6/3/14
State
EPA goal for Mississippi is to cut carbon by 38 percent by 2030
The Associated Press
June 02, 2014 at 6:15 PM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- The federal government is proposing that
Mississippi's carbon dioxide emissions from power plants be 38 percent
lower by year 2030 compared to 2005.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/06/epa_goal_for_mississippi_is_to.html#incart_river
Groundworx attorney to council: "We're on a very short fuse."
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hattiesburg's wastewater treatment project
continues to move forward even though the city is stalling on financing the
project.
http://www.wdam.com/story/25674986/groundworx-attorney-to-council-were-on-a-very-short-fuse
Groundworx threatens suit over stalled wastewater works
Hattiesburg American
It proved to be an information-laden Monday evening at the City
Council chambers when it came to the city's stalled efforts to
revamp its sewage treatment and wastewater disposal system.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2014/06/02/hattiesburg-groundworx-kim-bradley-deborah-delgado-henry-naylor/9896161/
Heavy rains and pounding surf turn beaches into a big mess
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -You'll be seeing a lot of heavy beach cleaning
equipment in the coming days. Debris and seaweed line the beach in Harrison
County. Chuck Loftis is the Sand Beach Director.
http://www.wlox.com/story/25670051/recent-rains-bring-debris-erosion-to-harrison-county-beaches
Purple Creek Bank Eroding Causing Concerns for Residents
WJTV
JACKSON, Miss. - "It really does concern me because I own my home, I'm old
and I'm not about to move," says Frances Mabry. She says she's desperate to
get the Purple Creek bank behind her home to fixed. She claims it's quickly
eroding and could do some major damaged if it's not stopped.
http://www.wjtv.com/story/25673827/purple-creek-bank-eroding-causing-concerns-for-residents
Regional
Controlled burn planned after oil spill in Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Ken Daley
The Times-Picayune
June 02, 2014 at 8:52 PM
Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Coast Guard
announced Monday they were working to mitigate damage from a spill of crude
oil within the Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/06/authorities_work_to_contain_50.html
Louisiana lawmakers quick to condemn Obama administration plan to reduce
carbon emissions
Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
June 02, 2014 at 3:31 PM
WASHINGTON -- Louisiana congressional members Monday quickly condemned the
Obama administrations bold plan to reduce carbon emissions from existing
power plants by 30 percent in 16 years.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/06/louisiana_lawmakers_quick_to_c.html#incart_river
Bentley says carbon emissions plan unfair to Southern states
Tuscaloosa News
By Patrick Rupinski
Gov. Robert Bentley said Monday that President Barack Obama's plan to
reduce carbon emissions puts an unfair burden on Southern states.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20140602/news/140609953?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
National
EPA proposes cutting carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants 30% by 2030
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson,
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a regulation Monday that would
cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal plants by up to to 30
percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, taking aim at one of the
nation's leading sources of greenhouse gases.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-to-propose-cutting-carbon-dioxide-emissions-from-coal-plants-30percent-by-2030/2014/06/01/f5055d94-e9a8-11e3-9f5c-9075d5508f0a_story.html
Taking Page From Health Care Act, Obama Climate Plan Relies on States
NY Times
By CORAL DAVENPORT and PETER BAKER
JUNE 2, 2014
WASHINGTON — President Obama's new plan to fight climate
change depends heavily on states' devising individual
approaches to meeting goals set in the nation's capital, a
strategy similar to the one he used to expand health care,
often with rocky results.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/us/politics/obama-epa-rule-coal-carbon-pollution-power-plants.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Utilities Size Up Emission Cap for Power Plants
Coal Producers Find Relief in Certain Elements of the EPA's Plan
Wall Street Journal
New federal limits on greenhouse-gas emissions would force sweeping changes
in the U.S. electric system but wouldn't deliver the knockout blow to coal
that mining companies and some power producers had feared.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-limits-likely-to-drive-up-electricity-prices-1401715727
EPA Plan Stokes Posturing in Midterm Elections
GOP Lawmakers Say Proposal Will Kill Jobs; Administration Says it Will
Promote Energy Efficiency
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama's plan to reduce carbon emissions is
escalating environmental policy fights in energy-rich states, home to many
of the marquee races that could determine which party controls the Senate
after November's elections.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/epa-proposal-draws-fire-from-united-republicans-some-democrats-1401737527
New pollution rule puts onus on states to cut carbon emissions
New pollution rule puts onus on states to reduce carbon emissions
BY CHRIS ADAMS AND LESLEY CLARK
McClatchy Washington BureauJune 2, 2014
WASHINGTON -- A major initiative to cut the pollution emitted from the
nation's power plants set off a scramble Monday in Washington -- where
Republicans instantly pounced on the proposed rules -- and in states, where
much of the work in implementing the rules will be done.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/06/02/5620410/new-pollution-rule-puts-onus-on.html?sp=/99/102/
Press Releases
Remarks for Administrator McCarthy, Announcement of Clean Power Plan,
Washington, DC
WASHINGTON- About a month ago, I took a trip to the Cleveland Clinic. I met
a lot of great people, but one stood out—even if he needed to stand on a
chair to do it. Parker Frey is 10 years old. He's struggled with severe
asthma all his life. His mom said despite his challenges, Parker's a tough,
active kid—and a stellar hockey player.
But sometimes, she says, the air is too dangerous for him to play outside.
In the United States of America, no parent should ever have that worry.
That's why EPA exists. Our job, directed by our laws, reaffirmed by our
courts, is to protect public health and the environment. Climate change,
fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks not just to our health, but
to our communities, our economy, and our way of life. That's why EPA is
delivering on a vital piece of President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
I want to thank Janet McCabe, our Acting Assistant Administrator at the
Office of Air and Radiation, and the entire EPA team who worked so hard to
deliver this proposal. They should be very proud of their work; I know I
am.
Today, EPA is proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut carbon pollution
from our power sector, by using cleaner energy sources, and cutting energy
waste.
Although we limit pollutants like mercury, sulfur, and arsenic, currently,
there are no limits on carbon pollution from power plants, our nation's
largest source. For the sake of our families' health and our kids' future,
we have a moral obligation to act on climate. When we do, we'll turn
climate risk into business opportunity, we'll spur innovation and
investment, and we'll build a world-leading clean energy economy.
The science is clear. The risks are clear. And the high costs of climate
inaction keep piling up.
Rising temperatures bring more smog, more asthma, and longer allergy
seasons. If your kid doesn't use an inhaler, consider yourself a lucky
parent, because 1 in 10 children in the U.S. suffers from asthma. Carbon
pollution from power plants comes packaged with other dangerous pollutants
like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, putting our
families at even more risk.
Climate inaction is costing us more money, in more places, more often. 2012
was the second most expensive year in U.S. history for natural disasters.
Even the largest sectors of our economy buckle under the pressures of a
changing climate, and when they give way, so do businesses that support
them, and local economics that depend on them.
As our seas rise, so do insurance premiums, property taxes, and food
prices. If we do nothing, in our grandkids' lifetimes, temperatures could
rise 10 degrees and seas could rise 4 feet. The S&P recently said climate
change will continue to affect credit risk worldwide.
This is not just about disappearing polar bears or melting ice caps. This
is about protecting our health and our homes. This is about protecting
local economies and jobs.
The time to act is now. That's why President Obama laid out a Climate
Action Plan—to cut carbon pollution, build a more resilient nation, and
lead the world in our global climate fight.
Today's proposed Clean Power Plan is a critical step forward. Before we put
pen to paper, we asked for your advice. Our plan was built on that
advice—from states, cities, businesses, utilities, and thousands of people.
Today kicks off our second phase of crucial engagement.
Shaped by public input, present trends, proven technologies, and common
sense, our Plan aims to cut energy waste and leverage cleaner energy
sources by doing two things: First, setting achievable, enforceable state
goals to cut carbon pollution per megawatt hour of electricity generated.
And second, laying out a national framework that gives states the
flexibility to chart their own, customized path to meet their goals.
All told, in 2030 when states meet their goals, our proposal will result in
30 percent less carbon pollution from the power sector across the U.S. when
compared with 2005 levels. That's like cancelling out annual carbon
pollution from two thirds of all cars and trucks in America. And if you add
up what we'll avoid between now and 2030—it's more than double the carbon
pollution from every power plant in America in 2012.
As a bonus, in 2030 we'll cut pollution that causes smog and soot 25
percent more than if we didn't have this plan in place. The first year that
these standards go into effect, we'll avoid up to 100,000 asthma attacks
and 2,100 heart attacks—and those numbers go up from there.
That means lower medical bills and fewer trips to the emergency room,
especially for those most vulnerable like our children, our elderly, and
our infirmed. This is about environmental justice, too, because lower
income families, and communities of color are hardest hit.
Now let me get into the details of our proposal.
This plan is all about flexibility. That's what makes it ambitious, but
achievable. That's how we can keep our energy affordable and reliable. The
glue that holds this plan together, and the key to making it work, is that
each state's goal is tailored to its own circumstances, and states have the
flexibility to reach their goal in whatever way works best for them.
First, to craft state goals, we looked at where states are today, and we
followed where they're going. Each state is different, so each goal, and
each path, can be different.
Second, the goals spring from smart and sensible opportunities that states
and businesses are taking advantage of right now. From plant to plug.
Let me tell you about the kinds of opportunities I'm talking about:
We know that coal and natural gas play a significant role in a diverse
national energy mix. This Plan does not change that—it recognizes the
opportunity to modernize aging plants, increase efficiency, and lower
pollution. That's part of an all-of-the-above strategy that paves a more
certain path for conventional fuels in a carbon constrained world.
States also have the opportunity to shift their reliance to more efficient,
less polluting plants. Or, instead of low carbon sources, there's always
the opportunity to shift to "no" carbon sources like nuclear, wind, and
solar. Since 2009, wind energy in America has tripled and solar has grown
ten-fold. Our nuclear fleet continues to supply zero carbon baseload power.
Homegrown clean energy is posting record revenues and creating jobs that
can't be shipped overseas.
Those are all opportunities at plants, but what about at the plug? Existing
technologies can squeeze the most out of every electron, helping us use
electricity more efficiently in our homes and businesses. More efficiency
means we need less electricity to cool our refrigerators or charge our
phones. For the fuel we burn, let's get the most bang for our buck.
All of these options are not new ideas. They're based on proven
technologies, proven approaches, and are part of the ongoing story of
energy progress in America. Our plan doesn't prescribe—it propels that
progress already underway.
And like I said, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. States can pick
from a portfolio of options to meet regional, state, and community
needs—from ones I mentioned, or the many more I didn't, and in any
combination. It's up to states to mix and match to get to their goal.
If states don't want to go it alone, they can join up with a multi-state
market based program, or make new ones. More players mean more flexibility
and lower costs. States have flexibility not just in means and method, but
in timeline, too. Under our proposal, states have to design plans now, and
start reducing so they're on a trajectory to meet their final goals in
2030. That kind of flexibility means a smooth transition to cleaner power
that doesn't leave investments behind.
The flexibility of our Clean Power Plan affords states the choices that
lead them to a healthier future: Choices that level the playing field, and
keep options on the table, not off. Choices that reflect where we are
today, and look to seize opportunities for tomorrow. Choices that are
focused on building up, not shutting down, so we can raise the common
denominator for a cleaner, low carbon economy that'll fuel growth for
decades to come.
What's special about the flexibility of our plan is that it doesn't just
give states more options—it gives entrepreneurs and investors more options,
too. It'll deliver the certainty that will unleash market forces that drive
even more innovation and investment, and spur even cleaner power and all
sorts of new low-carbon technologies. Our Plan pulls private investment
off the shelves and into our clean energy revolution, and sends it in every
direction, not just one or two. The opportunities are tremendous.
The good news is states, cities, and businesses have already blazed the
trail. Our clean energy revolution is unfolding in front of us. Just in the
past few weeks, I went to Salt Lake City, where the mayor and utilities are
teaming up on efficiency. I went to St. Paul, where a science center is
recycling energy waste, saving money and teaching kids what we adults are
just learning. I've seen fortune 500 companies revamp strategies to lower
business risk by meeting the demands of a carbon constrained future.
I want to give a shout out to all the local officials, rural co-ops, public
power operators, and investor owned utilities leading on climate change:
It's clear that you act not just because it's reasonable, but because it's
the right thing to do for the people you serve. Governors and mayors of all
stripes are leaning into climate action. They see it not as a partisan
obstacle, but as a powerful opportunity. And we know that success breeds
success. Those of us who've worked in state and local government have seen
healthy competition push states to share ideas and expertise. That's when
everybody wins.
EPA has had a longstanding partnership with states to protect public
health. We set goals, and states are in the driver's seat to meet them. So
releasing the Clean Power Plan shifts the conversation to states. If you're
a teacher, scientist, mechanic, business person—or just someone with a good
idea—share your thoughts with your state leaders. Help them see how they
can build a plan that will better our future.
I know people are wondering: can we cut pollution while keeping our energy
affordable and reliable? We can, and we will. Critics claim your energy
bills will skyrocket. They're wrong. Any small, short-term change in
electricity prices would be within normal fluctuations the power sector
already deals with. And any small price increase—think about the price of
a gallon of milk a month—is dwarfed by huge benefits. This is an investment
in better health and a better future for our kids.
In 2030, the Clean Power Plan will deliver climate and health benefits of
up to $90 billion dollars. And for soot and smog reductions alone, that
means for every dollar we invest in the plan, families will see $7 dollars
in health benefits. And if states are smart about taking advantage of
efficiency opportunities, and I know they are, when the effects of this
plan are in place in 2030, average electricity bills will be 8 percent
cheaper.
This plan is a down payment on a more efficient, 21st century power system
that cuts energy waste, cuts pollution, and cuts costs. It's a proven
path—a lot of states have been doing it for years. Think about it like
this: we set historic fuel efficiency standards that will double the
distance our cars go on a gallon of gas. That means you fill up less often,
and save more money. Efficiency is a win for our planet and our
pocketbooks. And given the astronomical price we pay for climate inaction,
the most costly thing we can do; is to do nothing.
The critics are wrong about reliability, too. For decades, power plants
have met pollution limits without risking reliability. If anything, what
threatens reliability and causes blackouts is devastating extreme weather
fueled by climate change. I'm tired of people pointing to the Polar Vortex
as a reason not to act on climate. It's exactly the opposite. Climate
change heightens risks from extreme cold that freezes power grids,
superstorms that drown power plants, and heat waves that stress power
supplies. And it turns out, efficiency upgrades that slow climate change
actually help cities insulate against blackouts.
Despite all that, there are still special interest skeptics who will cry
the sky is falling. Who will deliberately ignore the risks, overestimate
the costs, and undervalue the benefits. But the facts are clear. For over
four decades, EPA has cut air pollution by 70 percent and the economy has
more than tripled. All while providing the power we need to keep America
strong. Climate action doesn't dull America's competitive edge—it sharpens
it. It spurs ingenuity, innovation, and investment. In 2011, we exported
almost 33 percent more cars than we did in 2009—a clear sign of a
competitive industry. And our fuel efficiency standards strengthen that.
Companies like Best Buy are investing in low-carbon operations. Bank of
America pays its employees to cut carbon pollution, because investors see
climate risk as business opportunity. Any business will tell you
eliminating waste means more money for other things, like hiring employees.
Corporate climate action is not bells and whistles—it's all hands on deck.
And even without national standards, the energy sector sees the writing on
the wall. Businesses like Spectra Energy are investing billions in clean
energy. And utilities like Exelon and Entergy are weaving climate
considerations into business plans. All this means more jobs, not less.
We'll need thousands of American workers, in construction, transmission,
and more, to make cleaner power a reality.
The bottom line is: we have never—nor will we ever—have to choose between a
healthy economy and a healthy environment.
There's a reason empty allegations from critics sound like a broken record.
It's the same tired play from the same special-interest playbook they've
used for decades. In the '60s, when smog choked our cities, critics cried
wolf and said EPA action would put the brakes on auto production. They were
wrong. Instead, our air got cleaner, our kids got healthier—and we sold
more cars. In the '90s, critics cried wolf and said fighting acid rain
would make electricity bills go up and our lights go out. They said
industry would, quote, "die a quiet death." Wrong again. Industry is alive
and well, our lights are still on, and we've dramatically reduced acid
rain.
Time after time, when science pointed to health risks, special interests
cried wolf to protect their own agenda. And time after time, we followed
the science, protected the American people, and the doomsday predictions
never came true. Now, climate change is calling our number. And right on
cue, those same critics once will flaunt manufactured facts and
scare-tactics, standing in our way of our right to breathe clean air, to
keep our communities safe, and to meet our moral duty as stewards of our
natural resources.
Their claims that the science-driven action that's protected families for
generations would somehow harm us flies in the face of history, and shows a
lack of faith in American ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
I don't accept that premise. We can lead this fight. We can innovate our
way to a better future. It's what America does best. Yes, our climate
crisis is a global problem that demands a global solution, and there's no
Hail Mary play we can call to reverse its effects. But we can act today to
advance the ball and limit the dangers of punting the problem to our kids.
It's no accident that our proposal is a key piece of President Obama's
Climate Action Plan—and key to American leadership in our global climate
fight. Although there's still much work to do to get carbon pollution down
to safe levels, I'm hopeful when I see the progress we've made. I'm hopeful
because I see the pattern of perseverance that defines America.
From the light bulb to the locomotive; from photovoltaic cells to
cellphones, America has always turned small steps into giant leaps. We've
cured diseases, we've explored the stars, we've connected corners of the
globe with the click of a mouse, because when critics say it can't be done,
we say—watch us. That's what America is made of. We don't settle. We lead.
And that's how we'll confront our climate crisis.
When it comes to our Plan, we may not agree on details of how we do it, but
we agree on why we do it. When our kids ask us if we did everything we
could to leave them a safer, cleaner world, we want to say, yes, we did.
When we think of our children—kids like Parker from Cleveland, Ohio—it's
easy to see why we're compelled to act.
As governors and mayors, as CEOs and school teachers, and most of all, as
parents, we have a moral obligation to ensure the world we leave behind is
as safe, healthy, and vibrant as the one we inherited. Our Clean Power Plan
is a huge step toward delivering on that promise.
Thank you very much.
