EPA Public Engagement Highlights for the Week of November 30, 2015
- EPA Finalizes Increases in Renewable Fuel Levels
- Administrator McCarthy Traveling to COP21 in Paris
- Green Chemistry Challenge Nominations Due December 31
- 45 Years of Fulfilling Our Mission
EPA Finalizes Increases in Renewable Fuel Levels
The final requirements will boost renewable fuel production.EPA announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to 2017. This rule finalizes higher volumes of renewable fuel than the levels EPA proposed in June, boosting renewable production and providing support for robust, achievable growth of the biofuels industry.
The final RFS is an important part of taking action on climate change by propelling the U.S. toward a clean energy future. With final standards in place for the year ahead, biofuel producers and blenders are in a better position to plan and invest – putting the market on stable ground and supporting further growth and innovation in the renewable fuels industry.
Learn about the new standards.
Administrator McCarthy Traveling to COP21 in Paris
Over 190 countries are gathering in Paris to plan how to collectively act on climate.EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy will be traveling to Paris for the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference Exit to focus on the progress the U.S. has made under President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and the need for ambitious climate targets from all countries.
Last summer, President Obama launched EPA’s Clean Power Plan - the biggest single step America has ever taken to address climate change. Because of this plan, the U.S. is now on track to slash carbon pollution from the power sector 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The cuts to smog and soot that come along with these reductions will bring economic opportunities for clean energy innovation and major health benefits for American families.
Watch a video to learn why Administrator McCarthy is optimistic Exitthat we can take a big step forward during the Paris talks.
Green Chemistry Challenge Nominations Due December 31
The winning technologies annually save over 21 billion gallons of water.EPA has 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. EPA is sponsoring the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards in partnership with the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute and members of the chemical community including industry, trade associations, and academic institutions.
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.
45 Years of Fulfilling Our Mission
The Cuyahoga River fire of 1969 helped spur water pollution control activities such as the Clean Water Act.Just two weeks after the EPA was established in 1970, the first-ever Administrator, Bill Ruckelshaus, issued a statement calling the birth of the agency the start of America’s “reclaiming the purity of its air, its water, and its living environment.”
Fifty years ago, we pumped toxic leaded-gas into our cars; people smoked on airplanes; and residents of cities like Los Angeles could barely see each other across the street. Today, EPA’s work has changed all of that. We’ve cut air pollution by 70 percent, phased out leaded-gasoline, removed the acid from rain and helped clean up beaches and waterways; all while our economy has tripled.
Read a blog post by Administrator McCarthy on EPA's progress in protecting human health and the environment.