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Test Your Nest for Radon!

Radon is invisible -- you can't see or smell it, but it can be deadly. Testing is the only way to know if your home or school has elevated levels of radon, which can have a big impact on your health.  All buildings should be tested for radon, and winter is the best season to do it. Take action and test your nest today!

Funding Opportunities

Indoor Air Quality Management Assistance for Schools As part of their IAQ in Schools Grant, the GoGreen Initiative (GGI) in partnership with the National School Boards Association holds an application/selection process each year to identify 10 school districts to receive intensive technical assistance with implementing an IAQ Management Plan in all of their schools. In addition to training, materials and onsite planning and walkthrough support, each school receives an up to $45,000 mini-grant (subaward) that they can use to support their program (e.g., support staff time for managing the program, purchasing sensors or other monitoring equipment). GGI is placing a particular emphasis on identifying and promoting this program to Tribal schools. The current cohort application is now available and the application deadline is February 27, 2026.  EPA Seeks Applicants for Environmental Education Grants The EPA announced up to $3.2 million in funding for environmental education grants to support local, community-driven projects that help Americans protect their water, health, and natural surroundings. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now posted on www.grants.gov and the Environmental Education Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity webpage and applications are due on March 3, 2026. Learn More.  Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program The EPA is soliciting applications from eligible entities (including schools) to improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by enhancing preparedness in community buildings. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $13,580,000. Applications are due April 15, 2026. Learn More.  $3 Billion Available for States to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water The EPA recently announced $3 billion in new funding for states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. This funding will accelerate progress in finding and removing lead pipes (also known as lead service lines that deliver water to homes, schools, and businesses) as the agency also announces a new dashboard highlighting information from lead service line inventories provided by states. Lead pipes are the key source of lead, a potent neurotoxin particularly harmful to children, in drinking water. EPA also announced the redistribution of an additional $1.1 billion in previously announced DWSRF funding to address lead. For more information about the DWSRF program, visit https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf. See full announcement here.

EPA Region 8 Community Library Program Participant Highlight

Region 8 Community Library Program participant Phillips County Library, located in Malta, MT, set up their EPA Resources table where the parents sit while their children are enjoying Story Time. "The display is right inside our door and is visible to all patrons, especially those perusing the old newspapers, our Montana non-fiction section, and our Children's area.  Patrons and community members use the table for visiting and working on their personal devices. We rotate material so it is ever-changing." Thanks to Phillips County Library Director Jennifer French for sharing this photo and information!   Interested in becoming a Community Library Program partner? Contact bartels.kim@epa.gov for more information.

EPA Technical Fact Sheet Available: Lead in Schools and Child Care Facilities

This fact sheet published in October 2024 is intended to assist community water systems (CWSs) and States in understanding the requirements for public education and sampling requirements for schools and licensed child care facilities under the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). 

Be Prepared for Winter Weather!

As the cold temperatures continue to sweep across the Mountains and Plains region, consider trying out these tips to ensure your building occupants stay safe this winter!

Check Your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible and odorless gas which comes from a variety of combustion appliances, like gas stoves, ovens or barbeque grills. CO can build up quickly indoors and can linger for hours. At elevated levels, CO can quickly cause significant harm and even death.

• Test smoke detectors and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries in these devices at least once each year, unless they have sealed 10-year batteries. Replace the smoke detector or CO alarm if it is more than 10 years old.
• Check that smoke detectors are installed inside each bedroom, and that both smoke detectors and CO alarms are installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

If your power goes out, safely provide power for lighting, cooking, and heating:

• Do not use fuel-powered portable generators indoors (e.g., inside your home, garage, shed or similar enclosed areas). Generators should only be used outside and at least 20 feet away from buildings.
• Do not try to heat your home by using combustion appliances including gas stoves or ovens, or barbeque grills.
• Never operate any gas-burning heater or other appliance in a poorly vented or closed room, or where you are sleeping.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality.

Prevent Water Damage and Mold 

Water damage and mold can also become problems during the cold winter months, when pipes can freeze and burst and roofs can leak. EPA has guidance on how to control moisture in your home to help prevent mold. Check it out and learn more about Mold and Indoor Air Quality here.

Burn Wood Properly 

Whether you heat your home with wood or enjoy the occasional fire, you can keep the air inside your home healthier with these best practices and tips:

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood to maintain a hot fire with less smoke.
• Have a certified technician inspect and service your wood-burning appliance, chimney, and vent annually.
• Protect your indoor air - upgrade to an electric heat pump or an efficient, EPA-certified wood-burning appliance.

Learn more about Smoke from Residential Wood Burning.