EPA Pacific Southwest - Region 9

Protecting San Francisco Bay

In March 2015 EPA awarded over $8.7 million from the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund (SFBWQIF) to local and state organizations to restore tidal marshes and river habitats, and improve water quality in and around the bay. These restoration efforts will make the bay more resilient in the face of drought and climate change. EPA has also recently issued a progress report which includes a summary of the grants, recipients, and accomplishments of the SFBWQIF over the past six years.

• Sonoma Index-Tribune: Valley Water Projects Receive Federal Funds Exit
• SF Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund/Progress Report

Reducing Food Waste in Las Vegas

MGM Resorts International has been recognized by EPA and the state of Nevada for reducing food waste. The company's 13 properties in Las Vegas diverted a total of 25,398 tons of food from landfill to compost, a 50% increase over 2012. Composting this food conserved the energy equivalent of more than 50,300 gallons of gasoline.

• PR Newswire: MGM Resorts International Recognized by EPA Exit
• MGM Resorts Leads Zero Waste Efforts in Las Vegas

Improving Water Quality in Arizona

EPA has awarded $2.5 million to the state of Arizona for projects to help restore the state's polluted water bodies. An additional $1.6 million leveraged by the state for these activities means that more than $4 million is available this year to improve surface water quality. Recent data show that a significant percentage of surface waters in Arizona are listed by the state as impaired.

• NewsUnited.com: EPA Awards Millions to Arizona for Water Restoration Exit