Changing the Lens: Communicating Public Health Issues

Posted by Laura Anderko on July 17, 2013 at 09:32 AM EST

Laura Anderko

Laura Anderko is being honored as a Champion of Change for her work on the front lines to protect public health in a changing climate.

My birthday is Earth Day.  I have at times wondered if this predisposes me to embrace environmental issues a bit more tightly than most. I remember at early age thinking about why society needed to take its relationship with the environment more seriously. Dirty water and air were choking the life out of fish, birds, and humans. Growing up in Chicago, I can remember the feeling of loss and sadness as buses spewed clouds of black smoke into the neighborhood. The Clean Air Act of 1970 brought relief and improved health.

As a student nurse in the 1970s (the decade when Earth Day was established), our curriculum was completely void of content about the connection between our earth and our health. As I grew professionally as a public health nurse, I actively explored those connections. I taught what I learned to nurses, student nurses, and the public, conducted research about those connections, and finally began advocating for a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Partnerships between the health sector and other climate change-related sectors and a focus on the common good are critical in public health and have been key to my success educating and advocating for a “health in all policy” approach, particularly in areas such as clean energy and the environment. Few people understand that health is often not a consideration in policy. Establishing partnerships with other sectors broadens the lens for viewing the effects of climate change. Even some climate experts are unfamiliar with the range of health consequences of climate change. Although many experts are familiar with the link between heat, ozone, pollen, and poor air quality resulting in increased risks for asthma, few understand other potential health impacts. For example, as temperatures increase, the geographical range for vector-borne disease such as malaria and dengue fever can expand too. The scale of health risks is on par with the enormity of climate change!

Along the way, I have been humbled by the knowledge and passion of individuals and the commitment behind many organizations that work tirelessly to connect the dots and advocate for a cleaner environment and healthier world. There have been many climate partners in my work to address the potential impacts of climate change on the public’s health:  

  • The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, brought nurses together from across the nation to integrate environmental health content into nursing curriculum, practice, and research, and to support nurses to promote healthy environmental policy
  • The Georgetown Environment Initiative and the Georgetown Climate Center, created interdisciplinary approaches to partner with public health professionals and community residents to design climate change adaptation plans, especially in poor communities
  • The American Lung Association, Big Shoulders, the Catholic Health Association, Climate Reality Project, Health Care without Harm, and the National Resources Defense Council have provided numerous opportunities to more effectively communicate the health risks associated with climate change and ways to reduce them through webinars, op-eds, public health reports, testimony, and community educational programs
  • The unsung heroes of governmental agencies who have collaborated to translate the evidence into meaningful public health action. Along with students, I have worked closely with the District of Columbia Department of Health to expand the capacity of an environmental public health tracking system that links weather and health data, and to use this data to assist families to take protective action against asthma risks.  

The enormity of global climate change and its impacts on each and every living thing can conjure a feeling of hopelessness. It is through working together to educate and advocate that we can restore hope to the conversation. Climate change is more than an economic issue. Climate change is a health issue. In President Obama’s address on climate change and clean energy at Georgetown University in June, he remarked that we didn’t have to decide between the health of our children and health of our economy.  We must be vigilant in communicating and addressing the global health impacts of climate change. I am honored to receive the Champions of Change award and grateful to Georgetown University for its continued support of my work. It is my hope that society will continue to work collectively to ensure a cleaner, healthier earth for future generations.

Laura Anderko is the Robert and Kathleen Scanlon Endowed Chair in Values Based Health Care at Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies.

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Cutting Costs and Modernizing Buildings through Performance-Based Contracting

Posted by Brodi Fontenot on June 19, 2013 at 10:45 AM EST

Editor’s Note: On June 19th, the White House Council on Environmental Quality brought together leaders from government, private industry, non-profits, and academia at a White House event to highlight President Obama’s $2 billion commitment to improve the energy efficiency of Federal buildings through performance contracting.  Below, U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Brodi Fontenot shares some of the innovative ways his agency is using performance-based contracting to conserve energy, cut waste, and save taxpayer dollars.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) operations encompass more than 10,000 buildings in all 50 states, from air traffic control centers and research facilities to our regional offices and headquarters. That kind of range complicates our efforts to green our internal operations and infrastructure, yet over the last two years, DOT has improved its sustainability performance across all seven measures of the OMB Sustainability and Energy Scorecard.

To achieve those results and continue to move forward on sustainability, we are trying to use every tool available.  One tool that has served us well is Performance-Based Contracts (PBCs). A PBC is a tool where a company makes improvements at little to no upfront capital cost and is paid through the savings from the project over many years. It is a win-win-win for government, industry, and the environment.

These contracts are an important vehicle for meeting our energy and water goals. PBCs are attractive because they are a low-cost tool with limited upfront capital investment that emphasizes performance. DOT has dedicated sources of funding for some building improvements, but PBCs present a vital tool to stretch the value of taxpayer dollars.

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Partnership for Sustainable Communities Marks 4th Anniversary with Web-Streaming Twitter Town Hall

Bob Perciasepe, Maurice Jones, and John Porcari
June 18, 2013
01:15 PM EST

Ed Note: This is a cross post from the blog of fastlane.dot.gov. You can find the original post here.

June 16, 2013 marks the four-year anniversary of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since 2009, our three federal agencies have been working together to help communities build stronger regional economies, improve their housing and transportation options, and protect the environment.

As President Obama said when the Partnership launched in 2009, “By working together, [the agencies] can make sure that when it comes to development—housing, transportation, energy efficiency—these things aren't mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand.”

Sustainable Communities

Our collaboration helps communities plan the housing, transportation and economic development they need as infrastructure for economic growth, helping them attract businesses and improve quality of life for residents.

The Partnership is a one-stop shop for communities to access federal resources that can help them become more economically and environmentally sustainable. To date, the Partnership has provided more than $4 billion in funding for projects in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Related Topics: Energy and Environment, Urban Policy, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, New Jersey, Texas

2012: A Year in Photos

2012: A Year in Photos

 

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2012 in Photos

The White House photo team has a front row view for all the events both big and small at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., and on the road with the President, the Vice President and the First Family. Each January, Pete Souza, Chief Official White House Photographer and Director of the White House Photography Office, selects his favorite images from the past twelve months. Featuring exclusive perspectives of everything from Presidential trips and events to private moments between President Obama and his family, his staff and American citizens, this collection offers a unique view of 2012.

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January 1, 2012

"A nice way to celebrate the New Year for the President was to jump in the ocean in his native state of Hawaii. He was on his annual Christmas vacation with family and friends, and went swimming at Pyramid Rock Beach in Kaneohe Bay." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

January 24, 2012

"One of the most memorable moments of the year was when the President hugged Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as he walked onto the floor of the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol to deliver his annual State of the Union address." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

January 25, 2012

"Chuck Kennedy made this amusing photograph of First Lady Michelle Obama participating in a potato sack race with Jimmy Fallon in the East Room of the White House during a “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” taping for the second anniversary of the "Let’s Move!" initiative." (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

January 30, 2012

"This is one of those rare instances where my presence indirectly became a part of this reaction from those pictured in the photograph. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had just accidentally dropped all of her briefing papers onto the Oval Office rug and she, the President and Vice President all reacted in a way that indicated that surely I wouldn't get a photo of that to embarrass her." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


February 1, 2012

"Lawrence Jackson captured this cute photograph of the President holding Arianna Holmes, 3, before taking a departure photo with members of her family in the Oval Office." (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

February 7, 2012

"Kids will be kids. After the President had welcomed Lauren Fleming, the March of Dimes national ambassador, and her family in the Oval Office, her brother, Corbin Fleming, started to play with the President's telephone. Fortunately, he wasn't able to get through to a head of state." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

February 13, 2012

"From early spring to late fall, the light in the Oval Office is fairly consistent with the sun high in the horizon during the day. But during the winter months, the sun is lower on the horizon and splashes through the back window in the early morning and late afternoon. Here, in the midst of the morning light, the President talks on the phone with British Prime Minister David Cameron." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

February 16, 2012

"Chuck Kennedy made this photograph of women reacting in the Red Room after being surprised by First Lady Michelle Obama during their White House tour." (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
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February 21, 2012

"Egged on by B.B. King, at right, the President joins in singing 'Sweet Home Chicago' during the 'In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues' concert in the East Room. Participants include, from left: Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews, Jeff Beck, Derek Trucks, B.B. King, and Gary Clark, Jr." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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February 29, 2012

"Sonya Hebert made this amusing photograph of Bo, the Obama family dog, as he was being videotaped for the Easter Egg Roll, in the East Colonnade of the White House." (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)
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March 17, 2012

"David Lienemann made this action photograph of Vice President Joe Biden and his security detail literally running during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh, Pa." (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

March 30, 2012

"We had just arrived aboard the Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn and the President was walking into the White House. I had seen this scene several times but had never been able to quite capture it the way I wanted. Here, finally, arriving at night, I was able to frame him walking into the light of the Diplomatic Reception Room, with the added bonus of his shadow being cast from the television lights off to the left." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


April 18, 2012

"We were doing an event at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Before speaking, the President was looking at some of the automobiles and exhibits adjacent to the event, and before I knew what was happening he walked onto the famed Rosa Parks bus. He sat in one of the seats, looking out the window for only a few seconds." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 24, 2012

"We were backstage at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill for the President's appearance on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.' The President let out a big laugh as he was being briefed by the producers and Mr. Fallon on the 'Slow Jam the News' segment." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 24, 2012

"The President wipes off his trousers after being splattered by frozen yogurt while shaking hands along a ropeline in Boulder, Colo. University of Colorado student Kolbi Zerbest had placed her cup of yogurt on the ground while trying to shake hands with the President, and someone else inadvertently kicked the cup." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


May 1, 2012

"In Afghanistan, there was virtually no light inside the helicopter as we flew from Kabul back to Bagram Air Field after the President had met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. (For the photo buffs, this photograph was taken at ISO 6400, 1/5 second at f/1.4.) Flanking the President are General John Allen, Commanding General of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker. Denis McDonough, Deputy National Security Advisor, is at left." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 1, 2012

"A soldier hugs the President as he greeted U.S. troops at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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May 1, 2012

"For the President, this was one of the most poignant moments of his first term. He was visiting wounded warriors in the intensive care unit at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. He had just presented a Purple Heart to Sgt. Chase Haag, who had been injured by an IED just hours before. Sgt. Haag was covered with a blanket and it was difficult to see how badly he was injured. He was also seemingly unconscious, or perhaps just asleep. The President whispered in his ear so not to wake him. Just then, there was a rustling under the blanket and Sgt. Haag, eyes still closed, reached his hand out to shake hands with the President. 'I'll never forget that moment,' someone else in the room later told me." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 11, 2012

"Lawrence Jackson made this great photograph of the First Lady touching the Hokie Stone before walking onto the field at Lane Stadium to give the Virginia Tech commencement address in Blacksburg, Va." (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

May 11, 2012

"After some early morning basketball in Los Angeles, the President talks with the players who included actors Don Cheadle, Tobey Maguire, and George Clooney, along with two of Clooney's long-time friends. Stacy Keibler is also at right." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 19, 2012

"At Camp David for the G8 Summit, European leaders took a break to watch the overtime shootout of the Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich Champions League final. Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, the President, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, French President François Hollande react during the winning goal." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 19, 2012

"One of the great things about the G8 Summit being at Camp David was the relaxed and casual atmosphere. When the President decided to have an unscheduled meeting with just the Eurozone leaders, he asked them to step outside on the Laurel Cabin patio where the leaders and their staff all pulled up chairs for the impromptu meeting." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 19, 2012

"Following the conclusion of the G8 Summit, the President plays a game of pool in the Holly Cabin at Camp David." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 20, 2012

"'How cool is this,' the President said after he threw a football at Soldier Field following the NATO working dinner in Chicago. I think he was especially excited to be on the home turf of his beloved Chicago Bears." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 25, 2012

"Luz Graham-Urquilla, 4, watches as the President signs her drawing at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 25, 2012

"The President was welcoming service members and their families to a screening of 'Men in Black 3' in the White House Family Theater. The movie was being presented in 3D, so the President jokingly asked them to try on their 3D glasses while he was speaking to them." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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June 13, 2012

"There was still a little light left in the evening sky as the President and First Lady waved goodbye to President Shimon Peres of Israel following a dinner in his honor at the White House." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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June 14, 2012

"We made an OTR (off-the-record, surprise stop) at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland after a campaign event, and the President sat and talked to a young woman before shooting hoops with another group of kids." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 15, 2012

"We had just arrived at the helicopter landing zone in Chicago and instead of walking right to the motorcade, the President and First Lady walked past their vehicle to the edge of Lake Michigan to view the skyline of their home town." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 16, 2012

"The First Lady reacts as she watches Laura Jarrett and Tony Balkissoon take their vows during their wedding at Valerie Jarrett's home in Chicago." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 18, 2012

"We were in Mexico for G20 Summit. While the President was waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive for their bilateral meeting, he stepped outside to talk with Chief of Staff Jack Lew." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 28, 2012

"This was the day that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Health Care Act. Before the President came downstairs from the residence that morning, the split-screen television in the Outer Oval Office was flashing bulletins that the Court had overturned the act. Kathy Ruemmler, the White House counsel, came rushing in and told me and the President's secretary just the opposite. Kathy then departed and a few minutes later the President arrived at the Oval and saw the same inaccurate information on the television. Kathy soon reappeared to tell the President that the Court had indeed upheld the Act, and that the TV reports had it wrong. He then gave her a big hug, as Chief of Staff Jack Lew watched at left." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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June 28, 2012

"The President prays with a wounded service member and his family during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The President likes to make a few trips a year to Walter Reed to visit wounded warriors and their families." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 28, 2012

"Sonya Hebert made this photograph of the First Lady joining African Methodist Episcopal Church bishops for a group prayer at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn." (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

June 29, 2012

"The President views fire damage with firefighters and elected officials in Colorado Springs, Colo., after the devastating wildfires swept through the region the week before." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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July 5, 2012

"'Anyone want to try a piece of my strawberry pie,' the President asked those at adjacent tables during a stop for lunch at Kozy Corners restaurant in Oak Harbor, Ohio. A young boy said yes and came over for a big bite of pie." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 14, 2012

"The President delivers remarks in the pouring rain at a campaign event in Glen Allen, Va. He was supposed to do a series of press interviews inside before his speech, but since people had been waiting for hours in the rain he did his remarks as soon as he arrived at the site so people could go home to dry off ." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 16, 2012

"The President and First Lady were attending the game between the U.S. Men's Olympic basketball team and Brazil in Washington, D.C. During the first half, the jumbotron flashed couples on their 'Kiss Cam', where they are then induced by the crowd to kiss each other. But neither the President or First Lady saw themselves when they were flashed on the 'Kiss Cam', and some in the audience booed when they didn't kiss. At halftime, as we walked to the locker room to visit the U.S. team, daughters Malia and Sasha were asking their parents why they hadn't kissed during their 'Kiss Cam' moment. Both the President and First Lady said they hadn't even realized what had happened and didn't know why people were booing. So in the second half, when they appeared again on the 'Kiss Cam', the President leaned over to kiss the First Lady amongst audience cheers as Malia and the Vice President watched overhead on the jumbotron." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 22, 2012

"The President hugs Stephanie Davies, who helped her friend, Allie Young, left, stay alive after she was shot during the movie theater shootings in Aurora, Colo. The President visited patients and family members affected by the shootings at the University of Colorado Hospital. The President later told their story in a news conference." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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July 26, 2012

"A view from behind the President's chair during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 27, 2012

"Sonya Hebert captured this amusing moment as U.S. Olympic wrestler Elena Pirozhkova literally picked up the First Lady during a greet with Team USA Olympic athletes competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London." (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)
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August 8, 2012

"Overcome with emotion, eight-year old Make-A-Wish child Janiya Penny reacts just after meeting the President as he welcomes her family to the Oval Office." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

August 14, 2012

"How about a White House beer? The President was greeting patrons at Coffee Connection in Knoxville, Iowa, when this customer asked him about the White House beer. The President said he thought he might have some on his campaign bus and asked an aide to check. A few minutes later, the President delivered a bottle and the customer reacted in celebration." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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August 14, 2012

"The President waves from his campaign bus to people lining the motorcade route in Iowa." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

August 15, 2012

"The President hugs the First Lady after she had introduced him at a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa. The campaign tweeted a similar photo from the campaign photographer on election night and a lot of people thought it was taken on election day." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

August 28, 2012

"The shadows of supporters are seen cheering as the President makes his way to the stage at an outdoor campaign rally at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


September 1, 2012

"The overview of a campaign rally in Urbandale, Iowa. This view was from a scissors lift just above the press stand." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 2, 2012

"David Lienemann made this unusual photo as staff held flashlights so the Vice President could see as he signed autographs backstage at West York Area High School in York, Pa." (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

September 5, 2012

"Backstage at the Democratic National Convention, the President watches as former President Bill Clinton delivers his nomination speech, before surprising the crowd with an onstage appearance together after the speech." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 6, 2012

"While the President was waiting anxiously backstage before his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., daughters Malia and Sasha came in to wish him well." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 6, 2012

"Chuck Kennedy made this overhead shot as the Obama and Biden families joined together onstage following the President's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte." (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

 

September 7, 2012

"The President and Vice President share a laugh before a campaign rally together in Portsmouth, N.H." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 8, 2012

"I love the headlight on the vehicle helping to light this frame taken by David Lienemann as the Vice President greets people gathered outside the Obama For America field office in Chillicothe, Ohio." (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

September 11, 2012

"Denis McDonough, Deputy National Security Advisor, left, updates the President and Vice President on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa. National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and Chief of Staff Jack Lew are at right." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 14, 2012

"The President grasps the hand of the Secretary of State after his remarks during the ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, marking the return to the United States of the remains of J. Christopher Stevens, U.S. Ambassador to Libya; Sean Smith, Information Management Officer; and Security Personnel Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, who were killed in the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 28, 2012

"A candid portrait of the President during a meeting, juxtaposed with the paintings of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, busts of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Lincoln, and the Emancipation Proclamation. It's a difficult angle to get because I had to sit in front of the closed Oval Office door and hope that no one would open the door and knock me over." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


October 2, 2012

"The President talks with Ron Klain during debate preparations in Henderson, Nev. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., background, played the role of Gov. Mitt Romney during the prep sessions." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 12, 2012

"The President had invited former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to have lunch, and they apparently started talking about Gibb's Chevy Volt. Gibbs knew the President had visited one of their factories and was hoping to drive a Volt one day. Gibbs told the President that his car was on the South Drive. So the President jumped in and made three loops around the drive, joking later that the Secret Service ordered that the White House gates not be opened under any circumstances." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 18, 2012

"The President ties his white tie before the Alfred E. Smith dinner in New York. Although the dinner is an annual event, every four years, the two presidential nominees attend the dinner only a few weeks before the election." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 23, 2012

"The afternoon sun beams down on the President during a campaign rally in Delray, Fla." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 25, 2012

"At a late night rally in Cleveland, supporters react as the President delivered his remarks." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 26, 2012

"The President pretends to be caught in Spider-Man's web as he greets Nicholas Tamarin, 3, just outside the Oval Office. Spider-Man had been trick-or-treating for an early Halloween with his father, White House aide Nate Tamarin in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. I can never commit to calling any picture my favorite, but the President told me that this was HIS favorite picture of the year when he saw it hanging in the West Wing a couple of weeks later." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 29, 2012

"In the White House Situation Room, the President receives an update to the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy during a teleconference with key officials." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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October 31, 2012

"The President and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talk with local residents affected by Hurricane Sandy at the Brigantine Beach Community Center in Brigantine, N.J." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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November 3, 2012

"I had noticed the possibility of a potential good photograph if the President were to pass by this flag as he departed an evening campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa. So I planted myself backstage as he finished working a ropeline and managed to get one usable frame as he walked by." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 6, 2012

Election Day

"The Obama family and close friends were watching election results at a Chicago hotel. The President had warned everyone that it could be a very late night. Yet, only a few minutes later, the networks projected that he had been re-elected, and the President embraced the First Lady, while in the background, daughter Sasha hugged one of her cousins." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 6, 2012

Election Day

"While he waited for the concession call from Gov. Mitt Romney, the President worked on his acceptance speech with Jon Favreau, Director of Speechwriting, and campaign advisor David Axelrod at a Chicago hotel." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 6, 2012

Election Day

"David Lienemann captured the Obamas and Bidens following the President’s election night remarks at McCormick Place in Chicago." (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

November 14, 2012

"Aides listen on the speaker phone in the Oval Office as the President talks on the phone with President Mohammed Morsi of Egypt about the escalating violence in Gaza." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 15, 2012

"The President had just met with the U.S. Olympics gymnastics team, who because of a previous commitment had missed the ceremony earlier in the year with the entire U.S. Olympic team. The President suggested to McKayla Maroney that they recreate her 'not impressed' photograph before they departed." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 15, 2012

"New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg views a map with the President during an aerial tour to view damage from Hurricane Sandy in Breezy Point, the Rockaways and Staten Island in NYC. Also onboard were New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 15, 2012

"The President tries to comfort Damien and Glenda Moore at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center tent in Staten Island, N.Y. The Moore’s two small children, Brandon and Connor, died after being swept away during Hurricane Sandy." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 15, 2012

"We had just watched the movie 'Lincoln' in the White House theatre with the director, screenwriter and many of the actors attending. Later, the President invited Daniel Day-Lewis upstairs to see the Lincoln Bedroom in the private residence. Here is Day-Lewis, who had just come to life as Abraham Lincoln, viewing the Gettysburg Address." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

November 19, 2012

"To some, this is just a snapshot and doesn't belong in this gallery of candid photographs from the year. But to me, it evokes what the trip to Burma was all about. Here is the President, shoes and socks off in respect, posing like an American tourist in front of the oldest pagoda in the world in a country that no U.S. President had ever been able to visit."
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November 19, 2012

"Police hold back the crowd as residents line the streets of the motorcade route to welcome the first sitting President of the United States to visit Burma. This photograph was taken through the bullet-proof window of the vehicle just in front of the President's. I love that three of the police are also trying to sneak a glimpse, one with a smile on his face." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 29, 2012

"There is closure in this photograph. I suspect that neither man really wanted to have lunch with the other, but they both knew the importance for the American people in seeing them do so. Here, the President bids farewell to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney following their lunch." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


December 12, 2012

"When I was in high school, I had a friend who had Bose 901 speakers–at the time the best speakers on the planet–and when his parents were gone, he would invite me and other friends over to blast Led Zeppelin songs so loud that the windows in the almost rattled. So when the President was chatting with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin–John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page–during intermission at the Kennedy Center Honors, those long ago memories came flooding back." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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December 14, 2012

"The President reacts as John Brennan briefs him on the details of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The President later said during a TV interview that this was the worst day of his Presidency." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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December 16, 2012

"The President works on his Newtown speech at an auditorium in suburban Washington. Two days earlier, I had photographed him when John Brennan first briefed him on the shootings. Throughout that day, he reacted as we all did, which people witnessed when he delivered his statement a few hours later. Before we headed to Newtown for the Sunday night vigil, he went to watch his daughter Sasha, 11, at her rehearsal for the Nutcracker; he would be unable to attend her performance because of the trip to Newtown. During breaks in the rehearsal, he worked on his speech. His expression in this photograph may be subtle to the viewer, but not to me. There is emotion and resolve etched on his face, and he knew the importance of this speech for the nation." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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December 16, 2012

"Two days after the shootings at Newtown, the President traveled to Connecticut to meet with the victims' families and give remarks at a prayer vigil. The President spent hours greeting family members. Difficult as that was for everyone, the one moment that helped sooth the pain was when he posed for a photo with the siblings and cousins of Emilie Parker, one of the 20 children who died that day in Newtown. I see both sadness and hope in this photograph, and I know after a lot of tears that day, it meant so much to the President that everyone was able to smile for a moment in this family photo. Thanks to the Parker family for allowing us to show this photograph publicly." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 28, 2012

"After returning early from his Christmas vacation, the President with the Vice President meets in the Oval Office with the leadership of Congress to discuss the fiscal cliff." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 29, 2012

"In the Oval Office, the President meets with senior advisors to discuss the ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 31, 2012

"Following remarks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the fiscal cliff negotiations, the President greets a couple of GSA workers as he walked back across on West Executive Avenue as he walked back to the West Wing of the White House. He gave them an elbow-bump, because he had just put Purell on his hands." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 31, 2012

"The President gives direction on the fiscal cliff negotiations to Rob Nabors, Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs; the Vice President; Bruce Reed, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, and Chief of Staff Jack Lew in the Oval Office." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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An Ongoing Response to Hurricane Sandy

An Ongoing Response to Hurricane Sandy

 

 

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Recovering and Rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy.

The response to Hurricane Sandy began while the massive storm was still gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it made landfall along the East Coast, FEMA teams and resources were already in place to begin helping the millions of people that would be affected by the storm’s immediate impact. Recovery and clean up efforts have only intensified since then, as federal agencies, local governments, first responders and volunteers work together to recover, rebuild and come back stronger than before.

The Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force’s Rebuilding Strategy lays out a series of recommendations that will help the Sandy-impacted region rebuild in a way that will prepare them for these impacts – and that will serve as models for communities across the country.


For highlights from the Rebuilding Strategy, click here.


To read the entire Rebuilding Strategy, click here.

Help Others+

FEMA offers this list of suggestions for people who want to help storm survivors and affected areas:

  • Cash is the most efficient method of donating. Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover. Remember, unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
  • At the national level, many voluntary-, faith- and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. In addition to the national members, each state has its own list of voluntary organizations active in disasters. If you’d like to donate or volunteer to assist those affected by Sandy, these organizations are the best place to start.
  • Give blood. Numerous blood drives have been canceled as a result of the storm and the Red Cross has a need for blood donations. To schedule a blood donation or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
  • Affiliate with existing non-profit organizations before coming to the disaster area. Immediately following a disaster, a community can become easily overwhelmed by the amount of generous people who want to help. Contacting and affiliating with an established organization will help to ensure that you are appropriately trained to respond in the most effective way.
  • Be safe. Do not self deploy until a need has been identified and the local community impacted has requested support. Wait until it is safe to travel to volunteer sites and opportunities have been identified. Once assigned a position, make sure you have been given an assignment and are wearing proper safety gear for the task.
  • Be patient.  Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often years, after the disaster - especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period.

For more information, check out this volunteering resource page from FEMA.

 

Get Help+

If you live in an area affected by the storm, there are a number of resources available to help you get the recovery assistance you need.

There are four ways you can search for a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center:

  • Web: FEMA.gov/drc
  • Mobile site: m.FEMA.gov
  • Text message: text DRC and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example, if you lived in Far Rockaway, you would text: DRC 11691 (standard data rates apply)
  • Smartphone app

Your business may be eligible for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.


Safety is a primary issue when you're recovering from a disaster. Follow these tips to help ensure your safety and cope with the disaster.

 

May 28, 2013

The Jersey Shore is back in business

President Obama took a trip to the Jersey Shore, where he visited with local families and business owners who are preparing for the 2013 summer season.


President Obama last visited New Jersey in November of last year to see firsthand the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. But today, thanks to extensive rebuilding efforts over the last several months, boardwalks, beaches and businesses up and down the shore are ready to welcome summer visitors, as the President explained.
Learn More

President Barack Obama greets kids during his visit to the Point Pleasant boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., May 28, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

“Now, we all understand there’s still a lot of work to be done. There are homes to rebuild. There are businesses to reopen. There are landmarks and beaches and boardwalks that aren’t all the way back yet. But thanks to the hard work of an awful lot of people, we’ve got wonderful shops and restaurants and arcades that are opening their doors. And I saw what thousands of Americans saw over Memorial Day Weekend: You are stronger than the storm. After all you’ve dealt with, after all you’ve been through, the Jersey Shore is back and it is open for business, and they want all Americans to know that they’re ready to welcome you here.”

– President Barack Obama

January 6, 2013

President Barack Obama,
signs H.R. 41

H.R. 41 increases the Federal Emergency Management Agency's borrowing authority, allowing FEMA to continue paying flood insurance claims from Hurricane Sandy.


President Barack Obama, signs H.R. 41, which temporarily increases the Federal Emergency Management Agency's borrowing authority for carrying out the National Flood Insurance Program, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Jan. 6, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Vice President Joe Biden receives a briefing by Bob Fenton, Assistant Administrator for Disaster Response, FEMA on the impact of Hurricane Sandy. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Herbert)

November 18, 2012

Vice President Joe Biden Tours Hurricane Sandy Damage in New Jersey

Vice President Biden traveled to the New Jersey Shore and the City of Hoboken to personally survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and meet with first responders on post-storm response and recovery efforts. The trip began with a helicopter flight along the shoreline of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to provide the Vice President an overhead view of the destruction Sandy brought to the North Barrier Islands. He was joined by Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Jon Runyan, and New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno.


Once he landed, the Vice President received briefings at the Seaside Heights City Hall and Volunteer Fire Department by Seaside Park Mayor Robert Matthies, Seaside Heights Mayor William Akers, Ocean County Freeholder John Bartlett, Jr, Seaside Heights Fire Chief James Samarelli and Police Chief Thomas Boyd. Vice President Biden had the opportunity to meet and thank local first responders, many of whom had also lost their own homes during the storm. Learn More


Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Mayor William Akers of the boardwalk and pier in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Herbert)

The view from aerial tour of Hurricane Sandy damage of New Jersey's barrier beaches.
(Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Herbert)

Vice President Joe Biden tours the PATH station of the Hoboken Terminal to view the Hurricane Sandy damage and recovery in Hoboken, N.J. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Herbert)

In Hoboken, the Vice President toured the underground Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) station as well as the New Jersey Transportation Light Rail terminal to discuss water removal efforts and observe progress with repairs. The Vice President reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to working with Governor Christie, Senators Lautenberg and Menendez and the rest of the New Jersey delegation to do what is needed to get the terminal back up and running. He spoke of the use of hundreds of buses to ensure people had a means to get to work while repairs at the terminal continued.

350 Ambulances

at peak, using FEMA National Ambulance Contract to support evacuation operations.

Source: FEMA and Department of Health & Human Services

40+ Mobile Communications
Office Vehicles

deployed, at peak, to support Hurricane Sandy response and recovery efforts.

Source: FEMA

6 Mobile Emergency Response Systems

deployed, at peak, to provide voice, video, information systems, operations and logistics support to communications efforts.

Source: FEMA

3 National Defense Reserve Fleet Vessels

deployed to support berthing and feeding of disaster response personnel.

Source: Department of Transportation and Department of Defense

3 Helicopter Carriers

deployed, at peak, to support and provide a landing platform for Coast Guard, National Guard and civilian agency helicopters.

Source: Department of Defense

Read the Response Numbers
November 16, 2012

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan Visits Communities Impacted By Hurricane Sandy

The Obama Administration has continued to bring all available resources to bear to support the states affected by Hurricane Sandy as they continue to respond and recover from the storm.


In this new role, Secretary Donovan will coordinate Federal support as States design individual redevelopment plans, identify priorities, and over time work to implement them. This structure will streamline the process for Governors as they seek assistance for longer-term projects and identify community redevelopment priorities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to provide all available federal resources to support the immediate response and recovery efforts. Learn More

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan talks with officials as he tours the Booker T. Washington Public Housing Complex to view the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in Jersey City, N.J., Nov. 16, 2012. Pictured,from left, are: Diane Johnson, HUD Newark Field Office Director; Carl Zplecki, Executive Director of Housing and Economic Development Corporation; Brian Loughlin, Chief Architect, Jersey City Housing Authority; Jersey City Deputy Mayor Raj Mukherji; and Jersey City Housing Authority Executive Director Maria Maio. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

November 15, 2012

President Obama Tours Storm Damage in New York

President Obama traveled to New York to assess the storm damage of Hurricane Sandy, and meet with local residents, first responders, and elected officials coping with the recovery process. He promised the communities affected by the storm full support from the federal government every step of the way as they begin to rebuild. Learn More

President Barack Obama talks with local residents at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, currently a shelter for those displaced by Hurricane Sandy (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

"We are here for you and we will not forget."

– President Barack Obama

President Obama talks with residents on Cedar Grove Avenue during a walking tour of storm damage. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo point out areas on a map of the region. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Alongside New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Administration officials, the President surveyed some of the most devastated areas of New York from Marine One, including Breezy Point, a Queens neighborhood where more than 100 houses burned to the ground. Following his aerial tour, the President spoke with Staten Island residents, first responders, and volunteers about the recovery process that lies ahead.

New York Mayor Bloomberg points out areas on a map of the region during an aerial tour of storm damage. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

15 FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams

deployed, at peak, to provide a forward federal presence to facilitate the management of the national response.

Source: FEMA

1,200 Department of Health and Human Services Personnel

provided public health and medical assistance, at peak, to NY and NJ, including 15 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams that provided emergency health and medical support to medical facilities.

Source: Department of Health & Human Services

9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue Teams

deployed, at peak, to assist with combined searches of more than 47,000 structures in NY and NJ, and provided more than 858 health and wellness checks in hard-hit areas.

Source: FEMA

7,700+ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disaster personnel

(FEMA & DHS Surge Support) including more than 2,100 housing inspectors deployed, at peak, to hard-hit states.

Source: FEMA

1,100+ Department of Agriculture, Interior and other State Agency Personnel

deployed, at peak, to support NY, NJ, WV, PA, and CT with logistics staging area support, road clearing, and incident personnel coordination.

Source: FEMA

Read the Response Numbers
October 31, 2012

President Obama in New Jersey: "We Are Here
for You"

Two days after Hurricane Sandy made landfall in southern New Jersey, President Obama was on hand to witness the devastation, comfort residents, and pledge the full support of the federal government in the recovery effort.


Across the state, the storm damaged homes, flooded communities, and left more than 2 million people without power. The President and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie surveyed the effects of the hurricane. Learn More

President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talk with citizens who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy, while surveying storm damage in Brigantine, N.J., Oct. 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama talks with local residents at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, currently a shelter for those displaced by Hurricane Sandy.

"There are still millions of people without power and many whose neighborhoods have been damaged or destroyed by water, heavy winds, and falling trees. The President promised to bring the full weight of federal resources to bear in helping those victims recover. There are places like Newark, New Jersey, for example, where you’ve got 80, 90 percent of the people without power,&rdquo. We can't have a situation where that lasts for days on end. And so my instructions to the federal agency has been, do not figure out why we can't do something; I want you to figure out how we do something. I want you to cut through red tape. I want you to cut through bureaucracy. There’s no excuse for inaction at this point. I want every agency to lean forward and to make sure that we are getting the resources where they need -- where they're needed as quickly as possible.”


– President Barack Obama

October 28, 2012

President Obama Discusses Hurricane Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy continued to bear down on the East Coast, federal teams worked with state and local officials to prepare for days of severe weather in communities stretching from North Carolina to Maine. Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center suggested that a huge area of the United States could be affected by high winds, heavy rains, storm surge, and snow – all of which could produce widespread power outages. President Obama traveled to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get briefed on those preparations. He met with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino, and the FEMA regional directors. Dr. Rick Knabb, the director for the National Hurricane Center, joined the meeting by video conference. Learn More

President Barack Obama receives an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy at the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, right, and Richard Serino, FEMA Deputy Administrator, are seated next to the President. October 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

“At this stage, everybody is confident that the staging process, the prepositioning of resources, commodities, equipment that are going to be needed to respond to this storm are in place. But as Craig [Fugate] has emphasized, this hasn't hit landfall yet, so we don't yet know where it's going to hit, where we're going to see the biggest impacts. And that's exactly why it's so important for us to respond big and respond fast as local information starts coming in.”

– President Barack Obama

70+ Disaster Recovery Centers

opened in four states, at peak, with specialists from the state, FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. Find One Near You

31 Small Business Administration Recovery Centers

opened in four states, at peak, to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance. Find One Near You

The President has declared that major disasters exist in:
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Washington, DC.


Emergency Declarations have been signed for:
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.



Get More Information: FEMA.gov/sandy • @FEMAsandy • Facebook.com/FEMAsandy

 
 
 
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Announcing the Winners of the Youth Sustainability Challenge

Posted by Susan Ruffo on June 21, 2012 at 09:00 AM EST

Right now, representatives from around the world are gathering at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, to take part in a global conversation about sustainability and economic growth. The Obama Administration believes that engaging and harnessing the energy and creativity of the world’s youth is critical for long-term sustainability. Innovative ideas and actions often originate from young people around the world, and have the potential to inspire a new generation to help build a more sustainable and prosperous future. Accordingly, the U.S. is making every effort to involve youth as a core part of our sustainability efforts. 

That’s why we launched our first ever Youth Sustainability Video Challenge. Our hope was to showcase how youth are already playing an important role in the sustainability conversation. In early May, Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, challenged youth from around the country to tell the world what they are doing in their communities to foster sustainability and help create an America, and a world, built to last.

The results are really quite impressive, and show how innovative young Americans are today. From high school students deploying a micro-grant program, to a young group of engineers creating a solar powered water purification system, the videos showcase a range of creative approaches to sustainability.

Submitted videos were eligible for up to five awards reflecting innovation, contribution to sustainability, communication, and popular choice. After careful review by a panel of Administration officials, the winners are:

  • For best overall: “A Generation of Energy: Georgetown Energy”

  • For contribution to sustainability: “Every Day Actions, Enduring Results”

  • For success in communicating sustainability: “Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant Program”

  • For innovation: “Operation Gulliver International”

  • The popular choice (voted by the public on Challenge.gov): “Growth”

Susan Ruffo is Deputy Associate Director for Climate Change Adaptation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality

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Celebrating Global Wind Day

Posted by Christine Guhl, Associate Organizing Representative at Sierra Club on June 15, 2012 at 04:35 PM EST

Editor's Note: This blog introduces readers to Christine Guhl, Associate Organizing Representative at Sierra Club.

What could be better than a day at the beach flying kites? What if we could harness the power of all that wind to create homegrown clean energy? That’s just what people around the world are asking today, on Global Wind Day. And here at the Jersey Shore, we’re showing that investing in clean, safe energy like offshore wind is important to ensure our economy is built to last.

This Global Wind Day I’ll be joining other Garden State residents and families at local beaches to get wind em-powered with a kite-flying rally in support of offshore wind. I’ve lived in New Jersey my entire life and I want my state to be a leader in the clean energy economy by being one of the first in the U.S. to make offshore wind a reality. 

New Jersey has 16,000 MW of offshore wind potential. That’s enough to power more than 4 million homes in our state alone. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that the potential for offshore wind power in the U.S. is four times greater than the country's current total generating capacity from all sources.

Global Wind Day

Families celebrate Global Wind Day during a beautiful summer afternoon at the Jersey Shore. (Photo Credit: Sierra Club)

The U.S. wind industry has already created more than 75,000 jobs and could support as many as 500,000 jobs by 2030. Here in New Jersey alone the wind industry already supports hundreds of jobs. New offshore wind installations would create real jobs for people who need them now.

Wind power’s economic and environmental benefits are worth celebrating. But Global Wind Day is not just about discussing New Jersey’s offshore wind potential.  It’s about calling on our leaders to turn that potential into action.

We need strong leadership on the state and federal level to listen to Americans’ call for a clean energy future. President Obama has already recognized that wind power is an important part of the country’s energy mix. It’s up to the rest of our leaders to ensure that wind can live up to its potential. 

The U.S. has not yet begun to tap into its offshore wind resources, but we’re looking to change that through our work on events like Global Wind Day. I hope next year we can celebrate Global Wind Day knowing that our homes are being powered with clean, safe, renewable energy from wind.

Christine Guhl is Associate Organizing Representative at Sierra Club

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Green Button Momentum

Posted by Nancy Sutley and Todd Park on June 07, 2012 at 12:33 PM EST

[Editor's Note: This blog has been cross-posted from the Office of Science and Technology Blog.]

To make it easier for business and consumers to save energy and money, we need to make it easier for them to understand how they use energy. That is why the Obama Administration partnered with the utility industry and issued a challenge to them to make it easier for electricity customers to get secure online access to their own household or building energy-use in a consumer- and computer-friendly format, called “Green Button.”

In addition to empowering consumers and business to make informed decisions, Green Button data can fuel new products and services. By putting customers in control of their own energy data, they can choose which private sector tools and services can help them manage or upgrade their own household or building energy performance.  

Today, responding to a call by President Obama to help families and businesses take better control of their energy bills, a number of companies announced their commitment to use the Green Button standard in their products. These companies include: 

  • Autodesk
  • C3
  • EnerNOC
  • Hara
  • Johnson Controls Inc.
  • Pulse Energy
  • U.S. Green Data

These companies join a growing universe of companies that have already announced they are developing applications or services for business, consumers, and utilities using the Green Button industry standard.

That means over 31 million households and businesses will be able to use web and smartphone apps to pick the best rate plan for them; take advantage of customized energy efficiency tips; utilize easy-to-use tools to size and finance rooftop solar panels; and better use virtual energy audit software that can cut costs for building owners and help get energy upgrades started sooner.

As private-sector commitments continue to grow, the Department of Energy is doing its part to spur options for consumers. The Department of Energy announced yesterday the consumer choice winners of it first Apps for Energy contest, based on the Green Button standard, to help consumers gain new insights, take action, and save on their utility bills.

The Better Buildings Initiative – another Administration-inspired, industry-driven effort – also marked a milestone today. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced its commitment to be a Better Buildings Challenge Utility Ally. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, PG&E will provide commercial building energy efficiency multi-measure programs that will reach 30 million square feet of the commercial customer class by 2015. The commitment from PG&E builds on those of existing challenge partners and allies which include over 300 manufacturing facilities, represent 1.6 billion square feet of real estate and comprise $2 billion in financing.

Nancy Sutley is the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Todd Park is the US Chief Technology Officer.

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The Youth Sustainability Challenge: Creating an America Built to Last

Posted by Nancy Sutley and Lisa P. Jackson on May 02, 2012 at 03:00 PM EST

Today we are excited to announce a new initiative in partnership with America's young leaders. We're asking you, America's youth, to tell the world how you're fostering sustainability and creating an America built to last. Starting today, submit your video message for the Youth Sustainability Challenge and share how you're making a difference.

This June, leaders from around the world will convene in Rio de Janeiro to mark the 20th anniversary of the historic "Earth Summit," formally known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The conference is an opportunity for the world to engage in a global conversation and take action to build a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet.

Here at home, we are focused on taking action to protect the health of our families and communities, and build a strong and growing economy and middle class. Americans are already working together to create innovative solutions to our shared global challenges, including through clean energy innovations and investments that support hundreds of thousands of jobs and have put us on track to double renewable energy generation in the U.S. by the end of this year.  

The Obama Administration will continue to support American innovation and smart investments that will build a strong and healthy country and economy. We also believe that real progress begins with individuals who take action in their own homes and their own communities. That's why, as we prepare for the conference in Rio, we are challenging America's future leaders to do their part.

This Tuesday, May 8, Obama Administration officials and youth sustainability leaders will gather for an event at the White House to mark the launch of this Challenge. But you can get involved now. Join the conversation. Encourage others to do the same. Demonstrate how you have power to create an America built to last – and to change our world for the better.

• Twitter: Use the hashtag #EarthDayEveryDay
• Facebook: Update your status and profile image

Nancy Sutley is Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Lisa P. Jackson is the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Twitter Office Hours: Severe Weather Week

Erin Lindsay
Erin Lindsay
April 23, 2012
03:57 PM EST

Note: This live session of Office Hours has concluded. View the full question and answer session below or at Storify.com

Every year, thousands of people are impacted by severe weather threats such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Last year was the most active year in disasters in recent history, with more than 1,000 weather related fatalities, and more than 8,000 injuries. 

Every state in the U.S. has experienced tornadoes and severe weather and although some more than others—everyone is at risk and should take steps to prepare for when severe weather strikes in your area. FEMA is partnering with NOAA to provide information to the public about severe weather hazards and steps people can take to ensure they’re prepared.  

Tomorrow, April 24th at 11 a.m. EDT, Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator, and Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA Deputy Administrator, will join us for a special session of office hours on Twitter to take your questions on the dangers of severe weather, the importance of getting prepared before severe weather strikes, what to do when you encounter certain types of severe weather, and answer any myth versus fact weather/preparedness questions you might have. 

Here are the details:

  • Join us for Office Hours on Twitter at  11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 24th.
  • Ask your question on Twitter with the hashtag #WHChat
  • Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator (@CraigatFEMA) and Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA Deputy Administrator (@NOAALive) will respond to your questions in real-time via Twitter. 
  • Follow the Q&A through the @WHLive Twitter account
  • If you miss the live event, the full session will be available on WhiteHouse.gov and Storify.com/WhiteHouse

We hope you can join us! Follow us on Twitter @WhiteHouse and @WHLive for the latest updates and more chances to engage.

Related Topics: Energy and Environment