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MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA Commemorates Earth Day, Continues Conversation on Climate Change

Release Date: 04/22/2013
Contact Information: Molly Hooven (News Media Only), [email protected], 202-564-2313, 202-564-4355, Regional Press Officers, http://epa.gov/newsroom/contact-us.htm#regions

WASHINGTON – This Earth Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expanding the conversation on climate change through public engagement and education on the importance of continuing to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on.

As we continue to make strides in protecting the climate by cutting carbon pollution and greenhouse gasses, EPA is participating in events to spur greater action to reduce the effects of climate change such as warmer temperatures, sea level rise, stronger storms and more droughts.

Every American plays a role in bringing about a healthier climate, a cleaner economy and a stronger energy future. By taking simple actions such as changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water and recycling, together we can better protect our health and our environment. Find an event on Earth Day to join or additional resources to learn more on how you can make a difference.

Headquarter Activities Include:

• On April 22, Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe will join Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House CEQ Chair Nancy Sutley, to announce the first-ever District Sustainability Award and the honorees for the Green Ribbon Schools program. Schools are honored for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways.
• On April 22, Acting Administrator Perciasepe will also participate in throwing the first pitch at the Washington National's baseball game as part of the team's Earth Day activities and EPA’s "Score One for the Environment!” campaign, encouraging Americans to take action in recycling and protecting the environment. Additional "Score One for the Environment" activities are taking place at stadiums across the U.S. on Earth Day.
• On April 23, representatives from EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, including Energy Star, SunWise, the Climate Change Division, and the Clean Air Markets Division will participate in an Earth Day event at Union Station.
• This week, EPA will announce winners of the first-ever Campus RainWorks Challenge, focused on stormwater infrastructure. Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Nancy Stoner and Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman plan to attend events at the winning campuses.
• Throughout April, EPA and fellow federal agencies will hold activities in the Washington, DC area including:
  • April 23-25: Electronics Collection - a collection of personal/home electronic devices, which will be delivered to a certified electronics recycler.
  • April 23: Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup - a shoreline stream cleanup in Arlington.
  • April 24: Prescription Drug Take Back Day - a collection of expired or unwanted medications for safe and proper disposal
  • April 25: Earth Day Fair and Recycling Collection - a meeting with the public and local and federal organizations to learn more about climate change and sustainability in homes, offices and communities.

• On April 22, Region 1 Administrator Curt Spalding, will throw the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox Climate Neutral Game and staff are volunteering for the Fenway Park/Red Sox “green team” -- collecting recyclables from the fans throughout the game.
• On April 22, Region 3 Administrator Shawn Garvin, will participate in the Wilmington Earth Day Event, a Waste Wise Signing agreement with a construction recycling firm in Philadelphia on April 24, a listening session regarding the Healthy Homes Initiative on April 26, and Temple University’s Green Initiatives Awards Ceremony on April 29. Staff will participate in Temple University’s Ambler EarthFest 2013 Outreach event on April 26 and an outreach effort at the 30th Street Train Station on April 22.
• On April 23, Region 4 Administrator Gwen Fleming, along with volunteers from EPA, the City of Atlanta, nonprofit organizations and businesses will participate in the Atlanta Earth Day Cleanup Challenge.
• On April 22, Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman, will award first prize to a winner of EPA’s first Campus RainWorks Challenge for their innovative work on green infrastructure systems to mitigate the impact of urban stormwater.
• Region 6 staff will participate in Earth Day Dallas and Oak Cliff Earth Day, a grassroots effort in Lake Cliff Park.
• Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks, will participate in recycling/food recovery efforts with the St. Louis Cardinals on April 29.
• On April 22, Region 8 Acting Administrator Howard Cantor, will deliver the keynote address for a Sustainability Fair on the Denver Auraria campus and regional staff will participate in Denver’s Earth Day Fair.
• Region 9 Administrator Jared Blumenfeld will speak at a global warming conference in Marin County on April 22, participate in a panel discussion at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco about reducing, reusing, and recycling on April 23 and a panel discussion at the Tribal Water Summit in Sacramento on April 25. On April 29, Administrator Blumenfeld will present an Energy Star award to PG&E in San Francisco.
• On April 22, Region 10 Administrator Dennis McLerran will participate in the grand opening of the Bullitt Foundation's new building in Seattle touted as the greenest commercial building in the world. The Bullitt foundation is headed by founder of the first Earth Day.