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Small Business Saturday – November 27, 2021

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Saturday, November 27, 2021 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Visit the Shop Small Resources Hub to access free materials, tools and social media resources.

KTVN Channel 2 News Story: UNR Program Helps Local Businesses Save Money, Reduce Carbon Footprint

The Business Environmental Program at UNR is designed to help local businesses reduce their energy bills and their bottom line. The Business Environmental Program at UNR has been around since 1988. It’s a program designed to help local businesses reduce their carbon footprint and their bottom line. “We help businesses become greener, more efficient,” said Chris Lynch, director of the program. “We help them with environmental compliance and help them become stronger businesses so they can compete and grow.” The goal …

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Green Chemistry and Safer Choice

EPA Announces 2021 Safer Choice Award Winners Are you wondering what products to make or buy for your business that are effective and safe for the environment? Safer Choice is a program offered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the manufacturing and use of products that contain ingredients that are safer for the environment and human health.  Safer Choice certified products have the Safer Choice label which provides assurances to the consumer that the product has been thoroughly evaluated and is …

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Final Rule for the Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons

Final Rule Notice Signed by US EPA Administrator September 23, 2021 What are hydrofluorocarbons? Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were initially manufactured as replacements for ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, fire suppression, and foam blowing sectors. While helping protect the stratospheric ozone layer, HFCs are unfortunately also greenhouse gases that contribute to the warming climate. What is required? The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) authorized EPA to address HFCs in three ways: (1) phasing down production and consumption, (2) maximizing reclamation …

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BEP Announces Co-Branded Energy Star Action Workbook for Small Businesses in Nevada

BEP is proud to partner with EPA’s ENERGY STAR to co-brand the  Action Workbook for Small Businesses in Nevada. Energy efficiency is the fastest, least expensive, and largest single solution for simultaneously saving energy and money and preventing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Workbook provides a start to finish approach for taking advantage of energy efficiency savings including setting goals, creating and implementing an action plan, evaluating progress and recognizing achievements. There are also helpful guides for project financing and working with contractors and some specific tips for restaurants, auto dealers, hotels, grocery stores, manufacturers and home-based businesses.

Don’t spend more than you need to on your utility bills. Download your free copy today and start saving money! Contact BEP if you need assistance developing your own energy efficiency strategies.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory

Did you know that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of all “existing” chemicals called the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory? This is a requirement of Section 8(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Why is this important? If you plan to manufacture a chemical you must first check the TSCA Inventory to see if the chemical exists and if there are any importing or manufacturing restrictions. If the chemical does not exist, you must follow EPA’s review …

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Beware of Unsafe or Ineffective Antimicrobial Products

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced violations by a Southern California company that was selling unregistered antimicrobial products that resulted in a $150,000 fine for the company. The company claimed their product could kill or repel microbes through a water filtration system that had not been tested or approved by the EPA. The danger to purchasers lies in the potential ineffectiveness of the product and/or harm to the user. Antimicrobial products that claim to kill or repel bacteria …

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Episodic Events in Nevada

Information Now Available on BEP’s Website What happens when a very small quantity generator (VSQG) or small quantity generator (SQG) goes over the limit for their generator status and generates more hazardous waste for just a month due to something like a planned annual clean-out or cleaning up an accidental spill? Does the business move up in generator status and need to follow all the rules that apply to the higher generator category? Not necessarily! The State of Nevada adopted the Subpart L – …

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US EPA Pollution Prevention Week September 20-26

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating 30 years of pollution prevention (P2) with Pollution Prevention Week, from September 20 – 26, 2021. The 1990 Pollution Prevention Act established the P2 program to help reduce or eliminate waste at the source by modifying production processes. P2 strategies also promote using nontoxic or less toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and reusing materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. For help determining how your operation could become more environmentally sustainable by integrating …

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NDEP Air Quality Staffing Updates

If you hold an Air Quality Permit through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) there are some internal changes you may want to know about. Jennifer Schumacher was recently appointed as the Chief of the Bureau of Air Pollution Control. Before assuming her new position, Ms. Schumacher was the Supervisor for Class I Air Quality Permitting. Her contact information remains the same, email jschumacher@ndep.nv.gov. Travis Osterhout recently departed the Bureau of Air Pollution Control where he served as the Compliance …

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