4.30.2013
Oil Spill
Nature Conservancy wants RESTORE Act money for environment in South
Mississippi
Sun Herald
By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com
The Nature Conservancy wants to make sure ecological restoration is on the
same level of economical restoration, representatives told the Sun Herald
last week.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/27/4625482/nature-conservancy-wants-restore.html
Gulf Islands cleanup efforts reach transition
Three years after BP spill, presence of oil 'as low as reasonably
practicable'
Pensacola News Journal
More than three years after the BP oil spill released nearly 5 billion
barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, cleanup efforts at the Gulf
Islands National Seashore are substantially complete.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130427/NEWS10/304270014/Gulf-Islands-cleanup-efforts-reach-transition
UT experts: BP oil spill gone from deep ocean, but remains in marshes
Knoxville News Sentinel
By Megan Boehnke
Sunday, April 28, 2013
UT experts: BP oil spill gone from deep ocean, but remains in marshes
Scientists cannot find traces of oil in the deep water of the Gulf of
Mexico three years after the nation's worst offshore spill, but residual
toxins are still in the sediment along the coastal marshes, according to
scientists at the University of Tennessee who have studied the effects of
the spill.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/apr/28/ut-experts-bp-oil-spill-gone-from-deep-ocean-but/
Tests indicate decline in coastal marsh insects traced to BP oil spill
By The Associated Press
April 28, 2013 at 12:37 PM
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Preliminary results from field work and lab tests
indicate two oil components -- naphthalene and methylnaphthlane -- are at
least partly responsible for declines in insect populations in coastal
marshes affected by the 2010 BP oil spill, LSU researcher Linda Hooper-Bui
tells The Advocate.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/tests_indicate_decline_in_coas.html
BP hit by wave of new spill lawsuits ahead of April deadline
6:04am EDT
Reuters
By Andrew Callus
LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - BP Plc has been hit by over 2,200 new lawsuits
seeking payback for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill in the past few weeks
as individuals, companies and government bodies rushed to stake their claim
before their right to do so expired.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/30/bp-results-spill-idUSL6N0DG3YR20130430
Protecting RESTORE Act Funding
WJHG
Leaders from the 8 panhandle coastal counties, most affected by the BP oil
spill, took steps Monday to protect RESTORE Act funding.
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Protecting-RESTORE-Act-Funding-205306421.html
BP oil spill three years later: Empty nets still in Louisiana
CNN
YSCLOSKEY, Louisiana (CNN) -- On his dock along the banks of Bayou
Yscloskey, Darren Stander makes the pelicans dance.
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/bp-oil-spill-three-years-later-empty-nets-still-in-louisiana
Health survey watching cleanup workers from 2010 gulf oil spill
· Tampa Bay Times
· Craig Pittman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 27, 2013 4:30am
Three years ago, during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, BP hired thousands
of people across the Gulf Coast to don protective suits and go out in boats
to collect the oil or to scrape up the tar balls washing ashore.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/health-survey-watching-cleanup-workers-from-2010-gulf-oil-spill/2117856
BP profits more than triple in Q1 as company continues with disposal plan
following US spill
By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, April 30, 6:11 AM
LONDON — BP's sale of its Russian joint venture helped it more than triple
first-quarter profits, the oil company said Tuesday in a further sign that
its disposal program in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster
is on track.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/bp-replacement-cost-profits-more-than-triple-over-same-period-of-last-year/2013/04/30/7287b92a-b17d-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
NY City sues BP over Deepwater Horizon spill: Comptroller
REUTERS
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City said on Friday it sued BP Plc for more
than $39 million of losses it claims beneficiaries of the city's pension
funds sustained due to BP's "misconduct and fraudulent behavior" linked to
the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-newyork-bp-lawsuitbre93p0ze-20130426,0,1247478.story
State News
Oil spill prompts advisory in Moss Point
Sun Herald
By MARY PEREZ and CHRISTINA STEUBE — meperez@sunherald.com
MOSS POINT -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has
emergency crews at Dutch Bayou responding to a fuel spill at the Pilot
Travel Center on Mississippi 63.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/26/4623465/oil-spill-prompts-advisory-in.html
Fuel spill closes Moss Point's Dutch Bayou to swimming, fishing
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
April 26, 2013 at 1:13 PM
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality has issued a temporary water contact advisory for Dutch Bayou in
Moss Point.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/fuel_spill_closes_moss_points.html
Water advisory issued on Coast bayou after fuel spill
by MBJ Staff
Published: April 29,2013
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST — The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality (MDEQ) has issued a temporary water contact advisory for Dutch
Bayou in Moss Point.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/29/water-advisory-issued-on-coast-bayou-after-fuel-spill/
OLA students push to bring curbside recycling back to Hancock Co.
WLOX
Students at Our Lady Academy are behind a push to bring curbside recycling
back to Hancock County. The curbside service stopped after Hurricane
Katrina and was never re-established.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22111914/ola-students-push-to-bring-curbside-recycling-back-to-hancock-co
Meridian Residents Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
WTOK
On Saturday, area residents had the opportunity to dispose of items that
can't be dropped in the garage can.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Meridian-Residents-Properly-Dispose-of-Hazardous-Waste--205052941.html
Utility Authority gets good rating
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Two of the three water systems constructed and managed by the
Pearl River County Utility Authority have received perfect ratings by the
Mississippi Department of Health.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x730864133/Utility-Authority-gets-good-rating
Adams County to buy IP land for $9 million
The Associated Press
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Even as Adams County inks a $9 million agreement to buy
the former International Paper property from Rentech, local economic
development officials say they are working with five potential clients to
keep the property in taxable hands.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/30/4629827/adams-county-to-buy-ip-land-for.html
IMMS releases 6 Kemp's ridley turtles after one-year recovery
By The Associated Press
April 28, 2013 at 3:02 PM
PASS CHRISTIAN, Mississippi-- Six endangered sea turtles are swimming free
in the Gulf of Mexico again, thanks to veterinarians at the Institute for
Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/imms_releases_6_kemps_ridley_t.html#incart_river
Yokohama says higher tire demand globally calls for new plant in
Mississippi
By The Associated Press
April 29, 2013 at 5:19 PM
WEST POINT, Mississippi — Executives with Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. say they
will build a new tire plant in Mississippi because they see a global supply
shortage for tires.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-business/2013/04/yokohama_says_higher_tire_dema.html#incart_river
Port's new director plans 'aggressive' development approach
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- The state port's new executive director, Jonathan Daniels,
hopes to merge his economic development and port experience to position the
expanding operation for success in an increasingly competitive global
market.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/29/4629453/ports-new-director-plans-aggressive.html
Capitol Street revamp to create a 'different feeling'
$10 million first phase of project to begin in weeks
Clarion Ledger
When construction equipment starts singing in coming weeks on Jackson's
Capitol Street, it won't be music to the ears of longtime Mayflower Cafe
owner Jerry Kountouris.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304290008
National News
EPA report that lowers methane-leak estimates further divides fracking
camps
By Associated Press, Published: April 28
PITTSBURGH — The Environmental Protection Agency has dramatically lowered
its estimate of how much of a potent heat-trapping gas leaks during natural
gas production, in a shift with major implications for a debate that has
divided environmentalists: Does the recent boom in fracking help or hurt
the fight against climate change?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-report-that-lowers-methane-leak-estimates-further-divides-fracking-camps/2013/04/28/a72ed128-b01e-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Fracking Ruled Out by Pennsylvania in Town's Water Case
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Apr 30, 2013
Methane in the water wells of a Pennsylvania town visited by Yoko Ono in
her campaign against hydraulic fracturing wasn't caused by drilling for
natural gas nearby, the state environmental regulator said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-04-29/fracking-ruled-out-by-pennsylvania-in-town-s-water-case.html
Feds: Use genetically modified crops on refuges?
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold five public
meetings around the South in June to hear what people think about using
genetically modified crops on refuges to provide food for ducks, geese and
other migrating waterfowl.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/30/4629711/feds-use-genetically-modified.html
New Interior Chief Savors a Steep Learning Curve
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, Va. — Sally Jewell bounded up a granite boulder
near the peak of Old Rag Mountain and turned back to her hiking companion,
who was staring up at the smooth rock that offered no obvious hand- or
footholds.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/us/politics/interior-secretary-sally-jewell-savors-a-steep-learning-curve.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
GAO: EPA's toxic chemical program needs guidance
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 04/29/13 04:32 PM ET
The federal environmental watchdog needs a better strategy to update its
toxic chemical regulations, a government audit has concluded.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/296801-gao-epas-toxic-chemical-program-needs-guidance-
Study: Conservatives shy away from enviro labeling
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 04/30/13 07:34 AM ET
Want to encourage politically conservative shoppers to buy
climate-friendly, energy efficient products? Ditching the green messaging
would help, new research suggests.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296853-study-conservatives-shy-away-from-enviro-labeling
Roundup is tied to infertility and cancer; herbicide's maker calls it safe
Washington Post
By Carey Gillam, Published: April 29
Heavy use of the world's most popular herbicide, Roundup, may be linked to
a range of health problems and diseases, including Parkinson's, infertility
and cancers, according to a new study.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/roundup-is-tied-to-infertility-and-cancer-herbicides-maker-calls-it-safe/2013/04/29/ac86ced6-ae71-11e2-98ef-d1072ed3cc27_story.html
Opinion
EPA speaks on how much radiation is too much
Washington Post
By Editorial Board, Published: April 29
IMAGINE THAT the Boston bombers didn't pack nails into pressure cookers but
instead packed highly radioactive material. How would the government be
responding?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/are-we-safe-from-nuclear-radiation/2013/04/29/75c628d2-ad23-11e2-a198-99893f10d6dd_story.html
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
MDEQ Issues Water Contact Advisory in Hancock County
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robbie Wilbur
April 27, 2013 601/961-5277
MDEQ Issues Water Contact Advisory in Hancock County
(JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a water contact
advisory Saturday for one sampling station in Bay St. Louis. This segment
of beach is not closed; however, there may be an increased risk of illness
associated with swimming in this area.
MDEQ is working closely with local officials to advise residents that the
water in the following location may have high bacteria levels:
● Station 4 -- Bay St. Louis -- from the box culvert east to Ballantine
Street.
When water samples show that levels are safe for human contact, the
advisory will be lifted. The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, which
performs water sampling of the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches for MDEQ,
notifies the agency when an area has returned to acceptable levels.
Earlier Saturday, MDEQ lifted an advisory in Gulfport for Station 10B ?
East Courthouse Road Beach ? from Courthouse Road east to Teagarden Road.
Additionally, swimmers are reminded that the Beach Task Force has a
standing recommendation that swimming not occur during or within 24 hours
of a significant rainfall event.
More information on the Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program:
http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/msbeach/index.cgi.
To receive beach advisories directly, send an email to
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us for inclusion in a public group email list, text
"beach" to 601-863-8082,
or follow MDEQ on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ.
# # #
MDEQ has set up a texting group for media on the Gulf Coast. If you would
like to be on the list and receive info via text, then text "coastmedia" to
601-863-8082, or follow MDEQ on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
MDEQ Lifts Water Contact Advisory For Location in Gulfport
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robbie Wilbur
April 27, 2013 601/961-5277
MDEQ Lifts Water Contact Advisory For Location in Gulfport
(JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, has lifted one water contact
advisory that was issued April 18 for the following beach monitoring
station:
●Station 10B ? East Courthouse Road Beach ? from Courthouse Road east to
Teagarden Road.
Water samples at this station show the area has attained acceptable
bacteria levels. The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, which performs water
sampling of the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches for MDEQ, notifies the
agency when an area returns to acceptable levels and safe conditions.
A list of stations still under advisory and more information on the
Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program are available at:
http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/msbeach/index.cgi.
To receive beach advisories directly, send an email to
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us for inclusion in a public group email list, text
"beach" to 601-863-8082,
or follow MDEQ on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ.
# # #
MDEQ has set up a texting group for media on the Gulf Coast. If you would
like to be on the list and receive info via text, then text "coastmedia" to
601-863-8082, or follow MDEQ on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Friday, April 26, 2013
MDEQ Issues Temporary Advisory for Dutch Bayou in Moss Point
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robbie Wilbur
April 26, 2013 601/961-5277
MDEQ Issues Temporary Advisory for Dutch Bayou in Moss Point
(JACKSON, Miss.) –The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) issued a temporary water contact advisory Friday for Dutch Bayou in
Moss Point. The advisory was issued due to a fuel spill from the Pilot
Travel Center located at 6705 Highway 63.
MDEQ Emergency Response and Underground Storage Tank staff and local
emergency officials are onsite monitoring the cleanup and the bayou. The
amount spilled and extent of release have not yet been determined. A
contractor hired by the responsible party will clean up the spill and any
impact to the bayou.
MDEQ recommends that people avoid water contact recreation such as swimming
or wading in these waters. In addition, people should avoid eating fish
from these waters until further notice. MDEQ will continue to monitor the
situation and will lift the advisory when appropriate.
# # #
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
News Clippings 4.26.13
4.26.2013
Oil Spill
Meetings set to make sure recreational fishing gets big chunk of BP fines
By Todd Masson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
April 25, 2013 at 3:11 PM
The money that will eventually be coming into Louisiana through fines
levied on BP and other companies for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill
will quite possibly make fishing better in the state, according to Chris
Macaluso with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2013/04/meetings_set_to_make_sure_recr.html
State News
MDEQ gives D'Iberville 90 days more to repay $1.4M
Sun Herald
By MARY PEREZ — meperez@sunherald.com
D'IBERVILLE -- The $3 million BP grant awarded to D'Iberville for Ocean
Expo aquarium is still under review, giving the city an additional 90 days
to repay $1.4 million in disputed expenses.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4622112/mdeq-gives-diberville-90-days.html
Water advisory issued in Gulfport; another lifted
Sun Herald
JACKSON -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a
water contact advisory Thursday for Station 10, which is Gulfport Central
that stretches from Alfonso Drive to the VA main entrance.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620173/water-advisory-issued-in-gulfport.html
Bill prohibiting PSC rural water role becomes law
by Bobby Harrison
NEMS Daily Journal
04.26.13 - 06:15 am
JACKSON – Gov. Phil Bryant has signed into law legislation that "clarifies"
that the three-member elected Public Service Commission does not have
authority over rural water associations.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/22364548/article-Bill-prohibiting-PSC-rural-water-role-becomes-law?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Officials calm as Mississippi River rises
Bolivar Commercial
by Rory Doyle
04.25.13 - 04:38 pm
The Mississippi Delta is expected to feel a slight impact as water from
rain-swollen rivers across the Midwest continues to make its way south down
the Mississippi River.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/22358679/article-Officials-calm-as-Mississippi-River-rises?instance=latest_articles
Counties fracking will keep larger share of taxes
Commercial Dispatch
April 25, 2013 10:19:17 AM
MCCOMB -- Legislation to lower the Mississippi severance tax on
hydraulically fractured oil wells from 6 percent to 1.25 percent for first
30 months of well production has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant.
House Bill 1698 also will allow counties where fracking is occurring to
keep a larger share of tax proceeds. The law takes effect July 1.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=23798
Hazardous waste day set for Saturday
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — Man does this stuff pile up!
Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., Meridian residents can get rid of all
those items sitting around the house that can't normally be thrown away. It
is a chance to clean out the garage or shed of items such as aerosol cans,
paint thinners left over from that home project, oil from those oil changes
in the cars and many more things that can't be included in the normal trash
pickups. The Household Hazardous Waste Day will last until 2 p.m.
http://meridianstar.com/local/x2002132042/Hazardous-waste-day-set-for-Saturday
DMR awards CIAP grants to South Mississippi schools
Sun Herald
By LEIGHANNE LOCKHART — llockhart@sunherald.com
PASCAGOULA -- The state Department of Marine Resources handed out 18 grants
to Coast schools, including a $5,500 grant to Cherokee Elementary School in
Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4621973/dmr-awards-ciap-grants-to-coastal.html
Tire plant seen as big jobs producer
Lawmakers to consider $130 million in incentives in special session today
Clarion Ledger
Lawmakers in a closed "reception" Thursday night were briefed on "Project
Triathlon," Gov. Phil Bryant's efforts to land a $1.2 billion Japanese tire
manufacturing plant near West Point.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130426/NEWS0105/304260023/Tire-plant-seen-big-jobs-producer
National News
Environmental groups sue TVA over coal plant
By TRAVIS LOLLER — Associated Press
NASHVILLE, TENN. — A coalition of environmental groups is suing the
Tennessee Valley Authority over its decision to continue operating a
coal-burning power plant in Gallatin.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620860/environmental-groups-sue-tva-over.html
HazMat crew finds no further dangers on barges after fires, 7 explosions
Press Register
By Theresa Seiger | tseiger@al.com
April 25, 2013 at 11:28 AM
MOBILE, Alabama -- The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department has started scaling
back its operations after a HazMat team found no hazards on two fuel barges
in the Mobile River, where fires raged Wednesday night and finally burned
out this morning.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/04/after_7_explosions_fire_out_on.html#incart_river
Obama's fracking plans under the microscope
The Hill
By Ben Geman and Zack Colman - 04/25/13 05:59 PM ET
ON TAP FRIDAY: A House committee will look at Obama administration research
into hydraulic fracturing, the controversial oil-and-gas development method
that's enabling a U.S. production boom while creating concerns about
pollution.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296263-overnight-energy-obamas-fracking-plans-under-the-microscope
Senator: Texas explosion has exposed 'toothless' chemical regulations
The Hill
By Megan R. Wilson - 04/25/13 04:04 PM ET
A Democratic lawmaker says he intends to strengthen "toothless" regulations
surrounding plants that process large amounts of dangerous chemicals.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/legislation/296251-senator-texas-explosion-has-exposed-toothless-chemical-regulations
Senate panel's paper suggests looking at carbon tax
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/25/13 01:25 PM ET
A Senate Finance Committee white paper on possible federal tax code changes
for energy suggested establishing a carbon tax in place of most or all
energy tax incentives.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296191-senate-finance-committee-paper-carbon-tax-an-option
Senators float nuclear waste storage draft bill
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/25/13 12:18 PM ET
A bipartisan quartet of senators dropped a draft of a long-awaited bill
Thursday that would change how the United States stores nuclear waste.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296159-senators-float-nuclear-waste-storage-draft
Spending cuts may deep-six crucial flood gauges
By SETH BORENSTEIN — AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON — More than 100 crucial gauges that warn of imminent flooding or
lack of needed water will be shut down starting next month as part of the
federal government's automatic budget cuts.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620690/spending-cuts-may-deep-six-crucial.html
Press Releases
EPA Awards $4 Million to Help Support Cleanup and Reuse of Brownfields
Sites Across the Country
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award
approximately $4 million in grants to 20 communities across the country to
assist with planning for cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties. This
funding is part of the Brownfields Area-Wide (BF AWP) Planning program,
which aims to promote community revitalization by using cleanups to
stimulate local economies and protect people's health and the environment.
EPA's Brownfields program encourages the redevelopment of abandoned and
potentially contaminated waste sites across the country.
"EPA continues to respond to Brownfields challenges in communities of every
size by encouraging strong public-private partnerships and promoting
innovative and creative ways to assess, clean up and redevelop Brownfields
sites," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "The area-wide planning approach
recognizes that revitalization of the area surrounding the Brownfields
sites is critical to the successful reuse of the property as cleanup and
redevelopment of an individual site. The locally-driven planning process
will help communities create a shared vision for and commitment to
revitalization."
EPA will award up to $200,000 per recipient so they can engage the
community and conduct Brownfields planning activities for an area, such as
a neighborhood, downtown district, city block, former industrial area or
local commercial corridor.
In 2010, EPA launched the BF AWP program as a pilot program with the goal
of adopting a more broad approach into the existing Brownfields grant
programs. Since its inception, all EPA's Brownfields investments have
leveraged more than $19 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the
years, the relatively small investment of federal funding has been able to
leverage more than 87,000 jobs from both public and private sources.
This is the second round of grants awarded under the BF AWP program. EPA's
BF AWP program is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities
collaboration among EPA and the Departments of Transportation (DOT) and
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Partnership for Sustainable
Communities ensures that the agencies consider affordable housing,
transportation, and environmental protection in concert to create healthier
communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country to
create attractive housing choices, make transportation more efficient and
reliable, reinforce existing infrastructure investments, and support
vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.
More information on the grant recipients:
http://epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/
Oil Spill
Meetings set to make sure recreational fishing gets big chunk of BP fines
By Todd Masson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
April 25, 2013 at 3:11 PM
The money that will eventually be coming into Louisiana through fines
levied on BP and other companies for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill
will quite possibly make fishing better in the state, according to Chris
Macaluso with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2013/04/meetings_set_to_make_sure_recr.html
State News
MDEQ gives D'Iberville 90 days more to repay $1.4M
Sun Herald
By MARY PEREZ — meperez@sunherald.com
D'IBERVILLE -- The $3 million BP grant awarded to D'Iberville for Ocean
Expo aquarium is still under review, giving the city an additional 90 days
to repay $1.4 million in disputed expenses.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4622112/mdeq-gives-diberville-90-days.html
Water advisory issued in Gulfport; another lifted
Sun Herald
JACKSON -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a
water contact advisory Thursday for Station 10, which is Gulfport Central
that stretches from Alfonso Drive to the VA main entrance.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620173/water-advisory-issued-in-gulfport.html
Bill prohibiting PSC rural water role becomes law
by Bobby Harrison
NEMS Daily Journal
04.26.13 - 06:15 am
JACKSON – Gov. Phil Bryant has signed into law legislation that "clarifies"
that the three-member elected Public Service Commission does not have
authority over rural water associations.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/22364548/article-Bill-prohibiting-PSC-rural-water-role-becomes-law?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Officials calm as Mississippi River rises
Bolivar Commercial
by Rory Doyle
04.25.13 - 04:38 pm
The Mississippi Delta is expected to feel a slight impact as water from
rain-swollen rivers across the Midwest continues to make its way south down
the Mississippi River.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/22358679/article-Officials-calm-as-Mississippi-River-rises?instance=latest_articles
Counties fracking will keep larger share of taxes
Commercial Dispatch
April 25, 2013 10:19:17 AM
MCCOMB -- Legislation to lower the Mississippi severance tax on
hydraulically fractured oil wells from 6 percent to 1.25 percent for first
30 months of well production has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant.
House Bill 1698 also will allow counties where fracking is occurring to
keep a larger share of tax proceeds. The law takes effect July 1.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=23798
Hazardous waste day set for Saturday
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — Man does this stuff pile up!
Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., Meridian residents can get rid of all
those items sitting around the house that can't normally be thrown away. It
is a chance to clean out the garage or shed of items such as aerosol cans,
paint thinners left over from that home project, oil from those oil changes
in the cars and many more things that can't be included in the normal trash
pickups. The Household Hazardous Waste Day will last until 2 p.m.
http://meridianstar.com/local/x2002132042/Hazardous-waste-day-set-for-Saturday
DMR awards CIAP grants to South Mississippi schools
Sun Herald
By LEIGHANNE LOCKHART — llockhart@sunherald.com
PASCAGOULA -- The state Department of Marine Resources handed out 18 grants
to Coast schools, including a $5,500 grant to Cherokee Elementary School in
Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4621973/dmr-awards-ciap-grants-to-coastal.html
Tire plant seen as big jobs producer
Lawmakers to consider $130 million in incentives in special session today
Clarion Ledger
Lawmakers in a closed "reception" Thursday night were briefed on "Project
Triathlon," Gov. Phil Bryant's efforts to land a $1.2 billion Japanese tire
manufacturing plant near West Point.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130426/NEWS0105/304260023/Tire-plant-seen-big-jobs-producer
National News
Environmental groups sue TVA over coal plant
By TRAVIS LOLLER — Associated Press
NASHVILLE, TENN. — A coalition of environmental groups is suing the
Tennessee Valley Authority over its decision to continue operating a
coal-burning power plant in Gallatin.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620860/environmental-groups-sue-tva-over.html
HazMat crew finds no further dangers on barges after fires, 7 explosions
Press Register
By Theresa Seiger | tseiger@al.com
April 25, 2013 at 11:28 AM
MOBILE, Alabama -- The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department has started scaling
back its operations after a HazMat team found no hazards on two fuel barges
in the Mobile River, where fires raged Wednesday night and finally burned
out this morning.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/04/after_7_explosions_fire_out_on.html#incart_river
Obama's fracking plans under the microscope
The Hill
By Ben Geman and Zack Colman - 04/25/13 05:59 PM ET
ON TAP FRIDAY: A House committee will look at Obama administration research
into hydraulic fracturing, the controversial oil-and-gas development method
that's enabling a U.S. production boom while creating concerns about
pollution.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296263-overnight-energy-obamas-fracking-plans-under-the-microscope
Senator: Texas explosion has exposed 'toothless' chemical regulations
The Hill
By Megan R. Wilson - 04/25/13 04:04 PM ET
A Democratic lawmaker says he intends to strengthen "toothless" regulations
surrounding plants that process large amounts of dangerous chemicals.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/legislation/296251-senator-texas-explosion-has-exposed-toothless-chemical-regulations
Senate panel's paper suggests looking at carbon tax
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/25/13 01:25 PM ET
A Senate Finance Committee white paper on possible federal tax code changes
for energy suggested establishing a carbon tax in place of most or all
energy tax incentives.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296191-senate-finance-committee-paper-carbon-tax-an-option
Senators float nuclear waste storage draft bill
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/25/13 12:18 PM ET
A bipartisan quartet of senators dropped a draft of a long-awaited bill
Thursday that would change how the United States stores nuclear waste.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/296159-senators-float-nuclear-waste-storage-draft
Spending cuts may deep-six crucial flood gauges
By SETH BORENSTEIN — AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON — More than 100 crucial gauges that warn of imminent flooding or
lack of needed water will be shut down starting next month as part of the
federal government's automatic budget cuts.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4620690/spending-cuts-may-deep-six-crucial.html
Press Releases
EPA Awards $4 Million to Help Support Cleanup and Reuse of Brownfields
Sites Across the Country
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award
approximately $4 million in grants to 20 communities across the country to
assist with planning for cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties. This
funding is part of the Brownfields Area-Wide (BF AWP) Planning program,
which aims to promote community revitalization by using cleanups to
stimulate local economies and protect people's health and the environment.
EPA's Brownfields program encourages the redevelopment of abandoned and
potentially contaminated waste sites across the country.
"EPA continues to respond to Brownfields challenges in communities of every
size by encouraging strong public-private partnerships and promoting
innovative and creative ways to assess, clean up and redevelop Brownfields
sites," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "The area-wide planning approach
recognizes that revitalization of the area surrounding the Brownfields
sites is critical to the successful reuse of the property as cleanup and
redevelopment of an individual site. The locally-driven planning process
will help communities create a shared vision for and commitment to
revitalization."
EPA will award up to $200,000 per recipient so they can engage the
community and conduct Brownfields planning activities for an area, such as
a neighborhood, downtown district, city block, former industrial area or
local commercial corridor.
In 2010, EPA launched the BF AWP program as a pilot program with the goal
of adopting a more broad approach into the existing Brownfields grant
programs. Since its inception, all EPA's Brownfields investments have
leveraged more than $19 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the
years, the relatively small investment of federal funding has been able to
leverage more than 87,000 jobs from both public and private sources.
This is the second round of grants awarded under the BF AWP program. EPA's
BF AWP program is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities
collaboration among EPA and the Departments of Transportation (DOT) and
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Partnership for Sustainable
Communities ensures that the agencies consider affordable housing,
transportation, and environmental protection in concert to create healthier
communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country to
create attractive housing choices, make transportation more efficient and
reliable, reinforce existing infrastructure investments, and support
vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.
More information on the grant recipients:
http://epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/
Thursday, April 25, 2013
News Clippings 4.25.13
4.25.13
Oil Spill
Hood wants BP suit to be tried in state, not federal, court
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Attorney General Jim Hood said Mississippi's best hope is to
keep a pending lawsuit against BP over the 2010 oil spill in state court,
but he fears it could get bogged down in federal court.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/24/4618825/hood-wants-bp-suit-to-be-tried.html
BP oil spill trial: Federal judge issues order outlining key questions
By Richard Thompson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
April 24, 2013 at 6:10 PM
The federal judge overseeing the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill litigation
issued an order Wednesday (April 24) outlining what he believes are the key
questions from the first phase of the sprawling civil trial, which wrapped
up a week ago.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/04/bp_oil_spill_trial_federal_jud.html
Oil spill judge Carl Barbier wants to know: What is gross negligenct?
The Associated Press
April 24, 2013 at 7:55 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- The judge who will allocate responsibility for the 2010 Gulf
of Mexico oil spill has told lawyers to give him their views about whether
a series of negligent acts can add up to gross negligence.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/oil_spill_judge_carl_barbier_w.html#incart_river
Gulf oil spill judge poses questions on gross negligence issue
Houston Chronicle
The federal judge who must decide whether BP and its partners were grossly
negligent in connection with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is offering
some clues as to how he will formulate his decision.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/04/24/gulf-oil-spill-judge-poses-questions-on-gross-negligence-issue/
Senate passes bill with local control of RESTORE money intact
Pensacola News Journal
A bill that addresses potential money coming to Florida in relation to the
2010 BP oil spill passed the state Senate Appropriations Committee with a
change that will protect local governments' decision making abilities.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130423/NEWS/130423017/Nelson-weighs-RESTORE-flap
State News
Natchez recycling plan begins soon
The Associated Press
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Natchez residents will soon have the opportunity to go
green earlier than expected.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4619280/natchez-recycling-plan-begins.html
Recycling Service
Panolian
By Billy Davis
Panola County Solid Waste has officially jumped into the recycling
business.
County Administrator Kelley Magee announced the recycling service was in
operation when she appeared at the April 16 meeting of Batesville's mayor
and Board of Aldermen.
http://www.panolian.com/contentitem/256524/1180/recycling-service-42313
Drug drop-off program returns Saturday
Itawamba County Times
Fulton Police Chief Reggie Johnson said the prescription pill drop-off
program helps alleviate drug abuse in Itawamba County.
"Prescription drug abuse is probably one of our biggest drug problems,"
said Fulton Police Chief Reggie Johnson. "It's just growing in leaps and
bounds."
The reason prescription drug abuse is on the rise, he said, is because
prescription drugs are both easy to come by and crimes involving them are
difficult to prove. The best solution: Proper disposal.
http://itawambatimes.com/2013/04/25/drug-drop-off-program-returns-saturday/
County looking to buy land from alternative fuel company
by Associated Press
Published: April 24,2013
NATCHEZ — Adams County officials are continuing talks on buying the former
International Paper site from Rentech.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/24/county-looking-to-buy-land-from-alternative-fuel-company/
Fashion show gives discarded items 2nd chance
Clarion Ledger
Kosciusko native Phyllis Robinson, 45, has always loved fashion.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130424/NEWS01/304240026
National News
EPA employees hit with up to 10 furlough days; less than anticipated
Washington Post
By Lisa Rein, Updated: April 24, 2013
Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency finally have definitive
word on the number of furlough days they will be forced to take under the
budget cuts known as sequestration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/04/24/epa-employees-hit-with-up-to-10-furlough-days-less-than-anticipated/
EPA: We're not spying on people
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 04/24/13 12:38 PM ET
The acting chief of the Environmental Protection Agency sparred with GOP
senators Wednesday over the use of aerial surveillance to help guide
enforcement of water pollution laws in farm country.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295851-epa-were-not-spying-on-people-or-animals
EPA chief: Permit vetoes aren't used 'frivolously'
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 04/24/13 10:44 AM ET
The acting head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought to
reassure lawmakers Wednesday that the agency doesn't plan to make a habit
of vetoing previously issued permits for mining and other projects.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295785-epa-chief-permit-vetoes-arent-used-frivolously
Slow Start on Environment in Second Obama Term
NY Times
By JOHN BRODER
SHORTLY after winning re-election in November, President Obama promised
assertive leadership on climate change and energy. In his State of the
Union address in February, he vowed that if the assembled lawmakers failed
to pass broad climate legislation, he would act unilaterally.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/business/energy-environment/slow-start-on-environment-in-obamas-2nd-term.html?ref=earth
Cuts would jeopardize dead zone research
Houma Today
Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 9:21 p.m.
A long-running project aimed at mapping the annual dead zone that forms off
Louisiana's coast each summer could be in jeopardy because of federal
budget cuts.http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130424/ARTICLES/130429785
Green groups seeing red over Boxer's water bill
Politico
By: Burgess Everett
April 25, 2013 05:05 AM EDT
Green groups are trying to knock a massive water bill off the fast track in
the Senate, outraged about so-called environmental streamlining provisions
that they say would use punitive fines to pressure agencies into approving
potentially damaging and wasteful projects.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/green-groups-see-red-over-boxers-water-bill-90580.html?hp=r5
Many coal sludge impoundments have weak walls, federal study says
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson, Published: April 24
Many of the man-made ponds for storing toxic sludge from coal mining
operations have dangerously weak walls because of poor construction
methods, according to the synopsis of a study for the Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement obtained by The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/many-coal-sludge-impoundments-have-weak-walls-federal-study-says/2013/04/24/76c5be2a-acf9-11e2-a8b9-2a63d75b5459_story.html
Opinion
Delivering 'Big Ethanol' a reality check on RINs
Politico
By: Charles Drevna
April 24, 2013 09:31 PM EDT
The adverse impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard on consumers, a range of
industries and the environment are becoming increasingly apparent to
lawmakers and Americans across the nation. In response, the corn ethanol
lobby is shouting propaganda in an attempt to divert attention from its
faulty information and brittle arguments — most recently evident in an
April 17 ("Setting the Record Straight on U.S. Gas Prices") POLITICO op-ed.
But it is time for Big Ethanol to have a reality check.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/energy-ethanol-corn-fuel-90583.html?hp=l16
Press Releases
EPA to Hold 2013 National Brownfields Conference at Georgia World Congress
Center
Contact Information: James Pinkney, (404) 562-9183 (Direct), (404) 562-8400
(Main) pinkney.james@epa.gov
(ATLANTA – April 24, 2013) Thousands of environmental and economic
development officials, finance and insurance providers, risk managers,
planners, attorneys, civil engineers and students are expected to attend
the U.S. EPA and ICMA co-sponsored National Brownfields Conference, May
15-17, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Addressing the nation's brownfields - abandoned or underutilized properties
stigmatized by past commercial or industrial uses - is an ongoing challenge
for communities of every size. By focusing on redevelopment, properties
are put back into productive use for communities while helping to keep
undeveloped lands in a natural state.
The National Brownfields Conference's Educational Program features more
than 100 sessions on sustainable remediation, smart growth, green jobs,
creative financing and financial risk management, community and economic
development, environmental assessment and cleanup, public health, cleanup
and redevelopment of properties, and much more. Over 150 exhibitors will
display the latest technologies and services, and mobile workshops and
walking tours of Atlanta are also included.
A unique conference feature is the Economic Redevelopment Forum, which
brings together property owners with developers, investors and financiers
to talk about specific brownfields properties available for purchase, reuse
and redevelopment. This fast-paced interactive forum is a must attend
brownfields event for corporate asset managers, economic development
officials, real estate professionals, and others. A variety of properties
will be available ranging from former manufacturing plants, to vacant and
abandoned commercial buildings and lots. Many of these properties may be
eligible for a host of local, state and even federal redevelopment
incentives.
Whether you're a newcomer to the world of economic and environmental
redevelopment, or a seasoned professional looking to make new connections
and increase your business, Brownfields 2013 offers something for you.
For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/bfconf.htm
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Testimony Before the Senate
Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON -- As prepared for delivery.
Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Murkowski , and members of the Committee,
thank you once again for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss
the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget. I'm
joined by the Agency's Acting Chief Financial Officer, Maryann Froehlich.
The President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget demonstrates that we can make
critical investments to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow
the economy while continuing to cut the deficit in a balanced way. The
Budget also incorporates the President's compromise offer to House Speaker
Boehner to achieve another $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction in a balance
way. By including this compromise proposal in the Budget, the President is
demonstrating his willingness to make tough choices. EPA's budget request
of $8.153 billion for the 2014 fiscal year starting October 1, 2013
reflects our ongoing efforts to change the way EPA does business –to invest
in more efficient ways for the Agency to operate, to further reduce costs
wherever possible all while we preserve and enhance our ability to carry
out the Agency's core mission to protect human health and the environment.
The President's budget reinforces our firm commitment to keeping American
communities clean and healthy, while also taking into consideration the
difficult fiscal situation and the declining resources of state, local and
tribal programs.
EPA's requested budget will allow us to continue making progress toward
cleaner air, addressing climate change, protecting the nation's waters,
supporting sustainable water infrastructure and protecting lands and
assuring the safety of chemicals.
It is the product of long discussions and difficult choices. In the end, we
believe this budget will enable us to work toward the Agency's goals as
effectively and efficiently as possible.
Let me run through a few highlights from the President's FY 2014 budget
request.
Despite the fiscal challenges we face, supporting our state and tribal
partners, the primary implementers of environmental programs, remains a
priority of the EPA. Funding for states and tribes through the State and
Tribal Assistance Grants – or STAG – account is once again the largest
percentage of the EPA's budget request – at nearly 40 percent in FY 2014.
The FY 2014 budget includes a total of $1.14 billion in categorical grants.
We have requested a $60 million investment in an agency-wide initiative to
develop new tools and expand systems designed to reduce the regulatory
reporting burden on regulated entities, and provide EPA, states, and the
public with easier access to environmental data for compliance monitoring
and other purposes. This new initiative is fully paid for, so does not add
a single dime to the deficit.
This project – what we call "E-Enterprise" – would enable businesses to
conduct environmental business transactions with regulators electronically
through a single interactive portal, similar to online banking. The
paperwork and regulatory reporting burden would be reduced thanks to more
efficient collection, reporting, and use of data, in addition to regulatory
revisions to eliminate redundant or obsolete information requests. The
initiative will encourage greater transparency and compliance.
The result will be widespread savings – for industry and for the states and
tribes. For example, E-Enterprise builds on efforts such as the e-manifest
system which is projected to reduce reporting costs for regulated
businesses by up to a range of $77 - $126 million annually, because it
replaces the millions of paper manifests for hazardous waste shipments with
a modern tracking and reporting system.
The FY 2014 request also includes $176.5 million to support the agency's
work with partners and stakeholders to address greenhouse gas emissions and
its impacts. These funds will help reduce emissions – both domestically and
internationally – through careful, cost-effective rulemaking and voluntary
programs that focus on the largest entities and encourage businesses and
consumers to limit unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of this funding will support existing, successful approaches like
ENERGY STAR, the Global Methane Initiative, the GHG Reporting Rule, and
state and local technical assistance and partnership programs, such as
SmartWay. $20 million will go towards research, so we can better understand
the impacts of climate change on human health and vulnerable ecosystems.
Our requested budget contains $175 million to support our Clean Air
Act-mandated work to develop, implement and review air quality standards
and guidance. This funding will also allow EPA to enhance our support to
our state, local and Tribal partners to implement the programs.
Nutrient pollution is one of the nation's most widespread and challenging
environmental problems. To assist in tackling this challenge, EPA is
requesting an increase of $15 million in Clean Water Act Section 106 Water
Pollution Control grant funding to support states, interstate agencies and
tribes that commit to strengthening their nutrient management efforts.
Ensuring that federal dollars provided through the State Revolving Funds
support effective and efficient system-wide planning remains a priority for
EPA. The FY 2014 budget request includes $1.1 billion for the Clean Water
State Revolving Fund and $817 million for the Drinking WaterSRF. This money
will also assist EPA efforts to expand and institutionalize the use of
up-front planning that considers a full range of infrastructure
alternatives like "green" infrastructure, so that the right investments are
made at the right time, and at the lowest life-cycle cost. This budget
request will allow the SRFs to finance approximately $6 billion in
wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects annually.
In FY 2014, the agency is requesting over $1.34 billion for its land
cleanup programs to continue to apply the most effective approaches to
preserve and restore our country's land. This money will go towards
developing and implementing prevention programs, improving response
capabilities, and maximizing the effectiveness of response and cleanup
actions. The agency is also renewing its request to reinstate the Superfund
tax in order to provide a stable, dedicated source of revenue for the
Superfund Trust Fund and to restore the historic nexus that parties who
benefit from the manufacture or sale of substances that commonly
contaminate hazardous waste sites should bear the cost of cleanup when
viable potentially responsible parties cannot be identified.
Ensuring the safety of new or existing chemicals in commerce to protect the
American people is another top priority. Chemicals are used in the
production of everything from our homes and cars to the cell phones we
carry and the food we eat. The $686.2 million requested in FY 2014 will
allow EPA to continue managing the potential risks of new chemicals
entering commerce, without impacting progress in assessing and ensuring the
safety of existing chemicals. These resources encompass all efforts across
the agency associated specifically with ensuring chemical safety and
pollution prevention, including research and enforcement.
EPA's research budget provides $554 million to support critical research in
key areas, ranging from chemical safety to water sustainability to climate
and energy to human health. This research will help advance the
Administration's commitment to healthy communities and a clean energy
future.
Finally, let me discuss some steps we are taking to ensure taxpayer dollars
are going as far as they possibly can.
The budget includes $54 million in savings by eliminating several EPA
programs that have either completed their goals or can be implemented
through other federal or state efforts. Adding to these savings and
demonstrating a willingness to make tough choices, more than 20 EPA
programs, are being reduced by 10 percent or more in FY 2014.
EPA has also been laying the groundwork to ensure the best use of human
resources, which will continue in FY 2014. We will continue to analyze our
workforce needs to achieve the Agency's mission effectively and
efficiently. This is reflected in our FTE request for FY 2014, which is our
lowest in 20 years.
We also continue to look for opportunities to consolidate physical space
and reduce operating costs at our facilities nationwide. On-going
improvements in operating efficiency, combined with the use of advanced
technologies and energy sources, have reduced energy utilization and saved
nearly $6 million annually.
In FY 2014, we are requesting $17 million in the Building &Facilities
appropriation to accelerate space consolidation efforts, which will result
in long-term savings in rent and operating costs. By consolidating space,
we have, since 2006 released approximately 417 thousand square feet of
space at headquarters and facilities nationwide, resulting in a cumulative
annual rent avoidance of over $14.2 million.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. While my
testimony reflects only some of the highlights of EPA's budget request, I
look forward answering your questions.
USDA and Dairy Producers Renew Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
and Increase Sustainability of Dairy Production
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Vilsack today renewed a
historic agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate the adoption of
innovative waste-to-energy projects and energy efficiency improvements on
U.S. dairy farms, both of which help producers diversify revenues and
reduce utility expenses on their operations.. The pact extends a Memorandum
of Understanding signed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.
"Through this renewed commitment, USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S.
Dairy will continue research that helps dairy farmers improve the
sustainability of their operations," Vilsack said. "This vital research
also will support the dairy industry as it works to reach its long-term
goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020."
The Secretary signed the agreement this afternoon at the White House and
was joined by representatives of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and
Dairy Management, including Thomas P. Gallagher, CEO of the center. One
objective of the MOU is to increase the construction of anaerobic digesters
and explore innovative ways to use products previously considered waste
streams from dairy production, processing and handling.
USDA support for agricultural and waste-to-energy research has played a key
role in the agreement's success to date. Since signing the MOU, USDA has
made nearly 180 awards that helped finance the development, construction,
and biogas production of anaerobic digester systems with Rural Development
programs, such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Bioenergy
Program for Advanced Biofuels, Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan
Program, Value Added Producer Grants, amongst others. These systems capture
methane and produce renewable energy for on-farm use and sale onto the
electric grid. Additionally, during this period, USDA awarded approximately
140 REAP loans and grants to help dairy farmers develop other types of
renewable energy and energy efficiency systems at their operations.
Also, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has provided
$257 million in funding since 2009 that has helped more than 6,000 dairy
farmers plan and implement conservation practices to improve
sustainability. NRCS support for the dairy industry has resulted in 354
on-farm and in-plant energy audits as well as 18 conservation innovation
grants for dairy-related projects during the past three years.
Anaerobic digester technology is a proven method of capturing methane from
waste products, such as manure, and converting into heat and electricity.
The technology utilizes generators that are fueled by the captured
methane.. Dairy operations with anaerobic digesters routinely generate
enough electricity to power hundreds of homes per year.
Gallagher added, "We have a long and strong relationship with USDA and
Secretary Vilsack, and dairy farmers and the dairy industry are very happy
that USDA is entering into the next MOU with the Innovation Center. We are
all interested in sustainable agriculture and producing good food
responsibly, while bolstering an important rural economy, and this new MOU
lays out the roadmap for more improvements. That's good for dairy, good for
the economy and good for consumers."
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic
investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the
President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities,
businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue
leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural
communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way
of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama
and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of
Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the
government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working
families in rural communities.
USDA has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability
of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and
improve the quality of life in rural America.
#
Oil Spill
Hood wants BP suit to be tried in state, not federal, court
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Attorney General Jim Hood said Mississippi's best hope is to
keep a pending lawsuit against BP over the 2010 oil spill in state court,
but he fears it could get bogged down in federal court.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/24/4618825/hood-wants-bp-suit-to-be-tried.html
BP oil spill trial: Federal judge issues order outlining key questions
By Richard Thompson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
April 24, 2013 at 6:10 PM
The federal judge overseeing the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill litigation
issued an order Wednesday (April 24) outlining what he believes are the key
questions from the first phase of the sprawling civil trial, which wrapped
up a week ago.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/04/bp_oil_spill_trial_federal_jud.html
Oil spill judge Carl Barbier wants to know: What is gross negligenct?
The Associated Press
April 24, 2013 at 7:55 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- The judge who will allocate responsibility for the 2010 Gulf
of Mexico oil spill has told lawyers to give him their views about whether
a series of negligent acts can add up to gross negligence.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/oil_spill_judge_carl_barbier_w.html#incart_river
Gulf oil spill judge poses questions on gross negligence issue
Houston Chronicle
The federal judge who must decide whether BP and its partners were grossly
negligent in connection with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is offering
some clues as to how he will formulate his decision.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/04/24/gulf-oil-spill-judge-poses-questions-on-gross-negligence-issue/
Senate passes bill with local control of RESTORE money intact
Pensacola News Journal
A bill that addresses potential money coming to Florida in relation to the
2010 BP oil spill passed the state Senate Appropriations Committee with a
change that will protect local governments' decision making abilities.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130423/NEWS/130423017/Nelson-weighs-RESTORE-flap
State News
Natchez recycling plan begins soon
The Associated Press
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Natchez residents will soon have the opportunity to go
green earlier than expected.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/25/4619280/natchez-recycling-plan-begins.html
Recycling Service
Panolian
By Billy Davis
Panola County Solid Waste has officially jumped into the recycling
business.
County Administrator Kelley Magee announced the recycling service was in
operation when she appeared at the April 16 meeting of Batesville's mayor
and Board of Aldermen.
http://www.panolian.com/contentitem/256524/1180/recycling-service-42313
Drug drop-off program returns Saturday
Itawamba County Times
Fulton Police Chief Reggie Johnson said the prescription pill drop-off
program helps alleviate drug abuse in Itawamba County.
"Prescription drug abuse is probably one of our biggest drug problems,"
said Fulton Police Chief Reggie Johnson. "It's just growing in leaps and
bounds."
The reason prescription drug abuse is on the rise, he said, is because
prescription drugs are both easy to come by and crimes involving them are
difficult to prove. The best solution: Proper disposal.
http://itawambatimes.com/2013/04/25/drug-drop-off-program-returns-saturday/
County looking to buy land from alternative fuel company
by Associated Press
Published: April 24,2013
NATCHEZ — Adams County officials are continuing talks on buying the former
International Paper site from Rentech.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/24/county-looking-to-buy-land-from-alternative-fuel-company/
Fashion show gives discarded items 2nd chance
Clarion Ledger
Kosciusko native Phyllis Robinson, 45, has always loved fashion.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130424/NEWS01/304240026
National News
EPA employees hit with up to 10 furlough days; less than anticipated
Washington Post
By Lisa Rein, Updated: April 24, 2013
Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency finally have definitive
word on the number of furlough days they will be forced to take under the
budget cuts known as sequestration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/04/24/epa-employees-hit-with-up-to-10-furlough-days-less-than-anticipated/
EPA: We're not spying on people
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 04/24/13 12:38 PM ET
The acting chief of the Environmental Protection Agency sparred with GOP
senators Wednesday over the use of aerial surveillance to help guide
enforcement of water pollution laws in farm country.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295851-epa-were-not-spying-on-people-or-animals
EPA chief: Permit vetoes aren't used 'frivolously'
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 04/24/13 10:44 AM ET
The acting head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought to
reassure lawmakers Wednesday that the agency doesn't plan to make a habit
of vetoing previously issued permits for mining and other projects.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295785-epa-chief-permit-vetoes-arent-used-frivolously
Slow Start on Environment in Second Obama Term
NY Times
By JOHN BRODER
SHORTLY after winning re-election in November, President Obama promised
assertive leadership on climate change and energy. In his State of the
Union address in February, he vowed that if the assembled lawmakers failed
to pass broad climate legislation, he would act unilaterally.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/business/energy-environment/slow-start-on-environment-in-obamas-2nd-term.html?ref=earth
Cuts would jeopardize dead zone research
Houma Today
Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 9:21 p.m.
A long-running project aimed at mapping the annual dead zone that forms off
Louisiana's coast each summer could be in jeopardy because of federal
budget cuts.http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130424/ARTICLES/130429785
Green groups seeing red over Boxer's water bill
Politico
By: Burgess Everett
April 25, 2013 05:05 AM EDT
Green groups are trying to knock a massive water bill off the fast track in
the Senate, outraged about so-called environmental streamlining provisions
that they say would use punitive fines to pressure agencies into approving
potentially damaging and wasteful projects.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/green-groups-see-red-over-boxers-water-bill-90580.html?hp=r5
Many coal sludge impoundments have weak walls, federal study says
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson, Published: April 24
Many of the man-made ponds for storing toxic sludge from coal mining
operations have dangerously weak walls because of poor construction
methods, according to the synopsis of a study for the Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement obtained by The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/many-coal-sludge-impoundments-have-weak-walls-federal-study-says/2013/04/24/76c5be2a-acf9-11e2-a8b9-2a63d75b5459_story.html
Opinion
Delivering 'Big Ethanol' a reality check on RINs
Politico
By: Charles Drevna
April 24, 2013 09:31 PM EDT
The adverse impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard on consumers, a range of
industries and the environment are becoming increasingly apparent to
lawmakers and Americans across the nation. In response, the corn ethanol
lobby is shouting propaganda in an attempt to divert attention from its
faulty information and brittle arguments — most recently evident in an
April 17 ("Setting the Record Straight on U.S. Gas Prices") POLITICO op-ed.
But it is time for Big Ethanol to have a reality check.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/energy-ethanol-corn-fuel-90583.html?hp=l16
Press Releases
EPA to Hold 2013 National Brownfields Conference at Georgia World Congress
Center
Contact Information: James Pinkney, (404) 562-9183 (Direct), (404) 562-8400
(Main) pinkney.james@epa.gov
(ATLANTA – April 24, 2013) Thousands of environmental and economic
development officials, finance and insurance providers, risk managers,
planners, attorneys, civil engineers and students are expected to attend
the U.S. EPA and ICMA co-sponsored National Brownfields Conference, May
15-17, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Addressing the nation's brownfields - abandoned or underutilized properties
stigmatized by past commercial or industrial uses - is an ongoing challenge
for communities of every size. By focusing on redevelopment, properties
are put back into productive use for communities while helping to keep
undeveloped lands in a natural state.
The National Brownfields Conference's Educational Program features more
than 100 sessions on sustainable remediation, smart growth, green jobs,
creative financing and financial risk management, community and economic
development, environmental assessment and cleanup, public health, cleanup
and redevelopment of properties, and much more. Over 150 exhibitors will
display the latest technologies and services, and mobile workshops and
walking tours of Atlanta are also included.
A unique conference feature is the Economic Redevelopment Forum, which
brings together property owners with developers, investors and financiers
to talk about specific brownfields properties available for purchase, reuse
and redevelopment. This fast-paced interactive forum is a must attend
brownfields event for corporate asset managers, economic development
officials, real estate professionals, and others. A variety of properties
will be available ranging from former manufacturing plants, to vacant and
abandoned commercial buildings and lots. Many of these properties may be
eligible for a host of local, state and even federal redevelopment
incentives.
Whether you're a newcomer to the world of economic and environmental
redevelopment, or a seasoned professional looking to make new connections
and increase your business, Brownfields 2013 offers something for you.
For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/bfconf.htm
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Testimony Before the Senate
Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON -- As prepared for delivery.
Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Murkowski , and members of the Committee,
thank you once again for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss
the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget. I'm
joined by the Agency's Acting Chief Financial Officer, Maryann Froehlich.
The President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget demonstrates that we can make
critical investments to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow
the economy while continuing to cut the deficit in a balanced way. The
Budget also incorporates the President's compromise offer to House Speaker
Boehner to achieve another $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction in a balance
way. By including this compromise proposal in the Budget, the President is
demonstrating his willingness to make tough choices. EPA's budget request
of $8.153 billion for the 2014 fiscal year starting October 1, 2013
reflects our ongoing efforts to change the way EPA does business –to invest
in more efficient ways for the Agency to operate, to further reduce costs
wherever possible all while we preserve and enhance our ability to carry
out the Agency's core mission to protect human health and the environment.
The President's budget reinforces our firm commitment to keeping American
communities clean and healthy, while also taking into consideration the
difficult fiscal situation and the declining resources of state, local and
tribal programs.
EPA's requested budget will allow us to continue making progress toward
cleaner air, addressing climate change, protecting the nation's waters,
supporting sustainable water infrastructure and protecting lands and
assuring the safety of chemicals.
It is the product of long discussions and difficult choices. In the end, we
believe this budget will enable us to work toward the Agency's goals as
effectively and efficiently as possible.
Let me run through a few highlights from the President's FY 2014 budget
request.
Despite the fiscal challenges we face, supporting our state and tribal
partners, the primary implementers of environmental programs, remains a
priority of the EPA. Funding for states and tribes through the State and
Tribal Assistance Grants – or STAG – account is once again the largest
percentage of the EPA's budget request – at nearly 40 percent in FY 2014.
The FY 2014 budget includes a total of $1.14 billion in categorical grants.
We have requested a $60 million investment in an agency-wide initiative to
develop new tools and expand systems designed to reduce the regulatory
reporting burden on regulated entities, and provide EPA, states, and the
public with easier access to environmental data for compliance monitoring
and other purposes. This new initiative is fully paid for, so does not add
a single dime to the deficit.
This project – what we call "E-Enterprise" – would enable businesses to
conduct environmental business transactions with regulators electronically
through a single interactive portal, similar to online banking. The
paperwork and regulatory reporting burden would be reduced thanks to more
efficient collection, reporting, and use of data, in addition to regulatory
revisions to eliminate redundant or obsolete information requests. The
initiative will encourage greater transparency and compliance.
The result will be widespread savings – for industry and for the states and
tribes. For example, E-Enterprise builds on efforts such as the e-manifest
system which is projected to reduce reporting costs for regulated
businesses by up to a range of $77 - $126 million annually, because it
replaces the millions of paper manifests for hazardous waste shipments with
a modern tracking and reporting system.
The FY 2014 request also includes $176.5 million to support the agency's
work with partners and stakeholders to address greenhouse gas emissions and
its impacts. These funds will help reduce emissions – both domestically and
internationally – through careful, cost-effective rulemaking and voluntary
programs that focus on the largest entities and encourage businesses and
consumers to limit unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of this funding will support existing, successful approaches like
ENERGY STAR, the Global Methane Initiative, the GHG Reporting Rule, and
state and local technical assistance and partnership programs, such as
SmartWay. $20 million will go towards research, so we can better understand
the impacts of climate change on human health and vulnerable ecosystems.
Our requested budget contains $175 million to support our Clean Air
Act-mandated work to develop, implement and review air quality standards
and guidance. This funding will also allow EPA to enhance our support to
our state, local and Tribal partners to implement the programs.
Nutrient pollution is one of the nation's most widespread and challenging
environmental problems. To assist in tackling this challenge, EPA is
requesting an increase of $15 million in Clean Water Act Section 106 Water
Pollution Control grant funding to support states, interstate agencies and
tribes that commit to strengthening their nutrient management efforts.
Ensuring that federal dollars provided through the State Revolving Funds
support effective and efficient system-wide planning remains a priority for
EPA. The FY 2014 budget request includes $1.1 billion for the Clean Water
State Revolving Fund and $817 million for the Drinking WaterSRF. This money
will also assist EPA efforts to expand and institutionalize the use of
up-front planning that considers a full range of infrastructure
alternatives like "green" infrastructure, so that the right investments are
made at the right time, and at the lowest life-cycle cost. This budget
request will allow the SRFs to finance approximately $6 billion in
wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects annually.
In FY 2014, the agency is requesting over $1.34 billion for its land
cleanup programs to continue to apply the most effective approaches to
preserve and restore our country's land. This money will go towards
developing and implementing prevention programs, improving response
capabilities, and maximizing the effectiveness of response and cleanup
actions. The agency is also renewing its request to reinstate the Superfund
tax in order to provide a stable, dedicated source of revenue for the
Superfund Trust Fund and to restore the historic nexus that parties who
benefit from the manufacture or sale of substances that commonly
contaminate hazardous waste sites should bear the cost of cleanup when
viable potentially responsible parties cannot be identified.
Ensuring the safety of new or existing chemicals in commerce to protect the
American people is another top priority. Chemicals are used in the
production of everything from our homes and cars to the cell phones we
carry and the food we eat. The $686.2 million requested in FY 2014 will
allow EPA to continue managing the potential risks of new chemicals
entering commerce, without impacting progress in assessing and ensuring the
safety of existing chemicals. These resources encompass all efforts across
the agency associated specifically with ensuring chemical safety and
pollution prevention, including research and enforcement.
EPA's research budget provides $554 million to support critical research in
key areas, ranging from chemical safety to water sustainability to climate
and energy to human health. This research will help advance the
Administration's commitment to healthy communities and a clean energy
future.
Finally, let me discuss some steps we are taking to ensure taxpayer dollars
are going as far as they possibly can.
The budget includes $54 million in savings by eliminating several EPA
programs that have either completed their goals or can be implemented
through other federal or state efforts. Adding to these savings and
demonstrating a willingness to make tough choices, more than 20 EPA
programs, are being reduced by 10 percent or more in FY 2014.
EPA has also been laying the groundwork to ensure the best use of human
resources, which will continue in FY 2014. We will continue to analyze our
workforce needs to achieve the Agency's mission effectively and
efficiently. This is reflected in our FTE request for FY 2014, which is our
lowest in 20 years.
We also continue to look for opportunities to consolidate physical space
and reduce operating costs at our facilities nationwide. On-going
improvements in operating efficiency, combined with the use of advanced
technologies and energy sources, have reduced energy utilization and saved
nearly $6 million annually.
In FY 2014, we are requesting $17 million in the Building &Facilities
appropriation to accelerate space consolidation efforts, which will result
in long-term savings in rent and operating costs. By consolidating space,
we have, since 2006 released approximately 417 thousand square feet of
space at headquarters and facilities nationwide, resulting in a cumulative
annual rent avoidance of over $14.2 million.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. While my
testimony reflects only some of the highlights of EPA's budget request, I
look forward answering your questions.
USDA and Dairy Producers Renew Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
and Increase Sustainability of Dairy Production
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Vilsack today renewed a
historic agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate the adoption of
innovative waste-to-energy projects and energy efficiency improvements on
U.S. dairy farms, both of which help producers diversify revenues and
reduce utility expenses on their operations.. The pact extends a Memorandum
of Understanding signed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.
"Through this renewed commitment, USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S.
Dairy will continue research that helps dairy farmers improve the
sustainability of their operations," Vilsack said. "This vital research
also will support the dairy industry as it works to reach its long-term
goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020."
The Secretary signed the agreement this afternoon at the White House and
was joined by representatives of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and
Dairy Management, including Thomas P. Gallagher, CEO of the center. One
objective of the MOU is to increase the construction of anaerobic digesters
and explore innovative ways to use products previously considered waste
streams from dairy production, processing and handling.
USDA support for agricultural and waste-to-energy research has played a key
role in the agreement's success to date. Since signing the MOU, USDA has
made nearly 180 awards that helped finance the development, construction,
and biogas production of anaerobic digester systems with Rural Development
programs, such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Bioenergy
Program for Advanced Biofuels, Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan
Program, Value Added Producer Grants, amongst others. These systems capture
methane and produce renewable energy for on-farm use and sale onto the
electric grid. Additionally, during this period, USDA awarded approximately
140 REAP loans and grants to help dairy farmers develop other types of
renewable energy and energy efficiency systems at their operations.
Also, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has provided
$257 million in funding since 2009 that has helped more than 6,000 dairy
farmers plan and implement conservation practices to improve
sustainability. NRCS support for the dairy industry has resulted in 354
on-farm and in-plant energy audits as well as 18 conservation innovation
grants for dairy-related projects during the past three years.
Anaerobic digester technology is a proven method of capturing methane from
waste products, such as manure, and converting into heat and electricity.
The technology utilizes generators that are fueled by the captured
methane.. Dairy operations with anaerobic digesters routinely generate
enough electricity to power hundreds of homes per year.
Gallagher added, "We have a long and strong relationship with USDA and
Secretary Vilsack, and dairy farmers and the dairy industry are very happy
that USDA is entering into the next MOU with the Innovation Center. We are
all interested in sustainable agriculture and producing good food
responsibly, while bolstering an important rural economy, and this new MOU
lays out the roadmap for more improvements. That's good for dairy, good for
the economy and good for consumers."
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic
investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the
President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities,
businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue
leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural
communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way
of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama
and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of
Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the
government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working
families in rural communities.
USDA has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability
of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and
improve the quality of life in rural America.
#
MDEQ Issues Water Contact Advisory For One Location in Gulfport One Advisory Lifted
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robbie Wilbur
April 25, 2013 601/961-5277
MDEQ Issues Water Contact Advisory For One Location in Gulfport
One Advisory Lifted
(JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a water contact
advisory today for a sampling station in Harrison County. This segment of
beach is not closed; however, there may be an increased risk of illness
associated with swimming in this area.
MDEQ is working closely with local officials to advise residents that the
water in the following location may have high bacteria levels:
●Station 10 ? Gulfport Central ? from Alfonso Drive east to the VA Main
Entrance.
An advisory issued for the following station April 18 is lifted:
●Station 11A ? Edgewater Beach ? from Debuys Road east to Edgewater Avenue
Advisories are currently in effect for Stations 8, 10, and 10B.
When water samples show that levels are safe for human contact, the
advisories will be lifted. The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, which
performs water sampling of the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches for MDEQ,
notifies the agency when an area has returned to acceptable levels.
Additionally, swimmers are reminded that the Beach Task Force has a
standing recommendation that swimming not occur during or within 24 hours
of a significant rainfall event.
More information on the Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program:
http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/msbeach/index.cgi.
To receive beach advisories directly, send an email to
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us for inclusion in a public group email list, text
"beach" to 601-863-8082,
or follow MDEQ on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ.
# # #
MDEQ has set up a texting group for media on the Gulf Coast. If you would
like to be on the list and receive info via text, then text "coastmedia" to
601-863-8082, or follow MDEQ on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
News Clippings 4.24.13
4.24.13
Oil Spill
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi demands nearly $6 billion from BP for
2010 Gulf oil disaster
BY JIM TURNER
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Florida is seeking $5.48 billion for lost
revenue - past and future - from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/24/3361313/florida-attorney-general-pam-bondi.html
Local officials fight for control of BP money
By TOM McLAUGHLIN / Daily News
Published: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 17:33 PM.
A contingent from the eight Northwest Florida counties that stand to gain
the most when BP money starts flowing through the federal RESTORE Act
traveled to Tallahassee on Tuesday to tell state officials to keep their
hands off of the region's windfall.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/local-officials-fight-for-control-of-bp-money-documents-1.131778
Congressman Southerland fights to keep local control of 'RESTORE Act'
WTXL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Florida Congressman Steve Southerland is
speaking out after a Florida Senate budget panel moved forward with a
measure to create a nonprofit board to manage money from settlements from
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://www.wtxl.com/news/congressman-southerland-fights-to-keep-local-control-of-restore-act/article_76a820e2-ac7f-11e2-99ab-001a4bcf6878.html
Baton Rouge suing BP for $35 million in losses
WAFB
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - A civil suit from the city of Baton Rouge was
filed late Friday seeking more than $35 million in compensation for losses
caused by the April 20, 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling
rig.
http://www.wafb.com/story/22045065/baton-rouge-suing-bp-for-35-million-in-losses
State News
USM's Gulf Coast Research Lab, Marine Education Center poised for growth
Mississippi Press
By April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
April 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi - The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is growing,
with near-term plans to open an 8,300-square-foot, 4-classroom and lab
addition in May and long-term plans to erect an $18 million Marine
Education Center.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/usms_gulf_coast_research_lab_m.html#incart_river
Judge finds DMR unable to give newspaper records in state auditor's
possession
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Chancery Judge Jennifer Schloegel concluded at the end of a
hearing Tuesday she could not force the Mississippi Department of Resources
to provide the Sun Herald records the agency no longer possesses.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615586/judge-finds-dmr-unable-to-give.html
Mississippi Power says customers won't have to pay for Kemper plant's
skyrocketing cost (updated)
By The Associated Press
April 23, 2013 at 6:15 PM
GULFPORT, Mississippi — Mississippi Power Company said Tuesday that
customers won't have to pay more to cover its Kemper County plant's cost,
which has risen from $2.88 billion to about $3.42 billion.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-business/2013/04/mississippi_power_says_custome.html#incart_river
Governor signs a slew of energy bills
Clarion Ledger
Posted on April 23, 2013
Gov. Phil Bryant today signed into law numerous energy bills passed by the
Legislature this session.
They include tax breaks for energy production and consumption by
manufacturers, stricter efficiency regulations on commercial and government
buildings and incentives for government fleets to use alternative fuels.
http://blogs.clarionledger.com/politics/2013/04/23/governor-signs-a-slew-of-energy-bills/
New Jackson County nature group offers boat tour
Sun Herald
By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com
The Coastal Nature Destinations Group held its first public event Tuesday
morning, a nature tour of the Pascagoula River.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615896/new-jackson-county-nature-group.html
Electric car startup GreenTech Automotive adding sedan this year
Published April 23, 2013
FoxNews.com
Call it a 25 mph foot in the door.
Mississippi's GreenTech Automotive (GTA) has announced plans to manufacture
a battery-powered, five-passenger sedan at its Horn Lake assembly plant
later this year.
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/04/23/electric-car-startup-greentech-automotive-adding-sedan-this-year/?intcmp=features
National News
Court rejects challenge to EPA pollution rules
The Hill
By Megan R. Wilson - 04/23/13 02:35 PM ET
A court-ordered agreement between regulators and environmental groups to
issue updated regulations on the waste runoff from power plants will go
forward, a federal court said Tuesday.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/295591-court-rejects-challenge-to-epa-pollution-rules
Spokesman: Raw sewage has been pouring in river since weekend
by Associated Press
Published: April 23,2013
MISSISSIPPI RIVER — Millions of gallons of raw sewage are pouring into the
Mississippi River from a St. Louis wastewater treatment plant where two of
three pumps have failed.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/23/spokesman-raw-sewage-has-been-pouring-in-river-since-weekend/
Phila. to host EPA hearing on emissions
Andrew Maykuth, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 11:42 AM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans a
hearing Wednesday in Philadelphia on an Obama
administration proposal to clean up gasoline and
automobile emissions, one of only two public
sessions nationwide on the so-called Tier 3
standards.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20130424_EPA_hearing_in_Philly_on_gas__emission_standards.html
How much does EPA's objection to Keystone XL matter? A lot.
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Updated: April 23, 2013
How much does it matter that the Environmental Protection Agency has
officially questioned aspects of the State Department's draft environmental
review of the Keystone XL pipeline proposal?A lot.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/23/how-much-does-epas-objection-to-keystone-xl-matter-a-lot/
US appeals court upholds EPA's power to revoke permit for W.Va. mountaintop
mine
By Associated Press,
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had the legal
authority to retroactively veto a water pollution permit for one of West
Virginia's largest mountaintop removal coal mines years after it was
issued, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/us-appeals-court-upholds-epas-power-to-revoke-wva-mountaintop-mining-permit/2013/04/23/bda577ca-ac2e-11e2-9493-2ff3bf26c4b4_story.html
Supreme Court justices tread murky waters in Texas-Oklahoma dispute
By Michael Doyle — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices on Tuesday opened a floodgate of
questions about a water dispute pitting Texas against Oklahoma, with the
eventual outcome still in doubt.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615005/supreme-court-justices-tread-murky.html
Air in San Joaquin Valley cities among nation's dirtiest
By Erika Bolstad — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — California cities, including Modesto, Fresno and Merced,
continue to have some of the worst air in the United States, according to
the American Lung Association's "State of the Air 2013" report.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615128/air-in-san-joaquin-valley-cities.html
Opinion
Hood's outside counsel choices in BP case will draw some fire
Sid Salter – Clarion Ledger
The decision by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood to appoint his
predecessor Mike Moore and Ridgeland attorney Billy Quin as outside
counsels to handle the state's litigation against BP over the 2010 Gulf of
Mexico oil spill will draw some familiar political fire.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130424/OPINION/304240009/Hood-s-outside-counsel-choices-BP-case-will-draw-some-fire
Three years later, coastal communities still struggling with impacts of oil
spill: Telley Madina
Times-Picayune
By Contributing Op-Ed columnist
April 23, 2013 at 6:37 AM
Three years ago, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig kicked off the
largest offshore oil spill in history, as nearly five million barrels of
oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico over the course of several months. Most
of the oil is still there today.
http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2013/04/three_years_later_coastal_comm.html
Press Releases
MISS. SENATORS WARN OF ADMINISTRATION OVERREACH IN GREENHOUSE GAS PLAN
Cochran, Wicker Sign Letter Asking for Withdrawal of Expanded Regulatory
Scheme
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker
(R-Miss.) today cautioned the Obama administration not to act unilaterally
to expand the scope of a federal environmental review law in its effort to
regulate greenhouse gases.
The Mississippi Senators are among 33 Senators who signed a letter to the
White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that takes issue with
administration plans to finalize standards requiring agencies to address
greenhouse gases under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA),
arguing that draft guidance issued by CEQ would erroneously expand the
scope of NEPA. It argues that the nation's economic recovery would be hurt
if the administration uses NEPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
"This administration should not be trying to get around statutory
limitations to impose greenhouse gas regulations," said Cochran, who has
cosponsored legislation to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from
using guidance documents to expand its regulatory reach without
congressional oversight (S.320).
"The latest attempt by the Obama Administration to regulate carbon dioxide
represents a gross overreach by Washington bureaucrats," said Wicker. "At a
time when more than 21.6 million Americans are struggling to find a
full-time job, it is troubling that unwarranted regulations are adding
another burden on our economy. Ending regulatory excess will help reignite
the confidence our job creators need to fuel an economic turnaround that
lasts."
The letter asks the CEQ to withdraw the draft guidance issued in February
2010 that is being used as the basis for the administration's plan to use
NEPA to address greenhouse gas emissions. The Senators point out that
judicial rulings and congressional actions show the limitations of NEPA as
a regulatory tool to tackle global climate change issues.
"Congress has rejected all efforts to legislatively regulate the climate,
and just last month during Senate budget votes twice rejected a carbon
tax," the letter to CEQ chairwoman Nancy Sutley said. "Rather than
accepting that such an effort will dramatically slow project delivery and
job creation, the Administration is attempting to use NEPA as a backdoor
method to pursue a policy preference that cannot be passed through
Congress."
The correspondence goes on to say, "Throughout his term, President Obama
has stated a desire to 'streamline the permitting process.' We note the
catch phrase has repeatedly come under scrutiny. Moving forward with this
guidance flies in the face of the President's publicly stated goal.
Additionally, it adds a cumbersome and obtuse GHG [greenhouse gas]
requirement to the permitting process for project that would not face
similar scrutiny in nations which the United States competes for
investment, such as China, India or Russia."
Senator David Vitter (R-La.), ranking Republican on the Senate Environment
and Public Works Committee, organized the letter to Sutley. In addition to
Wicker and Cochran, it was signed by Senators: John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy
Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats
(R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo
(R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.),
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James
Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Ron
Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell
(R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul
(R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.),
Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.).
A copy of the letter is provided below.
###
Permalink:
http://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/4/miss-senators-warn-of-administration-overreach-in-greenhouse-gas-plan
EPA Announces Winner of the Energy Star National Building Competition
WASHINGTON – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the
winner of its third-annual Energy Star National Building Competition. More
than 3,000 schools, businesses, and government buildings across the country
competed to see which could reduce its energy use the most in one year—and
a New Jersey elementary school emerged victorious.
Today's announcement reflects President Obama's continued commitment to
increasing energy efficiency under his administration, setting a goal in
his State of the Union address to cut in half the energy wasted by our
homes and businesses over the next 20 years.
Together, competitors of this year's National Building Competition cut
their energy costs by more than $50 million, saved more than three billion
kBtus of energy, and reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to the
amount of electricity used by more than 43,000 homes.
"The impressive results of the National Building Competition help show that
any building can take simple steps to improve the energy efficiency of the
buildings where we all work, play, and learn," said EPA Acting
Administrator Bob Perciasepe, "All of the participants in the Energy Star
National Building Competition are finding more and more ways to cut energy
use, saving thousands of dollars and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Demarest Elementary School in Bloomfield, New Jersey won the EPA's 2012
Energy Star Battle of the Buildings competition by demonstrating a 52
percent energy use reduction, the largest in the competition. The school
identified and addressed a number of mechanical issues and energy
management measures that added up to significant energy and cost-saving
reductions.
In its third year, the Energy Star National Building Competition featured
teams from across the country to improve energy efficiency, lower utility
costs, and protect public health and the environment.
The top overall finishers and their percent-based reductions in energy use
include:
· Demarest Elementary School, Bloomfield, N.J. (K-12 School) 52.1%
· AAFES Ft. Hood Warrior Way Express Store B85001, Ft. Hood, Tex.
(Other building type) 48.5%
· Toms River Verizon Wireless, Toms River, N.J. (Retail store) 43.1%
· Shamrock Springs Elementary School, Westfield, Ind. (K-12 school)
42.1%
· Hemphill Water Treatment Plant & Pumping Station, Atlanta, Ga. (Other
building type) 40.6%
· Kmart store #4863, Gillette, Wyo. (Retail store) 40.2%
· Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Courthouse, Newark, N.J. (Courthouse)
36.8%
· Craigmont High School, Memphis, Tenn. (K-12 school) 34.6%
· San Antonio Federal Building, San Antonio, Tex. (Office) 34.4%
· Bloomfield Middle School, Bloomfield, N.J. (K-12 school) 34.3%
· North Carolina Area Health Education Center Building, Chapel Hill,
N.C. (Office) 34.3%
· Walsh & Associates, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. (Warehouse) 34.0%
· Kmart store #9348, Norridge, Ill. (Retail store) 33.4%
· Customer Care and Aftersales, Ypsilanti, Mich. (Warehouse) 31.0%
· Kmart store #7499, Mt. Vernon, Ohio (Retail store) 30.8%
Demarest Elementary School identified and addressed a number of overlooked
mechanical issues, including replacing a heat timer associated with the
control system which allowed it to run on a more energy efficient schedule.
In addition to this mechanical fix, the head custodian adjusted boiler
operations based on outside temperature and changes in weather, and
adjusted the hall lighting schedule so that lights were dimmed in the early
morning and after students were dismissed. The staff also took control of
energy management in their immediate areas by turning off and unplugging
electronic devices.
Eighty-nine buildings in the competition demonstrated energy use reductions
of 20 percent or greater. In addition to energy reductions, nearly 400
competitors also tracked and reduced their water consumption, with help
from the EPA's WaterSense program. Leading the pack was Webster Bank's Oak
St. Office in Brockton, Massachusetts, which reduced its water use by 80
percent.
The 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition measured energy
performance for the entire 2012 calendar year. Competitors tracked their
buildings' monthly energy consumption using EPA's online energy tracking
tool, Energy Star Portfolio Manager. The energy use reductions for each top
finisher were verified by an independently licensed professional engineer
or registered architect at the conclusion of the competition.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.
Thousands of businesses and organizations work with EPA's Energy Star
program and are saving billions of dollars, preventing millions of tons of
greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.
Products, homes, and buildings that earn the Energy Star label prevent
greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements
set by the U.S. EPA. In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy
Star, saved $24 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas
emissions equal to those of 41 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4
million new homes and 20,000 office buildings, schools and hospitals have
earned the Energy Star label. Learn more: www.energystar.gov
More information on the 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition,
including top overall finishers and top finishers by building category, an
interactive map of competitors, and a wrap-up report:
http://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings
Oil Spill
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi demands nearly $6 billion from BP for
2010 Gulf oil disaster
BY JIM TURNER
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Florida is seeking $5.48 billion for lost
revenue - past and future - from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/24/3361313/florida-attorney-general-pam-bondi.html
Local officials fight for control of BP money
By TOM McLAUGHLIN / Daily News
Published: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 17:33 PM.
A contingent from the eight Northwest Florida counties that stand to gain
the most when BP money starts flowing through the federal RESTORE Act
traveled to Tallahassee on Tuesday to tell state officials to keep their
hands off of the region's windfall.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/local-officials-fight-for-control-of-bp-money-documents-1.131778
Congressman Southerland fights to keep local control of 'RESTORE Act'
WTXL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Florida Congressman Steve Southerland is
speaking out after a Florida Senate budget panel moved forward with a
measure to create a nonprofit board to manage money from settlements from
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://www.wtxl.com/news/congressman-southerland-fights-to-keep-local-control-of-restore-act/article_76a820e2-ac7f-11e2-99ab-001a4bcf6878.html
Baton Rouge suing BP for $35 million in losses
WAFB
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - A civil suit from the city of Baton Rouge was
filed late Friday seeking more than $35 million in compensation for losses
caused by the April 20, 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling
rig.
http://www.wafb.com/story/22045065/baton-rouge-suing-bp-for-35-million-in-losses
State News
USM's Gulf Coast Research Lab, Marine Education Center poised for growth
Mississippi Press
By April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
April 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi - The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is growing,
with near-term plans to open an 8,300-square-foot, 4-classroom and lab
addition in May and long-term plans to erect an $18 million Marine
Education Center.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/usms_gulf_coast_research_lab_m.html#incart_river
Judge finds DMR unable to give newspaper records in state auditor's
possession
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Chancery Judge Jennifer Schloegel concluded at the end of a
hearing Tuesday she could not force the Mississippi Department of Resources
to provide the Sun Herald records the agency no longer possesses.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615586/judge-finds-dmr-unable-to-give.html
Mississippi Power says customers won't have to pay for Kemper plant's
skyrocketing cost (updated)
By The Associated Press
April 23, 2013 at 6:15 PM
GULFPORT, Mississippi — Mississippi Power Company said Tuesday that
customers won't have to pay more to cover its Kemper County plant's cost,
which has risen from $2.88 billion to about $3.42 billion.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-business/2013/04/mississippi_power_says_custome.html#incart_river
Governor signs a slew of energy bills
Clarion Ledger
Posted on April 23, 2013
Gov. Phil Bryant today signed into law numerous energy bills passed by the
Legislature this session.
They include tax breaks for energy production and consumption by
manufacturers, stricter efficiency regulations on commercial and government
buildings and incentives for government fleets to use alternative fuels.
http://blogs.clarionledger.com/politics/2013/04/23/governor-signs-a-slew-of-energy-bills/
New Jackson County nature group offers boat tour
Sun Herald
By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com
The Coastal Nature Destinations Group held its first public event Tuesday
morning, a nature tour of the Pascagoula River.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615896/new-jackson-county-nature-group.html
Electric car startup GreenTech Automotive adding sedan this year
Published April 23, 2013
FoxNews.com
Call it a 25 mph foot in the door.
Mississippi's GreenTech Automotive (GTA) has announced plans to manufacture
a battery-powered, five-passenger sedan at its Horn Lake assembly plant
later this year.
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/04/23/electric-car-startup-greentech-automotive-adding-sedan-this-year/?intcmp=features
National News
Court rejects challenge to EPA pollution rules
The Hill
By Megan R. Wilson - 04/23/13 02:35 PM ET
A court-ordered agreement between regulators and environmental groups to
issue updated regulations on the waste runoff from power plants will go
forward, a federal court said Tuesday.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/295591-court-rejects-challenge-to-epa-pollution-rules
Spokesman: Raw sewage has been pouring in river since weekend
by Associated Press
Published: April 23,2013
MISSISSIPPI RIVER — Millions of gallons of raw sewage are pouring into the
Mississippi River from a St. Louis wastewater treatment plant where two of
three pumps have failed.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/23/spokesman-raw-sewage-has-been-pouring-in-river-since-weekend/
Phila. to host EPA hearing on emissions
Andrew Maykuth, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 11:42 AM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans a
hearing Wednesday in Philadelphia on an Obama
administration proposal to clean up gasoline and
automobile emissions, one of only two public
sessions nationwide on the so-called Tier 3
standards.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20130424_EPA_hearing_in_Philly_on_gas__emission_standards.html
How much does EPA's objection to Keystone XL matter? A lot.
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Updated: April 23, 2013
How much does it matter that the Environmental Protection Agency has
officially questioned aspects of the State Department's draft environmental
review of the Keystone XL pipeline proposal?A lot.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/23/how-much-does-epas-objection-to-keystone-xl-matter-a-lot/
US appeals court upholds EPA's power to revoke permit for W.Va. mountaintop
mine
By Associated Press,
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had the legal
authority to retroactively veto a water pollution permit for one of West
Virginia's largest mountaintop removal coal mines years after it was
issued, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/us-appeals-court-upholds-epas-power-to-revoke-wva-mountaintop-mining-permit/2013/04/23/bda577ca-ac2e-11e2-9493-2ff3bf26c4b4_story.html
Supreme Court justices tread murky waters in Texas-Oklahoma dispute
By Michael Doyle — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices on Tuesday opened a floodgate of
questions about a water dispute pitting Texas against Oklahoma, with the
eventual outcome still in doubt.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615005/supreme-court-justices-tread-murky.html
Air in San Joaquin Valley cities among nation's dirtiest
By Erika Bolstad — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — California cities, including Modesto, Fresno and Merced,
continue to have some of the worst air in the United States, according to
the American Lung Association's "State of the Air 2013" report.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/23/4615128/air-in-san-joaquin-valley-cities.html
Opinion
Hood's outside counsel choices in BP case will draw some fire
Sid Salter – Clarion Ledger
The decision by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood to appoint his
predecessor Mike Moore and Ridgeland attorney Billy Quin as outside
counsels to handle the state's litigation against BP over the 2010 Gulf of
Mexico oil spill will draw some familiar political fire.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130424/OPINION/304240009/Hood-s-outside-counsel-choices-BP-case-will-draw-some-fire
Three years later, coastal communities still struggling with impacts of oil
spill: Telley Madina
Times-Picayune
By Contributing Op-Ed columnist
April 23, 2013 at 6:37 AM
Three years ago, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig kicked off the
largest offshore oil spill in history, as nearly five million barrels of
oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico over the course of several months. Most
of the oil is still there today.
http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2013/04/three_years_later_coastal_comm.html
Press Releases
MISS. SENATORS WARN OF ADMINISTRATION OVERREACH IN GREENHOUSE GAS PLAN
Cochran, Wicker Sign Letter Asking for Withdrawal of Expanded Regulatory
Scheme
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker
(R-Miss.) today cautioned the Obama administration not to act unilaterally
to expand the scope of a federal environmental review law in its effort to
regulate greenhouse gases.
The Mississippi Senators are among 33 Senators who signed a letter to the
White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that takes issue with
administration plans to finalize standards requiring agencies to address
greenhouse gases under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA),
arguing that draft guidance issued by CEQ would erroneously expand the
scope of NEPA. It argues that the nation's economic recovery would be hurt
if the administration uses NEPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
"This administration should not be trying to get around statutory
limitations to impose greenhouse gas regulations," said Cochran, who has
cosponsored legislation to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from
using guidance documents to expand its regulatory reach without
congressional oversight (S.320).
"The latest attempt by the Obama Administration to regulate carbon dioxide
represents a gross overreach by Washington bureaucrats," said Wicker. "At a
time when more than 21.6 million Americans are struggling to find a
full-time job, it is troubling that unwarranted regulations are adding
another burden on our economy. Ending regulatory excess will help reignite
the confidence our job creators need to fuel an economic turnaround that
lasts."
The letter asks the CEQ to withdraw the draft guidance issued in February
2010 that is being used as the basis for the administration's plan to use
NEPA to address greenhouse gas emissions. The Senators point out that
judicial rulings and congressional actions show the limitations of NEPA as
a regulatory tool to tackle global climate change issues.
"Congress has rejected all efforts to legislatively regulate the climate,
and just last month during Senate budget votes twice rejected a carbon
tax," the letter to CEQ chairwoman Nancy Sutley said. "Rather than
accepting that such an effort will dramatically slow project delivery and
job creation, the Administration is attempting to use NEPA as a backdoor
method to pursue a policy preference that cannot be passed through
Congress."
The correspondence goes on to say, "Throughout his term, President Obama
has stated a desire to 'streamline the permitting process.' We note the
catch phrase has repeatedly come under scrutiny. Moving forward with this
guidance flies in the face of the President's publicly stated goal.
Additionally, it adds a cumbersome and obtuse GHG [greenhouse gas]
requirement to the permitting process for project that would not face
similar scrutiny in nations which the United States competes for
investment, such as China, India or Russia."
Senator David Vitter (R-La.), ranking Republican on the Senate Environment
and Public Works Committee, organized the letter to Sutley. In addition to
Wicker and Cochran, it was signed by Senators: John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy
Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats
(R-Ind.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo
(R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.),
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James
Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Ron
Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell
(R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul
(R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.),
Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.).
A copy of the letter is provided below.
###
Permalink:
http://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/4/miss-senators-warn-of-administration-overreach-in-greenhouse-gas-plan
EPA Announces Winner of the Energy Star National Building Competition
WASHINGTON – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the
winner of its third-annual Energy Star National Building Competition. More
than 3,000 schools, businesses, and government buildings across the country
competed to see which could reduce its energy use the most in one year—and
a New Jersey elementary school emerged victorious.
Today's announcement reflects President Obama's continued commitment to
increasing energy efficiency under his administration, setting a goal in
his State of the Union address to cut in half the energy wasted by our
homes and businesses over the next 20 years.
Together, competitors of this year's National Building Competition cut
their energy costs by more than $50 million, saved more than three billion
kBtus of energy, and reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to the
amount of electricity used by more than 43,000 homes.
"The impressive results of the National Building Competition help show that
any building can take simple steps to improve the energy efficiency of the
buildings where we all work, play, and learn," said EPA Acting
Administrator Bob Perciasepe, "All of the participants in the Energy Star
National Building Competition are finding more and more ways to cut energy
use, saving thousands of dollars and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Demarest Elementary School in Bloomfield, New Jersey won the EPA's 2012
Energy Star Battle of the Buildings competition by demonstrating a 52
percent energy use reduction, the largest in the competition. The school
identified and addressed a number of mechanical issues and energy
management measures that added up to significant energy and cost-saving
reductions.
In its third year, the Energy Star National Building Competition featured
teams from across the country to improve energy efficiency, lower utility
costs, and protect public health and the environment.
The top overall finishers and their percent-based reductions in energy use
include:
· Demarest Elementary School, Bloomfield, N.J. (K-12 School) 52.1%
· AAFES Ft. Hood Warrior Way Express Store B85001, Ft. Hood, Tex.
(Other building type) 48.5%
· Toms River Verizon Wireless, Toms River, N.J. (Retail store) 43.1%
· Shamrock Springs Elementary School, Westfield, Ind. (K-12 school)
42.1%
· Hemphill Water Treatment Plant & Pumping Station, Atlanta, Ga. (Other
building type) 40.6%
· Kmart store #4863, Gillette, Wyo. (Retail store) 40.2%
· Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Courthouse, Newark, N.J. (Courthouse)
36.8%
· Craigmont High School, Memphis, Tenn. (K-12 school) 34.6%
· San Antonio Federal Building, San Antonio, Tex. (Office) 34.4%
· Bloomfield Middle School, Bloomfield, N.J. (K-12 school) 34.3%
· North Carolina Area Health Education Center Building, Chapel Hill,
N.C. (Office) 34.3%
· Walsh & Associates, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. (Warehouse) 34.0%
· Kmart store #9348, Norridge, Ill. (Retail store) 33.4%
· Customer Care and Aftersales, Ypsilanti, Mich. (Warehouse) 31.0%
· Kmart store #7499, Mt. Vernon, Ohio (Retail store) 30.8%
Demarest Elementary School identified and addressed a number of overlooked
mechanical issues, including replacing a heat timer associated with the
control system which allowed it to run on a more energy efficient schedule.
In addition to this mechanical fix, the head custodian adjusted boiler
operations based on outside temperature and changes in weather, and
adjusted the hall lighting schedule so that lights were dimmed in the early
morning and after students were dismissed. The staff also took control of
energy management in their immediate areas by turning off and unplugging
electronic devices.
Eighty-nine buildings in the competition demonstrated energy use reductions
of 20 percent or greater. In addition to energy reductions, nearly 400
competitors also tracked and reduced their water consumption, with help
from the EPA's WaterSense program. Leading the pack was Webster Bank's Oak
St. Office in Brockton, Massachusetts, which reduced its water use by 80
percent.
The 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition measured energy
performance for the entire 2012 calendar year. Competitors tracked their
buildings' monthly energy consumption using EPA's online energy tracking
tool, Energy Star Portfolio Manager. The energy use reductions for each top
finisher were verified by an independently licensed professional engineer
or registered architect at the conclusion of the competition.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.
Thousands of businesses and organizations work with EPA's Energy Star
program and are saving billions of dollars, preventing millions of tons of
greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.
Products, homes, and buildings that earn the Energy Star label prevent
greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements
set by the U.S. EPA. In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy
Star, saved $24 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas
emissions equal to those of 41 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4
million new homes and 20,000 office buildings, schools and hospitals have
earned the Energy Star label. Learn more: www.energystar.gov
More information on the 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition,
including top overall finishers and top finishers by building category, an
interactive map of competitors, and a wrap-up report:
http://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
News Clippings 4.23.13
4.23.2013
Oil Spill
Haliburton seeking settlement over Deepwater Horizon oil spill
By The Associated Press
April 22, 2013 at 11:07 AM
NEW ORLEANS — BP's cement contractor on the drilling rig that exploded in
the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 says it is trying to negotiate a settlement over
its role in the disaster.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/04/haliburton_seeking_settlement.html#incart_river
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation adds Gulf Coast leaders
Press Register
By George Talbot | gtalbot@al.com
April 23, 2013 at 7:20 AM
WASHINGTON - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, charged with
distributing billions of dollars in penalties from the BP oil spill to
environmental projects along the Gulf Coast, is adding some Southern
members to its leadership team.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/04/national_fish_and_wildlife_fou.html#incart_river
BP oil spill settlement claims can be paid while BP appeals judge's
decision
The Associated Press By The Associated Press
April 22, 2013 at 10:37 PM
A court-appointed claims administrator can continue making payments to
businesses affected by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico while BP
appeals a judge's decision in a dispute over the payouts.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/04/bp_oil_spill_settlement_claims.html
Officials: Control of BP funds at stake
By TOM McLAUGHLIN / NWF Daily News
Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 17:03 PM.
Government officials in Northwest Florida raised a ruckus Monday about an
amendment to a state Senate bill they viewed as an effort to steal away
their control of millions in RESTORE Act funds.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/officials-control-of-bp-funds-at-stake-documents-1.130605
Spill fines may be allocated by year's end
Houma Today
By Nikki Buskey
Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 7:43 p.m.
Criminal fines from the BP oil spill could be paying for restoration work
in Louisiana by the end of the year, according to an official with the
environmental trust fund charged with distributing the money.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130422/ARTICLES/130429893/1211/news01?Title=Spill-fines-may-be-allocated-by-year-8217-s-end
State News
Toyota Celebrates Earth Day By Going Green
WCBI
BLUE SPRINGS, Miss.(WCBI)-The local Toyota plant brought many jobs with it,
and that's been great for our economy. Now, company leaders are thinking
globally by acting locally.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-toyota-celebrates-earth-day-by-going-green
Toyota celebrates Earth Day
WTVA
BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Toyota kicked off Earth Day by flipping the
on switch on the fourth largest solar array in the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Toyota-celebrates-Earth-Day/mfw5GDC0lEGVvZRry-JyBA.cspx
Toyota Mississippi flips switch on solar project
by Dennis Seid
NEMS Daily Journal
04.22.13 - 04:25 pm
It's 358 feet long, made up of 198 panels and generates enough electricity
to power seven homes.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/22324957/article-BIZ-BUZZ--Toyota-Mississippi-flips-switch-on-solar-project?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
East Jackson County water treatment plant project clears major
environmental hurdle
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
April 22, 2013 at 12:09 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- A multimillion-dollar project that will treat
Pascagoula River water for consumption by east Jackson County residents has
cleared a major hurdle, county Supervisor John McKay said today.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/east_jackson_county_water_trea.html#incart_river
Harrison supervisors agree with 12 Miles South
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Harrison County supervisors approved a resolution Monday that
reiterates their opposition to oil and gas drilling in the Mississippi
Sound and within 12 miles south of the barrier islands.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/22/4612425/harrison-supervisors-agree-with.html
City searches for owner of Frontage Road eyesore
WLBT
Most municipalities want the first impression to be the best. That's not
what motorists get when they enter Jackson on Interstate-55 northbound as
it splits off to Interstate 20 East.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22048167/taking-back-our-neighborhoods-frontage-road-eyesore
Danny Guice latest to exit DMR
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- Another top official at the Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources has announced he's leaving.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/22/4612424/danny-guice-latest-to-exit-dmr.html
National News
Environmental economist studies a shrinking Louisiana
by MBJ Staff
Published: April 22,2013
STARKVILLE — Louisiana is shrinking. According to new information from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 25-35 square miles of land
off the coast of Louisiana disappears into the water every year.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/22/environmental-economist-studies-a-shrinking-louisiana/
On Earth Day, where does Obama's environmental record stand?
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Updated: April 22, 2013
What better day than Earth Day — the 43rd incarnation — than to ask where
President Obama's environmental record stands at this point in his
presidency, and what are the most important decisions that lie ahead of him
during his second term.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/22/on-earth-day-where-does-obamas-environmental-record-stand/
EPA again raises questions about Keystone XL pipeline from Canada
By Associated Press, Published: April 22
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency again is raising
objections to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would carry oil from
western Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/eap-again-raises-questions-about-keystone-xl-pipeline-from-canada/2013/04/22/8bacd538-abc5-11e2-9493-2ff3bf26c4b4_story.html
No 'backdoor' climate rules, GOP warns
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/22/13 01:23 PM ET
Thirty-two Republican senators on Monday warned President Obama that he
does not have the authority to require that federal agencies consider the
impact of their actions on climate change.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295303-gop-senators-to-white-house-avoid-backdoor-method-on-climate
How Americans see global warming — in 8 charts
Washington Post
By Scott Clement, Updated: April 22, 2013
Earth Day organizers have dedicated the celebration's 43rd anniversary to
highlighting the impact of climate change. Even though President Obama made
mention of the issue in his second inaugural address and his 2013 State of
the Union speech, climate change has a long way to go to be a
top-of-the-mind issue in the U.S. even as most Americans broadly
acknowledge the existence of global warming and support laws aimed at
reducing greenhouse gases.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/22/how-americans-see-global-warming-in-8-charts/
U.S. States Turn Against Renewable Energy as Gas Plunges
Bloomberg
By Christopher Martin - Apr 23, 2013
More than half the U.S. states with laws requiring utilities to buy
renewable energy are considering ways to pare back those mandates after a
plunge in natural gas prices brought on by technology that boosted supply.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-23/u-s-states-turn-against-renewable-energy-as-gas-plunges.html
Interior chief Jewell: 'One size doesn't fit all' on fracking
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/22/13 02:11 PM ET
Newly minted Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell gave a nod Monday
to oil-and-gas industry concerns about pending federal rules on hydraulic
fracturing, or fracking.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295317-interior-chief-jewell-one-size-doesnt-fit-all-on-fracking
Opinion
Texas explosion shows need to eliminate risk of disaster
Bloomberg
Even though it isn't yet known what caused the deadly explosion last week
at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, the facility was clearly too
dangerous to be located a few blocks from a middle school, a nursing home
and a 50-unit apartment building. The blast killed 14 people, injured some
200 and damaged or flattened dozens of homes.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130423/OPINION01/304230018/Texas-explosion-shows-need-eliminate-risk-disaster
Oil Spill
Haliburton seeking settlement over Deepwater Horizon oil spill
By The Associated Press
April 22, 2013 at 11:07 AM
NEW ORLEANS — BP's cement contractor on the drilling rig that exploded in
the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 says it is trying to negotiate a settlement over
its role in the disaster.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/04/haliburton_seeking_settlement.html#incart_river
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation adds Gulf Coast leaders
Press Register
By George Talbot | gtalbot@al.com
April 23, 2013 at 7:20 AM
WASHINGTON - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, charged with
distributing billions of dollars in penalties from the BP oil spill to
environmental projects along the Gulf Coast, is adding some Southern
members to its leadership team.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/04/national_fish_and_wildlife_fou.html#incart_river
BP oil spill settlement claims can be paid while BP appeals judge's
decision
The Associated Press By The Associated Press
April 22, 2013 at 10:37 PM
A court-appointed claims administrator can continue making payments to
businesses affected by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico while BP
appeals a judge's decision in a dispute over the payouts.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/04/bp_oil_spill_settlement_claims.html
Officials: Control of BP funds at stake
By TOM McLAUGHLIN / NWF Daily News
Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 17:03 PM.
Government officials in Northwest Florida raised a ruckus Monday about an
amendment to a state Senate bill they viewed as an effort to steal away
their control of millions in RESTORE Act funds.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/officials-control-of-bp-funds-at-stake-documents-1.130605
Spill fines may be allocated by year's end
Houma Today
By Nikki Buskey
Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 7:43 p.m.
Criminal fines from the BP oil spill could be paying for restoration work
in Louisiana by the end of the year, according to an official with the
environmental trust fund charged with distributing the money.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130422/ARTICLES/130429893/1211/news01?Title=Spill-fines-may-be-allocated-by-year-8217-s-end
State News
Toyota Celebrates Earth Day By Going Green
WCBI
BLUE SPRINGS, Miss.(WCBI)-The local Toyota plant brought many jobs with it,
and that's been great for our economy. Now, company leaders are thinking
globally by acting locally.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-toyota-celebrates-earth-day-by-going-green
Toyota celebrates Earth Day
WTVA
BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (WTVA) -- Toyota kicked off Earth Day by flipping the
on switch on the fourth largest solar array in the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Toyota-celebrates-Earth-Day/mfw5GDC0lEGVvZRry-JyBA.cspx
Toyota Mississippi flips switch on solar project
by Dennis Seid
NEMS Daily Journal
04.22.13 - 04:25 pm
It's 358 feet long, made up of 198 panels and generates enough electricity
to power seven homes.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/22324957/article-BIZ-BUZZ--Toyota-Mississippi-flips-switch-on-solar-project?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
East Jackson County water treatment plant project clears major
environmental hurdle
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
April 22, 2013 at 12:09 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- A multimillion-dollar project that will treat
Pascagoula River water for consumption by east Jackson County residents has
cleared a major hurdle, county Supervisor John McKay said today.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/04/east_jackson_county_water_trea.html#incart_river
Harrison supervisors agree with 12 Miles South
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Harrison County supervisors approved a resolution Monday that
reiterates their opposition to oil and gas drilling in the Mississippi
Sound and within 12 miles south of the barrier islands.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/22/4612425/harrison-supervisors-agree-with.html
City searches for owner of Frontage Road eyesore
WLBT
Most municipalities want the first impression to be the best. That's not
what motorists get when they enter Jackson on Interstate-55 northbound as
it splits off to Interstate 20 East.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22048167/taking-back-our-neighborhoods-frontage-road-eyesore
Danny Guice latest to exit DMR
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- Another top official at the Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources has announced he's leaving.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/04/22/4612424/danny-guice-latest-to-exit-dmr.html
National News
Environmental economist studies a shrinking Louisiana
by MBJ Staff
Published: April 22,2013
STARKVILLE — Louisiana is shrinking. According to new information from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 25-35 square miles of land
off the coast of Louisiana disappears into the water every year.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/04/22/environmental-economist-studies-a-shrinking-louisiana/
On Earth Day, where does Obama's environmental record stand?
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Updated: April 22, 2013
What better day than Earth Day — the 43rd incarnation — than to ask where
President Obama's environmental record stands at this point in his
presidency, and what are the most important decisions that lie ahead of him
during his second term.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/22/on-earth-day-where-does-obamas-environmental-record-stand/
EPA again raises questions about Keystone XL pipeline from Canada
By Associated Press, Published: April 22
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency again is raising
objections to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would carry oil from
western Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/eap-again-raises-questions-about-keystone-xl-pipeline-from-canada/2013/04/22/8bacd538-abc5-11e2-9493-2ff3bf26c4b4_story.html
No 'backdoor' climate rules, GOP warns
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/22/13 01:23 PM ET
Thirty-two Republican senators on Monday warned President Obama that he
does not have the authority to require that federal agencies consider the
impact of their actions on climate change.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295303-gop-senators-to-white-house-avoid-backdoor-method-on-climate
How Americans see global warming — in 8 charts
Washington Post
By Scott Clement, Updated: April 22, 2013
Earth Day organizers have dedicated the celebration's 43rd anniversary to
highlighting the impact of climate change. Even though President Obama made
mention of the issue in his second inaugural address and his 2013 State of
the Union speech, climate change has a long way to go to be a
top-of-the-mind issue in the U.S. even as most Americans broadly
acknowledge the existence of global warming and support laws aimed at
reducing greenhouse gases.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/22/how-americans-see-global-warming-in-8-charts/
U.S. States Turn Against Renewable Energy as Gas Plunges
Bloomberg
By Christopher Martin - Apr 23, 2013
More than half the U.S. states with laws requiring utilities to buy
renewable energy are considering ways to pare back those mandates after a
plunge in natural gas prices brought on by technology that boosted supply.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-23/u-s-states-turn-against-renewable-energy-as-gas-plunges.html
Interior chief Jewell: 'One size doesn't fit all' on fracking
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 04/22/13 02:11 PM ET
Newly minted Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell gave a nod Monday
to oil-and-gas industry concerns about pending federal rules on hydraulic
fracturing, or fracking.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/295317-interior-chief-jewell-one-size-doesnt-fit-all-on-fracking
Opinion
Texas explosion shows need to eliminate risk of disaster
Bloomberg
Even though it isn't yet known what caused the deadly explosion last week
at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, the facility was clearly too
dangerous to be located a few blocks from a middle school, a nursing home
and a 50-unit apartment building. The blast killed 14 people, injured some
200 and damaged or flattened dozens of homes.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130423/OPINION01/304230018/Texas-explosion-shows-need-eliminate-risk-disaster
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