http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/index.html This feed provides news and updates regarding EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program. http://www.emvwebinar.org/ Register for webinar on Emerging EM&V Issues for States.]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#upcomingwebcasts On May 16, 2012, from 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT), EPA will hold an introductory webinar that will cover the big picture questions that local governments should consider when funding clean energy programs. It will guide local governments through the context of their own unique circumstances and illustrate the concepts through case studies that explore how local governments have used both conventional and unconventional methods to gain support, line up partners, and design and implement their funding programs. Register for this webcast at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/247930106.]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#a030112 This joint State and Local Climate and Energy Program webcast explained how to use EPA's GHG Reporting Program online data publication tool. Presenters also discussed ways in which state and local governments may be able to use this data. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#a030112.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/strategy-guides.html#renewable EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program has released a final version of Landfill Gas Energy: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs (PDF) (34pp, 2M). This guide describes how communities can achieve energy, environmental, health, and economic benefits by using landfill gas (LFG) recovered from municipal solid waste landfills as a source of renewable energy. It is designed to be used by local governments, regulatory and planning agencies, developers, contractors, project partners, energy service companies, and end users, including business and industrial customers who work with project owners.

Readers of the guide will come away with an understanding of options to recover and use LFG from landfills, a clear idea of the steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing LFG energy projects, and an awareness of expected costs and financing opportunities.

This document is part of the Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series, which is designed to help policy makers and program staff plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective climate and energy projects that generate economic, environmental, social, and human health benefits.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a013012 This Tech Forum covered different approaches to quantifying emissions reductions from energy efficiency and renewable energy, and how to choose the best method for your state's needs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a013012.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#upcomingforums On March 1, 2012, from 2:00-3:30 PM (EST), EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Programs will jointly host a webcast on how to use EPA's GHG Reporting Program online data publication tool. Presenters will also discuss ways in which state and local governments may be able to use this data. To register for this webcast, go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/847239738.

]]> http://projects.erg.com/clean_energy/statelocal/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a011812 This joint webcast with EPA's Green Power Partnership hlighlighted how municipalities from around the country are leveraging EPA programs to reduce the impacts of their communities' energy use. EPA program managers discussed the Green Power Community and Climate Showcase Communities programs as well as the tools and resources these programs offer participating communities. Representatives from two EPA Green Power Communities - Washington, DC and Corvallis, Oregon - presented information on their Green Power Community experience, and Corvallis also discussed its Climate Showcase activities.

]]> http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/tool.html State and communities are increasingly investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve their air quality, economic, and energy goals. One way to do this is by adopting clean energy financing programs that make efficiency and renewable energy more affordable for their residential, commercial, and municipal sectors. The State and Local Climate and Clean Energy Program is supporting these efforts with the launch of a new online Financing Program Decision Tool and a Financing Program Decision Guide.

The Financing Program Decision Tool is designed for state and local staff in the early stages of choosing a clean energy financing program. Answer a handful of simple questions, and the Tool quickly highlights the most promising program options for your jurisdiction to pursue.

The Tool is complemented by the Financing Program Decision Guide. This Guide includes the basics on financing-program options, key considerations with these programs, and factors for states and communities to weigh as they get started with financing or expand their existing financing programs.

Learn more here: http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/financing.html.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a120711 In Part 2 of a two-part series on Climate Action Planning (also called Energy or Sustainability Planning), a diverse group of local governments with firsthand experience discussed climate action plan evaluation, including methods, tools, and indicators used to measure progress; data sources and data management; benefits of climate actions, and communicating results. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a120711.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a111711 In Part 1 of a two-part series on Climate Action Planning (also called Energy or Sustainability Planning), a diverse group of local governments with firsthand climate action planning experience discussed gathering support from key stakeholders; collecting data and setting goals; estimating greenhouse gas reduction potential and other benefits; working towards implementation; and tools and resources. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a111711.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#upcomingwebcasts The second webinar of this two-part series on Climate Action Planning will focus on helping local governments measure and evaluate the progress of their climate mitigation work. A diverse group of local governments with firsthand experience will discuss their experiences, including methods/tools/indicators used to measure progress; data sources and data management; benefits of climate actions; and communicating results. Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/961077066.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html In 2010 and 2011, EPA awarded $20 million in competitive grants to help local and tribal governments establish and implement climate change initiatives. The profile pages for both rounds of grantees have been updated to include latest project status, photos, videos, and preliminary results where available. Profiles can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/econ-recovery/index.html#a02-a This guide has been designed to help state and local governments see which EPA programs could be leveraged to expand or develop clean energy initiatives in their own jurisdictions. A link to the guide can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/econ-recovery/index.html#a02-a.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a080411 Clean Energy programs and projects help reduce air pollution, improve public health, lower health care costs and reduce contributions to climate change. This Tech Forum was the third in a three-part series on Assessing the Multiple Benefits of Clean Energy. Speakers discussed key concepts to consider when quantifying the jobs impacts from clean energy; two different methods that states have used to quantify the jobs impacts of clean energy initiatives; and NREL's publicly available Job and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) model, which is used to estimate jobs impacts from clean energy policies and programs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a080411.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a071211 Energy used by commercial and industrial buildings in the United States is responsible for nearly 50 percent of our national emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to global climate change. Local governments can lead by example and achieve substantial energy cost savings across their facilities, demonstrate energy and environmental leadership, and raise public awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency to reduce GHG emissions. This webcast provided an overview of how local governments can plan, implement, and evaluate projects to reduce the energy consumption and GHG emissions of their buildings. Federal tools and resources and local case studies were also discussed. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a071211.

]]> http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html Clean Energy initiatives reduce energy demand from fossil fuels and increase renewable energy generation - the also reduce air pollution, improve public health, lower health costs, support a clean energy economy and reduce contributions to climate change. This Tech Forum is the third in a three-part series on Assessing Multiple Benefits of Clean Energy. It will cover two different methods states have used to quantify the jobs impacts of clean energy initiatives. Speakers will give an overview of how clean energy investments affect jobs and key concepts to consider when quantifying the jobs impacts from clean energy; discuss how New York has estimated job impacts of clean energy using a multiplier they developed and the key lessons they have learned; and present on how NREL's publicly available Job and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) model can be and has been used to estimate jobs impacts from clean energy policies and programs. To register, visit: http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a061411 Clean Energy programs and projects help reduce air pollution, improve public health, lower health care costs and reduce contributions to climate change. This Tech Forum was the second in a three-part series on Assessing the Multiple Benefits of Clean Energy. Speakers provided an overview of important concepts for quantifying emissions from the electric power sector; explained why and how the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments built an emission reduction calculator; and discussed a California clean energy benefits quantification tool and the potential uses of this tool in air and energy planning at the state and local level. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a061411.

]]> https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/663615099 In 2010 and 2011, EPA awarded $20 million in competitive grants to help local and tribal governments establish and implement climate change initiatives. The profile pages for the first round grantees have been updated to include latest project status, photos, videos, and preliminary results where available. Profiles can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a042811 Reducing energy demand and increasing renewable energy generation can lead to many benefits, including increased electric system reliability, better environmental quality and human health, as well as cost savings and job creation. This Tech Forum is the first in a three-part series on Assessing the Multiple Benefits of Clean Energy, and covered the electricity system and the system-related benefits of clean energy policies and programs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a042811.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a042711 In 2010 and 2011, 50 communities across the U.S. were selected as Climate Showcase Communities. These local and tribal governments receive EPA funding to implement climate change mitigation programs. This webcast provides an overview of the program and highlights several of the 2010 recipients as they wrap up the first of three years of funding. Speakers discussed implementation challenges, lessons learned, and progress to date. The webcast also featured a few of the newest recipients talking about their plans for brand new programs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a042711.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/strategy-guides.html EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program has released three documents that give straightforward overviews of how local governments can use transportation control measures (developed in partnership with EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality), smart growth principles, and energy efficiency in affordable housing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These documents are part of the Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series, which helps policy makers and program staff plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective climate and energy projects that generate economic, environmental, social, and human health benefits.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/state_energyco2inv.html Nationally, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion represented the largest source (80%) of total GWP-weighted emissions in 2008. We've posted a newly updated table that provides state carbon dioxide emission inventories from fossil fuel combustion, by end-use sector (commercial, industrial, residential, transportation, and electric power), in million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) from 1990 through 2008.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a033111 Developed by EPA, the Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is the preeminent source of air emissions data for the electric power sector. Using plant-specific data for U.S. electricity generating plants, the tool documents the environmental attributes of electric power generation. This webcast provided an overview of the tool, explained the data sources, discussed recent updates to the database, and talked about potential uses for state and local governments, including greenhouse gas inventories and calculating emissions reductions from clean energy programs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a033111.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html EPA announced today that 22 U.S. communities, including three Indian Tribes, will receive nearly $9 million in grants to pilot innovative local strategies to combat climate change. These funds will help Climate Showcase Communities increase energy efficiency, save consumers money, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve people's health.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a013111 As new clean energy development accelerates across the county, integrating state and federal environmental and clean energy policies in transmission planning has become increasingly important. This technical forum discusses a long-term planning effort by the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative to incorporate clean energy resources into the grid. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a013111.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#part3 Climate change adaptation is increasingly important as the effects of climate change become apparent across different regions of the United States. This webcast – Part Three in a series of three – discuss the role of the federal government in promoting adaptation to climate change in the United States. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#part3.

]]> http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#part2 Climate change adaptation is increasingly important as the effects of climate change become apparent across different regions of the United States. This webcast – Part Two in a series of three – focuses on frameworks that state and local governments can use to assess vulnerability to climate change, develop adaption action plans, and implement adaptation strategies for building resilience – all in the light of uncertainty regarding climate change impacts. The webcast presented a national overview of adaptation efforts as well as specific state and local case studies. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#part2.

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