WASHINGTON, DC, June 15, 2009 (ENS) - For the first time, the U.S. EPA is opening a competitive grant program for local and tribal governments that want to establish and implement climate change initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.

A total of $10 million will be distributed next January in Climate Showcase Communities grants.

"Ending climate change and moving to a sustainable, clean energy future begins on the ground in our communities,” said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, announcing the new grants program today.

"We're offering a helping hand to local areas that are leading the way in confronting climate change, and a call to action for anyone concerned about making a difference where they live," she said.

The EPA is requesting proposals from local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and inter-tribal consortia to create replicable models of sustainable community action, generate cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions, and improve the environmental, economic, public health, and social conditions in a community.

The agency expects to award about 30 cooperative agreements, each one ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.

Approximately five percent of the funds, or about $500,000, is being set aside for tribal governments.

A 50 percent cost-share is required for recipients, with the exception of tribal governments and intertribal consortia, which are exempt from matching requirements under this grant.

"We can cut energy costs and reduce harmful emissions at the local level, and build a model for fighting climate change in every community," Jackson said.

The Climate Showcase Communities grant program aims to create models of sustainable community action that generate cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions while improving the environmental, economic, public health, or social conditions in a community.

1. Different but equal: In all states, cyclists are deemed by law to be drivers of vehicles and are entitled to the same rights on the road as motorists.

2. Patience, not patients: You may need to wait until it is safe to pass a bicycle. Don't tailgate. In conditions where there is not enough room for cyclists to ride to the right, they are allowed to ride closer to the lane of traffic, and sometimes even in the traffic lane.

3. A passing grade: Don't pass cyclists until you can see that it is safe to do so. Allow ample space between your vehicle and the bicycle. If you pass too close, the drag from your car can cause the rider to swerve out of control.

4. The right behavior: Watch out for cyclists when you turn right. A bicyclist may be to the right of you and planning to go straight at the same intersection. Do not speed ahead of bicyclists thinking you can negotiate the turn before they reach your car. Cyclists may be going faster than you think, and as you slow to turn, they could crash into the side of your vehicle.

5. To the left, to the left: Also look for cyclists when making a left-hand turn. Cyclists who are traveling straight through the same intersection from the opposite direction may be going faster than you realize.

6. A back-up plan: When backing out of your driveway, always look to see if someone is in your path.

7. Parking: After parallel parking, make sure the coast is clear for opening the car door to exit. Make sure there are no cyclists riding alongside your car or fast approaching. By using the rear view mirrors and by turning around, a driver can spot approaching cyclists and prevent disaster.

8. Respect: Cyclists help the environment with each revolution of their wheels by opting to ride rather than drive. Do not resent them.

9. Honking: If you need to honk your horn to alert cyclists that you are about pass, do so at a distance. Otherwise, the noise can cause cyclists to lose their bearings.

10. Try it, you'll like it: If you can't beat them, join them. Riding is good for you and good for your environment.

 The Bicycle Friendly State program has again ranked all 50 states on their bike-friendliness. Maryland ranked 16th for 2009. You can see the overall results of the ranking, including by category here. The rankings are based on overall scores to the ranking questionnaire that was sent to your State Bike Coordinator.

The overall scoring was very close, with the separation of many states being the difference of just a few items. Passage of key legislation, updated traffic code, increased education programs or accurate funding reporting can lead to a significant impact on your state’s ranking.  Our hope is that this brief bit of feedback can serve as a checklist on to help you improve your ranking as you continue to work with your Department of Transportation and state legislature. In partnership with Bikes Belong we have assisted the National Conference of State Legislators in creating Encouraging Bicycling and Walking: The State Legislative Role. Please forward this link along to your state representatives and their staff. If you would like hard-copies to put in the hands of your representatives, please let me know, though quantities are limited.