3.27.13
Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon was 'in really good shape,' Transocean executive
testifies at BP Gulf spill trial
By Richard Thompson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
March 26, 2013 at 8:03 PM
The Transocean executive who led the Swiss-based company's internal
investigation into the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster testified Tuesday
that the drilling rig was "in really good shape" before the accident, as
the company's lawyers worked to poke holes in previous testimony that
blamed the rig owner for BP's Macondo well blowout.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/03/drilling_rig_was_in_really_goo.html#incart_m-rpt-1
Halliburton denies destroying evidence, accuses BP of creating 'sideshow'
during trial
By Associated Press,
NEW ORLEANS — BP's cement contractor on the drilling rig that exploded in
the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 said Tuesday that its recent discovery of
missing cement samples was the result of a "simple misunderstanding," not
an attempt to withhold crucial evidence.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/halliburton-denies-destroying-evidence-accuses-bp-of-creating-sideshow-during-trial/2013/03/26/4f8203a4-9675-11e2-8764-d42c128a01ef_story.html
Halliburton calls BP's sanctions request a 'sideshow' in Gulf spill trial
Houston Chronicle
Halliburton asked a federal judge Tuesday to throw out BP's request for
sanctions in the Gulf oil spill trial in a dispute over key evidence in the
case, saying the cement contractor has not acted in contempt of any court
order.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/03/26/halliburton-calls-gulf-oil-spill-trial-sanctions-request-a-sideshow/
State News
Bryant taps Miller as director of DMR
AP
BILOXI — Gov. Phil Bryant has chosen former congressional aide Jamie Miller
to lead the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130327/NEWS01/303270031/Bryant-taps-Miller-director-DMR
Jamie Miller is Bryant's choice for DMR director
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- Jamie Miller's name was announced Tuesday as Gov. Phil Bryant's
choice to head the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources -- an agency
under a cloud of state and federal investigations.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/03/26/4554092/jamie-miller-is-bryants-choice.html
Jamie Miller chosen to direct Mississippi DMR
WLOX
A Gulfport man who began his career as a coastal ecologist at the
Mississippi DMR, has been chosen to lead that department.
http://www.wlox.com/story/21793998/jamie-miller-chosen-as-new-dmr-executive-director
What people are saying about the new DMR director
WLOX
Governor Phil Bryant on Tuesday named Jamie Miller to lead the Department
of Marine Resources. If confirmed by the Mississippi State Senate, Miller
would take over an agency that's under investigation by federal and state
authorities. Those who know him, like developer Joe Cloyd, are pleased with
the choice.
http://www.wlox.com/story/21799926/what-people-are-saying-about-the-new-dmr-director
DMR head nominee Jamie Miller calls for 60-day assessment of troubled
agency
Mississippi Press
By April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
March 26, 2013 at 2:08 PM
BILOXI, Mississippi - Jamie Miller was named this morning as Gov. Phil
Bryant's pick for executive director of the Mississippi Department of
Marine Resources during a morning press conference at DMR headquarters.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/03/jamie_miller_named_new_head_of.html#incart_river
Nissan eyes plant expansion
Bill would let county borrow $100 million
Clarion Ledger
It's very hush-hush, but Nissan is considering a large expansion in Canton
and wants the Legislature to allow Madison County to borrow $100 million
for a new building — which the company would pay off with its lease
payments.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130327/NEWS010504/303270039/Nissan-eyes-plant-expansion
Final bids for Dept. of Revenue site revealed, but Jackson group wants
specifics
Clarion Ledger
Officials at Jackson-based Duckworth Realty say they're "blessed" that
Clinton's South Pointe Business Park, which Duckworth manages for a group
of investors, is the state's recommendation for the Department of Revenue's
home.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130327/NEWS010504/303270025/Final-bids-Dept-Revenue-site-revealed-Jackson-group-wants-specifics
National News
EPA Clean Water Act Rules Invalidated by Appeals Court
Bloomberg
By Andrew Harris - Mar 25, 2013
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wastewater treatment rules deemed to
have been adopted in a pair of letters sent to a U.S. senator in 2011 were
struck down by a federal appeals court.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-25/epa-clean-water-act-rules-invalidated-by-appeals-court.html
EPA report: More than half nation's rivers in poor shape
Washington Post
By Dina Cappiello, Published: March 26
More than half of the country's rivers and streams are in poor biological
health, unable to support healthy populations of aquatic insects and other
creatures, according to a nationwide survey released Tuesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-report-more-than-half-nations-rivers-in-poor-shape/2013/03/26/a91dd714-965f-11e2-8b4e-0b56f26f28de_story.html
Automakers, at White House, parry oil industry on EPA rule
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 03/26/13 06:35 PM ET
An array of automakers and their lobbying groups are pressing the Obama
administration to issue low-sulfur gasoline rules that face resistance from
oil industry officials who call them costly and unneeded.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/290455-automakers-at-white-house-parry-oil-industry-on-epa-rule
Governors implore White House to assess coal export emissions
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 03/26/13 01:46 PM ET
A pair of Northwestern governors want the White House to weigh the effects
of United States coal exports on global climate change.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/290365-governors-press-white-house-to-assess-coal-export-emissions
Opinion
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Miller promises he will be part of solution at DMR
Jamie Miller said Tuesday he was "excited about being part of the solution"
at the troubled Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. As Gov. Phil
Bryant's nominee to be the DMR's next executive director, Miller said
fixing the agency "begins and ends with being transparent and accountable
to the public."
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/03/26/4553654/sun-herald-editorial-we-hope-miller.html
Press Releases
Governor Phil Bryant Names Jamie Miller Executive Director of Department of
Marine Resources
BILOXI—Gov. Phil Bryant has selected Mississippi Gulf Coast native Jamie
Miller to lead the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as executive
director. Bryant made the announcement during a press conference at DMR
headquarters.
"I have taken this appointment very seriously and believe DMR's success is
vital to the Gulf Coast and to the management of Mississippi's coastal
resources," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "It is important for the next executive
director to have proven management experience, extensive disaster response
and recovery experience and solid grant management experience. The new
director must also have knowledge of issues that impact our coastal
ecosystem and must be willing to take a top to bottom view of the agency.
Jamie Miller meets these qualifications and more, so today I will submit
his name to the Senate for confirmation as executive director of the
Department of Marine Resources."
Miller attended Gulfport High School and later graduated from the
University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Environmental Biology.
His professional career began at the Department of Marine Resources in
1997, when then executive director Glade Woods hired him as a coastal
ecologist. He has worked closely with Mississippi's state and federal
legislators for the past seven years and just returned from serving in
Washington, D. C., where he worked on many issues impacting Mississippi's
marine and coastal resources.
"It is hard to quantify the importance of this agency to other state
agencies in Mississippi, but there is no doubt the Department of Marine
Resources touches the lives of so many who live and work in South
Mississippi," Miller said. "It is my honor to be selected as the agency's
next executive director, and I look forward to working with Governor Bryant
and the Commission on Marine Resources to provide ample strategic support
and a clear vision to lead the department in the future."
Miller has supervised personnel and managed government budgets for more
than 10 years at the municipal, state and federal levels. He has also
worked in the private sector as a federal programs administrator and grants
monitor. Following Hurricane Katrina, Miller worked closely with state
policy makers to develop, implement and manage federal and state programs
with budgets in excess $500 million.
"Jamie Miller's experience working on coastal issues made him an invaluable
asset throughout his tenure with my office, but especially during passage
of the RESTORE Act," Congressman Steven Palazzo stated. "I am confident he
will put that same seasoned experience to work at DMR to protect and
promote Mississippi's coastal interests. Governor Bryant and the Commission
on Marine Resources picked the right person for the job."
State law requires the Commission on Marine Resources to submit three
nominees for the executive director position to the governor for
consideration. The final appointee must be knowledgeable and experienced in
marine resources management, and the Mississippi Senate must confirm the
governor's appointment.
"The Commission on Marine Resources took its role in the appointment
process very seriously," Dr. Vernon Asper, chairman of the CMR, said. "We
took time to closely evaluate candidates and provide Gov. Bryant with the
best recommendations for his consideration, and we look forward to working
with Jamie."
Miller's appointment will be brought before the Senate this legislative
session.
###
EPA Survey Finds More Than Half of the Nation's River and Stream Miles in
Poor Condition
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the
results of the first comprehensive survey looking at the health of
thousands of stream and river miles across the country, finding that more
than half – 55 percent – are in poor condition for aquatic life.
"The health of our Nation's rivers, lakes, bays and coastal waters depends
on the vast network of streams where they begin, and this new science shows
that America's streams and rivers are under significant pressure," said
Office of Water Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner. "We must
continue to invest in protecting and restoring our nation's streams and
rivers as they are vital sources of our drinking water, provide many
recreational opportunities, and play a critical role in the economy."
The 2008-2009 National Rivers and Stream Assessment reflects the most
recent data available, and is part of EPA's expanded effort to monitor
waterways in the U.S. and gather scientific data on the condition of the
Nation's water resources.
EPA partners, including states and tribes, collected data from
approximately 2,000 sites across the country. EPA, state and university
scientists analyzed the data to determine the extent to which rivers and
streams support aquatic life, how major stressors may be affecting them and
how conditions are changing over time.
Findings of the assessment include:
- Nitrogen and phosphorus are at excessive levels. Twenty-seven percent of
the nation's rivers and streams have excessive levels of nitrogen, and 40
percent have high levels of phosphorus. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in
the water—known as nutrient pollution—causes significant increases in
algae, which harms water quality, food resources and habitats, and
decreases the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.
Nutrient pollution has impacted many streams, rivers, lakes, bays and
coastal waters for the past several decades, resulting in serious
environmental and human health issues, and impacting the economy.
- Streams and rivers are at an increased risk due to decreased vegetation
cover and increased human disturbance. These conditions can cause streams
and rivers to be more vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and pollution.
Vegetation along rivers and streams slows the flow of rainwater so it does
not erode stream banks, removes pollutants carried by rainwater and helps
maintain water temperatures that support healthy streams for aquatic life.
Approximately 24 percent of the rivers and streams monitored were rated
poor due to the loss of healthy vegetative cover.
- Increased bacteria levels. High bacteria levels were found in nine
percent of stream and river miles making those waters potentially unsafe
for swimming and other recreation.
- Increased mercury levels. More than 13,000 miles of rivers have fish with
mercury levels that may be unsafe for human consumption. For most people,
the health risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health
concern, but some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that
may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system.
EPA plans to use this new data to inform decision making about addressing
critical needs around the country for rivers, streams, and other
waterbodies. This comprehensive survey will also help develop improvements
to monitoring these rivers and streams across jurisdictional boundaries and
enhance the ability of states and tribes to assess and manage water quality
to help protect our water, aquatic life, and human health. Results are
available for a dozen geographic and ecological regions of the country.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/aquaticsurveys
EPA and DOE Recognize 2013 Energy Star Partners of the Year
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) are recognizing 118 awardees for their
commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment. Recipients of
the 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award include Sears Holdings
Corporation, PepsiCo, JC Penney, Food Lion, USAA Real Estate, Loudoun
County Public Schools in Virginia, and Toyota.
"This year's Energy Star award winners have gone above and beyond to save
energy and cut greenhouse gases," said EPA Acting Administrator Bob
Perciasepe. "Their commitment to superior energy efficiency not only makes
these organizations valuable partners in our effort for a cleaner,
healthier environment, but it also helps them reduce their day-to-day
energy costs – an important feat for any organization."
"The Energy Department applauds the ingenuity and success of the 2013
Energy Star award winners," said DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Danielson. "These organizations are
showing firsthand how energy efficiency improvements save money by saving
energy – cutting energy waste, creating jobs nationwide, and protecting our
air and water."
The winners were chosen from nearly 20,000 Energy Star partners, including
manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies,
and home builders, for their long-term commitment to climate protection
through greater energy efficiency. Energy Star partners complete a rigorous
application process that demonstrates their commitment to the partnership
and the environment.
Organizations are recognized in the following categories:
Partners of the Year--Sustained Excellence: The 70 Sustained Excellence
winners continue to exhibit exceptional leadership year after year in the
Energy Star program while remaining dedicated to environmental protection
through superior energy efficiency.
Partners of the Year: Forty-one organizations are receiving a Partner of
the Year award for strategically and comprehensively managing their energy
use. These organizations promote Energy Star products and practices in
their own operations, in addition to providing efficient products and
services to consumers and within their community.
Excellence: Seven winners are receiving awards in part for their superior
efforts in the Home Performance with Energy Star program. The remaining
organizations receive Excellence Awards and other special recognition for
specific activities to promote energy-efficient products, homes or
buildings.
For more than two decades, American consumers and businesses have continued
to save energy and protect the environment through the Energy Star program.
In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $24 billion
on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to
those of 41 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4 million new homes and
nearly 20,000 office buildings, schools, and hospitals have earned the
Energy Star. Since 1993, more than 4.5 billion Energy Star certified
products have been sold.
Complete list of winners: www.energystar.gov/awards
