Environmental Programs

Compliance Assistance Centers

The Compliance Assistance Centers (CAC) program is one of NCMS’s longest-standing initiatives. The CACs are independent, industry-specific websites that provide key environmental compliance and best management practices information to help users understand environmental regulations at both the Federal and State levels.

NCMS developed and currently manages multiple CAC and State Resource Locators (SRLs). The CACs and SRLs are funded through EPA grants and other sources. Each CAC covers a key industry sector, including construction, paints and coatings, transportation, metal finishing, healthcare, and many others.

Some CACs have been online for more than 15 years, providing guidance, information, access to regulations and forms, and community for stakeholders in these sectors. Many of the CACs offer FAQs, technical libraries, compliance assistance tools and calculators, and online training.

AGC/CICA (Associated General Contractors of America/Construction Industry Compliance Assistance

CICA is your source for plain language explanations of environmental rules for the construction industry.

NSBEAP

This program provides a “one-stop shop” for small businesses and assistance providers seeking information on a wide range of environmental topics and state-specific environmental compliance assistance resources. Key topics include: Air Quality, Waste Management, and Water Quality.

ECIEE

The Environmental Compliance Information for Energy Extraction (ECIEE) Portal is intended to help you comply with environmental regulations that affect the exploration/development, extraction, production and processing of on-shore crude oil and natural gas. The site includes overviews of the regulations and links to more detailed information and other resources that can help this sector operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

ELI (LGEAN)

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) administers the EPA Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) information.  (LGEAN) is a “first-stop shop” providing local governments with user-friendly information on compliance with federal environmental regulations, funding strategies, and tools for advancing healthy and sustainable communities. LGEAN also educates communities on local governments’ environmental responsibilities.

NASF (STERC)

The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) is an industry organization committed to communicating the importance of finishing technology, representing the interests of businesses, technologists, and professionals in the businesses of surface coatings.  NASF seeks to advance an environmentally and economically sustainable future for the finishing industry and to promote the vital role of surface technology in the global manufacturing value chain.

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF), and the AESF Foundation launched the Surface Technology Environmental Resource Center (STERC) in 2017.  STERC is the result of collaboration among these organizations and the Environmental Protection Agency.