2.3.14
Oil Spill
BP digs in as last leg of Gulf oil spill trial approaches
Houston Chronicle
February 2, 2014
by Collin Eaton
HOUSTON — The legal clash over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is
entering a key chapter that could give BP an idea of just how large a hole
the disaster will burn in its wallet.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/02/02/bp-digs-in-as-last-leg-of-trial-approaches/
Strong boat sales a sign of improving South Mississippi economy
Coast dealers report steady increase
Sun Herald
BY LAUREN WALCK
Coast boat dealers say the industry is picking up speed and leaving the
recession in its wake.
After the sluggish economy and BP oil spill dramatically slowed sales of
recreational items, many area businesses have seen a steady recovery over
the past year and are optimistic about 2014.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/02/01/5303924/strong-boat-sales-a-sign-of-improving.html
With oil spill dollars coming, group begins brainstorming
Tampa Bay Times
BROOKSVILLE — When it comes to environmental and economic challenges facing
the Nature Coast, the list is long.
From nutrient-loaded waterways and reduced spring flows to habitat
destruction and the decline of fishing and shell fishing, the issues and
causes are complex.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/with-oil-spill-dollars-coming-group-begins-brainstorming/2163708
Restrooms or Wetlands: How Should Texas Spend BP Spill Money?
Texas Public Radio (audio story)
Bad as the BP Deepwater Horizon spill was with its oil tainting miles of
Texas beaches (36 miles to be exact, according to the state), there is now
restoration money floating into Texas.
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2014/01/29/texas-debates-how-to-spend-bp-spill-money/
State
Mississippi residents return home after evacuation from derailment of
Mobile-bound train
The Associated Press
February 02, 2014 at 6:13 PM
NEW AUGUSTA, Mississippi -- Perry County emergency officials lifted the
mandatory evacuation for areas north of U.S. Highway 98 Sunday and about 50
people who left their homes after a train derailment returned home.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/02/mississippi_residents_return_h.html#incart_river
Cleanup continues in Perry County after train derailment
WDAM
PERRY COUNTY, MS (WDAM) -It's been more than 24 hours since a Canadian
National train traveling from Jackson, Mississippi to Mobile, Alabama
derailed in New Augusta. Since 9 a.m. Friday, emergency officials and
agencies have worked non-stop to get the entire area cleaned-up.
http://www.wdam.com/story/24610368/cleanup-continues-in-perry-county-after-train-derailment
Train derailment, toxic-chemical spill in Perry County shuts U.S. 98
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
BILOXI -- A Canadian National Railway train carrying thick crude oil and
other hazardous chemicals to Mobile derailed along U.S. 98 about 20 miles
southeast of Hattiesburg on Friday morning. The accident closed the major
highway and triggering an all-out response from area police and
firefighters, the state and the EPA.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/31/5301747/train-derailment-chemical-spill.html
Train derails, leaks chemicals
Residents evacuated as crews continue cleanup
Hattiesburg American
NEW AUGUSTA – About 50 New Augusta residents remained displaced Friday
evening after damaged rail cars began leaking methanol, crude oil and
fertilizer.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20140201/NEWS01/302010014/Train-derails-leaks-chemicals
Universities work to reduce energy consumption
Hattiesburg American
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
In recent years, Mississippi's public universities have implemented greener
efforts with these three words in mind, placing an emphasis — and a bit of
a twist — on the first "R."
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20140202/NEWS01/302020029/Universities-work-reduce-energy-consumption
Pilot recycling program recruiting 500 households
The Associated Press
February 3, 2014
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Adams County's pilot recycling program starts in April
with 500 households.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/02/03/5306206/pilot-recycling-program-recruiting.html
National
Senators urge Obama to reconsider climate regs
The Hill
By Ben Goad
Twenty-two senators implored President Obama on Friday to halt plans to
impose new emission limits on existing power plants, warning the
forthcoming regulations would hit ratepayers in their pocketbooks.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/197157-senators-urge-obama-to-reconsider-climate-regs
WH not pinned down on Keystone review
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Advocates of the Keystone XL pipeline hailed the final environmental
analysis released by the State Department as a victory, but the Obama
administration is saying not so fast.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/197205-white-house-not-pinned-down-on-keystone-review
EPA scrutiny could be linchpin to Keystone review process
Reuters
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's critical
assessment of the proposed northern leg of the Keystone pipeline could have
outsized influence on the final decision of whether to approve the project,
experts familiar with the process said.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/02/us-usa-keystone-epa-idINBREA0U1VJ20140202
Opinion
WYATT EMMERICH: Cost of Kemper plant keeps going up and up and up
February 1, 2014
As a journalist, I see the Kemper power plant as the gift that keeps on
giving.
I would love to one day write a column saying I was completely wrong about
Kemper. Unfortunately, I'm not likely to get that opportunity.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/02/01/5302553/wyatt-emmerich-cost-of-kemper.html
JOHN HUGGINS: Customers are protected and will benefit from Kemper plant
BY JOHN HUGGINS
A Sun Herald ForumFebruary 1, 2014
Iwould like to begin with one important point: Mississippi Power customers
will not pay for costs for the Kemper County energy facility above the cap
already established by the Mississippi Public Service Commission. And to
date, most of the increase to pay for the project already has been
reflected in customers' bills.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/02/01/5302555/john-huggins-customers-are-protected.html
Press Releases
EPA Partnerships Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Save Businesses Money
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released
its annual Climate Protection Partnerships report, highlighting the steps
more than 21,000 organizations across the United States have taken to
reduce greenhouse gas pollution while achieving significant environmental
and economic benefits.
"The urgency to act on climate change is clear," said EPA Administrator
Gina McCarthy. "Through investments in cleaner technologies and
energy-efficient practices, EPA's Climate Protection Partners show us that
we can cut the harmful carbon pollution that fuels climate change and
protects public health—while continuing to grow a strong, sustainable
economy."
The achievements outlined in this report support the goals of President
Obama's Climate Action Plan by cutting energy waste, encouraging energy
efficiency, and saving money for American families and businesses. The
report, "EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs Climate Protection
Partnerships 2012 Annual Report" includes accomplishments such as:
-- In 2012, EPA's climate protection programs prevented 365 million metric
tons of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—equivalent to the emissions from the
annual electricity use of more than 50 million homes.
-- Americans saved more than $26 billion on their utility bills in 2012
with the help of ENERGY STAR® and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal
to the annual electricity use of 35 million homes.
-- Since the Green Power Partnership was introduced in 2001, more than
1,400 organizations have committed to using about 29 billion kilowatt-hours
of green power each year.
-- More than 450 partners have installed over 5,700 megawatts of new
combined heat and power since the Combined Heat and Power Partnership
launched in 2001.
-- In 2012, EPA's methane and fluorinated greenhouse-gas-program partners
used EPA tools and resources to prevent emissions equal to the annual
electricity use from more than 10 million homes.
-- In total, more than 21,000 organizations and millions of Americans have
partnered with the EPA through the Office of Atmospheric Programs' climate
partnerships and produced significant environmental benefits.
EPA's climate protection programs continue to advance greenhouse gas
reduction goals and deliver greater benefits each year. These benefits can
only grow as more businesses, public sector institutions, households, and
others adopt the practices promoted by the climate protection partnerships.
All of these benefits are the result of voluntary actions by individuals,
businesses and industry.
These reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly important to
tackle climate change challenges. The global average temperature for every
decade since the Industrial Revolution has been hotter than the previous
decade, and the 12 hottest years on record have all occurred within the
past 15 years. Scientists have observed changes in precipitation, rising
sea level, melting ice and altered weather patterns, including more
frequent and intense storms.
The report further outlines the environmental accomplishments of these
programs. To read the full report:
http://www.energystar.gov/about/sites/default/uploads/files/2012_AnnualReport_Final.pdf?3cd5-e266
. To learn more about climate change: www.epa.gov/climatechange/
