How do environmental managers and public health officials identify the benefits that local forests, parks, wetlands, and other natural areas provide to their local communities? One way is through EPA’s EnviroAtlas. The rich web-based resource system provides users with a host of interactive tools, geospatial data, and resources for exploring the benefits people derive from nature…
Imagine what could be achieved if thousands or even millions of citizens were engaged as research partners collecting and sharing data about their local environment. That’s the potential of citizen science—a process allowing research organizations to tap the collective strength of communities and the public to identify research questions, collect and analyze data, interpret results,…
The Internet of Water (IoW) is accelerating the development of open data and information systems to support sustainable water resources management and water supply services. The IoW network is designed to mobilize cultural and behavioral change across individuals, agencies, and institutions to bring about necessary technological changes that will transform water information and enable better water management…
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has unveiled the latest in online technology that is making it easier for companies to apply for air quality permits. Businesses can now submit all construction and Title V air quality permit applications using the Iowa Environmental Application System—Iowa EASY Air. “We expect this online system to save…
Professionals across EPA, states, and tribes are collaborating to improve the process of developing, reviewing, and approving Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for state and tribal grants. This initiative has experienced early success with the acceleration of the QAPP approval process; on average, regions are approving 92 percent of QAPPs within 60 days of receipt from…
Currently, 49 states use EPA’s State Plan Electronic Collaboration System (SPeCS), an integrated electronic submission, review, and tracking system for State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and other state air agency submissions under the Clean Air Act. This expansion of SPeCS across the majority of the nation was highlighted at the spring E-Enterprise Leadership Council (EELC) meeting,…
Smart Mobile Tools for Field Inspectors (Smart Tools) improves the quality, consistency, and timeliness of environmental field inspections by allowing inspectors to complete electronic inspection reports on their tablets or ruggedized mobile devices. In late February, EPA completed a series of six hands-on training sessions around the country on Smart Tools. Developed by EPA and…
E-Enterprise has a history of leveraging interactive information-sharing tools and remote meeting functionality to support its collaborative, multi-party governance structure across EPA, states, and tribes. This culture of collaboration and extensive online experience has enabled E-Enterprise leadership to seamlessly transition upcoming gatherings into virtual meetings and conduct business operations virtually, as a necessary response to…
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communications and business processes nationwide. E-Enterprise partners are deploying a multitude of innovative responses to the crisis. Some best practices from states include converting a vehicle emission inspection station into a drive-through coronavirus testing location and developing a process to scan and conduct general permit registrations by phone. In addition,…
What roles do you fill on behalf of the E-Enterprise initiative? My many years of involvement with the governance of E-Enterprise and the Exchange Network have been very rewarding. As a member of the E-Enterprise Leadership Council and as state chair of the Management Board, among other leadership roles, I help steer the day-to-day activities…