News Clippings 6.28.13

6.28.13



Oil Spill





Determining how much oil spilled from BP's Gulf well 'not an easy task,'

judge says

Richard Thompson

The Times-Picayune

June 27, 2013 at 8:28 PM



Determining how much oil was released from BP's runaway Macondo well during

the 86 days crude flowed into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 will be a

challenge, the federal judge overseeing the sprawling civil trial said

during a status conference Thursday.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/06/determining_how_much_oil_spill.html





Unsealed BP report could slash Gulf oil spill penalties by billions
Houston Chronicle




A London petroleum engineering professor hired by BP claims the U.S.
government overestimated by 50 percent the amount of oil that spewed from
the company's undersea Gulf of Mexico well in 2010. The finding could cut
the maximum Clean Water Act penalties BP faces by up to $7 billion.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/06/27/bp-experts-report-could-cut-gulf-oil-spill-penalties-by-up-to-7b/





How BP Got Screwed on Gulf Oil Spill Claims
Bloomberg


Until this year, Tampa attorney Kevin McLean specialized in suing nursing

homes for neglecting patients. In January he switched the focus of his

practice to a fund BP (BP)established to compensate business losses from

the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-27/how-bp-got-screwed-on-gulf-oil-spill-claims#p2







State News





Officials try and contain an oil spill near the Wayne-Clarke county line

WDAM


Dozens of emergency crews are on the scene of a significant oil spill near
the Wayne-Clarke county line.

http://www.wdam.com/story/22707724/significant-oil-spill-near-the-wayne-clark-county-line





Mississippi's beaches ranked 19th of 30 in US in water quality
Sun Herald
By TAMMY LEYTHAMand KAREN NELSON — SUN HERALD


Alabama beaches in Gulf Shores and at the Gulf State Park Pavilion have

been ranked top in the country by the Natural Resources Defense Council's

annual report "Testing the Waters."





Mississippi beaches ranked 19th in water quality, out of 30 states

reporting.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/27/4764963/mississippis-beaches-ranked-19th.html







Gulf Dead Zone Worries Fishing Industry Experts



MPB


BY EVELINA BURNETT | PUBLISHED 27 JUN 2013 10:16AM-



Scientists are predicting that this summer's dead zone in the northern Gulf
of Mexico will measure 8500 square miles – the size of New Jersey.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/gulf_dead_zone_worries_fishing_industry_experts




DMR relies on oyster shells, coconut logs to stop Deer Island erosion

WLOX




A unique project that uses natural materials to the save the shores of Deer
Island is already making a difference. In February, the Department of
Marine Resources made mesh bags from chicken wire and filled them with
oyster shells. Those manmade bags are in place and ready to help protect
Deer Island from erosion.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22707699/dmr-relies-on-oyster-shells-coconut-logs-to-save-shores-of-deer-island






US Geological Survey to shut down streamgauges


By Alexandra Hedrick,
The Picayune Item


PICAYUNE — The United States Geological Survey has shut down 375
streamgauges nationwide, including the streamgauge on the Jourdan River at
Kiln in Hancock County. The closing of the gauges is due to sequestration
that went into effect in April.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1320120329/US-Geological-Survey-to-shut-down-streamgauges




Wood pellet manufacturer to invest $115 million in George County

WLOX




Green Circle Bio Energy will invest $115 million in George County.
Representatives with Green Circle Bio Energy just announced the company is
locating an energy wood pellet manufacturing facility in the George County
Industrial Park.




http://www.wlox.com/story/22704803/new-industry-jobs-coming-to-george-county








Furloughs at Vicksburg U.S. Army ERDC expected in weeks
AP


VICKSBURG, MISS. — About 1,050 employees at the U.S. Army Engineer Research

and Development Center in Vicksburg and three other locations expect to be

furloughed one day a week beginning July 8 through Sept. 30.

http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130628/NEWS/130628001/Furloughs-Vicksburg-U-S-Army-ERDC-expected-weeks-







National News







River mayors press on despite Farm Bill failure in House


by Associated Press
Published: June 27,2013

MISSISSIPPI RIVER — Leaders of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns
Initiative (MRCTI), a mayoral-led effort to create a coordinated voice for
the Mississippi River, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi
Valley Division, have signed a memorandum of common purpose (MOCP) in
support of meeting today's challenges facing the Mississippi River as well
as the collaborative actions needed to address them.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/06/27/river-mayors-press-on-despite-farm-bill-failure-in-house/





Fracking critics unhappy with Obama climate speech
AP


PITTSBURGH — President Barack Obama's speech this week on climate change

forcefully rejected some key arguments made by opponents of natural gas

fracking, upsetting some environmental groups that otherwise back his

climate goals.

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP713e9458d59e45fb82d86ce52df7556d.html?mod=googlenews_wsj







Energy Secretary Optimistic on Obama's Plan to Reduce Emissions
NY Times
By MATTHEW L. WALD



WASHINGTON — The short-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that

President Obama outlined this week is achievable with some new programs and

better management of existing ones, the new energy secretary, Ernest J.

Moniz, said in an interview on Thursday. But he said reaching a longer-term

goal would require bigger reductions as well as action from Congress.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/us/politics/energy-secretary-optimistic-on-obamas-plan-to-reduce-emissions.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print







Industry to EPA: Pull back "reckless" gas sulfur regs
The Hill
By Ben Goad - 06/27/13 01:28 PM ET

The American Petroleum Institute (API) on Thursday called upon the
Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw draft regulations that would
require lower sulfur content in gasoline.

http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/308231-industry-to-epa-pull-back-reckless-gas-sulfur-regs-



Opinion





SUN HERALD | Editorial: What was 'inaccurate' about DMR reports?


Late Wednesday, media outlets along the Coast received the following

statement attached to an email from the law firm of Baker, Donelson,

Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz in Jackson:

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/27/4764742/sun-herald-editorial-what-was.html





BP America President JOHN C. MING: BP oil spill settlement should be
limited to legitimate claimants
By JOHN C. MINGE — A Sun Herald Forum


For the past three years, BP has worked with the people of the Gulf to help

restore the region's environment and economy. It's been a big job, and

we've tried to do the right thing and honor our commitments.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/27/4764267/bp-america-president-john-c-ming.html




Press Releases





Green Circle Bio Energy Locating Wood Pellet Manufacturing Operations
in George County, Miss.

GEORGE COUNTY, Miss.—Officials from Green Circle Bio Energy have announced
the company is locating an energy wood pellet manufacturing facility in the
George County Industrial Park. The project represents a company investment
of $115 million and will create 126 jobs with the potential of up to 141.
The majority of the project's jobs will be at the George County facility
with the remainder being at the Port of Pascagoula. Additional temporary
jobs will also be created during plant construction.

The facility is expected to be operational by spring 2015 and will produce
wood pellets for shipment from the Port of Pascagoula to European markets
to be sold to electric generating facilities as a renewable alternative to
coal. Initially, the plant will have the capacity to produce 500,000 tons
of wood pellets per year.

"Green Circle's decision to locate these operations in George County is
great news for the entire state, and I am proud to welcome the company as
the newest member of Mississippi's business community," Gov. Phil Bryant
said. "I appreciate the Green Circle team for placing their confidence in
our supportive business climate, investing in our state and creating these
job opportunities for the residents of south Mississippi. I wish the
company many years of success in Lucedale."

"We are looking forward to being a part of George County and its future
economic growth. The Industrial Park is the ideal location for our
expansion. It's inside a large wood basket area, and it's close to the Port
of Pascagoula, which will export the wood pellets," said Morten Neraas, CEO
of Green Circle Bio Energy. "Our relationships with the Board of
Supervisors and the Port of Pascagoula led us to George County."

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the
project for infrastructure needs at the project site. George County
provided assistance for the project, as well.

"Mississippi has an abundance of natural resources that attract companies
such as Green Circle Bio Energy to the state, and MDA is proud to welcome
this great company to George County," said MDA Executive Director Brent
Christensen. "We are grateful to the George County Board of Supervisors,
the City of Lucedale, the Southern Planning and Development District and
our utility partners who worked so diligently to bring Green Circle to
Mississippi."

Headquartered in Cottondale, Fla., Green Circle Bio Energy produces
biomass-based renewable energy. The company operates in an international
market for carbon neutral energy. The company's wood pellets are grown in
sustainable forests in the Southeastern U.S. To learn more, please visit
www.greencirclebio.com.

###

News Clippings 6.27.13

6.27.2013



Oil Spill





BP warns some Gulf oil spill claimants may have to give money back
Houston Chronicle


BP is warning some businesses that received compensation from its
multibillion-dollar Gulf oil spill settlement that they may have to give
the money back if the company wins its appeal of the claims administrator's
payments to people the company alleges weren't harmed by the disaster.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/06/26/bp-warns-some-gulf-oil-spill-claimants-they-may-have-to-give-money-back/





State News





Air tests show South Mississippi meets standards
Sun Herald
EPA data shows pollutant levels have been diminishing


By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com


Mississippi's three Coast counties meet all the air-quality requirements

outlined by federal law, according to a report from the state Department of

Environmental Quality.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/26/4762055/air-tests-show-south-mississippi.html







Attorneys for former MDMR director Bill Walker issue statement

Mississippi Press

Warren Kulo

June 26, 2013 at 8:14 PM

(Embedded image moved to file: pic07129.jpg)


OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Attorneys representing former Mississippi

Department of Marine Resources Executive Director Bill Walker issued an

unsolicited statement to members of the media Wednesday afternoon.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/attorneys_for_former_mdmr_dire.html#incart_river





Judge allows conservation groups into South Mississippi gopher frog lawsuit
Sun Herald

By TAMMY LEYTHAM — tleytham@sunherald.com


Two environmental groups have the right to participate in a court case to

defend the habitat protections of dusty gopher frogs, a federal district

court in New Orleans ruled Tuesday.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/26/4761980/judge-allows-conservation-groups.html






Please, recycle

Itawamba County Times



by Adam Armour | 7:04 am | June 26, 2013



The environment must really love Doug Comer.

For more than two decades, this Dorsey entrepreneur has owned and operated

Douglas Recycling (or, as it was known when it first opened, Comer

Recycling), a relatively small operation that nevertheless manages to move

hundreds of thousands of pounds of paper and plastic each year.

http://itawambatimes.com/2013/06/26/please-recycle/




National News





What New Climate Push Means for U.S. Utilities
Wall Street Journal


By REBECCA SMITH

The Obama administration's climate-action plan will create winners and

losers in the electricity industry, boosting the prospects for nuclear

power, natural gas and renewable energy while dimming the future of many

coal-fired power plants.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323689204578569993098168404.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







Big Coal to Fight Obama Plan

Mining Firms Fear Impact of President's Proposals to Combat Global Warming

Wall Street Journal


The beleaguered domestic coal industry, bracing for the possibility that

no more coal-burning power plants will ever be built on U.S. soil, is

teaming up with other business groups to blunt the impact of President

Obama's climate-change agenda, while also shifting its business focus to

exports.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323689204578569940685984374.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







Republican leaders steer clear of climate science fight
The Hill


By Ben Geman - 06/26/13 02:41 PM ET


GOP leadership is showing little interest in new fights with President
Obama over the science of global warming.

They're battering Obama's wide-ranging new climate plan with arguments it
will cost jobs and hurt the economy.

http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/307973-republican-leaders-steer-clear-of-climate-science-fight-




Carbon Storage Could Open Door to Cleaner Energy Projects

Survey Says U.S. Has Underground Capacity to Store 500 Years of CO2
Emissions; High Cost a Question

Wall Street Journal


By KEITH JOHNSON

WASHINGTON—The U.S. has underground capacity sufficient to store 500 years

of energy-sector carbon-dioxide emissions, the U.S. Geological Survey

found in a study released Wednesday.



http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323419604578569591677328864.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5





EPA Says Refiners May Exceed Ethanol Blend Limits in 2014
Bloomberg


By Mark Drajem on June 26, 2013


Refiners may be forced to exceed 10 percent ethanol in their fuels next

year in order to meet congressionally mandated renewable-fuel standards,

according the Environmental Protection Agency.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-06-26/epa-says-refiners-may-exceed-ethanol-blend-limits-in-2014







Opinion





The Carbonated President

Obama unveils a war on fossil fuels he never disclosed as a candidate.

Wall Street Journal


President Obama's climate speech on Tuesday was grandiose even for him,

but its surreal nature was its particular hallmark. Some 12 million

Americans still can't find work, real wages have fallen for five years,

three-fourths of Americans now live paycheck to check, and the economy

continues to plod along four years into a quasi-recovery. But there was

the President in tony Georgetown, threatening more energy taxes and

mandates that will ensure fewer jobs, still lower incomes and slower

growth.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323683504578567533647032380?mg=reno64-wsj.html?dsk=y

News Clippings 6/26/13

6.26.13



Oil Spill





BP mounts ad campaign in spill settlement dispute

AP




BP was placing a full-page advertisement in 3 of the nation's largest
newspapers on Wednesday as the company mounts an aggressive campaign to
challenge what could be billions of dollars in settlement payouts to
businesses following its 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22687569/bp-mounts-ad-campaign-in-spill-settlement-dispute




Massive tar mat dug up off Louisiana, 3 years after Gulf spill


CNN


Three years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, workers have dug up a
massive chunk of weathered crude from the shallows off a Louisiana beach.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/25/studentnews/louisiana-oil-spill/index.html







Map to highlight La. attractions

Houma Courier


By Xerxes Wilson
Published: Monday, June 24, 2013 at 11:23 a.m.



National Geographic is teaming up with states affected by 2010 Deepwater

Horizon Oil Spill to highlight the state's natural attractions.

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130624/ARTICLES/130629783/1211/NEWS01?Title=Map-to-highlight-La-attractions






State News





MDEQ awards Solid Waste Assistance grant to Harrison County for hazardous

household waste collection

Mississippi Press



JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

(MDEQ) has awarded Harrison County a solid waste assistance grant of

$25,460 that will be used by the county to continue the household hazardous

waste collection program.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/mdeq_awards_solid_waste_assist.html#incart_river





Latest theft target: Sewage pump grinder stations

WLOX




Thieves are known for stealing just about anything. You can now add
stainless steel bolts to the list. While that may seem relatively harmless,
there is potential danger arising from those thefts.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22683856/thieves-will-steal-just-about-anything





Gautier council accepts bid for septic system
Sun Herald
By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com


GAUTIER -- New City Council members began their orientation Tuesday at City

Hall to prepare for the July 1 administration change.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/25/4759086/gautier-council-accepts-bid-for.html







National News





Record-size 'dead zone' predicted for Gulf of Mexico

Press-Register

George Talbot

June 25, 2013 at 2:42 PM



MOBILE, Ala. - A record-size 'dead zone' – as big as the state of New

Jersey - will take shape this summer in the Gulf of Mexico, according to

experts.

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/record-size_dead_zone_predicte.html#incart_river






Obama orders new rules on coal-fired plants, sets condition for Keystone
pipeline
Published June 25, 2013
FoxNews.com

President Obama pressed ahead Tuesday with his climate change agenda,
calling for new regulations on coal-fired power plants and setting a new
condition for the approval of the controversial Keystone pipeline.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/06/25/obama-to-unveil-new-climate-regulations-as-adviser-pushes-war-on-coal/?test=latestnews


President Details Sweeping Climate Policies
Wall Street Journal
A far-reaching plan to fight climate change detailed by President Barack

Obama on Tuesday would profoundly reshape the way the U.S. produces and

consumes electricity, though the resistance it is sure to encounter

promises to sow uncertainty for an industry already buffeted by shifting

rules and economics.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323683504578566264197407052.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6






Clean Air Act, Reinterpreted, Would Focus on Flexibility and State-Level
Efforts
NY Times
By JUSTIN GILLIS



With no chance of Congressional support, President Obama is staking part of

his legacy on a big risk: that he can substantially reduce greenhouse gas

emissions by stretching the intent of a law decades old and not written

with climate change in mind.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/science/earth/clean-air-act-reinterpreted-would-focus-on-flexibility-and-state-level-efforts.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print




President Obama's climate speech: 10 takeaways
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia
June 25, 2013 04:27 PM EDT


President Barack Obama outlined a wide-ranging climate plan Tuesday that's
centered on greenhouse gas regulations for power plants — while making a
surprise mention of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and defending his
increasingly embattled nominee for EPA administrator.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/obama-climate-speech-10-takeaways-93362.html?hp=r5




Senate confirms Pritzker for Commerce

Washington Post
By Al Kamen
The Senate voted 97 to 1 Tuesday to confirm Chicago billionaire
businesswoman and Obama 2008 campaign finance chair Penny Pritzker to be
secretary of commerce.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop





Opinion





DMR Scandal an Example of What Can Go Wrong with RESTORE Funds


Glen Davis Outdoors Blog – Clarion Ledger


Posted on June 25, 2013


I blundered into the Dept. of Marine Resources scandal while doing research

on coastal restoration efforts.



http://blogs.clarionledger.com/gdavis/2013/06/dmr-scandal-an-example-of-what-can-go-wrong-with-restore-funds/

News Clippings 6.25.13

6.25.13



State News





Waterfest offers extra fun Saturday
Madison County Herald


Tucked into the Independence Day celebration Saturday at the Ross Barnett

Reservoir is Waterfest.

http://www.mcherald.com/article/20130625/NEWS/306250003/Waterfest-offers-extra-fun-Saturday







Bryant, 6 other governors want EPA emissions proposal axed
Clarion Ledger


WASHINGTON — Seven governors are asking President Barack Obama to block a

proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule that would effectively

shutter coal-fired power plants and prevent construction of new ones.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130625/NEWS01/306250028/Bryant-6-other-governors-want-EPA-emissions-proposal-axed






Biloxi harbor loses out on DMR boat slip fees

WLOX




If you're in the market for a large recreational fishing boat, the
Department of Marine Resources may have just the deal for you. Two DMR
boats are now up for sale.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22672970/biloxi-harbor-loses-out-on-dmr-boat-slip-fees





Mississippi DMR selling boats it received from ex-director's foundation
By SUN HERALD


The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is selling two recreational

fishing boats that are part of an ongoing investigation.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/24/4755472/mississippi-dmr-selling-boats.html







National News






Obama climate strategy represents piecemeal approach



Washington Post


By Juliet Eilperin,

President Obama will invoke his executive authority Tuesday by undertaking
a slew of measures aimed at curbing climate change and its impacts, from
imposing the first carbon limits on existing power plants to requiring all
federal projects to withstand rising seas and more intense storms.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-climate-strategy-represents-piecemeal-approach/2013/06/25/7bd9f20a-dd0a-11e2-bd83-e99e43c336ed_print.html




Obama to Outline Ambitious Plan to Cut Greenhouse Gases
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER



WASHINGTON — President Obama will propose a sweeping plan to address

climate change on Tuesday, setting ambitious goals and timetables for a

series of executive actions to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and prepare

the nation for the ravages of a warming planet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/politics/obama-plan-to-cut-greenhouse-gases.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print







Obama to Unveil Plan to Tackle Climate Change
Wall Street Journal


By KEITH JOHNSON


WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama will lay out a multi-pronged plan to

tackle climate change in a speech Tuesday at Georgetown University,

stressing the "moral obligation" he feels to start advancing policies that

can rein in greenhouse-gas emissions in the U.S. and overseas in the

absence of legislation from Congress.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323683504578566264197407052.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







Obama to call for carbon cuts at power plants


USA Today


President Obama will announce new rules Tuesday to restrict carbon

pollution at new and existing power plants, part of a comprehensive

plan to combat climate change that he can put in place through

executive action.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/06/25/obama-climate-change-speech-power-plan-restrictions/2453475/








Supreme Court agrees to review controversial EPA air rule

Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Updated: June 24, 2013



The Supreme Court announced Monday it would review the D.C. Circuit Court
of Appeals' decision to reverse one of the Obama administration's signature
air quality policies, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/06/24/supreme-court-agrees-to-review-controversial-epa-air-rule/?print=1





Fracking linked to well water methane


USA Today


Drinking water wells near natural gas "fracking" sites were six

times more likely to be contaminated than others, finds a new study

of New York and Pennsylvania homes.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/24/water-fracking-pennsylvania/2452023/







Supreme Court declines to hear ethanol fuel case
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 06/24/13 11:03 AM ET

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to review a case that charged federal
regulators allowed a mid-level ethanol fuel blend onto the market without
proper testing.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/307337-supreme-court-declines-to-hear-ethanol-fuel-case





Press Releases



EPA Seeks Input on New Clean Air Standards for Solid Waste Landfills
Release Date: 06/20/2013
Contact Information: Enesta Jones (News Media only), jones.enesta@epa.gov,
202-564-7873, 202-564-4355


WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting
small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to
participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business
Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency's review
of its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for municipal solid waste
landfills.


The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review new source performance standards
every eight years and revise them if necessary. EPA is under a
court-ordered deadline to complete its review and propose how to address
the results of that review by Feb. 4, 2014 and to take final action by Dec.
17, 2014.


The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business
Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.
The panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and
recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to
inform the panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule
on small entities.


EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be
subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade
associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially
regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.


Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be
received by July 5, 2013.


Nominate yourself as a SER: http://www.epa.gov/rfa/landfill.html


Municipal solid waste landfills are disposal facilities in or on land for
household waste. These landfills may receive certain other types of waste,
such as non-hazardous sludge and commercial solid waste. Emissions from
municipal solid waste landfills, known as "landfill gas," occur from
decomposition of wastes.


More information on the New Source Performance Standards:
http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/landfill/landflpg.html


###

News Clippings 6.24.13

6.24.2013



Oil Spill





BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill lawyers offer familiar storylines in post-trial

pitches to judge

Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune



June 21, 2013 at 8:55 PM



Two months after the first phase of the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill trial

ended, lawyers on both sides on Friday submitted hundreds of pages of

post-trial briefs, making their last pitch to the federal judge overseeing

the sprawling case about whether any or all of the companies involved in

the ill-fated drilling project engaged in gross negligence or willful

misconduct leading up to the deadly rig explosion.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/06/bp_gulf_of_mexico_oil_spill_la.html





Lawyer accused of misconduct resigns from BP claims case

The Associated Press

June 21, 2013 at 4:29 PM



NEW ORLEANS -- A lawyer working for the administrator overseeing a

multibillion-dollar settlement from the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf

resigned Friday after being accused of misconduct.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/lawyer_accused_of_misconduct_r.html#incart_river







Okaloosa appoints RESTORE Act committee

By KARI C. BARLOW / Daily News



Okaloosa County commissioners have selected 11 residents to serve on the

panel to help decide how RESTORE Act money will be spent locally.





http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/okaloosa-appoints-restore-act-committee-1.162776








Scientists examine oil spill's impact on oysters

Daily Comet


By Nikki Buskey
Published: Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.



More than three years since the BP oil spill, an LSU AgCenter scientist is

working to determine how oil impacted oysters, which have been struggling

to recover since 2010.

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130622/ARTICLES/130629830?Title=Scientists-examine-oil-spill-8217-s-impact-on-oysters






State News





Inspector general audit questions millions in CIAP grants at DMR
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE and PAUL HAMPTON — Sun Herald


Conflicts of interest, mismanagement and weak federal oversight have

tainted the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources' mission to preserve

coastal resources, a draft of a federal audit concludes.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/22/4752724/inspector-general-audit-questions.html





Audit questions transfer of grant funds to IMMS in Gulfport
Sun Herald
By PAUL HAMPTON — jphampton@sunherald.com


A draft of a federal audit says there is evidence the Department of Marine

Resources deliberately misled the federal agency in charge of the Coastal

Impact Assistance Program when it transferred a $7.8 million grant from the

University of Southern Mississippi to the Institute for Marine Mammal

Studies.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/22/4752728/audit-questions-transfer-of-grant.html






Draft Interior OIG Report
http://media.sunherald.com/smedia/2013/06/23/08/52/14EvZv.So.77.pdf





Thelma Collins becomes mayor of the town of Itta Bena on July 1; inherits
a $500K debt.

AP



ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Thelma Collins becomes mayor of the town of Itta
Bena on July 1. Along with the job, she inherits a $500,000 debt.


…In addition, Collins said that the city's lagoon is out of compliance with
the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's standards. If that
issue isn't addressed in the near future, the city can expect a fine.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/94c829b078fa4ddda8b7a4dc3afee326/MS--Itta-Bena-Budget




DMR is selling 2 large boats

WLOX




The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is selling two large fishing
vessels once owned by the foundation run by DMR's former director.


http://www.wlox.com/story/22665534/dmr-is-selling-2-large-boats





Jackson Co. residents encourage their neighbors to recycle

WLOX




A push is underway to get more Jackson County residents thinking more
environmentally friendly. According to Waste Pro, only four percent of what
they pick up curbside in Jackson County is being set out to be recycled.
Supervisors are hoping if they make the process easier, people will be more
willing to do it.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22662523/jackson-co-residents-encourage-their-neighbors-to-recycle





USM's new president gets first tour of Gulf Coast Research Lab

WLOX




USM President Rodney Bennett got his first look at the Gulf Coast Research
Lab's Cedar Point campus Friday, and what he saw impressed him. Dr. Bennett
said the aquaculture research at GCRL has the potential to take the marine
sciences program to international prominence.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22657276/usms-new-president-gets-first-tour-of-gulf-coast-research-lab





Pascagoula River Audubon Center helps connect kids with nature

WLOX




Instead of sitting indoors playing video games and watching television,
several kids are spending their summer outdoors learning about the
environment at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center summer camp.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22649152/pascagoula-audubon-center-connect-kids-to-nature





Jeff Davis Lake, closed for 3 years due to hazardous dam, reopens for

outdoor enthusiasts

The Associated Press



June 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM



PRENTISS, Mississippi -- Outdoors enthusiasts in Jefferson Davis County are

returning to a popular lake that was closed for three years.

Authorities had closed Jeff Davis Lake because its dam had become a hazard.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/jeff_davis_lake_closed_for_3_y.html#incart_river





Lifelong resident donates land to local city
WTVA


AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) - Thanks to one person's generosity, the city of Amory
will have land that can be used by people who like to exercise and enjoy
nature at the same time.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Lifelong-resident-donates-land-to-local-city/QN_DULfTTUGuYD5225tZWg.cspx




MDEQ lifts beach closure prompted by sewage release


by MBJ Staff
Published: June 21,2013

BILOXI — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ),
through its Beach Monitoring Program, has lifted a beach closure issued
June 17.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/06/21/mdeq-lifts-beach-closure-prompted-by-sewage-release/





National News





Obama to unveil climate plan in Tuesday speech
By JOSH LEDERMAN — Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is preparing to unveil his long-awaited

national plan to combat climate change in a major speech, he announced on

Saturday.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/22/4752036/obama-to-unveil-climate-plan-in.html



Obama's Climate Plans Face Yearslong Fight
Wall Street Journal
By KEITH JOHNSON and PETER NICHOLAS





WASHINGTON—When President Barack Obama lays out plans to tackle climate

change in a speech Tuesday, including the first effort to curb

greenhouse-gas emissions from existing power plants, he will unleash a

yearslong battle that has little assurance of being resolved during his

time in office.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323998604578563680500313330.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5





Obama climate plan may ricochet on EPA pick
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia
June 23, 2013 06:10 PM EDT

If Gina McCarthy didn't already have a target on her back, she does now.

The president's high-profile climate change speech Tuesday — which will
include a directive to the EPA to get moving on climate change regulations
— only intensifies the already-complicated politics surrounding her
confirmation to become EPA administrator.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/obama-climate-plan-epa-gina-mccarthy-93221.html?hp=r5






EPA faces lawsuit over beach pollution

June 21, 2013|By David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel



Although dozens of South Florida beaches undergo routine testing for water
pollution, the beaches that pass may not be as clean as they seem,
according to a coalition of environmental groups.
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-06-21/news/fl-beach-pollution-lawsuit-20130621_1_epa-tests-beach-pollution-water-pollution





Boost for cars or bust? Ethanol debate heats up
By MATTHEW DALY — Associated Press

WASHINGTON — It's a dilemma for drivers: Do they choose a gasoline that's

cheaper and cleaner even if, as opponents say, it could damage older cars

and motorcycles?

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/24/4754133/boost-for-cars-or-bust-ethanol.html





Official: water complaints could be 'act of terrorism'
Mt. Pleasant community says state is attempting to silence its complaints


Tennessean



A Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation deputy director

warned a group of Maury County residents that unfounded complaints about

water quality could be considered an "act of terrorism."

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130620/NEWS11/306200108




Solar Energy Spurs a Power Struggle


Wall Street Journal



By RYAN TRACY





Disputes over the use of small-scale solar power are flaring across the

nation, with utilities squaring off against solar-energy marketers over

rules for the growing technology.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324069104578527682342015380.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







Opinion





SUN HERALD | Editorial: Federal audit of DMR paints picture of conflicts of
interest, mismanagement


For months, the headlines have marched across the front pages of the Sun

Herald. "Federal auditors question DMR land buys." "$210,000 from DMR buys

Walker's son's land." "Foundation fleet: DMR pours more than $1.4 million

into recreational fishing boats." "Connections: Neighbors, relatives and

politicians land DMR jobs." "DMR charters fishing trips for lawmakers,

others."





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/22/4751057/sun-herald-editorial-federal-audit.html






DMR deserves credit for nearshore reefs program (Al Jones column)

Mississippi Press



By Al Jones

June 21, 2013 at 3:35 PM



BILOXI, Mississippi --- The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources in

Biloxi has been under the microscope recently that led to Jamie Miller

being named the new director.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-sports/2013/06/dmr_deserves_credit_for_nearsh.html

News Clippings 6/21/13

6.21.2013



Oil Spill





Public comment period for draft BP spill restoration plan is extended until

July 8

By Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

June 20, 2013 at 2:52 PM



The agency that will oversee the spending of billions of dollars in Clean

Water Act fines resulting from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill has

extended until July 8 the public comment period on its initial plan and

environmental assessment report.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/06/gulf_council_extends_comment_p.html



AP: BP oil spill trial report alleges misconduct, accusations of payments
and a suspended lawyer
The Associated Press
June 20, 2013 at 11:53 PM

NEW ORLEANS — A lawyer working for the court-appointed administrator

reviewing claims as part of a multibillion-dollar settlement over BP's Gulf

oil spill has been accused of receiving payments from a law firm

representing a claimant, allegations that were discussed in a closed-door

meeting Thursday with a federal judge overseeing the case, a BP official

with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/ap_bp_oil_spill_trial_report_a.html#incart_river





BP Calls for Independent Investigation of US Oil Spill Claims Process
Wall Street Journal


By Selina Williams and James Herron



LONDON--Oil and gas giant BP PLC (BP) Friday called for an independent

investigation of the process used to compensate people for losses arising

from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, following reports that a lawyer

working for the claims administrator had been suspended for alleged

misconduct.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130621-703116.html?mod=googlenews_wsj






State News





MDEQ announces recycling grants
Clarion Ledger


JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality announced

Thursday the availability of $1 million in grants for local governments to

create, improve or expand cooperative recycling programs.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130621/NEWS01/306210034/MDEQ-announces-recycling-grants







MDEQ announces recycling grants


The Associated Press

JACKSON, MISS. — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has $1

million in grants available for local governments to create, improve or

expand cooperative recycling programs.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/21/4749747/mdeq-announces-recycling-grants.html








Jackson County's Big Hill Acres development - environmental scandal, or
abuse of justice?
Sun Herald

By PAUL HAMPTON — jphampton@sunherald.com


It's supper time in Big Hill Acres.





Seaman Road is buzzing with folks heading home from work. A man and child

walk a dog on Ridgeland Road. Horses graze on a front lawn. Baby pigs

scamper around a pen.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/20/4749311/jackson-countys-big-hill-acres.html




Harrison County Utility Authority hires new director
SUN HERALD


The Harrison County Utility Authority has hired a new executive director.

Donald Scharr replaces Kamran Pahlavan, who was fired in February.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/20/4749272/harrison-county-utility-authority.html





Shifting sand threatens drainage along Pascagoula beach
Sun Herald

By KAREN NELSON — klnelson@sunherald.com


PASCAGOULA -- The city's $13 million man-made beach, created by the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers, has another structural problem.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/20/4749361/shifting-sand-threatens-drainage.html






Area of Biloxi beach reopens





Sun Herald





A beach in the area from Grande View Drive to Brady Drive in Biloxi

reopened Thursday, according to the state Department of Environmental

Quality.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/20/4749187/around-south-mississippi.html






National News





Oil and gas companies agree to curb seismic surveys in Gulf to spare

whales, dolphins

The Associated Press

June 20, 2013 at 7:51 PM



NEW ORLEANS -- Oil and gas companies working in the Gulf of Mexico have

agreed not to use seismic surveys for the next 2 ½ years in three areas

considered critical to whales and along the coast during the peak calving

season for bottlenose dolphins.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/oil_and_gas_companies_agree_to.html#incart_river





House's rejection of farm bill leaves few options
By MARY CLARE JALONICK — Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The House's broad rejection of a massive farm bill could

signal a shift in the way Congress views agriculture policy.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/20/4749149/house-rejects-farm-bill-62-republicans.html




EPA Drops Fracking Probe in Wyoming
Wall Street Journal


By RYAN TRACY


The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that it would drop an

investigation that had linked contaminated water to natural-gas drilling

in Wyoming, in a boost for Encana Corp. ECA.T -2.74% and other firms that

practice the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323893504578558093244210584.html







GOP lawmakers protest efforts to expand wildlife refuges
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 06/20/13 02:26 PM ET

Republicans in the House are criticizing the Obama administration's efforts
to expand federally protected lands while the debt skyrockets.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/306875-gop-lawmakers-erupt-over-attempt-to-grow-wildlife-refuges





Opinion





Keeping BP focused on spill response in Louisiana: Editorial
The Times-Picayune By The Editorial Board
June 21, 2013 at 5:33 AM

With the Coast Guard shutting down "active cleanup operations" for the BP

oil spill in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida last week, Louisiana

officials emphasized Wednesday that the work here is not done. Garret

Graves, chairman of the state's Coastal Protection and Restoration

Authority, said that BP has been pressing to wrap up the response in

Louisiana as well. The numbers presented at the authority's meeting

Wednesday argue against that.

http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2013/06/keeping_bp_focused_on_spill_re.html





WLOX Editorial: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources finances



We now have the first report back on just how poorly managed the finances
are at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. We don't think it
could be much worse. Even the new Director Jamie Miller called it an
environment that is susceptible to waste and abuse.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22649006/wlox-editorial





Press Releases




EPA Seeks Input on New Clean Air Standards for Solid Waste Landfills

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting
small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to
participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business
Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency's review
of its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for municipal solid waste
landfills.


The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review new source performance standards
every eight years and revise them if necessary. EPA is under a
court-ordered deadline to complete its review and propose how to address
the results of that review by Feb. 4, 2014 and to take final action by Dec.
17, 2014.


The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business
Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.
The panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and
recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to
inform the panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule
on small entities.


EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be
subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade
associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially
regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.


Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be
received by July 5, 2013.


Nominate yourself as a SER: http://www.epa.gov/rfa/landfill.html


Municipal solid waste landfills are disposal facilities in or on land for
household waste. These landfills may receive certain other types of waste,
such as non-hazardous sludge and commercial solid waste. Emissions from
municipal solid waste landfills, known as "landfill gas," occur from
decomposition of wastes.


More information on the New Source Performance Standards:
http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/landfill/landflpg.html

MDEQ Announces Availability of $1 Million for Cooperative Recycling Grants

(Embedded image moved to file: pic28070.jpg)

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Robbie Wilbur
June 20, 2013 601/961-5277


MDEQ Announces Availability of $1 Million for Cooperative Recycling Grants

(Jackson, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) announced Thursday the availability of $1 million in grants for
local governments to create, improve, or expand cooperative recycling
programs. Grants of up to $400,000 will be available to fund regional
recycling cooperative projects conducted by municipalities, counties,
regional or local solid waste management authorities, local government
recycling cooperatives, local government solid waste districts, or other
joint local government organizations for the collection, processing, and
marketing of recyclables.

"We applaud the forward thinking of our Legislature in authorizing this
initiative which allows grants for local governments to work together
through co-ops to create or add to recycling programs, especially in areas
of our state where recycling programs may not be accessible. It is
estimated that Mississippians spend about $70 million to dispose of
recyclables worth an estimated $200 million—we are missing an economic
opportunity and unnecessarily placing items in landfills across our state.
We expect the new co-ops to move Mississippi another step forward in
recycling efforts while also providing economic opportunities, said Trudy
Fisher, MDEQ Executive Director.

A study by the Southeast Recycling Development Council in 2010 of 11
southern states found that the more than 200 companies that use recycled
materials in their products in turn equaled 47,525 jobs and $29.5 billion
in total sales. Out of the 11 states, Mississippi ranked 11th in number of
employees and 8th in annual sales dollars. This affirms MDEQ's position of
recycling as a potential underutilized economic engine.

The deadline for applications is December 6, 2013, and more information and
grant application forms can be found at http://bit.ly/16FUAwV.

# # #


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 6.20.13

6.20.13



Oil Spill





BP, Coast Guard criticized for trying to downgrade oil spill clean-up

efforts

Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

June 19, 2013 at 11:26 PM



The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority used its monthly

meeting in Baton Rouge on Wednesday as a bully pulpit to criticize BP and

the U.S. Coast Guard for their attempts to downgrade the continued clean-up

of oiled wetlands and shoreline areas in Louisiana, in the wake of the2010

Gulf oil spill triggered by the fatal explosion on the Macondo well.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/06/coastal_authority_criticizes_b.html





Louisiana seafood board asking for more time to spend BP oil spill money
The Times-Picayune By Diana Samuels
June 19, 2013 at 4:15 PM
Louisiana's seafood board is going to ask BP for two more years to spend

the millions of dollars it received after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill

.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/louisiana_seafood_board_asking.html





Ex-BP Employees Face New Indictments Over Spill

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS June 19, 2013 (AP)
Justice Department prosecutors secured new indictments Wednesday against a

former BP engineer and a former BP executive charged separately with

obstructing probes of the company's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.



http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/bp-employees-face-indictments-spill-19439443#.UcMBs_nCZcY





State News





Sewage Problem Plagues Neighborhood


WREG


(Hernando, MS) Folks that live next to a sewage lagoon in a Hernando

subdivision say they can hardly stand the smell.

http://wreg.com/2013/06/19/sewage-problem-plagues-neighborhood/





Jackson County renews contract with Waste Pro, new emphasis being placed on

recycling

The Mississippi Press

June 19, 2013 at 11:21 AM



PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has

approved a new five-year residential waste services contract with Waste Pro

for the approximately 26,000 households in the unincorporated areas of the

county.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/jackson_county_renews_contract.html#incart_river





Sierra Club files new motion on Kemper Power Plant
SUN HERALD


The Sierra Club filed a motion Wednesday with the Mississippi Supreme Court

asking that information about the Kemper County Power Plant be added to the

public record.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/19/4746429/sierra-club-files-new-motion-on.html






Aldermen want to land debris contractor before storm hits


by Associated Press
Published: June 19,2013

MOSS POINT — The Board of Aldermen has approved a request to advertise for
debris pickup in case of a storm.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/06/19/aldermen-want-to-land-debris-contractor-before-storm-hits/





National News





Obama, EPA to focus on greenhouse gasses from coal-fired plants to reduce
global warming
By DINA CAPPIELLO and JOSH LEDERMAN — Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is planning a major push using

executive powers to tackle the pollution blamed for global warming in an

effort to make good on promises he made at the start of his second term.

"We know we have to do more - and we will do more," Obama said Wednesday in

Berlin.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/19/4746167/obama-making-plans-to-tackle-global.html




Obama Readying Emissions Limits on Power Plants
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER



WASHINGTON — President Obama is preparing regulations limiting carbon

dioxide emissions from existing power plants, senior officials said

Wednesday. The move would be the most consequential climate policy step he

could take and one likely to provoke legal challenges from Republicans and

some industries.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/science/earth/obama-preparing-big-effort-to-curb-climate-change.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print





Obama to Renew Emissions Push


Wall Street Journal



By KEITH JOHNSON





The Obama administration is set to renew its push to restrict

greenhouse-gas emissions, including delayed measures on coal-fired power

plants, at a time when price swings have spurred electric utilities to

turn back to coal as an energy source.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323836504578553973227234246.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5





Environmental, health groups sue over delayed smog rule
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 06/19/13 03:00 PM ET

A group of health and environmental organizations are filing a lawsuit to
force the Obama administration to review its standards for smog pollution.
The four groups are looking for the court to set a deadline for the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review current limits for ozone,
which were set in 2008.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/306601-green-health-groups-sue-over-delayed-smog-rule



GOP senators slam 'significant change' to 'social cost' of carbon
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 06/19/13 05:06 PM ET

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Republicans told
administration officials they're "troubled" by a recent change to the way
agencies calculate benefits from carbon regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/306645-gop-senators-slam-significant-change-to-social-cost-of-carbon




Opinion





SUN HERALD | Editorial: Commissioners who allowed DMR to become a rogue
agency should resign


Those responsible for "an environment and culture … susceptible to fraud,

waste and abuse" at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources must

take responsibility and be held accountable.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/19/4746091/sun-herald-editorial-commissioners.html

News Clippings 6.19.13

6.19.13



State News





Miss. Dept. of Marine Resources 'susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse,'
new director says
'Susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse,' director says
AP


BILOXI — The head of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said

Tuesday that the agency is "susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse" and must

change its own work environment.

http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130619/NEWS01/306190027/Miss-Dept-Marine-Resources-susceptible-fraud-waste-abuse-new-director-says







The CMR weighs in on DMR assessment report

WLOX




Tuesday was no ordinary meeting of the Commission on Marine Resources. The
commissioners, who oversee the Department of Marine Resources, were briefed
on a report that's been 60 days in the making. Before a packed room, they
listened intently as new DMR Director Jamie Miller portrayed an agency
that's broken.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22624359/the-cmr-weighs-in-on-dmr-assessment-report




DMR's Jamie Miller `not surprised' by independent review findings,

announces staff changes

Mississippi Press

By Warren Kulo | GulfLive.com

June 18, 2013 at 1:53 PM



BILOXI, Mississippi -- Jamie Miller, Executive Director of the Mississippi

Department of Marine Resources, said Tuesday he was "not surprised" by the

findings of a 60-day review of the department by an independent firm.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/miller_not_surprised_by_report.html#incart_river





DMR will ask lawmakers for increase in funding, Miller says
Sun Herald
By PAUL HAMPTON — jphampton@sunherald.com


BILOXI -- The state Department of Marine Resources will need more money

from the Legislature to avoid layoffs and loss of programs and it will need

an overhaul in the way it accounts for its spending to restore the public's

trust, its executive director said Tuesday.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/18/4742501/dmrs-miller-unveils-major-organizational.html




D'Iberville gas spill quickly cleaned up

WLOX




A fuel tank spewed gallons of gas into a street in D'Iberville Tuesday
morning. D'Iberville officials said the truck was about to refuel the Shell
station on Automall Parkway and Suzanne Drive when the truck driver popped
the tank and gas started spilling out.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22622121/diberville-gas-spill-quickly-cleaned-up





Clear water in Gautier a step closer to major improvement

Mississippi Press

By Joanne Anderson

June 18, 2013 at 9:55 PM



GAUTIER, Mississippi -- "By fall of next year, the citizens of Gautier can

take a bath and come out clean," said Councilwoman-at-large Mary Martin at

the City Council meeting on Tuesday night.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/clear_water_in_gautier_a_step.html#incart_river





National News






Scientists project large 'dead zone' in Gulf this summer


Gulf hypoxic area could be big as N.J.


Baton Rouge Advocate

By AMY WOLD

An area of low oxygen to form this summer off the coast of Louisiana could

grow to the size of New Jersey if forecasts released Tuesday hold true.

http://theadvocate.com/home/6288380-125/scientists-project-large-dead-zone





New Effort to Quantify 'Social Cost' of Pollution
NY Times
By MATTHEW L. WALD



WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is making a second attempt to

systematically account for the dollar damage from greenhouse gas pollution,

even with no consensus on how to forestall global warming or whether to do

so.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/us/politics/new-effort-to-quantify-social-cost-of-pollution.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print





States warn EPA: Don't let lawsuits force new regulations
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 06/18/13 06:01 PM ET

A bipartisan group of state attorneys general are warning environmental
regulators not to let threats of lawsuits force the release of new rules
for carbon emissions from power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/306347-states-warn-epa-dont-let-lawsuits-force-new-regulations



States, green groups delay lawsuit amid Obama climate rumors
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/18/13 09:12 AM ET

States and environmental groups are delaying litigation to force carbon
emissions rules for power plants, citing reports the White House will soon
unveil plans to address climate change.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/306147-states-green-groups-back-off-climate-lawsuit-against-obama-for-now


Ernest Moniz keeps cool as House GOP disputes climate change
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia
June 19, 2013 05:07 AM EDT

If you want to understand the massive gulf between Democrats and
Republicans on climate change, look no further than the House Committee on
Science, Space and Technology.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/ernest-moniz-keeps-cool-house-gop-warming-93003.html





Satellites Show Shrinking Aquifers in Drought-Stricken Areas


The southern half of the U.S. has been rapidly depleting its groundwater

over the last decade, according to new scientific research


Scientific American


By Stephanie Paige Ogburn and ClimateWire | Monday, June 17, 2013


In New Mexico, the Rio Grande is trickling through Albuquerque at only a

quarter of its normal flow. The parched range and pastureland in the

southwest part of the state are all rated in poor condition by the

Department of Agriculture.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=satellites-show-shrinking-aquifers-in-drought-stricken-areas







Opinion


Surviving the Next Gulf Oil Spill
NY Times
By BEN RAINES



FAIRHOPE, Ala. — DOWN here on the Gulf of Mexico, the air is heavy with

expectation as we await the arrival of billions of dollars in fines from

companies involved in the BP oil-well blowout, which spewed millions of

gallons of oil into the gulf over three months in 2010.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/opinion/surviving-the-next-gulf-oil-spill.html?_r=0&pagewanted=print








EPA's Pinocchio nose grows with farmer privacy scandal

Jun. 18, 2013by Chris Bennett in Farm Press Blog


Western Farm Press




EPA's Pinocchio nose continues to grow longer. Despite a barrage of

criticism following the admitted release of private farmer data to three

environmental groups after a Freedom of Information Act request, EPA has

clammed up and carried on.

http://westernfarmpress.com/blog/epa-s-pinocchio-nose-grows-farmer-privacy-scandal







Press Releases





MDMR releases findings of 60-day agency review process


BILOXI, Miss. – Today, at a meeting of the Mississippi Commission on Marine
Resources (MCMR), Jamie Miller, the executive director of the Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) released key findings from the 60-day
review of the agency.


The 60-day review process included the executive director's internal
analysis of organization and staff and an Agency Assessment document
performed by an independent third party CPA firm to identify gaps, risks
and recommendations for improvement; assistance from the State Auditor's
Office, Department of Finance and Administration and Legislative Budget
Office and communication with members of the Coastal Legislative
Delegation.


As part of the 60-day review, the Agency Assessment report was presented
today at the MCMR meeting and is also available for the public to read at
MDMR's website: www.dmr.state.ms.us


"When I was appointed executive director of MDMR, I acknowledged the
challenges facing the agency and understood they must be addressed," Miller
said. "The challenges include restoring the public's trust in MDMR and the
credibility of the agency to prove that it's capable of carrying out its
mission while being accountable with taxpayers' money.


"The challenges we have at MDMR will not be fixed overnight, but today, I
am providing a comprehensive update on MDMR action. As promised, I have
performed 60-day agency review and assessment. It identifies organizational
deficiencies and designs a road map to restore accountability to the
taxpayers and responsible stewardship of the public's resources. The Agency
Assessment, which is one component of this 60-day review, outlines the
specific issues that need to be addressed by providing a framework of
recommendations MDMR will use as a process to become more accountable and
effective in the future."


Key findings of the 60-day Agency Assessment document highlight the
following deficiencies at MDMR:





• Outdated policies and procedures that are inconsistent with
current laws and regulations, as well as current practices within the
Agency;


• Inadequate reporting to the Commission for appropriately
fulfilling their oversight responsibilities;


• Inadequate or non-existent oversight over key functions and
departments, including grant management and compliance;


• Lack of communication and appropriate training throughout
the Agency;


• Lack of consistent and transparent communication with the
public; and


• Inadequate internal control structure, as well as related
assessment and monitoring activities, which are non-compliant with
current DFA requirements.





State Auditor Stacey Pickering stated, "I believe that the 60-day Agency
Assessment of MDMR is an eye-opening review of the challenges facing the
agency from a structural, operational and accountability standpoint. As
State Auditor, my office will continue to provide assistance in the area of
performance auditing to ensure that MDMR is able to implement the
appropriate recommendations made in the 60-day Agency Assessment."


"Clearly, there is an environment and culture at MDMR that is susceptible
to fraud, waste and abuse, which must be changed," Miller continued. "I
have already identified several of the key deficiencies and have begun
addressing them. The depth and significance of the deficiencies identified
in the Agency Assessment will require an extensive amount of time and
assistance for MDMR to appropriately and adequately remediate, and I remain
committed to making sure MDMR gets on the right track as quickly as
possible."


In addition to the 60-day review process, several corrective actions have
already taken place at MDMR, including reducing the number of contract
employees from 32 to 16; significant changes to the organizational
structure and staff responsibilities; the hiring of Dr. Kelly Lucas as
chief scientific officer and encouraging and fostering an "open door"
policy with all employees through one-on-one meetings and agency-wide
updates and providing an honest and accurate approach to MDMR's budget.


Agency Assessment report is now available online at www.dmr.state.ms.us







The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to
enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by
managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and
waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational,
educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with
environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at
www.dmr.ms.gov.





—END—

News Clippings 6/18/13

6.18.13



Oil Spill





Louisiana constitutional limits on Gulf oil spill money fails in

Legislature

By The Associated Press

June 17, 2013 at 5:04 PM



Attempts to limit Gulf Coast oil spill penalty money to coastal

restoration, in the Louisiana Constitution, failed to gain legislative

passage for a second year, while disagreements continue over just how

tightly the dollars should be restricted.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/louisiana_constitutional_limit.html





State News





DMR report publicly unveiled on Tuesday

WLOX




A 60 day assessment of the operation of the Department of Marine Resources
is now complete. The assessment, conducted by an independent CPA firm, will
be unveiled publicly Tuesday for the first time.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22613721/dmr-report-publicly-unveiled-on-tuesday





Shrimpers give disappointing marks to first week of shrimp season

WLOX




The docks are usually hopping this time of year as shrimpers pull in with
their catch. We're about a week into the 2013 shrimp season, and so far,
many shrimpers are giving it disappointing marks.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22614604/shrimpers-give-disappointing-marks-to-first-week-of-shrimp-season





MDEQ issues closure for section of beach in Biloxi after sewage spill

By Mississippi Press Staff

June 17, 2013 at 3:32 PM



BILOXI, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality,

through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a precautionary beach closure

today from Grande View Drive to Brady Drive in Biloxi (approximately from

east of Edgewater Mall to just past Beauvoir).

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/06/mdeq_issues_closure_for_sectio.html#incart_river




Pump station incident prompts precautionary closure of beach


by MBJ Staff
Published: June 18,2013

BILOXI — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ),
through its Beach Monitoring Program, has issued a precautionary beach
closure.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/06/18/pump-station-incident-prompts-precautionary-closure-of-beach/





Dalrymple donates 34 acres of land for nature trails

Monroe County Journal



by Emily Tubb | 4:00 am | June 15, 2013



AMORY – Crediting Mayor Howard Boozer and the current board of aldermen

with a progressive vision for Amory, local resident Martha Dalrymple deeded

34 acres of land to be turned into a nature trail area for the city at the

June 4 board of alderman meeting.

http://monroecountyjournal.com/2013/06/15/dalrymple-donates-34-acres-of-land-for-nature-trails/







How about a trailer for that trash?
WTVA


BERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) -- How about a trailer to go along with that van?

The Monroe County Sheriff's Department could win a trailer to haul trash
picked up by state inmates.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/How-about-a-trailer-for-that-trash/LTqSEY3-EEWIyxuHkB6eaw.cspx





MDOT commends top litter removal programs
WTVA


JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Transportation and
Keep Mississippi Beautiful recently honored sheriffs who participated in
the MDOT Inmate Litter Removal Program.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDOT-commends-top-litter-removal-programs/W0HwUDwGhkCU0-zI9GoiIA.cspx#.Ub8w75DgwS4.twitter





National News







What Sickens People in Oil Spills, and How Badly, Is Anybody's Guess

There are no clear federal guidelines for chemical exposure at oil spills,
and no health studies to understand the long term dangers to human health.

By Lisa Song, InsideClimate News



Since 2010, at least three ruptured pipelines have spilled oil into U.S.
neighborhoods, forcing officials to decide quickly whether local residents
would be harmed if they breathed the foul air. But because there are no
clear federal guidelines saying if or when the public should be evacuated
during an oil spill, health officials had to use a patchwork of scientific
and regulatory data designed for other situations.
http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20130618/what-sickens-people-oil-spills-and-how-badly-anybodys-guess




Americans throw away 90 billion pounds of food a year
By Bethany Clough — Fresno Bee


"It's not something many people think about, but it takes a huge amount of

resources to get food to our plates," says Dana Gunders, a scientist with

the Natural Resources Defense Council.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/06/17/4740253/americans-throw-away-90-billion.html







Press Releases





EPA Report Details How Development Can Impact Public Health, Environment

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its
most comprehensive review to date on how the built environment – the way we
build our cities and towns – directly affects our environment and public
health. The report was announced by EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe
during a national Twitter Town Hall meeting in Washington, DC with Maurice
Jones, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing, and Development
(HUD), and John Porcari, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT).

The publication, Our Built and Natural Environments: A Technical Review of
the Interactions among Land Use, Transportation, and Environmental Quality,
provides evidence that certain kinds of land use and transportation
strategies – where and how we build our communities -- can reduce the
environmental and human health impacts of development.

"Although findings might differ on the magnitude of the effects of
different practices, the evidence is overwhelming that some types of
development yield better environmental results than others," the report
asserts.

"This report will be useful for communities across the country looking to
make smart development decisions," said EPA Acting Administrator Bob
Perciasepe. "Whether it's housing, transportation, or environmental issues,
this report can help communities protect public health and the environment
by avoiding harmful development strategies."

The publication is important and timely because population growth and
demographic changes will substantially alter the way our nation is
developed over the next half century and beyond.

"Researchers have estimated that as much as two-thirds of the development
that will exist in 40 to 45 years does not exist today," the report states,
"meaning that decisions we make about how and where that development occurs
could significantly affect our health and the health of the environment."

The report, the second edition of a popular document published in 2001,
summarizes trends in land use, buildings, travel behavior, population
growth, and the expansion of developed land. It then discusses the
environmental consequences of these trends, such as habitat loss,
degradation of water resources and air quality, urban heat islands,
greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change, and other health and
safety effects. Environmental impacts linked to building and development
patterns include:

• At least 850,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds and 50,000
miles of rivers and streams are thought to be impaired by stormwater
runoff.

• Although technology has reduced per-car vehicle emissions, an
approximate 250-percent increase in vehicle miles travelled since 1970 has
offset potential gains.

• Transportation is responsible for 27 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas
emissions; residential and commercial buildings contribute 18 percent and
17 percent, respectively.

The report concludes by describing ways to reduce such effects. Strategies
include safeguarding sensitive areas; focusing development in built-up
areas and around existing transit stations; building compact; mixed-use
developments; designing streets that are safe for all users, including
walkers and bikers; and using green building techniques.

Through the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, EPA, HUD, and
DOT coordinate federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and
services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more
efficiently. Perciasepe, Jones, and Porcari held the town hall to
commemorate the fourth anniversary of the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for
Sustainable Communities and talk with communities about how the federal
government can be of assistance.

More information about the report and an upcoming webinar:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/built.htm

More information about the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
www.sustainablecommunities.gov