EPA Highlights

Department of State and EPA Launch Partnership to Improve Air Quality Data Apply for EPA's Environmental Educator Award by March 13 Follow @EPAJustice for Enforcement News Farmers Shift Towards Biopesticides Building Partnerships Between Colleges and Underserved Communities Department of State and EPA Launch Partnership to Improve Air Quality Data Air pollution is a serious and growing health threat worldwide, yet in many areas, real-time air quality data is not available. EPA and the US Department of State signed a statement of intent to launch a new partnership that will enhance the availability of outdoor air quality data and expertise at a number of US diplomatic missions. Learn more about the partnership here.http://go.usa.gov/33m9J A key feature of the partnership is expanding EPA’s existing AirNow system to include data from participating US embassies overseas. AirNow publicly shares US air quality data, enabling viewers to reduce their exposure to poor quality air. Check the air quality in your area with AirNow here.http://airnow.gov Search for "AirNow" in your app store to learn real-time air quality information that you can use to protect your family's health.

Apply for EPA's Environmental Educator Award by March 13 EPA, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, is accepting applications for the 2014-2015 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. This award recognizes K through 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental educationand use the environment as a context for student learning. The deadline for applications is March 13, 2015. Winning teachers receive up to $2,500 to further their professional development in environmental education. Apply for the awardhere. http://go.usa.gov/33Rwj Follow @EPAJustice for Enforcement News EPA recently launched a new Twitter account, @EPAJustice, that features news, information and tools from EPA's enforcement and compliance programs. Join the conversation about how we're helping communities and leveling the playing field for companies and others that follow the law by following @EPAJustice here. https://twitter.com/EPAJustice Find out how EPA's enforcement actions reduce air pollution and protect water here. http://go.usa.gov/33nuC Farmers Shift Towards Biopesticides The use of biopesticides has more than quadrupled since 2000. Made from naturally occurring substances derived from animals, plants, bacteria, fungi and minerals, biopesticides are used as safer alternatives to controlling pests and are frequently part of Integrated Pest Management plans. Biopesticides are virtually non-toxic to people and the environment.  Read a blog post by EPA Assistant Administrator Jim Jones on how farmers are shifting to use biopesticides here. http://go.usa.gov/33neQ Building Partnerships Between Colleges and Underserved Communities Many small, underserved communities are in need of resources to improve their environment and quality of life. However, they often lack the technical expertise in engineering, transportation, and infrastructure planning to pursue initiatives in a progressive and sustainable manner.  EPA's Atlanta office developed the College/Underserved-Communities Partnership Program (CUPP) to develop long-term partnerships between local colleges and universities and underserved cities and communities. Through the program, schools provide technical support to communities at no cost. Read a blog post by Michael Burns, an EPA Senior Advisor in Atlanta, GA, on how the CUPP is building these partnerships here. http://go.usa.gov/33RvY We encourage you to share the EPA Highlights eNewsletter with your colleagues.  To subscribe: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAEPA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USAEPA_439 Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education Office of the Administrator / U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tel 202-564-1785 / PublicEngagement@epa.gov