![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Envirobytes - An Environmental Newsletter
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending July 18, 2008
EPA MID ATLANTIC REGION TO LAUNCH PODCAST SERIES
EPA's mid-Atlantic region is introducing a series of audio podcasts to bring to a listening audience environmental news and feature stories as well as helpful consumer tips. Called "Environment Matters," the podcasts will be presented regularly on the region's Web site, www.epa.gov/region3 and are available as an RSS feed for automated distribution.
EPA FUNDS ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING AT TWO PREDOMINANTLY BLACK UNIVERSITIES IN VIRGINIA
Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh awarded two LEAP grants (Linking Environmental and Academic Programs) to Norfolk State University ($50,000) and Hampton University ($49,995) -- two historically Black Colleges and Universities in Virginia. At Norfolk State University, the LEAP project will provide an opportunity for ninth grade students in the Hampton Roads area to learn about air pollution and environmental science. At Hampton University, LEAP will enhance a graduate curriculum and air quality research to benefit Hampton Roads. The LEAP goal is to increase the number of minorities entering careers in the environmental sciences. For more information about the LEAP program, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region03/LEAP/index.htm.
EPA AWARDS FUNDS TO REDUCE AIR EMISSIONS FROM PORT OPERATIONS
Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh awarded a $750,000 grant to the Virginia Port Authority to fund three Railpower Genset switcher locomotives as part of a project to reduce emissions from port locomotives and from port operations. The funding is part of EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign to modernize and upgrade existing diesel fuel and equipment. Locomotive engines are significant contributors to air pollution in many of the nation's cities and ports, but the Genset hybrid technology and its resulting locomotive emission reductions holds the promise to not only provide improved air quality, but also generate fuel savings when oil prices are high. For more information about EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign: http://www.epa.gov/diesel/.
CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPIC OF CONFERENCE
The EPA Region 3 Children's Health Program is co-sponsoring the 6th Annual Conference on Children's Health and the Environment with the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment (MACCHE), and others. The goal is to reduce the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on children's health. Topics for discussions include: Climate Change, Healthy Homes, Children in Nature, Exposure to Toxicants and Outcomes in Children, and Emerging Issues in Children's Environmental Health. This year's conference will be held at the University of Pennsylvania on Sept. 18th and 19th. Stakeholders and the public are invited to attend. For more information see http://www.gwu.edu/~macche/philadelphiaconference08 
EPA RELEASES REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a report developed by The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) titled "Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems." The report identifies strategies on how to respond to the challenges of a changing climate and identifies near- and long-term research goals that address data and knowledge gaps. The report is thus far the most up-to-date scientific assessment on the impact of global change on human health, welfare and settlements in the country. For more information, go to Information on Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems and
The Office of Research and Development's Global Change Research Program
EPA EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON THE PROPOSED LEAD AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
EPA is extending the deadline for public comments on the proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for lead from July 21, 2008, to Aug. 4, 2008. EPA will now issue final standards by Oct. 15, 2008. This new date will allow the agency time to carefully review and consider public comments. On May 1, 2008, EPA proposed to strengthen the standards to reflect the latest scientific information about lead and human health. For information on the extension to the NAAQS schedule and public comment period, go http://www.epa.gov/air/lead/actions.html For information on lead standards, sources, health effects, and programs to reduce lead, please see www.epa.gov/air/lead.
CHOOSE AMONG THE FINALISTS FOR THE WINNERS OF THE RACHEL CARSON POETRY, ESSAY AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
The U.S. EPA Aging Initiative, in partnership with Generations United and the Rachel Carson Council Inc. invites the public to vote for their favorite finalists in the Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photography Contest. A panel of judges has selected the finalists in four categories: photography, essay, poetry, or mixed media (photography and a poem or essay) based on originality, creativity, use of an intergenerational team, and ability to capture a sense of wonder and beauty of the natural world. The deadline for voting is Sept. 15 and the winners will be announced in October. For more information on the contest, go to epa.gov/agingepa/resources/thesenseofwonder/2008/index.html
SUMMER STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT PESTICIDES AND THE DANGERS OF LEAD
EPA's Student Environmental Development Program (SEDP) is a regional summer environmental education and leadership development program for selected city Middle School students. The students are busy this summer learning about various environmental issues including pesticides and the dangers of lead-based paint. They recently tackled topics such as pesticide classifications, pesticide use, method of application, reduced risk pesticides and the integrated pest management (IPM) approach to pest control, as well as the health effects of lead-based paint, and EPA's role in preventing childhood lead poisoning. For more information on SEDP, go to http://www.epa.gov/region3/ee/sedp.htm
To subscribe to eBytes send a blank email to:
join-usepar3news@lists.epa.gov
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to:
leave-usepar3news@lists.epa.gov
