EPA Awards $1.65 Million in Research Fellowships to Undergraduates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM THE U.S. EPA

EPA Awards $1.65 Million in Research Fellowships to UndergraduatesEPA’s GRO Fellowships have supported students for more than 30 years

Washington, DC – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $1.65 million in research fellowships to 33 students pursuing degrees in environmental science and related fields through its Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowship program. This year marks the 30th anniversary of EPA’s undergraduate grant program.

“For 30 years, EPA’s GRO program has nurtured and supported new generations of America’s workforce as they prepare to enter the environmental science and public health fields,” Lek Kadeli, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This year’s GRO recipients truly reflect EPA’s commitment to research that promotes a sustainable and healthy nation.”

The 2013 GRO recipients are eligible to receive a fellowship of up to $50,000 for their studies in natural and life sciences, environmental sciences and interdisciplinary programs, engineering, social sciences, physical and earth sciences, and mathematics and computer sciences. EPA’s GRO program also supplements the students’ education with an EPA internship.

Past GRO winners continue to make a significant impact in their field of study and local communities. A past GRO fellow, Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Director, Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health at the University of Maryland is working to address environmental injustice and environmental health disparities in the Washington, DC region. Dr. Wilson’s work is a great illustration of how science, community organizing, and civic engagement can be used to address environmental health issues at the local level. The GRO Fellowship, created in 1982, has funded more than 395 undergraduates’ education over the past 30 years as they pursue degrees related to the environmental science and public health fields.

The 2013 GRO has awarded fellowships to students at:

Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala.
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, Calif.
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif.
Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif.
University of New Haven, West Haven, Conn.
Howard University, Washington, DC
American University, Washington, DC
University of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii
Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Ky
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Ky
Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.
Smith College, Northhampton, Mass.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, Md.
University of Maine, Orono, Maine
Lake Superior State University, Marie, Mich.
Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Mich.
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich.
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo.
Salish Kootenai College, Pablo, Mont.
University of Nevada, Reno, Nev.
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.
LaFayette College, Easton, Pa.
Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, Va.
Western Washington University, Bellingham, Wash.
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas

For more information on the 2013 GRO awardees: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/gro13

For information about the GRO Program: http://epa.gov/ncer/fellow/

For more information on student opportunities: http://www.epa.gov/careers/internships/

CONTACT:

Cathy Milbourn
milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
202-564-7849
202-564-4355

EPA Administrator Testifies Before House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

Earlier today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy testified before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee at a hearing to discuss strengthening transparency and accountability within EPA. Below is a copy of her transcript, provided by the EPA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2013

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Testimony Before House Committee on Science, Space and Technology:

Contact: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, press@epa.gov

WASHINGTON – As prepared for delivery.

Good morning Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Johnson, and other distinguished members of the Committee. I am pleased to be here to talk about the central role science plays at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Let me begin by stating that science is and has always been the backbone of the EPA's decision-making. The Agency’s ability to pursue its mission to protect human health and the environment depends upon the integrity of the science upon which it relies. I firmly believe that environmental policies, decisions, guidance, and regulations that impact the lives of all Americans must be grounded, at a most fundamental level, in sound, high quality, transparent, science.

Because we rely so heavily on science to meet our mission on behalf of the American people, it must be conducted in ways that are transparent, free from bias and conflicts of interest, and of the highest quality, integrity, and credibility. These qualities are important not just within our own organization and the federal government, but across the scientific community, with its long established and highly honorable commitment to maintaining strict adherence to ethical investigation and research. That’s why the agency has established—and embraced—a Scientific Integrity Policy that builds upon existing Agency and government-wide policies and guidance documents, explicitly outlining the EPA’s commitment to the highest standards of scientific integrity. And that commitment extends to any scientist or organization who wishes to contribute to our efforts. All EPA-funded research projects, whether conducted by EPA scientists or outside grantees and collaborators, must comply with the agency’s rigorous quality assurance requirements.

To ensure that we have the best possible science, we are committed to rigorous, independent peer review of the scientific data, models and analyses that support our decisions. Peer review can take a number of forms, ranging from external reviews by the National Academy of Sciences or the EPA’s federal advisory committees to contractor-coordinated reviews. Consistent with OMB guidance, we require peer review for all EPA research products and for all influential scientific information and highly influential scientific assessments.

Among the external advisory committees is the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB). SAB reviews are conducted by groups of independent non-EPA scientists with the range of expertise required for the particular advisory topic. We invite the public to nominate experts for SAB panels and to comment on candidates being considered by the EPA for SAB panels. The EPA evaluates public comments and information submitted about SAB nominees. The EPA reviews experts’ confidential financial information to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest.

SAB peer reviews are conducted in public sessions in compliance with the open-government requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The public is invited to attend and to provide oral and written comments for consideration by the SAB. Public comments help to ensure that all relevant scientific and technical issues are available to the SAB as it reviews the science that will support our environmental decisions.

Another example is the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) which provides independent advice to the EPA Administrator on the science that supports the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The CASAC reviews the EPA’s Integrated Science Assessments which deliver science in support of the Clean Air Act.

Thanks to the science behind the implementation of the Clean Air Act, we have made significant and far-reaching improvements in the health and well-being of the American public. In 2010 alone, EPA estimates that programs implemented pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 avoided 160,000 premature deaths millions of cases of respiratory problems such as acute bronchitis and asthma attacks; 45,000 cardiovascular hospitalizations; and 41,000 hospital admissions. These improvements have all occurred during a period of economic growth; between1970 and 2012 the Gross Domestic Product increased by 219 percent.

Through a transparent and open process, we have also committed to enhancing the Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment program. A strong, scientifically rigorous IRIS Program is of critical importance, and the EPA is in the process of: 1) enhancing the scientific integrity of assessments; 2) enhancing the productivity of the Program; and 3) increasing transparency so that issues are identified and debated early in the process. In 2009, the EPA made significant enhancements to IRIS by announcing a new 7-step assessment development process. Since that time, the National Research Council (NRC) has made recommendations related to enhancing the development of IRIS assessments. The EPA is making changes to the IRIS Program to implement the NRC recommendations. These changes will help the EPA produce more high quality IRIS assessments each year in a timely and transparent manner to meet the needs of the Agency and the public. A newly released NRC report is largely supportive of the enhanced approach the EPA is taking to develop the IRIS assessment for inorganic arsenic.

As I mentioned in my opening statement, science is the backbone of our decision-making and our work is based on the principles of scientific integrity and transparency that are both expected and deserved by the American people. I am proud of the EPA’s research efforts and the sound use of science and technology to fulfill the EPA’s mission to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I am happy to answer any questions you may have at this time.

Updates in California with Title 24

The state of California announced that it will begin implementing new building code revisions in the Spring of 2014. The revisions are called, "Title 24," and aim to improve the state's infrastructure and to continue to build sustainably. It will bring innovation to design and aim to make the buildings more energy efficient. One of the last phases includes solar panel installation. 

The purpose behind the update is to achieve Zero Net Energy (ZNE) classification. According to journalist Bill Roth, "in ZNE buildings, the annual energy consumption is equal to its annual production of renewable energy." Title 24 has two deadlines for all buildings to be considered ZNE: 2020 for all residential units and 2030 for all commercial buildings. This is a huge, positive step for construction and architecture in California.

To encourage businesses and builders to get started as soon as possible, CA Governor Jerry Brown has requested and entered into legislation that 50% of state-owned infrastructures reach ZNE by 2025.

Some highlights of Title 24 include:

• Influence on Current CA Codes
• Updated financial perks for participants
• Controlling 120-volt plug-ins
• Automatic lighting
• Solar power initiatives 
• Benefits for Californians 

Outlooks on Title 24 are positive. These new codes will put energy efficiency at the forefront of the goals. It shows how going green benefits everyone in the end. Although 2020 seems far away, there is much work to be done in order to achieve this undertaking. 

One resource available to those looking to get involved in the green building industry is GreenEDU's Solar Training. We provide accelerated training classes developed specifically for contractors, electricians, engineers, solar energy entrepreneurs and sales people. Our introductory courses are for anyone considering a career change in the growing solar industry. The advanced level courses are designed as turnkey solutions to help you succeed in today's rapidly growing green collar workforce. Based on NABCEP task analysis, our solar training programs are structured to help you break into the solar industry as quickly as possible.

We also offer many courses in Energy Efficiency. With training and certification courses that cover both the residential and corporate sectors, GreenEDU is your source for the highest quality energy efficiency and green jobs training. Most of the courses below even include an industry-acknowledged certification, so you will leave class as a certified professional. As Title 24 continues, these kinds of training courses will become another tool in the belt of green education.

Check out GreenEDU and look through the various courses we have to suit your every green training need.

You can review the updated standards provided by the state of California here.
For more information about the process, please visit the state's website.
Visit Triple Pundit for the full story. 

BPI's Building Analyst Testing Knowledge List Now Available

For Immediate Release from the Building Performance Institute:
BPI's Building Analyst Testing Knowledge List Now Available

On October 31, BPI announced that the Building Analyst (BA) certification will be upgraded on February 1, 2014. The final BA Testing Knowledge List that will become active on February 1 is now available.

Building science best-practices are always evolving. There's a regular flow of new tools and techniques to learn and master. The Building Analyst (BA) certification exams are being updated to ensure that Building Analysts have command of the latest best practices in whole house energy audits. In addition to verifying increased proficiency, you get a higher level of confidence from your customers, your employer, the programs you participate in and the market at large.

Click here to view, or go to BPI.org>Documents>Testing Knowledge Lists.

Click here for more information on the BA certification upgrade.

About the Building Performance Institute BPI is the nation's premier building performance credentialing, quality assurance and standards setting organization. BPI develops technical standards using an open, transparent, consensus-based process built on sound building science. BPI is approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) as an accredited developer of American National Standards and as a certifying body for personnel credentials.

BPI offers the following:

• National standards to ensure top quality, consistent protocols are being followed throughout the home performance and weatherization workforce
• Certification of individuals in residential energy auditing and analysis, energy upgrade installation, crew leader, quality control inspection and multi-family designations 
• Accreditation of contracting companies committed to delivering quality home performance improvements
• Quality assurance to verify conformance with BPI standards and provide feedback for continuing improvement
• Partnership with testing organizations that deliver BPI services in their market 

LEED Exams And Credentials Moved From GBCI To USGBC Website

Last week, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) quietly took back the management of the LEED credentialing exams and credential maintenance, previously run by its sister organization, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). USGBC sent an email to all LEED accredited professionals, explaining that it had updated the LEED credential accounts for an easier, more intuitive experience. The email outlined the benefits of the new online account platform, including:

• "An intuitive dashboard to monitor learning.
• A consolidated experience, putting all your interactions with USGBC in one location: usgbc.org.
• Simplified CE reporting forms to make reporting a breeze.
• More efficient renewal process that saves you time.
• Enhancements to automated reporting for education providers.
• Simplified exam registration including fewer steps, no wait time and consolidated payment."

Previously the LEED exam application process, as well as the maintenance of existing credentials, was all managed through the My Credentials account on GBCI. These pages now redirect to the redesigned USGBC's account portal. New candidates looking to apply for a LEED test date should now create an account at www.USGBC.org to begin the exam application process. To learn more about the various LEED exams available and corresponding prep material, visit www.greenedu.com/leed-certification.

Here is a preview of some of the new account features hosted on USGBC.org:

New USGBC Credential Account Dashboard:

The transition from My Credentials to the USGBC account also includes clearer tracking information for the user's Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) progress, as well as a simplified CE reporting form:

Lastly, candidates can now apply for additional LEED credentialing exams through their USGBC account through a simplified application process:

At GreenEDU, we are frequently fielding questions regarding the relationship between GBCI and USGBC, and the roles of each. This change may indicate a shift in the relationship between the organizations, with USGBC putting itself back at the center as the go-to source for all things LEED.

Want to learn more about becoming a LEED professional? Get the scoop in our 1-hour FREE Intro to LEED webinar. Register for our next session at: http://www.greenedu.com/free-intro-to-leed-accreditation-webinar-courses

LEED Facilitates Affordable Green Housing

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) helps guarantee that buildings are both cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly. While some government officials seek to ban LEED, such as Mississippi Senator Wicker, the General Services Administration (GSA) has officially recommended LEED as the premier rating system for federal building projects. LEED continues to be the most successful third-party green building rating system and is beginning to impact low-cost, affordable housing.

According to USGBC, LEED was virtually nonexistent in the state of Georgia in 2008. Throughout the next few years, housing developers began to implement the LEED rating system for affordable homes. The Georgia Department of Community allows low income housing tax credits for developers seeking to use a third-party green building rating system, giving incentive to home developers and spurring growth in the affordable housing market. By 2012, 100% of all projects using low income housing tax credits were seeking certification under LEED for Homes and EarthCraft House.

LEED also provides numerous health benefits for its residents. LEED-certified affordable housing was implemented in the South Bronx in New York, and the study demonstrated that children and adults suffering with asthma experienced significant decreases in symptoms, attacks, and hospital visits once living in LEED-certified affordable housing.

Nearly half of states in the US currently allow Quality Allocation Plan points for housing developers seeking to build green. Almost one-third of states provide monetary incentive for developers to do so. LEED continues to make a significant impact nationwide, lowering costs and improving the health and wellbeing of the communities that use it.

Other industries have also started to use LEED standards in developing their buildings. Studies have shown that green buildings lower energy costs, increase consumer sales, and increase ROI in hospitality and retail industries. Hotels, for example, on average, decreased their energy consumption by 15% and increased their return on investment by 14% by implementing LEED standards for their green buildings.

Do you want to become LEED certified? Visit GreenEDU and register for a course in your area or for an online-anytime course to be taken at your convenience. Sign up for a LEED Exam Preparation course or for a LEED Continuing Education course today!

Featured Course: Meth Lab Decontamination Training

Crystal Meth

Across the U.S., remediation specialists are seeing an increase in demand for methamphetamine laboratory cleanup services as production and use of the drug increases. Once a lab has been shut down, the remaining space can be extremely hazardous, which is why cities and property owners are seeking to hire professionals who have the appropriate training and certification. Green Education Services now offers a Methamphetamine Laboratory Decontamination Course for professionals looking to provide this service.

Transforming a former meth lab safe for reoccupation requires two basic efforts: the removal of gross contamination (i.e., containers of chemicals, equipment and apparatus used to make illegal drugs); and the remediation of interior structures and surrounding soil, surface waters and groundwater. The meth lab decontamination course provides voluntary guidelines related to remediation.

Remediation involves utilizing recognized procedures and technology-based standards to restore former meth labs to a state in which the property can be inhabited again—or, instead, identifying properties that are not yet ready for reoccupation and must undergo further treatment. Remediation always occurs after gross chemical removal, when the site is secured and is no longer subject to criminal investigation.

This Methamphetamine Laboratory Decontamination course covers what is used to make methamphetamine and highlights the contamination associated with the production (cooking) of methamphetamine and what dangers result from that production. In addition, students will learn about the most current methamphetamine production methods. Students will also be taught how to survey the laboratory, test for contaminants, and learn how to proceed with decontamination.

Below are just a few of the topics covered in the Methamphetamine Lab Cleanup course:

• Methamphetamine Background
• Production of Methamphetamine
• Hazards of Clandestine Labs
• HAZCOM Plan
• Personal Protective Equipment & Respiratory Protection
• Equipment & Supplies, Specialty Equipment Options
• Pre-Decon Info Gathering & Contamination Assessment
• Salvage/Disposal Decisions
• Lab Sampling/Reports
• Decon/Remediation
• Outbuildings, Dump Sites
• Burn Pits & Disposal
• Waste Characterization
• Chemical Irritants - Tear Gas/OC
• Salvage/No Salvage Decisions
• Cleanup and Neutralization

To learn more about the Methamphetamine Laboratory Decontamination Courses, view the course detail at: http://www.greenedu.com/methamphetamine-laboratory-decontamination-courses or call us at 646-564-3546.