Recent wildfire smoke events have highlighted the value of air quality measurement. But how does it really work, anyways? From the latest technologies and regulations to the unique challenges faced by local governments and Tribes, this week's guests discuss the transforming landscape of air quality monitoring. Join hosts Georgia Ray and Ella Stack and guests Chet Wayland from the EPA, Christopher Lee from Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, and Miles Keogh from the National Association of Clean Air Agencies for the discussion. This episode was completed in partnership wit ..read more

Local communities are increasingly turning towards green infrastructure as a cost-effective and successful solution to address the growing challenges presented by stormwater management. Green infrastructure represents a shift away from aging, gray infrastructure (pipes, gutters, and tunnels) and towards systems that mimic nature to sustainably filter stormwater and improve water quality. Localities that have implemented green infrastructure are reaping numerous benefits, such as reduced localized flooding, water quality improvements, climate resiliency, and enhanc ..read more

Lead-based paint is still present in many houses, apartments, and public buildings, making it a critical issue of health and safety for communities. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to a person’s brain, nervous system, and other organs, and is especially hazardous to children and pregnant women. Though the federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978, it is still commonly found in older buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) has adopted the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) to help prevent further exposures. Join EPA Scientist Carol Baillie, and M ..read more

The United States produces nearly 300 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, about a third of which is recycled or composted. As foreign markets begin to crack down on the importation of solid wastes for recycling abroad, it is vital that the U.S. advance and improve its current waste management practices. To achieve the National Recycling Goal of 50% by 2030, the EPA consulted with stakeholders and developed  the National Recycling Strategy, released this past November. Join ELI’s Jim McElfish as he speaks with David Biderman, Executive Director and CEO of the Solid Waste Assoc ..read more

Complying with environmental requirements under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act can be costly, especially for smaller water utilities, which often struggle to find capital to improve aging infrastructure. In this episode, your LGEAN hosts, Cynthia and Shehla, chat with four experts from EPA and the Environmental Finance Center at UNC at Chapel Hill on environmental financing. Listen to hear about eight key steps for creating an effective financing plan, all the funding and financing options available to you—including bonds, self-financing through rate revenues, grants including ..read more

The LA County Chief Sustainability Office set out in 2020 to accomplish a monumental task: assess the risks and challenges that a changing climate will bring to over 10 million people and physical infrastructure spanning 182 square miles—while incorporating the needs and priorities of the County’s most vulnerable populations. The result of this collaboration with Climate Resolve is the County of Los Angeles Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA), an impressive document that centers equity and represents extensive community outreach. ELI’s own Cynthia R. Harris sits down with LA County’s Sustai ..read more

Local communities are increasingly turning towards green infrastructure as a cost-effective and successful solution to address the growing challenges presented by stormwater management. Green infrastructure represents a shift away from aging, gray infrastructure (pipes, gutters, and tunnels) and towards systems that mimic nature to sustainably filter stormwater and improve water quality. Localities that have implemented green infrastructure are reaping numerous benefits, such as reduced localized flooding, water quality improvements, climate resiliency, and enhanc ..read more

Lead-based paint is still present in many houses, apartments, and public buildings, making it a critical issue of health and safety for communities. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to a person’s brain, nervous system, and other organs, and is especially hazardous to children and pregnant women. Though the federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978, it is still commonly found in older buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) has adopted the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) to help prevent further exposures. Join EPA Scientist Carol Baillie, and M ..read more

The United States produces nearly 300 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, about a third of which is recycled or composted. As foreign markets begin to crack down on the importation of solid wastes for recycling abroad, it is vital that the U.S. advance and improve its current waste management practices. To achieve the National Recycling Goal of 50% by 2030, the EPA consulted with stakeholders and developed  the National Recycling Strategy, released this past November. Join ELI’s Jim McElfish as he speaks with David Biderman, Executive Director and CEO of the Solid Waste Assoc ..read more

Sixty percent of facilities in significant non-compliance (SNC) with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are small municipal wastewater treatment plants. The Clean Water Act’s permit program regulates point sources of water pollution, such as discharges from publicly owned municipal wastewater treatment plants. Why is this? And what can we do about it? Join ELI’s Shehla and Cynthia for a conversation with Dan Palmer, Deputy Division Director of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, all about NPDES permits, EPA’s new National Compliance Initiati ..read more