Happy New Year!
12.31.2013
State
Council to vote on wastewater contract
Hattiesburg American
Hattiesburg City Council is expected to vote next week on officially
partnering with locally-based Groundworx LLC, to dispose of the city's
treated wastewater.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20131231/NEWS01/312310008/Council-vote-wastewater-contract
Christmas Tree Recycling Brings New Uses To Old Trees
MPB
BY EVELINA BURNETT | PUBLISHED 30 DEC 2013
Millions of Americans are getting ready to take down their Christmas trees
as the holiday season winds down. MPB's Evelina Burnett reports on efforts
throughout Mississippi to put those discarded trees to good use.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/christmas_tree_recycling_brings_new_uses_to_old_trees
New additions to Lake Lamar Bruce
The Associated Press
SALTILLO, MISS. — Mississippi wildlife officials have stocked Lake Lamar
Bruce in Lee County with an additional 200,000 Bluegill and 100,000 Redear
Sunfish, double the usual amount, to keep the Largemouth Bass population
from crowding out other fish.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/31/5225635/new-additions-to-lake-lamar-bruce.html
Camp Shelby adds to buffer zone
The Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, MISS. — The Mississippi Army National Guard has purchased
1,522 acres near the southwest corner of Camp Shelby's perimeter as part of
the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program to limit the encroachment of
training activities on nearby residential and commercial sites.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/31/5225665/camp-shelby-adds-to-buffer-zone.html
Union Carbide faces deadline to file for rehearing
AP
Union Carbide Corp. has until Jan. 27 to file a motion asking the
Mississippi Supreme Court to review an unfavorable ruling in an asbestos
case.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131231/NEWS01/312310029/Union-Carbide-faces-deadline-file-rehearing
Regional
LSU to study environmental monitoring of Gulf
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BATON ROUGE -- The vast array of water-monitoring systems in the Gulf of
Mexico have some worth to federal agencies that use the data to produce
things such as weather forecasts and to businesses that use the information
gathered by those systems.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/30/5225280/lsu-to-study-environmental-monitoring.html
National
Study: Majority don't understand fracking
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Hydraulic fracturing may be a hot topic of debate, but few know what the
term "fracking" actually means, according to a recent survey.
The poll, gathered by researchers at Oregon State, George Mason and Yale
universities, found that more than half of those surveyed reported knowing
little or nothing of fracking. And nearly 60 percent of the 1,061
respondents had no opinion on the subject, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/194127-study-majority-dont-understand-fracking
Officials warn of toxic fumes near ND derailment
BY DAVE KOLPACK
Associated Press
CASSELTON, N.D. — Many residents evacuated a southeastern North Dakota town
overnight after a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, and
officials warned that acrid and hazardous smoke could blow into the area.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/31/5225545/weather-shift-near-nd-derailment.html
Home electricity use in US falling to 2001 levels
By JONATHAN FAHEY
AP Energy Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes
has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the
smartest device in people's pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking
about a tablet was probably an archaeologist or a preacher.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/24328359/home-electricity-use-in-us-falling-to-2001-levels?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Press Releases
Mississippi Welcomed More than 6,200 New Jobs, $1.03 Billion in Private
Sector Investment in 2013
JACKSON—Led by Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi's aggressive efforts to create
jobs and attract new investment produced significant results, with 2013
more than doubling the jobs and investment generated in the state in the
previous year.
Projects supported by Mississippi Development Authority over the past year
created 6,265 new jobs for the state's workers and more than $1.03 billion
in new investment. In 2012, state-assisted projects accounted for 2,664 new
jobs and $455,560,000 in new investment.
"Since taking office, I have made improving Mississippi's economy a top
priority. That includes building a pro-business environment, attracting new
investments and working to grow existing businesses. Our hard work is
paying off. This year has proven to be a strong year for economic
development in Mississippi, and it shows that our economy is gaining
strength and that Mississippi has created one of the top locations in the
country for business – something that local, national and international
companies are noticing and acting upon," Gov. Phil Bryant said.
"I am grateful to the team at MDA for helping Mississippi attract a long
list of new business in the last year, while also assisting the state's
existing businesses expand their operations," Gov. Bryant said. "This is
only the beginning for Mississippi; we are committed to making sure 2014 is
another successful year for economic development and job creation in the
state."
In 2013, the state's automotive industry saw significant growth with
several new high-profile announcements and expansions. In April, executives
from Yokohama Tire Corporation announced the company would locate a
commercial truck tire plant in West Point. This project will initially
create 500 new jobs and $300 million in new investment. Future potential
expansions are expected to increase employment at the facility to 2,000 and
increase the corporate investment to more than $1 billion. The project
progressed quickly, with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the site in
September.
In July, Nissan announced and broke ground on its first North American
Supplier Park in Canton, a $50 million investment that supports 800 new
jobs for the area's workforce. Germany-based Feuer Powertrain GmbH
announced in September it would locate a $140 million crankshaft
manufacturing facility in Tunica, a project that will create 300 new jobs.
In November, Toyota Boshoku Mississippi announced an expansion at its
Mantachie facility to increase its component production for the new Corolla
and another regional equipment manufacturer. That project included a $21
million corporate investment and created 180 new jobs.
2013's first announcement came in January from existing Mississippi
aerospace corporate partner Aurora Flight Sciences, as the company
announced it would build a 30,000-square-foot facility at the Golden
Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus. Aurora Flight Sciences is investing
$17 million and creating 250 jobs. Also in 2013, Raytheon Space and
Airborne Systems announced an expansion at its Forest location to
accommodate new contracts and anticipated future growth. The project
creates 150 new jobs and represents a $100 million corporate investment.
"Strong leadership and direction from Gov. Bryant along with a growing
economy and great teamwork at the local and state levels are largely
responsible for our strong job creation and investment throughout the state
in 2013," said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. "While the large
manufacturing announcements are exciting and important in building our
economy, the expansion projects announced by our existing businesses, both
large and small, are critical to the overall health and diversity of
Mississippi's business climate. Our goal is to continue down this road of
successful growth in 2014."
###
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
News Clippings 12.30.13
Oil Spill
Wildlife Chief: Oil to be around fo a long time
WWL
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham
believes the Bayou State will be dealing with the after effects from the
2010 BP oil spill for many years to come.
http://www.wwl.com/Wildlife-Chief---Oil-to-be-around-fo-a-long-time/18058534
Targets in BP settlement inquiry rebut findings
The Associated Press
December 27, 2013 at 1:24 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- Nearly six months after a federal judge appointed former FBI
director Louis Freeh to investigate alleged misconduct inside the
settlement program for compensating victims of BP's 2010 Gulf oil spill,
the targets of his inquiry are questioning his independence and trying to
rebut his findings.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/targets_in_bp_settlement_inqui.html
BP reserves right to appeal ruling allowing business claims without proof
of oil spill losses
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 26, 2013 at 9:08 PM
BP filed a notice Thursday reserving the right to appeal a federal judge's
decision rejecting the company's attempt to ban payments to some businesses
claiming damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_reserves_right_to_appeal_ru.html#incart_river
BP funded Project Rebound project coming to an end in 2014
Press-Register
December 29, 2013 at 7:02 AM
(Embedded image moved to file: pic05447.jpg)MOBILE, Ala.-- Project Rebound
initially began after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill when BP funds were
dispersed to various projects as recompense for the disaster. Geared toward
mental health, Project Rebound was given $10 million in August of 2012, and
those funds have lasted until this year.
The program will come to an end Dec. 31, but keep its services in Baldwin
County schools.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/12/bp_funded_project_rebound_proj.html#incart_river
State
Drilling Challenge Goes To Court On Jan. 6
MPB
BY EVELINA BURNETT | PUBLISHED 30 DEC 2013
Mississippi's rules for oil and gas leases and seismic testing in state
waters will be tested in court early next year.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/drilling_challenge_goes_to_court_on_jan._6
Holiday trash can be recycled but also can be sign for thieves
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
Tis the season to recycle large cardboard boxes from televisions,
computers, video game systems and other expensive Christmas gifts.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/26/5219406/holiday-trash-can-be-recycled.html
Sun Herald will get first look at Mississippi DMR records Monday
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
GULFPORT -- Sixty boxes of Department of Marine Resources records have been
returned to the Coast and are under lock and key at the Harrison County
Courthouse in Gulfport.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/27/5220081/dmr-records-returned-to-schloegels.html
National
Climate change debate ready to heat up
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Policies surrounding climate change are poised to heat up in 2014 as major
aspects of President Obama's climate plan come to fruition.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/194082-climate-change-debate-to-dominate-agenda-in-2014
Neighbors Fume at Radioactive Dump
Legacy of Atomic-Era Weapons Work in St. Louis Suburb Stirs Worries About
Health, Environment
Wall Street Journal
BRIDGETON, Mo.—A dispute is smoldering here, in one sense quite literally,
over what to do with thousands of tons of radioactive waste in a landfill
in this suburban St. Louis town.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304773104579270660999230736?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_4
Friday, December 27, 2013
News Clippings 12/27/13
12.27.2013
Oil Spill
BP reserves right to appeal ruling allowing business claims without proof
of oil spill losses
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 26, 2013 at 9:08 PM
BP filed a notice Thursday reserving the right to appeal a federal judge's
decision rejecting the company's attempt to ban payments to some businesses
claiming damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The notice was filed "in an abundance of caution" with U.S. District Judge
Carl Barbier, who on Tuesday ruled that some businesses don't need to prove
their losses were directly caused by the spill in order to get paid under a
settlement agreement between BP and private plaintiffs.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_reserves_right_to_appeal_ru.html#incart_river
State
Hattiesburg kicks off Christmas tree recycle program
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - The City of Hattiesburg has opened their four
Christmas tree recycle centers.
http://www.wdam.com/story/24308635/hattiesburg-kicks-off-christmas-tree-recycle-program
National
Coal in their stockings
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
December 24, 2013 05:59 PM EST
Coal-fired power plants are shutting their doors at a record pace — and for
the most part, nobody's building new ones.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/coal-fired-power-plants-energy-efficiency-environmental-protection-agency-natural-gas-101488.html?hp=l14
Opinion
Rethinking How to Split the Costs of Carbon
NY Times
By EDUARDO PORTER
It is probably a safe bet that very few Americans unwrapping a brand-new
iPhone left under their Christmas tree are thinking about its impact on the
global climate.
I have some good news for them, and some bad.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/25/business/economy/what-if-consumers-not-producers-paid-for-emissions.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Oil Spill
BP reserves right to appeal ruling allowing business claims without proof
of oil spill losses
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 26, 2013 at 9:08 PM
BP filed a notice Thursday reserving the right to appeal a federal judge's
decision rejecting the company's attempt to ban payments to some businesses
claiming damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The notice was filed "in an abundance of caution" with U.S. District Judge
Carl Barbier, who on Tuesday ruled that some businesses don't need to prove
their losses were directly caused by the spill in order to get paid under a
settlement agreement between BP and private plaintiffs.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_reserves_right_to_appeal_ru.html#incart_river
State
Hattiesburg kicks off Christmas tree recycle program
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - The City of Hattiesburg has opened their four
Christmas tree recycle centers.
http://www.wdam.com/story/24308635/hattiesburg-kicks-off-christmas-tree-recycle-program
National
Coal in their stockings
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
December 24, 2013 05:59 PM EST
Coal-fired power plants are shutting their doors at a record pace — and for
the most part, nobody's building new ones.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/coal-fired-power-plants-energy-efficiency-environmental-protection-agency-natural-gas-101488.html?hp=l14
Opinion
Rethinking How to Split the Costs of Carbon
NY Times
By EDUARDO PORTER
It is probably a safe bet that very few Americans unwrapping a brand-new
iPhone left under their Christmas tree are thinking about its impact on the
global climate.
I have some good news for them, and some bad.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/25/business/economy/what-if-consumers-not-producers-paid-for-emissions.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Thursday, December 26, 2013
News Clippings 12.26.13
12.26.2013
Oil Spill
Some business claimants shouldn't be required to prove damage from the BP
oil spill, judge rules
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 24, 2013 at 8:15 PM
Not all businesses filing claims for damages stemming from the BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill should be required to prove that they were hurt by the
spill, a federal judge in New Orleans ruled Tuesday, rejecting a request
from the oil giant.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/some_business_claimants_should.html#incart_river
U.S. court rejects BP bid to require proof of Gulf oil spill losses
Reuters
Wed, Dec 25 2013
By Jonathan Stempel
Dec 24 (Reuters) - BP Plc has failed to persuade a U.S. federal judge to
require businesses seeking to recover money over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico
oil spill to provide proof that their economic losses were caused by the
disaster.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/12/25/bpspill-ruling-idINL2N0K406T20131225
Former FBI agent appointed interim CEO of BP oil spill claims office
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 24, 2013 at 3:09 AM
Deepwater Horizon Claims Administrator Patrick Juneau announced Monday that
he has named David Welker, a former FBI agent, as interim chief executive
officer of the Deepwater Horizon Court-Supervised Settlement Program.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/former_fbi_agent_appointed_int.html#incart_river
Ex-official rejects BP ad's 'distorted' claims
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -
Two former top officials at the settlement program for compensating victims
of BP's 2010 Gulf oil spill say their recent resignations had nothing to do
with the company's allegations that they frequented a New Orleans strip
club that received a settlement payment.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24297220/ex-official-rejects-bp-ads-distorted-claims
Louisiana seafood marketing campaign in wake of BP spill plagued with
problems, according to audit
Richard A. Webster
The Times-Picayune
December 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM
A multi-million dollar media campaign to tout Louisiana's seafood after the
BP oil spill in 2010 was plagued by a lack of oversight that led to
mismanagement of money, questionable spending on alcohol and limousines and
the potential looting of thousands of dollars in promotional merchandise
from the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by the Legislative
Auditor's office.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/louisiana_seafood_marketing_ca.html
Proposed beach hotel and convention center is not an appropriate use of
NRDA money (Opinion from the Gulf Restoration Network)
AL.com
December 25, 2013 at 7:47 AM
(Editor's note: Mobile attorney Hank Caddell, board chair of the Gulf
Restoration Network, made the following remarks during a public hearing
before the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees at the RSA
Battlehouse last week.)
By Hank Caddell
Gulf Restoration Network is a gulf-wide organization that works to empower
people across the Gulf Coast to restore and protect their environment. We
appreciate this opportunity to comment on the Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement.
http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/12/proposed_beach_hotel_and_conve.html
State
Jury awards Dedeaux Utility $8.1 million plus interest
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
GULFPORT -- A jury on Friday awarded Dedeaux Utility Co. $8,063,981 plus
interest, possibly ending a dispute that has been ongoing since Gulfport
seized the utility by eminent domain as part of the 1994 annexation of
Orange Grove.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/23/5216151/jury-awards-dedeaux-utility-81.html
One charged in illegal trash dump
Grenada Star
By GALEN HOLLEY
Law enforcement officials have arrested one person in connection with
illegal dumping, and they want the public to know that it will not be
tolerated.
http://www.grenadastar.com/contentitem/365911/1218/one-charged-in-illegal-trash-dump
Tourism tax down
Software likely cause of drop
DeStoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Thursday, December 26, 2013 1:05 AM CST
…In other matters Monday, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors heard of
plans by county officials to send monthly air quality ozone action
committee updates to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
"We're using this winter time of the year to educate the community about
it," Lynchard said, referring to plans to help make DeSoto County in
compliance with stricter air quality standards.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2013/12/26/news/doc52b9ff413bda7140505671.txt
Tupelo offers tree recycling
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- You've enjoyed your tree for weeks now, but we all
know what happens after Christmas!
The city of Tupelo is accepting live trees that need to be disposed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be using them to create fish habitats
throughout the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Tupelo-offers-tree-recycling/5pTj4RtDRUSz2KndikDDrg.cspx
Putting the green back in Christmas
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 5:18 AM CST
After all of the tinsel and trappings of Christmas has been stripped away,
evergreen trees can be transported to three area rubbish pits for disposal,
DeSoto County Environmental Services Manager Ray Laughter said Monday.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2013/12/26/news/doc52b8e990bb683616246047.txt
Eco-Systems changes name to Allen Engineering and Science
by MBJ Staff
Published: December 23,2013
JACKSON — Eco-Systems Inc. has changed its name to Allen Engineering and
Science.
Company president Jeff Allen, P.E., said the "new name coincides with the
company's continued growth and expansion into new markets, and our firm's
20th year anniversary of being in business."
The change will become effective Jan. 1.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/12/23/eco-systems-changes-name-allen-engineering-science/
National
Progress cited in chemical safety push
The Hill
By Ben Goad
Agencies tasked with updating the nation's chemical regulations in response
to this year's deadly Texas fertilizer plant explosion have made progress
toward shoring up gaps in safety and security, they contend in a belated
report.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/193889-belated-report-cites-progress-in-chemical-safety-push
Obama gets clean coal by aiding oil industry
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
The technology President Obama is touting for coal plants to cut back on
emissions is helping an unlikely source: the oil industry.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/193864-obama-gets-clean-coal-by-aiding-oil-industry
EPA Probe Demands More Water Testing in Texas
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
Associated Press
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was justified in immediately
barring residents in North Texas from using water contaminated with
explosive methane and cancer-causing benzene, but additional testing and
work needs to be done to assess whether a risk still exists, according to
an internal investigation released Tuesday.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/epa-probe-demands-water-testing-texas-21330881
Landrieu In Line to Head Senate Energy Panel
Job Could Open as Part of Chairman Shuffle Following Naming of Baucus to
Ambassador Post
Wall Street Journal
By ALICIA MUNDY
Dec. 25, 2013 8:47 p.m. ET
The nomination of Sen. Max Baucus to be ambassador to China could result in
Sen. Mary Landrieu, a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry, taking
over the energy committee in the Senate.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304753504579280514189356326?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Reactors on Slow Road to Demolition
Deal Set to Raze a Vermont Nuclear Plant as Soon as Possible, but Others
Have 60 Years to Get It Done
Wall Street Journal
When the owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear-power station agreed in August
to shut the plant next year, many state officials and residents cheered.
Worried about safety and costs, they had waged a lengthy legal battle to
close the plant that opened in 1972.
Then came the bad news: Entergy Corp. ETR +0.30% , which bought Vermont
Yankee in 2002, said it would exercise its legal right to take as many as
60 years to demolish the plant, located 5 miles south of Brattleboro, Vt.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304244904579276942505956738?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Opinion
Political Science at the EPA
The agency peer reviews itself on its own coal ban.
Wall Street Journal
Dec. 23, 2013 5:40 p.m. ET
The Environmental Protection Agency pretends that its mission is
scientific, not political. But you sure wouldn't know it from the campaign
to cut out the EPA's independent science advisers who exposed the junk
science behind the EPA ban on new coal power.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303560204579250382687716124
Oil Spill
Some business claimants shouldn't be required to prove damage from the BP
oil spill, judge rules
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 24, 2013 at 8:15 PM
Not all businesses filing claims for damages stemming from the BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill should be required to prove that they were hurt by the
spill, a federal judge in New Orleans ruled Tuesday, rejecting a request
from the oil giant.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/some_business_claimants_should.html#incart_river
U.S. court rejects BP bid to require proof of Gulf oil spill losses
Reuters
Wed, Dec 25 2013
By Jonathan Stempel
Dec 24 (Reuters) - BP Plc has failed to persuade a U.S. federal judge to
require businesses seeking to recover money over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico
oil spill to provide proof that their economic losses were caused by the
disaster.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/12/25/bpspill-ruling-idINL2N0K406T20131225
Former FBI agent appointed interim CEO of BP oil spill claims office
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 24, 2013 at 3:09 AM
Deepwater Horizon Claims Administrator Patrick Juneau announced Monday that
he has named David Welker, a former FBI agent, as interim chief executive
officer of the Deepwater Horizon Court-Supervised Settlement Program.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/former_fbi_agent_appointed_int.html#incart_river
Ex-official rejects BP ad's 'distorted' claims
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -
Two former top officials at the settlement program for compensating victims
of BP's 2010 Gulf oil spill say their recent resignations had nothing to do
with the company's allegations that they frequented a New Orleans strip
club that received a settlement payment.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24297220/ex-official-rejects-bp-ads-distorted-claims
Louisiana seafood marketing campaign in wake of BP spill plagued with
problems, according to audit
Richard A. Webster
The Times-Picayune
December 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM
A multi-million dollar media campaign to tout Louisiana's seafood after the
BP oil spill in 2010 was plagued by a lack of oversight that led to
mismanagement of money, questionable spending on alcohol and limousines and
the potential looting of thousands of dollars in promotional merchandise
from the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by the Legislative
Auditor's office.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/louisiana_seafood_marketing_ca.html
Proposed beach hotel and convention center is not an appropriate use of
NRDA money (Opinion from the Gulf Restoration Network)
AL.com
December 25, 2013 at 7:47 AM
(Editor's note: Mobile attorney Hank Caddell, board chair of the Gulf
Restoration Network, made the following remarks during a public hearing
before the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees at the RSA
Battlehouse last week.)
By Hank Caddell
Gulf Restoration Network is a gulf-wide organization that works to empower
people across the Gulf Coast to restore and protect their environment. We
appreciate this opportunity to comment on the Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement.
http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/12/proposed_beach_hotel_and_conve.html
State
Jury awards Dedeaux Utility $8.1 million plus interest
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
GULFPORT -- A jury on Friday awarded Dedeaux Utility Co. $8,063,981 plus
interest, possibly ending a dispute that has been ongoing since Gulfport
seized the utility by eminent domain as part of the 1994 annexation of
Orange Grove.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/23/5216151/jury-awards-dedeaux-utility-81.html
One charged in illegal trash dump
Grenada Star
By GALEN HOLLEY
Law enforcement officials have arrested one person in connection with
illegal dumping, and they want the public to know that it will not be
tolerated.
http://www.grenadastar.com/contentitem/365911/1218/one-charged-in-illegal-trash-dump
Tourism tax down
Software likely cause of drop
DeStoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Thursday, December 26, 2013 1:05 AM CST
…In other matters Monday, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors heard of
plans by county officials to send monthly air quality ozone action
committee updates to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
"We're using this winter time of the year to educate the community about
it," Lynchard said, referring to plans to help make DeSoto County in
compliance with stricter air quality standards.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2013/12/26/news/doc52b9ff413bda7140505671.txt
Tupelo offers tree recycling
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- You've enjoyed your tree for weeks now, but we all
know what happens after Christmas!
The city of Tupelo is accepting live trees that need to be disposed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be using them to create fish habitats
throughout the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Tupelo-offers-tree-recycling/5pTj4RtDRUSz2KndikDDrg.cspx
Putting the green back in Christmas
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 5:18 AM CST
After all of the tinsel and trappings of Christmas has been stripped away,
evergreen trees can be transported to three area rubbish pits for disposal,
DeSoto County Environmental Services Manager Ray Laughter said Monday.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2013/12/26/news/doc52b8e990bb683616246047.txt
Eco-Systems changes name to Allen Engineering and Science
by MBJ Staff
Published: December 23,2013
JACKSON — Eco-Systems Inc. has changed its name to Allen Engineering and
Science.
Company president Jeff Allen, P.E., said the "new name coincides with the
company's continued growth and expansion into new markets, and our firm's
20th year anniversary of being in business."
The change will become effective Jan. 1.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/12/23/eco-systems-changes-name-allen-engineering-science/
National
Progress cited in chemical safety push
The Hill
By Ben Goad
Agencies tasked with updating the nation's chemical regulations in response
to this year's deadly Texas fertilizer plant explosion have made progress
toward shoring up gaps in safety and security, they contend in a belated
report.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/193889-belated-report-cites-progress-in-chemical-safety-push
Obama gets clean coal by aiding oil industry
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
The technology President Obama is touting for coal plants to cut back on
emissions is helping an unlikely source: the oil industry.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/193864-obama-gets-clean-coal-by-aiding-oil-industry
EPA Probe Demands More Water Testing in Texas
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
Associated Press
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was justified in immediately
barring residents in North Texas from using water contaminated with
explosive methane and cancer-causing benzene, but additional testing and
work needs to be done to assess whether a risk still exists, according to
an internal investigation released Tuesday.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/epa-probe-demands-water-testing-texas-21330881
Landrieu In Line to Head Senate Energy Panel
Job Could Open as Part of Chairman Shuffle Following Naming of Baucus to
Ambassador Post
Wall Street Journal
By ALICIA MUNDY
Dec. 25, 2013 8:47 p.m. ET
The nomination of Sen. Max Baucus to be ambassador to China could result in
Sen. Mary Landrieu, a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry, taking
over the energy committee in the Senate.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304753504579280514189356326?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Reactors on Slow Road to Demolition
Deal Set to Raze a Vermont Nuclear Plant as Soon as Possible, but Others
Have 60 Years to Get It Done
Wall Street Journal
When the owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear-power station agreed in August
to shut the plant next year, many state officials and residents cheered.
Worried about safety and costs, they had waged a lengthy legal battle to
close the plant that opened in 1972.
Then came the bad news: Entergy Corp. ETR +0.30% , which bought Vermont
Yankee in 2002, said it would exercise its legal right to take as many as
60 years to demolish the plant, located 5 miles south of Brattleboro, Vt.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304244904579276942505956738?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Opinion
Political Science at the EPA
The agency peer reviews itself on its own coal ban.
Wall Street Journal
Dec. 23, 2013 5:40 p.m. ET
The Environmental Protection Agency pretends that its mission is
scientific, not political. But you sure wouldn't know it from the campaign
to cut out the EPA's independent science advisers who exposed the junk
science behind the EPA ban on new coal power.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303560204579250382687716124
Monday, December 23, 2013
News Clippings 12.23.13
Oil Spill
Plaintiffs, BP disagree over company's blame for oil spill, slowness to
plug Macondo well
Mark Schleifstein
Times-Picayune
December 20, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Attorneys representing private plaintiffs as well as the states of
Louisiana and Mississippi argued Friday (Dec. 20) that evidence presented
durinlg the first two phases of the trial to determine liability in the BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spil clearly establishes that BP and its subsidiaries
"exhibited a willful, wanton and reckless disregard for the environment,
the property rights of others, and public health and safety."
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/plaintiffs_bp_disagree_over_co.html
BP Caused Gulf Spill to Last Longer, Victims' Lawyers Say
Bloomberg
By Margaret Cronin Fisk - Dec 21, 2013
BP Plc (BP/) delayed efforts to cap its Macondo well in 2010 by
misrepresenting how much oil was gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, lawyers
for spill victims said, urging a judge to find the company grossly
negligent.
BP was unprepared for a deep-water blowout and the company misled the
government on its ability to respond, plaintiffs' lawyers said in court
papers filed yesterday in the second phase of a trial over the disaster.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-20/bp-caused-gulf-spill-to-last-longer-victims-lawyers-say.html
For BP Cleanup, 2013 Meant 4.6 Million Pounds Of Oily Gunk
by: Debbie Elliott, NPR, December 21, 2013 1:12:00 pm
KUHF
As we near the end of 2013, NPR is taking a look at the numbers that tell
the story of this year. They're numbers that, if you really understand
them, give insight into the world we live in.
On a breezy December morning, a work crew is scouring the surf line on
Grand Isle, La., scooping up tiny tar balls and collecting them in a
basket.
http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/npr255843362-For-BP-Cleanup,-2013-Meant-4.6-Million-Pounds-Of-Gulf-Coast-Oil-.html
Two top officials leave BP oil spill claims office
The Associated Press
December 22, 2013
NEW ORLEANS -- Two top officials of a fund that pays compensation in
connection with the 2010 BP oil spill have resigned, just months after the
two were accused of engaging in improper conduct.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/two_top_officials_leave_bp_oil.html#incart_river
State
Recycling doesn't need to be difficult, expensive
By BECKY GILLETTE, Mississippi Business Journal
December 21, 2013
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Some cities say recycling is just too expensive and
difficult, particularly to get a large enough percentage of households to
participate to make the program cost effective.
The City of Ridgeland, which for the second time in three years has been
given the Local Government Recycler of the Year Award by the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), has proven that doesn't have to
be true.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Recycling-doesn-t-need-to-be-difficult-expensive-5084416.php
Kemper plant's clean coal technology not so green; critics cite oil ties
AP
DE KALB — America's newest, most expensive coal-fired power plant is hailed
as one of the cleanest on the planet, thanks to government-backed
technology that removes carbon dioxide and keeps it out of the atmosphere.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131223/NEWS01/312230004/Kemper-plant-s-clean-coal-technology-not-green-critics-cite-oil-ties
MEMA reports damage in 15 counties from severe weekend weather, two deaths
reported
Mississippi Press
December 22, 2013 at 6:05 PM
PEARL, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has
received initial storm damage reports from 15 counties. Reports range from
major damage to homes, to trees and power lines down.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/mema_reports_damage_in_15_coun.html#incart_river
Local Family Farm is Finalist for National Environmental Award
WTOK
Waynesboro, Mississippi A Clarke County family(Embedded image moved to
file: pic23281.jpg) farm is up for a national environmental award.
The Hilton Davis farm near Waynesboro is one of two semi-finalists in the
Southeast region of the United States.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Local-Family-Farm-is-Finalist-for-National-Environmental-Award-236834601.html
Federal judge orders release of DMR records
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
GULFPORT -- A federal judge on Friday ordered the release of documents
sought by the Sun Herald for more than a year in its investigation of the
Department of Marine Resources.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/20/5210620/federal-judge-orders-release-of.html
Kelly R. Blackwood named chair of the board of trustees of The Nature
Conservancy in Mississippi
MBJ
Published: December 20,2013
Kelly R. Blackwood, a senior attorney in Bradley Arant Boult Cummings,
LLP's Jackson office, has been named chair of the board of trustees of The
Nature Conservancy in Mississippi. Blackwood has been a board member for
The Nature Conservancy's Mississippi chapter since 2011.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/12/20/kelly-r-blackwood-named-chair-board-trustees-nature-conservancy-mississippi/
Regional
Focus on Ocean's Health as Dolphin Deaths Soar
NY Times
By LIZETTE ALVAREZ
MIAMI — Like a macabre marine mystery, the carcasses — many badly
deteriorated and tossing about in the surf — first turned up along the
coast of New Jersey in June. Soon, droves of them washed up in Virginia,
the Carolinas, Georgia and most recently Florida, their winter home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/23/us/focus-on-oceans-health-as-dolphin-deaths-soar.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Hickman industrial fire stirs concerns over air pollution
AP
A large industrial fire at a federal Superfund site in Middle Tennessee was
almost completely contained on Thursday evening, a day and a half after it
started.
http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20131220/NEWS01/312200095/Hickman-industrial-fire-stirs-concerns-over-air-pollution
National
U.S. Won't Tighten Pipeline Rules
The U.S. Transportation Department doesn't plan to change regulations to
better protect underground pipelines.
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. Transportation Department doesn't plan to change regulations to
better protect underground pipelines from riverbed erosion, a year after
Congress ordered it to evaluate its policies in the wake of pipeline breaks
that spilled hazardous liquids into waterways.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304202204579254302494142622?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Janet McCabe to get top EPA pollution regulator nod
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
President Obama announced plans to nominate Janet McCabe to a top post at
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) late Thursday.
Obama intends to nominate McCabe as assistant administrator for the
agency's Office of Air and Radiation, a post she has been occupying in the
acting capacity.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/193761-obama-to-nominate-janet-mccabe-as-top-epa-pollution-regulator
Opinion
The EPA's Golden Rule: No Good Neighbor Goes Unpunished
Why the agency's 2011 Cross-State Air Pollution Rule should be struck down.
Wall Street Journal
By BRIAN H. POTTS
Dec. 20, 2013 6:23 p.m. ET
Have you ever wondered what all those additional charges are on your
electric bill? This month my bill lists a "Customer Charge," a "2013 Fuel
Adjustment" and a "State-Wide Low-Income Assistance Fee," which add up to
about $10, or $120 a year. I'm a utility lawyer, and even I don't know what
all of these charges are or how they were calculated.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303932504579258291708181228
Friday, December 20, 2013
News Clippings 12/20/13
12/20/2013
Oil Spill
BP disputes report linking La. dolphin illnesses to oil spill
Report author says BP got surveys
Baton Rouge Advocate
By AMY WOLD
BP has taken issue with a report released Wednesday linking the poor health
of dolphins in Barataria Bay to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010,
saying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hasn't proven a
connection.
http://theadvocate.com/home/7890928-125/bp-disputes-report-linking-la
Scientists Charge BP Oil Spill 'Gravely' Injured Dolphins
by DEBBIE ELLIOTT
December 19, 2013
NPR
Dolphins are getting very sick from exposure to the BP oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico. A government study confirms a host of problems in dolphins
who live in one of the heaviest-oiled bays in Louisiana. Scientists say the
dolphins are gravely ill with injuries consistent with the toxic effects of
exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons.
http://www.npr.org/2013/12/19/255406326/scientists-charge-bp-oil-spill-gravely-injured-dolphins
State, federal agencies team up to clean polluted beach areas
Houma Courier
Jacob Batte
Published: Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.
Shortly after Tropical Storm Karen's brief visit along the Gulf Coast in
early October, a familiar foe reared its head after being buried for more
than three years.
It was MC 252, more commonly known as BP oil from 2010 Deepwater Horizon
oil spill.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20131219/ARTICLES/131219497/1211/news01?Title=State-federal-agencies-team-up-to-clean-polluted-beach-areas
State
U.S. attorney says DMR records shouldn't be public in filing with federal
judge
The Associated Press
December 19, 2013 at 9:18 AM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- The U.S. Attorney's office has asked a federal
judge to deny State Auditor Stacey Pickering's request to authorize the
release of Mississippi Department of Marine Resources records that are
being sought by a Gulf Coast newspaper.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/us_attorney_says_dmr_records_s.html#incart_river
Disposal event makes farm clean-up easier
By Keri Collins Lewis
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Producers accumulate a variety of unused materials on
the farm over time, and some of them require special handling for disposal.
A pesticide disposal program has been making clean-up on the farm easier
since 1994 by providing a way to get rid of waste pesticides and
potentially hazardous materials.
http://msucares.com/news/print/agnews/an13/20131219_pesticide.html
Regional
Report recommends Tennessee refund $1.6 million to EPA
AP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An audit report from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Office of Inspector General has recommended requiring the state of
Tennessee to pay back most of a $2 million federal grant.
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2013/dec/19/report-recommends-tennessee-refund-16-million-epa/
National
EPA unveils carbon capture regulations
The Hill
By Ben Goad
Regulations issued Thursday would ease the path toward technology needed to
allow new coal-fired power plants to operate in the face of President
Obama's effort to tackle climate change, the Environmental Protection
Agency said.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/193684-epa-unveils-carbon-capture-regulations
Poll: Americans see impact of global warming
USA Today
Most Americans say global warming is serious and want the United
States to address it, but their support for government regulations
has fallen in recent years, says a poll out Friday conducted for USA
TODAY.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/19/americans-global-warming/4127803/
GOP lawmakers accuse EPA of muzzling scientists on climate regulations
Published December 20, 2013
FoxNews.com
Republican leaders on the House Science Committee are accusing the
Environmental Protection Agency of disregarding science in its push to
impose carbon dioxide limits on power plants.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/20/gop-lawmakers-accuse-epa-muzzling-scientists-on-climate-regulations/
Sinking Land Brings Calls for Pumping Alternative
NY Times
By NEENA SATIJA
Amid a persistent drought, a growing population and a dwindling supply of
surface water, much of Texas is searching for underground water resources.
But a large swath of Texas — home to close to one-quarter of its population
— is looking for water supplies anywhere but beneath its surface. A century
of intense groundwater pumping in the fast-growing Houston metropolitan
area has collapsed the layers of the Gulf Coast Aquifer, causing the land
above to sink. The only solution is to stop pumping, a strategy that some
areas are resisting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/20/us/sinking-land-brings-calls-for-pumping-alternative.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Lets Towns Limit Drilling
Wall Street Journal
By KRIS MAHER and
DANIEL GILBERT
Dec. 19, 2013 8:04 p.m. ET
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Thursday that municipalities can
retain some control over drilling within their borders, handing a victory
to local groups that brought a challenge in one of the nation's top
gas-producing states.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303773704579268591951539158?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Opinion
Jackson must seize opportunity to invest in restoring the Gulf
Transparency needed in use of RESTORE funds
Clarion Ledger
Written by
Daniel M. Rothschild
Guest Columnist
A federal judge in New Orleans will soon rule on how much oil company BP
must pay in Clean Water Act fines for its role in the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon oil spill. The fine will likely rank among the largest civil fines
in U.S. history, and it comes on top of a record-setting criminal fine and
several other penalties and settlements.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131220/COL04/312200008/Jackson-must-seize-opportunity-invest-restoring-Gulf
Alabama's Coast needs wise RESTORE act investments (Opinion by Daniel M.
Rothschild)
Special to AL.com
December 19, 2013 at 8:37 AM
by Daniel M. Rothschild
Early next year, a federal judge will decide how large a fine BP must pay
for its role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. No matter what the
judge decides, BP will pay one of the largest Clean Water Act fines in
history. And this will have ramifications for Alabama's Gulf Coast for
decades to come, as will choices made in Montgomery and in the state's
coastal communities.
http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/12/alabamas_coast_needs_wise_rest.html
BP attack on Emeril Lagasse was off base: Editorial
The Editorial Board
The Times-Picayune
BP wants the world to think the company is a victim, that greedy people are
taking advantage of its promise to "make things right" after its broken
well spewed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_attack_on_emeril_lagasse_wa.html
Press Releases
EPA Rule Provides a Clear Pathway for Using Carbon Capture and
Sequestration Technologies
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a
final rule that helps create a consistent national framework to ensure the
safe and effective deployment of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
technologies.
"Carbon capture and sequestration technology can help us reduce carbon
pollution and move us toward a cleaner, more stable environment," said
Mathy Stanislaus, EPA assistant administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency
Response. "Today's rule provides regulatory clarity to help facilitate the
implementation of this technology in a safe and responsible way."
CCS technologies allow carbon dioxide to be captured at stationary sources
- like coal-fired power plants and large industrial operations - and
injected underground for long-term storage in a process called geologic
sequestration.
The new rule clarifies that carbon dioxide streams captured from emission
sources, injected underground via UIC Class VI wells approved for the
purpose of geologic sequestration under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and
meeting certain other conditions (e.g., compliance with applicable
transportation regulations), will be excluded from EPA's hazardous waste
regulations. Further, EPA clarifies that carbon dioxide injected
underground via UIC Class II wells for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is not
expected to be a waste management activity.
EPA concluded that the careful management of carbon dioxide streams under
the specified conditions does not present a substantial risk to human
health or the environment. EPA's determination will help provide a clear
pathway for the deployment of CCS technologies in a safe and
environmentally protective manner while also ensuring protection of
underground sources of drinking water.
Today's rule is complementary to previous EPA rulemakings, including Safe
Drinking Water Act regulations that ensure the Class VI injection wells are
appropriately sited, constructed, tested, monitored, and closed.
EPA is also releasing draft guidance for public comment that provides
information regarding transitioning Class II wells used to inject carbon
dioxide for oil and gas development to Class VI wells used for carbon
capture and sequestration. The comment period for the draft guidance is 75
days.
Information on the final rule –
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/industrial/geo-sequester/
Information on the Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide:
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/wells_sequestration.cfm
Read the draft guidance on transitioning from Class II to Class VI wells:
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class6/gsguidedoc.cfm
Oil Spill
BP disputes report linking La. dolphin illnesses to oil spill
Report author says BP got surveys
Baton Rouge Advocate
By AMY WOLD
BP has taken issue with a report released Wednesday linking the poor health
of dolphins in Barataria Bay to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010,
saying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hasn't proven a
connection.
http://theadvocate.com/home/7890928-125/bp-disputes-report-linking-la
Scientists Charge BP Oil Spill 'Gravely' Injured Dolphins
by DEBBIE ELLIOTT
December 19, 2013
NPR
Dolphins are getting very sick from exposure to the BP oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico. A government study confirms a host of problems in dolphins
who live in one of the heaviest-oiled bays in Louisiana. Scientists say the
dolphins are gravely ill with injuries consistent with the toxic effects of
exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons.
http://www.npr.org/2013/12/19/255406326/scientists-charge-bp-oil-spill-gravely-injured-dolphins
State, federal agencies team up to clean polluted beach areas
Houma Courier
Jacob Batte
Published: Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.
Shortly after Tropical Storm Karen's brief visit along the Gulf Coast in
early October, a familiar foe reared its head after being buried for more
than three years.
It was MC 252, more commonly known as BP oil from 2010 Deepwater Horizon
oil spill.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20131219/ARTICLES/131219497/1211/news01?Title=State-federal-agencies-team-up-to-clean-polluted-beach-areas
State
U.S. attorney says DMR records shouldn't be public in filing with federal
judge
The Associated Press
December 19, 2013 at 9:18 AM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- The U.S. Attorney's office has asked a federal
judge to deny State Auditor Stacey Pickering's request to authorize the
release of Mississippi Department of Marine Resources records that are
being sought by a Gulf Coast newspaper.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/us_attorney_says_dmr_records_s.html#incart_river
Disposal event makes farm clean-up easier
By Keri Collins Lewis
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Producers accumulate a variety of unused materials on
the farm over time, and some of them require special handling for disposal.
A pesticide disposal program has been making clean-up on the farm easier
since 1994 by providing a way to get rid of waste pesticides and
potentially hazardous materials.
http://msucares.com/news/print/agnews/an13/20131219_pesticide.html
Regional
Report recommends Tennessee refund $1.6 million to EPA
AP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An audit report from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Office of Inspector General has recommended requiring the state of
Tennessee to pay back most of a $2 million federal grant.
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2013/dec/19/report-recommends-tennessee-refund-16-million-epa/
National
EPA unveils carbon capture regulations
The Hill
By Ben Goad
Regulations issued Thursday would ease the path toward technology needed to
allow new coal-fired power plants to operate in the face of President
Obama's effort to tackle climate change, the Environmental Protection
Agency said.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/193684-epa-unveils-carbon-capture-regulations
Poll: Americans see impact of global warming
USA Today
Most Americans say global warming is serious and want the United
States to address it, but their support for government regulations
has fallen in recent years, says a poll out Friday conducted for USA
TODAY.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/19/americans-global-warming/4127803/
GOP lawmakers accuse EPA of muzzling scientists on climate regulations
Published December 20, 2013
FoxNews.com
Republican leaders on the House Science Committee are accusing the
Environmental Protection Agency of disregarding science in its push to
impose carbon dioxide limits on power plants.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/20/gop-lawmakers-accuse-epa-muzzling-scientists-on-climate-regulations/
Sinking Land Brings Calls for Pumping Alternative
NY Times
By NEENA SATIJA
Amid a persistent drought, a growing population and a dwindling supply of
surface water, much of Texas is searching for underground water resources.
But a large swath of Texas — home to close to one-quarter of its population
— is looking for water supplies anywhere but beneath its surface. A century
of intense groundwater pumping in the fast-growing Houston metropolitan
area has collapsed the layers of the Gulf Coast Aquifer, causing the land
above to sink. The only solution is to stop pumping, a strategy that some
areas are resisting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/20/us/sinking-land-brings-calls-for-pumping-alternative.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Lets Towns Limit Drilling
Wall Street Journal
By KRIS MAHER and
DANIEL GILBERT
Dec. 19, 2013 8:04 p.m. ET
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Thursday that municipalities can
retain some control over drilling within their borders, handing a victory
to local groups that brought a challenge in one of the nation's top
gas-producing states.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303773704579268591951539158?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Opinion
Jackson must seize opportunity to invest in restoring the Gulf
Transparency needed in use of RESTORE funds
Clarion Ledger
Written by
Daniel M. Rothschild
Guest Columnist
A federal judge in New Orleans will soon rule on how much oil company BP
must pay in Clean Water Act fines for its role in the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon oil spill. The fine will likely rank among the largest civil fines
in U.S. history, and it comes on top of a record-setting criminal fine and
several other penalties and settlements.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131220/COL04/312200008/Jackson-must-seize-opportunity-invest-restoring-Gulf
Alabama's Coast needs wise RESTORE act investments (Opinion by Daniel M.
Rothschild)
Special to AL.com
December 19, 2013 at 8:37 AM
by Daniel M. Rothschild
Early next year, a federal judge will decide how large a fine BP must pay
for its role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. No matter what the
judge decides, BP will pay one of the largest Clean Water Act fines in
history. And this will have ramifications for Alabama's Gulf Coast for
decades to come, as will choices made in Montgomery and in the state's
coastal communities.
http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/12/alabamas_coast_needs_wise_rest.html
BP attack on Emeril Lagasse was off base: Editorial
The Editorial Board
The Times-Picayune
BP wants the world to think the company is a victim, that greedy people are
taking advantage of its promise to "make things right" after its broken
well spewed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_attack_on_emeril_lagasse_wa.html
Press Releases
EPA Rule Provides a Clear Pathway for Using Carbon Capture and
Sequestration Technologies
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a
final rule that helps create a consistent national framework to ensure the
safe and effective deployment of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
technologies.
"Carbon capture and sequestration technology can help us reduce carbon
pollution and move us toward a cleaner, more stable environment," said
Mathy Stanislaus, EPA assistant administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency
Response. "Today's rule provides regulatory clarity to help facilitate the
implementation of this technology in a safe and responsible way."
CCS technologies allow carbon dioxide to be captured at stationary sources
- like coal-fired power plants and large industrial operations - and
injected underground for long-term storage in a process called geologic
sequestration.
The new rule clarifies that carbon dioxide streams captured from emission
sources, injected underground via UIC Class VI wells approved for the
purpose of geologic sequestration under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and
meeting certain other conditions (e.g., compliance with applicable
transportation regulations), will be excluded from EPA's hazardous waste
regulations. Further, EPA clarifies that carbon dioxide injected
underground via UIC Class II wells for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is not
expected to be a waste management activity.
EPA concluded that the careful management of carbon dioxide streams under
the specified conditions does not present a substantial risk to human
health or the environment. EPA's determination will help provide a clear
pathway for the deployment of CCS technologies in a safe and
environmentally protective manner while also ensuring protection of
underground sources of drinking water.
Today's rule is complementary to previous EPA rulemakings, including Safe
Drinking Water Act regulations that ensure the Class VI injection wells are
appropriately sited, constructed, tested, monitored, and closed.
EPA is also releasing draft guidance for public comment that provides
information regarding transitioning Class II wells used to inject carbon
dioxide for oil and gas development to Class VI wells used for carbon
capture and sequestration. The comment period for the draft guidance is 75
days.
Information on the final rule –
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/industrial/geo-sequester/
Information on the Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide:
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/wells_sequestration.cfm
Read the draft guidance on transitioning from Class II to Class VI wells:
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class6/gsguidedoc.cfm
Thursday, December 19, 2013
News Clippings 12/19/13
12.19.2013
Oil Spill
Half of bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay were seriously ill or dying in
2011, new study finds
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 18, 2013 at 4:16 PM
Nearly half the bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay tested in mid-2011 to
assess natural resources' damage in the aftermath of the BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill were in "guarded or worse" condition, including 17
percent that were not expected to survive, according to a peer-reviewed
study released Wednesday morning.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/half_of_bottlenose_dolphins_of.html#incart_river
NOAA study documents injuries to bottlenose dolphins from oil spill
NOAA study documents injuries to dolphins from oil spill
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
Findings from a dolphin study published Wednesday ties injuries in dolphins
from heavily oiled Barataria Bay, La., to the 2010 BP oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5204217/noaa-study-documents-injuries.html
New study links BP oil spill with sick dolphins
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -A study released on Wednesday points to the BP oil spill
as the culprit for causing serious illness and death among dolphins.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24256735/new-study-links-bp-oil-spill-with-sick-dolphins
Dolphins Suffering From Lung Disease Due to Gulf Oil Spill, Study Says
Study Finds Strong Connection Between Deepwater Horizon Spill and Dolphin
Deaths
Wall Street Journal
Dolphins in an area hard hit by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010 are
suffering from lung diseases and other abnormalities that are consistent
with toxic exposure to oil, according to a study backed by the federal
government and released on Wednesday.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303773704579265970128223630?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Former BP engineer convicted of obstructing probe of Gulf oil spill
BY MICHAEL MUSKAL
Los Angeles Times
NEW ORLEANS -- A former engineer for BP was convicted of obstructing an
investigation of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico after the first
criminal trial to come from the environmental disaster.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205165/former-bp-engineer-convicted-of.html
State
Aberdeen among recipients of Livable Communities grant
Monroe Journal
by Ray Van Dusen | 6:30 am | December 18, 2013
ABERDEEN – Aberdeen is among four southeastern towns to share in federal
grant money through the Livable Communities competition. Awarded by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Appalachian Regional Committee
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the local share of the grant is
intended for a cannery where people can bring fresh produce and jars for
the goods to be preserved and learn the trade for themselves.
http://monroecountyjournal.com/2013/12/18/aberdeen-among-recipients-livable-communities-grant/
Roadside trash: Illegal dumps are literally wasteful
Itawamba County Times
by Adam Armour | 6:59 am | December 18, 2013 |
* MDEQ recently gave Itawamba County more than $15,000 to clean up illegal
du
Itawamba County has a trash problem.
Each year, the county's solid waste department spends both time and money
cleaning up at least a dozen illegal dump sites. Recently, the department
was provided a $15,000-plus grant from the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality to fund their efforts at cleaning up these sites. The
grant money is provided annually, its amount based on estimates from the
county's solid waste department.
http://itawambatimes.com/2013/12/18/roadside-trashillegal-dumps-literally-wasteful/
SCUA liner problems referred to legal counsel
Stone County Enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Dec 12, 2013, 11:30
Two weeks ago, Mike Essary of Neel-Schaffer Engineering told the Stone
County Utility Authority that a contractor should be required to fix a
liner at the S-9 wastewater treatment plant.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_1956.shtml
Mississippi Phosphates fails to pay on tax arrears
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County's sixth largest taxpayer, Mississippi
Phosphates Corp., has failed to make good on a promise to pay property
taxes from 2012 that were due months ago.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205438/mississippi-phosphates-fails-to.html
HUD: State must negotiate with HUD on Gulfport port project or face funding
loss
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development warns it could suspend
funding for a $580 million port restoration and expansion in Gulfport or
bar the Mississippi Development Authority from receiving other federal
assistance unless the state agency agrees to enter negotiations with HUD
over low-income hiring issues.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205439/hud-state-must-negotiate-with.html
Regional
Citing Northern Beltline, Alabama joins lawsuit questioning EPA's role in
permitting for public works projects
Press-Register
Kelsey Stein
December 17, 2013 at 2:49 PM
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The state of Alabama has declared its support of West
Virginia officials who are seeking a U.S. Supreme Court review of a lower
court's decision to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to veto a
surface mine water permit.
http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2013/12/citing_northern_beltline_alaba.html
National
Oil trains raise concerns in small towns, cities
BY JOSH FUNK AND MATTHEW BROWN
The Associated Press
WOLF POINT, MONT. — It's tough to miss the trains hauling crude oil out of
the Northern Plains. They are growing more frequent by the day, mile-long
processions of black tank cars that rumble through wheat fields and towns,
along rivers and national parks.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/19/5205612/oil-trains-raise-concerns-in-small.html
EPA's 'Catch Me If You Can' employee gets 32 months for missing work with
claims of CIA job
Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
December 18, 2013 at 12:51 PM
WASHINGTON - The federal government's own "Catch me if You Can" story ended
Wednesday when a judge sentenced a former high ranking EPA official to 32
months in prison after he missed 2½ years of work by claiming to work for
the CIA.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/epas_catch_me_if_you_can_emplo.html#incart_river
Oil Spill
Half of bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay were seriously ill or dying in
2011, new study finds
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 18, 2013 at 4:16 PM
Nearly half the bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay tested in mid-2011 to
assess natural resources' damage in the aftermath of the BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill were in "guarded or worse" condition, including 17
percent that were not expected to survive, according to a peer-reviewed
study released Wednesday morning.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/half_of_bottlenose_dolphins_of.html#incart_river
NOAA study documents injuries to bottlenose dolphins from oil spill
NOAA study documents injuries to dolphins from oil spill
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
Findings from a dolphin study published Wednesday ties injuries in dolphins
from heavily oiled Barataria Bay, La., to the 2010 BP oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5204217/noaa-study-documents-injuries.html
New study links BP oil spill with sick dolphins
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -A study released on Wednesday points to the BP oil spill
as the culprit for causing serious illness and death among dolphins.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24256735/new-study-links-bp-oil-spill-with-sick-dolphins
Dolphins Suffering From Lung Disease Due to Gulf Oil Spill, Study Says
Study Finds Strong Connection Between Deepwater Horizon Spill and Dolphin
Deaths
Wall Street Journal
Dolphins in an area hard hit by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010 are
suffering from lung diseases and other abnormalities that are consistent
with toxic exposure to oil, according to a study backed by the federal
government and released on Wednesday.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303773704579265970128223630?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Former BP engineer convicted of obstructing probe of Gulf oil spill
BY MICHAEL MUSKAL
Los Angeles Times
NEW ORLEANS -- A former engineer for BP was convicted of obstructing an
investigation of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico after the first
criminal trial to come from the environmental disaster.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205165/former-bp-engineer-convicted-of.html
State
Aberdeen among recipients of Livable Communities grant
Monroe Journal
by Ray Van Dusen | 6:30 am | December 18, 2013
ABERDEEN – Aberdeen is among four southeastern towns to share in federal
grant money through the Livable Communities competition. Awarded by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Appalachian Regional Committee
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the local share of the grant is
intended for a cannery where people can bring fresh produce and jars for
the goods to be preserved and learn the trade for themselves.
http://monroecountyjournal.com/2013/12/18/aberdeen-among-recipients-livable-communities-grant/
Roadside trash: Illegal dumps are literally wasteful
Itawamba County Times
by Adam Armour | 6:59 am | December 18, 2013 |
* MDEQ recently gave Itawamba County more than $15,000 to clean up illegal
du
Itawamba County has a trash problem.
Each year, the county's solid waste department spends both time and money
cleaning up at least a dozen illegal dump sites. Recently, the department
was provided a $15,000-plus grant from the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality to fund their efforts at cleaning up these sites. The
grant money is provided annually, its amount based on estimates from the
county's solid waste department.
http://itawambatimes.com/2013/12/18/roadside-trashillegal-dumps-literally-wasteful/
SCUA liner problems referred to legal counsel
Stone County Enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Dec 12, 2013, 11:30
Two weeks ago, Mike Essary of Neel-Schaffer Engineering told the Stone
County Utility Authority that a contractor should be required to fix a
liner at the S-9 wastewater treatment plant.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_1956.shtml
Mississippi Phosphates fails to pay on tax arrears
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County's sixth largest taxpayer, Mississippi
Phosphates Corp., has failed to make good on a promise to pay property
taxes from 2012 that were due months ago.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205438/mississippi-phosphates-fails-to.html
HUD: State must negotiate with HUD on Gulfport port project or face funding
loss
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development warns it could suspend
funding for a $580 million port restoration and expansion in Gulfport or
bar the Mississippi Development Authority from receiving other federal
assistance unless the state agency agrees to enter negotiations with HUD
over low-income hiring issues.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/18/5205439/hud-state-must-negotiate-with.html
Regional
Citing Northern Beltline, Alabama joins lawsuit questioning EPA's role in
permitting for public works projects
Press-Register
Kelsey Stein
December 17, 2013 at 2:49 PM
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The state of Alabama has declared its support of West
Virginia officials who are seeking a U.S. Supreme Court review of a lower
court's decision to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to veto a
surface mine water permit.
http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2013/12/citing_northern_beltline_alaba.html
National
Oil trains raise concerns in small towns, cities
BY JOSH FUNK AND MATTHEW BROWN
The Associated Press
WOLF POINT, MONT. — It's tough to miss the trains hauling crude oil out of
the Northern Plains. They are growing more frequent by the day, mile-long
processions of black tank cars that rumble through wheat fields and towns,
along rivers and national parks.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/19/5205612/oil-trains-raise-concerns-in-small.html
EPA's 'Catch Me If You Can' employee gets 32 months for missing work with
claims of CIA job
Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
December 18, 2013 at 12:51 PM
WASHINGTON - The federal government's own "Catch me if You Can" story ended
Wednesday when a judge sentenced a former high ranking EPA official to 32
months in prison after he missed 2½ years of work by claiming to work for
the CIA.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/epas_catch_me_if_you_can_emplo.html#incart_river
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
News Clippings 12/18/13
12.18.2013
Oil Spill
Coast Residents Comment On Latest Round of Oil Spill Projects
MPB
BY EVELINA BURNETT
Mississippi Coast residents are again expressing their views on how
millions of post-BP oil spill restoration dollars should be spent.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/coast_residents_comment_on_latest_round_of_oil_spill_projects
Few show to comment on restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY LAUREN WALCK
The line was not long for those looking to comment on proposed oil spill
restoration projects Tuesday night.
The meeting at USM Long Beach -- the only one in Mississippi -- is one of
10 scheduled across the Gulf Coast through January.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5202500/few-show-to-comment-on-restoration.html
BP files fraud suit to cut oil spill seafood fund payout
Reuters
Tue, Dec 17 2013
HOUSTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - BP Plc filed a fraud lawsuit in U.S. court on
Tuesday to halt some of the $2.3 billion it set aside to compensate
commercial fishermen for losses claimed after the British oil company's
2010 offshore oil spill, the biggest in U.S. history.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/17/bp-oilspill-idUSL6N0JW3UX20131217
BP Seeks to Halt Seafood-Industry Fund Payments
Oil Company Claims Deck Hands Submitted False Claims
Wall Street Journal
By TOM FOWLER
Updated Dec. 17, 2013 5:00 p.m. ET
BP PLC is asking a federal judge to halt payments from a $2.3 billion fund
it set up to compensate the seafood industry in the wake of its 2010 oil
spill in the Gulf of Mexico, alleging a lawyer representing thousands of
deck hands submitted false claims.
BP filed suit on Tuesday against attorney Mikal Watts, whose offices were
raided by the U.S. Secret Service earlier this year, saying the company was
duped by his assertion that 43,000 seafood industry workers were ready to
sue over lost wages stemming from the months-long spill.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579264594184431298
Jury at a 'at a standstill' in trial of ex-BP engineer Kurt Mix
The Associated Press
December 17, 2013 at 6:18 PM
Jurors have adjourned for the night after saying are having difficulty
reaching a verdict in the trial of a former BP engineer charged with trying
to obstruct a probe of the company's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/jury_at_a_at_a_standstill_in_t.html#incart_river
State
Mississippi Development Authority drilling rules OK with DMR, face legal
challenge
Opposition poised for action
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
BILOXI -- Opponents of offshore drilling in the Mississippi Sound hope a
judge will block rules on drilling and exploration after a Jan. 6 hearing
even though they've been approved by the Department of Marine Resources.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5199913/dmr-director-signs-off-on-states.html
D.M.R. Wants Control of Environmental Decisions
WXXV
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (D.M.R.) is making sure any
decisions that have an environmental impact are staying in their hands.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/D-M-R-Wants-Control-of-Environmental-Decisions/a5NioZQpbkemzRD-V8GfSw.cspx
Developer pleads guilty to filling wetlands in Hancock County
Sun Herald
BY ROBIN FITZGERALD
GULFPORT -- A real estate developer from Fairhope, Ala., has pleaded guilty
to illegally filling wetlands in Hancock County in violation of the federal
Clean Water Act.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5201975/developer-pleads-guilty-to-filling.html
Pascagoula park projects get about $300,000 boost
Sun Herald
BY TAMMY LEYTHAM
PASCAGOULA -- The city will get about $300,000 in grants toward three
separate projects following action by the Pascagoula City Council during
its meeting Tuesday night.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5202498/pascagoula-park-projects-get-about.html
National
Applying Creativity to a Byproduct of Oil Drilling in North Dakota
NY Times
By CLIFFORD KRAUSS
WATFORD CITY, N.D. — Viewed from outer space, the 1,500 blazing oil well
flares burning off excess natural gas illuminate the plains of western
North Dakota more brilliantly than Minneapolis hundreds of miles away.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/18/business/energy-environment/applying-creativity-to-a-byproduct-of-oil-drilling-in-north-dakota.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Feds back 'mid-range' punishment for EPA fraudster, despite 'massive'
deception
Published December 17, 2013
FoxNews.com
A high-ranking EPA official who cheated the government out of nearly $1
million by pretending to be a CIA agent faces sentencing on Wednesday --
though federal prosecutors are only backing a "mid-range" punishment for
what they called a "crime of massive proportions."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/17/fed-say-epa-official-fraud-scheme-was-outrageous-but-ok-medium-range-sentence/?intcmp=latestnews
Senate GOP press EPA over ozone effort
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
Republican senators are pushing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to calculate and disclose the amount of money the agency spent on a failed
effort to issue tough standards for smog.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/193405-senate-gop-press-epa-over-ozone-effort
U.S. lawmakers want hearing on natural gas methane emissions
Reuters
Tue, Dec 17 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers concerned about the
growing U.S. reliance on natural gas for electricity on Tuesday called for
a congressional hearing on emissions of methane - a potent greenhouse gas -
from oil and gas production.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/17/usa-climate-methane-idUSL2N0JW1DS20131217
EPA to Continue 'Vigorous' Enforcement Of Major Violators in 2014, Giles
Says
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Bloomberg
By Anthony Adragna
Dec. 16 --The Environmental Protection Agency will prioritize enforcement
actions for major air and water pollution violations in 2014 while
increasingly relying on new monitoring technologies that will enable more
efficient enforcement, the agency's chief enforcement officer told
Bloomberg BNA.
http://www.bna.com/epa-continue-vigorous-n17179880773/
Water scarcity escalating due to climate change, report says
The Hill
By Rebecca Shabad
Climate change could put millions more people at risk of water scarcity, a
new study suggests.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/193350-water-scarcity-escalating-due-to-climate-change-report-says
EPA's lead-free hydrant mandate rejected
The Hill
By Ramsey Cox
The Senate passed a House bill Tuesday that would override guidance from
the Environmental Protection Agency requiring new fire hydrants be
lead-free by early next year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/193432-congress-rejects-epa-fire-hydrant-guidance
Press Releases
EPA Releases Chemical Screening Data on 1,800 Chemicals
Agency improves access to chemical data and announces ToxCast Data
Challenges
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
the release of chemical screening data accessible through the new
interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability or iCSS Dashboard. The iCSS
Dashboard provides access to data from innovative screening technologies
for chemicals that are found in industrial and consumer products, food
additives and drugs.
"EPA's use of cost effective advanced chemical screening techniques has
transformed this country's knowledge of the safety of almost 2,000
chemicals currently in use," said Lek Kadeli, acting assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "Today's
release marks an important milestone in communicating and improving our
understanding of the impact chemicals have on human health and the
environment."
As part of this data release, EPA is announcing the ToxCast Data
Challenges, a series of challenges inviting the science and technology
community to work with the data and provide solutions for how the new
chemical screening data can be used to predict potential health effects.
Challenge winners will receive awards for their innovative research ideas.
The data were gathered through advanced techniques, including robotics and
high-throughput screening, as part of an ongoing federal collaboration to
improve chemical screening. The collaboration, Toxicity Testing in the 21st
Century (Tox21), is comprised of EPA, the National Institutes of
Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences and the Food and Drug Administration.
"Making these data publicly available will help researchers across
disciplines to better identify hazardous chemicals, " said Raymond Tice,
Ph.D., who heads the Biomolecular Screening Branch at the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH. "We are
pleased to be a partner in these collaborative efforts and look forward to
further enhancing the amount of Tox21 data available to the public."
"Our robotics screening system is an integral part of the Tox21 effort as
it provides unparalleled speed, reliability and high-quality reproducible
data," said Anton Simeonov, Ph.D., who is the Tox21 lead at the National
Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. "The public release of Tox21
data is sure to accelerate chemical assessment."
Only a fraction of chemicals in use in the United States have been
adequately assessed for potential risk. This information is useful for
prioritizing chemicals for potential risk as well as predicting if chemical
exposures could lead to adverse health effects.
More information:
iCSS dashboard: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/
Tox21: http://epa.gov/ncct/Tox21/
EPA Chemical Safety Research: http://www.epa.gov/research/chemicalscience/
ToxCast Data Challenges: http://epa.gov/ncct/challenges.html
###
Oil Spill
Coast Residents Comment On Latest Round of Oil Spill Projects
MPB
BY EVELINA BURNETT
Mississippi Coast residents are again expressing their views on how
millions of post-BP oil spill restoration dollars should be spent.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/coast_residents_comment_on_latest_round_of_oil_spill_projects
Few show to comment on restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY LAUREN WALCK
The line was not long for those looking to comment on proposed oil spill
restoration projects Tuesday night.
The meeting at USM Long Beach -- the only one in Mississippi -- is one of
10 scheduled across the Gulf Coast through January.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5202500/few-show-to-comment-on-restoration.html
BP files fraud suit to cut oil spill seafood fund payout
Reuters
Tue, Dec 17 2013
HOUSTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - BP Plc filed a fraud lawsuit in U.S. court on
Tuesday to halt some of the $2.3 billion it set aside to compensate
commercial fishermen for losses claimed after the British oil company's
2010 offshore oil spill, the biggest in U.S. history.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/17/bp-oilspill-idUSL6N0JW3UX20131217
BP Seeks to Halt Seafood-Industry Fund Payments
Oil Company Claims Deck Hands Submitted False Claims
Wall Street Journal
By TOM FOWLER
Updated Dec. 17, 2013 5:00 p.m. ET
BP PLC is asking a federal judge to halt payments from a $2.3 billion fund
it set up to compensate the seafood industry in the wake of its 2010 oil
spill in the Gulf of Mexico, alleging a lawyer representing thousands of
deck hands submitted false claims.
BP filed suit on Tuesday against attorney Mikal Watts, whose offices were
raided by the U.S. Secret Service earlier this year, saying the company was
duped by his assertion that 43,000 seafood industry workers were ready to
sue over lost wages stemming from the months-long spill.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579264594184431298
Jury at a 'at a standstill' in trial of ex-BP engineer Kurt Mix
The Associated Press
December 17, 2013 at 6:18 PM
Jurors have adjourned for the night after saying are having difficulty
reaching a verdict in the trial of a former BP engineer charged with trying
to obstruct a probe of the company's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/jury_at_a_at_a_standstill_in_t.html#incart_river
State
Mississippi Development Authority drilling rules OK with DMR, face legal
challenge
Opposition poised for action
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
BILOXI -- Opponents of offshore drilling in the Mississippi Sound hope a
judge will block rules on drilling and exploration after a Jan. 6 hearing
even though they've been approved by the Department of Marine Resources.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5199913/dmr-director-signs-off-on-states.html
D.M.R. Wants Control of Environmental Decisions
WXXV
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (D.M.R.) is making sure any
decisions that have an environmental impact are staying in their hands.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/D-M-R-Wants-Control-of-Environmental-Decisions/a5NioZQpbkemzRD-V8GfSw.cspx
Developer pleads guilty to filling wetlands in Hancock County
Sun Herald
BY ROBIN FITZGERALD
GULFPORT -- A real estate developer from Fairhope, Ala., has pleaded guilty
to illegally filling wetlands in Hancock County in violation of the federal
Clean Water Act.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5201975/developer-pleads-guilty-to-filling.html
Pascagoula park projects get about $300,000 boost
Sun Herald
BY TAMMY LEYTHAM
PASCAGOULA -- The city will get about $300,000 in grants toward three
separate projects following action by the Pascagoula City Council during
its meeting Tuesday night.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5202498/pascagoula-park-projects-get-about.html
National
Applying Creativity to a Byproduct of Oil Drilling in North Dakota
NY Times
By CLIFFORD KRAUSS
WATFORD CITY, N.D. — Viewed from outer space, the 1,500 blazing oil well
flares burning off excess natural gas illuminate the plains of western
North Dakota more brilliantly than Minneapolis hundreds of miles away.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/18/business/energy-environment/applying-creativity-to-a-byproduct-of-oil-drilling-in-north-dakota.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Feds back 'mid-range' punishment for EPA fraudster, despite 'massive'
deception
Published December 17, 2013
FoxNews.com
A high-ranking EPA official who cheated the government out of nearly $1
million by pretending to be a CIA agent faces sentencing on Wednesday --
though federal prosecutors are only backing a "mid-range" punishment for
what they called a "crime of massive proportions."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/12/17/fed-say-epa-official-fraud-scheme-was-outrageous-but-ok-medium-range-sentence/?intcmp=latestnews
Senate GOP press EPA over ozone effort
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
Republican senators are pushing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to calculate and disclose the amount of money the agency spent on a failed
effort to issue tough standards for smog.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/193405-senate-gop-press-epa-over-ozone-effort
U.S. lawmakers want hearing on natural gas methane emissions
Reuters
Tue, Dec 17 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers concerned about the
growing U.S. reliance on natural gas for electricity on Tuesday called for
a congressional hearing on emissions of methane - a potent greenhouse gas -
from oil and gas production.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/17/usa-climate-methane-idUSL2N0JW1DS20131217
EPA to Continue 'Vigorous' Enforcement Of Major Violators in 2014, Giles
Says
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Bloomberg
By Anthony Adragna
Dec. 16 --The Environmental Protection Agency will prioritize enforcement
actions for major air and water pollution violations in 2014 while
increasingly relying on new monitoring technologies that will enable more
efficient enforcement, the agency's chief enforcement officer told
Bloomberg BNA.
http://www.bna.com/epa-continue-vigorous-n17179880773/
Water scarcity escalating due to climate change, report says
The Hill
By Rebecca Shabad
Climate change could put millions more people at risk of water scarcity, a
new study suggests.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/193350-water-scarcity-escalating-due-to-climate-change-report-says
EPA's lead-free hydrant mandate rejected
The Hill
By Ramsey Cox
The Senate passed a House bill Tuesday that would override guidance from
the Environmental Protection Agency requiring new fire hydrants be
lead-free by early next year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/193432-congress-rejects-epa-fire-hydrant-guidance
Press Releases
EPA Releases Chemical Screening Data on 1,800 Chemicals
Agency improves access to chemical data and announces ToxCast Data
Challenges
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
the release of chemical screening data accessible through the new
interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability or iCSS Dashboard. The iCSS
Dashboard provides access to data from innovative screening technologies
for chemicals that are found in industrial and consumer products, food
additives and drugs.
"EPA's use of cost effective advanced chemical screening techniques has
transformed this country's knowledge of the safety of almost 2,000
chemicals currently in use," said Lek Kadeli, acting assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "Today's
release marks an important milestone in communicating and improving our
understanding of the impact chemicals have on human health and the
environment."
As part of this data release, EPA is announcing the ToxCast Data
Challenges, a series of challenges inviting the science and technology
community to work with the data and provide solutions for how the new
chemical screening data can be used to predict potential health effects.
Challenge winners will receive awards for their innovative research ideas.
The data were gathered through advanced techniques, including robotics and
high-throughput screening, as part of an ongoing federal collaboration to
improve chemical screening. The collaboration, Toxicity Testing in the 21st
Century (Tox21), is comprised of EPA, the National Institutes of
Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences and the Food and Drug Administration.
"Making these data publicly available will help researchers across
disciplines to better identify hazardous chemicals, " said Raymond Tice,
Ph.D., who heads the Biomolecular Screening Branch at the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH. "We are
pleased to be a partner in these collaborative efforts and look forward to
further enhancing the amount of Tox21 data available to the public."
"Our robotics screening system is an integral part of the Tox21 effort as
it provides unparalleled speed, reliability and high-quality reproducible
data," said Anton Simeonov, Ph.D., who is the Tox21 lead at the National
Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. "The public release of Tox21
data is sure to accelerate chemical assessment."
Only a fraction of chemicals in use in the United States have been
adequately assessed for potential risk. This information is useful for
prioritizing chemicals for potential risk as well as predicting if chemical
exposures could lead to adverse health effects.
More information:
iCSS dashboard: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/
Tox21: http://epa.gov/ncct/Tox21/
EPA Chemical Safety Research: http://www.epa.gov/research/chemicalscience/
ToxCast Data Challenges: http://epa.gov/ncct/challenges.html
###
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
News Clippings 12.17.2013
12.17.2013
Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill NRDA trustees invite public comment on
restoration projects Tuesday in Long Beach
Mississippi Press
By Brittany Bright
December 16, 2013 at 4:25 PM
LONG BEACH, Mississippi --The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource
Damage Assessment Trustees will host a meeting Tuesday at the University of
Southern Mississippi campus in Long Beach, seeking public comment on the
$627 million in proposed early restoration gulf projects.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill_tr.html
Craft: Governor still committed to state park lodge
Gulf Coast News
BY JOHN MULLEN
December 17, 2013 4:30 am
GULF SHORES, AL — Mayor Robert Craft was late to a City Council work
session on Dec. 9, but with good cause.
Craft showed up just about the time the meeting was wrapping up, but
offered a report from a meeting about future growth and transportation for
not only Gulf Shores, but Pleasure Island as well.
http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_88c24044-6671-11e3-808f-0019bb2963f4.html
Jury mulls ex-BP engineer's fate
1 of 4 charged with crimes related to spill
AP
NEW ORLEANS — A federal jury on Monday started weighing whether a former BP
engineer broke the law or harmlessly swiped his finger across a cellular
phone when he deleted hundreds of text messages in the aftermath of the
company's massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131217/NEWS01/312170016/Jury-mulls-ex-BP-engineer-s-fate
Supreme Court won't consider Gulf spill moratorium case
The Associated Press
December 16, 2013 at 9:09 AM
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court won't decide if the Obama administration
violated a judge's order that struck down its temporary moratorium on deep
water drilling after BP's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/supreme_court_wont_consider_gu.html
AP's Liz Sidoti take BP PR job
Politico
By HADAS GOLD
12/16/13 5:01 PM EST
Associated Press national political editor Liz Sidoti is resigning from her
post to take a job as head of communications for BP's U.S. operations,
based in Washington.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2013/12/ap-political-editor-resigns-for-bp-communications-179719.html?hp=r14
State
DMR director signs off on state's process for oil, gas drilling leases
SUN HERALD
December 17, 2013
BILOXI -- The head of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said
the state's process for seismic testing and oil or gas drilling leases off
the Coast are consistent with the agency's Mississippi Coastal Program.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5199913/dmr-director-signs-off-on-states.html
DMR's Jamie Miller OKs Mississippi Development Authority's process for
drilling leases in state waters
Mississippi Press
Gareth Clary
December 17, 2013 at 7:08 AM
BILOXI, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Development Authority's rules for
oil and gas leasing and seismic activity in Mississippi marine waters does
not contradict the Mississippi Coastal Program, according to a review of
the policy.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/dmrs_jamie_miller_oks_mississi.html#incart_river
Pascagoula meeting set on environmental concerns
Sun Herald
The City of Pascagoula and the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality are holding a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for the Cherokee
Subdivision in Southeast Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5199473/around-south-mississippi.html
Pascagoula to host Wednesday public outreach meeting for Cherokee
subdivision
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 16, 2013 at 3:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The city of Pascagoula has announced a Wednesday
night public outreach meeting for residents of the Cherokee subdivision in
southeast Pascagoula.
The meeting is being hosted in cooperation with the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality to discuss concerns of air quality, noise and
other environmental issues, the city said in a news release.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/pascagoula_to_host_wednesday_p.html
Miss. State forest products dept. renamed
AP
STARKVILLE, MISS. — A department at Mississippi State University has a new
name.
MSU says its Department of Forest Products is now the Department of
Sustainable Bioproducts.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131217/NEWS/312170032/Miss-State-forest-products-dept-renamed
Regional
Louisiana Oil and Gas Assoc. sues state attorney general over approval of
wetlands damages suit
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 16, 2013 at 5:06 PM
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association filed suit Friday against Attorney
General Buddy Caldwell in an attempt to halt a wetlands damages lawsuit
filed in July by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East
against 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/louisiana_oil_and_gas_associat.html#incart_river
National
Republicans file brief against EPA rules
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
Congressional Republicans are filing a brief in opposition to Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulations requiring permits for some greenhouse
gas emissions.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/193294-gop-file-brief-against-epa-rules
Environmental advocates target possible flaws in EPA pesticide system
BY KENDALL HELBLIG
McClatchy Washington BureauDecember 17, 2013
WASHINGTON — The honeybees that pollinate one-third of Americans' daily
diet are dying, and in the eyes of some environmentalists one culprit may
be a decades-old Environmental Protection Agency system.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5198400/environmental-advocates-target.html
New forecast finds U.S. flush with energy
BY SEAN COCKERHAM
McClatchy Washington Bureau
December 16, 2013
WASHINGTON — U.S. oil production will surge toward a record high in the
next two years and the nation's natural gas dominance is expected to rise
for decades, according to a new government forecast.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5198929/new-forecast-finds-us-flush-with.html
Southern California Water Dispute Boils Over
Battle Between Agencies Could Lead to Rate Increases for Millions
Wall Street Journal
A water war in Southern California could result in rates being driven up
for millions of customers, just as the state enters a third year of
drought.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579260291609054598?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6
Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill NRDA trustees invite public comment on
restoration projects Tuesday in Long Beach
Mississippi Press
By Brittany Bright
December 16, 2013 at 4:25 PM
LONG BEACH, Mississippi --The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource
Damage Assessment Trustees will host a meeting Tuesday at the University of
Southern Mississippi campus in Long Beach, seeking public comment on the
$627 million in proposed early restoration gulf projects.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill_tr.html
Craft: Governor still committed to state park lodge
Gulf Coast News
BY JOHN MULLEN
December 17, 2013 4:30 am
GULF SHORES, AL — Mayor Robert Craft was late to a City Council work
session on Dec. 9, but with good cause.
Craft showed up just about the time the meeting was wrapping up, but
offered a report from a meeting about future growth and transportation for
not only Gulf Shores, but Pleasure Island as well.
http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_88c24044-6671-11e3-808f-0019bb2963f4.html
Jury mulls ex-BP engineer's fate
1 of 4 charged with crimes related to spill
AP
NEW ORLEANS — A federal jury on Monday started weighing whether a former BP
engineer broke the law or harmlessly swiped his finger across a cellular
phone when he deleted hundreds of text messages in the aftermath of the
company's massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131217/NEWS01/312170016/Jury-mulls-ex-BP-engineer-s-fate
Supreme Court won't consider Gulf spill moratorium case
The Associated Press
December 16, 2013 at 9:09 AM
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court won't decide if the Obama administration
violated a judge's order that struck down its temporary moratorium on deep
water drilling after BP's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/supreme_court_wont_consider_gu.html
AP's Liz Sidoti take BP PR job
Politico
By HADAS GOLD
12/16/13 5:01 PM EST
Associated Press national political editor Liz Sidoti is resigning from her
post to take a job as head of communications for BP's U.S. operations,
based in Washington.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2013/12/ap-political-editor-resigns-for-bp-communications-179719.html?hp=r14
State
DMR director signs off on state's process for oil, gas drilling leases
SUN HERALD
December 17, 2013
BILOXI -- The head of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said
the state's process for seismic testing and oil or gas drilling leases off
the Coast are consistent with the agency's Mississippi Coastal Program.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5199913/dmr-director-signs-off-on-states.html
DMR's Jamie Miller OKs Mississippi Development Authority's process for
drilling leases in state waters
Mississippi Press
Gareth Clary
December 17, 2013 at 7:08 AM
BILOXI, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Development Authority's rules for
oil and gas leasing and seismic activity in Mississippi marine waters does
not contradict the Mississippi Coastal Program, according to a review of
the policy.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/dmrs_jamie_miller_oks_mississi.html#incart_river
Pascagoula meeting set on environmental concerns
Sun Herald
The City of Pascagoula and the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality are holding a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for the Cherokee
Subdivision in Southeast Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5199473/around-south-mississippi.html
Pascagoula to host Wednesday public outreach meeting for Cherokee
subdivision
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 16, 2013 at 3:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The city of Pascagoula has announced a Wednesday
night public outreach meeting for residents of the Cherokee subdivision in
southeast Pascagoula.
The meeting is being hosted in cooperation with the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality to discuss concerns of air quality, noise and
other environmental issues, the city said in a news release.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/pascagoula_to_host_wednesday_p.html
Miss. State forest products dept. renamed
AP
STARKVILLE, MISS. — A department at Mississippi State University has a new
name.
MSU says its Department of Forest Products is now the Department of
Sustainable Bioproducts.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131217/NEWS/312170032/Miss-State-forest-products-dept-renamed
Regional
Louisiana Oil and Gas Assoc. sues state attorney general over approval of
wetlands damages suit
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 16, 2013 at 5:06 PM
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association filed suit Friday against Attorney
General Buddy Caldwell in an attempt to halt a wetlands damages lawsuit
filed in July by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East
against 97 oil, gas and pipeline companies.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/louisiana_oil_and_gas_associat.html#incart_river
National
Republicans file brief against EPA rules
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
Congressional Republicans are filing a brief in opposition to Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulations requiring permits for some greenhouse
gas emissions.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/193294-gop-file-brief-against-epa-rules
Environmental advocates target possible flaws in EPA pesticide system
BY KENDALL HELBLIG
McClatchy Washington BureauDecember 17, 2013
WASHINGTON — The honeybees that pollinate one-third of Americans' daily
diet are dying, and in the eyes of some environmentalists one culprit may
be a decades-old Environmental Protection Agency system.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/17/5198400/environmental-advocates-target.html
New forecast finds U.S. flush with energy
BY SEAN COCKERHAM
McClatchy Washington Bureau
December 16, 2013
WASHINGTON — U.S. oil production will surge toward a record high in the
next two years and the nation's natural gas dominance is expected to rise
for decades, according to a new government forecast.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5198929/new-forecast-finds-us-flush-with.html
Southern California Water Dispute Boils Over
Battle Between Agencies Could Lead to Rate Increases for Millions
Wall Street Journal
A water war in Southern California could result in rates being driven up
for millions of customers, just as the state enters a third year of
drought.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304173704579260291609054598?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6
Monday, December 16, 2013
News Clippings 12/16/13
12/16/2013
Oil Spill
Boat tour showcases East Jackson County's assets to federal, state agencies
Local officials hope to attract funding for restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY TAMMY LEYTHAM
PASCAGOULA -- It may have been a cold and windy day for a boat trip, but
Pascagoula and Gautier city leaders say it was worth it to showcase the
area's attributes.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/13/5193396/boat-tour-showcases-east-jackson.html
Trial winds down for former BP engineer
The Associated PressDecember 16, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — A federal trial is drawing to a close for a former BP
drilling engineer charged with deleting text messages about the company's
response to its massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5197347/trial-winds-down-for-former-bp.html
BP ad uses Emeril as example of abuses in oil spill settlement
WWL
NEW ORLEANS - In an ad that ran in national newspapers this week, BP used
thinly veiled language to make celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse the
poster-child of the hundreds of millions in "fictional losses" it says a
federal court is incorrectly paying.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/eyewitness/davidhammer/BP-uses-Emeril-as-example-of-abuses-in-oil-spill-settlement-235798801.html
State
MacLand dump site in Escatawpa appears compliant with height restrictions,
Jackson County says
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- After looking into a resident's concern about
the height of trash at the MacLand II Disposal site in Escatawpa, Jackson
County Planning Director Michele Coats said she believes the dump is
compliant.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/macland_dump_site_in_escatawpa.html
Company, city and residents continue to work through growing pains of
recycling program
By Will Sullivan
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — No, the garbage man isn't dumping the recyclable materials you
put into the open-topped, 18-gallon recycling container in with the
garbage. It just looks that way, said Brad Wainscott, district manager for
Progressive Waste Solution.
http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/x1353063773/Company-city-and-residents-continue-to-work-through-growing-pains-of-recycling-program
Utility Authority asks D'Head W&S to reconsider $20M plant
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
Dec 13, 2013, 20:34
The Hancock County Utility Authority has asked the Diamondhead Water and
Sewer District (DWSD) to reconsider building a multi-million sewage
treatment plant.
Utility Authority Attorney Ronnie Artigues said Thursday that the authority
send a request to DWSD last month asking it to look at other options before
moving forward with its construction plans.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_7534.shtml#.Uq8C5fS1xcZ
Recycling Christmas lights raises money for Natchez library
Clarion Ledger
NATCHEZ, MISS. — The Judge George W. Armstrong Library in Natchez is
recycling old holiday lights to raise money to buy a new set of student
encyclopedias for its children's department
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131216/NEWS/312160027/Recycling-Christmas-lights-raises-money-Natchez-library
Are wild animals getting squeezed out by South Mississippi 'urban sprawl'?
Swine, deer getting too close for comfort
Sun Herald
BY PATRICK OCHS
There was a time when "urban sprawl" wasn't in the public's lexicon with
relation to animals. Not anymore. As human communities continue to expand,
more and more conflicts are arising between people and the wild animals
whose habitat is being encroached on.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/14/5195508/are-wild-animals-getting-squeezed.html
Regional
Coast Guard plan for river barges to ship fracking wastewater to Louisiana,
other sites is stirring alarm
The Associated Press
December 15, 2013 at 10:58 PM
PITTSBURGH -- The U.S. Coast Guard wants to allow barges filled with
fracking wastewater to ply the nation's rivers on their way toward disposal
in Louisiana and other places. Many environmentalists are horrified, but
industry groups say barge transport has its advantages.
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/coast_guard_plan_to_ship_frack.html#incart_river
National
Anadarko Should Embrace Settlement in Tronox Lawsuit
Bloomberg
By Bradley Olson and Steven Church - Dec 13, 2013
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) shares fell to a 10-month low and its bonds
tumbled after a court ruling that may result in a $14 billion payout,
prompting calls for settlement to prevent a prolonged drag on the oil
company.
A judge yesterday held the The Woodlands, Texas-based company and its
Kerr-McGee unit liable for environmental cleanup from a chemical company
spun off in 2005. Anadarko said it would appeal the ruling, which would
require it to restore polluted sites and compensate 8,100 claimants.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-12-13/anadarko-should-embrace-settlement-in-tronox-lawsuit.html
U.S. states urge regulator to adopt their emissions strategies
Reuters
5:23am GMT
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON, DC, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Fifteen U.S. states have urged the top
environmental regulator to adopt their carbon-cutting policies as a
template for future federal rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions from
power plants, the country's largest source of pollution.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/16/us-coal-carbon-idUKL3N0JV0UQ20131216
Greens, White House meet over water regs
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
A handful of environmental activists and state officials have met with
Obama administration staffers in recent weeks over an effort to regulate
minor ponds, streams and wetlands.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/193123-greens-white-house-meet-over-water-regs
EPA, Corps Say Benefits of Protecting Wetlands, Streams Far Outweigh Costs
Bloomberg
Friday, December 13, 2013
By Amena H. Saiyid
Dec. 5 --Subjecting an additional 3 percent of U.S. waters and wetlands to
Clean Water Act regulation would yield nearly twice as much in benefits as
it would cost affected industries, according to a cost-benefit analysis of
a draft rule obtained by Bloomberg BNA.
http://www.bna.com/epa-corps-say-n17179880702/
Smart Gifts, and Old Devices Made New Again
NY Times
By BETH GARDINER
LONDON — From solar-powered Christmas lights and cellphone chargers to
smart home thermostats, there are plenty of gifts available for technology
lovers interested in saving energy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/business/energy-environment/smart-gifts-and-old-devices-made-new-again.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Gadget garbage: UN study predicts increase in electrical waste by a third
by 2017
Published December 16, 2013
Associated Press
BERLIN – The mountain of refrigerators, cellphones, TV sets and other
electrical waste disposed of annually worldwide is forecast to grow by a
third by 2017, according to a U.N. study released Sunday.
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/12/16/gadget-garbage-un-study-ewaste/?intcmp=features
Opinion
Geoff Pender: Taxpayer-paid travel ingrained as perk
Clarion Ledger
If you work in the private sector, try this: Go into your boss' office and
ask if you can go to a conference in Maui, Hawaii, and spend a week on the
company dime.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131215/COL0601/312150048/Geoff-Pender-Taxpayer-paid-travel-ingrained-perk?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p
Oil Spill
Boat tour showcases East Jackson County's assets to federal, state agencies
Local officials hope to attract funding for restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY TAMMY LEYTHAM
PASCAGOULA -- It may have been a cold and windy day for a boat trip, but
Pascagoula and Gautier city leaders say it was worth it to showcase the
area's attributes.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/13/5193396/boat-tour-showcases-east-jackson.html
Trial winds down for former BP engineer
The Associated PressDecember 16, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — A federal trial is drawing to a close for a former BP
drilling engineer charged with deleting text messages about the company's
response to its massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/16/5197347/trial-winds-down-for-former-bp.html
BP ad uses Emeril as example of abuses in oil spill settlement
WWL
NEW ORLEANS - In an ad that ran in national newspapers this week, BP used
thinly veiled language to make celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse the
poster-child of the hundreds of millions in "fictional losses" it says a
federal court is incorrectly paying.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/eyewitness/davidhammer/BP-uses-Emeril-as-example-of-abuses-in-oil-spill-settlement-235798801.html
State
MacLand dump site in Escatawpa appears compliant with height restrictions,
Jackson County says
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- After looking into a resident's concern about
the height of trash at the MacLand II Disposal site in Escatawpa, Jackson
County Planning Director Michele Coats said she believes the dump is
compliant.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/macland_dump_site_in_escatawpa.html
Company, city and residents continue to work through growing pains of
recycling program
By Will Sullivan
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — No, the garbage man isn't dumping the recyclable materials you
put into the open-topped, 18-gallon recycling container in with the
garbage. It just looks that way, said Brad Wainscott, district manager for
Progressive Waste Solution.
http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/x1353063773/Company-city-and-residents-continue-to-work-through-growing-pains-of-recycling-program
Utility Authority asks D'Head W&S to reconsider $20M plant
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
Dec 13, 2013, 20:34
The Hancock County Utility Authority has asked the Diamondhead Water and
Sewer District (DWSD) to reconsider building a multi-million sewage
treatment plant.
Utility Authority Attorney Ronnie Artigues said Thursday that the authority
send a request to DWSD last month asking it to look at other options before
moving forward with its construction plans.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_7534.shtml#.Uq8C5fS1xcZ
Recycling Christmas lights raises money for Natchez library
Clarion Ledger
NATCHEZ, MISS. — The Judge George W. Armstrong Library in Natchez is
recycling old holiday lights to raise money to buy a new set of student
encyclopedias for its children's department
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131216/NEWS/312160027/Recycling-Christmas-lights-raises-money-Natchez-library
Are wild animals getting squeezed out by South Mississippi 'urban sprawl'?
Swine, deer getting too close for comfort
Sun Herald
BY PATRICK OCHS
There was a time when "urban sprawl" wasn't in the public's lexicon with
relation to animals. Not anymore. As human communities continue to expand,
more and more conflicts are arising between people and the wild animals
whose habitat is being encroached on.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/14/5195508/are-wild-animals-getting-squeezed.html
Regional
Coast Guard plan for river barges to ship fracking wastewater to Louisiana,
other sites is stirring alarm
The Associated Press
December 15, 2013 at 10:58 PM
PITTSBURGH -- The U.S. Coast Guard wants to allow barges filled with
fracking wastewater to ply the nation's rivers on their way toward disposal
in Louisiana and other places. Many environmentalists are horrified, but
industry groups say barge transport has its advantages.
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/coast_guard_plan_to_ship_frack.html#incart_river
National
Anadarko Should Embrace Settlement in Tronox Lawsuit
Bloomberg
By Bradley Olson and Steven Church - Dec 13, 2013
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) shares fell to a 10-month low and its bonds
tumbled after a court ruling that may result in a $14 billion payout,
prompting calls for settlement to prevent a prolonged drag on the oil
company.
A judge yesterday held the The Woodlands, Texas-based company and its
Kerr-McGee unit liable for environmental cleanup from a chemical company
spun off in 2005. Anadarko said it would appeal the ruling, which would
require it to restore polluted sites and compensate 8,100 claimants.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-12-13/anadarko-should-embrace-settlement-in-tronox-lawsuit.html
U.S. states urge regulator to adopt their emissions strategies
Reuters
5:23am GMT
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON, DC, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Fifteen U.S. states have urged the top
environmental regulator to adopt their carbon-cutting policies as a
template for future federal rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions from
power plants, the country's largest source of pollution.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/12/16/us-coal-carbon-idUKL3N0JV0UQ20131216
Greens, White House meet over water regs
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
A handful of environmental activists and state officials have met with
Obama administration staffers in recent weeks over an effort to regulate
minor ponds, streams and wetlands.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/193123-greens-white-house-meet-over-water-regs
EPA, Corps Say Benefits of Protecting Wetlands, Streams Far Outweigh Costs
Bloomberg
Friday, December 13, 2013
By Amena H. Saiyid
Dec. 5 --Subjecting an additional 3 percent of U.S. waters and wetlands to
Clean Water Act regulation would yield nearly twice as much in benefits as
it would cost affected industries, according to a cost-benefit analysis of
a draft rule obtained by Bloomberg BNA.
http://www.bna.com/epa-corps-say-n17179880702/
Smart Gifts, and Old Devices Made New Again
NY Times
By BETH GARDINER
LONDON — From solar-powered Christmas lights and cellphone chargers to
smart home thermostats, there are plenty of gifts available for technology
lovers interested in saving energy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/business/energy-environment/smart-gifts-and-old-devices-made-new-again.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
Gadget garbage: UN study predicts increase in electrical waste by a third
by 2017
Published December 16, 2013
Associated Press
BERLIN – The mountain of refrigerators, cellphones, TV sets and other
electrical waste disposed of annually worldwide is forecast to grow by a
third by 2017, according to a U.N. study released Sunday.
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/12/16/gadget-garbage-un-study-ewaste/?intcmp=features
Opinion
Geoff Pender: Taxpayer-paid travel ingrained as perk
Clarion Ledger
If you work in the private sector, try this: Go into your boss' office and
ask if you can go to a conference in Maui, Hawaii, and spend a week on the
company dime.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131215/COL0601/312150048/Geoff-Pender-Taxpayer-paid-travel-ingrained-perk?odyssey=mod|
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