Document 3ev4epnp2xN44bDOaN86d1556

EPA Region 8 Smart Sectors program to engage businesses in achieving better environmental outcomes April XX, 2018 Patrick Davis davis.patrick(5)epa.gov 303-312-6855 DENVER -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 8 office in Denver has launched an initiative to improve collaboration and dialogue with key sectors of the economy in the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. EPA's Smart Sectors program is intended to advance a better understanding of the business community across EPA programs and identify ways to achieve better environmental and regulatory outcomes in key sectors of our economy. The Smart Sectors program will work to connect staff across EPA's land, water, air and chemical program offices with leaders in the Region 8 business and regulated community. The program will work closely with state government partners to identify trade associations and industries that represent the engines of our state economies and offer significant opportunities for environmental impact. Beginning this summer, EPA will develop a series of sector-specific forums to develop a better understanding of business practices and to explain environmental regulations and the regulatory process in simple terms. EPA will also be seeking information about best practices in various industries and will look for opportunities to recognize companies that are going beyond compliance or succeeding over time with little or no compliance violations. Sectors identified for initial efforts in EPA Region 8 include: Agriculture and Food/Beverage production; Mining; and Outdoor Recreation/Tourism. Additional sectors may be added over time. Details on scheduled roundtables and other forums will be posted on the Agency's Smart Sectors website: www.epa.Rov/smartsecfors EPA Region 8's efforts will build upon EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's October 2017 launch of Smart Sectors, a partnership program between the Agency and regulated sectors focused on achieving better environmental outcomes. The program recognizes that a sector-based, collaborative approach with America's businesses provides a significant opportunity for EPA to consider more forward-thinking ways to protect the environment. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 5 ED 002061 00091657-00001 "When we consider American business as a partner, as opposed to an adversary, we can achieve better environmental outcomes," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, "The Smart Sectors program is designed to effectively engage business partners throughout the regulatory process. When industries and regulators better understand each other, the economy, public, and the environment all benefit," A sector-based approach can provide benefits, such as: increased long-term certainty and predictability, creative solutions based on sound data; and, more sensible policies to improve environmental protection. Program leads for each sector will serve as ombudsmen within the Agency across program and regional offices. Staff will also: conduct educational site tours, host roundtables with EPA leadership, analyze data and advise about options for environmental improvement; maintain open dialogue with business partners and their environmental committees; and, develop reports that profile the impact of each sector on the environment and the economy. For more information, visit www.ep3.gov/smartsec.tors Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 5 ED 002061 00091657-00002