EPA Region 7

Communities Information Digest

June 24, 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
*EPA to Hold Public Hearing in Kansas City, Kan., on Proposed Rule for Renewable Fuels on June 25
On Thursday, June 25, EPA will hold a national public hearing in Kansas City, Kan., to receive comments on
the agencys proposed rule, Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 and
Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2017. It will be held at the Jack Reardon Center, 520 Minnesota Avenue,
Kansas City, Kan., 66101. Interested participants may call toll Free - 877-396-8104 or 720-362-6938,
participant code 29834687#. This is a listening line only. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program
regulations were developed in collaboration with refiners, renewable fuel producers, and many other
stakeholders. The upcoming public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data,
views, or arguments concerning the proposal, which is available online at
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm.
*EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda Framework to July 14, 2015
As a result of robust feedback from stakeholders, the U.S. EPA is extending the public comment period on the
draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda (EJ 2020) framework until July 14, 2015. EPA is seeking public comment on EJ
2020, its next overarching strategic plan to advance environmental justice through EPA's programs, policies
and activities, and will support the cross-agency strategy on making a visible difference in environmentally
overburdened, underserved, and economically-distressed communities.

*USDA Begins Accepting Applications from States for $100 Million Biofuels Infrastructure
Partnership Due July 15
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Partnership Due July 15

Following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 29,
2015, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) recently announced that all 50 states, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. may now apply for up to $100 million in grants under the Biofuels
Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). The funding is to support the infrastructure needed to make more renewable
fuel options available to American consumers. The Farm Service Agency will administer BIP.

*Technical Assistance Opportunity from Global Green Due July 17

Does your community want greener, more equitable, and more vibrant neighborhoods? Is your community
interested in increasing resilience in the face of extreme weather events? Global Green is now accepting
applications for no-cost technical assistance that can help communities achieve these goals. This free
assistance is being provided under a grant to Global Green from EPAs Office of Sustainable Communities'
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program. Eligible applicants are local and tribal governments.
*USDA Extends Deadline to Submit Proposals on New Organic Promotion Order to July 20, 2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending a deadline by 30 days
to allow members of the public to submit alternative proposals or partial proposals on a new industry-funded
promotion, research and information order for organic products. The new order would be developed under the
Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act).
*USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Provide Development Support to Rural Cooperatives Due
July 30
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Provide Development Support to Rural Cooperatives
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help
rural cooperatives develop new markets for their products and services. USDA is making the grants available
to non-profit corporations and institutions of higher education through the Rural Cooperative Development
Grant (RCDG) program.
*USDA Seeks Partner Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands Due July 31
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the availability of $17.5 million in financial and technical
assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on
private and tribal agricultural lands.
*Energy Department Announces Funding to Develop Aggregate Purchasing Models Due August 21
The Energy Department announced up to $2 million to support aggregate purchasing models for plug-in
electric and other alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, subsystems, components, alternative
fuels, and refueling/charging infrastructure. Aggregated purchasing is when one central organization
coordinates customers to maximize their collective buying power. By supporting a new type of buying system
that could lower costs and expand product availability for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles,
components, infrastructure, and fuels, this funding will help increase Americas economic, energy, and
environmental security.
*Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans and
grants to support business expansion, create jobs and increase economic opportunities in rural communities.
Funding is being provided through USDA's Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). The 2014
Farm Bill reauthorized the program through 2018. For Fiscal Year 2015, more than $16 million is available in
loans and grants. RMAP provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to
help microentrepreneurs very small businesses with 10 or fewer employees access capital to start or grow
businesses.

*USDA Invests $6.7 Million in 544 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Nationwide
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is investing more than $6.7 million in 544
renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement
during a visit to the Snake River Brewing Company, in Jackson, Wyo. The company received a $13,810
USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to install a solar panel to
generate energy for the business.
*FY 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Announced Due August 28
FEMA recently announced the FY 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunities for two of the Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) grant programs: Flood Mitigation Assistance and Pre-Disaster Mitigation. HMA grant
programs provide states, tribes, territories, and local governments funding for eligible mitigation activities to
strengthen our nations ability to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster
damages. Applicants are encouraged to review the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance for detailed
information regarding eligibility and to contact their FEMA Regional Office for additional information.

*HUD Selects Finalists for National Disaster Resilience Competition

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julin Castro announced recently that 40 states and local
communities will compete in the second and final phase of HUD's National Disaster Resilience Competition

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communities will compete in the second and final phase of HUD's National Disaster Resilience Competition
(NDRC). Aligned closely with a companion education and technical assistance effort by the Rockefeller
Foundation, HUD's competition is designed to help states and local communities recover from past disasters
while improving their ability to withstand future extreme events through strategic community investments. In
Phase 2, each finalist is invited to propose specific projects that advance their community's comprehensive
resilience plans, as envisioned in Phase 1. The maximum grant award available at the end of Phase 2 will be
$500 million and the minimum will be $1 million. The National Disaster Resilience Competition finalists are:
States:
Counties/Parishes:
Cities:
Alaska
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
New Mexico Cook County, Illinois
California
DuPage County, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
New York
Colorado
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Oklahoma
Connecticut
St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Springfield, Massachusetts
Oregon
Illinois
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania New York City, New York
Tennessee
Iowa
Shelby County, Tennessee
Minot, North Dakota
Texas
Kansas
Moore, Oklahoma
Utah
Kentucky
Virginia
Louisiana
Washington
Territories:
Massachusetts West Virginia
Puerto Rico
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
New Jersey

Funding & Technical Assistance Opportunities

*Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Due Dates
Vary by State
Placemaking Micro-Grant from the National Association of Realtors Applications accepted on a
rolling basis
Calendar of 2015 EPA Grant Opportunities
Climate-Related Funding Opportunities Compiled by the Florida Climate Institute
HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery Assistance
USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Call Rural Development State Office
for Due Dates
USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Contact Local USDA Service Center

June 25: New DOE Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Funding Opportunity
June 25: Bureau of Reclamations Two Funding Announcements to Promote Drought Contingency
Planning and Resiliency Projects
*June 26: DOE Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) Program
*June 29: DOE Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Procurement Aggregating Initiatives
*June 29: BIA Grant Program to Build Tribal Energy Development Capacity
*July 1: Plan4Health Funding
July 2: The NOAA Fisheries Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants Program
July 2: USDA Announces $30 Million Available for Food Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Producers
to Develop New Products
July 3: Funding Opportunity: Advancing Health Disparities Interventions Through CommunityBased Participatory Research
July 8: Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants
July 10: EDA & DOL Announce Funds through Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and
Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative
*July 14: Transportation Research Board Issues RFP for Tools for a Sustainable Transit Agency
July 15: EPA Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2015
*July 15: USDA Begins Accepting Applications from States for $100 Million Biofuels Infrastructure
Partnership
July 16: USDA Agriculture & Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program
*July 17: Technical Assistance Opportunity from Global Green
July 24: National Ocean Service 2015 Regional Coastal Resilience Grant Program Funds
*July 30: USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Provide Development Support to Rural
Cooperatives
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Cooperatives
Aug. 1: National Park Service 2016 Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
*Aug. 10: Revised RFP for Round 7 of the Partners for Places Grant Program
*Aug. 28: FY 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Announced (Flood Mitigation and PreDisaster Mitigation)
Sep. 30: USDA Announces Funding to Assist with Organic Certification Costs
Sep. 30: U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) $3 Million in Planning Assistance to
Coal-impacted Communities under Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic
Revitalization (POWER) Initiative

Meetings, Conferences, Training, & Events

Calendar of Events Related to Climate Change and Water
This page includes conferences, meetings, webinars, workshops and training opportunities related to
climate change and water.
Let us know if you have information to add by emailing us the details of the event.
June 24-26: 2015 Climate Strategies Forum Washington, D.C.
June 28: SunShot CSP Symposium San Diego, CA
July 13: Missouri Brownfields Conference Osage Beach, MO
July 13-17: Earth Educators' Rendezvous Boulder, CO
June 16-18: 2015 National Health Impact Assessment Meeting Washington D.C.
*July 14: Kansas City Schoolyard Garden Summit Kansas City, MO
July 19-25: 2015 Hands-On PV Experience (HOPE) Workshop Golden, CO
*July 29: Nebraska Silver Jackets Climate Adaptation and Tools for Resilience in Flood Risk- One
Day Course Nebraska City, NE
July 30-31: Green Clean Schools Leadership Summit Seattle, WA
August 4-6: 2015 U.S. EPA Community Involvement Training Conference Atlanta, GA
*Aug. 4-6 & 18-20: Sustaining Rangelands, Leaving a Legacy is Theme for August Range Schools
Elmdale, KS and Scott County Lake, KS
August 17-20: 2015 Tribal Lands and Environment Forum Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
August 18-20: 2015 Kansas Environmental Conference Topeka, KS
*August 2628: Patch Burn Grazing Meeting 2015 Pratt, KS
September 2-4: National Brownfields Training Conference Chicago, IL
September 14-16: Old Trails and New Directions 2015 Missouri Recycling Association
Conference Kansas City, MO
September 27-30: ICMA Annual Conference Seattle, WA
September 30: Transit-Oriented Development Training Las Vegas, NV
October 18-21: Behavior, Energy & Climate Change Conference (BECC) Sacramento, CA
October 27-29: Policy Links Equity 2015: The National Summit Los Angeles, CA

Webinars, Conference Calls, & Twitter Chats

School Environmental Health Webinar Series 2015
A new series of School Environmental Health webinars was launched April 22, 2015. Future webinars will
include: Mold Hazards in Schools and Healthy Indoor Athletic Facilities June 2015; Radon Hazards in Schools
and Radon Testing in Schools July 2015; and Water Access in Schools August 2015.
Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments 10-Part Webinar Series (On-DEMAND)

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Green Strides Newsletter and Webinar Series (Ongoing)

The U.S. Department of Educations Green Strides Webinar Series provides school communities the tools to
reduce their schools' environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach effective
environmental education.

Green Cleaning in Schools Webinar Series Archives Now Available (Ongoing)

These practical online seminars featured national leaders and on-the-ground experts on green cleaning in
schools. Topics included infection control, new technology, making the financial case for green cleaning, and
more.
Facility Masters Webinars (Ongoing)
This monthly Webcast Series focuses on best practices for excellence in educational operations, with
emphasis on facilities maintenance, preventive maintenance, and energy management.
EPA ENERGY STAR Webcasts
Portfolio Manager 301 June 25, 1-2 p.m. EST
Learn about some advanced features including: using spreadsheet upload templates to update property
data and setting goals and targets to plan energy improvements.

*U.S. EPA and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Webinar for States, Tribes, and Local Agencies
on Energy Markets June 25,
12:30 p.m. EST
*Community Air Monitoring: A Glimpse into EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox July 9
Learn about tools you can use to conduct citizen science projects involving Next Generation Air Monitoring
(NGAM) technology and how you can inform interested groups and individuals on best practices for
successful air monitoring through a Citizen Science Program. Space is limited to 500.
Environmental Law Institute (ELI) Summer School 2015
ELI's Summer School is a series of brown-bag lunch seminars taught by experts in their fields, introducing the
audience to the major environmental statutes (including NEPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered
Species Act, TSCA, RCRA, and CERCLA) and land use law. All are welcome. 2015 Schedule:
June 25, 2015: Basics of the Clean Water Act
June 30, 2015: Hazardous Waste and Sites
July 9, 2015: Law & Policy of Products Regulation
July 23, 2015: Basics of the Clean Air Act
July 30, 2015: Basics of Energy Law
2015 Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) Plastics Recycling Educational Web
Seminar Series Announced:
What Really Goes in that Bale? An Overview of the 2015 National Mixed Rigid Bale Composition
Study August 11
The 2015 National Mixed Rigid Bale Composition Study was conducted to categorize the composition of the
various types of mixed rigid plastic bales generated in North America. This webinar will provide an executive
summary of the full study and report.

APR Resources to Support Domestic Plastic Recycling Markets September 15

APRs primary goal is to increase the amount of material available for recycling. This webinar will detail a
variety of resources available to the industry, state and local recycling officials, as well as the general public to
support the expansion of domestic plastic recycling markets and generate more supply.
Keep Your Caps On! A 2015 Update October 27
Due to an ever growing demand for material by plastic reclaimers, APR continues to support the Caps On
message. Historically, the perception has been that the best way to recycle a plastic bottle is with the cap
off. This webinar will give an update on this initiative, address the common concerns surrounding the change,
and provide resources to those communities to support this message.
Greater Kansas City Regional Water Quality Education Committee Presents the 2015 Center for
Watershed Protection Webinars:
What to Do About Trashy Watersheds September 16, 12-1:30 p.m. CST
Learn from places that have been managing trash as part of local or regional TMDLs and some of the
approaches that have been tried. Of course, this webcast will feature a lot of trash-talking.
Checking in on Post-Construction Stormwater Management November 18, 12-1:30 p.m. CST
This webcast will explore innovations and trends in post-construction stormwater management, with
MS4 case studies featuring program components and budgets.
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MS4 case studies featuring program components and budgets.

All webinars will be streamed at the Mid-America Regional Council Conference Center at 600
Broadway, Ste. 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
Climate Change Impacts on Fish and Wildlife Webinar June 30, 11-12:30 p.m. PST
Climate change impacts are expected to increase with continued changes in the planets climate system.
Action is needed now to help safeguard fish, wildlife, and plants and the communities and economies that
depend on them.
Community Air Monitoring Training: A Glimpse into EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox July 9, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
EST
The U.S. EPA is hosting a training webinar to share tools used to conduct citizen science projects involving
Next Generation Air Monitoring (NGAM) technology and to educate interested groups and individuals on best
practices for successful air monitoring projects.
CDFA Brownfield Financing Webinar Series
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.
EPA and Partners Announce Monthly Webinar Series: Climate Information for Managing Risks in
Water Resources
The series is co-sponsored by the NOAA Sectoral Applications Research Program, U.S. National Integrated
Drought Information System, Water Research Foundation, Water Environment Federation, Water
Environment Research Foundation, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water
Agencies, and EPA's Climate Ready Water Utility Initiative.
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-basedadaptation.

Other Environmental News

*EPA Report: For the US, Global Action Now Saves Lives and Avoids Significant Climate Change
Damages
The U.S. EPA recently released one of the most comprehensive analyses to date on the economic, health and
environmental benefits to the United States of global climate action. The peer-reviewed report, "Climate
Change in the United States: Benefits of Global Action," examines how future impacts and damages of climate
change across a number of sectors in the United States can be avoided or reduced with global action.
*Plan4Health Funding Letter of Intent Due July 1
The American Planning Association (APA) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) released a
Request for Proposals for the organizations' Plan4Health project. The Plan4Health project aims to build local
capacity to address population health goals and promote the inclusion of health in non-traditional sectors. The
Plan4Health community envisions the full integration of planning and public health where we live, work, and
play.
*KC Schoolyard Garden Summit July 14
The KC Regional Schoolyard Garden Summit will be on July 14. It is co-hosted with the Kansas City
Community Gardens (KCCG) and KC Public School District. The Summit will take place on July 14 at Paseo
Academy of Fine Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, and were expecting up to 200 attendees. Currently, the
KCCGs schoolyard gardens program helps over 180 schools in the metro to grow vegetable gardens on
school grounds, which exposes children to fresh healthy food.

*Revised RFP for Round 7 of the Partners for Places Grant Program Due August 10
The Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities recently released the RFP for Round 7 of
the Partners for Places grant program. Since then, in collaboration with our project partners, we have decided
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the Partners for Places grant program. Since then, in collaboration with our project partners, we have decided
to revise the RFP and Proposal Form to more clearly emphasize that a focus on equity and equitable outcomes
is fundamental to sustainability. To ensure that all applicants have ample time to develop their proposals, we
are extending the application deadline to August 10, 2015.
*USDA Updates Department Policy for Climate Change Adaptation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced additional steps it is taking to integrate climate
change adaptation into USDA's programs and operations. These efforts will help ensure taxpayer resources
are invested wisely and that USDA services and operations remain effective under current and future climate
conditions.
*EPA Launches New Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tools for Local and Tribal Governments
EPA is pleased to announce that it has launched two free, interactive spreadsheet tools to help local
governments and tribes across the United States evaluate their greenhouse gas emissions: Local Greenhouse
Gas Inventory Tool and Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool. Both tools calculate greenhouse gas
emissions for many sectors, including residential, commercial, transportation, and waste and water
management.
*EPA EJ Blog: Choosing Public Health in the U.S./Mexico Border City of Laredo, Texas
Check out our blog post, Enhancing the Implementation of Human Rights - the Key Role of NGOs, by Dr.
Hector Gonzalez of the City of Laredo Health Department. Dr. Gonzalez talks about the city's efforts in recent
years to enhance the quality of live for all of their residents and include residents in the planning and decisionmaking process. "In Laredo, putting citizens first is our public responsibility and one we feel very proud of. And
when you put citizens first, it becomes a healthier community for all."

*EPA Report Shows Progress on E-Recycling and Identifies Opportunity to Advance G7s Recognition
of Circular Economy
The U.S. EPA recently released the Advancing Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Facts and Figures
report showing progress in consumer electronics recycling in the United States. Consumer electronics recycling
went up from 30.6 percent in 2012 to 40.4 percent in 2013, the same year EPA launched the SMM Electronics
Challenge to promote responsible donation and recycling of used electronics.
*EPA EJ Blog: 20/20 Vision: Inspiring Us to Act
Check out the recent EPA Environmental Justice blog post, 20/20 Vision: Inspiring Us to Act, by Jalonne WhiteNewsome of WE ACT. Jalonne talks about EPA's draft framework for EJ 2020, currently out for public
comment. "But most importantly, EJ 2020 is about moving this vision to reality. EPA's vision has been
sharpened by its experience with environmental justice leaders across this country who have continued to
engage, participate, criticize, and push the Agency to work to eliminate the environmental injustices that persist
in communities across this country."
*EPA EJ Blog: Minnesotas Work on Incorporating Environmental Justice into its Programs
Check out last week's post by John Linc Stine, Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. John
highlights his states work in incorporating environmental justice into its programs and activities, and how
collaborating with EPA has yielded more results for their communities.

*EPA Strengthens Underground Storage Tank Requirements to Improve Prevention and Detection of
Leaks
The U.S. EPA is strengthening the federal underground storage tank (UST) requirements to improve
prevention and detection of petroleum releases from USTs which are one of the leading sources of
groundwater contamination. EPAs action will strengthen existing requirements and help ensure all USTs in
the United States meet the same release protection standards. Underground storage tanks are located at
hundreds of thousands of facilities across the U.S.
*Wexford Labs, Inc., of Kirkwood, Mo., Selected as EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year
Wexford Labs, Inc., of Kirkwood, Mo., is being recognized as one of 21 Safer Choice Partners of the Year by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The 21 winners across 15 states have been singled out for
outstanding achievement in the design, manufacture, promotion, and use of Safer Choice products for the
nations homes, schools, and businesses. Safer Choice recognized Wexford Labs for its innovations in
disinfectants and healthcare products. The company manufactures and distributes environmentally friendly
cleaners and disinfectants.
*EPA Inspection Reveals Violations of Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule for Kansas City, Kan.,
Company
U.S. EPA Region 7 conducted a random recordkeeping inspection at Damage Control & Restoration, Inc., in
Kansas City, Kan., which revealed violations of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. As part of a
settlement with EPA filed recently in Lenexa, Kan., the company has agreed to pay a $12,194 penalty to the
United States. The Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule seeks to reduce lead exposure from toxic lead dust
that can be disturbed during renovations and repairs.
*New EPA Tool: "Being Prepared For Climate Change: A Workbook for Developing Risk-Based
Adaptation Plans"
The Workbook, a product of the EPA Climate Ready Estuaries Program, provides much needed guidance for
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The Workbook, a product of the EPA Climate Ready Estuaries Program, provides much needed guidance for
any place-based organization about how to conduct risk-based climate change vulnerability assessments and
developing adaptation action plans. It is an ideal tool for communities or organizations that manage places,
watersheds, or coastal environments.
*EPA Investigation Finds Union Pacific Railroad Facility Violated Permit Discharge Limits to Joachim
Creek
U.S. EPA Region 7 has reached a proposed administrative settlement with Union Pacific Railroad Company to
resolve industrial stormwater violations under the Clean Water Act (CWA) at their railcar maintenance and
refurbishing facility in DeSoto, Mo. Under the settlement, Union Pacific will implement a plan to ensure
compliance with its industrial stormwater permit, and pay a civil penalty of $58,800.

*Climate Solutions University Now Accepting Applications for 2016

Climate Solutions University has helped more than 30 communities create adaptation plans that are ready for
implementation. Your region is a good fit for the program if you need to tackle the following challenges: social
equity and the impact of climate change on vulnerable citizens; a regional approach to planning that integrates
urban and rural linkages; and threats to watersheds, forest, and economic resources using an ecosystem
services model. Who should apply? Community leaders of local government agencies; Watershed
organizations and resource conservation districts; Nonprofits; and Civic organizations. Participants foster
positive, sustainable connections between people, economic, and ecosystem health! This is done through
market solutions based in solid research.
*How Greening Our Streets Can Also Make Them More Resilient to Extreme Weather
In the 21st century, our most important public spaces need to be not only complete, hospitable and beautiful
but also green in an ecological sense. They need to be places of resilience where nature is respected.
*Why All Cities Should Have a Department of Food
Last month, a federally funded project with the American Farmland Trust and other partners was launched to
help eight communities connect family farmers to consumers who lack access to healthy food.
*L.A. Metro Is Trying to Redefine the Transit Trip
The city of Los Angeles is rethinking how to get its traditionally driving residents to take public transportation.
*Young People and Placemaking: Engaging Youth to Create Community Places
Community leaders must engage the whole community, and by engaging young people we send the message
that they are a part of our community, too. Working with young people creates stewardship, ownership, respect
and a great sense of pride in our communities. Here, you'll find examples from around the world where young
people were involved in placemaking.
*EPA Takes First Steps to Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aircraft
The U.S. EPA is proposing to find under the Clean Air Act that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
commercial aircraft contribute to the pollution that causes climate change, endangering the health and welfare
of Americans. At the same time, the agency is releasing information about the international process already
underway by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for developing carbon dioxide (CO2)
standards for aircraft and EPAs participation in that process.

*Biodiesel Fuel Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Clean Air Act Crimes Connected to
Renewable Fuels Scheme
Philip Joseph Rivkin, a.k.a. Felipe Poitan Arriaga, 50, recently pleaded guilty to a Clean Air Act false statement
and mail fraud as part of his role in a scheme to defraud EPA by falsely representing that he was producing
millions of gallons of biodiesel fuel. According to the terms of the plea agreement, Rivkin faces more than 10
years in prison and will be responsible for $51 million in restitution to help reimburse victims.
*Breakthrough Communities: Celebrating the Victories of Environmental Justice and Planning
In May, the U.S. EPA recognized the connections between environmental justice and planning with the support
of the American Planning Association (APA). An educational and celebratory program elevated how
environmental justice and equitable development contribute to making a "visible difference within
communities." Representatives from the APA were onsite to recognize the ReGenesis Environmental Justice
Partnership with a National Planning Excellence Award for advancing diversity and social change.
*Have Ideas for Expanding Solar on Leased Commercial Buildings? Weigh in today! Due July 27
In order to promote the adoption of photovoltaics and other advanced cost-effective technologies for
commercial buildings, the SunShot Initiative and the Better Buildings Alliance (BBA) issued a request for
information to explore strategies to support, expand, and streamline efforts to deploy solar on and for
commercial buildings in the U.S. real estate market.
*Race and Justice Should be Considered in Urban Design
Recently, CityLab published an article, "There Are No Urban Design Courses on Race and Justice, So We
Made Our Own Syllabus," arguing that such omissions leave future urban designers ill-prepared in the face of
escalating tensions around policing and city policies that produce racial inequities.

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*How In-Town Development Produces Less Traffic Than You Might Think
New research shows that ITE rates overestimated vehicle trips in the morning and evening peak-hour periods,
showing that smart growth projects generated, on average, less than half the amount of traffic that standard
engineering estimates had predicted.

*Cities With Physically Active Residents More Productive As Well As Healthier

Cities in which residents are physically active have a big advantage over their more sedentary rivals, with
better economic productivity, higher property values and improved school performance, as well as a healthier
population.
*EPA Seeks Input on Modernizing the Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule Due July 3
The U.S. EPA invites small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small
Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on
the Agency's development of a rule that proposes to modify the current Risk Management Plan (RMP)
regulation to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases of toxic and flammable substances at chemical
facilities, and improve emergency response when those releases occur.
*EPA Seeking Nominations for new Chemical Safety Advisory Committee Due July 13
The U.S. EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention announced the establishment of the
Chemical Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) and solicited nominations for membership on the Committee.
The purpose of the CSAC, which is established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, is to provide expert
scientific advice, information, and recommendations to the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics on the
scientific basis for risk assessments, methodologies, and pollution prevention measures or approaches.

*Youngstown, Ohio Reinvents Its Downtown

This city, long derided for its crime, is starting to attract something once thought unfathomable downtown:
permanent residents. The gradual expansion of Youngstown State University is one of the reasons for people
moving into the downtown corridor, but not all the new residents are tied to the school.
*Baltimore's Ex-Tin Can Factory Receives Prestigious Award
Miller's Court in Baltimore City has received the top prize in the 2015 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence
program, one of the nation's highest awards for urban development and placemaking. The $21.1 million private
development offers a "live/work" environment for teachers and education-focused nonprofits.

*EPA Releases Technical Guides to Support Vapor Intrusion Assessment and Mitigation Activities
The U.S. EPA recently released two technical guides to support assessment and mitigation activities at sites
where vapor intrusion is an actual or potential concern. The Technical Guide for Assessing and Mitigating the
Vapor Intrusion Pathway from Subsurface Vapor Sources to Indoor Air applies to all sites being evaluated
under federal land cleanup statutes by EPA, other federal agencies, state and tribal governments and
brownfield grantees.
EPA's 2015 Extreme Events Workshops and Coastal Resilience Training Series July 14-15: Des
Moines, Iowa
EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) Initiative is offering workshops for drinking water, wastewater,
and stormwater utilities that focus on understanding and adapting to challenges from extreme events, featuring
training on the Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT).
Coastal Resilience for the Water Sector: Training for Technical Assistance Providers June 25-26:
Mobile, Alabama;
July 21-22: West Babylon, New York
The Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative is also offering a series of trainings for water sector technical
assistance providers. The trainings will focus on how to support utilities in understanding and adapting to
impacts from coastal storm events and related threats using two new EPA tools: the Climate Resilience
Evaluation and Awareness Tools (CREAT) Version 3.0 and the Storm Surge Inundation and Hurricane Strike
Frequency Map.
New USDA Portal Enables Farmers, Ranchers to Request Conservation Assistance Online
Farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners can now do business with U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through a new online portal. With the launch of
Conservation Client Gateway, producers will have the ability to work with conservation planners online to
access Farm Bill programs, request assistance and track payments for their conservation activities.
Energy Department Evaluates Potential for Wind Power in 50 States
The Energy Department recently announced the release of "Enabling Wind Power Nationwide," a report
showing how the United States can unlock the potential for wind energy deployment in all 50 statesmade
possible through the next-generation of larger wind turbines.
*Second Cycle of Sunshot Catalyst Prize Competition is Underway Due June 30
Solar innovators are submitting problem statements for the ideation phase of the competition, which focuses on
generating and aggregating the U.S. solar energy markets pressing needs that can be solved through
automation, algorithms, data, and software. Submit your ideas today!
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automation, algorithms, data, and software. Submit your ideas today!

Opportunity for Public Review and Comment on EPA Draft Post-Closure Care Guidance Due June 30
EPA is inviting public comment on the draft Guidelines for Evaluating and Adjusting the Post-Closure Care
Period for Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities under Subtitle C of RCRA." EPA specifically requests
comments from permit writers, trade associations, environmental groups, and operating treatment, storage,
and disposal facilities (TSDF).

2016 New Partners Conference Call for Session Proposals Due June 30
The Local Government Commission will be conducting a formal Call for Session Proposals (CFSP) for the
2016 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference program. An electronic submittal form will be posted on the
conference web site, along with detailed instructions.
Call for Nominations: Nsedu Obot Witherspoon (NOW) Youth Leadership Award Due June 30
The Children's Environmental Health Network (CEHN) is excited to announce a call for nominations from nonfamily members for this award that honors youth for their exceptional environmental leadership, commitment to
environmental health, participation in community action, and other leadership skills..
Apply for a Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Orchard in Your Community Ongoing
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) strategically donates orchards where the harvest will best serve
communities for generations, including at community gardens, public schools, city and state parks, low-income
neighborhoods, and Native American reservations.

Project Learning Trees GreenWorks Grant Due September 30

Project Learning Tree is accepting applications for a school/community native plant garden, a forest
improvement project, a streamside restoration plan, a recycling program, or energy conservation project
targeting students.

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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