Sustainability

US EPA Webinar on June 20, 2024 to Help Communities and Organizations Promote the Collection of Small-Format Batteries

On June 20, 2024, at 11am PST the US EPA is hosting a webinar on effective public outreach and education efforts that promote the proper management of used small-format consumer batteries and battery-containing electronic products. Discussion will include the components of campaigns including messaging, materials, and outlets/mechanisms. The session will highlight some success stories and participants will have the opportunity to share what they are doing in their own communities. Anyone involved in the collection and recycling of batteries is …

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Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan

Feedback Due July 8, 2024 The US Department of Justice is seeking input to improve the draft US Environmental Justice Strategic Plan. The public may provide comments via virtual and in-person listening sessions or provide written comments to OEJ@usdoj.gov, by online survey, or postal mail to Office of Environmental Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611. All written comments must be submitted or postmarked by Monday, July 8, 2024.

Applications Open Now for NDEP Recycling Grant 

Applications Due July 12, 2024 The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has opened the application process for the 2025 Recycling Grant. The overall goal of this funding opportunity is to divert materials away from Nevada landfills by increasing access to recycling or improving the quality of materials collected. The grant program has a total of $75,000 available in fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025).  More information about the grant program and applications is available here. Download the …

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Southern Nevada Clean Cities Coalition

Southern Nevada Clean Cities Coalition has recently reached apprenticeship status with the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities and Communities network and is working toward reaching full coalition status by the end of this year. Clean Cities and Communities is a national network dedicated to the economic, environmental, and energy security of the country and works with coordinators at the local level to promote petroleum fuel reducing methods in their communities. Chris Lynch, BEP’s director, serves on the advisory board. Do you own …

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Has Your Business Implemented Sustainable Practices that Deserve Recognition?

US EPA Announces 2024 Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program! US EPA Region 9 will recognize businesses and non-profit organizations that go above and beyond to prevent pollution and increase source reduction while encouraging sustainable practices.   CLICK HERE to learn more about the award and how to apply. Applications are due May 24, 2024.

Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize

The US Department of Energy launched the Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize and will award up to $4 million to competitors to substantially increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from electronic scrap, known as e-scrap. The cash prizes and assistance awarded in Phases 1 and 2 are intended to support teams as they advance in the competition. E-scrap—which includes mobile phones, home appliances, medical or office equipment, and anything else powered by electricity—represents the fastest growing waste stream globally. …

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2023 Clean School Bus Rebates

OPEN NOW! EPA is accepting new applications for 2023 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates process includes SAM.gov account registration, rebate application submission, review and selection by EPA. Selectees will then submit purchase orders to request payment and then receive payment, which is followed by new bus delivery, existing bus replacement, and project close out. Clean School Bus Rebate …

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Safer Choice

Proposed Updates Webinar On December 19, 2023 from 2-3p.m. ET, the EPA will hold a webinar to provide information on the proposed updates to the Safer Choice Standard, which identifies the requirements that products and their ingredients must meet to earn EPA’s Safer Choice label or Design for the Environment (DfE) logo.  Register here for the webinar, and submit any comments about the proposed updates to docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0520 on regulations.gov by January 16, 2024.

BEP Participates in First Reno Startup Week

The first Reno Startup Week was a big success! BEP Director Chris Lynch was joined by speakers from Patagonia, Sol-Up Solar, Full Circle Compost, and nZero for the Sustainable ROI: Maximizing Business Success with Climate Responsibility panel. We were pleased to have about 30 attendees come to learn strategies and innovative practices that allow businesses to grow while minimizing their environmental impact.

Electric Transportation Forum

Chris Lynch, BEP Director, will be moderating a panel about low and zero emission boats tomorrow at the Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum in South Lake Tahoe.  The forum’s goal is to bring together local, regional, and national leaders who share a vision of making the Lake Tahoe Basin a world-renowned model of clean transportation. The forum is sold out, but you can still participate by live Zoom stream. Register here.