcity, and water protection and restoration projects in local communities.
Applications are due February 3, 2016. Special consideration will be given to projects that directly advance the priorities of the Urban Water Federal Partnership.
Apply for the President's Environmental Youth Award by December 31
Past winners have restored natural habitats, and started recycling programs in their schools and communities.The President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) recognizes K-12 students and their efforts to protect the environment. The award promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. Applications are due December 31, 2015. Learn how to apply.
Watch a videoExit as one of the 2014 winners discusses the restoration work he led on South Boulder Creek.
Phasing Out Potent Greenhouse Gases
New technologies and new climate-friendly refrigerants can significantly reduce HFC emissions.Air conditioning, refrigeration, and insulation often contain factory-made hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that can be hundreds or thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. Over the past year, EPA has completed four separate actions that both expand the list of safer alternatives to HFCs and prohibit them from certain uses in the refrigeration, air conditioning, foam, and aerosol sectors where safer alternatives are available.
America’s private sector is stepping up. Several business leaders have made commitments to reduce HFC use and emissions by incorporating climate-friendly technologies into their air conditioners, refrigerators, foams and other products. Read an op-ed by EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Exit on why it's time to phase out HFCs now.