Latest Developments from the Environmental Protection Agency for Oct. 16

10/16/2003

From: EPA Office of Public Affairs, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 -- The following Agency developments may be of interest. For more information on any of these subjects, call the appropriate contact.

EPA, DOT WORK TOWARD NATIONAL ELECTRIC HOOK-UP CODES AND STANDARDS TO REDUCE IDLING AT U.S. TRUCK STOPS

John Millett 202-564-7842 or millett.john@epa.gov

EPA and the Department of Transportation will host a workshop to discuss national codes and standards that could be put in place to provide uniform truck stop electrification infrastructure across the country. This full-day workshop will review current, applicable standards and discuss best approaches to arriving at national standards for both on-board and stationary truck stop electrification equipment. This emerging technology involves modifications to trucks and truck stop parking spaces that will provide electrical power, heat and air conditioning to truck cabins to eliminate engine idling. EPA established its National Transportation Idle-Free Corridors program in an effort to reduce vehicle emissions and fuel consumption associated with truck idling. Installing truck stop electrification can reduce pollution, and fuel and maintenance costs incurred by truck owners. The workshop will be held on Oct. 27 at EPA's Washington, D.C. headquarters. Speakers and participants include standards organizations, truck and engine manufacturers, long-haul trucking fleets, truck stop operators, truck-related associations, state agencies and technology manufacturers. EPA's anti-idling program is part of the SmartWay transport initiative -- http://www.epa.gov/smartway/. For more information about electrification and anti-idling, go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/documents/f03020.htm .

LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK -- PARTNERING FOR PREVENTION IN OCTOBER

Dave Deegan 617-918-1017 or deegan.dave@epa.gov

The fifth annual Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, to be held this year between Oct. 19-25, will include participation across the U.S. by various federal, state and local governments and non-profit organizations that share the goal of preventing lead poisoning in children. This year's theme is "Partnering for Prevention," emphasizing to parents the large number of lead poisoning prevention resources across the country. With lead poisoning rates still high in many U.S. cities, EPA is partnering with other government agencies and organizations to highlight the importance of lead poisoning prevention. Events being held across the country include free blood-lead tests for children, opportunities for education and outreach to families such as health fairs and workshops on lead education and safety. Low-level lead poisoning, due to the existence of lead paint in older homes, continues to be a concern for as many as three million American children under the age of six. Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning since they are more likely to ingest lead paint and are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children can trigger learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing and even brain damage. To learn more about Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities, contact a local health department or call 1-800-424-LEAD. Information is also available on EPA's website at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/.

EPA AND FEDEX FREIGHT PARTNER TO REDUCE DIESEL EMISSIONS

John Millett 202-564-7842 or millett.john@epa.gov

Under EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program, the Agency is partnering for the first time with a private company, FedEx Freight, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., to retrofit its fleet. The one-year pilot project will demonstrate the benefits of installing advanced emission control technologies on diesel trucks. FedEx Freight will retrofit approximately one-third of its delivery trucks with particulate filters and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel at its Dallas fleet maintenance facility. EPA and FedEx Freight expect that treating engines and fuels as a system will significantly reduce particulate matter, hydrocarbon, and carbon monoxide emissions by approximately 90 percent. Begun in 2000, EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program uses innovative technology to bring the current diesel fleet closer to 2007 standards; implements pilot demonstration projects to encourage more fleet retrofits; evaluates emission control technologies such as performance, durability and maintenance. To date, fleet owners and operators have committed to retrofit approximately 160,000 diesel trucks, buses and construction equipment. To learn more, go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit.

SIXTEEN ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZED FOR SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN REDUCING PESTICIDE RISK

David Deegan 617-918-1017 or deegan.dave@epa.gov

EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) has selected 16 members of the program as "PESP Champions" of 2003 for their extraordinary level of commitment to protecting the environment and human health. PESP is a voluntary partnership with pesticide users to implement pollution prevention strategies. The champions were selected based on their outstanding efforts promoting integrated pest management (IPM) and advancing pollution prevention. The groups employed the following strategies to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use: sampling to accurately determine pest population levels; training and demonstrating IPM practices; employing cultural practices such as crop rotation or removing food and habitat for structural pests; controlling or managing pests through biologically-based technologies; applying less toxic or reduced-risk pesticides such as insect growth regulators; and using conventional pesticides only when absolutely necessary. The 16 members designated as PESP Champions of 2003 are: American Mosquito Control Association, Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program, California Tomato Commission, California Almond Board, Gerber Products Company, Glades Crop Care Inc., Lodi-Woodbridge Wine Grape Commission, Low Input Viticulture and Enology of Oregon, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Massey Services Inc., Michigan Asparagus Research Inc., Monroe County School Corp., Pebble Beach Company, U.S. Department of Defense, University of Wisconsin's Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and Walnut Marketing Board. Established in 1994 with 16 charter partners, today there are over 130 PESP members nationwide. For more information on EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/.