EPA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO REDUCE LEAD IN THE ENVIRONMENT EPA will notify the states by October 2010 whether they are attaining or not attaining the revised 2008 national air quality standards for lead. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments will outline how they plan to attain and maintain the new, more rigorous lead emissions standards. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, especially in children. EPA is seeking comment through Aug.16. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/_ (http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/) . EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT TO ADVANCE ADMINISTRATOR JACKSON'S SEVEN PRIORITIES TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT EPA is seeking public comment on a draft plan to protect human health and the environment through the seven priorities: "taking action on climate change, improving air quality, protecting America's waters, cleaning up our communities, assuring the safety of chemicals, expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, and building strong state and tribal partnerships." The public comment period closes July 30. Please submit comments at _http://www.regulations.gov_ (http://www.regulations.gov/) . (Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OA-2010-0486). For the draft plan, go to _http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm_ (http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm) .