Sustainability Activities in the Pacific Northwest

In EPA Region 10, all of our work involves environmental protection. In addition, much of our work promotes sustainability in that it considers the economic, environmental and social consequences of our actions. For example Region 10 actively seeks to promote sustainability by:

• evaluating environmental justice impacts in NEPA reviews
• including Environmental Management Systems (EMS) as part of regulatory settlements
• developing and implementing an internal EMS plan to help us take a more systematic approach to our own organizational decision making
• buying greener copier paper, greener fleet vehicles, greener power, fuels and remodeling office space using greener design and construction
• providing a successful workforce transit plan to reduce employee commuter impacts
• supporting and highlighting successful sustainability projects and activities occurring in businesses, community groups, tribes, states and local governments.
• providing sustainability training and information to our employees and the public
• participating in the Federal Network for Sustainability (FNS), a voluntary network of federal agencies who actively promote sustainability principles
• promoting Environmental Justice principles and grant programs
• implementing a vigorous Brownfields redevelopment program
• working with multiple community groups on issues related to urban sprawl and watershed planning
• Encouraging use of biodiesel fuels at EPA's Manchester Laboratory.

EPA Headquarters:
Sustainable Industry Program
Community-Based Environmental Protection
The Economics of Sustainability
National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center
Design for Environment
Brownfields Cleanup and Development
EPA Region 1: Sustainability: Green Campus Initiative
Region 2: Sustainability
Region 3: Center for Sustainability
Region 5: Sustainable Urban Environments
Region 8: Environmental Sustainability Library

The Federal Network for Sustainability (FNS) FNS promotes cost-effective, energy- and resource-efficient operations across all branches of government through individual initiatives and joint ventures. ** FNS wins prestigious White House Closing the Circle Awards**

As public entities working to advance the public interest, Federal Agencies through leadership can inspire all of society to advance an agenda for sustainability. Statement of Unity Federal Network for Sustainability

Governor’s Sustainable Washington Advisory Panel The Governor convened this Advisory Panel last year because the widening gap between Washington State today and the equitable, healthy, and prospering State that we envision for our future has become impossible to ignore. The Governor asked for a set of Action Recommendations that could be readily implemented and lead to real improvements in our quality of life. A New Path Forward: Action Plan for a Sustainable Washington and additional Panel information is available on-line. For more information about the panel and how you can become involved, please contact Lynn Helbrecht, Sustainability Coordinator Office of the Governor lynn.helbrecht@ofm.wa.gov

Oregon Sustainability Act This Act, O.R.S. 184.423, requires the Oregon Sustainability Board to report on its activities and provide recommendations for future action to the legislature. Recently, the Board recommended that the State take a two-pronged approach to implementing the Act: 1. Create a sustainable economic development strategy that builds on the State’s reputation as a national leader in the field; and 2. Improve the efficiency and productivity of government operations by taking actions that integrate economic, environmental and social objectives. The detailed Oregon State Agencies report is available at

Federal Electronics Challenge FEC is a new voluntary partnership program that encourages federal facilities and agencies to: Purchase greener electronic products Reduce impacts of electronic products during use Manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way

Thinking Sustainably at EPA Office of Research and Development At EPA, ongoing efforts related to sustainability now include research by Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grantees and the Technology for a Sustainable Environment (TSE) program, sponsored jointly by EPA and the National Science Foundation Contacts for the Sustainability Programs Barbara Lither Phone: (206) 553-1191 lither.barbara@epa.gov