E.P.A. Declares University Challenge to Find Innovative Uses for Toxics Data

WASHINGTON -- The E.P.A. (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 in excess of 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, E.P.A. is encouraging students and professors to submit ideas for new plans that will increase the knowledge, use, and understanding of TRI data.

E.P.A. will accept TRI University Challenge applications between March 18 and May 13, 2013 for plans that will begin this fall. 2 informational webinars about the challenge are planned for April.

Institutions whose plan proposals are selected will become TRI University Challenge partners. Partners gain practical experience collaborating with E.P.A. to understand and solve local environmental challenges and may gain national recognition for their efforts. While no monetary assistance is accessible as part of this challenge, partners will gain direct support and guidance from E.P.A. TRI experts.

Priority will be given to plans related to one or more of the following 4 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 delivers into the air, water and land.,

More information on the Challenge, webinars and sample plan ideas: www.epa.gov/tri/university

More information about the Challenge: http://challenge.gov/

More information about TRI: www.epa.gov/tri

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