Oil Spill
With trial pending, BP asks judge to cull experts
AP
By CAIN BURDEAU
With a trial over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill looming, BP PLC is asking a
federal judge to block two plaintiffs' experts from testifying about an
alleged disregard for safety throughout the energy company that those
experts say led to the nation's largest offshore oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/30/v-print/3719860/with-trial-pending-bp-asks-judge.html
State News
MDEQ nixes ground water amendments
AP
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has decided against
enforcing proposed amendments to state ground water regulations.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/31/v-print/3720415/mdeq-nixes-ground-water-amendments.html
New aeration system at Hattiesburg South Lagoon complete
WDAM
Work on a new aeration system at the Hattiesburg South Lagoon is now
complete.
http://www.wdam.com/story/16635025/new-aeration-system-at-hattiesburg-south-lagoon-complete
Lagoon upgrade aims to deal with odor
'There's a light at the end of the tunnel'
Hattiesburg American
It will probably be another year or so before the City of Hattiesburg is
completely free of the menacing "downtown stench."
But city officials seem confident the three-prong upgrade to the city's
south lagoon will finally treat the source of the odor for good.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120131/NEWS01/201310313/Lagoon-upgrade-aims-deal-odor?odyssey=tab|
topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Project delay on Jefferson Street
WLBT
Work has completely stopped on the huge Jefferson Street water pipeline
project while engineers and other experts from the Department of
Environmental Quality try to figure out where diesel fuel is coming from.
http://www.wlbt.com/story/16635820/project-delay-on-jefferson-street
Landfill relief: Electronic recycling helps DeSoto County, environment
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Hearing the clattering crash, county electronic-waste trailer driver Jack
Pyles jokingly asked Ray Laughter, "OK, did you break it?"
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/31/landfill-relief/?print=1
Mississippi Supreme Court will hear arguments in Asbestos Case
AP
Jackson, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Supreme Court will hear arguments
Monday from Conoco Phillips Corp., which has appealed a $15.2 million jury
award to an oil well drilling worker who alleged he got lung disease from
exposure to asbestos.
http://www.fox40tv.com/news/local/story/Mississippi-Supreme-Court-will-hear-arguments-in/U4TZvkEzYUmvAHLmpK7onQ.cspx
Flood maps change in Saltillo
WTVA
SALTILLO, Miss. (WTVA) --Imagine buying a home only to learn later, it's
going to cost you more to keep it. That's what happened to many homeowners
in Saltillo when the flood maps changed a couple years ago.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Flood-maps-change-in-Saltillo/ijzB-Nt8e0aYZZn5dY471g.cspx
Davis will not resign despite state, federal investigation into spending
by Associated Press
Published: January 31,2012
SOUTHAVEN — Fourth-term Southaven Mayor Greg Davis said yesterday he plans
to remain on the job amid continuing state and federal scrutiny of his
spending of city money.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/01/davis-will-not-resign-despite-state-federal-investigation-into-spending/
National News
Experts: United States ill-prepared for oil spill off Cuba
Published: Monday, January 30, 2012, 10:04 PM Updated: Monday, January
30, 2012, 10:59 PM
By The Associated Press
MIAMI — The U.S. is not ready to handle an oil spill if drilling off the
Cuban coast should go awry but can be better prepared with monitoring
systems and other basic steps, experts told government officials Monday.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/01/experts_united_states_ill-prep.html
Salazar: Interior closing in on gas 'fracking' rules
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 01/30/12 07:30 PM ET
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is getting closer to unveiling long-planned
draft rules to impose new requirements on the natural gas drilling method
called hydraulic fracturing, a proposal that President Obama highlighted in
his State of the Union speech.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/207533-salazar-interior-closing-in-on-gas-fracking-rules
Mississippi gopher frog could hop into St. Tammany
Published: Sunday, November 20, 2011, 7:00 AM Updated: Monday, November
21, 2011, 11:56 AM
By Christine Harvey, The Times-Picayune
Edward Poitevent just doesn't get it. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is
proposing to designate a considerable chunk of land his family owns in
eastern St. Tammany Parish as critical habitat for the Mississippi gopher
frog, an endangered species of which only 100 adult frogs remain.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/mississippi_gopher_frog_could.html
Obama green jobs program faces further investigation
USA Today
WASHINGTON – House Republicans are expanding their probe into the Obama
administration's energy programs, investigating $500 million in green job
training grants that placed just 10% of trainees in jobs, according to a
government report.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-01-30/obama-green-jobs-program-failure/52895630/1
American Farm Bureau seeks summary judgment in suit challenging EPA's
Chesapeake Bay strategy
AP
BALTIMORE — The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking a federal judge
to toss out the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay
restoration strategy before its suit challenging the effort goes to trial.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0343ce80bc67412f98d30525946ca7ee/MD--Bay-Restoration/
Fla. congressman filing water pollution bill
By BILL KACZOR
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland says he will file a bill
in Congress that would put pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency
to adopt state rather than federal water pollution rules for Florida.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/30/2615915/fla-congressman-filing-water-pollution.html
In Florida Everglades, pythons and anacondas dominate food chain
Washington Post
By Darryl Fears, Published: January 30
Every child learns this sad and basic truth about nature: The snake eats
the rabbit.
But in the southernmost part of the Florida Everglades, things have taken a
really wild turn. Pythons and anacondas are eating everything. The most
common animals in Everglades National Park — rabbits, raccoons, opposums
and bobcats — are almost gone, according to a study released Monday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/in-florida-everglades-pythons-and-anacondas-dominate-food-chain/2012/01/30/gIQAULTVdQ_print.html
Press Releases
Governor Bryant Proclaims Earthquake Awareness Week
PEARL – Governor Phil Bryant declares Jan. 30-Feb. 3 as Mississippi's
Earthquake Awareness Week. History has shown us that our state is
vulnerable to earthquakes. The greatest risk is in the northwest corner of
the state which sits on the edge of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This zone
is most famous for a series of earthquakes between 1811 and 1812 which
caused more than 2,000 aftershocks. Five of those earthquakes were a
magnitude 8 or greater.
"We may not be able to prevent a natural disaster but we can work to ensure
our loved ones and communities are better prepared," said Gov. Bryant.
"Families must have a plan for all potential disasters including the threat
of an earthquake."
The New Madrid seismic zone stretches 40 miles wide and 200 miles long and
affects parts of Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Mississippi and Arkansas. The zone consists of a series of complex faults
that cross the Mississippi River in three places and the Ohio River in two
places.
"Our greatest concern, as with any emergency, is saving lives which begins
with individual and family preparedness," said Mississippi Emergency
Management Agency Director Robert Latham. "For earthquakes personal
preparedness starts with citizens learning to 'drop, cover and hold on' as
well as having a family plan so you know where everyone is once it's over."
The strongest recorded earthquake in Mississippi happened in 1931 with a
magnitude of 4.6 centered on Tallahatchie County. The earthquake damaged
buildings and toppled chimneys. Smaller quakes are felt and registered in
Mississippi every year.
MEMA will provide information and preparedness tips throughout Earthquake
Awareness Week. For more information, contact MEMA External Affairs at
866-920-MEMA (6362), contact your local emergency management agency or
visit us online at www.msema.org.
###
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
News Clippings 1/30/12
Oil Spill
BP emails reveal company veiling oil spill rate
AP
By CAIN BURDEAU
NEW ORLEANS -- On the day the Deepwater Horizon sank, BP officials warned
in an internal memo if the well was not protected by the blowout preventer
at the drill site, crude oil could burst into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate
of 3.4 million gallons a day, an amount a million gallons higher than the
government later believed spilled daily from the site.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/28/v-print/3717057/bp-emails-reveal-company-veiling.html
Oil spill fine bill: Offsets could be obstacles but lawmakers optimistic
Published: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 7:28 AM
By George Altman, Washington Bureau , Press Register
Where can lawmakers find at least $1 billion of federal revenue to offset
oil spill fine money that they want to send to the Gulf Coast? Are such
offsets, through spending cuts or new revenue, really necessary to replace
fines to be paid by private companies only because of a spill that hurt the
Gulf? And exactly how much money should lawmakers offset?
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/01/gulf_oil_spill_fine_bill_offse.html
Oil spill focuses attention on delicate Gulf Coast
AP
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
TIVOLI, Texas -- For decades, farmers and fishermen along the Gulf of
Mexico watched as their sensitive ecosystem's waters slowly got dirtier and
islands eroded, all while the country largely ignored the destruction.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718237/oil-spill-focuses-attention-on.html
State News
Mississippi regulators pushed to drop statewide burn ban
DeSoto County fights EPA inclusion in Memphis pollution zone
By Jeff Amy
Associated Press
Originally published 08:38 a.m., January 28, 2012
Updated 10:39 a.m., January 28, 2012
JACKSON, Miss. — Although almost no one seems to know it, it's illegal for
everyday citizens to burn common waste in Mississippi.
That may be about to change though as the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality comes under pressure to change the rule.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/28/mississippi-regulators-pushed-drop-statewide-burn/
Burn ban decision could shift to city/county
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- It can be found all around the state, people
burning leaves or branches in their yards instead of having them taken off
or composted.
Officials in Jackson are talking about abolishing the state law, which
could leave burning regulations up to each county.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Burn-ban-decision-could-shift-to-city-county/S3ZH020H2kWkB0KvJ-5VeA.cspx
Unattended trash fires spread in Harrison County
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
Harrison County firefighters put out three brush fires Sunday that consumed
a total of about 20 acres from about noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. County Fire
Chief Pat Sullivan said in all three cases, people were burning trash, left
the fires unattended and then discovered they were burning out of control.
He said one man went inside to take a shower while his trash burned, then
stepped out to discover the fire had spread in Sunday's stiff breeze. No
homes were evacuated, Sullivan said. The U.S. Forestry Service helped bring
two of the fires under control.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718239/unattended-trash-fires-spread.html
MDEQ drops efforts to change water regulations
By David A. Farrell
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has backed
off implementing changes in water regulations that would affect the state's
six southernmost counties, Robbie Wilbur, MDEQ communications director told
the Picayune Item on Friday, confirming rumors that have been circulating
to that effect.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x431313481/MDEQ-drops-efforts-to-change-water-regulations
Gas exploration unlikely to occur overnight, say MDA experts
Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 7:48 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- Mississippi Development Authority experts don't
expect a rush to tap into the state's offshore natural gas until prices
improve.
The MDA conducted a public meeting from noon to 7 p.m. Friday at the
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College administration building.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/gas_exploration_unlikely_to_oc.html
Drilling in state waters could soon be a reality
WLOX
How and when should natural gas drilling take place in Mississippi state
waters? That was the subject of a public hearing Friday night in Jackson
County.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16620896/drilling-in-state-waters-could-soon-be-a-reality
TVA Generation Partners site wins national award
Special to The Commercial Dispatch
January 28, 2012 9:59:00 PM
STARKVILLE -- A Mississippi regional landfill participating in the
Tennessee Valley Authority's Generation Partners renewable power program
has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of
the nation's top renewable generation projects.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=15376
Pearl could cause minor flooding in Hancock, Pearl River counties
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Pearl River
in Hancock and Pearl River counties.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718215/pearl-could-cause-minor-flooding.html
Rez officials may ban glass
Portable storage units, rope swings also on board agenda
Clarion Ledger
A ban on glass containers and rope swings and a time limitation on portable
storage units are among a list of proposed ordinance changes being
considered by officials overseeing the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120130/NEWS/201300316/Rez-officials-may-ban-glass?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Home|p
Recycling brings Long Beach man contentment
Sun Herald
By JOHN FITZHUGH
LONG BEACH -- If you drove past Mark Kreher's Long Beach house, you might
think he was having a garage sale.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/28/v-print/3717177/recycling-brings-long-beach-man.html
Seedlings at root of lesson in being good stewards of Earth
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Monday, January 30, 2012
For these "wrap" artists, there's rhythm and rhyme in getting 2,659
Southern magnolia seedlings ready to distribute next week to third-graders
at 14 public and private schools across DeSoto County.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/30/thats-a-wrap/?print=1
Gulfport 6th-graders lend their help to endangered gopher frog (gallery)
Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8:52 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
VANCLEAVE, Mississippi -- The Commodore Climate Changers, a sixth-grade
science club from Gulfport, spent Friday morning learning about the
Mississippi gopher frog's habitat, and then got busy helping the endangered
species on a pine savanna.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/gulfport_sixth-graders_lend_th.html
KiOR closes on $75M loan to support first biofuels plant
Mississippi Business Journal
Published: January 29,2012
COLUMBUS — KiOR Inc., a next-generation renewable fuels company based in
Pasadena, Texas, has closed a $75 million, four-year term loan with a
lender group comprised of an affiliate of Vinod Khosla and two Canadian
corporations owned by certain pension fund clients of Alberta Investment
Management Corporation (AIMCo).
http://msbusiness.com/2012/01/kior-closes-on-75m-loan-to-support-first-biofuels-plant/
National News
Companies try to recycle all waste, send nothing to landfill
USA Today
Food leftovers as worm bedding? At a DuPont warehouse in Lockport, N.Y.,
cafeteria waste is turned into compost that's used for its landscaping.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/story/2012-01-29/dupont-zero-landfills/52873674/1
California fuels rule sparks controversy
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: January 29
Just as it pioneered curbs on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light
trucks a decade ago, California is championing standards that could
transform the fuel that goes into their tanks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/california-fuels-rule-sparks-controversy/2012/01/23/gIQAQtEuaQ_print.html
War of words over looming EPA dioxin study
CNN
With the EPA's deadline only days away, a war of words has erupted over
whether the agency should go ahead with a dioxin study decades in the
making.
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/27/war-of-words-over-looming-epa-dioxin-study/
Press Releases
MEMA Director Announces New Appointments
Pearl – Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Robert
Latham promotes MEMA Office of Mitigation Director Bill Brown to the
position of Deputy Administrator.
In his new role Brown will oversee the offices of Support Services, Hazard
Mitigation and Recovery. Brown will be responsible for oversight of all
financial aspects of the agency including budgeting, travel, payroll,
hazard mitigation grant administration and FEMA recovery programs.
"Bill's extensive experience in managing more than $500 million in
mitigation grant funding since Hurricane Katrina makes him uniquely
qualified for the complex financial aspects of his new position," said
Latham.
Additionally Mitigation Grants Bureau Director Jana Henderson has been
selected to become the new Mitigation Office Director. Henderson will
oversee the entire mitigation office which includes mitigation grants,
planning, state floodplain management and oversight of the National Flood
Insurance Program.
"Jana has worked diligently through some very complex FEMA guidance to
produce and deliver some very high quality outcomes in the mitigation grant
programs in our Agency," said Latham.
Brown and Henderson will take over their new roles Feb. 1.
Latham says Brown and Henderson have worked hard to develop strong,
positive relationships with local emergency management offices and other
officials to ensure that the Agency delivers consistent grant guidance to
applicants and assisted them when necessary to ensure that they receive the
funding they need to build stronger, more disaster resistant communities.
For more information please visit MEMA online at www.msema.org.
###
BP emails reveal company veiling oil spill rate
AP
By CAIN BURDEAU
NEW ORLEANS -- On the day the Deepwater Horizon sank, BP officials warned
in an internal memo if the well was not protected by the blowout preventer
at the drill site, crude oil could burst into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate
of 3.4 million gallons a day, an amount a million gallons higher than the
government later believed spilled daily from the site.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/28/v-print/3717057/bp-emails-reveal-company-veiling.html
Oil spill fine bill: Offsets could be obstacles but lawmakers optimistic
Published: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 7:28 AM
By George Altman, Washington Bureau , Press Register
Where can lawmakers find at least $1 billion of federal revenue to offset
oil spill fine money that they want to send to the Gulf Coast? Are such
offsets, through spending cuts or new revenue, really necessary to replace
fines to be paid by private companies only because of a spill that hurt the
Gulf? And exactly how much money should lawmakers offset?
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/01/gulf_oil_spill_fine_bill_offse.html
Oil spill focuses attention on delicate Gulf Coast
AP
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
TIVOLI, Texas -- For decades, farmers and fishermen along the Gulf of
Mexico watched as their sensitive ecosystem's waters slowly got dirtier and
islands eroded, all while the country largely ignored the destruction.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718237/oil-spill-focuses-attention-on.html
State News
Mississippi regulators pushed to drop statewide burn ban
DeSoto County fights EPA inclusion in Memphis pollution zone
By Jeff Amy
Associated Press
Originally published 08:38 a.m., January 28, 2012
Updated 10:39 a.m., January 28, 2012
JACKSON, Miss. — Although almost no one seems to know it, it's illegal for
everyday citizens to burn common waste in Mississippi.
That may be about to change though as the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality comes under pressure to change the rule.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/28/mississippi-regulators-pushed-drop-statewide-burn/
Burn ban decision could shift to city/county
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- It can be found all around the state, people
burning leaves or branches in their yards instead of having them taken off
or composted.
Officials in Jackson are talking about abolishing the state law, which
could leave burning regulations up to each county.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Burn-ban-decision-could-shift-to-city-county/S3ZH020H2kWkB0KvJ-5VeA.cspx
Unattended trash fires spread in Harrison County
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
Harrison County firefighters put out three brush fires Sunday that consumed
a total of about 20 acres from about noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. County Fire
Chief Pat Sullivan said in all three cases, people were burning trash, left
the fires unattended and then discovered they were burning out of control.
He said one man went inside to take a shower while his trash burned, then
stepped out to discover the fire had spread in Sunday's stiff breeze. No
homes were evacuated, Sullivan said. The U.S. Forestry Service helped bring
two of the fires under control.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718239/unattended-trash-fires-spread.html
MDEQ drops efforts to change water regulations
By David A. Farrell
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has backed
off implementing changes in water regulations that would affect the state's
six southernmost counties, Robbie Wilbur, MDEQ communications director told
the Picayune Item on Friday, confirming rumors that have been circulating
to that effect.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x431313481/MDEQ-drops-efforts-to-change-water-regulations
Gas exploration unlikely to occur overnight, say MDA experts
Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 7:48 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- Mississippi Development Authority experts don't
expect a rush to tap into the state's offshore natural gas until prices
improve.
The MDA conducted a public meeting from noon to 7 p.m. Friday at the
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College administration building.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/gas_exploration_unlikely_to_oc.html
Drilling in state waters could soon be a reality
WLOX
How and when should natural gas drilling take place in Mississippi state
waters? That was the subject of a public hearing Friday night in Jackson
County.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16620896/drilling-in-state-waters-could-soon-be-a-reality
TVA Generation Partners site wins national award
Special to The Commercial Dispatch
January 28, 2012 9:59:00 PM
STARKVILLE -- A Mississippi regional landfill participating in the
Tennessee Valley Authority's Generation Partners renewable power program
has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of
the nation's top renewable generation projects.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=15376
Pearl could cause minor flooding in Hancock, Pearl River counties
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Pearl River
in Hancock and Pearl River counties.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/29/v-print/3718215/pearl-could-cause-minor-flooding.html
Rez officials may ban glass
Portable storage units, rope swings also on board agenda
Clarion Ledger
A ban on glass containers and rope swings and a time limitation on portable
storage units are among a list of proposed ordinance changes being
considered by officials overseeing the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120130/NEWS/201300316/Rez-officials-may-ban-glass?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Home|p
Recycling brings Long Beach man contentment
Sun Herald
By JOHN FITZHUGH
LONG BEACH -- If you drove past Mark Kreher's Long Beach house, you might
think he was having a garage sale.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/28/v-print/3717177/recycling-brings-long-beach-man.html
Seedlings at root of lesson in being good stewards of Earth
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Monday, January 30, 2012
For these "wrap" artists, there's rhythm and rhyme in getting 2,659
Southern magnolia seedlings ready to distribute next week to third-graders
at 14 public and private schools across DeSoto County.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/30/thats-a-wrap/?print=1
Gulfport 6th-graders lend their help to endangered gopher frog (gallery)
Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8:52 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
VANCLEAVE, Mississippi -- The Commodore Climate Changers, a sixth-grade
science club from Gulfport, spent Friday morning learning about the
Mississippi gopher frog's habitat, and then got busy helping the endangered
species on a pine savanna.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/gulfport_sixth-graders_lend_th.html
KiOR closes on $75M loan to support first biofuels plant
Mississippi Business Journal
Published: January 29,2012
COLUMBUS — KiOR Inc., a next-generation renewable fuels company based in
Pasadena, Texas, has closed a $75 million, four-year term loan with a
lender group comprised of an affiliate of Vinod Khosla and two Canadian
corporations owned by certain pension fund clients of Alberta Investment
Management Corporation (AIMCo).
http://msbusiness.com/2012/01/kior-closes-on-75m-loan-to-support-first-biofuels-plant/
National News
Companies try to recycle all waste, send nothing to landfill
USA Today
Food leftovers as worm bedding? At a DuPont warehouse in Lockport, N.Y.,
cafeteria waste is turned into compost that's used for its landscaping.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/story/2012-01-29/dupont-zero-landfills/52873674/1
California fuels rule sparks controversy
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: January 29
Just as it pioneered curbs on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light
trucks a decade ago, California is championing standards that could
transform the fuel that goes into their tanks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/california-fuels-rule-sparks-controversy/2012/01/23/gIQAQtEuaQ_print.html
War of words over looming EPA dioxin study
CNN
With the EPA's deadline only days away, a war of words has erupted over
whether the agency should go ahead with a dioxin study decades in the
making.
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/27/war-of-words-over-looming-epa-dioxin-study/
Press Releases
MEMA Director Announces New Appointments
Pearl – Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Robert
Latham promotes MEMA Office of Mitigation Director Bill Brown to the
position of Deputy Administrator.
In his new role Brown will oversee the offices of Support Services, Hazard
Mitigation and Recovery. Brown will be responsible for oversight of all
financial aspects of the agency including budgeting, travel, payroll,
hazard mitigation grant administration and FEMA recovery programs.
"Bill's extensive experience in managing more than $500 million in
mitigation grant funding since Hurricane Katrina makes him uniquely
qualified for the complex financial aspects of his new position," said
Latham.
Additionally Mitigation Grants Bureau Director Jana Henderson has been
selected to become the new Mitigation Office Director. Henderson will
oversee the entire mitigation office which includes mitigation grants,
planning, state floodplain management and oversight of the National Flood
Insurance Program.
"Jana has worked diligently through some very complex FEMA guidance to
produce and deliver some very high quality outcomes in the mitigation grant
programs in our Agency," said Latham.
Brown and Henderson will take over their new roles Feb. 1.
Latham says Brown and Henderson have worked hard to develop strong,
positive relationships with local emergency management offices and other
officials to ensure that the Agency delivers consistent grant guidance to
applicants and assisted them when necessary to ensure that they receive the
funding they need to build stronger, more disaster resistant communities.
For more information please visit MEMA online at www.msema.org.
###
News Clippings 1/27/12
Judge: BP contract shielded Transocean in spill
AP
A federal judge has ruled that the rig owner involved in drilling the
ill-fated well that blew out in the Gulf of Mexico was shielded by its
contract with BP for having to pay many pollution claims in the nation's
largest offshore oil spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16611002/judge-bp-contract-shielded-transocean-in-spill
Ruling Favors Owner of Rig in Gulf Spill
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER
Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig, which blew out in the
Gulf of Mexico nearly two years ago, is not liable for some of the
pollution claims arising from the fatal accident, a federal judge in
Louisiana ruled on Thursday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/27/business/energy-environment/transocean-not-liable-for-some-gulf-spill-claims-judge-rules.html?_r=1&ref=earth&pagewanted=print
Rescued dolphin is yielding 'significant information,' scientist says
Published: Friday, January 27, 2012, 6:53 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- A nearly dead dolphin found in Alabama in November
is recovering at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and yielding data
that may help explain 630 dolphin strandings that have occurred in the
northern Gulf of Mexico since February 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/dolphin_found_in_alabama_is_yi.html
State News
Damage from 2011 floods could mean worse in 2012
AP
By JANET McCONNAUGHEY
Damage from last year's record spring floods could leave many people along
the Mississippi River in even more danger this year, the Army Corps of
Engineers said Thursday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/26/v-print/3713430/damage-from-2011-floods-could.html
New smart networks could reduce energy costs
(Embedded image moved to file: pic26500.jpg)
Commercial Dispatch
David Miller
January 26, 2012 11:17:00 AM
Local electricity distributors are adapting to changes coming from the
Tennessee Valley Authority.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=15305
Don McKinnon leaving 'some big shoes to fill'
3 decades in emergency work
Hattiesburg American
Giving up sleep for two weeks to see exactly how much wrack and ruin
Hurricane Katrina brought to his county didn't turn Don McKinnon away.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120127/NEWS01/201270311/Don-McKinnon-leaving-some-big-shoes-fill-
Mississippi's website overhauled
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — Mississippi's official web portal, www.ms.gov, relaunched
Wednesday after its first major update in over a decade.
http://meridianstar.com/local/x1669703122/Mississippis-website-overhauled
Former State Employee Faces Embezzlement Charges
Byron Thompson Accused Of Using State Car To Take Daughter To School
WAPT
JACKSON, Miss. -- A Mississippi homeland security agent is facing
embezzlement charges.
A state auditor wants thousands of dollars back from the former state
employee, authorities said. A district attorney said the former security
agent could face 20 years in jail.
http://www.wapt.com/news/30311558/detail.html
National News
FirstEnergy to retire 6 coal-fired power plants in Ohio, Pa. and Md.,
affecting 530 workers
By Associated Press, Published: January 26
AKRON, Ohio — FirstEnergy Corp. said Thursday that new environmental
regulations led to a decision to shut down six older, coal-fired power
plants in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland, affecting more than 500
employees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/firstenergy-to-retire-6-coal-fired-power-plants-in-ohio-pa-and-md-affecting-530-workers/2012/01/26/gIQAXV7LTQ_print.html
EPA: Palm oil flunks the climate test
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 01/26/12 11:37 AM ET
The Environmental Protection Agency will publish data Friday showing that
biofuels made from palm oil won't count towards the nation's renewable
fuels mandate because they're not climate-friendly.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/206781-epa-palm-oil-based-fuels-flunk-the-climate-test
Federal commission urges permanent nuclear waste storage strategy
The Hill
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/26/12 03:08 PM ET
Policymakers must act quickly to establish at least one site to permanently
dispose of the country's nuclear waste, a federal commission created by
President Obama said Thursday.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/206861-federal-commission-calls-for-permanent-nuclear-waste-storage-site
Thursday, January 26, 2012
News Clippings 01/26/12
Oil Spill
Ex-BP worker claims in whistleblower lawsuit he was axed for airing
concerns about oil cleanup
By Associated Press, Published: January 25
NEW ORLEANS — A former BP employee has filed a whistleblower lawsuit
against the company, claiming he was fired for airing concerns about the
cleanup of Mississippi's shoreline after the Gulf oil spill.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ex-bp-worker-claims-in-whistleblower-lawsuit-he-was-axed-for-airing-concerns-about-oil-cleanup/2012/01/25/gIQAL6RaQQ_print.html
Scientists were asked to downplay Deepwater Horizon spill rates
LA Times
By Bettina Boxall
2:22 PM PST, January 25, 2012
Estimates of the amount of oil spewing from BP's blown-out deep-sea well
were an ongoing subject of debate and controversy during the Deepwater
Horizon disaster, which wound up on the record books as the nation's
largest offshore oil spill.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/environment/la-me-gs-scientists-asked-downplay-deepwater-horizon-spill-20120125,0,2061380.story?track=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=142902
State News
Audubon Society makes bold move into downtown Moss Point
Editorial – Sun Herald
Downtown Moss Point will soon boast an attraction that will enhance its
reputation as "The River City." The Audubon Society has broken ground on a
$2 million facility on 10 acres in the heart of downtown. The center is
expected to become a gateway to the Singing River ecosystem.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which has occupied a temporary site
north of Interstate for the last six years, will now be located along
Rhodes Bayou, near where the Escatawpa River meets the Pascagoula River.
At ceremonies last week, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Director Trudy Fisher said she hopes the Pascagoula, preserved so well for
400 years, will remain unspoiled for "our children and grandchildren."
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3710601/audubon-society-makes-bold-move.html
Study: Drilling could hurt tourism
Sun Herald
By NICOLE DOW
GULFPORT -- Stakeholders concerned about the economic and environmental
impact of gas and oil drilling in state waters met at Ship Island
Excursions in Gulfport on Wednesday to discuss their thoughts and a study
they commissioned.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3711115/study-drilling-could-hurt-tourism.html
Critics say offshore oil and gas activity threatens tourism, economy on
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:09 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- A proposal to open up areas of Mississippi's
offshore waters for energy production came under fire Wednesday from
environmental organizations and the owner of Ship Island Excursions.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/critics_say_offshore_oil_and_g.html
Controlled burns to begin soon
Clarion Ledger
Residents and passersby may see some smoke in the air beginning this month
when the U.S. Forest Service starts its prescribed fire season to prevent
wildfires and promote a healthy forest for plants and animals.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120126/NEWS/201260337/Controlled-burns-begin-soon
George County Supervisors approve digital mapping service contract
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:55 AM
By Beverly Tuskan -- The Mississippi Press
LUCEDALE, Mississippi -- The George County Board of Supervisors approved a
contract for its part of a six-county aerial photography project during the
supervisor's recessed meeting on Wednesday.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/george_county_supervisors_appr.html
Dirt pit plans raise residents' concerns
Rankin Ledger
By Dustin Barnes
A request to create a dirt pit off of Andrew Chapel Road has some county
residents upset over what they believe would be problems created by the
traffic and work conducted at the site.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120124/NEWS/201240311/-1/NEWS01/Dirt
+pit+plans+raise+residents++concerns
Aldermen hit reset button on Memphis Stone plans
Panolian
By John Howell Sr.
Batesville aldermen voted unanimously January 17 to dismiss a variance
request to allow gravel mining within city limits.
http://www.panolian.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=232019&MemberID=1180
More than 34 tons of garbage recycled in countywide program; more bins
being sought
Calhoun County Journal
By JOEL McNEECE
Sister Judy Sinnwell told the Bruce Chamber of Commerce Monday that more
than 34 tons of garbage have been recycled since the countywide recycling
program was implemented in 2009.
http://calhouncountyjournal.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/4907-more-than-34-tons-of-garbage-recycled-in-countywide-program-more-bins-being-sought
Supervisors discuss rash of rubbish
South Reporter
By SUE WATSON
The Marshall County Board of Supervisors is looking at ways to contain the
illegal dumping of rubbish both at the county's rubbish pit and in the
roadside ditches and waterways.
http://southreporter.com/supervisors.html
DMR should work harder to win friends in Pascagoula
Editorial – Sun Herald
The decision by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to mothball
the Greenwood Island project is an odd turn of events.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3710604/dmr-should-work-harder-to-win.html
National News
Obama turns attention to energy in key states
AP
By JIM KUHNHENN
President Barack Obama is announcing the sale of oil and gas drilling
leases for nearly 38 million acres in the Gulf Coast and promoting the
completion of a highway corridor for vehicles that run on liquefied natural
gas, a response to critics who say his policies have stifled domestic
energy production.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/26/v-print/3711664/obama-turns-attention-to-energy.html
California to vote on new 'clean car' regulations
Published January 26, 2012
Associated Press
California is poised to vote on new rules that would require automakers to
build cars and trucks by 2025 that emit about three-quarters less smog
producing pollutants and also mandate that one of every seven new cars sold
in the state be a zero emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/26/california-to-vote-on-new-clean-car-regulations/#ixzz1kYLVhVeV?test=latestnews
Ex-BP worker claims in whistleblower lawsuit he was axed for airing
concerns about oil cleanup
By Associated Press, Published: January 25
NEW ORLEANS — A former BP employee has filed a whistleblower lawsuit
against the company, claiming he was fired for airing concerns about the
cleanup of Mississippi's shoreline after the Gulf oil spill.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ex-bp-worker-claims-in-whistleblower-lawsuit-he-was-axed-for-airing-concerns-about-oil-cleanup/2012/01/25/gIQAL6RaQQ_print.html
Scientists were asked to downplay Deepwater Horizon spill rates
LA Times
By Bettina Boxall
2:22 PM PST, January 25, 2012
Estimates of the amount of oil spewing from BP's blown-out deep-sea well
were an ongoing subject of debate and controversy during the Deepwater
Horizon disaster, which wound up on the record books as the nation's
largest offshore oil spill.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/environment/la-me-gs-scientists-asked-downplay-deepwater-horizon-spill-20120125,0,2061380.story?track=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=142902
State News
Audubon Society makes bold move into downtown Moss Point
Editorial – Sun Herald
Downtown Moss Point will soon boast an attraction that will enhance its
reputation as "The River City." The Audubon Society has broken ground on a
$2 million facility on 10 acres in the heart of downtown. The center is
expected to become a gateway to the Singing River ecosystem.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which has occupied a temporary site
north of Interstate for the last six years, will now be located along
Rhodes Bayou, near where the Escatawpa River meets the Pascagoula River.
At ceremonies last week, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Director Trudy Fisher said she hopes the Pascagoula, preserved so well for
400 years, will remain unspoiled for "our children and grandchildren."
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3710601/audubon-society-makes-bold-move.html
Study: Drilling could hurt tourism
Sun Herald
By NICOLE DOW
GULFPORT -- Stakeholders concerned about the economic and environmental
impact of gas and oil drilling in state waters met at Ship Island
Excursions in Gulfport on Wednesday to discuss their thoughts and a study
they commissioned.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3711115/study-drilling-could-hurt-tourism.html
Critics say offshore oil and gas activity threatens tourism, economy on
Mississippi Gulf Coast
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:09 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- A proposal to open up areas of Mississippi's
offshore waters for energy production came under fire Wednesday from
environmental organizations and the owner of Ship Island Excursions.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/critics_say_offshore_oil_and_g.html
Controlled burns to begin soon
Clarion Ledger
Residents and passersby may see some smoke in the air beginning this month
when the U.S. Forest Service starts its prescribed fire season to prevent
wildfires and promote a healthy forest for plants and animals.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120126/NEWS/201260337/Controlled-burns-begin-soon
George County Supervisors approve digital mapping service contract
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:55 AM
By Beverly Tuskan -- The Mississippi Press
LUCEDALE, Mississippi -- The George County Board of Supervisors approved a
contract for its part of a six-county aerial photography project during the
supervisor's recessed meeting on Wednesday.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/george_county_supervisors_appr.html
Dirt pit plans raise residents' concerns
Rankin Ledger
By Dustin Barnes
A request to create a dirt pit off of Andrew Chapel Road has some county
residents upset over what they believe would be problems created by the
traffic and work conducted at the site.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120124/NEWS/201240311/-1/NEWS01/Dirt
+pit+plans+raise+residents++concerns
Aldermen hit reset button on Memphis Stone plans
Panolian
By John Howell Sr.
Batesville aldermen voted unanimously January 17 to dismiss a variance
request to allow gravel mining within city limits.
http://www.panolian.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=232019&MemberID=1180
More than 34 tons of garbage recycled in countywide program; more bins
being sought
Calhoun County Journal
By JOEL McNEECE
Sister Judy Sinnwell told the Bruce Chamber of Commerce Monday that more
than 34 tons of garbage have been recycled since the countywide recycling
program was implemented in 2009.
http://calhouncountyjournal.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/4907-more-than-34-tons-of-garbage-recycled-in-countywide-program-more-bins-being-sought
Supervisors discuss rash of rubbish
South Reporter
By SUE WATSON
The Marshall County Board of Supervisors is looking at ways to contain the
illegal dumping of rubbish both at the county's rubbish pit and in the
roadside ditches and waterways.
http://southreporter.com/supervisors.html
DMR should work harder to win friends in Pascagoula
Editorial – Sun Herald
The decision by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to mothball
the Greenwood Island project is an odd turn of events.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/25/v-print/3710604/dmr-should-work-harder-to-win.html
National News
Obama turns attention to energy in key states
AP
By JIM KUHNHENN
President Barack Obama is announcing the sale of oil and gas drilling
leases for nearly 38 million acres in the Gulf Coast and promoting the
completion of a highway corridor for vehicles that run on liquefied natural
gas, a response to critics who say his policies have stifled domestic
energy production.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/26/v-print/3711664/obama-turns-attention-to-energy.html
California to vote on new 'clean car' regulations
Published January 26, 2012
Associated Press
California is poised to vote on new rules that would require automakers to
build cars and trucks by 2025 that emit about three-quarters less smog
producing pollutants and also mandate that one of every seven new cars sold
in the state be a zero emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/26/california-to-vote-on-new-clean-car-regulations/#ixzz1kYLVhVeV?test=latestnews
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
News Clippings 1/25/12
Oil Spill
BP executive expected to be first oil spill trial witness
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:15 AM Updated: Wednesday,
January 25, 2012, 7:20 AM
By The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A BP executive is expected to be the first witness to testify
at a trial next month designed to identify the causes of a deadly rig
explosion that spawned a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/01/bp_executive_expected_to_be_fi.html
BP rejects City of Gulfport oil spill claim
WLOX
BP has rejected the City of Gulfport's claim for oil spill damages.
Gulfport was seeking nearly $12 million in lost tax revenue and community
damages from the Deepwater Horizon accident.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16592215/bp-rejects-city-of-gulfport-oil-spill-claim
Seafood board may use BP cash to rename N.O. arena
AP
NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board might use
some of the $30 million it got from BP PLC to buy naming rights for the New
Orleans Arena, where the NBA's Hornets play.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120124/NEWS01/120124008/Seafood-board-may-use-BP-cash-rename-N-O-arena
State News
Public meetings scheduled on Mississippi offshore oil, gas leasing
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:17 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- Public meetings on what seismic surveying and
offshore oil and gas leasing will mean for Mississippi are scheduled
Thursday in Jackson and Friday in Gautier.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/public_meetings_scheduled_on_m.html
Proper disposal
By Randy Hammons
Enterprise-Journal
Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012 3:00 pm
A customer's simple question to a local pharmacist some two years ago was
the impetus of legislation soon to be presented in the Mississippi
Legislature.
Rep. Sam Mims V, R-McComb, is working on a bill that would set up
prescription drug collection sites at local law enforcement offices,
allowing people to drop off their expired prescription medications, no
questions asked. The drugs would then be transported to the Mississippi
Bureau of Narcotics office in Jackson, where they would be incinerated.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_3dc54a10-45e8-11e1-baa4-0019bb2963f4.html
National News
Ex-chiefs: EPA a tougher sell now
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
January 24, 2012 11:12 PM EST
The Environmental Protection Agency may be a victim of its own success,
making it difficult to build public support for pollution controls that are
health based but more abstract, Republican former administrators said
Monday.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71908.html
Emissions regulations still far off
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
January 24, 2012 11:11 PM EST
As environmentalists check items off their list of Obama administration
victories before this year's election, one huge item still lingers: curbing
greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71909.html
Obama touts EPA effort to exempt milk from oil-spill rules
The Hill
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/24/12 10:00 PM ET
President Obama touted Tuesday his administration's decision to exempt milk
from broader oil-spill prevention rules, arguing that he is working to
eliminate regulations that "don't make sense."
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/206337-obama-touts-epa-effort-to-exempt-milk-from-oil-spill-rules
BP executive expected to be first oil spill trial witness
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:15 AM Updated: Wednesday,
January 25, 2012, 7:20 AM
By The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A BP executive is expected to be the first witness to testify
at a trial next month designed to identify the causes of a deadly rig
explosion that spawned a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/01/bp_executive_expected_to_be_fi.html
BP rejects City of Gulfport oil spill claim
WLOX
BP has rejected the City of Gulfport's claim for oil spill damages.
Gulfport was seeking nearly $12 million in lost tax revenue and community
damages from the Deepwater Horizon accident.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16592215/bp-rejects-city-of-gulfport-oil-spill-claim
Seafood board may use BP cash to rename N.O. arena
AP
NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board might use
some of the $30 million it got from BP PLC to buy naming rights for the New
Orleans Arena, where the NBA's Hornets play.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120124/NEWS01/120124008/Seafood-board-may-use-BP-cash-rename-N-O-arena
State News
Public meetings scheduled on Mississippi offshore oil, gas leasing
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:17 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- Public meetings on what seismic surveying and
offshore oil and gas leasing will mean for Mississippi are scheduled
Thursday in Jackson and Friday in Gautier.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/public_meetings_scheduled_on_m.html
Proper disposal
By Randy Hammons
Enterprise-Journal
Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012 3:00 pm
A customer's simple question to a local pharmacist some two years ago was
the impetus of legislation soon to be presented in the Mississippi
Legislature.
Rep. Sam Mims V, R-McComb, is working on a bill that would set up
prescription drug collection sites at local law enforcement offices,
allowing people to drop off their expired prescription medications, no
questions asked. The drugs would then be transported to the Mississippi
Bureau of Narcotics office in Jackson, where they would be incinerated.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_3dc54a10-45e8-11e1-baa4-0019bb2963f4.html
National News
Ex-chiefs: EPA a tougher sell now
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
January 24, 2012 11:12 PM EST
The Environmental Protection Agency may be a victim of its own success,
making it difficult to build public support for pollution controls that are
health based but more abstract, Republican former administrators said
Monday.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71908.html
Emissions regulations still far off
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
January 24, 2012 11:11 PM EST
As environmentalists check items off their list of Obama administration
victories before this year's election, one huge item still lingers: curbing
greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71909.html
Obama touts EPA effort to exempt milk from oil-spill rules
The Hill
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/24/12 10:00 PM ET
President Obama touted Tuesday his administration's decision to exempt milk
from broader oil-spill prevention rules, arguing that he is working to
eliminate regulations that "don't make sense."
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/206337-obama-touts-epa-effort-to-exempt-milk-from-oil-spill-rules
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
News Clippings 1/24/12
Oil Spill
Obama's stance on BP fine bill awaited
Coast officials say support in address would boost efforts
Clarion Ledger
WASHINGTON — Gulf Coast lawmakers hope President Barack Obama will use his
address to the nation tonight to support a bill that would send most of the
fines collected from the BP oil spill to the region for restoration
efforts.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120124/NEWS/201240335/Obama-s-stance-BP-fine-bill-awaited
BP denies Gulfport's damages claim
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
GULFPORT -- BP has responded to Gulfport's demand for $11.8 million in
compensation for oil catastrophe losses with a five-page letter that says,
in essence, claim denied.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/23/v-print/3705490/bp-denies-gulfports-damages-claim.html
State News
DMR dye study turns Joe's Bayou red in Bay St. Louis
WLOX
Tracking sources of water pollution was the focus of a study that we first
told you about a week ago. That red dye study wrapped up this weekend, and
the results surprised even the FDA, DMR, and DEQ scientists.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16583554/dmr-dye-study-turns-joes-bayou-red-in-bay-st-louis
Drilling off Coast is too risky, study says
Sun Herald
By GEOFF PENDER
BILOXI -- Coast business owners and conservationists on Wednesday plan to
release a study they say will show how plans to open Mississippi waters to
drilling will hurt the local economy and threaten resources such as the
Gulf Islands National Seashore.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/23/v-print/3705475/drilling-off-coast-is-too-risky.html
Water contact advisory for Town Creek in Jackson
WLBT
A temporary water contact advisory is issued for Town Creek in Jackson.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a temporary
advisory due to a wastewater discharge from Baptist Hospital into the
city's storm water collection system.
http://www.wlbt.com/story/16584763/water
MDEQ ISSUES TEMPORARY ADVISORY FOR TOWN CREEK IN JACKSON
WJTV
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) issued a temporary water contact advisory Monday for Town Creek in
Jackson due to a wastewater discharge from Baptist Hospital into the city's
stormwater collection system. The advisory extends for a portion of Town
Creek from Fortification Street to the confluence with the Pearl River.
http://www2.wjtv.com/sports/2012/jan/23/mdeq-issues-temporary-advisory-town-creek-jackson-ar-3099627/
Rural water caught in cross hairs
by Emily Le Coz
NEMS Daily Journal
01.24.12 - 06:55 am
TUPELO - A tug-of-war between two state entities leaves dozens of rural
water associations facing potential legal action.
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/17270986/article-Rural-water-caught-in-cross-hairs?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
National News
Mercury's Harmful Reach Has Grown, Study Suggests
NY Times
By ANTHONY DePALMA
The strict new federal standards limiting pollution from power plants are
meant to safeguard human health. But they should have an important side
benefit, according to a study being released on Tuesday: protecting a broad
array of wildlife that has been harmed by mercury emissions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/science/study-finds-mercury-in-more-northeastern-bird-species.html?_r=1&ref=earth&pagewanted=print
Obama's stance on BP fine bill awaited
Coast officials say support in address would boost efforts
Clarion Ledger
WASHINGTON — Gulf Coast lawmakers hope President Barack Obama will use his
address to the nation tonight to support a bill that would send most of the
fines collected from the BP oil spill to the region for restoration
efforts.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120124/NEWS/201240335/Obama-s-stance-BP-fine-bill-awaited
BP denies Gulfport's damages claim
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE
GULFPORT -- BP has responded to Gulfport's demand for $11.8 million in
compensation for oil catastrophe losses with a five-page letter that says,
in essence, claim denied.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/23/v-print/3705490/bp-denies-gulfports-damages-claim.html
State News
DMR dye study turns Joe's Bayou red in Bay St. Louis
WLOX
Tracking sources of water pollution was the focus of a study that we first
told you about a week ago. That red dye study wrapped up this weekend, and
the results surprised even the FDA, DMR, and DEQ scientists.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16583554/dmr-dye-study-turns-joes-bayou-red-in-bay-st-louis
Drilling off Coast is too risky, study says
Sun Herald
By GEOFF PENDER
BILOXI -- Coast business owners and conservationists on Wednesday plan to
release a study they say will show how plans to open Mississippi waters to
drilling will hurt the local economy and threaten resources such as the
Gulf Islands National Seashore.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/23/v-print/3705475/drilling-off-coast-is-too-risky.html
Water contact advisory for Town Creek in Jackson
WLBT
A temporary water contact advisory is issued for Town Creek in Jackson.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a temporary
advisory due to a wastewater discharge from Baptist Hospital into the
city's storm water collection system.
http://www.wlbt.com/story/16584763/water
MDEQ ISSUES TEMPORARY ADVISORY FOR TOWN CREEK IN JACKSON
WJTV
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) issued a temporary water contact advisory Monday for Town Creek in
Jackson due to a wastewater discharge from Baptist Hospital into the city's
stormwater collection system. The advisory extends for a portion of Town
Creek from Fortification Street to the confluence with the Pearl River.
http://www2.wjtv.com/sports/2012/jan/23/mdeq-issues-temporary-advisory-town-creek-jackson-ar-3099627/
Rural water caught in cross hairs
by Emily Le Coz
NEMS Daily Journal
01.24.12 - 06:55 am
TUPELO - A tug-of-war between two state entities leaves dozens of rural
water associations facing potential legal action.
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/17270986/article-Rural-water-caught-in-cross-hairs?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
National News
Mercury's Harmful Reach Has Grown, Study Suggests
NY Times
By ANTHONY DePALMA
The strict new federal standards limiting pollution from power plants are
meant to safeguard human health. But they should have an important side
benefit, according to a study being released on Tuesday: protecting a broad
array of wildlife that has been harmed by mercury emissions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/science/study-finds-mercury-in-more-northeastern-bird-species.html?_r=1&ref=earth&pagewanted=print
Monday, January 23, 2012
News Clippings 1/23/12
Oil Spill
Jobs were on the mind of public commenting at Early Restoration meetings on
the Coast (photo gallery)
Published: Sunday, January 22, 2012, 6:34 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Hiring local workers for oil spill restoration
projects was a common thread among comments at three public meetings held
in Gautier, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis last week, said Trudy Fisher,
executive director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/jobs_were_on_the_mind_of_publi.html
Judge denies BP request to penalize Halliburton
Published: Friday, January 20, 2012, 9:33 PM
By The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge shot down BP's request to penalize
Halliburton for allegedly destroying damaging evidence about the quality of
its cement slurry that went into drilling the oil well that blew out last
year and caused the nation's worst offshore oil spill.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/01/judge_denies_bp_request_to_pen.html
State News
New $2 million Pascagoula River Audubon Center facility to be built near
Moss Point (photo gallery)
Published: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6:39 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- A bird feeder-hanging ceremony was held Friday
morning on the site of the next Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which is
within walking distance of the city's downtown area.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/new_2_million_pascaogoula_rive.html
New center will be gateway to Singing River
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Audubon Society said its new $2 million center on 10
acres in the heart of downtown Moss Point will become a gateway to the last
free-flowing river in the lower 48 states.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/20/v-print/3698443/audubon-center-is-moving-to-new.html
Whatever happened to: Big Bay insurance money distributed
Hattiesburg American
On March 12, 2004, the earthen dam at Big Bay Lake collapsed in west
central Lamar County. The deluge roared downstream through properties in
Lamar and Marion counties, and while there were no fatalities or major
injuries, about 100 homes were destroyed or damaged.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120122/NEWS01/201220333/Whatever-happened-Big-Bay-insurance-money-distributed
Students keen on going green
Sun Herald
By LINDSAY KNOWLES
GAUTIER -- Students who have spent all year learning environment-friendly
ways to live held a community Sustainable Living Day and Bicycle Fun Run on
Saturday at Gautier Middle School to pass on their new knowledge about
going green.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/21/v-print/3702133/students-keen-on-going-green.html
Health budget cut feared
Officials say lawmakers' plan would be devastating
Clarion Ledger
Legislative budget writers want to slash the state general fund
appropriation for the state Department of Health to $20.7 million - the
lowest level it has seen since 1990, when it received $20.3 million.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120123/NEWS/201230324/Health-budget-cut-feared
National News
NOAA's proposed move raises questions about its role
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: January 22
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a slogan that
captures its odd position in the federal hierarchy: "NOAA may be the most
important agency you've never heard of."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/noaas-proposed-move-raises-questions-about-its-role/2012/01/20/gIQANNPYJQ_print.html
Single-cup coffee makers: A morning cup of environmental harm?
LA Times
By MARY MacVEAN
If you received a one-cup coffee maker -- or a box of coffee for one -- as
a Christmas gift, by now you likely have brewed through and tossed out
plenty of those little capsules, and perhaps you've started to wonder about
the environmental impact and the value of convenience.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/21/v-print/3701838/single-cup-coffee-makers-a-morning.html
Jobs were on the mind of public commenting at Early Restoration meetings on
the Coast (photo gallery)
Published: Sunday, January 22, 2012, 6:34 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Hiring local workers for oil spill restoration
projects was a common thread among comments at three public meetings held
in Gautier, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis last week, said Trudy Fisher,
executive director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/jobs_were_on_the_mind_of_publi.html
Judge denies BP request to penalize Halliburton
Published: Friday, January 20, 2012, 9:33 PM
By The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge shot down BP's request to penalize
Halliburton for allegedly destroying damaging evidence about the quality of
its cement slurry that went into drilling the oil well that blew out last
year and caused the nation's worst offshore oil spill.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/01/judge_denies_bp_request_to_pen.html
State News
New $2 million Pascagoula River Audubon Center facility to be built near
Moss Point (photo gallery)
Published: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6:39 AM
By Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- A bird feeder-hanging ceremony was held Friday
morning on the site of the next Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which is
within walking distance of the city's downtown area.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/new_2_million_pascaogoula_rive.html
New center will be gateway to Singing River
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Audubon Society said its new $2 million center on 10
acres in the heart of downtown Moss Point will become a gateway to the last
free-flowing river in the lower 48 states.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/20/v-print/3698443/audubon-center-is-moving-to-new.html
Whatever happened to: Big Bay insurance money distributed
Hattiesburg American
On March 12, 2004, the earthen dam at Big Bay Lake collapsed in west
central Lamar County. The deluge roared downstream through properties in
Lamar and Marion counties, and while there were no fatalities or major
injuries, about 100 homes were destroyed or damaged.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120122/NEWS01/201220333/Whatever-happened-Big-Bay-insurance-money-distributed
Students keen on going green
Sun Herald
By LINDSAY KNOWLES
GAUTIER -- Students who have spent all year learning environment-friendly
ways to live held a community Sustainable Living Day and Bicycle Fun Run on
Saturday at Gautier Middle School to pass on their new knowledge about
going green.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/21/v-print/3702133/students-keen-on-going-green.html
Health budget cut feared
Officials say lawmakers' plan would be devastating
Clarion Ledger
Legislative budget writers want to slash the state general fund
appropriation for the state Department of Health to $20.7 million - the
lowest level it has seen since 1990, when it received $20.3 million.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120123/NEWS/201230324/Health-budget-cut-feared
National News
NOAA's proposed move raises questions about its role
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: January 22
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a slogan that
captures its odd position in the federal hierarchy: "NOAA may be the most
important agency you've never heard of."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/noaas-proposed-move-raises-questions-about-its-role/2012/01/20/gIQANNPYJQ_print.html
Single-cup coffee makers: A morning cup of environmental harm?
LA Times
By MARY MacVEAN
If you received a one-cup coffee maker -- or a box of coffee for one -- as
a Christmas gift, by now you likely have brewed through and tossed out
plenty of those little capsules, and perhaps you've started to wonder about
the environmental impact and the value of convenience.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/21/v-print/3701838/single-cup-coffee-makers-a-morning.html
Friday, January 20, 2012
2012-01-20
Oil Spill
No deduction of legal fees in many oil-spill claims
AP
By CAIN BURDEAU
NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge has ruled people pursuing their Gulf of Mexico oil-spill claims against BP outside of federal court do not have to pay fees to hundreds of lawyers working on behalf of about 120,000 claimants fighting the oil giant in court.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/v-print/3698439/no-deduction-of-legal-fees-in.html
State News
Audubon Center is moving to new site Press conference today will reveal funding details
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is moving across Interstate 10 to a 10-acre site on a bayou off the Escatawpa River in downtown Moss Point.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/3698443/audubon-center-is-moving-to-new.html
Hancock County getting a new city
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM
A Mississippi Supreme Court decision handed down Thursday likely ends the court battle over Diamondhead’s incorporation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/3698397/hancock-county-getting-a-new-city.html
National News
EPA Won’t Enforce Boiler Rule After Court Decision, Jackson Says
January 19, 2012, 2:44 PM EST
By Mark Drajem
Bloomberg
Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The Environmental Protection Agency pledged not to enforce its pollution standards on boilers until a reconsidered rule is issued this year, even after a court said the regulations should be put in place.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-19/epa-won-t-enforce-boiler-rule-after-court-decision-jackson-says.html
Environmentalists Send EPA Intent-to-Sue Notice on Coal Ash
January 19, 2012, 6:46 PM EST
By Mark Drajem
Bloomberg
Jan. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Earthjustice and 11 environmental groups notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today that they intend to sue the agency to force it to issue regulations for the disposal of coal ash.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-19/environmentalists-send-epa-intent-to-sue-notice-on-coal-ash.html
Corps receives emergency funds for river dredging
by Associated Press
Published: January 19,2012
MISSISSIPPI RIVER — The Army Corps of Engineers will be getting $55 million in emergency funds to pay for dredging the silting Mississippi River — a sum that will help the corps maintain the river’s channel to depths ships need to safely move up and down the waterway.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/01/corps-receives-emergency-funds-for-river-dredging/
No deduction of legal fees in many oil-spill claims
AP
By CAIN BURDEAU
NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge has ruled people pursuing their Gulf of Mexico oil-spill claims against BP outside of federal court do not have to pay fees to hundreds of lawyers working on behalf of about 120,000 claimants fighting the oil giant in court.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/v-print/3698439/no-deduction-of-legal-fees-in.html
State News
Audubon Center is moving to new site Press conference today will reveal funding details
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is moving across Interstate 10 to a 10-acre site on a bayou off the Escatawpa River in downtown Moss Point.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/3698443/audubon-center-is-moving-to-new.html
Hancock County getting a new city
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM
A Mississippi Supreme Court decision handed down Thursday likely ends the court battle over Diamondhead’s incorporation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/19/3698397/hancock-county-getting-a-new-city.html
National News
EPA Won’t Enforce Boiler Rule After Court Decision, Jackson Says
January 19, 2012, 2:44 PM EST
By Mark Drajem
Bloomberg
Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The Environmental Protection Agency pledged not to enforce its pollution standards on boilers until a reconsidered rule is issued this year, even after a court said the regulations should be put in place.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-19/epa-won-t-enforce-boiler-rule-after-court-decision-jackson-says.html
Environmentalists Send EPA Intent-to-Sue Notice on Coal Ash
January 19, 2012, 6:46 PM EST
By Mark Drajem
Bloomberg
Jan. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Earthjustice and 11 environmental groups notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today that they intend to sue the agency to force it to issue regulations for the disposal of coal ash.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-19/environmentalists-send-epa-intent-to-sue-notice-on-coal-ash.html
Corps receives emergency funds for river dredging
by Associated Press
Published: January 19,2012
MISSISSIPPI RIVER — The Army Corps of Engineers will be getting $55 million in emergency funds to pay for dredging the silting Mississippi River — a sum that will help the corps maintain the river’s channel to depths ships need to safely move up and down the waterway.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/01/corps-receives-emergency-funds-for-river-dredging/
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012-01-19
Oil Spill
Discussions continue about how to restore the gulf
WLOX
A crowd of about 100 gathered at the Westside Community Center in Gulfport Wednesday night, to hear how BP plans to spend $1 billion dollars. That is how much the oil giant has set aside to restore the Gulf after the massive oil spill in 2010.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16550504/coast-residents-and-government-officials-talk-about-restoring-the-gulf
Audubon center moving to downtown Moss Point
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Pascagoula River Audubon center is going to move across Interstate 10 to a 10-acre site on a bayou off the Escatawpa River in downtown Moss Point. The new location is a peaceful sanctuary nestled not far from bustling Mississippi 613.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/18/3696641/audubon-center-moving-to-downtown.html
State News
Officials want to air grievance
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012 1:07 AM CST
DeSoto County officials will travel to Washington next month to "clear the air," about the need to remove DeSoto County from being placed under the federal air quality standards governing the Memphis MSA or Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes Crittenden County, Ark. Shelby County, and Fayette County, Tenn.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2012/01/19/news/doc4f175e57beaa6771589702.txt
City cleans trashed dump sites
Natchez Democrat
NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez has been awarded a $25,000 grant to clean four sites where trash has been illegally dumped.
Natchez City Engineer David Gardner said the grant will cover the trash removal and disposal and any excavation and restoration to the sites. The grant is funded by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and requires no match from the city.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2012/01/19/city-cleans-trashed-dump-sites/
City offers recycling services at area apartments
Madison County Journal
RIDGELAND - Recycling services are now being offered on site for apartment residents by the city.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=24623&TM=39041.58
TIRE REMOVAL
The Picayune Item Picayune Item
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 10:12 AM CST
PICAYUNE — TIRE REMOVAL — Efforts to remove a large collection of used tires at this abandoned business on Neal Road on continues. Workers are removing piles of tires from the inside of the run down structure. Funding to have the tires removed is coming from a Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality grant. (Photo by Jeremy Pittari)
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x538061372/TIRE-REMOVAL
Millions earmarked to upgrade water system
by ANTHONY WARREN
Northside Sun Northsidesun
01.19.12 - 12:00 am
THE CITY OF JACKSON IS PREPARING to pump millions of dollars into its aged water system, and is able to do so after refinancing millions in outstanding water and sewer debt.
http://northsidesun.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Millions+earmarked+to+upgrade+water+system%20&id=17216124&instance=top_stories
Sewage problems addressed
Pontotoc360.Com
Pontotoc Progress
01.11.12 - 07:32 am
The Pontotoc Board of Aldermen last week told four East Valley Drive residents they will seek emergency funds from the Department of Environmental Quality to begin repairing sewer pipe and manhole problems in their neighborhood which have caused homes to be flooded in recent years with raw sewage which backed up into their homes.
Aldermen directed city engineer Mike Falkner to contact Department of Environmental (DEQ) officials regarding the emergency funds.
http://pontotoc360.com/view/full_story/17056419/article-Sewage--problems-addressed?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Nunnelee visits Red Hills Mine
The Choctaw Plaindealer
01.18.12 - 11:39 am
By Daniel Brunty
The Choctaw Plaindealer
First District of Mississippi Congressman Alan Nunnelee visited the Red Hill Mine located in Ackerman this past Friday. Nunnelee, who is known for his stance on the issue of Energy Independence by reducing the country’s independence on foreign oil, knows that the use of coal can help in that reduction.
http://choctawplaindealer.com/view/full_story/17213505/article-Nunnelee-visits-Red-Hills-Mine-?instance=news_special_coverage_right_column
DMR takes controversial Greenwood Island project off the table
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 6:00 AM
By Kaija Wilkinson , Mississippi Press The Mississippi Press
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has scrapped a controversial plan to deposit dredge materials from a Halter Marine expansion on Greewood Island, and south Mississippi legislators are calling it a victory for Pascagoula.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/dmr_takes_controversial_greenw.html
State to offer sustainable community grants
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) _ A new mini-grant program hopes to make local governments and communities more sustainable.The grants cannot be used for projects already underway.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/State-to-offer-sustainable-community-grants/d-qdAWC3lE6KsMFJu9vZrg.cspx
Take steps to conserve energy
Op-Ed Clinton News
James L. Cummins
Energy conservation is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used.
http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120119/OPINION/201190309/-1/NEWS01/Take-steps-to-conserve-energy
Wetlands biologically rich habitat
Op-Ed
By Murray Fulton
Special to Rankin Ledger
Wetlands rival the tropical rain forests as the most biologically productive habitats in temperate regions of the world.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120117/LIFE/201170313/-1/NEWS01/Wetlands+biologically+rich+habitat
National News
Report: Power plant mercury rule won’t cause power outages
The Hill
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/18/12 10:52 AM ET
New Environmental Protection Agency regulations that limit mercury and other toxic air pollution from power plants will not cause widespread power outages, according to the Congressional Research Service.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/204789-crs-power-plant-mercury-rules-wont-cause-power-outages
EPA won’t promise final power plant carbon rules before 2012 elections
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 01/19/12 10:21 AM ET
The Environmental Protection Agency will soon float delayed draft rules to curb greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, but the agency’s top air quality official isn’t making any promises that the standards will be finalized before the 2012 elections.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/205081-epa-wont-promise-final-power-plant-carbon-rules-before-2012-elections
Discussions continue about how to restore the gulf
WLOX
A crowd of about 100 gathered at the Westside Community Center in Gulfport Wednesday night, to hear how BP plans to spend $1 billion dollars. That is how much the oil giant has set aside to restore the Gulf after the massive oil spill in 2010.
http://www.wlox.com/story/16550504/coast-residents-and-government-officials-talk-about-restoring-the-gulf
Audubon center moving to downtown Moss Point
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
MOSS POINT -- The Pascagoula River Audubon center is going to move across Interstate 10 to a 10-acre site on a bayou off the Escatawpa River in downtown Moss Point. The new location is a peaceful sanctuary nestled not far from bustling Mississippi 613.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/01/18/3696641/audubon-center-moving-to-downtown.html
State News
Officials want to air grievance
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012 1:07 AM CST
DeSoto County officials will travel to Washington next month to "clear the air," about the need to remove DeSoto County from being placed under the federal air quality standards governing the Memphis MSA or Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes Crittenden County, Ark. Shelby County, and Fayette County, Tenn.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2012/01/19/news/doc4f175e57beaa6771589702.txt
City cleans trashed dump sites
Natchez Democrat
NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez has been awarded a $25,000 grant to clean four sites where trash has been illegally dumped.
Natchez City Engineer David Gardner said the grant will cover the trash removal and disposal and any excavation and restoration to the sites. The grant is funded by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and requires no match from the city.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2012/01/19/city-cleans-trashed-dump-sites/
City offers recycling services at area apartments
Madison County Journal
RIDGELAND - Recycling services are now being offered on site for apartment residents by the city.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=24623&TM=39041.58
TIRE REMOVAL
The Picayune Item Picayune Item
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 10:12 AM CST
PICAYUNE — TIRE REMOVAL — Efforts to remove a large collection of used tires at this abandoned business on Neal Road on continues. Workers are removing piles of tires from the inside of the run down structure. Funding to have the tires removed is coming from a Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality grant. (Photo by Jeremy Pittari)
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x538061372/TIRE-REMOVAL
Millions earmarked to upgrade water system
by ANTHONY WARREN
Northside Sun Northsidesun
01.19.12 - 12:00 am
THE CITY OF JACKSON IS PREPARING to pump millions of dollars into its aged water system, and is able to do so after refinancing millions in outstanding water and sewer debt.
http://northsidesun.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Millions+earmarked+to+upgrade+water+system%20&id=17216124&instance=top_stories
Sewage problems addressed
Pontotoc360.Com
Pontotoc Progress
01.11.12 - 07:32 am
The Pontotoc Board of Aldermen last week told four East Valley Drive residents they will seek emergency funds from the Department of Environmental Quality to begin repairing sewer pipe and manhole problems in their neighborhood which have caused homes to be flooded in recent years with raw sewage which backed up into their homes.
Aldermen directed city engineer Mike Falkner to contact Department of Environmental (DEQ) officials regarding the emergency funds.
http://pontotoc360.com/view/full_story/17056419/article-Sewage--problems-addressed?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Nunnelee visits Red Hills Mine
The Choctaw Plaindealer
01.18.12 - 11:39 am
By Daniel Brunty
The Choctaw Plaindealer
First District of Mississippi Congressman Alan Nunnelee visited the Red Hill Mine located in Ackerman this past Friday. Nunnelee, who is known for his stance on the issue of Energy Independence by reducing the country’s independence on foreign oil, knows that the use of coal can help in that reduction.
http://choctawplaindealer.com/view/full_story/17213505/article-Nunnelee-visits-Red-Hills-Mine-?instance=news_special_coverage_right_column
DMR takes controversial Greenwood Island project off the table
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 6:00 AM
By Kaija Wilkinson , Mississippi Press The Mississippi Press
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has scrapped a controversial plan to deposit dredge materials from a Halter Marine expansion on Greewood Island, and south Mississippi legislators are calling it a victory for Pascagoula.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/01/dmr_takes_controversial_greenw.html
State to offer sustainable community grants
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) _ A new mini-grant program hopes to make local governments and communities more sustainable.The grants cannot be used for projects already underway.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/State-to-offer-sustainable-community-grants/d-qdAWC3lE6KsMFJu9vZrg.cspx
Take steps to conserve energy
Op-Ed Clinton News
James L. Cummins
Energy conservation is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used.
http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120119/OPINION/201190309/-1/NEWS01/Take-steps-to-conserve-energy
Wetlands biologically rich habitat
Op-Ed
By Murray Fulton
Special to Rankin Ledger
Wetlands rival the tropical rain forests as the most biologically productive habitats in temperate regions of the world.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120117/LIFE/201170313/-1/NEWS01/Wetlands+biologically+rich+habitat
National News
Report: Power plant mercury rule won’t cause power outages
The Hill
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/18/12 10:52 AM ET
New Environmental Protection Agency regulations that limit mercury and other toxic air pollution from power plants will not cause widespread power outages, according to the Congressional Research Service.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/204789-crs-power-plant-mercury-rules-wont-cause-power-outages
EPA won’t promise final power plant carbon rules before 2012 elections
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 01/19/12 10:21 AM ET
The Environmental Protection Agency will soon float delayed draft rules to curb greenhouse gas pollution from power plants, but the agency’s top air quality official isn’t making any promises that the standards will be finalized before the 2012 elections.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/205081-epa-wont-promise-final-power-plant-carbon-rules-before-2012-elections
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
2012-01-18
Oil Spill
Coastians speak out about oil-spill damage at meeting
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON
GAUTIER
-- A crowd of about 150 listened to ways federal and state officials plan to
hold BP to its promise to make the Gulf whole in the wake of the 2010 oil-spill
disaster.
Officials hold meeting on Gulf restoration plans
AP
Federal
and state officials have presented plans to hold BP to its promise to make the
Gulf whole in the wake of the 2010 oil-spill disaster.
Oil spill restoration comments center employing
Mississippians on projects (gallery)
Published: Wednesday,
January 18, 2012, 6:29 AM
Updated: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 7:32 AM
Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi --
Nine people commenting at a public meeting on Early Restoration projects
proposed in response to the BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010
mostly stressed they want to see Mississippians employed.
Oyster fishermen want
work restoring reefs
WLOX
Several oyster fishermen spoke
out at Tuesday's Commission on Marine Resources meeting.
Fishermen air woes at Mississippi
Commission on Marine Resources meeting
Published: Tuesday,
January 17, 2012, 3:03 PM
Updated: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 5:15 PM
Harlan Kirgan, Mississippi Press
BILOXI, Mississippi -- Fishermen said they
need work in the wake of back-to-back seasons impacted by disasters, during Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources
meeting Tuesday.
2010 BP oil spill suit could be resolved before trial,
Alabama AG Luther Strange says
Published: Tuesday,
January 17, 2012, 4:06 PM
Updated: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 4:07 PM
The
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says there
are a number of talks under way between various parties involved in the
upcoming trial concerning the 2010 BP
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and
that it's possible a settlement could be reached before the start of the Feb.
27 trial in New Orleans.
US government challenges credibility of former BP executive hired as company lawyer consultant
By Associated Press,
U.S. officials say a former BP executive was paid $107,000 a month to do consulting for a company lawyer, but allege the money may have been designed to influence her testimony during a deposition in litigation over the Gulf oil spill.
State News
DeSoto readies D.C. argument
against ozone guideline
Supervisors tap delegates in trip;
greenways studied
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
DeSoto
County supervisors Tuesday selected the team going to Washington to battle a feared ozone ranking, and they also
launched studies of greenways needs and public communications.
Mississippi Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7-8, 2012, 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Jackson, MS
The theme of this year’s 21st
annual conference is creating healthy communities. The focus topics include storm preparedness
and mitigation, creating parks, gardens and other green spaces, benefits of
green space and trees in your space plus what other communities nationwide are
doing to enhance spaces. Through a
variety of progressive green practices you will learn ways to improve your
community, your backyard, local housing, business and commercial areas. Learn how to create better places with proven
methods to enhance the health of not only the community but its citizens. Learn about partnerships, funding and other
resources to implement projects. Learn
about effective planning and collaboration to get the job done. Over 20 of the best speakers from around the
state and nation will gather to share their wealth of knowledge and experience
on a variety of timely topics.
Full Agenda available by request
at dyowell@aol.com
Event Topics
Green Communities-Good Health
Community Gardens,
Orchards, Parks and Green Spaces
Collaboration and Local Green Teams
Grants and Other Valuable Resources
Storm Preparedness and Mitigation
Better Green Policy Development
Policies and Funding That Works
Resiliency and Sustainable Crisis Recovery
Planning Through Partnerships
Newest Approaches to Community Based Green Infrastructure
Creating A Community Forestry Legacy
Comprehensive Planning for Ecological Conservation
Keynote Speakers
Green Communities - Good Health
Dr. Kathleen Wolf, University of Washington
Community greening benefits can be the basis for better partnerships
with planners and public health professionals.
There is extensive scientific knowledge about the health benefits of the
human experience of nature. A project
has summarized the extensive evidence of extensive socio-cultural benefits, and
shares this information in series of summaries to help you. We will build on
this resource to present guidelines for community planning that enhances nature
based human health, well-being and economic success.
Dr. Kathleen Wolf is the nation’s foremost research social scientist,
located at the College of the Environment, University of Washington. She has a joint appointment with the USDA
Forest Service to help develop the Green Cities Research Alliance. Kathy’s research mission is to discover,
understand, and communicate human behavior and benefits.
Comprehensive Planning
for Ecological Conservation
Eric Bridges,
Planner, City of Lakeland, TN
By utilizing a natural resources management staff as part of community
development and growth management, conservation can be achieved during the
inevitable growth process. The role of a
professional forester or other natural resources manager in relation to land-use
planners, landscape architects, engineers, parks & recreation staff and the
general public will be the focus of this presentation. This presentation will
describe how a small rural community under tremendous growth pressure is
utilizing conservation of natural resources as a tool for growth management and
the challenges and opportunities this approach presents to the natural
resources manager, the planning commission, the City staff, and the citizens of
the community.
Developing
Effective Local Tree Policy and Sustainable Crisis Recovery
SHURTZ, ASLA, PLA, ISA
URBAN FORESTRY & LANDSCAPE MANAGER
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF BATON ROUGE
This presentation will explain how to plan
for and recover from an urban forestry disaster. It will also examine some
creative ways of approaching debris management, and saving your community money
in the process. STEPHEN
A. Steve Shurtz is Urban Forestry
and Landscape Manager for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish Department of Public
Works. A registered Landscape Architect and ISA Certified Arborist, he has over
30 years of experience in municipal landscape design and urban forestry
management. Steve has twice served as president of the Society of Municipal
Arborists (SMA), is a past president of the Louisiana Chapter of the American
Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), was recently elected to the national
Board of Trustees of the ASLA, is currently President of the Louisiana Urban
Forestry Council and recently completed his second term as a member of the
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC). Since 1978,
Steve has maintained a private landscape design practice, Stephen A. Shurtz,
ASLA, Landscape Architect, in Baton Rouge.
Also, how to fund a forestry
program. This program will explore
how a community can create a successful and growing urban forestry program with
minimal funding and staffing. We will
discuss creative ways to build public and administrative support for your
program in tough economic times.
Risk
Management and Community Tree Assessments (Parts 1 and 2)
Dudley
R. Hartel, Center Manager,
Urban
Forestry South, SRS-4952 Integrating Human & Natural Systems, Athens,
Georgia 30602
This is a discussion of a comprehensive risk management
program that can better support local management and disaster planning. Urban Forestry South is the Southern Region’s
urban & community forestry Technology Transfer Center which supports
U&CF programs through state agencies and municipalities. This presentation will cover 10 steps
outlined for better storm preparedness and mitigation.
Continuing Education Hours
Elected
officials, planners, foresters, arborist, parks & recreation, engineers, Master
Gardeners, landscape architects, planners, Urban Forest Masters and others are
eligible.
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