EPA Launches Web Forum on Protecting America's Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new web forum to gather input on how to best protect drinking water in the U.S. The information obtained from the forum will be used in implementing EPA's new drinking water strategy.
Water professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in drinking water quality issues are invited to contribute their thoughts on the best solutions for issues surrounding drinking water, including planning, developing scientific tools, controlling water pollution, and use of resources.
The forum will be open for discussion for about a month. For more information, see the EPA news release.
Fire Protection Research Foundation Receives Grant for Smart Grid Standards Development Study
The Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has received a grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) to conduct a Smart Grid standards development study.
The $250,000 grant will fund a project to support the development of safety standards for the Smart Grid initiative. This project aims to ensure that infrastructure safety standards do not serve as an impediment to the implementation of the Smart Grid.
NFPA is a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). To learn more, see the NFPA news release.
Report Outlines Survey Results on Priorities in Standards Education
A recently released report developed by the Center for Global Standards Analysis provides the results of a survey on priorities in standards education.
Readers can view respondent comments, as well as rankings of importance for the potential content of standards education programs. A blank copy of the survey is also included for reference.
To view the report, click here.
Stakeholder Workshop to Develop National Strategic Highway Safety Plan Available through Webinar
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), an ANSI member, has announced that an upcoming stakeholder workshop to develop a national strategic highway safety plan will allow participation through a webinar.
The August 25-26 event will address a data-driven effort focusing on identifying and creating opportunities for changing American culture as it relates to highway safety. Webinar participants will be able to join in all discussions and submit questions throughout the workshop.
To learn more and to register for the workshop, see the AAMVA news item.
NRA Suggests Ways to Promote Green Actions in Employees, Guests, and Suppliers
The National Restaurant Association (NRA), an ANSI member, has published a list of six ways to encourage employees, guests, and suppliers to take eco-friendly actions.
Suggestions include starting a recycling program, using communication boards to highlight public transportation routes, and investing in alternative fuel vehicles.
To see all six tips, visit the NRA website.
ZigBee Alliance Applies for Accreditation as ANSI SDO
The ZigBee Alliance, Inc., a new full ANSI Organizational Member as of October 2009, has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer and proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on proposed American National Standards. You may view or download a copy of the ZigBee Alliance's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period here.
To obtain a copy of the ZigBee Alliance's proposed operating procedures, or to offer comments, please contact Bill Chase, executive director of ZigBee Alliance (925.275.6607; [email protected]). Please submit your comments to ZigBee by September 13, 2010, with a copy to the recording secretary, ExSC in ANSI's New York Office (facsimile: 212.840.2298; [email protected]). As the proposed procedures are available electronically, the public review period is 30 days.