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U.S. EPA Aging Initiative List Serve May 2010
- Announcements
- News, Research, Reports and Presentations
- New Resources and Opportunities
- Building Sustainable Communities
- Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
- Intergenerational Activities
- EPA Funding Opportunities
- Other Funding Opportunities
- Public Comments Requested
- 2010 Calendar of Events & Meetings and Call for Abstracts
I. Announcements
Older Americans Month
A Message from Assistant Secretary Kathy Greenlee on Older Americans Month 2010
I join President Obama in celebrating Older Americans Month. For 47 years, our nation has set the month of May aside to honor older Americans and acknowledge their continued contributions to our nation. Our theme for this year is "Age Strong! Live Long!" which recognizes the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans and highlights the importance of staying healthy throughout our lives.
To salute all older Americans and send a message about the importance of staying healthy and as independent as possible, AoA is sponsoring a festive and fun one-mile walk and low-impact tai chi session with local older Americans in Washington, D.C on May 27. Other communities across the country will be holding similar events throughout the month. We have also conducted a national "My Recipe for Strength" contest which invites Americans to share what they are doing to age strong. Winning entries will be selected in three categories: video, photography, and poetry/prose. I'd like to personally encourage everyone to take time to celebrate older Americans Month during May. We owe so much to our elders, and this is a great opportunity to thank them for what they have done for us.
I also would like to thank AoA's many partners at the federal, state and tribal level and our national network of community-based organizations who work on a daily basis to improve the health and quality of life for our nation's older population.
Click to read President Obama's proclamation
EPA Issues Report on U.S. Climate Change Indicators
Heat waves, storms, sea levels, glaciers, and wildlife migrations are just a few of the environmental indicators that show measurable signs of climate change. The EPA report, Climate Change Indicators in the United States, looks at 24 key indicators that show how climate change impacts the health and environment of the nation's citizens.
Some of the key findings include: Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are increasing. Between 1990 and 2008, there has been about a 14 percent increase in emissions in the United States.
Average temperatures are rising. Seven of the top 10 warmest years on record for the continental United States have occurred since 1990.
Tropical cyclone intensity has increased in recent decades. Six of the 10 most active hurricane seasons have occurred since the mid-1990s.
Sea levels are rising. From 1993 to 2008, sea level rose twice as fast as the long-term trend.
Glaciers are melting. Loss of glacier volume appears to have accelerated over the last decade.
The frequency of heat waves has risen steadily since the 1960s. The percentage of the U.S. population impacted by heat waves has also increased.
The information included in this report will help inform future policy decisions and will help evaluate the success of climate change efforts. The data used in this report were collected by several government agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholder organizations. As new data and information become available, EPA will update and broaden the indicators in future reports.
Information about the Climate Change Indicators report
NIH-led Interagency Group Identifies Research Needs to Study Climate Change and Human Health Impacts
A recent report released by a federal working group highlights 11 key categories of diseases and other health consequences that are occurring or will occur due to climate change. The report, A Human Health Perspective on Climate Change provides a starting point for coordination of federal research to better understand climate's impact on human health. The recommendations of the working group include research to identify who will be most vulnerable, and what efforts will be most beneficial.
"This white paper articulates, in a concrete way, that human beings are vulnerable in many ways to the health effects of climate change," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program, whose institute led the interagency effort. "It lays out both what we know and what we need to know about these effects in a way that will allow the health research community to bring its collective knowledge to bear on solving these problems."
The white paper highlights the state-of-the-science on the human health consequences of climate change on:
- Asthma, respiratory allergies, and airway diseases
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Foodborne diseases and nutrition
- Heat-related morbidity and mortality
- Human developmental effects
- Mental health and stress-related disorders
- Neurological diseases and disorders
- Waterborne diseases
- Weather-related morbidity and mortality
- Vectorborne and zoonotic diseases (like malaria, which can be transmitted from animals to humans)
The report also examines a number of cross-cutting issues for federal research in this area, including susceptible, vulnerable, and displaced populations; public health and health care infrastructure; capacities and skills needed; and communication and education efforts. Read more about A Human Health Perspective on Climate Change report.
Celebrate Coastal Wetlands... Connecting Us All!
This May will mark the 20th anniversary of American Wetlands Month, a time when EPA and its partners in federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit, and private sector organizations celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health. It is also a great opportunity to discover and teach others about the important role that wetlands play in our environment and the significant benefits they provide - improved water quality, increased water storage and supply, reduced flood and storm surge risk, and critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife.
This year's American Wetlands Month will focus on coastal wetlands. Between 1998 and 2004, coastal wetlands losses in the eastern United States totaled about 59,000 acres per year. Read more about the status and importance of coastal wetlands in the fact sheet and National Wetlands Newsletter article below.
Fact Sheet: Celebrate Coastal Wetlands Connecting Us All! (PDF) (2 pp, 1.9MB, About PDF)
Newsletter: Celebrate Coastal Wetlands Connecting Us All! (PDF) (4 pp, 373K, About PDF)
EPA encourages all Americans to consider doing the following to help celebrate the month, wherever they reside:
- Learn about wetlands. This is a great time to better understand what a wetland is, where wetlands can be found, and the importance of wetlands. Activities may include reading and studying about wetland areas, drawing maps or illustrations of wetlands, and identifying native species found in wetlands. Information on wetlands and the important benefits they provide is available on this website, through EPA's wetlands fact sheets series
- Explore a wetland near you. Unless you live in the most extreme climate zones, there is a good chance a scenic wetland exists nearby for you to visit and explore. To find a wetland near you, consult your local parks department, state natural resource agency, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Take action to protect and restore wetlands. Support and promote wetlands informing community members about wetlands' vital roles, "adopting" a wetland, joining a local watershed group, or participating in a wetland monitoring, restoration, or cleanup project. There are many other actions Americans can take to help conserve wetlands. To learn more about what you can do to help protect and restore these valuable natural resources in your state or local area, visit What You Can Do to Protect and Restore Wetlands
Environmental Policy Change Initiative by the Healthy Aging Research Network (CDC-HAN)
CDC-HAN is interested in engaging professionals nationwide in promoting environmental policy change to support healthy aging. You can become a part of this important one-year initiative. To start, please take an online survey about your learning needs and what you would like to accomplish. The CDC-HAN plans to use the survey results to create action briefs, online resources, interactive online mini-conferences, and an online community to share ideas, resources, and successes. Please read more about the survey 
.
II. News, Research, Reports and Presentations
Physicians for Social Responsibility Training Webinar on Environmental Drivers of Chronic Disease
Based on the peer-reviewed report Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging
Expand your knowledge of environmental health across the lifespan, and your comfort level on speaking to others on this topic. Join Greater Boston PSR and Ted Schettler MD MPH, Healthy Aging report co-author and a leading expert on environmental health, in a training webinar based on key findings of the Healthy Aging report.
The 1.5 hour webinar will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, May 18th 1pm EDT, 10am PDT
- Wednesday, May 19th 9pm EDT, 6pm PDT
It will cover the following: environmental factors as key drivers of many common chronic diseases; how environmental factors alter key biological pathways leading to chronic disease; important environmental determinants of health including:
- Food system/nutrition and diet
- Toxic chemicals
- Built environment / physical activity
- Psychological & socioeconomic stress
Examples of cross cutting solutions for healthy people & a healthy environment. The webinar PowerPoint and other Healthy Aging materials will be made available to attendees.
Please respond by May 17th to psrmabo@igc.org with the subject "EDCC Training Webinar" and indicate which date you will attend. You will be sent instructions on how to access the webinar and provided background material. The webinar will feature a PowerPoint Presentation complete with references and speaker notes, and time for questions and answers.
Trends in Disability and Related Chronic Conditions among People Ages Fifty To Sixty-Four
Although still below 2 percent, the proportion of people ages 50-64 who reported needing help with personal care activities increased significantly from 1997 to 2007. The proportions needing help with routine household chores and indicating difficulty with physical functions were stable. These patterns contrast with reported declines in disability among the population age sixty-five and older. Particularly concerning among those ages 50-64 are significant increases in limitations in specific mobility-related activities, such as getting into and out of bed. Musculoskeletal conditions remained the most commonly cited causes of disability at these ages. There were also substantial increases in the attribution of disability to depression, diabetes, and nervous system conditions for this age group. Read more...
New Census Bureau Report Analyzes Nation's Linguistic Diversity
Population Speaking a Language Other than English Increases by 140%
The number of people 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home has more than doubled in the last three decades and at a pace four times greater than the nation's population growth, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report analyzing data from the 2007 American Community Survey and over a time period from 1980 - 2007. In that time frame, the percentage of speakers of non-English languages grew by 140 percent while the nation's overall population grew by 34 percent.
Spanish speakers accounted for the largest numeric increase - nationwide, there were 23.4 million more speakers in 2007 than in 1980 representing a 211 percent increase. The Vietnamese-speaking population accounted for the largest percentage increase of 511 percent (1.0 million speakers) over the same timeframe.
The new report, Language Use in the United States: 2007, identifies the states with the highest concentrations of some of the most commonly spoken non-English languages. The languages, and some of the states with the highest percentage of speakers of these languages, include: Spanish (Texas, California and New Mexico), French (Louisiana and Maine), German (North Dakota and South Dakota), Slavic languages (Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), Chinese (California, New York, Hawaii and Massachusetts) and Korean (Hawaii, California and New Jersey). Read more...
III. New Resources and Opportunities
Since the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico on April 22, 2010, EPA has mobilized resources to support the U.S. Coast Guard and protect public health and the environment. Our Emergency Operations Center at headquarters has been activated, trained EPA responders are working on the scene, and special mobile equipment has been sent to the Gulf area.
EPA has several online resources available
On this site you can find information on air and water quality, answers to common questions and technology solutions.
Policy Options to Improve Specialized Transportation
The AARP Public Policy Institute released a new report, Policy Options to Improve Specialized Transportation. The congressional authorization of the surface transportation law, coupled with the growing demand for specialized transportation, presents an opportunity to improve these services for people with mobility limitations. This paper describes specialized transportation; highlights promising practices; and offers policy options for improving these services. Specialized transportation is vital to helping people with mobility limitations live as independently as possible.
This report recommends that policymakers take steps to strengthen coordinated planning, increase support for mobility management, and improve data collection and reporting on these services. Policy options include: increasing overall funding for public transportation, especially specialized transportation; strengthening coordinated planning; continuing to support mobility management; collecting and analyzing smarter data to strengthen programs; expanding program flexibility; and studying the impact of consolidating the Federal Transit Administration's three specialized transportation programs. Read more...
Hard copies are available free of charge by emailing jgasaway@aarp.org (jgasaway@aarp.org) or calling 202-434-3890.
Strategies to Meet the Housing Needs of Older Adults
AARP Public Policy Institute has also released a series of print and internet resources that discuss housing challenges facing states and local communities and explores strategies that can be used to help meet changing need as the population ages. These resources focus on those challenges which can prevent older adults from being able to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
"Strategies to Meet the Housing Needs of Older Adults" explores strategies to enable older to remain in their homes and communities as they age. This Insight on the Issues focuses policy solutions that states and localities can use as the population ages:
- Provide accessible, safe, and affordable homes: This first section discusses the importance of providing housing for older adults that is not only affordable but also designed to accommodate a variety of physical abilities. Subsidized housing, universal design and visitability, and the weatherization of homes to improve energy-efficiency and lower utility costs are among the topics covered in this section.
- Improve access to social services and transportation options: A second section highlights the importance of designing communities in a way that allows older adults to access the services they need and want in order to live independently. Communities can facilitate successful aging in place by improving access to social services and providing their older populations with affordable transportation options.
- Support housing models geared to older adults: The third section explores various housing alternatives available to older adults who do not wish to live in a nursing home. Supportive housing and cohousing are among the options discussed. Read more about Strategies to Meet the Housing Needs of Older Adults .
2010 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing
The best in green and service-enriched senior housing
In partnership with the MetLife Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. offers the MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing. For 15 years, the awards have recognized organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, effectiveness and quality operations and services delivery in affordable housing.
Award: Four $50,000 unrestricted grants. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribes or tribally designated housing entities. Application deadline: May 26, 2010. Read more...
USDA Announces Grants to Expand Nutrition Help for Low-Income Seniors
Pilot Program Aims to Increase Access and Participation
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA will invest in pilot projects to increase access and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, among low-income seniors. Award grants totaling approximately $8 million will allow State agencies to pursue innovative outreach and delivery pilot projects.
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is encouraging State agencies to submit grant applications for programs designed to boost SNAP participation among Medicare's Extra Help population. Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy, is a program to help low-income individuals or couples with limited resources pay for their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Under a new law, data from these applications is sent to State Medicaid agencies to enroll people in Medicare Savings Programs. FNS will provide funding to encourage the Extra Help population to participate in SNAP by using State Medicaid agency data from Medicare Savings Programs. FNS invites State agencies to submit applications that will implement outreach efforts, simplify eligibility, or standardize benefits for this population. The deadline to submit grant proposal applications is June 30, 2010.
While the participation rate among all eligible persons was 66 percent in 2007, the participation rate is less than one third (32%) among eligible elderly. Research shows multiple reasons why eligible people, including seniors, do not participate in SNAP. These include stigma, unawareness of eligibility, confusion about program rules and requirements, and lack of transportation.
The Food and Nutrition Service oversees 15 nutrition assistance programs that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. The largest program, SNAP, puts healthy food on the table for more than 39.4 million people each month. Interested State agencies may obtain grant applications at http://www.grants.gov or http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
IV. Building Sustainable Communities
Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Recognition and Award Program
This award recognizes communities for their outstanding comprehensive approaches to implementing principles of smart growth, as well as strategies that support active aging. It is presented to communities with the best and most inclusive overall approach to implementing smart growth and active aging on a variety of fronts, at the neighborhood, tribe, city, county, and/or regional level.
For more information on the past winning communities, read more...
While this recognition program does not provide a financial award, the winners are the people living in these communities and this award recognizes the leadership of these communities in making their communities a great place to live. If you would like to submit an application to be considered for this recognition please read more...
Applications for 4th annual Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging the 2010 are due July 17, 2010.
New Supporter for Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups is the 41st supporter of the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Awards program.
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide membership organization that was founded in 1978. CWAG's mission is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages through: Intergenerational Understanding and Leadership Development, Public Education, Legal and Legislative Advocacy, and Public Policy Development.
What Makes a Healthy Home in Your State?
NCSL compiles a list of state residential health and/or housing codes
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), along with the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), collected state landlord-tenant codes that address health concerns in housing including: mandating carbon monoxide detectors; and making homes accessible to the disabled; are a few examples of the many health-based landlord-tenant laws adopted by states.
These healthy housing codes set the minimum standards for rental property and assigns specific duties for landlords and tenants, and to a certain extent, private housing. The codes have been categorized into energy efficiency; home safety and security from crime; moisture and weatherproofing; notices and disclosures; occupancy and access; pest control and extermination; smoke and carbon monoxide alarm codes.
Only the landlord and the tenant can enforce their rights under landlord-tenant law. Government agencies typically cannot enforce the law. In addition, the law does not apply to owner-occupied housing. All but North Dakota have a landlord-tenant law. Half of the states permit their regulatory agency to revise the codes. The rest require the state legislature to act. Read more...
V. Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Strategy 2010
The 2010 National Drug Control Policy Strategy includes policies to reduce drug abuse and its consequences. One of the recommendations in this year's report is "Curbing prescription drug abuse by expanding prescription drug monitoring programs, encouraging community prescription take-back initiatives, informing the public of the risks of prescription drug abuse and overdose, recommending disposal methods to remove unused medications from the home, and working with physicians to achieve consensus standards on opiate painkiller prescribing."
To see the entire executive summary, read more...
VI. Intergenerational Activities
4th Annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pleased to announce the 4th annual Rachel Carson intergenerational "Sense of Wonder" contest. Entries for the contest should be developed by persons from younger and older generations. Teams can work create poetry, take photographs, write essays, and or dance. These creations should celebrate the legacy and love of nature that Rachel Carson so eloquently embodied. The contest is sponsored by the US EPA, the Dance Exchange, the Rachel Carson Council, Inc., and Generations United.
Teams can select the medium for their work as it captures their interactions with and reflections on the wonders of nature. Mixed media entries are welcome as well, such as a photo accompanied with a poem or an essay. Video entries can be of persons dancing or capture movements and visible changes in nature from dawn to dusk. A panel of expert judges will select finalists. The winners in each category of photography, essay, poetry, and dance will then be determined by the public, who will have an opportunity to cast votes online for their favorite submissions.
Carson wrote that she would endow every child with "a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life." However, "if a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."The contest seeks to spur and instill that same sense of wonder among all generations. Should you need some inspiration from Rachel Carson, check out this web page about her and her works that captured nature so eloquently.
Entries are due June 16, 2010. For more information about the contest, read more...
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 5, is National Trails Day is a great day to plan community events to get people of all ages outside for social activities and exercise - you can emphasize physical activity and health, or enjoying the out of doors and nature. A website has "registered" activities (or you can register new events), and ideas for things to do. Over the years in Juneau, Alaska public health nurses plan walks for people at risk of diabetes, trail repair days, and celebratory picnics and speeches with trail ribbon-cuttings and such. You can also promote environmental stewardship by staying on trails - in some places to protect sensitive environments, in others to keep people away from ticks. Read more...
VII. EPA Funding Opportunities
2010 Targeted Watersheds Grants Program: Urban Watershed Capacity Building Grant
Through the Targeted Watershed Grants Program, EPA plans to award up to $600,000 to an eligible entity to manage an Urban Watershed Capability Building Grant. A key component of the Urban Watershed Capacity Building Grant is to engage communities in capacity building activities to foster an increased connection, understanding, and ownership of their waters. EPA is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants that address the following two project components: (1) establish and manage a competitive urban watershed subaward program; and (2) provide urban watershed technical services to subawardees.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is based on the growing need for local watershed protection efforts in urban areas. EPA is encouraging local watershed organizations and local communities to envision the role their watershed should have in their long range community development plans and aiding communities to formulate a means to achieve this. Proposals must be received by EPA by May 19, 2010. A national panel will evaluate and rank proposals based on the evaluation criteria stated in the RFP. Selection of the successful applicant will be announced this summer.
Deadline: May 19, 2010. Read more...
Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Program - Annual Training Workshop Support
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities to support the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Annual Training Workshop. The CARE Annual Training Workshop is held each year to support CARE's community-based, community-driven, multimedia demonstration program designed to help communities understand and reduce risk due to toxic pollution and environmental concerns from all sources. The objective of the training workshop is to educate the CARE program in working collaboratively within the community to increase understanding of new approaches, to facilitate use of proven concepts, and to encourage more innovation in environmental programs. Deadline: May 24, 2010. Read more...
Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program
This notice announces the availability of EPA grant funds and direct assistance (through Agency contract support) for projects from eligible entities to facilitate community involvement in area-wide planning approaches to brownfields assessment, cleanup, and subsequent reuse. Area-wide planning grant funding and technical assistance will be directed to brownfields-impacted areas, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or corridor. The grant funding and direct assistance will result in an area-wide plan which will inform the assessment, cleanup and reuse of brownfields properties and promote area-wide revitalization. EPA anticipates selecting approximately 20 pilot projects through this competitive opportunity. Deadline: June 1, 2010. Read more...
Research to Improve Risk Communication Strategies During and After the Decontamination/Clearance Phase of an Intentional Biological Release
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking applications proposing development of effective risk communication strategies during and after decontamination and clearance activities associated with an intentional biological indoor and outdoor wide area contamination. Deadline: July 8, 2010. Read more...
National Environmental Education Training Program
Section 5 of the National Environmental Education Act authorizes EPA to fund a National Environmental Education Training Program. The purpose of this program is to deliver environmental education training and long-term support to teachers and other education professionals across the U.S. to enable them to teach effectively about environmental issues. Deadline: July 26, 2010. Read More...
VIII. Other Funding Opportunities
Geographic and Contextual Influences on Energy Balance-Related Health Behaviors (R01)
This announcement invites applications for investigator-initiated projects concerned with the influence of the built environment, "contextual" environment (where people live, work and play), and health-related behavior on the individual's energy balance and, therefore, on health. There is clear evidence of a strong association between diet, exercise, body weight (i.e. the "energy balance") and a variety of chronic ("metabolic") diseases. A number of environmental features can affect energy balance such as density, diversity, design and accessibility of buildings. Socioeconomic status of residents, amenities such as transportation, accessible parks and pathways for walking and cycling - all of those and others can influence energy balance-related behavior. Studies are needed to evaluate all of those factors. Deadline: June 5, 2010. Read more...
NIH Critical Illness and Injury in Aging
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are requesting research grant applications that are focused on mechanisms and management of critical illness and injury (including trauma and neurotrauma) in aging. The type of investigation may be mechanistic, observational or interventional. Proposals that utilize existing datasets, such as from large observational studies or clinical trials, are acceptable. Animal studies are appropriate in cases where human studies are not feasible. Deadlines: June 5 & October 5, 2010. Read more...
NIMH Developing Centers for Intervention and/or Services Research
The National Institute of Mental Health invites research grant applications related to the missions of the Division of Services and Intervention Research and the NIMH Geriatrics Research Branch. The latter supports intervention research relevant to older adults. The purpose of the grants is to provide infrastructure support for groups of investigators that will allow expansion of their intervention and/or services research. The scope of this offering is broad and meant to support investigators who are involved in treatment, prevention and/or services research. Deadline: June 24, 2010. Read more...
Critical Illness and Injury in Aging (R01)
Four Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have joined in soliciting applications designed to study mechanisms and management of critical illness and injury, including trauma and neurotrama, in aging. In recent years there have been important advances in the evaluation and management of critical illnesses and injuries. However, the relationship of critical care and aging remains understudied. The treatment of critical illnesses of elders is frequently simply an extension of the treatments applied to younger adult populations. Given the age-related structural and functional changes associated with age, it is probable that such changes influence that presentation and treatment of illnesses of the elderly. Proposed studies may be mechanistic, observational or interventional in nature. Deadlines: July 5, November 5, 2010. Read more...
NSF - Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities
The National Science Foundation invites research proposals that will lead to new technology, devices or software that will benefit persons with disabilities. Research may be directed toward the characterization, restoration, and /or substitution of human functional abilities or cognition, or the interaction of persons with disabilities and their environment. Emphasis is placed on significant advancement of fundamental engineering and scientific knowledge rather than on incremental improvements.
Application due dates: August 15 - September 23, 2010. Read more...
IX. Public Comments Requested
EPA Proposes to Streamline Approval Process for Fuel Conversion Systems
The EPA is proposing to make it easier for manufacturers to gain approval to sell fuel conversion systems. The conversion systems allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels, which may appeal to consumers concerned about energy security, fuel costs, or emissions. The proposal reflects EPA's interest in encouraging innovation and spurring conversions that use clean energy technologies.
Under the proposed approach, compliance requirements would vary based on age of the vehicle or engine being converted. EPA has found that the compliance process for older vehicles and engines could be streamlined, while maintaining environmental safeguards. As opposed to a one-size fits all approach, requirements would now be based on whether a vehicle or engine is deemed to be new, intermediate-age, or outside its expected useful life.
Conversion systems alter an existing vehicle or engine to enable it to run on a different type of fuel, such as switching a car to run on compressed natural gas. While properly engineered conversion systems can reduce or at least not increase emissions, poorly designed systems can lead to much more pollution. EPA reminds consumers only to use systems that have EPA approval. EPA will accept public comments on this proposal until July 23, 2010. Read more about Alternative Fuel Conversion.
X. 2010 Calendar of Events & Meetings
Calendar 2010
May 2010
May is Older Americans
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/Observances/oam/archive/archive.aspx
International Federation on Ageing
May 3-6, 2010.
Melbourne, Australia
http://www.ifa-fiv.org/
American Geriatrics Society
May 12-14, 2010
Orando, FL
http://www.americangeriatrics.org
Congress for the New Urbanism Annual Conference
May 19-22, 2010
Atlanta, GA
http://www.cnu.org/cnu18
2010 National River Rally
May 21-24th
Snowbird, UT
http://www.rivernetwork.org/programs/national-river-rally
June 2010
NANASP 2010 Annual Training Conference
June 2-4, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
http://www.nanasp.org/upcomingconferences.html
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE)
June 6-10, 2010
Portland, OR
http://www.cste.org/conference/Default.aspx
National Association of State Units on Aging
46th Annual NASUA Membership Meeting
June 27-29, 2010
Washington, DC
http://www.nasua.org/
July 2010
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) Annual Conference
July 17-21, 2010
St. Louis, MO
http://www.n4a.org/training-events/annual-conference/?fa=call_sessions
September 2010
World Water Monitoring Day
September 18, 2010
http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/About/About_Main.html
National Association of State Units on Aging & Georgia Division for Aging Services, Georgia Gerontology Society
Date: September 26-29, 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=ddd579b2-12e1-40c7-b3cc-b484eec310cc
October 2010
Creating Livable Homes & Communities
October 10-12, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri
http://uds4.org
2010 International Symposium on Safe Medicine
Portland, Maine
October 10-12, 2010 http://www.umaine.edu/mainecenteronaging/documents/2010IntSympSafeMedSTD.pdf
RAIL~VOLUTION 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Date: October 18-21, 2010
Site: http://www.railvolution.com/CallForProposals.asp
Grantmakers in Aging
October 20-22, 2010
Chicago, Ill
Site: http://www.aging.org
Save the Dates 2011 — Calendar
Call for Papers
XVIIIth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 20-23, 2011
http://www.societyforhumanecology.org/final%20program_files/CallForPapers.html