Artikel : Public Engagement Highlights: Week of June 11 to June 15, 2012 URL : http://soziokulturfuturist.wordpress.de/2012/06/16/public-engagement-highlights-week-of-june-11-to-june-15-2012/ Verfasst : 2012/06/16 at 00:24 Verfasser : hirnwellenreiter Kategorien : Science Feed Highlights from EPA’s Office of Public Engagement June 11 to June 15, 2012 Table of Contents: 1. EPA Proposes Clean Air Standards for Harmful Soot Pollution 2. EPA Announces Framework to Help Local Governments Manage Stormwater Runoff and Wastewater 3. EPA Takes Steps to Expand the Community’s Right to Know about Hazardous Chemicals 4. An Open Letter to Fathers from Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe 5. EPA's Fifteen Hot Tips for a Cool Summer 6. Call for applications for the 2012-2013 Tribal EcoAmbassadors program 7. Watch Office of Environmental Justice’s new video series 8. Be a part of EPA’s Clean Water Act 40th Anniversary Video Project: Tell Us Why “Water is Worth It” to You 9. Join the National Conversation on the Future of Our Communities – Submit a Short Paper by June 30, 2012 1. EPA Proposes Clean Air Standards for Harmful Soot Pollution/99 percent of U.S. counties projected to meet proposed standards without any additional actions WASHINGTON – In response to a court order, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed updates to its national air quality standards for harmful fine particle pollution, including soot (known as PM2.5). These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as acute bronchitis and aggravated asthma among children. A federal court ruling required EPA to update the standard based on best available science. Today’s proposal, which meets that requirement, builds on smart steps already taken by the EPA to slash dangerous pollution in communities across the country. Thanks to these steps, 99 percent of U.S. counties are projected to meet the proposed standard without any additional action. EPA’s proposal would strengthen the annual health standard for harmful fine particle pollution (PM2.5) to a level within a range of 13 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The current annual standard is 15 micrograms per cubic meter. The proposed changes, which are consistent with the advice from the agency’s independent science advisors, are based on an extensive body of scientific evidence that includes thousands of studies – including many large studies which show negative health impacts at lower levels than previously understood. By proposing a range, the agency will collect input from the public as well as a number of stakeholders, including industry and public health groups, to help determine the most appropriate final standard to protect public health. It is important to note that the proposal has zero effect on the existing daily standard for fine particles or the existing daily standard for coarse particles (PM10), both of which would remain unchanged. For full news release: http://go.usa.gov/vYH 2. EPA Announces Framework to Help Local Governments Manage Stormwater Runoff and Wastewater WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect public health by reducing overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater. In developing the framework, the EPA worked in close coordination with a variety of stakeholders, including publicly owned treatment works, state water permitting authorities, local governments, and nonprofit environmental groups. EPA's framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure, and will help communities as they develop plans that prioritize their investments in storm and wastewater infrastructure. For full news release: http://go.usa.gov/vrT 3. EPA Takes Steps to Expand the Community’s Right to Know about Hazardous Chemicals WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking another step to help increase the public’s knowledge and access to information on the presence of hazardous chemicals facilities in their community. EPA revised the Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms under Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).With this new information, states and communities can improve chemical safety and protect people's health and the environment. The new data elements added to the Tier I and Tier II inventory forms will improve community emergency response plans and make the forms more useful for state, local, and tribal agencies. EPA also revised some existing data elements to make reporting easier for facilities. The changes are intended to meet the purpose of EPCRA, which is to encourage and support state and local planning for emergencies caused by the release of extremely hazardous substances and to provide citizens and governments with information concerning potential chemical hazards present in their communities. Organizations and facilities subject to section 312 of EPCRA and implementing regulations found in 40 CFR 370 may be affected by this rule. This final rule does not impose any new requirements on state, local, or tribal governments. More information on general EPCRA requirements: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/epcra/index.htm. More information on the Tier I and Tier II forms: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/epcra/epcra_storage.htm 4. An Open Letter to Fathers from Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe It's a great time to be a dad. I don't say that because this Sunday is Father's Day – though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it. Being a dad is so important today because it's an opportunity to empower the next generation of men and women to conquer whatever challenges may face them. It's an opportunity to help shape their future. When fathers aren't a part of their lives, kids are more likely to get involved in harmful and destructive activities like drug use and crime. On the other hand, giving children the paternal support they need helps them grow into confident, capable and healthy men and women. All children deserve solid father figures in their lives, but far too many don't have them. President Obama, whose own father was absent for much of his childhood, understands that. That's why he created the Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative to celebrate fatherhood and create meaningful opportunities for fathers and children – and adult mentors and young mentees – to connect. Children aren't the only ones who reap the benefits of these relationships; fatherhood is one of the most inspiring things in life. Watching my daughters grow into responsible, driven and happy women has been an indescribable joy. It has also been great to share my passion for the environment with them. From their earliest days, we enjoyed the "great outdoors" whenever we had a chance – and we still do. But I also showed them the importance of protecting the natural resources that surround us by doing things like recycling and cutting back on energy use. These are things that are still a part of their lives today. June is America's Great Outdoors Month, and finding creative ways to enjoy the open, outdoor spaces and keep them healthy and vibrant can be a great opportunity to bond with your son, daughter or mentee – and improve your community at the same time. Check out the outdoor activities aimed at protecting the environment on EPA's website for some ideas http://epa.gov/epahome/citizen.htm. We would love to hear about some of your outdoor dad experiences this summer, so please share your stories by tweeting @fatherhood, @EPAgov or using. However you choose to spend your time, I encourage you to continue making fatherhood or mentoring a priority in your life. Take the President's Fatherhood Pledge http://www.fatherhood.gov/pledge and do your part to help shape the next generation of happy, healthy Americans. Happy Father's Day to all, Bob Perciasepe Deputy Administrator, US EPA For a link to this blog post and more on EPA’s Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership (FBNP) Initiative please see: http://epa.gov/fbnpartnerships/index.html 5. EPA's Fifteen Hot Tips for a Cool Summer / Save money, water, energy while protecting health and encouraging environmental learning WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released today a list of 15 tips for the summer season, which kicks off June 20th. Whether relaxing at home or off exploring the great outdoors there are many ways people can save money, cut energy costs and continue to protect the health of their families while still enjoying the summer. Tips for a safe and enjoyable summer: 1. Energy Star savings for your home:The average home spends almost 20 percent of its utility bill on cooling. These cooling bills can be lowered by simply changing out incandescent light bulbs with EPA's Energy Star qualified lighting, which use less energy and produce approximately 75 percent less heat. Raising your thermostat by only two degrees and using your ceiling fan can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent too. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.es_at_home 2. Increase your gas mileage:Obey the speed limit; go easy on the brakes and avoid hard accelerations; reduce your time idling; and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you're not using your removable roof rack take it off to improve your fuel economy. http://www.fueleconomy.gov (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/) 3. Prevent skin cancer and be SunWise: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and is the most common cancer among 20 to 30-year-olds. Remember to practice safe sun habits. http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html 4. Heading to the beach? Check the water:Americans take almost two billion trips to the beach every year. Beaches are a place to play, watch wildlife, fish, and swim. Learn more on how to plan a safe trip to the beach and check out state specific beach advisory and closing notifications. http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/whereyoulive_state.cfm 5. Take EPA's apps with you on your smartphone:The AirNow app gives location-specific current air quality information to use to protect your health when planning daily activities and the Ultraviolet (UV) Index app provides daily and hourly forecast of the UV radiation levels from the sun so you can better prevent overexposure to the sun. http://m.epa.gov/apps/index.html 6. Enjoy the outdoors and capture the State of the Environment: Almost 40 years ago, EPA's Documerica project captured thousands of images across the nation as EPA’s work was just beginning. Now it’s your chance to mark the progress and submit environmental photos to EPA's State of the Environment photo project. http://blog.epa.gov/epplocations/about/ 7. Protect yourself with insect repellents: Mosquitoes and ticks can carry diseases but you can protect yourself by choosing the right repellent and using it correctly. Read the product label before using; apply just enough to cover exposed skin and clothing; and look for the protection time that meets your needs. Children can use the same repellents as adults unless there is a restriction on the label. http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/safe.htm 8. Water wisely:A large percentage of water we use at home is used outdoors. As much as 30 percent of that outdoor water use can be wasted due to evaporation by watering in the middle of the day. Water in the morning when winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Look for the new WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controller that uses local weather data to determine whether your sprinkler system should turn on. http://www.epa.gov/watersense 9. Clean greener: If you're going to wash the car, deck, boat, or RV– be sure to look for the Design for the Environment (DfE) label to quickly identify and choose cleaning products that are safer for families and also help protect the environment. Look for the DfE label on grill cleaners as well.http://www.epa.gov/dfe 10. Improve your indoor air: About 90 percent of people's time is spent indoors. While inside this summer, make sure to free your house of mold, test your home for radon, check your carbon monoxide detector and ask those who smoke to go outdoors. http://www.epa.gov/iaq 11. Check into an Energy Star hotel: On average, America’s 47,000 hotels spend more than $2,000 per available room each year on energy. Look for an Energy Star certified hotel--they perform in the top 25 percent of hotels nationwide, use an average of 35 percent less energy and emit an average of 35 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than peers. http://www.energystar.gov/buildinglist 12. Waste less and remember to recycle: Each year, Americans generate millions of tons of waste in homes and communities but it's easy to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycled items such as glass can be used in roadway asphalt (glassphalt) and recovered plastic can be used in carpeting and park benches. Learn what you can do to waste less. http://www.epa.gov/waste/wycd/summer.htm (http://www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/summer.htm) 13. Season firewood: Summer is a great time to season firewood in preparation for fall and winter. Remember to split firewood to the proper size for your wood stove or fireplace, but no larger than 6 inches in diameter; stack firewood to allow air to circulate around it; cover the top of the stack to protect it from the rain; and store your firewood for at least 6 months before using it. http://www.epa.gov/burnwise 14. Looking for a summer project and tired of the heat? Try composting: Composting can be a fun and educational summer project that saves landfill space, helps feed the soil and prevents methane, a potent greenhouse gas. http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/composting/basic.htm (http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/basic.htm) 15. Let summer inspire you and submit Six Words for the Planet:Keep the creativity flowing beyond the school year and into the summer by submitting a meaningful story or idea in just six words. http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2012/04/sixwords/ More local information from MyEnvironment: http://www.epa.gov/myenvironment/ More hot tips for a cool summer: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hi-summer.htm All year long you can Pick5 for the Environment: http://www.epa.gov/pick5/ 6. Call for Applications for the 2012-2013 Tribal EcoAmbassadors Program The EPA recently recognized its inaugural class of Tribal EcoAmbassadors, and is eager to welcome next year’s participants. The Tribal EcoAmbassadors program aims to both promote environmental education and find solutions to environmental problems pertinent to tribal communities. The program reaches out to faculty at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), awarding selected Tribal EcoAmbassadors financial and technical assistance to support a year-long initiative directed towards an environmental issue of their choosing. Not only does the program grant TCU faculty access to EPA research resources, it also engages TCU students through hands-on experience with research and policymaking while working towards the goal of the project. More information about EPA's EcoAmbassadors program and for an application: http://www.epa.gov/ecoambassadors/tribal/index.html 7. Watch Office of Environmental Justice’s New Video Series EPA's Office of Environmental Justice has officially launched its 20th Anniversary Video Series. These videos feature federal and local government officials, non-profit leaders and students who share stories about the lessons that they have learned over their time working on environmental justice. They will be featured on the Environmental Justice in Action Blog at http://blog.epa.gov/ej/. The first video available on the blog today features Vernice Miller-Travis. Watch the video, share it, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Also, be sure to add your e-mail to the subscribe link on the upper right side of the blog's home page to receive our weekly posts. Clicking the "Like" button is another way to let your friends know about this great resource. 8. Be a part of EPA’s Clean Water Act 40th Anniversary Video Project: Tell Us Why “Water is Worth It” to You As a part of EPA's CWA 40th Anniversary celebration, the Agency is hosting a video project asking Americans everywhere to send in a 15-second video clip explaining the important role that water plays in their lives. EPA will feature selected video clips on its website and "Water Is Worth It" Facebook page as part of its anniversary celebration. So grab your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, and pets and join in. Each video should include the phrase "Water is worth it..." but the rest is up to you! Videos will be accepted through September 14, 2012. But don't wait. Submit your video clips today! You can view our Clean Water Act 40th Anniversary website at www.epa.gov/cleanwater40 (http://www.epa.gov/cleanwater40) , join our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EPAWaterIsWorthIt, and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/epawater (http://twitter.com/#!/epawater) to view video entries, learn about our anniversary events, or learn more about the Clean Water Act. To register, http://youtube.com/w/?v=w29STRShG5Q . Please submit your video on or before September 14, 2012. 9. Join the National Conversation on the Future of Our Communities – Submit a Short Paper by June 30, 2012 What's your vision for the future of your community? Join the Smart Growth Network (SGN) in the first national conversation about how neighborhoods and regions could be planned, designed, or developed to meet the needs of current and future generations. Your ideas will help the members of the Smart Growth Network form strategies to help communities grow in ways that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life. Submit a short paper by June 30 about a community planning, design, or development issue you believe communities will be facing in the next 15 years. Visit http://smartgrowth.org/nationalconversation for details. Deadline: June 30, 2012 What kinds of topics is SGN interested in? We’re open to all ideas on community design, planning, and development. Here are just three examples: * Immigrants? Millennials? Which new demographic groups will shape communities and how will we meet their needs? (New populations) * How will communities engage and energize traditionally disadvantaged community members? (Social equity) * How will communities finance smart growth? (Financing mechanisms) What will happen to your contribution? Select submissions will be posted on http://smartgrowth.org/nationalconversation and shared widely among smart growth organizations. Submissions may also be featured at the National Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City, MO, Feb. 7-9, 2013. What is the Smart Growth Network? The Smart Growth Network is a group of private, public, and nongovernmental partner organizations seeking to improve development practices in neighborhoods, communities, and regions across the United States. Learn more at www.smartgrowth.org/network.php (http://www.smartgrowth.org/network.php) . Einen Kommentar zu diesem Beitrag schreiben: http://soziokulturfuturist.wordpress.de/2012/06/16/public-engagement-highlights-week-of-june-11-to-june-15-2012/
