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In this issue:
- MPCA Environmental Assistance Grants - due June 14
- Workplace Charging for Electric Vehicles - due May 22
- Timely event - RICE webinars in June
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On May 14, 2012, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced
the opening of the Fiscal Years (FY) 2012-2013 Environmental Assistance (EA)
Grant Program for applications. The deadline for submittal of applications is June 14, 2012, by 2:00 p.m. Central
Time.
Businesses are one of the main categories this year. This could be your
opportunity if you have been considering projects in green chemistry,
reducing/reusing/recycling, environmental business development, e-Waste, or
statewide compost organization development. Communities and schools are the
other main categories. Approximately $640,000 is available. Eligible applicants, grant award amounts, and minimum matching
fund requirements will vary by focus areas and preferred proposals. For more
detailed information on focus areas and funding requirements, please see ‘Request for
Proposals Funding Guidance — FY 2012-13 Environmental Assistance Grants’
and other information on the MPCA
EA grants program webpage.
Applications for financial assistance will be for
proposals in the following three categories:
1. Communities with focus areas:
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Green Building
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Local Government Assistance -
Sustainability Measures
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs) Contaminated Stormwater Pond Sediment
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Source-Separated Compost, and
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Environmental Volunteering and
Service Learning
2. Businesses with focus areas:
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Green Chemistry
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Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
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Environmental Business Development
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Electronic Waste (e-Waste)
Collection
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Statewide Compost Organization)
3. Schools with focus areas:
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Schools Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
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Secondary and Post-Secondary
Education Curriculum
A new funding opportunity will fulfill a current lack of information
about how to initiate and implement workplace charging infrastructure for
electric vehicles (EVs). The goal of this project is to develop a printable,
electronic guidance resource and to provide presentations for employers and
employees who would like to install EV stations at their workplace. The
printable, electronic guidance resource will provide comprehensive information
on process steps, equipment options, site selection, use expectations,
budget/cost, and related information for planning and implementing workplace EV
charging. This resource piece will be coupled with a complementary series of
presentations to help employers and employees further understand the planning
process along with installation options and considerations.
Promoting the use of EVs will aid in the
prevention of air pollution emissions. Charging stations, located at places of
employment, are key to preventing an obstacle for early adoption of EVs.
Frequent charging opportunities, including at the workplace, to charge
batteries prevents the ‘range anxiety’ which can accompany driving an EV. As
EVs begin to penetrate the market, owners need to know that there will be
adequate charging opportunities for their vehicles, including the option to
charge their vehicle while they are at work.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has approximately $7,000
available for this project. The MPCA reserves the right to reduce the amount of
the contract or refrain from making a contract. The due date for response is
May 22, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Funding guidance and other necessary
documentation can be found here.
EPA's Air Quality Regulations for
Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) and Proposed Rule
Reconsideration
This two-part webinar provides an
overview of EPA's regulations for stationary reciprocating internal combustion
engines (RICE), and an update on potential revisions. RICE are used to
produce electric power, pump water, and operate compressors. Those familiar
with the rules can hear about potential rule revisions by joining the second
part. The same agenda is offered on both dates.
Thursday,
June 14, 2012, and
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:00 – 2:30 pm CDT
This event is free but space is
limited so register early. Please visit the MPCA Air Training webpage for more detailed information and to register.
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