GO GREEN!
EPA News You Can Use - August 2020
https://www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen
IN THIS ISSUE:
EPA Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Enviro-Tip of the Month
Recent News & EPA at 50
What You Can Do, What You Can Use
En español: Spanish Features
Multimedia and More
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
About This Newsletter
EPA RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
EPA's Coronavirus website provides key EPA resources and links to additional information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Read the most up-to-date information about EPA actions, disinfectants, drinking water and waste water, and other resources.
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
- EPA Approves 13 Products from List N as Effective Against SARS-CoV-2. EPA announced these products on the list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2 have completed lab testing for use specifically against SARS-CoV-2.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-13-products-list-n-effective-against-sars-cov-2 - Consumers have additional options for COVID-19 disinfectants. EPA added 32 new surface disinfectants to List N, the agency's list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2. To date, EPA has approved more than 460 products that are helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-provides-consumers-additional-options-covid-19-disinfectants - First surface disinfectant products tested on the SARS-CoV-2 virus approved. Two Lysol disinfectants are the first List-N products tested directly against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and also approved label claims specifically against SARS-CoV-2.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-first-surface-disinfectant-products-tested-sars-cov-2-virus
More resources related to COVID-19 response:
- List-N disinfectants for use against coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 - Proper use of disinfectants: infographic with six steps for safe use.
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/six-steps-safe-effective-disinfectant-use - COVID-19 resources in other languages:
Español: https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/enfermedad-del-coronavirus-2019-covid-19
Other languages: https://www.epa.gov/lep
ENVIRO-TIP OF THE MONTH
Composting at home. Instead of bagging, leave the cut grass on the lawn to decompose and return to the soil, helping your lawn stay healthy. Get more backyard composting ideas:
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
RECENT NEWS
$6 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects. EPA announced the 2020 notice of funding availability under its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, including funding for the new State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. This year's funding will provide up to $6 billion to support $12 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 35,000 jobs and improving public health and environmental protection in communities across the country. "This new round of $6 billion in funding comes in time to help communities that are trying to recover from the health and financial stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and, for the first time, includes funding expressly available to states," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-6-billion-new-funding-water-infrastructure-projects
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):
- Trump EPA Continues to Aggressively Address PFAS on the Federal, State, and Local Level. Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to be an active and ongoing priority for EPA. In July alone, EPA made significant progress implementing the PFAS Action Plan - the most comprehensive cross-agency plan ever to address an emerging chemical of concern. "With federal technical assistance efforts underway across the country, the Trump Administration is bringing much needed support to state, tribal, and local governments as part of the agency's unprecedented efforts under the PFAS Action Plan," said Administrator Wheeler.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-continues-aggressively-address-pfas-federal-state-and-local-level - PEPA, Federal Family, and the National Academies Collaborate on Public Workshop to Review Federal Research on PFAS. EPA and other federal agencies have engaged the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to coordinate a "Workshop on Federal Government Human Health Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Research." As outlined in EPA's PFAS Action Plan, this collaborative workshop will ensure coordination of PFAS research across the federal government. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-federal-family-and-national-academies-collaborate-public-workshop-review-federal
$4.3 Million for Tribes to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water in Schools. A new grant program will help protect children in tribal communities from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. Grantees will use the EPA's 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water guidance to implement lead testing programs and develop monitoring, maintenance and/or sampling plans that protect children from lead exposure now and in the future. "This new funding helps tribes further reduce lead in drinking water by boosting testing for lead in schools and childcare centers. This, in turn, will increase the health and wellbeing of the coming generation," said U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-43-million-tribes-reduce-lead-drinking-water-schools
More EPA news releases: https://www.epa.gov/newsroom
EPA at 50:
Improving and Increasing Recycling Across the Nation to Preserve Resources and Land. As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, the agency is highlighting progress the nation has made on recycling and how EPA is working with its partners to address today's challenges. Recycling benefits communities, the environment, and the American economy, accounting for nearly 757,000 jobs and $36.6 billion in wages.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-50-improving-and-increasing-recycling-across-nation-preserve-resources-and-land
Transforming and Revitalizing Communities by Cleaning Up Brownfields. The agency's Brownfields program has been successful in revitalizing underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. Over the past three years alone, EPA has assessed 6,572 properties, completed cleanups at 638 properties, and made 2,900 properties ready for anticipated reuse.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-50-transforming-and-revitalizing-communities-cleaning-brownfields
Managing Waste Across the Nation. Signed into law in 1976, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) set standards for responsible solid waste management and established safeguards for hazardous wastes, from generation to transportation, treatment, storage and disposal.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-50-managing-waste-across-nation
Transforming Communities: Cleaning Up America's Most Hazardous Land Contamination. We're highlighting how EPA's cleanup programs have transformed communities by cleaning up some of the country's most hazardous and uncontrolled waste sites and spills. This year is also the 40th anniversary of CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, America's signature land contamination cleanup program.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-50-transforming-communities-cleaning-americas-most-hazardous-land-contamination
Read more about EPA at 50: https://www.epa.gov/50
WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE
Preparing for hurricanes or flooding. Make any preparations that can minimize injury and property damage when severe storms are predicted.
https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/hurricanes
https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding
Summer Vacation - Protect yourself and your family whether you're away on a vacation or at home on a staycation. Here are just a few ideas:
- Drive smart: In hot weather and long trips, save money and fuel by rolling the windows down at low speeds but use the vehicle air conditioner at highway speeds. Also, be sure your car is tuned up and the tires properly inflated.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml - Breathe easy: Going for a hike, bike ride, or working outside? Check your air quality before you go, and know when to take action to protect your health.
https://airnow.gov - Hook, line, and sinker: Check if there are any fish consumption advisories where you live or go fishing: https://fishadvisoryonline.epa.gov/General.aspx
Subscribe to EPA's newsletter about fish advisories: https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech - Avoid getting bitten: Always READ THE LABEL and follow the directions when using insect repellants and pesticides. At home, remove places where bugs can live and breed.
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/tips-prevent-mosquito-bites - Sun safety: Learn how to protect yourself and your family from overexposure to the sun's rays.
https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
DANGER: Recharge Air Conditioners Properly. If your home or vehicle air conditioner needs to be recharged, be sure correct, approved refrigerants are used. Avoid recharging with unacceptable substitute refrigerants which can pose serious risks to your health, safety, or the environment, including toxicity, flammability, ozone depletion potential, or others. Learn more:
https://www.epa.gov/snap/unacceptable-substitute-refrigerants
Indoor airPLUS Builder or Rater. Are you a home builder looking for a rater to certify homes? Or maybe you're a potential homeowner looking for a certified builder to build your home. Use our interactive tool to select your state and search for local builders, raters, and incentives near you. Check out our Indoor Air Partner Locator at:
https://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/find-indoor-airplus-builder-or-rater
Reducing lead in plumbing. A new "Lead-Free" regulation significantly limits the lead content allowed in plumbing materials such as pipes, fittings, fixtures, etc.; and that manufacturers or importers will need to certify within three years that their products meet the requirements. Note: the rule does not require that you change plumbing materials in your home, school, or other facility. However for repairs or new installations of plumbing materials, the pipes, fittings, or fixtures must be in compliance with these requirements. Learn more about this rule:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-another-significant-step-effort-reduce-lead-drinking-water
More EPA news releases: https://www.epa.gov/newsroom
EN ESPAÑOL: SPANISH FEATURES
¡Las chinches, los mosquitos y otras plagas son una molestia! Aprenda lo que puede hacer para protegerse y a su familia.
https://espanol.epa.gov/control-de-plagas
Peligro: Recargue los sistemas de aire acondicionado adecuadamente. Si su hogar o vehículo tiene un aire acondicionado que necesita ser recargado, asegúrese de utilizar los refrigerantes correctos y aprobados. Evite recargar las unidades con refrigerantes sustitutos inaceptables que puedan presentar riesgos a su salud, a la seguridad o al medioambiente, incluyendo toxicidad, inflamabilidad, o potencial para el agotamiento de ozono, y otros. Aprenda más (en inglés): https://www.epa.gov/snap/unacceptable-substitute-refrigerants
Página principal en español: https://espanol.epa.gov
MULTIMEDIA AND MORE
VIDEOS - June Releases
2020 National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award. Recognizing innovative work among federal agencies, states, tribes, local partners, and developers that led to noteworthy restoration and reuse of federal facility sites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnpxpw8V3Ds
EPA Administrator Wheeler Congratulates 2020 PEYA/PIAEE Award Winners. The awards recognizes outstanding environmental projects by K-12 youth; and by educators using innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQRquIi1x3Y
Why is Coco Orange? Video to help kids (of all ages!) understand asthma and air quality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TAuzMniolU
More publications (including Coco's book!) about kids and asthma:
https://www.epa.gov/asthma/publications-about-asthma
More EPA videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/USEPAgov/videos
BLOG POSTS
Tips for Greener, Healthier Lawns and Gardens (originally published in 2019)
by Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
https://blog.epa.gov/2019/07/30/tips-for-greener-healthier-lawns-and-gardens
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
All Year
EPA turns 50 this year! Join us as we celebrate 50 years of environmental protection.
https://www.epa.gov/50
August
National Water Quality Month
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
Americans want to help protect and improve the nation's land, water, and air. "GoGreen" is a monthly newsletter from the US Environmental Protection Agency summarizing our recent news and information you can use to make a difference in your home, community, or workplace.
Want more news? Read EPA news releases on topics that interest you.
https://www.epa.gov/newsroom
Read our blogs: https://blog.epa.gov
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Read about EPA science: https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters
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