EPA RELEASES NATIONAL AIR TOXICS ASSESSMENT (NATA) REPORT

EPA released its latest National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) report based on 2002 air emissions data which assesses 180 air toxics plus diesel particulate matter from stationary sources of all sizes and from mobile sources such as cars, trucks, buses and construction equipment.  The report will increase understanding of the health risks posed by air toxics and provide the public with information regarding the levels which may cause cancer and other serious health problems, including birth defects.  The NATA report results should be used to prioritize pollutants and areas for further study, and not as the sole basis for regulation or risk reduction activities.  For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/nata/ or www.epa.gov/nata2002  Information on air toxics: www.epa.gov/oar/toxicair/newtoxics.html

EPA TO AWARD $10 MILLION IN NEW CLIMATE CHANGE GRANTS TO COMMUNITIES 

EPA announced the availability of up to $10 million in Climate Showcase Communities grants to help communities implement climate change initiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The agency expects to award approximately 20-30 cooperative agreements, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each, with five percent of the funds ($500,000) set aside for tribal governments. Eligibility is open only to government agencies, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, local public authorities, school districts, special districts, intrastate districts, councils of governments, regional or interstate government entities. Proposals are due no later than July 22, at 4:00 p.m. EDT.  Grants are expected to be awarded in January 2010. For more information go to  http://epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-programs/state-and-local/showcase.html. To download the Request for Applications go to:  http://www.epa.gov/air/grants/09-08.pdf

NEW STUDENT TOOLKIT SHOWS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE AND HABITATS

EPA has released an updated toolkit: ”Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit to enhance middle school students' understanding of climate change's impacts on wildlife and the habitats on which they depend.  The toolkit is designed to educate students to become stewards of wildlife and ecosystems. EPA partnered with six other federal agencies in the toolkit's development, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.  For more information, go to http://www.globalchange.gov/resources/educators/toolkit