Epa To Launch Strategic Focus On San Joaquin Valley, Announce Millions To Improve Environment, Public Health

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld will conduct a "Whistle Stop Tour" throughout Central California next week. Blumenfeld will ride the Amtrak train making stops in Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Clovis, and Fresno to announce millions in funding to protect public health. He will also visit local universities, explore new technologies, discuss water issues and conduct a Q&A with local students to discuss campus sustainability and pressing environmental issues.

In addition, Blumenfeld will launch a strategic plan for the San Joaquin Valley that will address serious issues including air and water quality, enforcement of public health standards and environmental justice. The San Joaquin Valley is the top agricultural producer in California. It also has some of the worst air quality in the country and the highest rates of childhood asthma in California.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

9:45 a.m. Central California Traction Company Rail Yard

EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld, local officials, to make significant announcement to improve air quality and public health. As well as launch the Agency's 2012 Strategic Plan for the San Joaquin Valley. More details to follow.

1825 Cherokee Rd, Stockton CA

*media need to arrive at 9:15 a.m.

11:30 a.m. Almond Processing Facility

Modesto, CA

CLOSED PRESS

2:30 p.m. University of California, Merced
EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld will tour campus sustainability features, discuss UC's Merced's Sierra Nevada Research Institute's research related to climate change, snow pack, and water supply , and speak with students about environmental issues.

5200 North Lake Road Merced, CA 95343

*media need to RSVP for additional details

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012

9:00 a.m. Valley Chrome Plating

EPA Administrator Jared Blumenfeld to recognize facility for its accomplishments under the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities program. Valley Chrome Plating is a zero discharge plating facility committed to recycling all materials and reducing the use of highly toxic chemicals.

1028 Hoblitt Ave, Clovis CA

*media need to arrive at 8:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. Irrigation Technology Manufacturer

Fresno, CA

CLOSED PRESS

1:00 p.m. Fresno State

Tour the Center for Irrigation Technology's state of the art hydraulics lab to discuss its work with local companies, job creation for the industry and drinking water issues. Visit will conclude with a Q&A session with students working at the student run organic farm.

5370 North Chestnut Avenue, Fresno

*media need to arrive at 12:45 p.m.

2:30 p.m. Drinking Water Driving Tour

Monson, Sultana, Orosi, Cutler and Seville.

CLOSED PRESS

4:45 p.m. Drinking Water Community Forum

Speak with Community Water Center and community members about local drinking water issues, challenges, barriers and discuss possible solutions.

Stone Corral Elementary School

15590 Avenue 383, Visalia

*media need to arrive at 4:30 p.m.

RSVP REQUIRED: *** Credentialed press who would like to attend any of the tours and/or would like to request additional details on Regional Administrator 's "Whistle Stop Tour' of the San Joaquin Valley should e-mail mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov ASAP to RSVP and receive essential access information. Please include your name, media affiliation, and contact information in your request.