US EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Program http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/index.html This feed provides news and updates regarding EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program. March 21 - Register Now for March 21 webcast on Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation Projects http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#upcomingwebcasts EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program is hosting a three-part webcast series this Spring on climate change adaptation for state and local governments. The series will bring together state and local stakeholders from a variety of sectors to offer examples and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges to implementation – how to achieve buy-in, how to overcome the uncertainty barrier, and how to attract funding. Participants should come away from the series with an understanding of why adaptation to climate change is critical, the current state of the field as it applies to states and communities, how to scale programs to meet local needs, and what actions can be taken at the state and local levels to build support for adaptation and increase community resilience.

The first webcast will be held from 1:00pm-2:30pm EDT on Thursday, March 21st and will address the challenge of achieving community buy-in for adaptation projects. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to integrate resilience considerations into mainstream decision making and how to simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation. Register for the first webcast here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/815656386.

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:00:00 GMT February 13 - Register now for March 20 webcast on The Solar Roadmap: Navigating the Evolving Solar Energy Market http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/events/20mar13_webinar.htm Navigating the rapidly evolving solar energy market can be a challenge and charting the right course for a community requires both local and national knowledge. The Solar Roadmap platform, and its free resources, organizes global best practices and makes them easily accessible locally for government agencies, regional organizations, businesses and electric utilities. Through a tailored Solar Roadmap, interested communities can join others from across the country who are transforming their regional environments and economies with clean energy solutions. This webinar, sponsored by EPA's Green Power Partnership and the Local Climate and Energy Program, will review success stories and opportunities for local and state governments to make significant progress toward their renewable energy goals using the Solar Roadmap platform.

Learn about:

  • The vision, experiences, and approach to using this unique tool and set of resources with a brief demo and case study.
  • Available Solar Roadmap resources including guidance on permitting and inspection, planning and zoning, interconnection, financing tools and market development.
  • How solar power can boost local job creation, lower electricity costs, and attract local investments.

Register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/432309802

]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMT January 24 – Register Now for Webcast on EPA's Climate Change Indicators Report http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/ On Monday, January 28, from 2:00-3:30 PM (EST), EPA's State & Local Climate and Energy program will host a webinar on the newly released Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012 report. Available on EPA's climate change website, the report brings together data from multiple public datasets to show observed changes over time in 26 indicators of climate change – including measures of high and low temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, pollen season and sea level rise. These indicators present compelling evidence that our climate is changing now and is already affecting society and ecosystems.

EPA staff will discuss how the report was developed, highlighting key points of the report and how information was gathered and synthesized. A brief demonstration of the climate indicators website and a question-and-answer session will follow.

Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/332181322

]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMT January 24 – Listen now to learn how tribes are confronting climate change http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/tribal/index.html#tribal-webcast-2012 In this archived webcast, learn how Gila River Indian Community and Choctaw Nation are reducing greenhouse gas emissions through recycling and energy efficiency audits, and learn how the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin is integrating climate change considerations into its overall decision-making and in its water management programs. Two of these tribes have implemented a variety of clean energy projects under EPA's Climate Showcase Communities program: Gila River has completed a community-wide greenhouse gas inventory and developed programs for curbside recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and green buildings; Choctaw Nation is implementing a project to improve energy efficiency throughout its hospital system.

This December 11, 2012 webcast also provides information about resources and funding ideas to help tribal governments design and implement climate change programs.

]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:00:00 GMT January 24 – Listen now to learn how local governments can plan and run an energy efficiency competition http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts.html#ee1 In this archived webcast from December 6, 2012, learn how local governments can plan and run an energy efficiency competition to encourage energy reductions in their communities, including discussion of the benefits of a competition, the basic steps involved, common barriers and possible solutions, and free resources available to help put together a local competition.

]]> Thu, 6 Dec 2012 19:00:00 GMT December 6 – Updated GHG Equivalencies Calculator launched http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator has just been updated with all of the latest emissions factors. This calculator is a quick, simple tool you can use to translate abstract greenhouse gas measurements into concrete terms you can understand. For instance, 1 million metric tons sounds like a lot, but you really drive the idea home when you realize 1 million metric tons is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of 208,000 cars. This calculator may be useful in communicating your greenhouse gas reduction strategy, reduction targets, or other initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

]]> Thu, 6 Dec 2012 19:00:00 GMT November 30 – Files Available: Estimating the Health Impacts of Climate Change and Clean Energy http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a101112 This Tech Forum covered three EPA tools that state and local governments can use to estimate and communicate the health and related economic benefits of actions that reduce air emissions:

Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#a101112

]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:00:00 GMT November 20 – Register Now for Webcast on Energy Efficiency Competitions for Local Governments http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#upcomingwebcasts On Thursday, December 6, from 3:00-4:30 PM (EST), learn how local governments can plan and run an energy efficiency competition to encourage energy reductions in their communities. Experts from EPA's Energy Star program will discuss the benefits of a competition; the basic steps involved; common barriers and possible solutions; and free resources to help you put together your own local competition. You'll also hear speakers from Climate Showcase Community Cary, NC talk about their efforts to reduce energy use across their fire stations—and a sneak peek at their upcoming Fire Chief's Challenge for fire stations nationwide.

Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/849015386

]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:00:00 GMT November 15 – Listen now to learn how local governments are reducing GHGs via Resource Conservation and Recovery Strategies http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a111512 In this archived webcast, learn how the extraction, production, use, and disposal of goods and materials are responsible for an estimated 42 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Local governments can work with residents, private companies, and other groups to cost-effectively reduce these emissions through resource conservation and recovery strategies that reduce waste generation and divert waste from landfills. Learn how Alameda County, California, and Kansas City, Missouri, are implementing innovative resource conservation and recovery strategies to reduce GHG emissions, waste disposal costs, and energy use. Also learn about EPA tools and resources you can use to design and implement resource conservation and recovery programs that are right for your community. This Local Climate and Energy Program webcast originally aired in November 2012.

]]> Fri, 9 Nov 2012 19:00:00 GMT October 11 - Measure health benefits of clean energy policies with updated COBRA Tool http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/cobra.html The Co-Benefits Risk Assessment (COBRA) Screening Model is a free online EPA tool that helps state and local staff estimate the air quality, human health and related economic benefits of clean energy policies, and present the results in easy-to-interpret tables and map. COBRA will help you:

  • Estimate the potential health and related economic effects of clean energy policies due to changes in particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and/or volatile organic compounds at the county, state, regional, or national level.
  • Make a balanced case about the costs and benefits of policy choices to support a balance decision-making process.
  • Quickly and cheaply narrow down a list of policy options to those that should be evaluated using more sophisticated air quality models.
]]> Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:00:00 GMT October 4 - Registration Now Open for Webcast on Estimating the Health Impacts of Climate Change and Clean Energy Programs http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html#upcomingforums State and local climate change and clean energy policies can improve air quality, reduce negative impacts on human health, and save lives. This webinar will cover three EPA tools that state and local governments can use to estimate and communicate the health and related economic benefits of actions that reduce air emissions:

Audience: Recommended for state and local air quality, energy, public health, sustainability, and transportation planning staff. Register for this webcast at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/576667650.

]]> Thu, 4 Oct 2012 19:00:00 GMT September 20 - New Resource Available: EPA Releases Guide for Local Governments on Resource Conservation and Recovery Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (PDF) (40 pp, 2.8M) http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/documents/pdf/ResourceConservGuide.pdf EPA's Local Climate and Energy Program has released a new climate and energy strategy guide for local governments, titled Resource Conservation and Recovery: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs (PDF) (40 pp, 2.8M). Resource conservation and recovery strategies involve avoiding, delaying, or decreasing the raw materials required for the production of new products through source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and energy recovery. These practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life-cycle of materials, while also reducing air pollution, energy use, and landfilling costs.

This guide provides comprehensive information for local government staff and policy makers on designing and implementing resource conservation and recovery programs. Key features of the guide include: case studies and examples from communities across the United States, and links to technical resources, analytical tools, and sources of funding.

This guide is part of EPA's 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 environmental, economic, social, and human health benefits.

]]> Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:00:00 GMT August 15 – New State Energy CO2 Emissions Data now available http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/state_energyco2inv.html 1990-2010 emisions data now available.]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:00:00 GMT September 11 – Files Available: Webcast on Beating the Heat: Effective Approaches to Heat Island Reduction http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/resources/webcasts.htm#recent Audio files and presentations from the August 8 EPA webcast, Beating the Heat: Effective Approaches to Heat Island Reduction, are now available online. This webcast covered effective approaches to heat island reduction. Listen to the benefits of taking local action to reduce heat islands; hear from local governments and organizations about heat island reduction strategies, monitoring and evaluation. Representatives from Chula Vista, California, and Dallas, Texas, also share lessons learned on designing and implementing effective programs and policies, including cool pavements, shade trees, and cool roofs. Access resources and presentations on this topic at http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/resources/webcasts.htm#recent.]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:00:00 GMT July 23 – Registration Now Open for Webcast on Beating the Heat: Effective Approaches to Heat Island Reduction http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#upcomingwebcasts On August 8, 2012, from 2:00-4:00 PM (EDT), EPA will hold a webcast that will cover effective approaches to heat island reduction. Participants will learn about the benefits of taking local action to reduce heat islands; hear from local governments and organizations about heat island reduction strategies, monitoring and evaluation; and listen in as cities share lessons learned on how to design and implement effective programs and policies, including cool pavements, shade trees, and cool roofs. Register for this webcast at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/566727666.]]> Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT July 3 – Files Available: Part III: Keeping it Going: Financing Options for your Clean Energy Programs http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a061312 This Local Climate and Energy Program webcast covered implementing smart financing mechanisms that can help communities leverage existing funds and make clean energy investments more affordable for clean energy program audiences (residential, commercial and municipal sectors). Presenters guided local governments through how to choose and implement financing options and discussed new resources from EPA that can help identify and design financing programs that are specific to a community's needs. Access resources and presentations on this topic.]]> Tue, 3 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT June 11 – Files Available: Part II: Getting it Funded: Finding Funding for your Clean Energy Programs http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a053012 This Local Climate and Energy Program webcast covered seed funding versus sustainable funding; funding that can be used up versus what must be repaid, sources of revenue, and more. Presenters guided local governments through how to identify and understand the sources of funding, including grants, energy savings, partnering with the private sector, fees and taxes, leasing agreements, and bonds and illustrated the concepts through case studies. Access resources and presentations on this topic.]]> Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:00:00 GMT June 11 – Files Available: Part I: Getting Started: Answering Big Picture Funding Questions http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#a051612 This Local Climate and Energy Program webcast answered big picture funding questions related to local government clean energy programs. Presenters guided local governments through funding considerations in the context of their own unique circumstances and illustrated the concepts through case studies. Access resources and presentations on this topic.]]> Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:00:00 GMT May 8 – Register for webinar on Emerging EM&V Issues for States http://www.emvwebinar.org/ Register for webinar on Emerging EM&V Issues for States.]]> Tue, 8 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT April 20 – Registration Now Open for Webcast on Getting Started: Answering Big Picture Funding Questions 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.]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:00:00 GMT April 5 – Files Available: Using EPA's GHG Reporting Rule Data for State and Local Governments 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.

]]> Thu, 5 Apr 2012 19:00:00 GMT March 22 – Read projects updates from our 2010 and 2011 Climate Showcase Communities http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/index.html

]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:00:00 GMT March 1 – New Resource Available: EPA releases document on landfill gas energy for local governments 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.

]]> Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:00:00 GMT March 1 – Files Available: Deciding How to Quantify Emissions Reductions from Clean Energy 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.

]]> Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:00:00 GMT February 13 – Registration open for Joint Webcast/Tech Forum: Using EPA's GHG Reporting Rule Data for State and Local Governments 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.

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT February 13 - Files Available: Making on Impact on Energy Use in Your Community 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.

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT January 12 – New Resource Available Now: Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide http://www.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://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/financing.html.

]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT December 22 – Files Available: Climate Action Plan Evaluation: Part 2 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.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT December 15 – Files Available: Climate Action Planning: Part 1 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.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT November 30 – Registration now open for Local Webcast on Climate Action Plan Evaluation: Part 2 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.

]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT November 30 - Updated profile pages now available for 2010 and 2011 Climate Showcase Communities 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.

]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT October 13 - Now available: Updated State and Local Guide to EPA Climate and Energy Resources 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.

]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT September 8 – Now available: The Jobs Impact of Clean Energy 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.

]]> Thu, 8 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT July 12 – Files Available: Energy Efficiency in Municipal Operations 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.

]]> Thu, 4 Aug 2011 19:00:00 GMT July 21 – Registration now open for State Tech Forum on the Jobs Impacts of Clean Energy http://www.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://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/forum-by-date.html.

]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT July 21 – Now available: Quantifying the Emission Impacts of Clean Energy Initiatives 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.

]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT July 6 - Updated profile pages now available for 2010 Climate Showcase Communities 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.

]]> Wed, 6 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT May 26 - Now available: Tech Forum on the Electric System and the Benefits of Clean Energy 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.

]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT May 26 – Now available: Local Webcast on Climate Showcase Communities 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.

]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT May 12 - New Local Strategy Guides Now Online 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.

]]> Thu, 12 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT May 4 - Updated Energy CO2 Emissions by State now available 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.

]]> Wed, 4 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT April 21 - Files available: The Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID): Potential Uses for State and Local Governments 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.

]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:00:00 GMT April 14 - EPA awards nearly $9 million to new Climate Showcase Communities 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.

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:00:00 GMT March 2 - Files available: Clean Energy and Transmission Planning in the Eastern Interconnection 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.

]]> Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:00:00 GMT January 27 - Files available: Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments – Part Three: Federal Resources and Support 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.

]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:00:00 GMT January 24 - Files available: Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments – Part Two: Adaptation Planning and Implementation 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.

]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:00:00 GMT U.S. EPA Climate News RSS http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/RSSByCategory?open&category=Climate U.S. EPA Climate News RSS

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