AABE Energy News: March 2013 | Highlights from the EPA Office of Public Engagement

March 11 – 15, 2013

Table of Contents:

1. New EPA Report: Initial Data Shows Significant Gains in Fuel Economy for 2012
2. EPA Announces Cities with the Most Energy Star Buildings in the US
3. EPA Announces Membership of Great Lakes Advisory Board
4. EPA Celebrates Women’s History Month: Women in Science are Cool
5. Observance of Poison Prevention Week (March 17 – 23)

Today, EPA released its annual report that tracks the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the United States, underscoring the major increases made in the efficiency of the vehicles Americans drive, reducing oil consumption and cutting carbon emissions.

According to the report, EPA estimates that between 2007 and 2012 fuel economy values increased by 16 percent while carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have decreased by 13 percent, and in 2012 alone the report indicates a significant one year increase of 1.4 miles per gallon (mpg) for cars and trucks.

“Today’s report shows that we are making strides toward saving families money at the pump, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up the air we breathe,” said Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

“The historic steps taken by the Obama administration to improve fuel economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil are accelerating this progress, will spur economic growth and will create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America.”

The expected 1.4 mpg improvement in 2012 is based on sales estimates provided to EPA by automakers. EPA’s projections show a reduction in CO2 emissions to 374 grams per mile and an increase in average fuel economy to 23.8 mpg. These numbers represent the largest annual improvements since EPA began reporting on fuel economy.

For full press release: http://go.usa.gov/2RjG

The new report can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm

2. EPA Announces Cities with the Most Energy Star Buildings in the US / Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, Atlanta rank in top five

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2012, highlighting how owners and managers of commercial buildings across the country are taking action on climate change while delivering real financial savings to the bottom line.

“Through their partnership with EPA, the owners and managers of Energy Star certified buildings are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving on utility bills,” said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. “With Energy Star, cities across America are helping achieve President Obama’s goal to cut in half the energy wasted by our businesses over the next 20 years.”

In 2012, more than 20,000 Energy Star certified buildings across America helped save more than $2.7 billion in annual utility bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from the annual electricity use of more than two million homes.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. EPA continues to see an increase in buildings applying for and earning Energy Star certification each year.

The cumulative number of Energy Star certified buildings has increased by more than 24 percent compared to last year, representing more than 3 billion square feet of floorspace nationwide. In 2012 alone, more than 8,200 buildings earned EPA’s Energy Star certification.

For full press release: http://go.usa.gov/25DY

Complete list of Top Cities: http://energystar.gov/topcities

Data behind Energy Star certified buildings: http://energystar.gov/datatrends

More about earning the Energy Star for commercial buildings: http://energystar.gov/labeledbuildings

3. EPA Announces Membership of Great Lakes Advisory Board

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced on behalf of 16 federal agencies the membership of the first advisory board to support implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

“Protecting the Great Lakes -- the largest surface freshwater system on Earth -- is important for the health and well being of millions of people," said EPA Acting Administrator and Acting Interagency Task Force Chair Bob Perciasepe.

"Today I’m pleased to announce the membership of the first-ever Great Lakes Advisory Board. The scientists, business leaders, public servants, and representatives of non-profit organizations who make up the Advisory Board will help us build upon the success we've already seen and move forward into the next phases of Great Lakes restoration and protection.”

The Great Lakes Advisory Board will provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator, who serves as chair of the federal Interagency Task Force. EPA considered candidates from a broad range of interests including business, agriculture, foundations, environmental justice groups, youth organizations, environmental groups, academia and state, local and tribal representatives.

For full press release: http://go.usa.gov/25bd

More information on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: http://www.glri.us

4. EPA Celebrates Women’s History Month: Women in Science are Cool

March is Women’s History Month and we’re celebrating EPA’s female diving scientists! In honor of women both past and present, who have changed all of our lives for the better through their work protecting human health and the environment, this month we are profiling EPA women scientists and engineers who are striving to make the planet a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable place to live.

The latest addition in a series titled Women of EPA Diving Science is Kelley Chase, an On-Scene Coordinator in EPA’s Region 3 Philadelphia Office.

Click on the photos to read about the work they and other women do throughout the month, on the U.S. EPA Scientific Diving Program (EPA Divers) Facebook site’s Women in Diving Science photo album.

In this photo album, these superstar diving scientists share their research, how they discovered their passion for science or engineering, and give advice for anyone who is interested in pursuing their dreams. Help us in recognizing and celebrating our diving scientists and please check back throughout the month and maybe you too will find a passion for environmental and human health research!

To learn more about EPA Divers: http://www.facebook.com/EPADivers

5. Observance of Poison Prevention Week (March 17 – 23)

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proud to promote poison prevention each year to increase public awareness of the potential danger to children and adults alike from pesticides and other household products.

In 1961, Congress established National Poison Prevention Week to raise awareness, reduce unintentional poisonings, and promote poison prevention in ongoing efforts to protect the American people’s health.

National Poison Prevention Week raises awareness of poison prevention nationwide during the third full week of March every year. The week is an opportunity to highlight the dangers of poisonings for people of all ages and promote community involvement in poisoning prevention.

Stay tuned next week for more ways to educate your community during the 51st observance of National Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, 2013.

For poison prevention tips and resources to protect your family: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm

Office of Public Engagement

Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education

Office of the Administrator / U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / Tel 202-564-4355 / PublicEngagement@epa.gov

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