U.S. EPA News Release: EPA Announces University Challenge to Find Innovative Uses for Toxics Data

CONTACT: Enesta Jones (News Media Only) Jones.enesta@epa.gov 202-564-7873 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2013 EPA Announces University Challenge to Find Innovative Uses for Toxics Data WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today launched the TRI University Challenge, a new initiative designed to use academic partnerships to find innovative uses for Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data. TRI gives all Americans access to information about toxic chemicals in the environment as a tool to better protect health and the environment. “For more than 20 years, individuals, organizations and communities have relied on TRI as a powerful tool for environmental protection,” said Malcolm D. Jackson, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Information and Chief Information Officer. “Now, EPA is encouraging students and professors to submit ideas for new projects that will increase the knowledge, use, and understanding of TRI data. EPA will accept TRI University Challenge applications between March 18 and May 13, 2013 for projects that will begin this fall. Two informational webinars about the challenge are planned for April. Institutions whose project proposals are selected will become TRI University Challenge partners. Partners gain practical experience collaborating with EPA to understand and solve local environmental challenges and may receive national recognition for their efforts. While no monetary assistance is available as part of this challenge, partners will receive direct support and guidance from EPA TRI experts. Priority will be given to projects related to one or more of the following four topics: pollution prevention and sustainability, stakeholder engagement, technology and data mashups, and environmental education. TRI helps industry, government, non-governmental organizations and the public make environmentally responsible decisions .by providing them with information about toxic chemical releases into the air, water and land.,    More information on the Challenge, webinars and sample project ideas: www.epa.gov/tri/university More information about the Challenge: http://challenge.gov/ More information about TRI: www.epa.gov/tri You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355