Pollution Prevention Information Centers Being Established

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting grant proposals to establish a national network of pollution prevention information centers. Currently there are limited mechanisms to coordinate the development, review, and dissemination of pollution prevention information among those promoting source reduction technologies, according to the EPA.

Access to pollution prevention information and assistance varies across the country. In addition, not all programs providing assistance to small businesses have access to pollution prevention information. As a result, EPA is supporting a program to:

• create new centers for the collection and dissemination of pollution prevention information for states not currently served by a pollution prevention regional center (although the solicitation is not clear as to exactly which states those are),
• support existing regional pollution prevention information centers, and
• coordinate work among centers.

"The development of a pollution prevention information network of centers would allow state pollution prevention information needs to be addressed on a regional basis and allow for improved information exchange. A coordinated network would facilitate information exchange and decrease duplicative research that might be conducted in each state," according to the solicitation notice.

EPA hopes the competitive grant process will:

• improve access to pollution prevention information for all state business assistance programs, and
• increase and improve partnerships among state entities serving small businesses.

EPA anticipates that between $750,000 and $1 million will be available for this program. Awards will be made through a competitive process for amounts not to exceed $350,000. Projects may last up to three years. State match of 1:1 is required.

Eligible applicants include state governments and related entities. Local governments, private universities, private non-profit entities, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible, but are encouraged to work with eligible applicants in developing proposals that include them as participants in the projects.

Grant applications must be postmarked by April 28, 1997. To obtain more information regarding this program, contact Beth Anderson, EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, at 202/ 260-2602 or by e-mail at <anderson.beth @epamail.epa.gov> To receive a copy of the Federal Register notice describing the solicitation, contact SSTI at 614/421-SSTI (7784).