March 2016 Pacific Southwest Newsletter
March 2016 Newsletter
Honoring Climate Leaders
EPA has recognized organizations and a representative of the U.S. Postal Service for leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate action.
- Newsroom America: EPA Honors Three California Organizations for Climate Action Leadership Exit
- 2016 Climate Leadership Award Winners
Water Research Funding for Universities
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of California, Riverside, both received funding to research the human and ecological health impacts associated with water reuse and conservation. The grants were announced in conjunction with a White House Water Summit, which was held to raise awareness of water issues.
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Environmental Protection Agency gives UNLV grant for water conservation research Exit
- RealEstateRama: EPA Announces $3.3 Million in Funding for Water Reuse and Conservation Research Exit
- About the Water Research Grants
Restoration and Renewal in Fresno
In early March, the city of Fresno broke ground on the restoration of the Fulton Street Pedestrian Mall, celebrating the culmination of work by Fresno with long-term technical assistance and funding by the White House Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative.
- The Fresno Bee: Fresno Breaks Ground on Fulton Street Restoration Exit
- Fresno's Strong Cities, Strong Communities Accomplishments (PDF)(2 pp, 169 K, About PDF)
Enforcement Update
Reducing Air Pollution in the San Joaquin Valley
EPA and the Department of Justice settled a Clean Air Act case with the J.R. Simplot Co. The company will spend over $40 million on pollution controls that will significantly cut sulfur dioxide emissions at five plants in three states, including one in Lathrop, Calif. Simplot will also fund a project to reduce particulate matter pollution in the San Joaquin Valley by providing incentives to residents to replace or retrofit wood-burning stoves and fireplaces with cleaner-burning, energy efficient appliances.
- Central Valley Business Times: Simplot Agrees to Reduce Emissions from Central Valley Plant Exit