8/29/14
State
Asbestos still present on Horn Island
WLOX
HORN ISLAND, MS (WLOX) -Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Dan
Brown announced Thursday that the National Park Service is continuing its
efforts to remove hazardous materials from Horn Island.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26396804/asbestos-still-present-on-horn-island
Fishermen very opinionated about Amendment 40
WLOX
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -Reef Fish Amendment 40 was the topic of choice
for almost all of those who came out to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Council's town hall meeting Wednesday night.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26389596/fishermen-very-opinionated-about-amendment-40
National
EPA blasts 'myths' on water jurisdiction rule
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hit back Thursday after a top
Republican accused it of trying to take over large pieces of private land
and water.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/216202-epa-blasts-myths-on-water-jurisdiction-rule
Obama pushes green standards for everything but kitchen sink
The Hill
The Obama administration is working on new efficiency standards for
seemingly every appliance but the kitchen sink.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/216186-obama-pushes-green-standards-for-everything-but-kitchen-sink
California Drought Squeezes Wells
State Considers Regulating Groundwater Use for First Time
Wall Street Journal
TEMPLETON, Calif.—After the water level in their well dropped by 70 feet
over a decade, Jan and Gary Seals two years ago lowered the pump in the
shaft as far as it would go—to a depth of almost 500 feet.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/california-drought-squeezes-wells-1409268495
Opinion
EPA's 111(d) Proposal: What Does It Mean for Mississippi?
MS Energy Institute Cost Impact Analysis of EPA 111(d) Proposal
· EPA recently proposed to require that states enact programs to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.
· Mississippi Energy Institute (MEI) estimates minimum incremental
capital costs associated with the proposal at $14.2 billion for
Mississippi. In other words, Mississippi electric ratepayers would spend
an extra $14 billion to construct facilities not likely to be built unless
compelled by federal mandate.
· With the regulated period running 2020-2030, plans would
necessarily be completed within 3 years, and associated construction would
start by 2017 or 2018 in order to begin compliance by 2020.
· Of the $14.2 billion, over 98% of the costs will go to build
electric power generating facilities to meet new generation mix "goals",
and since natural gas generation is high in each case, virtually all of the
added costs are due to meeting aggressive renewable energy production
targets as existing coal plants are prematurely retired.
· In this analysis, MEI did not include normal generation or
infrastructure costs likely to be incurred with or without the EPA rule.
Within the regulatory period, a certain amount of capital will be required
to maintain, update, and expand Mississippi's electric power
infrastructure. These costs to ratepayers are unknown but expected.
Examples include the Kemper County generation facility,
transmission/distribution maintenance and expansion, the installation of
pollution control equipment required by other EPA rules, MPSC energy
efficiency program costs, the closure of old and inefficient power plants,
and the addition of new power plants to meet new power demands with a
growing population and economy.
· EPA proposes Mississippi reach the "goals" in a combination of
ways, including; electric power use reductions through energy efficiency
programs, the closure of all existing coal power plants, and the addition
of renewable generation sources.
· To comply with the EPA proposal, total capacity in Mississippi
will be about 2000 MW higher than the base case due to the requirement of
installing large amounts of intermittent generation sources, like wind and
solar (3000 MW solar and 800 MW wind to meet renewable target set by EPA).
· Land requirements for 3000MW of solar capacity = 21,000 acres;
800MW of wind capacity = 48,000 acres.
http://www.mei.ms/2014/08/26/epas-111d-proposal-mean-mississippi/
Press Releases
Gov. Bryant Issues Delta Sustainable Water Resources Task Force Executive
Order
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Gov. Phil Bryant issued an executive order this week
establishing the Governor's Delta Sustainable Water Resources Task Force.
Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the task force is charged to work together
to ensure that the Delta will have future sustainable water supplies.
In 2011, MDEQ Executive Director Trudy Fisher formed an executive level
multi-agency and multi-organization task force that developed and
implemented actions to sustain water resources for agriculture, fisheries,
and wildlife in the Delta. The Governor's Executive Order establishing the
task force provides affirmation of the importance of this work and charges
the members to work in a unified and collaborative manner.
"The need for a sustainable water supply is always the lifeblood of any
region and is clearly of the utmost importance in Mississippi and the
Delta," Gov. Bryant said. "This task force will continue to bring regional
experts together from various public and private sectors to recommend
policies as it pertains to the aquifer and its water level. I look forward
to seeing the annual report in January from the task force and feel
confident in the individuals that will head this search for a solution."
More than 17,000 permitted irrigation wells in the shallow Mississippi
River Valley Alluvial Aquifer are used for irrigation and aquaculture and
pump approximately 1.5 billion gallons of groundwater each day. This
pumpage demand has exceeded the recharge to the aquifer resulting in
continuing overbalances of groundwater withdrawals versus aquifer recharge
and notable water-level declines in the aquifer.
"We have a clearly defined objective for sustainable water supplies in our
Delta, and we know there is urgency in finding solutions to the challenges
we are facing. Through a team effort this task force established by the
Governor will address the complex issues and find solutions that will
benefit the region and the state," said Trudy Fisher, MDEQ Executive
Director.
The task force is comprised of the Yazoo Mississippi Delta Joint Water
Management District, Delta Council, Delta F.A.R.M., Mississippi Farm
Bureau, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation
Commission, and MDEQ.
A copy of the Governor's Executive Order is attached.
# # #
EPA Releases Three Final Chemical Risk Assessments
Agency identifies health concern from chemical used in paint strippers
WASHINGTON-- Today, EPA released three final risk assessments for specific
uses of three chemicals found in common household products. The risk
assessment for Dichloromethane (DCM), which is widely used in paint
stripping products, indicates health risks to both workers and consumers
who use these products, and to bystanders in workplaces and residences
where DCM is used. EPA estimates that more than 230,000 workers nationwide
are directly exposed to DCM from DCM-containing paint strippers.
"While EPA continues to support much needed reform of this country's
chemicals management legislation, we are also using our current authorities
as effectively as we can, which includes conducting risk assessments on
chemicals to determine if they are safe for the public," said Jim Jones,
Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention. "Our review indicates that the use of DCM in paint strippers
pose risks to human health, so EPA is beginning an effort to determine
options for addressing the concern."
Risk assessments for the other two chemicals did not show concerns. The
other two looked at ecological risks of antimony trioxide (ATO) used as a
synergist in halogenated flame retardants and
1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,-hexamethylcyclopenta-[ã]-2-benzopyran
(HHCB) used as a fragrance ingredient in commercial and consumer products.
These final assessments and the recently released TCE risk assessment,
which identified concerns for certain uses, were developed as part of the
agency's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan, which identified
chemicals for review and assessment of potential risks to people's health
and the environment. The risk assessments are based on the best available
information and were finalized after careful consideration of comments from
the public and experts during an independent, scientific peer review of the
assessments.
For DCM, EPA is considering a range of possible voluntary and regulatory
actions to address concerns and anticipates conducting a workshop in late
fall to engage key stakeholders and the public on potential alternatives
and risk reduction approaches.
In the meantime, EPA recommends that consumers check the label to determine
if the product contains Dichloromethane or Methylene Chloride. If so, EPA
recommends taking precautions that can reduce exposures, such as using the
product outside or in an extremely well-ventilated area and wearing
protective equipment.
EPA is also currently evaluating risks of another chemical in paint
strippers called N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP). EPA released a draft risk
assessment for NMP which identified risks associated with use of
NMP-containing paint strippers. EPA does not expect the final risk
assessment to significantly change this conclusion, and therefore
recommends that those using NMP-containing paint strippers also take
measures to minimize exposure.
Additional information on these final risk assessments and other TSCA Work
Plan chemicals can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/riskassess.html
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
News Clippings 8/28/14
State
Recycling Efforts Move Forward; Bids Accepted on Items Through Natchez
Grant
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2014/08/28/recycling-efforts-move-forward-bids-accepted-on-items-through-natchez-grant/#
Long Creek Dam Repairs Underway
WTOK
Meridian, Miss. Workers(Embedded image moved to file: pic24626.jpg) are in
the early stages of making repairs to the Long Creek Dam in Meridian.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Long-Creek-Dam-Repairs-Underway--272972981.html
Historic canoe removed from Pearl River bank
Clarion Ledger
A historic canoe thought to date to the early to mid-1800s was
extracted Tuesday from its Pearl River resting spot by a suite of
cooperating state agencies.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/08/26/historic-canoe-removed-pearl-river-bank/14645661/
Delta Plastics announces conservation goal of 20 percent by 2020
Forrest Laws | Delta Farm Press
Dhu Thompson says Delta Plastics' new H2O Initiative can help Delta farmers
save up to 1 trillion gallons of irrigation water each year.
http://deltafarmpress.com/management/delta-plastics-announces-conservation-goal-20-percent-2020
National
Blueprint for water 'control'? Pol says EPA made secret maps for new
regulatory push
Fox News
A top House Republican is charging that the Environmental Protection Agency
secretly drafted highly detailed maps of U.S. waterways to set the stage
for a controversial plan to expand regulatory power over streams and
wetlands, a claim the EPA strongly denies.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/08/27/blueprint-for-water-control-pol-says-epa-secretly-created-maps-for-new/
EPA appeals to minorities for climate rule
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is appealing to leaders in
minority communities, saying they will see some of the biggest benefits
from cutting carbon pollution from power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/216099-epa-appeals-to-minorities-for-climate-rule
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
News Clippings 8/27/14
8/27/14
State
Volatile mixture in fish plant tank ignited blast
AP
MOSS POINT – A fatal explosion at a fish processing plant on the
Mississippi Coast happened when sparks ignited a volatile mixture in
a tank, safety officials said Tuesday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/26/volatile-mixture-fish-plant-tank-ignited-blast/14664209/
Rail Authority Launches Environmental Assessment
WTOK
The Rail Authority of East Mississippi has been scrutinizing market demand
and economic data for four years. It will soon initiate its comprehensive
feasibility study for a railroad line from Meridian to Waynesboro.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Rail-Authority-Launches-Environmental-Assessment-272636131.html?device=phone
Oil Spill
Business efforts to speed up oil spill claims payments stall in appeals
court
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
August 26, 2014 at 11:35 AM
Two businesses trying to get settlement money sooner from the BP oil spill
litigation hit a dead end at a federal appeals court this week.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/appeals_court_tosses_requests.html
National
Obama Pursuing Climate Accord in Lieu of Treaty
NY Times
By CORAL DAVENPORTAUG. 26, 2014
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is working to forge
a sweeping international climate change agreement to
compel nations to cut their planet-warming fossil fuel
emissions, but without ratification from Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/27/us/politics/obama-pursuing-climate-accord-in-lieu-of-treaty.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Expect Napa quake to rattle D.C. efforts on seismic alerts
BY MICHAEL DOYLE
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — The Napa County earthquake will have political aftershocks on
Capitol Hill. The big question is how long they'll last.
Prompted by California's weekend temblor, lawmakers are renewing their push
for earthquake warning programs. The most recent quake could spur support
for a long-debated early warning system. It also could reveal some partisan
fault lines.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/26/5764573/expect-napa-quake-to-rattle-dc.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
Fracking link to birth defects probed
BY ISAAC ARNSDORF
Bloomberg News
NEW YORK — The first research into the effects of oil and gas development
on babies born near wells has found potential health risks. Government
officials, industry advocates and the researchers themselves say more
studies are needed before drawing conclusions.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/26/5764150/fracking-link-to-birth-defects.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
Opinion
A climate for change: The EPA's limits on emissions are important but not
enough
Editorial – Washington Post
THE COUNTRY is about to see its fiercest climate-change battle. After years
of congressional inaction, President Obama's Environmental Protection
Agency is applying new rules to curb greenhouse-gas emissionsfrom cars,
trucks and — most controversially — power plants, the biggest national
emitters. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said he will
try to restrict the EPA if Republicans take over the Senate. Mr. Obama's
executive actions will be an issue in the 2016 presidential campaign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-climate-for-change-the-epas-limits-on-emissions-are-important-but-not-enough/2014/08/26/f47fa828-2a4b-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html
Press Releases
ExxonMobil Pipeline Company to Pay Civil Penalty Under Proposed Settlement
for Torbert, Louisiana Oil Spill
Settlement Resolves Clean Water Act Violation Stemming from 2012 Spill
WASHINGTON — ExxonMobil Pipeline Company (ExxonMobil) has agreed to pay a
civil penalty for an alleged violation of the Clean Water Act stemming from
a 2012 crude oil spill from ExxonMobil's "North Line" pipeline near
Torbert, Louisiana, the Department of Justice and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Under the consent decree lodged
today in federal court, ExxonMobil will pay $1,437,120 to resolve the
government's claim.
The United States' complaint, which was also filed today in the U.S.
District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, alleges that
ExxonMobil discharged at least 2,800 barrels (or 117,000 gallons) of crude
oil in violation of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. On April 28, 2012,
ExxonMobil's 20/22-inch-diamater pipeline ruptured near Torbert, about 20
miles west of Baton Rouge, and crude oil spilled into the surrounding area
and flowed into an unnamed tributary connected to Bayou Cholpe.
"All businesses have an obligation to protect their workers, the local
community and the environment in which they operate," said Cynthia Giles,
Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA.
"EPA is committed to protecting communities by enforcing laws that reduce
pollution in local waterways."
"Oil spills into our nation's waters endanger public health and the
environment and warrant concerted enforcement efforts," said Sam Hirsch,
Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment
and Natural Resources Division. "Today's settlement achieves a just result
and furthers our enforcement mission."
The $1.4 million penalty is in addition to the costs incurred by ExxonMobil
to respond to the oil spill and to replace the segment of ruptured
pipeline. ExxonMobil is completing cleanup actions pursuant to an
administrative order issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality. The company also continues to do follow-up work and to operate
under a Corrective Action Order issued by the United States Department of
Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The Clean Water Act makes it unlawful to discharge oil or hazardous
substances into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or
adjoining shorelines in quantities that may be harmful to the environment
or public health. The penalty paid for this spill will be deposited in the
federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the National Pollution
Fund Center. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for federal
response activities and to compensate for damages when there is a discharge
or substantial threat of discharge of oil or hazardous substances to waters
of the United States or adjoining shorelines.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the Middle District of Louisiana, is
subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval. A
copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice
website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
State
Volatile mixture in fish plant tank ignited blast
AP
MOSS POINT – A fatal explosion at a fish processing plant on the
Mississippi Coast happened when sparks ignited a volatile mixture in
a tank, safety officials said Tuesday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/26/volatile-mixture-fish-plant-tank-ignited-blast/14664209/
Rail Authority Launches Environmental Assessment
WTOK
The Rail Authority of East Mississippi has been scrutinizing market demand
and economic data for four years. It will soon initiate its comprehensive
feasibility study for a railroad line from Meridian to Waynesboro.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Rail-Authority-Launches-Environmental-Assessment-272636131.html?device=phone
Oil Spill
Business efforts to speed up oil spill claims payments stall in appeals
court
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
August 26, 2014 at 11:35 AM
Two businesses trying to get settlement money sooner from the BP oil spill
litigation hit a dead end at a federal appeals court this week.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/appeals_court_tosses_requests.html
National
Obama Pursuing Climate Accord in Lieu of Treaty
NY Times
By CORAL DAVENPORTAUG. 26, 2014
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is working to forge
a sweeping international climate change agreement to
compel nations to cut their planet-warming fossil fuel
emissions, but without ratification from Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/27/us/politics/obama-pursuing-climate-accord-in-lieu-of-treaty.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Expect Napa quake to rattle D.C. efforts on seismic alerts
BY MICHAEL DOYLE
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — The Napa County earthquake will have political aftershocks on
Capitol Hill. The big question is how long they'll last.
Prompted by California's weekend temblor, lawmakers are renewing their push
for earthquake warning programs. The most recent quake could spur support
for a long-debated early warning system. It also could reveal some partisan
fault lines.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/26/5764573/expect-napa-quake-to-rattle-dc.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
Fracking link to birth defects probed
BY ISAAC ARNSDORF
Bloomberg News
NEW YORK — The first research into the effects of oil and gas development
on babies born near wells has found potential health risks. Government
officials, industry advocates and the researchers themselves say more
studies are needed before drawing conclusions.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/26/5764150/fracking-link-to-birth-defects.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
Opinion
A climate for change: The EPA's limits on emissions are important but not
enough
Editorial – Washington Post
THE COUNTRY is about to see its fiercest climate-change battle. After years
of congressional inaction, President Obama's Environmental Protection
Agency is applying new rules to curb greenhouse-gas emissionsfrom cars,
trucks and — most controversially — power plants, the biggest national
emitters. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said he will
try to restrict the EPA if Republicans take over the Senate. Mr. Obama's
executive actions will be an issue in the 2016 presidential campaign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-climate-for-change-the-epas-limits-on-emissions-are-important-but-not-enough/2014/08/26/f47fa828-2a4b-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html
Press Releases
ExxonMobil Pipeline Company to Pay Civil Penalty Under Proposed Settlement
for Torbert, Louisiana Oil Spill
Settlement Resolves Clean Water Act Violation Stemming from 2012 Spill
WASHINGTON — ExxonMobil Pipeline Company (ExxonMobil) has agreed to pay a
civil penalty for an alleged violation of the Clean Water Act stemming from
a 2012 crude oil spill from ExxonMobil's "North Line" pipeline near
Torbert, Louisiana, the Department of Justice and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Under the consent decree lodged
today in federal court, ExxonMobil will pay $1,437,120 to resolve the
government's claim.
The United States' complaint, which was also filed today in the U.S.
District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, alleges that
ExxonMobil discharged at least 2,800 barrels (or 117,000 gallons) of crude
oil in violation of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. On April 28, 2012,
ExxonMobil's 20/22-inch-diamater pipeline ruptured near Torbert, about 20
miles west of Baton Rouge, and crude oil spilled into the surrounding area
and flowed into an unnamed tributary connected to Bayou Cholpe.
"All businesses have an obligation to protect their workers, the local
community and the environment in which they operate," said Cynthia Giles,
Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA.
"EPA is committed to protecting communities by enforcing laws that reduce
pollution in local waterways."
"Oil spills into our nation's waters endanger public health and the
environment and warrant concerted enforcement efforts," said Sam Hirsch,
Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment
and Natural Resources Division. "Today's settlement achieves a just result
and furthers our enforcement mission."
The $1.4 million penalty is in addition to the costs incurred by ExxonMobil
to respond to the oil spill and to replace the segment of ruptured
pipeline. ExxonMobil is completing cleanup actions pursuant to an
administrative order issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality. The company also continues to do follow-up work and to operate
under a Corrective Action Order issued by the United States Department of
Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The Clean Water Act makes it unlawful to discharge oil or hazardous
substances into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or
adjoining shorelines in quantities that may be harmful to the environment
or public health. The penalty paid for this spill will be deposited in the
federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the National Pollution
Fund Center. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for federal
response activities and to compensate for damages when there is a discharge
or substantial threat of discharge of oil or hazardous substances to waters
of the United States or adjoining shorelines.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the Middle District of Louisiana, is
subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval. A
copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice
website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
News Clippings 8/26/14
8.26.14
State
18-wheeler accident shuts down Highway 43 in Madison
Clarion Ledger
All lanes are shut down as a result of an 18-wheeler accident and
fuel spill on Highway 43 North one mile south of the Natchez Trace
in Madison County.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2014/08/25/highway-43-accident/14575515/
Fracking boom leaves southwest Miss. with no vacancies for evacuees
WWL
MISSISSIPPI- The early, uncertain track of what has become Tropical Storm
Cristobal opened the eyes of many that peak hurricane season is here.
And if your family evacuation plan includes heading north to Mississippi,
emergency officials there are warning about a kink in that plan.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Fracking-boom-leaves-southwest-Mississippi-with-no-vacancies-for-evacuees-272635101.html
State's MAGIC accounting system works, albeit with glitches
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: August 21,2014
Mississippi state government's $100 million accounting system that launched
July 1 made nearly 100,000 employee and vendor payments in July, but came
in late on slightly more than two dozen contract worker payments.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/21/states-magic-accounting-system-works-albeit-glitches/
Oil Spill
Judge dismisses suit against BP over Gulf platform
Houston Chronicle
By Collin Eaton
August 25, 2014
Plaintiffs who brought a $256 billion lawsuit against BP have "no facts" to
back up their claim that the company misled regulators about the safety of
a deep-water production platform, a federal judge in Houston has ruled.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Judge-dismisses-suit-against-BP-over-Gulf-platform-5711987.php
National
States: EPA climate regs illegally left out data
The Hill
The attorneys general from 13 states told the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) that its proposed rule in June to reduce carbon pollution from
power plants broke the law by omitting supporting information.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215917-states-epa-climate-regs-illegally-left-out-data
GAO finds no fault with 'social cost of carbon'
The Hill
A government probe into the metric used by federal agencies to measure the
"social cost of carbon" found no evidence that it was improperly developed,
investigators said Monday.
http://thehill.com/regulation/215908-gao-finds-no-fault-with-social-cost-of-carbon
State
18-wheeler accident shuts down Highway 43 in Madison
Clarion Ledger
All lanes are shut down as a result of an 18-wheeler accident and
fuel spill on Highway 43 North one mile south of the Natchez Trace
in Madison County.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2014/08/25/highway-43-accident/14575515/
Fracking boom leaves southwest Miss. with no vacancies for evacuees
WWL
MISSISSIPPI- The early, uncertain track of what has become Tropical Storm
Cristobal opened the eyes of many that peak hurricane season is here.
And if your family evacuation plan includes heading north to Mississippi,
emergency officials there are warning about a kink in that plan.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Fracking-boom-leaves-southwest-Mississippi-with-no-vacancies-for-evacuees-272635101.html
State's MAGIC accounting system works, albeit with glitches
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: August 21,2014
Mississippi state government's $100 million accounting system that launched
July 1 made nearly 100,000 employee and vendor payments in July, but came
in late on slightly more than two dozen contract worker payments.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/21/states-magic-accounting-system-works-albeit-glitches/
Oil Spill
Judge dismisses suit against BP over Gulf platform
Houston Chronicle
By Collin Eaton
August 25, 2014
Plaintiffs who brought a $256 billion lawsuit against BP have "no facts" to
back up their claim that the company misled regulators about the safety of
a deep-water production platform, a federal judge in Houston has ruled.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Judge-dismisses-suit-against-BP-over-Gulf-platform-5711987.php
National
States: EPA climate regs illegally left out data
The Hill
The attorneys general from 13 states told the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) that its proposed rule in June to reduce carbon pollution from
power plants broke the law by omitting supporting information.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215917-states-epa-climate-regs-illegally-left-out-data
GAO finds no fault with 'social cost of carbon'
The Hill
A government probe into the metric used by federal agencies to measure the
"social cost of carbon" found no evidence that it was improperly developed,
investigators said Monday.
http://thehill.com/regulation/215908-gao-finds-no-fault-with-social-cost-of-carbon
Monday, August 25, 2014
News Clippings 8/25/14
8.25.14
State
Harrison Co. Inmate Litter Program a Success
WXXV
Harrison County was recognized by the Mississippi Department of
Transportation (M.D.O.T.) for its Inmate Litter Program. The program
collected more than 10,000 bags of trash along state highways, more than
any county in Mississippi.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Harrison-Co-Inmate-Litter-Program-a-Success/KemSs5MNUUqY1y92GlH1DQ.cspx
State Looks To Energy Sector To Boost Economy, Jobs
MPB
State leaders, including Governor Phil Bryant, are cheering the opening of
a new base-oil plant at the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery as a sign of
Mississippi's growing prominence in the energy sector. But how much growth
could there really be?
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/state_looks_to_energy_sector_to_boost_economy_jobs
Mississippi Power's $660 million Plant Daniel scrubber project 60 percent
complete
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
ESCATAWPA, Mississippi -- Plant Victor Daniel's new scrubber project is
about 60 percent complete, leaders said Friday, and construction is moving
along as scheduled.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/mississippi_powers_plant_danie.html#incart_river
PSC's Brandon Presley calls in-state nuclear waste dump a 'harebrained
scheme'
by MBJ
NETTLETON — Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has reached out to
President Barack Obama, Mississippi's congressional delegation and other
Washington leaders in an attempt to block any federal government attempts
to dispose of the nation's nuclear waste in Mississippi.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/19/presley-calls-state-nuclear-waste-dump-harebrained-sheme/
Federal charges dropped against Shumate after guilty plea
by Associated Press
GULFPORT — Federal prosecutors, apparently satisfied with a guilty plea in
state court, dropped charges yesterday against a former Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources manager.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/21/federal-charges-dropped-shumate-guilty-plea/
Oil Spill
JILL MASTROTOTARO: A new way to collect ideas for restoring the Gulf
BY JILL MASTROTOTARO
A Sun Herald ForumAugust 21, 2014
Mississippi's coastal residents know that our coast has serious restoration
needs. An annual erosion rate of 200 acres a year is decimating our
coastline. Decades of development have intensified water-quality problems.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/21/5756572/jill-mastrototaro-a-new-way-to.html?sp=/99/728/
Feds ordered to pay nearly $1 million in BP oil spill trial costs
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
The federal government must help pay nearly $1 million in court costs
related to the ongoing civil trial of BP and its role in the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon rig explosion and Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a federal judge in New
Orleans ordered this week.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/feds_ordered_to_pay_nearly_1_m.html
Why the job market actually improved after the BP oil spill
Economists forgot that government response to a disaster can be a stimulus.
Washington Post
In the months after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of
Mexico in 2010, much of America watched the "spill cam," a live feed that
showed oil flowing into the Gulf. From his office next door to the White
House, Joseph Aldy was watching economic data – specifically, unemployment
claims from Louisiana. They were his first indication that the dire
predictions of job losses following the spill weren't coming true.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/08/22/why-the-job-market-actually-improved-after-the-bp-oil-spill/
Conservationists team up to buy ranch with oil spill funds
AP
HOUSTON – A sprawling private ranch in southeast Texas will be
converted into a state park with the assistance of a fund created in
the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Foundation announced Thursday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/23/conservationists-team-buy-ranch-oil-spill-funds/14517969/
Regional
TVA board votes to retire Memphis coal plant
AP
MEMPHIS – The Tennessee Valley Authority's board voted Thursday to
retire the coal-fired Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis and replace it
with a natural-gas facility, marking another step by the nation's
largest utility to reduce its reliance on coal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/21/tva-board-votes-retire-memphis-coal-plant/14424699/
Louisiana Republicans hold hearing to blast potential EPA ozone rule
The Hill
Three Republican members of Louisiana's congressional delegation held a
hearing Friday in Lake Charles, La., to criticize potential forthcoming
regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce
allowable ozone levels.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215795-louisiana-republicans-hold-hearing-to-blast-potential-epa-ozone
Judge rules for Fish and Wildlife Service in frog habitat case
by Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge has ruled that U.S. Fish and Wildlife
officials were within the law when they declared thousands of acres in
Louisiana and Mississippi as "critical habitat" for the endangered dusky
gopher frog.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/24/judge-rules-fish-wildlife-service-frog-habitat-case/
National
Toxic air pollution has dropped dramatically, EPA tells Congress
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency has made "substantial" progress in
reducing toxic air pollution since 1990, reducing many pollutants by more
than half, regulators told Congress Thursday.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215675-toxic-air-pollution-has-dropped-dramatically-epa-tells-congress
Manufacturers target 3 states in campaign against ozone rules
The Hill
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is targeting Colorado,
North Carolina and Kentucky in an ad campaign against potential new ozone
rules that the group said could be the most costly regulations ever.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215681-manufacturers-target-3-states-in-campaign-against-ozone-rules
EPA opens environmental crimes office in North Dakota for bigger presence
in oil patch
Published August 22, 2014
Associated Press
WILLISTON, N.D. – The Environmental Protection Agency's law enforcement
arm has opened an office in Bismarck so that it will have a bigger presence
in the North Dakota's booming oil patch.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/08/22/epa-opens-environmental-crimes-office-in-north-dakota-for-bigger-presence-in/
Opinion
Cessation of lake draining welcome development
Meridian Star
We were glad to hear that Long Creek Reservoir will not be totally drained
and that the city of Meridian is trying to locate the estimated $500,000
needed to make repairs to a leaky dam.
http://www.meridianstar.com/opinion/article_da1a280c-2b3e-11e4-ae84-0019bb2963f4.html
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Public agencies should be audited each and every
year
As another former employee of the Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources heads off to prison for embezzlement, Mississippi taxpayers
remain inexcusably vulnerable to the theft of public revenue.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/23/5758437/sun-herald-editorial-public-agencies.html?sp=/99/728/
Press Releases
EPA Report Shows Progress in Reducing Urban Air Toxics Across the United
States
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released
the Second Integrated Urban Air Toxics Report to Congress - the final of
two reports required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to inform Congress of
progress in reducing public health risks from urban air toxics.
"This report gives everyone fighting for clean air a lot to be proud of
because for more than 40 years we have been protecting Americans –
preventing illness and improving our quality of life by cutting air
pollution - all while the economy has more than tripled," said EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy. "But we know our work is not done yet. At the
core of EPA's mission is the pursuit of environmental justice - striving
for clean air, water and healthy land for every American; and we are
committed to reducing remaining pollution, especially in low-income
neighborhoods."
Using national emissions and air quality data, the Urban Air Toxics Report
shows the substantial progress that has been made to reduce air toxics
across the country since the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
- A 66 percent reduction in benzene;
- A nearly 60 percent reduction in mercury from man-made sources like
coal-fired power plants;
- An 84 percent decrease of lead in outdoor air, which slows brain
development in children;
- The removal of an estimated 1.5 million tons per year of air toxics like
arsenic, benzene, lead and nickel from stationary sources and another 1.5
million tons per year (about 50 percent) of air toxics from mobile sources.
This is significant because air toxics (also referred to as hazardous air
pollutants or HAPs) are known or suspected of causing cancer and can damage
the immune, respiratory, neurological, reproductive and developmental
systems;
- And, approximately 3 million tons per year of criteria pollutants, like
particulate amtter and sulfur dioxide, have been reduced from cars and
trucks as co-benefits of air toxics reductions.
Reducing toxics is a top priority for EPA, and even with this progress, we
continue to improve our understanding of them, so we can effectively reduce
remaining risks, particularly in overburdened communities. EPA's Plan EJ
2014, is making sure environmental justice is addressed in programs and
policies across the agency. EPA is working closely with state, local and
tribal agencies to promote area-wide and regional strategies to address air
toxics and support a number of community-based programs that help
communities understand, prioritize and reduce exposures to toxic pollutants
in their local environment. For example, in Indianapolis, we are working
with partners on the ground through an EPA grant for the "Building Lead
Safe Communities" Project in the Martindale-Brightwood and Nearwest
neighborhoods. We're addressing the risk of toxic lead exposure in children
through outreach efforts and compiling block level soil lead data,
identifying hotspots utilizing air sampling and developing synergistic
local solutions.
Additionally, recent EPA actions will further address toxic pollution in
communities. Since 2005, EPA has taken steps to address air emissions from
stationary sources that include major reductions from boilers, power
plants, and Portland cement facilities. For example, the 2011 Mercury and
Air Toxics Standards will prevent about 90 percent of the mercury in coal
burned in power plants from being emitted to the air. The 2007 Mobile
Source Air Toxics rule is projected to reduce toxics emitted from highway
vehicles and nonroad equipment, which are known or suspected to cause
cancer or other serious health and environmental effects, by 330,000 tons
in 2030, including 61,000 tons of benzene, and VOC emissions (precursors to
ozone and PM2.5) by over one million tons. We expect reductions in air
toxics from cars and trucks to grow to 80 percent by the year 2030 as we
get newer, cleaner vehicles on the road. The proposed updates to emission
standards for petroleum refineries would reduce emissions from the 150
petroleum refineries across the U.S., many of which are located near
communities. It would also reduce emissions of chemicals such as benzene,
toluene and xylene by 5,600 tons per year. These efforts, along with the
implementation and adoption of new and existing national rules for
stationary and mobile sources of pollution, will improve public health for
all Americans by providing further reductions in air toxics.
More information on the report: http://www2.epa.gov/urban-air-toxics
State
Harrison Co. Inmate Litter Program a Success
WXXV
Harrison County was recognized by the Mississippi Department of
Transportation (M.D.O.T.) for its Inmate Litter Program. The program
collected more than 10,000 bags of trash along state highways, more than
any county in Mississippi.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Harrison-Co-Inmate-Litter-Program-a-Success/KemSs5MNUUqY1y92GlH1DQ.cspx
State Looks To Energy Sector To Boost Economy, Jobs
MPB
State leaders, including Governor Phil Bryant, are cheering the opening of
a new base-oil plant at the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery as a sign of
Mississippi's growing prominence in the energy sector. But how much growth
could there really be?
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/state_looks_to_energy_sector_to_boost_economy_jobs
Mississippi Power's $660 million Plant Daniel scrubber project 60 percent
complete
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
ESCATAWPA, Mississippi -- Plant Victor Daniel's new scrubber project is
about 60 percent complete, leaders said Friday, and construction is moving
along as scheduled.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/mississippi_powers_plant_danie.html#incart_river
PSC's Brandon Presley calls in-state nuclear waste dump a 'harebrained
scheme'
by MBJ
NETTLETON — Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has reached out to
President Barack Obama, Mississippi's congressional delegation and other
Washington leaders in an attempt to block any federal government attempts
to dispose of the nation's nuclear waste in Mississippi.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/19/presley-calls-state-nuclear-waste-dump-harebrained-sheme/
Federal charges dropped against Shumate after guilty plea
by Associated Press
GULFPORT — Federal prosecutors, apparently satisfied with a guilty plea in
state court, dropped charges yesterday against a former Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources manager.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/21/federal-charges-dropped-shumate-guilty-plea/
Oil Spill
JILL MASTROTOTARO: A new way to collect ideas for restoring the Gulf
BY JILL MASTROTOTARO
A Sun Herald ForumAugust 21, 2014
Mississippi's coastal residents know that our coast has serious restoration
needs. An annual erosion rate of 200 acres a year is decimating our
coastline. Decades of development have intensified water-quality problems.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/21/5756572/jill-mastrototaro-a-new-way-to.html?sp=/99/728/
Feds ordered to pay nearly $1 million in BP oil spill trial costs
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
The federal government must help pay nearly $1 million in court costs
related to the ongoing civil trial of BP and its role in the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon rig explosion and Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a federal judge in New
Orleans ordered this week.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/feds_ordered_to_pay_nearly_1_m.html
Why the job market actually improved after the BP oil spill
Economists forgot that government response to a disaster can be a stimulus.
Washington Post
In the months after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of
Mexico in 2010, much of America watched the "spill cam," a live feed that
showed oil flowing into the Gulf. From his office next door to the White
House, Joseph Aldy was watching economic data – specifically, unemployment
claims from Louisiana. They were his first indication that the dire
predictions of job losses following the spill weren't coming true.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/08/22/why-the-job-market-actually-improved-after-the-bp-oil-spill/
Conservationists team up to buy ranch with oil spill funds
AP
HOUSTON – A sprawling private ranch in southeast Texas will be
converted into a state park with the assistance of a fund created in
the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Foundation announced Thursday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/23/conservationists-team-buy-ranch-oil-spill-funds/14517969/
Regional
TVA board votes to retire Memphis coal plant
AP
MEMPHIS – The Tennessee Valley Authority's board voted Thursday to
retire the coal-fired Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis and replace it
with a natural-gas facility, marking another step by the nation's
largest utility to reduce its reliance on coal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/21/tva-board-votes-retire-memphis-coal-plant/14424699/
Louisiana Republicans hold hearing to blast potential EPA ozone rule
The Hill
Three Republican members of Louisiana's congressional delegation held a
hearing Friday in Lake Charles, La., to criticize potential forthcoming
regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce
allowable ozone levels.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215795-louisiana-republicans-hold-hearing-to-blast-potential-epa-ozone
Judge rules for Fish and Wildlife Service in frog habitat case
by Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge has ruled that U.S. Fish and Wildlife
officials were within the law when they declared thousands of acres in
Louisiana and Mississippi as "critical habitat" for the endangered dusky
gopher frog.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/08/24/judge-rules-fish-wildlife-service-frog-habitat-case/
National
Toxic air pollution has dropped dramatically, EPA tells Congress
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency has made "substantial" progress in
reducing toxic air pollution since 1990, reducing many pollutants by more
than half, regulators told Congress Thursday.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215675-toxic-air-pollution-has-dropped-dramatically-epa-tells-congress
Manufacturers target 3 states in campaign against ozone rules
The Hill
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is targeting Colorado,
North Carolina and Kentucky in an ad campaign against potential new ozone
rules that the group said could be the most costly regulations ever.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215681-manufacturers-target-3-states-in-campaign-against-ozone-rules
EPA opens environmental crimes office in North Dakota for bigger presence
in oil patch
Published August 22, 2014
Associated Press
WILLISTON, N.D. – The Environmental Protection Agency's law enforcement
arm has opened an office in Bismarck so that it will have a bigger presence
in the North Dakota's booming oil patch.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/08/22/epa-opens-environmental-crimes-office-in-north-dakota-for-bigger-presence-in/
Opinion
Cessation of lake draining welcome development
Meridian Star
We were glad to hear that Long Creek Reservoir will not be totally drained
and that the city of Meridian is trying to locate the estimated $500,000
needed to make repairs to a leaky dam.
http://www.meridianstar.com/opinion/article_da1a280c-2b3e-11e4-ae84-0019bb2963f4.html
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Public agencies should be audited each and every
year
As another former employee of the Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources heads off to prison for embezzlement, Mississippi taxpayers
remain inexcusably vulnerable to the theft of public revenue.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/23/5758437/sun-herald-editorial-public-agencies.html?sp=/99/728/
Press Releases
EPA Report Shows Progress in Reducing Urban Air Toxics Across the United
States
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released
the Second Integrated Urban Air Toxics Report to Congress - the final of
two reports required under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to inform Congress of
progress in reducing public health risks from urban air toxics.
"This report gives everyone fighting for clean air a lot to be proud of
because for more than 40 years we have been protecting Americans –
preventing illness and improving our quality of life by cutting air
pollution - all while the economy has more than tripled," said EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy. "But we know our work is not done yet. At the
core of EPA's mission is the pursuit of environmental justice - striving
for clean air, water and healthy land for every American; and we are
committed to reducing remaining pollution, especially in low-income
neighborhoods."
Using national emissions and air quality data, the Urban Air Toxics Report
shows the substantial progress that has been made to reduce air toxics
across the country since the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
- A 66 percent reduction in benzene;
- A nearly 60 percent reduction in mercury from man-made sources like
coal-fired power plants;
- An 84 percent decrease of lead in outdoor air, which slows brain
development in children;
- The removal of an estimated 1.5 million tons per year of air toxics like
arsenic, benzene, lead and nickel from stationary sources and another 1.5
million tons per year (about 50 percent) of air toxics from mobile sources.
This is significant because air toxics (also referred to as hazardous air
pollutants or HAPs) are known or suspected of causing cancer and can damage
the immune, respiratory, neurological, reproductive and developmental
systems;
- And, approximately 3 million tons per year of criteria pollutants, like
particulate amtter and sulfur dioxide, have been reduced from cars and
trucks as co-benefits of air toxics reductions.
Reducing toxics is a top priority for EPA, and even with this progress, we
continue to improve our understanding of them, so we can effectively reduce
remaining risks, particularly in overburdened communities. EPA's Plan EJ
2014, is making sure environmental justice is addressed in programs and
policies across the agency. EPA is working closely with state, local and
tribal agencies to promote area-wide and regional strategies to address air
toxics and support a number of community-based programs that help
communities understand, prioritize and reduce exposures to toxic pollutants
in their local environment. For example, in Indianapolis, we are working
with partners on the ground through an EPA grant for the "Building Lead
Safe Communities" Project in the Martindale-Brightwood and Nearwest
neighborhoods. We're addressing the risk of toxic lead exposure in children
through outreach efforts and compiling block level soil lead data,
identifying hotspots utilizing air sampling and developing synergistic
local solutions.
Additionally, recent EPA actions will further address toxic pollution in
communities. Since 2005, EPA has taken steps to address air emissions from
stationary sources that include major reductions from boilers, power
plants, and Portland cement facilities. For example, the 2011 Mercury and
Air Toxics Standards will prevent about 90 percent of the mercury in coal
burned in power plants from being emitted to the air. The 2007 Mobile
Source Air Toxics rule is projected to reduce toxics emitted from highway
vehicles and nonroad equipment, which are known or suspected to cause
cancer or other serious health and environmental effects, by 330,000 tons
in 2030, including 61,000 tons of benzene, and VOC emissions (precursors to
ozone and PM2.5) by over one million tons. We expect reductions in air
toxics from cars and trucks to grow to 80 percent by the year 2030 as we
get newer, cleaner vehicles on the road. The proposed updates to emission
standards for petroleum refineries would reduce emissions from the 150
petroleum refineries across the U.S., many of which are located near
communities. It would also reduce emissions of chemicals such as benzene,
toluene and xylene by 5,600 tons per year. These efforts, along with the
implementation and adoption of new and existing national rules for
stationary and mobile sources of pollution, will improve public health for
all Americans by providing further reductions in air toxics.
More information on the report: http://www2.epa.gov/urban-air-toxics
Thursday, August 21, 2014
News Clippings 8/21/14
8/21/14
State
Tina Shumate's federal charges in DMR scandal dropped after 2-year sentence
on state charges
The Associated Press By The Associated Press
on August 20, 2014 at 2:34 PM,
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Federal prosecutors, apparently satisfied with a
guilty plea in state court, are dismissing charges against a former
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources manager.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news//print.html?entry=/2014/08/tina_shumates_federal_charges.html
Presley to Obama: no nuclear waste storage here
Geoff Pender, The Clarion-Ledger5:22 p.m. CDT August 19, 2014
Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has forwarded to President Obama resolutions passed by the PSC
opposing storage of nuclear waste in
Mississippi and to people here paying for a failed plan to store it in Nevada.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2014/08/19/presley-obama-nuclear-waste-storage/14307743/
Regional
TVA board to vote on replacing Memphis coal plant
Posted: Aug 20, 2014 7:49 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 20, 2014 7:49 PM CDT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Valley Authority's board is scheduled
to vote on a proposal to retire the coal-fired Allen Fossil Plant in
Memphis and replace it with a natural gas facility.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26331969/tva-board-to-vote-on-replacing-memphis-coal-plant
National
EPA Wades Into Water Fight With Farmers
by Frank Morris | August 20, 2014 — 4:52 PM
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule change that would
redefine its reach under the Clean Water Act. The EPA says, it's an attempt
to clarify which bodies of water are subject to regulation, but farmers
have strong objections. Frank Morris of member station KCUR has the story.
FRANK MORRIS, BYLINE: The Clean Water Act can be confusing. Bill Heffernan
has worked his crop farm in Central Missouri for decades. Then suddenly
this summer he discovered a big hunk of it is special.
http://www.kqed.org/news/story/2014/08/20/141376/epa_wades_into_water_fight_with_farmers?source=npr&category=science
State
Tina Shumate's federal charges in DMR scandal dropped after 2-year sentence
on state charges
The Associated Press By The Associated Press
on August 20, 2014 at 2:34 PM,
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Federal prosecutors, apparently satisfied with a
guilty plea in state court, are dismissing charges against a former
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources manager.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news//print.html?entry=/2014/08/tina_shumates_federal_charges.html
Presley to Obama: no nuclear waste storage here
Geoff Pender, The Clarion-Ledger5:22 p.m. CDT August 19, 2014
Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has forwarded to President Obama resolutions passed by the PSC
opposing storage of nuclear waste in
Mississippi and to people here paying for a failed plan to store it in Nevada.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2014/08/19/presley-obama-nuclear-waste-storage/14307743/
Regional
TVA board to vote on replacing Memphis coal plant
Posted: Aug 20, 2014 7:49 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 20, 2014 7:49 PM CDT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Valley Authority's board is scheduled
to vote on a proposal to retire the coal-fired Allen Fossil Plant in
Memphis and replace it with a natural gas facility.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26331969/tva-board-to-vote-on-replacing-memphis-coal-plant
National
EPA Wades Into Water Fight With Farmers
by Frank Morris | August 20, 2014 — 4:52 PM
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule change that would
redefine its reach under the Clean Water Act. The EPA says, it's an attempt
to clarify which bodies of water are subject to regulation, but farmers
have strong objections. Frank Morris of member station KCUR has the story.
FRANK MORRIS, BYLINE: The Clean Water Act can be confusing. Bill Heffernan
has worked his crop farm in Central Missouri for decades. Then suddenly
this summer he discovered a big hunk of it is special.
http://www.kqed.org/news/story/2014/08/20/141376/epa_wades_into_water_fight_with_farmers?source=npr&category=science
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
News Clippings 8/20/14
8/20/14
State
MDEQ Issues Beach Closure in Biloxi
Posted: Aug 19, 2014 5:11 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 19, 2014 5:14 PM CDT
By Donesha Aldridge, Web Content Manager/Producer News Channel 12
MEDIA RELEASE:
Jackson, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has
issued a beach closure Tuesday for a section of the beach from Beauvoir
Road to the east end of Sadler Beach Drive in Biloxi.
The closure is being preemptively issued due to a sewage overflow.
MDEQ advises residents not to enter the water or consume any seafood
collected from these near shore waters until further notice. MDEQ will
monitor the water and lift the closure when bacteria levels indicate
conditions are safe for water contact.
http://www.deq.state.ms.us/MDEQ.nsf/page/Main_Newsroom?OpenDocument
Regional
Graphic Packaging to upgrade West Monroe mill
Posted: Aug 19, 2014 3:40 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 19, 2014 3:40 PM CDT
WEST MONROE, La. (AP) - Graphic Packaging International Inc. says it's
making a $41.5 million investment in its paper mill in West Monroe to
upgrade production machinery.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26319276/graphic-packaging-to-upgrade-west-monroe-mill
State
MDEQ Issues Beach Closure in Biloxi
Posted: Aug 19, 2014 5:11 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 19, 2014 5:14 PM CDT
By Donesha Aldridge, Web Content Manager/Producer News Channel 12
MEDIA RELEASE:
Jackson, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has
issued a beach closure Tuesday for a section of the beach from Beauvoir
Road to the east end of Sadler Beach Drive in Biloxi.
The closure is being preemptively issued due to a sewage overflow.
MDEQ advises residents not to enter the water or consume any seafood
collected from these near shore waters until further notice. MDEQ will
monitor the water and lift the closure when bacteria levels indicate
conditions are safe for water contact.
http://www.deq.state.ms.us/MDEQ.nsf/page/Main_Newsroom?OpenDocument
Regional
Graphic Packaging to upgrade West Monroe mill
Posted: Aug 19, 2014 3:40 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 19, 2014 3:40 PM CDT
WEST MONROE, La. (AP) - Graphic Packaging International Inc. says it's
making a $41.5 million investment in its paper mill in West Monroe to
upgrade production machinery.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26319276/graphic-packaging-to-upgrade-west-monroe-mill
Smart Growth Webinars & Awards
Webinars
EPA's Smart Growth Program will be hosting a webinar on Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grants tomorrow, August 20. EPA’s Office of Water will also be hosting a webinar on Green Infrastructure and Smart Growth on September 3.
- Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grants: Opportunities to Align and Leverage Partnership Investments – Wednesday, August 20, 2014, 1:00-2:00 Eastern - Speakers from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the Environmental Health Coalition, Chicopee, Massachusetts, and National City, California will discuss how communities interested in area-wide planning can align their grant activities with other investments to advance their brownfields redevelopment goals.
- Green Infrastructure and Smart Growth – Wednesday, September 3, 1:00-2:30 Eastern - Speakers from EPA, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Upstate Forever Communities will discuss how communities can leverage green infrastructure as part of broader smart growth initiatives. This webinar qualifies for 1.5 certification maintenance credits from the American Planning Association.
Learn more about these webinars and find instructions on how to attend at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/webinars/index.html#webinars .
National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
The application deadline is approaching for the 2015 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. Public-sector, private-sector, and nonprofit organizations that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically are encouraged to a pply by Friday, September 5, 5 p.m. Eastern .
Learn more on our awards page, http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
News Clippings 8/19/14
State
Mississippi DEQ to host series of `Community Conversations', including one
in Ocean Springs
By Warren Kulo | GulfLive.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 18, 2014 at 2:11 PM
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Ocean Springs will be the site of one of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's 'Community Conversations'
-- forums designed to allow the public to discuss Gulf restoration
restoration priorities and opportunities for Mississippi.
.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/mississippi_deq_to_host_series.html
Pascagoula's Cherokee Concerned Citizens plea for air quality help from
Jackson County
By April M. Havens | ahavens@al.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 18, 2014 at 11:43 AM, updated August 18, 2014 at 12:50 PM
(Embedded image moved to file: pic00288.gif)PASCAGOULA, Mississippi --
Pascagoula's Cherokee Concerned Citizens, a watchdog group that has been
documenting and raising concerns about pollution from nearby industries,
went before Jackson County supervisors this morning to plea for assistance.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/pascagoulas_cherokee_concerned.html
Oil Spill
Gulf oyster harvest has nose-dived since BP spill
Stacey Plaisance9:04 p.m. CDT August 15, 2014
HOPEDALE, La. – Fisherman Randy Slavich drags a clunky metal net through an
underwater oyster bed in Lake Machias, a brackish body opening into the
Gulf of Mexico. For generations, this has been a bountiful lake for
harvesting oysters, long before millions of gallons of oil spilled off
Louisiana's coast in 2010.
Associated Press writer Janet McConnaughey contributed to this report from
New Orleans.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2014/08/15/hard-times-oysters/14138757/
Treasury takes step toward oil spill trust fund for allocating RESTORE Act
funds
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Treasury has set out 97 pages of rules for
investing and allocating money that BP PLC and other defendants will pay in
Clean Water Act fines for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/treasury_takes_step_toward_oil.html
National
Study at Deepwater Horizon Spill Site Finds Key to Tracking Pollutants
Science consortium offers new information to predict how oil and other
pollutants move in the ocean
August 18, 2014
MIAMI – A new study of the ocean circulation patterns at the site of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill reveals the significant role small-scale ocean
currents play in the spread of pollutants. The findings provide new
information to help predict the movements of oil and other pollutants in
the ocean. Nearly two years to the day after the Deepwater Horizon
incident, scientists from the Consortium for Advanced Research on Transport
of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE), based at the University of
Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, conducted a
drifter experiment in the northern Gulf of Mexico spill site to study
small-scale ocean currents ranging from 100 meters to 100 kilometers.
http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/news-events/press-releases/2014/study-at-deepwater-horizon-spill-site-finds-key-to-tracking-pollutants/
EPA launches criminal probe into Tyson discharge
Posted: Monday, August 18, 2014 8:45 pm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched a criminal probe of
Tyson Foods in connection with the discharge of a feed supplement into
Monett's wastewater treatment plant.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/article_a90cf9f6-2742-11e4-918c-0019bb2963f4.html
Monday, August 18, 2014
News Clippings 8/18/14
8/18/14
State
Demolition starts at former Sara Lee plant in West Point
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: August 16,
2014 - 11:46 am
Last Updated: August 16,
2014 - 11:49 am
WEST POINT, Mississippi — Trucks have begun hauling away rubble from the
former Sara Lee plant in West Point as the site's owner seeks a new use for
the property.
The Commercial Dispatch reported (http://bit.ly/1l7sc1Y) the 70-acre tract
along Eshman Avenue is majority-owned by Ohio-based Kohart Surplus and
Salvage.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/ffd95aa72f83485cbf7b05e6b9baa867/MS--West-Point-Development
Comment period for Hinds megasite extended again
Clay Chandler, The Clarion-Ledger10:05 a.m. CDT August 14, 2014
Remember that mitigation notice Gov. Phil Bryant's office filed with the
Army Corps of Engineers that revealed big plans for the Hinds County
megasite?
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/businessledger/2014/08/14/hinds-megasite-comment-extended/14051417/
Vicksburg laws regulate disposal of cooking oils
Associated Press10:45 p.m. CDT August 16, 2014
VICKSBURG – Vicksburg restaurants and night clubs will have to follow a new
set of rules on disposing cooking fats, oils and grease.
The Vicksburg Post reported the new rules are part of revised
ordinances approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/08/16/vicksburg-laws-regulate-disposal-cooking-oils/14187845/
Dozens attend 45th anniversary remembrance of Hurricane Camille
Posted: Aug 17, 2014 8:37 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 18, 2014 5:54 AM CDT
By Asha Staples
BILOXI, MS (WLOX/AP) -
Nearly half a century ago, Hurricane Camille made her way to South
Mississippi, and to many, the memory of the devastating storm still remains
fresh. "It was a very frightening experience," Kay Harvey said.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26301698/dozens-attend-45th-anniversary-remembrance-of-hurricane-camille
Bay St. Louis beach closure lifted
Posted: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDTBy WLOX Staff
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -
We have an update on a beach closure in Bay St. Louis. The Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality has just lifted the closure notice that
was issued on Monday from Carroll Avenue to Julia Street.
The closure was necessary after lightning hit a sewer lift-station, causing
about 200,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the water.
MDEQ officials say water samples show the area has acceptable bacteria
levels and is safe for beach-goers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26285054/bay-st-louis-beach-closure-lifted
Tupelo loses water well appeal, could settle fight
Posted: Aug 13, 2014 8:38 AM CDT
Updated: Aug 13, 2014 8:39 AM CDT
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A rural water association has permission to drill
wells despite the city of Tupelo's opposition, but the dispute could be
headed to a settlement.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26268966/tupelo-loses-water-well-appeal-could-settle-fight
Miss. fines hospital over hazardous waste handling
Posted: Aug 13, 2014 3:06 AM CDT
Updated: Aug 13, 2014 3:06 AM CDT
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - A Gulfport hospital is paying an $87,000 fine for
improperly handling hazardous waste.
Garden Park Medical Center agreed in May to pay the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality $87,100 for violating 21 separate rules governing
the storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26266594/miss-fines-hospital-over-hazardous-waste-handling
Regional
Researchers find way to track invisible, underwater oil
By Jennifer Larino, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 14, 2014 at 3:20 PM
Researchers have discovered a new way to track the presence of oil in water
even after visible slicks have vanished, a tool that could help give
scientists a better idea of how oil spills impact the environment.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/researchers_find_way_to_track.htm
l
Owners of west Ala. landfill note zero violations
Posted: Aug 15, 2014 2:09 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 15, 2014 2:09 PM CDT
UNIONTOWN, Ala. (AP) - Owners of a west Alabama landfill say EPA officials
investigating a complaint against the Alabama Department of Environmental
management have not contacted them but they would cooperate fully if
requested.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26291948/owners-of-west-ala-landfill-note-zero-violations
State
Demolition starts at former Sara Lee plant in West Point
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: August 16,
2014 - 11:46 am
Last Updated: August 16,
2014 - 11:49 am
WEST POINT, Mississippi — Trucks have begun hauling away rubble from the
former Sara Lee plant in West Point as the site's owner seeks a new use for
the property.
The Commercial Dispatch reported (http://bit.ly/1l7sc1Y) the 70-acre tract
along Eshman Avenue is majority-owned by Ohio-based Kohart Surplus and
Salvage.
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/ffd95aa72f83485cbf7b05e6b9baa867/MS--West-Point-Development
Comment period for Hinds megasite extended again
Clay Chandler, The Clarion-Ledger10:05 a.m. CDT August 14, 2014
Remember that mitigation notice Gov. Phil Bryant's office filed with the
Army Corps of Engineers that revealed big plans for the Hinds County
megasite?
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/businessledger/2014/08/14/hinds-megasite-comment-extended/14051417/
Vicksburg laws regulate disposal of cooking oils
Associated Press10:45 p.m. CDT August 16, 2014
VICKSBURG – Vicksburg restaurants and night clubs will have to follow a new
set of rules on disposing cooking fats, oils and grease.
The Vicksburg Post reported the new rules are part of revised
ordinances approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/08/16/vicksburg-laws-regulate-disposal-cooking-oils/14187845/
Dozens attend 45th anniversary remembrance of Hurricane Camille
Posted: Aug 17, 2014 8:37 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 18, 2014 5:54 AM CDT
By Asha Staples
BILOXI, MS (WLOX/AP) -
Nearly half a century ago, Hurricane Camille made her way to South
Mississippi, and to many, the memory of the devastating storm still remains
fresh. "It was a very frightening experience," Kay Harvey said.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26301698/dozens-attend-45th-anniversary-remembrance-of-hurricane-camille
Bay St. Louis beach closure lifted
Posted: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDTBy WLOX Staff
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -
We have an update on a beach closure in Bay St. Louis. The Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality has just lifted the closure notice that
was issued on Monday from Carroll Avenue to Julia Street.
The closure was necessary after lightning hit a sewer lift-station, causing
about 200,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the water.
MDEQ officials say water samples show the area has acceptable bacteria
levels and is safe for beach-goers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26285054/bay-st-louis-beach-closure-lifted
Tupelo loses water well appeal, could settle fight
Posted: Aug 13, 2014 8:38 AM CDT
Updated: Aug 13, 2014 8:39 AM CDT
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A rural water association has permission to drill
wells despite the city of Tupelo's opposition, but the dispute could be
headed to a settlement.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26268966/tupelo-loses-water-well-appeal-could-settle-fight
Miss. fines hospital over hazardous waste handling
Posted: Aug 13, 2014 3:06 AM CDT
Updated: Aug 13, 2014 3:06 AM CDT
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - A Gulfport hospital is paying an $87,000 fine for
improperly handling hazardous waste.
Garden Park Medical Center agreed in May to pay the Mississippi Department
of Environmental Quality $87,100 for violating 21 separate rules governing
the storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26266594/miss-fines-hospital-over-hazardous-waste-handling
Regional
Researchers find way to track invisible, underwater oil
By Jennifer Larino, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on August 14, 2014 at 3:20 PM
Researchers have discovered a new way to track the presence of oil in water
even after visible slicks have vanished, a tool that could help give
scientists a better idea of how oil spills impact the environment.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/researchers_find_way_to_track.htm
l
Owners of west Ala. landfill note zero violations
Posted: Aug 15, 2014 2:09 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 15, 2014 2:09 PM CDT
UNIONTOWN, Ala. (AP) - Owners of a west Alabama landfill say EPA officials
investigating a complaint against the Alabama Department of Environmental
management have not contacted them but they would cooperate fully if
requested.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26291948/owners-of-west-ala-landfill-note-zero-violations
Friday, August 15, 2014
News Clippings 8/14/14
8/14/14
State
Bay St. Louis beach closure lifted
Posted: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -
We have an update on a beach closure in Bay St. Louis. The Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality has just lifted the closure notice that
was issued on Monday from Carroll Avenue to Julia Street.
The closure was necessary after lightning hit a sewer lift-station, causing
about 200,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the water.
MDEQ officials say water samples show the area has acceptable bacteria
levels and is safe for beach-goers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26285054/bay-st-louis-beach-closure-lifteds.
National
Vitter Announces RESTORE Act Recovery Funds to Finally Start Flowing
PoliticalNews.me - Aug 14,2014 - Vitter Announces RESTORE Act Recovery
Funds to Finally Start Flowing
Vitter has been pressing the Obama Administration for Louisiana – hit
hardest by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill - to receive RESTORE Act
funds in a fair and transparent manner
http://politicalnews.me/?id=29732
Treasury takes step toward oil spill trust fund for allocating RESTORE Act
funds
By The Associated Press
on August 14, 2014 at 6:56 AM, updated August 14, 2014 at 7:03 AM
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Treasury has set out 97 pages of rules for
investing and allocating money that BP PLC and other defendants will pay in
Clean Water Act fines for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/treasury_takes_step_toward_oil.html
State
Bay St. Louis beach closure lifted
Posted: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 14, 2014 5:57 PM CDT
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -
We have an update on a beach closure in Bay St. Louis. The Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality has just lifted the closure notice that
was issued on Monday from Carroll Avenue to Julia Street.
The closure was necessary after lightning hit a sewer lift-station, causing
about 200,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the water.
MDEQ officials say water samples show the area has acceptable bacteria
levels and is safe for beach-goers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26285054/bay-st-louis-beach-closure-lifteds.
National
Vitter Announces RESTORE Act Recovery Funds to Finally Start Flowing
PoliticalNews.me - Aug 14,2014 - Vitter Announces RESTORE Act Recovery
Funds to Finally Start Flowing
Vitter has been pressing the Obama Administration for Louisiana – hit
hardest by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill - to receive RESTORE Act
funds in a fair and transparent manner
http://politicalnews.me/?id=29732
Treasury takes step toward oil spill trust fund for allocating RESTORE Act
funds
By The Associated Press
on August 14, 2014 at 6:56 AM, updated August 14, 2014 at 7:03 AM
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Treasury has set out 97 pages of rules for
investing and allocating money that BP PLC and other defendants will pay in
Clean Water Act fines for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/treasury_takes_step_toward_oil.html
Thursday, August 14, 2014
News Clippings 8/14/14
8/14/14
State
Raw Sewage in the Bay: Beach closed after pump station hit by lightning
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
A portion of the beach in Bay St. Louis was closed Monday after city
officials learned that a damaged pump station was causing raw sewage to
seep into the Bay of St. Louis.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_8103.shtml#.U-yuHfk7tcZ
Work underway to repair Reservoir dam leak
WAPT
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. —There is a small leak in the dam at the Ross Barnett
Reservoir, but officials said it's nothing to be concerned about.
http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/work-underway-to-repair-reservoir-dam-leak/27459298#!bDh2g2
MS Power CEO Ed Holland weighs in on settlement with Sierra Club
WLOX
Mississippi Power CEO Ed Holland is calling last Monday's settlement
between the power company and the Sierra Club over the Kemper County
lignite plant a win win.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26276207/ms-power-ceo-ed-holland-weighs-in-on-settlement-with-sierra-club
Black Creek Watershed sign-up ongoing
Stone County Enterprise
By Heather Anderson
Stone County landowners and users in the upper Black Creek watershed may
qualify for financial assistance through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2239.shtml
Clay County Yokohama Tire Plant on Schedule
WCBI
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) — Work on the $500 million Yokohama Tire plant in
Clay County is on schedule for the start of production in 14 months.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-clay-county-yokohama-tire-plant-on-schedule
MSU bringing engineering classes to the MS Gulf Coast
WLOX
Mississippi State University is coming to the Coast. On Thursday, MSU's
President signed an agreement to offer engineering programs at Mississippi
Gulf Coast Community College. This unique partnership will mean a lot to
students, industries and the local economy.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26274956/msu-will-offer-engineering-classes-on-the-ms-gulf-coast
Oil Spill
Treasury takes step toward oil spill trust fund for allocating RESTORE Act
funds
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Treasury has set out 97 pages of rules for
investing and allocating money that BP PLC and other defendants will pay in
Clean Water Act fines for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/treasury_takes_step_toward_oil.html#incart_river
Treasury moves to distribute BP oil spill fines
The Hill
The Treasury Department issued a rule Wednesday to distribute to Gulf Coast
states the fines paid by BP and Transocean after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
oil spill disaster.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215058-treasury-moves-to-distribute-bp-oil-spill-fines
Louisiana and 20 coastal parishes to share 20 percent of initial Restore
Act money
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
August 13, 2014 at 8:44 PM
Louisiana and 20 coastal parishes will share 20 percent of the the first
two baskets of BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill fine money to be distributed
among Gulf Coast states under the federal Restore Act, according to new
rules issued by the U.S. Treasury on Wednesday.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/08/louisiana_20_coastal_parishes.html#incart_river
National
EPA chides Chamber of Commerce again
The Hill
For the third time this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has shot back at the Chamber of Commerce, saying the business group
misrepresented the agency's economic analysis.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215061-epa-chides-chamber-of-commerce-again
EPA Pursues Criminal Probe in Tyson Chemical Spill
Wall Street Journal
U.S. authorities have sought documents and records from Tyson Foods Inc.TSN
+0.78% as part of a criminal investigation into a chemical spill at a
Missouri poultry-processing plant in May.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/epa-pursues-criminal-probe-in-tyson-chemical-spill-1407953182
Opinion
The EPA's Latest Threat to Economic Growth
The agency's needless new ozone standard could cost Americans $270 billion
annually.
Wall Street Journal
By JAY TIMMONS
Aug. 13, 2014 6:58 p.m. ET
In a town famous for inaction, Washington is gearing up to take action on a
major policy issue. But there's a hitch: The outcome could be the most
expensive regulation in the nation's history, possibly tanking the economy
and costing jobs at a time when businesses, manufacturers and families are
making a comeback.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-epas-latest-threat-to-economic-growth-1407970689
State
Raw Sewage in the Bay: Beach closed after pump station hit by lightning
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
A portion of the beach in Bay St. Louis was closed Monday after city
officials learned that a damaged pump station was causing raw sewage to
seep into the Bay of St. Louis.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_8103.shtml#.U-yuHfk7tcZ
Work underway to repair Reservoir dam leak
WAPT
RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. —There is a small leak in the dam at the Ross Barnett
Reservoir, but officials said it's nothing to be concerned about.
http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/work-underway-to-repair-reservoir-dam-leak/27459298#!bDh2g2
MS Power CEO Ed Holland weighs in on settlement with Sierra Club
WLOX
Mississippi Power CEO Ed Holland is calling last Monday's settlement
between the power company and the Sierra Club over the Kemper County
lignite plant a win win.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26276207/ms-power-ceo-ed-holland-weighs-in-on-settlement-with-sierra-club
Black Creek Watershed sign-up ongoing
Stone County Enterprise
By Heather Anderson
Stone County landowners and users in the upper Black Creek watershed may
qualify for financial assistance through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2239.shtml
Clay County Yokohama Tire Plant on Schedule
WCBI
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) — Work on the $500 million Yokohama Tire plant in
Clay County is on schedule for the start of production in 14 months.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-clay-county-yokohama-tire-plant-on-schedule
MSU bringing engineering classes to the MS Gulf Coast
WLOX
Mississippi State University is coming to the Coast. On Thursday, MSU's
President signed an agreement to offer engineering programs at Mississippi
Gulf Coast Community College. This unique partnership will mean a lot to
students, industries and the local economy.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26274956/msu-will-offer-engineering-classes-on-the-ms-gulf-coast
Oil Spill
Treasury takes step toward oil spill trust fund for allocating RESTORE Act
funds
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Treasury has set out 97 pages of rules for
investing and allocating money that BP PLC and other defendants will pay in
Clean Water Act fines for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/treasury_takes_step_toward_oil.html#incart_river
Treasury moves to distribute BP oil spill fines
The Hill
The Treasury Department issued a rule Wednesday to distribute to Gulf Coast
states the fines paid by BP and Transocean after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
oil spill disaster.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215058-treasury-moves-to-distribute-bp-oil-spill-fines
Louisiana and 20 coastal parishes to share 20 percent of initial Restore
Act money
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
August 13, 2014 at 8:44 PM
Louisiana and 20 coastal parishes will share 20 percent of the the first
two baskets of BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill fine money to be distributed
among Gulf Coast states under the federal Restore Act, according to new
rules issued by the U.S. Treasury on Wednesday.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/08/louisiana_20_coastal_parishes.html#incart_river
National
EPA chides Chamber of Commerce again
The Hill
For the third time this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has shot back at the Chamber of Commerce, saying the business group
misrepresented the agency's economic analysis.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/215061-epa-chides-chamber-of-commerce-again
EPA Pursues Criminal Probe in Tyson Chemical Spill
Wall Street Journal
U.S. authorities have sought documents and records from Tyson Foods Inc.TSN
+0.78% as part of a criminal investigation into a chemical spill at a
Missouri poultry-processing plant in May.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/epa-pursues-criminal-probe-in-tyson-chemical-spill-1407953182
Opinion
The EPA's Latest Threat to Economic Growth
The agency's needless new ozone standard could cost Americans $270 billion
annually.
Wall Street Journal
By JAY TIMMONS
Aug. 13, 2014 6:58 p.m. ET
In a town famous for inaction, Washington is gearing up to take action on a
major policy issue. But there's a hitch: The outcome could be the most
expensive regulation in the nation's history, possibly tanking the economy
and costing jobs at a time when businesses, manufacturers and families are
making a comeback.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-epas-latest-threat-to-economic-growth-1407970689
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
News Clippings 8/13/14
8/13/14
State
North Lee, Tupelo may seek to settle
By Bobby Harrison
Daily Journal Jackson Bureau
JACKSON – The city of Tupelo's continuing effort to block the construction
of six new water wells by the North Lee County Water Association was
rebuffed again Tuesday by the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality Permit Board after more than five hours of testimony.
http://djournal.com/news/north-lee-tupelo-may-seek-settle/
Hattiesburg officially ends agreement with Groundworx
Hattiesburg American
On the same day he received authority from City Council to end the city's
contract with Groundworx LLC, Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree did just
that.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2014/08/12/groundworx-contract-ended/13968649/
Bay St. Louis business owners say closed beach won't impact them
WLOX
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -As we first told you Monday the Mississippi DEQ
closed part of the Bay St. Louis beach front after a sewer lift station
malfunctioned causing a spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26265032/bay-st-louis-business-owners-say-closed-beach-wont-impact-them
Initial dam work under way at Long Creek Reservoir
Meridian Star
By Michael Stewart
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 5:00 am
Work has begun to remove a concrete spillway at Long Creek Reservoir. Plans
are to cut a 77-foot section out of the top of the dam beginning next week.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/article_17c45668-2299-11e4-9716-0019bb2963f4.html
Long Creek Reservoir Update
WTOK
More progress is being made to fix the problem at Long Creek Reservoir in
Meridian. During a work session Tuesday, the manager for the project from
the city's Public Works Department informed city council members that water
from the lake is no longer being drained. David Sloan told the group that
preliminary work on the dam will soon be finished.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Long-Creek-Reservoir-Update-270964021.html
State fines Garden Park Medical Center over hazardous waste handling
The Associated Press
GULFPORT, MISS. — A Gulfport hospital is paying an $87,000 fine for
improperly handling hazardous waste.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/13/5743014/miss-fines-hospital-over-hazardous.html
Florence students recognized as recycling leaders
Clarion Ledger
Florence Elementary School has been recognized as a leader in the
state by a recycling program created by a partnership between MOM
Brands cereal and recycling company TerraCycle, Inc.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/08/12/florence-recycling-terracycle/13947263/
KiOR warns of bankruptcy
AP
By JEFF AMY
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Struggling biofuel firm KiOR says in a financial
filing that it will run out of money by September and that bankruptcy could
follow.
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=MEokEKPC
28 million-year-old fossils found in Mississippi
WDAM
Two Mississippi men have discovered 25 - 28 million-year-old fossils in
Wayne County.
http://www.wdam.com/story/26251924/28-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-mississippi
Oil Spill
Mississippi oysters make a comeback - for a price
Mississippi oysters make a comeback -- for a price
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
The Mississippi oyster industry is bouncing back from a triple whammy --
Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil disaster and the Mississippi River flood --
and is still a long way from its peak 10 years ago.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5742820/mississippi-oysters-make-a-comeback.html?sp=/99/184/
Dramatic downturn in gulf oyster harvests since BP oil spill
WLOX
Mississippi fishermen harvested nearly 400,000 sacks of oysters in the
season before the BP oil spill. Since the spill in 2010, the "best" oyster
season has been just 78,000 sacks. Those figures go along with a new report
which finds the overall gulf oyster harvest has dropped dramatically since
the oil spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26261164/oyster-harvests-not-the-pearl-they-used-to-be
Advisory Committee Setting Criteria for Awarding Funds for Restore Act
Projects
WJHG
PANAMA CITY - Bay County's RESTORE Act Advisory Committee met again Tuesday
to discuss distribution of BP settlement money.
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Advisory-Committee-Setting-Criteria-for-Awarding-Funds-for-Restore-Act-Projects-271009821.html
Regional
Drillers defining Tuscaloosa shale's productive areas
Baton Rouge Advocate
BY TED GRIGGS
Goodrich Petroleum Corp. and other players in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale
are making excellent and rapid progress in defining the most productive
area to drill in the oil-rich formation, according to the company's chief
executive officer.
http://theadvocate.com/news/9943044-123/drillers-defining-tuscaloosa-shales-productive
National
Senators want more comment time on EPA climate rule
The Hill
Two senators are planning to ask the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to further extend the public comment period for its power plant carbon
proposal.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214986-senators-want-more-comment-time-on-epa-climate-rule
Journalists to EPA: Stop muzzling scientists
The Hill
A coalition of journalism and science groups is pressing the Environmental
Protection Agency to end its policy of restricting independent scientists
who advise the agency from talking to media outlets without permission.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214983-journalists-tell-epa-to-stop-muzzling-science-advisers
Opinion
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Climate change remains wide open to debate
August 12, 2014
We favor the view that Earth's climate is changing and not for the better.
We also believe human activity accounts for some portion of that change. We
therefore support modifying human behavior to moderate the change and
mitigate the consequences.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5742217/sun-herald-editorial-climate-change.html?sp=/99/728/
Press Releases
White House Council on Environmental Quality and EPA Honor Student Leaders
and Exceptional Teachers with Environmental Education Awards
Contact: Rachel Deitz, deitz.rachel@epa.gov, 202-564-1807
Contacto En Español: Lina Younes, Younes.lina@epa.gov, 202-564-9924
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014
WASHINGTON- Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, in
conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced the
winners of the annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental
Educators (PIAEE) and President's Environmental Youth Award, (PEYA)
recognizing outstanding student leaders in environmental stewardship and
K-12 teachers employing innovative approaches to environmental education in
their schools. In a ceremony at the White House, 17 teachers and 60
students from across the nation are being honored for their contributions
to environmental education and stewardship.
"These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of student leaders
and exceptional teachers on some of the most pressing issues facing our
nation, including combating climate change and instituting sustainability
practices," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Environmental education
encourages academic achievement, especially in the sciences, and develops
the next generation of leaders in environmental stewardship."ý
This year, students are receiving awards for projects including activities
such as creating a novel water purification method, assessing apples as a
sustainable fuel source, and reducing the carbon footprint of a school to
help combat climate change. Teachers being honored this year have employed
interactive, hands-on learning projects such as opening a marine science
station, designing a solar powered garden irrigation system, building a
nature trail, and connecting students to their natural surroundings through
field studies. These students and teachers creatively utilize their local
ecosystems, environment, community and culture as a context for learning.
"To deal with immense challenges like climate change, we need a generation
of leaders who don't back away from complex environmental problems, and who
have the skills to solve them," said Mike Boots, Acting Chair of the White
House Council on Environmental Quality. "Across the country, environmental
education is helping develop that generation of leaders, and the students
and teachers being recognized today are remarkable examples of this kind of
education at its best."
The PIAEE and PEYA awardees demonstrate the creativity, innovation,
leadership and passion for community engagement needed to face difficult
environmental challenges. Teachers and students attending the ceremony will
also be participating in a workshop led by the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy to discuss climate and best practices in the
field of climate education.
And today, NOAA, the US Global Change Research Program, and collaborators
from both the National Climate Assessment network of stakeholders (NCAnet)
and the CLEAN Network are releasing a series of guides for educators
focused on each of the regions covered in the U.S. National Climate
Assessment released by the Obama Administration in May 2014. The guides,
which are being deployed on climate.gov, aim to help unpack regional
findings and scientific messages, provide links to key resources, and
connect educators with the climate-relevant information they need.
Additionally, the National Environmental Education Foundation and EPA
announced the winner of the 2014 Bartlett Award. This additional
recognition is given each year to an exceptionally outstanding PIAEE award
winner, who can serve as an inspiration and model to others.
PEYA winners ýinclude students from 9 states, including Washington, Iowa,
Oklahoma, North Carolina and New Hampshire. PIAEE winners and honorable
mentions include teachers from 23 states and territories, including
Vermont, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Guam and Puerto Rico.
For details on the new PIAEE winners, visit
http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners
For details on the Bartlet award winners, visit
http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward.htm
For details on the new PEYA winners, visit:
http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners
.
New Filing System to Save Thousands in Taxpayer Dollars
Helps Small Businesses Register with the State
Jackson, Miss.— The Secretary of State's Office will launch a new online
filing system for existing and potential businesses in Mississippi. This
convenient software will trim thousands of dollars in mailing expenses by
the Agency.
"For years, companies looking to do business in Mississippi were forced to
use snail mail or make a trip to Jackson to conduct business with our
Agency," says Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. "Now, with the click of
a mouse and the privacy of their home, anyone can conduct business with the
State."
The new online filing system will launch August 25th. Mississippi is the
first state in the nation to provide online filing for allof its business
services.
"Requiring the use of the online filing system will save the State of
Mississippi thousands in taxpayer dollars, by reducing paper, postage and
manpower to process the documents," adds Secretary Hosemann. "We ask that
the public be patient as we integrate this new system, which will be a
convenience for both small businesses and promote job growth in our State."
Paper business filings will continue to be accepted through December 31,
2014. Beginning in 2015, all users must utilize the online filing system.
The new business filing portal will be available August 25, 2014 at
www.sos.ms.gov.
State
North Lee, Tupelo may seek to settle
By Bobby Harrison
Daily Journal Jackson Bureau
JACKSON – The city of Tupelo's continuing effort to block the construction
of six new water wells by the North Lee County Water Association was
rebuffed again Tuesday by the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality Permit Board after more than five hours of testimony.
http://djournal.com/news/north-lee-tupelo-may-seek-settle/
Hattiesburg officially ends agreement with Groundworx
Hattiesburg American
On the same day he received authority from City Council to end the city's
contract with Groundworx LLC, Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree did just
that.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2014/08/12/groundworx-contract-ended/13968649/
Bay St. Louis business owners say closed beach won't impact them
WLOX
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) -As we first told you Monday the Mississippi DEQ
closed part of the Bay St. Louis beach front after a sewer lift station
malfunctioned causing a spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26265032/bay-st-louis-business-owners-say-closed-beach-wont-impact-them
Initial dam work under way at Long Creek Reservoir
Meridian Star
By Michael Stewart
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 5:00 am
Work has begun to remove a concrete spillway at Long Creek Reservoir. Plans
are to cut a 77-foot section out of the top of the dam beginning next week.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/article_17c45668-2299-11e4-9716-0019bb2963f4.html
Long Creek Reservoir Update
WTOK
More progress is being made to fix the problem at Long Creek Reservoir in
Meridian. During a work session Tuesday, the manager for the project from
the city's Public Works Department informed city council members that water
from the lake is no longer being drained. David Sloan told the group that
preliminary work on the dam will soon be finished.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Long-Creek-Reservoir-Update-270964021.html
State fines Garden Park Medical Center over hazardous waste handling
The Associated Press
GULFPORT, MISS. — A Gulfport hospital is paying an $87,000 fine for
improperly handling hazardous waste.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/13/5743014/miss-fines-hospital-over-hazardous.html
Florence students recognized as recycling leaders
Clarion Ledger
Florence Elementary School has been recognized as a leader in the
state by a recycling program created by a partnership between MOM
Brands cereal and recycling company TerraCycle, Inc.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/08/12/florence-recycling-terracycle/13947263/
KiOR warns of bankruptcy
AP
By JEFF AMY
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Struggling biofuel firm KiOR says in a financial
filing that it will run out of money by September and that bankruptcy could
follow.
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=MEokEKPC
28 million-year-old fossils found in Mississippi
WDAM
Two Mississippi men have discovered 25 - 28 million-year-old fossils in
Wayne County.
http://www.wdam.com/story/26251924/28-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-mississippi
Oil Spill
Mississippi oysters make a comeback - for a price
Mississippi oysters make a comeback -- for a price
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
The Mississippi oyster industry is bouncing back from a triple whammy --
Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil disaster and the Mississippi River flood --
and is still a long way from its peak 10 years ago.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5742820/mississippi-oysters-make-a-comeback.html?sp=/99/184/
Dramatic downturn in gulf oyster harvests since BP oil spill
WLOX
Mississippi fishermen harvested nearly 400,000 sacks of oysters in the
season before the BP oil spill. Since the spill in 2010, the "best" oyster
season has been just 78,000 sacks. Those figures go along with a new report
which finds the overall gulf oyster harvest has dropped dramatically since
the oil spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26261164/oyster-harvests-not-the-pearl-they-used-to-be
Advisory Committee Setting Criteria for Awarding Funds for Restore Act
Projects
WJHG
PANAMA CITY - Bay County's RESTORE Act Advisory Committee met again Tuesday
to discuss distribution of BP settlement money.
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Advisory-Committee-Setting-Criteria-for-Awarding-Funds-for-Restore-Act-Projects-271009821.html
Regional
Drillers defining Tuscaloosa shale's productive areas
Baton Rouge Advocate
BY TED GRIGGS
Goodrich Petroleum Corp. and other players in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale
are making excellent and rapid progress in defining the most productive
area to drill in the oil-rich formation, according to the company's chief
executive officer.
http://theadvocate.com/news/9943044-123/drillers-defining-tuscaloosa-shales-productive
National
Senators want more comment time on EPA climate rule
The Hill
Two senators are planning to ask the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to further extend the public comment period for its power plant carbon
proposal.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214986-senators-want-more-comment-time-on-epa-climate-rule
Journalists to EPA: Stop muzzling scientists
The Hill
A coalition of journalism and science groups is pressing the Environmental
Protection Agency to end its policy of restricting independent scientists
who advise the agency from talking to media outlets without permission.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214983-journalists-tell-epa-to-stop-muzzling-science-advisers
Opinion
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Climate change remains wide open to debate
August 12, 2014
We favor the view that Earth's climate is changing and not for the better.
We also believe human activity accounts for some portion of that change. We
therefore support modifying human behavior to moderate the change and
mitigate the consequences.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5742217/sun-herald-editorial-climate-change.html?sp=/99/728/
Press Releases
White House Council on Environmental Quality and EPA Honor Student Leaders
and Exceptional Teachers with Environmental Education Awards
Contact: Rachel Deitz, deitz.rachel@epa.gov, 202-564-1807
Contacto En Español: Lina Younes, Younes.lina@epa.gov, 202-564-9924
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014
WASHINGTON- Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, in
conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced the
winners of the annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental
Educators (PIAEE) and President's Environmental Youth Award, (PEYA)
recognizing outstanding student leaders in environmental stewardship and
K-12 teachers employing innovative approaches to environmental education in
their schools. In a ceremony at the White House, 17 teachers and 60
students from across the nation are being honored for their contributions
to environmental education and stewardship.
"These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of student leaders
and exceptional teachers on some of the most pressing issues facing our
nation, including combating climate change and instituting sustainability
practices," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Environmental education
encourages academic achievement, especially in the sciences, and develops
the next generation of leaders in environmental stewardship."ý
This year, students are receiving awards for projects including activities
such as creating a novel water purification method, assessing apples as a
sustainable fuel source, and reducing the carbon footprint of a school to
help combat climate change. Teachers being honored this year have employed
interactive, hands-on learning projects such as opening a marine science
station, designing a solar powered garden irrigation system, building a
nature trail, and connecting students to their natural surroundings through
field studies. These students and teachers creatively utilize their local
ecosystems, environment, community and culture as a context for learning.
"To deal with immense challenges like climate change, we need a generation
of leaders who don't back away from complex environmental problems, and who
have the skills to solve them," said Mike Boots, Acting Chair of the White
House Council on Environmental Quality. "Across the country, environmental
education is helping develop that generation of leaders, and the students
and teachers being recognized today are remarkable examples of this kind of
education at its best."
The PIAEE and PEYA awardees demonstrate the creativity, innovation,
leadership and passion for community engagement needed to face difficult
environmental challenges. Teachers and students attending the ceremony will
also be participating in a workshop led by the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy to discuss climate and best practices in the
field of climate education.
And today, NOAA, the US Global Change Research Program, and collaborators
from both the National Climate Assessment network of stakeholders (NCAnet)
and the CLEAN Network are releasing a series of guides for educators
focused on each of the regions covered in the U.S. National Climate
Assessment released by the Obama Administration in May 2014. The guides,
which are being deployed on climate.gov, aim to help unpack regional
findings and scientific messages, provide links to key resources, and
connect educators with the climate-relevant information they need.
Additionally, the National Environmental Education Foundation and EPA
announced the winner of the 2014 Bartlett Award. This additional
recognition is given each year to an exceptionally outstanding PIAEE award
winner, who can serve as an inspiration and model to others.
PEYA winners ýinclude students from 9 states, including Washington, Iowa,
Oklahoma, North Carolina and New Hampshire. PIAEE winners and honorable
mentions include teachers from 23 states and territories, including
Vermont, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Guam and Puerto Rico.
For details on the new PIAEE winners, visit
http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners
For details on the Bartlet award winners, visit
http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward.htm
For details on the new PEYA winners, visit:
http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners
.
New Filing System to Save Thousands in Taxpayer Dollars
Helps Small Businesses Register with the State
Jackson, Miss.— The Secretary of State's Office will launch a new online
filing system for existing and potential businesses in Mississippi. This
convenient software will trim thousands of dollars in mailing expenses by
the Agency.
"For years, companies looking to do business in Mississippi were forced to
use snail mail or make a trip to Jackson to conduct business with our
Agency," says Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. "Now, with the click of
a mouse and the privacy of their home, anyone can conduct business with the
State."
The new online filing system will launch August 25th. Mississippi is the
first state in the nation to provide online filing for allof its business
services.
"Requiring the use of the online filing system will save the State of
Mississippi thousands in taxpayer dollars, by reducing paper, postage and
manpower to process the documents," adds Secretary Hosemann. "We ask that
the public be patient as we integrate this new system, which will be a
convenience for both small businesses and promote job growth in our State."
Paper business filings will continue to be accepted through December 31,
2014. Beginning in 2015, all users must utilize the online filing system.
The new business filing portal will be available August 25, 2014 at
www.sos.ms.gov.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
News Clippings 8.12.14
8.12.14
State
Lightning strike causes sewage spill in Bay St. Louis
WLOX
A bolt of lightning over the weekend apparently caused sewage to spill into
the Bay of St. Louis. Consequently, the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality just closed a section of the Bay St. Louis
beachfront.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26251162/lightning-strike-causes-sewage-spill-in-bay-st-louis
Lightning strike causes sewage spill in Bay St. Louis
SUN HERALD
BAY ST. LOUIS -- A section of the beach in Bay St. Louis has been closed
because of a sewage spill, the state Department of Environmental Quality
said in a press release Monday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740458/lightning-strike-causes-sewage.html?sp=/99/184/201/
Oil Spill
Gulf oyster harvest has nose-dived since BP spill
BY STACEY PLAISANCE
Associated Press
OPEDALE, LA. — Fisherman Randy Slavich drags a clunky metal net through an
underwater oyster bed in Lake Machias, a brackish body opening into the
Gulf of Mexico. For generations, this has been a bountiful lake for
harvesting oysters, long before millions of gallons of oil spilled off
Louisiana's coast in 2010.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5741175/gulf-oyster-harvest-has-nose-dived.html?sp=/99/184/218/
Trial set for ex-BP executive in oil disaster
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A trial is expected to begin the week of March 9 for a former
BP executive charged with obstructing a congressional investigation into
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740734/trial-set-for-ex-bp-executive.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1
National
GAO faults cost analyses for EPA regulations
The Hill
A government report made public Monday finds fault with the Environmental
Protection Agency's analyses of the costs and benefits of its regulations.
http://thehill.com/regulation/214878-gao-faults-cost-analyses-for-epa-rules
Greens sue to force EPA Superfund rule
The Hill
A coalition of environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection
Agency to force it to mandate financial responsibility requirements for
certain polluting industries.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214852-greens-sue-to-force-epa-superfund-rule
Engineering uncivil to women, study finds
BY BRIGID SCHULTE
The Washington Post
WASHINGTON – Workers with skills in science, engineering, math and
technology are among the most in demand and highest paid of any sector.
They are seen as key drivers of innovation, problem-solving and economic
growth, who will help shape the future.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740009/engineering-uncivil-to-women-study.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
State
Lightning strike causes sewage spill in Bay St. Louis
WLOX
A bolt of lightning over the weekend apparently caused sewage to spill into
the Bay of St. Louis. Consequently, the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality just closed a section of the Bay St. Louis
beachfront.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26251162/lightning-strike-causes-sewage-spill-in-bay-st-louis
Lightning strike causes sewage spill in Bay St. Louis
SUN HERALD
BAY ST. LOUIS -- A section of the beach in Bay St. Louis has been closed
because of a sewage spill, the state Department of Environmental Quality
said in a press release Monday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740458/lightning-strike-causes-sewage.html?sp=/99/184/201/
Oil Spill
Gulf oyster harvest has nose-dived since BP spill
BY STACEY PLAISANCE
Associated Press
OPEDALE, LA. — Fisherman Randy Slavich drags a clunky metal net through an
underwater oyster bed in Lake Machias, a brackish body opening into the
Gulf of Mexico. For generations, this has been a bountiful lake for
harvesting oysters, long before millions of gallons of oil spilled off
Louisiana's coast in 2010.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/12/5741175/gulf-oyster-harvest-has-nose-dived.html?sp=/99/184/218/
Trial set for ex-BP executive in oil disaster
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — A trial is expected to begin the week of March 9 for a former
BP executive charged with obstructing a congressional investigation into
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740734/trial-set-for-ex-bp-executive.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1
National
GAO faults cost analyses for EPA regulations
The Hill
A government report made public Monday finds fault with the Environmental
Protection Agency's analyses of the costs and benefits of its regulations.
http://thehill.com/regulation/214878-gao-faults-cost-analyses-for-epa-rules
Greens sue to force EPA Superfund rule
The Hill
A coalition of environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection
Agency to force it to mandate financial responsibility requirements for
certain polluting industries.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214852-greens-sue-to-force-epa-superfund-rule
Engineering uncivil to women, study finds
BY BRIGID SCHULTE
The Washington Post
WASHINGTON – Workers with skills in science, engineering, math and
technology are among the most in demand and highest paid of any sector.
They are seen as key drivers of innovation, problem-solving and economic
growth, who will help shape the future.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/11/5740009/engineering-uncivil-to-women-study.html?sp=/99/184/767/312/
Monday, August 11, 2014
News Clippings 8/11/14
8/11/2014
State
Hattiesburg owes nearly one million dollars for contract breach
WDAM
An award of nearly one million dollars is what the City of Hattiesburg will
owe a construction company for unfinished work.
http://www.wdam.com/story/26227818/hattiesburg-owes-nearly-one-million-for-contract-breach
Fall fishing seminars will return to the Gulf Coast Research Lab
WLOX
After successful spring and summer seminars on tripletail, cobia and
speckled trout, the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs has added two
additional events in the fall geared toward helping anglers catch redfish
and flounder.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26244858/fall-fishing-seminars-will-return-to-the-gulf-coast-research-lab
Oil Spill
Migratory bird program popular with farmers
Baton Rouge Advocate
BATON ROUGE, La. – Four years ago, as oil continued to spew into the
Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, state and
federal biologists started making plans to help the future of
wildlife in Louisiana wetlands.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2014/08/10/louisiana-migratory-birds-farmers/13877751/
Regional
Vibrio infections not confined to Florida, are steadily rising in Louisiana
Adriane Quinlan
The Times-Picayune
August 08, 2014 at 4:38 PM
A bacterium that thrives in warm saltwater, and infects swimmers through
open cuts, made headlines last month for infecting 13 people in Florida and
killing three. But vibrio vulnificus is not confined to state lines and, in
fact, has infected 8 people this year in Louisiana.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/08/vibrio_infections_not_confined.html#incart_river
National
EPA chief: Teach climate change in schools
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Gina McCarthy said students
should be taught the science behind climate change in schools.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214743-epa-chief-says-climate-change-should-be-taught-in-school
Texas may ignore EPA climate rule
The Hill
The top environmental regulator in Texas said the state may choose not to
follow the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rules limiting carbon
pollution from power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214691-texas-may-ignore-epa-climate-rule
Presence of Invasive Species Complicates Efforts to Protect Dwindling
Native Species
Bloomberg
For industries struggling to comply with protections for endangered
species—or declining species that may soon be listed as endangered—one of
the most difficult complicating factors is the presence of invasive
species.
http://www.bna.com/presence-invasive-species-n17179893495/
State
Hattiesburg owes nearly one million dollars for contract breach
WDAM
An award of nearly one million dollars is what the City of Hattiesburg will
owe a construction company for unfinished work.
http://www.wdam.com/story/26227818/hattiesburg-owes-nearly-one-million-for-contract-breach
Fall fishing seminars will return to the Gulf Coast Research Lab
WLOX
After successful spring and summer seminars on tripletail, cobia and
speckled trout, the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs has added two
additional events in the fall geared toward helping anglers catch redfish
and flounder.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26244858/fall-fishing-seminars-will-return-to-the-gulf-coast-research-lab
Oil Spill
Migratory bird program popular with farmers
Baton Rouge Advocate
BATON ROUGE, La. – Four years ago, as oil continued to spew into the
Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, state and
federal biologists started making plans to help the future of
wildlife in Louisiana wetlands.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2014/08/10/louisiana-migratory-birds-farmers/13877751/
Regional
Vibrio infections not confined to Florida, are steadily rising in Louisiana
Adriane Quinlan
The Times-Picayune
August 08, 2014 at 4:38 PM
A bacterium that thrives in warm saltwater, and infects swimmers through
open cuts, made headlines last month for infecting 13 people in Florida and
killing three. But vibrio vulnificus is not confined to state lines and, in
fact, has infected 8 people this year in Louisiana.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/08/vibrio_infections_not_confined.html#incart_river
National
EPA chief: Teach climate change in schools
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Gina McCarthy said students
should be taught the science behind climate change in schools.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214743-epa-chief-says-climate-change-should-be-taught-in-school
Texas may ignore EPA climate rule
The Hill
The top environmental regulator in Texas said the state may choose not to
follow the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rules limiting carbon
pollution from power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214691-texas-may-ignore-epa-climate-rule
Presence of Invasive Species Complicates Efforts to Protect Dwindling
Native Species
Bloomberg
For industries struggling to comply with protections for endangered
species—or declining species that may soon be listed as endangered—one of
the most difficult complicating factors is the presence of invasive
species.
http://www.bna.com/presence-invasive-species-n17179893495/
Friday, August 8, 2014
News Clippings 8/8/14
State
Officials Gather Funds to Save Long Creek Reservoir
WTOK
Officials say they now believe they have more options in saving(Embedded
image moved to file: pic18190.jpg) the Long Creek Reservoir. During
Tuesday's Council meeting the council was told by public works that the
dam's problems could not be solved without lowering the reservoir as a
concern for public safety.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Officials-Gather-Funds-to-Save-Long-Creek-Reservoir-270400161.html
Leaders call for expedited LNG exports, point to proposed $8 billion
project in Pascagoula
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
August 07, 2014 at 6:34 PM
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, Rep. Steven Palazzo
and Gov. Phil Bryant are calling on the Obama Administration to expedite
approval of project applications to export liquefied natural gas.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/08/senators_call_for_expedited_ln.html#incart_river
Hearing again delayed on Miss. Power Kemper costs
AP
The Mississippi Public Service Commission has delayed hearings on
whether Mississippi Power Co. has spent prudently in building the
$5.5 billion Kemper County power plant.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/08/07/hearing-delayed-miss-power-kemper-costs/13758651/
Ex-DMR exec Ziegler pleads guilty to helping conceal mail fraud
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Former Department of Marine Resources chief of staff Joe Ziegler pleaded
guilty Thursday to misprision, or helping conceal, a felony, a
representative of the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/08/07/5734656/ziegler-pleads-guilty-to-helping.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1
Oil Spill
Florida Counties Plan For Oil Spill Money
WUWF
County Commissioners from across Florida's Gulf Coast met at the Hilton on
Pensacola Beach Thursday morning to talk about for money from fines
collected because of the Deepwater Oil Spill. This meeting took on added
urgency because some of that money may soon be available.
http://wuwf.org/post/florida-counties-plan-oil-spill-money
Oil spill fine money closer to reality
Houma Courier
By Xerxes Wilson
Published: Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.
Sediment pipelines are among items on local officials' wish lists as
another round of oil-spill restoration money comes into sight.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20140807/ARTICLES/140809762?Title=Oil-spill-fine-money-closer-to-reality
National
EPA taps new No. 2 in staff shuffle
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Lisa Feldt as acting deputy
administrator on Tuesday, replacing the outgoing second in command.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/214630-epa-taps-new-no-2-in-staff-shuffle
Bill would increase national recycling efforts
The Hill
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation that would boost
standards for recycling.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/214612-bill-would-increase-national-recycling-efforts
New regs for Friday: Soda vending machines, emergency vehicle emissions,
sea lions
The Hill
Emissions: The Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with new
emissions rules for emergency vehicles, the agency said Thursday.
http://thehill.com/regulation/214575-new-regs-for-friday-soda-vending-machines-emergency-vehicle-emissions-sea-lions
Press releases
Mississippi Leaders Advocate Growth of LNG Export Market
U.S. Department of Energy Approval Could Spur Major Investment on
Mississippi Gulf Coast
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant, Sen. Thad Cochran, Sen. Roger Wicker and
Congressman Steven Palazzo have joined to advocate the growth of the export
market for liquefied natural gas. More efficient, timelier approval of LNG
export projects by U.S. Department of Energy could spur significant LNG
export growth in Mississippi.
Gulf LNG Liquefaction Company, LLC., in Pascagoula, Miss., has indicated
that DOE approval of its request to export liquefied natural gas could lead
to $8 billion in facility investments. Gov. Bryant toured the Gulf LNG
facility Thursday.
"Mississippi is well positioned as a leader in the energy economy. We enjoy
an abundance of natural resources and have been rated among the top places
in the world for oil and gas investment by the Fraser Institute. In
addition to seeing increased growth from production and extraction,
Mississippi can also capture growth through the export market," Gov. Bryant
said. "Efficient and timely approval of LNG export projects by the U.S.
Department of Energy could have a significant impact on the U.S. energy
landscape and could spur the largest economic development project the
Mississippi Gulf Coast has seen in recent years if the Gulf LNG facility in
Pascagoula is approved to begin exporting liquefied natural gas. I am
working closely with Mississippi's congressional leaders to make this
project a reality as soon as possible."
Last year, Cochran and Wicker cosponsored the Expedited LNG for American
Allies Act of 2013 (S.192), which would require the Secretary of Energy to
allow approve exports of natural gas, including liquefied natural gas, to
NATO allies and Japan. Under current law, the Energy Secretary is only
required to approve exports to countries that have free trade agreements
with the United States that encompass trade in natural gas. This
bipartisan legislation is pending the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing
and Urban Affairs.
"Exporting liquefied natural gas produced by Americans to our allies can
strengthen our economy and our national security. For Mississippi, the
prospect of LNG exports from our coast would enhance job creation and grow
our economy," Sen. Cochran said. "The Obama administration needs to
abandon its reluctance to promote American energy and allow more liquefied
natural gas export projects to move forward."
"Mississippi is poised to take a leading role in exporting
American-produced LNG to the world market," Sen. Wicker said. "One such
project in Pascagoula has enormous economic potential for the community,
the state, and our country. Unfortunately, the Department of Energy
continues to drag its feet when processing LNG export applications. These
bureaucratic roadblocks are detrimental to our economy and national
security interests. I urge the Administration to loosen its grip on the
process and expedite these applications without delay."
"Enabling access of domestically produced natural gas to the international
energy market will produce net economic benefits in the United States,"
Congressman Palazzo said. "The expansion of LNG sales to foreign customers
will help grow the domestic market by encouraging greater investment in the
development of U.S. gas resources, which will lead to increased economic
development and a stable supply for U.S. customers."
###
Federal Report Highlights Five Years of Progress Providing Communities with
Affordable Housing, Efficient Transportation and Economic Growth
WASHINGTON – In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Partnership for
Sustainable Communities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released "Five Years of Learning from
Communities and Coordinating Federal Investments," a report demonstrating
how the three agencies are cooperating to help communities provide more
housing choices, make transportation systems more efficient and reliable,
and create vibrant neighborhoods that attract business development and jobs
while protecting the environment.
"The Partnership for Sustainable Communities is about achieving one goal:
expanding opportunity for American families," said HUD Secretary Julián
Castro. "These targeted investments are bringing more affordable housing
and transportation options, and more economic resilience to regions that
were hard hit by the economic crisis. In partnership with local leaders, I
am convinced that the investments our agencies have made will enhance the
health and wealth of communities for decades to come."
"The Partnership is helping us align our transportation investments with
the goals of providing affordable housing and preserving the environment,"
said DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Together with HUD and EPA, we are making
fundamental changes in how we work together to benefit all Americans and
provide new ladders of opportunity for many."
"Communities know better than anyone else what they need," said EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Through the Partnership for Sustainable
Communities, we at the federal level are organizing ourselves to give
communities tools to address economic and environmental challenges in the
way that works best for them."
Since 2009, the Partnership for Sustainable Communities has been working to
ensure that HUD, DOT, EPA and other federal agency investments better serve
communities that were hard hit by the economic recession. Through its
efforts, more than $4 billion has been awarded to 1,000 communities in all
50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In addition to funding, many
communities have also received technical assistance to help plan economic
development and leverage private and other public resources to maximize the
Partnership's investments. For example:
- Partnership-funded regional planning efforts in New York and New
Jersey laid a strong foundation for recovery from Superstorm Sandy
because communities in the region had already been collaborating on
development issues.
- Partnership grants helped Memphis, Tenn., create a master plan for
redeveloping the area around its airport, as well as develop a plan
to improve bike and pedestrian paths and spur revitalization in a
midtown neighborhood.
- Partnership funding helped the Thunder Valley Community
Development Corporation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South
Dakota develop a regional plan to define the community's future. It
could be a model for other rural Native American communities as well.
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities has also fundamentally changed
the way that HUD, EPA and DOT evaluate and award competitive grants and
technical assistance. The three agencies collaborate to review and select
applications for many grants and technical assistance opportunities, such
as DOT's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
Discretionary Grants, HUD's Community Challenge Grants, and EPA's
Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grants. This collaboration ensures that
federal investments maximize resources for communities.
To download the report:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/partnership-accomplishments-report-2014.pdf
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