EPA Pacific Southwest - Region 9

Recognition for a Water Conservation Innovator

Sacramento Valley National Cemetery has won a Federal Green Challenge award for reducing water consumption by more than 22% — nearly 14 million gallons — in 2014. The award presentation in November was followed by a tour of the cemetery's irrigation monitoring system.

• The Reporter: Cemetery Wins Federal Environmental Award for Saving Water Exit
• More Information and Photographs

Improving Air Quality in the San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has received $255,400 from EPA to support area residents in transitioning from old wood-burning stoves to cleaner, energy-efficient stoves. The money was collected by EPA from a Virginia-based trucking company as part of a settlement over emissions violations in California. The funds will support the district's Burn Cleaner program, which, along with other local initiatives, cuts particulate pollution by more than 5 tons per day.

• The Fresno Bee: Valley Air District Gets $255,400 to Modernize Wood-Burning Stoves Exit

Honoring Food Recovery Accomplishments on Campus

EPA has recognized the University of California, Santa Cruz, with an award for outstanding efforts in food recovery. The students, food service staff, and university leaders worked together to reduce food waste by more than 750 tons from 2013 to 2014.

• KION News: UC Santa Cruz Gets Big Honor in Stopping Food Waste 
• Sustainable Management of Food

Support for Tribes' Environmental Protection

EPA has awarded more than $25 million to California, Arizona, and Nevada tribes for environmental programs, water and wastewater infrastructure development, community education and capacity building. The announcement was made at the 23rd Annual Regional Tribal Conference in Reno, Nev., in late October.

• Capital Public Radio: EPA Funds California, Nevada Native Tribe Water Projects Exit
• About the Tribal Program